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Electricity: National Grid Collapsed 105 Times In 9yrs

April 23, 2024

Faced with criticism from Nigerians over the incessant national grid collapse in the country, the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, has blamed old infrastructure in the power sector for the problem.

The problem has resulted in the grid collapse 105 times in the last nine years, the company said.

This year alone, checks from TCN indicate that the grid had collapsed no fewer than six times in the last four months.

The situation has not been well received by many Nigerians who have issued scathing remarks against power firms because of the impact of irregular power supply on their business, for those that depend on electricity for their livelihood.

Power distribution companies have also not escaped criticisms from Nigerian who complained of lack of electricity to power their homes.

Epileptic power supply has thrown many major Nigerian cities into total darkness as a result of the epileptic power supply, critics say of the sector.

Reacting the TCN said many key infrastructures in the sector have been left unattended for close to 20 years by previous administration in the country.

Speaking during a visit by the Senate Committee on Power to the headquarters of TCN Monday in Abuja, its Executive Director on Independent System Operator, Nafisatu Asabe Ali, said the grid was interconnected with the generation, distribution and transmission, that a problem from any of the parts will automatically results in grid collapse.

Ali said grid collapse has been experienced at least 105 times since 2015. Stressing that the collapses are spread across the country.

She blamed insufficient gas supply, poor generation availability, among others for the problem.

The TCN executive director explained further that investing more in infrastructure will go a long way to turn the situation in the sector around.

She said: “The causes of grid collapse in Nigeria spread across all participants, from generation companies to transmission and distribution. From generation companies, there is the inadequacy of gas supply, improper coordination of plants and gas pipelines, poor generation availability.

“Customers can experience interruptions to their electricity Supply for three reasons such as reliability issues, where there is insufficient generation to meet consumer demand at a place and point in time; system security events and problems with the security of the network and transmission/ distribution network failures.

“There should be adequate investment in all types of capacity, as well as appropriate operational decisions so that supply and demand are in balance at any point in time.”

Meanwhile, the Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu said on Monday that power firms currently under the management of Banks and AMCON will soon be sold to technical managers for efficiency. The minister made this note during a meeting with the Senate committee on power in Abuja, the nations capital.

Controversy Over Office Of Osun’s First Lady: Gov Adeleke Says Titilola Is State’s First Lady

Ayodele Oni

April 23, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Person behind the confusing flier arrested

Controversy over who occupies the seat of the First Lady between the two wives of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has been laid to rest by the Governor. The Governor in a statement clarified that his first wife, Titilola is the First Lady of Osun State.

Adeleke is officially married to two women, Titilola and Ngozi Adeleke.

The governor, explained in the press statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Olawale Rasheed, in reaction to a flier purportedly from the Office Mrs Ngozi Adeleke, welcoming Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu to the state.

Mrs Tinubu is billed to visit Osun on Tuesday during which she would turn the sod of the Alternative High School For Girls at Oke D.O, Ilesha Road, Osogbo.

Adeleke pointed out that there was no conflict over who among his two wives would host the First Lady describing the flier purportedly from Mrs Ngozi Adeleke as fake.

Not long after a press statement signed by the Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr. Kolapo Alimi, which announced Mrs Tinubu’s impending visit was released to the public, two different filers by Mrs. Titilola and Ngozi Adeleke, welcoming the wife of the president to the State went viral on the internet.

In the two filers, both women were referred to as First Lady of Osun State, raising concerns about who would receive Tinubu between the two wives of the Governor.

But providing clarification on the matter, the spokesperson for the state governor, Rasheed, said Titilola Adeleke is the First Lady and would receive Mrs Tinubu during the visit.

He further said the flier circulating purportedly from the Office of Ngozi Adeleke, was fake adding that the person behind it had been arrested.

He also said Mrs Ngozi Adeleke not authorize the flier, as the material was manufactured and shared by elements who wanted to sow discord and create an atmosphere of confusion.

The statement read, “The attention of Mr Governor has been drawn to fake news in circulation about conflict over who among the Governor’s two wives is to host the First Lady of Nigeria, Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu on her official visit to the State on Tuesday.

“For clarification, Chief (Mrs) Titilola Adeleke, the First Lady of Osun State, is officially hosting the First Lady of the Republic in line with the directive of Mr Governor. There is no confusion on this official position.

“The State Government under Governor Ademola Adeleke is set to receive the First Lady and her team in Osun State.”

