The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Popular nigeria newspaper

  • Melaye damaged 2 police vehicles while attempting to escape – Witness

    A prosecution witness on Friday, told an FCT High Court in Apo, Abuja that Sen. Dino Melaye, damaged two police vehicles in an attempt to escape from custody.

    The witness, ASP Dennis Agbi, member of the IGP Special Tactical Squad, made the allegation while testifying in the ongoing case of attempted suicide, attempt to escape from custody and damage to police property, filed against Melaye.

    Melaye, who represents Kogi West Senatorial District, is facing trial on a six counts of attempted suicide, attempt to escape from custody and damage to police property.

    The witness informed the court that while on duty on April 24, 2018, a white-coloured Toyota Hilux with Registration No. MKA 603 GY, was brought for him to record as exhibit.

    He further told the court that when he inspected the evidence, he discovered that the right headlight of the van and part of the vehicle bumper were damaged.

    Agbi told the court that he marked the Hilux as exhibit NO. CER/STS/11/2018A in his records.

    Read Also: Saraki, Melaye, Murray-Bruce urged to surrender

    The white-coloured Toyota Hilux with Registration No. MKA 603 GY brought to an FCT High Court

    He said that the second vehicle was a white Hiace bus with front right side mirror broken, and the left side back window glass, broken.

    The witness told the court that the bumper CER/STS/11/2018B in his records.

    After the inspection of the vehicles by the judge, they were admitted and marked as exhibits by the court.

    The Prosecution Counsel, Mr Jovi Oghojafor, said that the Certified True Copy of the records of exhibit was not available to be tendered in court.

    He further requested for an adjournment, to enable him to bring it at the next adjourned day.
    Justice Silvanus Oriji adjourned the case until May 16, May 27 and May 28.

  • Tiwa Savage acquires ‘customised’ luxury car

    Award-winning music sensation, Tiwa Savage, has entered the second quarter of the year in grand style, as she got for herself a customised exotic car.

    The ‘Tiwa’s Vibes’ crooner took to her Instagram stories on Friday to share a photo and series of videos of the latest addition to her garage.

    Although she was not explicit on the brand of automobile, it has “Tiwa Savage” clearly inscribed on the seats which suggests how expensive the yet- to –be- identified ride would cost.

    Savage, mother of one , who got separated from her hubby Tee Bilz, in 2018, came to limelight with the signing of recording contract with Mavin Records in 2012.

    She also signed a management and publishing deal with Jay Z’s Roc Nation in 2016, which she later confirmed via Instagram.

    She co-wrote the track “Collard Greens & Cornbread” off Fantasia Barrino’s Grammy-nominated album, ‘Bact to Me.’

    Savage was featured on Solar Plexus, a compilation album released by Mavin Records.

    Her debut studio album, `Once Upon a Time,’ was released on July 3, 2013.

    It was supported by the singles “Kele Kele Love’’, “Love Me (3x)”, “Without My Heart”, “Ife Wa Gbona”, “Folarin”, “Olorun Mi” and “Eminado’’.
    Savage’s second studio album, `R. E. D’, was released on Dec. 19, 2015.

    It produced the singles “My Darlin”, “African Waist” and “If I Start To Talk.”

    She is a recipient of many awards including, MTV Africa Music Award, The Headies Awards, Channel O Music Award, Nigeria Music Video Award, and City Peple Entertainment Awards, among others.

    In 2018, ace music superstar, Wizkid featured her in the video for his acclaimed song ‘Fever’, in ‘intimate scenes’ which further fueled fans’ speculations of relationship between them.

  • Man impersonates Adeboye, Olukoya, T.B. Joshua to defraud Nigerians

    The police in Lagos on Wednesday arraigned a 27-year-old businessman, Yusuf Atanda, charged with impersonating Pastor Enoch Adeboye and two other church general overseers to defraud members of the public.

    According to the police, Atanda created fake facebook accounts of Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor D.K. Olukoya of Mountain Of Fire and Miracle Ministry, and Pastor T.B. Joshua of the Synagogue Church of All Nations to dupe people.

