Year: 2023

Nigerian Police Upgraded Tracking Equipment, Tech Intel Unit and others

Nigerian Police Upgraded Tracking Equipment, Tech Intel Unit and others

The heightened insecurity in the country may have compelled the Nigerian Police Force to revive and upgrade its tracking equipment and technical intelligence unit at Force Headquarters, Abuja.

For some years now, the Police have been having difficulties tracking down bandits, kidnappers, human traffickers, among others, following the breakdown of the equipment put in place by former Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase.

Recall that these facilities had been grounded for some time, compelling the Police to rely on the private sector, especially the telcos, to track bandits, kidnappers and car snatchers across Nigeria.

Investigations revealed that while the equipment were up and running, they enhanced the intelligence gathering capabilities of the Police force.

A source said the Nigerian Police Technical Intelligence Unit, TIU, received public acclaim for its breakthroughs in mass arrests of kidnappers and bandits and recovery of stolen properties, including vehicles, before it collapsed.

Explaining what went wrong, the source said:  “The digital upgrade involved a lot of computer work. It took some time because there were technological upgrades, following input of new features to enhance their capacity.

“There were some new equipment, which we needed to align, so they can link together. Some are still working. It was not as if all the components were totally shut down.”

From 2020 upward, the functionality of the Police tracking equipment began to diminish and subsequently went comatose.

Complainants of criminal attacks and those whose family members were kidnapped were directed to contact either the Department of State Services, DSS, or Mobile Network Service Providers for tracking assistance.

Investigation revealed that the tracker, particularly became non-functional due to non-subscription as well as failure to engage the relevant company to carry out required system upgrade.

Police sources disclosed that following the downturn in the operation of the platform, cases of national security and criminality, such as banditry, kidnapping, human trafficking, among others were taken over by the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA.

While also attributing the breakdown of the equipment to inability of those whose responsibility it was to function smoothly failed to play their role.

The sources also said non-payment of money owed for subscription, equally militated against the functionality of the equipment.

”Ideally, subscription fees are meant to be paid yearly but the police defaulted for a period of about three years and after a grace period expired, the company overseeing its maintenance and upgrade decided to withdraw its services.

”This contributed to the worsening insecurity in the country. The Police Trust Fund promised to help but nothing was forthcoming from them.”

In the wake of the deactivation of the tracking system, some Nigerians had wondered why a country as massive in size as Nigeria, with a population of over 200 million people, where myriads of security challenges were rife, an entire police force was operating just the technical intelligence unit for all  36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

However, the security situation in the country was said to have compelled the police to take a cursory look at the concerns of the public and established other platforms to support the TIU in tackling emerging criminality.

– Vanguard

FG is Working to Remove Impediments to FX Rate Wale Edun tells Indian Investors at G20

FG is Working to Remove Impediments to FX Rate Wale Edun tells Indian Investors at G20

Wale Edun, minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, has assured investors that the government is working to expunge macroeconomic impediments to the stability of the exchange rate and inflation in the country.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Group 20 (G20) summit in India on Sunday, Edun expressed Nigeria’s perspective and commitment to building a stronger, sustainable, and resilient economy.

The minister’s address during the Nigeria-India presidential roundtable, was captured in a short clip posted by the finance ministry on X – formerly Twitter.

Edun said the government has taken steps to improve the business environment, including removing foreign exchange restrictions and streamlining the investment approval process.

He urged investors to take advantage of the opportunities that Nigeria has to offer.

“Our focus is on attracting global capital, promoting foreign direct investments and this underscores our commitment to job creation, economic diversification, and revenue expansion,” Edun said.

“Nigeria is an attractive destination for business. It is brimming with opportunities across the various sectors.

“The major macroeconomic impediments to the stability of the exchange rate, of inflation, of interest rates and indeed of obstacles to liquidity, to enough financing, are now in the process of being removed.

“Driving inclusivity, including women and young people in what is going on in the economy and having them play their role.

“For those interested in investing, the playing field has been levelled, it has been cleared of debris and the opportunity is now there for you to seize.”