34 Groups Say Leadership Failure Cause Of Ibadan Attack By O’odua Nation Agitators, Condemn Demolition Of Onititi-Abiola’s House

Akinwale Kasali

April 22, 2024

Yoruba Nation Agitators Invasion of Oyo State

By Akinwale Kasali

A Coalition of Pan Yoruba Groups has faulted the invasion of Oyo State Government House by O’odua Nation Agitators over alleged corruption, leadership failure and declining faith in Nigeria. The Coalition also condemned the demolition of Onitiri-Abiola’s house by the Government of Oyo State

The Groups, in a Joint Statement signed by O’odua Peoples Congress, (OPC-Reformed), O’odua Peoples Congress,OPC-New ERA), Apapo Oodua Koya, (AOKOYA), O’odua Liberation Movement, (OLM), Oodua Revolutionary Movement, (OYM), O’odua Youth Movement, (OYM), Covenant Group, (CG), Oodua Retired Officers Union, (OROU), South West Women Congress, (SWWC), O’odua Nationalist Coalition, (ONAC), Progressive Alliance in South West, (PASW), Yoruba Liberation Command, (YOLICOM), South West Intelligence Alliance, (SWIA) and Oodua Hunters Union, (OHUN), Itsekiri Agenda for Freedom, (IAF), West Africa Yoruba Coalition Against Terrorism, (WAOCAT based in Ivory Coast), Oodua International Democratic Movement, (OIDEM), among others, said that while condemning the methods employed by some Yoruba activists led by Dupe Onitiri-Abiola, there was nothing wrong with the demands of the group for Yoruba self-determination.

It called for fair trial of those arrested and said their desperate action was informed by the desperate and brutish state of survival under which Yoruba people have been compelled to live.

The Coalition also condemned the demolition of Onitiri-Abiola’s house by the Government of Oyo State, and added that the action was hasty, despotic and injurious to fair hearing and International law.

The Group in a joint statement condemned what it called ‘opportunistic and self-serving defence of the Nigerian state’ by some fringe groups over the Ibadan attacks.

The coalition said that there are some 130 major self-determination groups in Yorubaland adding that it was contended that 99 percent of them have not condemned the Ibadan incidence but only disagreed with the method.

“The mission of the Ibadan actors was to demand for Oodua Republic. It is a legitimate and popular demand by poor and suffering Yoruba people who constitute 90 percent of the population. Those opposed to Oodua Republic are people benefiting from the rot in Nigeria and are less than five percent.”

They said the Ibadan incidence compared with what is going on in the North West, North East and SouthEast is a minor incidence.

The statement reads; “In the North East, North West and South East, agitators are armed with armoured vehicles, AK 47 and rocket propelled grenades. In the NE and NW the government even met with them and integrated some of them into the Nigerian Army. The youths of Yorubaland should be engaged to ensure the region does not slide into violence as seen in other parts of the country. The poverty and hopleessness in the land is real.What we need now is engagement, dialogue and not bullying, threat and intimidation.”

The Coalition said what happened in Ibadan may be a signal of greater dangers ahead.

It added that the Ibadan incidence has shown clearly that the demand for self-determination in Yorubaland is real and that it is a force and social movement that has come to stay and nothing can be done to stop the agitation unless the Government opens up window of engagement.

The groups berated the Yoruba political men for rushing to condemn the Ibadan saga while they kept quiet in the past 12 years that Fulani armed men and Boko Haram have killed 29,000 farmers including women and children in Yorubaland.

“It’s a shame on all of you so- called political leaders. Yewa was invaded by Fulani armed men. Owo was bombed. Thousands of Yoruba killed. Three prominent Yoruba Obas were killed. None of you visited their families but you have the courage to demolish the house of Mrs Onitiri-Abiola, arrest and kill Yoruba youths that staged a drama at Ibadan secretariat.”

The groups said the methods may differ, but the overwhelming demand for Yoruba nation is a reality that arms, mortal, armoured tanks, bombs, threats and bullying cannot stop’ the groups in the joint statement signed by Rasaq Arogundade, Toafik Adeyemi and Samuel Ogunkola said.

The groups said Yoruba and Itsekiri have suffered decades of repression in an institutional way adding that having a Yorubaman as the President does not automatically resolve the historic justice.

“We have seen increase in fuel price,hike in electricity tariff, loss of jobs while political leaders in the South West are hoarding palliatives and increasing the suffering of the people. It is an illusion to think Yoruba people with all the horrendous and lack of consultation will support the Federal Government just because the President is Tinubu. That is shallow and naive. The Yoruba are known to be critical of themselves except for psychopaths.

