Remi Tinubu Speaks On To Kaduna Massacre
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident in Tudun Biri village, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The erroneous bombing, reported to be a drone strike by the Nigerian Army, resulted in devastating consequences, claiming the lives of 87 individuals and leaving 70 others injured, according to the Kaduna State Government. In a heartfelt statement shared via her official handle on Friday, Mrs. Tinubu conveyed her profound sadness and extended her sympathies to the affected families, Governor Uba Sani, and the entire populace of Kaduna State. She specifically reached out to the community of Tudun Biri Village, profoundly affected by the calamitous airstrike.”I share in this grief with a motherly compassion that connects me to every household affected by this tragedy,” expressed Mrs. Tinubu. She emphasized the profound loss experienced by the community and highlighted the human aspect of the lives lost – individuals who were cherished members of their community.Mrs. Tinubu urged solidarity and mutual support during this trying period, emphasizing the need to draw strength from each other. She acknowledged the enormity of the pain felt by the families who lost their loved ones and assured them of her prayers and support.”To lose loved ones is an agony that transcends all boundaries, and in these trying times, we must draw strength from one another. “The lives lost were more than mere statistics; they were sons, daughters, mothers, and fathers—cherished members of our tightly-knit community.“My heart breaks for each family mourning the absence of their dear ones, and my prayers are with you”, she said. The First Lady concluded her message by calling for collective love, compassion, and support for those affected, aiming to find solace and healing through unity in the face of this heartbreaking event.
Ogun Government Announces N50m Bounty For Killers Of Finance Director
The Ogun State Government has taken a bold step in response to the tragic murder of Mr. Taiwo Oyekanmi, the former Director of Finance and Administration linked to Governor Dapo Abiodun’s office. Oyekanmi, aged 51, met a gruesome fate on November 29th at the Kuto Flyover Bridge in Abeokuta. Allegedly ambushed by assailants while returning with colleagues after withdrawing a substantial sum from city banks, Oyekanmi’s untimely demise sparked outrage and a strong commitment from Governor Abiodun to ensure justice prevails. In an official statement released on Friday, the state government declared a N50 million reward for any individual furnishing information pivotal to the arrest of Oyekanmi’s killers. The government emphasized the utmost confidentiality of provided information, urging cooperation with security agencies in their quest for justice.“Ogun State Government has announced a reward of N50m for anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the killers of the state’s Director of Finance and Administration, Mr. Taiwo Oyekanmi, on 30th November 2023 in Abeokuta. “Information provided would be treated with utmost confidentiality,” the statement reads in part.
CBN Warns Against Counterfeit Notes
In light of Nigeria’s ongoing currency shortage, the Central Bank of Nigeria has issued a stern warning to the public regarding the prevalence of counterfeit Naira banknotes. Issuing a notice titled ‘Beware of Counterfeit Naira Banknotes in Circulation’ on Friday, the apex bank urged Deposit Money Banks, Financial Houses, Bureau de Change, and citizens to heighten their vigilance and adopt necessary precautions. The CBN emphasized its collaboration with law enforcement agencies to apprehend those involved in circulating fake notes, especially higher denominations, often used in transactions across major cities, notably in food markets and commercial centers. Quoting Section 20(4) of the CBN Act (2007) as amended, the bank highlighted the severe penalties, including imprisonment for not less than 5 years, for falsifying or counterfeiting Naira notes. The statement urged the public to report any suspected individuals dealing with counterfeit notes to the nearest police station or CBN branch. It further advised financial entities and the public to take stringent measures to halt the acceptance and circulation of fake notes. Meanwhile, concerns over Naira scarcity heightened in parts of Abuja, where Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) failed to dispense cash, exacerbating the challenges faced by residents in the nation’s capital.
Delta Government Unveils Telephone Reporting System for Project Accountability
The Delta state Government has recently introduced a proactive approach to ensure transparency in the utilization of funds allocated for the 2024 budget. In a recent announcement made by Mr. Sonny Ekedayen, the State Commissioner for Economic Planning, the government has launched dedicated telephone numbers for Delta residents to report on the progress of ongoing projects within their communities. The essence of these telephone lines, as disclosed by Mr. Ekedayen in Asaba, is to supplement the efforts of the Ministry’s monitoring and performance evaluation team. This initiative aims to ensure that all projects adhere to specified quality standards. The provided telephone number, 09011862842, encourages residents to monitor contractors executing projects in their localities and submit WhatsApp messages with accompanying images or videos as evidence, without directly engaging or disrupting any ongoing work. Moreover, Mr. Ekedayen highlighted the upcoming year’s plans, distinguishing them from the distractions faced during the previous year due to election campaigns. He emphasized the commitment of the Commissioners in driving the MORE agenda of the Oborevwori administration, stating that they had signed performance bonds with the Governor to ensure effective governance. Regarding the 2024 budget, Mr. Ekedayen emphasized the state’s determination to spend within the confines of the generated revenue without resorting to loans. He stressed that the budget was organic and comparatively smaller due to its alignment with the state’s economic capacity. Explaining the funding sources, he mentioned that approximately eighty percent of the budget would come from the federation account, while the remaining twenty percent would be from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). He projected a monthly revenue of N12bn, intending to boost the IGR to about N150bn, consequently increasing the budget appropriation figure for the fiscal year. The Commissioner sought the support and collaboration of the people of Delta, especially in monitoring projects and assessing their performance. He assured that any reports received would be acknowledged, and the actions taken would be communicated to the respective reporters.