– The Cable

G-20: Details of Tinubu meetings with German, Indian, South Korean Leaders

G-20: Details of Tinubu meetings with German, Indian, South Korean Leaders

As the 18th G-20 Summit ended on Sunday, Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu held bilateral meetings with the leaders of Germany, South Korea, and the host country, India.

They are German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“The three nations have been identified as key partners in his economic development diplomacy drive for local investment and wealth creation,” a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, disclosed on Sunday.

The statement is titled ‘President Tinubu formally meets with three major counterparts in economic development diplomacy; advances to practical next steps in bilateral relations.’

The Nigerian Leader began his day with a meeting with the Chancellor of Europe’s largest economy, Germany.

Ngelale revealed that Meeting Scholz presented a unique opportunity to expand ties of prosperity for Nigerians but with a pragmatic approach toward ensuring the effective execution of agreements struck.

Tinubu told the German helmsman, “It is not, for us, only a matter of designing the financial architecture for an expanded economic partnership.

“It is also about the practicality of aligning the perspectives of your large-scale manufacturers, such as Volkswagen and others, with the reality of the new incentives my government is putting in place for them to come and prosper across multiple value chains and sectors inside of our country.”

Responding to the economic focus of Tinubu’s proposal, the German Chancellor acknowledged the mutually beneficial nature of an escalation in the scale of economic ties with Nigeria.

He said, “Thank you for this important discussion, Mr. President. I appreciate this opportunity to advance our economic relations. Your market is unique and our companies have a history in Nigeria.

“We acknowledge the business-friendly reforms you have put in place.

“I am happy to inform you of my desire to visit you in Nigeria in October, which will allow us to carry forward these initiatives,” the German leader confided.

Following the President’s acceptance of the Chancellor’s request to visit, Tinubu proceeded with his discussions with the Leader of Asia’s fourth-largest economy, South Korea.

President Yeol commended the President’s regional leadership in upholding democratic tenets and norms.

“I wish to commend your strong leadership, following the peaceful transfer of power to you from your predecessor and we see a stable country in West Africa that is growing in stature,” he said.

Responding, President Tinubu steered the conversation toward his economic focus as he immediately advanced proposals for an enhanced South Korean presence in Nigeria’s local manufacturing sector.

He affirmed, “We will leave nothing hanging. We will finalise what we agree to and we will execute.

“We will work point by point with you to secure rapidly implementable MoUs across sectors of partnership that will involve the active presence of your biggest firms, not just in terms of Nigerian consumption, but in local Nigerian production, from telecommunications to technology, and oil & gas.”

While noting that Nigeria’s education, technology, and energy sectors are of utmost interest to South Korean investors, Yeol promised to mobilise his business community to take advantage of new Nigerian incentives for local industry.

Inviting the South Korean leader to visit Nigeria, President Tinubu concluded formal discussions at the G-20 with the Asian giant and host nation, which had invited Nigeria to the G-20 Summit, as he met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“There are many lessons our nation can learn from the rapid progress that India has made under your leadership.

“We see fantastic opportunity between our nations across sectors, such as agricultural development, but specifically, there is more we can do to advance ICT innovation and the emergence of Blue-Chip FinTech growth in Africa.

“Nigeria has the local players who can drive it from the front,” he affirmed.

The host leader received the proposal for economic partnership, thanking Tinubu for inviting him to visit Nigeria.

Modi said, “Our teams must now stay close in touch to detail our priority areas of upscaled cooperation with respect to agriculture, defense industries capacity building, and even FinTech growth.

“I see your commitment. We believe there are immense prospects for Nigeria in the UPI (Unified Payments Interface) and we will ensure that we come together and make progress on these fronts very rapidly.”

President Tinubu also had substantive, informal interactions with U.S. President Joe Biden; European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen; and World Bank President, Ajay Banga, amongst many others.

