Crime Facts

FBN Holdings appoints Adebowale Oyedeji, ex-Nova Bank MD, as GMD

FBN Holdings Plc has announced the appointment of Adebowale Oyedeji as group managing director (GMD). In a statement on Friday, FBN Holdings said the appointment of Oyedeji, managing director (MD) of Nova Commercial Bank is with effect from November 13. FBN Holdings said prior to his appointment, Oyedeji was the managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO) of Nova Commercial Bank, where he contributed to the institution’s conversion to a commercial bank as well as its foray into retail banking. The company said the appointment is subject to the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and ratification of the shareholders at the annual general meeting (AGM). According to the statement, Oyedeji would replace Nnamdi Okonkwo, who will be retiring from the company following the completion of his term. “At FBNHoldings, Wale would lead the executive teams at the HoldCo and the various subsidiaries to Implement its new 5-year Strategic plan,” the company said. Speaking on the appointment, Femi Otedola, the chairman of FBNHoldings, said the board is pleased to welcome Oyedeji “to the Holdco and looking forward to him building on the solid foundation of 130-year-old franchise and sustaining its undisputed leadership position”. ABOUT ADEBOWALE OYEDEJI Oyedeji earned a bachelor of science in agricultural economics from the University of Ibadan and a master of science in financial economics from the University of London. He is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and an advanced management programme of Harvard Business School alumnus. Oyedeji has over 30 years of banking experience spanning corporate banking, treasury, commercial banking, and general management. He served as managing director of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) UK between 2008 and 2011. In October 2011, Oyedeji was appointed to the board of GTB, where he served as executive director for the corporate banking group. He also served as an independent non-executive director of Stanbic IBTC Bank. Oyedeji began his career with Ernst and Young, where he trained as an accountant.

Blackout In Kaduna, Kano As Vandals Destroy Transmission Towers

Vandals have destroyed two towers along the crucial 330kV Shiroro–Kaduna transmission lines 1 and 2, throwing parts of Kano and Kaduna into darkness. The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) said Friday that the towers, T133 and T136, suffered extensive damage, resulting in a disruption of electricity supply to parts of the North-West, including Kaduna and Kano. The incident was first detected when one of the transmission lines tripped, shortly followed by the second, prompting TCN to mobilise local vigilante groups for increased patrols around the affected area. TCN’s Shiroro Regional Office said the cables were found to be severely compromised at multiple points. “Investigations reveal that this is not a case of routine damage but a deliberate act of vandalism,” said TCN spokesperson Ndidi Mbah. “We are working closely with security operatives to secure the area, which has been identified as vulnerable to banditry, posing risks to our infrastructure and personnel.” In response to the emergency, TCN has deployed a newly procured emergency restoration system to the site to stabilize the situation. Plans are also in progress for the reconstruction of the damaged towers to restore the affected lines fully. “Our engineers have swiftly implemented a temporary solution to ensure continued electricity supply,” Mbah added. “We are currently using the 330kV Kaduna–Jos transmission line to deliver bulk power to the Kaduna and Kano regions as an interim measure.” An aerial survey was conducted to assess the extent of the damage and to enhance security measures around the affected transmission lines. This survey was carried out in collaboration with security operatives to identify any further vulnerabilities in the area. The Shiroro–Kaduna transmission lines are critical to Nigeria’s power supply, as each line can carry 600MW of electricity to the North-West. The loss of these lines has significantly impacted the power distribution network. “We are appealing to communities living near transmission infrastructure to assist in safeguarding these national assets,” said TCN Managing Director Sule Abdulaziz. “The vandalism of power installations affects everyone, and ensuring their security is a collective responsibility.” Efforts are ongoing to restore the towers, with TCN assuring the public of its commitment to restoring normalcy as quickly as possible. Meanwhile, increased patrols and surveillance will continue to prevent further incidents. Authorities are also investigating the incident to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice, as the attack threatens to exacerbate the already strained electricity situation in the region.

