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  • EFCC to re-arraign dismissed Ajumogobia Thursday

    She will be re-arraigned before Justice Rilwan Aikawa of the Federal High Court in Lagos, the Division she sat as a judge before she was sacked by the National Judicial Council (NJC).

    The EFCC filed an 18-count charge against her.

    It follows her arrest after the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja struck out a previous charge against her on Tuesday for lack of jurisdiction.

    Ajumogobia will be brought to court from EFCC’s custody, it was learnt.

    A former EFCC prosecutor Mr Godwin Obla (SAN) is the second defendant in the charge numbered FHC/139C/19.

    READ ALSO: Breaking: EFCC lays siege in Court to arrest Ajumogobia

    EFCC said they conspired on May 21, 2014, to indirectly conceal N5million in the Diamond Bank account of Nigel & Colive Ltd which they “reasonably ought to have known forms part of proceeds of unlawful act to wit: unlawful enrichment”.

    The alleged offence is contrary sections 15 (2) (a) and 18 (a) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011 and punishable under Section 15 (3).

    Ajumogobia was also accused of indirectly concealing N12million in the same account.

    EFCC, in another count, said she made a false statement to an officer that the money was payment for a property sale.

  • Senate aborts bill to phase out petrol vehicles in 2035

    The Senate on Wednesday threw out a bill for an Act to phase out petrol vehicles in 2035.

    The bill sponsored by Senator Ben Murray-Bruce (Bayelsa East) proposed the introduction of Electric Cars to replace petrol vehicles in the country by 2035.

    Contributors to the debate on the bill underscored the impossibility of mandating Nigerians to stop the use of petrol vehicles by 2035 without sufficient preparation.

    Murray-Bruce was forced to withdraw the bill following the observations by Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu and Senator Barau Jibrin who opposed the proposed legislation.

    Ekweremadu, who congratulated Murray-Bruce for introducing the bill, noted there was no need for a law to be passed for Nigerians to switch from use of petrol vehicles to electric vehicles.

    The Enugu West Senator recalled that people moved from the use of animals as means of transportation to use of bicycles, motor bikes, cars and other advanced means of transportation.

    He noted the provisions of the 1999 Constitution which provide for freedom of movement should sufficed for the time being.

    Ekweremadu said: “I congratulate Ben Murray Bruce for his uncommon common sense and brilliant ideas in the lead debate but what is not common is the need to introduce a law to mandate the use of electric cars.

    “If we go down in history donkeys were used as means of transportation and there is no law that caused people to begin to use cars.

    “This is ancillary to section 41 of the 1999 Constitution, which requires freedom of movement. So, he should consider taking back the bill.

    “Besides, in economic sense, we are an oil producing country. So, we should do everything possible to frustrate the sale of electric cars in Nigeria to enable us sell our oil.

    Senator Barau Jibrin (Kano North) in his contribution said that while electric vehicles no doubt would be friendly to the environment and health, making its use mandatory was not feasible.

    “We have to look at individual net worth. Not all Nigerians can afford the vehicles at a given time.

    “We all know the importance of vehicles in our daily activities. So, banning use of fuel cars will cause hardship, particularly for those who may not be able to acquire electric cars.

    Before he withdrew the bill, Murray-Bruce raised Point of Order to insist that posterity would judge him right for the necessity to embrace electric vehicles in the country.

    READ ALSO: Senate passes seven bills rejected by Buhari

     He said that it was obvious that in no distant time, combustible vehicles would be phased out by manufacturers.

    For him: “The earlier Nigeria buys into the change, the better.”

    He said: “I can never quarrel with my leaders and friends but I want them to close their eyes and know they are in the 21st century.

    “I own an electric car that I have been using for the past five years. It is cheaper to maintain and durable. So, the fears put forward by my colleagues are highly debatable.

    “I will withdraw the bill but I want my colleagues to know that they do not belong in the 21st century.

    “They should close their eyes and assume that they are in 21st century.”

    Murray-Bruce said that one of the major advantages of use of electric vehicles is that it would help solve the problem of ozone layer depletion.

    He also said the use of electric vehicles would be health friendly among other things.

