Crime Facts

BREAKING: Lagos releases White Paper on #EndSARS Panel Report

The Lagos State Government has released the much-awaited White Paper on the Judicial Panel of Inquiry report of Lekki Toll Gate October 20, 2020 incident. Governor Jide Sanwo-Olu inaugurated the judicial panel headed by Justice Doris Okuwobi to investigate petitions on police brutality in the state and alleged shootings of protesters on October 20, 2020. Following the submission of the panel’s report Sanwo-Olu, constituted a four-member committee to come up with a white paper on the recommendations of the panel. Lagos Attorney-General, Moyosore Onigbanjo, was appointed to chair the white-paper committee. In the 24-page document exclusively obtained by The Nation, the State Government noted that, of the 32 recommendations made by the panel, it accepted 11, accepted six with modifications and rejected one. It also said that 14 of the recommendations highlighted by the panel are not within the powers of the State and would be forwarded to the Federal Government for consideration. The State Government commended all medical personnel and hospitals that treated citizens who suffered injuries during the protest. It noted that it would continue to engage youths through dialogue and other programmes including Youth/Police Dialogue, Youth peaceful conflict resolution programme. The State also noted that it would take appropriate legislative actions to establish a standing human rights committee. Details shortly….

Fani-Kayode leaves EFCC’s custody

A former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi-Kayode has been released from Economic and financial crimes commission, EFCC, custody after about 8 hours of “quiz”. Recall Vanguard had reported the ex-minister was invited by the anti-graft agency to have a brief quiz over the falsification of a document. Fani-Kayode and 14 others are standing trial for alleged N3.8b believed to be misappropriated between January and March 2015. Fani-Kayode had appeared at the court earlier today alongside the former Minister of Finance and a few others who are standing trial over falsified documents. Vanguard reported that the EFCC had invited FFK to its office shortly after the court’s ruling to have a quiz. But Fani-Kayode, in a tweet, as of the time of filing this report noted that he was not arrested contrary to media reports. He said, “ Once again I was invited to the EFCC today. Once again, despite media reports, I was NOT arrested but invited. I got there at 11.00 am and I have just been released. Thanks be to God”.

“Taraba community gave Ambazonia soldiers everything they needed to live yet the camerounian separatists rewarded the villagers with outrageous killings – Taraba gov’s aide, Habu Ardo

