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Ex-BBC presenter Edwards pleads guilty to indecent child images charge

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Ex-BBC presenter Edwards pleads guilty to indecent child images charge

Former BBC news anchor Huw Edwards, one of the most recognisable faces on UK television, pleaded guilty Wednesday to three counts of making indecent images of children.

The 62-year-old — who resigned from the BBC in April on “medical advice”, six months after he was arrested — faces a maximum prison sentence of 10 years and a minimum of 12 months.

Wearing a dark suit and blue tie, Edwards sat impassively during the 25-minute court hearing as he admitted receiving 41 indecent images of children on WhatsApp, including seven of the most serious type.

Under English law, electronic communications involving indecent imagery of children — including receiving and downloading pictures and videos — can constitute the offence of making indecent images of children.

The crimes involving Edwards occurred between December 2020 and August 2021.

Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London heard that the former TV anchor had received 377 sexual images from a man he met online, of which 41 were indecent images of children.

“These images appear to have been received with approval,” prosecutor Ian Hope told the court.

Of the gravest, the estimated age of most of the children was 13 to 15, but one in a “moving film” was aged between seven and nine, he noted.

London’s Metropolitan Police said later Wednesday that the man who shared the indecent images of children with Edwards was 25-year-old convicted paedophile Alex Williams.

The force said a Welsh court sentenced Williams in March to a suspended 12-month jail term after he pleaded guilty to various charges related to indecent imagery of children.

Police said an investigation into Edwards began after a phone seized by officers as part of an unrelated probe revealed the broadcaster’s participation in a WhatsApp conversation.

– BBC ‘shocked’ –

Edwards’s lawyer, Philip Evans, said in court there was “no suggestion in this case that Mr Edwards has… in the traditional sense of the word, created any image of any sort”.

He noted there were “serious issues in relation to Mr Edwards’s health both mental and physical”.

Chief magistrate Paul Goldspring released Edwards on conditional bail until his next hearing on September 16, when he could be sentenced.

“I’m asking the probation service to look at this case, with genuinely all options open,” the magistrate said.

Hope had earlier told the court that a suspended sentence might be appropriate if paired with a community order and a sexual offender treatment programme.

Edwards, a leading anchor and the BBC’s presenter on key events such as the death and funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, was suspended in July 2023 when allegations first emerged.

He quit in April after 40 years with the broadcaster.

Edwards himself has not publicly commented on the allegations.

The BBC’s brand has been built on public trust but the broadcaster has been rocked in recent years by scandals which saw some big names revealed as serial sex offenders.

A spokesperson for the broadcaster said it was “shocked to hear the details which have emerged in court today”.

“There can be no place for such abhorrent behaviour and our thoughts are with all those affected.”

The BBC’s statement acknowledged that it first learned of his arrest last November. He was suspended at the time, but only left the broadcaster six months later.

“If at any point during the period Mr Edwards was employed by the BBC he had been charged, the BBC had determined it would act immediately to dismiss him,” it added.

AFP

 

Planned protest : AAU bars students, staff from travelling out of campus

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Less than 24-hours to the proposed nationwide planned protest #Endbadgovernance in Nigeria, the management of Ambrose Alli University, AAU, Ekpoma, has ordered the restriction of students’ movement to hostels and halls of residences.
TVN reports that the Acting Registrar of the university, Comrade Ambrose E. Odiase, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Benin City.
Odiase said the order was in line with the directive of the National Universities Commission, NUC, on the safety of staff and students of various Nigerian institutions of higher learning
He said the authorities of the institution advised staff and students to remain calm as arrangements have been made with relevant security agencies to guarantee the safety of lives and property in and around the campus.
The statement said, “Students and staff are hereby enjoined to avoid unnecessary movements throughout the proposed protests. You are therefore urged to restrict your travels for now, as traveling outside Ekpoma should be avoided.
“Those in the halls of residence should stay within the university premises while those off campus should restrict themselves to their residences.
“Staff and students should attend to normal academic activities and stay away from trouble spots to avoid any risk or potential danger that may arise from the proposed protest.”
Odiase, however, enjoined students to concentrate on the ongoing first semester examinations without any fear or intimidation.
Planned protest : AAU bars students, staff from travelling out of campus

CBN to support $1tn economy target, says Cardoso

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Policies must impact lives of average Nigerians, says Cardoso

The Central Bank of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the federal government’s target of achieving a $1tn economy.

Speaking at the Afrinvest 2024 Banking Sector Report Launch, Acting Director of Financial Policy and Regulations, Mr John Onoja, representing CBN Governor, Dr Olayemi Cardoso, stated, “We are glad that the present administration has set this target, and we are committed to supporting it.”

The CBN has been working towards creating an enabling environment for businesses and individuals, tackling institutional deficiencies, restoring corporate governance, strengthening regulations, and implementing prudential guidelines and policies.

