Business, Lifestyle, Politics

Nigeria is facing existential threat – World Bank warns

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The World Bank has raised an alarm that Nigeria might be facing an existential threat due to its dwindling economy.

The international financial institution opines that the dwindling revenue, the continued payment of trillions of naira on fuel subsidy by the government, and the attendant economic challenges put Nigeria in an unfavorable position economically.

The Senior Public Sector Specialist, Domestic Resource Mobilisation, at the World Bank, Mr Rajul Awasthi, raised the alarm at a virtual pre-summit, with the theme ‘Critical Tax Reforms for Shared Prosperity’, organized by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group on Wednesday, August 10. He insisted Nigeria would have to eliminate the subsidy regime eventually.

In a slide he shared during his presentation, which showed Nigeria’s Development Update, Awasthi explained that between 2015 and 2019, Nigeria’s non-oil revenues were among the lowest in the world and as a result the second lowest in spending, and that oil revenues were also falling even when oil prices were higher.

“Nigeria has the largest economy in Africa and the largest country in Africa by population, so it is critical to Africa’s progress. There is no doubt about that. But the government of Nigeria, from the public finance perspective, is really facing an existential threat.

Let’s not downplay the situation. That is the actual reality. he said Nigeria is 115th out of 115 countries in terms of the average revenue to Gross Domestic Product ratio.

Despite the oil prices rising the way they have been, net oil and gas revenues have been coming down because of the tremendous impact of the subsidy.So, what is going to happen in 2022? The federation’s revenues are going to be significantly lower.

They are already very low, and Nigeria is already the lowest in the world out of 115 large countries and this year, it’s really going to be lower than what it was in 2020 because of the debilitating impact of fuel subsidy.”

Speaking on how to get out of the impending threat, Awasthi stated that in the non-oil sector, Value Added Tax compliance gaps were immense and they needed to be breached as well as rationalise tax expenditures.

Politics

Gov Candidate Vows To Join Security Patrols

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The All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Niger State, Umar Mohammed Bago, on Wednesday said that he would join security operatives to patrol the state to ensure lasting peace returns.

Bago said this at the strategic security meeting in Minna adding that he is not a thug and has never been.

“I am saying it loud and clear that anyone caught disrupting the peace of our state and it’s people should be decisively dealt with according to the provision of the law and I’m prepared to support the security agencies to ensure that the menace of hooliganism is permanently curbed on our streets. I have said it, I will personally join the police to patrol our streets to ensure the success of nipping in the bud this madness.

“I am not a thug, I have never been a thug and will never be a thug. Therefore, I will not be a part of all these disturbances of law abiding citizens.

Lifestyle, Politics

Photos from the burial of police orderly killed by terrorists who ambushed AIG Madaki in Bauchi

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ASP Gideon Sam Pakachi was shot dead by suspected terrorists who ambushed the convoy of the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 12 Bauchi, Audu Madaki.

Late ASP Pakachi, 49, was laid to rest on Sunday, August 7th in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The convoy which was on its way out of Bauchi was attacked by the terrorists in the Barde Zangidi area which is a forest stretch linking Bauchi and Plateau States at about 2.30 pm on Tuesday, August 2, 2022.

The gunmen killed Pakachi, who is the orderly of the AIG during the attack while several others reportedly sustained gunshot wounds.

AIG Madaki was on his way to Abuja to attend the security meeting of zonal AIGs and Command Commissioners of Police summoned by IGP Usman Alkali to deliberate on the current security challenges plaguing the nation.

The AIG sustained two bullet wounds on his leg during the attack. He is said to be receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.

Politics

RMAFC Commisioner, Tanko Abari is dead

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Commissioner for Revenue Mobilization Allocation And Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Alhaji Musa Tanko Abari is dead.

Daily Trust reported that a family member of the deceased, Isyaku Musa confirmed that Abari died at about 2:34 pm on Tuesday August 9, after a brief illness at private hospital in Abuja.

He said the deceased fell sick last week and did not recover. On Tuesday when his health condition deteriorated and he was rushed to the hospital.

Musa said arrangements are ongoing to convey the remains of the deceased from the hospital to his Jiwa village in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) for burial.

Politics

Pyrates Confraternity reacts to viral video of its members mocking Bola Tinubu’s health

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The National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) has said the viral video mocking the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu is being taken out of context for political gains.

The organization condemned in very strong terms those making political gains out of the video, insisting that it is apolitical and does not have any preferred candidate for the upcoming 2023 presidential elections.

