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  • COZA: I never demanded N10m compensation from Fatoyinbo — Busola Dakolo

    Celebrity Photographer Busola Dakolo has denied making any claim for compensation from founder of Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA) Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo who she accused of raping her as a 17-year-old.

    Counsel to Dakolo and public interest lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi, made the clarification in a statement in Abuja.

    He said the N10m quoted by the media is the cost of the action carried out by her lawyers, to wit, litigation fee.

    According to him: “Following the misinformation being circulated in print and social media on the pending suit filed by our client, it has become imperative to address and clarify the true state of affairs.

    “The Nigeria Police Force is still investigating the allegation of rape made by our client against the person of Biodun Fatoyinbo.

    “In furtherance of the Police investigation, the suspect (Biodun Fatoyinbo) was confronted by the complainant (our client) on September 5, 2019 at the Force Criminal Investigation Department, Area 10, Abuja, during an investigation conference presided over by Deputy Inspector General of Police, Mike Ogbizi.

    “The Police therefore have not taken anyone to court.

    “However, our client, in furtherance of her civil rights, and in line with constitutional provisions, filed a civil suit against Biodun Fatoyinbo on September 6, 2019.

    Read Also: UPDATED: COZA: PFN declares probe of rape accusation inconclusive

    “The civil suit is independent of the criminal allegations and/or investigation of the Police.

    “The suit has been the subject of several news headlines, albeit with a lot of misleading information. This missive is aimed at clarifying the misinformation and setting the records straight.

    “First, our client filed the civil suit against Biodun Fatoyinbo on September 6, 2019 at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and not the Federal High Court, as widely reported.

    “As at the time of filing the suit, the same was yet to be assigned to a judge for hearing.

    “Secondly, the court did not issue any summons on our client and the fourteen (14) days given to the defendant (Biodun Fatoyinbo), within which to enter appearance to the writ of summons commences from the date of personal service of said suit on the person of Biodun Fatoyinbo and this certainly will be after the matter has been assigned to a judge.

    “Thirdly, our client has not sought any monetary damages and/or compensation against Biodun Fatoyinbo in her reliefs.

    “This is because our client’s reason for filing the civil suit against Biodun Fatoyinbo is, inter alia, for the court to make  pronouncements on her rights as well as Biodun’s liabilities and also, to help other victims of sexual, physical and emotional abuse gain the courage to confront their abusers, no matter how highly placed they may be.

    “Importantly, the N10m quoted by the media is the cost of the action carried out by her lawyers, to wit, litigation fee.

    “Finally, we would like to state that it is against the ethics of the legal profession to make statements on the substance of the matter that is still pending in court.

    “In view of this, we cannot make statements on other important issues surrounding the action.”

  • Bayelsa governorship: APC candidate names Senator as running mate

    Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 16 November, 2019 Bayelsa State Governorship Election, Chief David Lyon, has named Senator Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo as his running mate.

    Degi-Eremienyo is currently representing Bayelsa East in the Senate.

    A statement by APC Publicity Secretary in Bayelsa, Doifie Buokoribo, said the running mate is the Vice-Chairman of the Special Duties Committee and the Gas Resources Committees in the Red Chamber.

    Read Also: Bayelsa primaries: Lyon is APC candidate

    Degi-Eremienyo studied Agricultural Economics/Extension at the Rivers state University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1990. He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the same university.

    The Deputy Governorship Candidate served as Bayelsa State Commissioner for Local Government Affairs under Governor Goodluck Jonathan. He was Executive Director at the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA).

  • I’ll return as governor, says Yahaya Bello

    Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, on Friday, said he would win the election.  The governor is seeking a second term at the November 16 election.

    Bello spoke to State House correspondents at the weekend after meeting President Muhammadu Buhari.

    He was with the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole.

    The governor said he had been prepared for the election even before the Presidential and National Assembly elections in February.

    But he added that he was not taking anything for granted.

    His achievements, he said, was there for all to see and the people were waiting for November 16 to vote for him.

    Bello noted that his achievements included up-to date salary payment, despite settling backlog when he assumed office.

    Nightlife in the state, he said, was back following improved security.

