Global Naija Info

NCC The Enforcement Unit of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has arrested six suspects for selling registered Sim Cards in Kano metropolis. The NCC Head of Enforcement Unit, Mr Salisu Abdu, disclosed this while briefing newsmen shortly after arresting the suspects on Monday in Kano. He said the suspects were apprehended during a raid at the Farm Centre, GSM Market and Yankura near Sabon Gari Market after conducting surveillance on the area. “Before the arrest was made, we purchased registered Sim Card from each of the suspects,” Abdu said. He said that the commission would continue to crack down on perpetrators of the illegal act as it was a criminal offence to sell registered Sim. “It is a criminal offence to sell registered Sim Cards to members of the public or for people to register new Sim Cards by proxy. “The commission had in 2011 issued a directive that nobody should register new Sim Cards by proxy.’’ He said the suspects had since been handed over to the p

Patrick Akpobolokemi and five others are tried for N2.3bn fraud An EFCC witness, Mr Kanu Idagu, on Monday told a Federal High Court in Lagos how some committees were set up at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) as conduit pipes to steal money running into billions of Naira. Idagu, an operative of EFCC, gave the evidence at the resumed trial of Patrick Akpobolokemi, a former Director General of NIMASA, who is being tried alongside nine others on a 40-count charge bordering on money laundering. Others charged with him are Capt. Bala Agaba, Ekene Nwakuche, Felix Bob-Nabena, Capt. Warredi Enisouh, Governor Juan, Ugo Frederick and Timi Alari. Two companies — Al-kenzo Ltd. and Penniel Engineering Services Ltd are also facing trial. They all pleaded not guilty to the charge and were granted bail by the court. Led in evidence by the prosecutor, Mr Festus Keyamo, the witness told the court that as head of the EFCC Special Task Force, he was in charge of inves

Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, Kano State Governor A bill to provide life imprisonment as punishment for kidnappers in Kano State on Monday scaled the second reading at the State House of Assembly. The Deputy Majority Leader, Alhaji Maifada Bello, had read the Kidnapping, Abduction and Forced Labour Amendment Bill before the Assembly. According to Bello, member representing Kibiya Constituency, the immediate amendment of the bill was necessary to enable Judges in the state judge the kidnappers according to their offence. “The law that provides punishment for the kidnappers has been in existence since 1963; therefore, it should be amended to go with the current rampant kidnapping and abduction cases in the state. “It can also assist the judges to judge anyone found guilty of such offence according to their offence, because the current law that provides 10 years imprisonment made it difficult for the judges to judge such criminals,” Bello said. He said the case of kidnapping needed t

Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje Kano State Fire Service has rescued two children who fell into well in the city, the Director of the service, Alhaji Mustapha Rilwan, has said. Rilwan disclosed on Monday in Kano that one of the children, one-year-old baby fell into a well in Rimin Kebe area in Ungogo Local Government Area. He said that the incidence happened around 8 am when the baby, named Zainab Mustapha, was playing around the well in her parents’ residence. “Her mother called their neighbours, who alerted the fire service, who in turn mobilised its staff to the scene and rescued the victim. “Men of the fire service conveyed the child to Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital where she was confirmed unconscious,” he said. Rilwan said that in the afternoon of the same day at Panishua Mantaka Quarters, Faiza Aliyu, 11 year-old-girl went to fetch water in a well close to her parent’s residence and fell inside. “A Good Samaritan noticed what happened and alerted men of the f

court-of-law A father of four, Leonard Ekeh, has been arraigned before a Lagos Chief Magistrates’ Court, sitting at Bode Thomas, Surulere, Lagos State, South West Nigeria for allegedly raping an eight-year old minor (name withheld). The 48 years old, native of Umuorishe-Umuohagu in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area, Imo State, was said to have committed the dastardly act on September 21, at his residence, 20, Jacob Odeleye Street, Itire, Surulere, Lagos State. The accused committed the offence when the victim followed one of his children to watch television at his residence. In carrying out the heinous act, the source said the accused sent away his daughter and had sexual intercourse with the minor. Following the cry of the victim, the source said people around apprehended the accused and handed him over to the police at Itire division. Thereafter he was taking to court for arraignment on a two-count charge of unlawful sexual intercourse and indecent treatment of the minor. The

A man accused of trying to sell his infant daughter online has admitted to posting the advert, which offered the girl in exchange for 5,500 dollars, the police said on Monday. The 28-year-old man admitted to posting the ad on eBay Kleinanzeigen, a popular online platform for buying and selling household items. “The man said that it was intended as a joke,’’ the police said. The man and his wife, who are being investigated on suspicion of human trafficking, initially denied posting the ad, it went up late on Tuesday, prompting employees at the website to contact police. Police said that the family that posted the ad was refugees, without giving details as to their nationality. The child has been taken into care.

