Crime Facts

FAAN shuts Lagos airport runway as aircraft skids runway

  Barely 16 days after Dana Air was shut down by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authorities, another aircraft belonging to XEJET Airlines also skidded off the runway and landed in the grass at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos on Saturday. Following this development, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has shut the 18/Left runway of the airport The Airbus with registration 5N-BZZ with 52 passengers on board departed Abuja and landed in Lagos at 11.29 am. Just last month, Dana MD-82 aircraft was involved in a skidding off of the runway, necessitating the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, to order the suspension of the carrier for a comprehensive auditing. Last year, in November, two aircraft from two different airlines skidded off the runway, in one week. Aero Contractors, flight NG 119 with a registered Boeing 737 aircraft 5N-BYQ from Lagos to Abuja had a total of 133 passengers on board.   All passengers were safely evacuated through a controlled disembarkation. The temporary closure of the runway by FAAN limits the airport to one single runway which is expected to lead to aircraft delays and landing. The spokesperson of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, Bimbo Olajide, confirmed that an aircraft belonging to Xejet Airlines skidded off the runway of the domestic wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport on Saturday. She stated that a team had been deployed to the site of the incident. “Our teams are there and on top of the matter. But whether or not the runway will be reopened today, i cannot immediately answer questions on that.” NSIB spokesperson told PUNCH Online.

Two Oyo private varsity guards arrested for raping female student

  Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo State, on Saturday, announced the arrest of two members of its vigilante group for allegedly raping a female student of the institution. The management, in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, Olufemi Atoyebi, said the university had set up its own internal panel of inquiry to investigate the allegation. Atoyebi said the suspects have been handed over to the police with a vow to ensure heavy penalty on anyone found culpable after a thorough investigation. He, therefore, assured all stakeholders that the institution would not tolerate any act of misconduct capable of tarnishing its enviable image.     The statement read in part, “Management of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo received with shock a report of alleged rape of one of our female students on Thursday, May 9, 2024, by two members of our vigilance group. “The management promptly handed over to the police, the two people alleged to have committed the crime while the university has set up its own internal panel of inquiry to investigate the allegation “The management wishes to assure all stakeholders that ACU will not tolerate any act of misconduct capable of tarnishing its enviable image. “Raising Godly intellectuals is our primary goal in ACU and we will not allow any act of misconduct capable of diverting our attention from our goal. Heavy penalty awaits anyone who is found culpable after our thorough investigation.”

‘No cause for alarm,’ police speak on presence at Rivers Assembly quarters

  The Rivers State Police Command has explained why its operatives occupied the entrances of the State House of Assembly in Port Harcourt, the state capital. About 30 armed policemen and over 25 patrol vans were stationed at both entrances leading to the Assembly quarters located along Aba Road in the metropolis on Friday The spokesperson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, in a statement late on Friday, said the deployment of its operatives at the Assembly quarters was to prevent a breakdown of law and order. The statement was titled “Rivers State Police Command Clarifies Presence at Rivers State House of Assembly Quarters’. It read, “The Rivers State Police Command wishes to clarify the recent reports regarding our presence at the Rivers State House of Assembly quarters. “Our deployment in the area is solely aimed at ensuring peace and preventing any possible breakdown of order. “We assure the public that there is no cause for alarm, and all individuals are encouraged to continue their lawful activities without fear. “Your cooperation is greatly appreciated as we work towards maintaining a safe and secure environment for all.” The state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, had visited the legislative quarters unannounced with security aides and other plain cloth operatives on Wednesday, sending cold shivers down the spine of the Martin Amaewhule-led 27 lawmakers loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Reacting to the unscheduled visit which he described as unfortunate, Amaewhule alleged that Fubara had concluded plans to demolish the facility built by his predecessor and estranged political godfather, Wike.

