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Tag: Abuja

  • Police arraign two pregnant women for stealing four plasma Tv sets

    The Police on Thursday arraigned two pregnant women, Mimi Abbas, 21 and Sofia Sulaiman, 25, in a Karu Grade I Area Court in Abuja for stealing four plasma Tv sets.

    Abbas and Sulaiman who reside at Masaka, Nasarawa State, were arraigned on a two-count charge bordering on joint-act and theft, offence they denied committing.

    The Prosecutor, Edwin Ochayi, told the court that one Mrs Favour Eyo of Millipat Lodge, Airport Road in Abuja reported the matter at the Wuye Police Station in Abuja on April 14, around 11.30a.m.

    He said that the complainant alleged that on April 13, the accused persons who were guests at the lodge, stole four plasma television, valued at N260, 000.

    “Though one of the televisions was recovered along Airport Road, but the suspects were traced and arrested on April 15 at Masaka and they confessed to have committed the crime,” Ochayi said.

    Read Also: Police rescue kids from ‘kidnapper’

    He added that it was the fifth time, Suleiman, the second accused was committing similar offence.

    According to the prosecutor, the offence is contrary to and punishable under Sections 79 and 287 of the Penal Code.

    The Judge, Hassan Ishaq, granted the accused persons bail in the sum of N100, 000 each with one surety in like sum.

    Ishag also ordered that the sureties must write a letter of undertaking that the defendants would not commit further offence. He adjourned the case until May 16 for hearing.

    NAN

  • BBNaija participant Cee-C returns to school

    The 2018 BBNaija Reality TV Show participant,  Cynthia Nwadiora, a.k.a Cee-C, said she would  study script writing in a film school.

    Cee-C, who finished second behind Miracle Igbokwe,  spoke with journalists when she was hosted on Wednesday at the Laurent-Perrier night by Play Network Nigeria in Abuja.

    “I want to write scripts that would portray strong characters and depict a society were different people who share different opinions are appreciated”.

    “Many people are not confident enough to express their values and opinions.

    “My next priority this year is to go to film school because I am aspiring also producer.

    “I will definitely go to film school because I want to become a producer; I want to tell stories; that is my plan for this year”.

    The ex-housemate, who also spoke on her love for artificial eyelashes, said she does not think she can do without it; however, she expressed the desire to also do without them.

    Read Also: Cee-C agrees to seek counseling

    “I have been fixing lashes for about five years now consistently, I am used to it; I don’t think I can do without it but I must try to do without it”.

    “I think it is because of my poor eyesight, they kind of help me out when I squint”.

    While in Abuja, Cee-C paid courtesy visit to Mr Babatunde Fowler, Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Services ( FIRS ).

    Despite leaving the house without any monetary prize from the organisers, her supporters known as “teamCee-c” donated the sum of N2 million for their “Queen”.

    Similarly individual admirers have been donating gifts and money to the ex-housemate. ( FIRS )
    NAN

  • APC stakeholders in Imo want NWC to save party from Okorocha

    Imo, All Progressives Congress ( APC ) Stakeholders Forum has pleaded with the party´s National Working Committee ( NWC ) to intervene in the crisis currently rocking its ranks.

    Mr Oke Ikoro, the Chairman of the forum, made the plea on Wednesday in Abuja when a delegation of the forum visited the NWC.

    According to him, APC in Imo has been appropriated by Gov. Rochas Okorocha who ´´ has completely privatised the party´´ through his activities. Ikoro said there was so much anger, acrimony and bitterness among party members.

    ´´This is why we have come here to lend our grievances to the NWC, we came to express our disappointment on the leadership of Gov. Rochas Okorocha, his activities and the APC under him.

    ´´ We didn´t want to say this with word of mouth but we have put it in writing so that you can have a critical look at it after we had gone,´´ he said.

    Ikoro  said that the stakeholders had to bring the matter to NWC after trying without success to address it at the state level.

    He alleged that some of the governor´s actions in the state were not friendly and were forcing members out of the party rather than bringing membership to the fold.

    Ikoro  said the actions included the demolition of markets and indiscriminate revocation of land titles without due process. He also criticised the governor´s plan to install his son-in-law as the next governor of Imo.

    Ikoro said ´´all we are saying is that due process should be followed and that the state funds should not be wasted.´´

    According to him, people are exiting from the party because of the highhandedness of the governor.

    ´´ We are calling on the party leadership to call the governor to order and to separate the party from him, ´´ he said.

    Ikoro expressed optimism that as the highest organ of the party empowered to bring peace and unity, the matter would be addressed by the NWC.

    Read Also: APC clears Fayemi, Oni, Ojudu, 30 others for Ekiti primaries

    ´´Furthermore, on Saturday, the ward congresses of the party will start and we know that what the governor is planning is to hijack the process,´´ he said.

