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  • AGF Tasks FG, Stakeholders On Review Of Criminal Justice Administration Laws

    AGF Tasks FG, Stakeholders On Review Of Criminal Justice Administration Laws

    Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, on Tuesday, tasked stakeholders, Attorneys General of States, Civil Society Organizations and International development partners to commit to the effective implementation of all policies, programmes and laws that will lead to a dynamic and efficient criminal justice administration system in the country. 

    Fagbemi said the FG is committed to ensuring that the criminal justice system of the country is more responsive to the demands of Nigerians for a simple, fast, efficient, effective, fair and trustworthy system for dispensation of justice. 

    The AGF stated this in his keynote address at a 3-day National Stakeholders’ forum organized by the Federal Ministry of Justice in collaboration with the Centre for Social-Legal Studies.

    At the program with the theme, “Review of the Implementation of Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 and Administration of Criminal Justice Laws of States, AGF noted that the passage of the ACJA by all the 36 States of the Federation have provided a common ground to address the critical issues and challenges confronting Nigeria’s criminal justice system. 

    “It has provided us a shared platform that would enable us scale up our efforts and seek new practical solutions to identified challenges. 

    In conducting the review of the ACJA/ACJLs, Fagbemi advised participants to ask questions regarding the nature and workability of the strategic amendments that needed to be done in order to make ACJA/ACJLs respond to critical challenges and needs of the society. 

    “We need to know what we could have done better, and how much further we need to go to enable us achieve the desired outcome. 

    “In addition, we will collaborate and work with colleagues in the private and public sectors, including fellow Attorneys-General to develop and agree on a National Minimum Standards that would guide our collective efforts at achieving a more balanced, effective and inclusive system of justice. 

    “It is expected that criminal justice institutions, anti-corruption agencies and other justice sector operatives will commit to, and observe the prescribed National Minimum Standards. 

    “My expectation is that at the conclusion of these deliberations, there would be a consensus around developing a strategic plan to guide both the Federal and State Governments in the review and consequent amendment of ACJA and the respective ACJLs of various States.

    The Justice Minister hinted that ACJA is one of the few key legislations that both the Federal and States Governments share so much common grounds, as with common worries and concerns. 

    In a goodwill message, the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, charged participants at the forum to critically look at the grey areas impeding the implementation of Administration of Criminal Justice Act in the country.

    “If we don’t get it right here at this forum, then the issue of reforms in the Nigerian Correctional Services will remain a mirage.

    The Interior Minister insisted that getting lasting solutions to the problems facing the country’s judiciary, requires a multi-facet approach and must be through cocktail of ideas. Review will hold every Nigerian have a right and not a right as a privilege. 

    In her welcome address, the Solicitor General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs Jeddy Agba, said the ACJA represents a significant milestone in the country’s judicial landscape, noting that the forum will provide stakeholders with the opportunity to brainstorm, share expertise, make recommendations, and build consensus on way forward in reviewing the ACJA.

    Prof Yemi Akinseye George SAN, President, Centre for Social-Legal Studies, in his remarks, thanked the AGF for creating the forum for stakeholders and Attorneys General of States to cross fertilize ideas on the ways to review and amend the ACJA and ACJL to enhance criminal justice delivery.

  • Lagos Doctor Sentenced To Life Imprisonment For Raping Wife’s Niece

    Lagos Doctor Sentenced To Life Imprisonment For Raping Wife’s Niece

    The Special Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Lagos has sentenced the Managing Director of Optimal Cancer Care Foundation, Femi Olaleye, to life imprisonment for raping his wife’s niece.

    The presiding judge, Rahman Oshodi, in a ruling on Tuesday, convicted Olaleye on a two-count charge of defilement of a child and sexual assault by penetration.

    The judge ruled that the defendant should serve life imprisonment for count one and the same for count two.

    However, the judge said the sentencing should run concurrently.

    Naija News recalls that the doctor was accused of sexually violating a minor, who was said to be a niece of his wife, for over 20 months.

