Kaduna Community Faults El-Rufai on 1992 Zangon Kataf Panel Report

The Atyap Community Development Association (ACDA) has debunked claims by the Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, that previous administrations in the state did not issue a White Paper on the Justice Rahila Cudjoe Commission of Inquiry on the 1992 Zangon Kataf crisis and the AVM Muazu Reconciliation Committee Reports of 1995. The state government had in a statement on June 29, 2020, through spokesman to El-Rurai, Muyiwa Adekeye, announced the setting up of the committee, saying: “The State Executive Council has resolved to find a permanent solution to the perennial crises that keep erupting in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area.” The committee was set up following recent clashes in Zangon Kataf and Kauru Local Government Areas on June 11, 2020, leading to killings and destructions. ‘”No White Paper was drafted or adopted by the Dabo Lere administration that established the Justice Cudjoe Commission and the Col. Lawal Jafar Isa government that appointed the AVM Muazu Reconciliation Committee,” Adekeye had said. He said further that “the elected government of Kaduna State led by Alhaji Dabo Lere did not produce a White Paper to set out its official position on the recommendations of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry.” But while addressing a news conference yesterday in Kaduna, Secretary-General of ACDA, Mr. Sule Bodam, maintained that the government was being economical with the truth, alleging a hidden agenda. He said on the contrary, the federal and Kaduna State governments over the years, took several far-reaching decisions on the recommendations in those reports and implemented them. According to him, “By making such claim that the reports of the Cudjoe Commission and AVM Muazu Reconciliation Committee ‘have not received comprehensive response or attention’, the El-Rufai administration seeks to give the wrong impression that previous administrations of the state did not address the recommendations made by both panels. “On the contrary, the federal and the state governments over the years took several far-reaching decisions on the recommendations in those reports and implemented them. “It is therefore imperative to clarify these matters for the information of the public, for it is indeed very strange that the El-Rufai government wants to exhume and draft a White Paper on Cudjoe Commission report written 28 years ago, most of the issues of which have been resolved and reconciliation achieved between the Atyap community and the Hausa Community of Zangon Kataf town. The question arises as to what the El Rufai government seeks to achieve by drafting a White Paper over a report whose recommendations were implemented by the federal and state governments, and on which any other remaining issues have been overtaken by events, unless the El-Rufai administration has other ulterior motives for setting up its White Paper Committee.” Bodam said further that based on the facts at the disposal of ACDA, “it is manifestly clear that the El-Rufai administration “has no justifiable reason to set up another White Paper Drafting Committee when the recommendations of the Justice Rahila Cudjoe Commission have been fully implemented.”

Only Certified Churches, Mosques will Reopen in Ekiti, Says Commissioner

As religious centres reopen on Friday in Ekiti State after three and half months due to COVID-19, the government has directed all religious centres ready to resume service to acquire certificates of fitness before commencing worshipping. The state government said religious centres with coronavirus prevention facilities would only be allowed to resume activities, while certificates of compliance must be received from the ministry to authenticate their readiness to reopen. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Ekiti State chapter has suspended the reopening of all major mosques across the state. The state Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, had recently announced that all churches and mosques in the state can commence service on July 17 after the nationwide lockdown barring religious activities which was announced on March 29. The state Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Gbenga Agbeyo, who said this in Ado Ekiti yesterday, insisted that no religious centres would be allowed to resume without complying with the stipulated guidelines to curb the spread of the deadly coronavirus. He said all the churches and mosques must comply with the COVID-19 safety protocols to avert the spread of the deadly disease, saying provision of requisite facilities remains the prerequisite for reopening. Agbeyo said part of the prerequisites is that religious centres must fumigate their premises, and provide running water in front of their buildings to ensure regular hand washing. "Others are the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers, ensure they wear nose covers, make available infrared thermometers for body temperature measurements and maintain social distancing." Meanwhile, a statement signed by the President of NSCIA, Ekiti State, Alhaji Yaqubu Sanni, yesterday said the suspension of activities in mosques was taken because all the safety protocols cannot be met within the time frame stipulated by the government. "Muslims in the government committee on the re-opening of worship centres and health officer educated members on how to guard themselves from COVID-19 and conditions to be met before the re-opening of mosques in the state,” he stated.

