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Tag: Abuja

  • Police warns IPOB against planned protest

    Police warns IPOB against planned protest

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has warned Indegenous People of Barra (IPOB) not to embark on it’s planned protest.

    The Police said the warning is imperative because the protest could result in breakdown of law and order.

    This warning is contained in a statement in Abuja by the Command Spokesperson, ASP Usen Omorodion.

    The statement reads: “Intelligence report at the disposal of police revealed that a certain group identified as the indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB) has threatened to take over the street of FCT in the name of registering their protest.

    “The commissioner of police hereby warns individual and groups against indulging in acts of protest that will result to breakdown of law and order in the federal capital territory.

    “To this end, the commissioner of police hereby warns those behind the proposed action to desist forthwith in their own interest as the said protest would be tantamount to the peace of the federal capital territory FCT.

    The statement further reads: “As a professional organization saddled with the responsibility of protecting lives and properties, the FCT command would not fold its arms and watch criminal elements hide under the guise of such protest to cause breakdown of law and order.”

    The Commissioner of Police, Musa Kimo however advised FCT residents to go about their lawful duties without fear and molestation adding that the command is well prepared and possesses the necessary wherewithal to confront any threat to the serene peace of the FCT.

    Meanwhile, the Police also disclosed that it has increased it’s patrol team on major roads, entry and exit route around the FCT as part of measures to ensure smooth workers day celebration.

    The CP also said he has directed his men to man recreational parks and other places of public interest.

  • Nollywood movie on counter-terrorism debuts in Abuja

    Nollywood movie on counter-terrorism debuts in Abuja

    A Nollywood fictional thriller that depicts security agencies’ patriotic fight against terrorism and other crimes in the society has hit cinemas in Abuja, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

    The film titled “Conscripted”, is a production of Capital Pictures, and was premiered on Saturday night at the NAF Conference Centre.

    Mr Aik Odiase, the producer of the movie tells the story of insecurity as a global challenge, and why people should appreciate the unique sacrifices paid by security men in the service to their fatherland.

    He said: “Conscripted is a call-up to a sacrificial service to defend one’s country, and that of victory of good over evil.

    “The story plot was culled from the Society, what the world and Nigeria in particular, is doing to surmount terrorism and all forms of insecurity.

    “There were bombings, kidnappings, rapes, armed robbery and other security challenges threatening the peace of Nigerians.

    “Because of the increasing rate on security challenges in the country, three selfless officers were drafted and specially trained by the relevant authorities to combat crime.

    “The gallant officers include: ‘Brown’ who is in charge of schematic, Pinky’  who is in charge of interrogation and  ‘Edge’ the head of the Special Anti-Crime Unit of the Police Force,”he said.

    Odiase noted that like many security officers, the anti-crime squad members paid some costly prices in their passionate service to their country.

    He added that the scenario was to reassert the need to appreciate and support security officers in ensuring a safe society for all.

    “In the process, Edge lost his daughter, and Brown lost his mother who was kidnapped.

    “Pinky on her part, lost her relationship when she found out that her man was one of those terrorising the state.

    “All these clearly express the fact that our security men are human after all, they and their families also need protection.’’

    The anti-crime movie featured iconic Nollywood stars, Aik Odiase as ‘Edge’, Chinyere Onah as ‘Pinky’ and Preach Bassey as ‘Brown’.

    Other casts include Sir K,Mikky Odey, Sunny Williams and Lizzy Ofuani, among others.

    Mr Sunny-Ken Awoji, the Vice Chairman of Abuja Chapter of the Association of Movie Producers (AMP), who also collaborated in the “Conscripted” project, commended the initiative.

    He noted that the movie was a big boost and would open new frontiers for the film industry in Abuja, since it was one hundred per cent produced in the territory.

    “This movie is a clear reflection of the potential that abound in the Federal Capital Territory, in terms of filmmaking.

    “All the actors, producer, director, and even the equipment and locations used in the movie are from within Abuja.