    The governor also said he was committed to free, fair and credible election.

    He said: “As regards … preparedness…I have been ready for this election even before the last general election…

    ‘So, we are well prepared … As for victory, I think by the grace of God, it is assured.

    As the chairman has said, we are not going to take anything for granted. Whether the candidate of the opposition party is strong or not, we will approach the election with seriousness and ensure that it is conducted freely and fairly and we will become victorious by the grace of God. On November 17, we will be announced the winner.”

    He denied the Peoples Democratc Party’s (PDP’s) allegations that he planned to scuttle PDP primaries.

    Bello said “If you monitor all the activity of the PDP in Kogi State…it has always been marred or characterised by violence, guns, maiming …and all kinds of attacks.

    So the outcome of that of the last primaries they conducted shouldn’t take anyone by surprise.

    “We have a larger number of delegates in Kogi State. We started our exercise early enough and finished early enough in peace. I am not a member of PDP, I wouldn’t go in there and conduct it for them.

    “So, it is their character, it is their stock-in-trade and that is what they are known for and so should rather look inward rather than pointing fingers outside.

    “You see, when you have a cancer and you don’t treat it but rather you are treating malaria, you will never get rid of cancer. So, that is the problem the PDP has, they have cancer and should treat the cancer and shouldn’t look outside.

    Asked what message he was taking to Kogi electorate for the next four years, he said “The people of Kogi State have actually seen my performance against the performance of previous PDP governors. In less than three and half years, they have seen all my wonderful performances.

    “In fact starting with even the issue of salaries, it’s just that all along, I have chosen not to speak about the issue of salary because it is a problem I inherited.

    Read Also: Yahaya Bello wins APC ticket

    “And in any case governance is a continuum, you inherit both assets and liabilities. When you inherit assets, you make use of it, when you inherit liabilities or trouble you try to solve it, you don’t complain about it.’’

    “So I refused to make comment about the issue of salaries.

    As a matter of fact, the issues of salaries arrears I have already accepted by my immediate predecessor he inherited from Ibro’s administration.

    “These past two PDP Governors couldn’t solve it, I have come to solve it. That already is a kudos to this administration that the people of Kogi State should vote for us.”

    Bello also boasted that every local government in the state have various projects completed by his administration.

    “Every local government in Kogi are dotted with various infrastructural development. The people of Kogi State have spoken before in the last general election, they will speak again.”

    On security, he said “Lastly, if you look at Kogi State in the past, if you are a traveler you will hold your breath. The inhabitants as early as 6:30 they will only manage to pray their morning prayer and in the evening they will manage to pray their evening prayer and go to bed, but today, even along the streets of Kogi you will see people jogging, exercise, night life is back as a result of improved security situation in the state today.

    “Kogi State is the second safest state in Nigeria today, I didn’t say it. We have various bodies that rate the performance of various government and administration, Nigeria Bureau of statistics and the rest of them, they said it.

    “So if you look at it, we have performed so wonderfully that the people of Kogi state are eager that 16th November should come and let them speak with their votes and I know they will speak very well and re-elect me, the APC and we shall become victorious.” he said

    Asked if he was going to carry along the labour leaders he proscribed, Bello said “Well, it is not a battle we are going into, we are going into a contest, one I know is going to be free and fair and I am going to win that election by the grace of God. The APC under the leadership of the national chairman, we are going to campaign vigorously well and we shall become victorious.

    “The people who have decided to become rebellious to bring down the institution of higher learning at certain point in time have today seen the benefits of telling them to please give peace a chance.

    “They have given peace a chance and you can see the last strike, Kogi State didn’t go on strike, we have very stable educational in Kogi State. As per all the labour leaders in  Kogi State, we are moving on harmoniously, you can confirm from the various chapters.

    “If not because they are not politicians, labour leaders would have taken the fore front to campaign for my re-election.” he said

  • Tribunal affirms Tinubu’s election for Lagos Central

    The National Assembly and State Houses Assembly Elections Petition Tribunal sitting in Ikeja has affirmed the election of Senator Oluremi Tinubu of the All Progressive Congress (APC) for Lagos Central senatorial constituency.

