Edo PDP expels Shaibu, Orbih, cite anti-party activities
Expulsion
By Nefishetu Yakubu
Benin, June 19,2024(NAN) The leadership of Edo chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday announced the expulsion of former deputy governor, Mr Philip Shaibu, from the party.
Also expelled was the National Vice Chairman (South-South) of the party, Chief Dan Orbih. Shaibu and Orbih were expelled for anti-party activities, according to PDP.
This is contained in a statement issued in Benin by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Mr Ogie Vasco.
Vasco said also expelled for the same reason was Mr Omorgie Ihama, a former House of Representatives member, who represented Oredo Federal Constituency.
Vasco said the decision was taken on Wednesday at a meeting attended by nine members of the State Working committee at the party secretariat.
“The SWC has extensively deliberated on the issue and resolved to expel, with immediate effect, Chief Dan Orbih, National Vice Chairman South South.
“It also decided to expel Phillip Shaibu and upheld the expulsion of Ogbeide-Ihama from Ward 2, Oredo Local Government Area “, he said.
Reacting, Orbih told newsmen said the body had no powers to suspend a member of the National Working Committee or expel anybody without following the provision of the party’s constitution.
“When a group of persons sits down to make pronouncement that are unconstitutional it only showed that they are ignorant of the constitution of the party.
“That is all I have to say about that and nothing more,” Orbih told newsmen. (NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)
Abuja, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Vice-President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to driving economic revival and development in the North East region of the country.
Shettima stated this while laying the foundation for the new headquarters building of the North East Development Commission (NEDC) in Maiduguri.
A statement on the ceremony was made available to newsmen on Wednesday by Mr Stanley Nkwocha, the spokesperson of the Vice-President.
The Vice-President, in the statement, stressed that the only way to reclaim and shape the narrative of the North-East region was to bring everyone together.
According to him, the event was a demonstration of President Bola Tinubu’s promise, an assurance of his commitment, and a reminder of the importance of the region to the nation.
Shettima noted that it was a deep honour for him to be present to witness the commencement of a legacy of service that would outlast all those in attendance.
” NEDC is a product of the people, and it shall serve the interests of the nation. It is this foundational principle that guides the NEDC.
” This institution, therefore, embodies our collective resolve to transform the narrative of this region—from one marred by despair and devastation to one defined by renewal and triumph.
“Today is a demonstration of our promise, an assurance of our commitment, and a reminder of what this sub-region means to the nation,” he said.
He explained that the foundation-laying ceremony was a step towards fulfilling President Tinubu’s promise to prioritise initiatives that safeguard the interests of the North East region.
“This promise is not merely a political commitment but a moral obligation to the people who have endured so much and deserve nothing less than a future defined by peace, stability, and prosperity.”
Shettima stressed that the new head office surpasses mere infrastructure, embodying the strength of the nation’s collective will to rebuild, restore, and overcome the challenges that have hindered the region’s progress.
“This head office shall symbolise the strength of our shared aspirations as a people with shared objectives. As we lay this foundation, we do so with a vision of a North-East that is vibrant, resilient, and forward-looking.
“We do so imagining our contributions to building a nation where every child has access to quality education; healthcare is accessible to all; infrastructure supports thriving economies, and peace and security are the bedrock of daily life.”
The Vice-President also inspected progress on the first phase of construction on the 27km Jere Bowl Road Network in Mafa/Jere local government area, just as he also performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the second phase of the project.
The projects, Shettima noted, reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to the development and prosperity of Borno State.
“This project symbolises our dedication to improving the lives of our people, enhancing security, and fostering economic growth.
” It is a testament to our unwavering resolve to build a Nigeria where every citizen, regardless of their location, has the opportunity to thrive.
” A robust road network accelerates the process of urbanization,” he said.
Shettima added: “As rural areas become more accessible, we will witness the development of new urban centers, leading to better access to education, healthcare, and other essential services.
“Each road we construct supports security, commerce, and agriculture. They enhance the standard of living for our people.
” Without a reliable network of roads, we cannot fulfil our promises to the people, nor can we sustain our democracy. The full participation of remote communities in our nation’s development depends on a dependable road network”.
The Vice-President further stated that the economic agenda of President Tinubu was rooted in supporting each state of the federation in achieving its objectives and fulfilling our promises to the nation.
