Kogi court summons EFCC chairman over attempt to arrest Yahaya Bello
A Kogi High Court has ordered the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, to appear before it on May 13 over alleged contempt of court. According to the court, Olukoyede will need to prove why he should not be committed to prison for allegedly disobeying its order over an attempt to arrest the former Kogi governor, Yahaya Bello. The presiding judge, Isa Jamil Abdullahi, gave the order on Friday while ruling in the suit No: HCL/68M/2024 and motion No: HCL/190M/2024, brought before him by Bello. Recall that on February 8, Bello instituted a fundamental rights enforcement suit, asking the court to declare that “the incessant harassment, threats of arrest and detention, negative press releases, malicious prosecution” of the EFCC — “without any formal invitation — is politically motivated and interference with his right to liberty, freedom of movement, and fair hearing”. The former governor also sought an order “restraining the respondent by themselves, their agents, servants or privies from continuing to harass, threaten to arrest or detain him”. On February 9, the Kogi high court granted an interim injunction restraining the EFCC from “continuing to harass, threaten to arrest, detain, prosecute Bello, his former appointees, and his staff or family members, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive originating motion for the enforcement of his fundamental rights”. On March 12, the EFCC filed an appeal against the interim injunction because the court could not stop the commission from carrying out its statutory responsibility. The Kogi high court delivered judgment on the substantive motion on notice on April 17 wherein the presiding judge granted an order restraining the EFCC “from continuing to harass, threaten to arrest or detain Bello”. However, the judge directed the commission to file a charge against Bello before an appropriate court if it had reasons to do so. The judgment coincided with the recent “siege” laid on the Abuja residence of Bello by EFCC operatives seeking to arrest him. The commission had also obtained a warrant of arrest against the former governor from the federal high court in Abuja. The EFCC is seeking to arraign Bello on 19 counts bordering on alleged money laundering, breach of trust and misappropriation of funds to the tune of N80.2 billion. At the scheduled arraignment on April 18, Bello was absent. At the court session, Abdulwahab Mohammed, counsel to Bello, told Emeka Nwite, the presiding judge, that the court lacked jurisdiction to grant the warrant of arrest in the first instance. He referenced the February 9 interim injunction issued by the Kogi high court, adding that the appeal filed by the EFCC was still pending. However, the EFCC has filed a notice to withdraw the appeal. In the notice filed on April 22, the anti-graft agency said the withdrawal was predicated on the fact that events have overtaken the appeal.
TETFund Denies Allegations of Misconduct Amidst ICPC Claims
In a twist to recent developments, the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Sonny Echono, has refuted assertions made by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) regarding his alleged custody. Contrary to ICPC’s statements, Echono maintained that he remains in his office and was not detained. The ICPC spokesperson, Demola Bakare, previously stated that Echono was in their custody for questioning, indicating an ongoing investigation. However, Echono clarified that while an official from TETFund was indeed invited by the ICPC for document submission, they have since been released. These developments follow earlier reports, revealing TETFund’s awarding of contracts totaling N7.6 billion to Fides Et Ratio Academy and Pole Global Marketing without the required approval from the federal executive council. The contracts, aimed at enhancing capacity-building courses and learning management systems for 2 million students across higher institutions, raised concerns about due process. In response to the allegations, TETFund issued a rejoinder denying any wrongdoing and emphasizing adherence to due process in its procurement activities.
