Crime Facts

EEDC to embark on massive disconnection of indebted customers in South-East

The management of Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), has announced that it will embarked on a massive disconnection of indebted customers in south east region of Nigeria. The announcement was contained in a statement signed and made available to Journalists in Awka on Friday, by the Company’s communication officer, Mr Emeka Ezeh. The statement read in part, “The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) wishes to inform its esteemed customers that it will be embarking on massive disconnection of indebted customers. “Consequently, customers are advised to promptly pay their electricity bills before the disconnection team gets to their premises, as failure to do so will attract a reconnection fee in addition to the outstanding amount. “Customers can pay their bills at the EEDC Cash Offices or any collection agent location nearest to them, and they must not wait for the Marketers to visit before they can pay their bills. It is expected that the current electricity bill, which is for energy consumed in the previous month is paid by the 12th day of the succeeding month, and customers that have arrears should endeavour to clear their bills or take advantage of our ongoing discount scheme – ASAP. “Pay your bills promptly and on time and save yourself the inconveniences of being disconnected or surcharged. “EEDC can only sustain its operations and service to its esteemed customers when electricity bills are paid. “EEDC is committed to serving you and wants you to help us serve you better. “EEDC…Power to the East!!

Tinubu Gov’t Won’t Reverse Policies – APC

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has told the opposition to “bury the thought of policy reversal” by the President Bola Tinubu-led government and support the government in delivering on the Renewed Hope agenda of the President. The party also dispelled claims by the opposition that it rigged the September 21 governorship election in Edo State as part of plans to foist a one-party system and totalitarian rule on the country. The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday alleged that the APC manipulated the Edo election to achieve its plan of turning Nigeria into a one-party state. Addressing newsmen after the BoT meeting at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja, the chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, expressed concerns over the country’s deteriorating socio-economic situation, which he blamed on policies of the APC-led government. Adebayo Knocks Tinubu over fuel hikeWhy we took initiative for Gowon’s 90th birthday –Jerry GanaBut reacting to the allegations on Friday, the APC Director of Publicity, Alhaji Bala Ibrahim, told Daily Trust in a telephone interview that the ruling party had no intention of jeopardising democracy. Ibrahim said, “The APC as a ruling party is not intending to foist on the country anything that is going to injure democracy. “The APC is a progressive party; it is a party that is out to bring changes that will bring about dividend of democracy to the people. Democracy is only vibrant when there is opposition, but let the opposition be constructive, not destructive. “The country had been bleeding heavily under the leadership of the PDP; they mismanaged the country. So Nigerians are still watching and beginning to understand what change means.” Ibrahim said the policies of the APC led government were not anti-people but aimed at uplifting their socio-economic well-being in a near future. He urged the opposition to bury the thought of policy reversal and support the government.