EFCC stops dollar transactions, asks embassies to charge in naira

  The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has read the Riot Act to foreign missions based in Nigeria, banning them from transacting in foreign currencies, and mandating the use of Naira in their financial businesses. The EFCC has also mandated Nigerian foreign missions domiciled abroad to accept Naira in their financial businesses. The move, the EFCC noted, is to tackle the dollarisation of the Nigerian economy and the degradation of the naira The anti-graft commission, in an advisory to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, titled: “EFCC Advisory to Foreign Missions against Invoicing in US Dollar,” expressed reservations and displeasure “regarding the unhealthy practice by some foreign missions to invoice consular services to Nigerians and other foreign nationals in the country in United States dollar(s).”   In a letter dated April 5, 2024, which was addressed to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede expressed dismay over the invoicing of consular services in Nigeria by foreign missions in dollars. The EFCC cited Section 20(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007, which makes currencies issued by the apex bank the only legal tender in Nigeria. The letter read, “I present to you the compliments of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and wish to notify you about the commission’s observation, with dismay, regarding the unhealthy practice by some foreign missions to invoice consular services to Nigerians and other foreign nationals in the country in United States dollar ($). “This practice is an aberration and unlawful as it conflicts with extant laws and financial regulations in Nigeria. Section 20(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007 makes currencies issued by the apex bank the only legal tender in Nigeria. “It states that ‘the currency notes issued by the Bank shall be the legal tender in Nigeria on their face value for the payment of any amount’. “This presupposes that any transaction in currencies other than the naira anywhere in Nigeria contravenes the law and is, therefore, illegal.” The commission added that the refusal by some missions to accept the naira for consular service in Nigeria and also comply with the foreign exchange regulatory regime in fixing the exchange of the cost of their services is not only illegal but represents an affront to the country’s sovereignty symbolised by the national currency.   Such a situation, EFCC added, undermines Nigeria’s monetary policy and aspiration for sustainable economic development. The letter continued, “This trend can no longer be tolerated, especially in a volatile economic environment where the country’s macroeconomic policies are constantly under attack by all manner of state and non-state actors. “In light of the above, you may wish to convey the commission’s displeasure to all missions in Nigeria and restate Nigeria’s desire for their operations not to conflict with extant laws and regulations in the country.” When contacted for comments, the spokesperson for the EFCC, Dele Oyewale declined comments. Meanwhile, the EFCC had resumed raiding in a bid to stabilise the naira. Operatives of the EFCC had on Tuesday arrested some Bureau De Change operators at the popular Wuse Zone 4 market in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. However, traders also said some BDC operators resisted the arrest during a sting operation. The operatives had embarked on routine raids to sanitise the market of street traders and eliminate arbitrary trading. But this move was resisted on Tuesday, leading to gunshots and damage to the operatives’ vehicles. Penultimate week, the commission arrested over 35 suspected currency speculators for alleged foreign exchange fraud.

DAILIES TOP STORIES: Eyes on INEC as anarchy looms in Rivers

Saturday 11 May 2024 Gov Obaseki Explodes: We cannot secure Nigeria from the centre anymore Why escaped prison inmates are never re-arrested —Investigation Alleged N80.2bn Fraud: We don’t know where Yahaya Bello is, lawyer tells court Coastal highway controversy: Minister plans live transmission of Reps probe panel hearing Prince Harry, Meghan land in Nigeria, visit DHQ, Kaduna Police bow to pressure, release FIJ reporter after protests Lawyers differ on death penalty for drug peddlers Fubara Issues Executive Order Relocating Rivers Assembly Sitting To Govt House Cybersecurity Levy: You Can’t Tax People Without Increasing Their Income – Ndume Cybersecurity Levy: You Can’t Tax People Without Increasing Their Income – Ndume TUC Slams Opposition NASS Members For Quietness Over Cybersecurity Levy ‘He Has A Case To Answer’, Police Justifies Arrest Of FIJ Reporter Ojukwu Tinubu Confers GCON On Awujale At 90 Tinubu To Lithium Investors: My Govt Set To Make Nigeria Solar Panel, EV Battery Manufacturing Hub Meningitis Kills Six In Bauchi Police barricade Rivers assembly quarters amid demolition rumour Nine students confirmed missing after gunmen attacked varsity, says Kogi government Court refuses to vacate arrest warrant against Yahaya Bello, fails to stop trial Nigerian Army pulls out 29 Generals UNN Convocation: I’ve been rewarding best graduating students since 2014 – Orji Kalu Visit a newspaper stand this morning, buy and read a copy for yourself…

