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Commercial driver bags life imprisonment for abducting, defiling 10-year-old girl
Commercial driver bags life imprisonment for abducting, defiling 10-year-old girl
Imprisonment
By Ngozi Njoku
Ikeja, June 24, 2024 (NAN) A Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court has sentenced a 24-year-old commercial driver, Abdul Hudu, to life imprisonment for defiling and abducting a 10-year-old girl (name withheld).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Rahman Oshodi held that the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubts the two count charge of abduction and defilement against Hudu.
The court sentenced the convict to two years imprisonment on count one while he was sentenced to life imprisonment on the second count
Oshodi, in his judgment, said that the facts of the case were distressing as Hudu cruelly abducted the 10-year-old survivor from the safety and care of her parents for three agonising days.
“Her father could not eat and her mother cried incessantly, sick with worry, over their missing child.
“The callous disregard you showed for a child’s well-being, the emotional torment inflicted on her parents is shocking and worse still, during those three days, you repeatedly defiled and sexually assaulted this vulnerable young girl at the tender age of 10.
“she experienced unthinkable trauma and violation at your hands, which no child
should ever have to endure and her innocence was stolen.
“Throughout this trial, you have shown no remorse you lied blatantly in your testimony, denying the clear evidence against you, including your prior statement to the police.
“The web of falsehoods you spun to evade responsibility only compounded your culpability,” the judge said
Oshodi held that it was a severe case of child abduction and defilement and the law viewed the offences as deserving of severe punishment to reflect society’s abhorrence in order to punish the offender and to protect other children from suffering a similar fate.
He held that the fact that the convict was a first-time offender did not deflect the magnitude of the offences.
“In light of the gravity of the offences, the aggravating features and the
absence of remorse, I sentence you as follows
“On count one, the offence of abduction contrary to section 141, I sentence you to two years imprisonment and it shall commence on the date of your arrest, July 23 2019, as shown in exhibit A-A1.
“On count two, the offence of defilement contrary to section 137, I sentence you to the mandatory sentence of life imprisonment and you shall also be registered as a sex offender.
“The sentences are to run concurrently, you will serve your custodial terms at the Maximum-Security Custodial Centre or wherever the Nigerian Correctional Service may direct,” Oshodi said.
The judge further said that through the convict’s wicked actions, he had brought the punishment upon himself.
“I hope you will use your time in custody to reflect and reform,” Oshodi said.
NAN reports that the State’s Lead Counsel, Mr Babajide Boye, called three witnesses: the survivor, her father and one Ms Oluchi Nwoke-Okoi, a nurse with the Women at Risk International Foundation.
The convict during the trial testified in his own defence.
The prosecutor said that the convict committed the offences on June 30, 2019, on Adekunle Street, Idi Araba, Mushin, Lagos.
The prosecutor told the court that the survivor was returning from an errand in
the night when the convict accosted her.
He said that the convict hit her with an object and covered her face with something in a cloth, causing her to lose consciousness and she later woke up in his room.
According to the evidence before the court, the convict had unlawful multiple intercourse with the survivor over three days in different
locations and later dropped her off near her house.
She narrated the events to her father, who took her to the hospital and police station. (NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)
NG/AOS
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Edited by Bayo Sekoni
June 24, 2024
FCT farming community begs Wike for access road, basic amenities
Kungaboku Village, Bwari Area Council, FCT
Appeal
By Cynthia Okoye
Abuja, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Kungaboku rural community in the Bwari Area Council, has appealed to the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike for the construction of its access road and provision of potable water, other basic amenities.
Residents of the predominantly farming community, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday.
They urged the minister and other relevant bodies to safe them from being cut-off completely from the territory because of the bad state of the access road to the community.
Zephaniah Moses, the community youth leader said the only road leading to the community has been washed off by the rains making it very difficult for people to come in and go out .
“When heavy rains fall, the river across the road will be filled up. We will have to wait for at least, five hours, for the water to go down, before anyone can go out or come into the community
“What we need, is a bridge across the river. The palliative measures we have done on the road, through communal efforts have been washed off with the coming of the rains,” he said.
