Federal Court Issues Arrest Warrant On Ehie, Fubara’s Chief Of Staff, Another Court Counters

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February 1, 2024

By Gideon Njoku

The political crisis in Rivers State escalated on Wednesday with an order by a Federal High Court, Abuja for the arrest of Edison Ehie, the newly appointed Chief of Staff to Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The Honourable Justice Emeka Nwite, who ordered his arrest said that Ehie, very briefly, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and five others, were involved, allegedly, in the explosion which rocked the State House of Assembly to abort the planned impeachment of the Governor by Members of the Assembly loyal to the immediate past Governor of Rivers State, and now the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

Nwite ordered Ehie’s immediate arrest along with five other persons over the incident.

However a High Court in Porthacourt, Rivers State, on same Wednesday, stopped the Police from arresting Ehie. Ruling in an ex-parte motion filed by the Chief of Staff against the Nigerian Police, the Honourable Justice Sika Aprioku restrained the Police and other Security Agencies from harassing, arresting or detaining Ehie over the explosion at the House of Assembly. He adjourned the case to February 6, 2024.

Those ordered by the Federal High Court to be arrested along with the Chief of Staff are Jinjiri Bala, Happy Benedict, Progress Joseph, Adokiye Oyagiri and Chibuike Peter also known as Rambo.

Justice Nwite ordered their arrest while delivering a ruling in an ex-parte application brought before him by the Inspector General of Police IGP.

The application was based on sections 37, 113, 114, 84 and 184 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 and section 35 of the 1999 Constitution as well as 32 of the Police Act 2020.

The ex-parte application was argued by a Deputy Commissioner of Police, Simon Lough, SAN, who said the six defendants were at large.

The DCP posited that the defendants were involved in conspiracy, arson, terrorism, attempted murder and murder of a Superintendent of Police SP Bako Agbashim and five other police informants.

The police informants allegedly killed were Charles Osu, Ogbonna Eja, Idaowuka Felix, Paul Victor Chibuogu and Saturday Edi.

Ekiti Monarchs Killing: Give Statutory Power To Royal Fathers To Tackle Insecurity – Ooni

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Ayodele Oni

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January 31, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has condemned the killing of two Monarchs in Ekiti State by suspected kidnappers, saying the act showed that life of ordinary citizen is no longer safe.

The Monarchs; Onimojo of Imojo-Ekiti, Oba Olatunde Samuel Olusola and Oba David Babatunde Ogunsakin, Elesun of Esun-Ekiti were ambush on Monday, while returning to their respective domains from a peaceful routine meeting in Oke Ako, Ekiti State.

Speaking on Wednesday as Co-Chairman, National Council Of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) through a Press Statement released by his Director of Media and Public Affairs; Otunba Moses Olafare, the Ooni commiserated with families of the deceased Monarchs, the people of Imojo-Ekiti, the people of Esun-Ekiti, the government and Ekiti State council of Obas and Chiefs.

He described the incident as a sacrilegious audacity deliberately planned and executed to undermine security capacity of Nigeria.

He admonished Governor Oyebanji-led state government and President Tinubu-led Federal government to expedite thorough investigations into this barbaric act and ensure that the perpetrators face the full wrath of the law.

“Assassinating traditional rulers in cold blood! This is absolutely unacceptable to us. If this could happen to the traditional rulers, what would then become hopes for their common subjects who look up to them for local security interventions?

“This is a pure sacrilege and it is a deliberate display of criminal audacity to undermine the government’s security control capacity.

“This reprehensible act has not only robbed us of noble leaders but has also left a scar on the fabric of our unity and peaceful coexistence as a Nation.

“Government must stop at nothing to ensure the perpetrators are arrested and made to face justice.”

Ooni Ogunwusi who is the Natural Leader of the Oduduwa race worldwide, called on the Federal Government to prioritize the establishment of community policing across the nation.

According to him, recent spate of killings and kidnappings of traditional rulers and school children across the country highlights the urgent need for a robust, community-oriented security system.

