Court restores Philip Shuaibu as Edo State Deputy Governor

By Vivian Michael, Abuja Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, Wednesday, nullified the removal of Phillip Shuaibu as Edo State Deputy Governor. The court, in a judgement held that Shuaibu’s impeachment and subsequent removal violated the provisions of the law. Having declared the removal as unlawful, the court subsequently ordered his instatement as deputy governor of the state. Besides, the court ordered the Inspector General of Police to restore his security details as deputy governor. Consequently, the Court ordered that his salaries, allowances should be paid to him from April. Details later.

CAC Exposes 189 Fake Companies Involved FCT Land Allocation Scam

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has sounded the alarm about a disturbing surge in counterfeit companies operating within the country. Their concerns were heightened when they revealed the discovery of 189 fake companies that had been exploiting their status to obtain land allocations in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. During a press briefing held on Tuesday, the Registrar General of the CAC, Hussaini Magaji, unveiled these shocking findings.  The investigation was initiated following a complaint from the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) regarding a dubious company seeking land allocation. Magaji delved into the details, explaining that the exposure of the non-existent company prompted an extensive inquiry. This, in turn, led to the identification of several other fraudulent entities operating for the same nefarious purpose. Two suspects, including a lawyer, have been apprehended in connection with this fraudulent activity.  The investigation further revealed the existence of a cartel comprising individuals from the Abuja Geographical Information System, lawyers, and even some within the commission itself. Magaji emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “Let me use this opportunity to inform the public that one of the major milestones achieved so far since I assumed office is our ability to bust a cartel or a network of individuals that are causing havoc for the commission.  This cartel collaborates with certain lawyers who falsely claim to be accredited agents of the commission and conspires with staff from the Abuja Geographical Information System to secure land allocations in the FCT. We only became aware of this criminal activity after a complaint from the Federal Capital Territory Administration prompted us to verify some applications made by these entities, which, shockingly, were non-existent within our system.”

Telcos Mull Legal Action Against Banks Over N130bn USSD Debt

The Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), has said that it may take legal action against banks in order to recover their unpaid N130 billion Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD). The National Chairman of the telecom operators’ umbrella group (ALTON), Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, said ALTON has decided to take the option of legal battle as the last resort, after several failed attempts to amicably resolve the indebtedness matter. He explained the issue of unpaid USSD debt was part of the association’s submission to the new Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, when the ALTON’s team paid a courtesy visit to him last week in Abuja According to him, the minister expressed his concern over the lingering issue of unpaid USSD debt and advised telecom operators to have an independent Think-Tank that would look at the issues surrounding telecoms operations in Nigeria and develop empirical data that would best explain the economic implications of the challenges. The ALTON President said: “The issue of USSD debt was discussed with the Minister, and he was quite concerned and worried that the matter has lingered for too long unresolved. “Since the matter has dragged for too long, the best bet is to withdraw the USSD service from the banks and challenge them to pay for the accumulated debt that has reached N130 billion as at September this year. To get this done, we are contemplating at going to court to resolve the matter. “The issue has lingered for too long and debt accumulated, and I think it’s time to go to court to address the issue. We are thinking so because every effort made by telcos and the government to make the banks pay their debt, has not yielded positive result. It has been like taking two steps forward and taking one step backward”, Adebayo added. He said telecom operators have a commercial service agreement with the banks several to provide them with the USSD service that would enable seamless financial transactions like money transfers through the mobile phones, lamenting that despite the agreement, the banks have refused to obey the terms of the agreement, which had provisions for third party intervention, that include legal action. “The agreement permits parties to go to anywhere, including law court to resolve issues. So instead of the continuous meetings that have not yielded results, we are contemplating taking the next line of action, which is to go to court,” he said.

