A Grade 1 Area Court in Dutse, Abuja on Friday sentenced Aliyu Musa, a 24-year-old student to six months imprisonment for stealing N40, 000 with a stolen ATM card.
The Presiding Officer, Mr Suleiman Mohammed, who tried and found Musa guilty however, gave him an option to pay N30, 000 as fine.
Mohammed held that the convict failed to give the court a reasonable explanation why he committed the crime.
He also ordered that the money confisticated from the convict by the police be returned to its owner.
The convict, who resides in Ushafa area of Bwari was convicted of Joint act and theft.
He pleaded guilty.
Earlier, the prosecutor, Mr Tunde Arowolo told the court that the convict was reported at the Bwari Police Station by one Emmanuel Anyade, a businessman in Ushafa village, Bwari, on Dec.14.
According to Arowolo, the convict went to the complainant’s shop where he operated mobile money transactions through POS and withdrew N40, 000 from a first bank account belonging to one Amadi Ogechi.
“He also returned the next day to withdraw another N20,000 from the same account when the owner of the shop asked him to produce an identity card that correspondended with the account.
“He failed to do that and was thereby arrested.”
The prosecution added that during police investigation, the convict also confessed to the crime but said that he was sent by one Musa Maiwake who is presently at large, to withdraw the money and take it to him at Maraba in Nassarawa state.
The prosecution noted that the act, contravened sections 79 and 287 of the penal code.
A tragic incident occurred on Wednesday December 25, as a man identified as Onyeocha Umuokwu was allegedly shot dead by a policeman.
The incident reportedly occurred at the home of one Engineer Eze in Alor Idemili South Local Government area of Anambra state.
Eyewitnesses alleged that the deceased was killed by a stray bullet shot by a policeman aiming at a fleeing cow in the community.
The eyewitness report reads; “Onyeocha Umuokwu was shot by a police officer at Engineer Eze house yesterday been 25th December 2019, in Alor idemili south LGA Anambra stat
The news have it that a cow cut the rope they use to tied it and started running then the police officer on the duty now try to shoot the cow but mistakenly shot and killed this Alor popular/jovial man Onyeocha Umuokwu na Alor.”
A Nigerian, Emmanuel Mong, caught trying to catch a flight home, is in the process of being extradited from Washington to Stamford in California, where he will face charges that he illegally intercepted a $30,000 wire transfer from Purdue Pharma.
According to Port of Seattle Police, 24 year-old Mong of Savannah, Georgia, was trying to catch an Emirates Airlines flight to Nigeria on Dec. 16 at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
Seeing there was a felony warrant in his name, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers detained him until police arrived at Sea-Tac Airport.
According to the report, Stamford police issued a warrant for Mong’s arrest in 2017, charging him with first-degree larceny, conspiracy to commit first-degree computer crime and conspiracy to commit criminal impersonation, with a court-ordered appearance bond of $250,000.
Despite his protests that he has never lived in Georgia and claims that he is not the person wanted in the warrant, Mong is being extradited to Stamford.
His Stamford criminal defense attorney, Allan Friedman, said Mong is eager to clear his name.
“Mr. Mong is looking forward to coming to Stamford and having his day in court and presenting evidence of his innocence,” Friedman said. “We will resolve this matter in court.”
A spokesperson from Purdue Pharma said they had no comment on the matter.
According to Mong’s four-page arrest affidavit, Sean Coughlin, a Stamford police financial crimes investigator, said Purdue Pharma became the victim of what is known as a “man-in-the-email scam,” wherein a corporation, usually with business connections to Africa or Asia, have their email systems hacked by a computer virus or some other malware.
It is a thing of great shame to know for certain that child abuse in still vogue despite the intervention of the government of the Nation and some international bodies like World Health Organization (WHO), The International Society for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (ISPCAN) and others.
The woman was spotted in a video where she raised a girl of probably less than 10years old high in the air and slammed her very hard on the floor without any remorse shown for doing it. This wicked act has got a lot of people talking.
The woman got angry because of the car door that hit the head of her biological daughter which she assume shouldn't have happened if the house help carried her daughter into the car in time, Leakers.ng reports.
Leakers.ng also gathered that the woman has been apprehended and is presently at the police station for abusing her house help.