  • Nigerian High Commission in Ghana asks public to ignore viral video

    Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, Amb. Olufemi Abikoye, has described as fake news a video that has gone viral in the social media purportedly showing maltreatment of Nigerians awaiting deportation from Ghana.

    In a news release to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, the Nigerian High Commission said the video did not emanate from Ghana.

    The release reads in part: “The mission wishes to categorically deny to the insinuation that the video emanated from Ghana.

    “Suffice to say that at no point in time were Nigerians over-subjected to such inhuman treatment by any Ghanaian authority.”

    Amb. Abikoye said it was true that some Nigerians who were basically found guilty of over-staying in Ghana beyond the 90 days ECOWAS grace period without regulating their stay were being deported periodically.

    He, however, stated that the viral video was fake news. “The High Commission wishes to add that both Nigeria and Ghana have always enjoyed excellent bilateral relations on all fronts and still doing so including handling such deportation exercise.

    READ ALSO: Nigerian High Commission London changes staff status to ‘self-employed’

    “The two sides are currently collaborating in ensuring that such deportation adheres strictly to internationally best practices.

    “Including the holding facilities for deportees in line with United Nations Convention against torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment of punishment,” he said.

    Abikoye further assured of the continued protection of Nigerians in Ghana. “The welfare of every Nigerian national that has chosen Ghana as his or her second home remains a priority of the High Commission,” the envoy added.

    He, however, appealed to Nigerians wishing to stay in Ghana under the extant ECOWAS Protocol to ensure that they respect the domestic laws of the host country.

  • Three in court for impersonating King Sunny Ade to defraud public

    The police on Wednesday arraigned three persons in an  Ikeja Magistrates’ Court  for allegedly using the name of Afro-Juju icon, Sunday Adegeyi (aka King Sunny Ade KSA) to swindle members of the public to the tune of N3.1million

    Police charged Lawrence Oyedokun, 27; Rebecca Oyebode, 23; female, and Oyewumi Abiodun, 27  with  four counts of conspiracy, impersonation, stealing and obtaining money under false pretences.

    Oyedokun and Oyebode live in Osun State while Abiodun, who resides in Oyo State, however, denied committing the offence.

    The Prosecutor, ASP Clifford Ogu told the court that the defendants committed the offence in March at Ikeja, Lagos.
    Ogu said that the defendants created fake Instagram accounts of King Sunny Ade to dupe people.

    “The defendants opened an Instagram page with Sunny Ade’s name, advertising that KSA would want to assist interested people to travel on music tours to Europe, America and Asia.

    “They also wrote on the Instagram page that those who were interested in the tour should pay from N50,000 to N100,000 depending on the area of interest.

    ”People began to pay money into the accounts the defendants provided and they were withdrawing the money daily and promising to contact the victims as at when due.

    READ ALSO: Three arraigned for impersonating Aisha Buhari

    “The defendants were tracked to Oyo State where they were arrested.

    “N95,000 was recovered from the defendants as they were withdrawing the loot,” the prosecutor said.

    The offencce he said, contravened the provisions of sections 287, 314 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 287 carries three years imprisonment for stealing while section 314 attracts 15 years for obtaining money under false pretence.

    Magistrate J.A Adegun, admitted the defendants to bail in the sum of N300, 000 each with two sureties each in like sum.

    Adegun  ordered that all the sureties should be gainfully employed and show evidence of two years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

    He adjourned the case until May 22 for mention.

  • FG to issue N20bn 30-year bond on April 24

    The Debt Management Office (DMO) says the Federal Government will on April 24, issue a 30-year bond for the first time.

    The DMO said in a circular on its website on Wednesday in Abuja, that the N20 billion 30-year paper would mature in April 2049.

    Other bonds on offer are a 10-year new issue of N40 billion to mature in April 2029 and a five-year re-opening of N40 billion to mature in April 2023, which was offered at 12.75 per cent.

    The circular, however, did not indicate the interest rates for the new issues.

    Ms Patience Oniha, the Director-General, DMO had at a news conference on April 4, revealed plans by the Federal Government to issue the 30-year paper.

    She said that the bonds were considered, given the relatively low interest rates compared to 2017 levels of more than 18 per cent.

    “The issuance of the bond will meet the needs of annuity funds and other long term investors while also developing the domestic capital market and reducing the re-financing risk of the Federal Government.

    “Another area of focus will be the management of risks associated with the debt stock to mitigate debt service costs.”

    She added that the 30-year issue would enable government raise long-term capital for infrastructure, serve as benchmark for private sector raising of long-term investment capital.

    It would also reduce short-term debt and deepen the Life Insurance sector in particular.

    READ ALSO: Fed Govt okays N195b for EEG debt settlement

    According to DMO, units of sale is N1, 000 per unit subject to a minimum subscription of N50 million and in multiples of N1,000 thereafter.

    The bonds are backed by the full faith and credit of the Nigerian Government, with interest payable semi-annually to bondholders, while bullet repayment will be made on maturity date.

    Nigeria issues sovereign bonds monthly to support the local bond market, create a benchmark for corporate issuance and fund its budget deficit.

  • Reps condemn Presidency for starving first line charge agencies of funds

    The House of Representatives on Wednesday condemned the Presidency in strong terms for implementing the 2018 Appropriation Act in breach with regards to agencies of government on first line charge.

    The lawmakers took exception to the failure of the Executive to respect the provisions of the Constitution on first line charge for the Independent Natuonal Electoral Commission (INEC), Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Universal Basic Education (UBEC), the Public Complaints Commission (PCM)  and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

    As a result, the House urged President Muhammadu Buhari  to direct the Minister of Finance and the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF) to immediately fully implement the 2018 Appropriation Act with regards to statutory transfers to organizations that are on first line.

    To emphasise the importance of the  issue, the leadership of the National Assembly and the relevant Committees on Appropriation, Finance and Legislative Compliance have been directed to ensure compliance and report back to the House within two weeks.

    This followed the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance by Edward Pwajok (PDP, Plateau), who noted that the 1999 Constitution as amended created and allocated separate powers to the three arms of Government.

    He said the  three arms of Government are co-equal and meant to operate  independently to guarantee the smooth working of the government under the Presidential Constitution.

    He however noted that the executive breached the Constitution  despite being aware that it was amended by the first Alteration Act, 2010 Act No 1 by altering Section 81(3) to place INEC, the National Assembly and the Judiciary on first line charge by stipulating that the amount standing to the credit of those agencies or arms of Government be paid directly to such bodies.

    “These bodies are captured in the annual appropriation Acts under Statutory Transfers.

    “It is worrisome that the Executive arm of Government is currently in breach of the Constitution by refusing or neglecting to implement the mandatory provisions of the Constitution regarding statutory transfers and first line charge requirements, by not releasing the funds to these bodies in line with the Appropriation Act 2013 and the Constitution.

    “In spite of a previous resolution of the House passed in 2018 on the above subject and the appearance of the Minister of Finance before an Ad hoc Committee, the matter has remained unresolved.

    “By the implication of the brazen flouting of the Appropriation Act 2018 and the Constitution, which may make the Legislature and the Judiciary to become subservient to the Executive thereby negating the letters and spirit of the Constitution and the law with dire consequences on the practice of Democracy in Nigeria,” he noted.

    The motion was unanimous adopted after a voice vote, while  the resolution is expected to be transmitted to the Senate for concurrence.

  • 2019 elections: Delta commends Nigerian Army for professional conducts

    The Delta state government has lauded the Nigerian Army for the professional comportment of its officers and men during the just concluded general elections.

    Acting Delta state governor, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, who gave the commendation on Wednesday while hosting the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Yusuf Buratai, and other senior officers of the Nigerian Army who paid the state government a courtesy visit, also said the state would continue to partner with army to sustain peace and security in the state.

    The COAS had visited the state to pay condolence visits to all stakeholders in the burial programme of former Chief of Army Staff and military governor of defunct Mid-West state, late Gen. David Ejoor.

    According to the acting governor, the elections in Delta state, particularly, were peaceful and without much drama because of the discipline and professional outlook the men of the Nigerian Army assumed during the exercise, saying “we want to express satisfaction at the level of professionalism that your men exhibited during the last election. It was commendable”.

    He, however, assured the army that the state government would continue to partner with the institution to ensure peace and security in all parts of the state, adding “we take the issue security serious and so we consider our relationship and partnership with the Nigerian Army very seriously”.

    Speaking on the reason for the visit, Lt. Gen. Buratai, who had earlier paid condolence visits to the palaces of the Olu of Warri and that of the Ohworode of Olomu in Warri South and Ughelli South council areas respectively, as well as to the immediate family of the departed former army in his country home in Ovwor Olomu, said the death of General Ejoor was a loss, not just to Delta state, but to the Nigerian Army and Nigeria as a nation.

    Buratai, while speaking during his visit to the Olu of Warri, His Majesty, Ogiame Ikenwoli, had said the army was planning to give a befitting burial to the departed General through a joint planning with the Delta and Edo state governments.

    Buratai said the Nigerian Army had constituted a burial committee that would interface with both state governments and the family to ensure a successful and befitting burial for the late former COAS.

    “The Nigerian Army has set up a burial committee and we are looking forward to having a befitting burial for late Maj-Gen. Ejoor in conjunction with the Edo and Delta governments. Late Maj- Gen. Ejoor was a professional soldier, loyal and contributed to the development of the country. He served Nigeria diligently,” he said.

    READ ALSO: Army partners Edo, Delta on Ejoor’s burial

    In his response, the Olu of Warri thanked the Army Chief for the visit and the role of the military in ensuring peace in the entire Niger Delta region and Nigeria in general.

    “There is peace in the country. I appeal that you do not relent in your effort at sustaining the peace. Your officers have been so wonderful, you can establish Brigades in some areas around the riverine where there are government facilities to provide more military presence.

    “We held Ejoor at a very high esteem, he stood by us anytime we had challenges, he was important to us. Thank you for coming to condole with us and his family,” the monarch said.

    Also receiving the COAS and his entourage at his palace, the Ohworode of Olomu kingdom, HRM Ovie Ogbon Ogoni Oghoro, thanked the army chief for the condolence visit to both the deceased family and Olomu kingdom.

    “Your coming at this time of grief is highly appreciated. Thank you for deeming it fit to visit the home of my departed son Ejoor at Ovwor in Olomu kingdom.

    “We are proud of Ejoor. As a military governor of the defunct Mid-Western State, Ejoor fought for the unity of Nigeria even when people were agitating for division. There was no case of corruption preferred against him till his demise,” the centenarian monarch said.

    Among the COAS entourage were: Maj-Gen Jamil Sarham, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) the 6 Division, Port Harcourt; the Commander, Sector 1 of the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), Col. Baba Manu, among others.

  • UPDATED: Olowo of Owo dies at 77

    A first class monarch in Ondo State, the Olowo of Owo, Oba Folagbade Olateru Olagbegi is dead.

    The traditional ruler, who ascended the throne in 2003, was 77.

    A palace source hinted that the monarch had earlier attended a security summit held in the town on Tuesday and developed complications after he had retired to the palace and eventually died.

    Although the state government was yet to make any official statement on the death of the traditional ruler, the news of his death has spread across the state and beyond.

    The Commissioner for Information,Yemi Olowolabi said he was not aware of the development, stressing only Olowo’s palace could confirm the story.

    Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, who hails from Owo, is currently on an official engagement outside the country.

    However, an official of Owo Local Government Area of the state who spoke in confidence confirmed the death of the monarch.

    He stated the chairman of the Local Government will announce his death officially on Thursday.

    READ ALSO: ‘I see humility as a virtue’ – Olowo of Owo

    He said the monarch had been on and off the hospital for over a year, attributing his death to health challenges he suffered since his ascension to the throne.

    Oba Folagbade Olateru Olagbegi was the eldest son of his late father, Sir Olateru Olagbegi who ruled the ancient town of Owo between 1910 and 1998.

    He received the staff of office as Olowo in December 11, 2003 from the late former Governor Olusegun Agagu after succeeding his father in 1999.

    He received his first degree in law from London, UK and attended Nigeria Law school in 1968.

    He was married to Ololade Olateru-Olagbegi, a Barrister and law lecturer at the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko and they are blessed with children and grandchildren.