Court grants ex-AGF, Adoke permission to celebrate Xmas with family in Dubai
Justice Iyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court in Abuja, has granted a former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke, leave to travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to celebrate the coming Christmas and new year with his family. The embattled former AGF, is answering a money laundering charges brought against him by the federal government. Adoke, had through his counsel, Kanu Agabi, prayed the Court to invoke sections 36 and 37 of Nigeria’s Constitution to grant his request. He argued that Adoke, had since this trial commenced, had not been been with the family members who are resident in UAE. Specifically, Agabi submitted that the former Minister of Justice needed to spend time with his family to maintain his physical and mental health, adding that the law presumed him innocent until contrary is established against him. He further submitted that since his client was admitted to bail, he had been religiously and consistently attending trial and had never behaved in any manner suggestive of intention to jump bail. In his ruling, Justice Inyang Eden Ekwo agreed that Adoke had been attending trial and had never attempted to jump bail adding that he was persuaded to grant the request. The Judge thereafter ordered that Adoke’s passport deposited with the Registry of the Court be released to him for the purpose of traveling to UAE. Justice Ekwo ordered that the former AGF must return to Nigeria before January 11, 2024 for continuation of his trial in the charges against him. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting the erstwhile AGF alongside an oil mogul, Aliyu Abubakar, on a 14-count charge. In the charge, EFCC alleged that Adoke had sometime in August 2013, in Abuja, accepted a cash payment of the dollar equivalent of N300 million from Aliyu, and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 16 (2)(b) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011 (as amended). Whereas Abubakar was also accused of accepting cash payment of the sum of $4 million from Faman Holdings Limited, through one Abdulhakeem Uthman Mustapha, in September 2013, EFCC alleged that Adoke made structured cash payment in tranches into his Unity Bank Account No. 0020153263.
NJC recommends compulsory retirement of Osun High Court Judge… probe into 51 petitions against others
The National Judicial Council NJC has recommended compulsory retirement of a High Court Judge in Osun State, S.O Falola,The NJC also sets up panels to investigate 51 petitions against others over various acts of misconduct in the discharge of their judicial duties. The Osun High Court Judge was recommended to Governor Ademola Adeleke for compulsory retirement for granting fraudulent orders against the provisions of the law.At its 104th Meeting held in Abuja, the Council invoked its Constitutional powers and placed the Judge on indefinite suspension from duties pending the time governor Adeleke would give effect to its recommendation. NJC statement issued by its Director of Information Mr Soji Oye on Thursday indicated that Justice Falola incurred the wrath of the Council when he granted a Garnishee Order Absolute against Polaris Bank for the sum of N283,174,000 in a questionable and strange manner and endorsement of the Order, The compulsory retirement recommendation was made sequel to the findings of an Investigation Committee in a petition written against the Judge by one Dapo Kolapo Olowo and Polaris Bank. Justice Falola was also found wanting for attaching the account of the Garnishee with another garnishee and not the account of the Judgment Debtor who had the legal obligation to pay the supposed judgment sum.NJC found that the Judge misconducted himself by entertaining suit No HIK/41/2018 when there was no evidence of a judgment of the Kwara State High Court before him, neither was there a Certificate of Registration of same in Osun State to confer jurisdiction on him. It further found the conduct of the Judge travelling to Lagos to visit the Counsel of the Bank in his Chambers on the issue of Garnishee Proceedings unbecoming of the standard expected of a Judicial Officer. Consequently, Council recommended him to Governor Adeleke for compulsory retirement with immediate effect. Meanwhile, in the exercise of its disciplinary powers under the 1999 Constitution, the Council has suspended Hon. Justice Falola from office pending the approval of the recommendation of his compulsory retirement by the Governor.However, the Council declined the request of Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State for permission to swear in the next Most Senior Judge in the State in acting capacity, following allegations levelled against Justice Adepele Ojo, Chief Judge, Osun State and the resolution of the State House of Assembly to suspend him. The Council affirmed that Justice Ojo is still the recognized Chief Judge of Osun State and would not work on the resolution of a State House of Assembly, as it is the only body constitutionally empowered to investigate Judicial Officers and recommend same for any action to the Governor. Consequently, it ordered that Osun State should revert to status quo.At the meeting presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria CJN, Olukayode Ariwoola, 11 probe panels were put in place to investigate 51 fresh petitions against other Judicial officers for gross acts of misconduct. The statement also revealed that the Council considered the reports of other Investigation Committees that had concluded their sittings, and dismissed petitions written against Justice Ekaete F. F. Obot, Chief Judge, Akwa Ibom State, Justice Benson Anya of High Court Abia State, Justice Z. B. Abubakar of Federal High Court, Justice Opufaa Ben-Whyte and Augusta Uche K. Chuku of the High Court of Rivers State, for being un-meritorious or withdrawal of petition by the Petitioners. However, Hon Justice A. I. Akobi of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory is to be issued a letter of guidance to take proper charge and control of his Court. Similarly, the NJC Council resolved to report a Senior Advocate of Nigeria SAN, A. A. Aribisala, to Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) for investigation and disciplinary action, for the unpalatable and derogatory remarks he made against a Judicial Officer and by extension, the NJC in his petition to the Council.
