The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on Thursday, refused to allow the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to include additional proof of evidence against the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele.

Justice Hamza Muazu refused allowing the prosecution while delivering ruling in a motion filed by Emefiele through his legal team, led by Mathew Burkaa (SAN).

Emefiele, in the charge marked FCT/HC/CR/577/2023, is facing trial for alleged procurement fraud brought against him by the EFCC.

When the case was called, Justice Muazu stated he would proceed directly to deliver his ruling on the defendant’s application.

Emefiele had in an application, opposed the EFCC’s attempt to introduce fresh evidence more than 365 days after the charges against him were filed.

The EFCC filed the additional proof of evidence on October 15, 2024, seeking to bring two witnesses, Tommy John and Ifeanyi Omeke, whose extrajudicial statements were made in August 2024, concerning charges filed against the defendant in August 2023.

In his ruling, Justice Muazu noted that the EFCC had earlier, on February 12, 2024, filed additional proof of evidence to accommodate the testimonies of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, and Bamayi Haruna Mairiga.

He highlighted that the charges against Emefiele were initially filed on August 14, 2023, and his plea was taken on November 16, 2023.

Justice Muazu held that the EFCC’s actions resembled a denial of fair trial because the defendant had not been confronted with the new evidence during the investigation, as required by law. He described the EFCC’s actions as “trial by ambush” and akin to “fishing for evidence” in a trial that commenced on November 28, 2023.

The judge ruled that allowing the additional proof of evidence after several amendments to the charges would prejudice the defendant, thereby breaching his right to a fair hearing.

He emphasized that, under the law, charges should be filed upon the completion of investigations and the establishment of a prima facie case. In this instance, he observed, the contrary was evident.

Justice Muazu, however, declined to strike out the charges entirely, as both parties had already joined issues, and the trial was nearing completion.

The judge maintained that justice would best be served if the trial were concluded on its merits and a final judgment delivered.

Additionally, Justice Muazu refused to expunge the evidence of Boss Mustapha and Bamayi Haruna Mairiga from court records, as requested by Emefiele.

The defendant had argued that the evidence violated Section 36(2) of the 1999 Constitution on fair hearing, citing that the witnesses’ statements were introduced long after the trial commenced without prior confrontation.

Justice Muazu fixed June 3 for the continuation of the trial.

A fallen container on the Kara Bridge section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway caused an intense traffic that left many commuters stranded on Thursday.

The incident resulted in a significant build-up of traffic on the outward Lagos stretch of the expressway.

Motorists and commuters were forced to endure long hours of traffic congestion, with some taking to social media to express their frustration.

Efforts are being made to evacuate the container and restore normal traffic flow.

Outbreak of cerebrospinal meningitis in Kebbi State has killed 56 persons in three Local Government Areas of the state, according to an official.

The Commissioner for Health, Yunusa Musa-Ismaila, represented by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Shehu Nuhu-Koko, confirmed this during a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday.

The briefing was attended by representatives of development partners such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF).

The commissioner said, “The Public Health Department started receiving reports of people reporting with symptoms of fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and associated vomiting and dizziness which in some of the cases resulted in deaths. Following the receipt of these reports active surveillance commenced with samples taken and sent to the National Reference Laboratory in Abuja to confirm the suspected outbreak of the disease. At the same time case management of those cases commenced at the General Hospitals in the Aliero, Jega and Gwandu affected LGAs.”

According to him, a total of 653 suspected cases are recorded to date; 17 samples so far have been sent to the National Reference Laboratory in Abuja for confirmation.

He explained that five sample results returned negative from NRL Abuja, while five samples were positive, adding that of the sample results, Aliero LGA accounted for three, Gwandu LGA one, while Jega LGA also accounted for one.

He said, “All the five positive cases of the patients were treated and discharged alive and seven samples result are pending from NRL Abuja, while 56 deaths (Gwandu 25, Jega 16, Aliero 14), have been recorded.’’

Mr Musa-Ismail noted that 3,000 doses of CSM vaccines were received from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and distributed across the three LGAs in communities with high burden of the reported cases.

He stated, “Aliero LGA 1,550 people have been vaccinated including the Kebbi State University of Science and Technology community in Aliero; Gwandu LGA 798 people have been vaccinated, and Jega LGA 450 people have been vaccinated.As soon as additional vaccines arrive, the vaccination will continue state wide.’’

Mr Musa-Ismail said that an advocacy visit to stakeholders was carried out across the state, in partnership with WHO, MSF, and UNICEF.

He added that the state government had released N30 million to purchase drugs and other consumables for the response activities to cushion the effect.

The commissioner also said that drugs had been distributed and other commodities to affected local government areas.

Mr Musa-Ismail added that isolation centres were set up in Gwandu, Jega and Aliero, while drugs and other consumables were also provided.

He called on the public to comply with health instructions and report any suspected case to the nearest health facility for necessary action.

A US Federal Judge on Tuesday suspended the Trump administration’s ban on transgender people serving in the military, citing the principle of equality and dealing a blow — if only temporary — to the US president’s agenda.

Referencing the US Declaration of Independence, which states that all humans are “created equal,” Judge Ana C. Reyes suspended President Donald Trump’s late January order that excluded transgender people from the armed forces.

That suspension, however, will be put on pause until March 21 to give the government time to file an emergency stay at a higher court, according to Reyes’ decision.

The order will nonetheless come as a blow to Trump’s administration, which has made it a priority to strip protections for minorities since he took office.

Trump’s January 27 executive order stated that “expressing a false ‘gender identity’ divergent from an individual’s sex cannot satisfy the rigorous standards necessary for military service.”

Since taking office, he has also declared that the US government will only recognize two sexes — male and female — that “are not changeable.”

The number of transgender people in the US military is estimated at about 15,000 out of around two million.

Reyes’s order used unusually strong language in parts to criticize the order banning transgender Americans from serving in the military.

“The Military Ban is soaked in animus and dripping with pretext,” the judge wrote. “Its language is unabashedly demeaning, its policy stigmatizes transgender persons as inherently unfit, and its conclusions bear no relation to fact.”

The judge said Trump “could have crafted a policy that balances the Nation’s need for a prepared military and Americans’ right to equal protection. They still can. The Military Ban, however, is not that policy.”

In February, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a memo preventing transgender people from joining the military and halting gender transition treatment for others who are already in uniform.

The Pentagon has also said it would begin removing transgender troops from the military unless they obtain a waiver on a case-by-case basis, according to a February memo.

The US military lifted a ban on transgender troops in 2016, during Democrat Barack Obama’s second term as president — but policies have seesawed under his successors Trump, Joe Biden and now Trump again.

Transgender issues have roiled US politics in recent years, as states controlled by Democrats and Republicans have moved in opposite directions on policies ranging from medical treatment to what books on the topic are allowed in public or school libraries.

Tuesday’s order was in a case brought by a group of transgender people, either in the military or wishing to become so, to challenge Trump’s latest executive order.

Governor Abba Yusuf has awarded 18 Hajj seats, 18 certificates of occupancy, and N12 million to the 39th National Qur’anic Recitation Competition winners.

This is confirmed in a statement by his spokesperson, Sunusi Dawakin Tofa, on Tuesday.

The governor reaffirmed his commitment to promoting Islamic learning and rewarding excellence among Qur’anic scholars.

The top winners, Buhari Sunusi Idris and Fatima Abubakar Lawan, were granted full scholarships to Al-Azhar University in Egypt.

Mr Idris, the overall winner, received N2 million, a Hajj seat, and a plot of land.

Ms Lawan and the second and third runners-up received N1 million, a Hajj seat, and a plot of land each.

Participants from the Al-Yatama Orphanage Foundation, representing Kano at the competition in Kebbi, received N500,000 and N200,000 based on rankings, plus Hajj seats.

Mr Yusuf rewarded their teachers and mentors with Hajj seats and plots of land for their dedication and support.

He pledged to support religious education further, encourage young talent, and uphold Kano’s leadership in Qur’anic scholarship.

Speaking on behalf of the Emir of Kano, Aliyu Harazumi Umar thanked the governor for supporting Kano’s successful participation.

Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) has launched the distribution of 80,000 10kg bags of rice to the vulnerable in Lagos State.

President of Dangote Group and Chairman of the foundation, Aliko Dangote, represented by the Executive Director in the group, Hajiya, Marya Dangote, said the gesture was part of the over one million 10kg bags of rice that would be distributed to reach one million vulnerable people in the 774 local governments in the country.

