The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has asked the supreme court to send Olisa Metuh, former national publicity secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), back to prison.
Metuh was on February 25, 2020, convicted on seven counts of money laundering for allegedly receiving N400 million from the office of the national security adviser.
Okon Abang, the trial judge, sentenced him to seven years in prison.
However, the court of appeal voided Metuh’s conviction on December 16 on the grounds that the trial judge exhibited bias in the case.
The appellate court also nullified the judgment of the trial court against Destra Investment Limited.
In a separate appeal, the court also quashed parts of the trial court’s judgment which indicted Sambo Dasuki, a former national security adviser.
The court of appeal then ordered Metuh’s retrial before a different judge.
On December 24, Metuh was released from Kuje prison after 10 months in custody.
But the EFCC has filed an appeal hinged on six grounds before the supreme court seeking to upturn the lower court’s verdict.
In the appeal, Sylvanus Tahir, EFCC counsel, argued that the judgment of the court of appeal “occasioned a gross miscarriage of justice”.
Tahir submitted that the appellate court failed to go into the merits of the case as determined by the trial court before making its decision.
The anti-graft commission also contended that the appeal court “erred in law and occasioned a miscarriage of justice by adjudging comments, remarks, views and opinion expressed by the learned trial judge in his judgment as amounting to bias”.
“The comments, remarks, views and opinion of the learned trial judge came after the conviction of the appellant, hence it had no bearing on the merit of the case,” the EFCC said.
“The learned trial judge was at liberty to make remarks and they did not detract from the judicial duties the court carried out.
“The said remarks being merely a passing incidental ‘by the way comment’ did not affect or embody the resolution of the issues before the trial court.”
Consequently, the commission is seeking “an order de-nullifying the nullification of the judgment of the trial court by the court below and reinstating the conviction, sentences and fines imposed on the 1st respondent (Metuh) by the judgement of the trial court.
“An order committing/reinstating the 1st respondent back to the Correctional Centre at Kuje (Abuja) to complete his term of imprisonment.”
In the alternative, the commission prayed the apex court for an order setting aside the court of appeal’s judgment and another that the appeal be heard on merit by another panel of the court of appeal.
Some Communities in the Gurmana ward of Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State have been attacked by gunmen again as the state is still battling with the kidnapping of some students at Kagara school students.
Sarkin Zama, Bakin Kogi (Lagbe), Siyiko, and other adjoining villages were Wednesday evening invaded by gunmen, who stormed the villages in their large numbers.
The operation which lasted for hours was said to have recorded some casualty, but that could not be immediately verified by our correspondent.
Concerned Shiroro Youths, Sani Kokki, said some died while others who sustained various degrees of gunshot injuries were rushed to various health facilities for medical attention.
Kokki said scores of others were also abducted and taken to unknown destinations.
“Countless deadly attacks have become daily occurrences, thereby compelling the affected victims to live at the mercy of hydra-headed monsters. Defenceless, unarmed, and peaceful locals have been abandoned to their fate,” Kokki added.
The Imo State House of Assembly has given a nod to the conversion of Eastern Palm University (EPU) allegedly owned by the former Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha into the K. O Mbadiwe University.
The approval followed an executive bill presented by the Deputy Majority Leader of the House and members representing Ehime-Mbano state constituency, Emeka Nduka during plenary on Wednesday.
The bill tagged, “a bill for a law to repeal the establishment of Eastern Palm University (EPU) law 2019 to enable the House to re-enact law for the establishment of K. O. Mbadiwe University in Imo State and other related matters,” was given an accelerated hearing and passed into law.
Some members of the Assembly who reacted to the bill apportioned blame on the 8th House of Assembly which earlier passed the EPU bill into law.
DAILY POST learned that the former governor who claimed ownership of the University, entered into a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with the Imo State government using Rochas foundation to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
It would be recalled that the Senator representing Orlu zone at the National Assembly had faced a series of attacks by Imo people on his claims to have owned the university.
The former Governor had severally been quoted as claiming that 90% of the university belonged to him while 10% was for Imo government.
Further reports had it that a judicial panel set up by the immediate past Governor of the state, Emeka Ihedioha, a couple of days back, finalized its inquiry and investigation to find out that the said institution was built with Imo State money.
Meanwhile, some lawmakers from Okigwe zone including the member representing Obowo state constituency, Kennedy Ibeh have appealed to the state Governor, Hope Uzodinma to consider the zone for the location of its satellite campus.
The Eastern Palm University is currently located at Ogboko in Ideato South Local Government Area of the state, the country home of the former Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha..
APC spokesperson says Lai Mohammed should put himself in the position of Governor AbdulRazaq
The deputy national publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Yekini Nabena, has berated the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, over his demand for the cancellation of the ongoing membership registration and validation exercise in Kwara State.
Mr Nabena advised the minister to put himself in the position of the governor and submit to his leadership of the party in Kwara.
Mr Mohammed had at a press conference on Monday in his hometown, Oro, said the committee supervising the exercise in the state should also be disbanded.
He accused the committee led by a senator, John Danboi, of condoning irregularities, saying it has taken the side of Governor AbdulRazaq in the crisis that has broken the party into four factions in the state.
The factions, which Mr Mohammed referred to as “four tendencies” are the Fagbemi group, named after Mr AbdulRazaq’s Chief of Staff, Adeniran Fagbemi; Lai Mohammed group; Akogun group, led by a former Chief Whip of the State House of Assembly, Iyiola Oyedepo; and Gbemi Saraki group headed by the Minister of State for Transportation.
“After the botched attempt to have a meeting of stakeholders, due to orchestrated violence, the Registration Officials failed to consult with all stakeholders before the commencement of the membership registration exercise, opting instead to work with only one of the four tendencies here in Kwara, the Fagbemi Group to which the Governor belongs, thus excluding the three other tendencies – The Akogun Group, the Gbemi Saraki Group and the Lai Mohammed Group, without which the ‘O To Ge’ Movement would not have succeeded. Ironically, the Fagbemi Group is the weakest of the four tendencies,” he said.
Mr Mohammed said the reports from the monitoring teams showed that they did not comply with the rules.
According to him, the implication is that “the registration is being carried out without Party Membership Register, while temporary membership slips, to be signed and detached from the forms after registration, are not being given to those who have purportedly registered.
“According to our findings, since the commencement of the registration, over 80% of the registration units do not have either membership register or membership registration slip.”
Citing specific cases, the minister said in Baruten LGA, registration materials were handed over to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly who is from there.
“In Oyun, the materials were given to one Olayiwola Ojo, a member of the State House of Assembly. In Shao, in Northern Kwara, the registration materials were taken to the police station, where the DPO of that station presided over membership registration, in contravention of the party guidelines.”
Instead of using the party’s membership registers, conniving registration officials are using exercise books or foolscap sheets to register members, he said.
PREMIUM TIMES confirmed that some lawmakers and the governor’s aides wrote their details in exercise books or foolscap sheets, in clear violation of the guidelines.
The minister said the actions of the Danboi-led committee were a “deliberate policy of exclusion by the Registration Team from Abuja and their collaborators to de-register even high-ranking members and stakeholders.”
Knocks
Reacting to the Minister’s outburst, Mr Nabena said Mr Mohammed should submit to the leadership of the governor in the state instead of condemning the registration exercise.
“It is not business as usual. Nobody can monopolise the system. The Minister should submit to the Governor. He should put himself in the position of the Governor too,” he told this newspaper on Monday.
On discrimination in distribution of materials, the party spokesperson said there was nothing of such.
“No one is using notebooks. There is a party register in every unit across the country,” he said despite multiple pictures proving him wrong.
Also, the spokesperson of the party in Kwara, Tajudeen Aro, said the minister had been fed with lies.
“The minister is not (resident) in Kwara State. He is only being fed with lies. There is no one hoarding registration materials. That was how he was able to get his registration done. I don’t know what informed his suggestion to cancel the registration.
“The registration is going on well and cancelling it is not possible,” Mr Aro said.
Asked about cases of members denied access to the party register, Mr Aro said: “If there are places where that is happening, it is most likely because of security concerns. But I can tell you that there is no place where people are denied to write down their names.”
Mr Danboi and the spokesperson of the governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, did not respond to telephone calls and text messages from this newspaper to get their comments for this story.
It should be noted that alleged irregularities in the distribution of materials was one of the major reasons for the indefinite suspension of the exercise in Delta State.
Background
The development in Kwara has as its backdrop a rift between Mr AbdulRazaq and a group of party leaders led by Mr Mohammed.
It recently escalated when Bashir Bolarinwa, who is loyal to Mr Mohammed, was removed as the party chairperson and replaced with Abdullahi Samari.
Although the national body and executives of the North Central zone of the party have intervened in the matter, they are yet to achieve reconciliation of the warring members.
This newspaper also reported how some aggrieved members of the party headed to court to challenge the sack of Mr Bolarinwa and the ongoing registration exercise.
Observers said the lingering crisis threatens the membership registration and revalidation exercise which began last Tuesday.
Many also feared that if not resolved, the crisis might thwart Mr AbdulRazaq’s chances of securing a second term.
But Mr Nabena said the crisis does not pose a threat to the unity of the party in any way.
“It does not pose any threat. We disagree to agree. Both of them will get to a point where they will eventually agree,” he said referring to the governor and the minister.
The Police operatives attached to Bariga Division of the Lagos State Police Command on Saturday arrested four members of Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) for beating and stabbing a man to death.
The victim was Tochukwu Chidi, 35, of No 76 Arobadede Street, Bariga.
He was allegedly beaten to death after an argument with them at Temple Street, Bariga, Lagos.
A statement issued by Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Muyiwa Adejobi, said the suspects attacked the deceased and inflicted injuries on him.
“He was rushed to the General Hospital, Bariga for treatment before he was confirmed dead,” the statement said.
The suspects are Sunday Onilede, 35, Azan Razak, 35, Abdullahi Ibrahim, 29, and Fatai Taiwo, 40,.
The statement said the Commissioner of Police,Hakeem Odumosu, has condemned the act and directed that the matter be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Yaba for proper investigation and prosecution.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has extended the suspension of flights from Nigeria (Lagos and Abuja) from February 28 to March 10.
The UAE aviation authorities made this known in the updated travel protocol posted on the website of the Emirates Airline, the flag carrier of the UAE, on Sunday afternoon.
The update read, “In line with government directives, passenger services from Nigeria (Lagos and Abuja) to Dubai are temporarily suspended until 10 March 2021.
“Customers from both Abuja and Lagos will not be accepted for travel prior to or including this date. Passengers who have been to or connected through Nigeria in the last 14 days are not allowed entry into the UAE (whether terminating in or connecting through Dubai).
“Emirates flights from Dubai to Lagos and Abuja will continue to operate as per the normal schedule.
“We regret the inconvenience caused, and affected customers should contact their booking agent or Emirates call centre for rebooking. Emirates remains committed to Nigeria, and we look forward to resuming passenger services to Dubai for our customers when conditions allow.”
Daily Trust reports that Emirates suspended its flights a few days after the Federal Government sanctioned the airline over the introduction of rapid antigen test as a requirement for Dubai travellers, which is against the Nigerian negative PCR requirements.
The Federal Government through the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had penultimate week banned Emirates Airlines’ operations in Nigeria for violating COVID-19 protocols.
Director-General of the NCAA, Capt. Musa Nuhu, had announced the ban on February 4, 2021.
The NCAA said the ban was necessitated by the continued airlift of passengers from Nigeria using the Rapid Antigen Tests (RDT) conducted by laboratories that are “neither approved nor authorized by the appropriate regulatory.”
This, according to the apex aviation regulatory authority is in flagrant violation of the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19 directive.
Though the ban was lifted after Emirates announced the withdrawal of the antigen test the following day, the airline suspended all Nigerian flights and only allowed flights from Dubai to Nigeria.
Nigerian security forces have discovered an arms store at Effium in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
An intelligence source told PRNigeria on Saturday that a combined team of agents stormed the location of the arsenal.
The sting operation was carried out by the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Army.
Items recovered included AK-47 rifles, one G3 rifle, one pump action rifle, one double barrel dane gun, five single barrel dane guns, two locally made pistols, and one locally made revolver pistol.
Also found were nearly 600 different calibers of ammunition inclusive of those for General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG).
Suspects arrested during the operation have been taken into custody for interrogation and prosecution.
Locals believe the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and sponsors of the Ezza-Effium crisis are owners of the stockpile.
Witnesses said four persons apprehended during the raid were alleged members of the group.
They added that a shrine which served as a protective shield for IPOB and others was uncovered.
DSS spokesman, Peter Afunanya, did not confirm or refute the operation.
He said it is not out of place for the security arm to collaborate with the Army and other law enforcement agencies.
Afunanya assured of DSS commitment to maintain the internal security of Nigeria.
Last week, Ebonyi State Government constituted a judicial commission of inquiry for the Ezza-Effium communal war.
A number of citizens have been killed in recurring clashes. The general area remains volatile.
Youths under the aegis of #OccupyLekkiTollgate and #EndSARS Season 2 have insisted that they would proceed with their protest despite the presence of security operatives at the Lekki toll gate.
The protesters, who spoke to our correspondent on Saturday morning, insisted that they would hold a protest at the Lekki tollgate.
