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Court Stops Police, DSS from arresting Kogi SDP spokesperson

Justice Hamza Haruna of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Maitama, has ordered the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Bethrand Unuoha to stop harassing, arrest or in any way intimidating the Spokesperson of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), in Kogi state Mr Faruk Adejoh-Audu.

Others in the restraining order are the Inspector General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Security (DSS) and the Kogi State Director of DSS, untill the determination of a motion on notice.

Asejoh- Audu is the court, seeking the enforcement of his fundamental human rights, claiming that his life has come under serious threat from the defendants.

Adejoh-Audu, a veteran journalist, activist, politician and SDP Spokesperson had gone to court after altercations between him and the Kogi State Police Commissioner, Unuoha on election matters after which the later publicly threatened the spokesman to expect some unstated consequences.

The SDP Spokesperson had on November 29, 2023, accused the Police Chief of collaborating with thugs to attack the interest of his party in the recently conducted governorship election in Kogi.

However, the Police Commissioner held a press conference the next day in Lokoja and gave Adejoh-Audu 24 hours ultimatum to substantiate his allegations or “be ready to face the consequences of his actions.”

The SDP Spokesperson took up the challenge in a 17-paragraph reply justifying his allegations and accusing the Police Chief of resorting to self-help by threatening to ” visit unstated consequences” on him.

An FCT High Court presided over by Justice Hamza.Muazu after listening to O. U. Salifu lawyer to the SDP Spokesman in an ex-parte application, granted the order restraining the Inspector General of Police, The Director-General of the DSS, the Kogi State Commissioner of Police and the State Director of DSS from arresting or interfering with the liberty of the applicant.

The court has adjourned the matter to December 18, 2023, for the hearing of the Motion On Notice.

12/12/2023
Exclusion of Mambilla Power Project from 2024 Budget Intentional – Minister

The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, confirmed on Monday that the much desired Mambilla Power Project was deliberately excluded from the 2024 budget of the federal government. He affirmed however, that the exclusion was not only deliberate, but intentional.

Addressing the Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives Committee on Power, chaired by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Chief Adelabu clarified that the absence of the Mambilla Project was a deliberate choice due to a significant legal dispute involving the federal government and Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited (SPTCL).

Recall that the legal battle started on October 10, 2017, when SPTCL accused the government of breaching a contract.

The minister highlighted that the contention was over an irregularity on the contract award. He stated that then Minister of Power, Dr Olu Agunloye, bypassed the due process by awarding the contract a day after the federal cabinet allegedly advised him to seek alternative funding sources. This created the loophole that necessitated Sunrise to take legal action against the government.

The ongoing litigations have stalled the progress of the Mambilla Project since 2007 when Sunrise contested a bid process for civil works announced by the government.

Adelabu emphasized to the legislative body that the deliberate omission of the Mambilla Project from the 2024 budget was due to its involvement in international arbitration. Until the legal matters are resolved, no progress can be made on the project.

On the relatated subject of the Zungeru Hydro Power Project, the Minister assured that it was nearly completed, standing at 99.8% readiness. He outlined plans to commence operations and integrate it into the national grid once concessionary fees are settled.

According to him, the major challenge in the power sector is not primarily generation but distribution, citing a significant loss of power during distribution due to outdated facilities of existing power distribution companies.
Adelabu proposed an unbundling solution, stressing the need for states to actively participate, especially in the distribution aspect.

Senator Abaribe expressed concern about the sustainability of free off-grid power ventures, while commending the Minister for his comprehensive understanding of power sector developments.

In his closing remarks, Senator Abaribe pledged to scrutinize the budget and explore collaboration opportunities, requesting a three-year summary of the ministry’s budget performance for evaluation.

12/12/2023
Comply with critical Sections of the Criminal Justice Act: AGF tells Lawyers Enforcement Agents

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, yesterday stressed the need to effect compliance of sections 29, 33 and 34 of Administration of Criminal Justice Act(ACJA), 2015.

The Minister informed that the Police Duty Solicitors are presently stationed in over 15 Police Divisions in the FCT to monitor compliance with the provisions of ACJA and ensure that arrested persons are treated with dignity.