Speaking at the launch in Alausa, Ikeja, Dangote said the distribution of the 80,000 bags of 10kg rice was another demonstration of the foundation’s commitment to upholding the values of compassion and solidarity that were at the core of humanity

Noting that the distribution of the rice was in addition to the daily distribution of thousands of loaves of bread in Lagos, Dangote said with the initiative, the foundation aspired to ameliorate some of the burdens faced by vulnerable communities across Lagos State.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, lauded the initiatives of Dangote to ameliorate the sufferings of Nigerians.

He praised him for showing compassion to the needy in the society.

Dr Hamzat, who received the ADF delegate led by its Trustee, Hajiya Marya Aliko Dangote and Managing Director of the Foundation, Mrs Zouera Youssoufou, expressed gratitude for the consistency of the foundation in spreading love and charity among Lagosians, which he described as one of the importance of Ramadan and Lent.

Sanwo-Olu said the gesture showed that the leadership of the foundation prioritised the welfare of the people beyond the pursuit of profit and accumulation of wealth.

Six years after a court ruled that the Department of State Services (DSS) should pay a Sokoto businessman its operatives unlawfully shot N10million compensation, the agency has finally complied with the judgment.

To make up for the delay in remedying the years of untold hardship caused the man, the DSS doubled the amount to N20million.

The victim was shot in April 2, 2016, by the agency operatives who raided his Jos, Plateau State residence.

The operatives were in search of a suspected gunrunner who shared the same last name with the man but ended up shooting him on the thigh only to discover he was not the suspect they were after.

The operatives later that day arrested the actual suspect and transferred him to Abuja.

But after shooting the businessman, they realised their mistake and rushed him to the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) where they abandoned him.

As if that was not enough, the man was left untreated due to doctors’ strike and was eventually moved to a military hospital.

Life took a devastating turn for the businessman after the incident. He lost his capital, his thriving fertiliser business, and became indebted. Unable to keep up with rent, he was evicted from his home. The injuries, coupled with financial struggles, forced him to relocate to Sokoto State with his family.

The aggrieved businessman approached the court with a rights suit which was decided in 2018 in his favour and the DSS ordered to pay N10million compensation, a debt that was only redeemed on Friday, March 15.

Redeeming the judgment debt, Director-General of the DSS, Adeola Ajayi, added another N10 million as a goodwill gesture to help the businessman rebuild his life.

Recounting the harrowing experience, the businessman who requested anonymity due to security concerns said the operatives arrived at his apartment around 4:30am that day.

“They banged on my neighbours’ doors, asking for someone with my name.’’

Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his family members are being held hostage at the Government House, Port-Harcourt, by a contingent of heavily armed soldiers Tuesday night, Peoples Gazette has learnt.

The development comes moments after President Bola Tinubu invoked Section 180 of the Nigerian Constitution to proclaim a state of emergency in Rivers. The Nigerian leader based his controversial move on a prolonged and rapidly escalating political feud led by state lawmakers loyal to Nyesom Wike, who commenced impeachment proceedings against Mr Fubara last week to settle scores in his fallout with Mr Wike, who engineered Mr Fubara’s election in 2023 despite corruption charges.

Rivers government sources told The Gazette that soldiers carrying out the president’s instructions on declaring the state of emergency barricaded all entrances and exits to the government house immediately after the president’s speech.

Attempts by Mr Fubara and his family to pack their belongings out of the Government House have been rebuffed by the soldiers, who suppressed all movements around the premises.

“We are being held hostage,” an affected official told The Gazette from the scene on Tuesday night. “They said they don’t have instruction to let anyone leave the premises.”

It was unclear whether the soldiers implemented their duties as instructed or were overzealous in following specific orders.

Spokespersons for the Nigerian Army and Defence Headquarters did not immediately return requests seeking comments about the soldiers’ treatment of the Fubaras.

Mr Tinubu’s declaration to suspend the feuding parties from office for six months, effective Tuesday, sparked furious debates across social media as netizens argued whether the president had constitutional grounds to suspend an elected governor whom the state lawmakers have not yet impeached. Efforts to impeach Mr Fubara began on Monday, barely 24 hours before Mr Tinubu imposed an emergency ordinance.

Lawyers like Inibehe Effiong and Folarin ‘Falz’ Falana have excoriated the president for taking the law into his own hands without regard for the Constitution’s position.

The president named the retired chief of naval staff, Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, as the military administrator in Rivers in the interim.