Further investigation reveals that the woman has been maltreating the young househelp for a very long time and there are lot of bruises and scars all over the body of the girl which are evident.
The Nigerian Army on Wednesday released 983 suspects cleared of links with Boko Haram insurgents.
Maj.-Gen. Olusegun Adeniyi, the Theater Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole (OPLD), made the disclosure in Maiduguri at the formal handing over of the suspects to the Borno State Government.
Adeniyi disclosed that the suspects comprised of 978 males and five females.
He said that the affected persons were detained at a military facility over suspected links with the insurgents.
Adeniyi explained that the suspects were cleared by the Joint Investigative Panel set up by the authorities.
The commander added that the detainees were cleared of any links with insurgents and certified fit for reintegration with their families and society.
“The release of the detainees mark a milestone in the Operation Lafiya Dole to defeat insurgency and restore peace to the region.
”The Federal Government implemented the Operation Safe Corridor to encourage insurgents to surrender for rehabilitation and integration into the society.
“I call on the insurgents to surrender to enable them benefit from opportunities of the programme. Their aim for a caliphate will not be actualize, I call on the insurgents to surrender.
“Let Shekau and Albarnawi to die alone, they are defeated and you should not die with them,” Adeniyi said.
While commending the Borno Government over its support to the military, Adeniyi advocated for skill training programme to enable the released suspects to learn trades and engage in productive activities.
Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno commended the gesture, adding that “the event is significant in paving the way to end insurgency”.
“It also signalled the beginning of peace in the state”.
Zulum called on the people to accept the released detainees, stressing that they were proved to be free and innocent sequel to investigations conducted by the investigative committee.
He called on the military to adopt proactive measures to release innocent persons in its facilities in accordance with the laws.
Zulum said that the affected persons would be transfer to the Borno State Rehabilitation Center, Bulumkutu, before reintegration with their families and society.
The governor added that the state government would provide skill training and empowerment support to enable them to engage in productive activities.
Zulum further commended the military and other security agencies over their sacrifices and contributions in the counter insurgency campaign and peace building process in the state.
Also speaking, Ahmed Jidda, one of the released detainees, thanked God for regaining his freedom.
Jidda, who hailed from Adamawa, said he was detained for about three years at the military facility.
He noted that the military authority had adopted proactive measures to take care of their need and improvement of the well being of the inmates.
“We are fed, sheltered and clothed. Nobody abused or maltreated us at the center,” he said.
Jidda commended the committee which established their innocence, adding that he was happy to be reunited with his family.
Nigerians on popular micro-blogging platform, Twitter are outraged after some ladies whose identities were not revealed to the public shared their stories admitting the use of diabolical means to get men they want.
The stories which caused the outrage were posted by Dami Olonisakin, better known as “Oloni”, a popular sex blogger, podcaster, and soon-to-be author.
In her popular “Ladies and LADIES ONLY” twitter threads, Oloni puts out requests for typically explicit, far-from-vanilla stories from women from across the world who proudly speak about their sex lives in ways that we usually almost exclusively hear from men.
These have included requests for their wildest sex stories from university, for their experiences with sugar daddies, and for accounts of times when women have had sex with a guy and his best friend.
Her recent threads reads; “LADIES & LADIES only! I want you to DM about a time that you've used black magic to woo a guy you liked.”
In anonymised screenshots posted by the UK’s biggest names in sex and relationships writing, different ladies were seen admitting the use of diabolical means to get men.
This has made men especially Nigerians to react with many saying if the gender were to be of the opposite, ladies would have called all men trash and scum but they (ladies) found it funny only because it was of their gender (female).
President of Omega Fire Ministries Worldwide, Apostle Johnson Suleman, says he is considering standing as a surety for detained activist, Omoyele Sowore.
Mr Sowore, convener of #RevolutionNow protest, is in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) on charges of treasonable felony and other sundry offences.
A Federal High Court in Abuja had on October 21 reduced Sowore’s bail conditions which earlier required two sureties with N100 million each and deposit of N50 million as security.
Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu waived the earlier requirement of N50 million security deposit but ruled that all other conditions should remain.
Sowore and co-defendant, Olawale Bakare, are charged with seven counts of treasonable felony and other sundry offences instituted against them by the Federal Government.
Suleman, however, in a tweet on Monday said he was worried that Sowore had not found sureties.
