Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Vivian Michael

  • Let’s Support Tinubu, NNPCL – Civil Rights Group

    Let’s Support Tinubu, NNPCL – Civil Rights Group

    A conference of civil society groups for good governance (CSGGG) is calling for collective support for the progress and growth of NNPC Limited under the capable leadership of Mele Kyari.

    They have expressed concerns about the negative efforts to discredit Mallam Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, aimed at removing him from office to gain unrestricted access to state resources for personal gain.

    The group, represented by its President, Comrade Dominic Ogakwu, is responding to an unwarranted smear campaign against the remarkable achievements and ongoing progress of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) in certain sections of the media.

    He refuted the claim that there is a secret award of control of Nigeria’s pipelines to a Northern oil cabal, calling it not only baseless and a product of the imagination but also a cowardly assertion.

    According to Ogakwu, the spreading of gross misinformation and unsupported allegations regarding oil pipeline rehabilitation and surveillance contracts has become a weapon of choice for these unpatriotic elements. He emphasized that these recent attempts lack substance and are mere distractions.

    He issued a warning to those determined to undermine President Bola Tinubu’s transformative leadership, urging them to reconsider their actions and cease their meaningless agitations and threats.

    Ogakwu further explained, “To award such a contract, a transparent tendering process is required, involving public notices and invitations for qualified companies to bid. The contracts have been awarded following rigorous procedures consistent with industry norms, and each bidding company underwent a competitive tender selection process, overseen by regulatory institutions such as the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, transaction advisors, Nigeria Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (NEITI), and the Ministry of Justice.”

  • Bayelsa Teachers Threaten Indefinite Strike Over N30,000 Minimum Wage

    Bayelsa Teachers Threaten Indefinite Strike Over N30,000 Minimum Wage

    The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has threatened to commence indefinite strike in public primary and secondary schools in Bayelsa over the N30,000 minimum wage and promotion arrears.

    The union took the decision at an executive meeting on October 12, after an earlier three-day warning strike failed to compel the Bayelsa Government to act.

    The teachers had given a 14-day ultimatum to the government and local councils to address the plight of teachers across the state or face industrial action. 

    The grievances, according to the NUT, include inability of both state and local governments to implement the N30,000 minimum wage and effect promotion of primary school teachers in the state.   

    The union said teachers were meted with untold hardships due to the non payment of promotion arrears to the teachers.

    NUT expressed dissatisfaction with government’s continuous negligence of the plight of teachers who played critical role in the state, in spite of engaging them at different fora in futility.

    The union said the attitude of government had brought nothing but humiliation and frustration to primary and secondary school teachers in the state.  

    It said the 14-day ultimatum took effect from, October 13 after failure to address the issues within the limit of the ultimatum would force teachers in the state to go on strike.

    The strike notice was ratified by the constituent eight local government branches of NUT in Bayelsa. 

    Signatories to the communique after the meeting included chairmen of LG branches of the union.

    Meanwhile, Dr Gentle Emelah, Bayelsa Commissioner for Education, declined comments when contacted as he did not respond to telephone calls and messages requesting for government’s clarification.

    Schools in Bayelsa had vacated on August 29 due to expected flood and are slated to resume on November 13.

  • Kayode Ajulo, Falana’s Wife, Funmi, Okoroma 55 Others Get SAN Ranks

    Kayode Ajulo, Falana’s Wife, Funmi, Okoroma 55 Others Get SAN Ranks

    Human rights activist and constitutional lawyer, Doctor Olukayode Abraham Ajulo and 57 others were on Thursday, elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) by the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee LPPC).

    The committee headed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, after several hours of deliberation confirmed the appointment of the new SAN, which comprised of 57 legal practitioners and one from the academic.

    A statement by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court / Secretary of the LPPC, Hajo Sarki-Bello, said that the new SANs were appointed as a result of their excellence in the law profession and in the adherence to the Code of Ethics of the profession.

    The statement said that the LPPC meeting considered four different petitions against some of the applicants and dismissed them for lacking in merit.

    It further stated that the new senior advocates would on Monday November 27, be inaugurated by the CJN at the Supreme Court complex.

    Apart from Ajulo, others include, Felix Ota Offia, Lawrence Bankole Falade, Kingsley Obamogie, Folasade Alli, Abiola Isiaq Oyebanji, Bomo Olakunle Agbebi, Daniel Uruakpa, and Oseloka Godwin Osuigwe.