Community policing, he said, with its emphasis on local involvement, will be helpful to enhance intelligence gathering, deter criminal activities, and ensure the safety of Nigerians.

“We cannot continue like this. Several of our school children are still languishing in the undetected incarceration of these heartless terrorists.

“A party state chairman in Lagos state was a victim recently. What about the recently abducted school children in Ekiti state? Six sisters in Abuja not too long ago with one of them killed. Similar cases across the country. Who is safe in this country again? Enough is enough.

“The time should not be later than now for Government both at states and Federal levels to show practical capacity in the area of security management and operations.

“The traditional rulers in Nigeria must be motivated with statutory community policing policy needed to work officially with government as we remain the closest leaders to the people, we know the traditional techniques to get rid of all these unfortunate situation.

“We are no cowards and we are ready to rise to the occasion defending our traditional land. Get us statutorily involved and see that what we inherited from our respective ancestors are still intact and real.

“We traditional Rulers in Yorubaland and Nigeria at large commiserate and sympathize with families of the affected traditional rulers. We stand in solidarity with the people of Ekiti State during this trying time and with all our subjects across the country who have been victims terrorist killings and kidnappings.

“May the souls of the departed Monarchs rest in peace, and may their families find strength and solace in these difficult times.”

Ekiti Traditional Rulers Call For Deployment Of More Security Agents To Curb Insecurity

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Ayodele Oni

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January 31, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Wednesday met with Traditional Rulers in the State as part of efforts to find solution to the unending banditry in the state.

The meeting, coming two days after two Royal Fathers were shot dead by suspected kidnappers, spoke extensively on the spate of kidnapping in the state.

At the end of the meeting a Communique issued and signed by Oba Ayorinde Ilori Faboro, chairman Ekiti Traditional Rulers Council and Olojudo of Ido-Ekiti, stated “That the Ekiti Council of Traditional Rulers was deeply saddened by the murder of two of its members HRM Oba Samuel Olusola Olatunji, PhD, the Olumojo of Imojo-Ekiti and HRM Oba David Ogunsakin, the Elesun of Esun-Ekiti and the abduction of school children and their teachers in Emure-Ekiti same day Monday January29, 2024.

“Council condemns in the strongest terms the sacrilegious and brutal killing of its members and the kidnap of school children and their teachers in Emure-Ekiti.

Council calls on Governments at all levels to ensure the perpetrators are apprehended and made to face the wrath of the Law in no distant time.

“Council further calls on the Federal Government to deploy more security personnel to Ekiti as the State is generally underpoliced.

“Council demands that the State Government should empower the traditional rulers with adequate resources to police and secure their domains.

“Council members have been directed to take all necessary measures to ensure all forests currently occupied by bandits and kidnappers are flushed out immediately and that no bushes and forests are occupied by anybody henceforth.

“Council calls on all regular and native security systems to work together to end all manners of criminalities in the State.

Council appeals to all Ekiti home and abroad not to panic nor apprehensive as drastic measures will be collaboratively taken to ensure Ekiti is secured.

“Council calls on patriotic Ekiti indigenes all over the world to generously support their communities to provide local security arrangements to protect lives and property in all communities.

“Council commends the Governor for providing quality leadership at this time and encourages him to remain focused.

Council commiserates with the bereaved families and communities of the late Obas and prays for the ropes of their souls in eternal rest.”

Profiteering: Commercial Banks Hoarding Forex To Hurt Naira-CBN

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James Orji

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January 31, 2024

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The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has accused commercial banks in the country of profiting from the problem facing the naira.

The Cardoso-led government bank on Wednesday said commercial banks are hoarding forex with the intention of selling at higher price. The development, it said, has led to the consistent decline in the value of naira to the dollar.

The banks have now been directed to adjust “their positions to comply with the new regulations by February 1, 2024,” as part of the ongoing efforts by the CBN to stabilize the volatile forex market.

