EFCC arraigns man over illegal dealings in petroleum products

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned a man identified as Morris Gbiki Karinane before the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, for alleged illegal dealings in petroleum products.

Karinane was arraigned on Thursday, November 2, 2023, before the court on one-count charge bordering on alleged illegal dealing in petroleum products without a requisite license.

The charge read: “That you, Morris Gbiki Karinane on the 15th day of July 2023, at Krakrama Waterways in Rivers State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, without lawful authority to deal in Petroleum Product, dealt in unspecified quantity of Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO laden in a Wooden Boat and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(17)(a) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap. M17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Punishable Section 1(17)(b) of the same Act.”

Karinane, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him.

In view of the plea, the prosecution counsel, Dr. B. Ubi, requested the court for a trial date.

The counsel for the defendant, M .D. Atimi, informed the court of his application for bail of the defendant, urging the court to grant his client bail on the most liberal terms.

The presiding judge, Justice P .I. Ajoku, however, ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre pending the hearing of bail applications.

Ajoku, thereafter, adjourned the matter to Monday, November 6, 2023, for the hearing of bail application.

The EFCC, in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, disclosed that Karinane was arrested by the officers of the Nigerian Navy in Port Harcourt in July 2023 for alleged illegal dealing in petroleum products without license at Krakrama Waterways in Rivers State.

The anti-graft agency noted that Karinane was apprehended onboard a wooden boat containing an unspecified quantity of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil, AGO.

FG to prioritize domestic crude oil refining – NUPRC boss, Gbenga Komolafe reveals

The Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC, Gbenga Komolafe, has said the Federal Government has made known its readiness to prioritize domestic refining of crude oil in the country,

Komolafe disclosed this recently as he explained that Nigeria, despite its huge oil reserve, has remained a net importer of refined crude oil produce and a net exporter of crude oil.

According to the NUPRC boss, the inability to meet domestic refining obligations has impacted negatively on the state of the nation’s economy.

“We all understand that if we can meet our refining obligation, we will be able to impact largely on our economy and the attendant cost of pricing the refined product.

“So it behooves us to make Nigeria the net exporter of refined product and that is the issue we are gathered here to address. The Petroleum Industry Act, PIA, has a provision that has become part of the mandate of the commission to address, and that is the domestic crude oil obligation as enshrined in the PIA,” he said.

Komolafe noted that the domestic crude oil supply obligation refers to the requirement imposed by the government on oil producers to allocate a certain portion of crude oil production for domestic consumption.

This, he said, is aimed at ensuring a reliable and stable supply of crude oil for the country’s domestic needs, including refined petroleum products.

“Section 109 of PIA introduces the domestic crude oil supply obligation in the oil industry in a bid to ensure crude oil supply to local refineries. The PIA stipulates that the supplier of crude oil to the domestic market shall be on a willing buyer and willing supplier basis, as the Nigeria mainstream and downstream petroleum regulatory agency shall report to the commission where there is inadequate supply of crude oil to the refineries.

“This is a matter of importance to us as a nation, we have reached a point where we need value addition to our crude, we cannot be exporting crude without adding value to it and that is the intent of the PIA, and as a responsible regulator, we have to enforce that and as a responsible regulator, we have to enforce that.

“So our appeal is to you all as producers to collaborate with us in the interest of our nation because if we develop our mainstream, that is where value lies especially with the momentum in energy transition, so we need to develop our mainstream given the multiplier effect and benefits of developing our mainstream.

“So it is going to be a matter of national shame if we can not meet our domestic obligation to step up domestic refining capacity. So this is the issue. Good enough, we have the largest refinery in Africa, and that is the Dangote refinery.

“It is ready to start operation, we have received a request from the company to guarantee feedstock to the refinery, and we believe as a nation it will be a shame if we can not meet up the feedstock,” Komolafe said.

He added that the commission shall take all necessary steps required to ensure an adequate supply of crude oil to domestic refineries while noting that any company that fails to respond to the request for crude products will be liable to pay a $10,000 administrative fine.

“A company that does not comply with domestic crude obligations where a willing buyer exists shall not be granted an export permit for the export of crude oil. He shall incur a penalty of 50 percent of the fiscal price per barrel nor delivered, payable to the commission.

“What we are trying to do is to begin enforcement of this critical provision of the PIA, and for us, it is another milestone in the implementation of the Act. it is important for us to begin to develop our mainstream sector of the industry,” he added.

Also, the executive secretary of Nigeria’s Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, NEITI, Ogbonnaya Orji, emphasized the need for more collaboration to strengthen local crude oil production.

“Nigeria spent $74.6 billion on the importation of refined crude oil from 2006 to 2021. It is sad for a country that produces crude oil, so we share in the commission’s optimism and expectation that the local refineries are coming up to production.

“Our collaboration with the commission is defined by our interest in transparency and value for money. The fact that between 2006 and 2021 we have spent $74.6 billion in 15 years on the importation of Premium Motor Spirit (Petrol).

“We encourage more dialogue, engagement, constructive debate and engagement that allows free flow of information and clarification.

“My appeal is to continue to work with the regulators, they should not be seen as enemies but partners. We need engagements which I think will be nice to clarify issues that may have risen from our 2021 industry report,” he said.

‘We may share the marketplace, we need not share malice,’ BUA group replies Dangote over business rift

BUA Group has responded to several allegations levelled against its management in 7 Page-Editorial by Aliko Dangote.

It should be noted that BUA Group was founded by Abdul Samad Rabiu while Dangote Group was set up by Aliko Dangote.

In a statement signed by its management, BUA detailed several acts of Sabotage by Dangote on their businesses and Operations around the country.

It reads: “BUA RESPONDS TO DANGOTE

“It’s with a profound sense of responsibility and a heavy heart that we address the claims and very cheap attempts at blackmail levelled against BUA by Aliko Dangote in a recent 7-page editorial following months of sponsored campaigns of calumny against us using third-party platforms. To put things in perspective, it’s imperative to revisit history—a history not of rivalry but of resilience; not of enmity, but of endurance.”

“In August 1991, a young BUA was doing its commodities trading business just as Nigeria faced a scarcity of sugar. As sugar was scarce, BUA was lucky to be one of the few with any stock for sale, and we stood prepared to supply the nation’s needs as best as our stock could. It was during this period Aliko Dangote approached us to purchase sugar. If only we knew he was setting the first of many traps in our business history. He gave us a Societe Generale Bank of Nigeria Cheque, which bounced upon presentation to the bank. Unbeknown to us, this was a ruse that would lead to a court-sanctioned freeze of our assets orchestrated by Dangote.”