Fubara Approves N85,000 Minimum Wage For Civil Servants In Rivers

The Rivers State Government has approved a minimum wage of N85,000 for civil servants in the state. The Head of Service of the state, George Nwaeke, announced that the approval was granted by Governor Siminalayi Fubara during a closed-door meeting with labour leaders and senior government officials. Following the meeting, Nwaeke confirmed that the implementation of the new minimum wage will take effect immediately. “He granted a minimum wage of N85,000 to Rivers workers and that is what our resolution was by the time we left the place,” the head of service said. “The implementation is with an immediate effect. A committee has been set up – the SSG is heading it. The labour leaders and I are going to the drawing board immediately to work out the details for the immediate takeoff of the scheme.” On their part, the Chairman of the Joint Negotiation Team, Chukwu Emecheta, praised Governor Fubara for meeting the expectations of Rivers State workers. He expressed appreciation for the Governor’s commitment to the workforce. “Today, we are happy that our expectation for our governor, he is living up to it,” he said. “He has demonstrated it this afternoon,” Emecheta said after the meeting. Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Rivers State, Alex Agwanwor, noted that the minimum wage will greatly alleviate the economic hardships faced by workers in the state. Fubara’s move is the latest in a series of states announcing the payment of the new minimum wage. Days back, his Lagos State counterpart Babajide Sanwo-Olu said civil servants in the state will be paid N85,000 as minimum wage. President Bola Tinubu had in July 2024 signed the minimum wage bill into law. That moved the pay from N30,000 to N70,000.

NNPC, Chevron discover oil in Niger Delta

The NNPC Limited – Chevron Nigeria Limited Joint Venture (NNPC-CNL JV) has made a significant near-field oil discovery with the successful drilling of the Meji NW-1 well, located in Petroleum Mining Lease (PML) 49 within the shallow offshore area of the Western Niger Delta. The area, recently converted to the PIA 2021 terms, is a critical part of Nigeria’s energy production landscape. Chevron’s General Manager, Policy Government and Public Affairs, Olusoga Oduselu, disclosed this in a Friday statement titled, “NNPC-CNL Joint Venture successfully drills the Meji NW-1 Well.” According to the statement, the well was spud on September 2, 2024, reaching a total depth of 8,983 feet by September 13. It encountered approximately 690 feet of hydrocarbons within Miocene sands, appraising an extension of the already productive Meji field. The well operations were concluded on October 2, and the drilling rig has since left the location, according to the official statement. “This accomplishment is consistent with CNL’s intention to continue developing and growing its Nigerian resources,” the company stated, adding that the success aligns with Chevron’s broader global exploration goals. These include “finding new resources that extend the life of producing assets in existing operating areas and deliver production with shorter development cycle times.” The discovery adds momentum to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, signalling the continued strength of its offshore potential. The NNPC-CNL JV expressed its commitment to working with the Nigerian government and other stakeholders to ensure the continued development of the country’s oil and gas resources. “We will continue to collaborate with the Nigerian government and other stakeholders to support the development of the Nigerian oil and gas industry and the Nigerian economy in general,” the statement emphasised. With the energy sector playing a pivotal role in Nigeria’s economy, this discovery is expected to bolster both production levels and investor confidence in the region’s untapped potential.

Police Kill Two Kidnappers in Enugu

Police Kill Two Kidnappers in Enugu Two kidnappers in Enugu have met their waterloo as operatives of Enugu Police Command from the Anti-Kidnapping, Distress Response and Special Intervention Squads, raided their hideout in Nokpa-Nike, Enugu East Local Government Area. A statement by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Daniel Ndukwe said the successful was carried out on October 17, 2024, around 8 p.m “following a diligently gathered actionable intelligence. Ndukwe said that “Upon the operatives’ arrival, the kidnappers opened fire, prompting a return of fire. In the process, two of the suspects were neutralised, while others fled with varying degrees of gunshot injuries. A manhunt for the fleeing suspects and others linked to the syndicate is underway. “A male victim, identified as the personal assistant (PA) to a public figure (names withheld), kidnapped by the gang on September 27, 2024, in Trans-Ekulu, Enugu, was rescued unharmed. During the operation, the police recovered one G-3 rifle, two AK-47 rifles, three magazines, and one hundred and twenty-five rounds of live ammunition.” Speaking further on the incidents leading to the raid and rescue operation, he added that; “Preliminary investigations reveal that this criminal group had demanded a ransom of forty million Naira (N40,000,000.00) for the release of the victim. The group is also found to be responsible for several kidnappings within Enugu metropolis and its environs. Some of their members had previously been arrested and arraigned in court, with firearms and ammunition recovered from them. “Furthermore, the buildings used for these criminal acts, including the present one, have been destroyed by the Enugu State Government.” Conclusively, Ndukwe said that he Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, psc (+), “commended the operatives’ efforts and reiterated the command’s unwavering resolve to eradicate violent crimes in the state. “He called on the public to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and to support the police in their efforts