The directive was contained in a statement signed by Directors of Trade and Banking Supervision Hassan Mahmud and Rita Sike today in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

The development comes on the heels of Senate summons of the CBN Governor, Yemi Cardoso to appear before it to explain the ‘free fall’ of the naira, whose value has declined by at least 40 percent in the last two days against the American dollar.

The currency was traded N1,520 to the dollar today at the parallel market.

Tokunbo Abiru, the Senate Committee Chairman on Banking said on Wednesday that Cardoso has some explanation to make concerning the misfortune that has hit the naira recently.

In the circular titled, ‘Harmonisation of Reporting Requirements on Foreign Currency Exposures of Banks, the apex bank said banks must put an end to currency speculation and hoarding by calculating “their daily and monthly NOP and Foreign Currency Trading Position (FCT) using specific templates provided by the CBN”.

The apex bank said: “The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has noted with concern the growth in foreign currency exposures of banks through their Net Open Position (NOP). This has incentivized banks to hold excess long foreign currency positions, which exposes banks to foreign exchange and other risks.

“Therefore, the CBN issues the following prudential requirements to ensure these risks are well managed and avoid losses that could pose material systemic challenges.”

“For example, a bank borrows or buys $ 1 million worth of forex but then holds half of it in its position instead of lending it or using it to finance purchases for its clients immediately.

“What this means is that banks can profit from currency depreciation if they buy the forex low and sell high”, the apex bank said.

Former President Jonathan Leads Commonwealth Mission To Observe Pakistan’s Elections

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The Source

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January 31, 2024

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The Commonwealth has appointed former Nigerian President, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, as Head of its Election Observation Mission to Pakistan’s general elections scheduled for 8 February, 2024.

Dr. Jonathan will be leading a group of multidisciplinary experts from across the Commonwealth to observe the elections in Pakistan and offer an independent and comprehensive assessment of the electoral process.

In a letter to Jonathan, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland expressed her gratitude to the former Nigerian President for agreeing to undertake the assignment, adding that the Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) would benefit from his leadership, experience and wisdom.

The Commonwealth Secretariat, in a statement, said the 13-member Observer Group is due to arrive in Islamabad on February 1, 2024 and will remain in the country until the electoral process is completed.

It quoted the Commonwealth Secretary-General as applauding Pakistan’s commitment to transparency and accountability, adding that the organisation “is pleased to support Pakistan’s democratic journey” and looks forward to peaceful and fair elections.

Speaking further on the mission, Scotland said: “I am grateful that the former President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has once again accepted our invitation to serve as Chair of an election observer group. The team of observers will assess the conduct of the process as a whole and, where appropriate, make recommendations for the further strengthening of the electoral system.

“It is hoped that these recommendations will be of benefit to the people and government of Pakistan in strengthening their electoral processes. The Commonwealth Secretariat would be ready to assist with this process, if deemed necessary.”

She also called on all stakeholders, including political parties and their supporters, to contribute to a peaceful election in keeping with the Commonwealth values.

During their stay, the members of the observer group will be stationed throughout the country. The COG will be supported by a team from the Commonwealth Secretariat led by Mr. Linford Andrews, Adviser and Head of the Electoral Support Section.

The Commonwealth further stated that while in Pakistan, the members of the observer group will also meet with a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from political parties, election officials, the media and civil society groups.

On election day, members of the COG will observe and consider all aspects of the election process across Pakistan- from the opening of polling stations and the voting process to the counting of ballots and announcement of results. Following election day, the group will hold a press conference and issue an interim statement with its preliminary findings.

The statement added that a final report, which will include recommendations to help improve future electoral processes, will be presented to the government of Pakistan and the Election Commission. The report will also be shared with other stakeholders.

Ikechukwu Eze
S.A. to H.E. Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan

LASG Gives Churches, Bars, Lounges Illegally Converted Within Residential Areas Quit Notice

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Akinwale Kasali

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January 31, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State Government has ordered occupiers and owners of residential buildings who illegally converted the properties to Churches, Mosques, Club Houses, Lounges and Bars without approval for change of use, to revert to the original use of the structures within 30 days.