“For three agonising months, our accounts were garnisheed, warehouses shuttered, and our spirit tested. Yet, from the ashes of deceit, BUA survived. (see attached court order)”

“Fast forward a few years later, we decided that since we were making good progress in our various businesses, we should open a sugar refinery. We approached one Usman Dantata (now late), Aliko Dangote’s uncle, and leased his NPA waterfront land (4.5 hectares) at the Tincan Island port, ‘Polo House’. We took the land, signed an agreement with the consent of NPA, and paid all applicable dues. Dangote waited until our contractors and equipment had been mobilised to the site, then he went to former President Obasanjo. President Obasanjo had the land revoked entirely and gave the lease to Dangote. As a result, even his uncle lost the land. BUA was only given 24 hours to vacate the land.”

“It took us over a year to get another land. How?”

“Our survival as a business especially our Lagos sugar refinery is a legacy handed to us by a loving father who, seeing his son’s distress, did what only the noblest and kindest of hearts could do. With unwavering faith, our Chairman’s late father—may his soul rest in eternal peace—handed him the land on which our Lagos Sugar Refinery stands today. This land was the location of one of his thriving businesses with a warehouse, which he shut down and handed to us without asking for compensation. He just saw the pain of our chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu, called him one day and handed him the papers to the land. His gesture was a beacon of hope in one of our darkest hours. And so, BUA survived again another Dangote trap. Today, we are now the largest Sugar refining concern in West Africa.”

“Our businesses continued to surge forward amid several other attempts, too many to mention now. In 2007, under President Yar’Adua’s visionary mandate to broaden Nigeria’s cement industry and break the monopoly in the sector, BUA was among the six companies selected and granted licenses. Our approach was unconventional but effective: we introduced a floating terminal – ‘BUA CEMENT I’, which is a cement factory built into a large ship, as a stopgap while we were working on securing our land-based cement plant.”

“What followed, however, was another act intended to drive us out of business. Our application to dock the floating terminal in Lagos met with resistance. We then decided to berth the ship at the terminal we owned in Port Harcourt. Despite this, we faced considerable pushback and it took the decisive intervention of late President Yar Adua, who directed that the Minister of Transport and the Chairman of NPA honour our right to contribute to the nation’s growth.”

“But the hurdles didn’t end there. The drama intensified when Orwell Brown, a Deputy Comptroller General who was also an older brother to a Dangote Staff, launched a sudden strike, attempting to deport our vessel’s entire expatriate crew. It was a Friday that is forever seared into our memory—the shock of our expatriates rounded up, their confusion as they were shepherded onto a Dangote-funded one-way local flight from Port Harcourt to Lagos en-route Asia via Emirates.”

“Upon hearing of what had happened, we reached out to Tanimu Yakubu, the then Chief Economic Adviser, who acted with the urgency that the situation demanded. His call to the CG of Immigration was a lifeline, and our expatriate team was brought back from the Emirates aircraft and not deported. The aftermath was swift action by the President, who ensured that such a misuse of power would not go unchecked. DCG Brown, caught in a tangle of undue influence, admitted what he did to the Minister, and he was later dismissed.”

“Through all these tribulations, BUA’s resolve has only strengthened. These events narrate not just the trials of a company but the resolve of its people, bound together by a shared vision and an unwavering belief in justice and fairness.”

“We also know what transpired whilst we were building our Edo Cement Plant. Everyone knows the issues we faced. The plant we are operating in Edo would not have been operating and contributing immensely to the economy, if not for the former President Buhari who had to intervene by calling Governor Obaseki that no staff must lose their jobs and the plant must not be shut down, no matter what happens.”

“We cannot say more as the matter is currently sub-judice – and is at the Supreme Court. During that time, Edwin Devakumar and Sunday Esan (two long-time and current staff of Dangote) were caught in leaked emails, whose content were not limited to sending thugs to foment trouble, close our factory as well as pushing bad press against us (See emails attached).”

“Same thing happened again with our Port Harcourt sugar refinery – the only sugar refinery in Nigeria that is outside Lagos. Dangote utilized every means possible to ensure the refinery did not take off and we raised the alarm. At some point, the terminal was taken away from us and was to have been given to someone else at the behest of Dangote. There had to be a presidential intervention again for NPA to do the right thing. Yet, we survived.”

“For over 32 years, we have been cast as the antagonists in a narrative woven with malice. We have not just survived; we have thrived, expanding our operations and contributing to Nigeria’s economy without resorting to subterfuge.”

“To Mr. Dangote and the Dangote Group, we say: Let us build, not belittle. Let us cultivate, not conquer. While we may share the marketplace, we need not share malice. We have nothing to do with your self-inflicted issues. Blame no one but yourself.”

“In closing, we at BUA remain committed to our ethos of innovation, integrity, and inclusiveness. Our history is not one of being handed anything on a silver platter. We will continue to serve our beloved country and its people with the diligence and honour they deserve. Our past, present, and future activities are rooted in the prosperity of Nigeria, undeterred by the winds of unfounded criticism. We remain focused on building and developing Nigeria.”

Student electrocuted while installing solar panels in Delta

A final-year student of the Petroleum Training Institute in Effurun, Delta State, has been electrocuted while installing solar panels on a one-story structure.

It was gathered that the incident occurred in a business location close to a commercial bank at the Warri Garage Area on Thursday, October 19.

A source whose name is withheld stated that the aluminum ladder used by the student in climbing up to the position he intended to install the panels was magnetized by the high-tension wires linking a neighboring commercial bank. Consequently, he reportedly got electrocuted in the process.

It was further gathered that a gallant passerby, on noticing the development, instantly used a long dry plank to hit the aluminum ladder thus successfully detaching it from the vibrating high-tension wires, to which the young man had stuck unconsciously.

The final-year PTI student who was said to be writing his final project at the time of the incident was immediately rushed to a nearby private clinic for treatment.

He reportedly died shortly on arrival at the private clinic.

The remains of the late student who resided with his parents in the nearby Bowen Avenue area have been reportedly laid to rest in his hometown in one of the Southeast states on Saturday, October 28.

Meanwhile, an unidentified woman in the Mushin area of Lagos State was left in a life-threatening situation after her children were electrocuted on Thursday, September 21.

According to a source her children, a girl aged ten and a boy aged seven, were also electrocuted when they attempted to turn on the television after returning from school.

The source said the parents, who were said to have been away or inside the room when the incident occurred, on learning the fate of their children, were thrown into despair with the mother fainting and currently battling for her life at the hospital.

“I heard that it was after school, that the girl was trying to turn on the TV from the socket when she got electrocuted. Without even knowing what had happened to his older sister, the younger boy went to touch her and got electrocuted too.