Afenifere, Family Want Death of Combatant Helicopter Pilot Investigated

The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, and the family of the 23-year-old first female combat helicopter pilot, late Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile, have called for the investigation into the cause of her death. Afenifere in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Yinka Odumakin, has therefore canvassed for a coroner inquest into the death of the Air Force officer. Afenifere, in the one-page statement stated inter alia: "One of Nigerian finest eggs has yet again been sucked with the death of flying officer Arotile on the road in Kaduna last Tuesday. Unofficial accounts said she just returned from a combat operation before she was knocked down to death. "We, therefore, do not accept that her death was an accident until the report of a coroner says how she died and how a supposed attempt to stop and greet could come with a death impact. “We say this against what is known of the infiltration of the forces by sympathizers and agents of Boko Haram. "We recall the report years back of such agents revealing the routes and timing of movements of our troops to Boko Haram sect who ambushed them.” The group added: “The inquiry should look into all the links of the colleague who killed her, and we must know the identity. "Meanwhile, we sympathise with the grieving family of Tolulope who have been thrown into deep mourning following the killing of their daughter not in combat but within the barracks." Also, the family has called for a thorough investigation, stating that the circumstance surrounding her death is still shrouded in mysteries. While speaking with journalists in Lokoja yesterday, the immediate elder sister of the decease, Damilola Adegboye (Nee Arotile) has called for a serious investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. Adegboye, who was in mourning mood, said the family is really devastated by the untimely death, wondering how an ordinary reversing could kill a person just like that. "We the family members are not convinced that Tolu can just die like that in a freaky accident. I know that the military is well trained in the art of investigation, we want them to carry out a thorough investigation that can convince us beyond all doubts that the incident that led to her death was real. On the day of the incident, Tolu and I were in the room where she was sleeping. "A call came in to her phone which she picked, but from the way they spoke, I knew that the caller must be a senior officer calling her to come to Air force base, she felt reluctant, and I offered to drop her at naval base," she added. According to her, “One hour later, I saw the story online that something serious has happened to her. I couldn't believe that somebody I just dropped is dead.” Also speaking, her mother, Mrs. Adefunke Naomi Arotile, went down memory lane about how she gave birth to her, describing her as a special child, whose fasting and prayer was her hubby. Meanwhile, the Kogi State House of Assembly has called on the state government to immortalise her. The call was contained in an oral motion moved by the member representing Ijumu constituency, Kilani Olumo, at the plenary yesterday. Olumo said the deceased female combat pilot has contributed her quota to the ongoing fight against insecurity in the country. The Lawmaker noted that her death is painful and a great loss to the state, pointing out that immortalising her is a reward for hard work and dedication to the protection of Nigeria territorial integrity. He prayed God to grant the family and the Nigeria Air Force the grace to bear the loss.

Gbajabiamila Decries Slow Pace of Growth in Power Sector

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, on Wednesday decried what he called ‘little progress’ being made in the power sector despite huge investments, saying the current state of electricity supply in the country is apparently hampering industrialisation and national development. Gbajabiamila stated this at the opening of the investigative hearing on the activities of the power sector by the House Ad-hoc Committee on Power Sector. In May this year, the House had resolved to review extant laws and regulations guiding the power sector reform, which led to the inauguration of an ad-hoc committee on power sector reforms by the Speaker. Gbajabiamila said it is becoming increasingly worrisome that successive governments have been unable to fix the issue of power in the country, and that it is dampening the hopes of landmark industrialisation and national development. He said the investigative hearing is the premise upon which the House of Representatives shall amass adequate information to guide them in causing the required and appropriate legislative intervention in the power sector. The Speaker said: “The last time some of you were here to witness the inauguration of this ad hoc committee, we reminded you that at the outset of the ninth House of Representatives, we proposed a legislative agenda that sought to initiate a comprehensive review of all legislation relating to the power sector. Today’s activity is an attempt to walk the talk. ''I am glad that the ad-hoc committee led by the Leader of the House of Representatives has not rested on its oars since its inauguration, culminating in today’s event. It is my utmost belief that they are up to speed in their plan of activities, and may turn in a report within the stipulated time frame. I therefore, wish to appreciate members of the ad hoc committee and make bold to claim that the membership selection has been vindicated by your performances thus far.'' The Leader of the Ad-hoc Committee, Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, in his remarks, said they have been made to understand that the greatest issues bedeviling the sector after the unbundling of the defunct National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) is the inability to effectively transmit and distribute electricity supply across the country. According to him, “The sector is also confronted with the issue of liquidity; with the gas suppliers claiming billions of naira being owed them. Another major challenge is the fact that the tariffs are not cost reflective. While we appreciate the efforts of institutions created from the unbundling exercise, particularly the Gencos, which now have the capacity to generate over 10, 000 megawatts, it is in fact becoming clearer from a layman’s perspective that the Discos and transmission agents must do more if we anticipate any form of improved electricity supply in the country.”