Recall that on Monday, August 8, a video of members of the Confraternity holding a procession in which they could be seen gyrating to an anti-Tinubu song and poked fun at Tinubu for a speech he made in June in Abeokuta, Ogun State, where he asked that power should be handed over to him.

Tinubu had in his speech in Abeokuta said; ”Emi lo kan’, which means ”It’s my turn’.

During his speech he also mentioned how he consoled President Muhammadu Buhari after he had lost the presidential election thrice and pledged to make him President come 2015.

The lyrics of the song the pyrates sang read;

”Hand dey shake, leg dey shake, Baba wey no well, e de shout emi lo kan (Hands are shaking, legs are shaking.

A sick old man is shouting ‘it’s my turn’). Emi lo kan (2ce), Baba wey no well, him dey shout emi lokan (It’s my turn (2ce), a sick old man is shouting ‘it’s my turn’”

They sang Some Nigerians including Professor Wole Soyinka who is one of the founders of the group found the lyrics distasteful.

Soyinka in a statement condemned the song and said it was ”frankly appalling”.

In a statement titled ‘Setting the Records Straight’, the NAS Capoon, Abiola Owoaje, said the organization had a procession to round up its 46th Annual General Meeting as its customary in all events in like manner for the past 46 years, adding that no aspect of its procession was political.

“Part of the annual general meeting was the review of our entire advocacy, humanitarian and operational activities for the year.

This, then, as usual, culminated in a celebratory procession, an aspect of this yearly process that we have undertaken for the last 46 years.

In our view, it proceeded without event, until this extremely limited video made this appearance. Quite contrary to the manner in which certain aspects of the video are being portrayed, no aspect of this procession or the event itself was political.

Rather it was the typical climax of our annual general meeting. At no time in the history of this organization has this event, or indeed any of our events had any slanted political leanings” he said

Owoaje clarified that the organization does not mock or discriminate against the physical condition of any person as it also has members who are physically challenged.

“We must stress that we are apolitical. As an organisation, we have never had a preferred candidate in any political elections including the upcoming 2023 general elections.

We have members who belong to different political parties and are absolutely free to support any candidate of their choice. It is most unfortunate that political capital is being made of this with interpretations that are totally at variance with the philosophy of the Pyrates Confraternity.

Unequivocally, we condemn this in very strong terms. We understand that political merchants desperately seeking media mileage are all over the place misinforming and twisting events to suit their political agenda.

However, we wish to re -emphasise that the National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) are not supporting or backing any candidate for the office of the President or any other office in the 2023 general elections and beyond.

As an organisation in tune with disadvantaged and voiceless people, we are committed to the enthronement of a just society in which no one is discriminated against based on tribe, religion, gender or disability.

We are against conventions that are moribund. We have always stood for Humanistic ideals, comradeship and chivalry. Nothing that has happened can and will change that posture.

We are determined to continue to use our social programmes, intellectual platforms and our compelling songs to advocate for good governance and accountability!”

Lifestyle, Politics

NYSC warns corps members against getting involved in local politics

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Brigadier General Mohammed Fadah, Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, has warned corps members against getting involved in local politics.

Speaking in Gombe State during the batch B stream II orientation camp closing ceremony held at Amada, Akko Local Government Area on Tuesday August 9, Fadah said instead of getting involved in the electioneering process, corps members should engage in Community Development Service which would enhance society.

The NYSC DG who was represented by the state coordinator, Ada Imoni, stressed that management would sanction defaulters who go against bye-laws. He said;

“Your letters of posting to Places of Primary Assignment will be handed to you soon after this ceremony. In this regard, I would like to remind you of your oath of allegiance in which you pledged to accept posting in good faith.

“I enjoin you to perform your duties with diligence and be guided by the provisions of the NYSC Act and Bye-Laws as well as workplace rules and regulations.

In keeping with the objectives of the Scheme, you are expected to integrate into your host communities while also appreciating and respecting their cultures.

“I must, however, emphasise that engagement in their local politics is a no-go-area for you. Furthermore, I enjoin you to undertake personal and group Community Development.”

Also speaking against fake news, Fadah said; “I urge you to avoid using social media for ethnic jingoism, rumour peddling, and the promotion of hatred.

Instead, your activities online should be targeted at self-improvement as well as the promotion of the unity, peace and prosperity of our dear country.

“In the same vein, avoid being speculative on issues affecting the NYSC and, instead, visit our website, social media platforms, and other official channels for clarifications.”