The Jigawa State Executive Council has approved the release of N1,523,508,014.08 for the take-off of the newly established Farm Mechanisation Service Company.

The information commissioner, Sagir Musa, disclosed this to journalists after the weekly executive council meeting on Monday.

He stated that the approval aligns with the state government’s agricultural transformation initiative to enhance efficiency and effectiveness across the agricultural value chain.

Mr Musa further explained that the council had also approved an additional N969,084,772.10 to pay customs duty and taxes on mechanised equipment purchased from China.

He revealed that the council had also deliberated on and approved the draft bill for the establishment of the Jigawa State Flood Disaster Trust Fund.

“The council has directed that the draft bill be forwarded to the State House of Assembly for consideration.

“This is in line with the Namadi administration’s commitment to tackling floods in Jigawa state through effective and long-term solutions,” the commissioner said.

The World Health Organisation announced that more than 47 million health professionals, patients, and advocates have signed a global call for urgent action to reduce air pollution.

This call aims to protect public health and combat air pollution’s devastating effects, which cause around seven million deaths annually from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

WHO said in a statement on Monday that the call would also protect people’s health from the devastating impacts of air pollution.

The WHO, alongside international health organisations, will present this call at the Second Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health in Cartagena, Colombia, in March 2025.

WHO director-general Tedros Ghebreyesus restated the need for bold, science-driven action to reduce emissions, enforce stricter air quality standards, and transition to cleaner energy.

”The conference will gather political leaders, civil society representatives, and experts to drive a global clean air agenda, with a focus on addressing noncommunicable diseases linked to air pollution, such as heart disease and lung cancer.

“WHO advocates for stronger air quality standards, particularly in low-income areas, to reduce the impact of dangerous household air pollution,” he stated.

The House of Representatives has donated N705 million to President Bola Tinubu.

Abbas Tajudeen, the speaker of the House, presented the cheque on behalf of the federal lawmakers.

The donation was made on Monday when Mr Tinubu hosted the leadership and members of the House of Representatives to Iftar at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

According to him, the money is a six-month 50 per cent deduction from their salaries to augment the humanitarian engagements of Mr Tinubu and to support vulnerable people in the country.

Mr Abbas thanked the president for the invitation to break fast with him and for always showing respect and concern for the House of Representatives.

“As we all know, the month of Ramadan entails many things, one of them is reflection: where were you before, where are you now, and where do you want to be?

“I believe Nigeria, more than ever before, needs this type of reflection,” Mr Abbas said.

He implored both Christians and Muslims to dedicate the fasting period to pray for the country.

The speaker said Nigerians knew what the Tinubu administration had achieved within just two years and the period offered a moment for every Nigerian to reflect and pray for the country.

“Prayers for the economy; prayers for improved security, prayers for the leaders and prayers for the citizens,” added Mr Abbas.

He pledged that every member of the House of Representatives was in support of the president.

Mr Abbas noted that the policies of the government were for the betterment of the people and Nigeria as a country.

The Birniwa local council of Jigawa has empowered 88 women in the area with 264 goats.

Fahad Muhammad, the council’s spokesman, said this in a statement.

Mr Muhammad said Governor Umar Namadi launched the distribution exercise in Birniwa on Monday.

He explained that the governor lauded the council chairman, Mallam Shehu, for emulating his administration’s Goat Rearing Scheme. The governor said that his administration had conducted various empowerment programmes that supported the teeming youth and women groups across the state.

Mr Namadi noted that the programmes had improved the residents’ living standards.

“My administration has introduced rice cultivation programmes on 100 hectares of land in the state’s 27 local government areas. Under this scheme, several youths in each council area have been engaged to produce the rice.

“Furthermore, my administration, through the ministry of agriculture, is committed to providing adequate and subsidised farming inputs to farmers in the state,” the governor said.

In his remarks, the council chairman, Mr Shehu, said a total of 264 goats were distributed to 88 women selected from the 11 wards of the area.

While urging the beneficiaries to take good care of the goats to enhance their economic well-being, the chairman also thanked the governor for his approval of the programme.

Mr Shehu further thanked the governor for approving his other programmes to empower women groups in the area.

Earlier, the council’s head of the agriculture department, Muhammed Aminu, said each of the beneficiaries would receive two she-goat and one he-goat to rear.

Mr Aminu added that the council had arranged for a team of mobile veterinary workers to supervise the goats’ care and keep them healthy.