“I’m really worried that nobody is ready to stand surety for @YeleSowore. Yes, he has hurt a lot of people, me inclusive. But do we focus on that and let him rot where he? In a situation like this, what will Christ do? I’m ‘considering’ standing bail for him,” he wrote.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), said it recorded no fewer than 200 arrests of Internet fraud suspects, popularly known as ‘Yahoo Boys’, in Oct. alone.
The Acting Chairman of the commission, Mr Ibrahim Magu, stated this at an interactive session with newsmen on Friday in Abuja.
According to Magu, the biggest catch of the commission is Instagram celebrity Ismaila Mustapha a.k.a Mompha, and his Lebanese accomplice Hamza Koudeih.
He said the suspects, who were “kingpins of an Organised Cyber Syndicate Network (OCSN)”, allegedly laundered a total of N33 billion.
Magu said: “Five wristwatches valued at over N60 million were recovered from Mompha at the point of arrest.
“Investigation has also revealed that he operates 51 bank accounts in Nigeria with which he acquired properties in Dubai and had laundered about N14 billion through Ismalob Global Investments Limited.
“His accomplice, Koudeih, also has two firms namely: THK Services Limited and CHK properties Limited with which he has allegedly laundered about N19 billion.
“Koudeih lives in a five million dollar per annum suite at the Eko Atlantic Pearl Tower, Victoria Island Lagos.’’
The EFCC boss said the arrests underscored the agency’s commitment to the fight against corruption and economic crime.
He added that there were also clear messages to “high end fraudsters that they can only run, but cannot hide, sooner than later, we will get them”.
“The effort to flush out all fraudsters continues. At the same time, we will sustain the tempo of vigorous prosecution of fraud cases in court.
“Indeed, fraudsters account for a huge percentage of the 890 convictions that has been recorded by the commission this year.
“A number of assets have been seized, while victims have also enjoyed restitution by order of court,” he said.
While noting that the battle “is far from being won”, the anti-corruption czar renewed his appeal for the support of stakeholders, especially the media, for the commission.
Magu said the youths, who were mostly involved in cyber fraud, needed sensitisation to the consequences of their actions not only to their future but to the nation’s image and economy.
He restated the commission’s resolve to rehabilitate those ready to turn a new leaf, and help them to put their skills to good use.
“The youth must learn the virtues of integrity and hard work as the path to sustainable wealth.
“They must realise that crime does not pay; rather it will destroy their prospects and ruin their chances of decent living.
“For those who are remorseful and prepared to turn a new leaf, the commission is fully disposed to help in channeling their energies and cyber skills to positive venture.
“We are considering a policy that will help in the rehabilitation of convicted, but repentant Internet fraudsters.
“This is to ensure that their skills are positively applied in helping to build a better Nigerian society,” Magu.
Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on Thursday, told the Federal High Court, Abuja, that he was ready to face trial if his safety would be guaranteed by the court.
Kanu told the presiding judge, Justice Binta Nyako, through his counsel, Ifeanyi Ejiofor.
Ejiofor told the court that the application to restore the IPOB leader’s bail so that he could face his trial was filed on April 1.
“We have an application for bail filed on April 1, 2019, the application was served on the prosecution and it is ripped for hearing.
“We urge the court to restore his bail on the ground that the court will guarantee his safety when he comes back to the country to continue his trial,” he said.
On his part, counsel to the Federal Government, Labaran Shuaibu, who told the court that he was just seeing the process, opposed to the application.
Shuaibu urged the court to adjourn the matter to enable them filed the necessary processes.
Delivering the ruling, Justice Nyako, who adjourned the matter till Jan. 16, said the only way he could guarantee Kanu’s safety was to keep him in the prison.
She said even judges no longer safe in the country.
“Even judges are being abducted in the country. So prison is the only safest place for him,” she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Nyako had ordered the re-arrest of the self-proclaimed leader of IPOB, Kanu.
The judge gave the order in a ruling after revoking the bail granted to Kanu.
She explained that the court gave the order because Kanu had failed to appear in court after his bail was granted in April 2017.
The judge also ordered that trial would continue in the absence of the IPOB leader and directed that a bench warrant be issued for his arrest.
NAN reports that Justice Nyako had granted Kanu bail on health grounds on April 25, 2017, and asked him to present three sureties, one of whom must be a serving senator, a Jewish religious leader and a highly respected person who must own a landed property in Abuja.
