Court Order: EFCC Cringes, Produces Godwin Emefiele

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja complied with the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory’s order regarding the case of former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele. After being held in custody by Federal Government security agencies for over 150 days, Emefiele was brought to court in accordance with the order issued by Justice Olukayode Adeniyi. Former CBN Governor Emefiele, dressed in a yellow Babariga and a Hausa cap, entered the courtroom at around 12:30, accompanied by a group of EFCC operatives providing security. Outside the court premises, Emefiele’s friends and relatives eagerly awaited the Judge’s arrival for a hearing in his fundamental human rights case. Justice Adeniyi reaffirmed his order on Monday, which mandated that the detained former CBN governor be brought to court on November 8.  This hearing’s purpose is to consider granting him bail.  The court also emphasized the option for the anti-graft agency to grant bail to Emefiele in accordance with the law on fundamental human rights.

Security Threats: Nigeria’s Police Chief plans Special Intervention Squad

The Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has unveiled a strategic initiative to establish a Special Intervention Squad (SIS) aimed at addressing security challenges across the country. Egbetokun made this announcement during a courtesy call on Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State at the Government House on Saturday. Egbetokun sought the Kano state government’s support for the success of this initiative, as Kano is one of the chosen pilot states for the implementation of the Special Intervention Squad. He explained, “We are introducing the Special Intervention Squad (SIS) to swiftly respond to crises and violent crimes in Nigeria. This dedicated squad will be readily deployable to manage these challenges.” The IGP emphasized that the effectiveness of the new squad hinges on the cooperation and support extended by the Kano state government. He assured that the squad would consist of well-trained personnel, equipped with modern facilities, and provided with adequate remuneration to effectively combat security threats. Addressing Governor Yusuf, Egbetokun stated, “We have selected Kano state as a pilot state for this program. The success of this initiative largely depends on the support we receive from Your Excellency. I humbly urge you to consider this as a request from the Nigerian Police to Governor Yusuf.” In response, Governor Yusuf praised the commitment demonstrated by the current police management in tackling challenges like banditry, kidnapping, and armed robbery. He commended the positive impact of effective policing in Kano state, contributing significantly to the reduction of security issues since the new administration took office. Yusuf reiterated the state government’s commitment to support the police in their efforts to maintain law and order. He emphasized the positive relationship between the government and police authorities, highlighting joint efforts to address various security concerns. The governor also called on the IGP to extend support in the state’s fight against drug abuse, armed robbery, and other criminal activities. He expressed appreciation for the ongoing efforts by the police to combat kidnapping on both the state and national levels. The collaboration between the police and the Kano state government underscores the commitment to enhancing security and fostering peace in the region.

Adamawa Lootings: Fintiri relaxes curfew by 12 hours

Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri has relaxed the 24-hour curfew earlier imposed on the state by 12 hours. This contain in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Fintiri, Humwashi Wonosikou, in Yola on Monday. The state government said the curfew was relaxed from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. after meetings with security chiefs in the state. Fintiri, who was represented by his Deputy, Kaletapwa Farauta, urged parents to send their wards to school and also encouraged businesses to open and go about their daily activities as the government would not fold its arms and allow miscreants to disrupt public peace. The governor warned hoodlums and the public to abide by the curfew and remain courteous and cooperative if approached and questioned by security personnel. Fintiri has declared a 24-hour curfew on the state with immediate effect, following wide scale anarchy, looting and attacks on citizens by alleged hoodlums. The state government said the hoodlums, complaining of hunger and high cost of foodstuff following the recent increase in price of fuel, ransacked government-owned and private food storages and warehouses, carting away anything in sight in anger. The governor said the situation had assumed a dangerous dimension in Yola, as the protesters attacked people with machetes and broke into business premises and homes stealing goods and property. “With the curfew imposed, there will be no movement throughout the state. Only those on essential duties with valid identification would be permitted to move around during the period of the curfew,” he said. Fintiri appealed to law-abiding residents to comply with the directive, warning that anyone caught contravening the order would be arrested and prosecuted.