The Nation Newspaper

Tag: seal

  • Lawyer sues Lagos CJ, others for ‘forcing’ court users to buy seal

    A lawyer, Mr Tope Alabi, has sued Lagos  State Chief Judge Lagos, Justice Opeyemi Oke, over the sale of seals in the High Court and Magistrate Court registries.

    In his originating summons, he is seeking a declaration that the introduction and sale of seals and non-acceptance of his processes for filing on the basis that there were no seals on them is illegal and unconstitutional.

    He filed the suit at the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja.

    The Chief Registrar, the Lagos State Judicial Service Commission, Lagos State Judiciary, Attorney-General of Lagos and Justice Oke are the defendants.

    Alabi said the court officials’ insistence that he must buy the seal and attach it to his supporting affidavits amounts to denying him and his clients access to justice.

    He is praying for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants or their agents from compelling litigants to purchase the seal when filing cases, processes or deposing to affidavits.

    He also wants the court to perpetually restrain the defendants or their agents from further producing or supplying the seals.

    The lawyer urged the court to determine whether, based on its rules and the 1999 Constitution, its officials can validly force litigants to buy the seals for N250 before they can file documents in court.

    Alabi said in all the laws, statutes and rules governing the court’s affairs, there was no legal basis for imposing the sale of the seals on court users.

    “The defendants cannot put something on nothing and expect it to stand,” he said in his written address.

    Alabi also filed a motion ex-parte praying for an order of interim injunction restraining the defendants from compelling him and other litigants to purchase seals.

    In a supporting affidavit which he personally deposed to, Alabi said he was at the court’s Lagos division on October 31 to file a motion for change of counsel.

    In addition to the regular charges, he said he was charged additional N250 for a seal affixed to his affidavit in support of the motion. He said he complained to the Assistant Chief Registrar.

    “He informed me that the order was from above, and that it was beyond him. I was also at the Lagos Judicial division of the High Court of Lagos State on the 6th day of November, 2017 for filing of affidavit of service.

    “The court officials, precisely the cashiers, denied me filing on ground that I did not give them the sum of N250 for the seal,” he said.

    Alabi said he complied with the pre-action requirements, adding that “it is in the interest of justice to restrain the defendants from compelling the claimant or any legal practitioner or litigant to purchase the seals.”

    No date has been fixed for hearing.

     

  • OPEC to seal output cut deal

    OPEC to seal output cut deal

    Members of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) will resolve some knotty issues standing in the way of the agreement to cut production at its meeting holding in Vienna, Austria on November 30.

    The members agreed in Algiers, Algeria on September 28 to limit supply with special conditions given to Libya, Nigeria and Iran, whose output has been hit by wars and sanctions. The agreement was tagged “Algiers Accord.”

    According to Reuters’ sources, details are to be finalised when OPEC ministers meet.

    The sources said OPEC officials were working to nail down details of their plan to limit oil supply and gaps over some sticking points are narrowing, a sign of progress in finalising the exporter group’s first such deal since 2008.

    With two weeks to the meeting, differences persist over details and the prospect of a supply glut persisting next year has weighed on oil prices, which are below $47 a barrel. Crude reached a 2016 high near $54 after the September deal.

    “It is difficult at some points but I don’t see any deadlock. What happened in Algeria gave a lot of hope and impetus and I think people are committed to that,” a source told Reuters.

  • ‘Alomo Bitters’ wears new hologram seal

    ‘Alomo Bitters’ wears new hologram seal

    Producers of ‘Alomo Bitters’ at the weekend unveiled a hologram seal to fight counterfeit and enhance easy identification of the authentic product.

    Strategically positioned on the cap of every bottle of the drink is a silver-like shining seal with special features and similar to that found on the non-polymer naira notes.

    Speaking on the rationale for the new seal, Marketing Manager, Kasapreko Company Nigeria Limited, producers of the drink, Mr. Peter Adegor, said the need to protect the brand equity and to continue to guarantee consumer safety were paramount to the management.

    He said that while between 2011 and 2012 ‘Alomo Bitters’ accounted for about 80 per cent of the bitters market share, the position of the brand has been threatened by the devilish imitation of the original product which made it difficult for the consumers to distinguish their favourite drink  from the fake.”We need to exterminate this fear and reassure consumers that they can still enjoy their favourite ‘Alomo Bitters,” he said.

     

  • Obasi hopes to seal a deal

    Obasi hopes to seal a deal

    Deportivo de La Coruna hopeful and Nigeria youth – teamer Chigozie Obasi has given an overview of his first ten days of practicing with the La Liga newcomers.

    Sunday will make it two weeks since he departed the shores of the country to resume training with the Brancoazuis, with the hope of signing a pre – contract with them in the coming days.

    In a telephone conversation with allnigeriasoccer.com on Thursday afternoon, Obasi said: “Training is good, everything is okay. I have not missed a single training since I started training with Deportivo de La Coruna last week Monday.

    “I am training with the Reserve Team. I have been involved in a friendly with them and hope to play again this weekend in our next friendly. My teammates have been nice to me; everybody has been good to me.”