Onoja stressed the importance of the banking sector recapitalisation exercise, saying, “This exercise will enhance the capacity of banks to serve the larger economy, increase lending capacity, attract foreign investments, improve foreign exchange liquidity, contribute to GDP growth, and promote better risk management and credit ratings.”

He noted that the CBN is working closely with banks to review their capital plans and ensure a successful exercise, collaborating with institutions like the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Securities and Exchange Commission, NGX, and the National Assembly.

Speaking at the event, the Group Managing Director of Afrinvest highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach to achieving a $1tn economy.

“The macroeconomic environment is challenging, with a potential national strike looming,” Chioke said.
“However, the data is available to run the economy effectively, but politicians must pay attention to it and have the discipline to be humble,” he added.

The report focuses on the banking sector recapitalisation, which requires all commercial, merchant, and non-interest banks to increase their paid-up capital to suitable levels.

Chioke emphasised that this exercise will enhance the capacity of banks to serve the larger economy, increase lending capacity, attract foreign investments, and promote better risk management.

However, he noted that the banking sector alone cannot drive economic growth.

“To achieve a $1tn economy, Nigeria needs to grow beyond the banking sector. Every aspect of the economy must grow alongside it,” he said.

He highlighted the need for human capital development, citing the example of Mexico, Indonesia, and Turkey, which have achieved higher GDP per capita and human capital indices.

“Nigeria needs to invest in its people to achieve similar growth,” Chioke said.

The report identified capital gaps in the banking sector, with international banks requiring an additional N2.2tn, national banks needing N1.6tn, and regional banks requiring N445m.

Chioke stressed that recapitalising the banking sector is crucial, but it’s equally important to develop other sectors like manufacturing, agriculture, and ICT.

“We must prioritise human capital development to achieve a $1tn economy,” he said.

Reps blast finance ministry for reckless spending

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The House of Representatives has berated the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) for reckless spending and failing to improve the Federal Government revenue
The House Committee on Public Assets further queried the agency for taking money from the budget for its operation without authorisation.
MOFI is a state-owned asset management company which focuses on long-term wealth proliferation by optimizing, re-investing and diversifying the country’s income based on extensive portfolio understanding.
It was set up in 1959 through an Act of Parliament as a custodian of the federal government’s investments in various Government Owned Enterprises (GOEs) and Government Linked Companies (GLCs).
The total estimated valuation of MOFI’s holdings currently stands at over N18 trillion.
The agency on Tuesday incurred the wrath of the Chairman of the Public Asset Committee, Mr. Ademorin Kuye when its Managing Director, Dr. Armstrong Takang, appeared before the lawmakers to give account of their activities.
The committee which grilled Takang and members of his team on efforts to shore up the revenue of government expressed disappointment with MOFI for failing to live up to expectations.
It also berated the agency for reckless expenditure without improving government revenue.
Takang had in his presentation told the committee they took money from the budget.
“In your report we would like you to refer us to the section of the law where you are permitted to take money from the budget. How you have been getting funded since you came into office?” Kuye queried.
He noted that the agency wasted the Commitee’s time as it did not provide any answer to its questions.
In his ruling, the chairman demanded various documents from the agency on the assets it was managing to be submitted within seven days.
He also knocked the agency for operating without proper legislation establishing it.
“This is an agency we had high hopes of. What we request of you now is this classes of assets, including shares of publicly traded entities, limited liability entities and foreign based and other businesses. A list of these assets home and abroad. Improvements that you have made thereupon and how it has helped the GDP.
“Another class is assets is the financial assets, which includes public and private equities investments, fixed income and hedge funds, the fixed assets includes the real estates. We need you to give us a list of those estates.
“We would like to have the value of each if these real assets, revenue made through them for the past ten years and the contributions they have made to the GDP.
“Another class is the cash flow generating transactions such as the concession agreement and the public private partnerships. We want a list of those concessions under your care and tell us the revenue with evidence from such concessions.
“The last class of assets are the minerals and the intangible assets, which includes the hydrocarbon. We want to know the extent of your investments in them and what has come to Nigeria as a result of those investments.
“According to the record that you furnished us with you said 80 percent of whatever you get are put into new investments fund and then you put them into identified sectors including manufacturing, digital services and agriculture.
“We want you to furnish the committee is real time what the specific amount and where did it go? Whether it was into manufacturing or into digital services or into agriculture.
“According to you, you have a list of 52 companies in your portfolio, with an estimated 18 trillion naira value. and over 15, 000 employees according to your records which make you a major driver of our economy.
“We want a list of those companies, your employees and how much you have recouped for Nigeria from such investments.
“Since inception and since your appointment, we want to know how many titled documents you have been able to obtain for our assets and how many you have been able to protect from further encroachment.
“You said part of your of your mission is to invest with intent of preserving your socioeconomic value through catalysing growth. In your report we would like you to refer us to the section of the law where you are permitted to take money from the budget. How you have been getting funded since you came into office
“Lastly we would like to know how much has been voted for MOFI in the last five years and for what purpose you spent those money. You wasted the time of Nigerians” Kuye stated.
By: Babajide Okeowo
The post Reps blast finance ministry for reckless spending appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Shelve protest – Senate begs Nigerians

