NAN Archive

Loading

NAN Archive

All posts by Abdulrahman Kadiri

Judiciary

COVID-19: FG takes bold steps to decongest Nigerian Correctional Service -Malami

Decongestion

by Martins Odeh

Abuja, March 27,2020(NAN) The Federal Government has taken bold steps to further decongest the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) formations as a measure to curb the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami has said.

Malami said  that President Muhamadu Buhari has
been mindful of the need to decongest prisons with particular regards
to the fact that around 79 per cent of the inmates of the NCD were awaiting trial.

Malami made this known in a statement by Dr Umar Jibrilu Gwandu, His Special
Assistant on Media and Public Relations on Friday.

Malami said President Muhammadu Buhari has constituted the
Presidential Committee for the decongestion of the
Correctional Centres across the country.

He said the Committee
which is coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Justice, has recorded great success.

Malami said the Committee comprised of the Minister of Interior, Attorney-General of the Federation, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Decongestion of Correctional Service
Centres; the Chief Justice of the FCT and the Comtroller-General of the NCD in order to reconsider what measures could be put in place for decongestion of Correctional Service
Centres in view of the present health challenges.

He said the Committee recommended that Courts, Federal Ministry of Justice, the Correctional Service
formations, Governors, Attorney-Generals of States, among others
be encouraged to intensify actions to ensure that the
Correctional Service formations are not further congested taking into consideration the prevailing health challenges associated with Covid- 19.

The Committee requested that Mr. President may wish to consider his powers of Prerogative of
Mercy in speeding of decongestion, while Governors of States and their CJs be encouraged to visit correctional service formations for the purpose of decongestion.

The Committee is of the view that the Federal Executive Council and the State Governments be encouraged to consider payment of fines in respect of minor offences for those categories of inmates that could not afford paying of same in respect of offences
that attract fines arising from the convictions.

Part of the resolutions were also that Correctional Service should, as well, consider the possibility of moving inmates from congested Correctional Service Formations to
centres that are less congested and have space for accommodation of
inmates, among others.

By way of long term measures, the possibility of amending the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by way of
considering an amendment that will move the
Correctional Service formations from Exclusive to Concurrent Legislative List
among others is equally considered.

The categories of inmates that will be considered most are those that
stayed in Correctional Service Centres for a period above ten years,
those that stayed as inmate for a longer period without any documentation relating to their detention, those that have the option
of fine, those that have been in the Centers on holding charges in
respect of offences that the Magistrate that sent them to Correctional
Service Formations do not have the jurisdiction to try the cases,
among others, but excluding those inmates serving jail terms for capital offences such as murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, rape and treason among others.(NAN)

