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Arsenal beat Man Utd to keep title race alive
Police declare UK-based blogger, Dorcas Adeyinka, wanted for alleged cyberstalking
The Nigerian Police Force, NPF, has declared Dorcas Adeyinka, a Nigerian blogger based in the United Kingdom, wanted over allegations of cyber-stalking, abduction and murder.
According to a Special Police Gazette Bulletin shared on the NPF’s official X handle, Adeyinka was declared wanted by the Inspector-General of Police Monitoring Unit, Abuja.
The allegations against her also include injurious falsehood, threat to life and extortion.
The bulletin describes Adeyinka as a Yoruba woman, approximately 1.64 meters tall, with an oval face, pointed nose and distinctive tribal marks.
She is characterized by black hair, a larger head, and a prominent chin. Her last known address is 833 Woolick Road in the United Kingdom, but it is believed that she frequents several areas within Nigeria, including Ikeja, Ogudu, Fagba, Otta, and Sango in Lagos and Ogun states.
The police have promised a handsome reward for anyone providing information on her whereabouts.
Adeyinka’s family had, in April, accused the Lagos State Police Command of conducting a biased and lopsided probe, after she was arrested for the same cyberbullying and cyberstalking.
They claimed that she had been subjected to threats to life, cyberstalking and bullying by suspected Nigerian bloggers who use various social media accounts to harass her.
Police declare UK-based blogger, Dorcas Adeyinka, wanted for alleged cyberstalking
Catholic Bishop warns against adoption of Artificial Intelligence in Nigeria
The Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Most Rev. Felix Femi Ajakaye, has warned against adoption of Artificial Intelligence in Nigeria.
Ajakaiye spoke in a sermon during a mass to mark the 58th World Social Communications Day, held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
Represented by his Vicar General, Rev. Fr. Felix Odesanmi, he called on media professionals and politicians to raise their voice against the dangers associated with Artificial Intelligence.
Ajakaye noted that all efforts must be on deck to ensure that “while we approved of the good things that technology have brought to us, we should be conscious of the dangers, both economic wise, leading to unemployment and the moral issues that go along with it”.
He added, “We still have high rate of unemployment in Africa, by the time we allow this Artificial Intelligence, ‘AI’, to take control of us and it is everywhere, the rate of unemployment would be higher.
“The Artificial Intelligence, as we know, the rate at which the technology is going, a lot of jobs ordinarily done by human beings are simply being taken over by machines and if this continues, there is going to be a serious rate of unemployment in Africa and other nations.
“Technology is very good but at the same time, we have to be weary that God made us to know Him, Love Him and to Serve Him, so that through this means, we have the salvation of our souls.
“Artificial Intelligence has no thinking, no conscience, where those two things are lacking, there is danger. Otherwise, the future of the world is very bleak.
“Our world is in bondage today. Look at the level of unemployment in Nigeria, all the technological giants are reducing the work force with AI, human beings are only looking for financial gain. It is a direct afront m to God.
“Let us raise our voice against Artificial Intelligence, there should be restriction to areas where to use it. It would cause a lot of confusion in our world.”
Catholic Bishop warns against adoption of Artificial Intelligence in Nigeria
It’s wrong to impose cybersecurity levy on Nigerians without increase in income – Ndume
Chief Whip of the Senate, Ali Ndume has criticised the proposed cybersecurity levy imposed on Nigerians by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
The lawmaker who represents Borno South Senatorial District in the National Assembly condemned the levy in an interview on Channels Television programme Politics Today on we the weekend, saying that the proposed cybersecurity levy would increase the tax burden on Nigerians without an attendant increase in their income.
Ndume argued that it was not proper for the government to continue to levy the citizens while nothing is done to increase their income.
“You cannot be loading taxes on people when you are not increasing their income. Their source of income, you are not widening it, you are not increasing it. I am not part of those that support levying people anyhow,” Ndume said.
“The amendment to the Cybersecurity Act, I supported it but not the nitty-gritty and I am not trying to run away from any blame.
“We have issues with cybercrime you know that, and there is a need for the government to improve the Cybercrime Act, that is what I understand by the amendment.
“Looking at the nitty-gritty would have been the responsibility of interested parties. If I had known there is an issue where a cost would be transferred to a customer or a Nigerian I would not agree,” he stated.
The CBN had, on May 6, directed all deposit money banks, mobile money operators, payment service providers and other financial institutions to implement a 0.5 percent cybersecurity levy on electronic transactions following the amendment of the Cybercrime Act by the National Assembly.
