Global Naija Info

The Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal has reserved judgment in the appeal filed by former Divisional Police Officer of Pen-Cinema Agege Police station, Segun Fabunmi sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for manslaughter. Fabunmi is seeking the nullification of a 10-year jail term passed on him by a Lagos High Court for manslaughter. Justice Olabisi Akinlade of a Lagos State High Court sentenced Fabunmi to 10 years imprisonment for manslaughter following the death of one Ademola Aderintola Daramola during the January 9, 2012 fuel subsidy protest in Lagos. The court found Fabunmi guilty of shooting three other persons – Alimi Abubakar, Egbujor Samuel and Chizorba Odoh, during the protest, thereby causing them grievous bodily harm. Dissatisfied with the judgment, the former police officer in his notice of appeal urged the appellate court to set aside the judgment of the lower court. Arguing the appeal, Fabunmi’s counsel, Mr CJ Jiakponna stated that the conviction and sentencing of

Spurs lose at Wembley Tottenham’s hopes of reaching the Champions League knockout stages were dealt a blow as they were beaten by Bayer Leverkusen in a dismal display at Wembley. Mauricio Pochettino’s side failed to create a clear chance and are six games without a win in all competitions. Christian Eriksen and Kyle Walker pulled efforts narrowly wide after the break and Dele Alli had a penalty appeal turned down for Spurs. But the hosts struggled to turn plenty of possession into chances and fell behind when Kevin Kampl collected a deflected shot to roll home from eight yards. The goal earned the Bundesliga side their first Champions League win on English soil having collected just one draw in eight previous attempts. Spurs pressed late on and saw an Eric Dier free-kick strike the bar, but the result means they are now third in the group, two points behind Leverkusen who are in second. -BBC

Tony Elumelu It’s strange that whenever you mention the word ‘SEX’ it grabs everybody’s attention: they drop everything they are doing and want to read more. Well I’m sorry for misleading you for I’m not about to talk about ‘SEX’ today but about ‘S.EX’ (NB – notice the dot after ‘S’ and before ‘EX’?) which are my acronyms for ‘Super Excellence’. So let’s talk about Super Excellence. The English dictionary describes excellence as the quality of being outstanding or extremely good. Super excellence, however, is the art of pushing yourself to go even further, further than going the proverbial extra mile, being better than the best. Already you’re excellent at what you do (I presume) but what if you could become even better? In his highly acclaimed book ‘the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People’ Steven R Covey lists seven things you can do to be better. These are: 1, Be more proactive. 2, Begin with the end in mind. 3, Put first things first – taking full control and staying disci

TURNING-POINT-Bola-Bolawole Hurrah! Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has found his voice again! After losing the 2015 presidential election and relinquished power to Muhammadu Buhari, Jonathan ran tail between his legs to his Otuoke village in Bayelsa state, faded out of the limelight and embraced obscurity. Spirited efforts by prying reporters to draw him out failed; the only time he made any worthwhile statement was when the news spread that he had run out of the country into exile. He did not; he said; then returned to the country and quickly withdrew again into his shell. The wide publicity given the investigation of Dasuki-gate and the din of those demanding his probe and trial did not make Jonathan change his mind; he seemed bent on quietly enjoying his ‘retirement’ or of not ruffling feathers. On the few occasions that he spoke, he was terse. Once, he told us he was under probe; on another, we learnt that his life could be under threat. By and large, however, Jonathan

Prof. Okonjo (sitting) at the ceremony in Ghana Professor Chukwuka Okonjo, Obi of Ogwashiukwu and NLC Trustee has been conferred with Ghana’s highest civil national award. The award was conferred on him by President John Dramani Mahama in recognition of his stellar and distinguished contributions to the country’s education system. Professor Chukwuka Okonjo, father of the two-time former Minister of Finance, Dr. (Mrs.) Okonjo-Iweala of Nigeria is a renowned Mathematician and Economist who worked for a long time in Ghana as a United Nations staff and later as a consultant to the Ghanaian Government. Queen Okonjo, wife of the recipient and mother of Dr. Mrs Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala He joined the United Nations System in 1974 as an official based in New York with his duty station at Accra, Ghana as the Director of the Regional Institute for Population Studies (RIPS) at the University of Ghana, Lego, Accra. He worked as a Professor of Economics at the University from 1974 to 1985 at a ti