Senate Promises Quick Passage of 2010 Electoral Act Amendment Bill

The Senate on Wednesday gave the assurance that the 2010 Electoral Act Amendment Bill before it would be passed before the end of 2020. Chairman of the Senate Committee on Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Kabir Gaya, who made this known, said the Senate has gone far in the task of amending the Electoral Act. According to him, the committee had shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic held interactive workshop with stakeholders, and will soon hold a public hearing on the issue before the presentation of the report to the Senate at plenary later in the year. He said: "Few months before the COVID-19 pandemic, we had a retreat in Lagos with INEC commissioners; the commission chairman and other international stakeholders came also to contribute to the process, and all members had a draft of the Electoral Act amendment which we discussed. "We also invited INEC to give us their input based on their experience in the last few elections and the problem they had with the Act, what will be their advice on the areas to amend or his own suggestions on the amendment on the existing Act. "We have compiled the two reports and we intend to have a public hearing. We were just discussing with the members how soon we will have the public hearing so that we can present this report to the Senate for the third reading, and then forward it to the president for signing of the amended Act. I believe we are working hard. "For Nigerians who are really keen on the matter, we are also ready in passing it. Members of the committees are ranking senators and former governors with experience, and we have gone through these reports, so I believe Nigerians will be happy with the final Electoral Act 2020.”

House Moves to Address Challenges Facing Correctional Service

The House of Representatives on Wednesday said it would step up its oversight functions as well as work effectively with the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) to ensure a comprehensive implementation of the Correctional Act, 2019, geared towards addressing the challenges confronting the service. The Chairman, House Committee on Reformatory Institutions, Hon. Anayo Edwin, made this known while declaring open a three-day retreat for members of the Committee in Abuja, saying the improvement of NCS is crucial to character reformation and nation-building. He said though the Correctional Act 2019 is designed to address the challenges confronting the NCS, there is need for all the stakeholders, including the federal and state governments, the private sector and the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), to work together towards improving the NCS. The lawmaker lamented that the various correctional centres across the country are in a deplorable state, with facilities overstretched, adding that the retreat is, therefore, designed to enable the committee fashion out a strategic plan that will aid it in the actualisation of its objectives. According to it, “You are aware that the conditions of the Nigerian correctional centres are indeed degrading. It is said that the wealth of a nation is viewed from the state of its correctional facilities. Nigeria, in this case, would be adjudged poorly. Various issues, challenges and controversies over the state of these facilities are increasing and require immediate attention. ''The Correctional Act 2019 made provisions to eliminate these issues, but I dare state that the problem of the Service is beyond adequate funding. It requires the determination of all stakeholders-the federal and state governments, the private sector, CSOs and the general public. ''The ninth House under the leadership of the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, is for the country to have a world-class correctional service, hence the creation of the Committee on Reformatory Institutions to respond to issues in the NCS effectively.''

China Dismisses Lawsuit Filed by Nigerians over COVID-19

The Chinese Government has described the decision by Nigerians to institute a law suit against it to seek compensation as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic as shoddy, saying it has zero basis in law or international precedence. The reaction of the Chinese Government may not be unconnected with media reports that “Nigerians have dragged China to court to seek compensation over the COVID-19 pandemic.” The Chinese Mission in Abuja stated this in a statement issued on Wednesday, where it said China, like other countries, was a victim of the virus. It said despite being confronted by an unknown virus, China has acted responsibly to protect people’s life and health as well as safeguard global public health. The mission said: "The attempt to file frivolous lawsuits is a shoddy one, as it has zero basis in fact, law or international precedence. "Some people are clamoring for the so-called accountability and compensation from a victim of COVID-19, and they are fabricating the so-called ‘evidence’ for frivolous lawsuits. "These people are trampling on international rule of law and betraying human conscience. Their action does not square with facts, stand up to reasoning or have any legal foundation." China said it was the first country to report cases of the pandemic to World Health Organisation (WHO) and promptly share information with relevant countries and regions, and the first to sequence the genome of the virus and share it with the world, as well as the first to publish guidelines for treatment and containment. It noted that once the country sensed the severity of the situation, it made a tough decision that cut off the route of transmission in the shortest possible time and stopped the fast-spreading virus in its tracks. The Chinese government noted that all these were achieved at an enormous cost and with huge sacrifice, stressing that China’s record of COVID-19 response is there for the world to see, with a clear timeline and solid facts that would stand the test of time and history. "China and Nigeria have always been a community with a shared future. In the fight against COVID-19, solidarity and cooperation is our most powerful weapon. At this critical moment, we once again urge some Nigerian legal practitioners to do more things to enhance mutual trust and help pandemic prevention and control in both countries, rather than dancing to the tune of a certain country to hype up the situation," it added.

Adamawa Govt Fixes Aug 4 for School Resumption

The Adamawa State Government has stated that August 4, 2020, is the resumption date for students in Primary Six, Junior Secondary Schools (JSS), and Senior Secondary Schools (SSS), who will write their terminal examinations. This is contained in a statement signed by the state Commissioner for Education and Human Capital, Mrs. Wilbina Jackson, and made available to journalists on Wednesday in Yola. Jackson said despite the COVID-19 pandemic, “the ministry wishes to inform parents and relevant stakeholders that education must strive under all conditions. “The state Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, has directed that the resumption date for the 2019/2020 academic session in the state for the existing students in Primary Six, JSS3 and SSS3 is August 4, 2020. “Subsequently, resumption is to be observed strictly within the necessary COVID-19 preventive guidelines as outlined by the NCDC.” She listed the guidelines to include frequent and proper hand washing with soap or rubbing of palms with alcohol-based sanitizer; use of face masks and maintaining physical and social distancing. “And in view of these, the ministry will liaise with critical stakeholders for smooth resumption,” Jackson said. She called on traditional rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholders to educate their wards and communities over the development. The commissioner also advised proprietors of private schools to liaise with the ministry for guidance and direction before opening their schools.

IG Inaugurates Zone 13 to Cater for Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi

The Inspector General of Police (IG), Mr. Mohammed Adamu, on Wednesday inaugurated the 13th Zonal Command of the Nigeria Police Force in Ukpo, Dunukofia council area of Anambra State. The zonal command will be in charge of Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu States. Speaking at the inauguration, Adamu, who was represented by DIG Celestine Okoye, said the new zonal command was an addition to strengthening the existing security in the South-east zone. He poured encomiums on a businessman, Prince Arthur Eze, saying he has not only supported the police in actualising the project, but also worked with the people of Ukpo community to provide and renovate the temporary operational base. According to the IG, "Though there were contestations about the supposed location of the zonal command, Ukpo met every requirement as it is also within the state capital. "The AIG to head this zonal command, Mohammed Danmallam, was selected after a painstaking search, and I assure you that he is the best man for the job." The new AIG of the zone, Danmallam, thanked the IG for appointing him to head the zone, and promised to work for greater peace and security in the states under the zonal command. Commissioners of Police in Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu States were present at the inauguration.

Buratai Charges Military to Defeat Criminal Elements in Nigeria

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has vowed that criminal elements terrorising the Northeast and North-west regions in the country must be defeated by the troops, as they have neither training nor the weapons which the Nigerian army have. Speaking on Wednesday at the graduation of 1,142 soldiers from Special Forces training at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry (NASI) in Jaji, Kaduna State, Buratai said the bandits and terrorists must be defeated because “they don’t have the training and weapons that we have.” He charged troops to put in their best and make use of the skills acquired during the training to tackle bandits, insurgents and other criminal elements in the their various units in the troubled regions. According to the COAS, "You must go out there to defeat the criminals. They don't have the training we have. They don't have the weapons we have. "You may also find yourselves doing covert and overt operations, but more of covert. The training would be sustained till the desired results are achieved. "We want you to be the hope that will finally get the criminals on their knees; battle field is now intelligence and initiative to determine the right time to strike. "As you are being trained together, you will work together as one unit but grouped into platoons and companies in the field to continue with the Esprit de Corp and cohesion required to fight and defeat the adversaries.” Buratai reiterated his commitment to the welfare of soldiers to boosts their morale, as he ordered the immediate promotion of the 1,142 soldiers, most of who are in the rank of 'private', to their next ranks. He, however, warned the troops to desist from social media influence and serve their country with diligence, noting that the army has rules guiding the use of social media, which do not condone indiscipline. Speaking earlier, the Commandant of NASI, Maj-Gen Kelvin Aligbe, said the graduands were the second batch of the Special Forces being trained on rigorous activities to fight against insurgency and banditry. He said the training which was facilitated through partnership with the Starter Point Integrated Services Limited, covered aspects of close contact combat, camouflage, unexpected incident operations and extraction under fire.

