EFCC Re-arraigned Orji Kalu, Others In Lagos For Alleged N3.2bn Fraud

EFCC Re-arraigned Orji Kalu, Others In Lagos For Alleged N3.2bn Fraud

For the fourth time in nine years, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Thursday re-arraigned the former Abia State Governor, Orji Uzor Kalu and two others in court over alleged N3.2 billion fraud.

But unlike in the past when Kalu, a former Commissioner for Finance in the state, Udeh Jones Udeogu and Slok Nigeria Limite were docked in Abuja, they were on Monday arraigned before Justice Mohammed Idris of the Federal High Court in Lagos over a 34 count charge of conspiracy, Fraud and money laundering.

The defendants, who were was first arraigned before Justice Murtala Nyako in 2007 were later docked before Justice Adamu Bello after Justice Nyako was transferred out of the Abuja division of the court.

Also on September 27, 2016 the EFCC arraigned the defendants before Justice Anwuri Chikere of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on the same charge. The judge after the arraignment had then fixed December 6th, 7th and 8th as trial dates.

In the charge, the former governor and others were accused of diverting about N3.2 billion from the Abia government's treasury between 2001-2005.

In the further amended charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/56/07, the EFCC alleged that Kalu and  accused persons had between August 7, 2001, and December 2005, while Kalu was the Governor of Abia State, used the said money to procure Slok Nigeria Limited, a company EFCC claimed to be solely belong to Kalu and his family.

The accused persons and one Emeka Abone, said to be at large, were also alleged to have between May 2002 and December 2005, conspired among themselves to launder fund illegally derived from the Treasury of Abia State government.

They were also alleged to have aggregated several millions of naira amounting to N3.2 billion, property of Abia State government, knowing that the said amount formed parts of funds stolen from the Treasury of Abia State government.

The accused persons were alleged to have use Manny Bank, now Fidelity Bank Plc, Spring Bank Plc, the defunct Standard Trust Bank and Fin Land Bank, now First City Monument Bank (FCMB) to carried out their criminal acts.

In counts one to 10, Uzor Kalu was alleged to have between August 13, 2003 and August 10, 2005, while he was the Abia State Governor, procured Slok Nigeria Limited, the company solely belongs to him and his family members, retained in his account domiciled with the Apapa branch of  First Inland Bank Plc, the total sum of N2. 502, 600 billion, which formed parts of funds  Illegally derived from the treasury of Abia State government, through Manny Bank (now Fidelity Bank Plc), which were converted into several bank drafts before they were paid into the account of Slok Nigeria Limited.

And in counts 11 to 20, Slok Nigeria Limited and one Emeka Abone, said to be at large, were also alleged to have between April 29, 2003 and August 10, 2005, retained in their accounts domiciled with the Apapa branch of First Inland Bank now First City Monument Bank, the total sum of N2.493 billion, on behalf of Orji Kalu, who was then the Executive Governor of Abia State, and that the money formed parts of funds Illegally derived from the treasury of the state government, through Manny Bank now Fidelity Bank Plc.

In count 22 to 33 of the charge, Kalu, Udeh Jones Udeogu, Slok Nigeria Limited and Emeka Abone, who he said to be at large, were alledged to have between August 13, 2003 and August 10, 2005, collaborated and concealed the genuine origin of the total sum of N2.187,400 billion, which formed parts of funds Illegally derived from the treasury of Abia State government, through Manny Bank (now Fidelity Bank), and converted and paid the said sum into the account of Slok Nigeria Limited, with the Apapa branch of First Inland Bank Plc.

While in count 34, Kalu, Udeh Jones Udeogu, Slok Nigeria Limited and Emeka Abone, who he said to be at large, between May 2002 and December 2005, conspired among themselves to commit offence of money laundering of funds Illegally derived from the treasury of Abia State government.

The alleged offences according to the prosecutor, Adeniyi Adebisi, are contrary to sections 17(c) 16, 14(1)(b)17(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2003, and sections 427 of the Criminal Code Act Cap. 77, Laws of the Federation, 1990, and punishable under section 16 of the same Act.

The defendants however pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Upon the plea of the accused persons, their lawyers, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) and Solo Akuma (SAN) urged the court to allow their clients to continue with the bail term earlier granted them.

Ozekhome said, "When we learnt that the case has been transferred from Abuja to Lagos, we protested because there was no formal application to that effect from the prosecution.

"The desirability or otherwise of transferring the matter would have been determined through the application.

"However, we were comfortable and our fears were dispelled when we learnt that the case is before my Lord. We believed that justice will be served in the case with my Lordship in charge and so we are not opposed to the re-arraignment of the accused persons".

In his own submissions, Akuma informed the court of a pending application, challenging the transfer of the case from Abuja to Lagos saying the action violated certain provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.

He said, "Though, we are here in due obedience to the hearing notice served on us, we are in no way waiving our rights in challenging the transfer of the case from Abuja to Lagos".

The prosecutor, Mr. Adeniyi, did not opposed the submission of lawyers to the accused persons, but said his agency is only interested in the prosecution of the defendants.

After listening to the lawyers, Justice Idris, adjourned the matter to December 12 and 13, while also ordering that the defendants continue to enjoy the terms of the earlier bail granted to them in Abuja.

DSS raids: NJC bars judges from accepting gifts, outlaws public disclosure of petitions

DSS raids: NJC bars judges from accepting gifts, outlaws public disclosure of petitions 

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has formally
barred judges and court staff from soliciting or
accepting gifts from other arms of government.
In a statement issued yesterday, in Abuja, the NJC
reiterated its independence as an arm of
government and has outlawed any form of lobbying
of other arms of government by the Judiciary or any
of its institutions.
It has also outlined new measures to curb
corruption and other unethical conduct among
judicial officers and other court staff.
These are contained in a new National Judicial
Policy (NJP) to be launched by the NJC.
The new policy has also outlined how complaints
against judges and its staff will not be made public.
The new policy seeks to merge and improve on the
existing NJC’s NJP and a similar policy by the
National Judicial Institute (NJI).
The existing Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers
provides that “a judges and members of his/her
family shall neither ask for nor accept any gift,
bequest, favour, or loan on account of anything
done or omitted to be done by him in the discharge
of his duties.”
But, the provision in the new policy specifically bars
judges and other court staff from accepting gifts
from other arms of government, and made
compliance mandatory.
Section 2(3)(2) of the new policy states:” The Code
of Conduct fro Judicial Officers and Code of
Conduct for Court Employees, with the amendment
discouraging acceptance of gifts from other arms of
government, should be such as would be adequate.
Compliance with their provisions shall be
mandatory.”
On its relationship with other arms of government,
the NJP prescribes that “the Judiciary shall not
resort to lobbying in ensuring that the Legislature
and the Executive perform their constitutional
responsibilities. All arms of government should
respect the doctrine of separation of powers as
enshrined in the Constitution. The policy has also
introduced measures to further keep complaints
against judges and other court staff from the media
and public domain. Provisions in this regard are
contained in section 2(2)(4) to 2(2)(9).
“It shall be the policy of the Judiciary on complaints
of misconduct against judicial officers or employees
of the Judiciary shall not be leaked or published in
the media.
“Where complaints on allegations against Judicial
Officers and Court employees are submitted for
investigation, the complainant or complainants shall
be made to give an undertaking not to do anything
to prejudice investigation or actions that may be
taken.
“The institutions of the Judiciary concerned with
investigation or and implementation of decisions
taken on such complaints shall be obliged to cease
further action where such complaints are leaked or
discussed in the media.
“Where such a leakage is occasioned after the
submission of a complaint then all investigations on
the complaints shall be suspended, the leakage
investigated and if such leakage is from the
complainant on through other parties known to such
a complainant, such a complaint should be
discarded.
“Where such leakage is occasioned prior to the
presentation of the complaint and the source of the
leakage is found to be the complainant or through
other parties known to and connected with the
complainant then such complaint shall not be
accepted, upon submission, by the appropriate
disciplinary body.
“Upon the conclusion of any investigation, the
judicial disciplinary bodies may allow public
disclosure of their findings, subject to following the
proper channels for such disclosure.”
The NJC explained that the new policy was intended
to enhance the performance of the Judiciary in the
face of mounting public complaint and dwindling
public confidence on its ability to deliver justice.
Between October 7-8, the Department of State
Security (DSS), in a sting operation, arrested seven
judicial officers comprising two justices of the
Supreme Court and judges of the Appeal and High
Courts across the country over alleged corruption
and false declaration of assets.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), who also
doubles as the NJC Chairman, Justice Mahmud
Mohammed, condemned the raid.

