Blog

NAN-H-17
Prostitute
By Oluwatope Lawanson
Lagos, Nov. 30, 2016 (NAN) A prostitute and an entertainer, both aged 22, who allegedly stole property valued at N1.6 million, on Wednesday appeared before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court.

The prostitute, Emmanuel Carol and Precious Aboh, who claimed to be into entertainment, are facing a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing and attempted murder.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Carol resides at the Oshodi area of Lagos, and Aboh lives at No. 15, Olaore St., Mafoluku, Oshodi, Lagos.

The prosecutor, Insp. Ezekiel Ayorinde, said that the duo stole gold chains, wrist watches and phones all valued at N1.6 million from Mr Darlington Ezenwaka on Nov. 15 at about 11.30p.m. at Church St., along Oshodi road, Oshodi, Lagos.

Ayorinde said that the accused conspired with four others still at large to assault and rob the complainant.

“The complainant, a returnee from the United States of America, left to a club somewhere around Oshodi in company of his friend, Mr Madu Izuchukwu.

The complainants were robbed of their valuable possessions on their way back by unknown people who attacked them with broken bottles, making them to sustain grievous bodily injuries.

According to the prosecutor, the accused were caught by Police on patrol, while the others escaped.

“After a series of interrogations, it was discovered that Carol was an ex- girlfriend to the complainant’s friend, Izuchukwu,’’ the prosecutor said.

He said that the accused ganged up with others to beat up the complainant and his ex- boyfriend and dispossess them of their valuables.

He noted that the offences contravened Sections 228, 243, 244, 285, and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

NAN reports that the section provides for three years’ imprisonment for convicted thieves.

The two accused pleaded not guilty to the  five-count charge preferred against them.

Chief Magistrate Omolade Awope admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N1 million each and two sureties each.

Awope directed that the sureties must be gainfully employed and show evidence of two years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

The chief magistrate then adjourned the case to Dec. 5, for mention. (NAN)
LAW/PIO/PIO
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(Edited by Idonije Obakhedo)

NAN-HG-1
Eye
By Deborah Ogedemgbe
Benin, Nov. 30, 2016 (NAN) No fewer than 500 persons have benefited from free eye care services provided by Care Vision Support Initiative (CAVSI), a Non Governmental Organization (NGO) in Edo, reports the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Dr Tolu Afolaranmi, CAVSI team coordinator, told NAN on Wednesday in Benin, said the beneficiaries were from Ologbo in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo.

Afolaranmi said the NGO carried out the free eye care service in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and support from the TY Danjuma Foundation.

He disclosed that the 500 beneficiaries, were part of the 1,000 targeted to benefit from the various medical eye services to be provided by the NGO.

He said that out of the targeted 100 persons for surgery, 58 patients had so far benefited with 45 of the patients operated on for cataract while 13 patients were operated for other eyes disorders.

The NGO coordinator added that 250 patients were given corrected eye glasses while others were given free eye drugs.

Afolaranmi told NAN that the free surgeries carried out by the NGO go for between N100,000 and N200,000 in the hospitals.

The Team coordinator, however, disclosed that the team had referred a Peadiatric cataract case for operation to the Jos University Teaching Hospital with all expenses to be borne by the TY Danjuna Foundation.

He disclosed that there were 25 medical personnel comprising six doctors, six nurses and 13 support staff in the team.

NAN reports that the free medical eyes service would end on Friday.

NAN also reports that the NGO carried out a similar exercise at Ehor, headquarters of Uhumwode Local Government Area of Edo in April.

Some of the beneficiaries who spoke with NAN, expressed appreciation to the NGO and the TY Danjuma Foundation for rescuing them from “dark world”.

Mr Iguma Omorose, a 66-year old trailer driver, said he was operated on both eyes with his vision now clearer.

He also said he became blind after somebody hit him with a ring in Lagos nine years ago.

A 70 years old farmer, Mrs Regina Ekuku, said her vision had since become very clear after her eye surgery on Monday.

She showered encomium and prayers on the free eye service providers. (NAN)
DCO/KOO/IS
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Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Ismail Abdulaziz

NAN-HE-1
Market
By Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
Lagos, Nov. 30, 2016 (NAN) Some capital market operators on Wednesday called for downward review of the monetary policy to revitalise economic activities and boost investors’ confidence in the nation’s bourse.

They told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that there was the need to ease monetary policy as the current tightening stance of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) was adversely affecting the stock market.

Dr Uche Uwaleke, Head of Banking and Finance Department, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, called for the use of the right fiscal and monetary policies to stimulate aggregate demand.

Uwaleke said that injection of funds in an economy in recession especially into employment-generating sectors would go a long way in boosting stock market liquidity.

He noted that the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) had remained on a negative territory due to negative economic indices and policies.