Ekiti Begins Recruitment into Amotekun Corps

The Board of Ekiti State Security Network codenamed Amotekun Corps has commenced recruitment of personnel for the security network in the state. Following the passage of the state Security Network Bill by the state House of Assembly, the state Governor, Kayode Fayemi, had in March signed into law the bill backing the establishment of the network aimed at ending the scourge of kidnappings, killings, marauding herders’ activities and other heinous crimes in the state. Speaking with journalists in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, on Wednesday, the Amotekun Corps Commander, Brig- General Joe Komolafe(rtd), urged qualified persons in the state between the ages of 18 and 60 with the minimum qualifications of Primary School leaving certificate to apply online. He said each applicant would be required to get a letter from their traditional rulers affirming their indigeneship of the community and character, revealing that people with questionable behaviours would not be part of the corps. Komolafe explained that the process would be devoid of politics and any form of inducement, saying the best and most suitable applicants would be enlisted for the security network. The corps commander added that he got the mandate of the governor to supervise the network as a result of his proven track records and integrity, calling on politicians to steer clear of the recruitment process. According to him, "We have started the recruitment process. I want to say that everyone who will work in this corps will be one not involved in any crime or unworthy act. "Our traditional rulers will play a key role in this regard as these applicants will need attestation letter from them to confirm whether they are from the community and never involved in any form of criminality. "There won't be room for politicians in this regard, and the governor has told me that he will give me a free hand to do this very important job and achieve the desire results of securing Ekiti State. I won't allow any politician to compromise the standard set for the security outfit, and I can assure you that we will not allow politics to derail us." Komolafe maintained that the establishment of Amotekun Corps was a child of necessity to checkmate the scourge of insecurities ravaging South-west states, assuring residents that the corps would be above board in securing the state. He, however, called on residents to support the security outfit in their communities with accurate and timely information, noting: "This is our own security operation and it must not fail."

Ogun to Demolish Structures Blocking Waterways

The Ogun State Government on Sunday vowed to demolish structures obstructing waterways in order to prevent recurrence of flooding in the state. It also promised to continue dredging the rivers in the state to give way for free flow of water. The state Commissioner for Environment, Abiodun Abudu -Balogun, stated this during the inspection of areas and places affected by the flood which also ravaged Abeokuta, the state capital, last Saturday. Inspecting the affected areas, Abudu-Balogun, in company with the state Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Tunji Odunlami, attributed human activities such as indiscriminate dumping of refuse on water ways as one of the factors responsible for the flooding. Areas visited by the state government team included Ijeja, Amolaso, Isale-Igbein, Ori-Omi, Sokori, among others. "As a government, we are going to take a decisive step to ensure that residents comply with environmental laws. We are happy that no life was lost. We will ensure that corrections are made to forestall annual recurrence of this natural disaster. "We have seen the extent of the damage done by the flooding. We will continue to dredge canals in the state to allow for free passage of water. "The effect of human activities, that is building on water ways and indiscriminate dumping of refuse inside stream and rivers are factors responsible for what we are seeing here. We can all see the devastating effect that these activities have caused," he said. Odunlami also expressed the regrets of the state Governor, Dapo Abiodun, administration on the unfortunate incident, saying despite sensitisation, many residents still encroached on the terrain of water flow. He explained that state government might not have other choice than to demolish houses obstructing water ways in the state, while advising people living along river channels to vacate their houses to safe places. Speaking also, the Baale of Amolaso, Chief Anthony Bello, appealed to the state government to channelise the stream from Gbangba through Ijeun Titun to Isabo down to Amolaso.

Benue Loses Vice Chairman on COVID-19 Committee to Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has killed the Vice Chairman of the Benue State Action Committee on COVID-19, who was also the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) of the Benue State University(BSU), Prof. Godwin Achinge. Achinge, it was gathered, died on Sunday afternoon at an undisclosed hospital in Jos, Plateau State, due to complications arising from the virus. A member of the Benue State Action committee on COVID-19, who pleaded anonymity, confirmed the death of the professor yesterday by telephone. He said: “Yes, we lost Professor Achinge, the vice chairman of the state action committee on COVID-19 this (yesterday) afternoon.” When journalists spoke to the state Commissioner for Information and member of the state action committee on COVID-19, Mrs. Ngunan Addingi, she said she was yet to confirm the report from the chairman of the committee on COVID-19, who is the state Deputy Governor, Benson Abounu. The state Governor, Samuel Ortom, had last Saturday named Prof. Achinge among the over 30 people who had tested positive for COVID-19 in the state in the last few days. Last week, the vice chancellor of the Benue State University also disclosed that he was infected by the virus.

