The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Federal Capital Territory

  • Minister’s aide, three others escape death

    Minister’s aide, three others escape death

    The Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Communications, Victor Oluwadamilare and three others narrowly escaped death in a ghastly motor accident at Yangoji, Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    The accident according to an eye witness occurred around Yangoji along Lokoja-Abuja highway, a village in the suburb of the Federal Capital Territory.

    A source told The Nation that the crash involved a trailer loaded with cement which was headed towards Abuja and a Toyota Hilux van which conveyed the minister’s aide and three others who were returning to Abuja from Lagos after an official assignment.

    He noted that the Toyota Hilux was on motion when the trailer took-off from its park without any light indication showing that a vehicle was going in the front.

    The source said that the Minster’s aide and other occupants sustained severe injuries, adding that no live was however lost in the terrible accident.

    The eyewitness maintained that he was among the people who rescued the victims before the arrival of the men of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) who evacuated them from the scene of the incident to Kwali General Hospital.

    He narrated the incident as saying; “I was at the bus stop around 7:30 pm when I heard a loud unusual bang. There was a trailer loaded with cement which took off from that area and headed towards Abuja without light to indicate a vehicle was going.

    “The Toyota Hilux was on motion when the driver realised that a vehicle had took-off from that spot and before he notice the trailer, it was closer to the trailer and that was what led to the accident.”

    When contacted, the Special Assistant to the Minister, Victor Oluwadamilare confirmed the incident saying he sustained injuries but he is recovering.

    “It is true but I thank God I am recuperating from the injuries I sustained. The driver was operated upon because he sustained multiple injuries. He had an internal injury but thank God it was successful. He is now recuperating at the National Hospital, Abuja, while others have been discharged from the hospital. Thank you so much for your concern,” he said.

  • Saraki urges court to quash forgery charge

    Saraki urges court to quash forgery charge

    Senate President Bukola Saraki has urged the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory to quash the forgery charge filed against them by the Federal Government.

    He is also praying the court to dispense with his physical appearance so that the business of lawmaking will not suffer and because he is already undergoing another trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).

    Saraki, the third defendant, was charged along with Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, former Clerk of the Senate Salisu Abubakar Maikasuwa and Deputy Clerk Benedict Efeturi.

    Justice Yusuf Haliru had ordered substituted service of the charge and adjourned until June 27 for arraignment.

    The Senate President, in an application filed by his lawyer Ahmed Raji (SAN), a copy of which was made available to our correspondent, is praying the court to quash the charge.

    Raji said the application, filed Wednesday, had been served on the prosecution. “The motion has already been filed this (Wednesday) afternoon and served,” he told our correspondent.

    In a motion on notice brought pursuant to Sections 6(6) (A) & (B) and Section 36(6)(6)(B) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) Sections 1 (1) & (2), 266,  271(B), 382(4)& 492(3) of the Administration Of Criminal Justice Act 2015, Saraki is praying for an order dispensing with his physical appearance and during and pending the determination of this Motion on Notice.

    He sought an order setting aside the purported service of the Charge/Information Sheet which was effected by substituted means on him.

    The Senate President also prayed for an order striking out or quashing the charge for non-disclosure of a prima facie case against him.

    He is also praying for an order suspending or adjourning sine die all the proceedings against him pending hearing and determination of the charge at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Abuja, for alleged false asset declaration.

    Raji said the need to dispense with Saraki’s presence pending the determination of the Motion on Notice is desirable and of utmost national importance.

    Stating the grounds of the application, he said: “The notice of trial and information ought to be served on the third defendant. No unsuccessful attempt was made by the complainant to effect personal service of the Information/Charge on the third defendant. Hence, pasting of the processes on the Notice Board of the National Assembly is not good service.

    “No prima facie case has been disclosed against the third defendant in this charge. There is no link between the proof of evidence and the allegations made against the third defendant in the charge.

    “The third defendant is currently standing trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal over alleged offences under the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act in Charge No. CCT/ABJ/01/15 between FRN v. DR. OLUBUKOLA ABUBAKAR SARAKI.

    “Accelerated hearing has been ordered for the prosecution of the said trial, in consequence of which the proceedings therein are being conducted on virtually day to day basis.

    “The third defendant requires adequate time and facilities for the preparation of his defence. The prosecution of this charge concurrently with the other one being tried at the CCT will not only work great hardship against the third defendant, but will also deny him an opportunity to a fair trial.”