Some of the beneficiaries, Dija Aminu and Alhajeti Umaru thanked the council for the gesture and promised to take care of the goats.

The Abia government says it will collaborate with the federal government to upgrade the National War Museum and Ojukwu Bunker, both in Umuahia, into world-class tourism destinations.

Information commissioner Okey Kanu disclosed this at the Government House, Umuahi while briefing journalists on the outcome of Monday’s State Executive Council meeting.

Mr Kanu said the initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, aims to preserve the state’s rich historical heritage while boosting tourism.

He expressed the Abia government’s commitment to making Abia a key destination for historical and cultural tourism.

“By revamping these sites, we will not only preserve history but also create economic opportunities through tourism,” he said.

According to him, the government has made broader efforts to identify and develop tourism sites across the state.

Mr Kanu also said the ministry recently discovered over 55 unique heritage sites across the state. He listed the sites to include Ulochukwu Cave in Alayi in Bende, the Mazi Okoro Orji’s Compound in Arochukwu, and Ntubugwo Oloko in Ikwuano, where participants in the Aba Women’s Riot of 1929 were tried, among others.

The commissioner also affirmed the government’s commitment to building a five-star hotel in Umuahia to support the growing tourism sector.

“These projects are part of a comprehensive strategy to make Abia a leading tourism hub, attract visitors, and boost the state’s economy,” Mr Kanu said.

Also, the commissioner for arts, culture, and creative economy, Matthew Ekwuribe, said Abia has numerous historical and natural attractions.

“Abia is blessed with waterfalls in at least three LGAs, caves in places like Alayi, Isuikwuato, and Umunneochi, as well as the Azumini Blue River, a unique natural attraction. We also have Akwaete Beach, which remains an untapped coastal treasure,” Mr Ekwuribe said.

He also said if the sites got properly developed, they could position the state as a top tourism destination in Nigeria and beyond.

The commissioner also spoke about the uniqueness of the National War Museum, the only one of its kind in West Africa, and the Ojukwu Bunker, which played a significant role during the Nigerian Civil War.

He said, “These historical sites, if properly rehabilitated, would attract visitors from across the country and beyond.”

A Federal High Court in Abuja has declared that the office Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice lacks the power to initiate criminal proceedings against anyone or prosecute such a person for election-related offences.

The court described such a practice as not only unlawful but also contrary to relevant the provisions of the Constitution and the Electoral Act.

It added that it is only the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that is empowered to prosecute electoral offences.

Justice Inyang Ekwo made the declaration yesterday in a judgment on a suit filed by the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State during the 2023 general election, Oladipupo Adebutu, and nine others.

The others are: Ogunbona Hameed, Tiamiyu Waliu, Egunsola Owolabi, Sanni Adegoke, Dare Ogunleye, Dare Adeoye, Dayo Fashina, Wasiu Enilolobo and Malik Akawo.

The AGF is listed as the sole defendant.

The plaintiffs had claimed that the prosecution before a High Court of Ogun State by the Office of the AGF over allegation of vote-buying during the last governorship election was an attempt to intimate them since Adebutu chose to challenge the outcome of the poll.

They stated that while the issues on vote-buying and related electoral malpractices were pending before the election tribunal, the Office the AGF charged them to the Ogun State High Court on the same allegation of vote-buying.

The plaintiffs further stated in their supporting affidavit that shortly after he went before the election tribunal, Dapo Abiodun (the incumbent governor of Ogun State) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), through the Ogun State APC Chairman, Yemi Sanusi, allegedly petitioned the AGF.

The Lagos State High Court has rejected an application by reinstated Speaker Mudashiru Obasa to change the legal representation of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Justice Yetunde Pinheiro ruled that Femi Falana (SAN) will remain the approved counsel for the Assembly, despite arguments from multiple parties involved in the case.

Obasa’s counsel, Olusola Idowu (SAN) had argued for a new counsel, citing the Assembly’s right to change its legal team.

However, Falana countered that he had not been debriefed by the Assembly and denied the existence of any reinstatement order for suspended clerk Olalekan Onafeko.

Abimbola Akeredolu, (SAN) representing Obasa on other matters, argues that the application was tied to unresolved substantive issues in the case, while Olu Daramola (SAN) representing 33 of the 40 lawmakers (the 3rd to 35th defendants), claimed the majority of lawmakers suspended Onafeko and retained Falana, accusing the opposing side of misintepreting the Industrial Court’s order.