    Folagbade obtained a bachelor’s degree in Law from London, UK.

    He later returned to Nigeria to practice Law under the late Fatai Williams.

    He was a lecturer in the Nigerian Law School, where he retired as a reader in 1999 to ascend the throne of his forefathers.

    He was appointed as Chancellor of University of Benin (Nigeria) in 2005 and later University of Abuja.

    He was honoured with the national award of the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR).

    Besides, he was appointed the Chancellor, University of Benin in 2015 and later the University of Abuja.

    The late Oba Olagbegi was a former chairman, Ondo State Council of Obas.

    Palace sources confirmed his death but stated “we cannot announce it now because of various traditions to follow.

    “Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu who is an indigene of Owo is currently out of the country for an official duty and must be formally briefed on Olowo’s exit before official announcement,” sources said.

  • Gospel musician in court for allegedly stealing 45,000 litres of PMS

    A 36-year-old  gospel musician, Ajibola Oyetunde, who allegedly stole his employer’s 45,000  litres of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) valued at N8 million,  on Wednesday appeared in an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court.

    Oyetunde, whose lives at No. 2 Aruawe St., Aradangun in Badagry, is charged with three counts of conspiracy and stealing.

    The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge.

    The Police Counsel, Sgt. Michael Unah, told the court that the defendant allegedly stole the PMS worth N8 million from the complainant, Mr Idowu Adeyemi.

    Unah told the court that the defendant committed the offence with three others still at large on Dec.18 2018, at 1 a.m. Along Badagry Expressway, Lagos.

    He said the complainant loaded a mini truck with the PMS valued at N8 million from Apapa which was  supposed to be delivered at a Conoil Filling Station located in Badagry but the defendant conspired with three others and stole the truck  at gun point.

    READ ALSO: Police arraign guard for allegedly stealing in church

    He said that the offence contravenes the provisions of sections 287 (5)(b) and 411 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2015,( Revised).

    NAN reports that Stealing stipulates seven years imprisonment while conspiracy provides two years jail term if found convicted.

    Chief Magistrate  A. A. Fashola admitted to the defendant to bail in the sum of  N250,000  with two sureties in like sum.

    Fashola ordered that the sureties must be gainfully employed with two years tax payment to the Lagos State Government and have their addresses verified by the court.

    He adjourned the case until May 15 for hearing.

  • Court dissolves 15 yr-old marriage over drunkenness, threat to life

    Chief Ademola Odunade, the President of a Mapo Customary Court in Ibadan, on Wednesday dissolved a 15 year-old marriage between one Rukayat Lukman and her husband, Yekeen, over drunkenness and threat to life.

    Odunade, who advised intending couples to seek proper counseling before embarking on marriage, decried the high rate of violence among couples.

    The arbitrator, who cited threat to life as reason for ending the union, awarded custody of the two children produced by the union to Rukayat.

    He directed Yekeen to pay a monthly allowance of N10,000 for the children’s upkeep in addition to being responsible for their education and other welfare needs.

    Earlier while narrating her ordeal, Rukayat,a trader and a resident of Boluwaji area of Ibadan, said that her husband had constantly put her life at risk through ceaseless battery after drinking.

    “For me, marriage has remained a thing of regret and unhappiness going by the harrowing experiences which Yekeen has exposed me to.

    “He is a terrible drunk and each time he is drunk, he beats the hell out of me.

    “I have different scars on my body now because of Yekeen’s brutality to me.

    READ ALSO: Court dissolves 25-year-old marriage over husband’s stealing habit

    “It would have been better if he had stopped at just beating me, Yekeen also starves the children and I.

    ” He is not a good example of a father to the children as he plays no role in their education, Yekeen has added no value to my life, please, separate us,” she said.

    Yekeen, a commercial bus driver, did not deny any of the allegations leveled against him and did not also oppose divorce.

    “Though, I agree with Rukayat’s submission, however, I want this court to know that she intentionally abandoned me even when there was no reason for it.

    “After a while, Rukayat came begging my mother to allow the two children to spend the holidays with her.

    ” However, Rukayat ran away with the children.“Please, don’t give her custody of my children,” Yekeen had said.