    “This is the first time this is happening, as what we usually see is to see someone come with casts and shoot a movie and then leave

    “We have used “Conscripted” to create a niche for the movie industry in Abuja.’’ he added.

    Awoji noted that the movie had received several nominations for both international and local awards.

    Actors, producers and other stakeholders in Nollywood across the country were among those present at the premiere.

     

  • FG to name, shame traffickers says NAPTIP chief

    The Federal Government would employ the name and shame policy to ensure that those who get involved in trafficking do not have a hiding place anywhere across the globe, Director-General, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Julie Okah-Donli, has said.

    She said this at her maiden press briefing with reporters at the headquarters of the agency in Abuja.

    Okah-Donli also said she would appeal to the government to expand the whistle blowing policy to accommodate the crime of human trafficking.

    According to her, if the whistle blowing policy is succeeding in the fight against corruption, it should also succeed when deployed to detect and prevent trafficking in persons.

    She said: “We will employ the name and shame policy to ensure that those who get involved do not have a hiding place anywhere across the globe.

    “I will appeal to government to kindly expand the scope of the whistle blowing policy to accommodate the crime of human trafficking. If this policy is succeeding in the fight against corruption, it should also succeed when deployed to detect and prevent trafficking in persons.

    “We must do all to protect the lives and dignity of our next generation who are being destroyed now by criminally minded individuals.

    “It is a known fact that human trafficking has moved from the era of analogue and person-person recruitment of victims to a well-orchestrated criminal network that is designed to deceive even the very best operatives.

    “This is why the agency during my tenure shall move with all vigour, techniques, skills and the expertise to nab any human trafficker, from the point of conceiving the idea to the point of exploitation.

    “Efforts shall be made to equip operatives of the agency to detect and proactively burst any human trafficking action form the bud. The era of trading on our promising youths as commodities is over and all machinery must be put in place to ensure that our youths have a secure future.

    “We shall increase our surveillance and intelligence around the known endemic communities and villages coupled with a reloaded sensitization and public enlightenment campaign.

    “We shall increase our advocacy to policy makers and other arms of government like the legislators, judiciary and the civil society organizations for the purpose of enhancing accelerated dispensation of justice.”

    She said the agency since inception has 3,407 cases and rescued 10, 685 victims.

    “A critical analysis of the overall performance of the agency shows that since its inception, it has received a total of 4,755 cases, investigated 3, 407 while a huge number of 10, 685 victims have been rescued. In the same vein, the agency has convicted a total number of 321 persons,” she added.

     

  • Man caught stealing phone from car, gets N50, 000 bail

    Man caught stealing phone from car, gets N50, 000 bail

    A  Grade 1 Area Court in Karu,Abuja, on Friday released a 26-year-old man, Kenneth Ayuba, on N50, 000 bail charged with stealing N45, 000 phone as captured by the CCTV.

    The judge, Hassan Ishaq, who gave the ruling, also granted the accused a surety in like sum, who must have a means of livelihood.

    In addition, he said the surety should deposit his/her driver’s licence or national identity card with the court’s registrar.

    Ayuba, a welder, who lives in Karu in the FCT, is facing a theft charge.

    He pleaded not guilty.

    Earlier, Police Prosecutor Mamud Ismail told the court that the complainant, Olatundun Kazzeem reported the incident at Karu Police Station on April 26.

    He said the complainant had parked his vehicle opposite his office at Karu,and forgot his Blackberry phone in the vehicle.

    “In the afternoon when he complainant remembered and went to pick the phone, he discovered that it had been stolen.

    “It was discovered through the office CCTV footage that the accused opened the vehicle with another key and stole the phone.”

    The offence contravened Section 79 of the Penal Code, Laws of the Federation.

    The case has been adjourned until July 3 for hearing.

     

  • Breaking: Kanu leaves Kuje prison

    Breaking: Kanu leaves Kuje prison

    …He was released round 5pm – lawyer

     

    After about two years in custody, the leader of the group, Indigenous People if Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu breathed the air of freedom Friday.