OMO/SH

=======

edited by Sadiya Hamza

Judiciary

Court of Appeal reinstates Adams Oshiomhole as APC National Chairman

Order(Reopened)
By Edith Nwapi
Abuja, March 16, 2020 (NAN) The Court of Appeal Abuja, has ordered stay of execution of suspension on suspended National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress APC, Adams Oshiomhole.
Justice Abubakar Datti Yahaya who presided over a three-member panel of the Court of Appeal, gave the order on Monday while delivering ruling in an ex-parte application filed by Oshiomhole.
Oshiomole had in an ex-parte application prayed the court to halt the suspension order on the grounds that there would be no status quo ante belum if the appellate court fails to intervene.
His lead lawyer, Chief Wole Olanipekun ,SAN, had informed the Court that there is a National Executive Committee meeting of the APC slated for Tuesday March 17, wherein the applicant would be excluded going by the suspension order of the lower court.
Olanipekun submitted that the order has already created a state of disorder in the party that could degenerate if the appellate court failed to intervene.
The senior lawyer who noted that time is of essence because of the seriousness of the issue, said that there will be an irredeemable damage if the court does not intervene.
In its ruling, the appellate court held that status quo can only be maintained if the order of the lower court is stayed.
“We have looked at the application and we are of the view that the image of emergency has been painted. There is an information that NEC would hold meeting tomorrow and the applicant will not be there.
Justice would not have been served if the applicant is not in that meeting.
 The status quo can only be maintained if there is a stay.
We find merit in the application
“We hereby order a stay of execution of the lower court made on March 4, 2020, pending the hearing of the notice of appeal slated for Friday March 20, 2020”.
The Court in addition ordered all parties in the suit not to take any further steps that would affect the ruling of the Court.
“We hereby give an order of injunction restraining the respondents or their agents from taking further steps until the determination of the substantive suit.
The Court of Appeal in addition made an order of accelerated hearing in the matter.
Justice Yahaya however urged politicians to learn to resolve their problems without involving the courts.
Justice Danlami Senchi of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) had in an interlocutory ruling on March 4, 2020, ordered among others, that Oshiomhole should desist from parading himself as the APC Chairman.
The order was sequel to an application of interlocutory injunction asking the court to suspend Mr Oshiomhole, having been suspended as a member of the APC by the party in Edo State.
However Ishiomole through his lawyer, Mr Damian Dodo SAN, had on same day approached the appeal court to reverse the suspension order placed on him by the lower court.
Oshiomhole in his appeal, specifically asked the Court of Appeal to set aside the suspension order of Justice Senchi and restore his position as National Chairman of the APC.
In his appeal predicated on four grounds Oshiomhole argued that the judge erred in law and arrived at a wrong conclusion which occasioned a miscarriagepanel of justice when the court placed him on suspension at an interlocutory stage of a suit instituted against him by some aggrieved members of the party.
Oshiomhole also argued that the High Court further erred in law when it decided that he, in the performance of his duties as APC National Chairman, would interfere in the court action filed against him by the aggrieved members.
He argued that the issue of duties as APC National Chairman is a matter which arose from substantive issues for determination and claimed ought not to have been determined at the interlocutory stage of the main matter.
The suspended National Chairman further submitted that the trial judge erred in law and arrived at a wrong conclusion which occasioned a miscarriage of justice when after ordering the filing of pleadings, immediately set down motion for interlocutory injunction for hearing in the absence of pleadings.
He further faulted the suspension order against him on the grounds that the trial court determined the motion for interlocutory injunction without recourse to triable issues which ought to have been discerned from pleadings.
Respondents in the appeal are: APC National Vice Chairman (Northeast) Mustapha Saliu, Edo State APC Chairman, Honourable Anselm Ojezua, Alhaji Sani Gomna, Mr Oshawo Stephen, Mr Fani Wabulari and Mr. Princewill Ejogharado.
Others are the Inspector General of Police and the State Security Service.(NAN)
NEO/SH
=======
edited by Sadiya Hamza

 

Sent from my iPhone
Judiciary

Alleged N40bn fraud: I have no case to answer, Nyako tells court

Case
By Taiye Agbaje
Abuja, March 11, 2020 (NAN) Murtala Nyako, former Adamawa Governor, on Wednesday, told the Federal High Court, Abuja, that he had no case to answer in the alleged N40 billion charge filed against him and others by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
 
Nyako, in a no-case submission through his team of lawyers led by Kanu Agabi, on behalf of 1st, 2nd, 6th and 7th defendants, told Justice Okon Abang that “no case has been made out by the prosecution warranting an answer from them.”
 
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nyako; his son, Abdulaziz Nyako; two companies, Sebore Farms and Extension Ltd and Pagado Fortunes Ltd are 1st, 2nd, 6th and 7th defendants respectively in the trial.
 
Also, Zulkifik Abba, Abubakar Aliyu, three  other companies; Blue Opal Ltd, Tower Assets Management Ltd and Crust Energy Ltd are 3rd, 4th, 5th, 8th and 9th defendants respectively.  

The EFCC had arraigned them on a 37-count charge bordering on money laundering allegedly perpetrated while Nyako was Adamawa governor.

NAN also reports that the anti-graft agency had called 21 witnesses to establish its evidence against the defendants.

Reacting, the 1st, 2nd, 6th and 7th defendants argued that from the testimonies of the 21 witnesses called by the prosecution, there was not a single shred of evidence that suggested even remotely that a case had been made out against them.

“Apart from the fact that the charges are in themselves incompetent and irredeemably bad thereby rendering the entire trial a nullity,” they said.

According to them, the prosecution made allegations against persons and companies who are not charged.
 “The allegations made against these companies and individuals constitute elements of the offences charged.
“In order to succeed in all the counts, these elements must be proved. These elements cannot be proven behind the back of the companies and individuals against whom the allegations were made, having not been charged.
“Even if these companies and individuals were called as witnesses, that would not have been sufficient but none of them except Mary.P was called.
“The failure to charge these companies and individuals against whom allegations were made in these counts constitute a failure of the prosecution to prove essential elements of the counts.
“Accordingly, the charges laid out in Counts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 and 37 fail on that account,” the added.
They argued that the essential elements of the offences charged had either been omitted or not proved.
“Under Sections 302 and 303 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, the failure to prove an essential element of the offence charged is a ground for upholding a submission that the prosecution has not made out a case warranting an answer from the defendants,” they held.
However, at the resumed hearing on Wednesday, the EFCC Lawyer, Oluwaleke Atolagbe, told Justice Abang that the commission intended to comprehensively respond to the 1st, 2nd, 6th and 7th defendants’ no-case submission.
 
