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Three arraigned, remanded over Ibadan explosion

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Three arraigned, remanded over Ibadan explosion

Three persons were on Wednesday, arraigned before a Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State, over the January 16 explosion that rocked Adeyi Avenue, Old Bodija in the Ibadan North Local Government Area of the state.

Five people were confirmed dead, 58 houses were seriously affected and 78 persons sustained various degrees of injuries from the blast.

A woman, Ramotu Camara, 47; Ganiyu Malik, 20; and Abubakar Samasa, 64, were arraigned on a five-count.

They were accused of conspiracy to commit a felony with explosives, lethal devices, handling and use of radioactive and nuclear materials, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; an offence deemed punishable under Section 26 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

They all pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Earlier, the police prosecutor, Michael Ojeah, had told the court that Camara, Malik and Samasa were facing a five-count.

Ojeah said, “The defendants and others currently at large committed the crime about 7.30 p.m. on January 16, at Aderinola off Dejo-Oyelese Street, Adeyi Avenue, Old Bodija Ibadan, Oyo State.”

He said the defendants stored radioactive materials inside a building which exploded and led to the death of a 65-year-old woman known as Bolanle Badmus and 13 others.

The defence counsel, Adeola Adebayo, asked the court for a short adjournment to file some applications.

The prosecutor, however, said, “The offence contravened the provisions of Sections 26, 42 (A) and (B), 43(1) (A) and (2) (C) 1 (A) 58 (1) (A) of the Terrorism, Prohibition and Prevention Act 2022.”

The presiding Judge, Ekerete Akpan of the FHC 2, ordered that they should be remanded in the Agodi Correctional Centre till April 11 for a hearing of their bail applications.

In a statement released after the blast in January, BON Hotel Nest Ibadan stated that its operations manager, Tunde Solomon, passed away due to a heart attack linked to the explosion near the hotel in Bodija.

A 27-year-old male, Oluwatobiloba Alao, is still recovering having suffered memory loss due to the attack.

His place of work, according to his younger brother, Joseph, is the third house from where the explosion happened.

A survivor, Mr. Abiola AbduIsalam, said he jumped from a storey building on Dejo Oyelese Street, where the explosion happened, to save his life.

Man stabs two women to death at a Mexico university

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Man stabs two women to death at a Mexico university

A man fatally stabbed two women at a university in the western Mexico city of Guadalajara on Wednesday, a state prosecutor said.

The assailant was described as a man around 20 years old.

He burst onto the campus of Centro Universitario UTEG carrying a knife and a hatchet, which he used to smash several windows, said Luis Joaquin Mendez, prosecutor for Jalisco state.

“There was no reason, no apparent motive,” for the attack, said the prosecutor, adding that the attacker’s “aggression was directed against the first people he saw.”

A man was also wounded during the attack.

Police have arrested the assailant and are also investigating his links to another woman who was found dead in a hotel on the same day.

At least 852 cases of femicide were recorded last year in the violence-plagued country, according to official figures.

AFP

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Ekiti Reps mourn APC chairman, Omotoso

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Ekiti Reps mourn APC chairman, Omotoso

Members of the House of Representatives from Ekiti State have expressed sadness over the death of the state chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Paul Omotoso.

Omotoso died at a medical facility in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital in the early hours of Wednesday, after a brief illness.

In a statement of condolence issued in Abuja and signed by the leader of the caucus, Olufemi Bamishele, the federal lawmakers said Omotoso’s passing left a void in the hearts of all Ekiti members of the House of Representatives who were all elected on the platform of the APC.

The statement read in part, “His (Omotoso’s) leadership was marked by unwavering dedication to the APC and tireless efforts to advance the peace, progress, and prosperity of Ekiti State.

“Under his stewardship, the APC in Ekiti State achieved the historic feat of succeeding itself as the ruling party in the 2022 gubernatorial election – the first time a back-to-back victory for a party in the political history of Ekiti State was recorded.

“Barrister Omotoso’s leadership acumen and visionary leadership contributed to the internal cohesion in the party, and he was a bridge builder between the younger and older generations.”

The lawmakers recalled the positions held by the deceased politicians in the past, saying, “Omotoso excelled in the various public offices he held prior to becoming State Chairman, including APC State Secretary; Special Adviser to the Governor on Legal Matters; Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters; as well as a two-time Commissioner.”

According to the lawmakers, Omotoso’s loyalty, commitment, integrity, and competence “Were evident over the course of many decades of an illustrious political and public service career.

“His inclusive leadership style ensured that every member’s voice was heard and valued. His integrity, compassion, and commitment to the ideals of our party were truly inspiring.”

