Mayweather Sued $2m By Nigerian Firm For Breach of Contract

Mayweather Sued $2m By Nigerian Firm For Breach of Contract

Following the highly publicised visit of Floyd Money Mayweather to Nigeria and other parts of African countries which was reported before it was canceled, a Nigerian company has alleged it was screwed out of a fortune by the wealthy American and is now suing to get its money back.

A report from TMZ making rounds says  the company behind the lawsuit is Zinni Media, which claims it booked Floyd to make five appearances in Nigeria and Ghana in June 2017, for the low sum of $375,000.

According to the report, the company says it got Floyd to make a video confirming the appearances — so, they thought they were good to go.

They even wired him $210,000 in advance.

But, days before the first event, Floyd bailed — and the company was left holding the bag.

In the suit, Zinni claims Floyd’s reps offered to reschedule for Dec 2017 — and added more appearances to the list — but, he also raised the price to $550,000.

Zinni claims they were told they could use the $210k toward the new booking price.

Zinni says they accepted the new deal — but, when they asked Floyd to make a new video confirming the new dates, he bailed again … and never returned the original $210,000.

Now, Zinni is taking legal action in federal court in California — claiming Floyd damaged their reputation and defrauded them. Zinni wants at least $2million to make things right.

Gunmen kill seven policemen in Abuja

Gunmen kill seven policemen in Abuja

Unknown gunmen have shot dead seven policemen who were on patrol along the Nnamdi Azikiwe Road, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

It was learnt that the assailants, who were in a vehicle , shot the men in a surprise attack and zoomed off after the dastardly act earlier on Tuesday.

Our correspondent gathered that the incident caused panic as motorists and residents ran away in fright as gunshots went on incessantly.

But it could not be immediately ascertained if the attackers went away with the firearms of the slain policemen.

The bodies of the slain cops were later evacuated from the scene in a police van. The pictures of the men later surfaced online.

The Commissioner of Police , Sadiq Bello , who confirmed the incident, said he was in a briefing and could not provide details of the attack.

He stated that the Command would soon issue a statement on the incident.

Court Affirms $3.6b Penalty Imposed On Shell By FG Over Bonga Oil Spill

Court Affirms $3.6b Penalty Imposed On Shell By FG Over Bonga Oil Spill

Justice Mojisola Olatoregun of the Federal High Court in Lagos has dismissed a suit filed by Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Ltd challenging the fine of $3.6billion imposed on it over Bonga Oil Spill of December 20, 2011 by the Federal Government through the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA).

Justice Olatoregun, who affirming the power of NOSDRA to imposed the penalty on the oil company, held that Sections 5, 6 and 7 of the agency's Act do not violate the Constitution.

Shell had dragged NOSDRA before the court asking it to declare the action of the agency illegal.

The oil company had also urged the court to declare that NOSDRA cannot, in the light of Section 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the 1999 Constitution, validly exercise any powers under Section 5, 6, 7 and 19 of the NOSDRA Act.

Shell said the sections’ provisions encroach on judicial powers vested exclusively in the courts.

The oil giant argued that it is the Federal High Court that is vested with the jurisdiction to determine liability and to assess, impose and direct the payment of any sum as penalty, damages or compensation in connection with an incidence of oil spillage, particularly the Bonga Oil Spill of December 20, 2011.

Shell urged the court to declare that the decision leading to the imposition of $3,600,191,206.00 on by NOSDRA was in breach of its right as enshrined in Section 36, 43 and 44 of the 1999 Constitution.

It also urged the court to nullify NOSDRA’s powers to impose such levies over oil spills.

However, NOSDRA, through its counsel D. A. Awosika, contended that the cause of action arose on March 25, 2015 when it served Shell with notice of sanction over the Bonga Oil Spill.

Awosika contended that Shell was enjoined to exercise its right of litigation if it felt aggrieved by the letters within three months from March 25, 2015 and not beyond.

“The plaintiff waited for more than 13 months to institute this action against the defendant,” NOSDRA said, adding that Shell’s action was caught by the statute of limitation," he said.

Besides, NOSDRA said it did not act outside its powers in imposing the fine on Shell.

Justice Olatoregun, in her judgment, held that NOSDRA acted in line with its powers and did not violate Shell’s rights in any manner.

“I found no conflict with the duties conferred on NOSDRA by law and the power of the court to adjudicate in this matter…I find no violation of the 1999 Constitution within these sections,” the judge held.

Justice Olatoregun further held that NOSDRA’s demand letters to Shell were not in conflict with Section 44 of the 1999 Constitution.

The judge said: “The plaintiff had notice and opportunity to fair hearing. The plaintiff ought to have had recourse to the court for the determination of its civil rights and a proper adjudication on the issues if it felt its rights were infringed or about to be infringed.

“I do not find the two letters ultra vires the duties and functions of the defendant.

“I have no reason to set both letters aside as well as the sums ordered, as parties did not make evaluation of the assessed damage an issue for consideration in the questions raised for determination. No evidence upon which an evaluation could be made was also proffered.

“In the final analysis, all the questions raised by the plaintiff are resolved in favour of the defendant. The only thing left to do is make an order dismissing the suit. Same is dismissed.”

Buhari okays appointment of 12 A-Court Justices, 16 new Judges

Buhari okays appointment of 12 A-Court Justices, 16 new Judges

President Muhammadu Buhari, on Wednesday, approved the appointment of new 12 Justices for the Court of Appeal, 9 for the Federal High Court and 7 for the Federal Capital Territory High Court.

Appointment of the 28 judicial officers followed their recommendation by the National Judicial Council, NJC.

According to a statement that was signed by the Director of Information at the NJC, Mr. Soji Oye, the 12 new Justices of the appellate court are Justice P. A. Mahmud, Justice F. O. Ojo, Justice I. A. Andenyangsto, Justice G. O. Kolawole, Justice B. B. Aliyu, Justice Ebiowei Tobi, Justice J. G. Abundaga, Justice A. S. Umar, Justice A. M. Talba, Justice A. M. Bayero, Justice A. M. Lamido and Justice M. B. Idris.

Those elevated to the Federal High Court bench are; Sunday Bassey Onu, Mrs. Adefunmilola Adekemi Demi-Ajayi, Peter O. Lifu, Obiora Atuegwu Egwuata, Sa’adatu Ibrahim Mark (Mrs), Mobolaji Olubukola Olajuwon, Aminu Bappa Aliyu, Tijjani Garba Ringim and Nkeonye Evelyn Maha.

While Binta Mohammed, Modupe Osho-Adebiyi, Gaba Venchak Simon, Babangida Hassan, Akobi Iyabeni Anna, Samirah Umar Bature and Asmau Akanbi Yusuf were appointed Judges of the FCT High Court.

The statement disclosed that whereas the new Justices of the Court of Appeal will be sworn-in by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice W. S. N. Onnoghen, on Friday.

Those appointed for the Federal High Court will be sworn-in on June 25, while swearing-in of the new Judges of the FCT High Court will take place at the Supreme Court on June 26.

Legal validity of posthumous awards and June 12 Holiday

Legal validity of posthumous awards and June 12 Holiday

Femi Falana, SAN 

The Honourable Justice Alfa Belgore, a retired Chief Justice of Nigeria was reported to have questioned the legality of the decision of President Buhari to confer posthumous awards on Chief M. K. O. Abiola and Chief Gani Fawehinmi SAN. Curiously, his lordship did not refer to any section of the National Honours Act or any other law that has been violated by the President. In like manner, some persons have alleged that the June 12 holiday declared by the President is illegal on the grounds that the approval of the National Assembly was not sought and obtained.  

With profound respect to the Honourable Justice Alfa Belgore, the National Honours Act has not prohibited or restricted the powers of the President to confer national honours on deserving Nigerian citizens, dead or alive. No doubt, paragraph 2 of the Honours Warrant made pursuant to the National Honours Act provides that "a person shall be appointed to a particular rank of an Order when he receives from the President in person, at an investiture held for the purpose..." But paragraph 3 thereof has given the President the unqualified discretion "to dispense with the requirement of paragraph 2 in such manner as may be specified in the direction." Therefore, since the national awards conferred on Chief Abiola and Chief Fawehinmi cannot be received by them in person the President may permit their family members to receive same on their behalf.

Furthermore, section 2 (1) of the Public Holidays Act stipulates that in addition to the holidays mentioned in the Schedule to the Act, the President may appoint a special day to be kept as a public holiday either throughout Nigeria or in any part thereof. It is crystal clear that the President is not required by law to seek and obtain the approval of the National Assembly before declaring a public holiday in the country. 

In view of the combined effect of the National Honours Act and the Public Holidays Act the legal validity of the well deserved awards and the historic holiday has not been impugned in any manner whatsoever. 

Democracy Day: MKO Abiola’s Daughter, Hafsat, Sings Buhari’s Praises in Epic Poem …Condemns Obasanjo

Democracy Day: MKO Abiola’s Daughter, Hafsat, Sings Buhari’s Praises in Epic Poem …Condemns Obasanjo

By Hafsat Abiola-Costello/

Twenty five years after June 12: Our Long Wait for Justice is Ending
I had expected that the handover from military rule to democracy would be held on the 12th of June.

That would have signalled the completion of a circle that began with a dream deferred.

That became one fulfilled.

But I waited in vain.

The handover was set for May 29, a date pulled out of thin air, signifying nothing.

Then I thought that the chief beneficiary would ask the country to observe a minute of silence,
In memory of MKO, Kudirat, Alfred Rewane, Umaru Yar’Adua, Bagauda Kaltho, the thousands of students, the tens of journalists, traders and politicians who lost their lives fighting to actualise an unjustly annulled election.

Again, I waited in vain for he started his inauguration speech…
And nothing was said.

The first four years passed and it became clear that the goal was to erase the name of the man whose sacrifice paved the way for our democracy.

Those four years set the tone.
And I got tired of waiting
As it slowly became clear that to wait was to wait in vain.

I stopped expecting my country to do the right thing by my father and instead began to understand why Nigeria struggles to find patriots among its leaders.

Until today.

Today when President Muhammadu Buhari gave an executive order to declare that June 12 was Nigeria’s Democracy Day;

To confer on MKO the title of GCFR, an honour reserved for presidents of the Federal Republic of Nigeria;

To confer on Gani Fawehinmi, the dogged fighter for justice, and my father’s running mate, Babagana Kingibe, the title of GCON, the second highest in the land;

And in one day, demonstrated to my bruised heart that integrity, fairness, honour were alive and well in a country for which both my parents had sacrificed their lives.

There are no words that can capture the depth of my gratitude nor the breadth of my joy.

I thank God that I am alive to witness this day.

May we live to witness many more days when justice triumphs over injustice, when sacrifice and service win over arrogance and fraud, and when the blood of our heroes reach from across time to boldly claim the reward that their actions wrought.
May the sacrifices of our past heroes and heroines never be in vain.

Freight Cost To Soar As Vessels Attack Rises At Ports

Freight Cost To Soar As Vessels Attack Rises At Ports

Incessant attacks on vessels discharging while berthing at Nigerian terminals will attract additional $200,000 in freight cost at the nation’s seaport, LEADERSHIP investigation has shown.

Freight cost is the cost incurred in moving goods. It includes packing, palletizing, documentation and loading unloading charges, carriage costs, and marine insurance costs.

Recently, terminal operators operating at the Apapa Port Complex raised the alarm of incessant attacks on vessels at berth by miscreants and hoodlums.

Shipping experts have argued that a minimum of $200,000 (N72million at a prevailing rate of N360 to a dollar ) would be introduced as insurance premiums by foreign shipping companies before they could call that the nation’s seaports.

For instance, MV Pamyat; MV Asia Ruby, MV Aquata, MT Sichem New York, MV Kiana and MV Dino were all attacked at different time in the last four months at the Lagos and Tin-Can ports.

MV Pamyat, with International Maritime Organisation (IMO) number 8701040 was attacked at berth 14, operated by ENL Consortium of the Lagos Port Complex (LPC), Apapa onn March 2, 2018 when some bandits gained access into the ship with ease.

MV Asia Ruby was attacked at 0415hours on April 24, 2018 at ENL, consortium on berth 8 of Lagos Port Complex (LPC) while discharging her cargo. The robbers carried out their nefarious act on the ship without resistance from anyone.

The Tin Can Island Port Complex (TCIPC) also in Lagos is not spared the robbery attacks.

A report from the Port Security Officer (PSO) of TCIPC, indicated that at about 0320hours on Friday March 3, 2018, eight persons suspected to be armed sea robbers launched attacks onboard MV Aquata and MT Sichem New York, which were discharging cargoes at berths 2 and 1 operated by Josepdam of the port respectively.

Preliminary findings revealed that a gang of sea robbers came through the waterfront in an outboard engine boat and launched attacks onboard MV Aquata where three of the robbers succeeded in climbing into the vessel while the remaining five were on standby inside their boat by the portside of the vessel. The crew watchmen onboard sighted one of the robbers at the paint stores and raised alarm immediately.

