October 2023 – Page 41

Post Date : October 18, 2023

FG recovers over N500bn unremitted federation revenue

Chairman of Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Mr. Mohammed Bello on Wednesday gave vivid account of how the Agency recovered unremitted revenue worth over N500 billion belonging to the federation from some Institutions. Mr. Bello disclosed this during an interactive session with House of Representatives’ Committee on Finance chaired by Hon. Abiodun James Faleke (APC-Lagos), who demanded for details of various Organizations where the funds were recovered from. In his earlier presentation, RMAFC Chairman disclosed that the sum of N14 billion was recovered between 2008 and 2012 through the assistance of forensic experts engaged by the Commission. The Commission also recovered the sum of N60.981 billion between 2012 and 2015 In addition, over N312 billion was recovered between 2016 and 2019 while the payment was made in 2022 fiscal year. According to him, just recently the Commission recovered the sum of N98 billion in September, 2023 from Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and remitted same to the treasury. In the same vein, the Commission recovered the sum of N79.102 billion from Federal and 8 State Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). He added that the Commission is currently expanding its operations to 17 states of the Federation. Mr. Bello further noted that there are states that are owing up to N30 billion while some are not owing the Federation. He also informed the Committee of the Commission’s exploit through the recovery of the sum of N474 million and N199 million excise duties from two companies operating in the South West region of the country. The recovery was from January 2020 to December 2021 and 2022. Before 2011, he noted that revenues from royalties and solid minerals were remitted into the Consolidated Revenue Fund. But with the intensive effort of the Commission, the solid mineral component of the Federation Account which was opened in November, 2011 led to approval of 13 percent derivative fund for States and Local Government Areas and shared according to the formula adopted. According to him, States and Local Government Areas are meant to be benefit from 30 percent of the fund. He disclosed that the Commission also secured approval for 10 percent monthly payment from the Natural Resources Development Fund of which 1.68 percent is deducted and kept aside. He disclosed that the immediate past President approved the sum of N30 billion for the Natural Resources Development Fund which will help the development of the sector. While reacting to the proposed review of salaries of RMAFC Commissioners, Hon. Faleke who kicked against the financial burden solely borne by the Federal Government so far, argued that the salaries of all the Commissioners should be borne by the Federation Account. Hon. Faleke who expressed displeasure over the level of impunity in the management of public fund, alleged that most of the erring Institutions indicted for financial impropriety, end up using public fund to pay back the unremitted. He said: “as far as this Committee is concerned all those things you read out are no news. All those figures you read out are mere figure. You have no data or whatsoever to support it.” To this end, he directed the RMAFC Chairman to provide comprehensive report of all the Agencies from which the unremitted revenues were recovered. Adding that: ” if you say in 2008 and 2012 you recovered N14 billion, from where? Which agency paid, how, individual? We need comprehensive list. For you to get back to an agency and say you are owing us $10 or N10 million and then being able to pay back from where do they get it? When you accused them it means, they have spent that money. So, for them to pay back they also use government money to pay you back. So, you’ll give details of these recoveries, the N16.9 billion, your 312 billion , your 98 billion, $21.48 million and 21.9 billion, we need more details,” Hon. Faleke noted.

Post Date : October 18, 2023

Correctional Service dismisses two, sanctions 35 others for misconduct

Two personnel of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) have been dismissed while 35 others were sanctioned for misconduct and acts inimical to their calls of duty, the Service announced on Wednesday. According to the Public Relations Officer of the NCoS, Umar Abubakar, the personnel behaviour constituted a threat to the security of the organisation. Abubakar explained in a statement that the dismissal was part of efforts to ensure discipline of its personnel and entrench international correctional best practices. He said:”The officers were sanctioned for misconducts ranging from trafficking in contrabands, unauthorized absence from duty, stealing, negligence of duty, criminal conspiracy, as well as aiding and abetting. “The offences constitute threats to security of correctional facilities, and can jeopardize public safety and national security. “The Controller General of Corrections, Haliru Nababa FICMC, MFR, mni, has clarified that the Service will continue to reward diligence and exceptional performances, while it will not hesitate to punish erring personnel according to the provisions of extant laws. “The Controller General maintains that the Service will leave no stone unturned to ensure that ‘bad eggs’ are flushed out of the system. He assures that the Service will continue to perform its statutory mandates with integrity and ethical standards in line with international best practices.”