Gbolahan Owodunni Oki, General Manager, Lagos State Building Control Agency, LASBCA, who issued the notice, said, the order applies to all structures used for the aforementioned purposes located within residential areas and without requisite permit from relevant authorities.

He noted that the notice is a sequel to the distortion of the masterplan of Lagos State, especially residential areas, by some people who, in gross disregard to the regulatory provisions of the law turned residential areas into club houses and worship centres thereby constituting a nuisance to the environment.

He noted further that the removal notice became imperative following security concerns of citizens and repeated complaints of non-adherence to safety and security guidelines issued to the club owners.

Oki stated that any owner of buildings in residential areas that have been converted to Churches, Mosques, clubs, bars or lounges without the requisite approvals should evict such occupants before the expiration of the 30 days’ final notice as the state will not give further notice of sealing but outright removal of such non-conforming buildings at the cost of the owners.

“We are giving them one month’s final notice from the 29th of January to revert to the original plan or have such buildings removed at their expense”, Oki warned.

He maintained that LASBCA had earlier identified the illegal and non-conforming structures and had served the statutory enforcement notices but those affected have either failed or refused to respond to the notices, hence the service of this final notice.

He averred that residents of areas designated as residential places, especially the elderly in the Lekki axis and its environs have repeatedly called on the state government to save their souls following the adverse effects of the conversion of property in the area to churches, mosques, bars, clubs and lounges is having on their health and security in the area.

He advised property owners to take this notice with the seriousness it deserves as nobody will be spared in the effort to sanitise the state in line with Africa’s model mega city status vision of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Falana Sues FG, 36 States Governor Over Neglect Of Out Of School Children

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Akinwale Kasali

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January 31, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Femi Falana, has sued the Federal Government and all Governors of the 36 States of the Federation over alleged neglect of Out of School Children.

Falana sued the Federal Government through the Attorney General of the Federation, the Minister of Education, the Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, and the 36 states Governors.

He filed the suit alongside an early childhood education specialist, Hauwa Mustapha, on behalf of the Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond.

The Suit basically dwells on their failure to access N68bn Universal Basic Education Commission funds to provide free basic education for every Nigerian Child of school age.

The Attorneys General of the 36 states of the Federation and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja were also listed as respondents in the suit which was filed through their lawyer, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Funmi Falana.

The suit filed on January 19th at the Federal High Court, Lagos, asks the court to determine: “Whether the Respondents are not under a legal obligation to provide free, compulsory and Universal basic education for every Nigerian child of school age by section 2(1) of the Compulsory, Free Universal Basic Education Act, LFN, 2004.

“Whether the refusal or failure of the Respondents to contribute not less than 50% of the total cost of projects as its commitment to the execution of the free, compulsory education project for every Nigerian child of school age is illegal as it violates section 11(2) of the Compulsory, Free Universal Basic Education Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

“Whether the Respondents are not under a legal obligation to provide free, compulsory and Universal basic education for every Nigerian child of school age by section 2(1) of the Compulsory, Free Universal Basic Education Act, LFN, 2004.”

In an affidavit sworn to by Femi Falana at the Federal High Court Registry in Lagos on January 26, 2024, the senior lawyer noted that a report made public by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) recently estimated the total number of out-of-school children in Nigeria to be 20.2 million.

Falana noted that the report added that one in three children in the country is out of school and that the country has the highest number of out-of-school children in the world.

He said, “The 1st Respondent is the Minister of Justice and the Chief Law officer of the Federation to enforce law and order and ensure compliance with all orders granted by Nigerian courts.

“The 2nd Respondent is constitutionally responsible for the formulation of educational policies and ensuring quality control at all levels of education in Nigeria.

“The 3rd Respondent is the body created by the Universal Basic Education and Other Matters Act, 2004 (UBEA) responsible for the disbursement of the Federal Government Universal Basic Education grants to states and other stakeholders and the coordination of the implementation of the UBE programme throughout Nigeria.

“The 4th to 40th Respondents are the chief law officers of the 36 states of the Federation.

