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Appeal court throws out Yahaya Bello’s suit against EFCC boss

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Appeal court throws out Yahaya Bello’s suit against EFCC boss

The Court of Appeal in Abuja, on Thursday, set aside the contempt proceedings instituted by the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, against the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Olanipekun Olukoyede.

In a unanimous judgment, the three-man panel of justices; Justice A.M. Talba, Justice D. Z. Senchi, and Justice Joseph Oyewole, set aside the proceedings.

justice Oyewole, while delivering the lead judgment, overruled the respondent’s preliminary objection, citing technicalities.

The appellate court said the high court judge failed to extend the orders of February 9, 2024 in its final judgment of April 17, 2024, adding that the second issue raised by the respondent on the interim order, had become an academic exercise.

The court awarded N1m cost against the respondent.

Recall that the appellate court had granted an ex-parte motion for a stay of contempt proceedings filed against the EFCC boss by Bello.

The Court of Appeal, presided over by Justice Oyewole, granted EFCC’s application from a team of lawyers led by Jibrin Okutepa, (SAN), to serve the processes in the appeal by substituted means on the former governor.

Olukoyede was summoned to appear before the Kogi State High Court in May to show cause why he should not be committed to prison for disobeying its orders following the siege laid at the former governor’s Abuja home after the court ruled in favour of Bello in the fundamental human rights suits he filed before the court.

The EFCC boss, however, appealed the ruling of the trial court and sought a stay of the proceedings of the court.

The Kogi State High Court based its ruling on the premise that the EFCC chair carried out “some acts upon which they (the EFCC) have been restrained” by the Court on Feb. 9, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive originating motion.

It would be recalled that Justice I. A. Jamil, in a ruling on Suit No: HCL/68M/2024 and Motion No: HCL/190M/2024, ordered that “the said act was carried out by the respondent (EFCC) in violation of the order, which was valid and subsisting when they carried out the act.

The judge held that EFCC’s act amounted to contempt.

EFCC operatives had laid siege on the residence of the former governor, as early as 8am on April 17, with a bid to arrest him despite a court order restraining them from taking such action, pending the determination of the originating motion.

Justice Jamil’s order was based on a motion ex-parte filed by Bello, through his lawyer, M.S. Yusuf, where he prayed to the court for an order to issue and serve the respondent (EFCC chairman) with Form 49 Notice to show cause why order of committal should not be made on him.

Okutepa and Adanu Emmanuel Ogwiji, Esq represented EFCC, while Victor Oni, Esq represented the Respondent.

INEC publishes candidates’ final list, fixes June 19 for campaigns

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INEC publishes candidates’ final list, fixes June 19 for campaigns

The Independent National Electoral Commission on Thursday released the final list of candidates for the Ondo State governorship poll.

The agency also fixed June 19, as the date for the commencement of public campaigns for the election scheduled to take place on November 16, 2024.

Seventeen political parties fielded candidates, but notably, no female candidates were among the governorship candidates.

However, one candidate from the African Democratic Congress is a paraplegic.

According to the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, the commission’s publication followed the replacement of candidates by two political parties, the New Nigeria Peoples Party and the Social Democratic Party, which conducted fresh primaries by the June 10 deadline.

Additionally, five parties; African Action Congress, the Action Democratic Party, the Peoples Democratic Party, the Peoples Redemption Party, and the Zenith Labour Party replaced their running mates only.

The final list, available at INEC’s Akure office and online, includes detailed information on the candidates’ age and academic qualifications.

“The Commission is pleased to announce the publication of the final list of candidates for the Ondo State Governorship Election. Following the initial primaries, the Commission published the personal particulars of the Governorship candidates and their running mates in the State and Local Government offices.

“In line with the provision of Section 33 of the Electoral Act 2022, two political parties conducted fresh primaries to replace their earlier nominated candidates and their running mates by the deadline of June 10, 2024. The parties are the New Nigeria Peoples Party and the Social Democratic Party, while five only replaced their running mates. They are the African Action Congress, the Action Democratic Party, the Peoples Democratic Party, the Peoples Redemption Party and the Zenith Labour Party.