Commenting on incessant accidents and security threats, Fadah urged corps members to seek due approvals while warning against night travels.

Politics

Former Governors Dariye and Nyame released from prison

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Former Governors of Plateau and Taraba states, Joshua Dariye, and Jolly Nyame, have been released from Kuje correctional facility in Abuja.

This is coming three months after the Council of State, led by President Buhari approved the pardon of the convicts along with 159 others, a decision which generated outcries. The former governors were set free around 2:15pm on Monday, August 8, 2022.

Sources close to to duo revealed that all the necessary formalities were completed by 10 am on Monday and the former governors were released into the waiting arms of their families.

Nyame was to serve a 12-year jail sentence for diverting N1.64 billion during his tenure as governor of Taraba, while Dariye was serving 10 years’ imprisonment for N1.126 billion fraud. The duo was pardoned on health and age ground.

The FCT Spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service, Chukwuedo Humphrey, confirmed their release to newsmen.

Lifestyle, Politics

Bandits kill FIRS zonal coordinator for Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara States

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Suspected badits have killed Alhaji Mohammed Kudu Mawa, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) zonal coordinator for Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara States. It was gathered that the accountant was shot dead by bandits along Lapai-Lambata road, Niger State in the late hours of Sunday, August 7, 2022.

The victim was said to be on the way back to his Kaduna residence from Lafiaji, Kwara State, when he was ambushed by the gunmen.

Politics

I left APC because my rival at the primary insulted my father – Buhari’s Nephew

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Honorable Fatuhu Muhammed, a nephew to President Muhammadu Buhari has explained why he dumped the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for Peoples Democratic Party.

The lawmaker representing Daura/Mai’Adua/Sandamu Federal Constituency of Katsina State in the National Assembly, failed to secure his re-election ticket after polling 30 votes, while Aminu Jamo, his rival secured 117 votes.

Explaining why he left the party, he told Daily Trust that he dumped the ruling party because his rival allegedly ‘abused’ his father. He said;

“I received an audio recording where their candidate (Jamo) called my father, Alhaji Mamman Dan Baffalo, by name and abused him. Alhaji Mamman Dan Baffallo and President Buhari are of the same father and mother.

“Out of the 26 children born by their father, they are the only males that are from the same father and mother. So, abusing my father is abusing the president.

“So, I said since the issue has gone beyond politics to denigrating the dignity of my parents, I cannot take it any longer, and it is not binding on me to stay in the party, so I decided to leave.”

Politics

Court to hear certificate forgery lawsuit against Tinubu on September 7

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A lawsuit seeking the disqualification of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), from contesting the 2023 elections for allegedly presenting the forged certificate will be heard by a Federal High Court in Abuja on September 7.

The Plaintiffs, who are four chieftains of the APC asked the court for an order disqualifying Tinubu from contesting or participating in the forthcoming 2023 presidential election as a candidate of All Progressives Congress on the grounds of the information he supplied to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the presidential candidate of the party.

In a 33-paragraph affidavit in support of the suit deposed to by Ibiang Miko Ibiang, the plaintiffs claimed that Tinubu falsely swore to an affidavit in 1999 in which he claimed to have attended St. Paul Aroloya Children Home School, Ibadan -1958-64 and Government College, Ibadan -1965-68 and presented same to INEC.

They also claimed that after this turned out to be false, Tinubu allegedly tried to conceal this by refusing to provide any information whatsoever relating to his primary and Secondary schools in his INEC form for the 2023 election.

Counsel to the Plaintiff, Goddy Uche, told the court that substituted service has become necessary because all attempts to serve the presidential candidate have proved abortive as he cannot be reached.

Justice Ahmed Mohammed who ruled on the case, ordered that the Court process be served on the National Secretariat of APC and that such service shall be deemed as having been properly served on Bola Tinubu. He further adjourned the case to September 7. The plaintiffs had posed the following questions for determination;

Whether having regard to the provision of sections 1 (3); 4(1)and 2; 14(1),(2)(a), and (c)and 42(1)(a)and (b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,1999 (as amended), the provision of section 29(5)of the Electoral Act, 2022 as enacted by the 4th Defendant which modified the provision section 31(5) of the Electoral Act,2010(as amended) is not ultra vires the 4th Defendant and therefore unconstitutional, null, void and of no effect whatever.