LASG Arrests, To Arraign 30 Environmental Offenders

The Lagos State Government has arrested about 30 environmental offenders for improper disposal of wastes and disregard for the state’s environmental laws. They will be arraigned before a Magistrate’s Court on Monday. The environmental laws enforcement team comprises officers from the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), and Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), also known as KAI. The offenders, who were apprehended in different locations, were said to be engaged in acts capable of defacing the environment and derailing efforts to entrench cleanliness in the metropolis. According to Mr Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, the arrest and subsequent prosecution of people engaged in indiscriminate waste disposal shows that it is no longer business as usual. “The state government will not fold its hands and watch some elements derail efforts to maintain sanity in the city. “Today’s action will serve as a deterrent and warning to others. “The era of people hiding under the guise of darkness to dump waste at unauthorised locations is over; anyone caught will be prosecuted,” he told newsmen. He appealed to residents to acquire waste bins and regularly clean up their surroundings as government plans to commence full environmental checks on homes and business premises. The official reminded residents of their legal obligation towards a sustainable environment which included acquiring covered waste bins, shunning reckless waste disposal and mandatory patronage of assigned private operators. “It is imperative for every resident, householders and business owners alike, to be aware of their legal obligations regarding waste management. “Everyone must procure bins, engage with assigned private participants, refrain from indiscriminate waste disposal, maintain drains and clean the frontage of their establishments,” Wahab said LAWMA managing director Muyiwa Gbadegesin, on his part, urged households to imbibe the habit of sorting their wastes at source. “Such waste should be segregated into recyclables and non-recyclables and be disposed at designated waste bins recommended by LAWMA. “If we do this, it will reduce the menace of indiscriminate waste dumping that defaces the cityscape. “The responsibility for maintaining a clean environment is a collective one. It is not the sole duty of LAWMA or the state government. It is the duty of every individual, household and business owner in Lagos. “We are appealing to residents to avoid indiscriminate dumping of wastes in public spaces as it poses significant health and environmental hazards. Violators of environmental laws will face severe legal consequences,” Gbadegesin said. 

Alleged Harassment: OAU Lecturer Sues Colonel, Police CP, Seeks N10m Damages

A University lecturer and human rights activist, Prof. Chijioke Uwasomba has dragged Colonel Abubakar Abdulkadir Alkali of the Special Investigation Bureau of the Nigeria Army Military Police before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory over alleged harassment and violation of his fundamental human rights. He also demanded the sum of N10 million as exemplary damages for threat to arrest him by the police at the instance of the Army Colonel. The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, was also listed as second respondent in the suit marked W/7744/23. The plaintiff in the fundamental human rights enforcement suit filed by his lawyers, Onyeisi Chiemeke and Abdul Mahmud, claimed he got series of invitations with threats of arrest from the police following a breach of agreement by the respondent. Uwasomba, a lecturer in the Department of English at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife therefore demanded, among others, “the sum of N10 million as exemplary damages for the said wrongful invitation” and threat to arrest him by the personnel of the police at the instance of Colonel Alkali for no legal justification. He also demanded a declaration that the orders for his invitation and arrest by the police and its agents “based on the misleading information” by Alkali of a business transaction (agency relationship) between them was wrong, unlawful, illegal and a violation of his fundamental rights to personal liberty and freedom of movement as guaranteed by Sections 35, 41 and 44 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 and Article 6, 12 and 14 of the African Charter of Human and Peoples Rights, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. The OAU don asked the court to restrain the respondents, their servants, agents and/or privies, jointly or severally, or any law enforcement agency acting pursuant to their instructions from threatening, harassing, arresting or detaining him and members of his family based on the complaint of the first respondent, in violation of his rights to dignity of human person, personal liberty, freedom of movement and right to work guaranteed by Sections 34, 35, 37 and 41 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999. Uwasomba also asked the court to declare that the first and second respondents were not empowered by the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or any other statute or instrument to threaten, harass, arrest or detain him in violation of his Fundamental Rights to dignity of human person, personal liberty, freedom of movement and right to work guaranteed by Sections 35, 37 and 41 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999. Meanwhile, no date has been fixed for hearing of the case.

Mocking Video: Osimhen’s Agent Threatens Legal Action Against Napoli

Napoli striker Victor Osimhen’s agent, Roberto Calendar, has said he “reserves the right to take legal action” against the club. Calenda’s threat came after a video mocking the player was posted and then deleted from the Serie A side’s official TikTok on Tuesday. He released a statement on messaging platform X, formerly known as Twitter, saying the video caused “very serious damage to the player”. “What happened today on Napoli’s official profile on the TikTok platform is not acceptable. “A video mocking Victor was first made public and then, but now belatedly, deleted,” said Calenda. “We reserve the right to take legal action and any other useful initiative to protect Victor.” Napoli did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside normal business hours. Osimhen missed a late penalty kick in a goalless draw against Bologna in Serie A on Sunday. He was substituted as the game drew to a close and appeared to protest the decision, shouting at coach Rudi Garcia before leaving the pitch. Later on, the French manager, however, played down the situation. Italian Champions Napoli are seventh in the standings and play Udinese at home on Wednesday.