Power firms demand 200% increase in tariff

Power firms demand 200% increase in tariff

There may be a fresh increase of over 200 per cent in electricity tariff being paid by residential consumers if a proposal by power distribution companies to raise the average energy charge to N105 per kilowatt-hour from the current rate of 22.8KWH is approved.

This is coming less than eight months after about 45 per cent increase in tariff was imposed on electricity consumers
nationwide.

The power firms attributed their latest push for tariff increase to high inflation rate in the country, scarcity of foreign exchange, devaluation of the naira and the huge debts being owed them.

Already, the Discos said they had hinted the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission about the proposal but no action had been taken on it yet.

The Chief Executive Officer, Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors, an umbrella body for the Discos, Mr. Azu Obiaya, confirmed the latest agitation for tariff increase, in an interview with our correspondent, stressing that it was important to raise the tariff in order to remain in business and serve the people
well.

Azu said, “To review the tariff, we will be looking at an average rate of N70 per kilowatt-hour for residential consumers. But some Discos will like to have the rate as high as N105/kWh.”

Each Disco has a fixed energy charge payable by its customers.
The highest charge, according to documents obtained by our
correspondent from NERC for the year 2016, is N32.26/KWH and
this is payable by R2 consumers under the Jos Electricity
Distribution Company.

The lowest energy charge of N15.83/KWH is payable by R2
customers who get power from Ikeja Electricity Distribution
Company.
A further analysis shows that the average energy charge for all
the 11 Discos is N22.8/KWH.

But the Discos were said not to be comfortable with the current
rate, as they argued that it was not cost reflective and was
hampering the required expansion of infrastructure as well as the
smooth flow of operations.

Azu, who spoke to our correspondent on the sidelines of a power
dialogue in Abuja on Thursday, said the debts owed power
distribution companies by private homes, businesses and
government ministries, departments and agencies post-
privatisation amounted to N568bn.
He also stated that one reason many Discos had not metered
their customers was due to the huge debts owed them, as well
as the tariff issue.

This, he said, had hampered the operations of the different
Discos, a development that had made it difficult for the
companies to meet the funds remittances required of them by
the Market Operator.
Obiaya said, “Discos are experiencing revenue shortfall on a
monthly basis of N38bn. As of June 2016, the MDAs owed the
Discos N53bn post-privatisation.
“The books of the Discos are so bad that they have no chance
anymore to access finance. These books do not reflect the cash
flow that is necessary for them to be taken seriously by any
lender.”
A senior official at NERC told our correspondent that although the
Discos had been calling for an upward review in tariff, the
regulator had not considered their demand.
“The minor review of tariff is ongoing at present but NERC has
yet to consider their plea for such increase in tariff, although the
economic fundamentals in Nigeria have seriously changed and
are now so high,” the official said.
When contacted, the National Secretary, National Electricity
Consumers Advocacy Network, Mr. Obong Eko, stated that
NECAN would never support such move.
He described the move as the peak of insensitivity to the flight of
Nigerian masses.
He said, “They’ve been flying the kite for some time now because
the last time tariff review was done was when the exchange rate
for one United States dollar was about N190. But now, one dollar
is close to N500; and the price of gas in the international market
has gone up too.
“Despite all these, it will still be so unreasonable to come out to
announce an increase in tariff now that Nigerians are going
through severe suffering. Are they aware that people are dying of
hunger? We can never support such move and we will resist it.”

Buhari picks Bugaje, Ibeto, Mamora, Tallen, Nsofor, Ogunwusi, 40 others as ambassadors

Buhari picks Bugaje, Ibeto, Mamora, Tallen, Nsofor, Ogunwusi, 40 others as ambassadors

President Muhammadu Buhari has picked former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora, former Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Mrs. Pauline Tallen, former member of the House of Representatives, Dr. Usman Bugaje, and 43 others as non-career ambassadors.

He sent their names to the Senate on Thursday for confirmation.
Below is the full list of non-career ambassadorial nominees:

Abia- Dr. (Mrs) Uzoma E. Emenike
Adamawa- Dr Cliford Zirra
Akwa Ibom- Major General Godwin Umo (rtd)
Anambra- Christopher J .N. Okeke
Bauchi- Yusuf Tuggar
Bayelsa- Brigadier General Stanley Diriyai
Benue- Dr. Enyantu Ifeme
Cross Rivers- Dr. Etuborn N.E Asuquo
Delta- Engr Francis Efeduma
Ebonyi- Jonah Odo
Edo- Uyagwe Igbe
Ekiti- Ayodele L. Ayodeji
Enugu- Major General Chris Eze
Gombe- Alhaji Suleiman Hassan
Jigawa- Amin Muhammad
Kadunna- Mohammed Yaro
Kaduna- Deborah lliya
Kano- Prof. D. Abdulkadir
Kano- Alhaji Haruna Ungogo
Katsina- Justice Isa Dodo
Katsina- Usman Bugaje
Kebbi- Prof. Tijani Bande‎
Kogi- Prof. Y.O Aliu
Kwara- Nurudeen Mohammed
Kwara- Prof. Mohamed Yisa
Lagos- Justice George Oguntade
Lagos- Senator O Mamora
Lagos- Modupe Irele
Nasarawa- Musa Muhammad
Niger- Mohammed Ibeto
Ogun- Ade Asekun
Ondo- Barrister Sola Iji
Osun- Adegboyega Ogunwusi
Oyo- Major General Ashimiyu Olaniyi (Rtd)
Plateau- Pauline Tallen
Plateau- Haruna Abdulahi
Rivers- Orji Ngofa
Rivers- Justice Sylvanus Adiewere Nsofor
Sokoto- Jamila Ahmadu-Duka
Sokoto- Kabiru Umar
Taraba- Mustapha Jaji
Yobe- Goni Modu Zanna Bura
Zamfara- Garba Gajam
Zamfara- Captain Abdullahi Una Garbasi

Dame Jonathan sues SERAP over alleged ‘vilification, and breach of human rights’

Dame Jonathan sues SERAP over alleged ‘vilification, and breach of human rights’

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has been sued over alleged “campaign of calumny against Mrs Dame Patience Jonathan using online, print and electronic media to publish to the public unfounded and malicious allegations that she stole $15m (US) and ought to be prosecuted.”

In a statement dated 20 October 2016 and signed by SERAP executive director Adetokunbo Mumuni the organization said, “On 18th October 2016 at about 3pm we received court papers dated 6th October 2016 from a bailiff. The papers indicate that one Union of Niger Delta Youth Organization for Equity, Justice and Good Governance suing for themselves and on behalf of Mrs Dame Patience Jonathan filed a suit number FHC/L/CS/1349/2016 before a Federal High Court in Lagos against SERAP.”

According to Mumuni, “the court papers also indicate a prayer for an order of interim injunction restraining SERAP from taking any further steps in further vilification, condemnation and conviction of the Former First Lady Mrs Dame Patience Jonathan, in all public media and in the use of the judicial process for that purpose by the extremely publicized pursuit of any application for the coercion of the Attorney General of the Federation to prosecute the Plaintiff/Applicant for owning legitimate private property, pending the hearing and determination of the Originating Summons.”

Mumuni also revealed that, “The suit is seeking an order directing SERAP to stay all action and to desist forthwith from proceeding against Mrs Dame Patience Jonathan, with any process whatsoever, pending the hearing and determination of the Originating Summons. SERAP was also served a separate application to be joined in the suit number FHC/L/CS/1318/2016 earlier filed by SERAP against the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, over allegations of $15m unexplained wealth against Mrs Jonathan.”

In reaction to the development, Mumuni said, “SERAP categorically rejects these misleading and entirely unfounded accusations against us by Mrs Patience Jonathan and her group, and we will vigorously oppose the suit in court. SERAP will never, in the discharge of its mandates, succumb to any intimidation, harassment and attacks in any way, shape or form. We are now consulting with our lawyers and will be preparing shortly our defence in court.”

According to Mumuni, “At no time did SERAP suggest or even hint that Mrs Jonathan was guilty of the allegations against her. On the contrary, what SERAP has said is that the fact that the $15m found in the four accounts belong to Mrs Jonathan raises serious suspicion or at the very least a prima-facie case of unexplained wealth/illicit enrichment, and imposes an obligation on Mrs Jonathan to explain and justify the source(s) of the $15m.”

