Crime Facts

2023 Presidency: Will Emefiele Resign? Here’s What The CBN Act Says

  After months of speculation, Governor Godwin Emefiele of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) joined the 2023 Presidential race, obtaining the forms of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Prior to Friday, the CBN governor neither confirmed nor denied his interest in succeeding President Muhammadu Buhari. However, there have been calls on him to step down because of the position that he holds. The discussion has generated mixed reactions. To take the conversation further, Daily Trust checked the CBN Act. According to the Act, – (1) A person shall not remain a Governor, Deputy Governor if he is – (a) a member of any Federal or State legislative house; or (b) a Director, officer or employee of any bank licensed under the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act. (2) The Governor, Deputy Governor or Director shall cease to hold office in the Bank if he – (a) becomes of unsound mind or, owing to ill health, is incapable of carrying out his duties; (b) is convicted… (d) is disqualified or suspended from practicing his profession in Nigeria by order of a competent authority made in respect of him personally: (e) becomes (0) bankrupt; removed by the President: Provided that the removal of the Governor shall be supported by two-thirds majority of the Senate praying that he be so removed. RESIGNATION The acts states that the Governor or any Deputy Governor may resign his office by giving at least three months’ notice in writing to the President of his intention to do so and any Director may similarly resign by giving at least one month’s notice in writing to the President of his intention to do so. It adds that if the Governor, any Deputy Governor of Director of the Bank dies, resigns or otherwise vacates his office before the expiry of the term for which he has been appointed, there shall be appointed a fit and proper person to take his place on the Board for the unexpired period of the term of appointment in the first instance. DailyTrust

Report: Boko Haram begins recruitment in Kaduna, distributes Sallah gifts to residents

  Ansaru militant group, a faction of Boko Haram, has reportedly started a “massive recruitment” of residents in communities in Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna state. According to Daily Trust, the group on Wednesday visited Damari, Farin Ruwa, Kwasa Kwasa, Kuyello, Gobirawa, Tabanni, Kutemeshi and Kazage villages in a bid to recruit the villagers into their sect under the guise of celebrating Sallah with them. The newspaper quoted residents as saying the insurgents distributed Sallah gifts –biscuits — to them and also performed motorcycle stunts to entertain the villagers. The group was said to have also distributed a five-page pamphlet titled; ‘We are not Boko Haram but Ansaru’, flash disks and other items on its activities in an attempt to entice residents to join them. “Whoever believes in Shahada and faces Qibla to pray is considered a Muslim to us and so deserves to be protected just as we would protect ourselves and our family members,” the group reportedly said in the pamphlet. ”We will celebrate with him in times of happiness and mourn with him in terms of sorrow. He is free from our harm and we are not going to hand him over to his enemies. “Planting bombs in markets, mosques and motor parks among other places is not what we believe in because, in these places, the majority of the casualties are the poor people. We are not out for materialism because if this is what we wanted, we would have remained in our parents’ houses to enjoy the world. We are also not out to seek for positions or support any political party or tribe or any worldly thing.” A resident was quoted as saying the presence of the militant group would deter bandits from attacking their communities. “They visited the Kuyello area, Tabanni, Kutemeshi and also my village, which is Kazage to join the people in the Sallah celebration,” the resident was quoted as saying. “They participated in motorcycle stunts within the communities; nobody was harmed and they warned against indulging in any dangerous play. They equally preached and shared biscuits to the people. “With their presence, bandits will dare not attack our communities.” Muhammadu Isa, a resident of Kuyello, reportedly said many youths have expressed interest in joining the group. “There are some communities where members of Ansaru provide access to residents to go to their farms and guard the residents while at farms,” Isa was quoted as saying.