    He alleged that the governor`s plan was to influence the congress by ensuring that his cronies were put in elective offices.

    He said that the party leadership should intervene to prevent the governor from hijacking the process.

    In his response, the APC National Chairman, Chief Odigie-Oyegun, said there was nothing to celebrate in the report.

    He said that the saving grace was that the stakeholders were all dedicated and did not storm out of the party.

    He said Imo must lead in the South- East to ensure the party´s electoral victory in 2019 and as such the unity of the party was critical to achieve the goal.

    ´´ Some controversies are necessary to bring about unity that will bring victory, together Imo state will be almost a certainty but we will be in deep trouble if we are divided.

    ´´Without any prejudice, I want to assure you that we, on our side, will do everything possible to take up your complaints and reservations.

    ´´We will talk to the other side so that an acceptable compromise and understanding is reached to make it possible for us to work as one party and one political fighting force.

    ´´I am certainly not unaware of the issues; as the party’s national chairman, all these things end up directly or indirectly on my desk, “he said.

    The party chairman added that whatever the rights and the wrongs of both sides were, victory could only come through unity.

    He said that to get unity, there must be justice, adding: “while am insisting on a united fighting force, I also insist that there is justice.’’

    Odigie-Oyegun said that as far as the coming party congresses were concerned, the leadership was determined to ensure free, fair and level playing field for all aspirants in spite of what anyone thought.

    He charged the stakeholders to prove their worth by ensuring that the right things were done and that true reconciliation was achieved in the party in Imo.

    NAN

  • Firm unveils cloud cover device in Abuja

    Cloud Cover Distribution Limited has launched its Internet Wireless Mobile Service devise to make internet services available across the country and support the tourism and hospitality industry.

    Its Chief Executive Officer, Mr Nick Dixon, the device now operates not only in Nigeria, but in over 100 countries of the world including Europe and America.

    While launching the device at the Transcorp Hotel Abuja, he said users of the device would not need to do SIM registration or fresh data capturing as the device operates on Cloud Sim Technology which cut across the seven networks of service providers in the country.

    He said the company is in partnership with seven different service providers to enable users of the device switch to any of the networks depending on the degree of service available with any of the networks at any location.

    Mr Dixon further stated that the WiFi device was specifically designed for the Nigerian market to support tourism and the hospitality industry, the growing population of internet users in schools, hospitals, parks and other places and ensure that users have value for money as far as telecommunication services are concerned.

    He said the unit cost of the device is N100,000 and that the device could operate on both 3G and 4G technology.

    Speaking at the function, the Director-General, National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Malam Ishaq Moddibo Kawu lauded the company for bringing such innovation to Nigeria, saying apart from the opportunities for job creation and expansion in the telecommunication sector, it would also improve the level of service delivery by service providers.

  • Court orders forfeiture of Patience Jonathan’s Abuja property

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the interim forfeiture of two buildings allegedly owned by former First Lady, Patience Jonathan.

    Justice Nnamdi Dimgba, in a ruling on Monday said the interim order granted based on an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), shall last for 45 days, but subject to renewal upon application by the EFCC.

    The property are identified as: Plot No: 1960 Cadastral Zone A05 Maitama District and 1758 Cadastral Zone A00 Business District, Abuja, located on Shehu Yar’Adua Way, along Mabushi-Kado Life Camp Expressway, Abuja.

    The property currently serve as the headquarters of two groups –  A. Aruera Reachout Foundation/Women For Change and Development Initiative – linked with the ex-First Lady.

    The judge also restrained the owners of the property from selling or mortgaging them while the forfeiture order lasts.

    Justice Dimgba said the orders were necessary to enable the EFCC conduct its investigation on the property.

    The said the applicant should, at the end of its investigation, file charges where the allegations against the respondents are established.

    The judge said: “I hereby accordingly grant reliefs 1 and 2 sought.  Relief 3 is refused, because it is not supported by the grounds of the application and thus unnecessary in the circumstances of the application.”

    The two reliefs granted are:

    *An order of interim attachment / forfeiture of the asset and property set out in the schedule attached herein. (Plot No. 1960 Cadastral Zone A05, MAitama District, Abuja; and Plot No. 1350, Cadastral Zone A00, Abuja).

    *An order stopping any disposal, conveyance, mortgage, lease, sale or alienation or otherwise of the property/asset described in the schedule herein

    The third relief refused by the court related to EFCC’s request for permission to appoint either a firm or individuals to manage the property.

    The judge added: “The order of court granting the reliefs shall last only for a period of 45 days within which the applicant must conclude their investigation and file necessary criminal charges where investigation reveals the commission of a crime.

    “The applicant is at liberty to apply for a renewal of the order on cause, provided that such an application to be valid is made before the expiry of the 45 days validity period granted by the Court.

