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Tag: United Kingdom

  • NAF trains Provosts on crime investigation 30 years after

    Inaugurates forensic laboratory, provost group

     

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Monday said it had trained 16 Provost personnel on core crime investigative skills and others in crime scene investigation.

    These trainings, according to the Chief of the Air Staff  (CAS) Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar were last conducted 30-years-ago.

    Abubakar spoke in Lagos at the inauguration of the NAF’s remodelled Forensic Crime Laboratory and the new 057 Provost Investigation Group.

    According to him, the accuracy in the collection, review and analysis of evidence by law enforcement agencies and the ability of the court to fairly judge the strength of evidence was the bedrock of criminal justice administration.

    He said after a gap analysis of the structure of the NAF, it had become obvious the new expanded NAF Force Structure required a law enforcement arm with the capacity to effectively employ scientific approaches in all facets of its critical competencies.

    “Already, in conjunction with foreign partners from the United Kingdom, we have trained 16 Provost personnel in the Core Investigative Skills and Interview course.

    “Another set of 16 personnel will in four days’ time be concluding the Crime Scene Investigation Course here in 057 Provost Investigation Group.

    “In another development, the investigative capacity of the provost would be enhanced through the training of 10 Provost Officers in Advanced Detective Course at the Police Staff College, Jos, within the last quarter of the year.

    “Akin to the development of investigative and forensic skills, the NAF is also at an advanced stage of expanding and enhancing its utilisation of Military Working Dogs to boost the physical security of NAF critical mission essential areas.

    “This growth is equally projected to create the capacity for the Air Provost to be integrated in the conduct of Combat Search and Rescue operations in the Service.

    Read Also: NAF destroys Boko Haram vehicles

    “In the same vein, 140 Air Provost personnel will commence the Force Protection in Complex Air Ground Environment training, in conjunction with the British Military Advisory Training Team (B-MAT).

    “Furthermore, the rejuvenation of the Air Provost’s Explosive Ordnance Detection capability is projected to commence by the end of this year,” he said.

    Abubakar said the NAF’s recent push to make inroads in the development of the capacity and capability of the Air Provost was premised on the need to have a proactive police force that would nip threats in the bud.

    He said: “This would also provide the enabling environment for NAF personnel to freely discharge their duties in furtherance of the Service’s constitutional responsibilities,” he said.

    Inaugurating the facility, the Inspector General of Police (IG) Ibrahim Idris said without the objective evidence obtained through scientific analysis, many crime cases would have gone unsolved and the perpetrators unpunished.

    He said: “Forensic science is an integral part of the criminal justice system. It is vital in aiding the investigation of a crime and detection of criminals, as well as proving the innocence of people suspected of crimes that they did not commit.

    “It is thus, a veritable tool for not only detection and prosecution, but also deterrence.”

    The IG said that evidence was the cornerstone in modern police investigation, adding that witnesses could fall, be misunderstood, be influenced or contaminated.

    “This effort by the Chief of the Air Staff in providing a befitting and functional environment and making inroads in the application of forensics in policing is laudable.

    “It is a testimony of the Nigerian Air Force leadership’s commitment to push the boundaries and improve on the methodologies and technological platforms to detect and analyze evidence of crime in the service,” he said.

    Commander Air Provost Investigation Group, Group Captain Garba Bello said the provision of the facilities would enhance the capacity of the NAF provost personnel in carrying out their duties, especially in the area of criminal investigations.

    “These would significantly assist Air Provost Investigators in obtaining credible evidence for successful prosecution of cases in a court of law while at the same time adding to the country’s crime fighting resources,” he said.

     

  • EFInA boosts financial inclusion with $2m FinTech Challenge Fund

    Enhancing Financial Innovation & Access (EFInA) has launched a $2 million Financial Technology (FinTech) challenge fund for FinTech firms.

    The fund is expected to boost the  usage of financial services by the low-income population in Nigeria.

    EFInA used the opportunity offered by the recent visit of the British Prime Minister Theresa May to Nigeria to introduce the fund.

    At a business networking event hosted by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Paul Arkwright, last Wednesday, EFInA’s Chair, Segun Akerele, introduced EFInA as a financial sector development organisation that promotes financial inclusion in Nigeria.

    The company’s mission is to make the financial sector work better for the poor. He explained further that EFInA is funded by the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID) and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. DFID is a United Kingdom government department responsible for administering overseas aid.