UK Govt Recovers More Abacha Loot Worth $23.4m

  The National Crime Agency (NCA) in the UK says it has recovered $23,439,724.98 loot believed to have been siphoned out of Nigeria in the 1990s by the associates and family of former Head of State, General Sani Abacha. According to a communique issued by the agency on Thursday, the funds formed part of a larger pool of monies identified by the United States Department of Justice (USDOJ) as having been misappropriated by Abacha and his allies. The NCA revealed that the funds have now been transferred to the Home Office for onward transmission to the USDOJ. It also pursued nearly seven years of protracted litigation and international negotiation to obtain the recovery order, to enforce the U.S. forfeiture order relating to the recovered monies. Asset Denial Senior Manager at the NCA, Billy Beattie, assured of the agency’s fight against money laundering activities within the UK. “The NCA is committed to ensuring that the UK is not a safe haven for criminals to launder their proceeds of crime, and the civil recovery of assets is a powerful weapon in this fight,” Beatie stated. “We work closely with the UK and international partners to tackle the threat posed by corruption, which disproportionately impacts the poorest and most vulnerable members of society. “We are committed to ensuring that those who perpetrate corruption do not benefit from their actions.” The NCA case is ongoing with further monies having been identified by the USDOJ as having also been misappropriated by Abacha and his associates. Since Abacha’s death in 1998, recovered monies have principally been stashed away in four major countries: Switzerland, Jersey Island in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Liechtenstein, reports said. During the General Abdulsalami Abubakar era in 1999, $750million was recovered while $1.2 billion was recovered in 2002; $149 million repatriated from Jersey Island, UK in 2003; $500 million recovered in 2004 from Switzerland, and another $458 million recovered in 2005 from Switzerland, all under former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration. Former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration also saw the recovery of $1 billion in 2012 and $380 million in 2015 respectively, both tranches from Switzerland. Similarly, Liechtenstein and the United States repatriated the sum of $227 million and $48 million respectively in 2014 during Jonathan’s administration.

Plateau: 8 killed, 2 injured in fresh attack

  Eight people have been reportedly killed and two others injured in Cinke and Zarama villages of Kwall district, Irigwe chiefdom, Bassa local government area of Plateau State as armed men attacked the communities on Thursday night. The State Police Command did not confirm the incident but the National Publicity Secretary, Irigwe Development Association, IDA Davidson Malison confirmed that apart from the killing, the property was also carted away by the attackers. He said, “Residents of Cinke and Zarama villages of Kwall District woke up on the left-hand side of the bed following the unprovoked attacks launched by Fulani Militia on Thursday, May 5, 2022, resulting in the killing of eight persons and injuring of two persons. The attack is no doubt the continuous perpetration of terror and mayhem in Rigwe land in an attempt to forcefully eject the peace-loving Rigwe people from their ancestral land as well as the complete annihilation of the entire tribe. “The attack has become a daily affair as the marauders have assumed an immune set of people and are feeling untouchable daring the authorities concerned. This spate of wanton killings and destructions of lives and property, stealing of valuable items of the Rigwe people have passed a condemnable level and require a drastic decision and action that will call and treat the attackers in the language they comprehend to place them in their cocoons. “We are yet again thrown into a deep mourning mood and sadly commiserate with the entire Rigwe people especially the immediate families over the loss. Once again, our call for the authorities concerned saddled with the responsibility of protection of lives and property of the citizens to step up and double efforts in safeguarding the Rigwe people cannot be overemphasized.” He added, “The National leadership of Irigwe Development Association (IDA) and encourages her people to be security-conscious and alert,” and gave names of the victims as, “Irah Weyi 48yrs, Elizabeth Weyi 21yrs, Ladi Mandu, Mary Gya 4yrs, Esther La’aji 5yrs, Titus Agah 40, Aweh Ngwe 47 and Sunday Dada (Corporal). The persons injured are Munto Gado and Sarah Weyi. Destroyed and stolen items are three phones, Television, and an MP3 (Jambox).”

2023: FG bars civil servants from partaking in primaries

  The Federal Government has reiterated the prohibition on civil servants to partake in primary elections. This was contained in a circular by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folashade Esan, obtained on Friday. The circular came hours after the Independent National Electoral Commission asked political parties to conduct their primaries for the nomination of candidates from April 4 to June 3. The circular dated May 5 was titled, ‘Clarification on the provision of public service vis-avis the Supreme Court judgement as it relates to participation of civil servant in partisan politics’. It read in part, “The Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation has been inundated with requests for clarification on the provision of Public Service Rules vis-à-vis the Supreme Court Judgment as it relates to the participation of civil servants in partisan politics. “In the light of the above, it has become necessary to draw the attention of all civil servants to the legal opinion of the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (HAGF&MJ) on this matter. In his letter, Ref. No. SGF/PS/HCSF/210/11 dated 26th November 2018, HAGF &MJ asserted, inter Cilia that:’neither the 1999 Constitution nor the Supreme Court has authorized civil servants to engage in partisan politics. The provisions of Rules 030422 and 030423 of the Public Service Rules (2008 Edition) were not nullified by the Supreme Court, hence, they remain in force and binding on all civil servants seeking to participate in nomination exercises or party primaries’. “He concluded that: ‘provisions of Rules 030402(g), 030422 and 030423 of the Public Service Rules (2008 Edition) should be enforced … and ‘hot the attention of civil servants (be drawn) to the fact that the Supreme Court judgment in INEC vs Musa did not set aside or nullify these provisions of the Public Service Rules, hence, they must be complied with by any civil servant who wishes to seek nomination or participation in party primary elections’. “Accordingly, in the overall best interest of neutrality, harmony, integrity and development of Nigerian Civil Service, all civil servants are strongly advised to be guided by the provisions of PSR and the legal opinion of the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation/Minister of Justice on the subject.”

