The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, COREN, has said Nigeria recorded 22 building collapses between January and July 2024.
The President of COREN, Prof Sadiq Abubakar, disclosed this at a news conference on Wednesday in Abuja.
The news conference is themed, “The Incessant Spate of Building Collapse in Nigeria in Recent Times: A Call for Sustainable Collaboration by All Stakeholders.”
According to Abubakar, from January to July 14 alone, no fewer than 22 cases of building collapse have been reported in Nigeria, with Lagos having 27.27 per cent, Abuja and Anambra at 18.18 per cent each.
He further stated that Ekiti and Plateau followed with 9.09 per cent each, and Kano, Taraba, and Niger states accounted for 4.55 per cent each.
“Records also showed that Lagos takes the lead in the incidence of building collapses.
“As a matter of fact, over 91 buildings have collapsed, resulting in the deaths of over 354 persons in Lagos from 2012 to date.
“Similarly, in Abuja, about 30 buildings have collapsed from 1993 until date, resulting in the deaths of more than 64 persons and injury of many.
“The most recent occurrences of building collapses close to DMGS Onitsha, Anambra State, on June 12 and that of a school (Saint Academy) in Plateau on July 13, where 22 students died and 134 were injured, as well as the building collapse in Kubwa, Abuja,” he added.
The COREN boss said that the incidents were worrisome, stressing that they call for deep reflection and collaboration among all stakeholders in stemming the tide.
Nigeria records 22 building collapse, 33 deaths in seven months – COREN
Nigeria records 22 building collapse, 33 deaths in seven months – COREN
Kano approves N29bn for capital projects, N819m for vehicles
The Kano State Government has approved the release of N29bn to commence and complete various capital projects in different parts of the state.
The approvals were given at the state Executive Council Meeting presided over by Governor Abba Yusuf in Kano.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Sanusi Dawakin-Tofa, on Wednesday in Kano.
According to him, the Council approved the release of N7.7bn to continue the dualisation of a 5-kilometre road across the 44 Local Government Areas of the state.
The council also approved the sum of N239m for the construction of three rural roads at Ja’en Makera-Salanta Gudduba- Unguwar Baizangon Guliya and Fagoje-Kwanar Zuwo in Gwale, Ajingi and Kiru/Madobi LGAs.
“There was also an approval for the procurement of 500 relief Transformers to be distributed to various communities across the 44 local government areas in the state at the sum of N7.1bn were also given.
“It also approved the sum of N6.4bn for the 2024 Constituency Projects in the state.
“Part of the council’s resolutions include approval for construction of 2-coat surface dressed road from Kwanar Gammawa in Gezawa LGA at the cost of N343m,” Dawakin-Tofa said.
He said there was also an approval for N819m for the procurement of 20 Toyota Hilux and One Toyota Bus for Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
“The council also approved N5.3bn for the construction of rural roads, intervention and counterpart funds under rural access and agricultural marketing projects.
“Part of the approval was N26m for renovation and conversion of offices for the Chairman Anti-Phone snatching Task Force Committee at Coronation Hall,” he said.
NAN
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Judge denies ex-gov Yahaya Bello’s attempt to delay alleged N80bn fraud trial
In a development likely to accelerate a high-profile corruption case, a Federal High Court judge in Abuja, on Wednesday, rejected a request by former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello to halt his arraignment.
Bello, who left office earlier this year, faces charges of conspiring to fraudulently convert N80.2 billion naira of public funds for personal use.
The funds were allegedly obtained through a criminal breach of trust, violating Section 18(a) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended.
The former governor, however, denied the charges.
The Defense’s Argument:
Bello’s defense team, led by senior lawyer Mohammed AbdulWahab, on Wednesday, argued for a stay of proceedings, citing an ongoing appeal regarding an earlier arrest warrant issued by the court.
He argued that the court could not proceed on the matter until the pending appeal was determined, citing authorities.
“The affidavit filed on 16th July 2024, is to bring to your lordship’s attention the notices of appeal filed against your lordship’s ruling on 23rd April and 10th May.
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“This appeal was transmitted to the Court of Appeal on the 23rd of May and appellant’s brief of argument was filed on the 31st of May.
“The motion for stay has also been filed at the Court of Appeal. The two appeals challenge the jurisdiction of this court to entertain the charges ab initio,” he said.
The Judge’s Ruling:
Justice Emeka Nwite, presiding over the case, dismissed the defense’s request. He stated that the defendant could not seek to delay proceedings unless he was physically present in court.
“The grant of stay of proceedings is at the court’s discretion. And, since it is an issue of discretion, no one can give an authority for the judge to rely on. The judge only needs to exercise this power judicially,” he said.
Justice Nwite said that based on the rules of the Federal High Court, when an appeal had been entered, the trial court should hand off the matter.
He, however, said that based on relevant laws, “an application for stay of proceedings in respect of criminal proceedings shall not be entertained” until judgment.
Nwite said the issue of jurisdiction could not be used as a magic wand to stay action on criminal proceedings.
This ruling highlights the principle that a defendant must be present to assert their legal rights.
Next Steps in the Case:
With the motion to halt proceedings denied, the path is clear for Bello’s arraignment, which is now expected to take place on a date to be determined by the court. During the arraignment, the formal charges against Bello will be read, and he will be required to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty.
Concerns and Implications:
This case has attracted significant national attention due to the high-profile nature of the defendant and the large sum of money allegedly involved. The N80 billion fraud allegation stems from Bello’s time in office, and the outcome of the case could have broader implications for anti-corruption efforts in Nigeria.
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Amotekun rescues kidnap victim, apprehends 24 suspects in Ondo
The Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, has announced the rescue of a kidnapped student, Bisola Olisa, along the Ikare-Ado Ekiti Expressway, and the arrest of 24 individuals allegedly involved in various criminal activities.
Commander Adetunji Adeleye of the Amotekun Corps disclosed these developments on Wednesday, adding that the arrests were made for offenses such as kidnapping, armed robbery, motorcycle theft, conspiracy, cable theft, illegal migration, possession of firearms, and malicious damage, among others.
The operations were carried out in collaboration with other security agencies in the state.
Adeleye stated, “We arrested and paraded 24 suspects. We are pleased to report that the security situation in the state is very stable. Law and order are being maintained, political activities continue without disruption, and the anti-open grazing law is being enforced.”
Read also: Three arraigned for allegedly defrauding company of N46.5m in Lagos
He continued, “Since the last incident, there have been no serious conflicts between farmers and herders. Human trafficking has decreased, and issues of cultism and militancy have nearly disappeared. Kidnapping activities are mainly confined to the borders and are being addressed.”
Regarding the rescue operation, Adeleye detailed the kidnapping incident involving Bisola Olisa, a 32-year-old victim abducted alongside three others in Supare, Akoko South-West Local Government Area.
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Kwara unveils healthcare for mothers, children
The Kwara State Government said on Wednesday in Ilorin that it is targeting more than 200,000 children under five years for a week-long intensive healthcare intervention.
The Governor’s Wife, Mrs Olufolake AbdulRazaq, said this during the launch of the 2024 Maternal Newborn and Child Week in Ilorin.
According to her, 100,000 pregnant women will also benefit from the health intervention on maternal and newborn care.
She added that the intervention include birth registration, immunisation, nutritional assessment, vitamin A supplementation, deworming and growth monitoring.
She explained saying, “Pregnant women will have access to ante-natal care services that include free hematinics tablets and dose of anti-malaria drugs.”
AbdulRazaq added that protecting the lives of mothers and children is one of the core priorities of the current state government, stating, “We believe that nurturing and caring for children are the cornerstones of human progress.
“Interventions like this, coupled with increased sensitisation about taking ownership of one’s health and utilising healthcare services could significantly contribute to reducing maternal and child mortality.”
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Kwara Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Nusirat Elelu, explained that the health intervention focuses on maternal healthcare services including ante-natal care, family planning, immunisation and nutrition interventions.
Elelu stated, “The intervention is aimed at reducing the unacceptably high morbidity and mortality among women and children under five years.”
The executive secretary noted that the services will be made available in all the 193 wards of the state from July 15 to July 19.
Three arraigned for allegedly defrauding company of N46.5m in Lagos
Three men, identified as Oto-Obong Enefiok, Emmanuel Henshaw, and Nasiru Saliu, were brought before the Ebute-Metta Magistrate Court in Lagos on Wednesday, accused of stealing N46.5 million from a company.
The defendants, aged 49, 47, and 58 respectively, appeared before Magistrate Mrs. Folarin Williams to face charges of conspiracy, obtaining under false pretenses, fraud, diversion, and stealing, as presented by police prosecutor Supol Stephen Molo.
Molo informed the court that the defendants, along with accomplices who remain at large, committed the alleged offenses on April 30, 2024. He detailed that they fraudulently obtained N6.5 million from Rena Africa, located at No 6, Rosenje Street, Gbagada, Lagos State. Additionally, they were accused of diverting 35 tons of fertilizer valued at N40 million.
Read also: Police arrests Islamic school teacher for allegedly sodomizing 12 students
These actions allegedly contravened Sections 411, 314, and 287 (9) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2015.
Despite the charges, the defendants pleaded not guilty.
The defense counsel, Rotimi Komolafe, representing the second and third defendants, requested bail for his clients, stating, “I humbly apply that bail be granted to the second and third defendants in the most liberal terms.”
Magistrate Williams granted bail to each defendant in the sum of N3 million, with two sureties each required to post the same amount. The sureties must provide evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government, with one surety required to be at a managerial level.
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Lagos teenager dies after father’s beating
The Police in Lagos State have begun an investigation into the death of a 19-year-old boy allegedly beaten to death by his father.
The Lagos Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident on Thursday.
The spokesperson said that the Alagbado Police Division received a report of the alleged crime on Tuesday.
