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Post Date : September 12, 2024

Ajaero Not Invited By DSS Before Arrest – NLC

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) says its President, Joe Ajaero, was not invited by Department of State Services (DSS) before being arrested. NLC spokesman, Benson Upah, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday. “Our attention has been drawn to a story (circulating in different media platforms) linked to “sources within the agency (DSS)” that preceding his arrest, Comrade Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress was invited by the DSS but that he did not honour the invitation,” the statement read. The “sources” further added that it was the reason for his arrest at the airport on his way to the UK. We would like to set the records straight as follows: In the days preceding his arrest, the Congress President had had a discussion with the DG DSS on a courtesy visit. “A Director in the agency later called the General Secretary of the Congress on the need to fix a date for the courtesy visit. The General Secretary however explained to him that he would not be available until Friday (September 13). The said Director assured him they would give Congress leadership a notice of not less than 48 hours for the visit.” Ajaero was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Aiport in Abuja, on Monday on his way to the United Kingdom for an official assignment, the NLC said. See the full statement below: DISREGARD THESE STORIES Our attention has been drawn to a story (circulating in different media platforms) linked to “sources within the agency (DSS)” that preceding his arrest, Comrade Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress was invited by the DSS but that he did not honour the invitation. The “sources” further added that it was reason for his arrest at the airport on his way to the UK. We would like to set the records straight as follows: In the days preceding his arrest, Congress President had had a discussion with the DG DSS on a courtesy visit. A Director in the agency later called the General Secretary of the Congress on the need to fix a date for the courtesy visit. The General Secretary however explained to him that he would not be available until Friday (September 13). The said Director assured him they would give Congress leadership a notice of not less than 48 hours for the visit. The DG DSS last spoke with Comrade Ajaero on Saturday night during which Ajaero told him he would be travelling the next day, Sunday, adding that the courtesy visit would be paid after his return on Friday, September 13. The Congress President however missed his flight on Sunday and had it rescheduled to Monday, September 9th. It was on that Monday morning he was picked up by the operatives of the DSS in a watch list operation on behalf of a sister agency. We want to re-affirm that Joe Ajaero is a law-abiding citizen heading the biggest pan-Nigerian organisation with an illustrious history of patriotism and will certainly not snub the DSS. He is a trade unionist of international repute who serves on the executive boards of world federations of trade unions. His constituency goes beyond Nigeria. It is not in his character to disregard invitations and precedents (his honouring the police invitation) attest to this. Benson Upah Head of Information and Public Affairs

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Post Date : September 12, 2024

Campaign funds: LP asks EFCC to probe Obi, Yesufu, Afenifere

The National Working Committee of the Labour Party, led by Julius Abure, has called on the National Security Adviser and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to investigate Aisha Yesufu, Pastor Itua Ighodalo, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and leaders of Afenifere for alleged misappropriation of funds from the 2023 presidential campaign. The call was made by the LP’s National Publicity Secretary, Abayomi Arabambi, at a press conference in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Wednesday. Arabambi expressed concern over recent comments by Yesufu, who defended herself against accusations of being involved in the alleged diversion of the 2023 campaign funds. The party has alleged that Yesufu, along with Pastor Ighodalo and other accomplices, mismanaged and diverted over N12bn and $15m in donations intended for the Labour Party’s campaign. Arabambi dismissed Yesufu’s denials as attempts to cover up the alleged financial misconduct and criticised her statements as an insult to the party’s leadership. He also accused Yesufu and her associates of acting under the direction of Obi, whom he described as a “political merchant,” to defraud the party. Additionally, Arabambi implicated Afenifere leaders, including Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Akin Osuntokun, and Sola Ebiseni, accusing them of retaining over N600m in private accounts linked to Afenifere. He claimed that these individuals were hired by Obi to commit fraud and divert funds from the Labour Party’s presidential campaign. “The trio of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Akin Osuntokun, and Sola Ebiseni were involved in financial infractions totaling over ₦600m, which they have kept in private accounts and Afenifere accounts,” Arabambi stated. “Peter Obi allegedly hired Aisha Yesufu, Pastor Itua Ighodalo, and this faction of Afenifere to commit looting, criminal conspiracy, and diversion of funds from the Labour Party’s presidential campaign while presenting themselves as elder statesmen.” Arabambi highlighted the party’s commitment to transparency and accountability and called for an investigation into all bank accounts associated with the alleged misconduct. He urged a thorough investigation into the accounts linked to Adebanjo, Osuntokun, and Ebiseni to ascertain the extent of Afenifere’s involvement in the alleged fraud. The National Coordinator of the Obedient Movement, Dr. Yunisa Tanko, described the allegations as baseless and false. “The allegations are unfounded. I was present when Aisha Yesufu provided the audited account of the presidential campaign fund, and the truth is that no money is missing from the Labour Party’s accounts,” Dr. Tanko stated in a phone conversation with our correspondent. The Deputy Leader of Afenifere, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, when contacted, said he was not familiar with the allegations. “I have just seen the lengthy press statement you are referring to. I have not read it, but if Afenifere needs to respond later, we will certainly do so,” Olaitan said