The court also addressed another application by Falana, who argued that the court lacks jurisdiction to interfere in matters of the Assembly.

Falana noted that the speaker is elected by members of the house and can only be removed by the members.

Justice Pinheiro adjourned the case, informing the court that a date will be communicated to the parties involved.

The ruling is the latest development in the contentious case, which has seen multiple applications and counter-arguments .

Anita Among, Speaker of Ugandan Parliament, has called on African leaders to intensify the fight against illicit financial flows, which result in an estimated annual loss of US$88 billion from the continent.

“The impact of this loss has and continues to be felt by our citizenry through foregone health facilities and services, schools, roads, rural electrification, and development of natural resources,” Ms Among said on Monday.

She made the remarks while presiding over the African Organisation of Public Accounts Committee (AFROPAC) Conference and 5th Annual General Meeting at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Kampala.

Ms Among, speaking on the theme “Strengthening Legislative Action to Combat Illicit Financial Flows and Foster Public Financial Resilience,” highlighted the devastating impact of illicit financial outflows on Africa’s socio-economic development.

She explained that these losses translate into missed opportunities for the provision of essential public services such as healthcare, education, infrastructure development, and rural electrification.

While commending public accounts committees (PACs) for their role in addressing economic and fiscal mismanagement, Ms Among called for transparency, good governance, and strong institutions, emphasising that these elements are crucial to promoting accountability in Africa.

She further stated that parliamentary speakers would advocate for increased funding for AFROPAC.

“We will take it up, and we will support AFROPAC to grow so that we are able to save the money we have as Africa.”

Medard Sseggona, AFROPAC’s chairperson, underscored the importance of collaboration in combating illicit financial flows.

Mr Sseggona praised the African Union, the Southern African Development Community Organisation of PACs (SADCOPAC), the West African Association of Public Accounts Committees, and the East African Association of Public Accounts Committees for their support.

“By collaborating, we can create a united front against those who aim to illegally drain Africa’s common wealth and resources. We want to thank the incoming partner, the Global Fund, for accepting to work with AFROPAC,” he said.

He reiterated AFROPAC’s commitment to regional and continental cooperation, advocating for harmonized policies and joint action. He also urged African parliaments to take bold steps against illicit financial flows.

The secretary-general of AFROPAC, Mark Botomani, pointed out that ensuring the implementation of PAC recommendations by governments remains a challenge in promoting accountability in Africa.

“The fight against illicit financial flows includes ensuring that public resources are harnessed for sustainable development, economic growth, and the well-being of the citizenry,” Mr Botomani added.

The Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court, Ibadan, on Monday, ordered a fraudster and fake prophet, Ezekiel Onikoyi, to serve two weeks’ imprisonment for stealing a woman’s handbag containing a phone, power bank and N4,000.

Mr Onikoyi, 39, whose address was not provided, was charged with stealing, obtaining money under false pretences and conduct likely to cause the breach of the peace.

He pleaded guilty to the three-count charge.

The magistrate, Gladys Oladele, said the convict was found guilty as charged and ordered to serve two weeks’ imprisonment at the Agodi Correctional Centre, Ibadan.

Ms Oladele, however, gave the convict the option of serving one month of community service.

She held that the power bank, one of the things the convict stole from the complainant, should be returned to her (complainant).

Earlier, the prosecutor, Sgt. Samuel Owolabi told the court that the defendant committed the offences on March 14, at 11:30 p.m., at the old Toll Gate on the Ibadan-Lagos Expressway.

Mr Owolabi said the convict disguised himself as a prophet and defrauded one Balikis Adeoti, who was returning from work.

According to the prosecutor, the convict, posed as a prophet, intercepted Ms Adeoti on her way and claimed to have a word of revelation for her.

He instructed her to drop her bag and walk a short distance to a junction to pray and leave a N100 note at the spot for her problems to be solved.

Mr Owolabi said Mr Adeoti dropped her bag and followed the instructions, but upon returning, the fake prophet and her bag disappeared.

He said the convict had made away with her bag containing phones and a power bank worth N220,000 and her N4,000.

The prosecutor said the power bank was later recovered from the convict, but the phone was not.

He said the offences contravened sections 390 (9), 419 and 249 (d) of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) has inaugurated 97 participants as members of the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 47.