Post Date : October 18, 2023

British woman sentenced to death for murdering husband over £2m

A British woman, Ramandeep Kaur Mann was found guilty and has been sentenced to death by hanging in India over the death of her husband. According to Mirror, Kaur Mann was sentenced by a court in India for the murder of Sukhjeet Singh. The court heard Ms Kaur Mann had poisoned her family before slitting her husband’s throat on September 2, 2016, in order to inherit £2 million from his life insurance. Her accomplice Gurpreet Singh was sentenced to life in prison. The eyewitness testimony of the victim’s nine-year-old son was said to have been crucial in securing a conviction against the woman, who is a British national. The report said she returned from a month-long family holiday to Sukhjeet’s hometown of Shahjahanpur when she carried out a plan to kill her husband, whom she had been with for 11 years. She carried out the heinous act by poisoning a meal given to several members of the family, but her eldest son did not eat it. On the morning of September 2, 2016, Sukhjeet’s body was found lying in a pool of blood on the first floor of the house, where he was sleeping with his family. Sukhjeet’s mother Vansh Kaur was sleeping on the ground floor of the house, the report said. Murder charges were brought against Kaur Mann and Gurpreet, and the police discovered during their investigation that both killers were in a relationship. The court found them guilty of murder and the offence of criminal acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention. A judge described the case on Saturday as the “rarest of rare” and said, “Not only Sukhjeet was murdered but the remaining years of an elderly widow was killed, the childhood as well as the youth of two minor children was exterminated. The children have lost the happiness which they had when their father was alive.” Reacting to the verdict, Sukhjeet’s mother told reporters outside the court that she was pleased her son’s killer had been given capital punishment. She said: “I feel relieved. My prayers were answered and I got what I was expecting from the court. I was demanding capital punishment for Ramandeep so that no mother’s child dies like this.”

Post Date : October 18, 2023

Israel to allow aid into Gaza via Egypt – PM office

Israel said Wednesday it would allow humanitarian aid to enter the Gaza Strip from neighbouring Egypt, while maintaining its siege on the Palestinian territory since bloody attacks by Hamas. The devastating impact of Israel’s restrictions and constant bombardment of Gaza, home to 2.4 million people, has been a major concern among the country’s allies and became a key talking point during US President Joe Biden’s hours-long visit to Israel on Wednesday. “In light of President Biden’s demand, Israel would not foil the supply of humanitarian aid via Egypt,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said, announcing a cabinet decision. The statement noted aid to civilians in south Gaza would be allowed “so long as these supplies do not reach Hamas”, which rules the territory. No timetable has been given for deliveries, but the announcement was welcomed by the World Health Organization. “Many lives depend on this happening,” the WHO’s chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Gazans have been facing dire shortages as the territory was effectively sealed off in the wake of the October 7 attacks by Hamas militants on Israeli communities and military posts. Those attacks and the war they sparked have claimed around 1,400 lives in Israel and 3,478 in Gaza, according to officials on both sides. Palestinian militants also abducted dozens of people and Israel warned it would not allow aid to pass through the country to Gaza until the hostages are released. “Israel demands Red Cross visits with our captives and is working to mobilise broad international support for this demand,” the prime minister’s office said. ‘Justice must be done’ The Israeli announcement came as Biden ended his high-stakes visit, during which he announced $100 million in assistance to Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. “The people of Gaza need food, water, medicine and shelter,” Biden told reporters at the end of his trip. The US president acknowledged the Gaza aid would face “inspections” and would have to be kept away from Hamas, without specifying whether he meant the armed wing, political leaders, or government ministries operated by the group. Biden also pledged military aid to help Israel maintain its Iron Dome aerial defence system and said he would ask the US Congress this week for an “unprecedented” defence support package for Israel. Highlighting the deployment of US aircraft carriers to the region, he warned “any state or any other hostile actor, thinking about attacking Israel… Don’t, don’t, don’t.” But despite Biden’s strong message of solidarity to Israel, the US leader also cautioned against going too far in seeking retribution. “Justice must be done. But I caution that while you feel that rage, don’t be consumed by it,” he said, acknowledging mistakes made by the United States after the September 11, 2001 attacks by Al-Qaeda. AFP