“This trend should not come as a surprise considering the nexus between stock market performance and the state of the economy,” Uwaleke told NAN.

He explained that the major factor responsible for the bearish behaviour of the market was the continuing weak fundamentals of the economy recently confirmed by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

“With negative third quarter GDP growth at -2.24 per cent, headline inflation rate at 18.3 per cent, monetary policy rate at 14 per cent and exchange rate at over N300 to the dollar, sell sentiments will continue to prevail in the market for sometime,” he said.

According to him, a reversal of fortune can only come with significant improvement in the economy.

Mr Ambrose Omordion, the Chief Operating Officer, InvestData Ltd., said that the persistent downward trend exhibited by the market had become a source of concern to all stakeholders.

Omordion stated that the bearish sentiment in the market had reached its peak with increased sell pressure.

He said that many investors were becoming more cautious than before due to high inflation rate and lingering negative GDP.

Omordion added that decline in money supply had further put pressure on the economy and the stock market.

He, however, urged the Federal Government to introduce effective fiscal policies that would impact positively on the economy in no distant time.

Omordion said that investors should combine technical and fundamental analysis for trading decisions.

Mr Boniface Okezie, President, Progressive Shareholders’ Association of Nigeria (PSAN), urged the government to help the market to grow by pumping money into the economy to boost activities.

Okezie also said that market regulators should pursue strategies that would make investors to regain confidence in the market.

He stated that regulators should look inwards on ways to bring back local investors to the market rather than look for foreign investors that could exit from the market anytime.

Okezie claimed that policies and actions of market regulators made investors to shun the market. (NAN)
JNC/IGO
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(Edited by Ijeoma Popoola)

NAN-H-5
Burglary
By Monday Ajogun
Benin, Nov. 30, 2016 (NAN) An Egor Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday in Benin, sentenced 54-year-old Eze Oba to four years in prison for burglary and stealing.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr W. Aziegbemhin, gave the ruling after Oba pleaded guilty to a two-count charge of burglary and stealing.

Aziegbemhin sentenced the convict to three years and one year in jail for counts one and two respectively with no option of fine.

He ruled that the jail term would run concurrently.

Earlier, the Prosecutor, C.S.O Nnamdi had told the court that the convict committed the offence on Nov. 17 at No. 5, Emma Avenue, Benin.

Nnamdi said that Oba unlawfully broke into the house of Jennifer Bazuaye and stole three Samsung phones valued at N60,000 and N20,000 cash.

The prosecutor said the offence contravened sections 411 (i) and 390 (9) of the Criminal Code. (NAN)
AJOM/HAS/AEA
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Edited By Hajia Sani/Archibong Asuquo

NAN-H-4

Jail

Yola, Nov. 30, 2016 ( NAN) The Adamawa Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed that a KeKe NAPEP driver was sentenced to five months imprisonment for knocking down a Corp Marshal on duty.

Mr Adegoke Adetunji, the state sector commander made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Yola on Wednesday.

Adetunji said that the convict, Isma’il Ibrahim of Yola South local government area, was sentenced by a Jimeta Magistrate Court on Tuesday with an option of N50,000 fine.

“The incident occurred on Nov. 17, along Yola–Fufore route.” Adetunji said.

According to Adetunji, the convict was trying to avoid being arrested thereby driving recklessly, as a result knocked down the Marshal who was on duty.

He explained that the marshal was rushed to Yola Hospital and he is responding to treatment.

The Court has also directed the convict to settle all medical bills of the marshal. (NAN)
AMA/HS/IS

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Edited by Halima Sheji/Ismail Abdulaziz

NAN-H-2
Facilities
Bauchi, Nov. 30, 2016 (NAN) Retired Federal civil servants currently undergoing verification in Bauchi say the facilities placed at their disposal at the venue had made the exercise less stressful.

Some of them, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday, described the arrangement as ‘dignifying’ considering past experience of ‘shoddy’ treatment meted out to retirees.

They said that in spite of the multiple stages involved in the verification, it took minimum time for individuals to complete the process.

Alhaji Mohammed Maishanu, a former Head of Service in Bauchi, said that the exercise was coordinated in a way that retirees were “comfortably seated under canopies”.

According to him, this development is contrary to what was obtainable in the past when pensioners had to queue under the heat of the sun, with some collapsing and even dying.

He also observed that transition from one point to the other in the course of the verification was rancor-free.

Hajiya Aisha Ahmed, who retired as Assistant Director, said the adequate arrangement made by the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) was an indication of the interest the Federal Government had in the welfare of pensioners.

She noted in particular, the large number of PTAD staff deployed for the exercise, thereby fast-tracking the process and reducing stress.

Another pensioner, Alhaji Hudu Mohammed, said that the exercise was designed to address all   complaints as indicated by the forms they were given to fill.