Vice President Kashim Shettima inaugurated the participants on Monday in Jos.

The vice president, represented by Josephine Piyo, the deputy governor of Plateau, congratulated the participants for their nomination as participants for the course.

Mr Shettima, who described their research theme “Blue Economy and Sustainable Development in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities” as timely, called on them to provide solutions to the challenges currently facing the nation.

“As you embark on this new chapter of exploration and learning, you are reminded of the critical importance of sustainable development and the preservation of our oceans and marine resources. The blue economy represents a vast and untapped potential for economic growth, innovation, and environmental conservation.

“It encompasses a wide range of activities, from fisheries and aquaculture to marine tourism and renewable energy. By harnessing the resources of our oceans responsibly and sustainably, we will create new opportunities for prosperity while safeguarding the health of our marine ecosystems.

“As scholars and policymakers, it is our collective responsibility to delve deep into the complexities of the blue economy, to understand its challenges and opportunities, and to develop strategies that promote inclusive and sustainable growth,” he said.

The vice president further said that through research, dialogue, and collaboration, the nation could unlock the full potential of its oceans and ensure a prosperous future for future generations.

“This induction marks the beginning of a rigorous academic inquiry, thoughtful analysis, and informed policy recommendations.

“It is a testament to our nation’s commitment to excellence and dedication to shaping a better Nigeria through knowledge and expertise.

“I urge you to approach this study topic with curiosity, passion, and a sense of purpose. I urge you to engage in meaningful discussions and strive for innovative solutions that will drive positive change in our country,” Mr Shettima urged.

Earlier, Ayo Omotayo, the institute’s director general, also congratulated the participants on their formal induction into the institute.

Mr Omotayo said participants would undergo rigorous academic sessions and other activities for the next 10 months.

He promised that the institute would continually provide policies that would shape the growth and development of the nation.

Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State on Monday swore in Ibrahim Wudil as the new commissioner for housing development.

The attorney-general and commissioner for justice, Haruna Dederi, administered the oath at Government House Kano.

After the swearing-in, Mr Yusuf urged Mr Wudil to utilise his extensive experience to drive the state’s development and congratulated him on his new role.

The governor urged Mr Wudil to ensure the effective utilisation of cities developed during the administration of Rabiu Kwankwaso, including Kwankwassiya, Bandirawo, and Amana cities.

The governor expressed confidence in Mr Wudil’s ability, citing his decades-long experience as an architect and his previous role as the managing director of the Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority.

“I’ve worked closely with him for decades, and I know his capacity. I am sure he will not let us down,” the governor said.

The governor appealed to the new commissioner to use his vast experience in addressing the challenge of the state’s housing deficit.

The secretary to the state government (SSG), Umar Ibrahim, commissioners and other top government functionaries attended the ceremony.

The Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited is set to launch an empowerment programme for youths across seven states in the North-West region. This was announced in a statement.

The programme focused on a Space-Tech Hackathon and Very Small Aperture Terminals training targeting youths from Kaduna, Kano, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, and Jigawa.

It will be held in Dutse, Jigawa, from April 7 to 11. Participants include start-ups, local innovators, and students from across the region.

The statement urged interested students to register via the NIGCOMSAT Ltd website.

It explained that the initiative aims to engage and empower young Nigerians, particularly university students, innovators, and professionals from the North-West.

According to the statement, the goal is to promote innovation and develop creative solutions to real-life challenges through space technology.

Similarly, NIGCOMSAT managing director Jane Egerton-Idehen said, “The hackathon allows participants to identify challenges, create ideas, build prototypes, and receive mentorship using satellite technologies.”

“The winning team will join the NIGCOMSAT Accelerator Programme Cohort 2025 to further refine and implement their project.”

Additionally, 100 youths will be trained in installing VSAT systems, which deliver broadband connectivity in remote areas.

Ms Egerton-Idehen noted that this certification provides participants with technical skills, enhancing job prospects.

She said they could explore lucrative careers or entrepreneurial paths within the ICT sector.

The North-East hackathon and VSAT training took place in Yola from February 24 to 28.

“The aim of SpaceTech Hackathons and VSAT Training is to inspire innovation, solve community challenges, and tackle youth unemployment nationwide.

“The North-West Hackathon and VSAT training will be jointly hosted by Jigawa and NIGCOMSAT Ltd.,” Ms Egerton-Idehen said.