    His lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor who informed The Nation about the development, said his client has been formally released from Kuje prison where he had been kept

    Ejiorfor told The Nation that Kanu was let out of the prison around 5pm Friday.

    He said his client’s release followed. The eventual perfection of the bail granted him on July 25 by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

    “I am happy to formally inform you that Kanu is out of Kuje prison. He is out. We were able to meet the bail conditions. He left the prison around 5pm,” Ejiofor told The Nation Friday.

    Ejiofor had on Thursday told The Nation that Kanu’s legal team was doing all within its powers to secure freedom for him.

    In her ruling granting bail to Kanu, Justice Nyako said: “I have not also not seen any new argument to warrant my reviewing my earlier decision.

    “However, as it relates to the 1st defendant, the applicant has deposed extensively on his health and appeals to the court on health grounds to allow bail on any condition.

    “Overtime that the 1st defendant has appeared in court, the 1st defendant may be having some health issues as he always sits down and sweats profusely.

    “I am of the opinion that the 1st defendant needs better health attention that the prison service is unable to provide.

    “Pursuant to this, the bail of the 2nd to 4th defendants are hereby use refused. I hereby use my discretion and grant the 1st defendant bail on the following conditions.

    “He shall undertake before the court and depose to an affidavit that he shall attend his trail diligently and shall provide three sureties as follows.

    “All the sureties are in sum of N100m each. One of them must be a highly placed person of Igbo extraction, such as a Senator.

    “Secondly, is a person highly respected and recognised religious leader in Nigeria of the defendant’s belief. A highly respected Jewish leader.

    “The third surety must be resident in Abuja, highly respected, with landed property and Certificate of Occupancy verified.

    “He shall deposit all his international passports, with the court. I also want a report of his health status on a monthly basis filed in court,” the judge said.

    Justice Nyako directed that Kanu should not grant interviews, no ralies, and must not be in a crowd of more than 10 people.

    The judge rejected bail to three others standing trial with Kanu. They Chidiebere Onwudiwe, Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi.

    They are standing trial on a five count charge relating to treasonable felony, illegal possession of firearms, among others.

    Further hearing in the case resumes on July 11.

    Kanu was arrested in a hotel in Lagos by the Department of State Services (DSS) on October 14, 2015.

    In a court document filed by the prosecution in the case, a  DSS operative Temisan John, who led a team that arrested Kanu gave details of how he was apprehended.

    John said the IPOB leader was apprehended in the company of a woman on October 14, 2015 at the Golden Tulip Essential Lagos Airport Hotel in Lagos

    He said: ”On arrival at the hotel, the staff denied having Kanu in the hotel or having any knowledge of him even when shown his photograph. The hotel’s guest manifest for about five days were also printed and the name was not found on any.

    “However, relying on accurate intelligence, the team decided to conduct a physical search on all the hotel rooms, leading to the arrest of Kanu in Room 303, where he was caught hibernating with a young girl named Maryam Ibezimakor, with all his broadcasting and communication gadgets set for use.

    “It was then discovered that Kanu checked in under the name Nwanekaenyi Ezebuiro. He was subsequently arrested and taken to the command headquarters.”

     

  • Basketmouth, Salvador, others serenade Abuja residents at Glo Laffta Fest

    Last Sunday, residents of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and its environs turned up to experience Glo Laffta Fest, Nigeria’s biggest comedy show, at the Old Parade Ground, Garki.

    Beginning from midday, fun seekers assembled from all parts of the capital city.

    While Jos-based comedian, Osama, opened the show by sharing funny anecdotes about life in the militarised city of Jos, MC Tagwaye, a comedian who mimics President Muhammadu Buhari, picked the baton and raised the tempo even higher as he made jokes around the socio-political condition of the country.

    The climax of Tagwaye’s performance was the question and answer session wherein a few members of the audience got into the role and asked ‘His Excellency’ questions. His spontaneity and quick wit got him a loud ovation. A guest sought his view on how his administration would address the issue of witches and wizards flying at night and he responded that the matter would be addressed by his Minister of Aviation.