According to them, the presence of heavy security operatives at the tollgate was to only ensure peace.
“We are not going to be violent. No government has the right to stop a peaceful protest. We are not discouraged by the armed security men. We will be out to pass a message that bad governance in Nigeria must stop,” one of them, Wise man, said.
Another protester added that the protest would hold in line with the COVID-19 protocols and in the most peaceful manner.
Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State has alleged that his Kaduna Counterpart, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, is either misunderstood or ill-informed on the insecurity affecting the north.
In an interview with BBC, El-Rufai had said the lack of synergy on how to tackle banditry is fuelling it.
But speaking on Radio France International on Thursday, Ganduje said he once spoke with El-Rufai and the Governor of Bauchi State on how to tackle insecurity.
He said he initiated the conversation based on the advice of security agents on how Falgore forest in Kano could be made safe for the benefits of other states.
Ganduje said Bauchi and Kaduna governments sent representatives to a meeting where insecurity was discussed and strategies adopted, wondering what prompted El-Rufai’s remark.
“First of all. the talk about lack of synergy, I don’t see where this statement is coming from. Security agents advised us that Kano, Kaduna and Bauchi should send representatives to Kano to discuss how to address issues in Falgoare forest and see how bandits are checked from using it.
“I spoke with Kaduna, Bauchi governors and they sent representatives and all the state mobilised resources and work was carried out therein and it was successful. I don’t see where lack of synergy sets in.
“To me, I think he (el-Rufai) doesn’t understand the issue very well. Because every security challenge depends on its peculiarity. No matter our cooperation, how we tackle insecurity differs… In Kaduna, there are ethnic and religious issues. This is Kaduna’s issue, every security challenge in each state depends on efforts of the state and security agents with its people.
“Like in Kano here, we have a harmonious working relationship with security agencies. We have state-of-the-art security gadgets. In Dansoshiya forest, we are building houses to accommodate Fulani herders in a bid to stop them from grazing in the southern part of the country.”
Ganduje also spoke of how the intrusion of foreign herders into the country is compounding the problem of insecurity.
“In Falgore forest, there is an ongoing project of a military training camp. In the project, there is a provision for areas where Fulani herders would be accommodated.
“We have enough places to accommodate Fulani herders in Dansoshiya and Falgore forests. To prevent them from grazing in the southern part of the country is the only panacea to the lingering crisis. There are three categories of Fulani. There are Fulani, there are herders and there are foreign Fulani herders who commit crimes.
“It is often forgotten that there are foreigners among Fulani herders. Nobody is talking about them. The moment a foreign Fulani herder invades Nigeria and commits a crime, he would be considered as Nigerian Fulani. Therefore, we need to ban them from entering Nigeria.
“Secondly, those herders travelling from the north to south should be banned. Those that are saying they should not be banned from trekking to the southern part of the country for grazing should use their children to do so.”
He said grazing is a national issue and there ought to be a bill from the National Assembly in order to solve the perennial farmer-herder conflict.
The burial of first civilian governor of the state, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, is slated for Friday.
One of his sons identified as Deji said Jakande would be buried at 4 pm on Friday.
In a statement, Jakande’s friends said there would be pre-burial prayers at the deceased residence at the Ilupeju area of Lagos State.
The statement was signed by a former Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University, Prof. Abisogun Leigh, Kamal Giwa, Prince Bayo Oshiyemi, Alhaji Gani Owolabi Dada, Mrs. Omolara Abeke Vaugh, and Alhaja Latifat Gbajabiamila.
The statement read, “The committee of friends LKJ first civil Governor of Lagos State wishes to announce the passing of our dear leader the Baba Kekere of Lagos, Alhaji Chief Lateef Kayode Jakande, at the age of 91 years which sad incident happened on Thursday, February 11, 2021
“The burial arrangements are as follows – Pre-Burial prayers at number 2 Bishop Street Ilupeju, Lagos State on Friday 12, February 2021 at 9am.
“Interment at Volts and Gardens Ikoyi at 4 pm Friday 12, February 2021.”
Jakande, a former journalist was Lagos State Governor from 1979 to 1983, and later served as Minister of Works under the military government of Gen. Sani Abacha.
Son Of Tambuwal’s Aide, Two Others Charged For Circulating Nude Video
Sokoto Chief Magistrate Court has charged three young men for circulating nude video of a girl on social media platforms.
The suspects include one Aminu Tafida – son of the Special Adviser to Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal on Social Investment, Umar Abubakar and Mas’ud Gidado who appeared on the charge sheet, as 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants.
Kangiwa, was discharged by the court as there was no offence linked to him.
The suspects were earlier arraigned on charges ranging from an act of gross indecency, abetment, sale of obscene book and printing or engraving matter known to be defamatory, which the Prosecuting Officer, ASP Samuel Sule said were contrary to sections, 60(2), 377, 262, 48, 171, 173 and 379 of the Sokoto State Penal Code, 2019.
However, Chief Magistrate Shu’aibu Ahmad, in his ruling, said after carefully and painstakingly studied all the essential ingredients for the offences, a prima facia case was established against the 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants and as such the court would frame new charges against them.
The new charges as read by the Chief Magistrate were abatement, Obscene or Indecent act and sales of an obscene book which were punishable under section 48,171 and 173 of the Sokoto Penal Code and triable by this court.
Video
Magistrate Ahmad explained that the suspects saved and circulate an 18 seconds nude video of one Fatima Shehu on social media platforms such as Whatsapp and Instagram.
When the new charges were read and translated to the defendants in their native language of Hausa, they all pleaded not guilty.
However, counsel to the 1st defendant, Barrister Almustapha Abubakar and that of the 2nd and 3rd defendants, Barrister Shamsu Dauda, urged the court to recall PW1,2 and 3 for further cross-examination which was granted.
Magistrate Ahmad adjourned the case till March 3, 2021, for the recalling of the three witnesses.
Gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram insurgents are currently attacking Geidam local government area of Yobe State.
Sources within Geidam told Daily Trust that the insurgents invaded the town after Maghrib prayer.
Muhammad Nura, a resident, said security operatives, had not responded to distress calls as of the time this report was filed.
“We are now hiding indoors with all the family members, thank God they are all home. I am short of words, we just need your prayers, the last attack is still fresh in our memory and in less than one month they launched another attack again”
“Our security formation are doing their best because we could also hear gunshots from their side but that is not enough government should do something about our town before they chase all of us away,” he said.
ASP Dungus Abdulkarim, Police Public Relations Officer in Yobe, could not be reached for comment as of the time this report was filed.
Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Senate aspirant during the Cross River North by-election which held in December 2020, Dr Mary Iji, has passed on.
Dr Iji who teaches in the Faculty of Education, University of Calabar died on Tuesday morning at the General Hospital Ogoja where she was rushed to for medical attention.
A close source, Abang Simon, told Vanguard that the deceased complained of mild headache and body weakness and was taken to hospital where she gave up the ghost.
“She came to Ogoja last week to bury the younger brother and has been hale and hearty until yesterday (Monday) evening when she complained of headache and body weakness and was taken to the General Hospital for attention but her situation got worse at night and she died”.
Dr Iji who is the wife of Professor Maurice Iji, Dean, Faculty of Political Science in the University of Calabar contested the PDP primary election for Cross River North by-election and came third.
Her body according to our source has been deposited in the General Hospital Ogoja mortuary.
The Minister of Transportation, Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has revealed that the new rails and deep seaports being developed by the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration across the country will improve transport GDP contribution from 3 per cent to 10 per cent.
The minister said this, on Monday, while delivering the Founders’ day lecture titled: ‘The role of Transportation in nation-building.’ at his alma mater, the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Amaechi said transportation is about logistics. The duty of transportation is to contribute to the different spheres of economic development. Its absence will cripple an economy and dwarf human and economic development.
“Transportation in Nigeria is a means of economic and political growth in the development of Nigeria. The impact is felt in tourism, real estate development, agriculture and others. Transportation currently contributes about 3 per cent of the gross domestic product according to the Nigerian Bureau for statistics,” he said.
He went down history lane to explain the importance of linking different transportation modes, stating that by 1916, the Port Harcourt port had been connected to the Coal mines in Enugu, with the objective of evacuating coal to Britain.
Outlining the work being done in connecting the country for ease of transportation of products, goods and people, Amaechi said the Eastern rail line would be connected to the Western line via Karfanchan, while the Warri-Itakpe line would be connected to the same line via Abuja and onwards to Kaduna-Kano.
“The Port Harcourt to Maiduguri rail line was extended to Bonny, on the way to Bonny, it’ll pass through the Ogoni axis and terminate at Onne Seaport; then from Port Harcourt to Owerri, it’ll pass through Ubima with a connecting line to the Western line at Karfanchan. The Port Harcourt-Maiduguri line is also extended to Damaturu and Gashua in Yobe State. What makes this line unique, is that you’ll have a University and an Industrial Park in Rivers State.
“Hopefully the segment from Ibadan to Kano will commence this year,” he added.
For Seaports, Amaechi said: “You can’t have an efficient transportation system without seaports. You must end at the seaports for the importation of goods or export to boost your economy. For this reason, President Buhari has approved the construction of three major seaports. The first one is Lekki deep seaport. It’s under construction and will be completed in 2022.
“The second one is at Bonny, and we’ll commence construction later this year. We chose Bonny because it is right there at the ocean. So we don’t have a problem with the draft. Even if we get 14-15 metres, we can dredge up to 2-3 metres more and we get 17 than to get just 10 in Port Harcourt.”
The deepest in Nigeria, for now, is the Onne seaport with 11-12 metres draft. But these days, vessels of 11metres draft have been abandoned for those of 16-17 metres. That’s the reason why we go to the high sea for transfer of cargoes to vessels with lower draft size. So these three new seaports will have the capacity to take vessels of 16-17 metres draft. The third seaport is at Warri and another one is being done by the Akwa Ibom State government with a private investor.
“I believe that with these seaports and rail lines, we’ll move from 3 per cent GDP contribution to between 6 and 10 per cent,” Amaechi said.
He also noted plans for sustainability of the projects being put in place by the Buhari administration.
“When Nigerians ask of our plans for sustainability and maintenance of these projects, my response is ‘transfer of technology.’ So the Chinese cannot just come here and dump the technology on us. We insisted that they create a Transportation University for us. We told them, for 5 years, you hire lecturers, pay the lecturers, let them train our people who will take over from them, and that is what we’re doing in Daura, Katsina State. For the one in Rivers State, I felt that Transportation University in Daura is enough, so we told the Portugese company that will build the Kano-Maradi line to come to Port Harcourt and build a Multi-disciplinary University with different faculties, including a transport faculty. Before September, we will start construction.
“As a short term measure, we also sent 300 Nigerians for training in China. They are being trained in railway engineering. This year, in September, we’ll be sending another 300 to Portugal to study the technology in the building of the Kano-Maradi rail line, which is purely European.”
For maritime security, Amaechi said the deep blue project will be in full effect before the end of the year. We plan to launch the security personnel into the water before June. He also assured Nigerians that the Federal Government has not abandoned the planned coastal rail. He said negotiations are still on to secure funding for the Lagos-Calabar rail line.
Second Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt and Chairman of the Founders’ day celebration, Prof SJS Cookey lauded the minister for his contribution to the growth of the country as Minister of Transportation and acknowledged him for continuing to give back to the University years after graduation.
Acting Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof Stephen. A Okodudu in his speech said the University of Port Harcourt founded in 1975 has come of age. He thanked the Minister of Transportation, Rt Hon Chibuike Amaechi for the lecture and for always taking advantage of every opportunity to market the university.
Cross River State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade has described the new Chief Judge of Cross River State, Justice Akon Ikpeme as covenant child who was destined to be the State Chief Judge.
According to the Governor, “as God has touched my heart, so had God touched the heart of every person in the position of taking decision in your favour. That has resulted in the swearing in of today. To God is the glory. You are a covenant child.”
He added “this brings to a close the worries of Cross River People for the stability in the state judiciary. The State is in a sorry state with a very low income but with huge projects. We definitely do not need any distraction; be it in the judiciary, the legislature or the executive. We need consistency and harmony of the three arms of government, while also keeping the constitutional provisions for the Separation of powers.”
Governor Ayade said over the course of the struggles of Justice Ikpeme to become the state Chief Judge, “I got to know her as a very good person and the right person for the job and she came at the right time.”
The Governor advised the new Chief Judge to “dispense justice without fear or favour; but be fair and know that God fought your battle. No man fought your battle.”
In her remarks after taking the oath of office, Justice Akon Ikpeme said, “Your Excellency, you have said it all. I want to first and foremost give glory to God who rules in the affairs of men and has made this day possible. I also want to thank the governor for making this day a reality. I thank you from the depth of my heart.”
“I thank the NBA President, Olumide Akpata Esq who is here with us the witness the event. I thank elders of the BAR and the entire judiciary as well as the media. I can’t forget to thank my Husband who is my pillar of support and I blessed the day I found him.”
She pledged that “the judiciary under my watch will cooperate with the executive and the legislature so that we can move Cross River State forward.”