Crimefacts.news’s Ibe Pascal Arogorn in this interview with the Senior Special Assistant to the governor of Taraba state , Arch Dickson Ishaku, Hon. Habu Ardo explained deeply how the rift between the Ambazonia soldiers and Manga community led to grouesome killings by the Ambazonia soldiers as well as the origin. Q: What is your name ? A: My name is Hon. Habu Ardo. Senor special assistant to gov Ishaku of Taraba Q: Police in Taraba on Tuesday shot and killed a youth named Oliver Ezra over N50 bribery, the police havent reacted much on that. What are your thoughts and comments on that incident? A: Well , the killing of the youth by the happy-trigger policemen took place around Monday last week. The deceased is an aide to Lawu LGA chairman Pastor Zaden. Unfortunately he was driving from Lawu to Jalingo because the chairman lives in Jalingo, the incident happened at the entrance of the city gate where there was a checkpoint of policemen. According to an eyewitness, he said that the police officers stopped them which the driver (victim) stopped . There was a delay of time by police which made the victim came out to explain his boss’s identify to them for them to allow to him go. So as he was about to go back into the bus, the trigger happy policeman shot him through the back but he die at the spot . Another police officer shoot him through the front, he was shot twice. He (Oliver Ezra) was rushed to the hospital not far from.where the incident took place. Arriving at the hospital, the medical personnel that was on duty that day advised that the case was a big one and they should take him to a bigger hospital which is federal medical center Jalingo. So they took him there, unfortunately two days later, he died. He died on Wednesday Now the youths rose to revolt against police brutality. There was a serious protest in Government house to register their grievances over what the police did to Oliver Ezra. The governor of Taraba was not on sit that day but the SA on political matter assured them that justice will prevail. Q: The police have always gotten away with this kind of actions in different parts of Nigeria in many occasions. How has the commissioner of police in Taraba reacted to this incident? A: Ibe, thank you for this question, I forget to tell you that commissioner of police in Taraba addressed a press conference in which all journalists are present. He said that right now, the officer who killed the youth has been detained and the police have set up a committee to try the officer. The commissioner of police said if he is being found guilty of the police disciplinary act , then the police will dismiss , prosecute and allow him to face the law. But we the state government are watching to ensure justice. Q: Weeks ago a Senator raised concerns at plenary session of National Assembly Senate about the outrageous killings by Ambazonia soldiers in Manga community, Tarkum LGA of Taraba. What is really going on ? A: Manga is community is a situated in Tarkum LGA of Taraba state. The Ambazonias are separatists who agitating for liberation from Cameroon. The movement started quite long ago, but the war with the camerounian authorities became unbearable for the Ambazonia solders, they ran into Nigeria for protection through borders. So some if them live with Nigerian states which have borders with Cameroun. They came to Nigeria fur safety. Some communities accepted them because there is no way one can reject human being who is in dire need for help. When someone is ruining away from war, as a result of sympathy, you have to accommodate them. Now, Because the Ambazonia solders have weapons and when they were are being accommodated in that Manga village, after sometime they start taking advantages in commiting all sort of crimes such as Armed robbery, raping of women etc. They easily commit these crimes because they were armed. Now the village Emir (Chief of Manga) who was killed during this incident raised by the senator representing Taraba South senatorial district whee that is situated. The Emir took some actions and said enough is enough because the ugly activities if the Ambazonia solders have gotten out of hand. The Emir reported the Ambazonia solders to Taraba security agencies and he (Emir) went ahead to form a local community security outfit. The Ambazonia solders felt that forming of the local security outfit is a threat to them. On that fateful day, the Ambazonia solders invaded Manga village and begin to shoot in the air, people started to running, unfortunately five people were killed including the Emir. They also killed some business men in the forest. Over 12 killed . But I thank God we have a proactive gov, the gov has taken measures to ensure normalcy returns to Manga by deploying security agencies in the area to maintain law and order. Q: Ambazonia solders have denied killing the Manga villagers, attributing it to the Herdsmen. How true are these claims? A: Ibe as I earlier stated, the Ambazonias are spread across most of the borders across Nigeria and Taraba. It was out of sympathy that the people of Taraba accepted and lived with them. But for the Ambazonia solders to deny the killings of people in Manga is just “story for the children” . They are trying to defend their evil acts. They should apologise if there is any is a need to. If I live with you for a long a time and you turn against me, definitely I should know that you are the one. The Ambazonians are living with the host community fur a while and the they started commiting crimes against the ethics of Nigerian society and Human and Emir felt that this should not continue. On the claims of Ambazonians that the Fulani

We Won’t Prosecute Repentant Boko Haram Fighters, Says Gov Zulum

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has ruled out the prosecution of repentant Boko Haram fighters. While presenting the 2022 budget at the State Assembly, Zulum said insurgents will not be encouraged to surrender if repentant insurgents are tried in court. He said, “Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, we need Allah’s guidance and the utmost wisdom to work for an end to the crisis facing our dear state.” “Prosecuting all the criminals (insurgents) would have been most appropriate but if we insist on it, we would discourage others out there that are willing to lay down their arms. “The terrorists’ ranks could swell and our innocent fellow citizens, particularly those in local government areas, could become more vulnerable to attacks and abductions. He said none of the insurgents that surrendered to the military has been reintegrated into the society and that the de-radicalisation measures do not mean that any insurgent “can kill today, surrender tomorrow and walk go scot free.” Those who are willing to surrender must from now on stop further attacks on civilians, security agents and facilities,” he said. Zulum said the mass surrender of insurgents is a “God-sent” opportunity that can at least reduce the ranks of violent criminals. “However, we will never forget the feelings of those who have lost loved ones, lost their homes, lost their communities and lost their means of livelihood. “We must approach our peace-building efforts with extreme caution by working in line with the 16 resolutions reached on August 29, 2021, when we convened a multi-stakeholder security town-hall meeting, which critically reviewed and adopted guidelines for us to approach the surrender of insurgents,” the governor said. According to him, all de-radicalisation processes are being led by the security forces and that the government is ensuring disarmament, stringent profiling and other key measures that should evaluate and guarantee the usefulness and integrity of the de-radicalization process.

