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  • Alleged N1.85bn fraud: Court orders arrest of 3 Electricity Agency officials

    Alleged N1.85bn fraud: Court orders arrest of 3 Electricity Agency officials

    Fraud

    By Taiye Agbaje

    Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) A Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, ordered the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to arrest three officials of Rural.Electrification Agency for failure to appear in court for their arraignment.

    Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling, gave the order for the issuance of arrest warrant against the officials; Emmanuel Pada Titus, Umar Musa Laraye and Henrientta Onomen Okojie, involved in an alleged N1.853 billion fraud.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ICPC had preferred separate four-count charges against the affected officials over allegations of misappropriation of public funds meant for the provision of electricity to rural communities across the country.

    In the first charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/204/24, the anti-corruption agency sued Titus as sole defendant.

    The commission sued Karaye in the second charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/202/24, while Okojie was equally sued in the charge number: FHC/ABJ/CR/203/24.

    When the three cases were called, none of the three defendants was in court to take a plea.

    The prosecution lawyer, Osuobeni Akponimisingha, told the Justice Nwite that Titus, Karaye and Okojie were served with copies of the charges and duly informed of the day’s proceedings, but chose to stay away on their own volition.

    Akponimisingha explained that the defendants were on administrative bail, but owing to their absence from the court, he urged the judge to issue a bench warrant for their arrests.

    He cited Sections 114, 124 and 184 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, to back his application.

    In a short ruling, the judge granted the lawyer’s application as prayed.

    He held that he was convinced that the defendants deliberately absented themselves from the court, while delivering separate rulings on each of the applications.

    Justice Nwite, who ordered the trio’s arrest, directed that they should be produced in court in the next adjourned date.

    While the judge adjourned Titus and Karaye’s cases until June 13 for arraignment, he fixed June 14 for the arraignment of Okojie.

    However, the ICPC arraigned Usman Ahmed Kwakwa, also an official of REA on a four-count charge bordering on fraud.

    Kwakwa pleaded not guilty to the counts preferred against him.

    Justice Nwite admitted him to a N50 million bail after the prosecution lawyer, Akponimisingha, did not oppose the defence lawyer’s bail request.(NAN)(wee.nannews.ng)
    TOA/SH

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    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • Environmental crimes tribunal underway–FG

    Tribunal

    By Felicia Imohimi

    Abuja, June 6, 2024(NAN) The Federal Government says it is working towards setting up a tribunal that will be responsible for trying perpetrators of environmental crimes across the country.

    The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, disclosed this at a stakeholders meeting on Thursday in Abuja in commemoration of the World Environment Day (WED).

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the WED is commemorated annually on June 5.

    The theme for 2024 celebration is “Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience.’’

    Lawal, who frowned at the rate of unsustainable environmental practices in the country, attributed the challenges to lapses in enforcing existing environmental laws.

    The minister identified greenhouse emission from factories and other domestic appliances as contributors to climate change challenges currently bedeviling the country.

    “Currently, because we are not being strict you discovered that environmental cases are not being treated the way it should be.

    “So, we are working hard and very soon the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) will come out with laws to protect our environment, forest and our local environment against pollution.

    “So, we are going to establish tribunal that will try environmental crime very quickly so we need AGF’s support.

    “I urge the stakeholders to help us in enforcing existing environmental laws we are going to try to improve on the laws protecting our environment.’’

    Lawal said that Nigeria was facing environmental challenges like other parts of the world due to variety of factors ranging from deforestation, unsustainable land practices and other impacts of climate change.

    He said that such practices not only threatened the health and wellbeing of the people but also jeopardised the development of the ecosystem.’’

    Lawal said the country recently signed bilateral framework agreement on transboundary ecosystem conservation, sustainable management of forestry and wildlife resourced with the government of Cameroon.

    He identified the gesture as a milestone that would help in the preservation of biodiversity.

    The minister urged stakeholders in the sector to recommit themselves to the goal of activating and restoring the country’s land and environment and the stewardship of the planet. .

    He specifically tasked all Nigerians on tree planting around their houses.

    “We campaign to all of us to plant trees around our houses which is the only way to address degradation and deforestation affecting our land.’’

    We need to increase our efforts at tree planting; so, we encourage agencies, departments to come in and support the ministry to plant trees.

    “We have to declare emergency on our forest cover which is so bad that we need to take drastic action to address this issue, “he said.

    Mahmud Kambari, Permanent Secretary in the ministry, said collective action and collaboration was required to tackle the complexities of environmental degradation.

    Kambari urged stakeholders to harness the power of innovation and technology, science and traditional knowledge to unlock solutions that would restore the nation’s land, enhance drought resilience and combat desertification.

    “Let us not forget the profound connection between environmental sustainability and human wellbeing.