    Read Also: Financial inclusion: BoI’s Trader Moni raises the bar

    In launching the fund Mrs Bunmi Lawson, EFInA Board member, said: “Following our recent request for information at our FinTech Outreach Forum, it gives me great pleasure to announce the launch of a new $2 million fund for start-up and growth stage FinTech firms looking to increase access to financial products and services for the poor as well as reduce the rate of financial exclusion in the country”.

    Mrs. Lawson continued: “The aim of the fund is to stimulate and catalyse the financial technology delivery channels provided by the FinTechs. The fund, to be known as “The FinTech Challenge Fund”, will be used to pilot and support the development of innovative financial products & services through the use of digital technology. In addition, the new fund will support projects that help strengthen financial resilience in Nigeria by aligning innovation and modern technology with the needs of the target audience.

    “As we see changes happening faster and faster in our environment, we have to anticipate and step up our pace as well.

    ‘’There is immense opportunity in this market and our aim is to see to it that Nigerians are well placed to take advantage of these new opportunities and in the process reduce poverty and boost our GDP.”

    She added that the grants will cover a range of $50,000 up to $200,000 for the “FinTech Challenge 1 Grant” and a range of $200,000 to $500,000 for the Fintech Challenge 2 Grant”.

    She said more information about the grants would be made available to prospective applicants at the formal Request for Proposal event to be held by the company soon.

    The event, which held at the FMDQ Exchange Place in Victoria Island and it was attended by the British Prime Minister and various UK Government officials and a high-level delegation of UK-based CEOs and their Nigerian counterparts.

  • Buhari to Theresa May: 2019 Election will be free, fair, credible

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday in Abuja assured the United Kingdom (UK) Prime Minister, Theresa May of his commitment to conducting free, fair and credible elections in 2019.

    He made the remark during a bilateral meeting with the visiting Prime Minister at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    President Buhari, according to a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina, welcomed UK’s support at strengthening democratic institutions in the country.

    He said ‘‘I assure you that I’m all out for free, fair and credible elections. I’m very pleased that my party is doing very well. The High Commissioner will brief you more. The recent successes in polls in Katsina, Bauchi, and Kogi have boosted our morale greatly.

    ‘‘Nigeria has accepted multiparty democracy and that is putting politicians on their toes, forcing them to work harder,’’ he said.

    On the anti-corruption campaign, the President applauded the British support to the country, noting that the success of the fight was very important to ordinary people in the country.

    He went on “We had great opportunities and resources between 1999 and 2014, due to high oil prices. But when we came in 2015, oil prices plunged to as low as 37 dollars per barrel.

    ‘‘What we have been doing since 2015 is to focus on infrastructure development, despite low earnings. Work is ongoing in roads, rail, power, and many others.”

    On Brexit, President Buhari noted that it provides an opportunity to strengthen the historic ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

    Read Also: Buhari visits Theresa May in London

    ‘‘We are nervously watching the development about Brexit because we know that the relationship had been on for a long time.  I assure you that I am prepared to strengthen the relationship between our two countries.’’

    The President also thanked the UK government for the support on security and the fight against insurgency in the North Eastern part of Nigeria, and the improved trade relations between both countries.

    ‘‘I am very grateful to the British government under you leadership for the help in security, particularly your training team that is in our institution in Kaduna,’’ he said.

    Speaking earlier before the bilateral meeting, the Nigerian leader underscored the need for UK support on reviving of Lake Chad, which is a means of livelihood for millions of people.

    The President told the visiting Prime Minister that Europe and China were already conducting an in-depth study on recharging the Lake through inter-basin transfer from the Central African Republic.

    In her remarks, Prime Minister Theresa May, who welcomed the assurance by the Nigerian government on credible elections in 2019, said she was pleased to be in Abuja to continue the ‘‘excellent discussions’’ she started with President Buhari in London in April, this year, particularly on security, trade, asset recovery and the fight against corruption.

    ‘‘Security and defence cooperation are very important steps to address Boko Haram and Islamic State in West Africa,’’ May said.

    On asset recovery, the Prime Minister told President Buhari: ‘‘We do not want to hold anything that belongs to Nigeria people, but we follow the judicial process, which can be slow.’’

    The Prime Minister appealed to President Buhari to use his position as ECOWAS Chair to keep the issue of human trafficking on the front burner in the sub-region.

    President Buhari and Prime Minister May witnessed the signing of two agreements: Security and Defence Partnership and Economic Development Forum Agreement.

     

  • Nigerian-born Uty Pius to storm Southampton with gospel concert

    The second event in the One Voice Concert series  is set to  hold in Victory Centre, Portswood Road, Southampton, United Kingdom come September 29, 2018.

    This time, it promises to be bigger and more colourful featuring a wider variety of gospel music, art and performers.