The groups also added that the President has never discussed or shared his vission with millions of Yoruba people except within the narrow prism of his political party which members in Yorubaland are less than five percent of the entire population adding that the first thing former President Goodluck Jonathan did when he came to power was to meet with self determination groups including those from Yorubaland in a display of wisdom and common sense and that former President Mohammadu Buhari did exactly the same thing by meeting with armed rebels in the North through emissaries.

The groups said that for eight years former President Muhammadu Buhari’s Government led to the killings, rape, murder and extermination of many Yoruba people and that the damage done in the eight years was enough for Yoruba to demand for self determination as guaranteed by International law.

“Eventhough a Yoruba person is the President, there is no forum of engagement with him. His aides are deaf and dumb to the social movements in Yorubaland while underneath, teeming population of Yoruba people have not seen any fundamental changes, not even promises apart from the fact that some detached people have been appointed to increase their personal fortunes.

“The President has the option to understand and appreciate the grievances of Yoruba non party men and women who are in the majority or he is carried away by the lucre and comfort of office listening only to Yes men and Women who are totally isolated and detached from the burning issues in their constituencies.

The groups said “If President Tinubu’s aides are genuinely representing their people in the SouthWest, they would have had information before the Ibadan invasion and would have even stopped it. Unfortunately, there is a thick layer of profiteers and racketeers around the President who live under the illusion that the eight years maximum rule of President Tinubu is the beginning and end of Yoruba future. They live by today, we live by the future of the long suffering Yoruba people.”

Police Killing Of Aba Business Man: NBA Kicks, Vows To Ensure Justice Is Served

The Source

April 22, 2024

With the groundswell of outrage trailing the gruesome murder of an Aba businessman Emmanuel Michael Okocha by suspected operatives of the Rapid Response Squad RRS of the Nigeria Police still raging, the Aba Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association has called on the Abia State Police Commissioner CP to ensure that ,the trigger happy police Corporal and all those involved in the dastardly act are not only fished out, but also made to face the full weight of the law.

The Source reports that the young Abiriba-born Aba business man was said to have died Friday April 19 at a medical facility in the commercial hub of Abia

He was allegedly short by one one the RRS operatives on the Aba/ Owerri road on Wednesday April 17 ,following his refusal to part with some money .

The Abia police command late on Saturday April 20 in a statement issued by its Spokesperson Chilaka Maureen ASP confirmed the arrest of the suspected killer corporal ,promising to ensure that justice is served .

In a statement on Monday April 22 , jointly signed by nnocent Egwu and KC Okoro Chairman and Secretary respectively,and made available to the Source , the Aba NBA,regretted the killing of Okocha ,a law graduate ,describing it as very sad.

” We have received the shocking news of the unprovoked killing by a police officer attached to the Abayi Police Division of one Emmanuel Michael Okocha ,a law graduate at a police check point along Aba/Owerri road Aba on Wednesday April 17 2024 ,.

Information at our disposal has it that the police officer shot the deceased,point blank and in a close range for refusal to give them money .

The rate at which gun welding and trigger happy police officers shoot and kill at check points innocent and law abiding citizens of this country who they are employed and paid to safeguard and protect is alarming and condemnable in very strong terms .

We therefore called on the Commissioner of Police to ensure that the police officer and others involved are not only apprehended ,full investigations conducted , but also ensure that appropriate legal consequences are effected ” the NBA stated .

The statement further noted that the Human Rights Committee of the umbrella body of lawyers in Aba has been mandate d to follow closely, proceedings with a view to ensuring that justice is served.

Former Presidents Call For Caution On State Police, Speaker Abass Says Current Policing System Ineffective

Ayodele Oni

April 22, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Divergent views were put forward on Monday on the much talked formation of state police as a way out of insecurity in Nigeria.

This was at the National Dialogue on State Policing, organized by the House of Representatives in Abuja.

There have been debate on the proposal to decentralize the current Nigeria Police Force and empower states to create and operate their own policing system police.

The proposal for state police is part of the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution by the 10th National Assembly.

Former Nigeria’s military Head of State, General Abdulsalam Abubakar called for caution in the design and implementation of the proposed state policing, especially concerning political and state actors.

In his goodwill message, ex-President Goodluck Jonathan stated that the issue of state policing was a settled matter that is “non-negotiable,” adding that the debates should rather be on the structure and operation of the proposed security outfit.