    Olaleye was then arraigned by the Lagos state government, in November 2022, on a two-count charge of defilement of a child and sexual assault by penetration.

    The medical doctor, however, pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge.

    During the trial, Aderemi, the estranged wife of Olaleye, had told the court that his husband introduced the underage victim to pornography and oral sex.

    Aderemi said she and her husband have been married for 11 years and have two children.

    She expressed regret at how her husband was sexually abusing her niece and was unaware of the incident.

    Femi’s wife told the court that her husband gives her medication every night with claims that it will avert blood clots because she was close to turning age 50.

  • 25 Soldiers, One Officer Undergoing Court Martial, Says GOC

    25 Soldiers, One Officer Undergoing Court Martial, Says GOC

    Twenty-five soldiers and an officer are currently facing a court martial trial in the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army for various offenses.

    These personnel are from different formations within the division, which has jurisdiction over the entire South East States and Cross River.

    Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 82 Division, Nigerian Army, inaugurated the court martial in Enugu on Tuesday.

    He emphasized that the process was established in accordance with the Nigerian Armed Forces Act and serves as a means to maintain discipline within the military.

    Dada explained that the accused, who are Nigerian Army personnel facing various charges, must receive a fair hearing through a duly constituted court martial.

    He highlighted that, just like in civil court, the accused are considered innocent until proven otherwise after undergoing the court martial process and having the opportunity to defend themselves.

    The GOC stated that the court martial is empowered to try the accused, and those found not guilty will be discharged and acquitted of their alleged crimes.

    However, those found guilty will be penalized according to the laws that criminalize the offenses they committed.

    He assured that the court martial would adhere to principles of natural justice and fair hearing, in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended and other relevant laws and procedures related to the trial. He also emphasized the court’s independence from external influences and its commitment to ensuring that the innocent are not victimized.

    The GOC encouraged the defence counsel to avoid unnecessary adjournments and time-wasting, ensuring a smooth and efficient trial process.

    The court martial is led by its President, Col. Usman Ahmad, along with 10 other panel members and one awaiting panel member. Additionally, there is a Judge Advocate, Capt. S.A. Sadiq, to provide legal advice to the panel as the proceedings continue.

  • 320 Troops Commence Real-Time Battlefield Simulation Exercise In Abuja

    320 Troops Commence Real-Time Battlefield Simulation Exercise In Abuja

    The Nigerian Army on Tuesday in Abuja commenced the 2023 Inter-Formation Combat Obstacle Crossing Competition for troops drawn from various Divisions, Formations and Units.

    The competition, which is a real-time battlefield simulation exercise and activities, has 320 troops, 40 each from a total of seven Army Divisions and the Army Headquarters Garrison, participating.

    Addressing the competing troops, the Chief of Training (Army), Maj.-Gen. Sani Mohammed, said it was a training oriented and purpose driven competition, specifically designed to improve troops’ combat efficiency, physical fitness and Esprit de Corps.

    Mohammed explained that it was to upgrade troops’ capacity to tackle recent dynamics and security threats in the country, and allow junior commanders to use good initiatives to upscale their capability in leadership, command and control.

    “Obstacles are integral part of any military campaign planning process which needs to be carefully understood and decisively handled in order to achieve the desired end state.

    “You will continue to come across different types of obstacles in your various operations. You must therefore all strive to portray good individual qualities and camaraderie while you compete, as well as abide by all laid down rules and regulations.

    “Various technical details have been put in place that will ensure that everybody competes and abides by the regulations.”

    The Chief of Training, therefore, implored the participants to imbibe the spirit of fairness and sportsmanship throughout the competition and seize the opportunity to bring out their best.

    He thanked the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, for the provision of necessary resources for the competition.

    Earlier, the Commander AHQ Garrison, Maj.-Gen. Koko Isoni, said the concept of the exercise was to test the ability of a body of troops to cross a mix of obstacles within the shortest time in a competitive atmosphere.