“Borno State holds a pivotal role in our nation’s economy and will always remain a top priority in our efforts to stabilise and promote unity and peace across the nation,” he added
Earlier, Gov. Muhammad Inuwa of Gombe, who is also the Chairman of the Northern States Governors Forum, praised the Vice President for mobilising support for the smooth operations of the NEDC.
“We are very proud of what you are doing as our leader in the North East by ensuring the smooth take-off of this project as well as enhancing the operations of the NEDC,” Governor Yahaya stated.
He called on Governors and other stakeholders from the North East states to work towards achieving the goals of the NEDC.
He, however, lamented the devastating effect of the Boko Haram insurgency, which he said took the North East zone 50 years backwards.
“We therefore need to work hard to recover the lost grounds, and with Vice President Shettima’s motivation and support, we can achieve that,” he added.
The Deputy Governor of Borno, Usman Kadafur, applauded the good work so far done by the North East Development Commission (NEDC) in the six states of the region.
“The effort of the NEDC is adjudged a quite successful story and it is the pride of the various state governments across the North East region,” he said
The Chairman, Governing Board of NEDC, retired Maj.-Gen. Paul Tarfa, said the laying of the foundation for the construction of a befitting headquarters has opened a new chapter in the history of the commission and symbolizes growth.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the commission, Mohammed Alkali said the event was a milestone in the history of NEDC and the entire North East region.
He noted that the master plan for the North East is in tandem with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.
He further sought for cooperation and synergy among stakeholders in order to realise its objectives. (NAN)
Edo Assembly passes 16 bills, 44 resolutions in 12 months-Speaker
Bills
By Nefishetu Yakubu
Benin, June 19, 2024(NAN) The Speaker of Edo House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, says the assembly passed 16 bills and over 44 resolutions in the last one year.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 8th Assembly came into existence on June 16, 2023 with 24 lawmakers.
Agbebaku, while briefing newsmen on their activities in the last one year on Wednesday in Benin , said that he hoped the bills had impacted on the lives of the people.
He listed the bills to include, a bill to establish Edo State Corps Governance Law 2024, bill to declare Beautiful Edo, Glorious Edo as the official Edo Anthem and a bill to establish the Edo State Oil Palm programme, among others.
The Speaker also said that a total of 44 resolutions were passed during the period under review, adding that several petitions were pending at different committee levels.
“In the year under review, the 8th Assembly has had a few challenges but with the bond of friendship, comradeship, understanding and unity the House stands tall.
“I would like to thank my fellow gallant, erudite, intelligent, dynamic, result oriented and friendly legislators of the 8th assembly for their support, understanding and cooperation in the last 12 months.
“To Governor Godwin Obaseki, our gratitude is immense for the overwhelming support to this assembly.
“His goodwill and defence for democracy in the state is reserved for eternal adoration,” Agbebaku said.
Speaking on the fate of the three lawmakers suspended on May 6 over an alleged impeachment plot, the Speaker said a committee had been set up to look into their suspension.
He said that from the committee’s report, the House would decide the next line of action.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Dr Adaobi Nwakuche, MD/CEO, Veritas Kapital Assurance Plc
Lagos, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Veritas Kapital Assurance Plc has recorded a post-tax profit of N5.67 billion for the first quarter of the year.
This indicated an increase of N5.29 billion year-on-year, from N376.18 million posted in the same period of 2023.
The report was contained in the company’s unaudited financial statement sent to the Nigerian Exchange Ltd.(NGX) on Wednesday in Lagos.
The insurance company’s gross written premium also rose by 280 per cent, from N1.68 billion in the first quarter of 2023 to N6.37 billion in the quarter of the year under review.
Veritas Kapital’s underwriting profit also witnessed a surge of 716 per cent, from N260.42 million posted in the first quarter of 2023 to N2.13 billion made in the first quarter of the year.
The net insurance and investment results of the underwriter grew by 1,001 per cent to N6.96 billion in the first quarter of the year under review, from N631.61 million in the corresponding period of the previous year.
Veritas Kapital expanded its total asset by 33 per cent to N32.77 billion in the first quarter of the year from N24.64 billion recorded same period of 2023.
