Television Nigerian

The trial of Abubakar Ali Peters and his company, Nadabo Energy Limited, in front of Justice Christopher Balogun of the Lagos High Court Ikeja, was again stalled on Monday, when the defendant’s counsel, Osagie Isiramen, told the court that the defense was not ready to continue with the cross-examination of the fifth prosecution witness, Abdulrasheed Bawa, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

The EFCC has filed a 27-count indictment against Abubakar and his company for allegedly using fake documents to acquire N1,464,961,978.24 in oil subsidies from the Federal Government after inflating the quantity of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, purportedly imported and provided by the company.

The defense attorney began his cross-examination of the witness on December 20, 2021. At the January 25, 2022 sessions, he also cross-examined the witness.

On Monday’s sessions, Isiramen informed the Court that he would be unable to continue cross-examination.

He claimed that the defense had yet to get a Certified True Copy (CTC) of the court’s records of proceedings, which prevented him from continuing with the cross-examination.

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He stated, “We are not prepared to continue.”

“We requested a certified copy of the proceedings, but we have yet to receive it,” he said.

The Judge, surprised by the defense counsel’s claim, noted that the proceedings records had already been prepared and that no certification was required because they were only needed for cross-examination of the witness.

Instead of asking for a certified true copy, the Judge pointed out that because the court’s file was a public record, the defense could have readily sought it from the court’s registrar and read it for cross-examination.

“The file is always there, and the records have already been printed off,” the judge remarked.

“What the hell is going on here?” Is it not appropriate to use it during the witness’s cross-examination?”

Concerned about the lawsuit’s incapacity to proceed, the Judge highlighted that previous cases have to be vacated in order for the case to proceed.

“I didn’t want to disrupt the proceedings, and I’m not happy with what’s going on here.”

“You don’t stall proceedings with something like this,” the judge added.

“I shall yield to the defendant’s counsel’s plea to proceed with the cross-examination of the prosecution’s witness for the last time,” the Judge said as he adjourned the case till March 29, 30, and 31, 2022.

“The already printed record of proceedings should be given over to the defense counsel for cross-examination.”

“On or about the 3rd day of April 2012 at Lagos, within the Lagos Judicial Division, Nadabo Energy Limited and Abubakar Ali Peters, with intent to defraud, fraudulently obtained the sum of N978,401,732.09 (Nine Hundred and Seventy-eight Million Four Hundred and One Thousand Seven Hundred and Thirty-two Naira Nine Kobo) from the Federal Government of Nigeria by falsely claiming that the sum represented subsidy accrued

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“Nadabo Energy Limited and Abubakar Ali Peters, on or about the 25th day of October 2011 at Lagos, within the Lagos Judicial Division, with intent to defraud and in order to facilitate your obtaining money by false pretense from the Federal Government of Nigeria under the Petroleum Support Fund (PSF), forged a document titled: Certificate of Marine Insurance no. 0047851 and purported the Marine Insurance certificate to have been issued by Staco Insura,” according to another count.

Ibrahim Saidu, 25, was arrested by the Gombe police command for fatally stabbing a motorcyclist.

According to the victim, he accidentally knocked down his dog.

The dog was rescued from the accident and paraded at the police station.

Mr Saidu was arrested by cops from Akko Division, where the incident occurred, according to police commissioner Ishola Babaita.

“Saidu became enraged and stabbed Saleh Babayo, resulting in his untimely death,” the police chief explained, “all because the victim accidentally knocked down his dog with his motorcycle.”

Mr Babayo was taken to the General Hospital in Kumo, where a medical doctor confirmed his death, according to the commissioner.

He also stated that the suspect had admitted to the crime and would be charged in court soon.

Read also: Sanwo-Olu Congratulates Pastor Adeboye At 80

Mr Babaita also revealed that five suspects had been arrested for kidnapping, while two others had been arrested for impersonation and rape.

One AK-47 rifle with three rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition and two cutlasses were among the items seized from the suspects, according to him.

He reassured Gombe residents of the command’s readiness and commitment to combat crime, while also urging them to help the police by providing useful information.

