The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigerian Newspapers

  • Video: Sowore dragged out of court

    The operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday dragged Omoyele Sowore out of the courtroom of a federal high court in Abuja.

     

  • Ex-bank director claims forfeited N9.08bn ‘Diezani loot’

    A former bank director, Dauda Lawal, has asked the Court of Appeal in Lagos to order the Federal Government to return to him the N9.08 billion he forfeited to it on February 16, 2017.

    Mr Lawal told the court that the Federal High Court, Lagos which ordered the forfeiture of the money had no jurisdiction to do so.

    According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the N9.08 billion was part of the forfeited N23.4 billion and $5 million (about N34 billion in total) linked to former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke.

    The anti-graft agency alleged that the sums were stolen by Mrs Alison-Madueke and several accomplices from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and stashed in three banks.

    Justice Muslim Hassan, on February 16, 2017, ordered the final forfeiture of the funds after no one showed up to make legitimate claims to the funds.

    The judge said he was satisfied with the EFCC’s argument that the monies were proceeds of illegal activity.

    Lawal is the sole applicant in the appeal, while the EFCC is the respondent.

    Read Also; Court forfeits Diezani’s N14.4bn jewellery to Fed Govt

    The applicant was represented by his counsel P.I.N Ikwueto SAN while Kufre Uduak represented the EFCC.

    When the matter came up for mention last Thursday, September 29, the court adjourned further proceedings, after informing both parties that a date for hearing will be communicated to them.

    In his notice of appeal in the suit marked CA/LA/PRE/RA/CU/394MI/2019, Lawal contended that the judge erred in law.

    He is seeking four reliefs, including an order to:

    “To set aside the judgment dated 16 February 2017 for being without jurisdiction and thereby a nullity. “An order setting aside the forfeiture of the sum of N9,080,000,000 which the respondent (EFCC) obtained from the appellant while the appellant was under the detention of the respondent (EFCC).

    “An order returning the sum of N9,080,000,000 to the appellant.”

    In his March 29 affidavit in support of his application, Lawal averred that the forfeited N9.08bn was not found in his possession as required by Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act.

    According to him, the money was borrowed on his behalf by family/friends whilst he was in EFCC custody and given to the government.

    He further averred that his failure to appeal within time was due to his “apprehension that if he challenged the Judgment dated 16 February 20 whilst the investigation was ongoing, the appellant will be further detained by the EFCC.

    “The Appellant has now been charged along with others following the conclusion of the investigation by the EFCC.”

  • FG to carry out national control of Swine Fever across states

    The Federal Department of Veterinary and Pest Control Services of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development on Monday said that it will carry out national control of African Swine Fever (ASF) across pig producing states in the country.

    This is contained in a statement by Animal Health and Clinical Services, Federal Department of Veterinary and Pest Control Services, Federal Ministry of Agriculture.

    A delegation led by Head of Animal Health and Clinics service of the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Ezenwa Nwakonobi, also said the starting point is to determine the actual status of the disease as an evidence-based planning tool.

    This, he said is important to change the narrative in order to protect the national pig industry resource and to determine the actual status of the diseases as an evidence-based planning tool.

    According to him, a baseline survey in four selected pig producing states namely Lagos, Anambra, Imo and Kaduna is being conducted as well as sensitisation of pig farmers on basic disease prevention and control that would increase the productivity, production and profitability of pig farming business.

    Read Also; Biafra was not defeated, Igbo groups disagree with Nwodo

    Nwakonobi who explained that the objective of the project is to determine the sero-prevalence of African Swine Fever in four selected states in Nigeria said it would assess on-farm husbandry methods and biosecurity standards in pig farms.

    He further said the objective would also make recommendations on how to prevent the disease in Nigeria.

    “Pigs play a major role in the socio-economic life of the people of Nigeria. They not only serve as a source of income especially for the rural populace but also fulfill an important role in culture and food security.

    “There is no cure for African Swine Fever and there is no vaccine yet developed against the disease. To further complicate the situation, the current global village status of the world with faster means of transportation between countries, it takes just a matter of few minutes and hours for persons, live animals and animal products to move between countries including Nigeria,” he said.

