News Archives - Page 172 of 282 - SocietyGazette.com

Nigerian Army reacts to video of Soldier dehumanizing Corper

The Nigerian Army (NA) says it has taken cognizance of a video clip currently making the rounds on social media, where a commissioned female officer, Lt. Chika Viola Anele was videoed dehumanising a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Ezeiruaku Ifeyinwa Fidelia. Fidelia was serving at 13 Brigade Headquarters in Calabar, Cross River State. The harassment happened after an argument between the duo.

The Army in a statement on Thursday by Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, its Director Public Relations, condemned the “unprofessional” act and stated that it is “against established precepts of discipline in the NA”. Apologetic Nigerian Army also noted that Lt. Anele has been sanctioned.

The Nigerian Army’s statement reads: “The NA therefore, condemns in strong terms, this act of gross misconduct. Undoubtedly, the officer’s actions has caused the NA monumental embarrassment and is highly regrettable. This unfortunate act of indiscipline does not in anyway represent the NA and will not be condoned in its entirety.

“For the records, the ugly incident happened in 13 Brigade, Calabar. The Brigade Commander immediately instituted an investigation and the officer involved has been identified and sanctioned on the interim and would be made to undergo regimental orders (trial) in line with the extant provisions of the Armed Forces Act. The submission that the Brigade attempted covering up was therefore misleading, as the NA remains a professional force that has zero tolerance for indiscipline amongst its personnel.

“The NA wishes to reiterate and assure the general public that such infractions would not be tolerated from its personnel. The NA also reassures that the rights of the citizenry is sacrosanct and must be respected by all personnel of the NA, as any form of infraction will be severely dealt with.”

“Therefore, the general public is enjoined to continue to report such infractions, as Human Rights Desks in all formations of the NA are emplaced to deal decisively with such erring personnel.”

“The NA further wishes to tender unreserved apology to the victim, her family members, friends, National Youth Service Corps and to Nigerians in general for the unwholesome treatment meted out to the Corps member.”

BREAKING: One policeman killed, scores wounded As Task Force, Okada Riders Clash In Lagos

Operatives of the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit, also known as Lagos Taskforce, on Thursday clashed with commercial motorcyclists, popularly called Okada in Ajao Estate, Airport road, Lagos.

One policeman has been confirmed dead and several wounded.

It was gathered that Task Force officers seized bikes and it turned violent.

More to follow…

Breaking: Police Arrest Masterminds Of Bethel Baptist School Students Kidnap

The long arm of the law has caught up with three of the criminal masterminds behind the abduction of over 100 students of Bethel Baptist school, Kaduna State.
The criminals were arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Police and were paraded on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba at the headquarters of defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), in Abuja.

The three suspects identified as Adamu Bello, Isiaku Lawal, and Muazu Abubakar told journalists on ground that 25 of them executed the abduction of the students.

Speaking on why they kidnapped the students, the suspects, dressed in military camouflage, confessed it was because of money.

“Twenty-five of us carried out the operation. We kidnapped 136 students and I got N100,000 share from the money,” 27-year-old Abubakar said.

More details later…

Source: Naija News

Fresh Trouble For Abba Kyari As Court Orders Police To Pay N50 Million Fine Over Illegal Arrest By Embattled Super Cop

A Federal Capital Territory High Court, sitting in Gudu Judicial Division Abuja, per Adebiyi J. has ordered the Nigerian police force to pay a fine of N50 million over the ‘illegal arrest and detention’ of Mrs. Ngozi Umeadi by officers of the Intelligence Response Team, IRT when it was being led by embattled police chief, Abba Kyari.

Umeadi is being represented by IPOB lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor. He had instituted a case against the police over the illegal arrest, torture and continued detention of Mrs. Umeadi since February 2021 till date.

In a Judgement delivered on Thursday morning, Hon. Justice Modupe Osho-Adebiyi of Court No. 28, Gudu Judicial Division, Abuja, declared Umeadi’s arrest and continued detention by the Operatives of the Inspector General of Police Intelligence Response Unit, hitherto led by Abba Kyari ‘illegal and a gross violation of her fundamental Human Rights’.

The Court further directed for her immediate and unconditional release from custody, and consequently awarded exemplary and aggravated damages of N50,000,000.00 (Fifty Million Naira Only) against the Police as reparation.

The Court further directed in her Judgement that the Police should tender an unreserved apology to Mrs Ngozi Umeadi, which apology will be published in two National Dailies. Speaking on the case, her lawyer, Ejiofor said;

“We shall leave no stone unturned to ensure that the terms of this judgment is carried out to the letter.”

“We shall also be speedily following up on prompt compliance with these terms of judgment, while other pending applications affecting others still in this category are being addressed in Court. Do not lose hope.”

“However, be assured that justice can only be delayed but not denied. All persons illegally arrested and still being detained by the lawless Nigerian Security Agencies shall get justice. We are not relenting.”

Suspected Fulani Herdsmen Kidnap Pregnant woman, two others in Ogun forest, demand N30m Ransom

Suspected Fulani Herdsmen Kidnap Pregnant woman, two others in Ogun forest, demand N30m
Ransom

Suspected Fulani herdsmen have abducted three persons, including a pregnant woman, and demanded N10m ransom for each of them.

The victims were reportedly kidnapped on Sunday along the Igbo-Ora-Sokoto Road while going to visit their friend in Rounda, in the Abeokuta-North Local Government Area of Ogun State.

A source close to one of the victims told our correspondent that the kidnappers laid ambush for the victims around the area, known as Karigo.

The source said among the victims was a woman with eight months’ pregnancy.

He said the kidnappers reached out to the family members of the victims two days after and demanded N10m from each of them.

While narrating the incident, the source said the residents were five that embarked on the short trip, but two escaped from the kidnappers.

“The victims went to greet someone at Karigo Bus-stop at Rounda.

“The road was bad and so they parked their vehicle somewhere in the area and headed to their destination on foot.

“The two persons that escaped said the kidnappers were Fulani herdsmen, known as Bororos; the husband of the pregnant woman escaped,” he added.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi, confirmed the incident.

Oyeyemi, however, described the victims as worshippers who went into the forest for a special prayer before they were abducted.

He said, “Since that very day, our people have been on their trail. Our tactical team has been trying to rescue them.

“But our people should also be careful; they should stop organising ‘prayer mountain’ inside the forest.

“This is not the best time to be doing that. We also want to warn our people that if they are coming from a journey and their car breaks down in an isolated area, they should leave that place and go to the nearest police station in that area to inform them so that the police will stay with them pending the time that they would finish repairing the vehicle.

“So, if a vehicle breaks down in an isolated area and you are standing by that vehicle, you are making yourself an easy prey for kidnappers, especially all those areas where we have thick forests.”

Family begs as kidnappers demand N5m for 68-year-old Rivers victim
In a related development, the family of a 68-year-old retired civil servant, Tamunokro Ibisikiminapaka, from Kaliama in the Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State, has appealed to his kidnappers to release him unconditionally.

Ibisikiminapaka was abducted in the wee hours of Wednesday, September 15, 2021, when some gunmen broke into his residence in Borikiri, Port Harcourt, and whisked him away to an unknown destination.

Speaking to journalists in Port Harcourt, one of his children, Osimiepreye Kalio, said the kidnappers had contacted the family and demanded N5m to free him.

While pleading for his release, she said her father had health challenges, including diabetes, which needed regular checks and medication.

In an emotion-laden voice, Kalio said the incident had devastated the family, especially as they had not heard from him or the kidnappers for the past three days.

“Please release him so that he can come back to us. We are pleading,” she added. ,,

Source: The Punch

Time Is Not Yet Ripe To Disclose names, shame sponsors of terrorism For Purpose Of Investigation — Malami Reveals

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN, assured yesterday that no stone would be left unturned in the prosecution of Boko Haram financiers, saying it wasn’t yet time to name and shame their sponsors.

Malami, in a statement signed by his media aide Dr. Umar Gwandu, said investigation to unravel those behind activities of insurgents in the country hadreached advanced stage.

According to the statement, the AGF, who spoke during an interview with journalists in New York, in continuation of the ongoing 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly, stressed that time was not ripe for holistic disclosures, so as not to pre-empt the investigation process.

He said FG would take all steps to ensure a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria, adding that the public “would be properly and adequately informed about the investigation and prosecution process at the appropriate milestones as they unfold”.

“The position, as it stands, is that investigation has reached advanced stage and the Government will make statement in that direction in due course.

“Time is not ripe for holistic disclosures so as not to pre-empt the investigation process. The prime object remains the attainment of peace and security of our dear nation.

“As far as terrorism funding and financing is concerned, we have succeeded in identifying those that are allegedly responsible for funding same and we are blocking the leakages associated with funding while embarking on aggressive investigation that is indeed impacting positively in terms of the fight against terrorism.

“The truth of the matter is that investigation is ongoing and advancing. For the purpose of investigation I would not like to be pre-emptive in terms of making disclosures that will have effect of undermining the successes we are recording.

“One thing I can tell you for sure is that whatever we do in terms of detention and arrest is indeed backed-up by judicial processes.

“We have acquired and obtained legitimate court orders taking into consideration the facts and material proof of evidence presented before the court on account of which the court eventually exercises its discretion in terms of granting orders that we can have the suspects in custody pending the conclusion of the investigation,” Malami stated.

He said the FG, through the Complex Case Group of the Department of Public Prosecution of the Federation in the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, reviewed over 1000 Boko Haram Case files, out of which 285 have been filed before the Federal High Court based on prima facie cases of terrorism against them.

“The delay witnessed in prosecution process was occasioned by COVID-19 lockdown, Judiciary Staff Union (JUSUN) Strike and court vacation.

“Naming and shaming of suspects is not embarked upon as a policy by the federal Government out of sheer respect the constitutional rights of Nigerians relating to presumption of innocence.

“It is a product of constitutionalism and the law. It is rooted in the law and the names of the suspects will accordingly be made public at the point of judicial arraignment while the shaming remains a consequence of judicial conviction. Trials are judicial process and not about media sensations.

“Naming and shaming in the Nigerian context must be rooted in constitutionalism.

“We must strike a balance between constitutional presumption of innocence and evidential proof of reasonable ground for suspicion in making disclosures associated with terrorism funding and financing.

“Where reasonable grounds are established, suspects must be naturally taken to court at which point their identity must be disclosed and the naming become apparent. ’’

“Shaming, on the other hand, is the product of conviction at which point the public are equally judicially put on noticed.

“In essence naming and shaming within the context of Nigerian law are judicial functions which commence with arraignment and terminate with convictions.

“Naming and shaming is not unguided and unregulated process. It is not like a discarded ship left at the mercy of winds and tides”, the statement further read.

Kwara Ex-Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed Reacts After AMCON Seals His Mansion Over 5bn Debt

Former Kwara Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has described the take over of his Ilorin property by a lawyer purportedly representing AMCON as unnecessary and overzealous.

He said talks were ongoing to resolve previous transactions with two defunct banks.

Ahmed’s media aide Wahab Oba clarified that the dispute was based on a margin loan he secured from the defunct Intercontinental Bank and Finbank in 2009 for the purchase of shares which was then lumped with unrelated loans obtained by others.

Reacting to a viral video depicting the takeover of his residence by an individual who claimed to represent the company, Ahmed explained that the banks held the shares as collateral to sell and recover the loans in the event of a default.

Senate Approves N13.98tr 2022 Budget Figure As It Passes 2022-2024 MTEF/FS

The federal government Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) has been approved on Wednesday by the Senate.
In approving the framework, the lawmakers assumed an international oil price of $57 per barrel and daily crude oil production of 1.88 million barrels.

Other parameters assumed by the legislators in passing the fiscal framework include an exchange rate of N410 to a dollar and an inflation rate of 13%.

According to Naija News, the assumptions will form the basis for the N13.98 trillion 2022 budget figures to be prepared and submitted for approval by the executive arm of the federal government.

The N13.98 trillion estimate is made up of total recurrent (non-debt) of N6.21 trillion; Personnel Costs (MDAs) of N3.47 trillion; Capital expenditure (exclusive of transfers) N3.26 trillion; Special Intervention (recurrent) amounting to N350 billion; and Special intervention (Capital) of N10billion.