We’re Taking Legal Action Against Owners Of Impounded Vehicles, Tricycles, Others- FCTA

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) says owners of 149 impounded vehicles, 100 tricycles and motorcycles in the FCT will appear before a mobile court for various traffic offences. Dr Abdulateef Bello, the Director, FCTA Directorate of Road Traffic Services, also known as Vehicles Inspection Officers (VIO), stated this in Abuja at the weekend, after inspecting the impounded vehicles. Bello, who visited some of the VIO Commands where the impounded vehicles, tricycles and motorcycles were kept, said that the owners would pay dearly for their sins. He explained that the offences included parking in unauthorised areas, driving against traffic, and operating unregistered and unpainted taxis as well as illegal motor parks. “I always advise that it is cheaper to be on the side of the law to obey simple rules and regulations. “We have asked commercial motorists to register and operate within the defined routes and motor parks and not to pick indiscriminately from the road corridors. “We have also told the tricycle operators to operate within the confines of the road plan, already agreed upon. “They are not supposed to come into the city. They are supposed to transport people that are going into estates and towards suburbs of the city,” he said. He said that traffic regulations have been reviewed, adding that fines will equally be reviewed upward. He said that traffic offenders would pay hugely when they face mobile court, “but I am sure it will serve as a deterrence”. The director said that the directorate was working with the Transport Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration to review existing road traffic policies on traffic management. This, according to him, will ensure effective regulation of road traffic management. He noted that until the Abuja Mass Transit become fully operational to meet the needs of commuters, the directorate would continue to battle with unregistered vehicles operating illegally in the city. “This is because it is a function of demand and supply, but I am sure in no distant time, all these will be a thing of the past,” he said. 

Lawyer seeks IGP’s help on Spring Hall British School’s property issue

The Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, has been called upon to intervene in the refusal of the proprietor and Chairman of Spring Hall British School, Mr Stanley Jegede to vacate a property located in the Maitama District of Abuja, after it was sold to new owner.  The new owner of the property, Moxie Communications Limited, through its lawyer, Barrister Victor Giwa, in a letter dated August 25, 2023, called for the intervention of the IGP to avert a breach of public peace.  He said after the property was purchased, the school was notified but Mr Jegede has allegedly frustrated and intimidated his staff on the premises through threats, bullying and other devices.  Barrister Giwa said, “Our Client by a DEED of Assignment and Contract of sales dated 13th of June 2023 respectively purchased the property described above from Mabon Estate Limited. “The said property is used as school by one Stanley Jegede, the proprietor and Chairman of Spring Hall British School hereafter referred to as suspect.  “Our client on the purchase of premises and take over had notified the suspects through several letters of the desire of our client to renovate it premises on the bases of fit for purpose. “Surprisingly, after several letters and discussion, the suspect has deliberately and with the intention of causing breach of public frustrated and intimidated our staff on the premises through threats, bullying and other devices.   These acts of the suspects have stunted the renovation work of our client on his premises. “The suspects have refused and failed to remove items and belongings from our property to enable our client continuous work. “This action of the Jegede Stanley is provocative, and capable of instigating serious resistance from our client’s staff and workers, which may eventually lead to break down of law and Order in the premises.  “It is on this note that we are writing to you for your intervention and arrest of the suspects for his action which is capable of breaching public peace and criminal intimidation.”