EEDC The Communication Officer of Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) in Umuahia, Mrs Cynthia Chude, said on Wednesday that the company had commenced the installation of pre-paid meters in Umuahia district. Chude said that six pre-paid meters had so far been installed for consumers in the district. She said that a list of at least 200 applicants was approved for the second batch of the exercise in the district. The communication officer said the process of the installation began early in the year with the distribution of subscription forms to the customers. She said that the process was stalled after a cross-section of the consumers protested to the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) that the meters ought to be free. She said that the smart card meters were free and described the subscription fees payable by prospective customers as `loan’ to the company. “Customers will be repaid the amount they paid to acquire the facility within 36 months after insta

Umaru-Tanko-Al-makura-Nasarawa-state-governor Gov. Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State has commended the Federal Government for embarking on the development of necessary power infrastructure to boost economic activities in the state. Al-Makura made the commendation when he spoke with State House correspondents after a closed door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari in the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday. He said that the President Buhari-led administration had put in place a robust power infrastructure in the state to support the state government’s industrial revolution plan. He particularly noted with delight that the Federal Government had completed arrangements for the installation of a 330 KV line that would supply the entire Nasarawa state with frequent power supply. He, therefore, expressed optimism that such project when completed would boost economic and business activities in the state and subsequently uplift the quality of life the people. “I came to thank t

court An Enugu-based lawyer, Bonaventure Ononugbo, on Tuesday appeared before an Enugu East Magistrates’ Court for an alleged N3 million land scam and forgery. The accused and the complainant, Mr Victor Ekwo, were said to have bickered over the ownership of a piece of land located at Nike Road, Enugu. When the matter was called up for hearing, the complainant told the court that when he discovered that another person was contending his land with him, he invited the complainant for a peace meeting. Ekwo said that the accused presented him with a receipt claiming to have bought the land in 2001. He said that upon investigation, he discovered that the receipt bore a stamp of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in commemoration of OPEC 50th anniversary. The complainant said that he further went to the internet and found out that the stamp was launched in 2010. “I became apprehensive when he brought a land receipt bearing OPEC 50 year’s anniversary stamp and I searched from the interne

Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State The Sokoto State House of Assembly on Wednesday called on the state government to immediately relieve the Commandant of the State Marshalls Corps, Mr Sa’idu Madawaki, of his appointment. The call followed the recommendation of a Special Committee set up by the assembly to investigate alleged disrespect of the government institutions and the assembly by officials of the corps. Chairman of the committee, Alhaji Abdullahi Garba (APC- Gwadabawa North), while presenting report of their findings to the house, said that the recommendation for disengagement of the commandant was reached after extensive consultation. He said: “There were several complaints of lack of respect and courtesy to institutions by the commandant and the Director of Finance of the Ministry of Home Affair, Alhaji Abba Shehu. “The Commissioner for Home Affairs, Alhaji Isa Achida, also confirmed the receipt of several of such complaints against officers of the corps from diffe

FIRS The Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr Tunde Fowler, has said that the organisation received more than 700,000 applications from the recent job advert it placed. Fowler made this known on Wednesday in Abuja when he appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petition. The FIRS boss’ appearance at the lower chamber followed a petition from some applicants, who claimed to have been excluded from the employment processes. The Service had invited applications for various positions in series of adverts placed in some national dailies. Fowler said that out of the 700,000 applicants more than 2,000 had first class degrees in various disciplines and were qualified to be engage by the Service. He said that FIRS would recruit only 500 people, adding that the exercise was designed to increase manpower for tax revenue collection and expand the country’s revenue base. He assured that the organisation would ensure fairness and due process in the re

