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Tag: law enforcement

  • Nigerian Senate Establishes 43-Member Committee for Constitution Review

    Nigerian Senate Establishes 43-Member Committee for Constitution Review

    The Nigerian Senate has taken a decisive step towards addressing the longstanding need for constitutional reform by inaugurating a 43-member committee tasked with reviewing the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    Chaired by Deputy Senate President Jibril Barau, with Senate Leader Bamidele Opeyemi serving as Vice Chairman, the committee comprises 43 Senators representing each state of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as an additional six members representing the country’s geopolitical zones and all female senators of the 10th Senate.

    In his announcement, Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasized the urgency of revisiting the 1999 constitution, highlighting the necessity for a major review to better serve the interests of Nigerians. Akpabio further directed the Deputy Senate President to engage Speakers of State Houses of Assembly in preparatory discussions prior to commencing the review process.

    During the inaugural address, Committee Chairman Jibril Barau outlined the committee’s strategic approach, emphasizing collaboration with the House of Representatives and state Houses of Assembly to achieve comprehensive results.
    Barau underscored the importance of consulting with stakeholders from diverse sectors to ensure the success of the review process, clarifying that the committee’s objective is to amend select sections of the constitution for the benefit of the Nigerian populace.

    Echoing Barau’s sentiments, Senate Leader Bamidele Opeyemi affirmed the committee’s commitment to delivering tangible outcomes, acknowledging the critical juncture in the nation’s history and assuring Nigerians that the committee’s work would not adhere to conventional practices. Opeyemi emphasized the inclusion of stakeholders from academia, political groups, and other interest groups in the committee’s deliberations.

    Additionally, lawmakers emphasized the importance of adhering to timelines and collaborating with the executive branch to ensure a holistic approach to constitutional reform. Representatives assigned to the committee from each geopolitical zone include Senator Adamu Aliero (NW), Senator Orji Kalu (SE), Senator Fadahunsi Francis (SW), Senator Bomai Muhammed (NE), Senator Barinad Mpigi (SS), and Senator Umar Sadiq Suleiman.

    The Senate review committee aims to identify pertinent sections of the constitution requiring amendment to address contemporary national challenges, with inputs solicited from various stakeholders to inform the revision process.

  • House of Representatives Advances Bill on State Police to Second Reading

    House of Representatives Advances Bill on State Police to Second Reading

    In a decisive move aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s internal security, the House of Representatives has taken a significant step by passing for second reading, the State Police Reform bill.

    Spearheaded by the deputy speaker and backed by 14 other members, the proposed legislation seeks to amend the 1999 constitution to pave the way for the establishment of state police formation.

    During Tuesday’s plenary session, members of the House engaged in a robust debate on the merits of the bill. Expressing concern over the nation’s current security landscape, Kalu, standing in for Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, emphasized the paramount importance of prioritizing the safety of Nigerian citizens over political considerations.

    Babajimi Benson underscored the pressing need for a decentralized approach to law enforcement. With Nigeria’s population exceeding 200 million and a police force of fewer than 400,000 officers, Benson argued that the creation of state police forces is imperative to effectively tackle internal security challenges.

    Despite facing contention since the Seventh National Assembly, the advancement of the bill marks a notable breakthrough in the legislative process. Notably, governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have reiterated their support for state policing, citing it as crucial for addressing the nation’s deteriorating security situation and averting a scenario akin to Venezuela’s.

    Furthermore, various regional socio-political organizations, including Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the Middle Belt Forum, and the Northern Elders’ Forum, have thrown their weight behind the implementation of state police forces. They view it as a pragmatic solution to the escalating security challenges confronting Nigeria.

    The bill’s referral to the House Committee on Constitution Review signifies a pivotal phase in its journey through the legislative process. As Nigeria grapples with persistent security threats, the advancement of the bill underscores a growing consensus on the imperative of decentralized law enforcement to safeguard the nation and its citizens.

  • NYSC Reacts To Report Of Corps Members Crying Over Rising Food Price

    NYSC Reacts To Report Of Corps Members Crying Over Rising Food Price

    The National Youth Service Corp has reacted to a news reports were corp members expressed dissatisfaction with the soaring food prices in the Mammy market.

    The report alleged that a camp coordinator suggested that the Corp members exit the camp if they couldn’t cope with the surge in food prices.

    Reacting in a statement on Saturday, the NYSC described the report as untrue and intended to cause mischief.

    The statement read below:

    “The attention of NYSC Management has been drawn to the publication with the above headline making the rounds on the social media.

    “Management wishes to state that the story is nothing but a tissue of lies, intended to cause mischief, and generate traffic to the social media handles of the purveyors.

    “It is very laughable, absurd and unfortunate to allege that a State Coordinator addressed Corps Members, encouraging them to leave the Orientation Camp, because of food shortage.

    “Indeed, one with a probing mind will know that the allegation is fallacious, as no State Coordinator of the NYSC, many of whom are of the substantive rank of Deputy Director and have put in over 25 years in Service will utter such careless, very indicting and unintelligent statement.

    “For the avoidance of doubt and purposes of information, NYSC Orientation Camps are operated under a framework of checks and balances, built on so many layers.

    “In each camp is a Resident Officer posted from the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters, Abuja, to assist the camp managements run a hitch-free Orientation Course. He is resident in the camp for all through the three-week duration of the programme. 

    “Part of their mandate is to ensure that camp managements comply strictly with the laid down policies and rules concerning feeding of Corps Members, among others.

    “Officers of the Scheme of the directorate cadre also visit the camps on monitoring duties. They in turn play oversight functions on the Resident Officers and camp managements.

    “It is pertinent to state that the ultimate authority in the day-to-day running of the Scheme, the Director General, Brig Gen YD Ahmed goes round the NYSC Orientation Camps nationwide with his team, each camping season, primarily to see to the welfare of Corps Members.

    “It is imperative to emphasise that camp markets are highly regulated, so as to prevent exploitation of Corps Members by the operators. However, the markets are not insulated from the vagaries of inclement economic weather which is of global dimension. 

    “It is therefore unthinkable and immoral for one to manufacture lies in order to generate traffic for pecuniary benefits, throwing caution to the winds, while mindlessly generating anxiety among the parents and relatives of Corps Members.

    “NYSC from the highest echelon of authority to the least runs an open door policy, and will gladly answer enquiries concerning her operations for clarification”.

  • Customs Auctions 462 Seized Vehicles For N556m

    Customs Auctions 462 Seized Vehicles For N556m

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a successful outcome from its ongoing e-auction, raking in a substantial N556.74 million from the sale of 462 impounded vehicles.

    Dismissing rumours of impropriety, the NCS refuted claims by the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) 100 Compliance team, which had accused the e-auction committee of engaging in a monumental fraud.

    According to Alhaji Tanko Ibrahim, the National Coordinator of the Compliance Team, the committee allegedly allotted over 300 impounded vehicles to a single individual at the remarkably low rate of N10,000 per vehicle.

    However, the NCS National Public Relations Officer, CSC Abdullahi Maiwada, countered these accusations in a statement, revealing that 13,605 applicants registered on the e-auction portal during five successful bidding windows. 

    Out of the 476 impounded vehicles uploaded, 462 found new owners, resulting in a revenue of N556,738,736 for the government.

    Maiwada strongly denied any fraudulent activities or underhand dealings within the e-auction process, emphasizing the NCS’s commitment to accountability and transparency. 

    He expressed concern over the serious allegations, asserting that the NCS operates within the confines of the law, adhering strictly to established guidelines for disposing of seized/overtime goods.

    In response to claims of allotting vehicles to a single individual, Maiwada stated, “This is entirely false, misguided, and spurious.” He also refuted the suggestion of a token sum of N10,000 collected as duties, emphasizing that such claims were misleading and a misrepresentation of facts.

    The NCS reaffirmed its dedication to maintaining a high level of integrity in the ongoing e-auction process, designed to provide a fair playing field for all Nigerians.

  • FG Reopens Abuja Store After Being Sealed Over Misleading Pricing

    FG Reopens Abuja Store After Being Sealed Over Misleading Pricing

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has reopened Sahad Stores, a popular supermarket in Abuja, following its temporary closure on Friday, February 16. 

    The closure was prompted by the store’s alleged lack of transparency in pricing practices, as revealed by FCCPC investigations.

    The commission accused Sahad Stores of displaying lower prices on shelves while charging higher prices at checkout, leaving customers with no choice but to pay inflated amounts. 

    This was labelled as “violations involving misleading pricing and lack of transparency” by the FCCPC.

    In a statement issued by the acting Executive Vice Chairman, Adamu Abdullahi, on Saturday, it was confirmed that Sahad Stores had been reopened after a temporary closure. 

    The FCCPC conducted random checks and found that deceptive practices persisted, prompting the initial closure under Section 18(f) of its authority.

    The statement highlighted the reopening on February 16, 2024, at around 7 p.m., following a commitment from Sahad Stores to implement transparent pricing practices.

    The FCCPC emphasized the importance of businesses displaying transparent pricing information, especially during challenging economic times.

    The commission reiterated its commitment to combating exploitative or misleading practices and protecting consumer rights. 