    Others are Babatunde Adeoye, Babaseyi Joseph, Emmanuel Moses Enoidem, Kehinde Olufemi Aina, Nghozi Oleh, Aaron Chile Okoroma, Ibrahim Angulu and Olayiwola Afolabi among others.

  • Justice Odili Inspires New Lawyers To Combat Injustice With Legal Expertise

    Justice Odili Inspires New Lawyers To Combat Injustice With Legal Expertise

    Justice Mary Peter Odili, Chair of the Body of Benchers, inspired a fresh wave of legal professionals during the call to bar ceremony.

    She urged the 1,097 newly minted lawyers to wield their legal skills as tools against injustices and inequalities that persist in Nigeria.

    She implored them to champion the rights of the less fortunate who cannot defend themselves.

    “Your law degrees and call to bar certificates are not just pieces of documents you will hang on your wall or boast about. These are credentials that you can wield as your sword to fight against injustice,” Justice Odili declared.

    She reminded the young lawyers that their legal expertise allows them to transform the world for the better, whether in private practice, government service, entrepreneurship, or any other field they choose to venture into.

    Justice Odili also emphasized the importance of adhering to ethical and moral obligations, civility, and professionalism, stressing that their actions as legal practitioners will have a profound impact on their clients and society as a whole.

    Furthermore, she urged the new lawyers to seek guidance from experienced colleagues when facing challenges and difficulties, and she cautioned against the improper use of social media, which could tarnish their reputation and that of the legal profession.

    The ceremony, attended by prominent legal figures such as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, and the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi SAN, marked the successful transition of these aspiring lawyers into the legal profession.

    It was a significant milestone in their journey to uphold justice, ethics, and professional conduct in the legal field.

  • CJN, Others Eulogise Late Justice Nweze

    CJN, Others Eulogise Late Justice Nweze

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola on Tuesday eulogised late Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Chima Centus Nweze on his commitment to enthronement of rule of law through quality justice delivery.

    Justice Nweze died on Saturday, 29th July, 2023, at the age of 64 years.

    The CJN said, the late Jurist, “was one of those cerebrally mobile judicial officers in our contemporary history who had latched on our memory an enviable degree of intellectual eminence and legal finesse that encompassed all spheres of philosophy and methodical reasoning”. 

    Speaking in Abuja at a valedictory court session in honour of Late Nweze, the CJN said, the late Justice was a very unique and nationalistic personality with a radical posture of justice and rule of law adding that, even though he looked simple and unassuming, the late Justice was very strict and consciously principled in disposition. 

    “He was always very warm and engaging. Like all great men, my Lord was a man of paradox; simple without being simplistic in disposition; elitist and dignified in carriage, yet he related exceptionally well with everyone around him, especially the underprivileged and the downtrodden in the society”. 

    He noted that the entire life of late Justice Nweze was completely devoid of duplicity, undue arrogance and elitism; as some people often manifest once fortune smiles on them and they are elevated to positions of influence and affluence. 

    He said, even though Justice Nweze was a dogged fighter for whatever cause he believed in, he was an astute advocate of the arts of mediation and reconciliation.

    Justice Nweze, who was born on the 25th September, 1958 in Obollo, Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State, gained admission into University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus (UNEC) in 1979 where he studied and graduated with a Degree in Law in 1983. 

    In direct response to Justice Nweze’s commitment to duty and immense adjudicatory prowess, he was elevated to the Court of Appeal Bench on 15th February, 2008; where he served until 29th October, 2014 when fortune reciprocally shone on him with a well-deserved elevation to the Supreme Court Bench. 

    “At the Supreme Court, my Lord, Hon. Justice Nweze exhibited immense scholarship and rare jurisprudential candour. All his judgments were laced with academic flavour and intellectual steam. His judicial pronouncements were like ocean waves that move with vigour and vibrancy. 

    “His judgements covered a gamut of issues that have offered us sufficient food for thought; not just as Judicial Officers and lawyers but as citizens of the global village that are desirous of having a free, peaceful and egalitarian society.

    “His intellectual accomplishments have, to a large extent, crystallized the legal profession by injecting confidence in the minds of both practitioners, law students and the common man on the street. His astuteness and eloquence in the courtroom, coupled with the seamless application of legal wisdom to every matter, made him an enigma of some sort”, the CJN stated.

    The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), in his speech said the Supreme Court of Nigeria is overwhelmed with workload of cases.

