Politics

BREAKING: Court stops DSS, Malami from arresting Igboho, blocking his bank accounts

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An Oyo High Court has granted an ex-parte motion restraining the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and Department of State Security (DSS) from arresting the Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo aka Igboho, and blocking his bank accounts.

Justice Ladiean Akintola, who gave the order on Wednesday, also granted the ex-parte motion restraining the DSS and AGF from intimidating and harassing Igboho following an ex-parte motion moved by his lawyer, Yomi Aliu (SAN).

The motion developed from the originating motion seeking N500 billion damages for invasion of his house in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital on July 1.

Aliu expressed confidence that Malami will not disobey the court order, noting that it was given directly against his office.
The court adjourned the suit to August 18, 2021.

Politics

Falana charges Nigerian govt on prosecution of 400 Boko Haram suspects

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Senior Advocate of Nigeria and human rights activist, Femi Falana, has implored the Federal Government to ensure the thorough prosecution of 400 alleged suspects of Boko Haram that were reported to have been arrested some months back.

This was contained in a letter to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, via a Freedom of Information request dated Tuesday, August 3.

Falana lauded the FG’s decision to expedite the prosecution of the culprits involved in various terrorist attacks across the country.

I commend the move by the Federal Government to prosecute the suspects who were reported to have been arrested in a nationwide operation a few months ago,” the renowned lawyer stated.

The letter reads, “On May 4, 2021, it was widely reported widely by the media that the Federal Government had concluded arrangement to prosecute about 400 alleged suspects and financiers of terrorism in Nigeria.

“In the said publication, your office assured the nation that the suspects would be arraigned after the industrial action embarked upon by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria.

“In view of the attacks being unleashed on law-abiding citizens by groups insurgents in several parts of the country, we strongly commend the move by the Federal Government to prosecute the suspects who were reported to have been arrested in a nationwide operation a few months ago.”

Politics

Abba Kyari makes first appearance before IGP’s Special Panel

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The embattled Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari has made his first appearance before a Special Investigation Panel (SIP), set up by the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, to investigate accusations levelled against him by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

It would be recalled that Kyari was indicted by the FBI over his alleged collusion in a $1.1 million cyber fraud involving the internet fraudster, Abass Ramon aka Hushpuppi.

It was gathered that Kyari appeared before the SIP for the first time on Tuesday in Abuja to present his defence.

The SIP is headed by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigations Department, Joseph Egbunike.

Ripples Nigeria had earlier reported that the FBI alleged that Hushpuppi paid Kyari $20,600, about N8 million to detain a co-conspirator, Chibuzor Vincent, after the latter threatened to expose the $1.1 million fraud to the victim, a Qatari businessman.

Though Kyari denied the allegations, the Police Service Commission (PSC), at the recommendation of the IGP, suspended the police officer on Sunday, after he acknowledged the receipt of FBI’s allegations against the cop, and ordered a probe into the matter.

Baba had also on Monday appointed Tunji Disu, a Deputy Commissioner of Police, to replace Kyari as the new Head of the Police Intelligence Response Team.

Politics

DSS produces 12 Igboho’s aides in court

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The Department of State Services, on Wednesday, ensured the appearance of the 12 detained cohorts of Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo aka Sunday Igboho, as mandated by the Federal High Court Abuja.

Ripples Nigeria had reported that Justice Obiora Egwuatu, on July 23, ordered the DSS to ensure the appearance of the agitators during the court session on July 29.

However, the DSS flouted the order as they failed to produce the detainees.

In a continuation of the trial on July 29, the DSS could not produce all the 12 detainees which led to an adjournment of the trial.

Justice Egwuatu berated the agency for failing to produce the applicants according to the order of the court

The detained aides of Sunday Igboho had instituted a suit against the DSS and its Director-General, Yusuf Bichi, following their arrest and detention on July 1, after the DSS’ raid of Igboho’s residence in the Soka area of Ibadan, Oyo state.

The agitators are Abdulateef Ofeyagbe, Amoda Babatunde, Tajudeen Erinoyen, Diakola Ademola, Abideen Shittu, Jamiu Noah, and Ayobami Donald.