Rivers Govt Insists Court Did Not Reinstate Amaewhule, 26 Others

The Rivers State Government has insisted that the Appeal Court judgment on Thursday in Abuja did not reinstate the Martin Amaewhule-led faction of the State House of Assembly. In a statement signed by the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dagogo Iboroma, SAN, in Port Harcourt on Thursday, the government clarified that Amaewhule and 26 others had defected on December 11, 2023. It argued that their seats became automatically vacant from the day they announced their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Members of the PDP Protesting in Rivers last week, asking for the cancellation of the LG election in the state The Attorney General insisted that the issue of the defection of Amaewhule and 26 others was never before the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal, Abuja, and therefore, no court has legitimised their membership of the House of Assembly on the basis of the defection. He said dissatisfied with the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, the Governor has directed his lawyers to file an appeal against the judgment of the Court of Appeal to the Supreme Court, and also file an application for stay of execution of the judgment of the Court of Appeal. Protesters at the RSIEC last Friday, insisting that the LG elections must hold Iboroma said, “By operation of Law, particularly Section 109(i) (g) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), Martin Amaewhule and 26 others automatically lost their seats as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly on the 11th day of December, 2023, as Section 109(1)(g) is self executory as no court order is required thereof. “His Excellency, the Governor of Rivers State on the 13th day of December, 2023, presented the 2024 Appropriation Bill to the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie, who was recognized as the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly at the time. The Appropriation Bill was later passed into Law and became the Appropriation Law of 2024. An Appropriation Law is a state law within the purview of the High Court of Rivers State. “Following the crisis in the Rivers State House of Assembly and the intervention by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, that the parties withdraw their cases in Court, to allow peace reign, His Excellency the Governor of Rivers State obeyed the President’s directive and withdrew his cases and the processes he filed in Suit No FHC/ABJ/1613/CS/2023. Martin Amaewhule and others disobeyed the President and did not withdraw Suit No. FHC/ABJ/1613/CS/2023 and proceeded to obtain judgment against His Excellency, the Governor of Rivers State. “After the judgment of the Court of Appeal today, there is a gale of misrepresentation and misinterpretation that Martin Amaewhule & 26 others remain members of the Rivers State House of Assembly with Martin Amaewhule as the speaker thereof. This is patently false. “The defection of Martin Amaewhule and 26 others was not an issue for determination in the Federal High Court, Abuja and the Court of Appeal. What was in issue was the 2023 Appropriation Law and the National Assembly taking over the Legislative functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly.”

Bayelsa APC Suspends Lokpobiri

The All Progressives Congress (APC) executives in Ekeremor and Southern Ijaw Local Government Areas of Bayelsa State, have announced the suspension of key party members, including the Minister of State for Petroleum, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, and the 2019 governorship candidate of the state, David Lyon. Two serving commissioners in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)-led Bayelsa State government, who are also APC members were among those suspended. The suspensions were reportedly due to anti-party activities and alleged factionalisation of the party at the state level. READ ALSO; PDP Suspends Spokesman, Legal Adviser Over Alleged Misconduct The Chairman of APC in Ekeremor Local Government Area, Mitin Eniekenemi, confirmed the suspension of Senator Lokpobiri and the Commissioner for Power, Engr. Karin Kumoko. Addressing journalists, Eniekenemi said the action was based on the findings of an internal disciplinary committee set up under Article 21.3(1) of the APC Constitution. In a related development, the APC executives in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area also announced the suspension of David Lyon, the 2019 APC governorship candidate, and the Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Barr. Peres Biewari, along with six other members for alleged anti-party activities and gross misconduct. The suspended members were accused of undermining the party’s interests, particularly during the 2020 Bayelsa State bye-election. According to the APC leadership, investigations are ongoing, and additional findings regarding other members involved in anti-party activities will be made public once the inquiries are concluded.

Federal High Court Chief Judge, Denies Nnamdi Kanu’s Recusal Request On Justice Nyako

The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Justice John Tsoho, has rejected the request by the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, for Justice Binta Nyako, to recuse herself from his case. Justice Tsoho returned Nnamdi Kanu’s case file to her to handle, saying two other judges were previously recused from the case. Justice Tsoho stated that Kanu’s case was reassigned to Justice Nyako due to its prolonged nature as far back as 2015. Since she had handled the case for the most part, she was deemed the most suitable judge to see it through to its conclusion. However, the Chief Judge directed that if at the next hearing of the case, Kanu still insists on recusing Justice Nyako, he must file a written motion on Notice, with an affidavit, stating all the grounds for requesting the recusal. Kanu must also serve it on the prosecution team, and appear before Justice Nyako for her review and determination, then she can make her decision. Kanu’s Special Lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, confirmed the development to Channels Television. He added that Kanu’s team is waiting for an official notice from the court and a new hearing notice. Justice Nyako earlier recused herself from the case following an oral application by Kanu and his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor. He had expressed his displeasure and loss of confidence in Justice Nyako, accusing her of disregarding Supreme Court orders.