NACAT sues Ag CBN gov, deputy, CCB over non-assets declaration 

The Network Against Corruption and Trafficking Foundation (NACAT) has dragged the Acting Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Folashodun Shonubi and its deputy, Mr Edward Adamu before a Federal High Court Abuja for failure to declare their assets to the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB). In a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1182/2023, filed by the group’s legal counsel, Festus Keyamo Chambers, also mentioned the Chairman, Code of Conduct Bureau, as a respondent in the matter. The applicant premised the suit on the strength of Section 1(1) and (2) of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, 2011.  Specifically, the suit dated August 25, 2023 is requesting for the documents wherein Mr Shonubi deliberately refused to declare interest in the following companies: Intameks Ltd– RC13086; Kirby’s Place Resources Ltd – RC1215845; The Pekaboo Company Ltd – RC1395011; Ehlkuhile Investment Ltd– RC857442; Iscopeng Ltd – RC1431044; and Kilima Technologies Ltd – RC1218250. Similarly, the applicant is demanding the assets and declaration forms of Adamu, wherein he failed to declare his interest in the following Companies: Pinnacle Solutions Network Ltd – RC698688; Elad Global Resources Limited – RC933366 and Global World Frontier Services Nig. Ltd – RC772500. An affidavit in support of the originating motion exparte deposed to by Stanley Ugagbe, the operational Manager of NACAT stated the respondents had vehemently refused to avail them of the documents.  Ugagbe averred that the 2nd Respondent is listed as a Director in the following Companies: Intameks Ltd– RC13086; Kirby’s Place Resources Ltd – RC1215845; The Pekaboo Company Ltd – RC1395011; Ehlkuhile Investment Ltd – RC857442; Iscopeng Ltd – RC1431044; and Kilima Technologies Ltd – RC1218250. Also, the deponent claimed that the 3rd Respondent is listed as a Director in the following Companies: Pinnacle Solutions Network Ltd – RC698688; Elad Global Resources Limited – RC933366 and Global World Frontier Services Nig. Ltd – RC772500. As public officers, Ugagbe stated, the 2nd and 3rd Respondents have statutory obligations to declare in their Asset Declaration Forms, the interests they have in the above-named companies, while assuming their respective offices as a Acting Governor and Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN. “That the Applicant has a right under the Freedom of Information Act, 2011, to access the Assets and Liabilities Declaration Forms of the 2nd and 3rd Respondents, in the records of the 1st Respondent, with respect to declaration of the 2nd and 3rd Respondents’ interests in the said companies. “That the Applicant has made demand under the Freedom of Information Act, 2011 to the Respondents, for the Respondents to produce the Assets and Liabilities Declaration Forms where the 2nd and 3rd Respondents declared their interests in the said Companies, but the Respondents failed, refused and neglected to produce the said documents. The Applicant submitted that it needed the intervention of the Court to compel the 1st and 2nd Respondents to grant the request of the Applicant, in accordance with Section 1 (3) of the Freedom of Information Act. The Applicants predicated their prayers on the ground that they had written letters dated 3rd July, 2023 and 14th August, 2023, requesting the Respondents to produce to it, the said documents but they refused. “The Respondents have failed, refused and neglected to produce the said documents requested from them, contrary to section 4 (a) of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011” the counsel stated.  As public officers, the counsel submitted that the 2nd and 3rd Respondents have statutory obligations to declare in their Asset Declaration Forms, the interests they have in the above stated companies, while assuming their respective offices as Acting Governor and Deputy Governor of the CBN. NACAT is a non-governmental organization, a pro-democracy civil society organization, whose objectives include contributing to the global war against corruption, financial crimes, terrorism and economic sabotage.

Contempt Suit: Withdraw case or face strike action, NLC warns FG

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a stern ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding the withdrawal of a lawsuit filed against organized labour. According to them, failure to comply with this demand could lead to a nationwide strike on August 14, 2023. The decision was reached during the NLC’s National Executive Council meeting held in Abuja on Thursday. In a statement, signed by the National President, Joe Ajaero, and the National Secretary, Emanuel Ugboaja, the NLC strongly accused the Ministry of Justice and the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) of aligning themselves as “anti-democracy” agents. While the NLC temporarily suspended its protest following a meeting with President Bola Tinubu on Thursday, they have made it clear that they will not hesitate to initiate a nationwide total strike if labour leaders are summoned to Court by the government through the NICN. “The NLC remains resolute in its stance to protect workers’ rights and interests, emphasizing the importance of the government respecting their demands and refraining from legal actions perceived as undermining the democratic process,” the statement said. The statement further highlighted some of the resolutions of the union which include “To commit to maintaining the required vigilance needed to hold government accountable on its assurances and governance in general; to commit to the terminal date of August 19th 2023 within which the issues around the Petroleum price hike will be agreed given the assurances of the President and the National Assembly. “To go on total strike across the country any day labour leaders are summoned to Court by the government through the NICN; to demand the immediate withdrawal of this litigious terrorism by the Federal Ministry of Justice before the end of work Friday, the 11th of August, 2023. “To embark on a nationwide comprehensive strike beginning Monday 14th of August, 2023 if this contemptuous Court summons is not withdrawn by whosoever initiated it.” Though it commended the national leadership and all the state officers for the effective coordination of the protest, the union urged all affiliates and state councils including its civil society allies to stay further action but to remain focused and eternally vigilant.