    “Given the highly contentious nature of this application, I further order that where the applicant wishes to physically access the attached properties in execution of the order herein made, the applicant with the representatives of the respondent, shall take an inventory of all the contents and fixtures of the properties and shall file a report/result of such inventory to this court.”

    The judge dismissed the respondent’s objection to the suit. In dismissing the objection, the judge rejected the respondent’s argument that the suit was not properly commenced and that it was an abuse of court process.

    Lawyer to the respondent, Mike Ozekhome (SAN), while reacting to  the court’s decision said by the judgment, his client has lost nothing.

    “We did not lose,we  won. What the EFCC wanted was for the property in dispute attached and forfeited to the government but the court refused and instead gave them 45 days to further investigate and prosecute if they so wish with liberty to apply for renewal.

    “That is actually victory for us as the property was not forfeited,” Ozekhome said.

    Read Also: Court grants interim forfeiture of Patience Jonathan’s property

     

  • FRSC blames construction companies for road accidents

    The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps ( FRSC ), Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, has expressed worry over the high rate of accidents at road construction sites in the country.

    Speaking with newsmen in Abuja on Monday, Oyeyemi said that most of the accidents were caused by lack of traffic signs at diversion points in construction areas.

    “We have been having problems with the construction companies, and we have taken this up with the Minister ( Power, Works and Housing ).

    “The major problem is at diversions; we lost 22 people on the Lagos-Ibadan road just two days and 25 people recently.

    “The crash that happened between Bauchi and Kano on Feb. 13, in which school children died, was also at a diversion point in a construction area.

    “I will step up my meeting with the minister to ensure that these construction companies comply with the statutory mandate of ensuring appropriate signage in construction areas,’’ he said.

    However, Oyeyemi said that the Corps had recorded about 70 per cent compliance by commercial vehicle owners with installation of speed limiting device, whose enforcement started on Feb. 1, 2017.

    According to him, most of the local assembly plants had complied with the policy by installing the device in vehicles being produced at the factory.

    He commended the National Automotive Design and Development Council and the Dangote Group for complying with the policy.

    He said, “The only thing remaining now is to get the full buy-in of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, and we are almost at the last stage.

    “The essence of this is to cut down the rate of crashes. Notwithstanding, we have made provision in our budget this year to buy more radar guns and focus on private vehicles.’’

    Read Also: FRSC advises passengers to caution reckless drivers

    Oyeyemi stated that although accidents involving commercial vehicles had dropped, their fatality rates had remained “a bit high’’ due to the large number of people involved.

    “We are having more problems now with the private vehicles than commercial ones. The assault level is more with the private vehicles.

    “That is why we have so many court cases now; we have taken them to court, and will continue to do that.

    “We currently have about 201 mobile courts, but I am writing to the Chief Judges of the states; we want to increase it to about 300 by the end of the year so that mobile courts can be sitting every day.

    “We are not a revenue-generating agency; our aim is to deter. So, if we prosecute you now, and you are jailed for one week, it is enough for me.

    “The fine is not the issue but the attitudinal change for it to be useful to the country,’’ he added.

    NAN

  • Man in court for allegedly slapping policeman

    The Police on Monday arraigned a 27-year-old woman, Faith Michael,  in a Karu Grade 1 Area Court, Abuja, for allegedly slapping and  intimidating a police officer.

    Michael was arraigned on a five-count charge, bordering on joint act, obstructing public servant from discharging lawful duties, assault, defamation of character and intimidation, offences she denied committing.

    The prosecutor, Vincent Osuji, told the court that one Sgt. David Akoru, reported the matter at the Karu Police Station, Abuja, on April 15.

    He said that the complainant alleged that on April 14, the defendant with an unidentified man assaulted and intimidated him.

    “While the complainant was at his duty post at CBN junction, Karu, Abuja, he intercepted a commercial motorcycle rider.

    Read Also: Court sentences two to death by hanging for armed robbery

    “The defendant who was a passenger, stopped him from discharging his duties and alleged that the complainant forcefully demanded for N50 from the motorcyclist.

    “Before the complainant knew what was going on, the defendant brought an unidentified man, currently at large, who slapped him and intimidated him, boasting that they will remove his uniform,” Osuji said.

    According to the prosecutor, the offences are contrary to and punishable under Sections 79, 149, 267, 392 and 397 of the Penal Code.

    The judge, Hassan Ishaq, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N20, 000, with one surety in like sum and adjourned the case until May 18, for hearing.

    NAN

  • Buhari commends Adenuga for creating jobs in Nigerians

    President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Chief Michael Adenuga who turns 65 on Sunday and commended his deep sense of loyalty and patriotism by investing in sectors that have created jobs for many Nigerians.