    The defendant, who resides at Okokomaiko, Lagos, is being tried for cyber crime before Magistrate M.O Tanimola in Ikeja.

    Atanda, however, denied committing the offence, and was admitted to bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

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

    The Prosecutor, Insp. Aondohemba Koti, told the court that the defendant committed the alleged offence in October 2018 at Okokomaiko.

    Read Also: Adeboye’s secretary, Pastor Olorunnimbe dies at 60

    He added that the defendant used the names of the three general overseers on the internet without their consents.

    “Atanda created a fake facebook account of Pastor E.A Adeboye of Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor D.K Olukoya of Mountain Of Fire and Miracle Ministry and Pastor T.B Joshua of Synagogue Church of All Nations.

    “He posed as the pastors and sent electronic messages to the public to deposit either N1, 000 or N2, 000 into a bank account to get N3, 000 or N5, 000, respectively, in four days.

    “If they pay and it is four days, he will block the persons’ numbers so they would not be able to reach him anymore.

    “Upon receipt of a written petition from one of the complainant’s legal counsel, the police swung into action, and the defendant was tracked and arrested.

    “The amount of money the defendant got from over 100 members of the public was yet to be ascertained,” the prosecutor said.

    The alleged offence violates Section 20 (1) of Cybercrime (Prohibition and Prevention) Act, Law of Federation, 2015.

    The case was adjourned until April 17 for mention.

  • Lagos-Ibadan Expressway: exercise patience, FRSC urges motorists

    The Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Commission ( FRSC ) in Ogun, Clement Oladele, on Thursday, advised motorists plying Lagos -Ibadan Expressway to exercise patience and drive cautiously, especially within construction areas.

    Oladele disclosed this in a statement signed by the FRSC Public Education Officer in the state, Florence Okpe, and made available to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abeokuta.

    The sector commander warned motorists to avoid driving against traffic, as violators were liable to be prosecuted.

    He noted that the FRSC was working in concert with the construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, on introducing additional measures to cushion the hardship motorists were facing as a result of the construction efforts.

    Oladele said that the FRSC had been encouraging the construction company to speed up rehabilitation work and also open up areas that had been fairly completed for public use.

    Read Also: FRSC confirms two dead in Bauchi tanker explosion

    “Motorists are enjoined to cooperate with the FRSC and sister traffic agencies in ensuring free flow of traffic while driving along the road corridor and other corridors in the country.

    “The expressway has witnessed sporadic gridlocks this week due to incessant infractions occasioned by frequent breakdown of majorly articulated vehicles, which is compounded by the ongoing rehabilitation of the corridor.

    ” This has narrowed the lanes available on the expressway, especially between Magboro /Ibafo axis to the Mowe sections of the road.

    “Commuter activities along the corridor have also affected motorisation, coupled with traffic indiscipline by some reckless drivers that take advantage of gridlocks to attempt driving against traffic.

    “The FRSC wishes to inform the motoring public that the past few days have been characterised with infractions that distorted the free flow of traffic,” he said.

    Oladele said that the command would continue to ensure free flow of traffic on the expressway.

  • North will remain poor except… – Dangote

    African richest and Chairman of Dangote Group of Companies, Alhaji Aliko Dangote has said Northern Nigeria will continue to remain poor except states governments move to close the development gap between the north and the south.

    Dangote, who spoke at the 4th edition of the Kaduna Investment Summit (KadInvest 4.0) in Kaduna on Wednesday, berated Northern governors for doing little to end poverty in the region.

    According to him: “Nigeria is ranked at 157th out of 189 countries on the human development index. While the overall socio-economic condition in the country is a cause for concern, the regional disparities are in fact very alarming.

    “In the North Western and North Eastern parts of Nigeria, more than 60 per cent of the population lives in extreme poverty.

    “It is instructive to know that the 19 Northern states which accounts for over 54 per cent of Nigeria’s population and 70 per cent of its landmass, collectively generate, only 21 per cent of the total subnational IGR in the year 2017.