Responding to questions from newsmen on the sideline of the event, Justice Ikpeme noted that “It will be foolhardy to dwell in the past. We have to dwell in the future and move the judiciary forward and not looking into any challenge on our way to getting to where we are. Like the Governor has said, this is the work of God and not man. We have to do the best to the glory of God.”
The National President of Nigeria Bar Association Mr. Olumide Akpata who graced the occasion said “the NBA is happy that the right thing has been done. We are extremely delighted. It is a fitting climax to a long struggle. The ability to resolve huge challenges is the hallmark of leadership. I am glad that all the dramatis personae have been able to come to this fantastic outcome. The outcome reflects the internment of our constitution.”
He called on the new Chief Judge to work assiduously; knowing that she is inheriting a judiciary with a lot of issues. I pray God to give her the strength and the wisdom to navigate the stormy waters and ensure that she delivers the goods for the judiciary of Cross River State. We expect her to work and cooperate with the other arms of government but at the same time, uphold the independence of the judiciary.”
“The NBA has been part of the process and we are delighted at the outcome and will continue to take special interest in what is happening in Cross River State.”
The swearing in ceremony was also witnessed by four visiting judges from Delta, Enugu and Akwa Ibom states as well as some Senior Advocates of Nigeria in the State, the former deputy governor of the state, Mr. Efiok Cobhom and many other dignitaries within and outside the state.
Justice Ikpeme is the second female Chief Judge in the state. She is 62 years of age and was made a judge in November 16, 1998.
She is succeeding the immediate past substantive Chief Judge of the state, retired Justice Michael Edem who exited the seat since November 2019.
■ Condemns deliberate creation of poverty in the country
Dr. Samuel Chukwuemeka Uche (JP) is the Prelate of the Methodist Church, Nigeria. He recently bared his mind on the state of the nation in this encounter in his Yaba office, condemning what he called the deliberate creation of poverty in the country by the politicians. Excerpts:
In the past weeks, Nigeria has been involved in a lot of crises, as a spiritual father, what is the role of the church in shaping the nation?
The Church should be involved in advocacy because they are like the mouthpiece, the voice of God, and the nation. That has been our role from inception of Methodism in Nigeria. History has proved that Methodist mission was the first to land at Badagry on the 24th September 1842. Followed by the Anglican, Henry Townsend who came on the 24th December 1842.The two celebrated joint communion and Eucharistic service in Badagry. The same place where slaves were taken from was also where they returned as they came to Freetown, Sierra Leone first and then Ferguson, a Nigerian leader of the slaves who happened to have invited the missionaries to send someone to deliver a social song on witchcrafts and forces of darkness. Reverend Thomas Wesley was sent; so, since then, Methodism has been working with the Government. Now, in Nigeria, it is a common practice to see Government Headquarters and Methodist share a common boundary. For instance, if one goes to my hometown Okigwe, the house of the District Officer and that of the Methodist Missionary share a common fence. At Marina, from the State House towards the Nigerian Ports Authority, all the expanse of land is owned by the Methodist Headquarters. Again, you may not know that Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe was a student of Methodist High School, Lagos; before he proceeded for his higher secondary certificate at Kings College. Chief Obafemi Awolowo did the same, he studied at Wesley College, Elekowa in Ibadan. Michael Okpara was a student of Methodist College, Uzuakoli, before he was sent overseas by the Methodist missionaries. So, we have been at the forefront of politics. But the church has been apolitical and not partisan as she advises her candidates. So, every Church that knows its onions, when and how to cut it cannot stand aloof when things are going wrong in the country. Interestingly, most of the points I raised during the #EndSARS protests are being picked by the government one after the other. I told them that EndSARS means so many things, it means lack of employment, it represents hunger, police and army brutality, marginalization, impunity in government, inequitable distribution of offices based on geographical setting and federal character. Those things are lacking because in Nigeria; one tribe wants to dominate Nigeria and things must fall apart.
According to the legendary Chinua Achebe, when things fall apart, the centre cannot hold. That is what we are suffering. There is a lot of inequity, so until government addresses the issue of equity, there will be no peace. Moreover, the young people could be likened to black Minnesota George Floyd who was killed by police brutality with a popular slogan “I cannot breathe”. The young ones see old senators who sleep in the chambers only to wake up and earn N13 million every month while teachers and others are paid pittance. I told President Muhammed Buhari that half of the salary of a senator can give employment to 1,460 graduates if they are paid a N100,000 each. If it is multiplied by 109 because each state has three Senators including the Federal Capital Territory. One will know the amount of job they would generate; 109 multiplied by I46, this is coming from just the Senate. Then, from the House of Representatives, we generate equivalent of that too, how can one be reticulating and replicating old people and the young ones are suffering? As long as young people continue to suffer, there will be increase in hooliganism, armed robbery, kidnapping, cybercrimes etc will continue because young people are denied. We must address the problems of Nigeria once and for all by doing things right. The Bible says when the righteous is in authority, people rejoice, but when the wicked is in authority, people cry.
What do you think about restructuring, there have been national conferences on this issue, do you think it will solve Nigerian problems?
Nigeria is too big to be one country, though we should not disintegrate and go away. If we maintain the regional structures; Southeast can have a central government and what is known as states could be contiguous administrative units under the Southeast Region. America, for instance, is called United States of America, but each state has its police, immigration, customs, army etc, but they are called United States of America. So, restructure means that each generates its own money and pays a percentage to the centre and people will have a sense of belonging.
Are you suggesting that people should go back to Regional System of government?
Now, they have what is called the geo-political zones which was started by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and it has been adopted by other parties, so why not have six regions in the country or even more regions, but there must be a central administration headed by one person just as Donald Trump is heading United States. There must be some federal, state and other laws guiding the principles. There should be federating system in Nigeria because it’s too big as a country.
Looking at the total decay of the educational, electricity, health and infrastructural system, where do we go from here?
You may not have been born at a certain period in Nigeria, but I was privileged to be born at the time when Dr. Michael I Okpara was the Premier of the Eastern Region. We had two constant sources of power then; one was from Oji River and coal in Enugu (ECN). The fastest growing economy in the whole of Africa then was the Eastern Region. We had food in abundance. I remember when garri was sold in cups, my mother would buy from a rural market at 36 cups per shilling; then we would come back to town and sold 18 cups per Shilling. So out of every one Shilling, my mother would make 12 cups. That was how I went to secondary school because she helped my father who was a church teacher to raise money and train us and we ate very well. In secondary school then every Saturday we had two boiled eggs per student for breakfast, then on Sundays, we were sure of rice and chicken. Four students shared a whole chicken. One could differentiate between a boarder and a day students.
Just as people were recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, electricity tariff hit the waves though it was later reversed. What is your response to this?
