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  • Court sentences 4 to die by hanging for murder in Ekiti

    Murder

    By Opeyemi Gbemiro

    Ado- Ekiti, June 13, 2024 (NAN) Justice L.O.  Ogundana of the Ekiti High Court in Ado-Ekiti, on Thursday, sentenced four men to death by hanging for murder and armed robbery.

    The convicts: Sola Ogunleye, Ebenezer Adebayo, Lasisi Afeez and Ojo Oba were arraigned on charges of murder, attempted murder, armed robbery and conspiracy.

    The offense of armed robbery is contrary to Section 6(b), of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Cap. R11, Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2004.

    While the offences of murder and attempted murder are contrary to Sections 319 (1) and 320 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap.C16, Laws of Ekiti State, 2012.

    Justice Ogundana, when delivering his judgment, held that the prosecution proved all the offences against the defendants beyond reasonable doubt.

    The judge consequently convicted all the defendants and sentenced them to death by hanging for the offences of armed robbery and murder.

    For the offence of attempted murder and conspiracy, Ogundana convicted and sentenced the four men to life imprisonment.

    The prosecution stated that the offences were committed by the convicts on May 29, 2017 at Oyan Orete Camp, ljan- Ekiti.

    It said that the convicts robbed the residents of  the camp at gun point and one Olasunkanmi Ramon was murdered.

    The prosecution also informed the court that the convicts attacked one Alhaji Usman Adeleye and inflicted him with machete cuts on the head.

    The Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Julius Ajibare, who prosecuted the case for State, called five witnesses and tendered seven exhibits to prove his case.

    The convicts, who had pleaded not guilty to the offences, were represented by Counsel, Mr Chris Omokhafe, and Mr Oluwaseun Oyebanji.

    The four men gave evidence in their own defence during trial and called two other witnesses. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    OPA/OIF/AOS

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    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Bayo Sekoni

     

     

     

  • Kwara Assembly passed 9 bills, 20 motions in one year — Speaker

    Assembly

    By Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus

    Ilorin, June 13, 2024 (NAN) Speaker of Kwara House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, on Thursday said nine bills and 20 motions were passed by the Assembly in the last one year of its 10th legislature.

    The Speaker, during the first anniversary of the 10th legislature under his leadership, said eight other bills were also undergoing legislative processes.

    ”They are at various stages of scaling passage in the House,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 10th legislature of the state House was inaugurated early June 2023 after a proclamation.

    The bills passed in the last one year include the Kwara State Education Trust Fund (Amendment) Bill, 2023 and the Revised Appropriation (2023) Bill, 2023.

    Others are the Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency (Amendment) Bill, 2023; Kwara State Local Government Electoral (Amendment) Bill, 2023; and Kwara State Rural Access Roads Agency Bill, 2023.

    The remaining bills passed include the Kwara State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (Amendment); and State Roads Fund and Administration Bill, 2023.

    The rest are the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital (Establishment) Bill, 2024 and Kwara State University of Education (Establishment) Bill, 2024.

    The Speaker however said the House has been enjoying a harmonious working relationship with the other arms of government in the past one year.

    He added that Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq deserves appreciation for the prompt attention accorded the resolutions of the House when transmitted to him.

    Danladi-Salihu noted that the governor has allowed the independence of the three arms of government to be firmly rooted in the state.

    “The cordial relationship that exists among the arms of government is paying off in the state, and we the lawmakers envisage the same hand of fellowship from Gov. AbdulRazaq in subsequent legislative years,” the Speaker said.

    He stated that the House also introduced new ideas into the conduct of legislative business without sacrificing the norms for innovation.

    “For the record, in the first session, the 10th Assembly has as of date at the committee of the whole house considered a total number of nine landmark reports which emanated from different standing and ad-hoc committees of the House.

    “These reports which generated robust debates on the floor, and on which resolutions were made in line with transparency, equity and accountability, have significantly assisted in reshaping governance in the state,” Danladi-Salihu noted.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    BAY/OLAL

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    (Edited by Olawale Alabi)

     

  • Troops eliminate 6 terrorists in Kaduna

     

    Terrorists

    By Sumaila Ogbaje

    Abuja, June 13, 2024 (NAN) Troops of the Nigerian Army  on Thursday neutralised six terrorists, recovering a substantial cache of arms in a counter-terrorism operation at Birnin Gwari in Kaduna State.

    A statement by the army posted on its official X Handle said the operation targeted identified terrorists hideouts in the Birnin Gwari general area.

    “It is part of a special clearance mission aimed at restoring peace and security in the state.

    “The troops conducted  thorough clearance across Maidaro, Ngade Alha, Dogon Dawa, Damari, Saulawa, Farin Ruwa, Maganda, Sabon Layi, and Kampanin Doka villages.

