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Woman drags cousin to court for alleged cheating

Cheating

By Aisha Gambo

Kaduna, Sept. 18, 2018 (NAN) A 48-year-old woman, Rabi Muhammed, on Tuesday dragged her cousin, Magaji Dillali, 60, to a Sharia Court at Magajin Gari, Kaduna, for alleged breach of trust and cheating.

Muhammed told the court that she gave Dillali N500,000 to pay for a small house she wanted to buy at Rigasa.

“The house is worth N800,000 and I gave him N500,000 to pay the house owner, promising to pay up the remaining in a short while,” she said.

She said that she later heard that the house had been sold to someone and her money had been refunded which Dillali never gave her.

She, therefore, prayed the court to compel the defendant to refund her the money.

In his defence, Dillali denied the allegations, but said that he used the money to buy another place for her instead.

“I have three houses; how can I cheat her? I just bought a place for her as a brother who fears she might not spend the money wisely,” Dillali said.

He, however, prayed the court to give him more time so that he could sell off the place and refund the complainant her money.

The Judge, Malam Dahiru Lawal, ordered the defendant to provide a guarantor before leaving the court.

Lawal said court officials would inspect the place Dillali claimed he bought so as to ascertain its worth.

“Since the complainant wants her money back and not a replacement, you must sell it off and pay back her money or else one of your houses will be sold to get the money,” the judge ruled. (NAN)

AMG/OFN/EMO

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Edited by Felix Nwadioha/Ejike Obeta

Fees
By Awayi Kuje
Keffi (Nasarawa State), Sept. 18, 2018 (NAN) The Nasarawa State Government has warned principals of secondary schools against diverting examination fees paid by students, and vowed to impose severe sanctions on anyone caught.

Alhaji Abdullahi Agwai, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, gave the warning on Tuesday in Keffi, during an interactive session with principals of public secondary schools.

He regretted that some principals had formed the habit of diverting examination fees, saying that officials involved in that would be treated as saboteurs.

Agwai said that government was keen on improving the standard of education and would not tolerate distractions from any quarters.

He urged the principals to be fair to everyone in the discharge of their duties, saying that they must be consistent and firm in their supervisory roles to make teachers more effective.

The Permanent Secretary advised parents to take the education of their children and wards more seriously, urging them to always monitor the students and encourage them to be committed to their books.

The official said that government had employed 2,000 teachers to boost quality service delivery, and advised principals to train the new teachers on modern teaching methodology.

Also speaking, Alhaji Umar Ubangari, President, Nasarawa chapter of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principal of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), assured the ministry of his colleagues’ continued toward improving the education sector.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that three secondary school principals were arrested in June 2017, for allegedly failing to register 100 students after they paid fees to write the senior secondary school certificate examination organised by West Africa Examination Council.

The suspects were arrested by personnel of the Nigerian Security and Civi Defense Corps (NSCDC). (NAN)

AKW/JIE/ETS
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Edited by Julius Enehikuere/Ephraims Sheyin

2018 Independence celebration: FG assures of maximum security

Independence
By Kate Obande-Okewu/Angel Aluya
Abuja, Sept. 18, 2018 (NAN) The Federal Government has assured Nigerians of maximum security at the 58^th Independence celebration, scheduled to hold from Sept. 25 to Oct. 1.

Mr Gabriel Aduda, Chairman, 2018 Independence Day Central Organising Committee, gave the assurance at a news briefing in Abuja on Tuesday.

“We have looked at every possible risk that could arise, we are not leaving any stone unturned to ensure that Nigerians are secure and the celebration is hitch-free.

“All the military and paramilitary are part of the planning committee and we are working to ensure there is no security breach in the course of the celebration.

“Let us not focus on the negative issues in the country, it is sad people may have lost their lives due to insecurity, but the fact that we are still united in Nigeria should be appreciated,’’ he said.

He said the nation’s freedom did not come on a platter of gold and there was need for Nigerians to remind themselves that they had come a long way in spite of the diverse challenges.