While commiserating with the family, friends, associates, the government and people of Ekiti State, the lawmakers prayed to God to grant the deceased eternal repose.

You have a case to answer, court tells suspended UNICAL dean

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You have a case to answer, court tells suspended UNICAL dean

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday dismissed the no-case submission by the suspended Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Calabar, Prof. Cyril Ndifon, and his lawyer, Sunny Anyanwu.

The professor is currently standing trial on four amended counts of alleged sexual harassment and gratification preferred against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.

His lawyer, Anyanwu, was alleged to have harassed the ICPC’s star witness.

On February 19, their lawyer, Joe Agi (SAN), filed a no-case submission urging the court to discharge and acquit them.

The duo contended that there was no evidence adduced by the prosecution on which the court could convict them, insisting that the commission failed to establish a prima facie case against them.

Specifically, the professor claimed that the series of chats between him and TKJ, a diploma graduate suggested a consensual relationship between them.

In the chats, the professor noted that they conveyed their love, affection, and concern for each other’s safety.

But the commission, in opposition, filed a counter affidavit on Feb. 23, praying the court to dismiss the application.

Justice James Omotosho, in a ruling, held that the evidence led by the prosecution constituted a prima facie case against the duo.

Justice Omotosho, therefore, ordered Ndifon, the suspended dean, and Anyanwu to enter their defence.

The judge said that though the provision of the ICPC Act relied upon by Agi showed that FHC was not mentioned as a court with jurisdiction over the Act, he said that the court was bound by the decision of the Supreme Court in the case of Aweto Vs. FRN(2018) where it cited provisions of the ICPC Act, 2000 and Section 251 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

“The purpose of the above decision is that the Federal High Court has the requisite jurisdiction to entertain matters based on the Corrupt Practices Act 2000.

“This is premised on the powers of the Federal High Court under Section 251 of the 1999 Constitution vesting it with exclusive jurisdiction over civil and criminal matters involving federal agencies.

“The ICPC is a federal agency and likewise the 1st defendant is a public officer in a federal institution. All these factors make this court a proper venue to try the offences,” he said.

On the issue of territorial jurisdiction, the judge disagreed with the defence counsel that the court was not the right venue for the trial since the cause of action arose in Cross River.

Citing Order 2 Rules 2 and 3 of the FHC (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019, Justice Omotosho held that a suit could be commenced in any judicial division of the FHC.

On whether the ICPC had powers to investigate and prosecute offences under the Cybercrimes Act, 2015, he said the commission is a prime federal law enforcement agency with the mandate of investigating and prosecuting offences of corruption, fraud, bribery, and abuse of office by public officers, going by its Act under Section 47.

Justice Omotosho said the evidence so far led by the prosecution shows prima facie that the 1st defendant (Ndifon) solicited the nude photos of PW2 (female diploma student) with the promise of giving her admission into the Faculty of Law of the University of Calabar.

“PW1 who was one of the investigators testified that examinations carried out on the phone of the Ist defendant reveal messages from 1st defendant to PW2 soliciting for these images.”

The judge, however, said that holding that a prima facie case has been established does not necessarily imply that the court finds the defendants guilty of the charge.

“Consequently, this objection is overruled. In the final analysis, the no-case submission of the defence is likely to fail as the evidence led by the prosecution constitutes a prima facie case against the defendants.

“Consequently, the no-case submission is overruled and the defendants are ordered to enter their defence,” Justice Omotosho declared.

The matter was adjourned until March 12 for the defendants to enter a defence.

Omotosho also accepted Sen. Victor Ndoma-Egba and Okon Efut (SAN) as sureties for the bail earlier granted to Ndifon.

Ndoma-Egba represented Cross River Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly for 12 years.

Putting Tinubu’s sons before ministers on protocol list disturbing -Abati

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Putting Tinubu’s sons before ministers on protocol list disturbing -Abati

Arise TV journalist and former media aide to the president, Reuben Abati, has questioned the occupation of President Bola Tinubu’s sons, Seyi and Yinka.

Abati, who was a media aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, expressed his view on Wednesday, on Arise TV’s “The Morning Show” which he co-anchors with fellow journalists Oseni Rufai and two others.

He also as described disturbing a situation where Tinubu’s sons were reportedly put before ministers on protocol list during Tinubu’s recent trip to Qatar.

“May we begin to ask, What do the president’s children do for a living? I don’t know specifically how old they are but looking at them, by the time I was their age, I was doing something concrete with my life. I got a PhD at 24. I wasn’t depending on any father,” he said.