NLC Denies Being Part Of FG Delegation To COP28 Summit
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has stated that its members were not among the 1,411 delegates who accompanied President Bola Tinubu to the recent COP28 climate change event. Through an official tweet, the NLC clarified that its engagement in climate change initiatives was independently financed and separate from governmental delegations. In their statement, the NLC highlighted, “NLC was not part of Federal Government’s Delegation to COP28. NLC Climate change Department has been involved in COP activities long before now. All our participation in Climate Change activities are fully driven and funded Independently.” This declaration by the union comes amidst criticism faced by the President Tinubu-led government for allegedly transporting an excessive number of delegates, surpassing 1,000 individuals, to the climate change summit, triggering discontent particularly during a period of economic strain in the nation. Responding to the criticism, the government refuted the claims of 1,411 delegates, asserting that only 422 individuals were funded for the trip.
EFCC Clears Air On University Students Involvement In Yahoo Yahoo
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has addressed reports misinterpreting remarks made by its Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, regarding the involvement of Nigerian university students in cybercrimes.Contrary to circulating claims, the EFCC emphasized that Olukoyede’s comments were misunderstood. According to the agency’s spokesman, Dele Oyewale, the chairman’s concerns centered on the rising trend of internet-related crimes among youths.In a statement released, Oyewale clarified that Olukoyede’s remarks highlighted the need for increased media awareness among youths to combat the surge in cyber fraud. He reiterated that the chairman did not categorize “seven out of 10” Nigerian students as criminals but rather expressed worry about the potential future ramifications if the prevalence of cybercrimes among youths remains unchecked. Part of the statement reads, “He did say that reports and intelligence available to him indicated that, unless this trajectory of youth involvement in internet fraud is addressed and reversed, the future of their leadership of our great nation may be threatened and if it continues in the next 10 years, 7 out 10 of our youths may be getting involved in cybercrimes. At no time did he say that “seven out of 10″ Nigerian students are criminals”. His concerns still bother on breaking the jinx of mass indulgence of youths in cybercrimes”.
3 Injured As NDLEA Officers Battle Drug Dealers In Edo
A clash between National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) operatives and armed individuals has resulted in three operatives sustaining injuries, with one requiring brain surgery. The confrontation arose when suspected hoodlums attempted to obstruct the operatives from reaching a concealed drug warehouse deep within Opuje forest in Edo State’s Owan West Local Government Area. In a statement released by the agency on Thursday, after a two-hour gun battle, the NDLEA personnels managed to leave the area. It all started with a credible intelligence prompting NDLEA officers to target the warehouse containing psychoactive substances slated for distribution nationwide during the festive period. Describing the Opuje community as a hub for cannabis cultivation, the statement highlighted the cartels’ extensive investments, including deforestation and cultivation spanning hundreds of hectares. After harvest, these cartels construct warehouses within forest reserves, guarded by armed youths round-the-clock. Acting on intelligence suggesting the restocking of these warehouses for the festive season’s drug distribution, NDLEA teams initiated operations to dismantle them. While demolishing warehouses in Ujiogba forest, they encountered gunfire upon approaching the Opuje forest due to roads being blocked by armed hoodlums. NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd.), condemned the attack, vowing relentless pursuit of those behind violence against agency personnel. He affirmed the agency’s commitment to bringing culprits to justice and dismantling their criminal networks.
Vice President Shettima Visits Victims Of Kaduna Air Bombardment
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday visited Kaduna State to sympathize with the victims and families of those affected by the recent military air strike in Tudun Biri village, Igabi Local Government Area. His arrival at the Nigerian Air Force base, Mando was greeted by Governor Uba Sani and senior officials of the Kaduna State Government. Initially scheduled for Wednesday, Shettima postponed his visit to Thursday to engage with the affected communities. This condolence visit, is coming four days after the tragic airstrike that resulted in the deaths of more than 85 people and various degrees of injuries. The unfortunate incident has drawn widespread condemnation from both local and international organizations. Calls for investigations and the implementation of standardized procedural measures have emerged in response to the incident. Taking responsibility for the accident, the Army, represented by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Christopher Musa, offered apologies during his visit to the affected community. Assurances were made to prevent any recurrence of such a devastating incident.