    In a supporting affidavit, Dolapo Kehinde, a lawyer in the firm of Ahmed Raji & Co, one of the firms engaged by Saraki to defend him, said Saraki’s trial at the CCT has been “protracted notwithstanding the fact that accelerated hearing was ordered for the prosecution of the trial

    “I am aware, having been attending all the proceedings thereto that there has been occasional overlap in the conduct of the proceedings and legislative activities in the Senate. It is common knowledge that the legislative roles, administrative duties and national obligations of a Senate President can neither be underplayed nor undermined.

    “It is also common knowledge that the country is currently wading through tough economic situations, while the national stability is at a precipice; thus, requiring constant need of immediate legislative interventions.

    “I am aware that the Nigerian people have enough economic hardship at this time requiring the full attention and cooperation of the three arms of government, instead of these attempts to distract and politicise governance; especially because the country is in a state of economic emergency such that what the National Assembly needs at this time are executive bills and proposals aimed at resolving the crises of unemployment, currency depreciation, inflation, crime, insecurity etc.

    “I know that the charge in Exhibit ‘B1’ has consistently constituted a distraction, although the third defendant has dexterously managed the situation to the amazement of all and sundry.

    “The preferment of the instant charge is a precipitated decision made in bad faith, not only with an odious intention to scuttle legislative businesses at the Senate, but also a move to further throw the country into greater instability, such that distract Senators from their oversight functions and accountable governance.

    “I know that the concurrent prosecution of this charge with the other one at the CCT will not only work great hardship against the third defendant, but will also deny him an opportunity of a fair trial.

    “The third defendant requires adequate time and facilities for the preparation of his defence in the instant charge. He will be adversely prejudiced and denied a fair trial/fair hearing if he is made to simultaneously stand trial for the two charges.

    “On account of national exigencies and necessities, the need to dispense with the presence of the third defendant/applicant during hearing and determination of this Motion on Notice is also desirable.

    “In the interest of justice and fair play/trial, it is imperative that proceedings in this Suit are suspended or adjourned sine die, pending determination of the proceedings/trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal.”

    The deponent said the petition by a group, Unity Forum, to the Inspector-General of Police that the National Assembly Standing Rules was forged does not mention Saraki’s name or that of anyone else suspected to have participated in the alleged forgery. He said the petition only implores the police to investigate the matter.

    “This application not only bothers on the sensitivity of imminent national occurrences, but also touch on the constitutional right of the third defendant to a fair trial,” the deponent added.

    Raji also filed a bail application on Saraki’s behalf; to be argued should he be arraigned. He is seeking, among others, that Saraki be granted bail on self-recognisance and because the charge is a bailable offence, pending hearing and determination of the charges preferred against him.

    No date has been fixed for hearing.

  • Uboh, Lamorde’s accuser convicted over PEF’s vehicles

    Uboh, Lamorde’s accuser convicted over PEF’s vehicles

    A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama, Abuja Monday convicted security expert, George Uboh.

    Uboh, who accused the former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Lamorde of diverting crime proceeds recovered by the EFCC, was convicted on a three-count charge of breach of trust.

    The spokesman of the EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren said in a statement, that Uboh was convicted in a judgment read Monday by Justice S. E. Aladetoyinbo.

    Uwujaren said Uboh was sentenced to a cumulative of three years imprisonment, but with an option of N1million fine.

    Though Uboh was charged under the provisions of section 314, he was convicted under section 312 of the law which also bordered on another variant of breach of trust, because the EFCC was unable to prove that the he (Uboh) was an employee of PEF.

    Justice Aladetoyinbo in convicting him held that there was inconsistency in his statement at the point of his arrest and during trial.

    Uboh was said to have claimed that the vehicles in question were compensation for the debt the PEF owed him and during trial he claimed that the vehicles were for trade by barter for the debt the foundation was owing him.

    He was charged with criminal breach of trust involving the sale of vehicles belonging to the now defunct Police Equipment Foundation (PEF) headed by Kenny Martins.

    Uboh was accused of abusing his position as former Head of Security and Communication Department, PEF, to convert the properties of the foundation to his personal use.

    The charge reads: “That you, George Uboh, sometime in 2007 in Abuja, the judicial division of the high court of the Federal Capital Territory, being a servant in the employment of the Police Equipment Foundation, and in such capacity entrusted with certain property, to wit: six units of operational vehicles, did commit criminal breach of trust by selling one Toyota Hilux pick-up van through one Egbon Blessing, and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 314 of the penal code.

    “That you, George Uboh, sometime in 2007 in Abuja, the judicial division of the high court of the Federal Capital Territory, being a servant in the employment of the Police Equipment Foundation, and in such capacity entrusted with certain property, to wit: six units of operational vehicles, did commit criminal breach of trust by selling one Toyota Hilux pick-up vans to Muha Motors, and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 314 of the penal code.