Moses also appealed for the provision of potable water, the rehabilitation of the only, LEA Primary School in the community, which he said the roofs of two of the blocks of classrooms, have been blown off by storm.
“Whenever it rains during school hours, the pupils will have to cramp in the few classrooms covered with roof for the rain to subside.
Roof of a block of classrooms in LEA Primary School, Kungaboku, FCT, blown off by storm.
“The school also needs perimeter fencing to protect the pupils and their teachers from attack,” he said.
Mr Rafiu Akintoye, a resident and farmer, who said he has lived in Kungaboku for 15 years described the community as peaceful and the indigenes, accommodating.
On the poor state of the road, Akintoye recalled an incidence when the river across it washed away a car trying to go out of the community when it was raining.
According to him, it took the intervention of able-bodied young men in the community to rescue the occupants of the vehicle down the river.
He said before the community carried out the palliative maintenance on the road, there were times they would have to remain in the community for two days whenever there was heavy downpour.
Akintoye said that the primary healthcare centre in the community is also in dire need of rehabilitation, health workers and drugs.
Primary Healthcare Centre, Kungaboku, Bwari Area Council, FCT
According to him, the health carecentre built by government and equipped by the Rotary Club many years back is in a sorry state at the moment.
He said health workers are not readily available, especially in the night, putting sick residents at risk and there are no drugs to be dispensed for patients.
Male Ward of Primary Healthcare Centre, Kungaboku, FCT
A poultry farmer in the community, Mrs Anna Jonah narrated how the bad access road has affected her business negatively.
“Coming in and going out of this community is the major challenge, especially for farmers who are dominant here.
“You have to trek a long distance before you can get “okada or keke” (commercial motorcycle or tricycle), many of them are not willing to come here.
On Saturday, I paid N5,000 to a “keke” man who brought in my chicken feeds, a distance of just 10 minutes. The fare will not have been up to that if the road is good.
People that come in here, to buy the birds also complain about the bad road and use the opportunity to underprice our birds,” she said.
She appealed to the Minister, the Bwari Area Council and other relevant bodies to come to their aid in fixing the road for ease of doing their business.
Mr Omerigwe Bartholomew, who did his national youths service’s programme in a farm in Kungaboku some years back, said he has remained in the village doing his own farming.
He said some of the big farms in the village are being leased out by the owners because of poor infrastructure and unfavourable business environment.
“I am into poultry, livestock and crops production. Right now, I am coming from my cassava farm
“I choose to remain in this village, after my youth service, because the villagers are peaceful and accommodating.
“We have not recorded clashes between farmers and herders here because we all live peacefully and when there is misunderstanding, the community head resolve it amicably,” he said.
Bartholomew appealed to the FCT administration to fix the infrastructure in Kungaboku village, particularly the access road, healthcare facility and potable water.
He also urged agricultural agencies to visit the village for possible establishment of farm clusters.
He assured that such development would boost agricultural production in the area and attract many youths to site more farm projects in the area.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
CTO/ROT
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Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi
June 24, 2024
Nigeria has 40.2m agriculture households – NBS
Nigeria has 40.2m agriculture households – NBS
Survey
By Okeoghene Akubuike
Abuja, June 24 2024(NAN)Nigeria has about 40.2 million agricultural households, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has said.
This was made known an the unveiling of the National Agricultural Sample Census(NASC) 2022 in Abuja on Monday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the census was conducted by the NBS in partnership with the World Bank, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations.
The report revealed that out of the 91 per cent of agricultural households that cultivated crops, 35 per cent practised only crop cultivation while 48 per cent reported raising any type of livestock.
It showed that 16 per cent of the households raised 58 million cattle, while 41.2 per cent raised about 124 million goats.
“While 42.5 per cent raised poultry, most commonly chickens, while five per cent practised fisheries.”
The report showed that the lowest percentage of agricultural households into Crop Cultivation was recorded in Lagos State at 48.0 per cent, while Ebonyi recorded the highest at 99.5 per cent.