    “Northern Nigeria will continue to fall behind if the respective states governments do not move to close the development gap.

    “And that is why we are always saying the biggest challenge that we have and what we have been praying for is to have 10 governors like Mallam Nasir El-Rufai to move the northern Nigeria forward.

    “Closing the gap requires multi years investment and goverment will not be able to raise the require capital funding, only the private sector can raise the capital to fund the level of investment that this country needs.”

    He went on: “Therefore, government must create the conducive environment that will trigger a huge inflow of private capital into attractive sectors of the economy.

    Read Also: Dangote Refinery lifts youths in host communities

    “Private investment will create jobs and will ameliorate the twin problem of poverty and unemployment.

    “As more people are gainfully employed, you will witness a very sharp decline in some of the disturbing social vices prevalent in our society, especially among the youths.”

    While urging other northern states to emulate Kaduna State Government in the investment drive, Dangote said aside the over $500 million investment El-Rufai’s goverment has attracted, Dangote Group is patnering Peugeot of France and Kaduna State government to establish multi-billion naira automobile assembly in Kaduna State.

    He also disclosed Dangote Group will be considering investing in dairy production in Kaduna state, saying the trend of importing 98 per cent of milk consumed in Nigeria at the rate of $1.3 billion is unhealthy coupled with the fact that the imported milk is unhealthy.

  • Saraki assures of passage of police reform bills

    President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki has assured the police authorities of speedy passage of Police Reform and Trust Fund Bills before the expiration of the Eight National Assembly.

    Saraki gave the assurance when the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu paid him a visit in his office on Wednesday.

    In a statement by his media assistant, Olu Onemola, Saraki was said to have emphasised the commitment of the federal legislature to strengthen the nation’s security architecture.

    According to him, the passage and signing into law of the Police Reform and Trust Fund Bills, which are at various stages in the two chambers of the National Assembly, would help to bequeath a more effective and efficient Police Force to the country.

    Read Also: APC chieftain to Saraki, Dogara: stay off selection of NASS leaders

    “The performance of the Nigeria Police is key to our nation’s security. This is because apart from us ensuring that the institution is well-funded, we need to ensure that the police play its constitutional role in the security of our nation. Across party lines, the police can be reassured of our support to strengthen it as an institution.

    “Funding is a major issue, and I know that a lot of work has been done to ensure that the Police Trust Fund Bill get to its current stage in the House. Before the end of the 8th Senate, I want to assure you that we will pass this Bill.

    “Another critical issue is the Police Reform Bill which has gone through Public Hearing with major input from stakeholders. We started this process before your tenure, but we can still allow a few more days before it is laid, so that you too can make your contributions.

    “We would like you to take a close look at this Bill alongside the Committee, so that by next week, we can lay the Report of the Bill and pass it. Once we begin to address the issue of funding and institutional reform of the Police, many of the recent incidents that we have seen like the abductions yesterday on Abuja-Kaduna road, and the killing of the young man in Lagos, will also be addressed,” Saraki was quoted as saying.

    IGP Adamu was quoted as saying that the Police Trust Fund Bill, which has been passed by the House of Representatives, was still being considered in the Senate.

    “The security challenges in the country are so high but resources are limited. It is our view that the passage of the Police Trust Fund Bill would assist in strengthening the institution and alleviating many of the challenges that we face,” the IGP was quoted as saying.

  • Breaking: Court sacks Delta North senator-elect, Nwoboshi

    The Federal High Court Abuja on Wednesday, sacked Sen. Peter Nwaoboshi, the senator-elect for Delta North Senatorial District.

    Justice Ahmed Mohammed gave the order while delivering judgment in a suit filed by Mr Ned Nwoko challenging the election of Nwaoboshi as the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the Oct. 2, 2018 primaries of the party held in Delta.

    The court held that Nwaoboshi, a serving senator, was not the duly elected candidate of the PDP in the primary election.

    Justice Mohammed ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to publish the name of Nwoko as PDP candidate, having established before the court that he scored the highest number of votes in the said primary election.