Godswill Akpabio, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC have arrested Ibanga Ime Akpabio, cousin to the former Akwa Ibom Governor, Godswill Akpabio for his involvement in a N10 million oil scam. He was arrested in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, said the EFCC in a statement. Akpabio’s arrest was occasioned by an allegation that he collected a sum of N10 million from a potential investor in petroleum products. Specifically, Akpabio reportedly approached the investor to invest the money as equity in the purchase of petroleum product directly from a floating station belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC. The EFCC said he allegedly assured the inventor that he had secured all necessary approvals for the running of the business. According to the EFCC, Akpabio allegedly collected the money through a Diamond Account being operated by Fastej Enterprises and that he neither kept faith with the business ar

Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State Two Special Assistants to Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo state on Wednesday resigned their appointments and defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Those who resigned are Mrs Aderonke Morolayo, Special Assistant on Political Matters and Mr Victor Ojo, Special Assistant on Mobilisation. In her letter of resignation dated Nov. 2, 2016 and addressed to the governor, Morolayo said, “this is to formally inform Your Excellency of my resignation from the government of Ondo State due to circumstances beyond my control. “Your Excellency, let me also use this medium to thank and appreciate you for counting me worthy to serve the good people of Ondo state in this capacity.’’ She, however, informed the governor that his decision to have his successor from the Central Senatorial District, where he hailed from, would make Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to lose the Nov. 26 governorship poll. Morolayo and Ojo on Wednesday formally declared their

JAMB The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) says it will adopt “pin vending” for the 2017 UTME test, advising intending candidates to get familiar with the new approach. Dr Fabian Benjamin, the board’s Head of Media and Information, disclosed on Wednesday in Lagos that it would no longer use scratch cards. “Candidates, wishing to sit for the 2017 examination, should start getting themselves familiar with the newly adopted process of pin vending by the board. “We must make ourselves open to change like it is obtained in other climes. “We are no longer going back to the use of scratch card; that method is outdated. “Candidates wishing to register for the examination will just make online payment and get a pin with which they can upload their data. “This new pin vending will be accessible through the options of web payment, ATM issued cards like Visa, Verve, and Master card, online Quick Teller, mobile application and Bank Branch case/card.’’ Benjamin assured that th

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom-Emmanuel Governor Emmanuel Udom of Akwa Ibom State says he decided to sack 5,000 teachers because his administration uncovered the illicit activities of a syndicate that was behind the issuance of fake appointment letters to thousands of unqualified applicants. He warned that his administration was not ready to bow to sentiments in ensuring that the right decisions were made in the interest of the people of the State. Udom, in a statement said after futile attempts to manage the situation, he found it necessary to cancel to recruitment because of the lapses noticed in the foundation of the recruitment process. “Even the bible says if the foundation is not right, what can the righteous man do? We have tried to see how we could get something out of that recruitment process, but believe me, the foundation was very faulty. “If we are putting people to teach our children, please let us leave sentiments apart and go for the right people. We need to make s

Patience Jonathan The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos this afternoon pronounced guilty verdict on four companies used as fronts to launder $15.5m on behalf of the former First Lady, Patience Jonathan. The four companies were used by Waparimo Dudafa, the former personal assistant to former president Goodluck Jonathan, to launder $15.5m on behalf of Mrs Jonathan. The sentence has also been reserved until the conclusion of the trial of the three accused persons involved in the case. Details later.

The Osun House of Assembly on Wednesday summoned the managements of two steel companies over poisonous emissions constituting health hazards to people in their host communities. The Speaker, Mr Najeem Salaam, summoned the steel firms at the plenary following a matter of urgent public importance brought by a member representing Ife North constituency, Mr Babatunde Olatunji. The speaker identified the companies as Ife Iron and Steel Company, Ile-Ife and Fonis Steel Company, Ikirun. Summoning the companies, the Speaker said that the impact of emission been generated by the steel companies was causing health problems for residents of their areas of operation. Olatunji said that although the companies brought some economic benefits to their host communities, it should not be to the detriment of the people’s health. Another member, Mr Folorunso Bamisayemi, recalled that he had raised the matter in 2013 but the affected companies failed to take appropriate steps to prevent the poisonous

House of Representatives members A bill to grant financial autonomy to local government councils in the country, on Wednesday in Abuja, scaled through the second reading in the House of Representatives. The bill sponsored by Rep. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha (PDP-Abia) seeks to alter section 162 of the 1999 constitution. Section 162 provides for the State Joint Local Government Account, into which all revenues accruing to the local governments from the federal and state governments are paid. In her debate, however, Onyejeocha argued that unless the joint account was abolished, the objective of strengthening local government as a tier of government would be unattainable. She said that local governments lacked the needed financial autonomy necessary for effective management of financial resources due to them from the federation account. According to her, the bill if passed into law will strengthen the operation of the councils because state governments have ‘capitalized’ on the joint acco

Protesters in South Africa demanding Zuma’s resignation. The findings of an investigation into corruption allegations against South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma have been released. In the report, former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela recommends Mr Zuma should establish a judicial commission of inquiry with 30 days. The ANC leader is accused of an improper relationship with wealthy businessmen. Mr Zuma had tried to block the release of the report. But he dropped his court bid on Wednesday, with his office releasing a statement revealing the decision was made “in the interest of justice and speedy resolution of the matter”. “The president will give consideration to the contents of the report in order to ascertain whether it should be a subject of a court challenge,” the statement added. Thousands of people gathered in the capital Pretoria and in other cities on Wednesday ahead of the report’s publication, demanding his resignation. Police fired water cannon to disperse protest

Governor Ibikunle Amosun Gov. Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State on Wednesday urged tertiary institutions in the country to embrace research, in order to solve the nation’s challenges. Amosu gave the advice while speaking at the 35th Annual Conference of the Nigeria Society of Biochemistry And Molecular Biology (NSBMB), held at Covenant University, Ota, Ogun. The conference has as its theme: “Catalysing National Development through Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.” It was co-sponsored by the university and the society. Amosu, who was represented by Mrs Module Mujota, Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, explained that in most civilised economies, government and private sector decisions and policies were often times, products of empirical, evidence-based research. He added that the hallmark of our tertiary institutions, research centres and accredited researchers, was, therefore, the ability to solve the nation’s problems. “Our universities must take the driver’s p

A Minna Chief Magistrates’ Court has ordered the remand in prison custody of two women, Aisha and Fatima Garba, for allegedly dumping a day old baby girl. The accused were arraigned in court on Wednesday on a two-count charge of criminal conspiracy and abandonment, contrary to sections 97 and 237 of the penal code. The Police Prosecutor, Sgt. Lawrence Mowette told the court‎ that one Usman Suleiman of Tsohon Area of Sarkin Pawa reported the matter at the Divisional Police Headquarters on Oct. 18. Mowette said the complainant alleged that he had gone to his farm near a river on the same day when he found a day old baby tied in nylon and abandoned close to the railway bridge. The Prosecutor added that investigations showed that the baby had been born by the 1st accused who conspired with the 2nd accused, her mother, to abandon the child. When the charges were read to them, they pleaded not guilty. The prosecutor, thereafter, prayed the court for an adjournment to enable the police

court Justice Jude Okeke of an FCT high court Maitama on Wednesday slammed a fine of N5 million on Airtel Nig. Ltd for violation of customer’s right to privacy. The plaintiff, Mr Emmanuel Anene on Dec. 21 filed a suit against Airtel for continues disturbances through unsolicited messages to his line. The judge held that the crucial issue that calls for determination here was whether or not that the plaintiff evidence made out a case to justify the claims in the reliefs he sought. “One of the reliefs sought an order of the court seeks for the award of damages. “A plaintiff who seeks for a violation of right is to succeed on the strength of his case and not on the weakness or absence of the defence. “Though he can rely on the absence of the defence to support his case. He said the burden of proof could shift from party to party until the issue in contention is resolved. The court records showed that the plaintiff evidence of claims was served on the defendant and led evidence i

The Federal Executive Council on Wednesday approved the establishment of eight new private universities for the country. The decision was taken at a meeting of the council presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari. The new universities include: Anchor University, Ayobo, Lagos; Clifford University, Coal City University, Dominican University, Kola Daisi University, Legacy University, Okija among others. More later.

court Six men believed to be political thugs, who allegedly conspired with others still at large and invaded the inauguration venue of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Executive Committee to cause mayhem, were on Wednesday released on N300,000 bail on the order of an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court. The accused are Tunde Edward, 53; Chika Ekwugha, 26; Mojeed Salami, 51; residents of Ifako-Ijaiye; Hakeem Odunewu, 57; Lukmon Laguda, 53, a resident of Iju-Ishaga, a Lagos suburb, and Isaac Adepoju of Oke-Ira, Ogba in Lagos. They are facing charges of conspiracy, possession of dangerous weapons and breach of public peace. The prosecutor, Sgt. Babaji Ishaku said the accused with 20 others still at large invaded a PDP inauguration venue with some dangerous weapons. Ishaku said the offences were committed on Oct. 14 at about 4.30 p.m. at Block 61, Flat 5, Ifako-Ijaiye Housing Estate, Pen Cinema, Agege. He alleged that a man, Laguda Lukmon, who is still at large, mobilized the accused person

court Six men believed to be political thugs, who allegedly conspired with others still at large and invaded the inauguration venue of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Executive Committee to cause mayhem, were on Wednesday released on N300,000 bail on the order of an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court. The accused are Tunde Edward, 53; Chika Ekwugha, 26; Mojeed Salami, 51; residents of Ifako-Ijaiye; Hakeem Odunewu, 57; Lukmon Laguda, 53, a resident of Iju-Ishaga, a Lagos suburb, and Isaac Adepoju of Oke-Ira, Ogba in Lagos. They are facing charges of conspiracy, possession of dangerous weapons and breach of public peace. The prosecutor, Sgt. Babaji Ishaku said the accused with 20 others still at large invaded a PDP inauguration venue with some dangerous weapons. Ishaku said the offences were committed on Oct. 14 at about 4.30 p.m. at Block 61, Flat 5, Ifako-Ijaiye Housing Estate, Pen Cinema, Agege. He alleged that a man, Laguda Lukmon, who is still at large, mobilized the accused person

The Senate on Wednesday gave the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Dec. 10 ultimatum to conduct pending National Assembly elections in Rivers. The Senate threatened to suspend its plenary if the electoral body failed to meet the deadline, pointing out that the state had remained without representation in the national assembly for a long period. According to the chamber, the situation is unconstitutional. The lawmakers took the decision after adopting a motion by the Deputy President of the Senate, Mr Ike Ekwerenmadu, and co-sponsored by Leader of the Senate, Alhaji Ali Ndume. Moving the motion earlier, Ekweremadu said that in spite of the resolution of the senate on Sept. 27 urging INEC to conduct the elections, “the commission refused to oblige. He said, “lNEC has failed, refused and or neglected to conduct re-run elections in Rivers, into the Senate, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly. “The failure of lNEC to conduct the re-run elections in Rive

Nigeria-police The Borno State Police Command has expressed shock over allegations of sexual abuse of girls and women by officials guarding Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in the state. In its latest report, Human Rights Watch, an NGO, alleged that officials guarding IDPs camps in Borno sexually abuse young girls and women. Reacting to the report while briefing newsmen on Wednesday in Maiduguri, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Damian Chukwu, expressed reservation over the authenticity of the report. “We have not received any complain or report from any IDP camp on the issue, so the whole thing is strange to me. “Since I assumed office a few months ago, I have constantly been monitoring situations in the camps; I have never received such report,”he said, adding that the police would investigate the issue to find the truth. “We are going to investigate the matter; we are going to get to the root of the matter to ensure justice. “We are also going to introduce new measur

The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has called on the leadership of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to fight the injustice of Ogun government on its workers. NULGE President Ibrahim Khaleel made the call on Wednesday in a phone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja. He said that NULGE members in all the states of the federation would be ready to back any action taken by the two trade unions in supporting workers in Ogun. “We are fully ready to support and fight the injustice of the state on our members, not only at the state level but also at the national.” He said that following the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum, workers in the state under the state chapters of NLC and TUC, and Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council, had resumed the suspended strike. According to Khaleel, workers’ demands included payment of outstanding 12 months check-off dues, outright stoppage of contributory pension deducti