Chairman, Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) & Wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode (middle) and other members of COWLSO during the press briefing on the forthcoming National Women Conference. Kazeem Ugbodaga Wife of the President, Hajiya Aisha Buhari and Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole are among dignitaries expected to grace this year’s national women conference of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), with the theme ‘Strong Family, Strong Nation.’ Addressing a briefing at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria on Monday, COWLSO Chairman and wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs Bolanle Ambode said the wife of the President would serve as the mother of the day and also declare the conference open, while Governor Oshiomhole would be the Special Guest of honour at the closing ceremony. The conference, according to Mrs Ambode, is slated to hold between October 24 and 26, 2016 at the Conve

Lagos Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Mustapha Akinkunmi (left) and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Tairu Tunde Ogunleye during the Forum. Kazeem Ugbodaga The Lagos State Government has moved to streamline revenue collection in the state in a bid to nip issues of multiple taxation in the bud. There has been complaint by the public of alleged double taxation from Lagos State Government and Local Governments. Speaking at the Stakeholders’ Forum on Taxation and Revenue Generation in Lagos State organized by the State Ministry of Finance on Monday in Ikeja, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria, Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Mustapha Akinkunmi said the purpose of the forum was to streamline revenue collection in the state in order to enhance easy payment. He said at a retreat held by the state government at the weekend, a conclusion was reached that Lagos’ role in the nation was critical, especially with dwindling oil revenue and fortune. According to him, “oil revenue is now a thing

A barber, Samson Peter, is to spend the next 14 days in jail in Abuja for breaking into a hotel in the night and fighting some guests, according to a ruling of FCT Area Court in Karmo. Peter, 24, of Kado Village, Abuja, was given the sentence after he pleaded guilty to the offence. He begged the court for leniency and was given an option of N5,000 fine. The Judge, Abubakar Sadiq, who handed down the verdict, said it would serve as a deterrent to others. Earlier, the prosecutor, Dalhatu Zannah, had told the court that on Oct. 9 that a man, Evenest Irate of Summit Villa Hotel at Life Camp, Abuja, reported the incident at the Life Camp Police Station. According to him, the accused at about 10.06 p.m., entered the hotel and started fighting some guests. During the fight, the accused broke some bottles and pot worth N9,500, Zannah said. The offence contravened Section 327 of the Penal Code

Supreme Court judges during a court session A socio-political group, National Support Groups for Good Governance (NASUGG) says contrary to opinions in some quarters, the judiciary is not under attack. National Coordinator of the group, Dr. Chidia Maduekwe, made this assertion at a news briefing on Monday in Abuja. Speaking at the backdrop of the recent arrest of some judges in the country by the Department of State Service on the allegation of corruption, Maduekwe said it was corrupt judges that were under attack. He said that the issue had generated sentimental reactions, but cautioned that nobody was above the law. He advised Nigerians to be objective in their comments on the matter so as not to create unnecessary tension. “We believe that the judiciary is still the last hope of the common man. We have men and women of impeccable character on the Bench and Bar of the very revered profession. “We also believe that Nigerians respect and appreciate those judges who have given l

court A C & S prophetess, 41-year-old Sola Ajayi, who allegedly stole a Canadian-breed life turkey valued at N30,000, is to remain behind bars, an Ile-Ife Magistrates’ Court in Osun ruled on Monday. Ajayi was ordered to be kept in prison custody over his inability to perfect her bail. Chief Magistrate Olalekan Ijiyode had granted her bail in the sum of N30,000 with one surety in like sum. Ijiyode added that the surety must be a civil servant and should also reside within the court’s jurisdiction. No civil servant showed up to stand surety for her and the magistrate remanded the prophetess in prison custody until the bail condition was met. The accused was arraigned on a charge of stealing to which she pleaded not guilty. The Prosecutor, Sgt. Sunday Osanyintuyi told the court that the accused committed the offence on Oct. 16 at about 4.00 p.m. at Iloromu Quarters, Mokuro, Ile-Ife. Osanyintuyi said the accused stole the life turkey valued at N30, 000, property of a woman, K