The judge warned the IPOB leader against granting press interviews, holding rallies or being in a gathering of more than 10 persons while on bail.
She had also warned him that the bail would be revoked if he flouts any of the conditions.
Residents of Bergen County in New Jersey, US, where detained activist, Omoyele Sowore, is said to be resident, have demanded his release from custody.
Mr Sowore is in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) on charges of treasonable felony and other sundry offences.
NJ.com reports that residents of the county will on Monday evening gather at Haworth Borough Hall to demand Sowore’s release.
Speaking on the gathering, Haworth Councilwoman Heather Wasser said: “We want the federal government paying attention. We want the United Nations paying attention. We want him out of Nigeria safely.”
Congressman Josh Gottheimer, who represents the district that Sowore resides in, said he is looking into the matter.
“We’re in touch with the State Department on this matter and we’re speaking with the family regularly,” Gottheimer said in a statement.
Sowore is said to be a green card holder.
A Federal High Court in Abuja on October 11 reduced the bail conditions granted Sowore and his co-defendant, Olawale Bakare.
Sowore is being accused of plotting to overthrow the government through a nationwide protest themed #RevolutionNow.
Activist Deji Adeyanju has described musician, Naira Marley, as a nuisance to himself and the society.
Naira Marley had shared a video on Twitter on Wednesday of a man hitting a lady’s bum as he sings the musician’s song ‘Opotoyi’.
Commenting on the video on Thursday, Mr Adeyanju said Naira Marley, who is facing charges of fraud, was a nuisance.
“You are a nuisance to yourself and the society at large,” he wrote.
Born Azeez Fashola, Naira Marley is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on an 11-count charge of conspiracy, possession of counterfeit cards and fraud.
Naira Marley’s trial, however, was adjourned on Thursday at the Federal High Court in Lagos after counsels exchanged words over space to sit in the small courtroom.
Justice Nicholas Oweibo abruptly adjourned the trial till December 11 and 12, 2019.
Nollywood actress, Funke Adesiyan, has been appointed as an aide to First Lady Aisha Buhari.
Her appointment, including those of five others which take immediate effect, was announced on Wednesday after the nominations were approved by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Funke takes the role of Personal Assistant to the First Lady on Domestic and Social Events.
The Obinrin Ale actress was the southwest coordinator for Ibrahim Shekarau Presidential Campaign in 2011.
She was a former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for a seat in the Oyo State House of Assembly. Funke joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2018.
The actress attended the inauguration of the ninth National Assembly.
First Lady Aisha Buhari has apologised over a leaked video of her protesting her treatment at the Presidential Villa.
In clips, which have since gone viral on the internet, an angry Mrs Buhari is seen asking why her husband’s nephew, Mamman Daura, and his family have refused to pack out of the villa.
It later emerged that Daura’s daughter, Fatima Daura, recorded the video of her altercation with the first lady in the presence of security aides.
The leak of the video led to criticism of President Muhammadu Buhari by Nigerians, who accused him of exposing his wife to ridicule by his relatives.
Mrs Buhari has, however, apologised to her children, immediate family members and Nigerians over the embarrassment that the video has caused.
A statement issued by Mrs Buhari’s spokesperson, Suleiman Haruna, stated she made the apology during a solidarity visit by governors’ wives from the 36 states to the Presidential Villa.
“Commenting on the videos circulating on social networks, “Aisha” Buhari extended her apology to her children, her immediate family members and all well-meaning Nigerians over the embarrassment that the videos had caused,” the statement said.
She also expressed appreciation to President Buhari for approving a new set of aides to assist her in carrying out her various responsibilities.
The Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has approved the appointment of 11 Permanent Secretaries in the state.
This was made known in a statement on Tuesday by the state Head of Service, Mr Reginald Bayoko in Asaba.
Bayoko stated that those appointed are- Dr Francis Onojeta, Mr Paul Osahor, Mr Joseph Uwalogho, Mrs Ngozi Nwanze, Mr Cletus Obieaba, Mrs Charity Ehimen-Babigha and Mrs Oghenekeve Agas among others.
He said the appointees would be sworn in by Gov. Okowa at a later date.