It showed the highest percentage of agricultural households engaged in Livestock Production was reported in Jigawa at 84.2 per cent, followed by Bauchi at 79.7 per cent .
The report said for Poultry, the highest percentage of agricultural households was recorded in Benue at 65.2 per cent, followed by Ebonyi State at 63.3 per cent.
Bishop Ohioma, Assistant Director, Agricultural and Business Enterprises Statistics Department, NBS, while giving an overview of the report, said the survey has two components which include the listing component and the sample survey component .
Ohioma said the listing component was what was being unveiled while the sample survey component would be unveiled in a few months.
He said the census provided a robust dataset that wouks support agricultural interventions programmes, enhance food security, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
He said the NASC listing was conducted using digitised Enumeration Area (EA) maps in all the 36 States of the Federation and the FCT.
Ohioma said 767 Local Government Areas (LGAS) in the country were canvassed, however, seven LGAs were not covered as at the time of the Census due to insecurity.
He said the uncovered LGAs were Four LGAs in Imo state and three LGAs in Borno state.
Ohioma said 40 EAs were covered in each LGA and the number of EAs covered varied by state, both urban and rural EAs were covered.
“In all, 30,546 EAs were covered nationwide out of the proposed 30,960. ”
He said one of the recommendations from the report include Government should allocate more resources to support the conduct of the quarterly and annual National Agricultural Sample Survey (NASS).
Ohioma said the report also recommended Technical and financial Partners to sustain support in the conduct of quarterly and annual NASS.
“Technical and financial Partners to continuously provide support to build capacity of staff of the NBS in agricultural statistics production.
“All hands must be on deck to ensure the sustainability of the NASC in Nigeria.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
OKE/SH
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edited by Sadiya Hamza

June 24, 2024
Cholera outbreak: Hotel association urges members to take precautionary measures
Chief Patrick Anyanwu, National President of Nigeria Hotel Association
Cholera
By Taiye Olayemi
Lagos June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Hotel Association (NHA) on Monday advised hoteliers across the country to take precautionary measures against the spread of cholera.
Chief Patrick Anyanwu, National President of NHA, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
According to him, each hotel management should upscale and maintain hygienic environment in their kitchens and dinner sections, following the increase in the spread of the disease.
He advised the hoteliers to take conscious effort in adhering to the preventive measures outlined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the government.
“This is a delicate period for everyone.
“We should all adhere to improving our personal hygiene, prioritise food safety, clean the hotel premises well enough, disinfect often and always sensitise staff on these preventive measures.
“We should not be agents for the spread of cholera,” he said.
Data released by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) says the country has recorded 65 confirmed cases of cholera, resulting in over 30 deaths from Jan. 1 to June 11 in 30 states, with over 1,141 suspected cases. (NAN) (nannews.ng)
PTB/FAA
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Edited by Folasade Adeniran
June 24, 2024
TRCN inducts 955 teachers in Jos

Induction
By Polycarp Auta
Jos, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), on Monday inducted 955 graduands of the Faculty of Education, University of Jos, as professional teachers.
Administering the oath on the graduands, Prof. Josiah Ajiboye, the Registrar of TRCN, congratulated the inductees for the successful completion of their training as professional teachers.
Represented by Dr Ahmed Okunola, Ajiboye explained that the induction and oath taking remains critical to every trained teacher in Nigeria.
He advised the inductees to be professional and contribute their quarter toward providing quality education to young Nigerians.
”These inductees have been trained as professional teachers; if this is what you have chosen to do, understand that you have chosen a profession that is noble, with compassion, care and love as cardinal ideals.
”I urge you to carry out your duties with pride and humility. You should recognise that you are a product of huge investment for better tomorrow.
”You must, therefore, put in your best in bringing out the potentials in your students.
”I advice you to continually improve on your knowledge; pursue further academic strides to be in tandem with the current realities,”he added.
Presenting the graduands for the exercise, Prof. Joseph Maina, the Dean, Faculty of Education of the university, said that they were well trained in learning and character.