The insurer’s shareholders funds also increased by 35 per cent to N22.04 billion in the first quarter of the year under review from N16.37 billion in the first quarter of 2023.
Commenting, Dr Adaobi Nwakuche, Managing Director/CEO of Veritas Kapital Assurance, attributed the exceptional performance of the insurance company to strategic leadership, innovative insurance solutions and a dedicated workforce.
Nwakuche said: “Our outstanding first quarter 2024 results underscores the success of our strategic initiatives and the hard work of our team.
“We have made significant strides in enhancing our service delivery and expanding our market presence, and these results are a testament to our commitment to excellence.
The managing director noted that the remarkable growth in the firm’s insurance revenue and profitability highlights its ability to adapt to market demands and deliver innovative insurance solutions that meet the evolving needs of its clients.
She said that the company’s focus on customer satisfaction, risk management, and investment strategies had played a pivotal role in achieving the milestones.
“The substantial growth in total assets and shareholders’ funds reflects the company’s robust financial health and its ability to generate value for shareholders.
“By maintaining a strong balance sheet and investing in growth opportunities, Veritas Kapital continues to strengthen its position as a market leader in the insurance industry.
“With a solid foundation and a clear vision for the future, Veritas Kapital Assurance is poised for continued success and remain committed to leveraging its strengths, exploring new growth avenues, and delivering exceptional value to its stakeholders,” Nwakuche added.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
R-L:.Chief Babajide Awesu, President Rotary Club Ogba: Group Capt. Adebayo Eniola Bello, Representative of the Commander 661 Nigeria Air Force Hospital; Dr Eden Igbage, Consultant Pediatrician and a Staff of the Hospital
By Abiodun Azi
Lagos, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Rotary Club Ogba, in partnership with Rotary Foundation, has commissioned its District’s Grant Project by donating a Bubble Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (bcPAP) system to the Pediatric Unit of Airbase Hospital, Ikeja.
The event which held on Wednesday was part of the club’s commitment to supporting humanitarian causes.
Chief Babajide Awesu, President, Rotary Club Ogba, said that the donation was a testament to the club’s dedication to supporting lives.
Awesu said that the club was proud to make a difference in the lives of others, and that the equipment would undoubtedly save many young lives.
He said this was not the first time the club had supported the hospital, having previously donated essential equipment which had been effectively utilised.
Group Capt. Adebayo Bello, representative of the Commander of the 661 Nigeria Air Force Hospital, expressed his gratitude for the donation.
He said that the bcPAP system was worth millions of naira and exactly what the pediatric unit needed at this time.
“This equipment will greatly enhance our ability to provide quality care to our young patients, and we are deeply grateful to the Rotary Club Ogba for their generosity,” Bello said.
Also, Dr Eden Igbage, a Consultant Pediatrician, expressed her joy and appreciation for the support.
Igbage said that the donation was a timely intervention for the hospital.
“We are thrilled to have partners like the Rotary Club Ogba who share our commitment to providing excellent healthcare services,” she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the bcPAP system is designed to aid the respiratory system of babies, and its donation is a significant boost to the hospital’s pediatric unit.
The Rotary Club has a long history of engaging in projects that support human life, with numerous initiatives undertaken regularly in schools, villages, and hospitals to promote human development. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
The DG of GIABA, Mr Edwin Harris Jr, middle; to his left, Ms Ramatoulaye Gadio Aigne, Head of FIU and GIABA’s National Correspondent for Senegal and other dignitaries at the launching of the 2023 GIABA Annual report in Dakar on June 13
An analysis by Abdullahi Mohammed, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
The Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) is not leaving any stone unturned in its fight against money laundering and terrorism financing.
In its Anti-Money Laundering and Combatting the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) report presented at the meeting of ambassadors of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Dakar, Senegal, from June 13 to 14, GIABA highlighted how it had waged a war against Transnational Organised Crimes (TOCs).
At the meeting, specifically designed for Ambassadors of the 15 ECOWAS member states, technical and financial partners, GIABA outlined its new strategies to deal with TOCs in countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Chad.
The new strategies were prompted by four different reports by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC), which indicted the five countries.
The GIABA report also highlighted the progress made by Burkina Faso, Mali, Nigeria and Senegal in the implementation of their respective action plans agreed with the International Cooperation Reviewed Group (ICRG).