    It urged all businesses to adhere to fair and transparent pricing practices, emphasizing potential penalties outlined in Section 115 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.

    Providing background information, the FCCPC recalled its initial investigation on January 8, 2024, which revealed misleading pricing practices at Sahad Stores. 

    Following this, the commission issued a summons to the store’s staff to discuss corrective measures on February 12, 2024, but they failed to appear without justification, raising concerns about potential violations under Section 33(3) of the FCCPA.

  • Court orders AGF to re-open prosecution of Dele Giwa, other journalists killers…Orders FG To Ensure Safety Of Journalists

    Court orders AGF to re-open prosecution of Dele Giwa, other journalists killers…Orders FG To Ensure Safety Of Journalists

    Justice Inyang Ekwo Of Federal High Court in Abuja, Friday, ordered the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF) to re-open investigation and prosecution of those who murdered the founder of Newswatch Magazine, Dele Giwa, in 1986.

    The Incorporated Trustees of Media Rights Agenda, MRA, had dragged the AGF through the court for the enforcement of fundamental rights of media professionals to safety as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution and African Charters on Human Rights.

    The applicant deposed an affidavit showing the names of journalists killed at different times in 1986, 1998, 1999, 2008 and 2023.

    Justice Ekwo held that the office of the AGF was under obligation to prosecute and penalize killers of media practitioners in the country.

    Recall that Dele Giwa was murdered on October 19, 1986, in his Lagos office through a letter bomb.

    Apart from Dele Giwa, the court ordered that the killings of other journalists in the discharge of their lawful duties must be investigated and perpetrators brought to book in line with the provisions of the law.

    Justice Ekwo in the judgement ordered the Federal Government to ensure adequate protection and safety of lives of journalists as enshrined in sections 33, 39 of the Constitution and Articles 4 and 9 of the African Charters on Human and Peoples Rights.

    The applicant, through its lawyer, Mojirayo Nkana, said there have been various violations of the Nigerian journalists’ right to life for several years.

    She said some journalists are still being harassed by security agencies with the AGF allegedly doing nothing about it.

    Passing his judgement on Friday, Justice Inyang Ekwo held that it is noteworthy that Nigeria ratified several international treaties regarding the protection of fundamental human rights and the country’s government is legally bound by the treaties and is obligated to enforce same.

    He said that society is better informed when there is an effective press, adding that the respondent has not denied that journalists were killed.

    “It is deemed therefore that the respondents have admitted that the persons mentioned in the affidavit were journalists who were killed,” Ekwo said.

    The judge said an extrajudicial act cannot take place without the Federal Government investigating and prosecuting them.

    The judge found that the applicant has established its case and judgement was entered in its favor.

    “I make an order directing the federal government to take measures to raise awareness and build the capacity of various stakeholders particularly journalists and other media practitioners, policymakers, law enforcement, security, intelligence, military as well as other officials on the laws and standards in ensuring the safety of journalists and media practitioners.”

  • FCT Police Arrest Notorious Kidnapper, Dahiru Adamu Whom Wike Placed N20 Million Bounty

    FCT Police Arrest Notorious Kidnapper, Dahiru Adamu Whom Wike Placed N20 Million Bounty

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Police has arrested a notorious kidnapper, Dahiru Adamu, who is part of the criminals terrorising Abuja and its environs.

    Adamu, whose real name is Saidu Abdulkadir, was arrested on Thursday by the FCT Police Command’s Anti-kidnapping unit when the operatives raided two kidnappers’ camps near the Nasarawa-Abuja border via Kuje area council at about 12am.

    Confirming the arrest, the FCT Police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, in a statement on Friday, said on sighting the police, the criminals opened fire but were overpowered by the superior firepower of the Police.

    Adeh added that one Habu Yakubu and Isufu Abubakar, earlier abducted from Kwaita village via Pegi district of Kuje area council, were rescued unhurt during the process.

    The arrested suspect is the gang leader and one of the wanted suspects of the kidnapping syndicate paraded by the Police Command on 14th February, 2024.

    Adeh said: “Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect masterminded the kidnap and killing of one Mr Sunday Yahaya Zakwai, the district head of Ketti village.

    “While effort is till ongoing to apprehend the other wanted suspects on the run, the Commissioner of Police FCT, CP Benneth C. Igweh psc, mni, wishes to reassure criminals in FCT that there is no hiding place for them. He equally urges residents to report suspicious activities through the following emergency lines ; 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653, and 08028940883; PCB: 09022222352.”

    The arrest comes a few hours after the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, announced a 20 million naira reward for the capture of the kidnapper.