Maina, represented by Dr Grace Chollom, the Deputy Dean of the Faculty, thanked the university management and TRCN for supporting the faculty in producing quality teachers that would serve Nigerians.
Maina said that the graduands included Persons with Disabilities.
Earlier, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, the Vice Chancellor of the University, said that the inductees belonged to 2022/2023 academic session.
Represented by Prof. Emmanuel Oki, the Director, Centre for Entrepreneurship Development of the institution, Ishaya, said that the graduands had undergone rigorous training in theory and practice by a crop of qualified and dedicated lecturers.
”I am confident that our graduands are of high quality to face global trend in the 21st century teaching profession.
”Values in Nigeria seem to have undergone considerable degradation in the last many years as indubitably evident in every area and aspects of our lives.
”For any society to experience positive and sustainable growth, positive values must he upheld and encouraged; where values have decayed, underdevelopment sets in.
”This university is known for quality training of students who are worthy in character and learning, therefore, I urge you to be worthy ambassadors of the university in the society, ”he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
AZA/ IU
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Edited by Isaac Ukpoju
June 24, 2024
Driver gets life imprisonment for abducting, defiling minor
Driver gets life imprisonment for abducting, defiling minor

Imprisonment
By Ngozi Njoku
Ikeja, June 24, 2024 (NAN) An Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Monday sentenced a 24-year-old commercial driver, Abdul Hudu to life imprisonment for defiling and abducting a 10-year-old girl.
Justice Rahman Oshodi held that the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubts the two-count charge of adduction and defilement against Hudu.
The convict was sentenced to two years in prison on count one and life imprisonment on count two.
Oshodi, in his judgment, said that the facts of the case were distressing as Hudu cruelly abducted the 10-year-old survivor from the safety and care of her parents, for three agonising days.
“Her father could not eat and her mother cried incessantly, sick with worry over their missing child.
“The callous disregard you showed for a child’s well-being, the emotional torment inflicted on her parents is shocking.
“Worse still, during those three days, you repeatedly defiled and sexually assaulted this vulnerable young girl at the tender age of 10.
“She experienced unthinkable trauma and violation at your hands, which no child should ever have to endure and her innocence was stolen.
“Throughout this trial, you have shown no remorse; you lied blatantly in your testimony, denying the clear evidence against you, including your prior statement to the police.
“The web of falsehoods you spun to evade responsibility only compounded your culpability.
“This is a severe case of child abduction and defilement and the law views the offences as deserving of severe punishment to reflect society’s abhorrence in order to punish the offender and to protect other children from suffering a similar fate,” the judge said.
He also held that the fact that the convict was a first-time offender did not deflect the preceding.
“In light of the gravity of the offences, the aggravating features and the
absence of remorse, I sentence you as follows:
“On count one, the offence of abduction contrary to section 141, I sentence you to two years imprisonment and it shall commence on the date of your arrest, July 23, 2019, as shown in exhibit A-A1.
“On count two, the offence of defilement contrary to section 137, I sentence you to the mandatory sentence of life imprisonment and you shall also be registered as a sex offender.
“The sentences are to run concurrently. You will serve your custodial terms at the Maximum-Security Custodial Centre or wherever the Nigerian Correctional Service may direct you,” Oshodi ruled.
The judge said that the convict brought the punishment upon himself through his wicked actions.
“I hope you will use your time in custody to reflect and reform,” Oshodi said.
NAN reports that the State Lead Counsel, Mr Babajide Boye, had called three witnesses: the survivor, her father and one Ms Oluchi Nwoke-Okoi, a nurse with the Women at Risk International Foundation.
The convict, however, testified as the sole defence witness.
Certified copies of his extra-judicial statement dated July 23, 2019 were received and marked as exhibit A-A1.
The prosecutor had submitted that the convict committed the offence on June 30, 2019 on Adekunle Street, Idi Araba, Mushin, Lagos.