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The Senate on Wednesday appealed to Nigerians and promoters of the nationwide protest to shelve their plans in the interest of the nation.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio made the appeal during plenary after a closed-door session.
The #EndBadGovernance protest is scheduled to commence tomorrow, August 1.
Akpabio said, “The Senate in a closed-session deliberated on issues bothering on its workings in particular and the National Assembly in general.
“The Senate particularly reviewed the current situation as regards the impending protest slated for August 1 and accordingly urges that one year is not long enough to judge the present government.
“One year is not long enough for the policies being implemented by the current administration of President Bola Tinubu to yield the desired results.
“The Senate urges the protesters to give the government more time to address their demands considering the measures being put in place to ameliorate the situation in the country.”
He identified the measures to include: the signing of the National Minimum Wage Act, the sale of crude oil to local refiners in Naira, and the implementation of Students Loan Act.
Others, he said, are the assent recently granted to the South-East and North-West Development Commissions bills passed by the National Assembly to further address developments at the grassroots.
He said that the Senate was willing to legislate on all matters that would bring about succour to Nigerians in general.
Shelve protest – Senate begs Nigerians

Be patient with Tinubu, investment expert tells Nigerians

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Be patient with Tinubu, investment expert tells Nigerians

An entrepreneur and investment expert, Dominic Joshua, has urged Nigerians to exercise patience and restraint as hunger protests begin on Thursday.

He emphasised the need to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which he described as responsive and committed to driving positive change in the country.

Joshua, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Cultivate Africa, made this known in a statement on Wednesday.

He reminded the public of the devastating consequences of the EndSARS protests, which led to the destruction of businesses and infrastructure.

“The negative consequences of EndSARS are still fresh in our memories. We must avoid any actions that could lead to further destruction,” he said.

He highlighted the recent measures taken by the Federal Government to alleviate economic pressures, such as the suspension of import duties and taxes on essential food items to address hunger.

Moreover, Joshua pointed out a strategic move by the government to bolster the local currency and promote domestic economic activities.

“The Federal Government has instructed the Nigerian National Petroleum Company to sell crude oil to the Dangote Refinery exclusively in naira. This initiative is designed to strengthen the naira and stimulate the local economy,” he noted.

The investment expert commended the Tinubu administration for its prompt responses to emerging issues, citing recent examples as evidence of the government’s commitment to addressing the needs of the populace.

“Just yesterday, when sim cards were blocked, the President immediately instructed the NCC to unblock them. This kind of swift response is unprecedented,” he said.

He highlighted several significant achievements of Tinubu’s government such as the removal of fuel subsidies, unification of the naira’s exchange rate, the 2023 Electricity Act signed into law to decentralise electricity generation and distribution, and initiatives such as distributing 42,000 metric tons of grains and promoting dry season farming have injected significant funds into the economy and created jobs in the agricultural sector.

Joshua implored the populace to be patient and supportive of the President.

“Let’s not allow hooligans to hijack protests and destroy lives and properties. We need to give President Tinubu a chance to implement his vision. His government is one of the most responsive we’ve ever had. Let’s support Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in driving the positive change we all desire,” he concluded.

Chaos in Owerri as gunmen again go on rampage, lay siege to Imo communities

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Chaos in Owerri as gunmen There was panic and pandemonium in Owerri, the Imo State capital on Monday, as unknown gunmen reportedly laid siege to some communities, shooting sporadically while residents and business owners scampered for safety.
According to eyewitnesses, there were sporadic gunshots around Wetheral, Douglas, MCC, Okigwe, Aba Road, Ikenegbu and Aladinma areas of the capital city.
The State Police Command spokesman, Henry Okoye, who confirmed the incident in a statement, said operatives were despatched to the scene and they engaged the gunmen in a fierce gun battle and were able to dislodge the attackers.
“Our men had a shoot-out with hoodlums suspected to be members of the proscribed IPOB/ESN. Intensive operation is ongoing to restore back normalcy,” Okoye said.
“We have deployed our men massively, in fact, the Commissioner of Police personally led the operation.
“We have made concerted efforts in synergy with other security agencies to make sure that we, as a matter of urgency, restore back normalcy in the state.
“I’m assuring the good people of Imo State that the hoodlums responsible for this senseless act of violence will all be arrested either dead or alive,” he said.
The attack is coming too days after some gunmen killed five policemen and three civilians and also burnt vehicles in coordinated attacks in the state.
The post Chaos in Owerri as gunmen again go on rampage, lay siege to Imo communities appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Protest: We’ve uncovered plot by politicians to cause havoc in Kano – Gov Yusuf

