September 2024 – Page 27

Post Date : September 10, 2024

Ex-boyfriend who ‘set Uganda’s Cheptegei on fire’ dies from burns

Dickson Ndiema, the man accused of fatally burning Rebecca Cheptegei, the Ugandan athlete, is dead. According to local authorities, Ndiema, an ex-boyfriend of Cheptegei, died on Monday from burns sustained during the attack on his former partner. The ex-boyfriend was accused of dousing Cheptegei in petrol and setting her ablaze while she was returning to her house from church in western Trans Nzoia County, Nairobi, on September 1. The 33-year-old athlete suffered burns on 80 percent of her body and was being treated at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret City, where she died on September 5. Ndiema also suffered burns from the attack and was also admitted to the hospital for treatment. His injuries were initially considered less critical. Reports filed by the local chief had said the two ex-lovers had been fighting over a piece of land. Cheptegei, who lived in Kenya, represented Uganda at the 2024 Paris Olympics and finished 44th in the women’s marathon event. She is the third elite sportswoman to be killed in Kenya in the last three years. In 2021, Agnes Tirop was found stabbed to death at her home in Iten. The husband of the 25-year-old was also named the suspect in the murder. In 2022, Damaris Mutua, another Kenyan-born athlete, was found dead in a house in Iten, and her then-boyfriend was also identified as a suspect.

Post Date : September 10, 2024

DAILIES TOP STORIES: Fuel landing cost rises, marketers fear high Dangote petrol price

Tuesday 10 September 2024 Ajaero’s arrest saga: DSS succumbs to pressure as NLC plans showdown Oyo man kills blind grandfather, uncle for alleged money ritual PTA, NUT fear increased school dropout over fuel price hike Police accuse Shi’ites of inducing officers with N1.5m bribe DSS releases NLC president, Ajaero, on bail Bandits abduct Kaduna nurses, patients after failed school attack Special FX Rate For NNPCL Will Crash Petrol Prices – TUC Nigerian Air Force Redeploys Senior Officers 2027: Abure-Led Labour Party Withdraws Automatic Ticket For Obi, Otti DSS Occupying Our Office In Abuja – SERAP IPMAN: Petrol price will determine if we buy from NNPC or Dangote refinery Fagbemi: Nigerians convicted of corruption should not benefit from state pardon Naira down to N1,660 in parallel market APC Postpones National Caucus, NEC Meetings Indefinitely Visit a newspaper stand this morning, buy and read a copy for yourself…

Post Date : September 10, 2024

UPDATED: DSS Releases Ajaero, Seizes Passport

The Department of State Services (DSS) has released labour leader Joe Ajaero, Channels Television has learnt. Ajaero, who confirmed his release to our correspondent, said the secret police allowed him to go home around past 11pm on Monday. The Nigeria Labour Congress president said he was grilled for about 15 hours since his arrest around 7am at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. Ajaero, however, said his travel passport was seized by the secret police. The labour leader said though he was detained by the DSS, some police officers also came around to grill him at the DSS office in Abuja over the #EndBadGovernance nationwide protests that took place in August. Ajaero said he was quizzed over alleged terrorism financing involving a British national, Andrew Wynne. The labour leader was on his way to the United Kingdom on Monday for a Trade Union Congress (TUC) event when he was arrested at Abuja airport The NLC had condemned Ajaero’s arrest and gave the secret police Tuesday midnight to release the labour leader. The union had also put all its affiliates, state councils, civil society allies and all patriotic Nigerians on the highest state of alert in the light of “this troubling development.” The TUC, global rights group Amnesty International, as well as human rights activist Femi Falana, amongst others, had berated the Federal Government for clamping down on the labour leader and demanded his immediate and unconditional release. The NLC president had honoured police invitation over allegations of terrorism financing in late August, insisting on his innocence. Ajaero was previously arrested last November in Imo State when he was about to lead a protest over unpaid workers’ salaries, amongst others.