Mumuni also said, “To be sure, SERAP is not engaged in any campaign against Mrs Jonathan or any other politically exposed persons for that matter. Our suit was filed against the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Mr Abubakar Malami, SAN, and not Mrs Jonathan. It’s a joke to accuse SERAP of trying to coerce the Attorney General to perform his constitutional duty, as this is for the court to decide.”

Mumuni said that, “SERAP consistently strives to ensure that its human rights and accountability work meet international standards and the highest standards of analytical rigor devoid of bias or assumptions as to individual’s guilt. Mrs Jonathan should end her attacks on an NGO simply working to make the government function to improve the conditions of millions of marginalized and disadvantaged Nigerians.”

Mumumi further said that, “Our work is driven solely by the fundamental principles of justice, impartiality, solidarity, universality of human rights, transparency and accountability in the management of Nigeria’s resources and wealth. We believe that it is through action that we have taken in this matter that the government can be motivated to live up to its commitments and to meet the expectations of Nigerians for good governance, human rights and the rule of law.”

SERAP quoted the court papers it received from Mrs Jonathan and her group as reading in part: “The campaign by SERAP is in breach of Mrs Jonathan’s right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty under Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended). The action by SERAP seeks to coerce the Attorney General of the Federation to embark on a breach of the same right when the Attorney General is in a better position than SERAP and the Court to know whether or not there is any evidence of wrongdoing by Mrs Jonathan.”

“SERAP’s action is blatant misuse of the processes of this Court. SERAP therefore no longer deserves to continue as an incorporated entity and ought to be dissolved. It is just and equitable to dissolve SERAP in the circumstances of this case. Damages will not be adequate compensation for the irreparable damage Mrs Jonathan will suffer if the application is not granted. The Plaintiff undertakes as to damages in favour of SERAP in the event the instant application ought not to have been granted.”

“There has been a running battle between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Mrs Jonathan with respect to the release of her legitimately earned funds which were deposited in accounts opened in the names of certain companies by one of her husband’s aides without her authorization.”

“The funds in question were legitimate gifts from her friends and well-wishers over the last 15 years which she had been saving in order to utilize to upgrade family businesses and concerns which had been somewhat dormant by reason of the long period of her husband service as a public officer in Nigeria.”

“The gifts were given in small contributions by several persons some of whom she cannot even now recall over this period of 15 years sometimes in as small a gift as N250,000 Naira. In order to preserve the value of these funds which she did not require for any purpose at the time she changed them into foreign exchange and kept them as cash for a long period in her home safe in Port Harcourt and Abuja.”

“It was when the family home in Otuoke was burnt down by hoodlums under the instigation of political adversaries in 2010 that she began to think about banking these gifts which had now grown to large sums in United States Dollars. In 2010 she therefore summoned one of her husband’s domestic aids, Waripamo-Owei Emmanuel Dudafa to assist her in opening bank accounts into which the funds could be deposited.”

“Unknown to her the said Dudafa in a bid to be discreet about the owner of the funds decided to bank the funds in the names of companies owned by him. When she discovered this she was constrained to continue with the names of the companies when she was advised that it did not make any difference as to the ownership of the funds since the director of the company would appoint her as sole signatory to the accounts in question.”

“When in 2016 Dudafa was arrested and detained she had no fear for the funds as she realized that the funds could not be attributable to him once it was discovered that she was the sole signatory to the said accounts. It was therefore a rude shock to her when she discovered that a no transaction order had been placed on the accounts by the EFCC in the belief that the funds belonged to Dudafa.”

“She instructed her solicitors to further write to the EFCC to inform them that the funds belong to her and that they formed a part of her legitimate earnings over the last 15 years. It was this letter that was leaked by the EFCC to the media that became sensationalized and led to the plaintiff’s vilification and attack by ignorant persons who had no information about the matter.”

“SERAP is playing to the public gallery in order to gain the notoriety it has achieved over the past years. SERAP has done this mostly by intervening in high profile issues without regard to the rights of persons it claims to protect. SERAP jumped into the fray of ignorant accusations being made against Mrs Dame Patience Jonathan in the public media and has begun a campaign of calumny against her using online, print and electronic media to publish to the public unfounded and malicious allegations that she stole the funds in question and ought to be prosecuted.”

“SERAP has maintained this position, notwithstanding the fact that there is no evidence whatsoever by which Mrs Jonathan could be prosecuted for obtaining the funds through unlawful means. In furtherance of this campaign, SERAP, being in breach of its own objects for which it was incorporated, has continued to proclaim the guilt of Mrs Jonathan in the media and recently was widely reported in the news media to have commenced a self-serving action to attempt to coerce the Attorney General of the Federation to prosecute her.”

JAMB scraps use of scratch cards

JAMB Scraps Use Of Scratch Cards

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has scrapped the use of scratch cards for any of its transactions and services, describing it as “archaic,” its Registrar/Chief Executive, Prof. Is-haq
Oloyede, has announced.

He also demanded that the Federal Government should revert to the former system where serving vice-chancellors of universities were made chairmen of the Governing Board of JAMB.

A statement issued by the spokesperson for JAMB, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, obtained by The PUNCH on Sunday, said Oloyede made the announcement in Abuja in a paper he delivered during a meeting of
the Association of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities.

According to him, JAMB would be using the platform of pin vending to check all forms of fraudulent practices which was prevalent with the use of scratch cards.

“The decision is as a result of its consistent subjection to fraudulent practices, the use of scratch cards is archaic and it is the aim of JAMB to also promote accountability in line with
government’s zero tolerance for corruption. This new system will be accessible through the options of web payment, ATM issued cards (Visa, Verve and MasterCard), online quick teller, ATM payment, quick teller mobile application and Bank Branch case/card,” he emphasised.

Oloyede said in the olden days, the understanding was that only serving vice-chancellors were made chairmen of Governing Board of JAMB.

While appealing that government should go back to the practice from inception, Oloyede added that since the agency was a creation of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian universities, it would only be proper for them to be clearly recognised as active stakeholders to avoid any acrimony between tertiary institutions and JAMB.

He believed that going back to the old practices would “engender good synergies and harmonious relationship with a view to effectively delivering on
its mandates.”