    “That you, George Uboh, sometime in 2007 in Abuja, the judicial division of the high court of the Federal Capital Territory, being a servant in the employment of the Police Equipment Foundation, and in such capacity entrusted with certain property, to wit: six units of operational vehicles, did commit criminal breach of trust by selling two units of Toyota Hilux pick-up vans, and therefore committed an offence punishable under Section 314 of the penal code.”

    He had pleaded not guilty, thus setting the stage for full trial during which the prosecution called several witnesses to prove its case.

    Uboh claimed that the former National Coordinator, PEF, Kenny Martins, gave him some PEF vehicles to offset the debt owned him by the Foundation.

    However, during cross-examination, he admitted that he did not have any evidence of transfer of ownership of the vehicles from PEF.

    “I know the vehicles belong to PEF. But it was to offset the debt owed me. The Hilux pickup vans are four and not five,” Uboh said.

    When contacted, Uboh confirmed his conviction, but said he immediately paid the N1m fine and was released immediately after the judgment was passed.

    He faulted the judgment, saying the judge, in convicting him, shifted the burden of proof, which ought to be on the prosecution, to him. Uboh said he has immediately instructed his lawyers to appeal the judgment.

     

  • Anambra records 2000 cases of tuberculosis

     

     

     

    Anambra state has been hit by over 2000 cases of tuberculosis, says the state commissioner for Health, Dr. Joe Akabuike.

     

    The commissioner said this on Monday in his office in Awka, while briefing reporters that the patients were receiving treatment at various Directly Observed Therapy Centres in the State.

     

    He hinted that Anambra State and 13 other states, including Federal Capital Territory (FCT), contributed to over 75 percent of the total TB burden in Nigeria.

     

    The theme of his briefing was “Find TB, Treat TB and work Together to Eliminate TB”.

     

    The Commissioner waved aside the belief that TB could be caused by voodoo.

     

    He said the disease was caused by a germ called Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, adding that it was spread through the air when people who had active TB in their lungs sneeze, cough, spit, speak or sing.

     

    Akabuike added that people living with HIV were more vulnerable to TB infection, adding that the ailment could be cured when detected early.

     

    He therefore commended the state Governor, Chief Willie Obiano for the prompt payment of salaries of health workers and provision of health facilities for the TB programme as well as signing of MoU with the global funds to contribute 20 percent of the funds by the donor to control TB in the State.

     

     

    Earlier, the State Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Officer, Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Okolie and the Director Primary Health and Disease Control, Dr. Emmanuel Okoye  had stressed the need for people to go for diagnosis and treatment when detected, adding that diagnosis and treatment were free.

     

  • Court fixes Monday for judgment in Dasuki’s aide’s suit

    Court fixes Monday for judgment in Dasuki’s aide’s suit

    A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Jabi has fixed judgment for Monday in a fundamental human rights enforcement suit filed by a former aide to the ex-National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki, Col. Nicholas Ashinze.

    Ashinze who has been in detention since December 23 last year, is seeking an order releasing him on bail.

    He wants the court to direct the respondents to tender a public apology and pay him N500m as compensation for wrongful detention.

    Named as respondents in the suit were the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, the Chief of Army Staff and the Nigerian Army.

    Ashinze through his lawyer, Mike Ozekhome (SAN) alleged that he had been in custody of the respondents for no verifiable reasons.

    He urged the court to declare that his arrest and continued detention since December 23, 2015 “without being given any reason and without granting him administrative bail within 24 hours or 48 hours of his arrest and detention, is illegal, wrongful, unlawful and unconstitutional.”

    Ozekhome argued that the action of the respondents against his client constituted “a blatant violation” of the Applicant’s fundamental rights.

    He urged the court to grant bail to his client on self-recognizance, particularly when none of the respondents filed any counter-affidavit to oppose the suit, stressing that the applicant is still as a serving Colonel in the Nigerian Army.

    Ozekhome said: “My lord, in law, the facts are deemed admitted for all purposes. In all the cases cited, the courts are clear that you do not need to force a person to file a counter-affidavit as all the facts averred by the applicant are deemed admitted, having not been contradicted with a counter affidavit”.

    He urged for an order directing the respondents to release him and his personal effects, documents as well as his other belongings, which he alleged were illegally seized from him without any warrant during his arrest.

    Alternatively, Ashinze wants an order granting him bail on self-recognizance, “or in the most liberal terms as the court may deem fit to impose in the peculiar circumstances of this case.”