    Represented by the Solicitor General of the Federal and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Beatrice Jeddy-Agba, the AGF said the Supreme Court of Nigeria is one of the over- worked courts all over the world.

    He said Justice Nweze’s life will continue to shine as an example to all, adding that, the late Justice contributed immensely to the development of the nation’s judiciary.

    The Body of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (BOSAN) represented by Damion Dodo (SAN) said the late Nweze distinguished himself on the Bench and had delivered qualitative judgements during his stay on the Supreme Court Bench.

    The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), in his speech, said late Nweze made, “significant contribution to the growth of our jurisprudence”.

  • Ozekhome’s Kidnappers Bag 20 Years Imprisonment

    Ozekhome’s Kidnappers Bag 20 Years Imprisonment

    Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja has sentenced the kidnappers of Prof Mike Ozekhome and and Delta Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Hope Eghagha and others to 20 years imprisonment.

    Their alleged offences are said to be punishable under sections 1(2)(f), 8(1)(b), 10, 15(1), 17, d 19 of the Terrorism Prevention Act 2011(as amended).

    The judgement, which was coming 10years after, had Kelvin Oniarah Eziegbe, Frank Azuekor convicted and sentenced for kidnapping and terrorism, which will commence from the date of their arrest.

    However, the court discharged and acquitted Michael Omonigho, a priest of a shrine, who was arraigned along with the convicts.

    According to the Judge, some of the 13-count charge for which the convicts were arraigned carry life imprisonment but she had to use her discretion to sentence them to 20 years imprisonment.

    Justice Nyako ordered the transfer of the convicts from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) to the correctional centre to serve their imprisonment.

    Earlier before the sentencing, the convicts prayed Justice Nyako for mercy in the sentencing saying that, they have never been convicted for any offence before now.

    The first convict. Kelvin Eziegbe specifically pleaded the court for mercy in the sentencing because of his health challenges which he had been battling with since the past ten years he had been in the custody of the DSS.

    While the counsel to the convicts, Mr. Bala Dakum joined the convicts in pleading for mercy in the sentencing, the prosecution counsel, Chioma Onuegbu reminded the court of the gravity of the offences for which the convicts were convicted.

    Speaking shortly after the judgement, Counsel Onuegbu expressed gratitude for the judgement as she said it will serve as a deterrent to other criminals that the office of the criminal justice act are working.

    Ahmed Tijani counsel to the fourth defendant in the charge sheet, Haruna Momoh, who was said to have escaped from custody said his client, slammed with a five-count charge, bordering on kidnapping and terrorism did not escape from lawful custody.

    The court had, in the judgement told the DSS to find, arrest and arraign the 4th defendant to face his trial, a directive Tijani said, will be addressed, “When we get to the bridge”.

    Charges against the convicts, who were docked in 2023 include, conspiracy to commit terrorism act to include kidnapping, accessory to act of terrorism, inciting persons to commit act of terrorism, recruitment, escape and abetting escape.

    The duo of Eziegbe and Azuekor were, accused in counts two and three of conspiracy to commit terrorism act of murder by shooting and killing five police officers and two prison officials; commuting of intentional murder by shooting to killing five police officers and two prison officials.

    Azuekor was accused, in count seven, of escaping with others from lawful custody when the prison vehicle in which they were being conveyed to court was allegedly attacked by Eziegbe and others.

    Michael Omonigho was accused, in counts 12 and 13 of acting as the group’s herbalist by providing “spiritual and moral support” to it, and failing to reporting the groups activities to security agencies.

  • Alleged $280m Libel: Ex-NNPC COO Ewubare Demands N2bn, Apology From Whistleblower

    Alleged $280m Libel: Ex-NNPC COO Ewubare Demands N2bn, Apology From Whistleblower

    A former Chief Operating Officer of Joint Ventures and Business Development at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Chief Roland Ewubare has demanded the payment of N2 billion damages from Mr George Uboh, for publishing a libelous and untrue story against him in his online platforms.

    Ewubare is demanding immediate retraction of the libelous story published online on 12th July 2023 and tender a full and unqualified apology (to be given a prominent place on the front page of seven widely read/circulated newspapers including his various platforms and on the internet to his client. 

    His counsel, Ojonimi S. Apeh Esq., in a pre-action notice dated July 13, 2023, and addressed to George Uboh, is demanding a solemn declaration from Uboh, never to libel his client (Ewubare) again through his platform or any other means. 