    Isoni added that it was also to improve troops’ proficiency, physical fitness, leadership traits, and initiatives, as well as promote Esprit de Corps.

    “The competition is also intended to prepare troops for battles in view of the current security challenges in the country.

    “While welcoming you all to Abuja, I would like to assure you of our improved security situation in Army Headquarters Garrison area of responsibility.

    “This is as a result of concerted efforts by the Garrison and other sister services and security agencies; and we have embarked on robust operations under the guidance of the Chief of Army Staff,” he said.

    He assured the participants that necessary measures for a huge free competition had been put in place by the technical and local organising committees.

    Isoni urged the participants and technical officials to take the competition seriously, abide by laid down rules, and utilise the opportunity to be worthy ambassadors of the Nigerian Army. 

  • Israel-Hamas War Can Cause ‘Serious’ Global Economic Damages – World Bank

    Israel-Hamas War Can Cause ‘Serious’ Global Economic Damages – World Bank

    The war between Israel and Hamas could deal a “serious” blow to global economic development, the president of the World Bank told an investor conference in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.

    “What just happened recently in Israel and Gaza — at the end of the day you put all this together, I think the impact on economic development is even more serious,” Ajay Banga said, adding: “I think we’re at a very dangerous juncture.”

    Hamas militants stormed into Israel from the Gaza Strip on October 7 and killed at least 1,400 people, mostly civilians who were shot or burnt to death on the first day of the raid, according to Israeli officials.

    The militants also took 222 people hostage, among them elderly people and young children, according to the Israeli authorities’ latest count.

    The hostages include dozens of dual nationals and foreigners.

    More than 5,000 Palestinians, mainly civilians, have been killed across the Gaza Strip in retaliatory Israeli bombardments, according to the latest toll from the Hamas health ministry in Gaza.

    Banga was speaking at the annual Future Investment Initiative, often referred to as “Davos in the Desert”.

    More than 6,000 delegates are registered for the three-day event that will feature appearances by global banking chiefs and the presidents of South Korea, Kenya and Rwanda, organisers say.

    The shocking violence in Israel and Gaza stands in stark contrast to the vision of a more stable and prosperous Middle East championed by Saudi Arabia, which this year rebuilt ties with Iran and was in talks towards recognising Israel before the fighting broke out.

    Saudi Arabia has in recent weeks condemned violence against civilians in Gaza and affirmed its support for the Palestinian cause.

    A source familiar with discussions on possible normalisation with Israel told AFP this month that the process had been paused.

    The war comes halfway through the Vision 2030 reform agenda championed by the kingdom’s de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which is intended to transition the world’s biggest crude oil exporter away from fossil fuels.

    Saudi officials have signalled they intend to forge ahead with their reform plans despite fears of wider regional turmoil.

    In addition to FII, the capital this week is also hosting its first fashion week and a boxing match between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou.

    On Monday, Prince Mohammed announced plans to host the first eSports World Cup next summer.

    The FII opening ceremony featured a vocal performance by Britain’s Got Talent contestant Malakai Bayoh as a giant dove flashed on a screen behind him.

    Yasir al-Rumayyan, governor of the deep-pocketed Saudi Public Investment Fund, referred only obliquely to the Israel-Hamas war in his comments on Tuesday, though he did warn about challenges presented by high interest rates.

    “As central banks have tightened monetary policy in an effort to slow inflation, business and governments around the world have been adjusting to this new reality. This has been the fastest rate increase since the early 1980s and has caused significant and unpredictable disruptions,” he said.

    Yet he voiced optimism that “even in a high interest rate environment we can see the acceleration of growth and productivity”.

  • FG Receives 108 Stranded Nigerian Migrants In Niger

    FG Receives 108 Stranded Nigerian Migrants In Niger

    The Federal Government has received 108 irregular Nigerians migrants stranded in Niger Republic.