Post Date : September 10, 2024

Report: 350 Nasarawa students stranded over absence of classrooms

As public and private schools resume for the First Term of the 2024/2025 academic session in Nasarawa State, no fewer than 350 students of the Government Secondary School Sarkin Noma in the Keana Local Government Area of Nasarawa State are currently stranded due to the absence of classrooms in the school. Arewa PUNCH reports that GSS Sarkin Noma, since its establishment in the year 2003 by the then administration of former Governor Abdullahi Adamu is yet to receive the Nasarawa State Government’s attention till date as not a single classroom has been built by the government. The current dilapidated structure in the school premises comprising two blocks of classrooms, an examination hall and staff office were built by students of the school and residents of the community who are predominantly small-scale farmers and petty traders. Arewa PUNCH further gathered that the only toilet facility currently being used in the school was built many years ago by members of the National Youth Service Corps who were posted to the school to teach the students. had discouraged some parents in the area from sending their children and wards to school for fear of the unknown as the current structure in the school built through the efforts of the community it feared would collapse anytime soon. A resident of the community who simply identified himself as Zubeiru Yakubu lamented what he called the “unreasonable abandonment” of the secondary school by the government. Therefore, he appealed to Governor Abdullahi Sule to, as a matter of urgency, look into the situation with a view to providing classrooms for the students. Yakubu said, “The GSS Sarkin Noma has been established for many years now but unfortunately, it has been unreasonably abandoned by our different governments. “The school has been of great help to this community because many of the residents who could not attend private schools and other expensive schools, gain admission into the school, and they were taught by the teachers. “The school has been a blessing to our community. But our challenge has always been the absence of classrooms and other necessary facilities. It bothers me that since the Government Secondary School was established in the year 2003, the state government has not built even a classroom in the school. “The structure built by the community is already in bad shape. We are worried because we are now in the rainy season. This issue could hinder parents and guardians from releasing their children to go to school, especially during this rainy season, and such development could affect their education negatively.’’ “My sister’s children attend the school, and it has been giving me a lot of concern because of the dilapidated state of the school. Anytime the weather threatens to rain as if rain, I get scared because I remember them and other children studying within the school premises. “I am appealing to the Nasarawa State government under the leadership of Governor Abdullahi Sule to urgently look into this matter so that the school can be built for the benefit of the community and the state at large.” Another resident of the Sarkin Noma community, Yuhana Isah, told Arewa PUNCH that the situation could discourage the students from going to school if not immediately addressed. Thus, he too appealed to the Nasarawa State government to collaborate with the State Ministry of Education to swiftly build new classrooms and other necessary facilities in the school. “The reason I am worried about this situation is that before now, most residents of the community were not interested in getting educated, but with concerted efforts, they started going to school. “So, as a community, we do not want anything that will discourage our young ones from getting good and sound education,” he said. Confirming the matter to our correspondent on Monday, one of the school teachers who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not permitted to speak on the matter, said since he was employed to teach in the school for close to seven years now, and since he joined the school, he has yet to witness any form of support from the state government in the school. He explained that the community had on several occasions written letters to several government ministries and agencies on the need to come to their aid to rebuild the school, but insisted that no positive response had been so far received. While describing Governor Abdullahi Sule as a loving and caring father, he pleaded with him to consider the sufferings of the students in the GSS Sarkin Noma, urging that an inspection team be sent to the community to get first-hand information on the matter. He stressed, “As I speak with you now, one part of the school building built by the community has been destroyed by thunderstorms. You can imagine what it means for over 350 students from JSS 1 to SS 3 to use only two small classes for study. “There are no seats, no proper blackboards, no good toilets, no library, no textbooks, and we also do not have science teachers. We have been doing our best to ensure that the students get a sound education, but we need the support of the government to make the school environment conducive to make learning easy for the students. “Also, the school is located close to a forest in the Sarkin Noma community. Those living in Keana LGA will understand what I am saying, and there is no security presence in the area. “So, apart from the school building, we are equally appealing to the Nasarawa State government to build a fence for the school and work towards deploying security operatives to the area to protect lives and properties.” While reacting, the Nasarawa State Commissioner for Education, John Mamman promised to look into the matter to address the concerns raised by the people of the Sarkin Noma community in the Keana LGA. However, he disclosed that the state government had made arrangements to commence the building and

Post Date : September 9, 2024

BREAKING: DSS releases NLC president, Ajaero

The Department of State Services has granted administrative bail to the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, The Punch is reporting. Pro-democracy activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, announced his release in a tweet on Monday night. “BREAKING: The fascist regime of @officialABAT has released the @NLCHeadquarters President Joe Ajaero from @OfficialDSSNG custody on bail,” he wrote on X.com. More details later…

Post Date : September 9, 2024

REVEALED: We invited Ajaero but he tried to fly out of Nigeria —DSS Official

More facts are emerging on possible reasons the operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero. The NLC President was picked up by DSS operatives on Monday morning at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja on his way outside the country for an official assignment. A top official of the agency told Tribune Online in confidence that Comrade Ajaero knew why he was picked at the time of his arrest without anybody telling him. According to the source, “Our friend, Comrade Ajaero knew why our Operatives prevented him from his journey abroad, he was actually intercepted at the Airport due to his failure to honour an invitation extended to him by the Service. “An invitation has been sent to him since last week concerning a petition filed by top NLC leaders against him, and based on this, we have to invite him since the issues raised in the petition bothered on national security.” Continuing, the source explained, “Our new Director General, Mr Oluwatosin Ajayi inherited the matter and when he resumed duty, he insisted that we invite the NLC President to clear the air on some of the allegations. “Last week, we invited him (Ajaero) through the normal channel, which is on the telephone. A very senior director extended the invitation and was mandated to handle the investigation. “Ajaero promised to come today, Monday. The next thing we heard was that Ajaero was sighted at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, trying to board an international flight. “No responsible security organization will fold its hands in the face of such contempt. The law setting up the DSS empowers us to defend Nigeria against domestic threats, to uphold and enforce the criminal laws of Nigeria, and to provide leadership and criminal justice services to federal and state law-enforcement organs. “This, we have done over the decades without fear or favour. We often praise the CIA in the United States for operating without fear or favour. See the way former President Donald Trump is being dragged around, even though he has the chance of returning as President. “We must learn to live within the ambit of the law, including honouring invitations by security agencies. I’m sure he’ll be released after he clears the air on the allegations against him by some of his colleague-officers in the NLC. “There is no cause for concern over the arrest by our Operatives.” However, the service has yet to release any official statement on the matter.