  • Insecurity: Two dead as armed robbers raid Niger community

    Two people have reportedly died in a three hours robbery attack in Gwaraka community in Tafa Local government area of Niger state.

    A number of people were also said to have been injured in the attack.

    The Robbers were said to have stormed the community in the early hours of Monday at about 3 am.

    The Nation gathered that they raided house to house beating and robbing the people.

    The Speaker of the Niger state House of Assembly, Honorable Abdullahi Bawa Wuse disclosed this when he received the Niger state Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), George Uwem Edem at the House of Assembly in Minna.

    Wuse said that the affected community was part of his constituency and he was called by the people after the robbers had completed their operations.

    “In Gwaraka community in Tafa local government, armed robbers had a field day as they killed two people when they invaded the village to raid it.

    “My people called me, they said the robbers began the operation from 3 an and moved from house to house. Two people were killed.”

    The Speaker also lamented the lack of security in the community stating that in the raid of over three hours, no security was at hand to help the community.

    “It is not fair that there is no police station in this community. Even the outstation has only two policewomen and what could they have done in a situation like this? ”

    Read Also; Three ‘one chance’ operators killed in Abuja

    Wuse who lamented on the recent killings in the state bemoaned the security situation in the state stressing in the need for security agencies to put in their best and assist the state to curb the rising insecurities.

    “We cannot continue to lose lives resulting from banditry, kidnapping, and robbery. The security situation in the state is getting out of hand and we need to find a way of addressing it.

    “We must stand up as a state to collectively fight this menace, we cannot continue to allow it to happen. Our people cannot continue to suffer and face these problems all the time.”

    Efforts were made to get the Niger state Police command to confirm as at the time of filing this report but the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Muhammad in response to several calls and text messages sent to him replied that he will get back to the Reporter soon.

    However, no response has been received yet.

  • Edo inducts over 1,000 newly recruited civil servants

    In line with Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki’s vision to reposition the state’s civil service for optimal performance, the state government has commenced a 3-day orientation programme for over 1,000 civil servants who were recently recruited into the state civil service.

    While declaring the orientation programme open at Imaguero College in Benin City, the State’s Head of Service, Mr. Isaac Ehiozuwa, said the programme was organised by the state government for officers on Grade level 07 and above who were appointed into the mainstream of the state’s civil service between 2017 and 2018.

    According to him, “These officers were absorbed into the mainstream of the civil service in 2017. They also include those recruited in 2018 by the Edo State Civil Service Commission.

    “The main thrust of the exercise is to develop their capacity on rules guiding the civil service and train them on how to conduct themselves as civil servants while discharging their duties.”

    Read Also: Edo to invest N2.1b Azura power proceeds in industrial park

    Ehiozuwa urged the participants to take advantage of the programme to understand what is required of them in the discharge of their duties, adding, “Edo State government, under the leadership of Governor Godwin Obaseki, is committed to ensuring training and re-training of every category of staff in the state public service to achieve efficiency and ensure effective service delivery to taxpayers.”

    He said civil servants must continue to represent government positively and show respect for constituted authority, noting, “These are sacrosanct in the service, as the government rewards hard work. There is also a mechanism that exists in the service designed to call erring staff to order.”

    Permanent Secretary, Directorate of Establishments, Training and Manpower Services in the office of Head of Service, Mrs Deborah Enakhimion, said the purpose of the programme is to formally acquaint participants with necessary guidelines for conduct in the civil service, including financial instruments and other government regulations.

    Enakhimion noted that over 1000 participants from different state ministries are scheduled to partake in the programme, which has been spread for a three-day duration to accommodate everyone.

    In a lecture entitled ‘Rules and Ethical Principles of Civil Service,’ a retired Permanent Secretary, Barr. Steve Omorodion urged the new civil servants to acquaint themselves with the civil service rules, other regulations and extant circulars so as to provide optimal service to Edo people.

  • JUST IN: Osinbajo, Ortom meet over Benue/Ebonyi land crisis

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Monday met behind closed doors with Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom and Ebonyi State Deputy Governor, Kelechi Igwe, over the land crisis between the two states.

    The meeting was attended by the Acting Director General of the National Boundary Commission, Adaji Adamu.