National Justice Summit 2024: Stakeholders call for reforms ..In judicial appointment process ..Funding ..Eradicating delays in the justice system
The communique released at the end of the National Justice Summit, 2024, made far-reaching recommendations that will address the issues of judicial appointment process, funding, and eradicating delays in the administration of justice in Nigeria. Stakeholders in the judiciary, experts, legal luminaries, retired judicial officers etc have noted that the National Policy on Justice 2024 to 2028, will now serve as a roadmap, paving the way for a more efficient, equitable and responsive justice system for all Nigerians. In the communique on Friday, the Chairman, Joint Planning Committee of the Justice Summit, Dr Babatunde Ajibade SAN, said the summit had three technical sessions. He stated that the general consensus reached at the summit was that the role of the National Judicial Council in discharging its responsibility for judicial appointments into the Superior Court of record required significant review. The stakeholders expressed concern about the fact that the Chief Justice of Nigeria, who is the chairman of the NJC is also the chairman of the Federal Judicial Service Commission, the body that initially reviews proposals or lists of candidates by appointment into judicial office. The summit pointed out the seeming inconsistency between the CJN playing both roles, as it would appear that he is recommending candidates to himself being chairman of both bodies, and being the person who appoints a significant number of the members of both bodies other than those who are statutory members. There’s a general consensus by the summit on the need to reconstitute or propose reconstitution of both the NJC and the FJSC. On the role of the State Judicial Service Commission in judicial appointmens, the summit concluded that there was a significant need to ensure that composition of the SJSC is more diverse, that it reflects the interests of the users of the justice sector. Stakeholders noted the fact that the current NJC guidelines may have subverted the intent of the constitutional provision, empowering the SJSC to make judicial appointments, because the NJC guidelines, rather than authorising the SJSC to prepare a shortlist of potential candidates for judicial appointments, appear to address that responsibility solely in the Chairman (Chief Judges of States). The summit therefore called for an amendment of the aspect of the NJC guidelines to make clear that the development or preparation of shortlist of candidates for judicial appointments is something that is to be done by the Commissions as a whole and not just by the Chief Judges. On the general approach that ought to be taken to reforming the judicial appointments process, the summit stressed that focus should be on increased transparency in the appointment process, meritocracy and on meaningful performance evaluations of those who seek judicial office. Also, it was recommended that Nigeria should consider the model that is currently being used in Kenya. There was a consensus on the need to codify the judicial appointments process, such that the discretion that is currently witnessed in the appointments process is reduced to the barest minimum. On funding, budgeting, and administration for the judiciary, the summit resolved that the current process for funding the courts was totally deficient as it was evident that the provisions of the Constitution as amended by the Fifth Amendment, authorising that funding for the State courts should be a joint effort carried out by the executive and the judiciary was not being implemented in any shape or form in the majority of the states. Clear recommendations were made that this was something that needed to be pursued and dealt with decisively, as the summit stated that funding of the judiciary at the federal level is much better than what obtains in the States of the Federation. More so, the summit observed the need to professionalise the administration of the courts, as well as to appoint persons with clear administrative experience to be selected through a transparent process to administer the courts, and to separate the administration of the courts from the administration of justice. On eradicating delays in the administration of justice agenda for leveraging the rules of procedure and effective case management in Nigeria, the panel considered the importance of limiting the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, and ensuring that matters that would go to the Supreme Court would only be matters of significant national importance. The summit held that before a matter goes to apex court, it would only be by the leave of the Supreme Court, and that the automatic right of appeal to the will be severely curtailed and will be limited only to matters relating to the office and the election into the office of the president of the federation, Vice President and, and Governors of the States. The summit also stated the need for there to be clarity as to who has the authority to discipline legal practitioners and also issues as to how to improve the efficiency of the disciplinary process for legal practitioners. It was agreed that significant steps needed to be taken in these areas to enhance the quality of justice delivery in Nigeria and increase the confidence of members of the public in our justice sector. Conclusively, the summit noted the commitment by the Attorney General of the Federation and by all stakeholders, stressing the need to quickly engage the resolutions into draft legislation that will be presented to the National Assembly for inclusion in the ongoing constitution review process, and also for non-constitutional related legislation to be implemented almost immediately.
Social Responsibility: The Chinese restate commitment to renovation of schools
Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Cui Jianchun, has reiterated the country’s commitment to school building, refurbishing, and renovation as part of their social responsibility to Nigeria. Ambassador Jianchun stated that Chinese companies have been investing and working with their Nigeria counterpart in building infrastructures that benefit the common man directly. Jianchun made this known during the formal commissioning of the upgraded school facilities in China Assisted Model Primary School Nyanya in Abuja. The school facilities upgraded are replacement of toilet partition, re-painting two sides of the gate wall and replacement of reinforced concrete drainage slab. Also donated to the school are 16 whiteboards, 4 of Office Desk With Wooden Top And Metal Legs , 4 Wooden Office Chair With Armrest, 40 Student Backpack and 70 Library Books And Textbooks. Also, among the donated items are 960 prices of Notebooks For Schoolwork, 960 pieces of pencils, 450 pieces of pen, 1000 pieces of Remove Pencil Or Ink marks480 pieces of Straight Measuring tools. Lastly on the list of donated items are 2 basketball, 4 soccer balls and 20 pieces of slippery ropes, 20 small hand carry bag of premium rice, 20 bottles of premium cooking oil and 224 Bottles of Coca-Cola and Fanta. Represented by the Chargé d’affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Mr Zhang Yi, he stated that China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) in a bid to fulfils its social responsibilities and gives back to the local people while carrying out production and operation activities in Nigeria, took the initiative to ask the Chinese Embassy for instructions. He expressed its willingness to undertake a repair work and donate relevant teachers’ and students’ supplies so as to provide a better learning environment and conditions for the students. Handing over the donated items to the Executive Chairman of FCT Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB), Dr. Alhassan Sule, the Managing Director of CRBC, Zhou Hao, stated that they took advantage of the school holiday period to replace blackboards for the children, repair the bathrooms, and carry out other feasible tasks. “In different peoples of different continents, children is the common ground that transcends ethnicity and nationality. They fill the world with hope and brightness. They represent the future’s expectations and aspirations, and they rightfully deserve a better life. “This is why we believe that improving children’s educational conditions and environments is a shared goal among people from all sectors in both China and Nigeria.” “Respecting local Nigerian culture and focusing on corporate social responsibilities are pillars of CRBC in Nigeria. In cities like Kano, Ibadan, and Uyo, we have donated school equipment to local primary schools, visited local orphanages, repaired roads for the community, and constructed wells and related water facilities. “This demonstrates our unwavering commitment to community and development.” Appreciating the embassy, the Executive Chairman of FCT UBEB, Dr. Alhassan Sule stated that he wanted to thank the Chinese embassy for their kind gesture. Dr Sule informed that education globally is everybody’s responsibility. Today, the difference between developed nations and developing nations is education. Any investment made in education is geared towards developing the society. Nobody on earth can explore potential without classroom. Speaking further, he said, “Recently most of our schools are experiencing a facelift, government alone cannot do it that’s why we are soliciting for partners to support education. we are asking for the help of the Chinese embassy to help us convert this school to ICT hub so that anybody anywhere can have access to education. ” Represented by the Chargé d’affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Mr Zhang Yi, he stated that China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) in a bid to fulfils its social responsibilities and gives back to the local people while carrying out production and operation activities in Nigeria, took the initiative to ask the Chinese Embassy for instructions. He expressed its willingness to undertake a repair work and donate relevant teachers’ and students’ supplies so as to provide a better learning environment and conditions for the students. Handing over the donated items to the Executive Chairman of FCT Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB), Dr. Alhassan Sule, the Managing Director of CRBC, Zhou Hao, stated that they took advantage of the school holiday period to replace blackboards for the children, repair the bathrooms, and carry out other feasible tasks. “In different peoples of different continents, children is the common ground that transcends ethnicity and nationality. They fill the world with hope and brightness. They represent the future’s expectations and aspirations, and they rightfully deserve a better life. “This is why we believe that improving children’s educational conditions and environments is a shared goal among people from all sectors in both China and Nigeria.” “Respecting local Nigerian culture and focusing on corporate social responsibilities are pillars of CRBC in Nigeria. In cities like Kano, Ibadan, and Uyo, we have donated school equipment to local primary schools, visited local orphanages, repaired roads for the community, and constructed wells and related water facilities. “This demonstrates our unwavering commitment to community and development.” Appreciating the embassy, the Executive Chairman of FCT UBEB, Dr. Alhassan Sule stated that he wanted to thank the Chinese embassy for their kind gesture. Dr Sule informed that education globally is everybody’s responsibility. Today, the difference between developed nations and developing nations is education. Any investment made in education is geared towards developing the society. Nobody on earth can explore potential without classroom. Speaking further, he said, “Recently most of our schools are experiencing a facelift, government alone cannot do it that’s why we are soliciting for partners to support education. We are asking for the help of the Chinese embassy to help us convert this school to an ICT hub so that anybody anywhere can have access to education”.
Presidency, LP, PDP React To US Report On 2023 General Election
A United States 2023 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices arrived at its conclusion that the 2023 polls reflected the will of Nigerians. The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Presidency welcomed the report but emphasized that the party’s electoral successes did not depend on external validation. However, the opposition Labour Party (LP) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) questioned the basis on which the report concluded that the 2023 polls accurately represented the will of Nigerians, given the evident irregularities. The report, issued by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labour within the US Department of State, detailed human rights practices and violations across various nations, including Nigeria. The report also stated that there were reports of campaigning at polling stations, lack of ballot secrecy and various irregularities during the country’s 2023 elections According to the report, the recent general elections in Nigeria were deemed to reflect the will of the people, despite significant irregularities. The report highlighted allegations that supporters of the APC impeded voting in Igbo-dominated areas during the Lagos gubernatorial election in March 2023. The report partly read, “National elections were widely reported to have reflected the will of voters, despite technical and logistical difficulties, and some irregularities. “Many independent observers who assessed the results of the presidential, legislative, and state-level elections during the year reflected the will of voters despite reports of voter suppression and vote-buying, campaigning at polling stations, lack of ballot secrecy, violence, and intimidation. “During the March 18 state election in Lagos, All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters reportedly intimidated and suppressed voters in Igbo-dominated areas, which Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, won in the February 25 national election. “Viral videos on social media showed APC supporters in Ojo (LGA in Lagos) threatening to attack ethnic Igbo voters presumed to be pro-Obi. “In Eti-Osa, APC supporters also attacked journalists and, in some cases, shut down voting and prevented non-Yoruba voters from accessing polls. They similarly destroyed property and physically blocked voters in Amuwo-Odofin. “According to videos posted on social media, police officers were present but failed to respond to attacks.” However, in response to the report, the two primary opposition parties, the PDP and the LP, reaffirmed their dedication to enhancing democracy in Nigeria, notwithstanding its imperfections. National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Debo Ologunagba, in a telephone chat with Vanguard said: “I am yet to read the report but one thing we, as a party, can assure Nigerians is that we remain committed to the advancement of democracy in our country. “We are also committed to ensuring that our country does not become a one-party state or slide into dictatorship.” Speaking in a similar vein, his counterpart in the Labour Party, Obiora Ifoh, said: “With all said and done, we take solace in the fact that the report was fair enough to admit that there were irregularities, including but not limited to vote buying, ballot box snatching, intimidation and physical attacks on our party supporters, especially in Lagos. “The report was magnanimous enough to note that supporters of the All Progressives Congress, APC, suppressed votes in areas dominated by our supporters during the March 2023 governorship election in Lagos. “To say the outcome of such an election reflects the majority view of Nigerians is left for the people to judge. Our commitment to the development of democracy in Nigeria remains unshakable.” The Deputy National Organizing Secretary of the ruling party, APC, Nze Chidi Duru, stated that the party had moved forward, focusing on advancing Nigeria’s electoral democracy.
Alleged N3bn Fraud: How Oyo-Ita, Allies Diverted Public Funds to Private Companies
Prosecution Witness Eight, (PW8), Hamma Adama Bello in the trial of former Head of Service (HoS), Winifred Oyo-Ita on Thursday, April 25, 2024 narrated before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, how the defendant and her subordinates diverted public funds into their private companies. Oyo-Ita, the first defendant is facing criminal prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC alongside her special assistants, Ugbong Okon Effiok (seventh defendant), Garba Umar (fourth defendant) and six companies: Frontline Ace Global Services Limited, Asanaya Projects Limited, Slopes International Limited, U and U Global Services Ltd, Prince Mega Logistics Ltd and Good Deal Investments on 18-count charges bordering on misappropriation, official corruption, money laundering and criminal diversion of funds to the tune of over N3billion. The witness, while being led in evidence by prosecution counsel Faruk Abdullahi and H.M. Mohammed told the court that Oyo-Ita used Slopes International Limited and Good Deal Investments Limited-fifth and sixth defendants respectively to fraudulently award government contracts to herself through the fourth defendant, Umar. The first entry transaction of Good Deal Investment Ltd on February 2019 showed that money was paid into its Zenith Bank account to the tune of N42,748, 201.47 ( Forty-two million, Seven Hundred and Forty-eight Thousand, Two Hundred and One Naira, Forty-seven kobo). Umar, the witness said incorporated the company with Oyo-Ita’s full knowledge. “We called for the account statements of these two companies, upon analyzing them, we realized he (Umar) was paid several sums of money from the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing where he is an employee. Upon interviewing the fourth defendant, he admitted that he was also a contractor. He also admitted to having paid the first defendant on several occasions from the proceeds of the transaction,” the witness said. On April 27, 2019, the witness disclosed that a transfer of N20, 2027, 142 (Twenty Million, Two Thousand and Twenty-seven, One Hundred and Forty-two Naira) was made in the name of Ibrahim Madu to the Zenith Bank account of Asanaya Projects Ltd. The mandate card of the account bears the signature and photo of the seventh defendant, Effiok. Investigation, according to the witness, also revealed that the seventh defendant incorporated Asanaya Projects Ltd in his name with the knowledge of the first defendant and that approvals were granted and payments made to the seventh defendant either through his personal account or to the account of the company. According to the witness, “The seventh defendant upon interview confirmed he never travelled for most of the funds he received and that the first defendant was aware and benefitted on several occasions from the funds. The account of U and U Global Services Limited was also opened by the seventh defendant. “In summary, from 2015 to 2018, U and U Global Limited received several payments in the form of Duty Tour Allowances and estacodes. Sometimes, payments from the federal government were made directly to the account. For instance, on March 24, 2016, he received N40, 313, 453. 58 (Forty Million, Three Hundred and Thirteen Thousand, Four Hundred and Three Naira, Fifty-eight Kobo). This particular payment was from the federal government.” Further in his testimony, the witness stated that “Exhibit O is the Fidelity Bank account of Prince Mega Logistics Ltd. On March 27, 2018 and April 6, 2018, there were four entries, N4, 950, 000 (Four Million, Nine Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira); N3,946,000; (Three Million, Nine Hundred and Forty-six Thousand Naira); N4,676,000 (Four Million, Six Hundred and Seventy-six Thousand Naira) and N1,478,000 (One Million, Four Hundred and Seventy-eight Thousand Naira) from Thomson Titus Okure who used to be a colleague of the seventh defendant in the Account Department.
