In a recent development at the Federal High Court, Justice Binta Nyako issued a stern warning, suggesting the possible indefinite adjournment of Nnamdi Kanu’s trial, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The impetus behind this threat stems from Nyako’s insistence on commencing the trial only when the defense is fully prepared, echoing concerns raised by Kanu’s lawyer, Alloy Ejimakor.
Ejimakor said adequate preparation was needed due to the accelerated hearing granted by the court. He lamented the challenges faced in adequately preparing his client, including limitations within the facility where Kanu is being held.
Moreover, Ejimakor raised alarming allegations against the Department of State Services (DSS), accusing them of covert surveillance through hidden cameras within the meeting room designated for the trial.
Contrary to the defense’s assertions, the prosecution, represented by lawyer Awomolo, urged the court to dismiss the application, arguing that the defense had not provided sufficient grounds to support their claims.
In response to these conflicting arguments, Justice Nyako announced an adjournment to May 20, during which she would deliberate on the pending applications. she also directed the prosecution to initiate trial proceedings.
Justice Nyako also granted a brief recess to allow the defense lawyers an opportunity to confer with Kanu.
Popular Instagram personality Cubana Chief Priest, real name Pascal Okechukwu, has entered a plea of not guilty against allegations of naira abuse.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) leveled a three-count charge against him, accusing him of abusing the naira at a social event, a violation of the Central Bank Act of 2007.
This development follows the recent arraignment of controversial figure Bobrisky on similar charges, which resulted in a six-month jail term.
Appearing before Justice Kehinde Ogundare at the Federal High Court, Lagos, Cubana Chief Priest formally denied the charges levelled against him.
Following his plea, the court granted him bail in the sum of ₦10 million, which required two sureties of good standing, employed either by the federal or state government at no less than grade level 16, with verifiable landed property documents.In addition, Cubana Chief Priest was directed to surrender his travel passport to the court custody.
Bail conditions must be fulfilled within seven days, with his release contingent on his lawyer’s undertaking to produce him when required; failure to comply may lead to remand in a correctional facility.
The EFCC’s prosecutor, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), along with seven other lawyers representing the Commission, filed the charges on April 4th.
The charges detail instances of alleged naira abuse, citing specific events where Cubana Chief Priest reportedly sprayed N500 notes issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Cubana Chief Priest has disclosed plans to challenge the jurisdiction of the court to hear the charges, with a hearing scheduled for May 2nd.
President Bola Tinubu has praised Dangote Oil and Gas Limited for slashing the price of Automotive Gas Oil (diesel), which he says will herald economic relief for Nigeria.
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale made this known in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday
Diesel, predominantly used by industries and haulage vehicles for nationwide goods transportation, plays a central role in Nigeria’s economy. The reduction in diesel price is therefore poised to ripple across sectors, potentially reducing the current surge in prices nationwide.
Dangote recently announced a substantial price adjustment, lowering the price of AGO from N1,650 to N1,000 per litre for purchases of one million litres or more. Also a discount of N30 per litre is provided for purchases exceeding five million litres.
Ngelale stated that this reduction marks a significant 60 per cent drop in price, and will be a relief for consumers and businesses alike.
President Tinubu says the pivotal role of Nigerians and domestic businesses will help to propel the nation towards economic prosperity.
With the federal government holding a 20 per cent stake in Dangote Refinery, Tinubu stressed the importance of more public-private partnerships in fostering national well-being.
While he encourages Nigerians and businesses to prioritize national interests, Tinubu assured them of a conducive, safe, and secure environment for growth and prosperity.
The much-anticipated court arraignment of Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and others, has been delayed as the Kano State Government was unable to serve criminal charges against them.
Ganduje, alongside his wife, Hafsat Ganduje, his son Abdullahi Umar, and five others, were slated to answer to eight counts, including allegations of bribery amounting to $413,000 and the misappropriation of ₦1.38bn.
During the court session on Wednesday, counsel for the Kano State Government, Y. A. Adamu, revealed the plaintiff’s inability to serve the respondents personally, leading to the stalling of the proceedings.
Adamu sought to file an exparte motion application to serve the respondents through substituted means. However, counsel to the 6th respondent, Nureini Jimoh, SAN, strongly objected, stressing the need for due diligence and the absence of provisions for exparte service on criminal charges.