The report further indicated the institution’s steady progress in strengthening regional and international cooperation against money laundering and financing of terrorism and firearms proliferation.
GIABA’s overall communication, advocacy and stakeholders’ engagement, according to the report, also witnessed significant boost in 2023, with about 96 per cent fully implemented.
Edwin Harris Jr, GIABA’s Director General, reassured the ECOWAS ambassadors at the Dakar conference of his institution’s commitment to continue to be on top of the situation in 2024 and beyond.
“Despite the challenges posed by the changing global trends and emerging threats, the GIABA Secretariat during its 24 years of existence has focused its interventions on protecting national economies and countries’ financial and banking systems from laundering the proceeds of crime and combating the financing of terrorism,” he said.
Harris said GIABA had also improved measures, intensified efforts to combat the laundering of proceeds of crime and strengthened national and international cooperation.
According to the director general, GIABA has increased its efforts and sped up the implementation of strategic plan from 2023 to 2027, providing technical assistance, capacity building and policy guidance to member states, thereby empowering them to implement robust measures to combat money laundering and terrorism financing.
“Similarly, there have been workshops and training programmes to strengthen the knowledge and skills of our stakeholders, including Financial Intelligence Units (FIU), criminal investigation and prosecution authorities and the private sector.
“These initiatives have fostered greater collaboration, information sharing and coordinated action, strengthening our collective ability to detect and investigate financial crimes and to prosecute them,” Harris explained.
Despite the complexities of West Africa and operations of high level criminal syndicates, GIABA has made it difficult for the TOC syndicates to be in total control of national economies and security.
Part of GIABA’s strategies in winning the war against money laundering and terrorism financing is co-opting journalists into the battle.
Hence, as part of the Dakar meeting, the organisation trained selected journalists from ECOWAS member states on the intricacies of reporting money laundering and terrorism financing.
Mr Djaha Benoit who presented a paper on, “Corruption and Tax Fraud Threat linked to Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing,” drew the attention of the journalists to the danger associated with underpublicising TOCs in the Sahel.
There was understandable assurance from the journalists from the region that henceforth, thorough investigative techniques would be applied in reporting the war against the activities of the most dangerous regional criminal groups.
The journalists agreed to form a network to tackle the issues through periodic investigation of TOCs.
This is to ascertain the level of progress in the war against criminality and to further expose the new methods of criminal activities adopted by the syndicates, among other things.
Benoit also expressed worry over the inability of the GIABA secretariat to support the media with the required data on TOCs in the Sahel.
He noted that the journalists would be able to showcase the impact of damages incurred as a result of TOCs if such data were handy.
He encouraged the media to try and get the data in their respective countries in order to background their stories with accurate information based on facts and figures.
On technical compliance, the GIABA report also demonstrated the commitment of some member states toward achieving technical compliance ratings in their respective countries.
These are issues which the specialised ECOWAS institution expects regional journalists to focus on as part of the new strategies.
The media is expected to propel its AML/CFT campaign toward improving the overall agenda of GIABA for making West African states to be free of money laundering and terrorism financing crimes, among others.
The journalists were taught how to use the GIABA annual report as a tool in their respective countries to pursue the media campaign against crime and criminality in West Africa.
Idrissa Ouattara, a research assistant at GIABA’s Secretariat, insists on the need for the regional journalists to develop the habit of doing their job with passion and curiosity to know how to tackle the problems associated with the beneficial ownership issues in the AML/CFT regimes.
“The moment the journalists understand the rate of illegal activities going on there, the sooner the criminal entities will be exposed,” he said.
The researcher, who spoke on, “Beneficial Ownership in Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) regime,” said the importance of digging out information on beneficial ownership of anti-money laundering and terrorism financing could not be overemphasised.
Ouattara said as a researcher, he found it difficult to explain to journalists the simplest ways of retrieving information concealed by beneficial owners and legal entities because of the technicalities involved.
He said the aim of his paper was to acquaint journalists with the knowledge of their role as investigative reporters in digging out information on those who benefit from money laundering and terrorism financing.
The conference tasked the journalists to identify deficiencies in the AML/CFT systems of their respective countries as contained in the report, and ensure they became running stories until GIABA’s mandate was achieved.