Femi Otedola no longer on the list of African billionaires World billionaires ranking outfit, Forbes, has removed the names of Nigeria’s Femi Otedola from its list of African billionaires. With a fortune now pegged at $550 million, Otedola, Chairman of Forte Oil Plc, has fallen out of the ranking of Africa’s billionaires. The oil tycoon’s fortune million plunged from $1.8 billion following a massive drop in the stock price of his petroleum marketing company. As at the close of trading on Friday, the company’s share price plunged to a one-year low of N145 ($0.44) per share, down from an all-time high of N342 ($1.1) in March this year when Forbes published its annual ranking of the world’s richest people. Apart from the tumble in Forte Oil’s stock price, Otedola’s fortune has also been adversely affected by a Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) devaluation of the Naira in June. In dollar terms, the devaluation in addition to Forte’s floundering share price has knocked about $1.3 billion

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Monday approved the payment of bursary and local scholarship to Lagos State indigenes in tertiary institutions across the country. Mr Obafela Bank-Olemoh, Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, who made the disclosure while speaking to journalists, said the beneficiaries would be fresh applicants and others receiving subsequent payment. Bank-Olemoh listed the beneficiaries to include 2015/2016 set and other sets receiving second and third payments for years 2013/2014 and 2014/2015. He said that the state government was committed to sustaining the scholarship and bursary scheme in spite of the economic situation of the country. According to him, the governor is committed to ensuring that indigenes are empowered through education to contribute productively to the local and global economies. “The timely release of the awards demonstrates the priority the administration of Gov. Ambode accords to educating its

Some Nigerian judges I could not have allowed sleeping dogs lie just like that, not even would I have let go of this issue however it laid doggo, that one would not have heard its slithering escape. It came along rushing advances that many a people could not have suffered pains of allowing it go by without giving it a version or two of the incident, and the rippling goose pimples effect it’s having on the nation is something we cannot take away too. We just have to exhaustively if possible talk about it more often till the right thing is done. My thoughts about the action of the Department of State Security’s arrest of certain judges is somewhat aptly timed. Being a foremost championer of the school of thought that persons who occupy certain sensitive public positions must exercise their functions with the mind set of a public trust, I still consider my one week after thought of the issue still timeous enough to take it on from a very thin but, realistic perspective and script sam

Prince Eze Madumere, Imo Deputy Governor. Imo Deputy Governor Eze Madumere has said that the release of Chibok girls is a demonstration of President Buhari’s sincerity, responsibility and responsive leadership. Madumere told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday that the All Progressives Congress (APC) led Federal Government had demonstrated its preparedness to salvage Nigerians from the doldrums of economic and social insecurity. According to him, the development is exciting and worth celebrating and the release has once again rekindled the hope of other parents and Nigerians that the administration will truly rebuild the country. “The good news has proved the fact that the Buhari administration is sincere in his electoral promises which are being pursued with vigor,” Madumere said. The deputy governor, who called on Nigerians to support the Federal Government, said that more promises would be delivered in future. He said that the Buhari administration was people

The gavel of justice A middle-aged man, Fredrick Omorege, on Monday appeared before a Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti for allegedly defrauding his victims of over N6.7 million. The Police Prosecutor, Mr Femi Falade, told the court that the accused obtained the said amount under false pretence between May and August at Isato and Ayedun streets in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State. The charge sheet read: “That you, Fredrick Omorege, m, operating under the business name ‘Richardlie Multiglobal Ventures at Isato and Ayedun Street, Ado-Ekiti, under false pretence of being registered by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) as Thrift and Loan Investment Company; “With intent to defraud, did obtain the total sum of N6,776,500 from Omolade Bunmi, Ojo Abiola, Ige Odunayo, Adeoye Odunayo and others through your agents.” According to the prosecutor, the accused committed an offence punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006. He prayed the cour

magistrate-court A hair dresser in Badagry, Lagos State, Temitope Onifade, who allegedly broke into a shopping complex and stole two buckets of paint valued at N16,000, has been released on bail in the sum of N50, 000 on the order of a magistrate. The 29-year-old accused, who resides at No. 44, Market Road, Badagry, is facing a charge of stealing. Prosecutor Innocent Uko said while arraigning the accused that she and two others still at large committed the offence on Oct. 16 at Ajara Shopping Complex. According to him, the item stolen items belonged to the complainant, Mr Edu Adaeze. “She stole the buckets of paint in the morning when most people were in church, but she was caught red-handed.” The offence is a violation of Section 285 (1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011, he said. The accused pleaded not guilty and her lawyer, Mr Timothy Nzekwu, urged the court to grant the hair dresser bail, saying the offence is bailable. Magistrate Abiodun Etti, who granted the bai