    The court also barred Nwaoboshi from parading himself as the candidate of the PDP for the senatorial zone.

    Nwoko through his counsel, Mr Ahmed Raji, SAN, had dragged INEC, the PDP and the Nwaoboshi to court praying for an order to prohibit the electoral body from publishing the name of Nwaoboshi as the candidate for Delta North Senatorial District.

    He also asked for a separate order compelling PDP to forward his name to INEC as the authentic candidate of the PDP for the senatorial area.

    In his suit predicated on seven grounds, 20 paragraphs affidavit evidence and five exhibits, Nwoko claimed that he was screened and cleared to contest the primary election by the PDP electoral committee.

    He also claimed that at the end of the election, he scored 453 votes to beat Nwaoboshi to second position who scored 405 votes while another contestant, Paul Osaji came third with 216 votes.

    Nwoko told the court that he was surprised that the PDP jettisoned the result of the primary election and forwarded the name of Nwaobosi to INEC as its candidate for the senatorial district.

    He further alleged that all efforts to redress the injustice through the PDP appeal panel proved abortive.

    Read Also: NJC concludes probe of Onnoghen, Muhammad, silent on findings

    In their defence, the three respondents; INEC, PDP and Nwaoboshi urged the court to dismiss the suit on the grounds that it was not filed within time allowed by law.

    They said that based on that ground, the suit was state barred and also constituted an abuse of court process, the plaintiff having filed a similar suit at the FCT High Court which was struck out upon its withdrawal.

    Justice Mohammed after reviewing the claims and counter claims of parties, held that the case of the plaintiff was not status barred and did not also amounted to forum shopping as alleged by the defendants.

    The judge held that Nwoko was entitled to his claims and prayers having established that he emerged victorious in the PDP Delta North Senatorial primary election of Oct. 2, 2018

  • Evra under investigation over PSG comment

    Former Manchester United defender Patrice Evra is under investigation by the High Court of Paris for anti-gay remarks aimed at Paris Saint-Germain.

    Evra received criticism from former Monaco teammate Jerome Rothen for his celebrations after United eliminated PSG from the Champions League in March.

    Evra responded by publicly threatening Rothen, before following that up with another expletive-laden tirade on social media, over which sources told ESPN FC PSG were considered legal action.

    “Next time I see you, I’m going to slap you in the face,” Evra had said to Rothen.

    “Stop supporting teams who will never win. Even my cousin who is in the front [of the car] is p—– off. Paris, you are some f—-ts, some f—-ts, I’m telling you.

    ”We [United] put our D team [against PSG] and we did you. Some kids played — they used to clean my boots. They don’t even have sperm [yet]. Paris, you are some p—ies.”

    He finished by reminding Rothen: “I will f—ing slap you in the face.”

    PSG later condemned Evra in an official statement and expressed a desire to support any action taken by partners Rouge Direct, Sportitude and SOS Racisme.

    “PSG strongly condemns Patrice Evra’s homophobic insults towards the club, its representatives, and its former player [Rothen], in a video broadcast across social networks,” PSG’s statement read.

    “These remarks deeply shocked a club very attached to the values of respect and openness towards each other.

    “The fight against homophobia and all forms of discrimination is at the heart of PSG’s actions and values, which has worked alongside Rouge Direct to fight homophobia, as well as Sportitude against all forms of racism.

    “PSG will support any initiative taken by associated partners Rouge Direct, Sportitude and SOS Racisme.”

    Rouge Direct were involved in the investigation opened into Evra’s comments and spokesperson Julien Pontes welcomed the news.

    “It is of great satisfaction to us at Rouge Direct,” he told AFP. “We welcome the speed of the Paris prosecutor’s reaction, who decided that the law does apply to Mr. Evra.

    “With a bit of determination, we can start to sanction procedures that have not yet been seen before in the footballing world.”

    Pontes added that Rouge Direct are hoping Evra is handed “an exemplary punishment.”

  • Buhari to attend inauguration of Senegal President

    President Muhammadu Buhari will depart Abuja on Monday for Dakar, Senegal to attend the inauguration of Senegalese President, Macky Sall, following his re-election for a second term.