Court denies Binance executive Gambaryan bail

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday refused the fresh bail application of the detained Binance Holdings Executive, Tigran Gambaryan. Gambaryan’s lawyer, Mark Mordi (SAN), previously argued on September 4 that his client’s health is “perilous.” He stated that Gambaryan required surgery for a herniated disc and psychiatric care due to depression and anxiety. Mordi requested a six-week bail for Gambaryan to seek proper medical attention outside the prison, citing inadequate care in custody. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s lawyer, Ekele Iheanacho, objected to the defence’s claims, arguing that they exaggerated the severity of Gambaryan’s condition. He contended that the second defendant could receive treatment while detained at Kuje Correctional Facility, asserting that his health was not serious enough to warrant bail. Iheanacho noted that Gambaryan had been taken to top medical institutions, including the State House Clinic and Nizamiye Hospital, and that a medical report from the State House Clinic indicated he had refused medication and treatment. He further stated that reports from Nizamiye Hospital showed Gambaryan received comprehensive care and had exhibited no health deterioration. Iheanacho reiterated that it had not been demonstrated that Gambaryan’s health condition could not be managed by the Nigerian Correctional Service. He stated, “Experts have been engaged, and the NCS is taking care of him. The results so far show no serious illness. Complaints have been sent to the National Security Adviser.” In his ruling on the motion for bail on medical grounds, Justice Nwite rejected the request, noting that “renowned Nigerian medical experts are already managing the second defendant’s health.” However, he ordered the Nigerian Correctional Service “to refer Gambaryan to a standard hospital in Abuja for treatment for three days to two weeks under security supervision.” The matter was subsequently adjourned till October 18, 2024, and November 22 and 25, 2024, for the continuation of trial. Gambaryan is facing $35.4 million in money laundering charges brought against him by the EFCC.

FG permits marketers to lift fuel directly from the Dangote refinery

The Federal Government has granted permission to petroleum marketers to lift petrol directly from the Dangote refinery without going through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited. This confirms the speculation that the NNPC will no longer be the sole off-taker of the Dangote fuel. In a statement on Friday, the Minister of Finance and Chairman of the Naira-crude sale implementation committee, Wale Edun, gave an update on the takeoff of crude purchase and product sales in naira transactions. The Implementation Committee chaired by Edun was said to have held its second post-commencement review meeting on October 10, to evaluate the progress of the Crude Oil and Refined Products Sales in naira initiative. “The committee is pleased to report a successful transition of operations in line with the directive issued by the Federal Executive Council. This directive has established a robust framework for local production and distribution of crude oil and refined products for local consumption in naira. “With this mechanism now in full operation, along with the commencement of local production, we are well-positioned to transition to a fully deregulated market for all petroleum products. “Moving forward, petroleum product marketers are now able to purchase PMS directly from local refineries without the intermediary role of NNPC. Marketers are encouraged to initiate direct purchases from refineries on mutually negotiated commercial terms, which will promote competition and improve market efficiency,” the statement said. Edun noted that the government remained confident that, in the long term, these measures will create better market conditions for the benefit of all Nigerians.

FactCheck: X user posts 2019 image of exploded car to scare Nigerians away from converting their vehicles to CNG