Alleged sex scandal: Reps to sue US Govt for $1bn damages

Alleged sex scandal: Reps to sue US Govt for $1bn damages

The three members of the House of Representatives exonerated
of the sexual misconduct allegations levelled against them by the
United States Government are set to file a $1bn suit against the
latter and its agents, Saturday PUNCH has learnt.
They are House Deputy Chairman, Committee on Petroleum
Resources (Upstream), Mr. Terse Mark-Gbillah (Benue); Mr.
Samuel Ikon (Akwa Ibom); and Mr. Mohammed Garba-Gololo
(Bauchi).
A former US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. James Entwistle, had
accused the three lawmakers of committing the alleged
misconduct during a visit to his country last April for a leadership
training programme, prompting the Nigerian legislature to call for
an investigation.
The House had exonerated the lawmakers on Tuesday after a
report by its Joint Committees on Ethics/Privileges and Foreign
Relations found no wrongdoing on their part.
It will be recalled that the narrative changed in favour of Mark-
Gbillah, Garba-Gololo and Ikon after the Minister of Foreign
Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama, appeared before the committees
on July 21 to testify that the US did not produce any concrete
evidence to prove the allegations.
Entwistle failed to appear before the committees, while a female
maid, who alleged that Garba-Gololo “grabbed” her, also
declined to testify.
Speaking with Saturday PUNCH on the outcome of the
investigation, Mark-Gbillah disclosed that the three lawmakers
would immediately institute a legal action against their accusers
in the US.
Mark-Gbillah, who spoke for the three lawmakers, stated that the
US Government, Entwistle, the Marriot Hotel, the US Embassy
and their agents would be sued for damages.
This will be in addition to demanding what he called
“internationally-published apology.”
He expressed regrets that they would be unable to visit the US
physically to file the suit because their visas, which were
withdrawn in the wake of the “false allegations”, had not been
restored.
Mark-Gbillah gave details of the steps the members would take,
saying, “We won’t let the matter go like that because our
reputation has been defamed internationally and there is also the
cancellation of our visas to consider, a decision that has still not
been reversed.
“In the American archives, the records have not been set straight.
As a matter of fact, this has already affected the members of one
of our families.
“We will be seeking legal redress in the US; we are going to take
the hotel to court, the Marriot Hotel, the parent brand, the place
we stayed (in the US). We are going to take the (former US)
ambassador himself and the US State Department, who are his
employers to court. We are going to be taking the local
organisers of the programme to court as well.
“We will be seeking among other things, an internationally-
published apology to us as individuals, to the National Assembly
and to Nigeria by the US Government.
“We are going to be seeking damages from all concerned parties
and right now, we are looking at suing in the region of $1bn.
“Already, contacts have been made with various law firms in the
US. We want to use a very reputable law firm.
“You can now see that the revocation of our visas is now
hindering our ability to visit the US physically to do the ground
work. We are liaising with our lawyers via email messages and
telephone calls.
“The lawyers will still advise us on whether to ask for damages of
up to $10bn because the damage they did to us can’t be
quantified in financial terms.”
Saturday PUNCH was unable to reach Garba-Gololo for
comments, but Ikon confirmed that Mark-Gbillah spoke for the
group.
“Mark-Gbillah is our spokesperson. Whatever he has said is what
we are going to do.
“For me, there is no comment again,” he added.
The House committees made three recommendations to the
session, which was presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Mr.
Yussuff Lasun.
It read, “That Hon. Mohammed Garba Gololo, Hon. Mark Terseer
Gbillah and Hon. Samuel Ikon are cleared of and exonerated from
the allegations levelled against them by the United States
Ambassador to Nigeria in his June 9, 2016 letter to the Rt. Hon.
Speaker, for want of evidence;
“That in the light of the foregoing, the Hon. Minister of Foreign
Affairs do engage with (sic) the United States Ambassador to
Nigeria, with a view to finding a seamless resolution of the
domestic fallout of this unfortunate incident as it relates to Hon.
Mohammed Garba Gololo, Hon. Mark Terseer Gbillah and Hon.
Samuel Ikon;
“That the Ministry of Foreign Affairs do write (sic) to remind the
United States Embassy of the need to always adopt the official
channel of communications in its dealings with any organ or
institution of government.”
The House adopted all three recommendations soon after the
Lead Chairman, Mr. Nicholas Ossai, briefed members on the
findings of the investigation.
He stated, “The committee was not availed of any concrete
evidence outside the confidential letter the ambassador wrote the
speaker.
“There was no video, audio or any form of evidence presented
before the committee to justify the allegations.”
While testifying on July 21, Onyeama had told the committee how
he encountered Entwistle over the allegations, but could not get
“concrete evidence.”
He explained how the former US Ambassador also apologised for
not using the official diplomatic channel to route his letter to the
Speaker (Mr. Yakubu Dogara) through the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs.

Punch

CBN approves special forex sale for airlines, others

CBN approves special forex sale for airlines, others

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has approved a special secondary
market intervention retail sales of foreign exchange for airlines
operating in the country.
According to a statement from the aviation arm of the Federal Ministry
of Transportation on Friday, the arrangement is dedicated to the
clearance of the backlog of matured foreign exchange obligations.
Also to benefit from the intervention, according to the ministry, are
importers of raw materials and machineries for manufacturing
companies and agricultural chemicals.
It noted that the resolution by the apex bank to intervene in the
interbank forex market through forward settlement was expected to
engender market confidence, ensure access to forex by the airlines to
settle their obligations, and sustain the integrity of the Nigerian
interbank foreign exchange market.
The statement noted that the implication of the intervention was that
the CBN would not apply the Clause 2.4.3 (i) of the Revised Guidelines
for the Operation of the Nigerian Interbank Foreign Exchange Market,
which provides that “all SMIS bids shall be submitted to the CBN
through the FXPDs.”
The ministry stated that consequently, the CBN shall receive bids from
all the authorised dealers and would also not apply the relevant
provisions under clause 2.4.3 (i) of the guidelines, which provide that
“spot forex sold to any particular end-user shall not exceed one per
cent of the overall available funds on offer at each SMIS session.”
Reacting to the development, the Minister of State for Aviation, Senator
Hadi Sirika, described the special intervention by the central bank as a
great relief for airline operators who had complained bitterly over their
inability to access the required foreign exchange to settle their backlog
of obligations.
This, he said, had adversely affected their operations.
Sirika noted that he apex bank had taken the right decision that would
not only strengthen the existing airlines, but also inspire confidence in
aspiring operators in Nigeria’s aviation industry.
According to the minister, the development is coming after
intervention by the Federal Government through the Ministry of
Aviation on behalf of the foreign airlines and domestic operators under
the aegis of the Airlines Operators of Nigeria.
“This is after much intervention on behalf of the airlines, both foreign
and domestic. The central bank has yielded and we are happy because
this means a lot to us and the airlines. They have been going through a
lot and we are so happy that this will be a huge succour to their
operations,” he said.
He said airline operators in the country had been affected by their
inability to access forex to settle their backlog of obligations, adding
that their operations had been adversely affected in the process.
Describing the sector as critical to economic growth, Sirika said the
CBN had taken the right step to strengthen the airlines.
The CBN had said in a circular to the concerned sectors that the
intervention would further engender market confidence, ensure access
to forex by end users and sustain the integrity of the interbank forex
market.

 – Punch.

Inflation rate rises to 17.9% – NBS

Inflation rate rises to 17.9% – NBS

In September, the Consumer Price Index, which measures inflation
across the country, increased by 17.9 per cent year-on-year, up from
the 17.6 per cent recorded the previous month.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), energy and
energy-related prices continue to be the largest increases reflected in
the core sub-index.
It stated that in September, the core sub-index increased by 17.7 per
cent, up by 0.5 per cent points from rates recorded in August (17.2 per
cent).
“During the month, the highest increases were seen in the electricity,
liquid fuel (kerosene), solid fuels, and fuels and lubricants for personal
transport equipment groups. Communication and restaurants and
hotels recorded the lowest rates of increase of the 12 divisions,
growing by 5.6 per cent and 9.6 per cent, respectively,” the NBS stated.
The bureau noted that the food sub index increased by 16.6 per cent
year-on-year in September, up by 0.19 per cent points from rate
recorded in August (16.4 per cent).
It stated that a number of groups within the food index recorded falls
in the rate of price increases, including fish, which had previously been
a key driver, as well as oils and fats, and fruits.
The NBS said price movements recorded by the all items less farm
produce or core sub-index increased by 17.7 per cent year-on-year in
September, up by 0.5 per cent points from rates recorded in August
(17.2 per cent).
“During the month, the highest increases were seen in clothing
materials, other articles of clothing and clothing accessories,
garments, shoes and other footwear, books and stationeries, jewellery,
clocks and watches, and motorcycles,” it added.
The bureau further noted that the percentage change in the average
composite CPI for the 12-month period ending in September 2016 over
the average of the CPI for the previous 12-month period was 13.5 per
cent, higher from 12.7 per cent recorded in August.
“The corresponding 12-month year-on-year average percentage
change for the urban index increased from 13.6 per cent in August to
14.4 per cent in September, while the corresponding rural index also
increased from 12 per cent in August to 12.6 per cent in September,”
the NBS added.

Speed limit device: FRSC issues warning tickets to 41,381 defaulters

Speed limit device: FRSC issues warning tickets to 41,381 defaulters

The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) on Friday issued
warning tickets to 41,381 commercial drivers nationwide who
defaulted in the implementation of the Speed Limiting Device.
Mr Bisi Kazeem, FRSC’s Head of Media Relations and Strategy, told
the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the compliance level
for 43,433 vehicles was checked nationwide, out of which 2,273
vehicles complied, while 41,381 were yet to comply.
Kazeem said that tickets were issued to the 41,381 yet to comply
with the implementation, adding that the corps had recorded above
five per cent compliance level nationwide within two weeks.
He said the corps had commenced the advisory enforcement of the
device which was more of subtle force, on Oct. 1, 2016
“Like we explained, subtle force is a sought of enforcement approach
that entails us stopping commercial vehicles and finding out whether
they have installed the speed limiting device.
“If they have not, a ticket is issued to that offender, it is called free
safety check and it is to warn that you have been verified not to have
installed the device.
“Progressively as at now, 43,433 vehicles have been checked and the
number with the device is 2,273, unfortunately, this is low, though in
some sought, it is encouraging .
“So far, Cross Rivers is leading in the compliance list with 277
installation record; Enugu State is second with 227; Akwa/Ibom has
184; while Kogi has 172 and Lagos came fifth with 145,’’ the FRSC
spokesman.
Kazeem said the implementation process was categorised into 36
states and the FCT, and as at Oct.14, five states were leading in the
compliance level.
He said Cross Rivers, Enugu and Akwa/Ibom ,however, increased the
number of states that had begun the implementation of the device
order given by the FRSC.
NAN recalls that Rivers and Kogi had last week begun the
implementation and are leading other states in the compliance level.
Kazeem said that the corps would continue to check and give
warning tickets to commercial vehicles that defaulted as well as
encourage them to do the right thing.
He advised fleet operators that had installed the device already to
calibrate it and upload it with the FRSC so as ensure full compliance .
He also urged the unions to continue to support the scheme and
comply with it fully before February 2017 when the corps would begin
strict enforcement.
“No going back on punishment of defaulters, so it is a clarion call to
install to comply before before 2017, ’’ the FRSC spokesman said

How we negotiated Chibok girls’ freedom

How we negotiated Chibok girls’ freedom’

Says: We’ll employ same strategy to rescue other girls

A key player in the negotiation that led to Thursday’s release of 21
of the Chibok schoolgirls on Friday spoke on the effort that went
into the deal.
Vocal civil liberty activist, Senator Shehu Sani drafted the master
plan for the negotiation and facilitated the involvement of
Switzerland in the talks as well as the Internantional Red Cross in
transporting the girls to safety.
He told The Nation that with the confidence built on both sides,it
might not be long before the remaining girls joined their families.
His words: “I believe  that this government has achieved what has
never been achieved and there I have the  confidence that the other
girls will also be released through the same process that was taken
for these ones to be released.
“The confidence has been built on both sides and the parties have
agreed to do more.  I can tell you that there was no prisoner swap.
There was none.”
Explaining his role in the release of the girls,Sani said : “Well I
actually did not take part in the negotiation but I was the one who
drafted the master plan for the negotiation, and I was also the one
who invited the Swiss and the RCRC into it, and I was also the one
who linked the Swiss with the person who negotiated .
“This  master plan started from 2014 but it was followed through
with the effort of the person who negotiated ,who happened to be
Mustapha Zanna, a lawyer in Maiduguri.  I was the one who brought
Mustapha  Zanna in with Switzerland and the RCRC.
“So this effort ,this success , could be said to be the joint  effort of
Mustapha Zanna,Switzerland RCRC and the Department of State
Security (DSS).
“But I was the one who drafted the master plan  for this. The
reason for bringing Swiss into it was because we needed to have a
different country that would offer guarantee to both  the insurgents
and the government because previous talks crashed because there
was lack of  trust between the government and the insurgents.
“But now, we needed a country that would offer guarantee to both
sides.  Switzerland offered to assist after I had encountered
fellows from some of  the countries which we had contacted.
“Swiss offered to facilitate the negotiation  and I linked them up to
the negotiator and the master plan was for the government and the
insurgents to negotiate.
Continuing,Sani said: “The agreement was reached through
Mustapha Zanna and the Swiss offering the guarantee. RCRC was
not part of the negotiation team. All they did was to ensure the
implementation of  the rescue of the girls.
“This is why you see some accusations and counter accusations
between the government and the RCRC.”
Asked how he was involved in the 2014 process when he wasn’t
sure that his party (All Progressives Congress) would form the
government, Sani replied:  “ I was the one who took  (former
President Olusegun) Obasanjo to Maiduguri to go and work out the
possibility of  ending  the insurgency.
“It is simply my patriotic zeal to contribute to ending the
insurgency.  The last government was not as committed as this
government as you could see many of them turn the issue of the
insurgency into a big business.  But this is a new government that
kept its own promise of addressing this very problem.”
On how the girls should be handled now that they are out of
captivity the Senator said: “These girls need a lot of psychological
rehabilitation for the trauma which they have passed through for  all
this period of time.
“If you live with the insurgents, you need to b rehabilitated to lead a
normal life again. They have been filled with different ideas, so we
need to detoxify their minds for the very fact that they felt
abandoned; some of them have been brainwashed and
indoctrinated.  This is why we need to de-worm them. It is very
necessary.
“We should all help the parents of these girls to be able to cater for
their daughters because at the end of the day, no matter what we
do to these girls, they will still need to go back to their homes.
“It will not be unwise  for every state of the federation to at least
name one street  in honour of these girls so that next generation
will not forget  the names of these girls who have fallen victim of
insurgents.”

Boko Haram: EFCC arrests Military officers for diverting Soldiers’ death benefits

Boko Haram: EFCC arrests Military officers for diverting Soldiers’ death benefits

For allegedly opening fake accounts to divert N339m benefits
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has
arrested two military officers and four others for allegedly opening
fake accounts to divert N339million benefits of next-of-kin of
deceased military officers and men within two months.
Two other suspects are at large as the commission launches a
manhunt for them.
Some of those whose benefits were diverted are said to have died in
the course of the war against Boko Haram in the Northeast.
According to investigation, the officers arrested were from the
Military Pension Board including a Wing Commander and Lt.
commander.
Their other accomplices were Branch Manager and Relationship
Manager of United Bank for Africa (UBA).
It was gathered that the auditors of UBA raised the alarm when its
auditors discovered that huge parts of the funds were “cashed
across the counter in a suspicious manner.”
Based on the alert by the bank, the EFCC stepped in to crack how the
fraud was perpetrated.
A top source in EFCC said: “We have arrested a serving Wing
Commander, a Lt. Commander and four others for N339million death
benefit of some deceased military officers and men. Two others are
at large but we have watch-listed them.
“The affected military officers were both cashier and computer
operator in Military Pension Board and they connived with six others
to carry out the fraud in UBA branch, Wuse Zone 3 branch.
“Between April and June 2016, they opened accounts where benefits
of the next-of-kins of deceased military men were diverted into. In
fact, under two months, N339million was withdrawn and wired into
more than 11 accounts. The withdrawal was in two tranches of
N298million and N41million.
” The Auditors of the bank observed suspicious withdrawal of huge
chunk of the cash from  across the counter
The source claimed that all the suspects have admitted their
involvement in the crime.
The source added: “During the investigation, the Branch Manager and
the Relationship Manager confessed and admitted opening these
slush accounts. Some existing accounts of customers and the
friends of the suspects were also used to divert the funds.
“Findings confirmed that the husbands of the two bank officials
benefitted from the death benefit fraud.
“Two suspects, who are personal friends of the Branch Manager and
Relationship Manager are at large. But we have watch-listed them.
We will soon arrest them.
“The military officers also admitted to have colluded and conspired
with the bank officials to use the slush accounts for the fraud. These
serving military officers incorporated a company each and funds
were wired into the accounts of their companies.”