Police Says FIJ Reporter Ojukwu Has Case To Answer

  The Nigeria Police Force has insisted that the arrest of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) reporter, Mr Daniel Ojukwu, is in strict compliance with legal protocols and procedures. Ojukwu, who spent 10 days in police custody, was arrested for allegedly violating the country’s Cybercrime Act, often criticized as a tool for censorship. The journalist’s arrest and subsequent transfer to the Nigerian capital of Abuja followed his report about alleged financial mismanagement of over N147 million ($104,600) involving a senior government official, according to his employer. His arrest was followed by calls from his colleagues, civil society organisations and others, which resulted in his release on Friday. In a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Friday, the police maintained that Mr. Ojukwu was “lawfully apprehended and detained pursuant to a valid remand warrant issued by a competent court of justice on May 2nd 2024.” The Force PRO said that allegations against Ojukwu stem from a report concerning financial transactions and contract execution upon which he was petitioned for investigations. The statement read in full: “The Nigeria Police Force hereby addresses recent developments regarding the arrest and investigation of Mr. Daniel Ojukwu, reiterating that much contrary to speculative reports, Mr. Ojukwu’s investigation is in strict compliance with legal protocols and procedures. Mr. Ojukwu was lawfully apprehended and detained pursuant to a valid remand warrant issued by a competent court of justice on May 2nd 2024. His initial detention in Lagos and subsequent transfer to Abuja by the FCID-National Cybercrime Centre (NCCC) aligns with standard investigative procedures undertaken by police. “The detention of Mr. Ojukwu is linked to allegations of violating provisions of the Cybercrime Act, and other extant laws pertaining to cyber related crimes. These allegations stem from a report concerning financial transactions and contract execution upon which he was petitioned to the Nigeria Police for investigations. With our preliminary forensic investigation, and recovery of some contents generated by the suspect, Mr. Ojukwu has a case to answer and as such will be arraigned in court upon conclusion of investigations. “In the same vein, the Police did not deny Mr. Ojukwu bail, as it was predicated on him meeting the conditions set for the bail. He has however been released upon providing a reliable surety today Friday 10th May, 2024, pending the commencement of prosecution at the Federal High Court which has jurisdiction over cyber related crimes. It is instructive to note that his release has no correlation with the unwarranted protest held at the Police Headquarters on 9th May, 2024, but strictly due to him meeting the bail requirements and the policy of the Force on being rule of law compliant. “The Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its duty to maintain law and order, uphold justice, and safeguard the rights of all citizens. We urge the public and media outlets to refrain from speculations and undue media trial in order to avoid jeopardizing the legal procedures in the case.”

Naira Drops From Best To Worst Performing Currency – Report

  Naira has dipped from the best to the worst performing currency, according to a new Bloomberg report. This is a reversal in its recent gains, emerging as the world’s worst-performing currency after a wonderful performance last month. The Friday report emphasised that this development places increased pressure on the Central Bank of Nigeria to continue raising interest rates. The naira has depreciated to 1,466.31 against the dollar, marking its weakest level since March 20. This decline is attributed to the local scarcity of the US currency, with only $84 million available on Thursday, half of the previous day’s supply. CBN governor, Yemi Cardoso, had previously hailed the naira as the best-performing currency globally as of April 2024. The naira faced challenges in March, plummeting to as low as N1,600/$1 on the official market and N1800/$1 on the parallel market. Cardoso attributed this achievement to a series of foreign exchange market reforms and positive sentiment from leading international investment institutions. Speaking with Bloomberg, the Chief Economist for Africa and the Middle East at Standard Chartered, Razia Khan, estimates that $1.3 billion in naira futures will mature at the end of this month, potentially dampening market sentiment. “The belief is that this will create more demand for dollars. “When the currency appreciated very fast, there had been a bout of profit-taking by offshore investors, and this meant that the dollar-naira exchange rate backed up again. “This is completely in line with the functioning market,” she said The report further highlights that the decline in the naira’s performance is expected to intensify pressure on the CBN to implement another rate hike after its upcoming policy meeting on May 21. In February and March, the Central Bank increased rates by a total of 600 basis points. This move aided the naira in rebounding from its low of 1,627 naira on March 8 to 1,072 in mid-April, as investors sought out higher-yielding local assets. Naira weakness was also seen on the unofficial market, where it slipped 0.9% to 1,468 naira a dollar on Friday owing to increased demand from individuals and small businesses, said Abubakar Muhammed, chief executive of Forward Marketing Bureau de Change Ltd., which tracks the data in the commercial capital, Lagos. The weakness of the naira was also evident in the unofficial market, where it depreciated by 0.9% to 1,468 naira against the dollar on Friday. According to the report, the chief executive of Forward Marketing Bureau de Change Ltd., Abubakar Muhammed, which monitors data in Lagos, attributed this decline to heightened demand from individuals and small businesses. Two other African countries rank among the four worst-performing currencies in the last month. The Zambian kwacha hit a record low of 27.3969 per dollar on Friday. Meanwhile, Ghana’s cedi weakened to 13.99 against the dollar on the same day, marking its lowest level since 2022. Both countries are currently undergoing debt restructuring processes. Source: DailyTrust