According to him, Nigeria is not where it wants to be yet but she is certainly not where she began, considerable progresses have been made.

He added that it had been several years since Nigeria had a full blown traditional independence celebration, adding “the labours of our heroes past should no longer be downplayed”.

Aduda outlined the schedule of a weeklong activity to ensure a holistic participation of Nigerians in the celebrations.

He listed photo exhibition on our National History with the theme: “Footprints of our Political Leaders, holding Tuesday, Sept. 25 to Thursday, Sept. 27.

He said that on Friday, Sept. 28, there will be a Juma‘at prayer at the National Mosque, followed by a Night of Nigerian Culture featuring drama, comedy, fashion, among others at the International Conference Centre.

The Wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari, he added, would host children from various Internally Displaced Persons Camp at Harrows Park, Wuse II, Abuja, on Saturday, Sept. 29.

“The Independence Interdenominational Church Service will take place at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, on Sunday, Sept. 30.

“On Monday, Oct. 1 there will be a media broadcast followed by independence parade at Eagles Square by Para-military and Military, labour unions and Air Display by Air-force fighter jets over the skies.’’

According to him, there will also be a dinner/gala night at the State House Banquet Hall to close the celebration.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the 2010 Independence Day Bombing led to the low key celebration of Nigeria’s Independence in the past eight years. (NAN)
KTE/AA/OFN/AFA
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Edited by Felix Nwadioha/Felix Ajide

Ex-BPE DG joins Kebbi senatorial race

Declaration

By Shuaibu Tatu

Zuru (Kebbi), Sept.18, 2018 (NAN) The former Director-General, Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE), Mr Benjamin Dikki, on Tuesday declared his intention to contest for Senate under the People Democratic Party (PDP) in Kebbi.

Dikki who is also the Sarkin Yakin Zuru made the disclosure to newsmen in Zuru.

He decried the dearth of basic facilities in Kebbi South Senatorial District and promised to seek projects that would improve the living standard of people in the constituency.

“My top priority if elected would be to uplift the living standard of the people, enhance education, create employment opportunities for the youths, improve roads and water supply,’’ he said.

The aspirant said originally he has no plan to contest until the senatorial seat of the area was again zoned back to Zuru emirate by the party.

According to him, under the PDP’s rotational arrangement, Yauri is supposed to produce the next senator from the area.

“I was on my way to Jos when I received a call that I have to come to contest for this position; I wasn’t prepared for it because there were earlier calls.

“Under the last nine months I was under intense pressure from traditional leadership institutions, pressure groups, stakeholders that I should contest, some even said that I can contest under any platform, the pressure was overwhelming,’’ he claimed.

The former BPE boss promised to use the diverse cultural opportunities of the area to promote peace and tourism. (NAN)

SZT/FF/MZA

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Edited by Fela Fashoro/Maharazu Ahmed

By Joy Obanya
Abuja, Sept. 18, 2018( NAN) Ace Nigerian Singer Innocent Idibia, a.k.a 2Baba marks his 43rd birthday with messages from various artists celebrating the Legend.
Friends of the famous artist, song writer, record producer and entrepreneur, took to their various social media platforms to send heartfelt messages to the icon.
@Tiwasavage wrote “I had to make an exception because we are celebrating an icon today. I can’t believe I not only got the honor of meeting such a great man, but knowing you as well.
“Happy Birthday king.’’
Wizkid showed love to the legend by affirming his love for him: @Wizkidayo “Kings day! Icon! Love forever to the special one! @official@baba, live long baba.’’
Alexandra Asogwa, BBNaija 2018 finalist wrote @alex_unusual: Happy Birthday legendary 2baba @official2baba.
Similarly, Wandecoal who calls 2Face his mentor posted a picture of the celebrant, referring to him as his mentor. “Happy Birthday Tu Baba, mentor of life! Live long, I appreciate you’’, he said.
@lasisielenu “How can a man be so blessed, God is faithful in loving, he look around the World and said this one will be in Nigeria. Don’t we all love the idea that the blessing here is a Nigerian’’.
“Happy Birthday to the king’’.
@i am_kcee “Happy birthday to you my G @official@baba. God bless you more’’.
2Face seem to be doing a lot aside music. If he is not giving out for charity works, he is campaigning for good governance. (NAN)
JOYO/EAL
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Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