Others are Adelabe Usman, Oluwapelimi Kunle, Raji Kazeem, Taiwo Opeyemi, and Bamidele Sunday.

Politics

14 corps members test positive for COVID-19 in Sokoto

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At least 14 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have tested positive for COVID-19 in Sokoto State.

The Sokoto State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ali Inname, who disclosed this at a news conference on Tuesday, said infected members were discovered during the ongoing NYSC orientation exercise in the state.

He said the corps members had been moved to the state isolation centre for prompt treatment.

The commissioner said the state has 787 confirmed COVID-19 cases with 28 deaths.

Inname, who is also the chairman of the COVID-19 Task Force in Sokoto, said 19,557 people had been tested for the disease in the state.

Politics

Secondus tears PDP apart, as another exco member threatens to dump party

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Youth leader, Udeh Okoye, has threatened to dump the party if the National Chairman of the party, Uche Secondus, fails to resign from his position.

In a statement he issued on Tuesday, Okoye accused Secondus of lacking the capacity to take the party to the next level, describing him as a weak and incompetent leader.

“He (Secondus) is not willing to take us anywhere, he is just there to make sure he enriches himself. I am here to make it very clear to all Nigerians that if Secondus does not resign, i am going to leave the party and resign for him to eat the party and own the party.

“The governors, if they don’t wade into this matter right now, if the leaders don’t wade into this matter right now, I assure every Nigerian that within the next 3, 4 days, my letter will be public,” Okoye said.

The PDP youth leader’s threat came shortly after seven members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the PDP resigned after calling for the removal of Secondus.

The seven officers who resigned includedthe Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Deputy National Financial Secretary, Deputy Women Leader, Deputy National Auditor, Deputy National Organising Secretary and the Deputy Legal Adviser.

The aggrieved PDP executives had variously complained about the inept leadership of Secondus, asking him to immediately relinquish his position as the party’s national chairman.

Politics

PDP governors call for calm as seven national officers quit party

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum on Tuesday night appealed to party stakeholders to remain calm following the resignation of seven members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).

The seven officials – the Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Diran Odeyemi; Deputy National Legal Adviser, Ahmed Bello; Deputy National Women Leader, Umoru Hadizat; Deputy National Auditor Divine Amina Arong; Deputy National Organizing Secretary, Hassan Yakubu; and Deputy National Financial Secretary, Irona Alphonsus; resigned from their positions on Tuesday.

They cited the poor handling of the PDP affairs by the party’s National Chairman, Uche Secondus; as the major reason for their decision to resign from key party organ.

The Chairman of the PDP Governor’ Forum, Aminu Tambuwal, who reacted to the development in a statement, urged all aggrieved members of the party to hold their peace as efforts are ongoing by stakeholders to resolve the crisis.

He said the forum received with regrets and sadness the recent rumblings in the PDP.

He said: “The governors hereby call on all members of the party and indeed all stakeholders to remain calm in the face of the developments.

“We plead with all aggrieved persons and those with the interest of the PDP at heart to keep their gun powder dry.

“Efforts are being made in consultation with members of the PDP Board of Trustees and other stakeholders to resolve all contending issues.”

Tambuwal said the governors would hold an emergency meeting soon to discuss the affairs of the party and the way out of the current crisis.

Politics

Five killed, scores injured, vehicles burnt, as hoodlums unleash mayhem in Jos (Video)

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At least five people were killed on Tuesday night after hoodlums blocked and unleashed mayhem on the Gada-Biyu Highway and surrounding environs in Jos, Plateau State capital, causing serious havoc on residents.

A resident of Rock Heaven area in the same axis with the affected area in the metropolis, who narrated the incident to Ripples Nigeria on Wednesday morning, said two trucks were set on fire in the incident.

“It was a serious situation on Tuesday night when hoodlums attacked Gada-Biyu Highway, the busiest road in Jos. No one can say what they wanted, but they blocked the road and burnt down vehicles including articulated trucks.