“They stayed at that spot until the light was taken and then they fell. I heard the woman is still at the hospital. She has yet to recover from the shock. We heard that when people went to visit her, she couldn’t talk, she couldn’t cry, she just sat at a spot, looking” the source said.

The source further said that the mother of the children had a third child she was breastfeeding when the two older ones passed on.

I regret asserting every woman has done abortion – Phyna

Big Brother Naija season 7 winner, Josephine Otabor aka Phyna, has retracted her statement on abortion, admitting that she made a mistake.

The reality TV star had come under fire after stating that there was no woman who had never had an abortion once or twice.
“There’s no woman that’ll say she hasn’t done it (abortion) one or twice,” she said.
But in a statement on her Instagram page on Friday, Phyna admitted that her assertion was inaccurate.
She partly said, “Good day to all and sundry, I am Josephine Otabor pka Phyna and I write this statement to address the issues concerning an interview I did months ago where I talked about a very sensitive topic and I inaccurately suggested ‘all’ women have engaged in it.
“Firstly, I will like to address the fact that in as much as I was misunderstood, I didn’t mean to project it on every female gender.
“I will never encourage abortion especially not in this part of the world, where it can pose a great threat to the life of the person with the illegal and unhealthy procedures that surround it.
“I admit that I was being too expressive in the heat of the interview hence my assertions. I will reiterate that abortion is not a thing I stand for and I should not be seen in that light and I admit to all mistakes made.”
“In addition, I’m currently working with gender-based organisations and Non Governmental Organisations. NGOs to provide sensitization, education about abortion and other societal issues prone to the girl child.
“I want to use this medium to thank my fans, friends and family for their constant love and support, I do not intend to let you down.”
Only a few months ago, Phyna had revealed that she has done two abortion procedures.

Polaris Bank loses N26bn loans it granted its 6 ex-directors

Polaris Bank has lost over N26 billion in non-performing loans it gave to six of its former executive directors without collaterals.

These loans were granted between 2012 and 2017 when the bank was still trading as Skye Bank as the directors obtained various sums in loans ranging from N3 billion to N7 billion each.

The beneficiaries include former Managing Director, Timothy Oguntayo who received N3.9 billion; Executive Director, Corporate Banking, Rasheed Yussuf – N3 billion; Executive Director, Lagos Commercial Banking, Funmi Ogunleye – N7 billion; and Executive Director, Public Sector Lagos, Tope Lawani – N6 billion.

Others are former Executive Director, Corporate Banking, Adeola Soares who got N6 billion and Executive Director, Specialised Lending, Babatunde Osibodu who obtained N3.5 billion.

The bank has struggled to recover the monies years after they were disbursed against banking regulations as all the loans are said to be non-performing.

They were approved under questionable circumstances without viable collaterals attached, putting the bank at risk. The report highlights concerns about corporate governance practices under the past management.

Polaris Bank recently obtained a court order to recover properties used as collaterals for some of the loans. Meanwhile, recovery efforts have been difficult as the properties are grossly inadequate compared to the sums granted to the directors.

The latest revelation is coming a few months after a former Skye Bank Chairman, Tunde Ayeni was prosecuted for alleged fraud involving over N5 billion. Ayeni and two others are facing charges of conspiracy and money laundering at a Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos.

President Tinubu meets French presidential envoy as Nigeria prepares for return of $150m Abacha loot

President Bola Tinubu, on Friday, November 3, in Abuja, expressed his appreciation to France for the return of the $150 million stolen from Nigeria by the former Military Head of State, late General Sani Abacha.

This was known by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale.

In addition to the recovery of another tranche of Abacha loot, the President acknowledged the signing of a €100 million agreement between Nigeria and France to support the i-DICE programme — a Federal Government initiative to promote investment in Information and Communications Technology, ICT, and Creative Arts Industries.

The agreement was signed by Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Technology, and the French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, at an earlier event at Tafawa Balewa House, the headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

President Tinubu commended the strengthening of bilateral relations between Nigeria and France, noting that this progress followed his visit to Paris after his inauguration.

“Thank you for the good news on the return of Abacha loot. We appreciate your effective cooperation concerning the return of Nigeria’s money. It will be judiciously applied in attaining our development objectives,” the President said.

Tinubu, while emphasizing the need to reinforce collaboration on both political and economic fronts, welcomed the growing cooperation between the two countries in areas of shared interest, such as climate change, economic integration, education, and culture.

On the situation in Niger Republic, President Tinubu, who is the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, said Nigeria is monitoring the situation in the neighbouring country, and exploring diplomatic channels to avoid bloodshed.

“Leadership is about responding to the needs of the people; their cries, and their frustrations. Nigeria shares a border with Niger across the expanse of seven Nigerian states, and most of these states are very populated. Therefore, I need to guide ECOWAS carefully and steadily so that we manage our anger carefully.

”We have a colleague and a democratically-elected leader, President Bazoum, being used as a human shield. If we are not careful, he and his family can be endangered.

”I am deploying all appropriate back-channel strategies to avoid bloodshed in Niger Republic. We recognize the wishes of our people; they do not want war, but that does not mean we can not take bold and decisive action,” the President affirmed.

President Tinubu said Nigeria will continue to galvanize international partners in the determined pursuit of a peaceful resolution to the situation in Niger Republic.

The French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Catherine Colonna conveyed the goodwill of President Emmanuel Macron and expressed the readiness of France to expand mutually beneficial collaboration with Nigeria across multiple sectors.

She proceeded to extend a formal invitation to President Bola Tinubu to attend the forthcoming Paris Peace Forum.

Speaking on the Abacha loot, the French Presidential Envoy said the repatriation followed the completion of legal processes.

“It was a long process, but we are glad that it was concluded. Sometimes, justice may be slow, but this is a very good achievement,” she said.

Colonna also commended President Tinubu’s leadership in ECOWAS, saying: “We support your efforts at ECOWAS. We are behind you because we believe that constitutional order is a treasure for all countries, and democracy must be a reality.”

Court threatens re-arrest of Emefiele over $53m judgment debt

The Federal High Court in Abuja has given former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Godwin Emefiele, till January 25, 2024, to present himself in court to explain the circumstances surrounding the $53 million judgment debt arising from the Paris Club refund.

In a short ruling delivered on Wednesday, November 1, Justice Inyang Ekwo gave Emefiele another opportunity to appear in court in person or he would issue a warrant for his arrest.

The development followed a plea by Emefiele’s counsel, Audu Anuga, SAN, that all efforts to ensure that his appearance in court had been unsuccessful as he was still in custody.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Joe Agi, had initiated a garnishee proceeding against the CBN for the purpose of recovering a judgment debt of $70 million from Linas International Limited and the Minister of Finance.