Emefiele, Boroffice, Amosun, Onu pick APC presidential forms

  The speculation over the presidential ambition of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele was laid to rest on Friday when a group of committee of friends picked the expression of interest and nomination forms for him. Former Ogun Governor Senator Ibikunle Amosun; Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Ogbonnaya Onu and Senator Ajayi Boroffice also picked tbe N100 million presidential nomination forms. A group of supporters of former Zamfara Governor, Senator Sani Yerima, who is making a public declaration at Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja will also pick the nomination form for him. More to follow…..

ICYMI: UK Bars IPOB, Others From Seeking Asylum

  Authorities in the United Kingdom have excluded members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and some other secessionists from seeking asylum in their country. In its updated asylum policy published in May and sighted by Channels Television, the UK explained that it took the decision as a result of the recent activities of such people as reported in Nigeria. According to Britain, Nigerian authorities have since proscribed IPOB as a terrorist group while the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has also been banned, but not designated the same status as the former. “IPOB is proscribed as a terrorist group by the Nigerian government, and members of the group and its paramilitary wing – the Eastern Security Network (created in December 2020) – have reportedly committed human rights violations in Nigeria,” the document said. “MASSOB has been banned but is not a proscribed terrorist group in Nigeria. It too has reportedly been involved in violent clashes with the authorities. “If a person has been involved with IPOB (and/or an affiliated group), MASSOB or any other ‘Biafran’ group that incites or uses violence to achieve its aims, decision-makers must consider whether one (or more) of the exclusion clauses under the Refugee Convention is applicable. Persons who commit human rights violations must not be granted asylum.” The UK stated that any person excluded from the Refugee Convention would also be excluded from a grant of humanitarian protection. it, however, advised decision-makers to still consider all claims on an individual basis, taking into account each case’s specific facts. The government also asked them to check if there had been a previous application for a UK visa or another form of leave, stressing that asylum applications matched to visas should be investigated prior to the asylum interview. In the political context, the UK described Biafra as a loosely defined area in Nigeria’s south-east that roughly corresponds to Abia, Imo, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Anambra States. MASSOB, it said, was identified in May 2013 by former President Goodluck Jonathan as one of the three ‘extremist groups threatening national security’. “MASSOB, since its formation in the late 1990s, has clashed with the security forces. Some sources report that numerous individuals have been killed, wounded, and arrested during these clashes – usually during demonstrations.” “Through its online platform, ‘Radio Biafra’, and other social media, IPOB has increasingly used inflammatory rhetoric to encourage secessionist aspirations and resistance to the authorities, including violence,” the UK government said of IPOB. “Sources reported that the security forces have arrested hundreds of IPOB supporters at different events, particularly between 2015 and 2017 and including during raids on homes of IPOB leaders. Since 2015, IPOB has also claimed that the security forces have used excessive force, including killing and injuring hundreds of its supporters.”