ADRON HOMES TACKLING NIGERIA’S LEADING CHALLENGE OF HOUSING DEFICIENCY, GIVES SUCCOUR TO TINUBU INITIATIVE

ADRON HOMES TACKLING NIGERIA’S LEADING CHALLENGE OF HOUSING DEFICIENCY, GIVES SUCCOUR TO TINUBU INITIATIVE

As the economy continues to bite harder, Nigeria with an estimated population of over 250 million people and about 30 per cent of the entire population still grappling with the need to get quality shelter and affordable houses, there is a burning need for proactive steps to stem the housing deficits if we are serious about making any serious development as a nation.

One key issue affecting housing delivery in Nigeria is that the level of housing shortage has not been adequately presented. This is a result of inadequate and inappropriate statistics and data by the managers of housing in Nigeria. However, there have been attempts to estimate the magnitude of the housing shortage.

The National Housing Policy specified in detail that to achieve the goal of providing 15 million housing units, although President Tinubu has approved the construction of 1000 houses in Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Zamfara, Kaduna, Niger and Benue states as part of a broad plan by the federal government to address the conflict in the North out of 1.2 Million Housing Units needed to be built each year in the whole country, which is the number necessary to compensate for the housing shortage in the country.

Although the exact reasons for the housing shortage vary across the country, the main problem in Nigeria is the low income of residents. The incidence and growth of these problems seem to outpace the capacity of the government to take them on, requiring massive private investments.

Tackling the housing deficit frontally, A reliable private investor, GMD/CEO of Adron Homes and Properties, Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing who is working assiduously to fulfill the mandate of his organisation in providing affordable housing for millions of Nigerians.

According to promotional programmes announced by Adron Homes, “we are out to slash the prices of all our estates across the country by 50 percent to encourage Nigerians to own their homes regardless of income”.

The discount is in line with the company’s dedication to continuously give customers opportunities to be homeowners through discounts, royalty rewards and friendly payment plans.

“Customers can enjoy up to 40 per cent and 50 per cent happy hour discount on all estates in Ikorodu, Epe, Ede, Ibadan, kajola, Atan-Ota, Ibeju Lekki, Badagry, Ijebu Ode, Shimawa, Abeokuta, Osun, Abuja and Nasarawa.

It is no doubt that Adron is the foremost and widely spread real estate company in Nigeria and that’s why they are constantly rolling out different offers to allow every Nigerian own a house with ease without breaking their income expenditure budget.

Customers can also pay as low as N25,000 initial deposit and enjoy up to 36 months payment plan on all properties. This means you could make payment at your pace and within your budget because at Adron Homes, for every budget; there is a piece of land for you in all their estates.

Adron encourages Nigerians to begin their journey to becoming a property owner and smile at what their income will fetch them in their our estates

Why PEPT Judgment had our Watermark – Tinubu’s legal team

Why PEPT Judgment had our Watermark – Tinubu’s legal team

The Tinubu Presidential Legal Team has responded to the controversy over its watermark on the widely circulated copies of the judgement of the Presidential Elections Petition Tribunal.

The watermarked copy had been a subject of controversy especially on social media with critics alleging a sinister move.

Responding to the criticism, TPLT coordinator, Babatunde Ogala, in a statement on Saturday berated the critics for insinuating the watermark was a result of pre-determined manipulations saying there was nothing untoward to it.

He explained that they watermarked their copy of the judgement after collection from the Court of Appeal before circulating the scanned copies to members of their team.

The statement read, “Following some mischievous insinuations being made in certain quarters regarding the innocuous water-mark of copies of the consolidated judgment of the Court of Appeal with the inscription -“Tinubu Presidential Legal Team ‘TPLT’”, it is has become necessary to offer this clarification.

“After the delivery of judgment in the 3 (Three) election petitions by the Court of Appeal on September 6, 2023, the Court directed its registry to make physical copies of same available on September 7, 2023.

“Accordingly, the Tinubu Presidential Legal Team applied for a Certified True Copy of the said judgment and paid the prescribed fee.

“Lawyers for PDP were present at the registry at the same time to collect the same judgment.

“In fact, the representative of the PDP collected the first copy that was made available by the registry.