The former president recalled how a security outfit was created in Bayelsa State to complement the federal police in tackling piracy, kidnapping and other crimes that were prevalent in the Niger Delta.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, told the audience that “Let me state categorically that the House and indeed the National Assembly does not have a fixed position. Our role is to facilitate a dialogue and generate consensus.”

He pointed out that the emerging challenges have rendered the current unitary policing system under the Nigeria Police Force ineffective, leading to calls for its decentralization by way of having state police.

The Speaker also noted that the current security architecture in Nigeria has been overstretched by the numerous security challenges.

Abbas stated: “Our mission here is simple: to deliberate the future of policing in Nigeria, reflecting on our historical context and aligning our actions with the demands of our diverse and dynamic populace and daunting contemporary security challenges that have stretched our existing system to a breaking point.

“The concept of state police involves decentralizing law enforcement functions to the state level, thereby allowing for more localized and responsive policing tailored to the unique needs of each State.

“However, Section 214 of the 1999 Constitution establishes the Nigerian Police Force as unitary police ‘for the Federation or any part thereof.’ However, as noted earlier, evolving security challenges and other institutional and structural challenges have severely affected the general effectiveness of the police.

“As you are mostly aware, this deficit has resulted in the military engaging in policing functions in all States of the Federation, including the FCT.

“In turn, this has also overstretched the armed forces and affected their effectiveness in combatting other broader security challenges, including those that threaten the territorial integrity of Nigeria.

“Some see the current centralized structure of the police as a negation of ‘true federalism’. Several countries structured as Federations have well-established state, provincial, or regional police that exercise authority over relevant sub-national jurisdictions and collaborate on law enforcement matters with national or federal police, where both exist.

“First and foremost, it is imperative to acknowledge that the push for reforming our police forces is not merely desirable but necessary. We are at a stage where public trust in law enforcement is teetering.

“Also, the burden of policing the vast geographical expanse of our country and a rapidly expanding population warrants a reform of the current structure.

“The need for a system that maintains law and order and upholds every Nigerian’s dignity and rights cannot be overstated. Reform is essential to heal and to build – rebuilding trust, rebuilding effectiveness, and rebuilding our shared commitment to justice.”

Ondo APC Election Appeal Committee Begins Sitting, Receives Three Petitions

Ayodele Oni

April 22, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Ondo State All Progressives Congress,(APC), primary election appeal committee has confirmed receipt of three petitions concerning last Saturday’s election.

The committee is headed by former Governor of Bauchi State, Abubakar Mohammed.

It disclosed that it received three appeals against the emergence of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the candidate of the party in November 16, 2024 governorship election in Ondo state.

The final outcome of the primary election was announced officially in Akure early Monday morning by the Chairman of the election committee and Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo.

But three of the 15 governorship Aspirants who lost at the primary, have filed their appeals to seek the cancellation of the Exercise, asking the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party to order fresh primary election.

According to the Chairman, members of the committee will be in Ondo state for the next twenty-four hours to receive more petitions if any.

The Committee announced that the three appeals came from Wale Akinterinwa, Jimi Odimayo and Gbenga Edema.

The Chairman noted that only Aspirants who participated in the primary election could submit appeal to the committee.

More are likely as none of the defeated 15 aspirants has congratulated Aiyedatiwa on his victory.

Instead their followers continued with protest against the conduct of the election which produced result in favour of Aiyedatiwa.

One of the reactions from Ife Oyedele campaign group stated that”The actions of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his supporters have not only shattered the integrity of the APC but also undermined the trust of the people of Ondo State in our ability to govern and conduct fair elections.

“When our principal received, a day before, the rumour of the plan to unleash terror during the elections he initiated a telephone conversation with the Governor. It is deeply regrettable that the Governor failed to rein in his goons even after our principals appeal and advice that a governorship ticket is not worth the blood of any human being.”

To Combat Terrorism In Africa, President Tinubu Canvasses Coordinated Efforts

Ayodele Oni

April 22, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu has said that it is time for African countries to identify the root causes of terrorism in the continent.

He has therefore called for the establishment of a regional counter-terrorism centre that will serve as a hub for intelligence sharing, operational coordination, and capacity building throughout Africa.

The president, who spoke at the African High-level meeting on Counter-Terrorism in Abuja on Monday, said Africa must take a comprehensive approach to combating terrorism.

The president identified root causes of terrorism to include poverty, inequality, and social injustice.

Tinubu emphasized that while seeking to address the root causes of terrorism, Africa must also attack the roots that feed this evil branch — ransom and illegal mining — as terrorism evolves and perfects ways to continuously finance, re-equip, and re-supply itself for its sinister mission.

