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Category: News

Augusta Oseodion’s Murder: Falana Vows To Ensure Speedy Extradition Of Killaboi

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has successfully engaged with Sierra Leone’s Inspector-General of Police, Fayia Sellu, in an effort to secure the speedy extradition of a Nigerian murder suspect, Best Nnanyereugo Benjamin, to Nigeria for prosecution.

Nnanyereugo, who had been on the run, was declared wanted by the Nigerian Police Force in connection with the alleged murder of Miss Augusta Oseodion Onuwabhagbe, a student at Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State. He was apprehended in Sierra Leone.

In a statement released on Saturday, Falana, who represents the victim’s family, revealed his contact with Sierra Leone authorities regarding the matter.

He stated, “I am in touch with the President of the Sierra Leone Bar Association, and Chairperson of the Transition Committee of the West African Bar Association, Madam Michaela Eddinia Swallow in respect of the matter.”

He further added, “A few minutes ago, I had a telephone conversation with the Sierra Leonean Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Fayia Sellu. He assured me that he would cooperate with his counterpart in Nigeria, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, the Acting Inspector-General of Police, in ensuring a speedy extradition of the suspect to Nigeria.”

Best Nnanyereugo Benjamin had been declared wanted by the Lagos State Police Command on October 10, 2023, after the alleged murder of his girlfriend on July 13, 2023. He had eluded authorities until he was arrested at a club in Freetown by Sierra Leonean police on Friday.

According to a source, the suspect is currently being held in detention in Freetown, awaiting extradition to Nigeria to face charges. The source also revealed that the suspect had been active on social media even after the murder, using the victim’s phone.

A concerned individual in Sierra Leone noticed the suspect’s social media activity and informed the deceased’s mother. She then contacted her lawyer, Chief Femi Falana (SAN), who assisted the family in reaching out to Sierra Leonean police authorities.

The Lagos State Police Commissioner, Mr. Idowu Ohonbunwa, had directed the Lagos State Police Command to declare Best Nnanyereugo Benjamin wanted on October 10, 2023. Following this, the Sierra Leonean police initiated a manhunt for the suspect, ultimately leading to his arrest.

The source revealed that Augusta was 21 years old when she was brutally murdered by the suspect, who claimed to be a real estate executive.

10/21/2023
Police Begin Investigation Of Borno Commissioner’s Mysterious Death

Borno State Commissioner for Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Resettlement (RRR), Engr. Ibrahim Idriss Garba, has tragically passed away.

The Commissioner’s untimely death occurred on Saturday morning at his Guest House located in the 777 Housing Estate in Maiduguri, the State capital.

In response to this unfortunate event, the Borno State Police Command has initiated an “urgent investigation” into the circumstances surrounding the Commissioner’s demise.

This development was communicated by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum’s spokesperson, Malam Isa Gusau, through a statement released to the media on Saturday.

It was further revealed that the State Commissioner of Police has already visited the residence where Engr. Garba lost his life in Maiduguri on the same day.

The Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, expressed deep shock and profound grief upon receiving the news of the Commissioner’s passing.

He joined in mourning with Engr. Garba’s family, close acquaintances, friends, colleagues, and members of the state executive council during this difficult time.

10/21/2023
Benue Police Eliminate Notorious Bank Robbery Duo

The Benue State police have successfully intercepted and neutralized two of the armed robbers responsible for a series of heinous crimes, including an attack on a police station and the raid of multiple banks in Otukpo.

The brazen criminals targeted prominent financial institutions, including First Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA), Zenith Bank, Access Bank, and Stanbic Bank, making away with a yet-to-be-verified sum of money.

According to a statement released by Catherine Anene, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, the security forces managed to intercept the robbers along the Otukpo-Taraku road, resulting in a deadly encounter in which two of the robbers lost their lives.

The statement reported, “On 20/10/2023 at about 1615hrs, armed robbers invaded Access, First, Zenith, UBA, and Stanbic banks in Otukpo simultaneously. The Otukpo Divisional Police Officer, CSP. John Adikwu, and other police teams in the area engaged them in a gun battle but were unable to prevent their attack on the banks.”