“Overall, seventeen political parties are fielding candidates for the election. No political party has nominated a female candidate while one candidate nominated by the African Democratic Congress is a person with disability (a paraplegic). The final list also gives the breakdown of the candidates by age and academic qualifications.

“The list has been published at our office in Akure and also uploaded to our website and social media platforms for public information,” Olumekun said.

As public campaigning begins on June 19, 2024, INEC has emphasised the need for civility and adherence to legal guidelines, urging parties to avoid incitement, violence, and voter inducement.

The national commissioner added that campaigns will run until midnight on November 14, 2024, just two days before the election on November 16.

He said, “With the publication of the final list of candidates, the next activity is an electioneering campaign. As provided by Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, campaigns by political parties in public shall commence not earlier than 150 days before polling day and end 24 hours before that day.

“Therefore, political parties are now permitted to start the campaign in public from Wednesday, June 19, 2024, and end at midnight on Thursday, November 14, 2024, as indicated in items 8 and 12 of the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the election.

“As parties commence this critical phase of the election, the Commission once again reminds candidates, agents and their supporters of the provision of the law and the Commission’s guidelines governing such activity.

“For emphasis, parties shall conduct their campaigns with civility and decorum.”

Eid el-Kabir: NSCDC deploys 500 personnel in Abia

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Eid el-Kabir: NSCDC deploys 500 personnel in Abia

The Abia State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has deployed 500 officers and men to secure national assets, worship centres and recreational centres across the state.
NSCDC Abia State commandant, U.I. Alfadarai, who made this known in a press release signed by the command’s PRO, Doreen Udugu, said that the deployment is aimed at ensuring that the general public enjoys the holidays in peace.
He noted that the personnel were deployed from various departments, units, divisions, and area commands across the state.
“The NSCDC will focus on securing critical national assets and infrastructure, recreational parks and centres, strategic facilities, and public spaces,” said Alfadari.
Eid el-Kabir: NSCDC deploys 500 personnel in Abia

Tinubu appoints ex-economic adviser Yakubu new budget office DG

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Tinubu appoints ex-economic adviser Yakubu new budget office DG

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mr. Tanimu Yakubu as the Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation.

Yakubu’s appointment followed the expiration of the tenure of Mr. Ben Akabueze.

This was contained in a statement by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelele, on Thursday.

According to him, Yabuku is an accomplished economist and was Chief Economic Adviser to a former President from 2007 to 2010; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria from 2003 to 2007, and Commissioner of Finance, Budget, and Economic Planning in Katsina State from 1999 to 2003.

The statement read, “The new Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation holds a Master of Business Administration degree in Finance from Wagner College, Staten Island, New York, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the same institution.

“The President expects the new Director-General of this pivotal agency to further enhance the provision of efficient and qualitative budget functions, with a view to promoting fiscal sustainability, transparency, and accountability in public finance management for national development.”

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Troops kill bandit leader, Buharin Yadi, others in Kaduna

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Troops kill bandit leader, Buharin Yadi, others in Kaduna

Troops of Operation Whirl Punch have killed a bandit leader, Buharin Yadi, along with dozens of his fighters in Kaduna State.
The state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Kaduna.
He said: “The infamous terrorist Buharin Yadi, one of the deadliest bandit leaders terrorising northern Nigeria in the last decade, has met his bitter end at the hands of security forces.
“The troops of Sector 6 Operation Whirl Punch rained down fire on the kingpin known as Buhari Alhaji Halidu (alias Buharin Yadi) and his cohorts, abruptly terminating their ignominious spell of terror.
“Halidu was neutralised in a fierce battle with the troops under the coordination of their Commander, General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Major-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso.
“This took place around Idasu forest at the boundaries between Giwa Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State and Sabuwa LGA of Katsina State.”
The commissioner said the troops began the covert operation following intelligence reports on terrorists’ movement from Samunaka and Saulawa areas of Katsina State.
“On advancing to Samunaka, the troops found the settlement destroyed and cattle killed, evidence of recent criminal activity by the bandits.
“A ferocious battle quickly followed as approaching terrorists were pounded with artillery rounds at Hayin Almajiri.
“The troops then fought bravely through an ambush to attain their objective.
“Initial assessments indicated that at least 36 bandits were eliminated in the engagement.
“It was eventually verified that one of those neutralised was Buharin Yadi,” the commissioner added.
He noted that the slain bandit and his followers had been unleashing terror on citizens in the Kidandan/Galadimawa areas of Giwa LGA.
Aruwan listed other areas that had been attacked by the fallen terrorists to include Sabon Birni/Kerawa areas of Igabi LGA, communities near Sabuwa LGA of Katsina State, and some parts of Niger and Zamfara States.
The post Troops kill bandit leader, Buharin Yadi, others in Kaduna appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Farmers, herders feud claims three lives in Niger