“Unlike previous exercises that placed emphasis on detection of ghost pensioners to enable the government save money, this one treats everything, including under-payment of entitlements,” he said.

Also barring her mind on the exercise, Mrs Monica Daniel said that it was being conducted in a manner that none of them would suffer.

She commended the idea of decentralizing the venues as against the past practice of inviting pensioners to Abuja or few designated venues.

NAN reports that the verification of pensioners in the North East that served in core Federal Ministries is being conducted simultaneously in Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa and Taraba states.

Borno and Yobe states had been stood-down and a date would be fixed for theirs in due course. (NAN)

AE/ASH/ASH

NAN-H-1

Gas
Abuja, Nov. 30, 2016 (NAN) Mr Tony Attah, Managing Director, Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), has said that the company will improve the use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) or cooking gas to three million tons annually in five years.

He disclosed this to newsmen during the Domestic LPG Implementation Stakeholders Workshop in Abuja with the theme “”Unlocking the Opportunities in Domestic LPG Value Chain’’.

According to him domestic gas consumption in the country was low but said the situation would be changed in line with international operations.

“”Before our interventions as NLNG, this country was consuming about 50,000 metric tons of gas per year but today we are at 400,000 tons.

“”We have done a research working with our consultant; we believe that we can move up to more than three million metric tons per year within the next five years and you take it from there.

“”The future we see is a vision that there is cooking gas in every home in Nigeria, helping to move the country forward and diversifying the economy,’’ he said.

The NLNG boss dispelled the fears that use of domestic gas was risky, noting that the company would scale up awareness on proper handling of the product.

He said there was commercial risk but that the one that concerned the consumer was the safety risk, noting that government was in a position to initiate policies, fiscal positions and terms to mitigate the risks.

Attah noted that the private sector could partner the public sector towards the use of domestic gas everywhere in the country.

“”By far the biggest risk that most potential consumers would worry about is the safety risk, but I can say quite clearly that most of the safety risk will be tied to awareness.

“”A huge campaign will follow this workshop to help Nigerians understand how to use LPG,’’ he said.

Attah said NLNG was interested in unlocking the potential of gas utilization in the country, adding that the country had over 186 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves with scope for another 600 trillion standard cubic feet.

“”We are a country that has so much gas and has started to do something with it which is why we at NLNG exist; but we believe that we can do much more.

“”That is why we are contributing to opening up the LPG space and helping the country move forward on this platform,’’ he said.

Also Mr Gbite Adeniji, the Senior Technical Adviser to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, said the workshop would be of immense benefit to the country.

“”We are at a point now in the nation’s economy where we need to start getting LPG penetration into the wider society and into the wider economy.

“”So this workshop will basically discuss where government is, policy wise, and also work with the private sector to bring out an implementation programme around the policy objectives of government for LPG penetration.’’

He said that the government was keen on very quick roll out of LPG in order to improve the per capita income of the citizens.

According to him the workshop will come up with measurable and actionable plans for roll out of LPG.

Adeniji also said that “LPG is actually safer than all other forms of fuels; adding that it is healthier, cheaper and more available than any other fuel.

“”If we are able to swipe out bio-mass, fire wood and all other forms of fuels like kerosene and use LPG it will be of immense benefit to everybody at home.’’

He said gas meant so much for people as it could be used for cooking, transportation and other industrial applications.

“”So really it is time and we are really at that point where we have to get this done,’’ he added. (NAN)
DCU/IS
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Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Police Pension scam: court holds trial within trial Thursday
NAN-H-

Adjournment

By Edith Nwapi

Abuja, Nov. 29, 2016 (NAN) An FCT High Court on Tuesday adjourned the Police Pension fund scam case till Wednesday Nov. 30 for trial within trial.

Esar Dangabar, Atiku Kigo, Ahmed Wada, Veronica Onyegbula, Sani Zira, Uzoma Attang and Christian Madubuke, are standing trial for complicity in the over N24 billion scam in the police pension funds.

Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf, adjourned the matter after hearing submissions from the counsel in the matter on the veracity of the 4th defendant, Veronica Onyegbula’s statement to EFCC.

At the last sitting, EFCC Prosecutor, Mr Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), had through a witness, Mustapha Gadanya, tendered the documents.

Dangabar’s Counsel Lateef Fagbemi did not oppose the tendering of the documents.

Gadanya said that N1.09 billion was discovered in the bank account of Esar Dangabar, a former Director of Police Pension fund. .

He told the court that Dangabar had on Sept.2, 2009 deposited seven million naira into a particular bank account, adding that the defendant had millions of naira in different bank accounts.

The witness told the court that in the course of EFCC investigation, it was discovered that Dangabar’s salary as at the time of the alleged fraud was less than N180,000 per month.

At the resumed sitting Gadanya told the court to review cheques that were withdrawn by Veronica Onyegbula, one of defendants.