NNPCL gives reason for fuel scarcity
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, NNPCL, has blamed what it calls “logistic issues” as the reason behind the current fuel scarcity in some states. The company blamed the logistic issues for the tightness in the supply of fuel in some parts of the country. NNPCL disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, assuring that the issue has been resolved. NNPCL reiterated that the prices of petroleum products are not changing nationwide. Soneye urged Nigerians to avoid panic buying as there is a sufficiency of products in the country. The statement read in part: “NNPC Ltd says cause of tightness in fuel supply resolved. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) wishes to clarify that the tightness in the supply of Premium Motor Spirit currently being experienced in some areas across the country is as a result of logistics issues and that they have been resolved. “It also wishes to reiterate that the prices of petroleum products are not changing. “It urges Nigerians to avoid panic buying as there is a sufficiency of products in the country.”
Air Peace sets to commence Abuja-London flights
Nigerian airline operator Air Peace will commence its Abuja-London route very soon. This was disclosed by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Thursday. Featuring on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme, the minister said he has given the approval for Air Peace to add Abuja to its London route. Air Peace recently commenced its Lagos-Gatwick flights, gathering commendation from many Nigerians. Following the commencement of the Lagos-London route, other airlines crashed their prices, a situation that led to the owner of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, alleging an international conspiracy.
Health, welfare of judges topmost priority, FG assures …Justice Orji-Abadua, jurist of unimpeachable character – Justice Dongban-Mensem
The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has assured of the federal government’s commitment to improving the justice system and enhancing the capacity of the judges. The AGF spoke at a valedictory court session held by the Court of Appeal for the late Justice Theresa Orji-Abadua, who died on March 8 as the presiding justice of the Benin division of the court. Fagbemi said: “The federal government will continue to support to support the judiciary and ensure that the health and welfare of the judges remain the priority of this administration.” Fagbemi, who, like every speaker at the event, eulogised the deceased, said her keen and brilliant insight into legal matters, earned her the respect and admiration of her peers and colleagues. He added: “It is indeed, safe to say that throughout her professional journey, Honourable Justice Orji-Abadua not only achieved brilliant success, but also served as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring legal professionals in her exceptional demonstration of the importance of integrity, diligence, and unwavering dedication to the pursuit of justice. “Her contributions to the Judiciary, at the different levels of the Nigeria Judicature, indeed stands as a testament to her exceptional legal prowess and unwavering commitment to upholding the Rule of Law.” The President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, said Justice Orji-Abadua was a jurist of unimpeachable character who had a very simple and humble nature. Justice Dongban-Mensem, who was represented by the Presiding Justice of the Abuja division of the Court of Appeal, noted that the deceased was in the service of the Judiciary for 27 years, 16 of which were spent at the Court of Appeal. She added that although Justice Orji-Abadua was no longer around, her “contributions to the development of the law will remain and continue to help our jurisprudence to grow.” The chairman of the Body of Benchers (BOB), Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), who spoke for the Body of Senior Advocates, Paul Usoro (SAN) equally spoke glowingly about the deceased. Awomolo described the late Justice Orji-Abadua as a fair and thorough jurist who served without blemish. The deceased’s widower, Dr. Benjamin Abadua expressed delight about the beautiful things he said about his late wife. Abadua said his late wife was a forthright personality who was always conscious of the truth and justice.
Senator Ayogu Eze Is Dead
Former Senator representing Enugu North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Ayogu Eze, is reportedly dead. The former Senate spokesman died in an Abuja Hospital after a protracted illness. A source who spoke to the Daily Post said the late Senator had been down, which prevented him from attending his child’s wedding ceremony earlier in the year, which was held in Lagos State. Ayogu Eze was a founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, before he defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC, where he ran for the Enugu State governorship election.