    And fresh from releasing her single, ‘Let the People Say Amen’, UK-based Nigerian gospel singer and convener of the One Voice Concert project, Uty Pius, will also be dropping her EP ‘Exceeding Grace’ at the event.

    Other artistes that would be performing at the concert include London-based worship leader and guitarist, Jeph Levi, British-Nigerian gospel singer, songwriter and physiotherapist Tosin Oyelakin and Anointed Mark, another UK based Nigerian gospel minister, producer and songwriter.

    Also featuring are Charles Olay, a saxophonist, multi-instrumental musician and multi-discipline professional based in Liverpool, Afrodynamix, an African-Caribbean mainly student dance group coming in from the University of Southampton; Prince Promise, Southcoast Brass, Martyn Thomas the trumpeter and rapper Krystak K.

    The One Voice concert series is Pius’ divinely inspired project to unite the ‘Body of Christ’.

    “It is an initiative that seeks to bring worshipers from every background, every persuasion together to fellowship in an atmosphere of worship.”

  • Breaking: FG unveils name, livery for National Carrier 

    The Federal Government has unveiled the name and livery for the national carrier that would be launched at the end of this year.

    The name; ‘Nigeria Air’ was unveiled by the Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika at the Farnborough Airshow in the United Kingdom on Wednesday.

    The event had in attendance, stakeholders, aircraft manufacturers, prospective investors and Nigerian government delegation including the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Transportation, Sabiu Zakari.

    Others who were in attendance include; Chairman, Senate Committee on Aviation Senator Adamu Aliero, and Chairperson, House Committee on Aviation, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.

    Read Also:National Carrier: Sirika meets aircraft manufacturers investors in UK

    According to a statement by the Deputy Director, Media and Public Affairs of the ministry, James Odaudu, the government came up with the name after it engaged over 400,000 people on social media.

    Speaking after the unveiling, Sirika, said: “I am very pleased to tell you that we are finally on track to launching a new national flag carrier for our country: Nigeria Air.

    “We are all fully committed to fulfilling the campaign promise made by our President, Muhammadu Buhari in 2015.  We are aiming to launch Nigeria Air by the end of this year.

    “I want to personally thank our Transaction Advisers, led by AMG, and the special Task Force, who have worked diligently to achieve the results so far and overcome the challenges involved.

    “We obtained the Certificate of Compliance from the Nigerian Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) two weeks ago and can now go into the investor search. I am confident that we will have a well-run national flag carrier, a global player, compliant to international safety standards, one which has the customer at its heart.

    “We hope to establish an airline that communicates the essence of our beautiful country, an airline we can all be proud of”, he said.

    On how it came up with thr name and livery for the carrier, the minister said: “Following extensive market research, the branding of our new airline, Nigeria Air, demonstrates a true flag carrier of our nation, soaring through the skies in the shape of our nation’s eagle.”

    “The branding and naming of the new national carrier comes on the back of a social media campaign undertaken under the auspices of The Ministry of Transportation (Aviation) which invited Nigerian youth and students for their input and creativity to come up with a name for the new Nigerian flag carrier.

    “The Facebook page and websitenameyourairlinenigeria engaged over 400,000 people up until the deadline for submissions, which was on 25th June 2018.

    “In addition, detailed and extensive market research was commissioned by the Ministry of Transportation (Aviation), which involved focus groups across Nigeria and over 100 interviews with aviation stakeholders and professionals, politicians, Nigerian business owners, students and a broad spectrum of people across Nigeria.”

    He said the research concluded that Nigeria is a proud nation with diverse populace, a strong cultural heritage and a people that are hungry for a unifying national flag carrier.

    Sirika also said that the Nigerian Government will support the launch of the new flag carrier with viability gap funding, in a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement to deliver a national flag carrier, guided by the international ICAO standards that will stand the IOSA audit from the start, and lead to a fast IATA membership for international operation.

    He assured Nigerians and the international community that government had learnt a lot of lessons from the experience of the defunct Nigeria Airways, and now determined not to repeat the mistakes that led to its demise.

    This, he said, informed the decision to take the Public Private Partnership (PPP) approach.

    The Minister also explained that the unveiling of the airline at the Farnborough International Airshow was cognisant of the fact that being the largest congregation of global aviation industry players, the event affords the best opportunity to market the airline to prospective investors and register it in the minds of all stakeholders ahead of its formal launch billed to take place in Abuja before the end of the year.

    He also the Ministry was also currently running an aviation road map that includes airport concessions, Aerotropolis, an aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Center, agro allied terminals, the National Carrier and an aircraft leasing company.

