Crime Facts

WHO approves Pfizer-BioNTech Covid vaccine

The World Health Organisation on Thursday granted emergency validation to the Pfizer- BioNTech vaccine, paving the way for countries worldwide to quickly approve its import and distribution . The decision “ makes the Pfizer /BioNTech vaccine the first to receive emergency validation from WHO since the ( novel coronavirus ) outbreak began a year ago , ” WHO said in a statement . The WHO’ s Emergency Use Listing opens the door for countries to expedite their own regulatory approval processes to import and administer the vaccine. It also enables UNICEF and the Pan- American Health Organisation to procure the vaccine for distribution to countries in need, the global health body said . The statement quoted WHO Assistant -Director General for Access to Medicines and Health Products, Dr Mariângela Simão , as saying , “ This is a very positive step towards ensuring global access to COVID – 19 vaccines. But I want to emphasize the need for an even greater global effort to achieve enough vaccine supply to meet the needs of priority populations everywhere. “ WHO and our partners are working night and day to evaluate other vaccines that have reached safety and efficacy standards . We encourage even more developers to come forward for review and assessment. It ’ s vitally important that we secure the critical supply needed to serve all countries around the world and stem the pandemic. ” Regulatory experts convened by WHO from around the world and WHO’ s own teams reviewed the data on the Pfizer /BioNTech vaccine ’ s safety, efficacy and quality as part of a risk-versus- benefit analysis . “ The review found that the vaccine met the must- have criteria for safety and efficacy set out by WHO, and that the benefits of using the vaccine to address COVID – 19 offset potential risks, ” WHO added .

FG inaugurates mobile app for NIN applicants

The National Identity Management Commission, on Thursday, unveiled a Mobile App for the enrolment of the National Identification Number by applicants. In a statement signed by Femi Adeluyi, an aide to the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, the Federal Government also released an “ improved” National Identity Number slip. The ministry said the NIMC Mobile App, and the new National Identification Number slip are now available for public use . “ The App provides a secure channel for all Nigerians and legal residents to easily verify and authenticate their identities on – the- go using smartphones . It also enables them to link the NIN to their phone numbers, ” the statement partly read . “ The App offers a built -in harmonisation process that allows for its use across other government services including the Nigerian Communication Commission, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Federal Road Safety Commission, and National Health Insurance Scheme , to mention a few , ” it said . “ The new improved NIN slip is a pocket friendly and an easy to verify version of the NIN . It can be accessed via a self -service Portal , where people who already have been issued the NIN , can log in, download a PDF of the document in colour ( if preferred) , print and laminate as desired. The current NIN Slip will remain valid and will be gradually phased-out , ” the statement added . The PUNCH had earlier reported that the Federal Government through the NCC ordered telecommunications companies to deactivate telephone lines of subscribers who failed to link their phones to their National Identity Number . Large crowd thronging the NIMC web portal for the process of obtaining their National Identity Number led to the crash of the portal last week. Large crowds also resurfaced at NIMC centres nationwide this week after the Christmas break.