There is also an urgent need for the GIABA’s Secretariat to initiate the process of collecting data from member states to enable the institution build its database for proper utilisation of information with facts and figures.
This could be achieved through the communication, advocacy and stakeholders’ mobilisation visits, especially when dealing with higher authorities during high level advocacy mission.
This is not going to be impossible for GIABA as pin pointed by the Head of GIABA’s Media, Mr Tim Melaye, during his presentation at the Dakar meeting.
Malaye said the high level advocacy mission was an avenue for the sensitisation of high-level authorities on the need for political commitment and adequate support for the implication of effective AML/CFT regimes in the member states.
As such, if GIABA pushes for the collection of data on arrests, seizures and prosecution of criminals operating within the region, the efforts of the stakeholders and the media will be highly appreciated. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Salif Atojoko
…………………….. if used please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
Port Harcourt, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Police command in Rivers says the killing of a former student leader, Mr Endwell Ejindu is not connected to the ongoing clashes by political factions in the state.
The Spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt on Wednesday that Ejindu was killed by cultists.
”Ejindu was attacked and killed in the late hours of Tuesday by gunmen suspected to be cultists.
”The murder of the victim is unrelated to the current political crises in Rivers state,” she said.
NAN gathered that the former Student Union President, Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Port Harcourt, was killed along Ula-Upata Road, Ahoada East.
Initial reports linked the killing to clashes between rival political factions struggling for the control of the 23 local councils offices in the state.
An eyewitness, who identified himself as Samson, told newsmen that Ejindu was murdered in cold blood by a group supporting a prominent politician in Ahoada.
He said that the incident happened shortly after the victim left the Ahoada-East council secretariat where he joined other youths to protest the tenure extension of the outgoing council chairman.
“Ejindu boarded a motorcycle at about 7.00p.m. on Tuesday, and was later ambushed by three gunmen along Ula-Upata Road.
“The gunmen opened fire on him, and he was killed instantly while the motorcyclist sustained gunshot wounds,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edo 2024: Labour Party’s mission is to rescue Edo-Kadiri
Mission
By George Edomwonyi
Auchi (Edo), June. 19, 2024 (NAN) The Deputy Governorship Candidate of Labour Party (LP), Yusuf Kadiri, SAN, has called on the electorate to vote for the party come September 21.
Kadiri said, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Auchi, Edo, on Wednesday that their votes count because the party’s mission was to bring governance closer to the people.
We are on a mission to rescue Edo State and to restore hope to our people.
“I urge Edo people to vote the Labour Party into office to uplift the qualities of lives of the people.
“We have good intention for the people of Edo.
” We have seen the pain, the anguish, the frustration that our people are going through.
“Too much of poverty in the land, too much of deception from those who are piloting the affairs of the state and we have told ourselves enough is enough.
“We will fix our educational sector, children have no business sitting on the floor when they are in school,” he alleged. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
L-R: Secretary, Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja Branch Law week committee, Thelma Coco-Bassey; Chairman, NBA Ikeja Branch Law week committee, Olatunde Adejuyigbe(SAN); Chairman, NBA Ikeja Branch, Seyi Olawumi; Financial secretary, Muhammed Jimoh during the NBA law week Press Conference in Lagos.
NBA
By Ngozi Njoku
Ikeja, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Mr Lawal Pedro, the Lagos State Attorney-General, will lead the legal luminaries to the 2024 annual Law Week slated for June 21 to June 27.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Law Week is organised by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja Branch.
The Chairman of the branch, Mr Seyi Olawunmi, said the Annual Law Week was aimed at celebrating the commitment to justice and the rule of law.
Olawunmi spoke at a news conference on Wednesday in Lagos.
Listing activities lined up for the week-long event, Olawunmi said the event would start with an opening ceremony on June 21 followed by the inauguration of the NBA Ikeja library.
He noted that this would be preceded by the Young Lawyers Session/Programme, jumat prayers and a welcome cocktail party.
The chairman said there would be a football match between the NBA Ikeja female team and the NBA Lagos team on June 22
“On June 24 and June 25, there would be a public lecture with the theme: “Public Governance in Troubled Times; Safeguarding the Rule of Law,” he said.
He said there would be a town halleeting with the topic: ” Lawyers and Law Enforcement Agencies.”