He also chastised Tinubu for sending Yinka and Seyi on his team’s recent visit to Qatar, and granting them diplomatic precedence over his ministers.

On March 2 and 3, 2024, the president’s sons Seyi and Yinka were part of the delegation that accompanied the president on a state visit to Doha, Qatar.

Abati said, “What I am saying is that first Nigerians complain that they should not have been on that list, the issue raised there is that yes if their father is paying for them to be there, fine. I also raised the question if they have relevant qualifications, if they are business people in their own rights, they can bring investment and they will make contributions.

“Then you will say they have a reason to be there, What I found disturbing in that video that we just showed, we just showed the order of protocol, I spent four years studying diplomacy. They were coming on the order of protocol before the minister of the Federal Republic, what are their roles there that they will be put before the minister?

He further noted, “People must get to a stage in their lives when they will hold themselves together, I don’t want adults behaving like invalids hanging around just because your father is in a position.

“All these children of privilege sometimes overdo it, and these are boys that would probably have wives at home. Some of these girls, what they go through is very embarrassing. You can’t have a husband that’s just hanging around, that cannot stand on his two feet as a man.’’

How Wigwe saved my family when I was dethroned as Kano emir – Sanusi

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How Wigwe saved my family when I was dethroned as Kano emir – Sanusi

The 14th Emir of Kano State, Mohammed Sanusi, has recounted how the late Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Plc, Dr Herbert Wigwe, came to his rescue after he was dethroned and had to leave the state.

Sanusi made this known at the continuation of the night of tributes organised in Wigwe’s honour in Lagos on Wednesday.

Recounting his sojourn with the late Wigwe, Sanusi, who broke down in tears thrice, recalled how the late banker came to his rescue when he was dethroned and needed a place for him and his family to stay.

He said, “When I had problems in Kano, I called him (Wigwe) about six months before I was to leave Kano, and I said to him, ‘Herbert I know you will give all your best to solve all these problems, but I am convinced that this is what is going to happen.’ And he said to me ‘Your Highness, don’t worry, whatever happens, don’t worry we are here for you.’

“On the day I heard on the radio that I was dethroned, the night before it happened, I called and said I wanted to come to Lagos. The announcement was made at about 9 am, and by noon, Herbert had a plane at the tarmac in Kano. I put my family on that plane, no message, no phone call, I put them on that plane. Herbert received them, put them in a hotel, and later got them accommodation for months.”

According to Sanusi, Wigwe’s kindness to him gave many the impression he (Sanusi) owned Access Bank, while Wigwe and Aig-Imoukhuede were his stooges.

“When I came we stayed there. Some people believe I own access bank and Aig and Herbert are fronting for me. They gave me the cars and the drivers, they gave me security and a private jet and they ask for nothing and they don’t talk about it. I have lived in Lagos for four years, the house my family lives in was provided by Herbert,” he said.

He added, “When I heard of his death, I said ‘In the coming weeks and months, people will get to know Herbert the human being’. They know him as a banker, as a businessman, they don’t know him as a human being. He was always about others, not about himself. You can’t imagine how one human being could have been so many things to so many people.”

Sanusi also recalled how he entrusted his life savings to Wigwe.

He revealed that this was because he (Sanusi) thought he was going to die before him (Wigwe).

“About two years ago, I put all my savings into a Trust for the education of my children, I have many and my priority as a father is to make sure that when I pass away, they will have a good education.

“I told Herbert, ‘I am placing you in charge of this Trust for the education of my children because I know that even if I die and do not leave any money, you will educate my children.

“I thought I would die before Herbert”, he revealed.

Sanusi who was comforted by Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, Aig-Imoukhuede and an aide as a result of his failure to control the tears which continued to flow from his eyes, added that because of the level of kindness Wigwe accorded him, many believed he owned Access Bank, while he (Wigwe) and Aig-Imoukhuede were his proxies.

“On the day before this happened, I was on a chat group when somebody made a few remarks about Herbert that I found offensive and I defended Herbert. I made my point very clear that this was unacceptable.

“A few days after Herbert died; a friend called me and sent me a message. He sent a message to Herbert at about 3:20 am that morning (the day of the crash), telling him how I had stood up and defended him and forwarded my entire message to him. ‘Herbert replied at 3:28 am with one word ‘unbelievable’. He sent another message at 3:50 which was not delivered. From the presentation from the air traffic controllers, the crash happened at 3:30. So possibly, the last thing Herbert read was my message talking about him,” he added.

In the same vein, Vice President Kashim Shetimma also paid glowing tribute to Wigwe.

