Thursday, January 30, 2025
Home Blog Page 1842

NIS Places Yahaya Bello on Watchlist over Alleged N80bn Fraud

Admin
-
0

The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has put former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, on its watchlist to prevent him from leaving the country. This action follows the withdrawal of all police officers attached to him by the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun.

In a circular dated April 18, 2024, the NIS alerted the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) to effect Bello’s arrest. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had earlier declared Bello wanted in connection to an alleged case of money laundering amounting to N80.2bn.

The EFCC had on Wednesday attempted to arrest Bello, unsuccessfully, leading to the agency declaring him wanted on its official Facebook page. The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), in response criticized the obstruction of Bello’s arrest by his successor, Governor Usman Ododo, which he termed “insufferably disquieting.

”The circular issued by the NIS contained Bello’s name, nationality, and passport number, and stated that he is being prosecuted before the Federal High Court Abuja for Conspiracy, Breach of Trust, and Money Laundering. It instructed that if Bello be arrested if seen at any entry or exit point, and referred to the Director of Investigation.

In response to the EFCC’s actions, Bello’s Media Office accused the anti-corruption agency of engaging in a political witch-hunt against him, citing what they described as “curious and endless scenarios of duplicated charges, cross-charges, counter, and frivolous charges.”

WACC and JFC Launch Innovative Initiative to Combat Gender-Based Violence

Admin
-
0

Christian media groups, Journalists For Christ International Outreach (JFC) Nigeria and the World Association for Christian Communication, Africa Region (WACC-AR), have launched an advocacy project to combat misogyny and tech-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV).

The initiative seeks to challenge stereotypes, reshape public perception regarding women and girls, and address TFGBV and related oppressive behaviors within digital spaces.

Led by Mrs. Ugonma Cokey, Vice President of JFC, the project will employ a multifaceted approach. This includes online content monitoring, the creation of counter-narratives, virtual engagements with journalists and gender advocates, and collaborations in the fight against GBV in the digital space.

Gender-based violence has taken on new forms online, such as cyberbullying, non-consensual distribution of intimate images, and surveillance. The project aims to conduct a comprehensive discourse on the prevalence of TFGBV in Nigeria, drawing insights from other African countries. Online monitoring will document trends, while input from women and girls’ groups will inform the production of digital narratives to combat GBV.

JFC will collaborate with gender-focused civil society organizations (CSOs) and social media influencers to advocate against TFGBV and engage with media and institutional stakeholders to drive policy actions. The project also aims to garner public support for gender rights through digital counter-narratives on GBV and enhance the role of media stakeholders in combating TFGBV and online hate speech.

Igbo Group Commends Education Minister for Prompt Action Against Defamatory Book

Admin
-
0

An Igbo cultural group, Oganiru Ndigbo Gburugburu, has praised Education Minister Prof. Tahir Mamman for swiftly withdrawing the circulation of a book that portrayed Igbo people negatively.

The book, “Fundamentals of Civic Education for Basic 8 (JSS2),” published in 2018 by Fatsoholy Ventures and authored by Sola Akinyemi, allegedly depicted Igbo as aggressors and invaders without historical basis.

The group through its National Coordinator, Dr. Chika Dike, and Secretary, Martins Chiedozie Ugwu, expressed gratitude in a letter to the Minister, affirming their commitment to monitoring and safeguarding the welfare of Ndigbo, both in Nigeria and globally.

Dr. Dike stressed that the directive from the Minister be promptly implemented as justice delayed is justice denied. He hailed the Minister’s swift response, which, he said, had restored their hope in Nigeria’s future.

Mr. Ugwu reiterated their support for the Ministry and urged governors of South East states to ensure the book’s thorough withdrawal from schools. He stated the need for consequences for divisive actions against any section of the country.

The group also pledged to continue working with the Ministry to promote peace, harmony, and unity among Nigerians.

FG Commences Verification of Property Owners Along Lagos-Calabar Highway

Admin
-
0

In a move to facilitate the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal highway, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has initiated a committee tasked with verifying property ownership within the highway’s right of way.