According to a court document, Form 15 (Judgment Summons), following the garnishee order absolute, the CBN had paid Agi part of the $70 million, leaving a balance of $53 million.

Justice Ekwo had repeatedly ordered that Emefiele must appear before the court over the matter.

At the proceedings on Wednesday, November 1, Emefiele’s lawyer, Anuga, informed the judge that he had on Monday, October 30, filed an affidavit to show cause why an arrest warrant should not be issued against Emefiele.

A legal officer in the Legal Department of the CBN, Jeremiah Utaan, in an affidavit in support of Emefiele’s case, was said to have informed the court that he was unable to appear as he had been in the custody of the Department of State Services, DSS, since June 10, 2023.

“I verily believe that the cause of justice will not be served should the honourable court proceed to issue a warrant for the arrest of Godwin Emefiele,” he said.

The judge then asked the judgment creditor’s counsel, I.A. Nnana, if he had been served.

In response, Nnana said he was served on Monday, October 30, but needed time to reply.

In reaction, Justice Ekwo said flouting of court orders would not be allowed and insisted that Emefiele must appear before him.

“As for the 4th respondent (Emefiele), I have always said, contempt proceedings follow a person whether the person is still there or not.

“In this case, I have given this particular person so much liberty, so much leniency and the situation does not seem to change.

“I will adjourn the matter because the other side says they want to react to the process, so there is not much talk.

“Orders of court must be complied with and even if no one complies with the order of the court, the court must comply with its order.

“I will give you sufficient time.”

The judge then adjourned the matter until January 25, 2024, for Emefiele to show cause why an arrest warrant should not be issued against him.

Lawmakers loyal to Fubara elect new Speaker, Edison Ehie amid plans by state assembly to impeach governor

Some lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara have elected Edison Ehie as the new Speaker.

Recall that Ehie was removed as the House Leader on Monday, October 30, by majority of the state’s House lawmakers.

But the sacked House leader, at the Government House in Port Harcourt later said that 26 members of the House sat and elected him Speaker.

He said, “As you can see, the House just rose from plenary and with all humility I must thank my colleagues, 26 Assembly members who have just elected me as the new Speaker of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly.

“My commitment to Rivers people is that I will be fair and just to all and sundry. And I will ensure that the rule of law takes its course.

“I will not betray my colleagues, I will not betray Rivers people and I will not betray my constituents.”

In the wake of this development, all the 23 LGA Chairmen of Rivers State have also been sacked by the House of Assembly headed by the New Speaker.

However, Ehie has promised to ensure the independence of the assembly, as well as ensure mutual respect with the judiciary and the executive arm of government.

He added, “The honourable members that have been suspended will also be given a fair hearing.

“The House Committee on Information will publish their names and the House urged the House Committee on Petitions to give them a fair hearing.

“The House has also adjourned sine die because the Parliamentary Association has served us a notice of indefinite strike from Abuja. So we can’t sit again.

“Any sitting after now will not hold water because an official notice has been received.

“I tell people, if you have any grievances, approach the court. That is the resolution of the House.”

Voting is still ongoing. Pls, cast your vote for your choice of candidate.

President Tinubu appoints top EFCC prosecutor, Rotimi Oyedepo, six others as aides for AGF

President Bola Tinubu has appointed a top prosecutor for the Economic Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, and six others as new aides.

Oyedepo is an employee of the EFCC as he was one of the EFCC officials victimized alongside then acting chairman of the agency, Ibrahim Magu, by the immediate-past AGF, Abubakar Malami, who instigated a probe of the agency to oust Magu.

In one of Oyedepo’s landmark cases, he helped the anti-graft agency secure the final forfeiture of N9.2 billion, $8.4 million linked to former Nigerian first lady, Patience Jonathan, in 2019.

The new appointees have been deployed to the Federal Ministry of Justice, Abuja.

They are meant to function under the Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF, and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi.

The new appointees include:

1. Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, Special Assistant on Financial Crimes and Public Prosecution Compliance.

2. Hussein Oloyede, Special Assistant on Arbitration, Drafting and Regulations

3. Kamarudeen Ogundele, Special Assistant to the President on Communication and Publicity

4. Monsurat Gafar, Special Assistant on Coordination and Intergovernmental Agency Relations

5. Marcus-Obiene Fernández, Special Assistant on Justice Sector Reforms And Ict/Digital and Innovative Technology

6. Ahmed Wada, Special Assistant on Special Duties

7. Tolu Obamuroh, Technical Adviser on Oil and Gas, Arbitration and International Disputes.

Hope rises for unhindered oil flow as Aiteo launches new Nembe Creek Blend

Aiteo, the largest oil producer in the country, has launched a strategic crude oil movement innovation thereby raising hope in the industry in line with the President Bola Tinubu administration’s target to increase oil production.

The oil company which was founded by Benedict Peters, Nigerian oil magnate, aims to revamp the hitherto inactive Nembe Creek in a bid to reposition the sector.

As part of its strategies, the oil firm employed smaller river-going tankers to transport Nembe Creek from inland production sites to the global market.

This was done to guarantee higher production and boost the forex market stability in the country.

It was learnt that the development has triggered excitement among critical industry players who view the development as a game-changer.

The step was aimed at revamping the Nembe Creek trunk pipeline, which has been inactive since February 2022.

Aiteo acquired the pipeline which was formerly under the management of Shell Plc in 2015.

The firm would prompt smaller vessels to navigate the waterways of the Niger Delta and ensure the uninterrupted flow of Nembe Creek oil. This means smaller ships meeting larger tankers to ensure continuous oil flow.

The firm explained that the innovative oil blend was designed to overcome existing barriers. Oil and gas experts have described the move as a very innovative strategy.

While the strategy may incur higher costs, experts noted that it puts Nigeria on a better stead to maintain its oil production levels considering impending OPEC quotas.

The firm’s strategic approach, it was further learnt, also includes the deployment of a floating storage offloading vessel, the Galilean 7, positioned near the Brass terminal.

This is expected to further enhance the oil transport process.

Meanwhile, a group of ethnic youth leaders in the country has hailed Aiteo’s founder, Benedict Peters, over what it described as his ingenious business model.

The group, under the aegis of the Nigerian Ethnic Youth Leaders Council, noted that the move will help Nigeria out of economic and forex problems caused by a drop in crude oil production caused by sabotage.