Whether having regard to the decision of the Supreme Court in the case Modibbo Vs Usman (2020) 3 NWLR(PT.1712)470 and the provision of section 137(1)(j) the 3rd Defendant has not presented a forged certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) the 1st Defendant and thereby disqualified from participating in the forthcoming 2023 Presidential General Election.

They also prayed that upon the favourable determination of the above questions, for the following reliefs:

A declaration of the Court that the provision of section 29(5) of the Electoral Act,2022 is ultra vires the 4th Defendant and unconstitutional, null, void, and of no effect whatsoever.

An order of the Court striking out/striking down the provision of section 29(5) of the Electoral Act 2022 from the Electoral Act and the body of extant laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria same being ultra vires the 4th and 5th Defendants, unconstitutional, null, void and of no effect whatsoever.

A declaration that the 3rd Defendant has presented a forged certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission for the purpose of seeking to be elected into the office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

A declaration that the 3rd defendant stands disqualified from participating in the 2023 presidential election as a candidate of the 2nd Defendant has presented a forged certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission for the purpose of seeking to be elected into the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

An order disqualifying the 3rd Defendant from contesting or participating in the forthcoming 2023 Presidential general election as a candidate of the 2nd Defendant.

Politics, World News

The time is coming’ – Donald Trump drops hint of potential 2024 presidential run

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Donald Trump has dropped a major hint about a potential 2024 presidential bid while blasting President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from Afghanistan. The former president told fellow Republicans ‘the time is coming’ for him to make a formal announcement about his next bid for the White House.

Trump said he believes ‘people are going to be very happy’ with his decision while noting that America has ‘lost everything’ under Biden’s leadership

The Republican also confirmed during his address at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Dallas, Texas last week, that he will be making his plans to run for office public in the near future. ‘It’s certainly not a very long period, the time is coming,’ Trump said Saturday when Fox News asked when Republicans could expect a formal announcement. ‘I think people are going to be very happy, our country has never been in a position like this, we’ve lost everything.’

He argued the nation was facing both domestic and foreign policy crises, stating America lost its ‘prestige’ when Biden withdrew US troops from Afghanistan last year.

He also claimed the US is a ‘nation that allowed Russia to devastate a country, Ukraine, killing hundreds of thousands of people, and it will only get worse.

Trump complained that Biden turned ‘the safest border in US history by far’ into ‘the worst border ever in history.’ ‘Just last month, an illegal alien here in Texas was indicted for the cold blooded murders of four elderly women throughout the state.

And he’s been linked to the deaths of at least 24 people,’ he said. ‘What we do in the next few months and the next few years will determine whether American civilization will collapse and fail or whether it will thrive, frankly like never before.’

Trump also commented on the 2020 election, which he continues to maintain was ‘rigged and stolen.’ ‘The election was rigged and stolen, and now our country is being systematically destroyed.

And everybody knows it. I ran twice and won twice,’ he declared. ‘America is on the edge of an abyss. And our movement is the only force on Earth that can save it.

We have to seize this opportunity to deal with the radical left socialists and fascists.’ His remarks came shortly after the CPAC unveiled a poll showing the former president as an ‘overwhelming favorite’ for the 2024 Republican nomination.

Trump captured nearly 70 percent of the ballots cast at the conference. DeSantis was a distant second at 23.7 percent.

Lifestyle, Politics

Police kill ex-convict, accomplice caught robbing on CCTV

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Men of the Lagos State Police Command have gunned down two robbery suspects allegedly terrorising residents of Apapa, Ajegunle, and their environs.Our correspondent gathered that on August 4, the hoodlums invaded a community and dispossessed some residents.

A closed circuit television clip of the operation posted on Twitter by the Lagos Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, showed the gang ransacking a shop while they held one person at gunpoint.

Hundeyin, who confirmed the incident in a statement, said the police trailed the hoodlums to their hideout at Ajegunle, where a gun battle ensued.

He said, “Daredevil robbers engaged operatives of the Area B Command, Apapa, of the Lagos State Police Command in a gun duel in a bid to escape arrest.

The robbers, however, fell to the superior firepower of the police operatives. The robbers, Sodiq, aka Foreigner, recently released from prison, and Habeeb, aka Kiki, who have both been wanted for terrorising Ajegunle and its environs, were trailed to their hideout in Ajegunle, where they met their Waterloo.

“One Beretta pistol, one locally-made revolver pistol with four rounds of 9mm live ammunition, and one expended shell of ammunition were recovered from the robbers.