Further reinforcements, including additional police teams and security agents, were swiftly dispatched to Otukpo to stabilize the situation and prevent the remaining robbers from escaping.

The criminals who were intercepted along the Otukpo-Taraku road engaged in a fierce gun battle with the officers, resulting in the death of two of the assailants.

Tragically, during the confrontation, the DPO, CSP. John Adikwu, sustained a gunshot injury to his stomach, and three other police officers lost their lives.

Additionally, several individuals who were present during the bank robberies sustained injuries and have been transported to the hospital for medical treatment.

10/21/2023
Warri Refinery Fire Outbreak Contained – NNPCL

The Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has confirmed a ‘minor’ fire incident at its Warri refinery but added that the situation had been managed.

In a statement signed by the company’s Management and released on its X handle, the company explained that the fire which occurred at the cooling tower of the refinery was promptly put out by its personnel.

According to the state-owned company, the incident will not affect the pace of the ongoing rehabilitation work at the refinery.

“This afternoon, at about 15:02hrs, there was a minor fire incident at the cooling tower of Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company Limited (WRPC).

“The fire, which occurred as a result of ongoing welding activity at the top of the cooling tower will not affect the refinery rehabilitation project delivery schedule.

“NNPC Limited safety officers at the Refinery acted immediately and put out the fire at about 15:30hrs; normalcy has since been restored.

“NNPC Limited will continue to adhere to the best safety standards in all its business operations,” the statement read.

10/21/2023
Mr Macaroni Calls For Release Of Detained #EndSARS Protesters

Nigerian skit maker and activist, Adebowale ‘Debo’ Adedayo popularly known as Mr. Macaroni, has made a passionate plea for the release of #EndSARS protesters who continue to be held in detention three years after the mass demonstrations that rocked Nigeria in October 2020.

These protests initially demanded an end to police brutality, extrajudicial killings, extortion, and abuse of power, particularly by the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

The October 2020 protests, marked by their peaceful beginnings, ultimately led to the federal government’s decision to disband SARS.

Tragically, the movement was cut short on October 20 when Nigerian Army officers opened fire on protesters, resulting in numerous casualties.

On the third anniversary of the Lekki shooting incident, Mr. Macaroni led a peace walk in Lagos to honour those who lost their lives that fateful day.

During this solemn occasion, he called for the immediate and unconditional release of all #EndSARS protesters who remain incarcerated.

Mr. Macaroni emphasized the importance of preventing any pretext for violence and urged authorities to address the prolonged detention of activists, stating that some have been in prison since 2020 despite legal efforts to secure their release.

“I want to use this opportunity to call for the unconditional release of all those [protesters] that are still in Lagos prisons. There are still some protesters who have been in prison since 2020. Lawyers have been on the cases, different shouts every day but till now, they are still there.

“We are using this walk to once again call on all those concerned to grant the unconditional release of all protesters that are still in prison,” he said.

10/20/2023
Many ENDSARS Protesters Still Languishing In Lagos Prisons –Amnesty Int’l

Amnesty International has reported that a total of fifteen protesters, arrested in 2020 during the #EndSARS protests, are still being arbitrarily detained three years after the movement that shook Nigeria.

The majority of these detainees are held in Kirikiri Medium Correctional Centre and Ikoyi Medium Security Correctional Centre in Lagos, without trial.

According to human rights group, charges filed against the protesters include theft, arson, possession of unlawful firearms, and murder, some of whom have alleged torture.

Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, expressed concern, stating, “Our investigation shows the Nigerian authorities’ utter disdain for human rights. Three years in detention without trial is a travesty of justice. The protesters must be immediately and unconditionally released.”

The report also highlighted the ongoing issue of police brutality in Nigeria despite claims of comprehensive police reforms following the #EndSARS protests.

“The police continue to commit violations of human rights, including extrajudicial killings, harassment, arbitrary detention, and extortion with almost absolute impunity,” he said, adding that Amnesty International documented the unlawful killing of at least six people by law enforcement officers in the past year.