Gov-Ibikunle-Amosun of Ogun state Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State is holding a closed-door meeting with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the National Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) in his office at Oke Mosan, Abeokuta over the strike embarked upon by workers in the state. The Ogun State Government on Monday sacked the State Chairman of NLC, Akeem Ambali and Comrade Dare Ilekoya, Chairman of Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, Ogun State chapter following the strike by the workers. Sources at the Governor’s office confirmed that the NLC President, Ayuba Wabba, TUC President, Boboi Kaigama and Kiri Shuaibu of JNC, were at the meeting with the governor.

The Sokoto State Zakkat and Endowment Committee says it disbursed over N251 million as alms to the poor between 2013 and 2015. The Committee Chairman, Malam Lawal Maidoki, disclosed this at an event marking the 10th anniversary of as the Sultan of Sokoto. Maidoki said that the money was collected from 85 districts of the state by the Coalition of Islamic Associations. He commended the state government, the Sultanate Council and the Coalition for ensuring the success of the committee. The Sultan of Sokoto, who was represented by Magajin Rafi, Alhaji Rilwan Bello, commended the Coalition for its dedication toward the success of the Caliphate. Earlier, the state Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Alhaji Mani Maishunku, lauded the gesture and urged scholars to ensure peaceful coexistence among Muslims and non-Muslims in the state. NAN reports that the event was attended by various Muslim associations, including Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI), Women in Da’awa and Sufi Movement of Nige

Bobrisky Bobrisky widely known as ‘Africa’s Male Barbie’ was top on Google search this week, an official said on Wednesday. Mr Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Google’s Communications and Public Affairs Manager, Anglophone West Africa, made the disclosure in a statement in Lagos. He said that the search was from Oct. 26 to Nov. 2. “Top trending searches on Google this week went from a fashionable man with a different dress sense to a search for a chemistry, which is neither a subject nor love bond. “Bobrisky, ‘Africa’s Male Barbie’ became a search interest this week after a presidential aide pulled off from a new media conference, because he could not share the stage with the social media sensation. “Bobrisky had earlier dominated Google search some months back, for cross-dressing, use of makeup and stories of highlife with a secret ‘bae’, Kola-Ogunlade said. He said that multi-talented musician, Falz the Bad Guy and beautiful songstress Simi, recently released an Extended Play (EP) title

The gavel of justice A teenager, Chinemerem Nwankwo, who allegedly broke into an apartment and stole property and cash valued at N175,000, was on Wednesday in Lagos granted a N50,000 bail. A Surulere Chief Magistrates’ Court which gave the ruling, directed the accused to provide a surety in like sum, who must be gainfully employed with an evidence of tax payment to Lagos State Government. The 19-year old accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge of conspiracy, burglary and stealing. ‎ According to the prosecutor, Insp Benson Emuerhi, the accused and others now at large committed the offences at No. 6, Ehi St., Ijeshatedo, Surulere, Lagos, at about 3.00 a.m on Aug.18. He alleged that the accused and others still at large burgled the apartment of the complainant, Mrs Tunrayo Ahmed. Emuerhi told he court that the complainant saw the accused coming out of her apartment with his accomplices. “But when she raised an alarm they ran away with the following items

Otuoke Varsity The National President, Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide, Mr Udengs Eradiri, says the Federal University, Otuoke (FUO), needs special intervention from the Federal government to serve the purpose for its establishment. Eradiri said this on Wednesday during a courtesy visit on the institution’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Seth Jaja. According to him, the intervention will help the young institution put in place necessary infrastructure to facilitate its development The IYC President also said that priority needed to be given to the university because of its strategic location in the heart of the Niger Delta, for it to help solve some of the region’s peculiar challenges. Congratulating the Vice Chancellor on his appointment, Eradiri expressed confidence in the new administration and assured him of IYC’s support throughout his tenure. He, however, urged the VC to address what he described as perceived inequality in terms of appointments and admissions existing in the univers