He told the court that the minor was returning from an errand in the night when the convict knocked her unconsciousness and abducted her. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
NG/CEO/SH
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Edited by Chidi Opara/sadiya Hamza
June 24, 2024
Student docked for alleged indecent assault
Student docked for alleged indecent assault
Arraignment
By Funmilayo Okunade
Ado-Ekiti, June 24, 2024(NAN)A 25-year-old student, Olalekan Oni, was on Monday docked in an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court over alleged indecent assault.
The police charged Oni, with indecent assault.
The police prosecutor, Insp Akinwale Oriyomi, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on June 16, 2024, at Oye-Ekiti.
He alleged that the defendant, touched Omukoro Irikefe and Oseni Akingbola’s body sexually.
The police said that the offence contravened the provisions of Section 150 of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State 2021.
The prosecutor prayed the court for an adjournment to enable him to study the case file and present his witnesses.
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Counsel to the defendant, Mr Femi Falade, urged the court to grant his client bail in the most liberal terms.
The Chief Magistrate, Mr Owoleso Olarewaju, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N150,000 with one surety in like sum.
He adjourned the case until July 23 for hearing.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
FOA/BEN/SH
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Edited by Benson Ezugwu/Sadiya Hamza
June 24, 2024
Nigeria, China bolster bilateral cooperation
From L-R: Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar and his counterpart Wang Yi. (NAN)

Cooperation
By Fortune Abang
Abuja, June 24, 2024 (NAN) Nigeria and China have signed joint agreement towards strengthening exchanges and bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and his counterpart, Wang Yi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, disclosed this in their joint statement in China.
Yi is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC).
The two ministers, who co-chaired the first Plenary Session of the China-Nigeria Intergovernmental Committee, signed the statement centered on joint efforts by both countries to promote regional and world peace
According to both ministers, their agreement will advance their respective departments of security operations, trade, police enforcement, enhance their capacity, safeguard national sovereignty and security interests.
“The two countries restated commitment to enhancing the mutual bond and friendship between their two peoples mutual-trust, interest-sharing and common progress through mutual exchanges, mutual leaning and mutual understanding.
“The two countries are willing to continue to build culture brands, such as the Happy Chinese New Year, Chinese-Nigeria Culture Week, Chinese-Nigeria Film Festival, and Abuja International Art Fair.
“The two sides will strengthen mutual visits and exchanges between art groups and personnel; promote human resources training in the fields of culture and tourism, and support cooperation in creative culture between them.
“The two sides will also strengthen cooperation in cultural and tourism fields, such as publishing, film and television production, cultural heritage, libraries, museums and tourism promotion.
“The two sides confirmed their readiness to maintain regular contacts and close communication at all levels on convening the second Plenary Session of the China-Nigeria Intergovernmental Committee and Sessions of its Sub-committees.”
The two officials reviewed the positive outcomes achieved since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria over the past 50 years.
They also jointly planned the future development of the bilateral relations, exchanged views on China-Africa relations, major international and regional issues of mutual interest, and reached wide range consensus.
Both countries pledged to support each other in their aspirations in various international fora, particularly the UN, G20 and BRICS.
“The government of Nigeria acknowledges there is but one China in the world and that the government of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China.
“Also that Taiwan is inalienable part of China’s territory; Nigeria opposes any separatist activities of “Taiwan independence” in any form.
“In any external attempts to interfere in China’s internal affairs, Nigeria will support efforts by Chinese government to realise national reunification.
“The two sides agreed to work towards good governance and democratic values, peace, security and stability in the Sahel region and recognise Nigeria’s leading role in fight against terrorism and other related transborder crimes.
“Both agreed that necessary efforts towards ensuring economic viability of the region would be pursued through infrastructure development and sectoral cooperation.”
Wang said that China commended President Bola Tinubu’s leadership role in ECOWAS and efforts to bring about stability in the sub-region.
Similarly, Tuggar said Nigeria commended and support the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping.
The ministers expressed both governments commitment to intensifying efforts to protect the rights and dignity of each other’s citizens living in its country and create business-friendly environment for their business.
“The two sides agreed to support each other’s efforts to promote reunification, ethnic unity and social harmony, endeavour to enhance political mutual trust, and further support each other on matters related to its core interests and major concerns.
