The Senate has approved a measure to impose the death penalty on drug traffickers in the country following the consideration of a report by the Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, as well as Drugs and Narcotics, on the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024. Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC-Borno North), Chairman of the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, presented the report during Thursday’s plenary session. The bill, which passed its third reading, aims to update the list of dangerous drugs, enhance NDLEA operations, review penalties, and empower the establishment of laboratories.…
Author: Editor Francis
In a recent media briefing held in Abuja, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Khalil Halilu, revealed the agency’s ambitious plans to manufacture a range of high-tech products domestically. Among these products are laptops, android smartphones, lithium batteries, and solar street lamps. Halilu emphasized that this initiative is a pivotal step towards developing national brands that can effectively compete in both local and international markets. He highlighted that the agency’s efforts extend beyond the production of these newly announced items, citing existing innovations such as solar irrigation…
The Board of FirstBank of Nigeria Limited has named Ebenezer Olufowose as the new Chairman, succeeding Tunde Hassan-Odukale, whose successful 12-year tenure has come to an end. The announcement was made by Adewale Arogundade, the Acting Company Secretary of the bank, in a notice to the Nigerian Stock Exchange on Thursday. “FBN Holdings Plc (the Company) hereby notifies the Nigerian Exchange Limited and the investing public of the completion of the tenure of the Chairman of its flagship subsidiary – First Bank of Nigeria Limited (FirstBank), Mr. Tunde Hassan-Odukale,” the notice stated. The decision aligns with the Central Bank of…
Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern warning against land grabbing activities in the FCT, vowing decisive action regardless of the culprits’ status. Wike’s stance came during a courtesy visit by officials of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria, FCT Chapter, in Abuja on Thursday. “Landing grabbing is rampant, involving even some within the FCT administration,” Wike cautioned. “The government will vigorously address this issue, holding accountable anyone involved, regardless of their influence.” He lamented the trend where individuals acquire land illegally, solely for quick enrichment, often leaving development projects unfinished. Wike emphasized the detrimental impact…
The United States House of Representatives Committee on Financial Services has urged the Department of Justice (DOJ) to reopen its investigation into the 2011 purchase of rights to Nigeria’s lucrative Oil Prospecting Licence, OPL, 245 by Shell and Eni. Allegations suggest that the companies bribed Nigerian officials, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, with $1.1 billion. Lawmakers assert that evidence implicates both Shell and Eni in a bribery scheme involving Nigerian government officials. Despite being registered with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, the companies allegedly continue to profit from the deal, potentially violating the Foreign Corruption Practices Act (FCPA).
Justice Peter Akhihiero of the Edo State High Court in Benin City has ruled in favor of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, granting his request to include the Benin Traditional Council as a defendant in an ongoing legal dispute. The suit, which involves the Oba and suspended Enigie (Dukes) in the Benin kingdom, saw the judge’s decision at the resumed hearing on Thursday. The suspended Enigie who brought the Oba to court include Professor Gregory Akenzua, Enigie of Evbuobanosa, and Chief Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen of Egbaen Siluko Dukedoms in Benin Kingdom, among others. They are challenging their suspension by…
The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit aimed at halting the Federal Government’s plans to securitize the sum of N22.7 trillion in Ways and Means loan support obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Justice James Kolawole Omotosho delivered the judgement, asserting that the plaintiffs, Justin Edim and Akinfenwa Akinwunmi, lacked the necessary legal standing to bring the case to court. He emphasized that even if they had the locus standi, they failed to substantiate their claims. The plaintiffs, represented by counsel Victor Opatola, had filed the lawsuit against President Bola Tinubu, the Federal Government, CBN,…
The House of Representatives has called on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to retract its directive mandating banks to impose a 0.5 per cent cybersecurity levy on electronic transactions nationwide. The motion to suspend and revise the implementation of the cybersecurity levy was put forward by Kingsley Chinda, representing the Obio/Akpor Constituency. Chinda highlighted discrepancies between the CBN directive and the provisions outlined in the Cybersecurity Act, prompting concerns over multiple interpretations of the circular. The House urged the CBN to rescind the directive and issue a clearer one. Further details to follow.
Russian President Vladimir Putin assured that Moscow would strive to prevent a global confrontation while asserting its readiness to defend against threats, during a speech commemorating the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two. Addressing Russian servicemen on Red Square, Putin emphasized Russia’s commitment to strategic readiness. In his remarks, Putin affirmed, “Russia will do everything to prevent a global clash. But at the same time, we will not allow anyone to threaten us.” He concluded with rallying cries of “For Russia! For victory! Hurrah!” prompting enthusiastic responses from thousands of troops. The event, traditionally attended by…
Former Aviation Minister Hadi Abubakar Sirika, his daughter Fatima, and son-in-law Jalal Sule Hamma were granted bail by the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja. They faced a six-count charge of corrupt practices, to which they pleaded not guilty. Bail was set at N100 million, with conditions including two Nigerian sureties, one owning property in Abuja with a certificate of occupancy signed by the FCT Minister, and a travel ban. The charges involve alleged consultancy contract fraud for Nigerian Air, corruption related to the Apron Extension at Katsina Airport, and gratification, totaling over N4 billion. The…
A legal practitioner and chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Vershima Akaangee, has taken a bold step by filing a fundamental human rights suit against the ban on APC activities in Benue State. The suit, numbered MHC/845M/2024, challenges the constitutionality of Governor Hyacinth Alia’s order, which led to the barricading of the APC state secretariat by the police. Akaangee, acting as the applicant in the case, has named the Inspector General of Police, the Commissioner of Police for Benue State, Governor Alia, and the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order for Benue State as the respondents.…
The Nigerian Army has officially withdrawn its troops from the troubled Okuama community situated in the Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State. This move comes after a harrowing incident on March 14th, where four Army officers and 13 soldiers were brutally murdered, sparking widespread fear and prompting residents to flee for their safety. The community, which had previously enjoyed peace and security, was left reeling from the gruesome killings, with residents fearing further violence. However, following extensive efforts towards resolution, including the burial of the victims and the release of the detained King, a breakthrough has been achieved.…