Amnesty International further called on Nigerian authorities to take concrete and effective measures to end police impunity, including giving clear directives to the police not to violate human rights. It also urged genuine reforms to address widespread human rights violations by the police.

The #EndSARS protests in Nigeria began on October 8, 2020, in response to the notorious Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and police brutality. The protests led to casualties, including peaceful protesters and individuals hired to confront the protesters. Despite claims, police reforms, and ongoing investigations, concerns about human rights abuses and justice persist.

10/20/2023
Nigerian Ambassador To Morocco, Nuhu Bamalli Dies @42

Nigeria’s Ambassador to Morocco, Alhaji Mansur Nuhu Bamalli, who also held the title of Magajin Garin Zazzau and was a Prince of the Zazzau Emirate in Kaduna State, has passed away at the age of 42.

Alhaji Mansur Nuhu Bamalli was the younger brother of the current Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Nuhu Bamalli.

According to a statement from the Media and Publicity officer of the Zazzau Emirate Council, Ambassador Bamalli breathed his last at a private hospital in Lagos while on his way to Morocco.

The statement noted that details about funeral arrangements would be provided at a later time.

Ambassador Mansur Nuhu Bamalli is survived by his wife and two children.

His appointment as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Morocco came in 2022, under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Prior to this role, he had served as a deputy director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

10/20/2023
Tinubu Calls For Strengthening Of Nigeria-EU Relations

President Bola Tinubu has called for the strengthening of cross-sectoral partnership between Nigeria and the European Union (EU) based on the principles of democracy, rule of law, and freedom.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, who disclosed this said Tinubu stated this when he received a delegation of the EU, led by Ms Jutta Urpilainen, EU Commissioner in charge of International Partnerships.

The President welcomed the signing of eight financing agreements between Nigeria and the EU, under the “EU Global Gateway in Nigeria,” at a separate event earlier in Abuja.

“Democracy is not an easy process, but we must fight for democracy and struggle for it to win at all times,” the President said.

Tinubu stressed the importance of economic cooperation with the EU in the areas of digital education, traditional energy, renewable energy, and broadband access.

He told the visiting delegation that Nigeria’s economy was going through several long-lasting reforms to render it capable of pulling millions of Nigerians out of poverty.

“We have a young and vibrant population, and we are determined to succeed. If we succeed, democracy succeeds. If we succeed, freedom succeeds.

“We need all of our partners’ hands on deck to sail together. We look forward to strengthening our partnerships,” he said.

In her remarks, Urpilainen commended Nigeria for playing a pivotal role as a key partner of the EU, not only in politics and economics, but also in shaping the social landscape across the African continent.

The EU Commissioner explained that over the past four years, the EU has been working to transform the nature of its relationship with Africa by shifting away from the traditional donor-recipient dynamic.

She said that the EU seeks to establish an equal and mutually beneficial partnership through the “Global Gateway” investment programme as a flagship example.

She noted that this strategy, agreed at the AU-EU Summit in Brussels last year, sets a goal of 300 billion Euros in investments, with 150 billion Euros allocated to Africa.

She thanked Tinubu for the important role Nigeria played in supplying key energy products during its standoff with Russia in recent times.

The EU Commissioner noted that the oil and gas partnership can be expanded, while adding that the “Global Gateway” strategy was designed to expedite the green and digital transformations in EU partner countries, with Nigeria standing as one of its most strategic.

“We are investing in critical infrastructure such as energy, transportation, and digital infrastructure, as well as in human capital, education, and research,” she said.

Other members of the EU delegation include Ms Samuela Isopi, Ambassador of the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS and Ms Rita Laranjinha, Managing Director of the Africa and European External Action Service (EEAS).

Others are Ms Lora Borissova, Africa Advisor, Cabinet of EU; and Ms Maria Pilar Palmero Vaquero, Head of Unit for Western Africa, Directorate-General International Partnerships (DG INTPA).