“They were also attacking and robbing people with dangerous weapons. About five people were killed in the process. I personally saw three corpses,” he lamented on telephone.

Though the cause of the rampage could not be ascertained, security agents are of the belief that it may not be unconnected with the recent violence that occurred in the Irigwe community in Bassa Local Government Area where more than 45 people were reportedly killed by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

Reacting to the Gada-Biyu siege, the Chairman of Jos Local Government Area, Shehu Bala, who expressed his sadness over the incident, said:

“Yes, there was an incident at Gada-Biyu area, some trucks were burnt.

“Now things have been brought under control, but I am sure we will get more information.”

Politics

Anambra govt, Police move to render IPOB’s stay-at-home order ineffective

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The Anambra State Government and the state’s Police Command have initiated moves to ensure that the sit-at-home order issued by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) is of no effect.

And in order to forestall any breakdown in law and order, state and the Police have pledged to institute measures to ensure that the residents of the state would not be intimidated by any person or group.

This pledge came as a sequel to the sit-at-home threat issued by the IPOB.

Ripples Nigeria had reported that the IPOB declared what it called ‘Ghost Monday’ in the South-East, starting from August 9.

The group is aiming to pressure the Federal Government towards releasing its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, currently in the detention of the Department of State Services.

However, in his statement on Monday, the Anambra state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, C-Don Adinuba, said: “We won’t disclose our plans in the media, but I want to assure you that we have big plans to ensure that our people are free from any form of intimidation.”

In the same vein, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Ikenga Tochukwu, affirmed that the Command was committed to the protection of the people of the state.

Politics

Finally, Kanu meets lawyer, Ejiofor, sends message to IPOB members from DSS custody

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The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu has finally met his lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, and sent a special message to the members of the proscribed group from his detention under the custody of the Department of State Service (DSS).

Kanu, who met with Ejiofor, on Monday, expressed gratitude to all members of the group and those who are fighting for his release.

This was the first meeting between the Kanu and his lawyer since his last arraignment in court.

Ejiofor had who is Kanu’s lead counsel had alleged many times that the DSS had refused him access to his client in violation of a court order.

Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja had ordered the DSS to grant Ejiofor access to his client, Kanu, without any further delay.

However, speaking in a statement on Monday, Ejiofor said, “After weeks of speculations and uncertainties, we have finally seen our Client-Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. We can authoritatively confirm this position to the World. He is firm and stable, less the burden of solitary confinement and concomitant mental torture arising therefrom.

“Though the Detaining Authority is giving him medical attention, he still requires advanced medical care, which formed a substantial part of the relief in our application before the Court.

He specifically requested that we should extend his heartfelt compliment to millions of his supporters worldwide and all foreign Governments and institutions who are relentlessly following up. Media houses are indeed not left out of this classification.

“We are winning but your prayers are doing wonders, don’t relent, as you continue to remain law-abiding.”

Politics

‘Don’t compare us with failed PDP,’ APC tells Jega

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The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday cautioned the former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, to stop attacking the party because of his political interest.

Jega had in a chat with journalists advised Nigerians not to vote for the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections.

He described the two parties as failures.

The ex-INEC chief encouraged Nigerians to support the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), saying the party has the solutions to Nigeria’s challenges.

But in a statement issued by the National Secretary of its Caretaker and Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), James Akpanudoedehe, APC counseled the ex-election umpire against its comparison with the PDP.

It also described Jega’s statement as an uncontrolled, wrong, and untenable political outburst.

The statement read: “Our attention has been drawn to an uncontrolled, wrong and untenable political outburst by a former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, in which he lumped the All Progressives Congress (APC), together with the failed Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

While the PDP failed to meet the expectations of Nigerians as a government and opposition party, the APC is thriving, healthy, and assiduously cleaning the massive mess left behind by the PDP which failed to deliver democratic dividends to the people of Nigeria after being in charge of the country for 16 years.

“While Prof. Jega is right about the PDP, a party under which he served as the chairman of the nation’s election management body, we reject his comparison of the APC with the PDP.

“Prof. Jega got his facts wrong and mixed up in his baseless comparison of the PDP with the APC.

“While we do not intend to join issues with Prof. Jega, we encourage him to engage in genuine scholarly research and come up with evidence-based conclusions on the progressive orientation of the APC.

“It is however instructive to note that having recently abandoned his academic pursuit and blindly plunged into the arena of PDP’s brand of politics, the erstwhile electoral umpire as a politician can make such political statements occasionally while trying to launch his political career in a mushroom political party.

“The APC is a strong, united, popular, and focused political unit. Hence, the Professor should note the political lesson that maligning the APC would not provide him with a springboard to achieve his desires. Nigerians are wiser and remain the ultimate judges.”

Politics

Court sentences PDP youth leader to one year in prison for insulting Buhari

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The Adamawa State Magistrate Court on Monday sentenced the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Youth Leader in the state, Ikamu Hamidu Kato, to one year in prison for insulting President Muhammadu Buhari and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha.

Chief Magistrate Dimas Elishama convicted Kato after he pleaded guilty to charges against him.

The PDP chieftain had in a viral video on July 10 described President Buhari and Mustapha as “useless human beings.”

He also called the SGF a “bastard and a dog.”

The prosecution called two witnesses – a Department of State Service (DSS) operative, Zayyanu Adamu; and Chairman of Adamawa Concern Citizen, Husseini Nakura, to testify against the convict.

Kato’s confessional statement and a USB drive were also presented as exhibits in court.

After listening to the presentation by the prosecution and defence counsels, the Chief Magistrate found the defendant guilty and convicted him accordingly.

He sentenced the convict to one-year imprisonment.

Elishama, however, gave Kato an option of N25,000 fine.

Politics

Abia govt uncovers plans by criminals to abduct monarchs, clerics

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The Abia State government has uncovered alleged plots by unscrupulous elements to kidnap prominent persons in the state.

The state’s Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, who disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Umuahia, said those targeted include public office holders, traditional rulers, and clerics.

He added that the criminals planned to hold the individuals as human shields and demand ransom for their release.

The statement read: “Abia State government has uncovered plots by renegade members of a non-state group to attack and kidnap prominent persons in the state including public office holders, traditional rulers, members of the clergy, and hold them as human shield and ransom for negotiations.

While we strongly admonish those behind the dastardly plot to desist from it, we advise such high profile personalities mentioned above to exercise utmost vigilance while going about their normal duties as security agents in the country are on the trail of the arrowheads of the plot with a view to nipping it in the bud and bring those involved to justice.

“The government further appeals to all citizens and visitors to keep their focus on maintaining the existing peace in the state and avoid acts that are capable of reversing the gains we have made collectively in securing the state through the understanding and cooperation of all.”

Politics

Yoruba group petitions United Nations against Ilana Omo Oodua

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A group, the Yoruba Appraisal Forum (YAF) on Monday, petitioned the United Nations over a plan by the umbrella body of Yoruba self-determination groups, Ilana Omo Oodua, to present a petition against the Nigerian government at the 76th General Assembly of the UN.

The petition was served to the UN alongside its five permanent members: the European Union, the African Union and representatives of other countries.

In the document, YAF urged the UN and its other recipients to bar Ilana Omo Oodua and its allies from attending the UNGA where it planned on presenting a petition against the Federal Government of Nigeria.

According to the group, the petition in question was written to destabilise the country.

The statement reads: “the ultimate objective of this plan by the group is to achieve nothing salutary or beneficial to the people of Nigeria but to further their evil design to undermine and bring down the country and the incumbent administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, out of sheer malice over the forthcoming 2023 general elections.”

Signed by YAF National Coordinator, Adeshina Animashaun, the petition further accused Ilana Omo Oodua of funding “the violent activities of the self-styled Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Igboho, currently undergoing trial in the Benin Republic.

Ripples Nigeria reported that the Prof Banji-Akintoye-led Ilana Omo Oodua had recently disclosed intent to attend the 76th UNGA scheduled for September to present a petition to the global organisation over its demand for a separate and independent Yoruba Nation from the Nigerian state.

Politics

After three months, Gov Uzodinma denies sacking Attorney-General with others

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The Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, has recalled his sacked Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of the state, Cyprian Akaolisa, who he sacked among 19 other Commissioners, on May 12, retaining eight other Commissioners.

The governor on Monday (today) retraced his steps, saying he never sacked Akaolisa, who is currently slammed with a five-year ban from practising as a lawyer by the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee.

Speaking in a statement, the state Commissioner for information and strategy, Declan Emelumba, said the governor never sacked Akaolisa as the Chief Law Officer of the state.

The statement read, “The Imo state government wishes to acknowledge that the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Barr C O C Akaolisa, was never among the commissioners dropped when the executive Council was dissolved a few weeks ago.

This error which occurred when I was announcing the commissioners retained by His Excellency the Executive Governor of Imo State, Sen Hope Uzodimma, is highly regretted. I accept responsibility for this error.

“Consequently, the government has directed that the Hon Attorney General and commissioner for justice, Barr C.O C Akaolisa should immediately resume his normal duties as he was never dropped from the state cabinet.”

Politics

What’s the difference between Hushpuppi, Buhari, Tinubu?, Omokri asks

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Former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has said there is no difference between President Muhammadu Buhari, the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu and internet fraudster, Ramon Abbas, popularly known as Hushpuppi.

In a post on his verified Twitter handle on Sunday, Omokri said that while Hushpuppi was defrauding people and using their monies to bribe a Deputy Commissioner of Police, the source of the billions of Naira allegedly spent by Tinubu for Buhari’s election in 2015 and 2019 remains unknown.

Omokri in a post on Twitter using his verified handle wrote, “What is the difference between Abba Kyari and Buhari? Hushpuppi stole money and used it to bribe Kyari.

Where did Bola Tinubu get the money he used to instal Buhari? Until we deal with the crooks at the top, we will continue to be the laughing stock of the world.”

It would be recalled that the United States Department of Justice disclosed that Hushpuppi who is currently facing trial in the US for internet fraud and pleaded guilty to the charges levelled against him, allegedly bribed Kyari to arrest and jail his associate in Nigeria, Chibuzo Vincent.

However, Kyari in a statement on his Facebook page, denied the allegations levelled against him, saying he only received the sum of N300,000 from Hushpuppi which is not a bribe, but money ment for his designer to make clothes for the fraudster.

Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, on Sunday recommended Kyari’s suspension to allow a thorough investigation into the matter, and the Police Service Commission followed suit by suspending him.

Politics

Plateau Senator sheds tears as suspected herdsmen attack community, kill 13, raze houses

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The Senator representing Plateau North Senatorial district at the National Assembly, I.D Gyang, broke down in tears during an on the spot visit to the Irigwe communities in the Bassa Local Government Area of the state where suspected Fulani herdsmen have been laying siege since Saturday.

The attacks have so far claimed 13 lives with over 250 houses burnt down, while many people have been injured and properties worth millions of naira have been destroyed.

During the visit on Monday morning, Senator Gyang decried the loss of lives of his constituents and the wanton destruction of their properties.

In a statement signed by the lawmaker’s Special Assistant on Media and Protocol, Musa Ibrahim Ashoms, and made available to Ripples Nigeria, Gyang described the attack as quite pathetic and unfortunate.

“This recent attack on my constituency has become a pattern, an ugly one at that. It has become the norm than the exception in bloody and highly destructive attacks on host communities in Plateau North Senatorial District where killer herdsmen kill and destroy both lives and livelihood with reckless abandon.

The most recent is the attack on Irigwe villages which began on Saturday 31/07/21, where seven persons were killed, many injured, over 200 houses burnt and large farm crops destroyed.

“As at today, Monday, about 13 people have been killed with several farmlands and livelihoods destroyed.

“The burnt villages are Zanwra, Nche-Tahu, Rikwe-Rishe A&B, Ri-Dogo, Nchu-Nzhwa all under Kpatenvie of Kpachudu/Jebu Community.