Experts
By Ibukun Emiola
Ibadan Sept. 18, 2018  (NAN) Experts in the energy sector have urged entrepreneurs to explore alternative energy sources to boost operations of their small and  medium scale enterprises (SMEs).

Ayokunle Adenigba, an engineer with  Nexgen Energy and Allied Services Limited, told the  News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Tuesday that alternative energy sources would provide solution to the persistent energy crisis in the country.

“Power constitutes 40 per cent of the production cost for SMEs and the government has been trying to solve the various challenges in the power sector.

“  But if people are well enlightened,  there would be solution to the power issue in Nigeria as technologically,  we have advantage now with solar energy and others unlike before,’’ he said.

Taiwo Oriowo, a member of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) representing Zartech Limited,  said power remains  the backbone of every business in Nigeria.

“If the Minster of Power can help us to generate adequate megawatts of electricity for at least 18 hours a day for SMEs  and big industries, there would be many job opportunities for people in Nigeria.

“ If we look at it,  an average of about 75 per cent of  our people are not working with the government.

“ They are on their own and I can say that more than 50 per cent of them depend on power to work.

“ If we continue like this,  there would be more poverty and crime would persist, but  if you and I are busy doing something,  nobody will think of evil,’’ he said.

He stressed the need to strengthen institutions while promoting the  use of technology and alternative power sources  to boost  productivity. (NAN)
IBK/OJO
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(Edited by Mufutau Ojo)

Theft

By Deborah Akpede
Ikeja, Sept. 18, 2018 (NAN) A 32-year-old driver, Femi Martins, on Tuesday appeared before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos
for alleged theft of N98,000.

Martins, who resides at Iyana-Ilogbo in Ogun, is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing, to which he pleaded not guilty.

The Prosecutor, Sgt. Dada Wasiu, told the court that the accused committed the offences with some others still at large on Aug. 10, at Ogba, Ikeja.

Wasiu said the accused stole N98, 000 belonging to the complainant, Mr Godknows Marcus.

“The complainant was walking toward a bank when the accused approached him, touched him, and ordered him to follow them.

“Marcus became confused and destabilised, and entered their vehicle.

“He was taken to an unknown place where they collected his N40,000 cash and Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card which they used to withdraw his N58,000,’’ he said.

The prosecutor said that when the complainant sighted the accused few days later, he alerted the police and the accused was arrested.

The offences contravened Sections 287 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 287 prescribes three years jail term for stealing, while Section 411 stipulates two years for conspiracy.

In her ruling, the Magistrate, Mrs A.K Dosumu, granted the accused bail in the sum of N50, 000, with two sureties in like sum.

Dosumu said the sureties should be gainfully employed and should show evidence of two years tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

She adjourned the case until Oct. 10. (NAN)

DOA/EOB/SOA

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Edited by Edith Bolokor/Oluwole Sogunle

Lagos inaugurates new board for LASUTH

By Lydia Ngwakwe

Lagos, Sept. 18, 2018 (NAN) The Lagos Government on Tuesday inaugurated a new board for the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja to boost service delivery in the institution.

Inaugurating the board, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris, told the members to support the institution in formulating policies and decisions in line with the hospital’s vision and mission.

According to a statement made available to newsmen in Lagos, the inauguration of the new board is aimed at improving the welfare and health of Lagos residents.

Members of the board include Dr Richardson Ajayi as the Chairman, Prof. Adewale Oke, Chief Medical Director of LASUTH and Dr Abiodun Oduwole.