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Farmers, herders feud claims three lives in Niger

A clash between herders and farmers has allegedly resulted in the deaths of three persons in Kwali village, Gwada, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday, leading to tension between the two warring sides in the area.
TVN learnt the brouhaha was triggered by a disagreement between one farmer identified as Salihu Adamu and a herdsman, Usman Sarki.
A source from the area said the herdsman, Usman Sarki, stormed the farm of the farmer, Salihu Adamu, with his cows to graze at Kwali village and caused some damage to his crops, a situation that led to a serious confrontation between him and the farmer.
The source explained that after their quarrel, the farmer returned to continue with his work, but the herdsman, who was not happy with the development, attacked the farmer from behind with a matchet.
“The attack resulted in the death of the farmer, and angered by the situation, his people mobilised and followed the herder to his settlement, where they lynched him along with one other person,” the source said.
TVN learnt that the action of the farmers was immediately met with a reprisal attack from the herdsmen who invaded Kwali village and set all the houses there on fire, including food barns belonging to the people.
Confirming the incident, the Niger State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, in Minna, said the command received information on Thursday from the Gwada Division that there was a feud between herders and farmers.
Abiodun, in a statement, disclosed: “Some persons were in the farm at Kwali village via Gwada, while one Usman Sarki reared his cattle into the farm and in the process of chasing the cattle out of the farm, the said Sarki inflicted a deep machete cut on the head of Salihu Adamu in the farm and he died on the spot. As a result of this, some persons from the village mobilised and burned the nearby Fulani camp and vice versa.”
The police PRO also said the patrol team of Gwada Division, led by the DPO and vigilante members, moved to the scene and normalcy was restored.
He further added that effort is ongoing to arrest fleeing suspects responsible for culpable homicide and mischief by fire in the area.
Farmers, herders feud claims three lives in Niger

Electricity workers cut power supply in Kano, Katsina, Jigawa

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Electricity workers cut power supply in Kano, Katsina, Jigawa

The Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies on Thursday shut down the 11KVA power supply in Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa states over poor staff welfare.

Similarly, the union also closed down the Kano Electricity Distribution Company office complex and prevented staff and customers from entering the premises.

The protest is a response to KEDCO management’s refusal to approve revised conditions of service, remit pensions and PAYE, and address unsafe working conditions.

The union also demanded the immediate payment of outstanding exit packages, performance appraisal, salary increments, and promotion arrears among others

Speaking on the issue, the National Deputy President of SSAEAC, Rilwanu Shehu, emphasized that the union has exhausted all avenues for resolution and will take drastic measures, including crippling the power supply if their demands are not met.

When contacted via telephone, the Managing Director of KEDCO, Alhaji Abubakar Yusuf, said he was in a meeting.

“I am in a meeting and will get back to you later,” he said.

He has yet to do so of the time of publication.

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Man jailed in UK for removing condom without lady’s consent

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Man jailed in UK for removing condom without lady’s consent

A UK court on Thursday jailed a man for removing without consent a condom that he was wearing during sex, in what London’s Metropolitan Police called a “milestone” legal case.

Guy Mukendi, 39, of South London, was sentenced to four years and three months in prison after being convicted in April, the London force said.

He had been arrested in May last year following a report of sexual assault made by a young woman in Brixton, south London.

The Met, as the capital’s police force is known, said the woman had consented to have sex with Mukendi on condition that a condom was used.

But during sex, he removed the condom without the victim’s knowledge.