    He was arrested and detained in connection with the ongoing investigation into alleged mismanagement of arms’ funds under the immediate past administration.

  • Senate reject N5,000 payment to unemployed youths

    Senate reject N5,000 payment to unemployed youths


    The Senate has rejected a motion for the payment of N5, 000 monthly allowances to unemployed youths in the country.

     

     

    The motion, which was sponsored by one of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers representing the Federal Capital Territory, Philip Aduda, was greeted with shouts of “no, no” when he tried to explain it.

     

     

    Similarly, the attempt by the Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio, to second the motion was disrupted by the rowdiness.

     

     

    Intervening, President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, posed the question but the senators responded along party lines.

     

     

    While PDP members yelled a ‘yes’ in favour of the motion, All Progressives Congress (APC) senators, who were in majority, rejected it.

  • National peace cup holds November

    National peace cup holds November

    A non-partisan football and music festival to foster peace and love among Nigerians, especially policy makers, corporate organisations and young artistes will hold later in this year.

    The festival, first of its kind in the history of the country, is part of the efforts towards involving all State Governors, Artistes, Entertainers, and political fathers across the country to sustain peace and love in the country.

    Titled National Peace and Unity Cup, the event is scheduled to hold within a period of 20 days during which young Nigerians with football and singing talents would be empowered to display their prowess across all 36 states including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    These young Nigerians would be grouped according to geo-political zones while they exhibit their talents through football or music at the event in November.

    Speaking at the pre-launch briefing in Lagos, Mr. Bankole Moshood, Chief Responsibility Officer of the organizing company, MOB Zenox Enterprises, explained that the event was conceived as a result of the need to build upon the post election peace handed to Nigeria, which according him was “against the run of play, going by the predictions and expectations of pundits and prophets of doom who had concluded that Nigeria would be consumed by war.”

    He explained further that since football was already a cementing factor in Nigeria, while war and chaos thrived on the strength and vigor of youth: “It has become imperative and strategic to merge the two in a non-partisan political and merry atmosphere devoid of strife and rivalry for the purpose of deepening and establishing the desire for national peace and progress in the subconscious of our youths.

    Expected at the festival include Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, General  Yabuku Gowon (Rtd) and Chief Alex Ekweme among others.

    More so, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), National Union of Road Transport workers (NURTW) have being sensitized while corporate bodies like SIFEX group and others in the banking industry and telecom sectors have began putting their weight behind the initiative.

  • How well do you know Nigeria?

    How well do you know Nigeria?

  • Fire guts Federal Secretariat building

    Fire guts Federal Secretariat building

    The Federal Secretariat in Abuja was razed by inferno on Thursday.

    The fire ‎started at about 1:45pm.

    The inferno affected Wing B which is occupied by some ministries and parastatals. Notable among them is Ministry of Education.

    A source from the ministry who does not want his name in print confirmed the outbreak.

    He said, “yes. Why don’t you call me back. The ministry is on fire now. I can’t talk to you now. Please call me later.”

  • FCTA to allocate land for EU staff estate

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Bala Mohammed has promised to allocate a plot of land for the building of the European Union (EU) staff housing estate.

    The minister made the promise while receiving the outgoing European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and West Africa, Dr. David McRae who paid him a visit.

    Senator Mohammed further said that the housing estate, when completed, would go a long in alleviating the housing deficit in the Federal Capital Territory and encourage the staff of the organisation to give in their best.

    The minister thanked the outgoing envoy for his personal interest in Nigeria’s development efforts and, particularly the Federal Capital Territory.

    According to him, that personal interest has helped in opening up new frontiers and partnership between Nigeria and the 28 Nations that make up the European Union.

    He said that the purposeful leadership of the outgoing Ambassador has impacted positively on the country; stressing that it also fostered the cordial relationship between Nigeria and the European Union.

    Senator Mohammed praised McRae for his efforts to uplift the living standard of the common man in Nigeria, especially his visits to all the nook and cranny of the country.

    Speaking earlier, Dr. McRae stated that he was in the FCTA to bid farewell to the FCT Minister and to thank him for his co-operation with the European Union while he was serving in Nigeria.

    Dr. McRae remarked that he recently visited Kano and Jigawa states and was impressed to see everybody going about his or her normal businesses despite the security challenges in those areas.

    He said that the new EU Ambassador to Nigeria would be reporting to Nigeria in two weeks. He therefore pleaded with the minister to extent his usual co-operation to him in order to further the existing relationship and partnership between Nigeria and the EU.

    Dr. McRae also called on the minister to help allocate a plot of land for the EU to build staff housing estates for Nigerians working for the organisation.