10/20/2023
Money Laundering: Gbajabiamila Seeks Creation Of Gaming Regulatory Associations To Tackle Menace

Mr Lanre Gbajabiamila, the Director-General of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission, has proposed the establishment of Africa Gaming Regulators Association to address money laundering and terrorism financing in Africa.

Gbajabiamila made the proposal while presenting a paper at the ongoing 2023 International Gaming Regulators Association (IGRA) Conference in Botswana.

He also called for the establishment of West Africa Gaming Regulators Association (WAGRA) to facilitate regional cooperation and collaboration.

Gbajabiamila said money laundering, terrorism financing and syndicate gaming were serious threat to the gaming industry in Africa.

He, however, called for an urgent need to address the issues.

“These associations will play a crucial role in information sharing, developing standard guidelines, and advancing regulatory efforts to combat money laundering, gambling-related crimes, and other illicit activities within the African gaming industry.

“The African gaming industry’s rapid expansion is marred with challenges that need urgent attention. Although it has great potential and has emerged as a crucial driver of economic growth and government revenue.

“It possesses the capacity to generate employment opportunities, attract foreign investments, promote tourism, improve income, technological advancements, and an increasing interest in gaming activities.

“In the same vein, terrorists can exploit this industry to finance their operations covertly.

“However, the gaming industry comes with risks, such as, money laundering which allows criminals to hide their illegally obtained funds by disguising them as legitimate winnings from gambling activities,” Gbajabiamila said.

He said the African gaming industry had demonstrated capacity to drive economic growth, generate employment, attract foreign investments, and promote tourism.

Gbajabiamila said the industry had the risk of being exploited for money laundering and financing terrorist activities.

This, he said, called for the implementation of stringent regulations to combat money laundering, while fostering innovation in the gaming sector.

Gbajabiamila listed lack of synergy among African states and the absence of robust global standards to monitor money laundering as other challenges of the industry.

He noted that regulatory disparities among African nations create vulnerabilities that can be exploited by criminals, noting that to address these challenges, there must be collaboration implementing “Know Your Customer” procedures.

Gbajabiamila also called for the reporting of suspicious transactions, conducting regular audits, and promoting information sharing among regulatory bodies.

“Syndicate gaming involving illegal gambling activities operated by organised criminal groups poses another threat.

“I advocate for stronger regulations, information sharing, and regional cooperation to tackle this issue.

“The proposed solutions should include the harmonisation of gaming regulations, enhanced financial intelligence units, public awareness campaigns, the utilisation of technology, strengthening legal frameworks, and the establishment of specialised units.

“There should be international cooperation and capacity building as vital aspects of the strategy,” he added.

“The fight against money laundering, terrorism financing, and syndicate gaming in the African gaming industry requires close coordination among African nations, strong legal framework and robust enforcement mechanisms.”

“The establishment of AGRA and WAGRA is a significant step towards achieving these objectives,” he said.

10/20/2023
Tinubu Withdraws Nomination Of FERMA Chairman, Kashim Imam

President Bola Tinubu has issued a directive for the withdrawal of Imam Kashim Imam’s nomination as the Chairman of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) Board of Directors.

This decision was communicated through a statement by Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, on Thursday in Abuja.

The withdrawal of this nomination takes immediate effect, as indicated by Ngelale.

It’s important to note that this withdrawal will not impact other appointments to the FERMA Board and Executive Management team.

Engr. Imam Ibrahim Kashim Imam, and 25-year-old first-class Mechanical Engineering graduate from Brighton University.

Born on the 27th of December, 1998, Engr. Imam had shown promise from a young age. He had pursued his undergraduate studies in Mechanical Engineering at Brighton University, where he graduated with first-class honours. His academic prowess continued as he pursued an MSc with honours at the same University. He completed his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in August 2022.

Prior to his appointment, he served as a special assistant to Dave Umahi, the minister of works.

His Father, Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, is a Nigerian Politician. He ran for Borno state governor as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in 2003 and 2007, losing to Ali Modu Sheriff from the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) both times.

No reason was given for the withdrawal.

10/19/2023