Lagos govt demolishes many homes on New Year eve

Hundreds of people who reside at Monkey Village, an informal rural settlement in the Opebi area of Lagos, have been rendered homeless following the demolition of the settlement by the Lagos state government. Operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) and its task force carried out the demolition on Thursday. The residents, aggrieved by the sudden demolition told PREMIUM TIMES they were not given any notice by the state government. While the demolition of shanties and illegal settlement takes place in Lagos often, it is unusual for the government to demolish a settlement without prior notice. In most cases, the government allows for days or months before demolishing an informal settlement especially after meeting with residents. The demolition When PREMIUM TIMES’ reporter arrived at the area around 12 noon, four vehicles belonging to LAGESC were spotted exiting the demolition scene. The vehicles, three vans and a pickup, were loaded with the officials who carried out the demolition. On getting to Monkey Village, the reporter saw damaged properties and valuables and aggressive residents. While many residents continued to salvage their valuables from the rubbles, scavengers had also arrived at the scene looking for items to pick. “They came around past 8 a.m. I was cooking, many people have gone out, they started shouting that we should pack. We were so shocked and within minutes, they brought the caterpillar and started demolishing the place,” a resident, Adesewa Owolabi, said. Mrs Owolabi said all her properties were destroyed, “as the demolition started from her side”. “I had a shop at Oshodi, it was because they demolished it like three times that I moved to this place. All my goods (attachments and weave-ons) have been destroyed. I don’t have anyone only God, I don’t know where to sleep. “I rented house at Mangoro before, I was paying N180, 000 but when my shop was demolished and everything I had gone, I moved to this place,” Mrs Owolabi lamented. Another resident, Jennifer, said she had gone to work before she was called that the place was being demolished. “I leave home very early, I work 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and come here just to sleep. When they called me, I didn’t believe it until another person called. Thankfully, some of my things were packed by my neighbour, that’s why I didn’t lose everything,” she said, pointing to a few sacks of clothes. Trauma Other residents, saddened by the demolition, expressed their grief. “They didn’t even give us any notice. That is not how things are done, we are also humans,” a resident screamed. Those soldiers and police officers behaved like Alausa thugs, they wanted to beat people,” Wura Iyiola said. Most of the settlers have been at Monkey Village for several years, some, over 20 years, PREMIUM TIMES learnt. The informal settlement is located behind Agbaku Estate, Opebi, Lagos. Government agencies react When PREMIUM TIMES contacted Adebayo Taofeek, the spokesperson of the Lagos State Task Force, he said was not aware of the demolition “because it was not carried out by the agency”. “It is not our own task force, I don’t know, it is not our own task force. I have spoken with our operation officer, he said he is not aware of any operation,” he said. A staff of LAGESC, who preferred not to be named, also said “the operation did not come from LAGESC. PREMIUM TIMES could not reach the spokesperson for LAGESC for an official response at the time this report was filed.

Deliver on targets or get sanctioned, Buhari warns revenue generating agencies

…Signs 2021 appropriation and finance bill into law President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday in Abuja issued stern warning to agencies of government saddled with generating revenue generation to work hard to meet their targets. The President issued the warning after he signed the Thirteen-Point- Five- Eight-Eight trillion Naira (N13.588 trillion) 2021 Appropriation Bill and the 2020 Finance Bill into law. “We are intensifying our domestic revenue mobilization efforts so that we can have adequate resources to fund the 2021 Budget. Revenue Generating Agencies, and indeed all Ministries, Departments and Government-Owned Enterprises, must work very hard to achieve their revenue targets, control their cost-to-revenue ratios, as well as ensure prompt and full remittance of revenue collections. “Relevant Agencies are to ensure the realization of our crude oil production and export targets. Heads of defaulting Agencies are hereby warned that they will be severely sanctioned. I also appeal to our fellow citizens and the business community, at large, to fulfil their tax obligations promptly,” said the President. President Buhari expressed his delight that despite disruptions occasioned by the Coronavirus pandemic, 2020 Budget implementation passed previous thresholds. “In spite of the adverse impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic on the nation’s economy and the Government’s revenues, we have made appreciable progress in the implementation of the 2020 Budget. As at December 2020, we had released about One-point-Seven-Four-Eight Trillion Naira (N1.748 trillion) out of a total of the One-Point-Nine-Six-Two Trillion Naira (N1.962 trillion) voted for the implementation of critical capital projects, representing a performance of about Eight-Nine-Point-One Percent (89.1%). “The overall performance of the 2020 Budget currently stands at an impressive rate of Ninety-Seven-point-Seven Percent (97.7%). This commendable outcome underscores the importance of our efforts, together with the Legislature, to return to the discipline of a January-to-December fiscal year. The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning will provide further details on the 2020 Budget’s performance, in due course,” he said. The President commended the National Assembly for completing “the important appropriation process in good time,” adding that “the passage of the 2021 Federal Budget before the commencement of the 2021 fiscal year is in confirmation of our resolve to maintain a predictable January-December fiscal year, as provided for in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