During the inauguration held in Abuja yesterday, Senator Umahi stated that the verification process will help in determining eligible parties for compensation due to property loss during construction.

It’s important to note that the committee’s role is solely to authenticate claims and identify affected properties, rather than handling compensation disbursements.

Once genuine property owners are identified, they will proceed to sign necessary documents, following which the road contractor will initiate compensation payments.

Notably, properties situated within 250 meters from the shoreline fall under federal government jurisdiction and won’t receive compensation unless granted a waiver by the president.

While he acknowledges that compensations may not fully satisfy affected parties, Umahi affirmed that payments will be calculated based on property area, volume, and the presence of economic trees.

However,structures categorized as shanties within the highway’s right of way will not be eligible for compensation.

Regarding the source of funds for compensation, Umahi confirmed that it’s integrated into the overall project budget, ensuring alignment with approved expenditure frameworks at the ministry level.

The Minister also reassured stakeholders that the compensation process adheres to approved billing structures within the project contract, providing transparency and accountability.

UNICEF Donates Ambulance Boats for Riverine Communities in Bayelsa

Admin
-
0

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has provided six ambulance boats to Bayelsa State Government, funded by the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI).

These boats are to enhance healthcare and emergency response services in remote riverine communities.

The boats are equipped with medical facilities and staffed with trained healthcare personnel, ready to provide swift and effective emergency medical assistance. They are a lifeline for riverine communities living in far-flung areas, where access to healthcare is often limited.

Bayelsa State faces major healthcare challenges, with nearly 100 out of every 1000 children who do not reach their fifth birthday. Infant mortality also stands at 70 per 1000 births, and 32 percent of pregnant women do not receive antenatal care.

In addition, only 40 percent of babies are delivered in health facilities. In light of these challenges, the ambulance boats arrive as a timely intervention to improve survival rates for women and children across the state.

UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative, Ms. Cristian Munduate, on the importance of the ambulance boats, said that they will ensure even the most remote communities have access to lifesaving healthcare services.

Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, expressed gratitude to the UNICEF for the donation of the ambulance boats.

He stated they will not just serve as transportation for patients, but also as platforms for delivering essential healthcare interventions directly to those in need.

The delivery of the ambulance boats is part of a broader Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2022 between the Bayelsa State Government, the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Governors Forum, GAVI, and UNICEF.

This collaborative effort aims to improve routine immunization and primary healthcare systems, with a focus on reducing loss of life, especially among women and children.

29 Suspected Yoruba Nation Agitators Arraigned in Oyo State Government Secretariat Invasion Case

Admin
-
0

The Oyo State Police Command brought 29 individuals to court on Wednesday, for their alleged involvement in the invasion of the state government secretariat in Ibadan, the capital

Arraigned before the Chief Magistrate Court, the suspects faced a seven-count charge including treasonable felony, unlawful society, illegal possession of firearm, going armed, and conduct likely to cause breach of peace.

Inspector Bakare Rasaq from the State Criminal Investigation Department stated that the charges were in violation of Section 516 of the Criminal Code, Cap 38, Vol.II, Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria, 2000.

The number of suspects brought to court was an increase to the initial 20 suspects paraded by the Oyo State Police Command on Monday, April 15th.

Judge Threatens to Adjourn Kanu’s Trial as Defense Claims Rights Violation

Admin
-
0

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.

Cubana Chief Priest Pleads Not Guilty to Naira Abuse Allegations, Granted N10M Bail

Admin
-
0

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.

Tinubu Lauds Dangote Oil for Slashing Diesel Price, Foresees Economic Relief

Admin
-
0

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.

Ganduje’s Trial Delayed as Kano State Gov’t Unable to Serve Criminal Charges

Admin
-
0

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.

1...1,8411,8421,843...1,852Page 1,842 of 1,852

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

© https://musicnestradio.com/

Girl in a jacket Girl in a jacket Girl in a jacket
Verified by MonsterInsights