Real Igbo leaders working behind the scene, Nnamdi Kanu’s family blasts Orji Kalu

The family of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has expressed rage and disappointment over what it called “confusing, incoherent, disparaging and uncomplimentary remarks” by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu after his visit to the IPOB leader at the Department of State Services, DSS, headquarters, Abuja, on Monday. The former governor and Senator representing Abia North District, had in a tweet after his meeting with Kanu, said that he advised Kanu to watch his utterance, “especially as he has insane amount of people rooting for his release.” A tweet posted by the Senate Chief Whip read: “This afternoon, I visited my brother, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in DSS custody, Abuja. “I met him in good health and care and we discussed as ‘Umunne’. “In 2001 when I was governor, I made his father Eze Israel Okwu Kanu traditional ruler of Akwara Ukwu and since then the family has been very close to me. “I understand that Nnamdi has an insane amount of people rooting for his back home and I encouraged him to consider the consequences of certain actions and utterances for the sake of the same people. “In 2001 when I was governor, I made his father Eze Israel Okwu Kanu traditional ruler of Akwara Ukwu and since then the family has been very close to me. “I understand that Nnamdi has an insane amount of people rooting for his back home and I encouraged him to consider the consequences of certain actions and utterances for the sake of the same people. “Even though my ideology and his ideology are totally different, God has made us brothers and we can’t run away from each other. “I owe him and Nigerians good counseling. Whether he and his family listens to me or not, I will continue counselling him as I have always done in the past. “What we need most is a peaceful and secured society.” ‘It’s for political gain’ But Kanu’s family, in a swift reaction, lampooned the former governor, accusing him of unnecessarily advertising his visit to Kanu “probably for political gains”. Kanu’s younger brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, who spoke for the family, demanded explanations from the former governor of “what he meant by Kanu’s insane amount of people rooting for his release”. The family cautioned the Senate Chief Whip against “making unguarded utterances on subjects beyond his comprehesion.” “What does Senator Orji Uzor Kalu want to achieve by those confusing and disparaging remarks? “Is he saying that millions of followers of Nnamdi Kanu who feel disenchanted by the protracted and provocative marginalisation and injustice perpetrated against Biafrans by the Nigeria Authorities are insane? “Who is Kalu working for? Must he advertise his visit to our brother? If he thinks he has any solution to offer can’t be work from behind the scene? “Must he make political capital of every issue? “We are highly disappointed by his incoherent utterances. He must understand that our brother is not being persecuted because he stole, or committed any crime. “His only crime, if at all it’s a crime, is asking for the freedom of the oppressed people of Biafra. “Orji Uzor Kalu and his types are the reason the agitation for self-determination by our people is unending. “How can he be trusted by the people? We have not forgotten his role in 2017 when our brother was in Kuje Prison. “What is his mission? Is he for or against Nnamdi Kanu? “By his utterances it’s clear that he is no solution but part of the problems of our people. He shouldn’t forget that history will judge him for all his actions and inactions. “In case Kanu doesn’t know, real Igbo leaders are working behind the scene to bring about solution to the problem of our people. They don’t make noise over it,” he added.