He prayed the court to give him seven days within which to file his responses.
 
Abang, who gave the prosecution seven days to file and serve their written address in opposite to the defendants’ no-case submission, said the defendants would be at liberty to file and serve their reply on point of law within seven days.
 
He adjourned the matter till March 25 for parties to adopt their written addresses for and in opposition to the defendants’ no-case submission. (NAN)
 
TOA/SH
=======
edited by Sadiya Hamza
.
Entertainment

Valentine: WOTCLEF takes campaign against rape to UniAbuja

Valentine: WOTCLEF takes campaign against rape, depression to UniAbuja

Campaign

By Kadiri Abdulrahman

Abuja, Feb. 12, 2020 (NAN) The Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation (WOTCLEF) says it intends to take awareness on the ills of rape and mental health to the University of Abuja (Uniabuja) during the valentine season.

Mrs Imabong Sanusi, Executive Director of WOTCLEF, made this known in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

“We at WOTCLEF, will be partnering with other stakeholders to create awareness about rape and mental issues like depression amongst the youths at the University of Abuja,’’ she said.

Sanusi urged Nigerian youths to use the valentine season to show care and compassion to others rather than dwell in social vices.

“If people’s hearts are not broken; if people do not sexually molest minors; if people are not trafficked, then it is love,’’ she said

Sanusi said that valentine was a good season to show genuine love to other people, especially the vulnerable in society.

“Valentine symbolises love and the expression of love.  The colour blue is said to be for love but red is the colour worn on Feb. 14.

“If the day can go without orgies and revelry, but just about clean fun, it is okay.

“From the spiritual angle, the scriptures do not make mention of valentine but does of love. People should be encouraged to sincerely show and exhibit love to others. (NAN)

KAE/COO/WOJ
=========

Edited by Cecilia Odey/Wale Ojetimi

==================================================

Entertainment

Celebrate Valentine in a healthy way, social activist advises youths

Celebrate Valentine in a healthy way, social activist advises youths

Valentine

By Kadiri Abdulrahman

Abuja, Feb. 11, 2020 (NAN) A Women’s Rights Campaigner, Mrs Anisa Ari, has called on Nigerian youths to celebrate  valentine in an healthy way.

Ari, Senior Programme Coordinator, Women Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA) gave the advice in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

She described valentine as a period when people express love towards one another, adding that it is sometimes misused for negative ends.

“Valentine is a period where people reaffirm their love for each other. However, there are different ways this is demonstrated.

“The most important thing is that, it must be in a healthy way. Healthy ways that will strengthens relationships, bonding, and commitment.

“Looking at the current trend, it seems misconstrued, with people taking advantage of each other, deceit, breaking commitments and vows.

“I believe that valentine is a period where there should be self reflection first, and then joint reflection with partners to do better in relationships,” she advised.

Ari said that the best way to celebrate valentine was to show love to the needy and the vulnerable in the society.

“However, some people have a different perspective to this, they prefer to show love to the orphanage, the windows and most vulnerable in the society.

“This, for me, is the most sensible and appealing way to celebrate valentine,” she said.

NAN reports that Valentine’s Day, or St Valentine’s Day, is celebrated every year on Feb. 14 across the globe.

Valentine is the day when people show their affection for other people by sending cards, flowers or chocolates with messages of love.

The day got its name from a famous saint, but there were several stories of whom he was. The popular belief about St Valentine was that he was a priest from Rome in the third century AD.

(NAN)
KAE/DE/ABI
=======

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Ali Baba-Inuwa

Entertainment

Valentine: Show love to people on daily basis – Tdot

Love

By Kadiri Abdulrahman

Abuja, Feb. 10, 2020 (NAN) An Abuja-based musician, Tunde Akinsanmi (Tdot), has advised Nigerians to develop the habit of showing love for fellow human beings on daily basis.

Akinsanmi, a former member of the defunct music group, STYL-Plus, stated this in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.

He spoke against the background of Feb. 14 Valentine day celebrations.

Tdot posited that although it is good to set out a day to celebrate love, it is more rewarding to show love in our daily interactions.

‘‘On Valentine, I am not sure what to make of it because it’s a Western idea which wasn’t popular until recently.

‘‘It is a good thing to have a day to celebrate love, but for me everyday should be about the show of love to fellow human beings.

‘‘For me, the day is an excuse to relax with my wife and send some gifts to my mum and siblings.