    The three-man tribunal led by Justice Kunaza Hamidu, in a seven-hour judgement delivered on Wednesday, held that the petition filed by Chief Adesunbo Onitiri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) challenging the election of Senator Oluremi Tinubu failed as it did not establish any prima facie case against her.

    Other members of the tribunal are Justices W.R. Olamide and S.I. Okpara.

    “The petition lacked merit and is hereby dismissed. The declaration of Senator Oluremi Tinubu by INEC as winner of February 23 National Assembly election is hereby affirmed”, the tribunal declared.

    Chief Onitiri had dragged Senator Tinubu and INEC before the Tribunal, challenging the result of the Lagos Central Senatorial District election over alleged irregularities.

    The APC and Independent National Election Commission (INEC) are second and third respondents respectively.

    Chief Onitiri had alleged that INEC wrongly declared Senator Tinubu as the winner of the polls with 131,725 votes, while he was said to have scored 89,107 votes

    He claimed that the INEC ought to have declared him (Onitiri), the winner of the election instead of Tinubu, claiming that he scored the highest lawful votes cast at the election.

    In a petition filed before the tribunal on his behalf by his counsel, Onome Akpeneye, the PDP Senatorial Candidate for Lagos Central in the February 23 elections alleged that the results declared by the INEC was fraught with vote-buying, violence, over-voting, inducement of voters with monetary and material gains, campaigning and lobbying voters, on the day of election.

    Other irregularities he stated in his petition, include: non-accreditation and/or improper accreditation of voters by INEC officials, intimidation and arrest of his supporters and poll agents, as well as instigation of electoral violence by the agents of first respondent.

    Chief Onitiri claimed that apart from the listed irregularities, there were irreconcilable entries in the result declared and the number of votes recorded in favour of Senator Tinubu by INEC in forms EC8A and EC8B respectively.

    He also alleged non-use of accredited card readers in line with the 3rd respondent’s (INEC’s) guidelines and regulations for the conduct of the election.

    “The final result was signed only by the agent of APC and the Senatorial INEC Returning officer in an unknown location.” he added.

    Read Also: Rafiu Tinubu: A consumate administrator

    But in their defence, Senator Tinubu, APC and INEC through their counsels, Ezekiel Ashade and Busayo Onabanjo respectively, debunked all the allegations contained in the petition describing them as unfounded fabrications.

    They insisted that Tinubu scored the highest lawful votes cast at the election and urged the tribunal to dismiss Onitiri’s petition with substantial costs.

    During trial, Ashade filed two applications on behalf of Senator Tinubu and APC while Onabanjo filed one application for INEC in which they objected to certain paragraphs in the petition and urged the tribunal to strike them out as they were vague and lack substance.

    The tribunal granted the prayer of the respondents and struck out the ‘offensive’ paragraph.

    In their judgment yesterday, the three-man tribunal held that the petitioner failed to substantiate and give particulars of all allegations raised against the election of Senator Tinubu.

    The tribunal declared that the National Assembly elections from which Senator Tinubu emerged winner was held in accordance with the electoral act and other relevant laws.

  • BREAKING: Tribunal orders rerun election between Kalu, Ohuabunwa

    Election tribunal sitting in Umuahia, Abia state on Monday ordered rerun of election in Abia within 90 days in the case between Senator Orji Uzor Kalu representing Abia North senatorial district and Mao Ohuabunwa.

    Details shortly…

  • JUST IN: Six kidnapped on Kaduna-Abuja highway

    No fewer than six persons were kidnapped on Kaduna-Abuja highway on Sunday evening.

    The victims, our correspondent learnt, were travelling from Offa to Kaduna on board commercial bus of a transport company, Okin Motors

    The incident, according to sources, happened around Rijana axis of the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway.

    Though, police were yet to confirm the incident as at the time of filing this report, the Development Associations of Offa people Offa Descendants’ Union (ODU), said it was already making efforts to secure the victims’ release.

    National Public Relations Officer of the Union, Maruf Olalekan Ajenifuja, in a statement in Kaduna on Monday said, ODU has waded in and efforts are in top gear to secure the release of the victims.

    The statement added that all the abducted people would be released soonest.

    According to him: “The Offa Descendants’ Union (ODU) has received the sad news of the Kidnapping of 6 people travelling with Okin Motors from Offa to Kaduna yesterday.

    Read Also: Kidnappers of Siasia’s mum release victim, hold ransom payer captive

    “This worrisome incident happened at Rejana along Abuja – Kaduana Express Way thereby throwing many families into period of sorrow.

    ‘ODU has waded in and efforts are in top gear to secure the release of the victims and we hope they would be released soonest by the special grace of God.

    “We may not be able to give you details at the moment due to security reasons.”

    Meanwhile, Chairman Yoruba Traditional Council of Obas and Chiefs in the 19 Northern states and Abuja, Ambassador Muhammad Arigbabuwo, has called for release of the victims

    The Monarch made the plea while speaking with reporters in Kaduna on Monday, appealing to their abductors to free them because they are people in search of means of survival.

    He also asked the government to improve the welfare packages of all security agents, especially those on the frontlines

  • IMN remains banned, says IGP

    The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu has described the proposed procession by the members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) as an act of terrorism.

    The IGP also noted that the group remains banned adding that any form of procession by it would be treated as a gathering to promote terrorism.

    The Force spokesman, DCP Frank Mba in a statement in Abuja on Monday, also stated that all Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) and Commissioners of Police across the country have been directed to put measures in place to stop the procession.

    The statement reads: “It has come to the knowledge of the Nigeria Police Force that some members of the proscribed Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) intend to embark on a nationwide procession, ostensibly to cause disruption of public peace, order and security in the Country.

    “The Force notes that in line with the Terrorism (Prevention) Proscription Order Notice 2019 of 26th July, 2019, the activities of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria have been proscribed. Consequently, all gathering or procession by the group remains ultimately illegal and will be treated as a gathering in the advancement of terrorism.

    “To this end, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu, has directed the Commissioners of Police in all the States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja as well as their supervisory Assistant Inspectors-General of Police to put in place concrete measures to avert any planned procession and/or disruption of public peace by the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, anywhere in the country.”

    Read Also: El-Zakzaky, wife, to travel abroad for medical treatment

    The IGP also urged members of the public to avail the Force with useful information as regards the activities of the proscribed Islamic Movement in Nigeria.

    The Police boss also advised parents and guardians to prevail on their children and wards not to be persuaded into embarking on illegal and ill-motivated activities by anyone or group of persons, under any guise whatsoever.

    On the claim that 60 of the IMN members were still in police custody, Mba said: “I don’t have information on that but I will check and revert.”

    As at the time of filing this report, he was yet to revert as promised.

  • Residents flee homes as cultists lay siege on parts of Uyo

    Residents of some parts of Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital, have vacated their homes following incessant attacks and harassments by hoodlums suspected to be cultists.

    Areas mostly affected, according to investigations by our correspondent, are School road, Itu road, Ikot Ekang, Church road, Nelson Mandela Street, Ikot Ndem Street, Udoette Street among others.

    The areas mentioned are situated within the axis of the University of Uyo (UNIUYO) and the Uyo City Polytechnic, a private tertiary institution.

    Findings reveal that residents of these areas live in morbid fear due to the deadly operations of suspected cultists who invade houses and shops with guns, machetes and other weapons both day and night.

    A source who pleaded anonymity said, ”These boys who are members of various confraternities carry out their operations anytime it pleases them. Sometimes, they divided themselves to different directions for them to be faster.

    “Their major operations are entering people’s shops collecting phones, money, drinks and others valuable items. This happens in almost all the areas I have mentioned especially in Itu and School roads,” he said.

    A shop owner at School road told the Nation she used to stay in her shop up till 10pm or 11pm to do business but can no longer that due to frequent attacks by cultists.

    ”I used to keep my shop open to customers till 10pm or 11pm but I close early these days for fear of being robbed or killed by these bad boys.

    Read Also: Police demobilise 115 MOPOLs

    ”Many people who own shops around here now close. I have personally been robbed four times since i opened this shop. Some of us have ran away because we don’t want to be killed.

    ”There was a lawyer who owned a house in this area. His name is Barrister Umoh and we learnt he is the state director public prosecutions in the Ministry of Justice. He ran away and abandoned his house because of these cultists.

    ”Right now there is this information we got that the barrister is planning to sell his house. But who will be bold enough to buy such a house in an area that is not secure, she queried.

    When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Odiko MacDon DSP said the police are aware of the situation and have beefed up security around the University of Uyo and its environs.

    ”We are trying our best to handle the situation but we urge residents of the affected areas to provide us with information that will help us fish out these hoodlums”, he said.

  • Rape: Busola Dakolo lists Ashimolowo as witness in case against Fatoyinbo

    Mrs Busola Dakolo, wife of Nigeria’s inspirational singer, Timi Dakolo, has finally dragged the Founder and Senior Pastor of Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), Biodun Fatoyinbo, to court over her rape claims.

    An FCT High Court in a writ of summons obtained on Monday by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) dated Sept. 6 and served on Fatoyinbo, ordered the Pastor to appear before it within 14 days of the service or judgment may be given in his absence.

    “You are hereby commanded that within fourteen (14) days after the service of this writ on you, inclusive of the day of such service you do cause an appearance to be entered for you, in an action of Mrs Busola Dakolo.

    “And take notice that in default the claimant may proceed, and judgment may be given in your absence,” the summon read.

    NAN reports that the court may subpoena Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, the Senior Pastor of Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC), as he has been listed among the witnesses Busola will be using to establish her case.

    Busola through her lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi & Co., is seeking the order of the court to compel Fatoyinbo to publish a clearly worded apology to Busola on the front page of at least two (2) National Newspapers and two National Televisions for seven days running consecutively.

    Read Also: Rape Case: Court summons Busola Dakolo, Fatoyinbo over rape allegation

    Busola Dakolo had two months ago made a shocking revelation in a detailed interview with Chude Jideonwo, a lawyer and journalist of how the Abuja-based cleric raped her as a teenager.

    She claimed that Fatoyinbo had sexual intercourse with her on Sept. 23 and Sept. 26, 2002, caused her continuous emotional distress and amount to intentional infliction of emotional distress.

    The viral video report had set social media and other online platforms on fire, evoking shock, backlash and criticisms from Nigerians, especially the Christian community.

    It will be recalled that Pastor Fatoyinbo was detained during interrogation over the rape allegation at the Force Headquarters in Abuja in August.

    He was eventually released on bail.

    He had earlier boycotted the panel set up by the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) to investigate the rape allegation against him, claiming that he was advised by his lawyers not to appear.

  • JUST IN: Xenophobia: 320 Nigerians to arrive Wednesday from South Africa

    The first batch of 320 Nigerians for evacuation from South Africa aboard Air Peace Airlines is expected to arrive the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Wednesday, Chairman of the airline Mr Allen Onyema has disclosed.

    The returnees, Onyema said, will touch down at the cargo wing of the Lagos Airport in collaboration with the airport and other security agencies.

    He said the first batch is part of the over 700 Nigerians so far captured to be brought back home by the indigenous carrier.

    Speaking in a telephone interview in Lagos, Onyema said the carrier has secured the necessary approvals from the relevant aviation and other authorities in Nigeria and South Africa for the exercise.

    He said the aircraft deployed for the operations and its crew will

    depart Nigeria Tuesday to return Wednesday in the afternoon.

    The aircraft, he said, will return to South Africa Wednesday to return with other Nigerians that could not be accommodated in the first batch.

    According to investigations, the cargo wing of the Lagos International Airport is already in preparatory mood to receive the returnees.

    According to a source, officials of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and others are already on the alert for the operations.

    Read Also: Xenophobia: Evacuation exercise may involve more than one flight

    Giving further details on the operations, Onyema said: “Air Peace

    is fully mobilised for the operations to return Nigerian stranded in South Africa.

    “Our mission is a patriotic offer to support the government and save the lives of Nigerians. Our crew will depart Lagos on Tuesday and return with the first batch of 320 on Wednesday. It is going to be a back- to- back operations until the over 700 so far captured are air lifted home.”