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Post Date : September 12, 2024

Court jails father of 4 for raping wife’s 17-year-old sister

A 30-year-old motorcyclist, Michael Olorunfemi, has been arrested for allegedly raping his wife’s 17-year-old sister inside the bush, in Akure, the Ondo State capital. The suspect, a father of four, was said to have raped the victim sometime in August 2024, at 10 p.m., in the Onigaari area of Irese Road, Akure. Police source told Vanguard that the suspect had confessed to the crime. A source said that the suspect confesses that “The victim approached me to take her to her boyfriend’s house, and on our way, I stopped near a bush and raped her. “I promised to give her money, which I did not. She then reported me to her mother, which led to my arrest.” Contacted, the police image maker, Funmi Odunlami said that the suspect had been charged to court.Odunlami said the suspect has been remanded at Olokuta prison by the court, over the alleged rape.The police prosecutor, Inspector Taiwo Oniyere, said the defendant committed the offence sometime in August 2024, at 10p.m., in the Onigaari area of Irese Road, Akure. Oniyere added that the defendant unlawfully had carnal knowledge of the 17-year-old girl (name withheld). The offence, according to the charge, contravened Sections 357 and 358 of the Criminal Code Law of Ondo State, 2006. Police prosecutor, Oniyere, urged the court to remand the defendant in prison custody pending advice from the office of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, DPP. The trial Chief Magistrate, Kolawole Aro, has, therefore, ordered that the defendant be remanded in Olokuta prison and that the case file be transferred to the DPP for advice.Magistrate Aro has adjourned the case till October 31, 2024, for review.

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Post Date : September 11, 2024

Police withdraw security aides from VIPs, to deploy 35,000 officers for Edo election

Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, announced on Wednesday that 35,000 police officers will be deployed across Edo State for the September 21 governorship election. Additionally, 8,000 personnel from sister security agencies, including the armed forces and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), will be mobilized to support the police. He also confirmed that security aides assigned to VIPs will be withdrawn to ensure neutrality and security. Egbetokun stated this at the stakeholders meeting as part of activities ahead of the election organized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) where its chairman, Professor Mamhud Yakubu announced that former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar was already in town presiding over the signing of the peace pact between contending parties and their candidates on Thursday. The event had the representatives of the 17 participating political parties, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), representatives of the palace of the Oba of Benin, civil society groups and others. In his remarks, Egbetokun also said the suspension of the activities of quasi-security organizations like the Edo State Security Network (ESSN) and others set up by the state government to check insecurity remain suspended and that they have no role to play on the day of election. He said security aides attached to VIPs would also be withdrawn even as he reeled out the various election offences and warned that anyone caught against them would be treated according to the law. According to him, “It is the responsibility of all stakeholders to ensure that elections take place and trhe security of all is the responsibility of the police and it will be supported by other security agencies to ensure safety. We understand the importance of our role in this election and we will ensure that everything is done in compliance with that. “We will deploy sufficient personnel for the election. For the Edo state governorship election, we will deploy 35,000 personnel, there will be another 8,000 from other security agencies to complement us. We have undertaken several measures including a tour of hot spots, engaging stakeholders and operational visits and we will continuously engage all.” He said all entry and exit points in the state would manned while movements would be restricted between 6 am and 6 pm and urged the political leaders to warn their members against any form of violence.” INEC ChairmanIn his remarks, Professor Yakubu said the Commission has implemented 11 out of the 13 activities on schedule and that “As of today, we have only two outstanding activities. These are the last days of campaign by political parties which, according to law, ends 24 hours before the date fixed for the elections i.e. at midnight on Thursday 19th September 2024 and Election Day on Saturday 21st September 2024.” He said the Commission made some adjustments to the final list of candidates based on court judgements which included the replacement of the running mate to the candidate of the Labour Party and the National Rescue Movement (NRM) which he said could not file its nomination on schedule obtained a court order to compel the Commission to include the party on the ballot which now increased the number of political parties in the election from 17 to 18. “Following the conclusion of the recent Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in Edo State and the cleaning up of the data, 184,438 Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) were delivered to Edo State. This figure is made up of 119,206 new voters and 65,232 verified applications for transfer into Edo from other States of the Federation, transfer within Edo State, cards reprinted after corrections of personal details or the replacement of lost or damaged cards as provided by law.’ We have already published the details on our website for public information. I must commend all stakeholders in Edo State for the level of mobilisation for the voter registration and collection of PVCs. He said the Commission has accredited 134 groups (124 domestic and 10 international) that would deploy 1,836 observers across the State and have accredited 114 media organisations deploying 721 journalists. While calling on political parties and their candidates to restrain their supporters from any form of violence, he assured that the Commission was ready for a free and fair election in the state.

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Post Date : September 11, 2024

Report: 58.9% of women-owned businesses in Nigeria struggle to access loans

Moniepoint, a financial technology firm (fintech), says 58.9 percent of women-owned businesses in Nigeria struggle to access funding. Moniepoint, in a report focusing on funding for women-owned businesses in Nigeria, said 40.2 percent of women use their funds and savings to run or start their businesses. The fintech said while 16.7 percent of women manage to get access to loans from their financial institutions, 83.3 percent are left to rely on family, friends, and personal funds to start or keep their businesses running. “For many women-owned businesses, sources of funding are few. With a financing gap of 32%, women are either less likely to receive funding, or they receive smaller amounts when they do,” the report reads. “Our data paints a similar picture, as 40.2% of women use their personal funds and savings to run or start their businesses. “A closer look at the source of their “external funding”, shows that a greater number of them access this from family and friends, either as loans or cash gifts. “Only 16.7% of these women are able to get access to the loans their businesses need via financial institutions.” Moniepoint said although access to funding can positively impact a business’s lifespan, women-owned startups find it relatively harder to get funding compared to “older businesses”. “Barring a few exceptions, such as family businesses or trust funds, it’s difficult to scale businesses with funds from personal savings or family and friends,” the report said. “Formal investment sets businesses up for faster growth and expansion. Sadly, not having the right documentation and collateral makes it difficult for small businesses to scale. “However, the funding gap between women and men-owned businesses persists regardless of size, education level, industry and financial status.” The report also said businesses that have access to external funding (crowdfunding, government grants, loans from financial institutions, loans from cooperatives, borrowed from families and gifts from friends) are more likely to expand and have multiple stores than those who use personal funds. Giving reasons for the funding gap, the fintech’s report highlighted issues such as unconscious bias, societal constraints and financial habits, and lack of awareness as major funding challenges women-owned businesses face. Moniepoint said avoiding bias or discrimination is the first step to bridging the gap. The report also said providing women with tools to accept payments digitally and quick access to credit facilities without overleveraging them would help in sustaining their businesses.