  • Alleged money laundering: EFCC opposes SAN’s bid to travel abroad

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Monday opposed an application by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Mr. Dele Belgore praying the Federal High Court in Lagos for permission to attend his daughter’s graduation in the United Kingdom.

    Belgore is on trial with a former National Planning Minister Prof Abubakar Suleiman and former Petroleum Resources Minister Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke (who is said to be at large).

    EFCC said they “directly took possession of the sum N450million,” adding that they “reasonably ought to have known (that the money) forms part of the proceeds of unlawful act.”

    It also accused them of “indirectly” using the sum of N450million on March 27, 2015 and making cash payment of N450million, which exceeded the amount authorised by law.

    Belgore, through his lawyer Mr. Ebun Shofunde (SAN) prayed the court to order the release of his passport to enable him to attend his daughter’s July 4 graduation as a medical doctor from the University of London, UK.

    The SAN said he also plans to visit his doctor in the UK for a medical check-up in the last week of August.

    But, prosecuting counsel for Rotimi argued that since Belgore had a pending application urging the court to quash the charges, he had no right to seek favour from the court until his application was decided.

    He asked: “Can a party challenging the validity of proceedings be asking for favour from the same court?”

    Justice Rilwan Aikawa adjourned the application, as well the pending one challenging the charge, for hearing.

    The judge granted Sulaiman’s application to change his counsel from Chief Tunji Ayanlaja (SAN) to Mr. Tayo Oyetibo (SAN).

    A lawyer from Oyetibo’s law firm, Mr. Olaniran Obele, appeared for Sulaiman Monday.

    In the nine-count amended charge, EFCC accused Alison-Madueke, Belgore and Suleiman of making cash payment of N10million to a Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Kwara State Dr Emmanuel Onucheyo.

    The commission said they also paid N10million to a Commissioner of Police in the state Garba Saliu.

    According to EFCC, they allegedly made the payments on March 27, 2015 without going through a financial institution.

    The sums, the commission said, exceeded the amount authorised by law and violated Section 1(a) and Section 16 (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act of 2012 and punishable under Section 16 (2) (b).

    The defendants were also accused in the amended charge of making cash payment of N61, 656,000 to Isa Biu on the same day, exceeding what is authorised by law.

    EFCC said they also paid N87, 962,000 to Sola Adeoti and Hajiya Dankaka on the same day “without going through a financial institution.”

    According to the commission, Mrs. Alison-Madueke, Belgore and Sulieman, on the same day, made cash payment of N50million to one Sheriff Shagaya, an amount exceeding what is authorised by law.

    They pleaded not guilty.

    Justice Aikawa adjourned until Thursday for hearing.

  • UK regrets U.S. withdrawal from UN Human Rights Council

    The United Kingdom has expressed regret over the decision of the U.S. to withdraw from the UN Human Rights Council.

    UK Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson, in a statement by the United Kingdom Mission to the UN, said Britain wants to see a reformed council but would work for it from within.

    “The United States’ decision to withdraw from the Human Rights Council is regrettable.

    “We’ve made no secret of the fact that the UK wants to see reform of the Human Rights Council, but we are committed to working to strengthen the Council from within,’’ Johnson said.

    The U.S., while announcing its withdrawal, said the “Council has become an exercise in shameless hypocrisy – with many of the world’s worst human rights abuses going ignored and some of the world’s most serious offenders sitting on the council itself’’.

    It also said the council’s membership includes authoritarian governments with unambiguous and abhorrent human rights records, such as China, Cuba, and Venezuela.

    Read Also: Boko Haram: UN tasks Nigeria on stigmatisation of girls

    “And the council’s continued and well-documented bias against Israel is unconscionable.

    “Since its creation, the council has adopted more resolutions condemning Israel than against the rest of the world combined,’’ the U.S. said.

    The UK said, however, that the council was the best tool for the international community to address global impunity.

    “Britain’s support for the Human Rights Council remains steadfast.

    “It is the best tool the international community has to address impunity in an imperfect world and to advance many of our international goals.

    “That’s why we will continue to support and champion it,’’ Johnson said.

  • ANEEJ’ Director invited for UNCAC panel

    Her Majesty the Queen’s Government and the United States government have invited ANEEJ executive director, the Rev David Ugolor to the UN Convention against Corruption Asset Recovery Working Group, June 7, 2018 in Vienna, Austria.