The NEYLC, which is made up of the Arewa Consultative Youths Movement (ACYM), Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youths Movement, Oduduwa Youths and Middle Belt Youths, made their position known in a statement signed by the Ohanaeze Secretary-General and Head of Coalition’s secretariat, Nwada Ike Chiama, on Sunday.

“We, the ethnic youth leaders across the country, have noted with delight the great leap taken by Aiteo under the visionary leadership of Benedict Peters.

“We are of the view that this giant step will go a long way in repositioning the nation’s oil sector and ultimately lead to a significant increase in oil production.

“This, of course, is in tandem with the present administration of President Bola Tinubu’s desire to increase oil production.

“We know for a fact that Benedict Peters’ ingenious business model will help Nigeria out of economic and forex problems caused by drop in crude oil production caused by sabotage.

“We therefore commend him and urge the Federal Government, through its relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies to cooperate and encourage the firm to achieve its goals within the shortest possible time,” the statement read.

FG to import €1.2m worth of equipment for Eko Bridge maintenance – Works minister, Dave Umahi

Senator David Umahi, Minister of Works, has indicated that equipment worth €1.2 million will be imported for the maintenance of Eko Bridge in Lagos State.

The minister made the declaration during a working visit to the Third Mainland Bridge, Carter, Falomo, Iddo, Eko, Marina and Iganmu bridges in Lagos State, alongside some directors in the ministry and contractors, inspected the bridges on Saturday.

In a statement signed by Clement Ezeorah, an assistant director of information in.the ministry of works, it quoted the minister as saying that the deck on Eko Bridge would be opened to effect the maintenance, adding that the Second Mainland Bridge, suffered two notable problems.

It read, “Eko Bridge suffers two problems – lack of maintenance and the eating up of the bearings. There are lots of pair gaps, but the last administration did a very good and wonderful work.

“Work is ongoing; it will be completed in 2024 because we are pushing for increase in the number of workers and equipment to site.

“Without Eko Bridge, we will not have any truck coming into Lagos Island.’’

It also quoted Umahi as saying that the Third Mainland Bridge, built in two sections, required comprehensive maintenance particularly by the Federal Government.

The deflection on the bridge was caused by the lack of maintenance by successive administrations preceding that of President Muhammadu Buhari, it stated, adding that the facility, however, received attention by the state government since President Bola Tinubu became governor of Lagos State.

The Phase One of the 11.8km Third Mainland Bridge was inaugurated by President Shehu Shagari in 1980 and completed by President Ibrahim Babangida in 1990.

It is the third bridge connecting Lagos Island to the Mainland. The two other bridges connecting the two parts are the Second Mainland Bridge and Carter Bridge.

Lagos State was the financial capital of the country which had lots of national infrastructure that tremendously add to the country’s GDP and should not be neglected, the statement concluded.

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Ado Ibrahim, Ohinoyi of Ebiraland dies at 95

The Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Dr Ado Ibrahim, is dead.

The paramount ruler of Ebiraland in Kogi State died in the early hours of Sunday.

He was aged 95.

He reportedly died in an Abuja hospital where he had been receiving treatment for an age-related ailment.

Before ascending the throne, he was a successful businesman who lived most parts of his life in Lagos.

His remains will be buried today in Okene according to the Islamic rites.

His death is coming months after his clash with the Kogi State Government over his absence on the occasion of ex President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to the state to commission some projects executed by Governor Yahaya Bello

The state government had queried him for his absence.

Responding, the Ohinoyi stressed that there was no official letter informing him about the visit of the ex president Buhari.

According to the traditional ruler, one of the commissioners, Barrister Salami Ozigi Deedat, had visited him to inform him that the ex president would visit Okene the following day to commission some projects.

He added that Deedat instructed him to stay back in his palace while the president will be coming to pay a courtesy visit upon his arrival.

He said that he received an unofficial copy of the visit programme of the ex President and noted that the ex president was meant to commission the Ohinoyi’s palace at 10:10am .

“This observation implied that Mr President was to commission another palace other than my current palace that I have been occupying since I was coronated in 1997. It is worthy of note that as the paramount ruler of Ebirra land, I have not been officially informed of the existence of any palace,” he had told the state government.

The monarch stated that shortly after he had put things in order in his palace to receive Buhari, he heard a bomb explosion at the rear entrance of his palace, close to the new mosque across the street around 9am.

Shortly after, he was informed that the President had concluded his programme and departed to Lokoja.

‘With or without police report treat gunshot, accident victims’ IGP Kayode tells medical practitioners

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, today Saturday, October 28, urged all Nigerian medical professionals to treat gunshot and accident victims promptly whether or not a police report has been filed.

This is coming weeks after the death of a young lady, Greatness Olorunfemi, a victim of one-chance operators in Abuja, who died after medical personnel at Maitama General Hospital refused to attend to her for lack of a police report.

This directives are in line with the enforcement of the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act 2017, which states that all healthcare providers prioritize the immediate care and stabilization of such patients, recognizing the critical importance of timely medical attention in saving lives.

In an effort to close the gap between law enforcement and healthcare providers, the IGP emphasised on the moral obligation and responsibility of medical professionals to uphold the sanctity of life and provide life-saving care to those in need.

While underscoring the critical significance of preserving lives and advancing a safer and healthier society, he urged all medical facilities and practitioners to follow the guidelines and provide complete assistance to law enforcement when required.

However, IGP Kayode for the purpose of fully enforcing the Act’s provisions, the Nigeria Police will work in conjunction with all pertinent Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, especially the Federal Ministry of Health.

Prison health worker, 16 others sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for smuggling weapons, drugs worth £1m into UK prison (photos)

A HMP Lindholme health worker, Amy Hatfield, has been sentenced to 10 years today, Saturday, October 28, to prison over drugs conspiracy.

The HM Prison Lindholme is a Category men’s prison located near Hatfield Woodhouse in the Metropolitan Borough of Doncaster, South Yorkshire, England. Lindholme is operated by His Majesty’s Prison Service, and is situated in close proximity to Hatfield and Moorland prisons.

The culprit, alongside 16 co-conspirators, orchestrated the smuggling of over £1 million worth of drugs, knives, and mobile phones into HMP Lindholme in Doncaster.

Amy’s involvement began when she was recruited to the conspiracy by her inmate lover Joseph Whittingham, who was jailed for more than 11 years.

Sixteen other people were also sentenced for roles in the operation on Friday, October 27.

They include five Lindholme inmates, family members and friends who helped to smuggle weapons and drugs including heroin, MDMA, spice, ketamine and cannabis into the prison.

This gave room for inmates at HMP Lindholme to have easy access to a wide range of drugs as a result of this operation.