In response, Jimoh vowed to challenge any such move at the Court of Appeal, for procedural integrity.Presiding judge, Justice Na’abba, subsequently adjourned the proceedings until April 29, 2024, for further deliberations.
In a breakthrough at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Professor Elizabeth Odetoye, a leading mind in Chemical Engineering, has successfully produced biodiesel from chicken eggshells, offering a promising stride in homegrown technology for Nigeria.
Odetoye, in a discussion with reporters in Ilorin, revealed the pioneering method termed “transesterification experiment,” showcasing eggshells as a cost-effective catalyst for biodiesel production.
She shared on the potential of eggshells to not only enhance biodiesel production but also reduce waste in the poultry industry, aligning with sustainable practices.
Biodiesel, positioned as a sustainable fuel alternative, faces a challenge in the cost of production as compared to fossil fuels, a challenge Odetoye acknowledged.
Expanding on biofuel’s scope, the professor explained its various forms, which includes biocrude, bio-oil, and bioethanol, indicating Nigeria’s vast reserves of biomass waiting to be harnessed for environmentally friendly energy solutions.
Odetoye warned against the environmental hazards of biomass residue burning, advocating for pyrolysis as a means to convert these waste into valuable resources. This she said will create employment opportunities and foster a cleaner, healthier environment for the nation.
With this innovation, UNILORIN contributes to Nigeria’s journey towards sustainable energy and economic prosperity, paving the way for a greener future.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to arraign former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, before a Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday.
Head of Media and Publicity for the EFCC, Mr. Dele Oyewale, confirmed the development, following a siege on Bello’s residence in Abuja by the commission.
Bello will face charges alongside three other suspects, Ali Bello, Dauda Suleiman, and Abdulsalam Hudu, totaling 19 counts of money laundering amounting to N80 billion.
The arraignment follows a court-issued warrant of arrest and enrollment order granted to the EFCC on Wednesday.
Among the charges, Bello is accused of conspiring to convert N80 billion, part of the proceeds of unlawful activity, in violation of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act.
Count 17 of the charges alleges Bello’s involvement in aiding E-Traders International Limited to conceal over N3 billion in an Access Bank account, while count 18 accuses him of indirectly procuring the transfer of over $570,000 to a U.S. bank account.
The EFCC noted that its attempt to execute the warrant of arrest was met with resistance, as the current Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, facilitated Bello’s removal from his residence.
Officers from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have laid seige to the home of ex-Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, in Wuse Zone 4 of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
Witnesses report that a tight blockade by EFCC personnel commenced early Wednesday morning, raising speculation and curiosity among onlookers.
The purpose behind this operation remains undisclosed at present, with attempts to glean information from the EFCC officials proving futile.
Yahaya Bello’s legal troubles have been escalating, particularly after the EFCC indicted him in an alleged misappropriation of approximately N100 billion, supposedly committed prior to his assumption of office in September 2015.
This recent development comes hot on the heels of a legal battle between Bello and the EFCC, where the agency amended its suit to include the former governor.
The charges revolve around accusations of financial mismanagement and money laundering, drawing attention to Bello’s tenure as Kogi State governor.Responding to the EFCC’s presence, Bello’s media office released a statement, accusing the agency of flouting a court injunction barring his arrest or harassment pending the outcome of ongoing legal proceedings.
The statement called upon influential figures, including President Bola Tinubu, to intervene and restrain the EFCC’s actions.
In an effort to elevate consumer standards and promote exceptional service across the Nigerian economy, Mr. Akonte Ekine, the innovative mind behind Absolute PR Limited and brandXchange, has called on Nigerians to actively participate in the Consumer Value Awards to rank top performing brands.
As an online award program the consumer awards empowers consumers to vote for brands, products and services that demonstrate excellence and reliability in their respective fields.
According to Ekine, Categories for awards covers 46 different categories over a variety of sectors, from technology and education to government policy and entrepreneurship where available consumer have the opportunity to vote their preferred brands, while helping to shape quality standards in the market
“We have initiated the voting process by reaching out to all nominated brands, encouraging them to motivate their customers to participate in the voting at www.consumersvalueawards.com, the voting process is meticulously crafted to maintain the highest integrity and accuracy. Mr. Ekine said
While he shared that this initiative also serves as a platform for consumers to steer clear of inferior or counterfeit products by identifying and endorsing brands that are reputable and trustworthy, the brandXchange boss urged participation from consumers to contribute by helping promotes quality aming brands.