    Speaking with State House correspondents at the end of the meeting, Ortom said “We came at the instance of the vice president to discuss the lingering problem between Benue and Ebonyi states in particular between Agila in Benue and Ngbo in Ebonyi.

    “We are also here with the acting DG, National boundary commission and we had taken far-reaching decisions to ensure that we demarcate the boundary between these two states so that we can hold our people responsible.

    “As it is now its difficult to identify the criminal elements who are creating tension and creating more of these problems.

    Read Also: Osinbajo and the hounds

    “So I believe that very soon the boundary commission would be coming out with a program that both Benue and Ebonyi will team up together to provide the necessary logistics and security to ensure that the boundary is demarcated.

    “Well, it’s a border crisis because we are talking about two states. We should know the limits of each states. It’s a border problem more like communal problem.” he said

    On TIV/Jukun crisis, he said, “Well, I know that there is a spillover. This is largely TIV and Jukum in Taraba. I have Jukun in Benue state. We are not fighting. There were issues in the past and I decided to set up a judicial commission of enquiry which is still sitting to look at the remote and immediate causes of this strife so that we will find a lasting solution to it.

    “This other one is more of a problem in Taraba but because there are TIV people in Benue and we are talking about TIV people so each time people are displaying some run back to Benue so that’s the spirit of it.

    “But I think that the governor of Taraba state is doing well. Recently they met and they agreed that there should be ceasefire even though I saw in the press that there were some issues with that peace agreement but you know each time there are efforts to try to solve problems, criminal elements will come in and I think that the steps that the governor took by inviting two sides, both the TIV and the Jukum to sit together and find means of how they can resolve this matter is the best approach.

    “And I believe that once that problem is sorted out in Taraba state, we will not have anything in Benue state.” he said

  • Poly rector warns students against cultism, indecent dressing

    Graceland Polytechnic in Offa, Offa local government area of Kwara state has warned students of the institution against cultism, anti-social behaviour and indecent dressing.

    Rector of the private polytechnic, John Oyeleke made this charge in Offa at the maiden matriculation ceremonies of the school, where 96 students took oath of allegiance.

    Mr. Oyeleke added the institution has zero-tolerance for misconduct, adding the authorities would not hesitate to sanction anyone caught, tried and found guilty of misbehaviour.

    Said he: “I implore you to show respect to your colleagues and members of staff in the polytechnic to make your stay fruitful and productive; be modest and decent in your dressing and approach to issues and adhere strictly to the rules and regulation enshrined in the students’
    handbook.

    “I wish to assure you of adequate security on the campus. We, we however, plead with you not to hesitate to report any suspicious activity to the Director of Students Affairs, security officers or
    indeed any staff of the polytechnic for immediate response.

    “I charge you to make the most of the opportunity afforded you by your parents/guardians, ensure that you attend classes, shun all forms of deviant behaviours and other vices and focus on why you are here.”

    He added that the new students were admitted into seven accredited departments of accountancy, business administration, computer science, computer engineering electrical electronics and laboratory technology and statistics/mathematics.

    In a remark proprietress of the institution Princess Ayodele Oyeleke told the students that irresponsible dressing, hairstyles and outlook would not be tolerated under the school’s watch.

    “We expect students to take good advantage of the standard being laid down and continue with the hard work we expect from them. You are expected to be presentable at any time within and outside the polytechnic. You should focus on proper dressing to reflect your discipline.

    “In as much as we allow wearing of shoulder length hijab, long and purdah styles of hijabs are not allowed within the campus. There is need for all students to be seen and recognized at all times,” Prince Oyeleke who is also the Chairman, Governing Council of the polytechnic
    added.

  • Metuh: Court hears application of alleged misrepresentation by EFCC Oct. 7

    The Federal High Court Abuja has fixed Oct. 7 to hear an application by former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa Metuh alleging misrepresentation of facts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC).

    At the resumed hearing on Monday, counsel to Metuh, Mr Abel Oziokor, informed the court that the EFCC, which is trying Metuh, had published a contemptuous publication against his client.

    Oziokor said that the anti-graft agency, in its publication said that Metuh described how he shared funds he received from the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki.