According to a circular by the apex bank, the deduction of the levy are to be remitted to the National Cybersecurity Fund (NCF), administered by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
However, the CBN directive has not gone down well with Nigerians and civil society organisations with the labour unions threatening a nationwide action should the government fail to withdraw the directive.
The House of Representatives has also waded into the issue by asking the CBN to withdraw the directive which it said is shrouded in ambiguity.
The post It’s wrong to impose cybersecurity levy on Nigerians without increase in income
Kogi govt claims some abducted varsity students have been rescued
Kogi State government says some of the students of Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, Okene, who were kidnapped by bandits on Friday have been rescued.
Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, who confirmed the rescue of the students in a statement on Sunday, said they were rescued unharmed by local hunters and other security agents.
Though Fanwo did not specify the number of the students rescued, the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Williams Aya, told our correspondent via text message that 14 students were rescued.
Ripples Nigeria had reported that the students were abducted on Friday while they were in the classes to read in preparation for the first-semester examination scheduled for Monday, May 13.
The gunmen were said to have forced their way into the classrooms on Thursday night and started shooting sporadically while an unspecified number of students were whisked away.
In the statement posted on his official X account, Fanwo said the local vigilante men and security agents engaged the kidnappers in a fierce shootout and the kidnappers succumbed to superior firepower and escaped with gunshot wounds.
According to him, the kidnappers left the kidnapped students who also ran in different directions to avoid being caught in the fire exchange.
The statement reads:
“This is to inform the general public that some of the students abducted by gun men at the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara have been rescued safely by local hunters and other security agents, hours after the Executive Governor of the State, His Excellency Alh Ahmed Usman Ododo visited the institution to assure parents of his commitment to rescuing the students.
READ ALSO:Court dismisses suit challenging appointment of judges in Kogi
“Local vigilante men and security agents engaged the kidnappers in a fierce shootout and the kidnappers succumbed to superior firepower and escaped with gun wounds, leaving the kidnapped students who also ran in different directions to avoid being caught up in the fire exchange.
“Many of the students kidnapped and even other people in captivity have been rescued and taken to medical facilities for proper attention, while many others were also rescued in the early hours of today.
“Security agents are currently combing the forests to ensure all the kidnapped students are found and brought home safely.
“In the sporadic gun battle to rescue our dear students, a local hunter and a DSS operative sustained injuries and they are currently receiving medical attention.
“We commend our local hunters and all the conventional security agents for their bravery and gallantry.
“Of special commendation is the DSS for acting on credible intelligence to coordinate a fearless confrontation on the outlaws.
“The security agencies have once again demonstrated why Kogi State will remain an uncomfortable place for bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements.
“The success recorded so far is a clear testament of the readiness of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to ensure adequate and uncompromising security for the people of Kogi State.
“We urge residents to report anyone with gun wounds found in their communities to law enforcement agents.
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Police in Ogun arrests woman for trafficking 16-year-old to Libya for prostitution
The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a middle-aged woman, Abike Olonade, for allegedly trafficking a 16-year-old secondary school student to Libya for the purpose of prostitution.
The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Omolola Odutola, who confirmed the arrest of Olonade in a statement in Abeokuta, on Saturday, said the suspect, upon her arrest on May 11, confessed to trafficking the victim, a student of Adeoye Lambo Secondary School in Obada Oko, Ewekoro Local Government Area of the state, to the north African country to engage in sex trade.
71-yr-old landlord impregnates tenant’s 14-yr-old daughter in Ogun
“One Abike Olonade has been arrested for trafficking a 16 year old student of Ademoye Lambo Secondary School in Obada Oko, Ogun State,”
“She confessed that the victim have been trafficked to Libya!” Odutola said in the statement posted on the Command’s X account.
SUSPECTED CHILD TRAFFICKING :
11th May, 2024. One Abike Olonade has been arrested for trafficking 16 year old student of Adeoye Lambo Secondary School in Obada Oko Ogun State. She confessed that the victim have been trafficked to Libya! pic.twitter.com/BRvhPshWRZ— Ogun State Police Command (@OgunPoliceNG) May 11, 2024
SERAP, BudgIT, 136 Nigerians head to court to fight ‘imposition of cybersecurity levy on Nigerians’
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), BudgIT and 136 concerned Nigerians have filed a lawsuit against the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) over what they describe as “its failure to withdraw the patently unlawful ‘Circular’ directing all banks and other financial institutions to deduct from customers’ account a ‘cybersecurity levy’.”
The CBN had last week directed banks to implement a levy of 0.5% (0.005) equivalent to a half percent of all electronic transactions, and to remit the levy to the ‘national cybersecurity fund.’ The CBN relied on the Cybercrime Act 2015 [as amended]. The directive is to be implemented by Monday, May 20, 2024.
In the suit number FHC/L/CS/822/2024 filed last Friday at the Federal High Court, Lagos, the Plaintiffs are asking the court to determine “whether the CBN Circular dated 6th May 2024, directing financial institutions to deduct from customers’ accounts a cybersecurity levy is unlawful and therefore ultra vires the CBN.”
The Plaintiffs are also asking the court to determine “whether the CBN Circular dated 6th May 2024, directing financial institutions to deduct from customers’ accounts a cybersecurity levy and section 44(2)(a) of the Cybercrimes Act are not in breach of sections 14(2), 44(1) and 162(1) of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], and therefore unconstitutional, null, and void.”
The Plaintiffs are asking the court for “a declaration that the CBN Circular dated 6th May 2024 directing all banks and other financial institutions to deduct from customers’ accounts a cybersecurity levy is contrary to the provisions of the Cybercrimes Act and ultra vires the CBN, and therefore is illegal null and void.”
The Plaintiffs are seeking “an order of interim injunction restraining the CBN, its office, agents, privies, assigns, or any other persons acting on its instructions from enforcing the Circular dated 6th May 2024, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed contemporaneously in this suit.”
The suit filed on behalf of the Plaintiffs by their lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, read in part: “The CBN Circular is unlawful and an outright violation of the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and the country’s international obligations.
“Unless the reliefs sought are granted, the CBN will enforce its Circular directing banks to deduct from customers’ accounts a cybersecurity levy. Millions of Nigerians with active bank accounts would suffer irreparable damage from the unlawful deduction of cybersecurity levies from their accounts.
“The provisions of the Cybercrimes Act on payment of cybersecurity levy strictly apply only to businesses listed in the Second Schedule to the Act. These provisions make no reference to bank customers, contrary to the CBN Circular to all banks and other financial institutions.
“The Nigerian government has a legal responsibility to ensure the security and welfare of the people, as provided for under section 14(2)(b) of the Nigerian Constitution and human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a state party.
“The CBN Circular is also a blatant violation of Nigerians’ human rights including the right to property guaranteed under section 44 of the Nigerian Constitution and article 14 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights to which Nigeria is a state party.
“We urge the Honourable to grant the reliefs sought in the public interest and the interest of justice as well as to prevent arbitrariness and ensure the rule of law in the country.
READ ALSO:SERAP gives Nigerian govt 48 hours to reverse CBN’s 0.5% cybersecurity levy or face court action
“Any deduction of cybersecurity levy from Nigerians’ accounts would be contrary to the provisions of section 44(2)(a) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 as amended by the Cybercrimes Prohibition, Prevention etc) (Amendment) Act 2024 and ultra vires the CBN, and therefore illegal, null and void.
“Section 162 (1) of the Nigerian Constitution provides that all revenues collected by or on behalf of the Government of the Federation are mandatorily required to be paid into the Federation Account save the revenue excepted by the provisions of the section.
“The National Cybersecurity Fund established by section 44(1) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 [as amended] into which it is required to be paid the levy of 0.5% chargeable on all electronic transactions instead of the Federation Account is unconstitutional, null, and void.
“The CBN Circular is a breach and misinterpretation of Sections 44(2)(a) and 58 of the Cybercrimes Act [as amended], in that it purports to incorporate customers of the bank (neither defined by the Act nor designated by the CBN as financial institutions) as those to pay the cybersecurity levy.
“The Plaintiffs are customers of commercial banks in Nigeria with accounts domiciled with many commercial banks in Nigeria. The CBN is the statutory agency charged with the overall control and administration of the monetary and financial sector policies of the Federal Government.
“The Plaintiffs are included in the statistics of Nigerians with active bank accounts as the Plaintiffs are owners of accounts in different Banks and other financial institutions.”
“As of 30 April 2024, commercial banks in Nigeria already charge exorbitant fees for electronic transactions, including Electronic Transfer Charges at N53.75 on any amount above N10,000, Stamp Duty of N50 on every transaction and Account Maintenance Charge deducted per month.”
The Plaintiffs are therefore asking the court for the following reliefs:
- A DECLARATION that the Circular issued by the CBN and dated 6th May 2024 directing all banks and other financial institutions to deduct from customers’ accounts cybersecurity levy is manifestly misleading, extorting and a breach and misinterpretation of the provisions of Section 44, 58 and Second Schedule of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, ETC) (Amendment) Act 2024 and ultra vires the CBN, and therefore is illegal, null and void.
- A DECLARATION that the the Circular issued by the CBN and dated 6th May 2024 directing all banks and other financial institutions to deduct from customers’ accounts cybersecurity levy and section 44(2)(a) of the Cybercrimes Act are inconsistent with, and a breach of the provisions of Section 14(2), 44 (1) 162 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and therefore unconstitutional, null and void.
- AN ORDER setting aside the the Circular issued by the CBN and dated 6th May 2024 directing all banks and other financial institutions to deduct from customers’ accounts cybersecurity levy, for being misleading, extorting and a breach of the provisions of Section 44, 58 and Second Schedule of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, ETC) (Amendment) Act 2024.
- AN ORDER setting aside the Circular issued by the CBN and dated 6th May 2024 directing all banks and other financial institutions to deduct from customers’ accounts cybersecurity levy and section 44(2)(a) of the Cybercrimes Act, for being inconsistent with, and a breach of the provisions of Section 14(2), 44 (1) and 162 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and therefore unconstitutional, null and void.
- AN ORDER restraining the Central Bank of Nigeria, including its agents, assigns, privies and or representatives or such other persons acting on its behalf, from enforcing the the Circular issued by the CBN and dated 6th May 2024 against all banks and other financial institutions and their customers.
- ANY ORDER(S) that the Honorable Court may deem fit to make in the circumstance of this suit.
‘I made a big mistake with Fubara, but I will correct it at the right time’ —Wike
Minister of the Capital Territory (FCT) and immediate past Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has confessed to making a grave mistake by supporting Governor Siminalayi Fubara to become his successor, with a vow to correct the mistake at the appropriate time.
The FCT Minister who spoke on Saturday at a reception held in Port Harcourt in honour of Chief George Thompson Sekibo to celebrate his 20 years of service at the national and 36 years of his life in public service, said he made mistakes in his judgment of Fubara and asked the people of the state and political family to forgive him, promising that he would correct the mistake at the right time.
“I want to say this clearly, in life we have made a mistake. I have made a mistake. I own it up and I say God forgive me. I have said all of you forgive me,” Wike said.
“But we will correct it at the appropriate time. I am a human; I am bound to make a mistake. So forgive me for making a wrong judgment. So nobody should kill.”
Reacting to some developments and actions from the camp of Fubara in the ongoing political crisis in the state, Wike said the governor’s actions so far have shown he is not to be trusted.
“If they like they can go to anybody by 2am or 4am to get injunction. The law will take its course. We must follow due process,” Wike said.
Taking a swipe at Fubara’s recent remarks that he would not worship anybody, Wike said he had never asked anybody to worship him.
“It is not easy to be a public officer and the people decide to honour you. Let me thank the Ogu council of chiefs and the entire community who insisted that their son should be honoured.
READ ALSO:Wike reconciles with Magnus Abe, promotes unity in Rivers APC
“You have refused politics to divide you. It shows that you have the interest of your community in mind. I came because I respect people, who appreciate what God has used people to do for them.
“God uses people to help others. So when you have been helped, you appreciate them. God will know you have appreciated him. Nobody can worship man. All of us believe that it is only God we will worship.
“As politicians we appreciate people who have helped us. When I came to ask you to support me, you supported me. Did I worship you? Did I ask you to worship me? If you had not supported me, I would not have been where I am. Did you tell me to worship you? So where does the issue of worship come from?
“It is not easy to be in power and begin to give excuses. You continue to run away from promises you made to people. Look at all the council chairmen, the assembly members; these were people I spoke to for the interest of all of us.
“They all responded but today somebody said they are nobody. Will you accept that? Assembly people sat down in their various constituencies. You never brought a dime. I never knew you were rich that your father was a managing director of shell before and now you are paying their school fees. It is unfortunate.”
Wike also told the embattled state lawmakers not to be afraid as nobody would remove them as assembly members.
“Don’t be afraid nobody will remove you as a lawmaker. Most of you don’t understand. This is our work. Our business is to make them to fear.
“That is what I am doing. We will make them to be angry everyday and they will continue to make mistakes,” he said.
RIVERS CRISIS: Ex-PDP nat’l chairman reveals real reason behind Wike, Fubara fight
Former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, has revealed what he said is the main cause of the political crisis in Rivers State.
He accused immediate past governor of the state and now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, of masterminding the ongoing political crisis in the state because of incumbent Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s blockage of the state treasury from being looted.
In a statement on Saturday issued on his behalf by his media aide, Ike Abonyi, Secondus noted that Fubara has blocked all loopholes that could allow unauthorized individuals access to the revenues in the coffers of the state, an action which has resulted in him being maligned.