Gunmen Abduct Delta NLC Chairman

The Chairman of Delta State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Goodluck Ofobruku, has reportedly been abducted by unidentified gunmen near Asaba, the state capital. Ofobruku was said to have been abducted while driving on the Ibusa axis of the Asaba-Ogwashiuku-Ughelli Road last Saturday night near Asaba. The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hafiz Inuwa, while confirming the kidnap of Ofobruku on Sunday in Asaba, disclosed that the state police command has already spread its dragnet in an effort to rescue the victim unhurt and possibly apprehend the criminals. Rescue efforts by the police included the combing of the bushes in the area and security surveillance across Asaba/Kwale/Ughelli axis, Inuwa added. The NLC state chairman was reportedly kidnapped last Saturday night by unknown gunmen who intercepted his official Toyota Sienna van with registration number: 'NLC 01' along the Ibusa Road portion of the Asaba-Ughelli road. The state labour leader was said to have driven out of his house behind the Immigration Office off Ibusa Road in Asaba, when he was abducted near a drinking joint in the area by the hoodlums who reportedly had a free time robbing customers at the joint with guns. They criminals were said to have been immediately attracted to Ofobruku's vehicle as he drove out of his street and immediately swooped on him, forcing him out of the car and leading him away to the nearby bush. The state NLC Secretary, Innocent Ofuonyeadi, who also confirmed the abduction, explained that the NLC state chairman drove out to buy drugs when he was ambushed. “Ofobruku's car was intercepted by the hoodlums along his street,” Ofuonyeadi said, noting that the abductors were yet to establish contact with the family of the victim as at yesterday afternoon. The victim's phone has be switched off since his abductors, who are suspected to be herdsmen, forcibly took him into the surrounding bush, with family and friends unable to speak with him, he added. Nevertheless, the state police boss, Inuwa, cautioned residents, particularly VIPs, to be conscious of their movement, and advised for more discreet use of official vehicles in order to ward off unnecessary prying eyes of kidnappers and other criminals.

70-year-old Tailor Arrested for Raping Nine-year-old Girl in Minna

A 70-year-old tailor, Mohammed Sani, has been arrested for allegedly raping a nine-year-old girl in Minna, the Niger State capital. The incident took place at the Kasuwan Dare area of the state capital. According to police report, the suspect lured the girl to his shop for a gift, when she arrived at the shop, it was gathered that Sani allegedly dragged the girl into the inner part of the shop where he had carnal knowledge of her. However, the cry from the girl attracted people to the scene of the incident, which led to the arrest of Sani. Sani has already confessed to committing the crime, blaming it on the devil. According to him, "I can't say how it happened, all I know is that I took her into the inner shop and had sex with her. It is the work of the devil," Sani confessed at the state police headquarters where he was paraded before journalists. He, however, did not plead for leniency. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the story saying: "The suspect has already confessed to the crime. We will charge him to court soon."

Arik Air to Resume Domestic Flights on July 8

Major Nigerian carrier, Arik Air, has announced that it would resume domestic flights on July 8, 2020. The airline said it would resume flight service following the federal government decision to re-open Lagos and Abuja airports for flight operations. The airline said it would be operating three times daily from Lagos to Abuja in the first phase of the restart, while Port Harcourt would be added to the schedule from July 11, 2020, when the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, would reopen for operations. “Passengers have been assured of their safety and well-being at every stage of their flight as the airline has put various measures in place in line with COVID-19 health protocols as recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO), International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the Federal Government of Nigeria. “Passengers are advised to arrive at the airport three hours before scheduled departure time so as to have ample time to undergo all security and health protocols before flight. Furthermore, all passengers are required to come properly kitted with their face masks,” the airline said. Arik Air Chief Executive Officer, Captain Roy Ilegbodu, also explained that: “We are ready to fly our esteemed customers again. All preparations have been made to make flying in this extraordinary period in the world safe and pleasurable. Arik has worked actively with aviation agencies for an effective re-start of the industry and also ensure that agreed health measures are effectively implemented.” Arik Air suspended flight operations on March 27 following the escalation of COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.