“The Lagos State Police Command urges youths, in particular, to desist from crimes, as the long arm of the law will always catch up with criminals no matter how long it takes.”Commenting on the video clip, the PPRO said,

“The importance of CCTV can never be overemphasised; great relief for the people of Apapa. We will not relent. See something? Say something.”

Politics

Davido sympathizes with Gov. Oyetola over election loss; sends him message ahead of 2026

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Award-winning singer, Davido, whose uncle, Ademola Adeleke, emerged victorious in the recently concluded Oyo State gubernatorial polls, has sympathized with his uncle’s close contender, Governor Adegboyega Oyetola.

Taking to his Instagram page to share a photo of the governor, the singer captioned: “Defeat is painful … sir it is over sorry.”

Another part of Davido’s caption promised to see the Oyetola in 2026, the year another gubernatorial polls will be held in the state.The singer’s expression follows Oyetola’s Friday’s request to the Election Petition Tribunal in Osogbo for the nullification of the election that saw Adeleke come out victorious.According to the governor, the election was fraught with certain irregularities.

He also said that Adeleke ought not to have been declared winner as he was not qualified to have contested the election in the first place, having submitted forged certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Lifestyle, Politics

Unknown gunmen invade police station, kill 4 officers and burn vehicles in Imo state

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Four Nigerian Police Officers were killed on Friday night, August 5, when unknown gunmen attacked the Agwa Divisional Police headquarters in Oguta Local Government Area, Imo State. The assailants invaded the area shooting sporadically before gaining access into the station.

According to a police source, the incident has triggered tension in the entire local government.

He said the gunmen burnt some vehicles in the station and destroyed other valuable items. “There was an attack in the station and we learnt that about four officers were killed. The total damage cannot be ascertained at the moment,” he said.

Politics

It’s only in heaven that there are no security issues. Nigeria is on earth — Minister of State for Labour Festus Keyamo speaks on insecurity in Nigeria

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The Nigerian Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mr Festus Keyamo, said the rising insecurity in Nigeria is not enough grounds to say that President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration has failed.

Keyamo, the spokesperson for the presidential campaign organization of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2023 general elections, said this on Friday, August 5, while appearing on Channels Television.

He said there is insecurity all over the world, including in the United States of America, so Nigeria’s case is no different.

He added that the APC didn’t promise Nigerians that there would never be security breaches, but that when such happens there would be an adequate response.

He said, “Last week those who were gathering around bushes of Abuja, they were raided and flushed out and killed; that is what we promised. We promised response. We did not promise that it will not happen. We promised response and we responded last week. We killed them and Abuja is safe now.

There will be no incident of such around the bushes of Abuja again. We promised response and we have delivered response. People should not engage in scaremongering. Let me tell you about the psychology of bandits -they want to scare people. Their oxygen is fear, scaremongering. They want to create panic. That is the oxygen of the terrorists.

“When you don’t give them that oxygen of fear, of panic or publicity, they will filter a way, and so when you heard there is one security breach around the areas of Abuja, and the press will blow it the next day. It is only in heaven that there will be no security breach at all and we have not arrived in heaven. We are on earth so there must be security breaches. So I’m telling you that we have responded well.”

Politics

Man jailed for raping and impregnating his 18-year-old daughter in Yobe

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A Magistrate court in Damaturu, Yobe State has sentenced one Umar Alhaji Mustapha to 25 years in imprisonment for committing rape and incest with his 18-year-old daughter, Fatima.

The presiding Magistrate, Mohammed Bilyaminu ruled that all the ingredients of section 390 and 283 of the penal code were proved by the prosecution.

The Nation reports that while reading the testimony of the witness, the judge narrated that PW 1, a police inspector, during his testimony established the convict had several sexual intercourse with his daughter against her consent resulting to pregnancy. The child however died upon delivery.

The court stated that the prosecution was able to establish that the accused after impregnating the daughter, gave her N25,000 to abort the pregnancy which she refused.

The same evidence was collaborated by Fatima, the victim under cross examination, who also testified that her father became very angry with her after realising that she was pregnant and did not obey his instruction to abort the pregnancy and started threatening her.

The Chief Magistrate, Mohammed Bilyaminu, pronounced the accused guilty of incest and rape under section 390 and 283 of the penal code.

He sentenced him to five years with a compulsory fine of N5,000 for the offence of incest and 20 years for the offence of rape with a fine of 10,000.respectively.

Before the pronouncement of the judgement, the accused was given the chance to plead for mercy, which he did requesting the court to temper justice with mercy.