    His teammate in the 2013 Golden Eaglets setup, Isaac Success, is also in Spain training with Granada, and both players will meet again this weekend to take stock of their activities.

    “Since I came to Spain, I always speak on phone with Isaac Success. I will go and see him and Uche Agbo on Sunday. I miss them a lot, so I have to see them.”

    Obasi made two appearances for the Golden Eaglets at the FIFA Under17s held in United Arab Emirates towards the end of last year.

  • Man City hoping to seal Iheanacho deal

    Man City hoping to seal Iheanacho deal

    • Dad proud of son

    Manchester City will look to tie up a deal for teenage playmaker Kelechi Iheanacho when they return from their US tour.

    The 17-year-old has agreed to link up with City but a work permit will be required in order for him to compete in England and the required paperwork is yet to be processed.

    City are prepared to keep pushing the relevant authorities, with Iheanacho having shown what an exciting talent he is by scoring in a 4-1 victory over Sporting Kansas City on Wednesday.

    Manuel Pellegrini believes the youngster is destined for a bright future and would like to see his potential unlocked at the Etihad Stadium.

    He is, however, also aware that there are a number of obstacles to overcome before a player who starred for Nigeria at the World U-17 Championship in 2013 can be added to the City ranks.

    Pellegrini said: “Kelechi is just 17 years old and he’s a very important player for us in the future.

    “He has demonstrated what he can do in the future. It depends on the way he takes this profession, but I think he’s a good talent.

    “We’ve not yet decided (what the plan is for him) because it’s not easy. He’s just 17 and sometimes that’s the problem. We’ll see what he will do in the future.

    “For the moment he will stay with us and we’ll see when we return to England what will happen with him. But he’s a very important player for the future for the club.

    “After the tour we will see what happens with him. There are a lot of things to arrange to play in England but he has an important future.”

    After his debut goal in Manchester City’s 4-1 win over Sporting Kansas City in their pre-season tour of the USA, Nigeria youth international, Kelechi Iheanacho’s dad, James told SL10 of his excitement at seeing his son score for the English Champions.

    “I’m super excited that my son (Kelechi) has scored his first goal for Manchester City. I didn’t watch the game, but his agent called and told me about it, and I have since seen the replays. I’m very excited about this development,” he told SL10.

    Iheanacho Jnr. scored City’s fourth goal with a cool finish, after fellow debutant, Bruno Zuculini, Dedryck Boyata, and Aleksander Kolarov all also got on the score sheet.

    Iheanacho had previously failed to make the Manchester City teams that played two friendly games in Scotland against Dundee United and Hearts, but grabbed his opportunity with both hands by scoring and putting up a good display against Kansas City.

    Iheanacho Snr. continued: “I told him how hard he had to work to make the Manchester City first team and I’m happy he’s putting good effort. I hope he continues to work hard, and continues to progress.”

  • SSS seals Glass House

    SSS seals Glass House

    The Glass House headquarters of the Nigeria Football Federation(NFF) was yesterday sealed by operatives of the Department of State Security Service, DSS.

    The operatives were said to have stormed the Nigeria Football Federation Glass House Zone, 7, Wuse District, Abuja at exactly 11.30hrs in convoy of four Hilux vans fully armed.

    Journalists and visitors were prevented from gaining access to the NFF secretariat. Only officials of the federation were allowed entrance.

    Justice L.P. Lot of a High court sitting in Jos, Plateau State, had on Wednesday, restrained the NFF President, Aminu Maigari, his executive committee members and the Congress from carrying on with the running of football in the country.

    The judge also mandated the Sports Minister, Tammy Danagogo, to appoint an acting Secretary General to run the affairs of Nigerian football pending the determination of the Motion on Notice before the court.

    Consequently, Danagogo on Thursday appointed Lawrence Katken, an Assistant Director (Administration) to take charge of affairs at the NFF in the interim, technically making him a Sole Administrator.

  • FBN Holdings, others seal $170m financing deal for gas assets

    CBN Holdings and Ecobank Nigeria Limited have provided $170 million to Seven Energy International Limited towards the energy group’s acquisition of the gas assets and entire issued share capital of the East Horizon Gas Company (EHGC) Limited.

    The multi-party financing deal will provide Seven Energy’s wholly-owned subsidiary-Accugas Limited, with part of the funds to complete its $250 million acquisition of the entire issued share capital of the East Horizon Gas Company.

    FBN Holdings participated in the financing deal through its subsidiaries-FBN Bank (UK) Limited and FBN Capital Limited. The $170 million medium-term acquisition finance facility were being financed by FBN Bank (UK) Limited and Ecobank Nigeria Limited.

    FBN Capital Limited acted as structuring bank, sole initial mandated lead arranger, financial modelling bank and global facility coordinator. Aluko& Oyebode acted as lenders legal counsel, Royal HaskoningDHV Nederland BV represented the lenders on environmental and technical due diligence matters while UUBO and Addleshaw Goddard acted as the borrower’s local and international legal counsels respectively.

