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Tag: law enforcement

  • Alleged sexual harassment: Court grants UNICAL Prof N250m bail

    Alleged sexual harassment: Court grants UNICAL Prof N250m bail

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted N250 million bail to the suspended Dean of Faculty of Law, UNICAL, Professor Cyril Ndifon.

    Prof Ndifon is facing a trial over alleged sexual harassment and gratification case instituted against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

    The court also granted his lawyer Sunny Anyanwu bail to the tune of N50m among other stringent bail conditions.

    The court granted them bail on the condition that they will produce two sureties who own properties within FCT with a minimum valuation of 150 million and must submit their bank statements to the court.

    The court also held that defendants must file an undertaking not to interfere with the case, readiness to attend trial and not to cause delay.

    Sequel to not guilty plea, Counsel to Joe Agi and Solomon Umoh had urged the court to grant their clients bail on liberal terms, but the prosecution counsel countered the bail application, asking the court to dismiss.

    Ruling on the bail on Friday, Justice James Omotosho held that while bail is a constitutional right, the court must be guided by the nature of a charge and the possibility of the accused person interfering with the case against him, among other things.

    He said the defendants are facing sexual harassment offenses through requesting nude videos but they are not capital offense like terrorism.

    Justice Omotosho however adjourned the matter to February 12, for continuation of hearing.

    Professor Ndifon was, on January 25, re-arraigned alongside Sunny Anyanwu as 1st and 2nd defendants on an amended four-count charge of sexual harassment and attempt to perverse the cause of justice.

    Anyanwu, who is one of the lawyers in the defence, was joined in the amended charge filed on January 22, by the ICPC on the allegation that he called one of the prosecution witnesses on her mobile telephone during the pendency of the charge against Ndifon to threaten her.

  • Court dismisses suspended Adamawa REC’s suit against IGP, others

    Court dismisses suspended Adamawa REC’s suit against IGP, others

    Justice James Omotoso of the Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the suit filed by the suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner of Adamawa state, Hudu Yunusa-Ari for lacking in merit.

    Yunasa-Ari is before the court, seeking protection from media trial, arrest and harassment by security agencies following his controversial announcement of the All Progressives Congress(APC) governorship candidate, Senator Aisha Binani Dahiru, as winner of the last Adamawa governorship poll.

    Mentioned as Defendants in the suit are the Inspector General of Police(IGP) Nigeria Police Force,(NPF) the Attorney-General of Federation(AGF)and Minister of Justice, the Director of the State Security Service (SSS) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as 1st to 5th respondents respectively.

    Yunasa-Ari,had announced Binani winner of the governorship poll against the due process but the declaration was annulled by the INEC leadership which eventually returned the incumbent governor, Umar Fintiri.

    In his argument, his counsel, Jibrin Okutepa said his decision to announce Binani was due to a tight security breach in Adamawa.

    He submitted that since the incident, the respondents kept issuing press statements against him when he had not been convicted by a law court.

    Justice James Omotosho while delivering Judgement on held that the only issue to determine in the case is whether the fundamental rights of Hudu were breached by any of the respondents.

    The trial judge noted that as fundamental as human rights are, there are exceptions.

    Justice Omotosho noted that the applicant filed this suit to hide himself from prosecution for the role he played in the Adamawa guber poll.

    The court therefore dismissed the suit for lacking in merit.

  • Why Social media must be regulated – Gbajabiamila

    Why Social media must be regulated – Gbajabiamila

    President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, has said that social media has become a societal menace and must be regulated.

    Gbajabiamila said this while representing Tinubu at the public presentation of a book, “Nigerian Public Discourse: The Interplay of Empirical Evidence and Hyperbole” written by a former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, in Lagos

    This is according to a Thursday statement by Tunde Alao, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Media), Office of the Lagos State Deputy Governor.

    “The social media has become a societal menace and must be regulated. As many people do not understand that once the send button is hit, there is a potential to reach millions of people around the world which is capable of causing a great danger not just in the society but even unintended consequences to the individuals that are receiving information which may include security of life,” the statement quoted Gbajabiamila as saying.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu was also represented at the event by his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat.

    The statement noted that Tinubu maintained that his administration had an obligation to engage in evidence-based discussion and data-reliant decision-making, hence, the need for accurate data that would be used for better policy formulation and execution.

    “As citizens become more interested in governance, it is the government’s obligation to ensure that engagement with citizens springs with shared agreement on what the truth is, what is real and what is not,” Gbajabiamila said.

    The president commended the author for putting in book form his thoughts and experience garnered both as a governor and member of the federal executive council.

    Speaking at the event, Hamzat noted that accurate data would help in finding lasting solutions to myriads of challenges facing the nation adding that “for a developing country like us, part of the problem we have is that we don’t have data, which is very crucial for policy formulation for national development.”

    While stressing the importance of data, he noted that “deterministic data is essential even in our daily lives, even on issues such as building – buildings require correct data to know the threats.”

    In his remarks, the book author, Fashola, disclosed that the book was written based on his 21 years of experience as a public office holder, highlighting different public issues.

    “My joy is that the conversation has just started, and by and large, we will get good and positive results in our quests for national development”, Fashola was quoted as saying.

    In October 2023, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project urged the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Speaker, House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, “to reject the recently reintroduced social media regulation bill.”

    SERAP noted that the passage of the bill “would unduly restrict the rights to freedom of expression and privacy,” and urged Tinubu’s administration to stop its efforts to compel technological firms like Google and YouTube to restrict such “fundamental human rights.”

  • President Tinubu Directs Inclusion of National Pledge at Official Events

    President Tinubu Directs Inclusion of National Pledge at Official Events

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mandated the recitation of the National Pledge following the National Anthem during official and public engagements.

    The directive was issued during his address at the groundbreaking ceremony of the 3,112 housing-unit Renewed Hope City in Karsana, Abuja, on Thursday.

    President Tinubu emphasized the importance of reaffirming commitment to the values, greatness, and hope of the nation. 

    He stated, “It is our pledge to Nigeria, our country, to be faithful, loyal, and honest. To serve Nigeria with all your strength – we saw it on the field of play yesterday. We were all rejoicing.”

    The President highlighted the positive and hopeful mindset, expressing confidence that Nigeria will excel despite challenges. 

    He concluded, “We will defend our unity and uphold Nigeria’s glory in every way possible because we are Nigerians, and we have no other country.”

  • NLC Declares Nationwide Strike

    After an extended vacation in both Lagos and Paris, France, it seems the party is over for President Bola Tinubu as the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have sent a notice of a 14-day national strike to the federal government.

    The unions said that the 16-point agreement that was reached on October 2, 2023, between them and the federal government, has not been implemented.

    The national leadership of the TUC and NLC expressed sadness that the government appears indifferent to the widespread suffering and adversity in the nation, despite their attempts to maintain industrial peace.

    The unions in a statement said: “The October 2nd agreement was focused on addressing the massive suffering and the general harsh socioeconomic consequences of the ill-conceived and ill-executed IMF/World Bank-induced hike in the price of PMS and the devaluation of the naira. These dual policies have had, as we predicted, dire economic consequences for the masses and workers of Nigeria.”

    They further lamented: “It is regrettable that we are compelled to resort to such measures, but the persistent neglect of the welfare of citizens and Nigerian workers and the massive hardship leave us with no choice.

    “Constrained by this development and recognising the urgency of the situation and the imperative of ensuring the protection and defence of the rights and dignity of Nigerian workers and citizens, the NLC and TUC hereby issue a stern ultimatum to the Federal Government to honour their part of the understanding within 14 days from tomorrow, the 9th day of February 2024.”

  • INEC Receives Primaries Schedule from Political Parties for Edo State Governorship Election

    INEC Receives Primaries Schedule from Political Parties for Edo State Governorship Election

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been notified by sixteen political parties of their intention to participate in the upcoming off-cycle governorship election in Edo State.
    With the primaries scheduled for conduct between 1st and 24th February 2024, parties are gearing up for a crucial phase in the electoral process.

    The schedule (dates and modes) of primaries proposed by the political parties has been uploaded to the Commission’s website and social media platforms for public information.

    In line with the provisions of Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, political parties are required to inform INEC at least 21 days prior to their planned primary dates. The recent deadline for notification expired on 4th February 2024, prompting INEC to assess the parties’ readiness.

    It is stipulated under Sections 84(4) and 5(b) of the Electoral Act 2022 that the primaries must be conducted within the boundaries of Edo State. This geographical specificity aims to ensure transparency and inclusivity in the electoral process.

    In anticipation of the primaries, INEC is set to deploy monitoring teams to oversee the proceedings. The Commission emphasizes the importance of strict adherence to electoral guidelines, cautioning against any disruptions or irregularities.

    Political parties are urged to avoid last-minute changes, including postponements, venue alterations, or manipulation of delegate lists.

    Additionally, INEC warns against the submission of candidate names that did not emerge from valid primary elections, as well as the occurrence of contentious primary processes that may lead to legal challenges.

    To enhance transparency, the schedule outlining the dates and modes of primaries proposed by the political parties has been made publicly available through INEC’s official website and social media channels.

  • Unlawful detention: Court orders DSS to pay Abuja Driver N5m

    Unlawful detention: Court orders DSS to pay Abuja Driver N5m

    Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon of the federal high court, Abuja, Thursday, ordered the Department of the State Service (DSS) to pay five million (5million), over the unlawful arrest and detention of an Abuja based commercial driver, Sanusi Shuaib.

    Justice Olajuwon also ordered the DSS to immediately release him after keeping him in detention without trial since January 16, 2023.

    The court held that the prosecution agency action contravenes section 35 of the 1999 Constitution, which prohibited detention of any Nigerian beyond a maximum period of 48 hours without an order of Court.

    The Judge said that DSS on March 29, 2023, got an order of the Federal High Court to hold and detain the driver for only 20 days to investigate and charge him to court if indicted for any criminal matters.

    The Court said that since the DSS did not apply to the court for extension of the 20 days detention period and also did not charge him to court for any offence, any detention outside the 20 days was unlawful, illegal, unconstitutional and null and void.

    Recall that the detained driver had through his counsel, Bala Dakum dragged the DSS before the court to challenge his detention without trial since his arrest on March 16 last year.

    He claimed that the DSS upon arrest accused him of being in possession of firearms for some terrorists and had since remained in the custody of the respondent.

    The applicant prayed for his release and N50M compensation for the unlawful detention.

    Justice Olajuwon in the judgment agreed that the fundamental rights of the applicant to freedom of movement had been breached by the DSS.

    The Judge faulted the claim of the DSS that it was granted six months to detain the driver adding that what the court granted was just 20 days.

    Justice Olajuwon also disagreed with the DSS that the detainee had been moved to the Military detention facility in Gwa gwa, Niger State for trial in terrorism offences adding that there was no evidence to that effect placed before the court.

    The Judge also faulted the claim of the security agency that the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice gave approval for the trial of the driver.

    Justice Olajuwon who quoted the letter of the AGF said that the AGF office only recommended that fresh investigation be conducted into the allegations against the driver but which was never done.

    Consequently, the court nullified the continued detention of the driver and ordered his immediate release from the DSS custody in Abuja.

  • Police Arrests Woman Over Protests In Niger

    Police Arrests Woman Over Protests In Niger

    The Niger State Police Command has arrested three women and 22 youths for leading the protest in Minna, claiming that the women-led other people to disrupt the peace of the state capital.

    According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, the leader of the women, Aisha Jibrin mobilized other women and miscreants to block the Minna-Bida road and Kpakungun roundabout leading to disruption of law and order.

    Abiodun said that the protesters had deliberately refused to clear the road for public use despite the presence of Police patrol teams led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, DCP Shehu Umar Didango, and the presence of the Deputy Governor of Niger State, Comrade Yakubu Garba.

    The PPRO further said that despite these personalities, the protesters turned deaf ears and chose to be violent leading the police to adopt minimum force to disperse the protesters.

    He said: “The Police adopted minimum force to disperse the protesters who turned violent by attacking the Police with dangerous weapons such as stones, bottles, sticks, cutlasses and damaged Police patrol vehicles and parts of the Kpakungu Division roof.

    “In the course of this, the Police arrested the initiator of the protest, one Aisha Jibrin aged 30 years, Fatima Aliyu aged 57 years, Fatima Isyaku aged 43 years all of Soje ‘A’ of Kpakungu area of Minna, and twenty-two other miscreants with the following dangerous weapons; a bench and a stick used as a barricade, three knives, one scissors, one cutlass, one saw blade, one iron pipe, four other sticks, two wraps of Indian hemp and charms.”

    The Initiator of the protest, Aisha Jibrin while defending herself said that her actions were not illegal as she believed that the plight of the hardship they are going through should be heard.

    She said that she never intended it to be a violent protest as she informed one youth leader whom she called Hassan in the community who was given the task to inform the Police about their plan to protest adding that she did not know that he did not inform the police.

    Jibrin defended herself saying that there is too much hunger in the land for the people to keep quiet about.

    However, the Police have declared Aisha’s mobilization of over 100 women and youths whom they called miscreants to block the highway for the protest was illegal

    The PPRO said that all suspects were taken to the State CID for investigation after which they will be charged to court for prosecution adding that effort is ongoing to arrest other identified members of the violent protest.

    In a related development, the Niger State House of Assembly directed the state government to provide palliatives to the most vulnerable members of society to forestall future protests which may be hijacked.

    The legislators noted that the women protested against the high cost of living in the society and inadequate response from the government compelled them to block the main roads to draw the attention of the government.

  • Reps To Probe MDA Involvement In Alleged Certificate Racketeering

    Reps To Probe MDA Involvement In Alleged Certificate Racketeering

    The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate some officials of Federal Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies involved in alleged certificate racketeering with Nigerian students.

    The resolution followed the adoption of a motion on the floor of the House, on Wednesday, moved by the member representing Birniwa/Guri/Kiri-Kasamma Federal Constituency of Jigawa State, Abubakar Fulata

    Recall that a Nigerian reporter, Umar Audu had, in December 2022, bagged a degree from a university in Cotonou, Benin Republic, in six weeks and subsequently participated in the mandatory National Youth Service Corps scheme.

    Audu subsequently accused unnamed officials of the Ministry of Education as members of the racketeering syndicate; a development that elicited widespread criticisms by well-meaning Nigerians.

    Leading the debate on the motion, Fulata called on the House to “identify officials of MDAs and students who benefited from such institutions and their campuses in the last ten years.”

  • Killer of Enugu Based Make-up Artist, Ijeoma Sentence To Death By Hanging

    Killer of Enugu Based Make-up Artist, Ijeoma Sentence To Death By Hanging

    The late Enugu based makeup artist, Ijeoma Nneka, has got justice as an Enugu State High Court sentenced her killer, Chiamaka Ifezue, to death by hanging.

    The convict alongside her sibling, Chukwuemeka Ifezue, were arraigned on two counts-charge bordering on conspiracy and murder, had on 11th November, 2020, murdered the 27-year-old makeup artist, Ijeoma, by forcing her to drink a poisonous substance that caused her death.

    However, on July 28, 2022, Justice K.I. Okpe discharged Chukwuemeka on the basis that there was no evidence that he actually participated in the crime.

    In delivering the judgement, Justice K.I Okpe, agreed with the prosecution, Mrs Chinelo Chigbo who led the prosecution from the Department of Public Prosecution that the suspect was actually responsible for the death of the 27-year-old make-up artist based in Enugu.

    Recall that the convict dumped the body of the deceased at the Maryland axis of Enugu metropolis and poured a corrosive substance suspected to be acid on the body.
    During the trial, the court admitted in evidence police exhibit on the case of the alleged murder of the makeup artist.

    A broken 9Mobile SIM card, itel phone, another black phone (no brand name), MTN SIM pack, and makeup tools belonging to the deceased were also tendered as evidence by the prosecution.

    Also tendered in evidence was the key of a Toyota Matrix Scan with registration number JJJ410BJ, which was allegedly used to move the dead body of the deceased from the scene of the crime to where it was dumped.

    Hard copies of the WhatsApp messages and text messages (SMS) the deceased had with her fiancé and girlfriend, respectively, while at the scene of the crime.