House Investigates 24 Banks, 14 Oil Companies over $30bn Revenue Leakages

The House of Representatives will tomorrow commence investigative hearing on 24 commercial and non-commercial banks as well as 14 international oil companies (IOCs) over an alleged loss of over $30 billion revenue annually due to leakages. The investigative hearing which would be conducted in strict compliance with COVID-19 protocols would be in phases. The House joint Committees on Finance and Banking and Currency, which is chaired by Hon. James Faleke and Hon. Victor Nwokolo, will grill officials of the banks and the IOCs during the investigative hearing, with the first phase of the hearing spanning three weeks. The mandate of the joint committee is to determine in a statutory and professional manner the revenue amount involved in the malpractices by each organisation based on every revenue line item collectible by the government agencies for the purpose of timely recovery into the government accounts. The oil companies include Nigeria Agip Exploration (NAE); Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC); PAN Ocean Oil Nigeria Limited, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Producing Company Limited; Esso Exploration and Producing Nigeria Limited, and Mobile Producing Nigeria Limited. Others are Statoil Company Limited; Shell Petroleum Development Company; Star Deep Water Petroleum Nigeria Limited and Total E and P Nigeria Limited; Total Upstream Nigeria Limited; Sterling Oil Exploration Energy Limited; Addax Petroleum Development Company Limited and Addax Exploration Limited. The House had on March 5, 2020, passed a resolution mandating the two committees to carry out the investigation following the adoption of a motion by Faleke. The lawmakers had expressed concern that the billions of dollars revenue leakages may have been due to tax evasion, malpractices, misuse and diversion of foreign exchange allocations by companies and other entities. In adopting the motion, the House said it would also investigate the disbursement of foreign exchange by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other agencies to determine the exact amount that the government may have lost in the process. It said: "The banks and the oil companies are to explain their roles in the alleged over $30billion revenue leakages arising from oil revenue interest payment on account of foreign currency dominated contracts by companies in engineering, procurement, construction, installation and marine transportations."

Five Persons Still Missing in Ebonyi Communal Crisis

Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police, Philip Maku, has disclosed that the five persons declared missing over the Erel palm plantations communal crisis between Ekoli Edda Afikpo South in Ebonyi State and Biasie Local Government Area in Cross River State have not been found. Briefing journalists in Abakaliki, the new police commissioner noted that the state police command was not relenting in unraveling their disappearances. According to him, "We are on top of the matter, and hopeful, their disappearances will be unraveled. We are also relying on those in the Cross River State axis for any useful information, but since we have not seen any of their dead bodies, we believe they are still alive. "The National Boundary Commission should come here and do a proper demarcation of the disputed area and other disputed areas across the state." Maku further stressed on the cooperation from the people through community policing, noting that the communities have a vital role to play in combating crime. He noted that his command has put in place all the necessary strategies needed to flush out criminals from their hideouts, noting that his men are battle-ready for the task. Maku maintained that there was no room for criminals in the state, adding that anyone caught would face the wrath of law. He pledged the support of the people and assured them of their safety as well as their properties, noting that his gallant men are more equipped now with the reality of the time and will make the state unlivable for criminals. The CP said his command would also the give full backing on the programme, noting that the scheme will enable communities to be fully in charge of policing their community and assisting the command in combating crime.

Enugu Killing: House Deputy Minority Leader Calls for Arrest, Prosecution of Culprits

The Deputy Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Toby Okechukwu, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari and the Inspector General of Police (IG), Mohammed Adamu, to immediately order the arrest and prosecution of criminals behind the killing of a farmer in Amankpunato Autonomous Community in Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State. Okechukwu, who represents Aninri/Agwu/Oji-River federal constituency, Enugu, made this known in a statement on Wednesday while conveying his condolences to the bereaved family and the Amankpunato community over the sad loss. He said bringing the killers to book would serve as a deterrent to other criminal elements in the country. The lawmaker, while calling on the president to deploy more resources to the Nigeria Police to help build its capacity to protect lives and property efficiently, equally urged him to lend his political weight to the Bill for the Establishment of State Police. He said: “While I commend the Enugu State Government of its efforts to secure the state through investments in security, I call on the president and IG to get our farms and state ridded of criminal herders, hoodlums, and other forms of criminals immediately. ''I am also afraid that hunger virus would loom larger in the nearest future unless decisive steps are taken by the federal government, which is the sole custodian of instruments of coercion, to tame these crimes, as people are getting more afraid to go to their farms. From the nationwide incidences of killing, kidnapping, rape, and plundering by bandits, criminal herdsmen, insurgents, armed robbers, kidnap gangs, and other criminal syndicates, it is very clear that we have a lot of work to do. ''The federal government needs to render more material support to the current IG in his efforts to groom the Nigeria Police into a truly modern, civil, and potent homeland security outfit. Also, by the success recorded by the current administration in the state with the introduction of Forest Guards and Neighbourhood Watch groups in all communities, it becomes clearer that we can do better when states are constitutionally empowered to set up their individual state police service to complement the efforts of the federal security agencies.”