Post Date : September 9, 2024

64% Nigerians doubt fairness in Edo, Ondo elections – REPORT

A survey conducted by the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) revealed that 64% of Nigerians doubt the fairness of the upcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo, scheduled for September 21 and November 16, 2024, respectively. The report, released on Monday in Abuja, cited voter apathy and perceived judicial bias as major concerns that could undermine the credibility of the polls. Only 36% of respondents expressed confidence in the elections being conducted fairly and credibly. According to CJID’s Programme Manager for Media in National Elections, Amina Miango, the survey aimed to examine the state of democracy in Nigeria by assessing the roles of key electoral stakeholders, citizen participation, and challenges of voter engagement. She stated, “The survey aimed to examine the state of democracy in Nigeria by assessing the roles of key electoral stakeholders, citizen participation, and the challenges of voter engagement in the upcoming off-cycle governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States.” “The study utilized a mixed-methods approach, combining online and offline data collection to gather insights from 2,156 respondents across urban and rural areas in both states.” Mboho Eno, CJID’s Deputy Director of the Accountability Programme, noted that the survey’s findings highlight significant voter apathy, with historical data showing a declining trend in voter turnout, despite increased voter registration and engagement in pre-election activities. He stated, “The survey highlights a troubling trend of distrust towards electoral processes and institutions. Only 36% of respondents expressed confidence in the elections being conducted fairly and credibly. Similarly, 36% expressed scepticism about the judiciary’s impartiality in resolving election disputes. This significant trust deficit poses a risk to voter turnout and overall engagement.” Other key findings of the survey include a 71% expectation of violence during the elections, 56% doubting the ability of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct free and fair polls, and 50% relying on social media for election information amid concerns over misinformation. Additionally, 36% of respondents questioned the judiciary’s impartiality in resolving election disputes. The survey, which sampled 2,156 respondents across urban and rural areas in both states, was part of CJID’s Media in National Election (MiNE) project. To address these challenges, CJID recommended continuous civic and voter education, electoral reforms and technology integration, improving the internal democracy of political parties, enhancing the media’s role in elections, and reforming election dispute resolution mechanisms. The CJID report also urged stakeholders, including electoral institutions, political parties, media, and civil society organizations, to collaborate in creating a more inclusive and transparent electoral environment.

Post Date : September 9, 2024

Petition against Ajaero has been withdrawn, Air Peace clarifies

Following reports that the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Mr Joe Ajaero, was arrested due to failure to honour police invitation over a petition by Air Peace Airlines, the airline has said the information is not true. Air Peace clarified that although it petitioned the NLC in 2023 following a dispute that ensued between both parties, the petition had been withdrawn. A spokesperson for Air Peace, Omotade Makinwa, in a statement made available to Vanguard, said having resolved their differences, the airline and NLC shared a cordial relationship and anything that could break the bond should be jettisoned. The statement reads: “Air Peace Airline expresses deep concern over recent media reports regarding the arrest of the President of the NLC in connection to a petition filed by the airline in September 2023. This development, which has led to negative publicity, does not reflect the current relationship between Air Peace and the NLC. “It is important to clarify the events leading up to the petition. On May 3, 2023, the NLC disrupted Air Peace operations as part of a broader conflict with the Imo State government. Although Air Peace had no involvement in the dispute between the NLC and the Imo State government, our airline was unfortunately used as a tool to exert pressure on the government. This unlawful disruption of our services caused significant financial losses and impacted the travel plans of many Nigerians across multiple states. “In response to this disruption, Air Peace’s legal team submitted a formal petition against the NLC to the Nigerian Police. Despite our repeated efforts to follow up on the petition, the Police failed to take prompt action. “However, over a year later, the Nigerian Police have chosen to act on the original petition, which has now led to the alleged arrest of the NLC president. Before this arrest, the airline and the NLC had already reached an amicable resolution, and Air Peace had withdrawn its petition, allowing a positive working relationship to resume between the two organisations.”