    “Contrary to claims in the EFCC publication, Metuh never admitted to receiving any money from Dasuki, neither did he admit to have shared the N400 million duly released to him by President Goodluck Jonathan, for an approved special national assignment to individuals for other purposes.”

    Oziokor said that the publication was deliberately designed to injure and drag the integrity of the court in the mud and derail a fair trial.

    Read Also: Police foil attempt to cart away property in Okorocha’s warehouse sealed by EFCC

    He said this was by selling to the Nigerian public an impression that Metuh admitted receiving N400 million from Dasuki and shared it for political purposes.

    Oziokor described the publication as malicious, mischievous and a deliberate misrepresentation intended to mislead the public, blackmail the court and derail the course of justice.

    The counsel lamented that the publication did not reflect the proceedings in court but held outright falsehood and distortions.

    He therefore prayed the court to protect its integrity and put an end to what he described as the media trial of Metuh’s case.

    He urged the court to order the EFCC Spokesman, Wilson Uwajeren to appear before it to show why he should not be committed to prison for contempt and misrepresentation of proceedings.

    The trial judge, Justice Okon Abang fixed Oct. 7 to hear the application.

    He adjourned the substantive matter to Oct. 2 for continuation of trial.

  • Police foil attempt to cart away property in Okorocha’s warehouse sealed by EFCC

    The police in Imo State on Monday foiled an attempt by some people to cart away the property stocked in one of the warehouses seized by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Owerri, the state capital.

    The police also impounded two trailers allegedly deployed to evacuate the property stocked in the warehouse and arrested 12 suspects in connection with the crime.

    The warehouse, owned by Mrs. Nkechi Okorocha, wife of the immediate past governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, is situated along Aba Road, Owerri.

    According to one of the police officers at the facility, the police acted on tip-off, adding that 12 persons were arrested in the act.

    “Following a tip-off last night (Sunday), after two trailers had moved into the warehouse late in the night, a police team was dispatched to the premises”, said the officer, who spoke to journalists on condition of anonymity.

    He added, “Those inside the premises, however, refused to open the gate. The police team, therefore, cordoned off the building till this morning (Monday, 30/9/19) when we stormed the premises. The two trailers were impounded and 12 persons arrested.”

    Read Also: Court vacates forfeiture order on Okorocha’s properties

    The spokesman of the state police command, ASP Orlando Ikokwu confirmed the incident, adding that two trailers were impounded and taken to the premises of the command headquarters, Owerri.

    It could be recalled that EFCC had last two months ago sealed some properties traced to the former Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha, as well as those of his family members and cronies.

    The properties include: Dews of Hope Hospital traced to Dr. Paschal Obi, former Principal Secretary to Okorocha and current member of the House of Representatives; Market Square Super Market; All in One Shop; and premises belonging to Imo State Broadcasting Corporation now housing Rochas Foundation College owned by Senator Okoroacha.

    Other properties seized by the EFCC include: East High Academy and East High College, owned by Okorocha’s daughter, Uloma Okorocha-Nwosu and Royal Spring Palm Hotel and Apartment, a 16 block cum 96 flats and eight bungalow multi-million naira estate traced to Okorocha’s wife.

  • Three ‘one chance’ operators killed in Abuja

    Three men suspected to be “one chance“ operators were burnt to death around Dutse in Abuja on Monday morning.

    “One chance” operators are people who pretend to be commercial drivers and carry unsuspecting victims to be robbed or killed for ritual purposes.

    The Nation gathered from an eyewitness that the three men who were in a vehicle had carried a young woman who raised alarm and attracted the attention of people around who managed to accost the vehicle.

    Read Also; Robbers planning to attack banks in Abia- Police

    Thereafter an angry mob rescued the lady and set the three men as well as the vehicle ablaze.

    Federal Capital Territory Police Public Officer, DSP Manzah Ajuguri condemned the action, saying an investigation has been launched into the matter.

    “We condemn jungle justice. We condemn the act of people taking the law into their hands. If there is a crime we expect our attention to be drawn so that arrests are made, “he said.

    He didn’t say if any arrest had been made but stressed that investigation has commenced into incident.