    Port Harcourt-oriented comedian, Dan the Humorous, was next and he treated the audience to racy jokes mostly centering on health and care-giving institutions, especially teaching hospitals.

    Similarly, Salvador from Uganda, picked up the gauntlet to serenade the audience with his own style of jokes. He humorously compared the reactions of the authorities to suicidal people in the advanced countries and in his home country, Uganda.

    Other heavy weight comedians who thrilled the audience were I Go Dye, Gordons, Bovi and Basketmouth.

    Organisers say Glo Laffta will berth in Enugu next and that interested attendees of the show are expected to use up to N2,000 credit within one month and text LOL and preferred location to short code 240; for example, “LOL Enugu to 240.

    Mr. Kazeem Kaka, Globacom’s National Sales Coordinator, said the show was conceived to reward Globacom subscribers for their loyalty and that the Glo Laffta Fest show would be taken to 25 more cities over the next six months. The cities include Awka, Ikeja, Ikorodu, FESTAC, Ajah, Owerri; Asaba; Calabar; Enugu; Aba; Suleja, Kubwa, FCT, Ibadan; Ijebu Ode; Abeokuta; Ekpoma; Kaduna; Akure; Lokoja; and Anyigba.

    The Abuja edition of the show featured a dance competition that produced three winners, namely Eunice Nkwocha, Ijeh Joy and Favour Solomon.

    Adding vibes to the fun were Nollywood stars, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Kanayo O. Kanayo and Patience Ozokwor popularly known as Mama G.

     

  • ANEEJ to FG: Bring oil subsidy thieves to justice

    ANEEJ to FG: Bring oil subsidy thieves to justice

    The Executive Director, Africa Network for Empowerment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), Rev. David Ugolor on Thursday told the Federal Government that one of the ways to end oil subsidy corruption in the country is by bringing suspected thieves of the subsidy to justice.

    It was part of the recommendations that he made for ending oil subsidy in Nigeria in his book titled: “Fatality of Nigerian Oil Subsidy,” which was launched in Abuja on Thursday.

    He said for a country to make meaningful progress for the overall development of its people, it must sustain the fight against corruption and ensure transparency and accountable governance system.

    According to him, “In prosecuting the war against graft, it is important to ensure that those involved in grand corruption cannot continue with impunity. They must be brought to justice through active enforcement of anti-bribery laws, and/or that they face restriction ps on their ability to travel, invest or conduct business overseas. They should be immediately dispossessed of the proceeds of crime.”

    The Executive Director said that the citizens must report instances of corruption with the confidence that actionable information will be out to appropriate and effective use by law enforcement agencies and governments.

    The book which was launched by the Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Justice Reform, Barrister Juliet Nwagu, noted that digital technologies offer new opportunities to strengthening reporting mechanisms by expanding the ways citizens can report cases of corruption, efficiently pooling information from wide range of sources, and speeding up the authorities’ ability to analyze and act on complaints data.

    Continuing, the book calls on the “international community to explore the scope to use unexplained wealth orders and non-conviction based confiscation procedures. This has the potential to make it easier to confiscate the proceeds of corruption and return them to their countries of origin.

    “In Nigeria, the prices of conviction-based approach to fighting corruption is very cumbersome and takes a lot of time and resources, often providing an escape route for the corrupt.”

    One of the salient questions that the title of the book threw up was whether there is still oil subsidy in the country.

    In her remarks, Nwagu however, said that there should be a debate on whether there is still oil subsidy in Nigeria.

    “I can’t answer that question, I think the person who can answer that question is the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and of course the GMD of NNPC will be in a better position to answer that question,” she said.

    According to her, what is now critical is that Nigerian’s are not happy the way the oil and gas sector is managed but they have to ask questions. Nwagu revealed that government is looking into the improvement of the freedom of information act to enable the citizenry to ask questions about the things that bother them.

    She said people have to ask questions about the delay of the cases concerning oil subsidy theft.