They would place orders through prison drug dealers Whittingham 35, Jordan Needham 31, Kieran Murphy 26, Aneeze Williamson 30, William Francis 56, and convicted murderer Anthony Campbell, 38, who used co-conspirators outside the prison to arrange shipments of drugs and receive payments.

Meanwhile, Amy was arrested October 2019, after authorities received a tip-off about her sexual relationship with Whittingham.

At the time of the arrest, she was in possession of MDMA, cannabis, and Ribena bottles filled with spice, tobacco, anabolic steroids, mobile phones, and chargers.

Further investigation into her phones, movements, and financial activities led to the arrest and charging of several co-conspirators involved in smuggling drugs and phones into prisons for substantial amount of money.

After a 19-week trial, during which the 16 other people were convicted for their roles in the conspiracy, the nurse was sentenced to 10 years and two months in prison by Judge Kirstie Watson.

The judge deemed Amy’s affair with the 35-year-old inmate as significant breach of trust and abuse of position, emphasizing that Hatfield should have been aware of the detrimental impact the increased drug use was having on the prison population and the added workload and stress on her colleagues.

The inmate was not left behind as he was also involved in the operation and was sentenced to over 11 years in prison.

Governor Yusuf presents N350bn 2024 budget to Kano assembly

Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has presented the 2024 Appropriation Bill of N350 billion to the state House of Assembly.

Yusuf did this, promising to block possible leakages to ensure prudence, accountability, and transparency.

The governor while presenting the budget, described the proposed budget as a Budget of Restoration and Transformation saying it is a product of full cooperation and dedication to change the narrative in the state.

He noted that the total recurrent expenditure stood at N357.9 billion, while internally expected revenue stood at N100.7 billion, adding that capital receipt expected is N39.265 billion, higher by N4.9 billion in 2023 representing 12.53 percent decrease

The governor explained that the opening balance N10 billion, revenue recurrent expenditure N134.4 billion representing 38 percent while salaries would gulf N85.739 billion for civil servants and political office holders plus allowances and overhead and other expenditures stood at N78.4 Billion.

He added that capital expenditure of N215 million takes 62 percent of the total budgetary allocations.

According to him, education with N95.389 billion represents 29.97 percent of the total budget. Health – N51.4 billion; Works and Housing – N40.4 billion; Transport – N4.8 billion; Physical Planning – N5.1Bn and Agriculture – N11 Billion.

Yusuf noted that human capital development, promoting the general welfare of the Kano people, ensuring the security of lives, provisions of strategic health, achieving food security, creating opportunity for job creation, and strengthening inter and nongovernmental partnerships, are cardinal principles of his government.

Governor Yusuf presents N350bn 2024 budget to Kano assembly

Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has presented the 2024 Appropriation Bill of N350 billion to the state House of Assembly.

Yusuf did this, promising to block possible leakages to ensure prudence, accountability, and transparency.

The governor while presenting the budget, described the proposed budget as a Budget of Restoration and Transformation saying it is a product of full cooperation and dedication to change the narrative in the state.

He noted that the total recurrent expenditure stood at N357.9 billion, while internally expected revenue stood at N100.7 billion, adding that capital receipt expected is N39.265 billion, higher by N4.9 billion in 2023 representing 12.53 percent decrease

The governor explained that the opening balance N10 billion, revenue recurrent expenditure N134.4 billion representing 38 percent while salaries would gulf N85.739 billion for civil servants and political office holders plus allowances and overhead and other expenditures stood at N78.4 Billion.

He added that capital expenditure of N215 million takes 62 percent of the total budgetary allocations.

According to him, education with N95.389 billion represents 29.97 percent of the total budget. Health – N51.4 billion; Works and Housing – N40.4 billion; Transport – N4.8 billion; Physical Planning – N5.1Bn and Agriculture – N11 Billion.

Yusuf noted that human capital development, promoting the general welfare of the Kano people, ensuring the security of lives, provisions of strategic health, achieving food security, creating opportunity for job creation, and strengthening inter and nongovernmental partnerships, are cardinal principles of his government.

Unknown gunmen attack security operatives, behead vigilante member in Abia (photos)

In the Umuojima/Isiahia community, in the Osisioma Ngwa government area of Abia State, an unidentified group of gunmen assaulted a security squad, killing and beheading a vigilante operator.

The Spokesperson of the command, ASP Maureen Chinaka, while confirming the incident in a statement on Friday, October 27, said no police officers were killed in the attack.

The attack occurred on Thursday, October 26, when the gunmen ambushed a police team attached to the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, while on stop-and-search duty.

The PPRO added that a police team from the Osisioma Ngwa division responded to a distress call about the attack where they discovered an unregistered Sienna bus and a headless corpse at the scene.

She added that through investigation, the deceased was identified as Obinna Ndukwe, a member of the State’s vigilante services who often collaborated with the police, meanwhile, his corpse has been deposited at an undisclosed mortuary in the city.

“Yesterday, 26/10/2023 26, 2023, at about 15:50 hrs, Abia State Police officers stationed at Osisioma Ngwa Police Headquarters received credible information concerning an attack on a group of security personnel in Isiahia village, Umuojima, Osisioma Ngwa. The attacked team included one policeman, one special constabulary personnel, and three vigilante men.

“Upon arrival, an unregistered Sienna bus and a headless corpse were discovered. Through investigation, the deceased was identified as Obinna Ndukwe, also known as Socket, who was a member of the Abia State vigilante and often collaborated with the police. The body of the deceased has been evacuated and deposited in the mortuary,” Chinaka said.

She noted that the police are currently investigating the attack and have launched a manhunt to apprehend the perpetrators, and she urged residents of the area to remain calm and security conscious.

“We would want to clarify that no police official was killed during the incident. Furthermore, our officers successfully recovered the vehicle used by the hoodlums in the attack and efforts are underway to apprehend the perpetrators,” she added.

Unknown gunmen attack security operatives, behead vigilante member in Abia (photos)

In the Umuojima/Isiahia community, in the Osisioma Ngwa government area of Abia State, an unidentified group of gunmen assaulted a security squad, killing and beheading a vigilante operator.

The Spokesperson of the command, ASP Maureen Chinaka, while confirming the incident in a statement on Friday, October 27, said no police officers were killed in the attack.

The attack occurred on Thursday, October 26, when the gunmen ambushed a police team attached to the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, while on stop-and-search duty.

The PPRO added that a police team from the Osisioma Ngwa division responded to a distress call about the attack where they discovered an unregistered Sienna bus and a headless corpse at the scene.

She added that through investigation, the deceased was identified as Obinna Ndukwe, a member of the State’s vigilante services who often collaborated with the police, meanwhile, his corpse has been deposited at an undisclosed mortuary in the city.