    Mr. Femi Adesina, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, who confirmed this development in a statement in Abuja on Monday, said the President’s trip followed an invitation from his host.

    According to the statement, President Buhari, who is ECOWAS Chairman, will be Special Guest of Honour at the ceremonies, to be attended by other African leaders at the Diamniadio Exhibition Centre on Tuesday.

    It stated that the Nigerian leader would be accompanied by Governors Mohammed Abubakar, Nasir El-Rufai and Tanko Al-Makura of Bauchi, Kaduna and Nasarawa states respectively.

    Others on the Presidential entourage include the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama; National Security Adviser, Maj-Gen Babagana Monguno (rtd); Director-General, National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Ahmed Rufai, and other top government officials.

    “The President is expected back in the country at the end of the inauguration ceremonies,” the statement said

  • PSC promotes Larmode, Mba, 8,914 others

    The Police Service Commission said it has approved the promotion of 8,916 senior Police Officers to their next substantive ranks to fill existing vacancies.

    Amongst those promoted is the Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba. He was promoted from the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police to Deputy Commissioner of Police.

    The Commission said the promotions were the high points of its 5th Plenary meeting held in Abuja on 26th and 27th March 2019 which was presided over by its Chairman, Musiliu Smith.

    Details of the promotion is contained in a statement in Abuja on Sunday by the Commission’s Spokesman, Ikechukwu Ani.

    It reads: “The Commission approved the promotion of three Commissioners of Police to the next rank of Assistant Inspectors General of Police. They are; Jona Jackson Mava; Olushola Babajide David and Titus Sumba Larmode.
    “The acting appointments of two Commissioners of Police were also confirmed. The beneficiaries are; Rudolf Echebi Obe, Works and Danladi B. Lalas, Air Wing.

    “71 Assistant Commissioners of Police were elevated to the next rank of Deputy Commissioners of Police and they include Ogundare D. Emmanuel; Alonge Adebowale; Augustina Nwuka Ogbodo; Ibrahim Abdullahi; Garba Ahmed; Uzuegbu Kanayo; Zubairu Abubakar; Vincent N. Nwajiofor (works), Polycarp Chilaka Dibia and Emeka Frank Mba, the Force Public Relations Officer.

    “102 Chief Superintendents of Police, CSPs, were also promoted to Assistant Commissioners of Police. They are ; Michael M. Masomene; Egbe Eko Edum; Onyeamu Akaeme Onyeamu; Dauda I. Ayuba; Chinedu C. Ugwu; Moses Gana; Victor Akongtender Bepeh; Aminu Musa; Danjuma Madugu; Promise Chinedu Udeh; Anthony Okon Placio; Ikechukwu E. Nwosu; Okey C. Nwabufo; Ayodeji A. Dagunduro; Kanu Kanu Okoronkwo (works); Agbo B. Usman (forensic); Mustapha A. Rufai; among others.”

    Read Also: Police intercept bus laden with stolen PMS

    The statement continues: “The Commission also promoted 487 Deputy Superintendents of Police to Superintendents. The new Superintendents of Police include Atiku Ibrahim, Personal Assistant to the acting Inspector General of Police; Florence Odewo; Ojo Abraham; Mohammed Idris and Abraham Ogedengbe.
    “1,165 Assistant Superintendents of Police, ASPs, were promoted to the next rank of Deputy Superintendents of Police, DSP, while 7086 Inspectors were elevated to Assistant Superintendents of Police.

    “Some of the new DSPs are: Chinemelum Bartholomew of the Complaints Response Unit, Force Headquarters, Abuja, Jeremiah Zumnan; Adewale Ajibuwa while Hope Nnah of Abia Command; Saviour Etetim made the list of the newly promoted Inspectors to ASPs.”

    The promotions according to the Commission will be conveyed through a letter to the Ag. IGP Mohammed Adamu on Monday, April 1, 2019.

    The letter is signed by the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Commission, Nnamdi Maurice Mbaeri.