  • Reps refer Buhari to interpretation of law on Magu’s confirmation

    Reps refer Buhari to interpretation of law on Magu’s confirmation

    The House of Representatives has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to approach the court for the interpretation of the laws surrounding the appointment of the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Despite being told that being the aggrieved party, the House ought to be the body to approach the court for the position of law on the issue, the lawmakers insisted that the Executive should head to the court for clarity on the issue.

    The lawmakers said their decision became imperative for the preservation of doctrine of separation of power going by the remarks by Vice President (VP) Yemi Osinbajo, who backed his position with Section 171 of the Constitution that the appointment of EFCC Chairman does not require the confirmation of the Senate.

    The Senate had to reject President Muhammadu Buhari’s nominee, Ibrahim Magu twice.

    Following the adoption of a motion on the need to prevent the erosion of the doctrine of the separation of powers in the nation’s democratic practice by  Minority Leader Leo Ogor (PDP, Delta), the lawmakers roundly condemned the Vice President for attempting to ridicule the nation’s parliament with his remarks on the issue.

    Ogor said rather than make utterances that point to a negation of the doctrine contained in Sections  4(2), 5 and 6 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, the Executive should approach the court for the interpretation of the law.

    He said: ” I brought this motion clearly in defence of our democracy and in defence of the doctrine of the separation of power. Our democracy stands on a tripod which must be protected”, he said.

    “By the clear provision of Section 2 (3) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Act, the Chairman of the anti-corruption agency shall be nominated by the President subject to the confirmation of the Senate;

    “I am convinced that the EFCC Act is an Act of the National Assembly that can only be set aside by a Court of competent jurisdiction, and until that happens, the law remains in force and binding on all persons and authorities in the country;

    “Furthermore, I’m  aware that the Executive Arm of Government has not filed any proceeding in any court to challenge the provision of Section 2 (3) of the EFCC (Establishment) Act of 2004.

    “Under the Doctrine of Separation of Powers, the interpretation of the Constitution and Acts of Parliament is the sole responsibility of the Judiciary and not that of any person or official of the other Arms of Government;

    “It should be of concern that the statement credited to the Vice President is capable of eroding the Doctrine of Separation of Powers in our democracy, with its obvious implication of instituting a dictatorship in the country.”

    Supporting the motion, among several other lawmakers, Kingsley Chinda (PDP, Rivers) said Osinbajo should know that he is not the best despite being a professor.

    He said utterances of the government officials like the VP should be discouraged from being turned into the government policies.

    Sunday Karimi (PDP, Kogi) said the VP should be summoned to explain to the House why he has to ridicule the nation’s parliament with his remarks.

    On the other hand, Sani Zoro  (APC, Jigawa) urged his colleagues to exercise caution by confirming the authenticity of the remarks credited to the VP before taking a decision.

    On his part,  Abiodun Balogun (APC, Lagos)  said since it was the House that was the aggrieved party, in this case, it should be the one to approach the court for the interpretation of the law.

    “It is not advisable to ask the Federal Government to approach the court over its own position in this matter.”

    The contributions of the two were rejected.

    The motion was unanimously adopted after it was put to a voice vote by Speaker Yakubu Dogara.

    Committee on Legislative Compliance was mandated to ensure the implementation of the resolution.

  • ‘Police returns 2017 budget carted away from Senator’s home’

    ‘Police returns 2017 budget carted away from Senator’s home’

    Less than 24 hours after the Senate demanded the immediate return of budget documents allegedly carted away from the home of Senator Mohammed Danjuma Goje, the police high command has complied.

    The Office of the Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, disclosed on Thursday that the police have returned all the documents, cash and laptop they took away from the house of Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Goje.

    Senator Goje had, on Wednesday, told the Senate that police operatives who raided his house on April 20th, 2017 took away sensitive documents connected to the process of the 2017 budget.

    The Gombe Central lawmaker informed his colleagues in plenary that apart from carting away 18 files, his personal laptop where information on the 2017 budget was stored, was also taken away by the police.
    He said that N18 million, $19,000 and 4,000 Saudi Riyadh were also taken away from his house by the police raiders.