The Senate approval follows the presentation of a report of the finance committee headed by Senator Solomon Olamilekan during Wednesday’s plenary.

He recommended that “the daily crude oil production of 1.88mbpd, 2.23mbpd, and 2.22mbpd for 2022, 2023 and 2024 respectively, be approved, in view of average 1.93mbpd over the past three years and the fact that a very conservative oil output benchmark has been adopted for the medium term in order to ensure greater budget realism.

“That the benchmark oil price of $57 per barrel should be approved because of the clear evidence of wide consultations with key stakeholders. and the age long fiscal strategy of addressing the oil price shocks by the adoption of a higher than forecast oil price benchmark for fiscal projections over the medium term.

“That the exchange rate of N410.15 to a dollar proposed by the executive for 2022-2024 be approved.”

It is understood that the parameters approved which include a projected Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate of 4.20 percent were as suggested by the Federal Executive Council and the Senators didn’t make any adjustment.

Source: Naija News

Just In: Ganduje Reacts To death of Emir of Gaya

Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano state has said that he received with immense sadness and deep feeling of a great national loss, the news of the passing away of the Emir of Gaya, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdulkadir.

In a statement signed by the commissioner for Information, Malam Muhammad Garba, the governor observed that despite his ailing condition, the monarch’s uncommon leadership qualities earned him respect as traditional ruler since his days as Sarkin Gaya and until his death as first class Emir in Kano.

He said the death of the Emir of one of the oldest Emirates in northern Nigeria has created a vacuum difficult to be filled considering his contributions to peace, stability and progress in his domain and the country.

Alhaji Abdulkadir, who has been on the throne of Sarkin Gaya since 1990 has held several traditional positions to include district head of Kunchi and that of Minjibir, among others. He was one of the four Emirs elevated to first class Emirs by the Ganduje administration after the creation of Rano, Gaya, Bichi and Karaye Emirates in 2019.

Governor Ganduje, who is away in Abuja when the Emir’s death was announced, stated that the demise of the monarch is a big blow to his immediate family, Gaya Emirate, the government and the entire people of Kano state.

He prayed Allah in His infinite mercy to grant his soul Aljannah Firdausi and called on the entire people of the Emirate to bear the loss with the spirit of acquiescence to God’s will.

The governor also urged them to take solace in the fact that endurance was not the measure of a good life but the sense of fulfilment.

Source: Vanguard News Nigeria

Obasa, Lagos Assembly mourn late Hon Risikat Adegeye

The Lagos State House of Assembly on Tuesday mourned the passing of a former member, Hon. Risikat Adegeye.

This was as the Speaker, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Obasa, described her demise as the “fall of a shining star.”

Adegeye, wife of respected musician, King Sunny Ade, was said to have died in the early hours of Tuesday after battling a brief illness.

The Speaker, in a statement by his media office, said her death was shocking and that the incident had thrown him and his colleagues into mourning.

According to Obasa, Mrs. Adegeye, a philanthropist, died at a period she was still very relevant to the progress of Lagos.

“As a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, she had a very robust relationship with her colleagues.

“Madam Adegeye bonded with staff and management of the Assembly. She was always jovial and loved everyone irrespective of status. She touched lives. She truly did.

“She also played very vital roles to the growth and development of Lagos.

“Even after leaving office as lawmaker, we could not just allow her wisdom to lay fallow. She was appointed as Commissioner in the Lagos State House of Assembly Commission where she again brought her experience to bear in the scheme of progress in the legislature and governance of our dear State.

“To say we are shocked is an understatement. The feeling her demise has brought us is beyond description. It is a huge loss to us and to the State. Indeed, a shining star has fallen, a wisdom-filled person has left us.

“As we continue to mourn her demise in the days ahead, we take solace in the fact that she touched lives positively, she served Lagos with passion and was very dedicated to her constituency.

“We at the Lagos State House of Assembly pray for divine strength for her husband, her children, her beneficiaries and all those who are affected by this loss.

“May God grant her a special place in His kingdom, amen.”

While at the House of Assembly, Hon. Adegeye, a loyal member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), represented Amuwo-Odofin Constituency 1