“The two sides stressed the importance of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), China-Africa relations, international peace and development, Nigeria supports China in hosting the 2024 FOCAC Summit.
“The two sides agreed to strengthen coordination and cooperation in multilateral affairs and jointly uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order underpinned by international law.
“The two sides advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world and inclusive economic globalization that benefits all and jointly promotes building a community with a shared future for humanity.
“Both countries are dedicated to advancing high-quality Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), facilitating synergies between BRI and FOCAC conference outcomes with Renewed Hope Agenda, Eight Priority Areas proposed by Tinubu and jointly promoting high-quality, practical cooperation in an all-around manner.”
The two countries further promised to strengthen cooperation in the fields of infrastructure, electricity, telecommunications, finance, agriculture, industry, mining and free trade zones.
Also, to jointly explore cooperation opportunities in fields such as digital economy, green economy and blue economy and foster new growth drivers in cooperation.
“The Chinese side is willing to expand imports of Nigerian agricultural products; the Nigerian side called for increased partnership in Mining and Solid Mineral development and expressed willingness to partner Chinese companies to establish manufacturing companies in Nigeria for local consumption and exports.
“The two sides stand ready to create transparent, fair and non-discriminatory business environment for cooperation between the two countries, strengthen the WTO-centered multilateral trading system, oppose trade protectionism, promote trade and investment liberalisation and facilitation.
“The two sides support more Chinese and Nigerian provinces and municipalities/States and Local Governments in establishing more friendly relations and encouraging sister cities.
“China expresses its commitment to support Nigeria in upgrading its science and technology in the military sector, equipment and capacity building of intelligence to respond more effectively to traditional and non-traditional security challenges at home and aboard; also at the regional and international levels and to safeguard peace and stability of the country,” the ministers said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
FEA/ISHO/CJ/
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Edited by Yinusa Ishola and Chijioke Okoronkwo

June 24, 2024
Emefiele awarded contracts to his wife, brother-in-law- Witness tells court
Emefiele awarded contracts to his wife, brother-in-law- Witness tells court
Contract
By Edith Nwapi
Abuja, June 24, 2024 (NAN) Mr Michael Agboro, a prosecution seventh witness alleged that the suspended governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Godwin Emefiele awarded contracts to companies belonging to his wife and a his broher-in-law.
Emefiele is standing trial on an alleged 20-count amended charge, preferred against him by the Economic and financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before a FCT High Court in Maitama, Abuja.
He was alleged to have engaged in criminal breach of trust, forgery, conspiracy to obtain by false pretence and obtaining money by false pretence, when he served as the apex bank’s boss.
The EFCC alledged that the former CBN boss forged a document titled: Re: Presidential Directive on Foreign Election Observer Missions dated Jan. 26, 2023 with Ref No. SGF.43/L.01/201 and purported same to have emanated from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (AGF).
Besides he is also accused of using his office as CBN governor to confer unfair and corrupt advantage on two companies; ”April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd”.
Agboro, an investigator with the Independent, Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) who testified earlier was cross-examined further by Emefiele’s counsel, Mathew Burkaa, SAN.
When asked if the defendant conferred unfair and corrupt advantage on himself, he answered :”he conferred on Saadatu Yaro, who is a Public Officer working under him. He also conferred on his wife and brother-in-law.
When asked if Emefiele alone could award and approv contracts, he answered that the contracts were approved by the defendant.
Answering if there was no difference between CBN and Emefiele, he said :”the difference is that the defendant was an employee of CBN.
When asked if the defendant was a member of the tender’s board or procurement department, he said he did not know.
”We limited our investigation to him, his wife, relatives and associates.
”Our findings revealed that the defendant was not a director or shareholder or an account signatory in either April1616 limited or Architekon Nigeria limited.
He also admitted that there was no evidence of any payment made to Emefiele by these companies in the course of performing his duties at the CBN.
Also when asked if in the course of their investigation they interviewed people in the CBN to determine whether the two firms executed the jobs they were contracted to do, the witness said “yes”.