Raid on judges’ houses threat to judiciary independence –NJC

Raid on judges’ houses threat to judiciary independence –NJC

The National Judicial Council on Thursday condemned the raid
on some judges’ houses by the operatives of the Department of
State Services over the weekend and the subsequent arrest of
the judicial officers.
In a statement issued by the Acting Director, Information, Mr. Soji
Oye, late Thursday night, the NJC described the treatment meted
out to the arrested judicial officers as a threat to the
independence of the judiciary.
At the meeting, Oye said the NJC nominated to President
Muhammadu Buhari for appointment as the next Chief Justice of
Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, to succeed the outgoing CJN,
Justice Mahmud Mohamed, who retires on attaining 70 years of
age on November 10, 2016.
The NJC expressed support for the President Buhari
administration’s fight against corruption and the cleansing of the
judiciary.
It also expressed confidence in the President Buhari’s
administration’s resolve to hold uphold the principle of
democracy and separation of powers as enshrined in the
constitution.
But the council expressed what it termed as “grave concern”
about the events leading to the arrest of the judicial officers, a
development which it described as an “attempt by the DSS to
humiliate, intimidate, denigrate and cow the judiciary.”
The NJC insisted that, “it (the council) maintains its earlier
decision that no judicial officer shall be invited by any institution
including the DSS, without complying with the rule of law and due
process.”
The statement read in part, “At its last Emergency Meeting which
was held on 11th October, 2016, Council reiterated its absolute
confidence in President Muhammadu Buhari administration and
its unwavering determination to uphold the principles of
democracy, separation of powers and the rule of law enshrined in
the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as
amended and the United Nations Charter, which Nigeria is a
member.
“That it shall continue to support the President Buhari
administration in its fight against corruption in all its
ramifications in the Federation; and in cleansing the judiciary of
corrupt judicial officers.
“However, council expresses its grave concern on the recent
invasion of the residences and arrest of some serving and
suspended judicial officers by the Department of State Services;
and condemned the action in its entirety.
“Viewed the action as a threat to the independence of the
judiciary, which portends great danger to our democracy; and
also considered the action as a clear attempt by the DSS to
humiliate, intimidate, denigrate and cow the judiciary.”
The council denied shielding judges accused of corruption, while
it debunked claims attributed to the DSS in both the print and
electronic media that the council failed to act on the petitions
sent against the judges.
Describing claims credited to the DSS as “misinformation and
disinformation,” it said it only received two petitions from the
DSS with respect to the judges whose houses were raided.
The council said it only received two petitions from the DSS
against Justice Pindiga, who had been cleared by it, and another
one against Justice Dimgba, who was still being investigated
while the raid on his home was carried out.
The NJC said the only pending petition against Justice Ademola
was sent to the council by one Mr. Jenkins Duviegiane Gwebe.
“Contrary to the claim by the DSS and as published in the
electronic and print media, Council has never received any
petition against the aforesaid Judicial Officers: Hon. Justices
Ngwuta and Okoro of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, by the DSS,”
the statement added.
It said with respect to Justice Tsamiya, “At its meeting which
was held on 29th September, 2016, Council had found His
Lordship culpable of professional misconduct contrary to Code of
Conduct for Judicial Officers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
and the provisions of Section 292 of 1999 Constitution of Federal
Republic of Nigeria.
“Accordingly, he was recommended to Mr. President for
compulsory retirement from office following the petition written
by one Mr.Nnamdi Iro Oji for demanding N200m bribe.
“It is to be stressed that from the evidence before the Council,
Hon. Justice Ladan Tsamiya did not receive N200m bribe. The
petitioner adduced evidence to support his allegation that Hon.
Justice Tsamiya only demanded for the money.
“In the exercise of its power, Council had suspended Justice
Tsamiya from office, pending when the President will act on the
recommendation.”
The council also said, in the case of a former Chief Judge, Enugu
State, Justice Umezulike, he had been recommended for
compulsory retirement from office to Enugu State Governor “for
gross misconduct, pursuant to the petition written against him by
Mr. Peter Eze.”
It also said, Justice Auta was investigated by the Council “based
on allegations of corrupt practices levelled against him in a
petition forwarded to Council by one Alhaji Kabiru Yakassai.
“His Lordship was recommended to the Governor of Kano State
for removal from office by dismissal.
“Council wrote separately to the AIG Kano Zone 1, for Police to
prosecute Hon. Justice Auta.
“Council has suspended His Lordship from office pending when
the Governor will act on its recommendation.”

Punch

16 herdsmen convicted for crazing cattle in Abuja

16 herdsmen convicted for crazing cattle in Abuja

Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, has said that 16 herdsmen, who grazed their cattle in the nation's capital city, have been prosecuted and convicted before the Sanitation Mobile Court, just as 32 herds of cattle and 38 sheep have been impounded.

In a statement on Thursday, the FCTA Chief Press Secretary, Muhammad  Sule, said  that the Abuja Environmental Protection Board, AEPB and the FCT Task Team on Environmental Sanitation had commenced arrest and prosecution of herdsmen grazing cattle in the Federal Capital City, Abuja.

He said, "In the seven days exercise so far, 36 cows and 38 sheep have been impounded, while 16 herdsmen have been arraigned and convicted before the Sanitation Mobile Court.

"The AEPB and the Task Team thus, tendered the impounded cows and sheep as exhibit to secure the conviction of the arrested herdsmen.

"The exercise is sequel to the directive of the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello, for the Abuja Environmental Protection Board and the FCT Task Team on Environment to stop forthwith the grazing of cattle within Abuja metropolis.

“Those arrested have been made to face the consequences of their actions as they had paid various fines to serve as a deterrent to others with strong warning to desist from doing same.

"The exercise that commenced about seven days ago by the AEPB and the Task Team on the instruction of the Minister is a continuous one."

77 Shi’te Members Araigned Before Kano Magistrate Court

77 Shi’te Members Araigned Before Kano
Magistrate Court

No fewer than 77 Sh’ite members were on Thursday arraigned
before a Chief Magistrate court in Kano when pandemonium broke
out on Wednesday in the ancient city of Kano, following a clash
between the Sh’ite members and some irate youths.
While 26 members of the sect were arraigned before Magistrate
courts 18, 20 and 28 respectively for the hearing of their offences.
They were charged for criminal conspiracy and conduct, likely to
cause a breach of the peace, as well as illegal assembly.
However, the presiding judge of the Magistrate court, Mohammed
Idris, granted all the suspects bail on the condition of providing a
surety each and adjourned the case.
It would be recalled that pandemonium broke out in the ancient city
of Kano on Wednesday when hundreds of youth attacked El-
Zakyzaky (Shi’ite) members, during their procession along the
streets in observance of the Ashoura,marking the 10th day of
Muharram, which coincided with the first month of the Islamic
calendar by all Muslims worldwide.
The prompt intervention of the police averted what could have
snowballed to a bloody clash between the angry youths and the
Shi’ite members.
According to findings, the youths were reported to be residents of
the area of Gwammaja Quarters.
Also, it was gathered that trouble started when the Shi’ite members
in their thousands allegedly blockaded major roads during their
procession, despite the ongoing ban by the police.
An eyes witness accont, Muhammed Audu, said, as early as
7:30am, the Shi’ite members came from neighbouring states and
converged at the popular Abattoir, located at the centre of the
metropolis.
Furthermore, it was also disclosed that as the Shi’ite members
were preparing to proceed to their designated Fagge mosque,
adjacent to Fagge Police Station and the Local Government
Secretariat, where they usually observe the Ashoura, confrontation
erupted between them and the angry youths.
Similarly, Audu disclosed that the residents began to hurl missiles
on them to register their displeasure over the conduct of the Shi’ite
procession.
It was further gathered that the Shi’ite members provoked the
residents, following the blockage of their business premises,
apparently preventing them from carrying out their legitimate daily
transactions.

Govt releases names of freed Chibok schoolgirls

Govt releases names of freed Chibok schoolgirls

The Federal Government on Thursday in Abuja released the names of freed Chibok school girls.

Malam Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari, released the names of the affected girls in his twitter handle.

The names of the girls are: Mary Usman Bulama, Jummai John, Blessing Abana, Luggwa Sanda, Comfort Habiba, Maryam Basheer, Comfort Amos, Glory Mainta, Saratu Emmanuel,Deborah Ja’afaru, Rahab Ibrahim, Helin Musa, Maryamu Lawan, Asabe Goni, Deborah Andrawus, Agnes Gapani, Saratu Markus, Glory Dama, Pindah Nuhu
and Rebecca Mallam.

Shehu, who had earlier announced the release of the girls, said their release was the outcome of negotiations between the Federal
Government and the sect.

He said the negotiations were brokered by the International Red Cross, Red Crescent Movement and the Swiss Government, adding that the negotiations would continue.

The Director-General of Department of State Service, Alhaji Lawal Daura handed over the freed girls to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at
the DSS Medical Centre, Abuja.

Addressing State House correspondents after addressing the girls, the Vice-President dismissed online media report that the freed girls were swapped with four Boko Haram commanders.

He assured that government would ensure speedy release of the remaining girls in captivity.

President Muhammadu Buhari had solicited the assistance of the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon in negotiations with Boko Haram for the release of the girls.

In May, one of the more than 200 girls kidnapped from their school dormitory on April 14, 2014, escaped from their captors with her baby.

Communique Issued By The NBA At the End Of Its Meeting On Thursday with NJC rep & AGF

Communique Issued By The NBA At the End Of Its Meeting On Thursday with NJC rep & AGF

Lagos Re-arraigned Four Policemen For Manslaughter

Lagos Re-arraigned Four Policemen For Manslaughter

The Lagos State government Thursday re-arraigned four policemen before a state high court in Ikeja for alleged manslaughter.

The policemen, sergeant Sunday Ogunyemi -40, Inspector Surulere Irede-46, Corporals Hezekiah Babatunde and Onifade Abimbola, 38 were accused of killing one Olayode Ayoade in cold blood.