‘‘But of course I will not forget my friends as well,’’ he said.

The vocalist said that he has started plans to launch his solo music career.

‘‘I am sorting out my plans before the rains begin. I will be having shows at the end of the month though,’’ he said. (NAN)
KAE/MOL/ABI
========
Edited by Mustapha Lamidi/Ali Baba-Inuwa
====================

 

General news

Abuja needs better structure to promote artistes – Tdot

Tdot calls for upgrade of structures in FCT to boost entertainment, promote young artistes

Structures

By Kadiri Abdulrahman

Abuja, Feb. 5, 2020 (NAN) An Abuja based Musician, Tunde Akinsanmi (Tdot), has called for upgrade of entertainment infrastructure in the FCT to boost entertainment in the city and also support growth of local artistes.

Tdot, a former member of the defunct Styl-Plus, an Abuja based R&B group, made the call in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday.

He said that the Abuja entertainment scene was not as vibrant as that of Lagos because of the dearth of structures to support entertainment.

“If you check it, the only things booming in Abuja are trade, real estate and politics.

“Lagos is the commercial hub of Nigeria, that is why many of the blue chip companies are well established there. It is like comparing New York to Washington DC or Johannesburg to Pretoria.

“However, Abuja is no longer as dull as people outside believe.

“Every weekend we have entertainment events happening here, the only snag is that the artistes are “imported’’ from Lagos and other places to satisfy the demand for entertainment by Abuja residents,’’ he said.

Tdot said that Abuja was experiencing a growth process which would blossom at the right time.

“I think Abuja is already headed towards a good place compared to what it used to be.

“ What will make it better will be having home grown artistes play active roles, and to put structures in place to cater for the Northern entertainment territory,’’ he advised.

He said that current music raves in the country were reaping immensely from sacrifices made by Nigerian music trail blazers.

Tdot added that prevailing social circumstances are also defining content of present day Nigerian music.

“Compared to when Styl-Plus was at its peak, a lot has changed in the music scene.  Based on sacrifices by us and our contemporaries, there has been more acceptance of those who came after us.

“What is considered `popular music’ is a direct reflection of the number of the state of the people.

“You cannot be singing about love any more if you want to get attention. People love money now, and if there is no money in today’s love it is not love.

“Music has stopped being a tool for addressing salient issues in society. But I will not castigate those who create “disposable’’ music because human beings engage with what they are comfortable with,’’ he said.

He said that Nigerian music had gotten more global attention because of the strong influence of social media.

“The world cannot deny us anymore,’’ he emphasised. (NAN)

KAE/DE/WOJ

========

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Wale Ojetimi

===============================

General news

Nigerian artistes are blessed beyond seeking international validation – Tdot

 

Nigerian artistes are blessed beyond seeking international validation -– Tdot

Validation

By Kadiri Abdulrahman

Abuja, Feb. 4, 2020 (NAN) Mr Tunde Akinsanmi (Tdot), a member of defunct Abuja-based music group, Styl Plus, says Nigerian musicians do not require international awards such as the Grammy awards for validation.

Tdot spoke with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja against the backdrop of another Nigerian music rave, Burnaboy’s recent Grammy award nomination.

He said that though Grammy nomination was good for our artistes, Nigerian artistes were blessed beyond seeking validation from the Grammies.

“Burnaboy was nominated for the recent Grammy award, just like Femi Kuti who has been nominated severally, and Seun Kuti as well.

“It is a good development, even if they did not win. But I believe that, as a people, we do not need the Grammy awards to validate ourselves.

“The day we start to appreciate ourselves without validation from the West is the day we realise how specially blessed we are as the global headquarters of the black race,’’ he said.

The talented musician debunked claims that Abuja had not produced another talented musical act or group since the disbandment of Styl Plus.

He said that many other successful artistes had come out from the capital city only to relocate from the city after they attain fame, due to circumstances.

“Lots of artistes have come out of Abuja since after Styl Plus; people like MI, Techno, Kizz Daniel. But they had to flee to Lagos due to the lackluster, dream-killing atmosphere here.

“You know, a prophet is without honour in his home, but this is changing by the day,’’ he said.

Tdot explained that Styl Plus was disbanded due to personal interests, adding that efforts to regroup had not been successful.

“What led to the group’s disbandment was majorly clash of interest, betrayals and ego. I have made efforts for the group to come back to no avail.

“For me, after Styl Plus is I, and everything I can do to make an impact on any one that come in contact with me.

“I have nothing but love to give,’’ he said.

NAN reports that the group Styl–Plus (originally STYL) was a Nigerian R&B and pop musical group quartet.