The government gives money from one side and takes it from another side. With N30,000 minimum wage increase which means nothing; the truth is that people are suffering. There is hyper depression. Prices of goods and services have gone up by more than 50 per cent. People liked when they were earning N18,000.00 and fuel was going for N85.00 per liter, and goods and services were cheaper. Another issue about Nigeria is that our government is not creating enabling environment for private entrepreneur and industries to thrive. If they allow private investors to thrive, with energy which is germane and good roads, supply of potable water, these are the things that Nigerians need. If there is regular supply of electricity, the welder in the village will not struggle to come to Lagos. I was in Israel last year, any corner I visited, there is light even though their cable went underground, anywhere one wants to wash hand, in all the lavatories built in the wilderness, there is a tap for both hot and cold water running 24 hours a day, seven-days a week and 365 days in a year. They are very well developed, why can’t we learn from such people. Look at the roads in Nigeria. When I was growing up, there were Trunk ‘A’ roads which was for the federal, Trunk ‘B’ was state or region while Trunk ‘C’ was for the local government. The worst thing that is happening in our country is local government. I understand they share the money allocated to them for development. When the allocation comes to the state government, they take a chunk of it and use the remaining to pay salaries while nothing remains for goods and services. That is part of the reason for the suffering. There is deliberate creation of poverty in our country and they still want to suppress people to forced labour, obeisance, wickedness, there is no righteousness in this country.
Talking about poverty sir, was that why the palliatives did not get to the people who need them?
I was surprised that palliatives meant for the people was said to be preserved. Are they calling for another COVID-19 when the church is praying for pandemic healing? I am happy those warehouses were broken for people to carry what belong to them. I did not see it as looting.
Still on the state of the nation, we have found out that a whole lot of countries are talking about diversification of their economy, a place like Dubai was a desert, today, Dubai is one of the fourth most visited country in the world and also sits atop barrels of crude oil that have not been touched, Nigerian economy relies so much on oil, when oil dries up, what becomes of the nation?
We are not planning for the rainy day. My father told me that the most foolish man is the man that eats the fat yam and the seedling. When we were growing up, we had yam barn, my father would plant yam, while my mother plants cocoyam and cassava. She never went to market to buy yam or cocoyam or fermented cassava (Akpu). Every four days, my mother would take us to the farm to uproot cassava, soak in water and in the next four days, there was enough food at home. That is what I recommend for every family, do not wait for government. Get involved in farming. The most important thing that exposes wretchedness is hunger. If everybody is well fed, one may not be involved in some criminalities. While we eat, we also sell some of the farm produce from our farms. Diversification of economy also involves technological development, when artisans are technologically empowered even though it needs energy. Then there is also commercial agriculture, subsistent, arable farming which means cultivation of food crops. Poultry and aquatic culture are other means we can maintain to feed ourselves as a nation if we want. If countries like Japan that do not have oil are fed by ICT. I have also heard that cars that will not use oil are being manufactured to hit the road soon, at that time, what will happen to Nigeria. When I was a bishop in Owerri, I have told our people the advantages of diversification many years ago. Our gas in untapped. We have quantum deposit of untapped gas, why can’t we tap them and use for our economy. We only know how to steal money. All these houses they are building, some of those people in government store foreign currencies there in their houses. Some of them have packed monies in septic tanks, rooms and otherwise. Some they set ablaze for ritual purposes. I am a religious leader who do not sit at Lagos only, but I go to villages in every part of Nigeria. The government in power is not planning for tomorrow and the unborn generation. They want to finish everything and take loans from China and other developed countries. They have been taking loans that they cannot pay and they will leave it as a liability for the incoming generation, it is unfair.
What about sentiments that are not championed like what happened in the case of Innoson Motors…?
You all saw how that man was embarrassed because he is an Igbo man. I do not know why Igbo tribe has become the animals of sacrifice. If your wife annoys you, kill an Igbo man, if you fail election, kill an Igbo man, everything that happens demands the head of an Igbo man. Is it because these Igbo are enterprising and adventurous? If there is no Igbo, Nigeria will not be sweet. But then, an Igbo person who engages in dubious character is not for me. God has given each tribe something they can contribute and make the nation strong. For instance, when I go to the village to conduct marriage ceremonies, without Fulani/Hausa there, there will be no celebration because they bring in the cow, tomato, onion, potatoes etc. So, we need to live together. In the late 50s and 60s, we saw Hausa men who were not carrying gun, they carried stick. They married our people and vice versa, if you go to Enugu, Umuahia, Okigwe my home town, there are Hausa people there likewise how the Igbo are in Kano and Kaduna. With the level of interwovenness, if there are crisis would I go and kill my in-law, nephew or niece? We need to live together to build a viable well-together nation. We need one another to survive.
Gunmen on Friday night attacked Obowo Divisional Police Headquarters, located at Umulowe autonomous community area of Imo State and killed two policemen who were on duty.
The hoodlums also injured three other cops who resisted them from gaining access into the headquarters.
Our correspondent learnt on Saturday that the incident caused panic in the area.
This is even as security operatives drafted from the command’s headquarters in Owerri, had taken over the area.
A source told The PUNCH that the hoodlums who operated in a vehicle met stiff opposition from policemen who were on duty when they tried to gain access into the police premises.
Displeased by the cops’ action who resisted them, the hoodlums opened fire at the officers, killing two policemen while three were shattered by their gun bullets.
Our correspondent also gathered that one of the hoodlums was killed in the gun duel but the hoodlums drove off with the corpse of their member.
The source said, “Two policemen died in the incident. Three were wounded. One of the hoodlums was also killed but they drove off with him. The policemen who were killed were the ones who repelled them. It was an unfortunate development.”
Spokesperson for the state police command, Orlando Ikeokwu, confirmed when contacted that two policemen were killed by the hoodlums.
He also said that the three other policemen who were wounded during the incident had been discharged from a local hospital where they were rushed and transferred to a better hospital in the state capital.
Ikeokwu told our correspondent that the command had drafted cracked teams of detectives in the area and had commenced investigation.
My male actors in nollywood whats going on? Its just the females that are buying cars and building houses left and right. I wanted to come into nollywood but at this rate, I am not coming again �
Adamu Garba, a former presidential aspirant, has opined that investing in cows is better any form of cryptocurrency business.
Garba was lending his voice to the latest instruction to Deposit Money Banks (DMBs), other Financial Institutions (OFIs) and Non-Bank Financial Institutions (NBFIs) against having any transactions in crypto or facilitating payments for crypto exchanges.
DAILY POST reports that diverse reactions have continued to trail the directive which was issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, on Friday.
Better Investments! Those who might have lost their monies through a shortcut business called Crypto should learn to invest on real assets, like cows, which assured of huge returns on investment.