Femi and the positive Force band peforming Jennifer Okundia The annual musical festival held in honor of the late legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti ended this morning, after 7 days of great performances. Artistes like Daddy Showkey, Omawunmi, Simi, Falzthebahdguy, Mavin crew’s Dija and Reekado banks, Akpala, Remi Aluko, Seun Kuti and more performed during the week. Daddy Showkey Omawunmi Simi Seun Kuti The peak of the event came when Patoranking performed alongside Daddy Showkey, dancing galala to amuse the audience. Patoranking payed his respect by prostrating to the galala crooner, Daddy Showkey and Patoranking Mayokun Patoranking Olu Maintain Koker Raskimono Other performances included Mayorkun’s Eleko,Ycee, Femi’s positive band, Koker, T.W.O, Olu Maintain, Raskimono, Adewale Ayuba alongside others. Comedian Omo baba and Olisa Adibua were Mc throughout the show. Adewale Ayuba Femi Kuti at about 4am appreciated everyone and brought Felabration 2016 t

Gov. Muhammad Badaru of Jigawa State The Network of Persons Living with HIV/AIDS (NEPWAN), Jigawa chapter, has commended the state government over the enactment of a law compelling intending couples to know their status before marriage. Malam Abubakar Muhammad, the chairman of NEPWAN, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Hadejia on Monday that the law would control the spread of the scourge in the state. NAN reports that the Jigawa State House of Assembly had recently enacted a law compelling intending couples to know their HIV status before marriage. The law stipulates three years imprisonment or a fine of N500,000 for any defaulter. It also prescribes appropriate punishment for any person charged with discrimination, stigmatization or misgivings against HIV-positive persons. Muhammad said that this would encourage people to go for HIV counseling and screening, and as well curb the transmission of the scourge. He said that the increasing rate of transmission of HIV to man

court-of-law For allegedly beating his wife, Keji,with an iron rod and threatening to kill her, a commercial bus driver, Solari Oputa, was on Monday brought before a Badagry Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State on a two-count charge. The 50-year-old accused, who resides at No. 1, RS Oputa St., Cele Naiza in Ijanikin area of Lagos, is being tried for assault and threat of life. The accused, who strangled her in an attempt to kill her, committed the offences on Oct. 10 at his house, according to Police Prosecutor Innocent Uko. “They had an argument and the accused started beating and threatening to kill his wife. “He boasted that nothing would happen if he killed the woman.” The offences contravened Section 56 (a) and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. The accused, on conviction, may be sentenced to jail for a minimum of two years. The accused pleaded not guilty and his lawyer, Mr Adeleke Alhassan, pleaded with the court to grant him bail on liberal terms. Magist

Antiretroviral drugs The Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), says it is working to address the growing shortage of antiretroviral drugs in various health facilities in Nigeria. Dr. Bilali Camara, the Country Director, UNAIDS, described the situation as an emergency. He said that UNAIDS was discussing with the Federal Ministry of Health, Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS (NEPHWAN) and some major donors over the issue. Camara told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday, that the problem was caused by difficulties being encountered by Global Fund to manage its resources in the country. Global Fund is one of the major donor agencies in Nigeria. “UNAIDS is very much concerned about the antiretroviral drugs crisis in Nigeria and it is working with Country Coordinating Mechanism to quickly address the problem. “It is a new issue that comes up within Nigeria and Global fund relationship, we are working to rebuild their confidence and bring them back to the field