Post Date : October 18, 2023

Atiku begs S’Court on fresh evidence against Tinubu, alleges forgery

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the February 25 election, Atiku Abubakar, has urged the Supreme Court to allow him to present fresh evidence to back his claim that President Bola Tinubu forged the document he submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission. He said presenting forged documents by any candidate is a grave constitutional issue that must be discouraged. This was contained in Atiku’s reply on the point of law to Tinubu’s objection to the leave. He sought to present fresh evidence before the apex court. “Presenting forged documents by any candidate, especially by a candidate for the highest office in the land, is a very grave constitutional issue that must not be encouraged, ” he said. Tinubu had urged the Supreme Court to dismiss the application, describing it as a crass abuse of court processes. But in his response on the point of law, Atiku urged the court to jettison technicality and grant his application. He argued that the issue of merit ought not to be determined or pronounced upon at the interlocutory stage. To refuse to grant the leave, as the respondents have argued, will amount to undue technicality. “The Supreme Court, as the Apex Court and indeed the Policy Court, has intervened time and again to do substantial justice in such matters of great constitutional importance, as it did in the case of AMAECHI vs. INEC (2008) 5 NWLR (Pt. 1080) 227 and OBI vs. INEC (2007) 11 NWLR (Pt. 1046) 565. The Supreme Court applied the principle of ubi jus ibi remedium to ensure substantial justice is done in such novel scenarios. “The need to rebuff, eschew, and reject technicality and the duty of Court to ensure substantial justice is very germane in this matter, given the gravity of the constitutional issue involved in deciding whether a candidate for the highest office in the land, the office of President of the Country, presented a forged certificate or not. “In urging the Honourable Court to overrule the objections of the Respondents, we can do no better than to commend to your noble Lordships the insightful words of the Supreme Court in ASSAH & ORS V. KARA & ORS (2014) LPELR-24212(SC), per Rhodes-Vivour, JSC as follows: “Law is blind. It has no eyes. It cannot see. That explains why a statue of a woman with her eyes covered can be found in front of some High Courts. On the contrary, justice is not blind. It has many eyes, it sees and sees very well. ‘The aim of Courts is to do substantial justice between the parties and any technicality that rears its ugly head to defeat the cause of justice will be rebuffed by the Court, ” he stated. Atiku stated that his stance was not if Tinubu attended the Chicago State University or not, adding that Tinubu presented a forged certificate to INEC. “That the case is not whether the 2nd Respondent attended Chicago State University but whether he presented a forged certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). “That at the trial, a National Youth Service Corps certificate with serial number 173807 presented by the 2nd Respondent to the 1st Respondent was equally tendered by the Appellants/Applicants at the trial as “EXHIBIT PBD 1A” with the name Tinubu Bola Adekunle, which is annexed herewith as EXHIBIT “J”. Also, Atiku described Tinubu’s allegation that he was not consistent with his name as immaterial and pedestrian. Atiku held that there was no petition challenging his qualification. “That it is immaterial that the 1st Respondent had since June 24th, 2022 published the fictitious credentials of the 2nd Respondent as presentation of a forged certificate by a candidate for election to the office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is a post-election matter under Section 137 (1) (j) of the Constitution”. In a 20-paragraph affidavit in support of the application, deposed to by one Uyi Giwa-Osagie, he noted that should the Apex Court grant his application, adding that there would be no need for argument. He said, “There would be no need for any further argument other than the written address in support of same showing that the 2nd Respondent is in violation of the provisions of Section 137 (1) (j) of the Constitution by presenting a certificate disclaimed by the institution from where he purportedly procured same. “That contrary to paragraphs 16(xi) of the 2nd Respondent’s Counter-Affidavit, there was no ex parte communication with the Honourable Court, but the letter was forwarded to the Registrar of the Court just as was done in the case of Uzodinma vs. Izunaso (2011) 17 NWLR (Pt. 1275) 30, at 56 (paragraph h of the affidavit on page 56) in which Counsel for the 2nd Respondent and Counsel for the Appellants/Applicants were both involved. He argued that Tinubu’s objection was baseless. He said, “The presence of the 1st and 3rd Respondents at the discovery and deposition was not necessary. “That I know that the 2nd Respondent’s appeal was to prevent the discovery and deposition and that the said Appeal failed. “That I know as a fact that the discovery and deposition were ordered by the District Judge, and was not out-of-court. “That the Appellants were not indolent in their pursuit of the discoveries and deposition as it was also the letter tendered as EXHIBIT XX2 by the 2nd Respondent in the course of his defense purportedly issued by Caleb Westerberg that clearly gave the Appellants/Applicants further reasons to build on the evidence of PW27 by the discovery proceedings for the documents and Deposition on Oath of the same Caleb Westerberg. “That the process for the discovery and deposition was commenced by the Appellants/Applicants with several initial preliminary processes by their U.S. Attorneys culminating in their eventually filing a Petition for the issuance of Subpoena, a copy of which is annexed herewith as EXHIBIT “K”. “That the process was severely stalled by the vehement opposition of the 2nd Respondent, citing irreparable damage to him,