She was invited to the EFCC to volunteer statements on Feb. 13, 15, 16, and 17, 2012 also March 22, 26, May 2 and Oct. 22, 2012.

After the statements, a search  warrant was executed in a Sun City  home in Abuja. 

The witness told the court that ‘ we recovered various documents, among which was EcoBank statement of Ulovi International Resources Ltd”.

He said that when another search was executed in the same house “we recovered several other documents and an agreement signed with Revita Core and a GTB deposit slip.

“Also Lloyd international Bank account was recovered when I took her statement at the EFCC interrogation room.

Mr Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) sought to tender the documents.

Objecting, Mr Ernest Ikeji said his client did not make those statements voluntarily citing sections 29 (2) (b) of the Evidence Act 2011.

“EFCC refused to release her on bail saying that her bosses have been released and if she refuses to make statements she will remain there “.

He urged the court to conduct trial within trial to obtain the truth of the document.

Jacobs told the court that for the trial within trial he was going to bring the  four witnesses to testify. (NAN)

NAN-H-
Change

By Akeem Abas
Ibadan, Nov. 29, 2016 (NAN) Prof. Ayodeji Olukoju, former Vice Chancellor, Caleb University, Lagos has called on Nigerians to support the “Change Begins With Me” campaign of the Federal Government.

He made the call at the 8th Convocation Lecture of Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), in Oyo on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the federal government had on Sept.15, launched the “Change Begins with Me” campaign.

In his lecture entitled: “The Challenge of Change: Nigeria in Comparative Perspective”, Olukoju said such lifestyle would challenge the prevailing rot and rut.

“We are in the era of change that many of us yearned for. But change does not come by itself, it is driven by awareness of where we are, where we ought to be, how.

“What matters is how to convert the challenges inherent in it to opportunities for improvement.

“Change has a price tag. It will cost us something at the level of individual and society. That could cost human or material.

“But change is mainly driven by a synergy of an exemplary, visionary leadership and an enlightened, patriotic, critically engaged, self-confident and assertive citizenry.

“There could be reservations about its timing and motive behind it.

“The idea of Change Begins With Me with the potential of attitudinal change and civic engagement by the broad mass of Nigerian people, is timely and worthy of support”, he said.

He emphasised that  Nigerian leaders  should adhere to some basic rules adopted by world leaders such as late Nelson Mandela and President Franklin D. Roosevelt of  the United States of America.

Olukoju stressed the need for the leaders to involve grassroots in finding solutions to national problems, saying Nigerians would fight alongside their leaders when involved in the formulation of policies that affect their lives.

He said the leaders would benefit immensely from erecting bridges across various divides so as to build a critical mass of leadership with vision to achieve national greatness and co-prosperity.

According to him, “leaders need to be thoughtful and creative, imbued with exceptional ability to break down complex issues for easy comprehension and adoption by the common people.

“They should display uncanny insight and foresight in proffering achievable solutions to national problems.

“These are some rules to adopt in the management of change aimed at turning challenges to opportunities.”

Olukoju said Nigeria needed leaders at various levels, who will inspire hope by living moderate, upright and positive lifestyles.

The Chairman, Board of Trustees of ACU, Prof. Emeritus Ayo Banjo, described Olukoju’s lecture as “an intellectual stimulation” adding that it proffered solutions to the nation’s problems.

Banjo applauded the leadership of Prof. Dapo Asaju for the positive changes in the university.(NAN)

TAA/OSA/IEA
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Edited by Shittu Obassa/Idahosa Asowata

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Court grants bail to former FCT minister

NAN-H-97

Bala

By Edith Nwapi

Abuja, Nov. 29, 2016 (NAN) An FCT High Court on Tuesday granted bail to Sen. Bala Mohammed, former Minister of FCT.

Mohammed, minister under former President Goodluck Jonathan, had been in the custody of the EFCC since Oct. 21 following public petitions against him.

He filed a motion on Notice on Nov. 16 before Justice Hussein Baba-Yusuf for enforcement of his fundamental right which he said EFCC had violated.

Baba-Yusuf said the bail was granted according to the provisions of sections 165 and 158 (b) of the Administration of Justice Act 2015.

The judge held that “the right to bail includes the right to fair hearing.“

The judge held that the applicant met the bail conditions given to him by the EFCC but EFCC failed to verify it.

Baba-Yusuf granted the applicant bail in the same conditions as was given by EFCC without any amount.

He is, however, to produce two sureties of the rank of directors in federal civil service who must have certified landed properties in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).

He also ordered that the applicant should deposit his international passport in the court.

Baba-Yusuf fixed Dec. 14 to hear the substantive case. (NAN)

NEO/AK/IEA

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Edited by Akin Makanjuola/Idahosa Asowata