    “The troops made initial contact with the terrorists in Saulawa, where two terrorists were immediately neutralised with recovery of a Baofeng Radio and a motorbike.

    “The mission continued with further combat engagements in Farin Ruwa, where the troops neutralised additional four terrorists.

    “The gallant troops also recovered a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), two AK-47 rifles, six AK-47 magazines, one FN rifle magazine, 22 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition, 51 rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition and another motorbike.

    “The successful clearance operation underscores the army’s commitment to eradicating terrorism and ensuring  safety and security of citizens in Kaduna State and other troubled spots,” it said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    OYS/CHOM/ETS

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  • Customs in Oyo/Osun generated over N30bn in 5 months, Comptroller says

    Revenue
    By Olatunde Ajayi
    Ibadan, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Oyo/Osun Area Command, generated over N30 billion revenue in five months between January and May.

    The Customs Area Comptroller, Oyo/Osun Command, Dr Ben Oramalugo, said this at a news conference on Thursday in Ibadan.
    Oramalugo said the revenue represented an increase of 5.2 per cent against N29.15 billion generated in the comparative period of 2023.
    Oramalugo said the command in tandem with its revenue generation efforts maintained a robust stance against smuggling activities within its jurisdiction.
    “In spite of the economic hardships that often exacerbate smuggling tendencies, command officers have remained vigilant and proactive in intercepting illicit goods and apprehending perpetrators.
    “The months of April, May and some parts of June, witnessed numerous successful operations resulting in the seizure of contraband items.
    “Among the commodity seized include; 504 wraps of cannabis sativa weighing 391.9kg with N15, 814, 600 Duty Paid Value.
    “Also intercepted were 600 (50kg) bags of foreign parboiled rice, 6,850 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 123 pieces of used tyres, used Mercedes Truck and used Nissan bus,” he said.
    He noted that the command had received approval to hand over the seized cannabis sativa worth N21,128, 260 to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Oyo State Command.
    Oramalugo said the command’s efforts to educate various stakeholders within the Commands Area of Responsibility on the importance of adhering to customs regulations paid off with a significant reduction in under-declarations.
    This, he said, contributed to the overall increase in revenue.
    He added that the introduction of advanced technology solutions such as the Nigeria Customs Service Modernisation Project streamlined processes, enhanced transparency and revenue collection capabilities.
    “I will like to inform members of the public, that in line with the policy trust of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, and in the spirit of interagency collaboration, the command has received approval to hand over seized cannabis to the NDLEA Oyo State Command.
    “In the same vein, I would like to mention that approval was also received to auction the seized of PMS listed as part of our seizures due to their inflammable nature,” he said.
    Receiving the seized cannabis sativa, Uche Ene, the Assistant Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA, said the command would continue to strengthen inter-agencies collaborations for attainment of crime free society.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    TUN/OIF/JNC
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    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • Tinubu appoints new DG for Budget Office

    Tinubu appoints new DG for Budget Office

    Appointment

    By Salif Atojoko

    Abuja, June 13, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mr Tanimu Yakubu as the Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation.

    Tinubu replaces Mr Ben Akabueze whose tenure has expired.

    Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, announced the appointment in a statement on Thursday.

    The statement said that Yakubu is an accomplished economist and was Chief Economic Adviser to a former President from 2007 to 2010. He was also Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria from 2003 to 2007.

    “He was Commissioner of Finance, Budget, and Economic Planning in Katsina State from 1999 to 2003,” the statement added.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Yakubu holds a Master of Business Administration degree in Finance from Wagner College, Staten Island, New York, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the same institution.

    “President Tinubu thanks the outgoing Director-General, Akabueze, for his services and wishes him success in his future endeavours.

    “The President expects Yakubu to further enhance the provision of efficient and qualitative budget functions, with a view to promoting fiscal sustainability, transparency and accountability in public finance management for national development,” the statement added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SA/ETS

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  • Jonathan tasks African leaders on education that’ll shore up fortunes

    Education

    By Nefishetu Yakubu

    Benin, June 13, 2024(NAN)Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday called on African leaders to prioritise education to shore up the fortunes of the African continent.

    Jonathan made the call at the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation  Democracy Dialogue, 2024, held in Benin.

    Its theme was “Functional Education and Effective Political Leadership as a panacea to Africa’s Growth and Development”

    He said he valued education so much that his administration established 12 additional universities in states where there were no federal universities.

    The former president urged state governors to search for the best brains and get the best out of them to develop the nation.

    “I urge leaders of this country to collaborate, play special role to move the education sector forward.