He also revealed that records have shown that the PDSS has ensured access to justice, right to counsel, legal services, and right to fair trial to over 28,000 detainees since inception in February 2022.

He continued that the scheme has in collaboration with the Police Divisions in the FCT, taken the extra efforts to ensure a healthy condition of the cells, like wise the Court Duty Solicitors has continued to offer free preliminary legal services and representation in the courts.

The AGF was speaking through Mrs. Leticia Ayoola-Daniel, Director, Administration of Criminal Justice and Reforms (ACJ&R) Federal Ministry of Justice at the 2-day Criminal Justice Stakeholders Workshop On Effective Implementation of Section 29, 33, and 34 of ACJA.

” We welcome you all, to this significant gathering of stakeholders in the administration of criminal justice focused on the coordination for the effective implementation of arrests, prompt delivery of statutory reports on arrests and the crucial monthly visits by magistrates to detention facilities.

“It is without doubt that in the landscape of our criminal justice system, we face challenges in the enforcement of some sections of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015 especially sections 29, 33 and 34. These prevailing challenges lie basically in the absence of a coordinated approach and the making of the requisite sacrifices involved as the need arises to enforce the existing laws and policies.

“The purpose of this Workshop is to bring about that missing link within our collective aspirations to build a society where justice prevails, regardless of the circumstances.

“Our roles as Law judicial officers, prosecutors, enforcement agencies, civil society organizations and indeed citizens are pivotal in reshaping the weak points of the criminal justice system.

“Apparently, none of us is immune to or insulated from the challenges of our present system, and it is essential to recognize that the transformation of Criminal Justice System is embedded in our collective efforts.

“To build a resilient and efficient model, we must learn from the mistakes of others and work together to create a system we can trust, rely on, and be proud of. It is high time we face the challenges head-on and optimize the system for the benefit of all.

“Section 29 of ACJA, 2015 emphasizes the establishment of a database for records of those arrested. In this digital age, data is not just information. It is life, and when properly utilized, it becomes a powerful tool in shaping government policies and recognition of patterns.

“Data sharing is crucial, and the lack thereof contributes to the loss of lives every day. Some crimes are preventable when data is properly harnessed or shared.

“The implementation of this section in line with the specific details outlined in section 15 of ACJA, 2015, will require the collaboration of DPOs towards the creation of a robust database for informed decision-making process.

“While it is important to recognize all divisions that has been consistent, till date there are some police stations that do not comply with the provision of sections 29 and 33 of ACJA with regards to the rendering of monthly reports of suspects arrested without warrants.

“We have also noticed a reduction in the monthly visits by the judicial officers to detention facilities.

“I must commend the Administration of Criminal Justice Committee (ACJMC) and our donor partners on the Police Duty Solicitor Scheme (PDSS) and the Court Duty Solicitor Scheme (CDSS).

“My vision is to see a justice system that works for all, irrespective of status. To this end, I urge you all to unite in creating a criminal justice system that fears or respects no one except the rule of law. We must uphold the minimum standards that accords respect to suspects throughout the administration of criminal justice.

“As critical stakeholders, I will like us to have extensive discussions and deliberations on issues hampering us from attaining the kind of criminal justice system that we truly desire. As we embark on this workshop, I am confident that the knowledge shared will enrich each one of us to the extent that there will be a clear shift from negative narratives.

” Let us leverage on this opportunity to grow and learn together. Working collaboratively, we can create an inclusive environment where every voice is heard and respected. It is on this note that I declare this workshop opened.”

12/11/2023
Blame Naira Redesign policy for Farmer bankruptcy, Hunger -Fed Govt.
Clearly overwhelmed by the deluge of socioeconomic crises bedeviling the country, the Federal Government says Nigerians should blame Godwin Emefele, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria for their current suffering.
The government particularly accused the former CBN helmsman of throwing the nation into unwarranted chaos through the poorly thoughtout Naira redesign policy implemented by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) between December 2022 and February this year.
Speaking at a 2024 budget defense session the Honorable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen Abubakar Kyari said the ill-fated Naira re-design led to severe financial distress among farmers, resulting in bankruptcies. This revelation coincides with an escalating crisis of hunger and famine-induced deaths, particularly affecting impoverished rural communities.