    This is contained in a statement by Mr Alexander Oturu, Southwest Zonal Coordinator, National Commission for Refugees Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) on Tuesday in Abuja.

    The commission said the Nigerians include 32 males, 29 females, 44 children and three infants.

    “The migrants were conveyed to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, camp where the NCFRMI and International Organisation for Migration (IOM) have a tripartite agreement to provide temporary shelter for the returnees.

    “Before they are provided with onward transportation allowance to enable them get to their final destinations,” he added.

    The return, he said, was facilitated by the Nigerian Mission in Niamey and the IOM.

    “In line with Mr President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the returnees will be integrated into various government programmes, as well as the reintegration programmes of the UN Migration Agency,” he said.

  • Man Bags Double Life Sentences For Defiling Neighbour’s Daughter

    Man Bags Double Life Sentences For Defiling Neighbour’s Daughter

    An Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court sitting in Lagos on Monday sentenced a man, Joseph Ekanem, to double life imprisonment for defiling his neighbour’s 13-year-old daughter.

    Delivering judgment, the trial judge, Justice Abiola Soladoye, held that the prosecution had proved all the ingredients of the charges filed against Ekanem, beyond reasonable doubt and sentenced him accordingly.

    Soladoye said the evidence adduced before the court was sufficient proof that the convict committed the crime, not withstanding his denial.

    The judge held that Ekanem was guilty of the two-count charge of sexual assault by penetration and defilement, contrary to Sections 137 and 261 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

    Soladoye who described Ekanem as a “sexual terrorist, who ravishes children,” ordered that the convict’s name should be registered in the Lagos State Sexual Offences Register.

    She said: “The defendant is a bare faced liar, who has shown to be a pathological liar, is a disloyal, egoistic and a terrible person, whose perversion is unacceptable.

    “His actions are beastly, he should be locked away for life, as his conduct is utterly disgraceful. He is found guilty of the two charges and hereby sentenced to life imprisonment on each of the charges.”

    Reviewing the case further, the judge said the convict was a neighbour to the survivor, and attacked her while she was bathing in a shared bathroom.

    Soladoye narrated that the survivor screamed when she was attacked by the convict, and he tried to cover her mouth, when her neighbour heard her screaming.

    The judge said that other neighbours gathered and started beating him in the bathroom until the father of the survivor arrived and had him arrested by the police.

    “He pushed her out of the bathroom when he was found out.

    “The survivor confirmed that it was not the first time,” Soladoye added.

    Earlier during the trial, the State Counsel, Mrs Olufunke Adegoke, presented two witnesses, while the convict testified as a sole witness.

    Adegoke said the convict committed the offences on Feb. 6, 2021 on Oke-Awo Street, Bariga, Lagos.

    The prosecutor also submitted that the convict had sexual intercourse with the survivor and physically assaulted her by touching her breasts.

  • Abuja Army Garrison Hosts Battle Simulation Event

    Abuja Army Garrison Hosts Battle Simulation Event

    As part of the scheduled activities for the Inter Formation Combat Platoon Obstacle Crossing Competition 2023, the Army Headquarters Garrison in Abuja has organized a battle simulation exercise.

    This announcement was made in an official statement released by Lt.-Col. Njideka Agwu, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for AHQ Garrison on Monday.

    The exercise is set to take place at the 7 Guards Battalion Obstacle Course located at Lungi Barracks in Abuja on Tuesday and Wednesday.

    It will feature real-time battlefield simulations and related activities, including the use of realistic battle sounds in line with the training objectives.

    While these sounds may be heard in the vicinity, there is no cause for concern among residents in areas like Maitama, Asokoro, AYA, and their environs.

    Lt.-Col. Njideka Agwu reassured the public that all necessary safety measures have been implemented to ensure a secure and incident-free exercise.

    This event underscores the commitment of the Army Headquarters Garrison to training, preparedness, and maintaining the highest standards of military excellence.