However, when asked if the team in their final report stated this fact, the witness said he could not recall if they did.
Agboro being led in evidence by the EFCC counsel, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN on Marrch 11 tendered several documents including company registration documents and award as well as payments for contract relating to the two forms.
He added that documents his team, comprising of persons drawn from the ICPC, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and the Department of State Service (DSS), showed that while a Director of ”April 1616”, Yaro, is a Public Officer, with the CBN, Emefiele’s wife, Margaret Omoyile and his brother-in-law, Mac Congo were directors in Architekon.
Justice Hamza Muazu adjourned the matter untilTuesda, for re-examination of the witness.(NAN)
(www.nannews.ng )
NEO/SH
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edited by Sadiya Hamza

June 24, 2024
CMD tasks outgoing house officers on excellence, medical ethics

L-R: Dr Kenneth Nwafor, FTHL House Officers’ Rep. Dr Nwamaka Onubogu, LOC Chairman, and Dr Ojochide Ebune CMAC FTHL, receiving an award on behalf of the CMD FTHL, Dr Olatunde Alabi, during the HO Forum Week Dinner and Award night on Sunday in Lokoja
Ethics
By Stephen Adeleye
Lokoja, June 24, 2024 (NAN) Dr Olatunde Alabi, the Chief Medical Director (CMD), Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja (FTHL), has urged the outgoing house officers of the hospital to strictly adhere to principles of medical ethics in their future endeavors.
Alabi gave the advice during the FTHL’s House Officers’ Forum dinner and award night, on Sunday in Lokoja.
The CMD, who was represented by the Chairman Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), Dr Ojochide Ebune, commended the forum for the initiative in putting the week-long activities together through team work.
“We commend your initiative and wishing you the best in your future endeavors. We urge you to focus on excellence, commitment to patient care and the ethics of our profession.
“As young doctors, if you can be disciplined and focused, the opportunities available to you in your future are endless,” he said.
The CMD stressed the need for the young doctors to focus on defining a path for their career, which could only be influenced by their commitment to excellence and dedication to the ethics of the profession.
According to him, medical ethics encompassed the obligations health care professionals have to ensure patients’ overall well-being and to respect their fundamental rights.
He, therefore, urged the house officers to decide early on what they wanted, and be professional in whatever they do, which would serve them in their career path in life.
On his remarks, Dr Kenneth Nwafor, the House Officers’ representative said that the maiden edition of the house officers’ Week was a way of giving back to the society.
“The dinner and award night is to crown the week-long event by appreciating those who have been of tremendous support to the forum, especially the management of FTHL and to the society at large.
“It is a moment of reflection on our activities for one year houseman-ship training at FTHL,” Nwafor said.
Earlier, Dr Nwamaka Onubogu, the Chairman, Local Organising Committee (LOC), said that the inaugural FTHL house officers’ week began with a collaborative effort to mark the World Blood Donation Day 2024, where volunteers gathered to learn about blood donation.
“This event culminated in the donation of over 30 units of blood, contributing significantly to the healthcare success at our center.
“We officially kick-started the program on June 17 with an outreach to the Adankolo community. We provided education, checked vitals, and dispensed medications to indigent members of the community.
“This was made possible as a result of the support from our generous sponsors. The management supported us every step of the way, emphasising the importance of this initiative.
“Tonight, we gather here looking as radiant as ever to celebrate not only ourselves but also the wonderful institution and remarkable people on whose shoulders we have stood to get to this point,” she said
Onubogu commended the management of the health institution for their unwavering support towards the success of the event.
Highlights of the occasion included the presentation of award, classical music, dance, panel discussion, and launching of House Officers’ forum Year Book, titled: “Trailblazers 2024”.
During the panel discussion, the Panelists had an in-depth deliberations on the topic: “Life after Housemanship: The options”.
The panelists exposed the health officers to diverse opportunities ahead, and advised them to be hardworking and focus on things that soothe their personalities and core values. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
ASA/OJI/IU
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Edited by Maureen Ojinaka / Isaac Ukpoju
June 24, 2024