The presidential candidate of Young Progressive Party in the 2019 Presidential election, Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, has left the Young Progressive Party (YPP).
Moghalu announced his departure from the party on Monday via his official account on popular micro-blogging platform, Twitter.
Moghalu, a former deputy governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), called for reform of the country’s electoral system ahead of the 2023 general elections.
“Without electoral reform which includes electronic voting, our democracy will remain weak. Let’s fix this before 2023,” he wrote.
“Please join our non-partisan movement http://tobuildanation.org Partisan politics won’t fix this problem.
“To this end, I’ve resigned my membership of Young Progressive Party.
“Nigeria today is approaching its moment of reckoning. We need to focus on solving our problems at their root causes.
“Electoral reform, voter education for an informed electorate, and constitutional restructuring are the real issues.
"If we can agree on these, all else can follow.
“If we fix our elections/give our democracy real meaning, our youth will have no excuses not to vote, while they spend their money to vote on @BBNaija!
“Young people should lead the charge for electoral reform.
“With nearly 70% of Nigeria’s population, Nigeria’s future is young.”
Gallant troops of the Nigerian army says it has arrested four 10 Boko Haram terrorists on Wednesday, October 9, in Borno state.
This Army made this known in a statement released via its official Twitter account.
The Army working in conjunction with members of Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), on clearance operations effected the arrest on the terrorists in Pulka Borno State.
It was gathered that one of the arrested terrorists identified as, Alhaji Bukar Modu alias Modu China (Chief Driver), was declared wanted on Serial 89 of NA wanted list.
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), has revealed plan to expose more Nigerian lecturers involved in SexForGrades.
This was made known by BBC Africa Eye Reporter, Kiki Mordi, in a recent post via her official Twitter account.
“Tonight, we will reveal more lecturers we caught on camera when we post our full hour long documentary on @BBCAfrica YouTube. You will want to watch this,” she wrote.
Earlier on Monday, a 13-minute documentary published by the British public service broadcaster was centered on the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and the University of Ghana.
Mordi, in the documentary, said she too was a victim of sexual harassment during her days in the university.
She said her team took the initiative due to the clamour to expose lecturers in the habit of sexually abusing students.
Former Nigerian Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, has threatened to file a lawsuit against the Federal Government for allegedly building a barricade around the Unity Fountain in Abuja.
In a video shared by Mrs Oby on her official Twitter page on Saturday, some people were seeing at the fountain with barricade almost around it.
Before the Federal Government allegedly barricaded it, the Unity Fountain until now was an open space where anyone can walk in to relax or organize a protest.
According to the former minister in her tweet, whose hitherto uses the same fountain for the convergence of the Bring Back Our Girls campaigners, “this move by the Federal government will end in tears”.
“Kole werk” Oby added as she threatened to file lawsuit against the Federal government if the barricade is not pulled down.
“See what the repressive but weak administration of President Buhari is doing to the Unity Fountain — the Public Space that has become a Symbol of Citizens’ Freedom to Assemble.
“Trust me, kole werk. Mba.
“Mr Buhari, your government gave a contract to Julius Berger to barricade the Unity Fountain?
“What an assault on our Democracy!
“You actually think that by walling up the Unity Fountain, your Nigeria Government will control Citizens’ Right to Assemble? Naaa.
“Let me offer free counsel to our President Buhari. Ask your contractors to pull down the fence and roll back their construction equipment of Unity Fountain now.
“This act of stifling Citizens’ Voice will end in tears. But it won’t be Citizens crying, Sir!
“This will not happen. +
“As Kabrik so profoundly said in this clip, Buhari CANNOT build a Fence against the Voice of the Citizens of this country. Never.
“If within the next few days the Nigeria Government does not take down those wires, we file a suit.”
She further stated; “Should Nigeria Government back up and now say that this wiring is to commence renovation of the Unity Fountain, our Bring Back Our Girls movement, all other citizens that use the venue and the Public should have been DULY NOTIFIED.”
Unbelievable. Watch and see what the repressive but weak administration of @NGRPresident @MBuhari is doing to the Unity Fountain — the Public Space that has become a Symbol of Citizens’ Freedom to Assemble. Trust me, kole werk. Mba. pic.twitter.com/QaJyAzQg13
Troops of Special Response Area(SRA) Pulka under the NA Super Camp Gwoza, in collaboration with Civilian Joint Task Force have neutralised three (3) Boko Haram terrorists in a successful in Maiduguri.