Candidates writing JAMB examination using Computer-Based Test (CBT) system The ‎Lagos State University (LASU) says its admissions merit list for the 2016/2017 academic session will be released in the next few days by the Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB). Mr. Adekoya Martins, Acting Head, LASU’s Centre for Information, Press and Public Relations, confirmed the development to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos. Martins told NAN that the number of students to be offered admission on the merit list could not be ascertained by the university because it was being handled by JAMB. He said the university had sent a list of the successful ‎candidates for the first batch of its admission screening to JAMB for approval. ‎ “Information reaching me from the admission office is that JAMB will release the merit list this week, but the number of the admitted students is undisclosed. “We cannot actually determine the number of students that JAMB will approve for us i

Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice The Lagos State Commissioner for Justice, Mr Adeniji Kazeem, on Monday, told men of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority(LASTMA) and other state law enforcement agencies to stop collecting bribes. Kazeem spoke at the opening of the annual mandatory training for the state’s law enforcement officers at the Law Enforcement Training institute (LETI), in Lagos. The training had 3,550 participants drawn from the LASTMA, Vehicle Inspection Service, Kick Against Indiscipline and Neighbourhood Safety Corp Agency. “I implore you to re-double your efforts, resist bias, stop collecting bribes and see your job as your own contribution to making the state great,” Kazeem said. He urged the participating officers to implement their training lessons, be law abiding and stand for justice. The state governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, said at the event that his administration would intensify efforts to restore people

Femi and the positive Force band peforming Jennifer Okundia The annual musical festival held in honor of the late legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti ended this morning, after 7 days of great performances. Artistes like Daddy Showkey, Omawunmi, Simi, Falzthebahdguy, Mavin crew’s Dija and Reekado banks, Akpala, Remi Aluko, Seun Kuti and more performed during the week. Daddy Showkey Omawunmi Simi Seun Kuti The peak of the event came when Patoranking performed alongside Daddy Showkey, dancing galala to amuse the audience. Patoranking payed his respect by prostrating to the galala crooner, Daddy Showkey and Patoranking Mayokun Patoranking Olu Maintain Koker Raskimono Other performances included Mayorkun’s Eleko,Ycee, Femi’s positive band, Koker, T.W.O, Olu Maintain, Raskimono, Adewale Ayuba alongside others. Comedian Omo baba and Olisa Adibua were Mc throughout the show. Adewale Ayuba Femi Kuti at about 4am appreciated everyone and brought Felabration 2016 t

Gov Atiku Bagudu The Kebbi State Government said on Monday that it had recorded 35 percent girl-child enrolment as a result of the high level of advocacy. The Commissioner for Education, Alhaji Magawata Aleiro, said this during an interactive session with women advocates in Birnin Kebbi. He said 90,106 out of 316,630 primary and secondary school students were girls. Aleiro said the government would not relent in its effort to ensure more girls were enrolled in schools. “The government will not be left behind in ensuring that the problem is fixed. “Despite the achievements we have recorded so far, we will do more as the story is not the same in some Southern states of the country where enrolment of girls into schools is more encouraging. “In order to ensure the promotion of boarding schools, especially for the girl-child, the government spent N300 million on feeding every month,” the commissioner said. Earlier, the State Chairperson of High Level Women Advocates (HILWA), Hajia

President Buhari The Niger Delta Youth Movement (NDYM), Ondo State Chapter, on Monday commended President Muhammad Buhari for restoring Nigeria’s lost image through his fight against corruption. The commendation is contained in a statement signed by Mr. Agbejoye Adetoye, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja. It said that Buhari’s administration had within one year, restored the image of the country, which was lost for decades in the eyes of the international community. The group also appreciated the president for injecting integrity and discipline in the conduct of public affairs. “The record our President has created in just one year of administration is clear. Every living Nigerian can testify that he is living up to his campaign promises. “I can still remember one of his sayings, “If Nigeria refuse to kill corruption, corruption will kill Nigeria. “We want to urge Mr. President to continue his good work and we would be solidly behind him,” it quot

The Chairman of the Kogi State Branch of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Mr Abdullahi Suleiman, on Monday appealed to the State Government to hasten the payment of arrears of teachers’ salaries. He made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lokoja. Suleiman said that due to the failure of the government to meet its obligation, teachers had found it difficult to cater for their families and dependants. The unionist said that the State Government had benefited from the bailout fund meant to clear backlog of teachers’ salaries but that only 30 percent of the teachers were paid three months salary arrears. According to him, teachers are always at the receiving end and are often not paid their entitlements. Suleiman, however, lauded the blueprint put in place by the administration of Gov. Yahaya Bello, advising the governor that “the key to success is education”.