Post Date : October 18, 2023

Tinubu okays staggered start of six varsities approved by Buhari

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, approved the staggered takeoff of six out of 14 public universities established in the twilight of the Muhammadu Buhari administration. The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, who revealed this to State House Correspondents, said the choice of the universities — two colleges of agriculture, education and medicine each—was strategic to the skills-empowerment goals of the Tinubu-led administration. The Buhari administration approved the establishment of no fewer than 75 universities, encompassing federal, state and private institutions within seven years. However, Mamman said the Federal Government lacked the funds and qualified staffing to kick start all institutions at once as they are capital intensive. He added that the Tinubu administration will be “conservative” in doling out approvals for the establishment of new universities. “And then there are quite a number of universities and institutions which were approved in the last days of the last administration, which because of issues of funding, and even staff it may not be prudent to get these institutions to take off altogether at once. “So Mr. President has directed we stagger their commencement, their takeoff so that the government can properly support them,” the Former Baze University Vice Chancellor said, after he briefed Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa. Details shortly…

Post Date : October 18, 2023

REPORT: Chad’s Defence Minister, General Secretary Resign After Their Sex Tapes Leaked

Chad’s defence minister, Daoud Yaya Brahim and the general secretary, Haliki Choua Mahamat on Wednesday tendered their resignations amid sex scandals, Reuters reports. The defence minister and the general secretary’s resignations were confirmed by the government’s spokesman in a statement after two separate sex tapes purporting to show the men were shared widely on social media. According to the statement, the resignation letters were accepted by Prime Minister Saleh Kebzabo. The tapes, which went viral on Sunday and Monday, allegedly showed the males indulging in personal acts with other persons. Reuters was unable to independently verify the information and was unable to reach either guy for comment. Sex scandals are uncommon in Chad, a Muslim-majority country with rigid social norms.

Post Date : October 18, 2023

BEWARE: FAKE police recruitment flying around

The Nigeria Police Force said it has detected the existence of an unauthorized portal that has been misleading prospective applicants by soliciting applications in the name of the Force. According to the Force Spokesperson in Nigeria, Adejobi Olumuyiwa said it’s crucial to clarify that this deceptive portal is in no way associated with the police. He said, “As a result of this discovery, we wish to emphasize our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of transparency and integrity in our recruitment processes. The Nigeria Police Force is actively inviting capable individuals who possess the right blend of intelligence, strength, and unwavering patriotism to join our ranks. Our goal is to recruit the best candidates to serve our nation. “To ensure that you are accessing the authentic portal for the Nigeria Police Force recruitment, kindly use the following official URLs: – https://apply.policerecruitment.gov.ng – www.policerecruitment.gov.ng “These are the only legitimate channels for submitting your application. Applying on the wrong portal is the reason for certain complaints against the recruitment portal. Prospective applicants who have submitted applications on the illegal portal are hereby advised to reapply on the authentic portal. The authentic portal is working perfectly, and thousands of applications have been received therefrom. “We strongly advise all prospective applicants to exercise due diligence and verify the authenticity of any portal or recruitment information before taking any action. Do not be deceived by fraudulent activities. Your safety and security are of paramount importance to us. “For inquiries or to report any suspicious recruitment activities, please contact: 08069794453

