Year: 2024

Details of the 12-count charges brought against former governor of Kwara State, Abdulfatah Ahmed have been revealed.

Ahmed was charged to court on charges bordering on alleged mismanagement of public funds to the tune of N10 billion, according to DailyPost.

The suit is currently before Justice Evelyn Anyadike of the Federal High Court sitting in Ilorin.

Recall that the former governor was arraigned on Friday by the Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Ahmed, among sundry issues brought by the anti-graft agency against him allegedly spent the sum of N1,610,730,500.00 meant for the security and running cost in the state to charter private jets when he held sway as governor between 2015- 2019.

The offence is in contravention of Section 15(2)(a) of the Money Laundering (prohibition) Act, 2011 (As Amended) which is punishable under Section 15 (3) of the same Act.

He was also accused of failing to make a declaration in the Assets Declaration Form supplied to him by the officers of the EFCC after he was arrested, contrary to Section 27(3)(c) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act No. 1 of 2004, which is punishable with a term of 5years imprisonment under Section 27(3) of the same Act.

The former governor was charged alongside his commissioner for finance, Ademola Banu, who neither appeared in court nor had any legal representation when the case was called.

Banu, who is listed as the second defendant on the charge sheet is facing a 10-count charge also bordering on mismanagement of public funds while he served under Ahmed’s administration as commissioner for finance.

When the matter was called on Friday, the lead counsel to the EFCC, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, informed the court that Banu had jumped administrative bail granted him by the EFCC and efforts to arrest him had proved abortive.

He urged the court to rely on Section 83 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) to issue a summons against his surety, Salami Bashiru Ola and/or warrant of arrest against the second defendant (Banu).

The defence, led by Kehinde Eleja, SAN, did not put any defence in favour of the second defendant as he said his appearance was for the first defendant, Ahmed.

In a short ruling, Justice Evelyn Anyadike issued a bench warrant against Banu and ordered his surety (Salami Bashiru Ola) to show cause.

Thereafter, the court took the plea of the first defendant (Ahmed) on each count. When the charge was read to him, he pleaded not guilty.

Count one of the charges reads:

“That you, ABDULFATAH AHMED (while being the Governor of Kwara State) between 2015 and 2019 in Ilorin within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court used an aggregate sum of N1,610,730,500.00, property of Kwara State Government, meant for the security and running cost of the Government of Kwara State to charter private jets through Travel Messengers Limited on different occasions for your local travels and which sum you reasonably ought to have known formed part of the proceeds of your unlawful act, to wit: Criminal Breach of Trust or Theft and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(2)(a) of the Money Laundering (prohibition) Act, 2011 (As Amended) and punishable under Section 15 (3) of the same Act”

Particulars of the offence in the count 3 according to the commission, indicate, “That you, ABDULFATAH AHMED (while being the Governor of Kwara State) and ADEMOLA BANU (while being the Commissioner of Finance of Kwara State), between January and December 2018 in Ilorin, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, conspired between yourselves to commit an offence, to wit: Conversion of the sum of N411,000,000.00 property of Kwara State Government meant for the provision of security in Kwara State, which sum you reasonably ought to have known was a proceed of an unlawful act, to wit; theft/fraud and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and punishable under section 15(3) of the same Act”

Upon his plea, Jacobs (SAN) urged the court to fix a date for trial, but Eleja (SAN) through an oral application prayed the court to admit his client to bail. Citing Section 162 of the ACJA, the defence counsel said all the twelve counts against the defendant are bailable. Therefore, he urged the court to exercise its discretion in favour of the defendant and former chief executive of the state by admitting him to bail.

Jacobs in response, opposed the bail application by the defence, but conceded to the fact that bail is at the discretion of the court.

After listening to the arguments and counter-arguments of both counsels, Justice Anyadike admitted the first defendant (Ahmed) to bail in the sum of N50 million with two sureties in like sum.

According to the judge, the sureties must deposit three passports with the court’s registrar. One of the sureties must have a landed property in Ilorin with the title documents of the property deposited with the registrar of the Federal High Court. The sureties must also produce evidence of payment of electricity bills for the last three years.

In addition to the listed conditions, the judge ordered that the sum of N50 million must be paid as bond into the litigation account of the Federal High Court, which will be returned to the sureties after the final determination of the case, but forfeited to the Federal Government in the event the defendant jump bail.

As part of the bail conditions, the court also ordered that the international passport of the defendant be kept with the court’s registrar, which the former governor must apply to get if the need arises for him to travel abroad for medical reasons.

The court, thereafter ordered the defendant to be remanded in EFCC custody pending the perfection of his bail terms.