“That the Universal Basic Education and Other Matters Act, 2004 (UBEA) provides for compulsory, free universal basic education for all children of primary and junior secondary school age in Nigeria.”

The applicants are asking the court to grant the following orders in the interest of justice:

A declaration that by section 2(1) of the Compulsory, Free Universal Basic Education Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, the Respondents are legally obligated to provide free, compulsory and Universal basic education for every Nigerian child of primary and junior secondary, school age.

A declaration that by section 11(1) of the Compulsory Free Universal Basic Education Act the Federal Government shall contribute a block grant of not less than 2% of its Consolidated Revenue Fund to the Universal Basic Education Fund on an annual basis.

A declaration that by section 11(2) of the Compulsory Free Universal Basic Education Act, each State of the Federation shall contribute not less than 50% of the total cost of projects as its commitment to the execution of the projects to qualify for the Federal Government block grant under subsection 1(1) of this section.

A declaration that the refusal or failure of the Respondents to access the sum of N68 billion for the universal basic education of children of school age in Nigeria is illegal as it violates section 1(2) of the Compulsory Free Universal Basic Education Act.

An order directing the 4th-40th Respondents to pay the counterpart fund to access the matching grant of N68 billion in the account of the Universal Basic Education Fund and report compliance with the order within 30 days of the delivery of the judgment of the Honourable court.

An order directing the 4th-40th Respondents to pay the counterpart fund to access the matching grant in the Account of the Universal Basic Fund as at when due forthwith.

Governor Aiyedatiwa Directs Amotekun To Deploy Personnel To Ekiti To Assist In Tracking Kidnappers

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Ayodele Oni

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January 31, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

In the spirit of brotherhood, Amotekun security corps in Ondo State has deployed personnel to join its counterpart in Ekiti state following escalation in kidnapping activities.

Ekiti State has witnessed the killing of two traditional rulers and the abduction of school children early this week, both of which has caused panic among the people.

Ondo State Commandant of Amotekun, Adetunji Adeleye told Journalists in Akure on Wednesday that 100 officers have been deployed to join their counterparts in Ekiti to track the kidnappers.

He stated: “A couple of hours ago, we had an unfortunate situation in Ekiti State and the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa directed that we should move to the State in the interest of brotherliness to assist in the security situation in Ekiti State.

“We deployed about 100 personnel to Ekiti State to assist them and we have been there in the last 48-hours.

“Some arrests have been made and investigation is still on going on those that we arrested and we will continue to arrest until the perpetrators of such that deadly acts are fished out.

On the continued insecurity in the country, Adeleye advised that the issue of State Police should be explored.

“The straight solution to this insecurity in the country especially in the SouthWest is for the Federal Government to put in place the grassroots State Police.

“With State policing, we will be able to go grassroots, and it will be easy for us to track down all these criminals in our society.

“The panacea to solving the security breaches and problems is the state policing.

“We should not forget that Amotekun is both conventional and unconventional security, but the issue of weapons, once the issue of state policing is approved, there would be no limitation to the equipment they can use in combating crimes.”

Adeleye while speaking on efforts of the security corps disclosed that some suspects believed to be kidnappers and others are currently being held.

“Today we have again 31 suspects that engage in different nefarious and criminal acts, gathered in 18 local government areas of the state.

“Across board, we have suspected kidnappers, we have those that were arrested for illegal possession of firearms in the forest reserves, and we have those that specializes in breaking of shops and houses.

“What we need to assure the people is that Ondo State Security Network Agency will not relent in it efforts in getting out all these criminals in our society.

“The government of Ondo State under the leadership of Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa has directed that to the last criminals in Ondo state must be checked out and removed.

“This is because government is resolute in its determination to ensure that investors, farmers, residents, commuters are not molested.

“We want to reassure the good people of Ondo State that Amotekun is intact, we will continue our 24-hours patrol, we will continue to track all criminals from the cities to the forestry reserves and ensure that travellers are not molested.