Bandits Kill 30 Farmers In Zamfara

  Bandits have attacked two farming communities in Zamfara State where they killed at least 30 farmers, including a respected Islamic cleric. Police Spokesman in Zamfara, ASP Yazid Abu Abubakar, confirmed the attacks on two local government areas of the state, but said details would be given later. Sources told one of our correspondents that the incidents in Zamfara State happened on Thursday.   An online platform, PR Nigeria, had reported that the attacks occurred in Maradun and Tsafe local government areas. One of our sources said that Mallam Makwashi Maradun Mai Jan Baki, a renowned Islamic cleric and another person were killed in Maradun town. Two of the cleric’s children are still missing after the attack. It was learnt that three other persons were killed by the bandits in Gidangoga village, while residents of the village killed 24 bandits and recovered eight of their motorbikes. A resident of Maradun said: “We engaged the bandits very well. Attacks are becoming consistent in Maradun area these days. They happen almost every day. Many communities in the local government have been vacated for fear of reprisal.” PR Nigeria also reported that the bandits targeted Bilbis village in Tsafe LGA, leaving 20 civilians dead. Local sources reported that the farmers were attacked while clearing their fields and the bandits showed no mercy. It was also gathered that a district head, Alhaji Murtala Ruwan Bado, of Garbadu in Talata Mafara Emirate, also narrowly escaped a bandit attack in the evening of the same day along Mayananchi road. (DailyTrust)