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Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has raised the alarm that some unnamed politicians are plotting to hijack the August 1 protest in a bid to cause mayhem in the state.
Yusuf, who spoke on Wednesday, said his government has uncovered moves by some selfish politicians to hide under the guise of the protest to unleash havoc.
“We are ready to receive protesters for a peaceful dialogue in the Government House. I will not run away, let them bring their positions and I will go with my stakeholders to President Tinubu and present our position to him,” the governor said.
He called on Federal Government to quickly reconsider the prices of fuel and electricity and also open the borders to allow for the importation of goods into the country.
Yusuf also urged the government to reduce the cost of essential commodities and services to make life easier for Nigerians.
“Let me remind that when we came on board we spent time to ensure that peace that had been previously eroded in the state was returned.
“We have uncovered moves by some disgruntled elements and politicians to purchase red caps and share them among thugs to use during the protest and loot shops and kill innocent persons,” he said.
The governor said his government is planning a price control office in the state to ensure that prices are stabilized and goods sold at uniform prices.
He said his administration is all out to make sure that life becomes meaningful to the common man, adding that the government has returned Public Suggestion Boxes to receive advise directly from the people.
Protest: We’ve uncovered plot by politicians to cause havoc in Kano – Gov Yusuf

Kidnapped varsity ex-DVC found dead in Ekiti

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Kidnapped varsity ex-DVC found dead in Ekiti

The former Deputy Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Prof. Olorunfemi Olaofe, who was kidnapped on 9 July, has been found dead.

According to sources, the body of the 79-year-old retired university teacher was discovered in a shallow grave in a remote area. However, it remains unclear whether his death was due to natural causes related to his age or if he was murdered by his kidnappers.

The retired don was kidnapped from his house alongside his security guard on 9 July, over three weeks ago, and driven away in his car, which the police said they recovered days after the kidnap incident.

Sources said that the kidnappers initially demanded a N50 million ransom and later remained incommunicado.

The Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State Command, Adeniran Akinwale, who confirmed Olaofe’s death, said, “Yes, the professor has been found dead, and we are doing everything possible to exhume the body for burial.

“However, we have arrested many people, and you know the circumstances surrounding the incident. We suspect insider involvement, as the security man employed by the professor was the one who planned it.

“They (abductors) kidnapped the man along with him so that we would not suspect. In the process of rescuing him, we have arrested some people. I can’t say much about the security guard, but at the appropriate time, we will brief the public,” the police commissioner said.

While the search for the former university teacher lasted, members of the Are Ekiti Progressives Union, the Ekiti Council of Elders, and the Nigerian Universities Pensioners’ Association, EKSU Branch, had called on the security agencies and the state government to intensify efforts to rescue the old man alive.

Osun-Osogbo: Adherents can’t be stopped from drinking from sacred river — Commissioner

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The Osun State Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Abiodun Ojo has reiterated that nobody can stop adherents of the Osun deity from drinking from the Osun River.
Ojo also maintained that in order not to cast any doubts on the purity level of the water, the government can come in by way of ensuring that the river is kept clean for human consumption.
The commissioner made this known during a press briefing as part of activities lined up for the celebration of the Osun-Osogbo Festival on Wednesday in Osogbo.
Ojo, who maintained that the Osun-Osogbo sacred grove is a UNESCO Category II Heritage Site, added that the vegetation in the site is one of the most natural in Nigeria.
He also disclosed that it affords both medical and economic values to the people.
“Nobody can stop Osun adherents from drinking from the river, but what government can do is to ensure that the river is kept clean and safe for human consumption.
“Osogbo has the most natural groove and vegetation in Nigeria with medical and economic value.
“The Osun-Osogbo grove is 70% natural. The habitat is natural and devoid of pollution,” he said.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Ataoja of Osogbo land, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Oyetunji said drinking the Osun River brings about miracles to adherents and others.
Oba Oyetunji disclosed that the Festival is like a pilgrimage due to the many miracles that occur when people use the the water from the Osun River with faith.
“Drinking the Osun water by individuals bring about certain miracles.
“The Festival is like a pilgrimage due to the many miracles that occur when people use it believing.”
The monarch also revealed that a chemical test has been carried out on the water from the river and it was certified that the Osun River is pure without any impurities, acid and base.
“A chemical test has been conducted in the river and it was discovered that the water from the Osun river is pure without acid and base.
“Osun River is very significant because it is for for drinking, building and other useful things and the Osun-Osogbo is a fantastic festival and no person looses out during the period of festivities.”
Osun-Osogbo: Adherents can’t be stopped from drinking from sacred river — Commissioner

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