Delivering his speech, titled, “Herbert Wigwe: The Flower That Bloomed Before Spring,” the VP said,  “Herbert, though an early bloomer in the garden of life, didn’t share the fate of those who faded away prematurely.

“Their achievements were not just individual triumphs but testaments to the collective strength of those they touched, those they built, and those they inspired. The journey of our departed brothers and sisters may have ended in a distant land, but their spirits linger in the hearts of everyone here and beyond.

“May Herbert’s legacy continue to bloom in the hearts and minds of those who strive for greatness.  Herbert left us in winter, far away from home. Herbert, the season of bloom. Spring had just arrived at his last location in the United States when the Lord called for him. But spring is not a symbol of Herbert’s bloom. His spring for us isn’t the spring of passive flowers. It is the season of raves. This spring for us isn’t a season of tears. It is a celebration of Herbert’s flight. To a height that only a few of God’s children once have attained.

“I feel privileged to be here today to share in the memories of Herbert and the pillars of his journey was defined by peculiar seasons. He bloomed long before his co-travellers. So this home that left with him.

“Today, we honour not just the soul that boarded that fateful helicopter, but the indomitable dreamers and builders that soared to heights reserved for the chosen few. Your excellencies, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, may Herbert’s legacy continue to bloom in the hearts and minds of those who strive for greatness.

“On behalf of my principal, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Access family, the banking world, and the Nigerian nation, please accept our most heartfelt condolences. May his soul rest in peace, Amen.”

According Online reported that Wigwe died in a helicopter crash in California, near the Nevada border, in the United States of America, alongside his wife, Doreen, son, Chizzy and former Managing Director of Nigerian Exchange Group, Abimbola Ogunbanjo.

Among other respected dignitaries who were in attendance were Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, Aigboje Aig- Imoukhuede, Chairman Coronation Group, Henry Imasekha, Chairman/CEO – Berkeley Group Plc, among others.

Submit returns or face sanctions, CBN warns mortgage bank

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Submit returns or face sanctions, CBN warns mortgage bank

The Central Bank of Nigeria has warned all primary mortgage banks in the country regarding the timely submission of regulatory returns.

In a press release issued on its website dated March 5 with reference number FPR/DIR/PUB/LET/001/022, and signed by its Director, Financial Policy and Regulation, Dr. Valentine Ururuka, the CBN expressed dismay over the late and non-rendition of periodic returns related to the Financial Institutions’ Annual reports.

According to CBN, “Primary Mortgage Bank shall be construed as any company that is licensed to carry out primary mortgage banking business in Nigeria.”

The apex bank emphasised that adherence to regulatory guidelines is crucial for maintaining financial stability and transparency within the banking sector.

PMBs play a vital role in the real estate and housing finance industry, and their compliance with reporting requirements is essential for effective oversight.

The CBN reminded all PMBs of the provisions outlined in Section 24 of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act 2020.

This section specifically addresses the timely rendition of regulatory returns, including the FinA reports.

PMBs are required to submit their monthly FinA returns on or before the 5th day after the month-end.

This deadline ensures that the CBN receives accurate and up-to-date information about the financial health of these institutions.

In cases where the 5th day falls on a weekend or public holiday, PMBs are instructed to submit their returns on the previous workday. This flexibility aims to accommodate any disruptions caused by non-working days.

The CBN issued a strong warning that future breaches of regulatory reporting deadlines will be met with appropriate sanctions.

These sanctions may include fines, restrictions, or other disciplinary measures.

The statement read, “The Central Bank of Nigeria has observed with dismay the late and non-rendition of periodic returns- on FinA by Primary Mortgage Banks.

“All PMBs are therefore reminded of the provisions of Section 24 of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act 2020, and other extant regulations on timely rendition of regulatory returns.

“Consequently, all PMBs are to ensure that their monthly FinA returns are submitted on or before the 5th day after the month’s end. Where the 5th day falls on a weekend or public holiday, returns shall be submitted the previous work day.

“You are strongly advised to ensure timely rendition of all regulatory returns as future breaches shall be sanctioned.”

The statement added that PMBs encountering technical issues preventing timely submission must promptly notify the CBN via email.

The notification should include evidence of the technical issue to facilitate resolution.

It said, “In case of technical issues, you are required to notify the CBN via email to OFIreturnscbn.qov.nq prior to the deadline, detailing with evidence the technical issue.”

The CBN urges all PMBs to take these guidelines seriously and ensure the timely rendition of all regulatory returns. Failure to comply may have serious consequences for the banks and the overall financial system.

High tariff barrier to rural electrification – Schneider Electric

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High tariff barrier to rural electrification – Schneider Electric

Schneider Electric has stated that high tariff remains a barrier to electricity usage in rural communities across West Africa.