“On visiting our website, voters are required to select a brand within any of the categories, after which they are prompted to enter their email address. This action will require a One-Time Password (OTP) which will be sent to the voter, this is to ensure a secure and verified voting process.
“By entering the OTP received, voters confirm their identity, allowing them to cast their vote. We use this system to prevents multiple votes by the same individuals or even the brands themselves.
We want to ensure a fair and transparent outcome where the true voice of the consumer is heard,” Mr. Ekine sharedHe stated further that the consumer value awards is of importance for consumers given the current economic challenges, marked by hyperinflation, as consumers’ recommendations of quality products and services become more invaluable.
“In times like these your neighbor is your best adviser, they are the ones who can tell you where to find the best products and services.
So, by voting, consumers are not only identifying top brands but are also helping guide others in the community”, he stated.To Participate in the Consumer Value Awards
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended Jim Obazee Jim Obazee, appointed after concluding his investigation of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which resulted in the indictment of its former governor, Godwin Emefiele.
Obazee’s investigation, initiated under the directive of President Tinubu, aimed to scrutinize the operations of the CBN and related entities.
The conclusion of the investigation comes after a thorough examination and analysis of pertinent financial data and operational procedures within the central bank.
According to sources close to the investigation, Obazee’s findings include allegations of financial irregularities and misconduct implicating Emefiele in his capacity as the governor of the CBN.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has thanked Obazee on Friday, and wished him success in his future endeavours.
Ajuri Ngelale, the presidential spokesman, said in a statement: ” The President commends Mr Obazee for the dedication and professionalism he exercised in handling the complexities of this critical national assignment.
”Subsequent to the conclusion of the assignment and the submission of a final comprehensive report, and with the winding up of all apparatuses used during the scope of the task, which terminated on March 31, 2024, the investigation is formally closed, with all appropriate law enforcement and regulatory agencies already conducting follow-up action.
”The President thanks Mr. Obazee for answering the call of duty while wishing him success in his future endeavours.”Obazee is a former Chief Executive Officer of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria.
Born Jim Osayande Obazee, on March 28, 1965, he is a native of Edo State. The 58-year-old holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Benin.He proceeded to the University of Lagos for a Master’s in the same discipline.
He served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, from November 2010 to January 2017.
The ex-FRC boss is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, and a member of the Nigeria Institute of Management, as well as the American Accounting Association.
Obazee is certified in Strategic Financial Analysis for Business Evaluation from Harvard University, United States of America.
Obazee was on secondment to the Financial Accounting Standard Board, USA, and the Atlantic Schools of Business, Canada.
He served as the Chairman of the 29th Session of the International Standards of Accounting and Reporting and also chaired the Committee of the Roadmap to the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards in Nigeria.
Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mr. Dotun Oyelade, has denounced the armed incursion at the State Secretariat by self-proclaimed Yoruba Nation agitators, labeling it as terrorism.
Speaking on Monday, Oyelade condemned the violent act, stating that there are more constructive ways to advocate for causes without resorting to violence.
He pointed to the example of Prof. Banji Akintoye, a prominent Yoruba Nation advocate, as embodying the essence of wisdom and civilization within the Yoruba community.
He condemned the attempt to forcibly enter the legislative chambers with an arsenal of seven pump-action submachine guns and over 700 live cartridges as an act of terrorism.
The commissioner revealed that the sponsors behind the invasion of the governor’s office and the State House of Assembly on Saturday have put the arrested suspects in serious legal jeopardy.
He reiterated that despite the incident, Oyo State maintains its status as one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria, with the events of Saturday not altering the tranquility and peaceful coexistence among residents.
Oyelade assured that normalcy has been restored in Ibadan, the state capital, with residents resuming their daily activities without disruption.
The attempted takeover of the Oyo State Government Secretariat by a group claiming to be Yoruba Nation agitators was thwarted by security forces on Saturday, resulting in the arrest of 20 individuals dressed in military attire.