Cow Ranching business is more lucrative than all cryptocurrencies combined.
Cow Ranching business is more lucrative than all cryptocurrencies combined.
”Crypto traders are supposed to be regularized so that they can be tracked in the event of cheats.”
Senior Pastor and General Overseer, Omega Fire Ministries International, Apostle Johnson Suleman, has instituted legal actions against one Pastor Mike Davids who accused him of interfering in his marriage.
Apostle Suleman, through his legal team led by Osa Director Esq, For: Osa Director And Co, is launching a N05bn suit at the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, against Pastor David for “conspiracy to blackmail and defamation of character.”
In a statement to newsmen on Friday, the man of God, through his legal team, also revealed that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Mohammed Adamu has, in a suit with Number: FHC/ABJ/CS/115/2021, also approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking to arrest Pastor Davids over petition of alleged blackmail, defamation and threat to Apostle Suleman.
The statement said pastor David, who was expelled from the ministry since 2018 for “acts inimical to the body of Christ has for the past six years been attempting to blackmail Apostle Suleman.”
It said, “He constantly threatened and boasted that he will bring down Apostle Suleman and Omega Fire Ministries down, of which our client has audio and video evidence to expose his threats and blackmail,”
The statement reads thus:
“It has come to our knowledge that one Mike David has purportedly filed a law suit against our client, Apostle Johnson Suleman and seeking two billion naira as damages for allege interference in his marriage which has since been dissolved a few years ago.
We are yet to be served with any court process. However, our client has refrained from joining issues with the said Mike David as his utterances are mere hallucinations of a man on the fringes of lunacy and desperation to survive.
For the record, Mike David was a pastor in our client”s church but expelled since 2018 for acts inimical to the body of Christ. He has for the past six years been attempting to blackmail Apostle Suleman. He constantly threatened and boasted that he has materials in his possession to embarrass Apostle Suleman with and his recent video allegations is one of such materials and tools of blackmail.
In short, he has been boasting that he will bring down Apostle Suleman and Omega Fire Ministries down, of which our client has audio and video evidence to expose his threats and blackmail. The matter was reported to the Nigerian Police Force.
Consequently, the Inspector General of Police has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja in suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/115/2021 seeking the arrest and detention of the said Mike David.
Also, Apostle Suleman is instituting a law suit against Mike David at the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja seeking Five Billion Naira damages for conspiracy to blackmail and defamation of character.
As believers in the rule of law and judiciary, we hope justice will be served and clearly so at the end of the day,” the statement concluded.
Sani Umar Dangaladima, member of the house of representatives representing Kaura Namoda/Birnin Magaji federal constituency, has withdrawn as surety for Faisal, son of Abdulrasheed Maina, who is standing trial for money laundering.
Faisal, who was granted bail in the sum of N60 million, has refused to attend trial since November 24, 2020.
Consequently, the court had ordered Dangaladima, who stood as Faisal’s surety, to show cause why he shouldn’t forfeit the bail bond.
The surety, through his counsel, also filed an application seeking to withdraw his contract with the defendant.
At the court session on Thursday, Okon Abang, judge of a federal high court in Abuja, granted the surety’s application.
The judge then ordered Dangaladima to forfeit his house worth N60 million to the federal government over the failed suretyship.
Meanwhile, Mohammed Abubakar, counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), informed the court that Faisal has fled to the United States.
He said despite the fact that the defendant’s Nigerian and American passports are in the court’s custody, Faisal was able to sneak out of Nigeria to the Republic of Niger, from where he was able to proceed to the USA.
But Anayo Adibe, Faisal’s counsel, said he feared for the life of his client as the commission has refuted its earlier statement that Faisal had been apprehended and is in police custody in Sokoto.
He urged the court to order a probe to ascertain the whereabouts of his client.
The Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Omo N’Oba Ewuare Ogidigan (11), has approved the sack of the presiding priest of Holy Aruosa Cathedral, Ohen-Osa Harrison Okao, for alleged non-compliance with ancient long tradition of the land
The decision was jointly taken by the traditional head of the church, HRM Oba Ewuare the second, joint elders committee and top palace chiefs after Okao was found guilty of violating the long-standing rules of the church.
A statement by Benin Traditional Council (BTC) Secretary, Mr Frank Irabor, said the removal of the former top priest of the church would restore sanity and lasting peace to the foremost Benin national church.
Okao was also ordered to handover the church property in his possession as the Ohenosa to the head Iweguae Chief Esere.
He was also warned to stop any financial transaction within the cathedral.
Heavily armed DSS operatives take over Sheikh Abduljabar Nasiru Kabara’s mosque, House
Following Kano State Government’s prohibition of Sheik Abduljabar Nasiru Kabara from preaching, praying in his Mosque and other Islamic activities, the Department of State Security, DSS, has drafted armed to teeth personnel to ensure no breakdown of law and order.
The State government had debarred Sheikh Abduljabar Sheikh Nasir Kabara from preaching in the state for his mode of teachings considered too violent and inciting.
The State Security took the measure according to an insider, to prevent the Sheikh’s followers from coming on protest or anything that will create uncertainty.
Kano government according to the State Commissioner for Information, Malam Muhammad Garba, took the decision to avoid creating tension in the State.
Commissioner for Information also announced that all seminaries run by the clergyman would be shut down pending investigation by security agencies.
Malam Garba further stated that the council has directed all broadcast stations and social media platforms to abstain from airing such enflaming preachings, sermons, propagation and any other religious discussions in the interest of peace and tranquility in the State.
The commissioner also revealed that security agencies have been directed to ensure full compliance and take decisive action against any person or group found flouting the order.
However, heavily armed DSS personnel were on Thursday seen at strategic locations around the Sheikh’s places of worship to ensure peace.
The Qadirriya house where the Sheikh was born, sometime in 2008, witnessed heavy drafting of Armed Military and Mobile Policemen, following threat to peace, as they were prohibited from carrying out their annual Mauqibi religious festival.
An Ondo State High Court sitting in Akure, yesterday, ordered that the Nigerian Breweries (NB) Plc depot in Akure be sealed off pending the settlement of their tax liabilities to the state government.
Justice William Akintoroye also granted the cross-petition of the state government for the recovery of N169.175 million from the company, being the haulage fees it owed for the period 2017 to 2019.
Consequent upon series of arguments from both the petitioner and the respondents’ counsel, Justice Akinrotoye ruled in favour of the state government, dismissing the petition filed by the NB Plc that it lacked merit.
The court held that the first respondent (Ondo State Government) has the constitutional right and it is the constitutional duty of Nigerian Breweries Plc to pay haulage fees to the government being the principal to the transport agencies that convey its products.