FG lifts ban on replacement, activation of SIM

The Federal Government has lifted the earlier suspension order on replacement and activation of old Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) card. In a statement on Thursday, signed by the Director, Public Affairs at NCC, Dr Ikechukwu Adinde, the Commission said the lifting of the ban was on the condition that the person must have enrolled and obtained the National Identification Number (NIN) the National Identification Number (NIN) . It will be recalled that the federal government had on December 9, announced the suspension of the sale and activation of new SIM cards across networks. The suspension order according to the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy was expected to last till the completion of the audit of the Subscriber Registration Database, which seeks to achieve global standards and quality in the issuance of SIM Cards. For the Commission, the lifting of the ban became imperative in line with the federal government’s desire to consolidate the achievement of the SIM Card registration exercise of September 2019. According to the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), expressed joy over the lifting of the ban. “Further to engagements with government on the matter, we are pleased to report that our members have been granted permission to carry out SIM replacement upon verification of the customer’s NIN. In this regard, our members are working with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to ensure seamless system connectivity for verification of NINs.” “We note the challenges experienced by customers seeking to replace or upgrade their SIM cards following the suspension of sale and activation of SIM cards by the government which also affected SIM replacement. “We empathise with people who have been unable to reactivate their phone lines as a result of the suspension. ”We, therefore, seek the continued patience and understanding of our esteemed subscribers as we work with all stakeholders towards speedy resolution of issues affecting SIM Registration/Swap and activation. We assure you of restoring normal services in a seamless and effective manner as soon as possible.”

Buhari rejoices over Niger Republic’s peaceful elections

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday reportedly showered praises on the outgoing President of Niger Republic , Mahamadou Issoufou , and the citizens of the country for the peaceful and successful conduct of the presidential and parliamentary elections on December 27. His Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity , Garba Shehu, disclosed this in a statement titled , “ President Buhari hails Niger Republic ’ s peaceful elections . ” Shehu quoted Buhari as speaking at an audience with former Vice- President Namadi Sambo , who is the leader of the ECOWAS Electoral Observation Mission, appointed to oversee the elections . He quoted Buhari as saying that Issoufou deserved to be congratulated on how he organised and conducted the elections . “ I have been very , very impressed by what I have been seeing and hearing. I will call to congratulate him . Issoufou is going home with honour and grace. All is well that ends well, ” Buhari reportedly said While noting the smooth and peaceful conduct of the elections in Niger Republic , the President , however , expressed regrets over reported incidents of violence in some other countries in the sub- region. According to him , “ Seeing how bloody it has been in some other countries, Issoufou must be congratulated on working out this so well so that he will hand over and go quietly. ” Buhari also praised the work of the ECOWAS Mission to the Niger Republic under Sambo , describing it as very impressive . In his remarks, the former Vice- President reportedly described the elections as “ successful , free and fair. The elections went well. No incident had created an alarm, ” while expressing the hope that this peaceful conduct will continue. He also conveyed to Buhari the gratitude of members of the mission for the support given by Nigeria , and the deep appreciation of the government and people of Niger Republic for Nigeria ’ s continuous cooperation, support and encouragement.