The budget defense session was at the instance of a joint committee on Agriculture which discussed the repercussions of the contentious Naira redesign on farmers’ financial stability.

Senator Kyari emphasized that the 2024 budget proposals for the sector primarily aim at achieving food security. He highlighted various factors, including insecurity and the ill-fated Naira redesign, that significantly hampered farmers and posed a severe threat to the nation’s food security.

“The financial strain caused by the Naira redesign compelled many farmers to sell their produce at significantly reduced prices for survival, while buyers struggled to access cash for purchases,” revealed the Minister during the session.

The policy, coinciding with the harvest season, resulted in widespread financial devastation among farmers, leaving them in dire financial straits.

During the session, Honorable Dahiru Ismaila Haruna from Bauchi State and Honorable Ademorin Kuye from Lagos State highlighted the urgent need for the federal government to address the escalating hunger crisis, primarily exacerbated by insecurity.

Honorable Haruna painted a grim picture of daily deaths due to hunger and stressed the necessity of stocking silos to prevent a full-blown famine, noting an influx of individuals from neighboring countries seeking sustenance.

However, Honorable Ademorin expressed concerns about the alleged concessioning of silos built by the previous administration, casting doubt on their effectiveness.

In response, the Minister assured lawmakers that all issues raised would be decisively addressed in the 2024 fiscal year, emphasizing President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to food security.

Kyari outlined ongoing plans to ensure food security, including securing farmlands, certifying planting materials for dry season farming, transparent distribution of fertilizers and agro-pesticides, and expediting operations of the National Agricultural Development Fund.

For the 2024 fiscal year, the Ministry has allocated a total of N362.940 billion to the sector, with N124.1 billion earmarked for the Ministry. This allocation includes N10.6 billion for personnel costs, N1.34 billion for overheads, and N112.497 billion for capital expenditure.
12/11/2023
Federal High Court has 144, 910 pending cases in new legal year

The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Justice John Tsoho has revealed that his Court will battle with mountain of 144, 910 pending cases in new legal year of the Court.

The Court in the last legal year had 15, 025 filed before it by litigants out of which 12, 870 were effectively disposed off leaving a balance of 2, 155 cases still on ground.

At the opening of the Legal Year of the Court in Abuja on Monday, the Chief Judge explained that the court had a carried over of 142, 755 from 2021 to 2022 legal year adding that in 2023 legal year alone, 15, 025 fresh cases were filed by various categories of litigants.

He noted that the Court would be going into the new legal year with the 144, 910 suits but expressed optimism that he and his brother Judges would rise up to the challenges of disposing off the cases as quickly as possible.

The breakdown of the carried over cases showed that 42, 784 are civil cases, 36, 061 criminal matters, 41, 447 are motions while 24, 618 are Fundermental Rights Enforcement suits.

Justice Tsoho who put the current number of Judges on the bench of the Court at 95, thanked them on the speedy ways pre-election cases of the 2023; general elections were handled within the time allowed by law.

He however, tasked them to stand steadfast and continue to dispense justice without fear or favour adding that their being Judges is by destiny and not accident.

While reminding the Judges that their actions would shape the destiny of the Court and the Nigerian nation, the Chief Judge asked them to strive to be beyond suspicion.

“We must dispense justice with integrity and without bias, we must display utmost competence and courage as well as dispose cases speedily.”

“The Federal High Court will surely rise to the challenges of the future with the same tenacity and commitment that have defined its path thus far.”, he assured.

The Chief Judge spoke on the 50th years existence of the Court adding that the court took off in Lagos with one Court and five Judges.

Today, he said that the court now has 38 Judicial Divisions and 95 Judges adding that the court has recorded huge growth and has become a significant pillar in the hierarchy of the Nigerian Judiciary.

The Chief Judge thanked the Chief Justice of Nigeria CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola for his humility and ready disposition to proffer solutions to challenges.

He also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Judicial Council NJC for their unyielding support and understanding and assured that the court would perform better in the new legal year.

12/11/2023
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.

12/10/2023
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.

12/10/2023
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.

12/10/2023
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.

12/10/2023
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.

12/08/2023