    Ewubare’s lawyer gave Uboh, not later than 7 days from the date of receipt of the notice to comply with the demands of his client or face prosecution.  

    Apeh stated that Uboh had through his online platform named as George Uboh TV (GUTV) and George Uboh Magazine, published and or disseminated a story to the world titled: “Re: Mele Kyari, Roland Ewubare, Belema Oil, Jack-Rich Tein, etc Involved In $280 USD Fraud Allegation”.

    The said story had alleged among other things that George Uboh Whistleblowers Network (GUWN) was availed of documents germane to illegal transfer of $280 million USD to Belema Oil producing Ltd tied to a phantom servicing of Oil Well OML 55. 

    However, Apeh stated that the allegations in the publication were “absolutely force, untrue, malicious, unfounded, wicked, mischievous, reckless, libelous and calculated to cause him to be shunned, avoided or exposed to hatred, ridicule, contempt, opprobrium before millions of Nigerian citizens and others worldwide and to convey an imputation on him, disparaging or injurious to his person, career and office as a responsible citizen”. 

    “Our client, Chief Roland Ewubare is a law abiding Nigerian and is an urbane, upright, incorruptible, transparent and well-mannered gentleman who had occupied several offices in the past wherein he led with strict adherence to the rule of law, accountability, prudence and deep sense of patriotism” Apeh stated. 

    The lawyer posited that by the content of the publication, particularly the allegations, insinuations and or innuendos contained therein or arising therefrom, Uboh had clearly portrayed his client as “corrupt, kleptomaniac, devious, inhumane, dubious, irresponsible, and somebody who uses his position to foster and perpetrate corruption and self-aggrandizement. 

    “All these you have deliberately done with the view to lowering our client in the estimation of right-thinking members of the society, nationally and internationally. 

    “It is clear that your story is not only untrue, but a well orchestrated plan to harmfully malign and hurtfully libel our client before members of the public and humiliate him. 

    “It is also clear that your story is a fabricated one considering that you could not provide any concrete fact or evidence to back your fictitious allegations which is within the limited purview of your imaginations.

    “Notwithstanding that the allegations contained in your publication are untrue and false; you have published them mala fides, with the intention to ridicule our client before the whole world and rubbish his hard-earned reputation for excellence and damage the good career and reputation he has built over several years. 

    “Be it known to you that our client is not a criminal. 

    Apeh stated that since the false and malicious story was published and has continued to appear online, Ewubare has been inundated with several calls and still continues to receive phone calls, messages and mails from the international community and top government officials in and outside Nigeria and several phone calls from his friends and associates all of whom have seen and read the bundle of lies as contained in the publication. 

    “Many of these personalities have indeed openly expressed serious concerns as to his alleged conducts as reported and or published by your organization, which allegations they claimed will definitely affect their continuous dealings with him.

    “As a result of your dastardly publication of this deliberate falsehood against our client, he has suffered and continues to suffer severe humiliation, mental and emotional anguish, pain and suffering.

    Apeh said the action of Uboh has not only caused his client unquantifiable damage, but also loss of good will and destruction of reputation.

  • CJN Reads Riot Act To Son, 22 New FHC Judges

    CJN Reads Riot Act To Son, 22 New FHC Judges

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has read the riot act to his son, Olukayode Ariwoola Jnr and 22 others who were sworn in on Wednesday, as new Judges of the Federal High Court of Nigeria. 

    In a speech shortly after swearing in the new judicial officers, Justice Ariwoola reminded the fresh Judges that they have by virtue of the oath they had taken, automatically, assumed new status and responsibilities in life. 

    The CJN stated that even though judicial officers are not spirits or superhuman beings, however, he told them that so much impossible things are yet expected from them by the society. 

    On this note, Justice Ariwoola warned them to be wary of conducts in and out of courts that are capable of dragging their hard-earned reputation into the murky waters of public shame and disgrace. 

    “Appointment to the bench is not an appointment to wealth, vainglory, dishonest disposition or ostentatious lifestyle through corrupt acquaintances. 

    “The searchlight of the National Judicial Council beams brightly on all judicial officers across the country.

    “The NJC should never, either by omission or commission, be mistaken for a toothless Bulldog. 

    “It can bark fiercely and as well bite deeply and aggressively, too. 