  • FEC Approves Creation Of $5bn Humanitarian, Poverty Alleviation Trust Fund

    FEC Approves Creation Of $5bn Humanitarian, Poverty Alleviation Trust Fund

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the establishment of the Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation Trust Fund to raise 5 billion dollars annually.

    The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, disclosed this while briefing State House Correspondents on the outcome of the FEC meeting, held on Monday, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Edu said: “Every year we hope to be able to raise at least 5 billion dollars within this fund and this is from the various fund and sources.

    “We are hopeful that with the creation of this funding, we can sit down with all the key stakeholders including other ministries and actually work out the full modalities of implementation in Nigeria”.

    The minister expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the approval for the creation of the Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation Trust Fund.

    “The council approved for the establishment of the Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation Trust fund to actually be put together under a governing board.

    “And then of course, the implementation of that humanitarian and poverty trust fund, would be carefully worked out by members of the committee.

    “Of course, it will involve the Minister of Finance and other ministers that are relevant to the process. This is a flexible form of financing that is supposed to help Nigeria adequately respond to humanitarian crisis.

    “This will also respond to challenges as well as adequately address the issue of poverty in Nigeria and bring victory for the poor and indeed, bring help and succor which the Renewed Hope Agenda stands for,” she said.

    Edu further said that the fund was a flexible form of financing that could help the government get contributions from different sectors.

    She added that the fund would get contributions from the government, private sector, development partners, philanthropic individuals and other innovative form of funding.

    “This is to allow for emergency response to humanitarian crisis in Nigeria. Every other day we hear about crisis, the flood and the rest of it. So, we need to be able to respond adequately as a country.

    “Beyond this, the issue of poverty reduction is one of the agenda of the President Bola Tinubu in his eight-point agenda and we have to tackle it headlong,” she said

    The minister also revealed that the FEC has ratified the protocol on the protection of the rights of older persons in the country.

    “The Federal Executive Council, where the chairman of Council and members of council took decisions to ratify the protocol on the protection of the rights of older persons in Nigeria.

    “We have signed up to the African Charter and this has made us one of the countries within Africa that has approved that older people be protected and should not be discriminated against at any level.

    “And this gives them a lot of protection and the government of President Bola Tinubu is interested in their welfare and protecting their rights,” the minister said.

  • Nigeria Wins $11bn P&ID Case In UK Court

    Nigeria Wins $11bn P&ID Case In UK Court

    Nigeria has successfully put a stop to the enforcement of the $11 billion arbitration award in favour of P&ID after an arduous legal battle lasting over five years. 

    The ruling, delivered via email by Robin Knowles, the judge of the Commercial Courts of England and Wales, hinged on Nigeria’s claim that the award was procured through fraudulent means.

    With this ruling, Judge Knowles faces the task of deciding on one of three options: returning the award to the tribunal for reconsideration, setting the award aside, in whole or in part, or declaring the award to be of no effect, in whole or in part. 

    The concerned parties will have the opportunity to present their arguments regarding the next course of action on a date to be arranged.

    The roots of this legal dispute can be traced back to a private arbitration tribunal’s decision on January 31, 2017, ordering Nigeria to pay $6.6 billion to P&ID, with interest accruing from March 20, 2013, fixed at seven percent, leading to a substantial accumulation that pushed the potential payment to over $11 billion prior to the final verdict.

    Judge Knowles, in his ruling, emphasized that the awards were obtained through fraudulent means and were contrary to public policy. He stressed the seriousness of the case and the importance of upholding the rule of law in such matters.

    Nigeria had appealed against the enforcement of the arbitration award, and the UK commercial court granted relief in September 2020, redirecting the case to the high court for a full trial. 

    The legal proceedings, spanning two months from January to March 2023, saw the Nigerian legal team argue that substantial evidence pointed to the contract and arbitration award being the result of “an audacious fraud on Nigeria.”

     They sought to set aside the award, citing convictions related to corruption and money laundering as evidence of extensive misconduct.