He said, “At about 12.00 p.m. on July 5, at about 2.00 p.m., one Olumide gave his son, Adeyemi a deep cut under moderate correction, at his right hand side with a shovel over an undisclosed offence.”
Hundeyin said that the young man sustained injury as a result of the impact of the shovel attack
“The young man was immediately rushed to the hospital for treatment.
“But when the injury became serious, he was taken to the General Hospital Ikeja, where he gave up the ghost as a result of tetanus infection, as confirmed by the doctor on duty.
“The scene was visited by detectives of the division.
“However, the father of the victim is currently at large and the case is under investigation,” he said.
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Police arrests Islamic school teacher for allegedly sodomizing 12 students
In a bold move to tackle sexual abuse and exploitation in Jigawa State, the police have launched Operation ‘Safe Haven’, a comprehensive crackdown on sexual offenders.
As part of this operation, a 23-year-old Islamic school teacher, Yusuf Yunusa, has been arrested for allegedly sodomizing 12 of his students in Gwaram Local Government Area of the state.
According to the state Commissioner of Police, A.T. Abdullahi, “On July 11, 2024, at about 2100hrs, information was received at the Gwaram Divisional Police Headquarters that, on the same date at about 1400hrs, one Yusuf Yunusa, aged 23, of Gwaram town, a teacher of an Almajiri Islamic school, formed the habit of taking some of his pupils out to different locations and forcing them to massage his penis and suck it, in the process compels them to swallow his semen.”
The CP noted that the suspect had confessed to the commission of the crime and would soon be charged in court.
Read also: Senator Dickson kicks against Tinubu’s plans to tax banks’ foreign gains
He also highlighted the efforts of the police in tackling sexual abuse and exploitation in the state, stating that “from April to July 2024, we have arrested 25 armed robbers, six kidnappers, and 39 rapists, among others.”
The police said they also recovered various items from the suspects, including weapons, motorcycles, and stolen goods. The CP emphasized the commitment of the police to protecting residents of Jigawa State and ensuring that justice is served.
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Taxation lifeblood of any government, says Ondo gov
The Ondo State Government, in collaboration Joint Tax Board, on Wednesday, began training for some staff of revenue service departments of the six states of the South West on tax audit, investigation, compliance and enforcement.
The training was held in Akure, the state capital, and would take place for three days.
Declaring the training open, the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, said the programme was a testament to the commitment of the state governments to enhance revenue generation through efficient tax administration.
He said, “Without mincing words, taxation is the lifeblood of any government, enabling us to fulfil our mandate of providing essential services and infrastructure for the welfare and development of our people. Today’s gathering is not merely a training but a testament to our commitment to enhancing revenue generation through efficient tax administration.
“This training comes at a pivotal time when the global economic landscape is evolving rapidly. As States, we must adapt and strengthen our tax audit, investigation, compliance, and enforcement capabilities to maintain fiscal stability and sustain development initiatives.”
In his remarks, the Secretary of the Joint Tax Board, Segun Adesokan, reiterated the JTB’s mandate to enforce tax compliance in Nigeria. He lauded the team’s efforts in positively shaping the tax landscape across the country.
According to him, the training aimed at enhancing the participants’ tax knowledge and equipping them with skills for effective revenue generation. He encouraged the trainees to collaborate during the sessions to maximize their learning experience.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service, Tolu Adegbie, said the gathering was a shared commitment to strengthening the tax audit, investigation, compliance, and enforcement practices, in a bid to ensure that “our revenue systems are robust, efficient, and equitable.”
“The training program is designed to foster knowledge exchange, promote best practices, and equip our tax administrators with the skills needed to navigate the complexities of modern tax compliance. It is through such initiatives that we can build a resilient tax administration framework that supports economic growth and social progress across the South-West states,” Adegbie stated.
Vigilante killed for stopping scavengers of contaminated frozen turkeys in Lagos
The Police Command in Lagos State says it has arrested two suspected hoodlums over the death of a vigilante member in the Epe area of the state.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed this to the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday.
Hundeyin said that the Epe Police Division got a report on Monday at about 4.30 p.m. that an Ibile Vigilante member, simply identified as Oluwafemi, 45, was attacked on Friday at about 2.00 p.m. by suspected hoodlums.
He said the hoodlums reportedly attacked the vigilante member at a refuse dump site, at Afero Village, Epe, while attempting to stop them from scavenging disposed contaminated frozen turkeys from the dump site.
According to the image maker, the vigilante member, who sustained injuries on parts of his body, was rushed to Epe General Hospital, where he was treated and discharged.
“However, on July 15, 2024, at about 2.30 p.m., his condition relapsed and he was taken back to the hospital.
“Doctors on duty battled to save his life, but unfortunately, he gave up the ghost. His corpse has been deposited at the mortuary.
“The two suspects have been arrested in addition to the 12 already handed over to the task force on a Saturday over scavenging contaminated turkeys.
“Investigation is ongoing,” he said.
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