FG kicks as protest greets killing of 27-year-old Nigerian in Ireland

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has expressed dissatisfaction over the fatal killing of a 27- year -old Nigerian, Mr George Nkencho , in Ireland . Abike Dabiri -Erewa , chairman of the federal government ’ s agency – NIDCOM, described the killing as “ callous ” in a statement on Thursday. The PUNCH gathered that Nkencho was shot dead by gardaí ((Irish police) during an incident in west Dublin on Wednesday afternoon. The Irish Examiner reported that a protest took place Thursday morning outside a garda station in Dublin following yesterday’ s fatal shooting by gardaí of a 27- year -old man . In a video that surfaced online , some protesters knelt outside Blanchardstown Garda Station in memory of Nkencho. They also displayed placards with various inscriptions . Tweeps on social media compared the Nigerian ’ s killing to high profile events in the United States , involving the death of black people at the hands of the police. It was learnt that about five shots were discharged at the Nigerian after apparent attempts to subdue him by two tasers and pepper spray proved unsuccessful . In a statement on Twitter , Nkencho’ s sister Gloria said her brother was “ suffering from serious mental illness and those who knew him know the type of person he was , he was not a thug nor a criminal . “ My siblings and I have witnessed the most traumatic experience of our lives as our brother was shot in front of us . I kindly ask ( you ) to refrain from sharing the video of the shooting. It is not something I wish to be reminded of . ” Dabiri- Erewa said she is “ apparently disturbed ” by the killing and called for “ a full , thorough, and fair investigation into the matter ” . She also condemned, in strong terms , the killing of Nkencho. The statement by NIDCOM Head of Media, Abdur – Rahman Balogun, said Dabiri -Erewa also described the death of the young Nigerian by a Police officer as “ wicked ” . She appealed to “ the obviously enraged Nigerian community in Ireland to exercise patience and await the outcome of an investigation into the unfortunate incident” . “ Already , the African Advocacy Network Ireland has expressed shock to learn about the callous shooting dead of George Nkencho on Wednesday , December 30. “ Circumstances surrounding the killing of a mentally challenged young man has enraged the African community and demanded a full independent public inquiry , ” the statement added . In their statement , gardaí claimed that “ Uniform, unarmed Gardaí responded to the scene and observed a male in possession of a knife . The male continued to threaten members of the public and unarmed Gardaí with the knife. “ The Armed Support Unit were also threatened with a knife and implemented a graduated response where the use of less -lethal force options ( taser and OC spray) was initially administered in an effort to resolve the incident. The less -lethal use of force options were unsuccessful . “ At approximately 12. 35 pm, a member of the Armed Support Unit discharged a number of shots from his official firearm shooting the male . “ The male was treated at the scene by Garda Armed Support Unit paramedics and Dublin Fire Brigade paramedics and transferred to Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown. ”

Kaduna demolishes ‘sex party’ building

Following the arrest of organisers of the maiden edition of the Kaduna sex party, the building that would have hosted the event , has been demolished. Officials of the Kaduna State Urban State Urban Planning Development Agency carried out the exercise. According to the Public Relations Officer of the agency , Nuhu Garba , the property located at Sabon Tasha in Chikun Local Government Area of the state, was pulled down on Thursday. This, he said , was in accordance with the laws guiding the agency over properties in the state. Garba said , “ The law has vested the agency the power to demolish any building that contravenes the rights of occupancy . “ For instance , if a residential building is turned into something other than the purpose it was meant , the law gives us the power to demolish such property especially if it’ s against the public interest . “ We are in Narayi ( another suburb) too to carry out a similar assignment. We are currently demolishing another building that promotes illicit acts . ” Recall that the Kaduna State Police Command had on Wednesday said it made some arrests in connection to the maiden edition of Kaduna sex party in the state. The Command’ s Public Relations Officer , Mohammed Jalige , had said operatives were able to trace the venue and made some arrests . The party, which received high publicity on social media and slated for December 27, 2020, at an undisclosed venue in the capital, was aborted. Part of the requirements by participants on the invitation obtained by our correspondent was that males and females were expected to be naked .

Buhari to make New Year Day broadcast

President Muhammadu Buhari will make a New Year broadcast to the nation Friday, January 1, 2021 at 7 am. An announcement from Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media & Publicity) in Abuja on Thursday, enjoined Television, radio and other electronic media outlets to join the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) respectively, for the broadcast.

We are waiting for new VC to announce resumption date, say IMSU Authorities

Ibe Pascal Arogorn, Owerri The Imo state university (IMSU) authorities said on Thursday that the institution is waiting for a new Vice-Chancellor before stating it’s resumption date for students. CrimeFacts.News had reported how varsities were forced to shut down as result of ADUU strike and Coronavirus pandemic. Recall that ASUU on 23 December, suspended their 9-month old strike after the federal government met some their demands. Speaking to our reporter on Thursday, IMSU’s public relations officer, Dr Ralf Njoku said the institution is waiting for a new VC before stating resumption date for students. He said, “ASUU just called off last week but we are now facing the issue of a new VC. The current VC stopped work yesterday (Wednesday) . ” We are only waiting for a new person (VC) to come so that we can discuss before stating the particular date for resumption.