    A letter from the Office of Anti-Crime Programs of the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement, the US Department of State, said that in building upon the outcomes of the inaugural Global Forum on Asset Recovery (GFAR), this side event will focus on how countries are promoting transparency and accountability in asset recovery processes through successful implementation of the GFAR Principles for Disposition and Transfer of Confiscated Stolen Assets in Corruption Cases.

    A panel of experts, to include the Rev David Ugolor, will focus on several of the GFAR Principles and share experiences and good practices on how their countries have put them into practice through concrete examples to ensure transparency and accountability in the repatriation of recovered assets.

    In addition, the Office of Anti-Crime of the UD Department of State said that ‘given ANEEJ work and broader engagement on this issue through the UNCAC Coalition, the United States and the UK governments said they decided to invite the Rev David Ugolor to participate on a panel to share lessons learned and best practices from the perspective of civil society’.

    Other panelists will include representatives from the United Kingdom, the United States, Switzerland, Nigeria and Sri Lanka. A representative from the Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative (StAR) will moderate the panel.

  • 27 Nigerians languishing in Tanzania prisons without trial

    A former Chairman of the Law Society Charity organization, Nigel Doddy, on Wednesday raised alarm about the cases of 27 Nigerians languishing in Tanzania prisons without trial.

    He took the matter to the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Doddy, who is from the United Kingdom and had visited Tanzanian prisons, urged the Nigerian government to step in and ensure that the Nigerians get justice.

    He said: “I’m here to follow up on some reports I gathered in Tanzania two years ago, concerning Nigerians being detained without trial. I was able to identify 27 Nigerians who were detained at the time without trial

    “Importantly, at least four of them remain detained today. The problem is detention without trial. I’m not concerned about whether they are guilty or innocent, what I am concerned about is that they should be taken to courts for trial.

    “The delays provide opportunities for evidences to get lost or stolen.” he said

    He pointed out that Tanzanian lawyers have been extorting monies from those Nigerians in prisons without doing anything for them.

    He also said that the other issue that concerns him was the humanitarian matter concerning Nigerians in Tanzania.

    According to him, he was able to identify three humanitarian cases.

    He said “The first was a pastor being detained for immigration reasons, awaiting deportation back to Nigeria. For six to eight months, this has not been done. Most seriously, a youth who also has immigration issues and in mental hospital, was sent to prison. He has been there for several months, and I think the Nigerian high commissioner should take action to secure his return to Nigeria

    “The third humanitarian issue is a Nigerian woman who has been sentenced to life imprisonment, clearly guilty. She should be repatriated to Nigeria to serve her sentence here.” he said

    He also alleged of rampant stereotype issues against any Nigerian entering Tanzania.

    While noting that diplomatic missions cannot interfere with judicial processes of other countries, he said that they can mount pressure on officials of the country to respect their own rules.

    Speaking at the brief meeting, Dabiri-Erewa, thanked him for his concern for the 27 Nigerians in Tanzania prisons.

    “We will look at these matters and ensure that justice is done quickly.” she said

    She assured that the new Nigeria High Commissioner in Tanzania would be on top of the issues.

    She also appealed to Nigerians wherever they go to continue to remain good ambassadors of Nigeria.

    For the woman sentenced to life imprisonment in Tanzania, she noted that nothing can be done with her case since there is no transfer treaty between Nigeria and Tanzania.

  • 2019: We’ll pay for Buhari’s nomination form – APC UK

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) United Kingdom chapter, said it would pay for Expression of Interest and Nomination form for President Muhammadu Buhari to re-contest in 2019.

    The chapter made the promise in a statement by its Spokesman, Mr Jacob Ogunseye, on Tuesday in Abuja, following Buhari’s declaration on Monday that he would seek a second term.

    It said that the president’s declaration was reasonable and satisfactory, adding that his second term would make Nigeria stronger as well as preserve the tenets of democracy in the country.

    It stated that the chapter`s expectations had been met by Buhari`s declaration, and assured that it would work assiduously for the electoral success of the APC at all levels.

    President Buhari needs to consolidate on the achievements his administration has recorded in over three years, especially in economic growth, anti-graft war, security and youth development.

    “He deserves a second term and we are proud that he has yielded and declared his readiness to re-contest the election as Nigeria’s President in 2019 in earnest.

    “His administration’s achievements in the areas of security, economic growth, anti-corruption war and social development and other areas are visible to Nigerians,’’ the chapter said.

    It added that Nigerians should consider the re-election bid as a major step to consolidate and re-invent the country into an emerging economic and democratic world power.

    It called on Nigerians across the world, irrespective of religion and geographical location, to see the re-election bid of the president as a major step that would help Nigeria to stabilise.

     

    NAN