Wike Testifies In N7bn Libel Suit Against ThisDay Newspapers

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has appeared before a Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt, to testify as a witness in a seven billion naira libel suit against ThisDay Newspaper. Governor Wike had in August 2020 sued the newspaper for publishing a report captioned “With Wike, Obaseki Meets His PDP’S Waterloo; Almost” on June 23, 2020. Other defendants in the suit are Leaders and Company Limited’s (ThisDay’s parent company) Davidson Iriekpen, Chuks Okocha and Adibe Emenyonu. READ ALSO: Again, EFCC Quizzes Fani-Kayode In Lagos After Court Proceedings The Governor told the court, which was presided over by Justice Adolphus Enebeli that the publication portrayed him as deceitful and an unreliable person who exerts great influence on judicial matters and over court sittings in Port Harcourt. In his written statement on oath, Governor Wike stated that the defendants accused him of influencing the decision of the Court sitting in Port Harcourt that granted an injunction restraining Godwin Obaseki from participating in the primaries of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State in 2020 to favour his ally, Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, who was the beneficiary of the order. The court adjourned the matter for further hearing to 12th, 13th and 14th of January 2022. Speaking to journalists outside the court, one of the lawyers to Governor Wike, Mark Agwu said it is important for Governor Wike to clear his name from the malicious publication.

Omicron COVID: Nothing to worry about ― Airport officials, NCAA

Activities remained unaffected at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, NAIA, Abuja, Tuesday, following the discovery of a new variant of coronavirus known as Omicron in Canada. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA had Monday, said it was waiting for directive from the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 on modalities to guide against possible infiltration of the virus into the country. This is even as the federal government assured Nigerians that the Ministries of Aviation, Health, Nigeria Centre for Control, NCDC, NCAA and relevant stakeholders were working together especially on preventive measures to prevent the new strain of the virus from possible entry into the country. At the international wing of the airport, Tuesday, officials were seen busy helping passengers with the COVID-19 protocols including presentation of vaccination certificates on arrival, compulsory use of facemask as well as the routine use of hand sanitizer.NAIA official who gave his name as Steve said though there is the need to prevent Omicron from having a foot in Nigeria, “there is nothing to worry about as those responsible for ensuring that these things are taken care of are doing their work.” According to him, it is a good thing that Nigerians are talking about the new variant of the virus, adding that “in similar fashion, government has taken it upon himself to put everyone on notice. This is certainly good news for Nigerians and in the long run, good news for the aviation industry because a healthy populace is good for business including aviation business.” An official of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, told Vanguard in confidence that “if past mistakes that opened the country to widespread infection of COVID-19 are avoided, Omicron will have no chance to rear its head here. The important thing at the moment is that relevant authorities have taken up the challenge. The Minister of Health has risen up to the challenge and the NCDC are on alert to ensure safety for all.” In a telephone conversation with our correspondent, NCAA spokesman, Sam Adurogboye said the agency is working relentlessly with the Presidential Steering Committee chaired by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha to ensure safety of the airports and air passengers. “NCAA is part of the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19. All the appropriate agencies including airports authority are on red alert,” he said even as he stressed that preventive measures are in place as the agency awaits further directive from the Boss Mustapha-led committee.