    “Our radar is sophisticated enough to detect every form of corruption and wrongdoing by judicial officers; and we will not waste a moment in taking the necessary action to fish out the bad eggs. 

    “The remoteness of your location of adjudication can never blur our sight on you. 

    “We have put in place the right machinery to capture and document your conduct. 

    “So, be careful and take heed, or else, you may end up regretting ever being appointed a judicial officer” the CJN warned.

    Justice Ariwoola advised the new Judges to heed to the entire letters and words of the oath they had taken, stressing it must reside in a prime place of their hearts and be generously applied in the discharge of their adjudications.

    “You must be impartial, fair to all, and apply justice in all your undertakings. 

    “The times that we are in, are quite perilous, so we need judicial officers who are calculative, honest, objective and dispassionate in all ramifications. 

    “Thus, your appointments to the bench at this crucial period of our national history are not by accident but by divine ordination” the CJN stated. 

  • Retired Benue Judge’s Murder: Nephew, Driver, Two Others Paraded As Suspects

    Retired Benue Judge’s Murder: Nephew, Driver, Two Others Paraded As Suspects

    The police have apprehended four suspects linked to the brutal murder of retired President of the Benue State Customary Court, Justice Margaret Igbetar, 72, who was tragically killed in her residence on Wantor Kwange Street in Makurdi metropolis on August 24, 2023.

    At a press briefing held at the command headquarters in Makurdi on Tuesday, the state Commissioner of Police, CP Bartholomew Nnamdi Onyeka, revealed that one of the suspects, Aondohemba Joseph, who is the deceased’s nephew, had confessed to colluding with three other individuals to carry out the murder.

    CP Onyeka stated, “You will recall that on 24th August 2023, a case of Culpable Homicide involving the late Justice Margaret Mary Igbetar (RTD) was reported, and I had promised to ensure that justice is served. One Aondohemba Joseph, a nephew of the deceased, was arrested immediately.”

    He further elaborated, “A more detailed and advanced investigation started when the case was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) and handed over to the Operation Zenda investigative team to continue.”

    The investigation led to the apprehension of additional suspects. Igbazenda Gbidye, aged 63, and Dzungwenen Ukor, aged 40, were arrested in Adikpo, Kwande Local Government Area. These suspects confessed to being recruited by Aondohemba Joseph, who had claimed that his deceased father had left substantial property in the hands of his aunt (the deceased), and she had allegedly refused to transfer the said property to him. The group conspired to eliminate her so that Aondohemba could gain control of the property.

    Furthermore, Akuhwa Barnabas, aged 32, who worked as a driver for the deceased, was arrested and corroborated the suspects’ statements. He admitted to facilitating the gang’s access to the house and providing assistance during the commission of the crime.

    CP Onyeka expressed his gratitude to the people of Benue state for their patience and cooperation on the matter, whilst reassuring the community that the police would continue their efforts to combat crime in the state.

  • Man Gets Life Jail For Defiling 4-Year-Old Girl Inside Lagos Church

    Man Gets Life Jail For Defiling 4-Year-Old Girl Inside Lagos Church

    In a significant verdict, Justice Abiola Soladoye of the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court has sentenced Ifeanyi Ndieze to life imprisonment for sexually assaulting a four-year-old girl within the premises of a Lagos church.

    During the trial held on Tuesday, the judge determined that the prosecution had successfully substantiated the charge of sexual assault by penetration, in accordance with Section 261 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

    The court heard that the child positively identified the defendant as the individual who had carried her during a church event and subsequently assaulted her by inserting his finger into her private parts. This disturbing incident led to the child’s severe bleeding, which was discovered by her mother during bath time.

    Medical professionals confirmed that the child had been forcibly penetrated, and her underwear, soaked with blood, was submitted as evidence. The defendant’s denial of the offense was described as an act of pathological dishonesty by Justice Soladoye.

    In light of these findings, Ifeanyi Ndieze was declared guilty of sexually assaulting the four-year-old child and sentenced to life imprisonment. Furthermore, his name will be added to the Lagos State Sexual Offences Register as part of the judgment.

    Justice Soladoye took the opportunity to emphasize the importance of parental responsibility and cautioned against leaving young children in the care of their siblings. The prosecution was led by Lagos State counsel, Mrs. Olufunke Adegoke, who presented four witnesses and four exhibits to support the case.

    The offense, which took place on October 29, 2020, on Salau Street in Lagos, was prosecuted by the Lagos State Government.