Post Date : September 9, 2024

US blocks Nigerian’s cryptocurrency fraud, imposes $50,000 fine

The Kansas Attorney General’s Office, United States, successfully thwarted an attempt by Bimbo Toyin Akinyemi, a Nigerian national, to defraud a Kansas resident of cryptocurrency. This was revealed in a statement titled, “State of Kansas, U.S., Thwarts Attempt by Nigerian Crypto Scammer to Defraud Resident, Attracting Over $50,000 in Civil Penalties.” BitKE, known for reporting on Bitcoin, crypto, and blockchain activity in Africa, disclosed the news on Monday via its X handle #BitcoinKE. According to the Attorney General’s Office, Akinyemi promised the victim a large return for investing in cryptocurrency. Court documents show that Akinyemi entered into a contract with the unnamed victim on 15 July 2023, where the victim was to purchase Bitcoin and deposit it into Akinyemi’s ‘investment wallet address,’ with an expected return of $500 to $1,240. Akinyemi exploited the victim’s lack of understanding of cryptocurrencies, misleading them by concealing the traceability of fund transfers and falsely claiming that depositing funds into a digital wallet would ‘activate’ it as an investment account. After receiving the deposits, Akinyemi transferred the funds to his own account. A fraudulent $1,000 cheque was then sent to the victim, which was never cashed. The Kansas Attorney General’s Office stated that the victim is entitled to a refund of their $250 investment, and Akinyemi is responsible for $50,000 in civil penalties for five violations, $4,000 in investigation fees and expenses, and all court costs. The Charities and Financial Scams Unit of the Attorney General’s Office filed a lawsuit against Akinyemi under the Kansas Consumer Protection Act. Authorities seized Akinyemi’s wallet, which reportedly contained half of a Bitcoin valued at over $28,900, as well as other digital currency worth more than $4,000. A local judge issued a default judgment against Akinyemi after they failed to respond to the summons and petitions sent to their email address. In addition to the financial penalties, Akinyemi has been prohibited from engaging in consumer transactions within the state. “Cryptocurrency is a borderless asset that allows international scammers to target and defraud Kansans from the comfort of a keyboard,” said First Assistant Attorney General Nathanial Castillo. “Scammers realise they have a better chance of getting away with fraud if they convince victims to send cryptocurrency. Kansans should always thoroughly scrutinise anyone they meet online before sending payment in cryptocurrency.” The U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) and the FBI were also part of the investigations.

Post Date : September 9, 2024

ALERT: NAFDAC orders recall of Dove beauty cream bar soap over chemical impurity

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has ordered the recall of Dove Beauty Cream Bar Soap (100g) with batch number 81832M 08, produced in Germany, due to the presence of a chemical impurity. NAFDAC said the product violates the Cosmetic Products Regulation by containing Butylphenyl Methylpropional, also known as Lilial, a chemical associated with serious health risks. In a statement on its website on Monday, the agency explained that BMHCA has been banned in cosmetic products because it can harm the reproductive system and potentially affect the health of unborn children. It added that the chemical has been linked to skin sensitisation, triggering allergic reactions in some users. The statement read, “The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is alerting the public about the recall of Dove Beauty Cream Bar Soap (100g) with batch number 81832M 08, produced in Germany, due to chemical impurity. “The product does not comply with the Cosmetic Products Regulation, as it contains Butylphenyl Methylpropional (BMHCA), which is prohibited due to its risks of reproductive harm, danger to unborn children, and potential for causing skin sensitization. Several regulatory authorities in the EU have already banned its marketing.” Other Dove cosmetic products recalled/banned in other countries due to the presence of BMHCA are Derma Spa Goodness, Men Care, Men Care+ Sensitive Shield, Natural Touch, Nourishing Body Care Light Hydro, Pampering Body Lotion, Go Fresh, Talco con Crema, Go fresh Pera, Extra Fresh, Goodness3 Skincare Ritual, invisible dry antiperspirant spray + Go Fresh Revitalize nourishing shower gel, Caring hand wash and invisible dry. The agency said the soaps are not on its database. NAFDAC urged the public to be cautious and vigilant within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale and use of the products. It said, “Importation of soaps is prohibited in Nigeria as per the restricted and import prohibition list. Beyond the import restrictions soaps and cosmetics are parts of the items ineligible for foreign exchange to import in Nigeria. “These products are also not available in the NAFDAC database. Importers, distributors, retailers and consumers are advised to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale and use of the above-mentioned products. Members of the public in possession of the product should discontinue the sale or use and submit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.” NAFDAC also urged health experts to report adverse events experienced with the use of regulated products to its nearest office. The statement added, “Healthcare professionals and consumers are encouraged to report adverse events experienced with the use of regulated products to the nearest NAFDAC office, via pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng, E-reporting platforms available at www.nafdac.gov.ng or via the Med-safety application for download on android and IOS stores.”