Post Date : October 18, 2023

BREAKING: Imo Police Launches Digitalized CMR To Enhance Vehicle Security

In a bid to address vehicle-related offenses and enhance public safety, the Imo State Police Command, under the leadership of CP Barde, has introduced a digitalized Central Motor Registry (CMR). According to a press release on Wednesday, signed by the Imo state police public relations officer ASP Henry Okoye, the system will cover various types of vehicles, offering services such as requesting vehicle information, changing ownership, license plates, and more. He further to explain the benefits of this digitalization include improved security, efficient law enforcement, crime deterrence, expedited investigations, and bolstering national security. Okoye said Imo Citizens are encouraged by the command, to enroll their vehicles in the CMR, contributing to the collective effort in safeguarding society and ensuring the safety of their assets. For registration and reporting stolen vehicles, visit Command’s dedicated departments for assistance. Full press statement: *IMO POLICE COMMAND PRESS RELEASE OF WEDNESDAY, 18TH OCTOBER, 2023.* *CP BARDE URGES IMOLITES TO ENROLL THEIR VEHICLE(S) IN POLICE DIGITALIZED CENTRAL MOTOR REGISTRY (CMR) PORTAL.* The Imo State Police Command wishes to bring to the notice of the general public that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has revitalized and digitalized the CENTRAL MOTOR REGISTRY (CMR) to tackle vehicle-related offenses, including car theft, snatching, kidnapping, carjacking, hit-and-run incidents, e.t.c., largely attributed to the use of unregistered vehicles, tinted glasses, amongst other factors, which pose significant challenges across the Country. Vehicles to be covered by the new policy include Sports utility vehicles (SUVs), Saloon cars, trucks, buses of all kinds, tricycles, motorcycles etc. Other accessible services are: • *REQUEST FOR MOTOR VEHICLE INFORMATION* • *REQUEST FOR CHANGE OF VEHICLE OWNERSHIP* • *REQUEST FOR CHANGE OF VEHICLE LICENCE/ NUMBER PLATES* • *REQUEST FOR CHANGE OF VEHICLE CHASSIS OR BODY* • *REQUEST FOR CHANGE OF VEHICLE COLOUR* • *REQUEST FOR INT’L DRIVER’S PERMIT* • *REQUEST FOR INT’L CERTIFICATE FOR MOTOR VEHICLE* • *REQUEST FOR TINTED GLASS PERMIT* • *REQUEST FOR SPY NUMBER PLATES PERMIT* • *REPORT OF STOLEN/RECOVERED VEHICLE FROM 2018 TILL DATE.* The benefits of the digitalization of vehicle information through the Central Motor Registry to the general public are seen as listed below: – 1. *Enhanced Security*: With a digitalized CMR in place, citizens can have greater confidence in the security of their vehicles. Accurate and real-time vehicle information will assist in the prevention and swift resolution of vehicular crimes, ensuring that citizens’ assets are safeguarded. 2.*Efficient Law Enforcement*: The Police will be better equipped to enforce laws related to motor vehicles, such as registration and licensing. This will lead to safer roads and improved traffic management, benefiting all road users. 3.*Crime Deterrence*: The comprehensive database of motor vehicles will serve as a deterrent to potential criminals who might use vehicles for illegal activities. The knowledge that law enforcement has access to accurate information can discourage criminal behavior. 4.*Expedited Investigations*: In cases of accidents or disputes involving motor vehicles, the digitalized CMR will expedite investigations, providing quick resolution and reducing inconvenience for citizens. 5.*National Security*: The ability of the Force to maintain accurate vehicular information contributes to national security. It ensures that vehicles associated with criminal activities can be tracked and addressed promptly. The Commissioner of Police, Imo State, CP Mohammed Ahmed Barde, psc(+) enjoins Imolites to embrace this opportunity of enrolling their vehicles (including motorcycles and tricycle) in the digitalized CMR and be part of the collective effort in enhancing security and safety of our society. Visit – https://cmris.npf.gov.ng for registration of vehicles and hppts://report.cmr.npf.gov.ng for reporting of stolen but yet to be recovered vehicles from January 1st 2018 till date. For complaints/assistance, on the CMR registration in the state, please contact the Command’s CMR department via 09023266051, 08117779091 or the Police Public Relations Department (PPRO) via 08148024755 or 07067419738. SIGNED *ASP HENRY OKOYE* POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER FOR: COMMISSIONER OF POLICE IMO STATE COMMAND.

Post Date : October 18, 2023

Lagos CP orders removal of DPO over extortion

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Idowu Owohunwa, has ordered the removal of the Divisional Police Officer of the Meiran Police Station in Lagos State over alleged extortion. Earlier, an engineer, Ibrahim Saliu, who spoke with PUNCH Metro, claimed some policemen attached to the Meiran Police Station in Lagos State extorted N200,000 from him on Saturday. According to Saliu, the officers, alongside the station’s DPO, threatened him and his brother with jail time should they fail to provide receipts for the phones seen with Saliu’s brother. He said, “The DPO took the iPhones, removed the warranty stickers, and declared that my brother and I are thieves and armed robbers. The next thing I heard was the DPO giving them an order to detain us and that we would be locked up for stealing and armed robbery. We were surprised that we started begging.” Saliu disclosed that he was asked to make a N500,000 payment to secure their freedom. They agreed to N200,000, paid in cash per the officers’ order. In a tweet confirming the incident Wednesday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed that the CP Lagos has ordered the immediate removal of the Meiran Police Station DPO. Hundeyin wrote, “CP Idowu Owohunwa has ordered the immediate removal of DPO Meiran for leadership dereliction and supervisory ineptitude. “Meanwhile, all the officers involved have been identified and are currently at the Command headquarters where their orderly room trial has commenced.”