    The Senate resolved to ask the police return the documents to enable the consideration and passage of the 2017 budget.

    Senate President also demanded an explanation of what informed the raid and an unreserved apology by the police high command.

    He constituted a seven-man committee to unravel the circumstances that led to the raid.

    The Special Assistant to the Senate President on New Media, Bankole Omisore, informed that the police have returned everything they took from Goje’s Abuja home.

    He said that the police claimed that they acted based on wrong information by a whistleblower.

    Omisore twitted: “Nigerian police this morning returned everything they took from Senator Goje’s house including cash and documents relating to the 2017 Budget.house including cash and documents relating to the 2017 Budget.

    They claim the raid was based on wrong information from a whistleblower

    Also the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate) Senator Ita Enang, in a statement entitled “Resolution of issues: Re Nigerian Police Force and Senator Danjuma Goje “ confirmed the items taken away from Goje’s home by the police have been returned.

    Enang in a four-paragraph statement said: “Further to the visit of the Nigeria Police Force to the residence of His Excellency. Senator Danjuma Goje. CON in the course of routine duties wherefrom certain items was taken by the Police, and issues subsequently arising.

    “I am to inform all that all the items taken in the course of routine Police duties have been returned to the Distinguished Senator at his house by the Nigeria Police.

    “Further, to state that all other issues relating to the subject matter are being addressed with a view to a positive resolution.

    “Meanwhile, we sincerely appreciate the Senate and the House of Representatives for the enormous work that they have put in to ensure timely passage of the 2017 Appropriation Bill.”

    A competent source close to Senator Goje told our reporter that “a deputy police commissioner in the company some plain clothes police officers returned the items in the early hours of yesterday.

    The source said that Goje and some members of his committee would peruse the items to ensure that they were not tampered with by those who took them away.

  • It’s not compulsory for Buhari to preside over FEC meetings- APC

    It’s not compulsory for Buhari to preside over FEC meetings- APC

    Governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), have said that it was not compulsory for President Mohammadu Buhari to preside over the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.

    Gov. Nasir El- Rufai of Kaduna State made this known on Wednesday in Abuja, while addressing journalists on the outcome of the governors’ meeting with members of the APC National Working Committee (NWC).

    He also said the constitution made provision for the Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, to preside over such meeting in the president`s absence.

    El- Rufai, who was reacting to speculations that President Buhari could not attend the FEC meeting for the third consecutive time because he was ill, said the governors were not bothered by such speculations.

    “We are not worried yet and have no reason to be worried, but we however, urge Nigerians to continue to pray for the president to be in good health.’’.

    He said it was normal for the president to have medical challenge, considering the fact that he was over 70 years old.

    “Even me that is 57 years old, I still go for medical check up,’’ El-Rufai said.

    He, however, debunked insinuations that APC had internal crisis, stressing that the party was intact with a unified leadership structure, adding that contrary to speculations, its NWC was intact.

    El-Rufia explained that the reason the party was presently constrained financially was because it did not rely  on public funds to operate like some parties in government.

    According to him, the party is funded by private and cooperate donors who had been its sponsors before it came to power.

    He further said the party`s leadership was willing to return to such donors to raise funds to ensure that it was operated as expected.

    The governor said that the meeting discussed best incentives to reward loyal party members, in line with its constitution.

    El-Rufai also said that the governors, at the meeting, pledged their loyalty to the party`s leadership and promised to meet with its NWC members monthly.

    The move, El-Rufai said, became necessary to discuss ways of strengthening APC and move it forward.

    He said a date would be picked for the party`s National Executive Council meeting at the governors next meeting with the NWC members.

    The governor also said that the governors had committed to assist the Federal Government in delivering true dividends of democracy to the people.

    Earlier, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, the APC National Chairman, commended the governors for attending the meeting, in spite the short notice.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 20 APC governed states were represented at the meeting, the second in the year.