However, when the terminal security and armed policemen on duty rushed onboard but discovered that a watchman onboard was injured by one of the robbers before they jumped into the water and escaped. There was blood stain on the main deck of the vessel,” the PSO stated in the report.

Further findings revealed that in the wee hours of March 18, a group of sea robbers numbering about 20 gained access into Josepdam terminal through the waterfront and headed to the terminal’s fuel dump.

The robbers beat up and tied the security guards at the fuel dump before they connected a hose from their standby boat to evacuate fuel from the terminal’s fuel tank.

The robbers, who reportedly operated unchallenged for more than an hour, succeeded in carting away about eight drums of diesel from the terminals.

Four days later and precisely on March 22, 2018, the robbers called at Josepdam again. This time, they launched an attack on a ship named MV Kiana. The ship, which was discharging its cargo of bulk sugar belonging to BUA Sugar Refinery, has Nura Shipping Limited as its agent in Nigeria.

The robbers, as usual, stormed the ship using canoe, which they brought alongside the ship and gained access onboard with the aid of a rope tied to a hook.

At the Rivers Port in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the sea robbers are also having a field day. It was revealed that a ship, MV Dino, laden with 20,721MT of bulk wheat was attacked about 80 nautical miles to the Fairway Buoy on her way to PTOL terminal at about 5am on Saturday 7th April 2018.

These unabated attacks are however confirmed by the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) at the Quarterly Stakeholders Meeting of the agency in Lagos last week.

The Managing Director of the authority, Hadiza Bala Usman who was represented at the meeting by the Executive Director, Marine and Operations, Dr. Sekonte Davies also noted that some of the attacks on vessels discharging at the port came from miscreants occupying shanties and illegal structures around the ports.

She said, “Of great concern to us recently is the attack on vessels, especially at the ENL terminals, the attacks have increased and we are very worried, we have also established that it happens especially when they are offloading.

The NPA MD also disclosed that part of the measures to forestall the attack is the the demolition that the agency is carrying out in collaboration with Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC) Nigerian Navy, and the Police.

“It is an ongoing action carried out to ensure that we have a safer environment to do business, devoid of attacks.

“We have started pulling down all illegal structures and shanties hindering free movement to the port”
But, the General Manager of ENL Consortium, Mark Walsh one of the terminal under attack also complained of high rate of unchecked attacks on vessels at the Apapa Port in the last four months.

The attacks according to the manager are done around the Apapa axis and the attacks have informed shipping agents mulling hiring armed police officers before cargo discharge at the seaport.

The armed police officers are to wade off miscreants attacking vessels at berth.

Speaking to LEADERSHIP, a maritime consultant and policy Analyst, Galtima Liman agreed that the spike in attacks on vessels at berth would increase the premium and insurance on vessels to the nation’s ports.

He also wondered why shanties would e allowed close to the Lagos Port saying that would also fuel attack on vessels.

“There is going to be increase in insurance and premium for shipping companies that are coming to berth in the port,” he told LEADERSHIP correspondent. He continued, “and despite improvement in making Nigeria food dependent, we still substantially rely on import and most of the vessels that ferry these imports are foreign vessels and in the event that we are not fully compliant with the ISPS codes that brought lot of improvement in the security of the ports after the 9/11 attack in the United States.

Speaking on shanties around the Lagos ports, he said, “having shanties around some ports is an eyesore and I think these is a clarion call on administration of NPA and NIMASA to ensure that our ports are rid of these adjoining shanties,” he told LEADERSHIP Yesterday.

Also speaking, the President, Nigerian Shipowners Association (NISA), Alhaji Aminu Umar said attacks on vessels at Nigerian ports and jetties have been on the rise in recent time with little or no action from requisite agencies.

The NISA President said the implication of the attacks on ships at the ports are grave and “it puts our name in the international maritime wall and that it is dangerous and high risk area to do business particularly for ships to call”.

According to him, “If the ports in Nigeria are considered as high risk area, what it means is that any ship owner coming here pays an additional insurance premium for coming into a zone that is called war risk zone.

Some pay as high as $100, 000 to $200, 000 dollars for every seven days they are to stay on Nigeria waters.”

By YUSUF BABALOLA, LEADERSHIP NEWSPAPER.