They were re-arraigned on a one count charge bordering on manslaughter brought against them by the Lagos state government through the Minister of Justice.

According to the state, the defendants and one Onifade Abimbola, 38, still at large, are facing a one count charge of manslaughter.

The policemen who pleaded not guilty to the charge were said to have committed the offence on July 24, 2014, at about 12:00hrs.

The judge had adjourned the case til November 16, 2016, for hearing of their bail application.

Cynthia Osokogu: Defendant Loses Right To File Final Written Address

Cynthia Osokogu: Defendant Loses Right To File Final Written Address

Justice Olabisi Akinlade of the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja Thursday foreclosed the right of one of the four men, Ezike Olisaeloka, charged with the gruesome murder of Cynthia Osukogu, a postgraduate student of Nassarawa State University, to file his final writte‎n address for ignoring the court's ordered mandating him to do so.

It will be recalled that Justice Akinlade had in June 2015 ordered both the defendants and the prosecution to file their final written addresses after they both closed their cases.

But while others obeyed the court, Olisaeloka, who is the second defendant, has so far refused to file his address, in spite of six adjournments to enable him do so.

The late Osokogu was murdered on the 22nd of July, 2012 at Cosmilla Hotel, Lake View Estate, Festac Town, Lagos by men she met and became friends with on popular social media platform, Facebook.

Those accused of the crime are Okwumo Nwabufo 34; Olisaeloka, 24; Orji Osita, 33; and Ezike Nonso, 25, they were arraigned before the court on a six count charge of conspiracy, robbery and murder brought against them by the state.

The alleged offences contravened sections 221, 249, 285 and 327 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2011.

At the resumed hearing of the matter on Thursday, Justice Akinlade, ordered the prosecution Mrs Bola Akinshete, to file her reply to final written addresses of the defendants.

The Judge said " I am not going to wait indefinitely for the second defendant's counsel to file his final written address, it is on record that the court has given the second defendant several opportunities for him to file his written address and since the last adjourned date up till now he has ‎been unable to file."

"It is obvious that the counsel is not ready to file his final written  ‎address I hereby foreclose the right of the second defendant to file his final  written address ‎and ordered the prosecution to file her reply on the final written addresses."

The Judge had adjourned the case to December 8, for adoption of the final written addresses.

Earlier the prosecution, Bayo Akinshete had urged the court to foreclose the right of the second defendant from filing his final written address to enable her file her reply.

Akinshete" said since 16 June 2016, despite the order of your lordship for the second defendant to file his final written address he has refused to file I therefore urge your lordship to foreclose his right to filing ‎the address to enable us make progress in this matter. "

Cynthia Osokogu’s trial had suffered several adjournments due to the delay tactics of the defence counsel.

It will be recalled that Justice Akinlade at the last adjourned date on June 8, 2016, expressed displeasure over the delay of second defence counsel to filing his final written address and threatend to imposed a substantial cost on the second defendant over failure.

According to the judge, the defence counsel is delaying the case, which she said, is of interest to the public.

The court also noted that public always think that it is the court that is delaying the matter, not knowing that it is the defendants’ counsel.

The prosecution had told the court that the 25-year-old Osokogu, who was resident in Abuja, was lured to Lagos, where she was killed.

UPDATED: Presidency confirms release of 21 Chibok girls

UPDATED: Presidency confirms release of 21 Chibok girls

The Presidency on Thursday confirmed that 21 of the over 200
girls abducted from their school in Chibok, Borno State, in April
2014 have been released.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and
Publicity, Garba Shehu, confirmed this in a statement made
available to journalists.
Shehu said the released girls were currently in the custody of the
Department of State Services.
He said the Director-General of the DSS, Lawal Daura, briefed
President Muhammadu Buhari of the development shortly before
the President left for Germany.
The presidential aide added that Daura wanted the girls, who
were very tired, to rest before he would hand them over to Vice-
President Yemi Osinbajo.
He attributed the release of the 21 girls to negotiations between
the government and the Boko Haram sect brokered by the
International Red Cross and the Swiss government.
He said, “The release of the girls, in a limited number is the
outcome of negotiations between the administration and the the
Boko Haram brokered by the International Red Cross and the
Swiss government. The negotiations will continue.
“The President welcomes the release of the girls but cautioned
Nigerians to be mindful of the fact that more than 30,000 fellow
citizens were killed via terrorism.
“Lawal wants the girls to have some rest, with all of them very
tired coming out of the process before he hands them over to the
Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo.
“The President takes off shortly on a trip to Germany for a state
visit. The names of the released girls follows shortly.”

Punch

Breaking News: 21 kidnapped Chibok girls released – SaharaReporters

Breaking News: 21 kidnapped Chibok girls released – SaharaReporters

There are reports that twenty one of out of the over 200 Chibok
schoolgirls kidnapped by Islamist Boko Haram insurgents in April
2014 has been released to the Nigerian government.

SaharaReporters is claiming that a sources disclosed that the girls were picked up by military helicopter from Banki area of Borno state where Boko Haram militants dropped them off earlier today.

The release of the 21 girls comes as President Buhari began a three-day trip to Germany to discuss assistance for the rebuilding of the northeastern part of Nigeria ravaged by Boko Haram.

Police pension boss embezzled N24bn, owns 22 houses –Witness

Police pension boss embezzled N24bn, owns 22 houses –Witness

An Economic and Financial Crimes Commission witness, Mr.
Mustapha Gadanya, on Wednesday told an FCT High Court how
the then Director of Police Pensions moved N24bn into different
accounts.
The News Agency of Nigeria reported that Gadanya was among
the team that investigated the matter and Esai Dangabar was the
former Director Police Pension Fund.
Dangabar, Atiku Kigo, Ahmed Wada, Veronica Onyegbula, Sani
Zira, Uzoma Attang and Christian Madubuke, are standing trial for
complicity in the over N24bn scam in the police pension office.
Gadanya, in his testimony, told the court how Dangabar deposited
some money in accounts in different banks.
Led in evidence by the EFCC counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs (SAN),
the witness said that the bank analysis revealed that Dangarbar
fixed some amount in the bank to yield turnover.
He said that about N320m was deposited in Skye Bank between
May 2008 and July 2009 for his companies, Marine Logistics and
leisure Integrated Ltd.
Gadanya told the court that the turnover which accrued to him
amounted to N249.8m and N241m, respectively which was later
sent to the Federal Government after it was discovered.
He informed the court that between February 2009 and June
2010, the manager of Syke Bank, Jabi branch, helped the first
defendant to launder about N840m.
Gadanya said the first defendant was also discovered to be the
Managing Director and the sole signatory to the account of
Damule Nigeria Limited, the company where his son was listed
as director.
The witness told the court that Dangarbar’s 16 duplexes at Wuyi
District and six flats at Efab, in Abuja, had been forfeited
temporarily to the Federal Government.
The judge, Justice Husseni Baba-Yusuf, adjourned the trial till
Thursday (today) for continuation of hearing.