“Most disturbing is the fact that repeated attacks have all been preceded by widely circulated intelligence information as to the date, time and location of the attacks.

“With such prior information, the belated or non response of the security agencies has been called to question.

Consequently, Senator I. D. Gyang Deputy Chairman, Senate Committee on Defense is urging the OPSH, Police, and DSS to discharge their duties dispassionately and provide protection to endangered communities of Plateau North and ensure that all threats to peace are decisively dealt with.”

Politics

Afenifere is a terrorist group, must be proscribed —Northern Coalition

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The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has labelled the Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, a terrorist organisation, calling on the Federal Government to immediately proscribe it as well as other cultural tribal organisations undermining the peace, security and peaceful coexistence of the country.”

In a statement issued on Monday by Abdul-Azeez Suleman, CNG’s spokesman and made available to Ripples Nigeria, the Northern Coalition said any organisation or individuals associated with groups that incite others to violations or openly support acts of terror and terrorist movements should be arrested and decisively dealt with by the authorities.

Part of the statement reads;

The CNG emphatically repudiate the provocative action of remnants of those who harbour pent-up grudges against the rest of Nigeria for the failure of Awolowo’s tribalistic ambition to secure the nation’s leadership, and deem this affront.

“The CNG unequivocally declare that groups like Afenifere and other organisations who go about making inciting statements to undermine the corporate existence of Nigeria are terrorists organisations and we call on the Federal Government under the able leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, to recognise them as such and proscribe them with immediate effect.

We have noticed, sadly, that Afenifere has, over the years, constituted themselves into a nuisance by always making statements capable of throwing the nation into chaos and anarchy and the government should rein them in and curb their excesses.”

Politics

DSS produces 8 of 12 detained Igboho’s aides in court

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The Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday presented eigth aides of the Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Igboho, at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

This comes after Justice Obiora Egwuatu in his ruling on the ex parte application before the court, ordered that the DSS produce the 12 detained aides of Igboho in court on the next adjourned date, July 29.

Justice Egwuatu also ordered the DSS to show cause why the applicants should not be admitted to bail.

However, despite Justice Egwuatu’s directive, the DSS failed to produce the 12 detained aides of Igboho in court on July 29.

The court again, issued a fresh order to the Director-General of the Service to produce the 12 aides before it on August 2 (today), after the case was adjourned.

The aides were arrested when DSS officials raided Igboho’s home on July 1, but have sued the service, saying their fundamental human rights were being infringed.

The counsel to the arrested aides, Pelumi Olajenbesi, sued the DSS, claiming that his clients have remained underground for weeks after their arrest.

Politics

30 out of 65 verified private jets to pay duties -Customs

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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has extended the ultimatum given to private jet owners in the country to pay the requisite duties by another two weeks.

The initial deadline for the payment of the duties expired on July 26.

The Customs spokesman, Joseph Attah, who disclosed this to journalists on Sunday in Abuja, said 30 out of 65 airplanes verified by the service are expected to pay required duties to the Federal Government.

He said some of the jets were brought into the country via the Temporary Importation agreement which allows the owners to bring them to the country without payment of required duties.

The spokesman said with the verification exercise, the service had been able to differentiate between aircraft on commercial operations and private jets in the country.

The statement read: “Considering the rising number of jets that are liable for payment of duties as well as indications by those people to do so, the Comptroller-General has again graciously given them another two weeks.

The exercise, as I stated in our previous briefings, is not aimed at punishing or embarrassing the private jet owners but to ensure that their operations in the country are properly documented.

“It will also ensure that necessary revenue is collected into the coffers of the federal government.

“As you all know, because of the case of increasing economic challenge, every source of revenue is important to the government and beyond that, for security purposes.

With this, you can now tie proper ownership to every aircraft or private jet that flies in and out of the country. Through the exercise, we have been able to know those hiding under temporary importation agreements.

“We are aware that owners of private jets are highly placed Nigerians who should be respected and approached in a manner that provides all necessary convenience and that is what these extensions stand for.”

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