Also in the board are Mr Oluseyi Bajulaye, Mrs Ololade Alonge and Oluwayomi Ifaturoti.

Others are Dr Munirah Jinadu, Dr Segun Adeola, Mr Abiodun Familusi, a pharmacist, Prof. Anthonia Ogbera, Prof. Ireti Akinola and Dr Bolaji Adebiyi.

“The body which will interface with the government will also act as an intermediary between the institution and the people.

“You must uphold and scale up the existing standards of excellence in patient care, research and teaching that the institution is known for,’’ Idris said.

In his remarks, Ajayi, the Chairman of the board, commended the State Government for the trust put on the board members.

“It is indeed a great honour to be called upon to serve the state in this regard.

“I promise to work assiduously in delivering on the mandate and core responsibilities of the board.

“I pledge that the members of the board, which include eminent professionals selected from various interest groups will explore ways of articulating the vision of the institution in delivering qualitative healthcare to the citizenry,’’ Ajayi said. (NAN)

LED/VIV/SN
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Editing by Vivian Ihechu/Silas Nwoha

Prison
By Deborah Akpede
Ikeja, Sept. 18, 2018 (NAN) A 26-year-old employee, Isaac Ayoke, is to spend the next 30 days in prison for stealing his employer’s N1million, an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos ruled on Tuesday.

Magistrate F.F George pronounced the verdict after the accused pleaded guilty to a two-count charge of stealing and burglary.

She sentenced Ayoke to 30 days imprisonment on each of the counts but ordered that the sentence should run concurrently.

George, who sentenced the accused without an option of a fine, said the convict should serve the sentence with hard labour.

“You are hereby sentenced to 30 days imprisonment with hard labour.

“The sentence would serve as a deterrent to others who might want to engage in similar acts,” she said.

The accused, a resident of Ajah area of Lagos, had during his arraignment on Aug. 14 admitted committing the offences and was remanded in prison.

When the case was called up on Tuesday for facts and sentence, he again admitted guilt and the magistrate consequently convicted and sentenced him.

The prosecutor, Sgt. Godwin Awase, had earlier told the court that the accused committed the offences on July 7 at Mushin in Lagos State.

He said that the accused burgled one of the offices of GHL Glass Tech Nigeria Ltd. where he stole N1million.

“The accused, after closing hours, broke the ceiling to gain entrance into the office where the money was kept.

“He bolted away with the money and refused to report for work the following day,” he said.

Awase said that the burglary and theft were recorded by the Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) camera installed within the company.

“The management played the CCTV camera and discovered that the accused was the culprit.

“They went in search of him and caught him in his brother’s place where the money was recovered from him.

“He was handed over to the police,” the prosecutor said.

The offences, he said,  contravened Sections 287 and 307 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. (NAN)
DOA/AOS/OJO
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(Edited by Bayo Sekoni/Mufutau Ojo)

Confirmation

By Mohammed Nur

Kano, ‎Sept. 18,2018(NAN) Kano State House of Assembly on Tuesday confirmed Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna as the new Deputy Governor of the state.

Gawuna replaces Prof. Hafiz Abubakar, who resigned as deputy governor on Aug. 5, 2018.

The assembly confirmed the appointment at plenary presided over by the Speaker, Kabiru Rurum, after the Majority Leader, Bappa Dan-Agundi, moved a motion for the screening of the nominee.

‎ The motion, seconded by Zubairu Masu, representing Sumaila constituency, was unanimously adopted after the nominee was asked to recount his achievements as two-time commissioner for agriculture in the state.

Gawuna also recounted his contributions to youths development in the state in his capacity as president, Youths Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON).

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje forwarded Gawuna’s name to the state assembly on Monday for screening and confirmation as deputy governor.

NAN also reports that the former deputy governor, an ally of Sen. Rabi’u Kwankwaso, had since joined the opposition People Democratic Party (PDP).(NAN)

MNT/MZA

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed