News
N7.9bn fraud: Court again suspends Stella Oduah’s arraignment
Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja on Thursday, again suspended the planned arraignment of a former Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah and others on alleged N7.9 billion fraud charges, citing security reasons,
According to the judge, the court will not continue with the trial until it is certain and satisfied that the security and safety of the persons involved in the trial is assured.
At the last adjourned date, Justice Ekwo had complained about receiving private messages regarding the case from persons whose identities he did not disclose, while warning them to desist from intruding on his privacy.
At Thursday’s proceeding Justice Ekwo voiced his anger that the prosecution failed to fish out the culprits.
“I want you to find out who that character is, arrest him and bring him to court on the next date. I am not going to go on with this trial until I am certain and satisfied that the security and safety of all the persons involved in the trial is assured,” he said.
Justice Ekwo produced a publication wherein his life was severely threatened over his involvement in the trial. He urged the EFCC to fish out the culprits and bring them before the court, even as he ordered the Deputy Chief Registrar of the Court to liaise with the Corporate Affairs Commission to obtain the identities of the promoters of the offending publication.
Before the case was adjourned, counsel to the seventh defendant, intimated the court of a letter wherein he informed the court that his client, Crystal Television, had entered into a plea bargain with the EFCC and already paid One Hundred Million, (N100, 000, 000.00) as part-payment for compounding the offence contained in the charge.
Part of the letter reads: “Sequel to our letter dated 22nd May 2023, on the above matter, we hereby forward, under the covering of this letter, a Zenith Bank Manager’s Cheque (Bank draft) Nos. 00009061, 00009063, 00009065, 00009066, 00009068, 00009070, 00009071, 00009072 and 00009073, all dated May 2023, in the sum of N100, 000,000.00(One Hundred Million Naira) only as part payment for compounding of offenses contained in the above charge”.
The letter further stated that, “Pursuant to all previous payments and the one referred to herein, our client has the sum of N280, 000,000.00 balance payment and the same shall be paid as soon as possible.”
The judge however adjourned the matter till July 17, 2023 for the CAC to report on the owners of the organization, and the EFCC to fish out the culprits.
News
NCC Boss, Aminu Maida clinches international appointment
In recognition of the contribution of Nigeria’s telecommunications industry towards the global telecom network system, Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the International Institute of Communications (IIC).
This affirms Nigeria’s growing influence in global telecommunications and digital innovation.
Dr. Maida has had a rewarding career in the industry, spending over two decades.
He had worked with the British Telecom, Cisco Systems, and EE Ltd. He was instrumental in groundbreaking advancements in small-cell technology during his tenure at UbiquiSys Ltd, which was later acquired by Cisco in 2013
His contributions in Nigeria are equally remarkable. As the Executive Director of Technology and Operations at the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement Systems PLC (NIBSS), he transformed the country’s digital payments infrastructure, reinforcing its financial ecosystem. As EVC of the NCC, Dr. Maida has spearheaded initiatives that promote connectivity, competition, and inclusivity, driving Nigeria’s telecom sector into a new era of innovation and growth.
The IIC, a globally renowned organization, brings together leaders in telecommunications, media, and technology (TMT) to foster collaboration on regulatory frameworks, emerging technologies, and sustainable development. Dr. Maida’s appointment marks a landmark achievement for Nigeria, amplifying its voice in shaping the future of the global telecom sector.
His appointment offers Nigeria a stronger platform on the international stage to influence key discussions on telecommunications and digital equity. His expertise and passion for policy advocacy will play a vital role in global conversations on emerging technologies and the digital divide.
Appreciating this gesture, Dr. Maida said: “It’s an honor to serve on the Board of the International Institute of Communications. I look forward to sharing insights from Nigeria’s transformative journey and collaborating on strategies to foster a more inclusive and sustainable global telecom industry.”
This appointment not only solidifies Dr. Maida’s legacy but also underscores Nigeria’s growing prominence in leveraging technology for development. It signals a future where the country will continue to lead in innovation and bridge global digital divides.
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News
N80.2bn fraud: EFCC finally detains ex-Kogi governor
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi state.
According to TheCable, Usman Ododo, Kogi governor, brought Bello to Abuja this morning and invited EFCC to come pick him up.
The EFCC had charged the former governor with alleged money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of N80.2 billion.
The former governor’s detention was disclosed by EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale.
“We have arrested him. Our chief security officer arrested him and he was brought in by 12:54pm. He is having a session with our investigators. We are holding him in our custody,” Oyewale told TheCable.
In September, Bello honoured the invitation of the anti-graft agency in Ododo’s company.
The former governor and Ododo were at the car park of the Abuja office of the EFCC, but the anti-graft agency did not arrest him.
The beginning
In April, the commission declared Bello wanted after several attempts to arrest him proved unsuccessful.
On August 20, the court of appeal in Abuja ordered Bello to surrender himself for arraignment.
Ola Olukoyede, EFCC chairman, would later allege that Bello withdrew $720,000 from Kogi coffers to pay his child’s school fees in advance.
The anti-graft agency also filed a 19-count charge against Bello over alleged money laundering.
However, the arraignment was stalled due to the absence of the former governor.
In May, Abdulwahab Mohammed, counsel to Bello, told the court that the former governor’s whereabouts remain unknown and that he was nurturing some safety concerns.
On August 20, the court of appeal in Abuja ordered Bello to surrender himself for arraignment.
Dele Oyewale, EFCC spokesperson, had said the court’s ruling was a “vindication” of the EFCC’s stance that Bello must face trial.
Sources had told TheCable that Bello has been hiding in plain sight — holed up in the “protective custody” of the Kogi state government — since he was declared wanted by the EFCC.
News
FAME Foundation launches tracker to eliminate violence against women
FAME Foundation, a gender focused non-governmental organisation (NGO), has launched a tracker to report and document femicide cases in Nigeria.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi, founder of the foundation, called for collective action to end femicide.
She said the tracker will provide reliable data on cases of femicide in Nigeria.
“Today, I am proud to announce the launch of our Femicide Tracker, an important tool that allows for the reporting and documentation of femicide cases,” she said.
“This tool will help ensure that no case goes unnoticed, no story is silenced, and that we, as a society, can work toward justice and accountability for victims and their families.
“By utilizing this tool, we aim to spotlight this pressing issue and mobilize action against the rising trend of femicide.”
She said the foundation’s activities for this year’s campaign will focus on amplifying awareness, empowering people, and engaging communities.
As a call to action for collective efforts against gender-based violence, Bello announced the launch of a social media campaign, #HereForHer.
“This campaign serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility we share to protect and empower women and girls,” she said.
“Let us remember, awareness is just the starting point. True change requires sustained and united efforts.
“It demands a commitment from governments to enforce laws that protect women, from civil society to create supportive environment, and from people to challenge harmful behaviours and attitudes.”
News
UK Visa Application: New locations announced in Lagos, Abuja for booking of appointments
The United Kingdom, UK, has announced changes of its visa application centres in Nigeria.
The UK embassy made the announcement in a statement issued on Wednesday.
In a statement on its official X handle, the embassy said the UK is changing its visa supplier in Nigeria.
It however assured that applicants would be notified with further information via email.
“The supplier of our visa application centres in Nigeria is changing. During this transition customers may submit and collect their documents from different location.
“You will be contacted via email if this affects you.”
Applicants were advised to visit the UK official visa application website for more details.
News
NJC sets up panel to probe allegations against Osun CJ, others
The National Judicial Council, under the Chairmanship of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has constituted a committee to investigate multiple allegations against Osun State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Adepele Ojo and others.
In its 107th meeting on November 13 and 14, 2024, the NJC sanctioned five judicial officers for misconduct and recommended the formation of a committee to probe the various complaints against Justice Ojo.
At the heart of the allegations are claims that Justice Ojo has repeatedly failed to adhere to legal and ethical standards expected of her position.
A petition submitted to the NJC by the Concerned Citizens of Nigeria, Osun State Chapter, further outlined the gravity of the allegations. The petition claims that Justice Ojo’s actions have violated both the spirit and the letter of the law. The group accuses her of gross abuse of office, breaches of professional ethics, and a blatant disregard for the rule of law, which they argue has led to a loss of public trust in the judiciary.
Earlier, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke took the decision to suspend Justice Ojo following a resolution by the State House of Assembly. The resolution cited serious allegations of misconduct, abuse of power, corruption, and failure to uphold the rule of law.
Additionally, Justice Ojo is accused of taking personal vengeance against judiciary staff, she dismissed several staff members who had shown courage in reporting her actions, creating a climate of fear and retaliation within the judiciary.
News
NCC commences pre-enforcement action on Starlink over price hike
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says the decision by Starlink to unilaterally review its subscription packages upwards did not receive the approval of the commission.
In a statement signed by its Director, Public Affairs, Reuben Mouka said the action of the company is in contravention of Sections 108 and 111 of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA), 2003, and Starlink’s Licence Conditions regarding tariffs.
The Commission commenced pre-enforcement action on the licensee on the 3rd of October, 2024.
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