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Post Date : September 11, 2024

Court Postpones Whistleblower PIDOM’s Bail Application Hearing

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja and presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite has rescheduled the hearing of the bail application of a whistleblower Isaac Bristol to September 17, 2024. The hearing of the bail application was originally slated for today, Wednesday, September 11, 2024, but was postponed. The defendant, represented by his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, had appeared in court and announced an appearance but the judge did not hear the bail application as planned. Isaac Bristol, also known as PIDOM, is standing trial for alleged terrorism, money laundering, cybercrime and illegally accessing classified documents. The development followed his arrest on August 5, 2024, in his hotel room in Rivers State. Force spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi said he was arrested on allegations of “committing serious offences that undermine the integrity of government operations”. The statement added that there were several allegations levelled against the suspect, including unlawful possession, leakages of classified documents, cyber-related offences, and others. The police also alleged that journalist David Hundeyin and another individual identified as Michael Alade are accomplices of Bristol

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Post Date : September 11, 2024

Banks top officials to be prosecuted soon, says EFCC chairman

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has reiterated the commission’s commitment to rigorously enforcing financial laws, with a focus on cleansing the banking sector and insulating it from rogue activities. Olukoyede made this declaration on Tuesday at the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria’s 17th Annual Banking and Finance Conference, held at the Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja. In his address, Olukoyede stated that the EFCC would no longer tolerate malpractices in the financial sector. “I boldly state with every sense of humility that we are no longer folding our arms,” he declared. He emphasised the critical role the banking industry plays in some of the country’s most significant financial fraud cases. “Some of the mind-boggling, major financial frauds and onslaughts that have been carried out against the economy have run through the banking industry,” he added, affirming the Commission’s commitment to working with the CIBN to sanitise the sector. Olukoyede outlined the Commission’s approach, stressing the importance of penal sanctions for criminal infractions. “When there are criminal infractions, penal sanctions willfollow. We have compiled our documents, conducted the necessary investigations, and very soon, you will see some banks and top officials prosecuted,” he said. He also highlighted specific malpractices undermining the financial system, including forex round-tripping, phantom charges, and complicity in money laundering. According to Olukoyede, these activities are eroding trust in the sector. “Operators secretly devise means to circumvent regulations and rules in a desperate bid for higher yields… Look at yourselves in the mirror and leave this place with a renewed commitment to professionalism,” he urged banking executives. Speaking on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima outlined the broader economic challenges Nigeria faces, noting that issues such as inflation, rising living costs, and infrastructural deficits are interlinked.Despite these challenges, Shettima expressed optimism about growth opportunities, saying, “The challenges also present opportunities for growth and development.” He emphasised that sustainable economic growth would require collaborative efforts across government, private industries, and civil society. “To achieve sustained economic growth, we must intentionally align our policies and actions with the changing global landscape,” he remarked, adding that the government is committed to implementing reforms to enhance macroeconomic stability and support infrastructure development. He also tasked the private sector with contributing to the nation’s development by investing strategically in key growth areas and prioritising innovation. He stated, “The future of the Nigerian economy lies in the hands of our youths, and we must equip them with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities needed to drive our nation forward.” In his opening remarks, the President of the CIBN, Pius Olanrewaju, emphasised the need for actionable outcomes that would contribute to the evolution of the banking sector and the broader economy. Additionally, the keynote speaker, Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings, reflected on the economic difficulties Nigeria has faced in 2024, characterised by inflation and trade imbalances. “2024 has been a tough year for the country,” he said, advocating for long-term solutions over quick fixes. Elumelu called on stakeholders to focus on sustainable economic policies that will provide a solid foundation for future growth.