The President added that the African region must strengthen existing counter-terrorism structures, such as the Regional Intelligence Fusion Unit (RIFU) in Abuja, the African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism (ACSRT) in Algiers, and the Committee of Intelligence and Security Services of Africa (CISSA) in Addis Ababa.

“I am mindful of the funding, legal, and logistical complexities that face the proper establishment of such a force.

“However, with a prudent and clearly defined mandate that accords with the international law and respects national sovereignty, such a force can serve as a rapid deployment mechanism, capable of swiftly responding to major threats and bolstering the security of our region.

“Such a force can stand as a strong deterrent to large scale and protracted terrorist operations and the capture, occupation or disruption of strategic land and resources. We must continue to make careful yet meaningful progress toward this goal.

“Establishing an all-inclusive African Union Ministerial Committee on Counter Terrorism is also a high priority as envisaged in the Declaration of the 16th Extraordinary Summit of the African Union Assembly two years ago in May 2022.

“This would ensure that a forum of high-level government officials meets regularly to assess our counter-terrorism efforts and provide guidance on how to further improve.”

Speaking on the efforts of Nigeria in beating the menace, President Tinubu said the nation’s counter-terrorism capabilities have been enhanced through the enactment of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, establishing the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC).

“We have and will continue to take bold steps forward in safeguarding our nation and the wider region. Dedicated to coordinating and implementing counter-terrorism strategies, the NCTC significantly enhances our capacity to detect, prevent, and respond to terrorist threats.

“The Centre has become a platform; fostering greater collaboration among stakeholders and promoting synergy in our approach to fighting terrorism.

“Similarly, our security forces continue to demonstrate courage and dedication in the fight against terrorism, often at great personal risk. I am grateful to the selfless work and sacrifice of these patriotic men and women. They are the best of the best.

“I must also mention the ongoing need to halt the proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) on the continent. No one state can solve this problem for itself. It requires continuous and concerted action by all of us. We need to reposition our regional organizations and build the capacity of our national institutions to effectively address this element of terrorism and violent extremism.”

In his welcome remarks, National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu stated that terrorism in Africa is driven by a number of factors, including organized crime, foreign terrorist financing and training, poverty, inequality, prolonged conflicts, among others.

He said Nigeria is dealing decisively with all drivers of violent extremism, including economic and social enablers, while enhancing intelligence gathering through enhanced inter-agency collaboration and confidence building with citizens.

He also said Nigeria is strengthening its judiciary to effectively deal with cases of terrorism and has earmarked a fund to boost counter-terrorism efforts.

“We have resumed the prosecution of Boko Haram suspects across the country,” the National Security Adviser said.

In her remarks, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ms. Amina Mohammed suggested that one of the ways to remove the engenderers of terrorism on the continent is for Africa to work to rebuild its social contract with its citizens, and deliver good governance.

“Rebuilding the social contract is necessary for recovery. We must pay attention to women and girls who are greatly impacted by terrorism, including the youth. Providing support and healing for those impacted by terrorism is important,” the UN Deputy Secretary-General said.

Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), Mr. Vladimir Voronkov commended Nigeria for its leadership in counter-terrorism in Africa and for hosting the meeting.

“Terrorism is a threat to peace and security, particularly in Africa where its impact is mostly felt. The success of UNOCT in Africa hinges on its support for Africa-led programmes and solutions,” the UNOCT Under-Secretary-General said.

Gadunje’s Suspension: Judge Reverses Self, Vacates Restraining Order

The Source

April 22, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Justice Usman Malam Na’Abba of a Kano High Court on Monday, April 22, 2024, reversed his earlier ruling restraining Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje from parading himself as the National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress, APC.

The Source reports that Justice Na’Abba had, on April 17, while ruling on an exparte application brought before the Court by one Haladu Gwanjo on behalf of himself and others, restrained Dr Ganduje from parading himself as the APC National Chairman.

He, also, ordered both parties in the suit to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the substantive suit.

The restraining order was sequel to the earlier suspension order slammed on Dr Ganduje by a group of self acclaimed APC Ward Executives of Ganduje in Dawakin Tofa local council of the state led by Gwanjo on April 15.

The group cited the bribery and corruption allegations leveled against the APC National Chairman by the kano state Government as a major reason.

However, in what appears to be a twist in the suspension saga, Justice Na’ Abba on Monday,vacated his earlier restraining order on the APC National Chairman and subsequently fixed April 30, 2024 for hearing on the case.