Mr Babaita warned individuals and groups involved in criminal activity to stop, saying the command would leave no stone unturned in the fight against crime.

Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Governor of Lagos State, has congratulated Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), on his 80th birthday.

Sanwo-Olu described the renowned international cleric and global preacher as an epitome of honesty, dedication, and service, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary Mr. Gboyega Akosile on Wednesday. He described the renowned international cleric and global preacher as an epitome of honesty, dedication, and service, whose unblemished records of service in God’s kingdom over several decades has made him a role model to many.

Pastor Adeboye, according to the Governor, has built one of the world’s largest spiritual institutions and raised millions of committed followers of Jesus Christ through his diligence and utmost obedience to the Lord.

He also described ‘Daddy GO,’ as Pastor Adeboye is affectionately known, as one of the world’s most respected evangelists who has made significant contributions to the spread of the gospel at both the national and international levels without blemish or scandal.

“Sir, you have been a blessing, not only to the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), but also to us in Lagos State – your never-ending prayers for us and wise counsel over the years have contributed in no small measure to the phenomenal progress our state has continued to witness,” he said. We will be eternally grateful to you. We will never forget your dedication to the Lagos State Annual Thanksgiving Service since its inception in the year 2000.

“The gospel has reached the farthest reaches of the earth as a result of your work, as well as the name and legacy of the RCCG, in accordance with the Great Commission.” Furthermore, your dedicated service in God’s Vineyard has helped to propel Nigeria into the international spotlight as a land of spiritual greatness and spiritual exploits. Despite all of your achievements, you have remained as straightforward and humble as ever, never seeking the spotlight or personal glory.

“As you celebrate your 80th birthday, may the Almighty God grant you more grace and strength to continue spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, ministering to the poor and broken, and proclaiming liberty to the captives.” I pray that the Almighty God continues to bless you with good health so that you can continue to serve His kingdom and enjoy His numerous blessings and everlasting goodness. Amen. “Congratulations on your birthday, Sir,” the Governor said.

Pastor Foluke Adeboye has been a dedicated partner to the General Overseer of the RCCG, according to Governor Sanwo-Olu.

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“Let me also express my heartfelt gratitude to our Mummy, your adorable wife and devoted partner, Pastor (Mrs.) Foluke Adeboye, for her unwavering support and love for you. “I pray that God will continue to keep her strong and vibrant as we walk together in the fullness of His power and anointing for the rest of our lives,” he said.

The NYSC Director General, Major General Shuaibu Ibrahim, has enjoined Corps members to sustain the high level of discipline and enthusiasm they have demonstrated so far, urging them to remain compliant to camp rules and regulations.

The Director General said this today while presiding over the Swearing-in of corps members deployed to the FCT for the 2022 Batch ‘A’ Stream I Orientation Course.

The DG said that the Orientation Course is aimed at introducing the corps members to the objectives and programmes of the Scheme while instilling leadership qualities in them.

Major General Ibrahim further pointed out that the oath of allegiance administered on the corps members is expected to guide their conduct towards a positive service year experience.

He advised them to familiarize themselves to the provisions of the NYSC Act and Bye- Laws as this will enable them understand the operations of the NYSC.

While appreciating the support of the general public on the establishment of the NYSC Trust Fund, the Director General appealed for the enablement of the actualization of the fund by the appropriate authorities.

He stressed that the trust fund will enhance the smooth operation of the Scheme and boost the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) geared towards empowerment and wealth creation for Corps members.

High point of the occasion was the administration of the oath of allegiance which was performed by representative of the Chief Judge of the federal Capital Territory (FCT), Hon. Justice Olukayode Adeniyi.

Present at the Occasion were the Ag. Director Special Duties, Alhaji Musa Abubakar and other members of the Director entourage.

Members of the House of Representatives have just voted 276 to authorize judges to conduct court proceedings by virtual methods over the internet as the constitutional review process gets underway.

Clause 23 concerns a “Bill for an Act to Amend the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to allow Court or Tribunal Proceedings to be conducted remotely, virtually, online, or through any media platform or technological innovation; and for related matters; and to approve the recommendations therein.”

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