European Court Orders Spain to Pay €27,000 to Nigerian Trafficked as Teen

The European Court on Human Rights (ECHR) has ordered the Spanish government to pay a €27,000 compensation fee to a yet-to-be-named Nigerian lady who was trafficked into the country as a teenager. The court, in its October 10 ruling, ordered the Spanish government to pay the sum to the Nigerian after it confirmed Spanish officials failed to carry out a thorough investigation when the lady had first reported to them that she had been trafficked from Nigeria to Spain as a minor, and then subsequently forced into prostitution. The Nigerian was trafficked as a 14-year-old to the European country in 2003. Before leaving Nigeria, the parents of her trafficker, whose name was also not mentioned, had performed a “Juju ritual” on her, telling her she would die if she reported her being trafficked to the police when she got to Spain. Prior to this, she was informed she would be taken to Spain “to work” and she would pay a total of €70,000 to the trafficker from the wages she earned there. More importantly, the trafficker did not tell her the nature of the job. However, when she eventually arrived in Spain with a forged adult passport, she was forced into prostitution and all the income she made went directly to the trafficker. This happened between 2003 and 2007. She eventually managed to escape from her traffickers in 2007, receiving assistance that included housing and healthcare from a Spain-based non-government organisation until she was able to lodge a formal human trafficking and sexual exploitation complaint against her traffickers in 2011. However, the Spanish government would, after six years of investigation, provisionally dismiss her case in 2017, terming it “superficial and insufficiently reasoned”. The Nigerian then subsequently lodged an application with the European Human Rights Court on April 20, 2021, alleging that the Spanish authorities had failed to investigate, prosecute and punish those responsible for subjecting her to human trafficking. During proceedings, the Court was able to establish that the Nigerian lady had indeed been a victim of human trafficking and forced prostitution. The Court also concluded that the Spanish authorities’ actions during its investigations reflected a blatant disregard for the duty to investigate serious allegations of human trafficking, an offence with devastating consequences for its victims. In the end, the Court’s seven judges from France, Georgia, Monaco, Spain, Ukraine, Luxembourg and Ireland ordered Spain to pay a €15,000 compensation to the Nigerian in respect of non-pecuniary damage and another €12,000 for costs and expenses. Credit: FIJ

Judgments On Election Matters Turning Nigeria’s Democracy Upside Down – Jonathan

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed concern over judgements on political cases by some courts in the country, saying the situation does not give a good sign for democracy. Jonathan, who stated this at the 67th birthday celebration of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Prof. Mike Ozekhome, in Abuja, described some judgements on election matters as a “cone being turned upside down”. Lamenting the lapses of the Nigeria’s judiciary system, the former president said, “The way things are going in this country, especially listening to the judgments being given regarding political cases, we are beginning to see that democracy in Nigeria is like a cone that is being turned upside down. “And if a cone is turned upside down it cannot be stable and at the slightest perturbation, it will fall. When I listened to some senior lawyers like Olisa Agbakoba making comments on some Supreme Court’s judgments, I felt very sad that the country has got to that level.” He noted that for democracy to endure in the country, people both at the Bar and the Bench should not be carried away by political influence. “If our democracy will endure, people, both at the Bar and the Bench, should not be carried away by political influence. That is the only way we can stabilise the political process. “I know the lawyers enjoy it because after elections there is always an avalanche of litigation, because it is like Christmas for lawyers. ad“But in most other countries, people don’t go to court, but in Nigeria, pre-election matters and post-election matters fill all the courts and it does not give a good sign for democracy.” “Comparing Nigeria to other African countries and those outside Africa, because I have been able to get involved in their electoral processes, it worries me.” Further speaking, Jonathan recounted a particular judgement which, he said, had been haunting him, “There is a particular judgment that has been haunting me and I need to mention that, luckily, I am not a lawyer, I am saying that from a layman view, it (the judgment) simply turned the cone upside down and if the courts don’t look back into this case, it will create so much instability in the political system that it would affect all of us. “Those who would have succeeded, their victory song will not last long, because we will all be victims. Where the court says a Ward Chairman can expel a National Chairman of a political party. This is not in line with natural justice. The law is to control human behaviour and human behaviour must follow how God created systems. “And, you cannot tell me that the Head of Department in a university, for example, can expel the Vice Chancellor. So, how can the Nigerian law tell me that a Ward Chairman can expel a national officer of a political party? “And, since that judgment has been given, as at today, it has created all kinds of instability in the party. PDP is in crisis because of that judgment. APC, at a time, was also into crisis because of that judgment. “I am not looking at it from a legal perspective, because I don’t know anything about the law. But when I look at how nature works, I have never seen a system where its sub-unit can discipline the top.” “For the PDP exactly, in the constitution of the PDP, if you are a national officer, even your state cannot discipline you, not to talk about a Ward officer, who is not a member of the NEC, the National Executive Council. “And we are saying that a Ward Chairman of a party can suspend and expel the National Chairman of a political party. I am appealing with the Supreme Court to revisit their judgment, because that judgment has turned the cone upside down and the political process, the democracy, is wobbling.”