“On collecting our own copy, we immediately scanned and watermarked with the inscription – “Tinubu Presidential Legal Team ‘TPLT’” before circulating the scanned soft copies to the lawyers in our team.

“The Certified True Copy issued to us and other parties in the petitions by the registry does not contain the said inscription and any insinuation to the contrary is untrue.

“Counsel for the petitioners will also appreciate the fact that the insinuations being circulated in some quarters are untrue, unkind, unfair, and unfortunate, as they have the same certified copies of the judgment as we have.”

Hon. Saheed Mosadoluwa Fights Back Against Allegations of Land Grabbing, Assault, and Other Bizarre Claims

Hon. Saheed Mosadoluwa Fights Back Against Allegations of Land Grabbing, Assault, and Other Bizarre Claims

In response to a wave of media attacks and a series of bizarre allegations, Honourable Saheed Mosadoluwa and his legal team have issued a press release vehemently denying the claims and calling for a fair and unbiased portrayal of the ongoing legal proceedings.

The press release, issued on Friday, September 7, 2023, categorically refutes the allegations against Honourable Saheed Mosadoluwa and outlines the undistorted details of the pending cases that have been cited in the recent media reports.

The controversy began with a television presentation on ARISE TV by Dotun Hassan and a subsequent publication in Vanguard Newspaper, both of which raised allegations of land grabbing and assault against Mr. Mosadoluwa. According to the press release, these allegations are described as “malafide” and an attempt to influence the ongoing court proceedings.

Preposterous Allegations of Burying and Exhuming:

One of the most peculiar fabrication made against Mr. Mosadoluwa involves an alleged burial and exhumation of individuals. The press release acknowledges these bizarre allegations and challenges Dotun Hassan and his group to provide concrete evidence to support these claims. It sets a 7-day ultimatum for them to substantiate these unsubstantiated allegations or face legal prosecution to the fullest extent of the law. The press release underscores the legal principle that “he who alleges must prove.”

Allegations of Assault and Land Grabbing:

In addition to the above random but bogus claims, the press release addresses the allegations of assault and land grabbing. It asserts that Mr. Mosadoluwa has been charged and is awaiting trial for an assault case, emphasizing the impropriety of discussing an ongoing legal matter in the media.

Furthermore, the release delves into a dispute over land ownership involving Mr. Mosadoluwa and a party referred to as Murphy Adebare (Topaz). It alleges that Topaz engaged hired assassins to target Mr. Mosadoluwa, leading to a criminal case. Evidence were shown to the media at the press briefing. It also implicates certain police officers in assisting Topaz’s efforts, an accusation that calls for a thorough investigation.

The Mosadoluwa’s legal team expresses concern about the conduct of CSP Ishola Jejeloye and calls for the Inspector General of Police to intervene and address alleged bias in ongoing investigations. The release also appeals for the restoration of personal aides attached to Mr. Mosadoluwa’s security, citing concerns about his safety.

Honourable Saheed Mosadoluwa and his legal team maintain their innocence in the face of these allegations and express their confidence that justice will prevail as the legal proceedings continue.

4 Places Where S*x in Public is Legal

4 Places Where S*x in Public is Legal

According to CriminalDefenseLawyer.com: S*x in public can lead to charges for public lewdness, indecent exposure, or even disorderly conduct. In most states, the laws that criminalize public sex make it a misdemeanor crime. Some state laws explicitly criminalize public sexual activity. Other laws are broader and cover a variety of indecent or lewd conduct.

It is important to note that showing too much skin is forbidden in many countries, some countries are just coming to terms with nudity in selected locations which made them more significantly open to nudity. The topic of public sex is still iffy at best. In fact, there are only four places in the world that allow it:

Germany

There is a recent legislation that allow women in Berlin to swim in general swimming pool topless in a law under gender equality. It is right to say Germany has a long history of being comfortable with nudity, and the country’s laws allow mixed-sex public nudity in designated areas such as beaches and parks.