The former PDP chairman blamed Wike for heating up the polity and called on him to give his successor the chance to carry out his mandate to the people.
Secondus also accused Wike of being the brain behind Fubura’s political troubles, citing the minister’s conduct, utterances and unrelenting fued with the governor which has cast the state in bad light.
He emphasized that Wike’s incessant war with Fubara has gone a long way in demarketing the state simply because his successor had blocked all loopholes that could grant him (Wike) access to the revenues in the coffers of Rivers State.
He also alleged that Wike had instructed his aides and political associates to continuously malign and sabotage the peace, progress, and prosperity of the state by ceaselessly attacking Fubara and other leaders of the state in the media.
“Wike has been governor for eight years and is now Minister of the FCT. As Minister, what, has he (Wike) attracted in terms of Federal projects to our dear State since he assumed office?” Secondus queried.
READ ALSO:WIKE Vs FUBARA: Fight moves to ward level, as PDP faction counters lawmaker’s suspension
“Perhaps misery, grief, and anguish. As Governor he had supervised the exit of investors from the state due to his draconian policies.
“He had on an occasion mentioned that he is capable of causing crisis and he is not far from the truth, as he is causing an unfathomable crisis in Rivers State.
“Mrs Patience Jonathan and I worked for his emergence as governor, have we ever breathed down his neck? Instead what we get is disrespect and insults.
“ I can attest to Dr. Odili’s performance as Governor being the State PDP chairman then. I hasten to say without any fear of contradiction that he is the best governor of Rivers State in this dispensation.
“Wike claims that our revered Dr. Odili made him but in his characteristic manner, he publicly ridiculed the Odili’s without any justification. He owes them an unreserved apology and he should do so publicly.
“These media attacks against the political leaders of Rivers State are unwarranted and diversionary.
“For the records Wike should account for the three hundred million dollars ($300m) he collected from the NNPC for the Ogoni Oil well and the cash refund made by the Saipem oil and gas company and subsequently account for his eight-year tenure of over N4 Trillion realized, mismanaged and squandered, rather than trying to cover his inadequacies through media attacks.
“I call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to prevail on the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike to stop overheating the Rivers State political atmosphere and allow Fubara to work. Whatever Wike thinks he is It must be stressed that Rivers people made him.”
Top 10 stories from across Nigerian Newspapers, Sunday, May 12, 2024
Here are the top 10 stories making headlines across the country.
1. Abia Gov Otti, accuses Ikpeazu of misappropriating airport funds
Dr. Alex Otti, the Abia State Governor, has levelled serious allegations against his predecessor, Okezie Ikpeazu.Read more
2. In visit to Jet Motor Company, Finance minister, Edun, speaks on progress of govt’s CNG initiative
Nigeria’s Finance Minister, Wale Edun, has assured that the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas of the current administration is on course, and that the CNG vehicles were being rolled out for the benefit of all Nigerians.Read more
3. Nigeria’s insecurity, a self-inflicted wound from yesterday, it’ll get worse, says Bishop Kukah
In a scathing critique of the Nigerian government, Reverend Matthew Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, has attributed the current wave of banditry and terrorism to the country’s neglect of education.Read more
4. Zamfara rejects Nigerian govt’s planned negotiation with bandits
The Zamfara State government has distanced itself from purported plans by the Federal Government to negotiate with bandits in the stateRead more
5. EFCC accuses banks of informing customers of investigation activities
A call for increased discretion has come from Mr. Ola Olukoyede, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding the disclosure of information on customers under investigation by Commission.Read more
READ ALSO:Top 10 stories from across Nigerian Newspapers, Thursday, May 9, 2024
6. Labour Party unveils governorship campaign council in Edo
The Labour Party (LP) in Edo State on Saturday unveiled its campaign council for the September 21 governorship election in the state.Read more
7. XEJet plane veers off Lagos airport runway
An XEJet Airlines aircraft skidded off runway 18L at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, on Saturday morning.Read more
8. Femi Adebayo, RMD, Iya Rainbow take home awards at 2024 AMVCA
Nollywood star, Femi Adebayo, on Saturday won the Best Indigenous Language Film award at this year’s Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) held in Lagos.Read more
9. Govt restarts demolition of illegal structure on Lagos Island markets
The Lagos State government has resumed the removal of illegal structures in Lagos Island markets.Read more
10. Aina, Awoniyi shine as gallant Forest lose to Chelsea in five-goal thriller
Super Eagles duo of Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi were in action for Nottingham Forest in their 3-2 defeat to Chelsea in a Premier League clash on Saturday night.Read more