The case has been adjourned to April 29 and 30, 2024 for commencement of trial.

A new management team for the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has been approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Mr. Gbenga Alade was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of AMCON. Alade succeeds Ahmed Kuru, who assumed office in August 2015.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, announced the appointments in a statement he signed on Thursday, Feb. 22.

Tinubu also appointed the three other executive directors, pending their confirmation by the Nigerian Senate. They are Aminu Ismail, Adeshola Lamidi, and Lucky Adaghe.

According to Ngelale, the President expects “unflagging dedication, professionalism, and dutifulness from the new appointees so as to ensure that the operations of AMCON are more efficient, transparent, and in consonance with his determination to sanitize the nation’s financial system to maximise value and enhance investor confidence in the Nigerian economy.”

The bride can be seen crawling from one end of the hall while her in-laws were waiting behind a table at the other end in a video that was taken during the wedding reception.

The bride holds the cake in one hand and struggles to hold her gown with the other hand to keep herself from tripping while crawling.

Obviously struggling, the wife is seen frowning at some point as she continues with her assignment.

Guests watch her but no one moves to help.

When she eventually gets to her in-laws’ table, they take the cake from her and give her a hug and assistance getting up.

Later in the clip, the bride is seen kneeling for her groom.

See Video Below;

See Video Below;

According to Abiodun, a police tactical team, including vigilante members deployed to the purported location and engaged the bandits in a gun battle.

A suspected bandit has been neutralized by men of the Niger State Police Command.

This happened after the suspect came to pick up N3m ransom in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
 
Spokesperson of the command, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, who disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, February 22, 2024, said four suspected bandits threatened to kidnap a businessman in Bako-Mission village.
 
The bandits ordered the businessman to drop N3m at a particular location within three days or he risk being kidnapped.
 
According to Abiodun, a police tactical team, including vigilante members deployed to the purported location and engaged the bandits in a gun battle.
 
“On 21/02/2024 at about 1030hrs, information was received that four suspected kidnappers threatened a businessman of Bako-Mission village, Pissa District of Borgu LGA to drop a sum of three million naira within three days at a particular location around Tunga-Umoru village, via Pissa District or be kidnapped,” the statement read.
 
“Immediately this information was received, the Police tactical team, including vigilante members led by the DPO New-Bussa Div swung into action, mobilized to the purported location, adopted appropriate operational strategy and engaged the kidnappers in a gun battle, while one female victim of about 22yrs earlier kidnapped was rescued unhurt.
 
“Fortunately, the team combed the bush and one of the bandits was neutralized during the gun battle and his AK-47 rifle with an empty magazine was recovered.
 
“Other members of the gang fled the scene with various gunshot injuries and a concerted effort is ongoing to nab the fleeing outlaws. Public confidence was restored and the area was stabilized.”
 

Some members of a criminal gang, Shell Joshua, Godspower Joshua, Obuh Ayawe and Japhet Uyaboerizha, terrorizing communities in Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State,  have been arrested by Troops of Headquarters 4 Brigade Nigerian Army.

The Nigerian Army in a statement on Thursday night, February 22, 2024, said troops also recovered a vehicle filled with illicit drugs.
 
“In its continuous determination and renewed vigor to rid Edo State of all forms of criminal activities and make it safer for law abiding citizens, troops of Headquarters 4 Brigade Nigerian Army acting on credible intelligence at the early hours of Thursday 22 February 2024, raided the hideouts of suspected criminal gangs in gbelebu village, Okomu forest in Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State,” the statement read.
 
“During the operation, one of the notorious criminals who has been on the watchlist of the brigade, Joshua Ewaiken AKA General managed to escape before the troops arrival and is currently at large. However, some of his gang members were arrested.
 
“Those arrested are Shell Joshua, Godspower Joshua, who are brothers to the suspect currently at large. Others are Obuh Ayawe and Japhet Uyaboerizha,”
 
“Shell Joshua and members of his gang have been engaging in nefarious activities such as kidnapping, robbery, extortion of locals, raping, unlawful possession of firearms, terrorizing of villagers and adjoining communities among other crimes,”
 
“Items recovered include a Toyota Highlander vehicle, assorted illicit drugs and a mobile phone. The suspects are currently in troops custody for further investigations.
 
“The Commander 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ebenezer Oduyebo commended the troops for their untiring efforts at denying criminal elements and economic saboteurs freedom of action in the Brigade Area of Operations.”

The Senate has rejected a bill seeking elongation of tenure of the Clerk of the National Assembly from 35 years to 40 years of service.

The bill was rejected and stepped down after a heated debate on Thursday.