Claim A Nigerian X user, @emmaikumeh recently shared a photo of exploded Audi CNG and advised Nigerians. Verdict This claim is MISLEADING.Checks showed that the incident happened in Germany in 2019. Full Text Due to the hardship and rising cost of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), otherwise known as petrol, many drivers in Nigeria are turning to compressed natural gas (CNG) as a more affordable and environmentally friendly option. The cost of fuel has become a significant concern for motorists, coupled with the economic issues of inflation, which has tripled the prices of goods and commodities Advising Nigerians against this move, an X user, @emmaikumeh, on October 10, advised that it may be dangerous to use CNG vehicles. The X user posted a photo of an exploded vehicle and wrote, “This is CNG Audi. Exploded while filling up. “Enough said. Over 764k persons have viewed the posts. While more than 2k persons have reposted it as of Friday morning. In Thread, Onoja Precious and Egwu Daniel shared this same image and warned Nigerians to be careful when entering a car that uses CNG instead of fuel. Knowing the panic these posts may have caused among Nigerians, FACTWATCH decided to run a fact check on it. Verification The photo was subjected to a Google Image reverse search, and it was discovered that the incident occurred in Germany in 2019. FACTWATCH found a report by the German news organization LOG, which stated that the vehicle exploded and was previously damaged. The incident occurred in Baden Germany. In the report, the 34-year-old driver in the vehicle during the filling process was taken to the hospital with serious injuries, and some vehicles in the vicinity were also damaged. It is also stated that the German Gas Engineering Association conducted an on-site inspection after the incident, which was quickly brought under control by the fire department, and submitted a report to the prosecutor’s office for a security investigation. According to information from FOCUS Online, the car was already damaged before the explosion. An unprofessional repair could be the cause of the accident. Please note that these news reports were translated from German to English language using Google Translator How Safe Are CNG Vehicles? A reputable Car insurance company, Tata AIG, in an analysis, stated that CNG is highly combustible. It has a narrow range of flammability that varies from 5-15%. Due to its low flammability property, it lowers the chances of catching fire. But Tata AIG said that converting a petrol car into a CNG car is possible by installing a CNG Fuel kit in it. It is best if that CNG fuel Kit is entirely authentic and is installed by an authentic mechanic or dealer. Conclusion The X user recirculated this image to scare Nigerians. The incident happened in 2019 in Germany.

DAILIES TOP STORIES: IPMAN tackles NNPCL, threatens to stop operations over petrol hike

Friday 11 October 2024 Seven banks pay N392bn tax Oyedepo’s deputies, Abioye, Aremu step down next week Why military hasn’t gone after Asari-Dokubo – DHQ Return Petrol Price To What It Was In June 2023, TUC Tells FG Appeal Court Sets Aside Rivers 2024 Budget Passed By Edison-Ehie Group Obama Hits Campaign Trail For Kamala Harris NDLEA Removes Husband Approval Condition For Married Women’s Visa Clearance Fixing Petrol Prices Illegal, Against PIA, Falana Tells NNPCL Fuel Prices: Atiku Hits Tinubu Over Hardship JOHESU Issues 15-Day Strike Ultimatum Over Demands Court Strikes Out Suit Challenging Electricity Tariff Hike Obaseki Approves Gratuities For 2011 Retirees Bill To Establish FRSC Armed Squad Scales Second Reading In Reps  Court To Rule On Bail Of Journalists Accused of Cyberstalking GTCO, GCEO Police Parade Man For Allegedly Killing Friend In Ondo Deny Allocations To LGs Where Chairmen Were Selected, Senate Urges FG Oluremi Tinubu: My husband not cause of economic hardship in Nigeria NIN-SIM linkage of all phone numbers completed, says NCC FG seeks arrest of Dana Air MD over ‘N1.3bn fraud’ Petrol price hike: NACCIMA, PDP, Atiku, CSOs, others insist on reversal Amaewhule: Defected lawmakers’ seats remain vacant – Rivers Govt FG begins sale of 50kg rice at N40,000 Soldier allegedly stabs policeman to death over traffic dispute Lebanese bags 14-yr jail term for sexually exploiting 2 teenage girls Death Penalty: 3,650 inmates on death row nationwide —ASF Buhari Sends 10 Ex-Ministers On Condolence Visit To Paulen Tallen At 90, I’m prepared for my death, says Soyinka Senior Hezbollah official survives Israeli assassination attempt Visit a newspaper stand this morning, buy and read a copy for yourself…

Security operatives rescues six of eleven kidnapped journalists traveling to cover Super Eagle’s match

The Joint Security Forces (JSF) has rescued six of the eleven sports reporters who were kidnapped by gunmen in Anambra state in the early hours of Thursday, October 10. According to TheNation, the media crew was en route from Lagos to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to cover the Super Eagles match scheduled for Friday when the abduction occurred in Iseke, Ihiala Local Government Area, a region that has been under the control of secessionist groups for some time. Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the rescue on Thursday and stated that efforts to locate the remaining journalists are still ongoing. Meanwhile, operations are still ongoing for the possible rescue of the seventh crew member” “Further development shall be communicated, please,” he said.