The state government had earlier ordered the firm to pay N169.175 million as the haulage fees the company is owing the state government but the company approached the court to challenge the demand notices served on it by the Ondo State Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Co-operatives for the payment of haulage fees last year.
The respondents in the case were the Ondo State Government, the Ondo State Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Co-operatives and the Ondo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice
The petitioner, in the suit No: AK/l45/2020, sought:
“An order of the restraining it from paying the haulage fee and that it was ‘not liable to pay haulage of goods as part of its object and business and the respondents cannot therefore demand the payment of haulage fee from the petitioner and/or enforce the payment of haulage fees purportedly due to the respondent from third parties transport/haulage companies against the petitioner.
“An order of the court restraining the respondents from further demanding haulage fees from the petitioner forthwith as well as restraining the respondents from further harassing and intimidating the employees of the petitioner and from the unlawful disruption and closure of the petitioner’s business premises on the ground of non-payment of haulage fees.
“An order of the court directing and/or mandating the respondents to directly enforce the payment and/or collection of the alleged haulage fees due to them, directly from the third parties, transport companies, engaged by the petitioner to transport its drink to Akure, being the companies that actually engaged in haulage and/or haulage business, under the Taxes And Levies (Approved List For Collection) Act, (Amendment) Order, 2015, to wit: AOP Logistics Limited and Tasho Nigeria Limited.”
Popular Nigerian billionaire and politician, Ned Nwoko, has praised polygamy as a saviour of women from prostitution.
The former lawmaker disclosed this in a recent interview in which he highlighted the significance of marrying more than one wife, which according to him keeps the society running by stopping young women from engaging in a improper profession like prostitution.
Nwoko boosted his argument with the example of his compatriots from the northerner part of the country who marry many wives, saying that there is an economic importance of the action as the married woman becomes part of the household and then community.
He said: “You see the average Northerner marrying two, three, four women, they are helping the society because it is the economic downturn that has affected so many women who you see doing prostitution and all that…”
"On the first night, there were about six patients that I saw, subsequently, other patients came, tripled in as days continued."
The number of patients shot or injured at the Lekki toll gate shooting, who were brought to a hospital, were so many that they overwhelmed the hospital, an official has said.
Babajide Lawson, a trauma and orthopaedic surgeon at Reddington Hospital, Lagos, on Saturday said there was a large number of patients on the night of October 20, after soldiers opened fire on peaceful protesters at the Lekki toll plaza.
Mr Lawson, while testifying before a Judicial Panel of Inquiry investigating the incident, said due to the crowd, there is a likelihood that the hospital did not capture the records of all the patients.
“On the night of this event, in the Lekki facility, when patients were brought in, it was a mass gathering situation in which case you have a large number of people presenting at the same time, literarily overwhelming the facility,” Mr Lawson said.
“In that kind of situation, there are lots of cases that might be compromised. If this patient says he was treated at the hospital, he can present at the hospital and get a medical report.”
The surgeon spoke during cross-examination by a lawyer to some of the victims of the shooting, Olumide Fusika, who asked him whether he authored any of the medical reports tendered to the panel.
Mr Lawson said he did not author any of the reports as it was the duty of doctors handling the patients.
“You will agree that there is none for Samuel Asola, who is a petitioner before this panel and my own client,” Mr Fusika had said.
“This client of mine says he was treated of gunshot wounds at your facility. He has pictorial proof of being actually treated. If that were to be true, it means your evidence before this panel is not comprehensive, it is not exhaustive of the people you treated of gunshot of wounds.”
The lawyer further asked whether the hospital extracted pellets from the patients as there were many cases of gunshots, especially in the case of Nnaji Mabel who had a pellet in her abdomen.
“As indicated in the report, we did not extract the pellet. I admitted the responsibility, we reviewed her CT and records, we determined that she did not need anything extensive, and she was treated and allowed to go,” the surgeon responded.
“It’s normal to have pellets in your body and just go home?” Mr Fusika further queried.
“Yes, it is possible. If there is a gunshot injury and the bullet does not in any way endanger the body, the pellet can remain,” Mr Lawson said.
The surgeon said some pellets were removed but, according to medical protocols, the police will be invited and the pellets handed over to them.
He added that other patients sustained “entry” and “exit” bullet wounds.
“In normal process, protocol is that if there is a gunshot injury and extracted the bullet, the police will have to come and the bullet be handed over.
“For the patients I treated, I did not extract any bullet; the patient that had pellet did not require a removal,” he said.
Earlier, while giving his evidence, Mr Lawson said the number of victims of the shooting who visited the hospital tripled after the first night.
“Being in charge of trauma means anybody that is involved in any form of traumatic injury, accident, gunshot and others will have to go through me first. I saw a couple of them, the ones that needed admission, I admitted and the ones that did not were taken care of.
“The thing is on that October 20, a lot of patients presented at the Lekki office, that’s the Lekki hospital. I was shuttling between there and the VI office, which I represent.
“Later on the night of 20th, I also went to the Lekki office to access and determine what amount of assistance they would require from me. I transferred some of the patients from the Lekki Hospital to the VI office.
“On the first night, there were about six patients that I saw, subsequently, other patients came, tripled in, as days continued.”
The surgeon said the patients had varying degrees of injuries and were treated.
The hospital had earlier appeared before the panel on January 6, to represent medical reports of about 20 patients who were brought to the hospital on the night of the Lekki Shooting.
‘Medical reports do not add up’
Olukayode Enitan, the lawyer to the Lagos State Government, said many of the medical reports presented by Reddington hospital did not add up.
He said he applied for the case notes of the patients to further clarify the position of the hospital.
“We applied to Reddington Hospital; we requested the hospital to produce the case notes of the patients whose reports have been presented. The reason for this is that when we went through the reports, too many of them do not add up, some are outrightly contradictory.
“We believe that the case notes will more than likely shed light on whatever it is. If it is a summation of actual events, the case not will show that, that is why we made that application.
“It is very necessary that we have the case notes before the doctors are presented for cross-examination,” Mr Enitan said.
Jonathan Ogunsanya, the lawyer to the panel, said the hospital has been served to present the case notes.
The hospital’s lawyer admitted they were served on Friday.
“We didn’t have enough time to go through the necessary process as required. However, we are able to prepare one or two, because there were different batches of patients that were treated.”
Dorris Okuwobi, the chair of the panel, ruled that case notes should not stop the presentation of evidence of the doctors and another date can be given for cross-examination.
Mrs Okuwobi, a retired judge, adjourned the matter till February 12 to allow the state government’s lawyer cross-examine Mr Lawson.
Politics / BREAKING: Nigeria Exits Recession With 0.11% Growth by Doraty1(f): 2:20pm On Feb 18, 2021