We don’t know where Yahaya Bello is, lawyer tells court

  The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Friday, declined to set aside the order it issued for the arrest for the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello. The court, in a ruling that was delivered by Justice Emeka Nwite, accused the erstwhile governor of attempting to truncate the criminal case the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, preferred against him. According to the court, the former governor, by briefing lawyers to challenge its jurisdiction to try him, while he remained in hiding, showed that he “has no atom of respect and regard for the court.” The development came on a day the lead counsel to the defendant, Mr. Abdulwahab Mohammed, SAN, begged the court to give him four weeks to search for his client whose whereabouts he said remained unknown. Mohammed, SAN, told the court that Bello had on the day he received a copy of the 19-count charge pending against him, expressed deep fear for his safety. Bello, who piloted affairs of Kogi state for eight years, is facing a charge bordering on his alleged complicity in money laundering, breach of trust and misappropriation of public funds to the tune of about N80.2billion. Even though he failed to appear for his arraignment, he briefed lawyers to file an application to set aside the arrest warrant that was issued against him on April 17, as well as to challenge the jurisdiction of the court to try him. While declining to accede to both requests on Friday, Justice Nwite, said it was wrong for the defendant to treat a subsisting court order with disdain. He held that Bello’s decision to file the applications “is clearly showing his intention not to present himself for trial,” saying he ought to have made himself available upon becoming aware of the order of arrest that was issued against him. “The law is settled that he who disobeyed an order of court and shown disrespect to the court cannot expect a favourable discretion of the court.   “The honourable thing the defendant would have done was to obey the order of court by making himself available. “Section 287 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, mandates all persons and authority to give effect to orders of court. “He has wilfully disobeyed the order of this court. An order of court of competent jurisdiction, no matter how it was obtained, subsists until it is set aside. “A party who refuses to obey an order of court after becoming aware of it, is in contempt of court. “He is not entitled to be heard or granted a favourable discretion. The refusal of the defendant to make himself available is solely to truncate the arraignment and prevent the court from proceeding further in this case. “Refusal of the defendant to make himself available is an attempt to truncate this court and make it practically impossible for the court to assume jurisdiction in this criminal trial. “He ought to make himself available. He cannot sit in the comfort of his home to file applications before this court. “The defendant has no atom or regard for the court. Clearly, the defendant is taking this court for granted,” Justice Nwite held. He maintained that Bello’s decision to treat the order of the court with levity had been repeatedly condemned by the appellate courts. “In view of the forgoing analysis, I am of the view and I so hold, that no application can be moved or heard unless the defendant is present before the court to take his plea,” the trial judge added. Meanwhile, shortly after the ruling was delivered, Bello’s lawyer informed the court that the Court of Appeal is already seized with facts of the case. He said a High Court in Kogi state had earlier okayed a contempt case against the Chairman of the EFCC for filing a charge against his client despite its order that barred his agency from doing so. Mohammed, SAN, therefore, prayed the trial court to stay further proceedings on the charge against his client to await the outcome of an appeal the EFCC boss lodged to challenge the contempt case against him. Besides, the defence lawyer said though his client was willing to attend his trial, he was however afraid that he could be harmed. “My lord, this has to do with his right to life. If someone has genuine concern about his life, it ought to be considered. “At this stage, we don’t know where the defendant is. Therefore, subject to the convenience of this court, we will be asking for a reasonable time. “My client does not have any problem answering to this charge. We ask for a reasonable time to enable us to access him. “My lord, we will ask for four weeks,” Mohammed, SAN, added. However, his request drew the irk of the trial judge who wondered why Bello’s lawyer made the application despite his ruling. “I am shocked to my bone marrow that despite the ruling, the senior lawyer made this application. Not withstanding this flagrant abuse of court process, in view of section 306 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA, 2015, this court shall not stay proceedings in this charge,” the court held. Besides, the trial judge berated the defence lawyers for not advising the former governor properly. He said: “You, as a counsel ought to advice him correctly. Is he the only former governor that has been invited or charged by the EFCC? “How many people have been killed by the EFCC? This is a matter that has attracted the attention of the whole world. “If he reports himself and anything untowads happens to him, the EFCC will be held accountable. “The law is very clear that an accused is presumed innocent. This is merely a charge, an allegation that has not been proved. “It is for you to advice him properly. Bring him here and prepare yourself. This is only an allegation that has not been proved,” Justice Nwite added.

Fubara Issues Executive Order Relocating Rivers Assembly Sitting To Govt House

  Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has ordered immediate temporary relocation of the sitting of the State House of Assembly to the Auditorium, Admin Block of the Government House, Port Harcourt. The order is contained in the State’s official Gazette, Executive Order of the Rivers State Government 001-2023. According to the governor, the decision was taken because the current House of Assembly complex in its present state is unsafe and constitutes a threat to the lives of the staff and the lawmakers. This is coming few hours after a Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt granted an interim injunction restraining pro-Wike speaker of the state House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, and 24 other members from parading themselves as legislators. The court’s decision stems from an exparte order filed against the pro-Wike lawmakers by pro-Siminialayi Fubara speaker Victor Oko Jumbo and three others. The governor’s gazette reads, “The On the 29th day of October 2023, a fire incident occasioned by unknown persons burnt and damaged the hallowed chambers of the Rivers State House of Assembly. “That the Hallowed Chamber of the Rivers State House of Assembly in its present state is unsafe and constitutes a threat to the lives of the staff and the Honourable members of Rivers State House of Assembly and Thus not conducive for the business and proceeding of the Rivers State House of Assembly. “That it is expedient to carry out urgent repairs, renovation, and reconstruction of the burnt an damaged chambers of the Rivers State House of Assembly. “That it is further reasonable to ensure that the business and proceedings of the Rivers State House of Assembly are not impeded and frustrated. “NOW THEREFORE, I SIR SIMINALAYI FUBARA GSSRS, the Governor of Rivers State this 30th day of October 2023, Pursuant to the powers vested in me under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) hereby ISSUE, ORDER, AND DIRECT that all proceedings and business of Rivers State House of Assembly shall temporarily take place at the Auditorium, Admin Block, Government House, Port Harcourt until the repairs, renovation or reconstruction of the chambers of the Rivers State House of Assembly are completed.”