The Nigerian Army made this known in a statement on Friday.
In the statement shared on its official Twitter page, it said the neutralization members of the Boko Haram and the death of one of the terrorists came following credible information from some patriotic Nigerians about terrorists movement along Banki Road Junction, Pulka in Gwoza general area.
The information prompted the troops of SRA, Pulka under the NA Super Camp Gwoza, in collaboration with Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) conducted a successful night ambush on Thu 3 Oct 2019, which resulted in the neutralization of 3 terrorists, recovery of 2 AK 47 Rifles and 2 X bicycles.
It was gathered that unconfirmed number of terrorists were reportedly wounded during the ambush. There is no casualty on the NA or Civilian JTF.
Similarly, at about 2250 hours on 3rd October 2019, in what seems like a reprisal attack to avenge the lost of their members in the ambush conducted by the troops, some marauders/criminals woefully attacked the Delta Company Location of the SRA at Pulka.
Consequently, troops swiftly responded by effectively repelling the attack, one bandit lost his life and one Ak 47 rifle was recovered. No casualty was recorded by the Civ JTF or the troops.
Commending the troops, the Acting GOC 7 Division and Commander Sector 1 Operation LAFIYA DOLE Brig Gen AK Ibrahim urged them to remain committed and unwavering in the struggle to end the insurgency soon.
Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, has accused successive administrations of ‘systematic destruction of national policies.’
Speaking at the third annual conference of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) in Lagos on Friday, Kukah, a popular crusading cleric, declared that the systematic destruction of policies by Nigerian leaders was responsible for insecurity in the country.
Speaking on the theme: “Economy, Security and National Development: The Way Forward,” Kukah insisted that “it is bad governance that is causing insecurity, not the other way round.”
He said: “From the presidency to councils, there is a general belief that things are not working in the country. Of course, efforts are being made to address insecurity but things are not working. When things are not working, the economy will not develop.
“We have a situation in which so much opportunity is seen beside so much poverty. That is a tragedy.
“We are pretty clear about our situation. Our situation is not about APC or PDP. It is about the collective interest of Nigeria.
“Since 1982 when I met former President Shehu Shagari, I have met every leader except General Sani Abacha for reasons best known to me. There is no Nigerian leader that Nigerians do not hate. That says something about our system.”
He also accused the military of truncating democracy by not returning to barracks after the civil war ended in 1970.
“If the military had returned to the barracks in 1970 after the civil war, things would have been better. The decision by the military to stay after the civil war decapitated the Nigerian political class.
“The military left in 1979, came back in 1983 and eventually left in 1999. By the time it left in 1999, all the patriotic politicians had grown old. That is why we have some young people who do not have second address in politics today,” he said.
To boost the economy, he advised the National Assembly to give up half of their salaries running into millions of naira.
To him, if that is done, thousands of Nigerians would be employed at N92,000 per month.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said that four years is too short for any president of a nation to achieve anything.
Mr Jonathan said this on Wednesday at the constitutional term limits summit in Niamey, Niger Republic.
He also frowned at leaders who stay in power for up to 14 years.
“Four years is quite a short period for a country that is developing, for a person who wants to change the country to do much,” Jonathan said.
“When Professor Wade (Senegal) was in his last tenure he changed the constitution and extended the term limits from five to seven years. He thought he would win the election. But Macky Sall reduced it to five years. We must commend dynamic leaders like that.
“There is no need for one person to sit for 14 years doing what? The country is not your personal estate. Countries are free to amend their laws. Just like the president of Niger Republic said, different nations have different ways of doing things, so it is better they have their own way of doing things. I agree with that.
“Most countries in Africa emulate America – that is a stable country, and take ‘four, four years’ like Nigeria, Kenya and Ghana.
“Four years is quite a short period for a country that is developing for a person who wants to change the country to do much. In Nigeria, we just finished the election and some people are already talking about 2023 election. It is distracting.”
Jonathan, who lost the 2015 presidential election to Muhammadu Buhari, advocated for single tenure to enable a leader “plan all his programmes for the good of the country.”
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has denied claims made by BUA Ports and Terminal Limited that it (NPA) ran against the rule of law in decommissioning Rivers Ports Terminal B, operated by the company.