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Post Date : September 11, 2024

UK court jails Nigerian nurse for leaving her 10-week-old baby to die

A Nigerian working as a nurse in the United Kingdom, Ruth Auta, has been sentenced to three years in prison for neglecting her ten-week-old baby, Joshua Akerele, who died while she was at work, reports Daily Mail The 28-year-old single mother had reportedly left Joshua alone in her nurse’s accommodation for eight hours on December 20, 2022, to complete her shift. On returning, she discovered her son lifeless in his cot and immediately called 999, reporting that he was not breathing. The infant died an hour after the ambulance arrived despite resuscitation efforts. Tests revealed that he might have overheated due to excessive layers of clothing and bedding. Auta, who worked at Royal Bolton Hospital, was charged with cruelty to a child. She pleaded guilty at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on May 24, 2024. Her sentencing was delayed by a month. On June 6, while attempting to board a flight to Nigeria, she was apprehended at Gatwick Airport with a one-way ticket. She had told the police she had collected Joshua from a childminder, fed him, and then fell asleep with him on her bed. She claimed she found him unresponsive upon waking. However, CCTV footage and incriminating text messages contradicted her story. The footage showed Auta leaving and returning to her accommodation without Joshua, and texts revealed she had instructed her childminder to falsely state she was caring for Joshua that day. The childminder later confirmed she had not seen the baby for several days. Giving her judgement, District Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West, Sara Davie, stated, “Ruth Auta failed to provide the care her baby needed and chose to leave him alone. As a nurse, she should have been aware of the dangers of leaving her child unattended. Her attempts to evade justice further demonstrate her lack of remorse.”

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Post Date : September 11, 2024

Gombe Varsity ASUU Embarks On Indefinite Strike

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Gombe State University branch, has declared a total and indefinite strike over a litany of unmet demands. This is the first time the academic body in the university is taking an internal strike action since the institution was founded in 2003. The decision was taken after a congress meeting held in the institution on Wednesday. More to follow…

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Post Date : September 11, 2024

Stop comparing Kanu with bandit kingpin Turji, IPOB warns Buhari’s ex-aide

The Indigenous People of Biafra on Wednesday warned former media aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Ahmad Bashir, to stop comparing IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu with the notorious bandit leader Bello Turji. In a press statement made available to The PUNCH, IPOB stressed that Kanu does not support terrorism like Turji and “his terrorist brothers.” IPOB’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, stated that Kanu’s only offence against the Fulani oligarchy was establishing the Eastern Security Network (ESN). Bashir had previously accused both Kanu and Turji of harming Nigeria and suggested they should be imprisoned in the worst facilities. Responding, Emma Powerful said, “The Directorate of State (DOS) of IPOB warns Ahmad Bashir, an aide to the former Fulani government of Buhari, to stop comparing unarmed freedom fighter, Nnamdi Kanu with their terrorist brothers led by Turji Bello. “Bashir should not deflect from … cabal’s role in bringing murderous terrorists into Northern Nigeria by dragging IPOB and Kanu’s names into their terrorism issues. Our mission is legal and noble. “Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, as a true Igbo Biafran, does not believe in terrorism. His only crime against terrorist sponsors like Bashir was creating the Eastern Security Network (ESN) to counter Fulani expansion and conquest. “The Fulani oligarchy views Kanu and IPOB as obstacles to their agenda in Nigeria, particularly in the South East. This is why they use military might and media propaganda to intimidate and discredit IPOB and Kanu. “The previous government, which Bashir served, spent vast amounts of money to illegally abduct Kanu from Kenya, defying court rulings. “Meanwhile, the terrorists they allowed into Northern Nigeria continue to wreak havoc. The Fulani cabals view Kanu and IPOB as their enemies, but their real enemies are the very terrorists they nurtured, now turning against them and Northern Nigeria.”

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