 The firm said it planned to proffer solutions to the adoption of electrification projects in rural West African region grappling with access to reliable and affordable energy.

Commercial Lead, Microgrid, Power & Grid Business Segment, Schneider Electric, Teina Teibowei, in a statement, said: “The high tariffs associated with electricity use in rural areas pose a significant barrier. In communities with limited economic opportunities, even basic lighting can be prohibitively expensive, discouraging adoption.

“This reality is further compounded by the low energy consumption patterns in these communities, characterised by single lights and sockets in homes,” she said.

Country President, Schneider Electric West Africa, Ajibola Akindele, remarked, “By addressing affordability concerns, creating economic opportunities, and fostering a culture of energy consumption, we can unlock the true potential of rural electrification in West Africa, empowering communities.”

The According reports that the Nigerian Minister for Power, Adebayo Adelabu, had said the Federal Government may no longer be able to sustain electricity subsidy.

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Trump’s Republican rival, Nikki Haley, drops presidential bid

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Trump’s Republican rival, Nikki Haley, drops presidential bid

Former South Carolina Governor, Nikki Haley, announced on Wednesday that she was exiting the Republican presidential race.

She urged former President, Donald Trump to “earn” the support of voters who backed her.

Trump is now the only candidate in the Republican presidential race.

“The time has now come to suspend my campaign. I said I wanted Americans to have their voices heard. I have done that. I have no regrets,” Haley said during remarks in Charleston, South Carolina, following a series of losses in Grand Old Party nominating contests on Super Tuesday.

A report on CNN said Haley congratulated Trump in her address but did not endorse him.

“It is now up to Donald Trump to earn the votes, of those in our party and beyond it, who did not support him. And I hope he does that,” she said.

Sources familiar with her plans told the CNN before her speech that Haley’s approach appeared to leave room for her to endorse Trump ahead of the general election.

Haley, who was Trump’s US ambassador to the United Nations, also used the speech to take a swipe at the former President’s isolationist foreign policy views, saying, “Our world is on fire because of America’s retreat.”

“Standing by our allies in Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan is a moral imperative. But it’s also more than that. If we retreat further, there will be more war, not less,” she said.

Haley was the last of a dozen major candidates whom Trump vanquished in a GOP primary that he dominated from start to finish,  including winning 14 of the 15 GOP contests on Tuesday,  even as he skipped the party’s debates and maintained a much lighter schedule of early-state travel than all of his rivals.

Haley had vowed to stay in the race through at least Super Tuesday. She had also begun sharpening her attacks on Trump, questioning his mental fitness and lumping him together with President Joe Biden, the likely Democratic nominee, as one of two “grumpy old men.”

Haley had little hope of keeping pace with the former president with the race shifting into a new gear, moving from early-state contests in which retail politics take center stage to a national race with 56 per cent of the party’s delegates due to be awarded by March 12 and most of them in winner-take-all contests.

Still, in her campaign, Haley became the first Republican woman to win two primary contests: Vermont and the District of Columbia. The wins prevented Trump from being able to say that he shut out Haley in every state, but the victories were not enough to award her with a significant delegate count.

Abia begins PLWDs enumeration, to unveil welfare package

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Abia begins PLWDs enumeration, to unveil welfare package

Abia State government has begun capturing People Living with Disabilities in the state, just as the state government has also vowed to prioritize the welfare of PLWDs in the state.

Speaking at the capturing exercise in Umuahia, the wife of the governor of Abia State, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, said the aim of the data collection is to have accurate data of people living with disabilities in the state and at the same time embark on better plan for them so that nobody in the state is left behind.

Mrs. Otti, who also distributed bags of rice, groundnut oil and other food items to over 2,000 PLWDs in the state, explained, “The capturing is also a way to interact with persons of disabilities in other to know their plight and how the government can solve their problems.

“This is the beginning of good things to come to PLWDs in Abia State, because we will use the data captured to include them in the scheme of things at the federal level.”

Earlier, Special Assistant to the governor on PLWDs, Mr. David Anyaele, expressed his delight that the plight of persons with disabilities in Abia has received the support of the wife of the governor.

He noted, “Mrs. Otti has shown her resolve to include persons living with disabilities in the governance of the state so that they can contribute their quota as there is ability in disability.”

Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Mr. Nwaobilo Ananaba, stated that the administration of Governor Alex Otti is an inclusive one poised to carry every Abian along.

Represented by Mr. James Ajom, Ananaba said the data capturing has the backing of the state governor, aimed at planning well for the PLWDs.

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