It’s also legal to have sex in public, as long as nobody complains. However, there is one caveat – you have to be covered (a blanket or towel is fine) while you’re in the middle of the act. Being exposed during sex in public can earn you a fine.

Guadalajara, Mexico

In the summer of 2018, a new law was passed in Guadalajara – public sex was no longer a criminal act. The law wasn’t passed because of open-mindedness as much as police extorting couples caught in the act.

The new legislation was meant to protect “vulnerable groups,” such as young couples who, in the presence of parents at home, would go to parks and vehicles for intimate relations. And this way police could pay attention to more serious crimes.

Ørstedsparken, Denmark

Public sex in Denmark is legal in just one designated place – Ørstedsparken, which is a public park in central Copenhagen.

The rules for sex in the park are on display:

“Sex in the park is allowed but show some consideration. Many children institutions use the park.

Therefore, please avoid:

  • Sex in the playground and visible places between 9 am and 4 pm.
  • Loud sex in hiding between 9 am and 4 pm.

Remember to:

  • Remove semen from the benches after the act.
  • Leave condoms and used napkins in the bin.

The city hall of Copenhagen calls for safe sex.

 

Vondelpark, the Netherlands

Attracting 10 million visitors per year, the Vondelpark is Amsterdam’s largest – and most famous – municipal park. The lush 45-hectare site includes a famous open-air theatre, numerous children’s playgrounds and several cafés and restaurants, making it a thriving hub of activity in any season.” (Holland.com)

Not only is it the largest city park in Amsterdam, but Vondelpark also holds the status of being the only place in the Netherlands where public sex is legal.

As of September 2008, adults were legally allowed to have sex in the park. The 3 caveats of participation are:

  • Sexual activities were to be limited to the evening hours and night
  • People take their garbage with them when they’re done
  • Never have intercourse near the playground

 

I’d say that’s all pretty reasonable. It sure made dog owners really mad, though.

See, the park had originally been owned by the foundation that developed it. When ownership of the park was transferred to the Municipality of Amsterdam in 1953, one of the stipulations was that dogs must be able to run loose in the park at all times.

But then the public sex rule came down in 2008 and the city tried to get more control on the loose dogs.

 

29 Years Old Man Sentenced to 11,196 Years in Prison for Fraud

29 Years Old Man Sentenced to 11,196 Years in Prison for Fraud

A disgraced Turkish crypto founder who fled to Albania and his two brothers have been sentenced to 11,196 years in prison each, the Anadolu state news agency reported Friday.

Prosecutors had asked for Thodex boss Faruk Fatih Ozer, 29, to be sentenced to 40,562 years in prison for money laundering, fraud and establishing a criminal organisation.

“If I were to establish a criminal organisation, I would not have acted so amateurishly,” Anadolu quoted Ozer as telling the court.

His two brothers, Serap and Guven, received the same sentence, which was issued late Thursday after a brief trial, Turkish media reports said.

Turkey is known for issuing massive prison sentences, which became more common after it abolished the death penalty in 2004 to help its efforts to join the European Union.

Ozer was initially reported to have fled Turkey in April 2021 with $2 billion in investor assets, although that figure has since been disputed.

Prosecutors said Ozer had transferred 250 million liras in user assets (worth about $30 million at the time) to three secret accounts when he fled Turkey in April 2021, with much of the money ending up in a Malta bank.

The indictment said the Ozer brothers had caused 356 million liras of damage to clients in all.

The case grabbed local headlines because it coincided with a Turkish crypto boom that has since largely subsided due to heavier government regulation.

Turks began turning to various cryptocurrencies as a defence against a deep slide in the value of the lira that began more than two years ago.

Ozer gained further celebrity status after being pictured meeting with ultranationalist pro-government figures.

He was arrested last year in Albania on an international arrest warrant from Interpol.

AFP

2 Rejected As Lagos Lawmakers Confirm Sanwo-Olu’s Second Batch Of Nominees

2 Rejected As Lagos Lawmakers Confirm Sanwo-Olu’s Second Batch Of Nominees

The Lagos State House of Assembly on Thursday confirmed 15 out of the second batch of 18 nominees sent by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu recently.

The confirmation happened after Hon. Mojeed Fatai, Chief Whip and chairman of the screening committee, laid a report of the exercise before the House.

At a sitting presided over by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, the lawmakers rejected Engr. Olalere Odusote, Mr. Samuel Egube.

However, the House resolved to step down the confirmation of Hon. Tolani Sule Akibu for another day.

Dr. Obasa, commended the committee saying the members did a thorough job screening the nominees. His position was supported by the lawmakers present at plenary.

Those confirmed include:

Dr. Afolabi Abiodun Tajudeen
Mr. Oluwaseun Oriyomi Osiyemi
Prof. Akinola Emmanuel Abayomi
Dr. Oluwarotimi Omotola Wahab Fashola
Mrs. Folashade Kaosarat Ambrose-Medem
Mrs. Akinyemi Bankole Ajigbotafe
Mrs. Bolaji Cécilia Dada
Mrs. Barakat Akande Bakare
Mr. Olugbenga Omotosho
Mr. Mosopefoluwa George
Dr. Yekini Nurudeen Agbaje
Dr. Olumide Oluyinka
Mr. Abayomi Samson Oluyomi
Dr. Iyabode Oyeyemi Ayoola
Hon. Sola Shakirudeen Giwa

Eromosele Ebhomele
Media Assistant to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

All you Need to Know about UK Skilled Worker Visa

All you Need to Know about UK Skilled Worker Visa

A Skilled Worker visa allows you to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer.

This visa has replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa.

It also allows you to work in UK waters.

Eligibility for UK Skilled Worker Visa

Your job

To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, you must:

  • work for a UK employer that’s been approved by the Home Office
  • have a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ from your employer with information about the role you’ve been offered in the UK
  • do a job that’s on the list of eligible occupations
  • be paid a minimum salary – how much depends on the type of work you do

The specific eligibility depends on your job.

You must have a confirmed job offer before you apply for your visa.

Knowledge of English

You must be able to speak, read, write and understand English. You’ll usually need to prove your knowledge of English when you apply.

If you’re not eligible for a Skilled Worker visa

You may be eligible for another type of visa to work in the UK.

How long you can stay

Your visa can last for up to 5 years before you need to extend it. You’ll need to apply to extend or update your visa when it expires or if you change jobs or employer.

If you want to stay longer in the UK

You can apply to extend your visa as many times as you like as long as you still meet the eligibility requirements.

After 5 years, you may be able to apply to settle permanently in the UK (also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’). This gives you the right to live, work and study here for as long as you like, and apply for benefits if you’re eligible.

How to apply

You must apply online.

How you apply depends on whether you’re:

If you want to change your job or employer, you must apply to update your visa.

Your partner and children can apply to join you or stay in the UK as your ‘dependants’ if they’re eligible.

How long it takes

You can apply for a visa up to 3 months before the day you are due to start work in the UK. This date is listed on your certificate of sponsorship.

As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity and provide your documents.

You may need to allow extra time if you need an appointment to do this. You’ll find out if you need one when you start your application.

Getting a decision

Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within:

  • 3 weeks, if you’re outside the UK
  • 8 weeks, if you’re inside the UK

You may be able to pay to get a faster decision. How you do this depends on whether you’re outside the UK or inside the UK.

How much it costs

You, your partner or children will each need to:

  • pay the application fee
  • pay the healthcare surcharge for each year of your stay
  • prove you have enough personal savings

Check how much money you’ll need.

If you work in public sector healthcare

If you’re a doctor or nurse, or you work in health or adult social care, check if you’re eligible to apply for the Health and Care Worker visa instead. It’s cheaper to apply for and you do not need to pay the annual immigration health surcharge.

What you can and cannot do

With a Skilled Worker visa you can:

You cannot:

  • apply for most benefits (public funds), or the State Pension
  • change jobs or employer unless you apply to update your visa

If your application is successful, you’ll get a full list of what you can and cannot do with a Skilled Worker visa.

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