    The president gave the commendation in a congratulatory message addressed to Adenuga which was issued by the president’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Saturday.

    President Buhari noted that Adenuga had added strong value in the provision of effective services that make life easier and more comfortable for many in the country, and across the African continent.

    The President therefore joined family, friends and the business community in congratulating the business magnate, philanthropist and one of Nigeria’s most renowned entrepreneurs.

    He observed that Adenuga rose from a modest background, defied many odds, and realized his dream of setting up and grooming successful companies in the oil and gas, banking and telecom sectors.

    Read Also: Buhari, NASS and unlawful use of $469m ECA funds

    President Buhari stated that apart from creating jobs through entrepreneurship, Adenuga’s contribution to the development of sports and the entertainment industry had remained remarkable.

    He said these sectors of the economy had continued to provide lifelines for many, and inspiring ingenuity and creativity.

    The President believed that Adenuga’s exploration and encouragement of youth entrepreneurship in the country would always be remembered, while his penchant for helping the less privileged through scholarships and healthcare financing deserves more commendations.

    He prayed that the almighty God would grant the Otunba of Ijebu land longer life, good health and more wisdom to continue serving the country and humanity.

    NAN

  • Ogoni cleanup: FG, IOCs, Ogoni leaders sign trust fund agreement

    The Ogoni Trust Fund escrow agreement was signed on Friday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The agreement was signed by the federal government, the international oil companies, IOCs, and representatives of the Ogoni people at a meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo

    The agreement signing signaled a major landmark in the Ogoni cleanup exercise.

    It puts in place all the financial arrangements to start draw down of the first tranche of the funding for the Ogoni Trust Fund.

    The total sum expected to be paid by the Nigerian government and IOCs into the fund in the next five years is one billion dollars.

    Speaking during the short ceremony, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said that signing of the escrow agreement “is one that shows clearly that not only are we committed to ensuring that cleanup is done but also that we are committed to ensuring that it’s done transparently.”

    He said the presence of representatives of the international oil companies and the Ogoni leaders at the signing of the agreement showed that government wanted everyone to be carried along in the process as well as to ensure that the process is one that can be audited.

    The Vice President said there had been expressions of interest by companies to be involved in the cleanup of Ogoniland, noting that some of them had been identified as likely parties.

    “We are certainly looking forward to doing something quickly and seeing that this exercise not only begins but is concluded as expeditiously as possible,” he said.

    Professor Osinbajo explained that the cleanup exercise would be expensive while the complete cleanup would take between 25 and 30 years, adding that it showed the “extent of the damage that has been done over decades in Ogoniland.”

    He also spoke on consultations between government and the Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, which began in 2017, and has seen him visit oil-producing communities in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s new vision for the Niger Delta.

    He said the new vision “is one that we intend to stick with and one that we intend to execute as faithfully as is humanly possible,” and has resulted in the establishment of the Maritime University in Okorinkoko, Delta State.

    He said the cleanup of Ogoniland is part of the new vision.

    Also speaking, Minister of State for Environment, Ibrahim Jubril, said a complete list of activities has been line up from now to the end of the year for the actual remediation exercise in Ogoniland to begin.

    The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Ogoni Trust Fund, Olawale Edun, had earlier in his address, said they were “set for the full roll out of the of the Ogoniland cleanup project.”

    He said the sum of US$170 million has already been put in process as the first tranche to begin the drawdown of money into the Ogoni Trust Fund.

  • Court orders Kogi to pay civil servant’s salary

    The National Industrial Court, Abuja, on Friday ordered the Kogi Government to pay a civil servant, Ameh Onoj, whose salary was stopped  in March 2014.

    Onoja had approached the court to seek redress when he was told that his salary was stopped because he had attained the compulsory retirement age.

    Justice David Isele in his judgment, held that evidence before the court showed that the claimant had not reached the mandatory retirement age of 60.

    Isele also said neither has the claimant spent 35 years in service as required by civil service rule before retirement.

    The court went further to order the restoration of the claimant’s monthly salary of N153,298 from March, 2014 till date within one month.

    Daniel Onuh, the claimant’s counsel told the court that his client was born on Oct. 1, 1960.

    Read Also: Court orders display of guns allegedly recovered from Dasuki’s house

    Onuh also said the claimant joined the civil service in 1983 as a class teacher with the Benue government and in 1995 transferred his service to Kogi.

    Onuh said his client is still serving as the Vice Principal ( Academics ) of Ogugu Community Secondary School, in Olamaboro Local Govt. Area of Kogi State.

    He said since no disciplinary action has been instituted against the claimant for any misconduct, and he has not received any dismissal letter, he is entitled to his salary from when it was stopped till date.

    Also joined in the suit are the Kogi Civil Service and Ministry of Justice.

    NAN