The gavel of justice An Egor Magistrates’ Court, Benin, on Wednesday granted bail in the sum of N250,000 each to two accused persons for alleged rape of an 18-year-old girl. The two accused persons, kelvin Ogiede, 24, and Bamidele Ighele, 25, are facing a two-count charge bordering on rape. The Magistrate, Mrs Igho Braimoh, admitted them to bail after they pleaded not guilty to the charges. Braimoh ordered the accused persons to produce a surety each in like sum. She said that the sureties must be a civil servant on grade level 15 and above, and adjourned the case till Dec. 7 for hearing. Prosecutor Osayomwanbor Omoruyi had told the court that the accused persons committed the offence on Oct. 23, at Ighoshodin Secondary School Area of Benin. Omoruyi said that the accused persons conspired among themselves and unlawfully had carnal knowledge of the victim without her consent. The offences contravened sections 516 and 358 of the Criminal Code.

Lag bus Two men Oladipo Omolewo and Michael Sunday who allegedly broke into the premises of 1st BRT bus premises at Ojota to steal vehicle parts, were on Wednesday brought before an Ogudu Magistrates’ Court, Lagos. Omolewo, 45, of Kogberegbe Street, and Sunday, 27, of Abayommi Street, in Ojota, Lagos, are facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing. The prosecutor, Sgt. Ihiehie Lucky told the court that the offences were committed on Oct. 27 at Ojota. He said the complainant, an Operation Manager of the sacked 1st BRT Bus, reported the incident at the Ogudu Police Station. According to him, members of the community had in the last one month informed the authorities that some unscrupulous elements had invaded the premises to vandalise the buses. The accused, Omolewo, who claimed to be scavengers, unlawfully entered the BRT premises and vandalized some buses. “He has has been vandalizing the buses, removing radiators, turbo chargers, injectors, propellers, block engines

PDP-logo The Taraba Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), on Wednesday, endorsed the appointment of Malam Mustapha Jaji as an ambassadorial nominee from the state. The State’s PDP Chairman, Mr. Victor Bala, announced the endorsement at a news briefing in Jalingo. According to him, President Muhammadu Buhari has the right to give political appointment to any qualified Nigerian irrespective of party affiliation. “The President has the right to appoint every qualified Nigerian into any available office. Therefore, I am very happy with this appointment. “Look, if you ask me which political party Mustapha belongs to, I will tell you I don’t know. “But I do know that he neither belongs to the state nor the zonal executives of the PDP. “If they say he is a member of our party at the local level, then may be it is the ward officials that can know that. “Mark my words it is a well-deserved appointment because Mustapha has all the necessary academic qualifications and experienc

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu Some politicians on Wednesday appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to do its best to conduct a free, fair and credible Ondo governorship election on Nov. 26. In Lagos, the parties also urged political parties and voters in the state to promote a peaceful and violence-free election by abiding by the rules. The Lagos State Chairman of Action Alliance, Mr Shola Omolola, hoped that INEC would be impartial in the conduct of the election. “I expect INEC to conduct a free, transparent and credible election and, most importantly, be impartial to all parties. “Once this is done, the confidence of the people will be restored. Voters should play by the rules of the game,’’ Omolola said. He also urged security personnel to be more vigilant. Alhaji Musa Umar, a chieftain of All Progressives Congress, Kano Chapter, urged INEC to strengthen its partnership with security agencies for maximum peace during the election. “INEC must

Malam Nasir El-Rufai, Kaduna State Governor Gov. Nasiru El-Rufa’i of Kaduna State, on Wednesday brokered peace between contending forces over the leadership of the famous Sultan Bello Mosque in Kaduna. The mosque, named after the first Sultan of Sokoto, was the hub of the puritanical Izala movement anchored by late Sheikh Abubakar Gumi. It had been enmeshed in leadership crisis since August 12, and the situation led to the expulsion of the Chief Imam of the mosque, Sheikh Balele Wali. The appointment of Dr Khalid Abubakar as acting Chief Imam was staunchly opposed by some members of the mosque, led by Dr Ahmad Gumi. A statement by Samuel Aruwan, spokesman to El- Rufa’í, however, said stakeholders at the meeting held in Kaduna, agreed to give peace a chance. It said that the contending parties agreed to allow the Deputy Imam of the mosque to serve in acting capacity pending appointment of a substantive Chief Imam. They mandated the management committee of the mosque, in collabo