    “Let’s go round our primary schools in the country, pick the best in the country and ensure they get the best secondary education.

    “We should make sure our secondary school are up to standard so our children gets quality education.

    “I believe we can move forward with renewed commitment to ensure we deliver good education to our children, ” he said.

    Jonathan thanked Gov. Godwin Obaseki for accepting to host the foundation, which event coincided with the education week of the state.

    “I thanked the keynote speakers for opening the eyes of Africa leaders showing them the way to improve and develop the continent.

    “I urge you all to meet with leaders in the education sector across the country to discuss the paper and improve our educational system to the benefits of our children.”

    In his remarks, the Former President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, commended Obaseki for his efforts in securing the future of Edo children through educational reforms.

    “We must invest in education and ensure equal rights and opportunities for our children to ensure unity, peace, growth and development of the continent,” he said.

    “We must fight to destroy corruption as is the cancer that destroys public trust,” he declared.

    Also speaking, former President of Benin Republic, Boni Yayi, said functional education was needed to prepare Africa continent to take charge of the future.

    Yayi noted that the dialogue provided the platform to reflect on issues, develop concrete strategy that would ensure growth and development of the African continent.

    Earlier, the keynote Speaker and Chairman of University Council at Cavendish University, Uganda, Prof. Olubayi Olubayi, had called on African leaders to ensure that all African children were 100 percent educated.

    He noted that Africa was not making any progress because they do what other countries asked them to do.

    “If Africa is to make any progress, we must do what we want to do not what other countries tell us to do.

    “As much as you educate all Africa children, you must set up special schools for the most gifted and talented children.

    ” If African countries is to rise at all, every villages, city, town, local government must have at least one special school for genius and talented kids,” Olubayi said.

    He warned African leaders never to rely on leaders of Western countries for survival, adding that they must stand on their own and ensure they create equal opportunities for all children in the continent to strive.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that dignitaries at the event included former governor of Edo State, Osariemen Osunbor, former deputy governor of Edo State, Chief Mike Ogiadomen.

    Also present were Sen. Ehigie Uzamere, Deputy Governors of Edo, Balyesa, Bauchi, Delta and some National Assembly members.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    NY/MAM/JI
    Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Joe Idika

  • Jigawa Assembly passes 19 bills, 27 resolutions in 1 year

    Jigawa Assembly passes 19 bills, 27 resolutions in 1 year

    Assembly

    By Muhammad Nasir Bashir

    Dutse, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The Eighth Jigawa State House of Assembly says it has passed 19 of the 22 bills brought before it since its inauguration on June 12, 2023.

    The Speaker, Mr Haruna Aliyu, disclosed this at a news conference in Dutse on Thursday, to mark his first anniversary in office.

    Aliyu listed the bills to include Second State Supplementary Appropriation Law, No. 2 2023; State Economic Empowerment and Youth Employment Agency Law, No. 3 2023; and State Bureau of Statistics (Amendment No. 1) Law No. 6,  2023.

    Also among the bills are, Economic Planning Board (Amendment No.1) Law No. 4, 2023, State House of Assembly Service Commission Law and Revised Local Government Appropriation Law, to name a few.

    The speaker said that three bills, including Jigawa State Educational Resources Agency Bill – 2024, were pending.

    He said that the other two were: A Bill for a Law to Transform State Educational Inspectorate and Monitoring Unit (SEMU) to Jigawa State Education Quality Assurance Agency, and A Bill for a Law to establish Jigawa State Tsangaya Education Board.

    According to him, the assembly considered several motions and made a total of 27 resolutions within the period under review.

    Giving a breakdown of the sitting of the assembly, Aliyu said it sat 184 times between June 2023 and June 2024.

    He said that the assembly would continue to enact quality laws and people-oriented resolutions for the progress and development of the state. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    MNB/SOA

    Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

  • 11 Abia LGAs at flood risk – NEMA

    Flood
    By Leonard Okachie
    Umuahia, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says 11 of the 17 local government areas of Abia will be affected by the impending 2024 flood disaster.
    The Director-General, NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar made this known in on Thursday at the 2024 downscaling and sensitisation of the 2024 flood early warning strategies for effective early actions in Umuahia.
    Umar, who was represented by Dr Martins Ejike, Acting Director, Human Resource Management, NEMA, said that Abia was among the states considered to fall within the moderate flood risk areas.
    She said the predictions by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency  respectively, had provided NEMA with valuable early warning alerts.
    The NEMA boss said that some of the local governments that would be affected from July to September included Aba South, Aba North, Osisioma Ngwa,  Ukwa West, Umuahia North, Umunneochi among others.
    The director-general said the exercise was part of efforts to build  disaster resilience communities, which had been her focus since assumption of office.
    “It is about taking action in order to alleviate the sufferings of our people, especially as it affects the impending flood disaster,” she said.
    Umar commended Gov. Alex Otti for all the measures put in place by the Abia Government to reduce the risk of the avoidable losses as a result of flood in the state over the past years.
    In a response, the governor thanked the NEMA boss for the  choice of  Abia as one of the states in the country in launching the sensitisation exercise.
    Otti, who was represented by the Commissioner for Environment, Mr Philemon Ogbonna, said it was time the relevant authorities shifted focus toward downscaling of flood early warning strategies to the grassroots level.
    According to him, we cannot afford to rely solely on centralised systems that may not effectively reach those living in remote or vulnerable areas.
    The governor called for empowerment of local communities with the knowledge and resources they needed to take early actions and protect themselves from the destructive impacts of flooding.
    In a brief remark, Dr Sunday Jackson, the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), thanked NEMA for choosing Abia as one of the states to launch the sensitisation exercise.
    Jackson said that over 20 communities in the state were already affected by flood, even before the timing of July to September as predicted.
    He commended the governor for all the actions already taken to mitigate the impact of flooding in the state.
    “The magnitude of flood in Abia is far beyond the capacity of the state.
    “I still want to appeal to NEMA that in its interventions to states affected by flooding, Abia should be in the fore front,” the SEMA boss said.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)  reports that the event featured a presentation on the preparedness and downscaling messages on 2024 flood forecast by NEMA.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    LEO/CHOM/MNA
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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Maureen Atuonwu

  • LG polls: Adamawa women ready to pick Vice Chairmanship seats

    Election

    By Ibrahim Kado

    Yola, June 13 2024 (NAN) Dr Suzan Mark, Adamawa Women leader of the Peoples Democracy Party (PDP), has said that women were  ready to contest for Vice Chairmanship positions in the forthcoming Local Government elections in the state.

    Mark, who  stated this at a news conference  in Yola on Thursday, noted that  the women were  ready to contest the positions of  Vice Chairmenship  in all the 21 local government areas of Adamawa.

    “We are appealing to all stakeholders of our great party, the PDP, to allow women in the various local governments councils  to contest the vice Chairmanship positions.

    “This is because they have proven to be party loyalists and possessed the capacity and tenacity to be into such positions,” she said.

    She further called on other political parties, to follow suit and reserve the deputy chairmanship positions to women, so as to have an overwhelming impact across board.

    Mark commended Gov. Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa, for being gender sensitive by choosing Prof. Kaletapwa Farauta, a female to be his Deputy.

    The Women Leader noted that all the policies and programmes of the Fintiri administration, especially in healthcare, education and security were geared towards impacting women and youths.

    Mark appealed to the electorate to vote for women in the forthcoming LG polls in the state. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    IMK/AAA/YGA

     

    Edited by Aisha Ahmed/ Gabriel Yough

  • Police arrest 2 armed robbery suspects, one other in Osun 

    Arrest

    By Olajide Idowu

    Osogbo,  June 13, 2024 (NAN) The Police in Osun have arrested two members of a suspected armed robbery gang that specialises in using motorcycles to rob residents in Osogbo.

    A statement by SP Yemisi Opalola, Police Spokesperson in Osun, said that the suspects, Adesina Hammed, 29 and Oyeladun Iyanu, 28, were apprehended after robbing two young men on a motorcycle at Olaiya Area in Osogbo.

    ‘The Osun State Police Command has been able to effect the arrest of two suspects named; Adesina Hammed and Oyeladun Iyanu, who have been terrorizing the city of Osogbo,” Opalola said.

    According to her, on June 5, two young men were stopped along Olaiya towards Osun Mall Area by a group of four individuals on motorbikes and were forcefully robbed of their phone (iPhone 13) with a cutlass.

    “After that, the robbers took their victims to a POS operator to transfer N400,000 from their mobile bank app on the phone.

    “Upon tip off, a team of Anti-cultism squad swung into action and was able to apprehend the two suspects with the remaining two gang members at large.

    “Investigation is ongoing, while efforts are on to arrest the fleeing suspects,” Opalola stated.

    She said the case would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation.

    Similarly the Police Command also said it arrested a suspect over alleged theft of armoured cable in Ede.

    Opalola said the suspect identified as Yusuf Adamu was apprehended at night in possession of armoured cable, suspected to have been stolen from a transformer.

    “He has confessed to the crime, meanwhile, investigation is still ongoing and he would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation,” Opalola said.

    The police spokesperson enjoined the people of Osun to exercise patience as the command was working assiduously to rid the state of crime and criminal elements. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    ID/OIF/AOS

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    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Bayo Sekoni