Mambila Power Project: Fashola Files N2bn Libel Suit Against Sunrise Power CEO

The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola is claiming N2billion in a defamation suit against the Chief Executive Officer of Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Ltd, Leno Olaitan Adesanya over some alleged libelous publications made in two national dailies against him. In a suit before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Fashola accused Adesanya of making false and downgrading publications against him in The Guardian and Thisday newspapers of January 11 and 16, 2019 in respect of the Mambilla Power Project. Adesanya in the said publications, accused Fashola of frustrating the completion of the Mambila Power Project and engaging in acts of corruption in relation to the project while serving as Minister of Power, Works and Housing. The Ministers stated that the advertorial publications, captioned: Mambilla Power Project: Open letter to Mr. Babatunde Fasola,” and sponsored by Adesanya. “amounted to nothing less than character assasination with a view to achieving damaging effects against. The Minister, who was present in court in his statement of claim, added that Adesanya and the two newspapers, by the publications in which his name was deplored, portrayed him as a dishonest and disloyal political operative, and a greedy thieving political manipulator, unworthy of his office as minister or any other public office. He further stated that the publications portrayed him as “a dirty politician who would take beneficial steps in governance only when it is for his personal advantage even at the risk of causing his country and political leader great harm. “None of the allegations made against the claimant in the offending publications are true. “The defendants published the disparaging and defamatory materials with the main purpose of destroying the claimant’s credit and reputation by publishing invented untrue and malicious falsehood about him.” Fashola, who said he has suffered embarrassment, humiliation, among others, as a result of the false publications, wants the court to award N2b damages against the defendants for damages for the libellous publications, and aggravated and exceptional damages. He also wants an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants and their agents from further publishing the offending materials or any other materials relating to the claimant. Fashola, who equally wants the court to order the defendants to publish retraction of the damaging publications, is also seeking an order compelling the defendants to offer him a properly worded unreserved apology for the libellous advertorials. While Adesanya and Thisday are yet to respond to the suit, The Guardian, in its statement of defence, denied any wrong doing. The Guardian, while pleading qualified privilege, said it acted within its constitutional responsibilities, including the duty to inform the public on matters relating to the conduct, activities, operations and policies of the state, its ministries, paraststals and agencies. It argued that the publication referred to by Fashola “is a fair and accurate publication of a rejoinder about issues relating to the management and/or administration of the Mambilla Power Project by the claimant as the Minster of Power.” The newspaper added that since the Mambilla Power Project is being executed with public funds, the publication complained about was made in furtherance of its moral, professional and legal duty to inform the public on matters of public interest. The Guardian stated that it did not hold Fashola in malice or in contempt and has never made any publication or done anything against him to cast him in bad light. At the mention of the case, Fashola’s lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Charles Edosomwan, noted that it was only the second defendant (The Guardian) that had filed any response in the case. Justice Sylvester Oriji noted the first and third defendants were still within the required seven days to file their responses. Justice Oriji subsequently adjourned till December 6 for hearing of a pending application filed by Fashola.

Oil price plunges to $70 a barrel ahead of OPEC+ meeting

Oil prices fell to $70 per barrel ahead of the meeting of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies scheduled to hold December 2. Brent crude futures, an international oil benchmark, fell by 3.72 percent to $70.71 at 2:52 pm on Tuesday. Also, U.S. West Texas Immediate (WTI) fell by 4.05 percent to $67.12 per barrel at 2:52 pm. Last week, the price dropped to $84 per barrel, amid a new coronavirus variant and U.S. release of millions of barrels of oil from strategic reserves. Paul Donovan from UBS, a financial service provider, told Reuters that the travel constraints propelled by the omicron variant of COVID-19 affected these prices adversely. “The economic impact is driven by fear, and by policy response. Fear is impacting travels. There are outright bans. But also the fear of being stranded which causes travel plans to alter,” Donovan said. Reuters reported that there were growing expectancies that the OPEC alliance would halt plans to add another 400,000 barrels of oil by January, due to a weakening demand outlook.

Alleged Fraud: Court Upholds Withdrawal Of Orji Kalu’s University Certificate

A court of appeal sitting in Owerri, the Imo State capital, has upheld the withdrawal of the Bachelors’ degree certificate of former Governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Uzo Kalu, by the Abia State University. The presiding judge, Justice Oludotun Adefope-Okojie, on Tuesday, thereby, nullified the judgement of a high court in Isikwuato, Abia State which had restored the Bachelors’ degree certificate of the former governor. In 2018, the Abia State University withdrew Senator Kalu’s certificate over allegations of fraud and breach of admission regulations concerning his graduation. But the former governor later approached a state high court in Isikuato in Abia State challenging the allegations and the subsequent withdrawal of his degree by the university. The appeal court’s decision on Tuesday was on the grounds that the state high court in Isikwuato lacked jurisdiction over the matter.