“Yesterday, 26/10/2023 26, 2023, at about 15:50 hrs, Abia State Police officers stationed at Osisioma Ngwa Police Headquarters received credible information concerning an attack on a group of security personnel in Isiahia village, Umuojima, Osisioma Ngwa. The attacked team included one policeman, one special constabulary personnel, and three vigilante men.

“Upon arrival, an unregistered Sienna bus and a headless corpse were discovered. Through investigation, the deceased was identified as Obinna Ndukwe, also known as Socket, who was a member of the Abia State vigilante and often collaborated with the police. The body of the deceased has been evacuated and deposited in the mortuary,” Chinaka said.

She noted that the police are currently investigating the attack and have launched a manhunt to apprehend the perpetrators, and she urged residents of the area to remain calm and security conscious.

“We would want to clarify that no police official was killed during the incident. Furthermore, our officers successfully recovered the vehicle used by the hoodlums in the attack and efforts are underway to apprehend the perpetrators,” she added.

Azeez Adeshina Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, has been summoned by the House of Representatives regarding the royalties of the late artist Ilerioluwa Aloba, better known as Mohbad, who was under the label.
The invitation was extended to Naira Marley by the House Committee on Justice, Youth and Legislative Compliance.
In their effort to safeguard Mohbad’s musical rights, lawmakers also extended an invitation to Mohbad’s manager, Jiggy Adeoye, for an appearance on October 31.
The official summons letter to Naira Marley and Mohbad’s legal team states, “The House Committees on Justice, Youth, and Legislative Compliance invite you and MOHBAD’s legal team for an interactive meeting to address the House’s resolution on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, concerning Mohbad’s royalties.
“The session aims to explore your engagement with relevant copyright organizations, guiding the committee in potential legislative actions. Your presence is requested for an interactive session with the Chairman, Committee on Justice, Youth, and Legislative Compliance.”
Mohbad, a former 27-year-old artist signed to Marlian Records, passed away under controversial circumstances on September 12, 2023.
In response, the Lagos State Government initiated a coroner’s inquest to investigate the singer’s death.
The House resolution emerged following a motion by Babajimi Benson, the lawmaker representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency of the state.
The Street Journal had reported that the House of Representative promised to ensure that Mohbad receives proper compensation and royalties from his music.
Olumide Osoba, the Chairman of the House Committee on Justice, made this commitment during an interactive session on the rights and royalties related to Mohbad’s music.
Osoba had emphasised the significance of securing compensation and royalties, acknowledging that these payments are essential sources of income for musicians.
He said that such will enable artists to sustain their careers, create new music, and build a future within the industry.
He however, said that the current system often falls short in adequately protecting and providing for young musicians concerning their royalty rights.
He said many emerging artists face challenges when negotiating fair royalty agreements, particularly when dealing with major record labels, which often wield significant power and can impose unfavorable terms, resulting in artists receiving only a fraction of the royalties they deserve.

Voting is still ongoing. Pls, cast your vote for your choice of candidate. Visit www.thestreetjournal.org

Nominee :
1) Hon Bunmi Tunji Ojo(interior)
2 ) Dr Doris Uzoka Anete( Investment )
3 ) Dr Beta Edu ( Humanitarian )
4) Sen David Umahi ( Works)
5) Uju Kennedy(Women Affairs)

The Benue state Police Command has arrested four suspects connected in the murder of retired Justice Margaret Igbetar, former President of the states Customary Court of Appeal, on Tuesday, October 3 2023.

According to report, her lifeless body was discovered by the police in her residence at No. 1 Wantor Kwange street, across the college of medicine at the Benue state University, BSU, Makurdi, in late August, with no sign of her killers.

The police confirmed the incident and stated that justice would be served as her killers would be apprehended and persecuted.

Over time, the suspects were apprehended and paraded at the state police command headquarters yesterday, all admitted their roles in the crime and their reasons for killing her.

Igbetar’s nephew, a 23-year-old identified as Joseph Aondohemba said he led other suspects to murder the justice because she held on to his late father’s landed property documents.

“She refused to give me the papers and our village people used to call her over the papers which she held on to but she would always refuse to attend the meeting to discuss the matter.

“She also bought a land from my uncle who is also part of us that killed her. After buying the land she did not give him all his money so he needed his papers and I also needed the papers to my father’s land with her but she refused to release the papers.

“When we got into the house after her driver helped us gain entrance into the house on that day, my uncle, Ukor Dzungwe stabbed her on the chest and behind, while I used a stick to hit her.

“After that we dragged her on the floor to the kitchen. This was around 9pm”, he said.

Another convict identified as Dzungwe, 40-year-old added that because the deceased had refused to release the paperwork pertaining to his own land, he was forced to take part in her murder. He also admitted to repeatedly stabbing her.

According to the state commissioner of police, Batholomew Onyeka, he stated that the nephew of the deceased, was detained immediately the news of the incident was reported.

“A more detailed and advance investigation started when the case was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, and handed over to the Operation Zenda investigative team to continue”, he stated.

“The suspect who eventually confessed to have planned and recruited other people to help him in killing his Aunty led a team of detectives to Adikpo, Kwande Local Government Area, LGA, where 63 years old Igbazenda Gbidye and 40 years old Dzungwenen Ukor were arrested.

“These suspects admitted that, Aondohemba Joseph had reported to them that his father died and left so much property in the hands of his aunty and she had refused to hand the said property over to him. They agreed to join him in eliminating her so that he could have access to his property.

“One Barnabas Akuhwa, the 32 years old brother of the deceased, who was also arrested, corroborated their statements by admitting that he was the one who allowed the gang access to the house and manned the gate for them until they finished the assassination process”, Onyeka stated.

A 38-year-old man identified as Matthew Ifeanyichukwu Onadike, has been arrested for butchering his father, Anthony Onadike, to death in Ogun state.

Matthew was arrested by the Ogun state community Social Orientation and Safety Corps, codenamed ‘So-Safe’ and handed over to Sango divisional headquarters of the state police command.

While he said his father had told him severally that he wanted peace of mind, he interpreted it as the old man asking to be killed.

The So-Safe corps, in their statement, revealed how its officers were called and informed that the culprit killed his biological father, Onadike, by inflicting several machete cuts on his head. Although Onadike was rushed to a hospital where the doctor who attended to him on arrival confirmed him dead.

Matthew was said to have resisted being arrested but was eventually subdued and taken into custody. During investigations, he claimed it was his father’s refusal to give him the N70,000 he kept with him since 2022 that got his father killed.

He said his parents advised him to quit his job. However, after quitting his job, his parents refused to cater for him.

“I was working in a company at Ajao Estate. However, problem arose when my parents asked me to leave the job and come back home. In August 2021, my father came to where I was living in Oshodi, Lagos. He told me to give him rest by coming home.

“I was very angry because I didn’t understand why he wanted me to kill him. He ran as I pursued him to leave my room. I stopped going to our family’s residence in Sango, Ogun State, and whenever I was in that area, I avoided my father. If I saw him, I would take another way. I was seeing my mother only.

“One day, I came to see my mother and she told me to do my father’s bid. After some time, my father called my office and I observed some changes. In September 2021, my landlady also told me not to pay house rent again, asking me to move out. I was not owing the landlady any money but there used to be quarrels between me and other tenants. I lived in that house in Oshodi for eight years”, he said.

“My work place also started reducing the salary I was being paid. When I observed all the changes, I called my father and told him what I was experiencing. He said he had told me to pack my belongings and return home. My brother came and assisted me in packing on December 31 2021. My father was not around when I got to our house, and when he came in, we hugged each other. He reminded me of what he discussed with me and we almost quarreled again.

“In January 2022, I gave my father N20,000 to keep for me. In August, I gave him another N50,000. I also kept N20,000 with my mother. By then, I had stopped working. I was so stressed but my father kept telling me that I should do what he asked me to do to him.

“In November 2022, I asked my father to give me the money with him for me to start selling robber footwear but he denied having my money. In January this year, I noticed that he truly wanted me to kill him. One day, I called my mother to discuss the negative trend in our family. My elder brother had died”.

He added that, “She told me that she knew of my father’s request, saying that was why he didn’t want to give me my money, as an act of provocation. Later, she also denied my giving the money to my father. I was tired of sitting at home. I went to a bakery to work but my mother told the business owner to sack me. She said I should just be at home, saying that she would be taking care of my needs.

“By then, I was under pressure. I was not allowed to work, and when I asked for money, I was not given. I fought with my father and seriously injured him. However, he said that injuring him was not enough as he wanted me to kill him. I went to Sango police station to report what was happening. I stood outside and told police officers in a loud voice that my father wanted me to kill him. They didn’t let me in but brought me to Eleweran in Abeokuta. I went back home when we didn’t see the person the police brought me to.

“On August 28, I was in my room with the plantain I went to cut in our backyard farm. I wanted to sell it and use the money to feed. Unfortunately, I didn’t get any buyer. When I asked my mother for money to eat, she gave me N700. My father came home and saw that I had cut two bunches of plantain. He asked me why I did so without informing him. He threatened to pick a cutlass and cut down all the plantain trees. He said I should kill him like he had been telling me.

“We dragged the issue as I held him, but I later went to my room. While I was there, my father started banging on the door of my room, shouting that I should come out and kill him. That was when I picked the cutlass I used in cutting the plantain and started inflicting machete cuts on his head. People around heard what was happening and rushed to our house. I locked the backyard door when the community people asked me to come out. When they insisted, I went out to meet them. That was how So Safe officers were called and I was arrested”, Matthew stated.

The police command of Ogun state said Matthew, will be arraigned in court as soon as investigation is completed.

Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, has raised the alarm after discovering a burning fetish item locally called ‘juju’ in front of his official residence.

The item was dumped at the Speaker Lodge on Monday, September 25, 2023, ahead of the plenary to commence the impeachment of the Deputy Governor, Lucky Ayedatiwa.

According to Oladiji, lawmakers at the house of assembly had been having sleepless nights since they commenced the impeachment process against Ayedatiwa, over alleged gross misconduct.

“Early this morning, we discovered that a sacrifice was placed in the lodge. Aside from that, I have been receiving strange calls from strange people threatening my life and other members,” the Speaker said.

“l am using the medium to tell the world that my life is under threat. I call on the security operatives to checkmate these people who have been threatening my life and other members.

“This threat started since the day we began the impeachment process. I have already reported to the NSCDC among other security agencies,” he stated.

Oladiji revealed that the state assembly has also been unable to serve the impeachment notice on Ayedatiwa since last week.

He, however, said that the House had secured a court affidavit to serve the deputy governor the letter through other means.

According to the Speaker, all the 26 lawmakers in the House had appended their signature on the petition for the impeachment of the deputy governor.

He, however, debunked insinuation that the lawmakers collected N5 million each to initiate the impeachment process, saying that the 10th assembly under his watch would not compromise.

The Federal Government has unveiled the official logo for Nigeria’s 63rd Independence Day celebration.

It was released by the Director of Information, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Willie Bassey, on Tuesday morning of September 26, 2023.

Nigeria will mark its 63rd Independence Day celebration on Sunday, October 1.

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service LSFRS have responded to a fire outbreak at a petrochemical plant in Lagos.

The fire incident occurred in Mega Plastic in the Ilupeju area of the state.

The director of the state fire service Adeseye Margaret, said the emergency alert was received at 07:26 am on Saturday September 23, 2023.

She said operatives of the service from Bolade and Alausa fire stations swiftly took control of the situation.

She added that no lives were lost and no one sustained injury from the outbreak. She also disclosed that the storage and factory sections of the petrochemical company were badly affected.

On Wednesday September 20, 2023, the service rescued two people from another fire incident that occurred at Victory Bay, Ikota housing estate in the Ajah area of the state.

The service had reported that the two male adults rescued sustained varying degrees of burns.

The Lagos state Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA and the Nigeria police, on Sunday, September 24 2023, arrested a bus driver, with registration number LSR 966 YE, for stabbing an officer after being arrested for a traffic offence around Costain Round-About, Surulere, Lagos.

The LASTMA officer, Olajide Olukoga, who led the enforcement team, narrated that the commercial bus was impounded and driver apprehended for picking passengers on the expressway thereby causing serious traffic obstructions to other road users around Costain inward Iponrin.

He said that the enforcement operations was carried out around costain round-about inward Iponrin after several warnings by the state government to commercial bus and private car drivers of the need to make use of designated bus stops before picking or dropping passengers or travellers across the state.

“Our enforcement team had successful apprehended the driver while trying to escape after dangerous driving, brought out a knife and stabbed me in the process.

“After seeing the deep cut he had inflicted on me with the knife, he decided to strip himself naked and caused serious commotions before he was eventually arrested by Policemen from Iponri Police Station.

“After his arrest, dangerous weapons cutlass and knife were recovered from his commercial Volkswagen ‘T4’ bus by security officers,” Olukoga said.

While the General Manager, LASTMA, Bolaji Oreagba, who confirmed the incident, vowed that the suspected assailant would be prosecuted immediately to serve as a deterrent to other disobedient drivers.