The Source, however, gathered that Justice Na,Abba has been under the searchlight of the National Judicial Council, NJC, ever since he granted what not a few have come to perceive as a contentious restraining order.

In fact, the APC, as a party in the wake of the controversial ruling had threatened to petition the NJC, to seek disciplinary actions against the Judge.

His decision to reverse himself may have stemmed from his desire to be free from a possible sanction by the NJC.

How Binance Executive, Nadeem Anjarwalla, Who Fled Nigeria Was Nabbed In Kenya

Akinwale Kasali

April 22, 2024

Nadeem Anjarwalla - Binance Regional Manager

By Akinwale Kasali

Nadeem Anjarwalla, Binance Executive who escaped from Nigeria has been nabbed by Kenyan Police Service in Nairobi, Kenya’s Capital.

The fleeing Anjarwalla is set to be extradited to Nigeria as the International Criminal Police Organization are already making plans to send him back to Nigeria where he had escaped.

This must come as a relief for Malam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, NSA. Anjarwalla was in the custody of the office of the NSA when he made the inexplicable escape from Nigeria to Kenya.

It was gathered that Anjarwalla had been traced to Kenya after hus unlawful escape from Nigeria. That prompted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, the International Criminal Police, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Kenyan Police Service to deepen talks to quicken Anjarwalla’s extradition.

It would be recalled that EFCC Boss, Ola Olukoyede, had in the March edition of its bulletin titled, “EFCC Alert,” confirmed that the Commission was working in conjunction with the International Criminal Police Organisation, the United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Government’s of the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, and Kenya to extradite Anjarwalla.

Olukoyed said: “The takeover of the prosecution of Binance Chiefs by the Commission is no less a strong message in the direction of EFCC’s resolve to hedge in distortions and disruptions in the country’s forex market.

“Tax evasion, currency speculation, and money laundering to the tune of $35,400,000 and are at the foundation of the Commission’s five counts against Binance Holdings Limited, Tigran Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla, the company’s chief executives.

“While Gambaryan is currently in the Commission’s net, the process of extraditing the fleeing Anjarwalla is revving in full swing. Involved in partnership with the EFCC to nick Anjarwalla in flight are the International Criminal Police Organisation, the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation, the governments of the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, and Kenya as the clock winds down to his arraignment in absentia alongside the company and Gambaryan.”

There is, however, speculations that Anjarwalla may be extradited to Nigeria before the week runs out.

Over Crowed Custodial Facilities Frustrating Reformation Of Inmates, Nigeria Correctional Service Laments

The Source

April 22, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The total number of inmates awaiting trials, far outnumber the convicted persons,a development which has rendered nugatory reformatory efforts on the correctional centres inmates.

The development has also brought about overcrowding of correctional centre facilities,with its attendant operational challenges for the handlers who are most often exposed to avoidable potential threats .

This much was revealed by the Spokesperson for the Kano state Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service NSC Musbau Lawan at a press briefing on Monday, April 22, 2024,

Alhaji Lawan expressed worry over the potential threats posed by over crowed correctional centres in the country, noting that available statistics have shown that, awaiting trial inmates constitute over %70 of the total number of inmates in the correctional facilities in kano .

According to him, most of the awaiting trials inmates have been at the facilities without the courts conclusively determining their cases thereby putting undue pressure on the system.

“If the awaiting trials inmates are convicted, we would not be worried about the problem of congestion and overstretching of facilities. This is because our laws permit us to transfer them to any other facilities in the country. And it will help in decongesting the facilities we have here in Kano,” Lawan stated .

Further shading light on the problems posed by awaiting trials inmates dominating the facilities, the Kano Correctional Service spokesperson, stated that while convicted inmates engage in reformatory programmes and activities, their awaiting trial counterparts do not enjoy such privilege..

“Besides, most of the convicted inmates benefit from the educational programmes at the custodial centres.

For instance ,a total of 38 convicted inmates sat for and passed the NECO ,SSCE examinations and now seeking admissions at the National Open University of Nigeria NOUN .” Lawan said.

However ,despite the challenges being faced by the Service, Lawan assured that it will continue to uphold its statutory mandate of safe and humane custody of the legally interned ,while also ensuring the protection of the wider society through the reformation, rehabilitation, and reintegration of law offenders.

While commending some judges who have keyed into the Federal Government efforts at exploring non Custodial measures in sentencing of Offenders, Lawan noted that the federal authorities have since adopted parole ,Community service ,probation and others ,as veritable means of decongesting Correctional facilities in the country.

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