The founding members were Shifi Emoefe, Tunde Akinsanmi, Yemi Akinwonmi, and Lanre Faneyi, the name STYL being an abbreviation of the founders’ first names.

In 1999, the group STYL lost a member, Lanre Faneyi who died, paving the way for Zeal Onyecheme to join, and the name of the group changed to Styl–Plus.

The group recorded soar away music hits like Olufunmi, Runaway and Call My Name. It finally disbanded in 2012, after some members went on solo careers. (NAN)

KAE/AIJ/WOJ

==========

Edited by Abigael Joshua/Wale Ojetimi

=================================

 

 

 

General news

Get Rich Quick Syndrome: Psychologist tasks parents on proper child upbringing

 

Upbringing

By Kadiri Abdulrahman

Abuja, Feb. 3, 2020 (NAN) A Psychologist,  Mrs Imabong Sanusi says   parents need to take steps to bring up their children properly to curb the “get rich quick” syndrome amongst the youths.

Sanusi, who is also the Executive Director of Women Trafficking and Child Labour Foundation (WOTCLEF), made the call in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

She said that the quest for fast, undeserved wealth drove some youths to commit crimes including fraud and rituals.

He urged parents to wake up to their responsibilities of imbibing the right values in their children.

“Crimes are attractive to some youths because of lack of value, parental failure, dysfunctional homes and peer pressure.
“Marriage is not for boys and girls so, let people be responsible, more so, let parents wake up to their responsibilities by imbibing good values and morals on their children and wards, ” she advised.

Sanusi  said that religious bodies and other social groups also had important roles to play in raising Nigerian youths to be responsible.

“The religious bodies have a lot to do. The media, educational institutions and the Clergy all have influences and can change their attitudes for the better.’’

She advised parents to bear the number of children that they can cater for, while urging government to make basic education accessible to all Nigerian children as a means of empowerment.

“We should know that things are hard everywhere but people should bear the number of children they can cater for.

“Family economic empowerment is key. Parents should be good examples to their children.

“Government should ensure that quality, basic education is accessible to all and must be free,” she said.

NAN reports that the issue of crimes, ranging from advance fee fraud and money rituals has become prevalent amongst Nigerian youths in recent times.

The Economic And Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been inundated by increasing number of youths who are attracted by the allure of fraud and other financial crimes in spite of the commission’s efforts at checking them.

(NAN)
KAE/VIV/SH
==========

Editing by Vivian Ihechu/Sadiya Hamza

Entertainment

Insecurity, economy affect Abuja night life – residents

Insecurity, economy affect Abuja night life – residents

Nightlife

By Kadiri Abdulrahman

Abuja, Jan. 15, 2020 (NAN) Some residents of Abuja on Wednesday called on government to beef up security in the territory to encourage recreation and entertainment.

The residents gave the advice in separate interviews with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, that Nigeria’s capital city was surrounded by magnificent structures, tourist centres, game reserves that would create aesthetics night life.

Residents have adjudged nightlife in the city as dull when compared to some other Nigerian cities like Lagos, Port Harcourt and Benin.

The residents blame the city’s “dull’’ entertainment scene on security, economy and other factors.

Mr John Ofeks, a resident, called on the authorities to check the spate of violent crime in the city, so as to boost night life.

“Abuja used to be the safest city to live in but in recent times, population growth in the city has resulted in increased security concerns, which now hampers night life.

“I can only urge the law enforcement agencies to boost security so that night crawlers like us can move about fearlessly,’’ he said.

Vincent Agbo, an Abuja based civil servant, cited the economy as a factor that affects night life in the territory.

“Many residents of Abuja love to catch fun , especially at weekends after a hectic week but the standard of living in the city is so high that only a few residents can afford the luxury of entertainment and hospitality.

“If people can access affordable accommodation and other necessities like they do in Lagos, they will have enough to spend on recreation,’’ he said.

According to Justina Dare, another resident, government should take measures to beef up security in Abuja, to enable residents enjoy its beauty and aesthetics.

“Abuja is such a beautiful sight to behold, especially at night. And it offers many recreation options for fun seekers.

“But heightened insecurity in recent times has restricted fun seekers to their homes early in the evenings.

“It is either “one chance’’ criminals, kidnappers, armed robbers and other violent crimes, which have all come to snatch the innocence of the city away.

“We are praying for a time when government will be able to tackle these challenges headlong, so that Abuja residents will enjoy their nightlife again,’’ she said (NAN)
KAE/DE/IFY
=======

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Ifeyinwa Omowole