The NPA in a statement obtained by Leakers.ng on Tuesday, denied all allegations of wrongdoing listed in newspapers adverts paid for by BUA.
The full statement reads: “On Monday September 30, 2019, the management of BUA Ports and Terminal Limited took advertisements in some major newspapers where it alleged that the Nigerian Ports Authority NPA ran against the rule of law in decommissioning Rivers Ports Terminal B, operated by the company.
“As a responsible government agency, which holds itself accountable to Nigerians, the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority hereby refutes all allegations of wrong doing suggested in the said adverts.
“Management also asserts that this is an attempt to blackmail, intimidate and prevent the Authority from performing its rightful regulatory oversight as well as malign the name of the Managing Director.
“BUA Ports and Terminal Limited became concessionaires for Rivers Port Terminal B for a 20 -year tenure in line with the Port Reforms policy of the Federal Government through a concession agreement contract dated May 11, 2006. The Terminal was handed over to them for use with effect from August 10, 2006.
“As part of the terms of agreement for the concession, BUA Ports and Terminal Limited was required to commence full reconstruction of berths 5-8 within 90 DAYS of hand over of the facility.
“As of February 2016, TEN YEARS after the handover of the premises to BUA Ports and Terminal Limited, the company had failed to commence the reconstruction of berths 5-8 as required by the agreement. The Authority then issued a letter drawing their attention to this non-compliance.
“Despite receiving the letter, dated February 3, 2016, the company refused to honour this fundamental and material term of the lease agreement which compromises the integrity of the other adjoining berths in the ports.
“Consequent to the above, the Authority served a default notice dated February 11, 2016 and another one dated July 27, 2016 on the Terminal operator.
“The letter reminded that the non-compliance, which led to the deterioration of the berths 5-7 and the total collapse of berth 8 constitutes a breach of the concession agreement and a threat to the safety of lives around the terminal.
“Committed to stop the flagrant abuse of the terms of its operating agreement and save users of the ports from any untoward incident, the Authority, on November 11, 2016, issued a three-month termination notice to the company, citing default notices served on them in relation to the non-fulfilment of the obligations under the lease agreement.
“On receipt of the notice of termination, BUA Ports and Terminal sought and obtained a restraining order from the Federal High Court, Lagos on January 18, 2018 barring the Authority from giving effect to the termination.
“In compliance with the restraining order of the Federal High Court, the Authority, thereafter allowed BUA Ports and Terminal Limited full access to the premise for peaceful operation, without any interference whatsoever
“However, on May 16, 2019, after eighteen months of having peaceful use of the Terminal, the Authority received a letter from BUA Ports and Terminals Limited, informing us of the dilapidated state of the berth and stating amongst others:
“The jetty is in a state of total dilapidation and in urgent need of repair or reconstruction…Our engineers have advised us that the jetty is liable to collapse at any moment…”
“The Authority found the state of the jetty as described by BUA Ports and Terminals Limited themselves as very risky, posing a safety hazard to all users in the Terminal and demanding of urgent attention.
“This is more so because the complaint is coming 13 full years after BUA Ports and Terminals Limited committed to embark on this reconstruction by virtue of the lease agreement with the FGN.
“As a result, the Authority found it necessary to decommission the terminal out of safety concerns. This is a measure to forestall imminent danger as highlighted by BUA Ports and Terminal themselves and to allow for a comprehensive conditional survey of the state of the Rivers Ports in totality. All these steps are in line with international best practices on safety at port locations.
“The Authority, as a responsible regulator having received that alarming letter on the state of the jetty by the operators was compelled to act in the manner it did to safeguard infrastructure at the Rivers Port and the ensure the safety of its users.
“It is pertinent to note that the process for the default notices issued to BUA commenced in February 2016 before the appointment of the current Managing Director.
“However, in line with her commitment to the rule of law, she proceeded to implement the recommendations to safeguard the sanctity of the agreement and protect the FGN from a defaulting concessionaire seeking to defraud the FGN by using its facilities without making the due investment enshrined in the development plan of the concession agreement.
“Resultantly, any inference of vendetta against the Chairman of BUA Group is another of the numerous tactics aimed at distracting the Authority and stopping Nigerians from seeing the flagrant disregard of the contractual agreement by BUA.
“The NPA therefore states that the decision to decommission Rivers Ports Terminal B results from its unwavering commitment to the rule of law as well as the safety of all Nigerians.
“Nigerians should regard these allegations as attempts by BUA Ports and Terminal Limited to blackmail and intimidate the NPA and stop the law from taking its course in the current situation.”
President Muhammadu Buhari will on Thursday depart Abuja on a three-day visit to the Republic of South Africa.
Leakers.ng recall that the visit first announced several months ago followed an invitation by President Cyril Ramaphosa, to discuss the welfare of Nigerians and find common grounds for building harmonious relations with their hosts.
The visit comes against the background of recent xenophobic attacks, the evacuation of hundreds of Nigerians and the exchange of visits by special envoys of the two leaders.
While in South Africa, President Buhari will hold a town hall meeting with Nigerians living in the country, with a view to sharing in their experiences and reassuring them of Nigeria’s government commitment to working for the protection of their lives and property and promoting peaceful co-existence.
Buhari and his host will preside over the South Africa/Nigeria Bi-National Commission, during which a progress report will be presented.
At the end of the meeting, both leaders will sign a joint communiqué.
The President and his delegation, including Nigerian business representatives, will also participate at a South Africa-Nigeria Business Forum with their host counterparts.
Buhari will be accompanied by Governors Abdullahi Ganduje, Simon Lalong and David Umahi of Kano, Plateau and Ebonyi States respectively.
Others are Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; Minister of Defence, Bashir Magashi; Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman; Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola; Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Olamilekan Adegbite; Minister of Police Affairs, Maigari Dingyadi; and Minister of State, Industry, Trade and Investment, Mariam Katagum.
Also on the trip are the National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno; Director-General, National Intelligence Agency, Ahmed Abubakar; and Chairman/CEO of Nigeria Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
Big Brother Naija 2018 couple, Teddy A and BamBam turned up at the house last night as celebrity guests but a highlight of their visit was the face-off with Seyi.
In a video making rounds online, the 2019 Big Brother Naija reality show finalist got slapped by Teddy A for getting too close to BamBam during photos. The jealous side of one-half of the BBNaija power couple, had Seyi ranting all night.
Gunmen have abducted a Professor of Soil Science in Modibbo Adama University of Technology (MAUTECH), Yola, Adamu Zata and killed his brother, Dr Sheda Zata.
The kidnappers killed the professor’s younger brother, a veterinary doctor, possibly in panic, according to a family source, Mr Padio Phin.
He said the twin incidents occurred in the early hours of Monday at the professor’s residence in Girei, near Yola
The source told our correspondent that Dr Sheda, who decided to spend the night with the professor after having come from his rural posting to collect his salary in the state capital, was coming out of his room on hearing the commotion of the gunmen in the house when they shot him.
“You know, these people are on edge when they operate. They shot Dr Sheda when they heard his door open and sighted him come out of his room,” Phin said.
This is the second time in a year that the MAUTECH professor would be kidnapped.
Read Also: Three suspected kidnappers burnt to death in Abuja Last October, he was abducted from the same residence and released after his family reportedly paid a ransom of N2 million.
A neighbour said more than 10 armed men broke into the house of the professor around 2:00am and took him, killing his 49-year-old younger brother in the process.
The Adamawa State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Suleiman Nguroje, confirmed the incident.
He said the Commissioner of Police had deployed operatives to apprehend the kidnappers.
A Nigerian man has called on the public to help identify family members of a lafy found with her little daughter in Lagos state after she suffered memory loss.
The unidentified lady who reportedly lost her memory was found with her daughter at Sango Ota road, Lagos.
According to report gathered by Leakers.ng, the lady took Keke Napep (tricycle) from Ijoko area of the state to Sango where she was found.
It was further gathered that she was unable to say anything useful to help her locate anyone related to her or her people.
Afolabi who took to Twitter to share the photos has called on the general public to help identify the relatives of the lady.
“This lady with her daughter took Keke from ijoko area to Sango and lost her memory and couldn't say anything useful to locate anyone related to her people,” his tweet reads in part.
As at time of filing this report, Leakers.ng gathers that the lady and her daughter are currently at Sango police station.
Crime › Student Jailed For 6 Months For Stealing N40,000 In Abuja by Brika(op): 2:27pm On Dec 27, 2019