Kenyan High Court temporarily halts deputy president Gachagua’s impeachment

A Kenyan high court has issued a temporary suspension of the Senate’s decision to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, following a petition citing “monumental constitutional issues.” Earlier today, Gachagua approached the court to halt the implementation of his impeachment. Presiding Judge Chacha Mwita ruled to temporarily pause the impeachment process pending a hearing. The court also suspended the appointment of a new deputy president, which had already seen Kenya’s President William Ruto nominate Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki. The National Assembly had approved Kindiki’s appointment earlier on Friday. Judge Mwita highlighted the constitutional significance of the case, stating, “I am satisfied that the petition raises fundamental constitutional issues concerning the rule of law and human rights.” The case is set to be reviewed on October 24, when a bench appointed by the Chief Justice will address the matter. Parliament rulesKenya’s parliament on Friday unanimously voted to back the nomination of President William Ruto’s pick to replace his deputy Rigathi Gachagua who was sacked in a historic impeachment. Ruto’s nominee, Kithure Kindiki, a 52-year-old academic turned political heavyweight, had been among the front-runners floated by political analysts after the Senate voted to remove Gachagua late Thursday. The impeachment of Ruto’s 2022 election running mate has transfixed the East African country, generally regarded as a stable democracy in a turbulent region. The high-stakes political drama continued apace on Friday as National Assembly speaker Moses Wetangula announced Ruto’s choice of Kindiki in the morning. A few hours later, parliamentarians voted 236 in favour, with no abstention or votes opposed. “The vote is overwhelmingly ‘yes’ and so the nomination is hereby declared passed by the house,” Wetangula said.

Kenyan president nominates interior minister as new deputy

Kenya President William Ruto has nominated Kithure Kindiki, interior minister, as his new deputy. This comes a day after the senate voted to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, despite a plea from Paul Muite, Gachagua’s lawyer, to postpone the proceedings. According to Muite, Gachagua was hospitalised after falling very sick, hours before the vote was set to hold. In total, 281 MPs voted in favour of the ouster, with 44 voting against. One MP abstained. Moses Wetang’ula, speaker of parliament, said on Friday that the president had nominated Kindiki. “I have received a message from the president, regarding the nomination of Professor Kithure Kindiki to fill the vacancy which has occurred in the office,” he said. Kindiki, a close ally of Ruto, has held the interior ministry post throughout Ruto’s two years as president. He previously served as senator for Tharaka Nithi County and was a top contender to be Ruto’s running mate during the 2022 election.

Jigawa tanker explosion death toll rises to 167

A total of 167 persons have so far lost their lives following Tuesday’s fuel tanker explosion in Majiya town in the Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State. The Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, made the disclosure when the Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, paid him a condolence visit at the Government House Dutse on Thursday evening. “As of Thursday evening, 167 lives had been lost in the fire disaster,” Namadi said. He disclosed that no fewer than 67 people are currently receiving medical treatment at various medical facilities within and outside the state. The governor expressed deep gratitude on behalf of the people of Jigawa State and thanked Kano State for its generous support during this difficult time. He assured that the N100 million donated by the Kano State Government would be judiciously used to aid the victims of the unfortunate incident and their families. Many people, globally, have commiserated with the state government and families of the affected victims. Also, a mass burial was held for the initial 147 victims who were said to have died while scooping fuel from the tanker wreckage. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, on Thursday, said it had commenced an investigation into the petrol tanker explosion. A statement from the agency read, “The team will assess the circumstances surrounding the crash and the explosion to identify causal factors and provide safety recommendations aimed at preventing future occurrences. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families affected by this devastating accident. The NSIB is committed to uncovering the cause of the explosion and ensuring that safety lessons are learnt.” PUNCH Online reported that the death toll as of Wednesday was 147. The Chairman of Taura LGA, Shu’aibu Hambali, confirmed the latest causality figure on Wednesday evening while speaking live on a local radio station, Arewa Radio.