    “The health of our ecosystems directly impacts the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians who depend on land for food, water and shelter.

    “By prioritising environmental conservation, we are not only safeguarding our natural heritage but also promoting socio-economic prosperity and resilience for all,’’ he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    FUA/CJ/

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    Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

  • 2 men jailed  22 years for impersonating EFCC officials

    EFCC
    By Adenike Ayodele
    Ikeja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) An Ikeja Special Offences Court has sentenced two men, Ugwu Chijioke and Ibrahim Adekunle, to 22 years imprisonment for impersonating officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe sentenced the duo to 22 years and eight months imprisonment.
    The sentence followed their plea bargain agreement to the five counts bordering on impersonation, attempt to obtain property, possession of documents containing false pretence and unlawfully wearing of the EFCC uniform .
    The judge sentenced them to seven years each on count one to three, one year on count four and eight months on count five.
    She, however, ordered that the sentences should run concurrently.
    Earlier, the EFCC counsel, Mr Abdulhamid Tukur, in his review of facts, urged the court to convict the defendants as charged and sentenced accordingly.
    Tukur submitted that the defendants had in their possession  false documents to impersonate officials of the EFCC and extorted unsuspecting members of the public.
    He said the items recovered from the defendants at the point of arrest included fake EFCC identity cards, jackets, and a court order purported to have emanated from Mushin Magistrate Court.
    The convicts, in their plea for mercy, urged  the court to temper justice with mercy and promised never to go to their vomits again.
    “I am very sorry for the crime I pleaded guilty for, having been in the correctional facility for over a year now, have learnt a lot.
    “I am very sorry and I beg the EFCC to forgive me and I will never go back to any crime.
    “I plead with the court to temper justice with mercy,” the first defendant had said.
    “My lord, am already guilty of this case and I beg this court to temper justice with mercy
    “I also beg the EFCC to forgive me,” the second defendant said.
    According to the EFCC, the offences contravene Sections 8(b), 11(3) of the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and Section 79(1) (b) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng
    OAR/JNC
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    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • Fiji, New Zealand to tackle drug problem in Pacific region

    Fiji, New Zealand to tackle drug problem in Pacific region

    Drug

    Suva, June 6, 2024 (Xinhua/NAN) Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon have pledged to bolster efforts to combat the growing drug trafficking problem in the Pacific region.

    Both leaders expressed deep concern over the impact of drugs on the countries at a press conference on Thursday.

    Luxon highlighted that Fiji and New Zealand police forces have been working closely together on tackling drug problem, which is “a big challenge.”

    Luxon visited the Fiji Police Detector Dog Unit and urged continued investment in detector dogs to strengthen efforts against drug trafficking.

    He reiterated New Zealand’s commitment to assisting Fiji and the region in combating narcotics.

    Rabuka highlighted the recent significant drug bust in Fiji, emphasising the scale of the problem.

    Earlier this week, the Fijian cabinet endorsed the National Counter Narcotics Strategy 2023-2028.

    Key focus areas under the strategy include reducing demand for narcotics, reducing supply, reducing harm and legislative reform.

    Others are data collection, analysis, and information sharing, the establishment of a drug addiction treatment centre, partnership, coordination, and international cooperation.  (Xinhua/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    UMD/AMM

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    Edited by Ummul Idris and Abiemwense Moru

     

     

     

     

  • Reps pass N98.5bn 2024 FCT supplementary budget

    Reps pass N98.5bn 2024 FCT supplementary budget

    Budget

    By Femi Ogunshola

    Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The House of Representatives on Thursday in Abuja at plenary passed N98.5 billion supplementary budget for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) 2024 statutory appropriation Act.

    The bill, which passed for second and third reading, was sponsored by the Chairman of House Committee on FCT, Rep. Aliyu Betera.

    “You may recall that in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, a communication from the President was read at the plenary on May 16,” Betara said.

    He said that the communication sought approval for a supplementary budget to the 2024 Statutory Appropriation Act of the FCTA of the sum of N98.5 million.

    This, according to him, is to accommodate additional inflows from the FCT Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

    “By Sections 62, 80, 88, 89, and 299 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, the House Committee met with the Minister and other relevant officials of FCT,” he said.

    The House subsequently adopted the report of the committee on FCT on a bill for an Act to authorise the issuance from the statutory revenue fund of the FCTA account to the sum of N98.5 billion. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    ODF/KTO/KUA
    ==============

    Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo/Uche Anunne

  • Tinubu reiterates commitment to robust, efficient transport network in FCT

    Road

    By Philip Yatai

    Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu says his administration is committed to creating a robust and efficient transportation network across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and beyond.