The bill was sponsored by the Leader of the Senate, Michael Opeyemi, urging the upper legislative chamber to extend the tenure of the Clerk and other Directors in the administrative structure of the National Assembly.

The proposed legislation was titled: ‘A bill for an Act to make provisions for the retirement age of staff of National Assembly Service and for other related Matters, 2024.’

The bill was heavily opposed with Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe wondering if staff of the National Assembly, who were employed by the National Assembly Service Commission, NASC, are different from staff in other agencies of government.

The former Deputy Governor of Abia State faulted reasons adduced by the sponsor of the bill that emphasised on specialization, insisting that there was nothing special about staff in National Assembly that would warrant the 10th Assembly doing the wrong thing.

Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, warned that posterity would not be fair to the lawmakers if the interest of few individuals packaged in the bill was sustained by the Senate.

In the same vein, Senator Zangon Daura Nasir Sani, Katsina North, openly opposed the bill and asked the Senate President to throw it out for want of merit.

He said the bill was laced with the interest of some personalities and the upper legislative should not be used to legitimize it.

“Mr President, my name is Senator Zangon Daura Nasir Sani representing Katsina North Senatorial District. I am opposing the bill because it seems to carry the interest of some powerful element and we should not be used to legitimize it.”

Recall that few other lawmakers, who may have support for the bill, were not allowed to speak by those who opposed it, thereby causing pandemonium in the Senate.

Subsequently, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, declared the bill contentious and stepped it down indefinitely.

The Nigerian Police Force, NPF, has announced plans to review the ban it placed on tinted glass permits for vehicles.

Previously banned in June 2022, the NPF said the ban then was a proactive move to bolster national security and tackle criminal activities linked to the misuse of tinted glasses.

A Thursday statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi revealed that ICT Analysts and Enforcement Officers nationwide will undergo a comprehensive training scheduled for the 29th of February, 2024, as a prequel to the reopening of tinted glass permit issuance.

It read, “In a bid to enhance national security and curb criminal activities facilitated by the misuse of tinted glass, the Nigeria Police Force has concluded its review of the issuance of tinted glass permits, previously banned in June 2022.

The statement also noted that the training will equip ICT Analysts and Enforcement Officers with skills to regulate tinted glass permit registration, address public complaints, and enforce compliance.

It further stated, “The training will equip ICT Analysts and Enforcement Officers with the necessary skills and knowledge to regulate the registration process, guide registrants on the use of the portal where required, attend to complaints from members of the public, and enforce compliance effectively.

Adejobi said this strategic approach underscores the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to prioritise public safety while upholding individual rights and national security interests.

Earlier in 2023, the police said they would soon reintroduce permits for vehicles with tinted glass across the country.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to providing updates to the general public on the implementation of the reviewed process of tinted glass permit issuance, ensuring transparency and accountability in its efforts to maintain internal security,” it concluded.

Cross Rivers State Governor and newly appointed chairman of the APC governorship direct primary election committee, Bassey Otu,  has announced plans for a fresh primary across all 192 wards in the state’s 18 local government areas in Edo State.

The announcement came during a press briefing held at the Lushville Hotel and Suites in Benin’s Government Reservation Area (GRA) on Thursday.

Governor Otu confirmed the cancellation of last Saturday’s contentious primary election, paving the way for a re-run scheduled for Thursday, February 22.

The change in leadership and subsequent decision for a fresh primary follow the removal of Governor Hope Uzodimma from the position of Chairman of the Elections Committee.

This development was disclosed in a statement by the APC National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Argungu, which noted that Governor Otu would lead the efforts to ensure a transparent and fair re-run poll.

The revamped Primary Election Committee will also feature former Osun State deputy governor, Mrs. Titilayo Laoye-Tomori; APC’s flagbearer in the Plateau State 2023 governorship election, Nentanwe Goshwe; Umar Musa; Lawan Garba, and Rabiu Suleiman, who will serve as the Secretary.

The call for Governor Uzodimma’s replacement came from four leading aspirants — Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Chief Lucky Imasuen, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and General Charles Airhiavbere (retd.) — who expressed a lack of confidence in Uzodimma’s ability to oversee a fair electoral process after the disputed primary results.

Governor Uzodimma had previously declared Dennis Idahosa, a member of the House of Representatives, as the winner of the primary, stating that Idahosa secured 40,483 votes to lead the gubernatorial race.

The controversy and disputes that marred the initial primary led the APC National Working Committee to deem the poll inconclusive, prompting an emergency meeting to address the crisis and ultimately decide on the conduct of a fresh primary.

As Edo State’s APC members and aspirants prepare for the re-run, the focus is on ensuring the integrity of the primary election process and selecting a candidate who will represent the party in the upcoming gubernatorial election.