He said the annual week would bring together all stakeholders to share insights and broaden the thinking needed for the growth of the sector.
Olawunmi said the Alao Aka -Basorun annual lecture with the theme: “Replicating the Exemplary Leadership of Alao Aka, as the President of the NBA,” would hold on June 27.
He said that the guest speaker for the annual lecture would be Prof. Olarenwaju Fagbohun.
Olawunmi said the theme of the lecture resonated deeply with the challenges and opportunities that the legal profession face in the rapidly evolving world.
“The legal week will have an exciting lineup of events that will provide valuable insights and foster robust discussions on various aspects of the law.
“Some of the highlights would be keynote addresses and panel discussions which will have esteemed speakers and panelists.
“This will include the impact of technology on the legal profession, human rights advocacy and the role of lawyers in economic development.
“As legal practitioners, our duty is to adapt to these changes, uphold the highest standards of professional conduct and contribute meaningfully to the development of the legal system,”he said.
The chairman noted that as part of the association’s commitment to giving back to the community, its legal aid clinics would also provide free legal services to those in need in ensuring that justice was accessible to all.
The chairman added that the initiative was part of testament to the branch’s dedication to serving the public and upholding the principles of equity and fairness.
According to him, the law week will also provide an excellent opportunity for networking and building professional relationships.
Olawunmi said: “Our social events will facilitate interactions among legal professionals, fostering a sense of camaraderie and collaboration.
“As we embark on this week of activities, I want to emphasise our unwavering commitment to excellence in legal practice.
“The legal profession is the bedrock of a just society and we must continuously strive to uphold the integrity, independence and professionalism that our calling demands.
“The challenges that lie ahead from the ever-changing legal landscape, to the pressures of maintaining ethical standards in a competitive environment would be discussed,” he said.
The chairman reteirated that through events like the law week, the association would collectively address challenges, share knowledge and inspired one another to achieve greater heights.
He appreciated sponsors, partners and all the volunteers who had worked tirelessly to make the law week a reality.
“As we move forward, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to justice, professional integrity, and service to our community,” Olawunmi said.
Apart from Pedro, other speakers and panelists expected at the event include Mr Kanu Agabi (SAN), Prof. John Oluwole Akintola, National President, Christian Lawyers Fellowship of Nigeria and Mr Yemi Ademolekun
Others are Mr Norrison Quakers (SAN), Dr Olaniyi Olopade (SAN), Mr Afolabi Selebo, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, Dr Oluyinka Olumide and Prof. Olarenwaju Fagbohun (SAN), among others.(NAN)
NG/JNC
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
Erisco controversy: Again court adjourns Okoli’s trial until Sept. 26
Adjournment
By Taiye Agbaje
Abuja, June 19, 2024 (NAN) A Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, adjourned the trial of Mrs Chioma Okoli, charged with allegations bordering on her online commentary on Erisco Foods Limited’s tomato paste, until Sept. 26.
Justice Peter Lifu adjourned the matter following a letter by the defence lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, informing the court that he would not be able to attend the proceeding.
Counsel to the prosecution, Adam Sani, who acknowledged Effiong’s apology, did not oppose the application and the judge adjourned the matter until Sept. 26.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the court had, on June 13, adjourned the case until today because the trial judge went on an official assignment.
NAN reports that Mrs Okoli was, on May 31, admitted to N5 million bail with two sureties after spending few days in a correctional centre following her arraignment on two counts on May 28.
Okoli is being charged over her online commentary on Erisco Foods Limited’s tomato paste which the police alleged violated the Cybercrime Act, 2015.
She pleaded not guilty to all the counts.
The police had alleged that initial investigations revealed significant evidence suggesting Okoli’s involvement in breaking existing laws, especially concerning the appropriate use of cyberspace.
On Sept. 17, 2023, Okoli shared a Facebook post stating that she purchased Nagiko Tomato Mix from Erisco Foods, the day before and found it utterly sugary.
She mentioned that she normally buys Gino or Sonia brands, but they were out of stock.
Her post generated reactions and forced the management of the company to involve the police through a petition to the I-G.
The controversy also prompted scrutiny of the product’s registration, prompting the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to carry out an inspection on the Erisco Foods’ Nagiko Tomato Mix’s registration in 2021.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
TOA/SH