    EHGC was established by Oando Plc with the intention of constructing and operating an 18-inch, 128 km gas pipeline that connects with the Obigbo-Alscon pipeline at Ukanafun to supply gas to an industrial offtaker located in Mfamosing, Cross River State, and to meet the needs of other industrial users in the Calabar region.

    Seven Energy stated that its acquisition of EHGC is in line with its strategic plans to expand its gas infrastructure assets in the south east Niger Delta. Through its assets and subsidiary, Accugas, Seven Energy has a number of infrastructure projects in the region, including a gas processing facility at the Uquo Field and a gas pipeline network, which will have the capability to supply gas in the Port Harcourt, Aba and Calabar areas.

    Managing director, FBN Capital Limited, Kayode Akinkugbe, said the deal demonstrated FBN Holdings commitment to financing growth and development of the Nigerian oil and gas sector.

    “FBN Holdings Group feels a strong sense of responsibility towards fostering growth in the power; gas pipeline and oil and gas sectors and we will continue to deploy our extensive debt arranging experience and structuring expertise in executing robust transactions in record time,” Akinkugbe said.

    Director and Head Debt Solutions, FBN Capital Limited, Patrick Mgbenwelu, added that FBN Capital remained committed to further strengthening and supporting Seven Energy in realising its various financing goals and objectives.

    Commenting on the transaction, Chief Executive Officer, Seven Energy International Limited, Phillip Ihenacho, said the financing deal was a landmark transaction as it will enable the company to expand its midstream operations in Nigeria.

    “It is a perfect fit to our strategy of investing in core midstream infrastructure assets in the south east region of the country. I would also like to thank the entire team for their achievement in bringing this important financing transaction to a close,” Ihenacho said.

    According to the him, in consolidating the gas infrastructure assets of Accugas and EHGC, Accugas aims to strengthen its distribution platform, increase efficiency and broaden its geographical reach, furthering Seven Energy’s intention to create a leading gas distribution business in Nigeria.

    Chief Financial Officer, Seven Energy International, Bruce Burrows commended the lenders-FBN Bank (UK) Limited and Ecobank Nigeria Limited, for their support and dedication to ensure that the completion of the EHGC acquisition process was in line with the sponsors’ timetable.

    He also noted FBN Capital’s role, particularly in working closely with Seven Energy, the lenders and the various independent consultants in concluding the transaction.

  • Assault: Police seal off night club

    A night club proprietor has accused the police of attempting to destroy his business over the stabbing of an 18-year-old girl in the place last week.

    Chief Dennis Okafor, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Pearl Harbour Nite Club, said contrary to the police claim, he did not attempt to cover up the case.

    The club has since been sealed off, pending the out come of investigation.

    A former councillor, Onimole Babatunde allegedly stabbed Mariam Abubakar, 18, in the neck at the club for reportedly refusing his love adances.

    Okafor was said to have cleaned off the mess and refused to take the victim to the hospital. Denying a cover-up, Okafor said: “After the incident, we went to the police two times to get a police report to enable us take the victim to the hospital, but they refused. The incident happened on Thursday and the police did not see the girl until Saturday. I took them to where the girl was hospitalised. The day the Investigating Police Officer (IPO), came here to invite me to the station, he said he was inviting me for a case of homicide, that a girl was killed in my Nite Club. As at this time they have not seen the girl or any of her family members to ascertain her condition,” Okafor lamented.

    Okafor who owns a hotel, Rochaster Garden, beside the Nite Club, said he had already submitted a protest letter to the Area Commander, Mr Dan Okoro, an Assistant Commissioner (ACP), who he alleged was using his office to intimidate and harass him unnecessarily.

    Okafor argued that a Nite Club is a public place and there are bound to be incidents of assault, but that it was wrong for the police to hold their owners for offences committed by their customers.

    He noted that in as much as FESTAC residents are happy with what the police are doing in the community, the use of positions and ranks to intimidate hoteliers, is getting out of hand.

    “Since the case of Cynthia we have not rested. The police came to my hotel and without due process, ordered the search of all the rooms in the hotel. Thirty-five rooms where searched one after the other while guests were still lodged inside. After that search, most of our guests felt embarrassed and checked out.

    “We have not had up to 10 guests since that day. We complied with all the recommendations of checking in guests laid down by the Nigerian Tourism Board, and the police are doing everything in their power to destroy us. We cannot understand where all these are coming from,” Okafor said.

    He said he was unhappy that the name of his facility is been destroyed by the police after they have arrested the suspect.

    He said that he would not stop the police from carrying out a proper investigation of the incident, but not at the detriment of his business.

    He urged the police high command to order the immediate reopening of his facility as he is losing money daily to the closure.

    The suspect, Babatunde, had allegedly stabbed Abubakar in the neck with a broken bottle at the Nite Club located at 41 Road FESTAC Town on October 26, over her refusal to accept his love advances.

    It was gathered that the ex-councillor, who is highly connected in Amowo-Odofin Local Government Area where he served in one of the wards, had boasted after the attack that he would kill Abubakar for refusing him and nothing will happen. The Commissioner of Police, Umar Manko, confirmed the incident and the arrest of the suspect. He said the matter is still been investigated.