  • FG Drops Treasonable Felony Case Against Sowore

    FG Drops Treasonable Felony Case Against Sowore

    The Federal Government has officially declared its intention to discontinue the long-standing treasonable felony case against the publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, and his co-defendant, Olawale Bakare, also known as Mandate.

    The announcement was conveyed through a document dated February 15, 2024, by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi. 

    The document, addressed to the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Abuja Division, cited constitutional powers as the basis for discontinuing Charge No FHC/ABI/CR/235/2019.

    The trial judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, had previously threatened to strike out the case due to the prosecution team’s inability to articulate their arguments in court. 

    This decision follows over four years of legal proceedings in the high-profile case.

    Meanwhile, Sowore, who was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) in 2019 ahead of a planned #RevolutionNow protest, has expressed his intention to sue the Federal Government and the DSS for ₦1billion. 

    In an exclusive telephone interview, Sowore highlighted the trauma inflicted on him and his family during his detention and subsequent confinement in Nigeria.

    Sowore asserted, “I didn’t commit any crime; they only decided to waste my time and the resources of the country. But we’re not giving up. I will sue the Federal Government of Nigeria and the DSS for ₦1billion as compensation for the cost of time and resources, mental and financial trauma, and also for the assassination of my brother, Olajide Sowore during this five-year period that I was abducted, detained, and now confined to Nigeria while they seized my passport.”

  • Fresh EndSARS Protest Erupts In Delta

    Fresh EndSARS Protest Erupts In Delta

    Youths in Delta state have taken to the streets, protesting escalating police brutality and extortion.

    Viral videos depict demonstrators holding placards with the inscription “ENDSARS NOW,” urging the Nigeria Police Force to address the alleged misconduct.

    A social media user, X, shared the videos, asserting a surge in police brutality within the state. 

    The spokesperson for the Delta Police Command, DSP Bright Edafe, responded, stating that the protest stemmed from the arrest of four individuals who couldn’t prove ownership of an unregistered car.

    According to Edafe, during the arrest, some youths attacked the officers, causing injuries and damaging a police patrol vehicle. 

    He emphasized that the police would not be deterred by protests and urged the public to remain calm.

    In his statement, Edafe mentioned, “Nine of the suspects were arrested and will be charged to court. Youths are advised to stay off any protest because it won’t deter us from doing our job.”

    This incident echoes the 2020 #EndSars protests that swept through Nigeria, prompting the government to disband the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (Sars) and establish judicial panels to investigate allegations of police abuse.

  • NBA threatens legal action over UK lawyers practice in Nigeria says FG undermines its legal professionals

    NBA threatens legal action over UK lawyers practice in Nigeria says FG undermines its legal professionals

    Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) through it’s President, Yakubu Maikyau, has rejected
    Federal Government’s bilateral agreement with the United Kingdom, which henceforth allows English lawyers to practice in Nigeria without any hindarance.

    The NBA maintained that the action will undermines the Nation’s legal professionals, adding that it is a move that will enhances increase in the importation of legal services to Nigeria to their disadvantage.

    Opposing the agreement, the association, therefore, threatened to resist it by all means necessary within the ambit of the law.

    He therefore, referred the deal as a “tragic reminder of our colonial past,” as he wondered why the Nigerian government would take such a decision with likely monumental impact without consulting with the NBA.

    The Federal Government and the United Kingdom government, had Tuesday, formalized a new trade agreement to boost trade and investment between both countries.

    The agreement themed, “the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP)” focused unlocking new opportunities for UK and Nigerian businesses.

    Addressing the press, Wednesday, Maikyau said, “We want to make it very clear that the ETIP agreement, in so far as it relates to legal services is unacceptable in its entirety. The NBA will take all necessary measures provided by our laws in support of our position on this matter.”

    He said the agreement “will compromise our legal space.”

    “It is indeed unfortunate that this tragic reminder of our colonial past is being gleefully celebrated at the highest level of the Government of Nigeria. What is more disheartening is the fact that a decision of this magnitude that adversely affects the well-being and livelihood of millions of Nigerians, could be taken without any consultation, especially with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the NBA had no foreknowledge or inclination of the text of the said agreement. We could not therefore have contributed to it. I have since assuming office as President of the NBA clearly opposed any agreement that will compromise our legal space at all the meetings.

    Speaking further on the implications on the profession, Mr Maikyau said the British government would not undermine its own body of legal professionals in such a manner as the Nigerian government has done.

    “It is truly tragic that while the government of the UK is seeking opportunities for its own lawyers beyond its constrained environment, the government of Nigeria is attempting to deprive Nigerian lawyers and their millions of dependants of means of livelihood.