Non-consensual condom removal — sometimes referred to as “stealthing” — is classified as rape in England and Wales.

The Met said such prosecutions are “very rare” due to under-reporting but that they are dedicated to pursuing “justice” for victims.

“This milestone case comes as the Met continues its pledge to be more suspect-focused in their approach to crimes that disproportionately affect women and girls,” the force said in a statement detailing the prosecution.

Mukendi was found guilty on April 2 at Inner London Crown Court and was sentenced at the same court on Thursday.

“Throughout this investigation, Mukendi denied any wrongdoing — but our officers built a compelling case against him to leave no doubt in the jury’s mind,” said Detective Constable Jack Earl, who led the investigation.

“We were dedicated to securing justice for the victim and will continue to raise awareness that this crime is a form of rape.”

AFP

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Cross River to reclaim degraded lands with 6 new cocoa estates

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Cross River to reclaim degraded lands with 6 new cocoa estates

Cross River State government has said that degraded areas of the state are to be restored.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Johnson Ebokpo, announced this during a critical stakeholders’ meeting.
He said the state government has initiated plans to establish six new cocoa farm estates in six local government areas of the state.
He said this is to ensure that degraded areas are restored through sustainable agro-forestry programmes.
He added that intercropping in such areas with shade trees will help to balance the ecosystem and preserve biodiversity.
He said the cocoa development would comply with the European Union Deforestation Regulation, EUDR.
Ebokpo said the development accounts for why the ministry was collaborating with the State Forestry Commission.
He further noted that as part of the programme, cocoa farms and allottees would be digitally enumerated immediately after a farm is identified and deemed suitable for ease of access to traceability information, which will ensure that living income premiums are paid to deserving farmers.
He said they were engaging stakeholders to acquire land for the establishment of the cocoa estates in Akamkpa, Akpabuyo, Bekwara, Odukpani, Obubra, and Ikom local government areas.
Ebokpo stressed the importance of stakeholders’ involvement to ensure the success of this initiative, which has been in the works for quite some time
He emphasised that the project will adopt a complete public-private partnership model where the government, in collaboration with the communities, facilitate the development of the new estates.
Cross River to reclaim degraded lands with 6 new cocoa estates

Lagos records 50% GDP growth under my watch — Sanwo-Olu

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Lagos records 50% GDP growth under my watch — Sanwo-Olu

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said the Gross Domestic Product of Lagos, in the last five years under his administration, had risen by almost 50 per cent, surpassing the size of the GDPs of over 40 African countries.

The responsible factors, the governor said, could be linked to the unending effort by his administration to improve the Ease of Doing Business and the decision to leverage the technology and entrepreneurial abilities of its population for economic activities.

Sanwo-Olu said Lagos had grown from being a state in deficit in the military era to becoming a hub for investment and technological advancements.

The governor stated this while delivering the closing speech at the ongoing 3rd AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF 2024) in Nassau on the theme: “Global Africa, Global Lagos: The Role of Sub-Nationals in Driving the Global African Agenda.”

“Lagos is an example of a unique African success story, shaped by an interesting mix of advantages and challenges. It is the smallest of Nigeria’s 36 States, yet is responsible for more than a third of Nigeria’s entire GDP. Lagos has grown to have a GDP that is greater than the GDPs of all but seven African countries. In the last five years, under my leadership, we have seen an almost 50 per cent increase in our GDP,” Sanwo-Olu was quoted as saying in a statement on Thursday by his spokesman, Gboyega Akosile.

He added, “Lagos presents a significant context on how sub-national governments are vital in writing new stories of development and advancing the economic agenda of the continent. I am proud to say that we in Lagos State have indeed mastered the art and science of Public-Private Partnerships. Having pioneered this private sector-led development in Lagos, we are now exporting that template to other States across the country.

“Our growth stories speak to the importance of African solutions and African capacity for tackling African problems. As we work towards accomplishing our aspirations, it is clear that sub-sovereign entities, such as cities, states, provinces, regions, and municipalities, can be instrumental in translating African countries’ high-level goals into tangible outcomes. It is at this sub-national level that a lot of the most remarkable reforms and transformations are playing out.”

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