Magistrate-court A self-styled Lagos prophet, 52-year-old Amos Ojo, who allegedly collected N800, 000 from a man on the pretext of executing a project, is to enjoy temporary freedom as he was released on a N300,000 bail. An Ikeja Magistrates’ Court which gave the ruling on Wednesday, also granted the accused two sureties in like sum. The accused, who lives at Waheed Ogunseye Street, Meiran, on the Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta Expressway, is being tried for obtaining money under false pretences and stealing. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty. The offences, according to the prosecutor, Insp. Rachel Williams, were committed sometime in January at 25, Capitol Road, Agege, Lagos. “The accused collected N800,000 from a man, Muyiwa Awoleku, to execute a contract project for him.” The offences contravened Sections 285 and 312 (a) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. The Magistrate, Mrs L. Y Balogun, adjourned the case to Nov. 14 for mention.

court-of-law An Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, South West Nigeria has fixed November 24 for the trial of a businesswoman, Omolewa Kafilat Yussuf, who allegedly collected N90m from nine persons with a promise to convert it to dollars but converted the money to her personal use. She was arrested and arraigned in court by operatives of the Force Criminal Investigations Department, FCIC, Alagbon Close, Ikoyi, Lagos for collecting over N90m under false pretence. Police prosecutor, SP Raymond Odion Akhaine, told the court that the accused in 2014 collected N25m from Aigbogun Sydney with the pretence to pay back in dollars equivalent. He said the defendant also collected N5,910,000 from Okesola Bukola; N18m from Kingsley Chibuike Ozoide; N32m from Odumosu Ogaga, N3m from Uchenna Okoye, N10m from Kalu Okpan. She also collected N9, 850,000 from Igwilo Ugochukwu; N7m from Abakpa Alfred and N4m from Isang Ekong David all with the pretence to pay them in dollars equivalent. Akhaine sai

IPDs The Executive Director, Victims Support Fund, (VSF), Prof. Sunday Ocheche, said the organisation had earmarked N120 million to support 7,000 widows and other vulnerable women affected by Boko Haram insurgency. Ocheche made this known at the inauguration of the project held in Maiha Local Government Area of Adamawa on Wednesday. He said that the beneficiaries were those in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states. Ocheche said that the development was to assist improve livelihood and create business opportunities for the widows who lost their husbands to Boko Haram insurgency. “As part of the organisation’s humanitarian intervention in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe, about 7, 000 widows and other vulnerable women would be assisted with unconditional cash grant. “Each beneficiary will receive N20,000 cash to restart a small business of her choice,” Ocheche said. The executive director said that the programme started last year with 1,000 Internally Displaced Women living in some camps in Mai

court-of-law An Osogbo Magistrates’ Court in Osun on Wednesday remanded a 40-year-old man, Hamzat Morufu, at an Ilesa Prison for alleged breach of public peace and assault. Magistrate Olusola Aluko ordered that the accused be remanded for allegedly attacking his victim with a screwdriver and his alleged mental illness. The magistrate then adjourned the case to Dec. 12. Earlier, the prosecutor, Sgt. Rasaki Olaiwola, had told the court that the accused committed the offences on Oct. 31 at about 11p.m., at Oke Baale area of Osogbo. Olaiwola alleged that the accused conducted himself in a manner likely to cause a breach of public peace by attacking one Olaoluwa Kareem with a screw driver. The prosecutor told the court that the accused was suffering from alleged mental illness. Olaiwola said the offences contravened Sections 355 and 249(d) of the Criminal Code Cap 34, Vol. 11, Laws of Osun, 2003. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge of breach of the pea