Punch

Tyson Fury Vacates WBO And WBA Heavyweight Titles Over Drug Abuse Scandal

Tyson Fury Vacates WBO And WBA Heavyweight Titles Over Drug Abuse Scandal 

Tyson Fury has vacated his WBO and WBA world heavyweight titles to
deal with his “medical treatment and recovery”.
The Briton, 28, has admitted taking cocaine to deal with depression
and could also lose his boxing licence on Thursday.
He has not fought since beating Wladimir Klitschko in November 2015
and has twice withdrawn from rematches.
“I now enter another big challenge in my life which I know, like against
Klitschko, I will conquer,” Fury said.
He said it was “for the good boxing” and “only fair and right” to give up
his belts.
“I won the titles in the ring and I believe that they should be lost in the
ring, but I’m unable to defend at this time and I have taken the hard
and emotional decision to now officially vacate my treasured world
titles,” he said.
In a statement, Fury’s promoter Hennessy Sports said the decision
would “allow him the time and space to fully recover from his present
condition without any undue pressure and with the expert medical
attention he requires”.
Mick Hennessy added that the decision was “heartbreaking”.
Uncle and trainer Peter Fury has said Fury will return “stronger” and
“reclaim what’s rightfully his”.
Fury withdrew from his latest rematch against Ukraine’s Klitschko,
scheduled for 29 October, because of mental health issues.
He then admitted in an interview with Rolling Stone magazine that he
was taking cocaine to help deal with depression.
The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) met on Wednesday to
discuss that revelation, as well as other comments by Fury, and could
decide to strip him of his licence to box.
The WBO and WBA had already said Fury could lose his titles because
of inactivity.
Meanwhile, promoter Eddie Hearn has said a deal is “very close” for
Britain’s heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua to fight Klitschko for
his IBF belt and the now vacated WBA title.
It is thought New Zealand’s Joseph Parker and Mexico’s Andy Ruiz Jr
could now contest the WBO title.
WBO chairman Luis Batista-Salas had said Fury could lose his belt
because of “inactivity, breach of contract and performance-enhancing
drugs and stimulants”.
The WBA president Gilberto Mendoza said Fury deserved a chance “to
overcome this situation”, but added the Englishman could ultimately
lose his title.
There is an option that Fury can be declared as a ‘champion in recess’.
This means Fury is the mandatory challenger for the belt when he
returns to the ring.
Fury is also facing a UK Anti-Doping hearing next month with reports
claiming he tested positive for banned substance nandrolone in
February 2015.
Trainer and uncle Peter Fury: “It’s driven him to despair. I see him
being back in the gym in March or April. He’ll resume his career.”
Billy Joe Saunders: “It is a big mistake, taking his boxing licence away.
It is like taking food from a baby,” he added. “He needs the licence to
pull through.”
IBF champion Anthony Joshua: “Tyson is a fighting man, a real talent
and he is good for boxing in his own way. It’s too easy to point the
finger because none of us really know what he is going through.”

-BBC

Fear grips FAAN workers as FG sacks GMs, directors

Fear grips FAAN workers as FG sacks GMs, directors

There was palpable anxiety at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), on Wednesday over the alleged sack and demotion of not fewer than 22 directors and general managers of the agency.

A reliable source disclosed in Lagos that majority of the directors were relieved of their duties while the general managers were demoted.

The source said some of the affected general managers, who were not properly placed in their appointments, were demoted from Grade Levels 17 and 16 to levels 10, 12 and 14.

It was gathered that the restructuring was done by the Ministry of Transport following the recommendations of the Presidential Committee chaired by the Head of Service, Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita.

The Minister of State, Aviation, Captain Hadi Sirika, had said aviation agencies, particularly FAAN and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), were over-bloated.

The committee, in its report, discovered that FAAN had no fewer than 40 general managers and 11 directorates created from existing directorates thereby raising overhead cost immensely.

Similarly, the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), had complained about the inappropriate placements.

They had alleged that some senior management personnel were appointed into sensitive positions through political connections without the prerequisite experience or qualifications.

They alleged that some personnel who were employed between 2012 and 2013 had just completed their National Youth Service between 2008 and 2010 but were given management positions.

Buhari Leaves For Germany On Thursday

Buhari Leaves For Germany On Thursday

President Muhammadu Buhari will begin an official visit to the Federal Republic of Germany from Thursday, 13 October.

The visit will end on 16 October.

In Berlin, President Buhari, will confer with Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel on issues of shared interests between Nigeria and Germany, including further cooperation on security, the humanitarian situation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and rehabilitation of the North-East, as well as trade and economic relations between both countries.

Thereafter, the President, who will be accompanied by Governors Kashim Shettima of Borno State and Rochas Okorocha of Imo and representatives of the National Assembly, will meet with Federal President Joachim Gauck.

In furtherance of the administration’s objective to attract more foreign investment and create economic opportunities in the country, President Buhari will participate in a Business Forum in Berlin with leading German companies already active in Nigeria and other prospective investors.

Before returning to Abuja, the President is expected to meet with representatives of the Nigerian community in Germany.

President Buhari is committed to deepening relations with Germany and building on the very cordial relations both countries enjoy in several areas of bilateral cooperation including the fight against terrorism, economic relations, rebuilding of the North east, support for IDPs, vocational training, energy partnership and cultural relations.

Shortly after his inauguration on May 29, 2015, President Buhari, on the invitation of Chancellor Merkel, attended the G7 summit in Elmau, Germany – the trip was his first to a non-African country after his assumption of office.

From February 8 to 12 this year, President Gauck, accompanied by a delegation of German business community, was on an official visit to Nigeria, where they had fruitful discussions on trade and investments with representatives of government and the private sector in Abuja and Lagos.

US election: Obama blasts Trump with 7-Eleven jibe

US election: Obama blasts Trump with 7-Eleven jibe

President Barack Obama has blasted Donald Trump’s recent remarks about women, saying they would be intolerable even for someone applying for a job at a 7-Eleven convenience store.

At a rally supporting Hillary Clinton, Mr Obama also urged senior Republicans to formally withdraw their endorsement of Mr Trump as presidential candidate.

Many top Republicans have distanced themselves from Mr Trump over a video in which he boasts of groping women.

Mr Trump accused them of disloyalty.

He was particularly scathing about House Speaker Paul Ryan whom he described as a “weak and ineffective” leader.

Addressing a campaign rally in Greensboro, North Carolina, on Tuesday evening, Mr Obama referred to Mr Trump’s crude remarks about women, saying: “Now you find a situation in which the guy says stuff that nobody would find tolerable if they were applying for a job at
7-Eleven.”

He said: “You don’t have to be a husband or a father to say that’s not right. You just have to be a decent human being.”

Mr Obama questioned how senior Republican politicians could still want Mr Trump to be president.

“The fact is that now you’ve got people saying: ‘We strongly disagree, we really disapprove… but we’re still endorsing him.’

They still think he should be president, that doesn’t make sense to me,” he told the crowd.

Mr Obama was interrupted several times by anti-Clinton campaigners but seemed unfazed, saying: “This is democracy at work. This is great.”

Thousands waited for more than six hours to hear Barack Obama speak in what could very well be his last visit to the battleground state as president.

The sun was out, and so were the hecklers.

The first two interrupted the president early in his address. Mr Obama, seemingly unfazed by it all, waited for the crowd to finish their booing before telling the hecklers with a wry grin to “get their own rally”.

It wasn’t long before Mr Obama was interrupted again. This time, the heckler was further back in the crowd. The man walked straight past us as he left, wearing a T-shirt declaring “Hillary for prison2016”.

In the third and final interruption, a man entered the cordoned-off area, screamed something at the president and tore a Clinton-Kaine campaign sign in two.

The man was escorted away and President Obama carried on smoothly, handling it all with good humour. The Greensboro crowd seemed to appreciate the laugh, in a campaign that’s turned decidedly nasty.

In another development, Hillary Clinton’s Campaign Chairman John Podesta has said that Russia was behind an apparent hacking of his emails and may have been colluding with the Trump campaign.

He said on Tuesday that the FBI was investigating the hacking of the emails that were published by WikiLeaks.

Election date gaffe

The 2005 video released on Friday revealed Mr Trump describing how he had sought to have sex with a married woman and making other sexually aggressive comments about women.

Nearly half of the 331 incumbent Republican senators, House members and governors have condemned the lewd remarks and about 10% have called for Mr Trump to drop out of the race, according to Reuters news agency.

On Monday, Mr Ryan said he would not defend Mr Trump over the remarks.

He told fellow House Republicans he would instead focus on congressional elections to ensure Republicans could maintain legislative control.

Mr Trump fired back in a string of tweets, saying the “shackles” had been removed, allowing him to “fight for America the way I want to”.

He said he neither wanted nor needed Mr Ryan’s support. Mr Trump said “disloyal” Republicans “come at you from all sides.
They don’t know how to win – I will teach them!”

He attacked Senator John McCain, who has denounced Mr Trump’s conduct and faces a close re-election battle in Arizona, as “foul-mouthed”.

Despite a widening divide within the Republican Party, some members insist they are sticking by Mr Trump.

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie said he was “really disturbed” by Mr Trump’s comments about women but still planned to support him, saying the election was “about bigger issues than that”.

Texas Senator and former rival Ted Cruz also said he would still cast his ballot for Mr Trump, telling a Texas TV station that Mrs Clinton was an “absolute disaster”.

Mr Trump delivered a gaffe while addressing supporters in Florida on
Tuesday, telling them to go out and vote on the wrong date.

ABC News footage showed him saying: “Go and register. Make sure you get out and vote, November 28.” The election is on 8 November.

A recent PRRI/Atlantic poll suggested Mrs Clinton holds a 49-38 lead over her opponent.