“So I want to reassure the good people of Ondo State that there is no problem, the state is safe, they can continue their normal businesses, but they have a duty to play and the duty is to report any suspicious movement to us on time so that we can take action on time before it gets out of hands.

“In Ondo State if you are coming to hunt, or if you are coming for any activities in the forestry reserves, please ensure you follow the lay down regulations that allow you to enter into the forestry reserves of Ondo State.”

How Ondo Police Tracked, Arrested Fraudsters Using Fake Alerts To Swindle Dealers

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Ayodele Oni

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January 31, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

Nemesis has caught up with two of those fraudsters that dupe vehicle dealers in Ondo and Ekiti states by using fake telephone alerts as their latest attempt to swindle a dealer was foiled.

Police in Ondo State announced on Wednesday that a 22-year-old man, Bakare Ayobami, was arrested for allegedly buying a car with fake bank alert.

The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, who disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Akure stated that the suspect attempted to dupe a dealer at Owo.

Odunlami-Omisanya said that on October 26, 2023, a case of Cybercrime was reported to the Police, involving one Bakare Ayobami aged 22, of Ode Irele in Irele Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The PPRO explained that Ayobami had on Oct. 20, 2023 at about 1800hrs, went to a car stand belonging to Mr Filani Oluwaseun and Mr Ogbaguwa Oluwasola at Ikare Road, Owo, to buy a Toyota Corolla 2006 model in the sum of N4,650,000.00 using fake bank alert.

According to the PPRO, through intelligence gathering, Police operatives attached to Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad, arrest Ayobami Bakare and his accomplice, one Abdullahi Abubakar, aged 26 in Ekiti.

“The stolen vehicle was recovered in Osogbo, Osun State, while another Toyota Camry 2014 model valued at N6.2 million suspected to have been stolen, was also recovered from the suspect.

“Other items recovered include one iPhone 12 PRO Max valued at N600,000.00k and one iPhone 14 PRO, all purchased with fake transfer.”

Odunlami-Omisanya, who said that the suspect had confessed to the crime, said he would be charged to court on conclusion of investigation.

Breaking: Fintiri Affirmed Duly Elected Taraba State Governor By Supreme Court

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Akinwale Kasali

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January 31, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Supreme Court on Wednesday affirmed Ahmadu Fintiri as the duly elected Governor of Taraba State. It thus upheld the March 18, 2023 Governorship Election in the State.

The Apex Court in a unanimous decision by a five-member panel, led by Justice Inyang Okoro, dismissed, as lacking in merit, an appeal the All Progressives Congress, APC, and its Governorship Candidate, Senator Aisha Dahiru, popularly known as Binani, filed to challenge the outcome of the governorship election that was held in the state on March 18, 2023.

The appellants, through their team of lawyers led by Chief Akinolu Olujimi, SAN, prayed the Court to nullify the declaration of Fintiri of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as the valid winner of the Gubernatorial contest.

They urged the Supreme Court to set aside the concurrent verdict of the Court of Appeal and the Adamawa State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, which dismissed their case and upheld Fintiri’s re-election.

Specifically, Senator Dahiru insisted that she polled the majority of valid votes cast at the election and was validly declared the winner by the state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC.

She, among other things, prayed the court to determine who ought to be the bona fide Returning Officer in a gubernatorial election.

However, Fintiri, through his lawyer, Mr Damian Dodo, SAN, urged the apex court to dismiss the appeal and validate his election victory.

Fintiri argued that he emerged victorious, having secured the majority of lawful votes and fulfilled all the requirements of the law.

The PDP and electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had prayed that the court should dismiss the appeal and affirm Fintiri’s election victory.

Justice Inyang Okoro held that the action of the suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, in Adamawa State, Hudu Yunusa-Ari, who declared Senator Dahiru as the winner of the poll, was an act of irresponsibility and criminality.

The court held that only a Returning Officer has the duty to announce the results of an election to avert chaos and anarchy in the process.

According to the Supreme Court, the Electoral Act, 2022, specified who should declare results, stressing that such power was exclusively donated to the Returning Officer.