    Tinubu stated this while inaugurating the completed B6 (Constitution Avenue), B12 (Independence Avenue) and Circle Roads in the Central Area of the territory on Thursday.

    The President, who was represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, said that the delivery of roads and other infrastructural projects was in line with his administration’s renewed hope agenda.

    He said: “We recognise that an efficient transport network remains vital for economic growth, social integration, and overall national development.

    “As we commission these strategic roads, we are not just opening pathways of asphalt and concrete but also paving the way to enhance economic activities, improve accessibility, and a higher quality of life for our citizens.

    “We remain committed to continuing this journey of building more roads, bridges, and essential infrastructure that will connect our people and drive our economy.

    “This event stands as testament to this administration’s unwavering commitment to infrastructural development and urban renewal, a cornerstone of our vision for a more prosperous and much more connected Nigeria,” he said.

    He recalled that on assumption into office a year ago, his administration set forth an ambitious agenda to transform the nation’s infrastructural landscape.

    “The completion of these roads remains a demonstration of what we can achieve through dedicated planning, unwavering commitment and elaborate collaborative efforts.

    “These roads are designed to alleviate traffic congestion, reduce travel time, and provide a more seamless connection between key areas within our Capital City,” Tinubu said.

    The President commended Wike, FCTA and all the stakeholders involved in execution of all the projects he had been inaugurating for the past seven days.

    Speaking in his capacity as the Senate President, Akpabio congratulated Wike for the feat, saying “you have not disappointed Nigerians.

    “As the Chairman of the National Assembly, we will continue to give the FCT Administration all the needed support for Wike to succeed in turning things around for the better.

    “Just before we left the chambers on Mr President’s directive, we passed for second reading of the Supplementary Appropriation Bill of the FCT, to enable you to do more for the people.

    “By next week we will pass the budget and I believe Mr. President will sign it and it will become an Act of parliament.

    “We will continue to support you in every way possible.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    FDY/AMM

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    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

  • Reps call for rescue of trapped miners in Niger

    Reps call for rescue of trapped miners in Niger

    Miners

    By Femi Ogunshola

    Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The House of Representatives has called for urgent rescue of miners trapped in the deep mining pit at Galadiman Kogo mining site in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger.

    The resolution followed the adoption of a motion moved by Rep. Ismail Modibo (APC-Niger) during plenary in Abuja on Thursday.

    Presenting his motion, Modibo said that on June 3 over a hundred miners working with Africa Mineral and Logistics Company Ltd. were trapped within a rocky mining pit.

    He also said that all efforts to rescue the victims have so far proved in vain, necessitating immediate intervention by the federal and state distress response.

    He expressed concern over the report of the death of many miners during the rescue operations, adding that there was need for the deployment of more Special Rescue Experts to the site

    This, according to him, is to prevent the victims from further loss of life, adding that the lack of adequate safety measures and emergency equipment by the mining companies led to the unfortunate situation.

    Adopting the motion, the House called on the Ministry of Solid Minerals to deploy more Emergency Response Specialists to the mining site without delay, for effective and successful rescue operations.

    The House urged its Committee on Solid Minerals to investigate the operational eligibility of Africa Minerals and Logistics Company Ltd.

    The House also called investigation into the the underlying causes of the accident and a review of the current mining safety regulations. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    ODF/OIF/KUA

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    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Uche Anunne

  • Group hails Abia’s choice for rule of law, anti-corruption campaign

    Group hails Abia’s choice for rule of law, anti-corruption campaign

    Programme
    By Nicholas Obisike
    Aba (Abia) June 5, 2024 (NAN) The Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS) has hailed the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) for choosing Abia for it’s European Union-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme.

    The CEHRAWS Director, Mr Chuka Okoye, said in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Aba on Wednesday that the body was happy with the choice of Abia as a focal state.

    Okoye pledged CEHRAWS readiness to play a participatory role in the transformative programme to ensure its success in the state.

    According to him, the group qelcomes RoLAC Programme, which aims to consolidate the rule of law and anti-corruption reforms.

    He said, “We are ready to collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure the success of the RoLAC Programme and support initiatives that promote justice, protect vulnerable groups and strengthen governance.

    Okoye described IDEA project as a welcome development to the governance of  Abia, saying it would foster good governance, transparency and justice under the leadership of Gov. Alex Otti.

    “We take this opportunity to officially welcome International IDEA and its partners to our beloved Abia (God’s Own State).

    “This is a testament to the remarkable progress and reforms initiated by Otti’s administration.

    “We wish to commend him for his visionary leadership and the transformative steps taken to enhance governance and promote justice in the state,” he said.

    Okoye said that the programme aligned with CEHRAWS’s mission to advocate for human rights and support initiatives that enhance access to justice and expedite trials.