Unknown Gunmen Attack Ebonyi, Set Vehicle Ablaze

  Unidentified gun men suspected to be enforcing a two-day ‘phantom’ sit-at-home allegedly declared by yet to be identified dissident group in South-East attacked Ebebe Junction in Abakaliki metropolis, Ebonyi. The attackers who struck the area at about 6:20 a.m on Friday set a vehicle ablaze while a motorcycle operator escaped death by whiskers. Mr Anayo Chukwuemeka, a resident of the area who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) said that the attackers fired several gunshots that got residents panicking and scampering for safety. “It happened in a flash. But, when the gunshots died down and we came out, we saw that a vehicle has been burnt beyond recognition. “The driver of the vehicle who managed to escape told us that the gunmen said they are enforcing the sit-at-home declared in protest of President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to Ebonyi. “A motorcycle operator who also escaped the attackers gunshots told us that they fired at him but he miraculously dodged the bullets,” Chukwuemeka said. Also, Mr Simon Onwe, a shop owner in the area told NAN that the attackers came in a vehicle without a number plate shot sporadically in the air and immediately fled. “I was still inside my shop because I slept there; I heard the gunshots but I discovered later that they left a vehicle burnt beyond recognition while a motorcycle operator told us that he narrowly escaped their bullets. “It’s so unfortunate that we witnessed such an ugly incident in this area that is usually very peaceful and spralling with business activities especially at evening periods,” he said. Meanwhile, a combined team of men of the Nigeria Police and the Ebubeagu Eastern Security Outfit, Ebonyi Command have condoned off the area. Mrs Loveth Odah, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ebonyi command when contacted for reaction said that the she was yet to get a report of the incident. “I’m just getting the information from you; I’m not aware of the attack,” Odah said. Meanwhile, an officer of the command at the scene of the incident told NAN on condition of anonymity that the police have organised a manhunt to apprehend the armed criminals. However, the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), a separatist group agitating for the independent state of Biafra had in a statement signed by Emma Powerful, its media and publicity coordinator said that the group has not declared any sit-at-home in South-East. Buhari arrived Ebonyi on Thursday on a two-day state visit. The President is expected to interface with leaders and stakeholders of the zone. NAN

2023: Your ambition doesn’t worry me, Ayade tells Osinbajo in Cross River

  Ben Ayade, governor of Cross River and a presidential hopeful of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says he’s not worried about the ambition of Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo. Ayade and Osinbajo are among the growing list of APC politicians who have declared interest in running for the office of the president. On Thursday, Osinbajo visited Cross River for consultations with stakeholders and delegates of the ruling party. Ayade, who was present with other delegates and traditional leaders, said he is not disturbed by the ambition of the vice-president. He praised Osinbajo’s intellect and value, adding that he has the capacity to lead the country. “I have no doubt that he has the capacity to drive Nigeria’s hopes and dreams,” he said. “I have no worries about the vice-president’s ambition. I would like the people of Cross River state to carefully and attentively listen to him. “He is a man of great intellect and value and he came in to respectfully honour our Obong.” Also speaking, Osinbajo said he has the experience and sufficient knowledge to deal with the security and economic challenges facing the country. “The truth of the matter is that every country is faced with peculiar challenges – in our case, we are faced with security and economic challenges,” he said. “But we also know that God Himself equips us with all the necessary resources to defeat every challenge. “I believe very strongly that God helping us, our economic and security challenges will not only be dealt with, but will be stepping stones for a greater nation and a more prosperous and secured nation.”

JAMB tasks officials on guidelines as 2022 UTME begins nationwide

  The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) on Friday tasked its officials to adhere strictly to its guidelines as the 2022 exercise begins for over 1.7 million candidates nationwide. The board gave the directive in its Weekly Bulletin of the Office of the Registrar in Abuja. It stated that biometric verification would be the only mode for admittance of candidates into the examination centre. The board said strict adherence to this directive was required by all involved. JAMB had reiterated that all candidates would be checked into the examination hall, using the Biometric Verification Machine (BVM) which would also serve as a register of attendance, in line with its policy. It urged officials to ensure no candidate was kept waiting if he or she could not be verified, but to ensure such candidate was recaptured at the centre before leaving. The board further stated that only genuine cases would be subsequently treated in cases of biometric hitch. JAMB also urged its officials to ensure that all report forms provided for the exercise were accurately filled and completed. It explained that the information gathered from the forms was expected to assist the board in “establishing happenings during the examination for reference purposes as well as serve as evidence for punitive measures.” The board said it would continue to consult with critical stakeholders, including technical officers and Advisors, Resident Monitors, Supervisors and its eight monitoring groups, to deliver a hitch-free exercise. NAN reports that the board’s exercise had since been scheduled to begin from Friday to May 16 in its 757 centres nationwide. JAMB had also warned its candidates that the ban on prohibited items was still in force and necessary sanctions would be meted out to violators of its code of conduct. “The list of the banned items within the examination hall include but not limited to flash drives, smart watches, calculators, recorders, mobile phones, spy reading glasses, jewelleries, among others,” JAMB said.