“I have an aged mother and other dependent to take care off,”

the accused said. The convict by the pronouncement of the judge has 30 days to appeal against the judgement.

Lifestyle, Politics

20 Ghanaian fishermen jailed for trafficking marijuana to Nigeria.

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20 Ghanaian fishermen have been sentenced to one-year imprisonment each for transporting 13.670 kilogrammes of marijuana, aka cannabis Sativa, from Ghana to Nigeria.

Justice Nicholas Oweibo on Thursday, August 4, convicted and sentenced them after finding them guilty of the charges of conspiracy and unlawful transportation of the drug during a hearing at the Federal High Court in Lagos State.

The convicted fishermen include Francis Teye, Kweke Komel, Gad Adjah, Theophilus Tetteh, Kwesi Aboagye, Ekon Fynn, Kwamena Baah, Kwabina Adjei, Micheal Okutu, Isaac Kofi, Kweku Moko, Kwezi Adzi and Kweku Mensah.

Others are Micheal Kofi, Ekon Bentum, Kwesi Amissah, Joshua Huago, Otu Otipeseku, Isaac Yorsson and Nana Kodwo.

The convicts were arrested with the drug conveyed from their country into the Nigerian territorial waters on January 14, 2022.They were arraigned on two counts of conspiracy and unlawful transportation of the substance.

The prosecutor, Mr. Fingere Owen, told the court that the offences were contrary to and punishable under sections 11(b) and 14(b) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act Cap. N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

The defendants pleaded guilty to the charges.Following their guilty pleas, the prosecutor reviewed the facts of the case.Owen also tendered some exhibits and urged the court to convict and sentence them in accordance with the sections they were charged with.

However, lawyers for the convicts, Mr. Uche Okoronkwo, who led Calistus Onyewueke, both of Minerva Legal Practice, told the court that all the defendants were first time offenders without previous criminal records.

Justice Oweibo sentenced them to one-year imprisonment each.The judge also ordered that the sentence should commence from the date of their arrest.

He, however, ordered the convicts to pay the sum of N50,000 each in lieu of the sentence and ordered that the boat used in smuggling the banned substance be forfeited to the Federal Government.

Lifestyle, Politics

Kuje attack: NSCDC gives N2.8m to family of slain officer

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The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has presented a cheque of N2.8 million to the family of late Inspector of Corps (IC) Ilyasu Abraham, the personnel who died in the attack on Kuje Medium Custodial Centre.

Presenting a cheque of N2.5 million and the sum of N300,000 in cash to Mrs. Elizabeth Abraham and daughter, Abimiku Blessing at the Corps National Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, August 4, the Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi consoled the family over the loss of their bread winner and encouraged them that the officer would be remembered as a hero, who died in active service.

He explained that the money given to the family was in fulfilment of his promise to ensure that necessary compensation is given to the family in due time, stressing that, it is an intervention from government and the Corps to assist the deceased family in ameliorating some burial expenses. He pledged his administration’s support to the family of the slain personnel and reiterate his commitment to the welfare of all officers and men of the Corps.

The CG assured the daughter of late Inspector Iliya of employment into the Corps as soon as the Federal Government gives approval for recruitment into the service.

Audi seized the opportunity to call on Zonal Commanders, State Commandants, Area Commanders, CG’s Special Intelligence Squad, CG’s Special Anti-vandal Squad and Components Commanders etc, to continue to develop new strategies as they work in synergy with other security agencies in confronting all forms of security challenges affecting our dear country, Nigeria. The CG renewed his call on all citizens to continue to assist security agencies with useful and timely information to nip criminal activities in the bud, noting with optimism that all challenges of insecurity affecting Nigeria are surmountable.

Business, Lifestyle, Politics

Ask Niger Republic to immediately refund N1.4 billion and use it to offset ASUU funding – SERAP tells Buhari administration

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SERAP has asked the Buhari administration to demand a refund of the N1.4billion it gave to Niger Republic authorities and use the refund to offset ASUU funding.

The Nigerian government on Wednesday, August 3, confirmed that President Muhammadu Buhari approved the purchase and donation of vehicles, worth N1.4 billion, to neighbouring Niger Republic.

This revelation sparked outrage and the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, said that the donation was to help Niger address its security concerns. Reacting, civil society group, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) tweeted:

“The Buhari administration must immediately ask Niger Republic authorities to refund the N1.4 billion approved for them to buy vehicles, and use the money to offset the funding for ASUU, so that poor children can go back to school.”

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