    “CEHRAWS acknowledges the commendable objectives of the said programme, which include improving the criminal justice system’s performance.

    “It is also enhancing access to justice for vulnerable groups, increasing transparency and accountability in anti-corruption measures.

    “These goals resonate deeply with our core values and advocacy efforts.

    “We extend our gratitude once again to International IDEA and the EU for recognising Abia’s potential and investing in its future,” Okoye said.

    He also said that “Otti’s administration has made significant strides in addressing issues, such as gender-based violence, the rights of people with disabilities and the welfare of women and children.

    “Together, we can build a more just, transparent and accountable society that upholds the highest standards of good governance,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    NUO/FAT/USO
    Edited by Fatima Sule Abdullahi/Sam Oditah

  • C’River Assembly passes 28 laws in 12 months

    C’River Assembly passes 28 laws in 12 months

    Law

    By Ehigimetor Igbaugba

    Calabar, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Cross River House of Assembly has passed 28 laws within the last 12 months, Dr Davies Etta, the Deputy Majority Leader of the House, has said.

    Etta, the lawmaker representing Abi Constituency, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday, in Calabar.

    NAN reports that the 10th Assembly was inaugurated on June 13, 2023.

    Etta explained that from the 28 laws, only eight had been assented to by the governor, Sen. Bassey Otu.

    He noted that the 10th Assembly represented the hope and aspirations of Cross Riverians, as all the laws, motions and oversight functions of the assembly were all people oriented.

    “Members of the 10th Assembly have been nothing but dutiful and people oriented as laws passed, motioned moved, and oversight function are factored to have direct impact on the people.

    “Aside the 28 laws passed, several others are at various stages of being passed; some have gone through the first reading, some second reading and some at the committee level,” he said.

    The Abi representative debunked the claim that the assembly was on witch-hunting level owing to its position to probe the privatisation of some of the assets of the state by the immediate past government.

    According to him, the assembly’s oversight functions have been commended by many, especially in the area of reclaiming assets and properties belonging to the state.

    “For instance, the assembly, through its oversight function was able to discover and recover several heavy duty trucks that found their way into private hands at Obudu.

    “Outside the state, we were also able to recover a four-story building in Abuja that was given away for 30 years at a meager sum of N6 million annually.

    “We are also investigating few other facilities of the state that were privatised with documents that were not explicit.

    “The insinuation that we are witch-hunting is wrong; Prof. Ben Ayade who was the immediate past governor remains our leader and we are appreciative of some of the things he did.

    “We are only carrying out our constitutional responsibilities and nothing more,” he said.

    Speaking on the relationship between the executive and the assembly, Etta who is also the special adviser to the Speaker, said that it was nothing but cordial.

    “Been a former lawmaker himself, the governor has given us free hand to operate; he does not interfere in the house activities and had been attending to our resolutions,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    ESI/DCO/IAA

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    Edited by Deborah Coker/Isaac Aregbesola

  • Gov. Bago calls for reactivation of scholarship for public schools

    Scholarship

    By Sumaila Ogbaje

    Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Umar Bago of Niger, has called for reactivation of government scholarship programme for public schools to give hope to the less privileged children in the society.

    Bago made the call at the inauguration of General Ibrahim Attahiru Foundation Tertiary Education Scholarship Scheme, on Thursday in Abuja.

    He said that many of the leaders of the country today passed through public schools with scholarships, adding that he enjoyed free education from primary to secondary school.

    The governor promised to support the foundation’s scholarship programme, with additional 50 beneficiaries to make up the initial 100 beneficiaries for the maiden scholarship programme, into any Nigerian Federal University.

    “As Bago, I have a foundation and I will collaborate with you and I am raising the number from 50 to 100 because we value education.

    “It means our school and scholarship system must be reactivated to give people hope,” he said.

    Bago, who charged the youths to have dreams, added that it was the dream of the late Attahiru that made the family to keep his legacy moving by supporting the needy.

    According to him, it is not enough to come and just live like that, make your mark that you would want to be remembered for.

    He commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lt -Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, for agreeing to collaborate with the noble initiative, assuring that the Nigerian Governors Forum would also support the initiative.

    “So, we will continue to collaborate with these kinds of initiatives not just Nigerian army but even beyond.

    “We must give the children of the deceased and retired military officers’ reason to live,” he added.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the scholarship scheme is an initiative of the family of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, who died in a plane crash on May 21, 2021.

    The scheme is to assist children of serving and veterans of the Nigerian Army in their quest for education.

    Already 50 students drawn from the Command Secondary Schools across the six geopolitical zones have been offered scholarship at the inaugural launch foundation on Thursday in Abuja. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    OYS/OIF/AMM

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    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo and Abiemwense Moru