Health Workers Withdraw Services over Attack on FMC in Lokoja

Following on Wednesday morning attack on Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Lokoja, Kogi State, the Joint Action Congress of Health Workers (JAC) has disclosed that it has totally withdrawn services across board till further notice. The Congress, therefore, directed the medical workers to stay at home until further notice. This was contained in a communique issued by the Joint Action Congress meeting in Lokoja yesterday shortly after the attack by protesters, a copy of which was made available to journalists. JAC explained that the decision was premised on the fact that “there was an attack on our lives and property this morning (yesterday) by unknown hoodlums.” “Some equipment like infrared thermometers, laptops, ATM cards, car keys and two motorcycles, which are vital in providing care, were carted away by the hoodlums. There was obvious vandalisation of our administrative block.” The JAC noted also that members would not return to office until there is security of lives and property in the facility. It stated that there must be adequate provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and validation of COVID-19 status of staff who went on self-isolation. "In addition to that, there must be expanded triage points such as provision of testing facilities (PCR Machine), and the number of patients to be attended to per clinic should be a maximum of 20 per day. And those coming on appointment should be stratified into two sessions to reduce the crowd, and canopies should be provided," the communique stated. The FMC in Lokoja was under siege early hours of yesterday when protesters stormed the tertiary health institution in the state and destroyed the administrative and treasury departments, and carted away laptops, and undisclosed amount of money.

Abductors Release 14 Kidnapped Persons in FCT, Ondo

Kidnappers have released 14 abducted persons in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja and Ondo State after parting with undisclosed ransom for their freedom. Six of the seven persons abducted in Pegi community in the Kuje Area Council of the FCT on June 24, 2020, have been released by the hoodlums who kidnapped them. It is believed that they regained their freedom after relatives paid some unspecified amount as ransom to the kidnappers. The Chairman of the Pegi Community Development Association, Isaac Taiwo Aderibigbe, confirmed that they were released on Wednesday. He also disclosed that the seventh victim also escaped from his abductors. It is recalled that seven persons were kidnapped at the notorious 'Bush path', the road linking Pegi and Kuje, last week by some criminals who ambushed their victims while they were returning from work. The incident prompted the deployment of police to the scene following the alarm raised by the community. Pegi also made the headlines in October last year after some hoodlums abducted nine residents of the community with the intention to exert ransom from them. An officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Samuel Akor, died from gunshots injuries he sustained while leading the community vigilante group that tried to foil the criminals' bid to escape with those abducted. Meanwhile, after allegedly parting with undisclosed amount of money, eight passengers abducted last five days on lsua Akoko Road in Akoko South East Local Government Area of Ondo State last Tuesday regained their freedom. The passengers were travelling from Lagos to Abuja on a Sienna Space bus when they were abducted after their vehicle was stopped along the way. The kidnappers had last week demanded N100million ransom for the release of the victims few hours after they were abducted by suspected herdsmen. A source, who did not disclose the actual amount paid as ransom, said the victims were released after the relation of one of them single handedly paid the ransom on behalf of others A family member of one of the victims, Bamidele Ojo, confirmed to journalists in Akure that the abductors contacted the family for the payment of the ransom and it was paid. Police detectives confirmed that the victims have reunited with their families after their horrible experiences in the kidnappers den. When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Tee -Leo lkoro, confirmed that they had been released. Ikoro said he was not aware if any ransom was paid or not to the abductors. He, however, assured the people that the kidnappers would soon be apprehended, adding that the police detectives are still on their trail.

PDP Condemns Attack on FMC in Lokoja

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday condemned the attack on Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Lokoja, Kogi State, by gunmen, who invaded the facility, destroyed and carted away documents and equipment used for data collection and management of COVID-19 in the state. The party expressed shock over the violent attack, especially given allegations in the public circle that the gunmen were sponsored by the Kogi State Government, which was earlier alleged to have ordered Kogi people not to visit the medical centre for their medications, following its reported disagreement with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on the state COVID-19 status. PDP in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, insisted that such attack on a medical facility cannot be justified under any guise whatsoever. According to PDP, “It is however revealing that the gunmen shot their way into the medical centre at the time the staffers were getting ready for a press conference on issues relating to the state COVID-19 status; invaded the record and administration department and destroyed sensitive documents as well as carted away computers in addition to ransacking the office of the Chief Medical Director. "It is instructive to state that the target and mode of the attack strongly expose a desperate mission to destroy gathered information, suppress statistics and completely disrupt COVID-19 management effort in state. "Nigerians are invited to note that the attack came just a day after the state Governor, Yahaya Bello, declared that COVID-19 is an artificial creation, orchestrated to shorten the lifespan of the people." The party recalled that it had last Monday raised the alarm over the hostile attitude of the state government towards the COVID-19 intervention in the state, which is resulting in fear of unreported cases and alleged “silent deaths” in the state. The party lamented the situation in the state, and urged President Muhammadu Buhari to call the state Governor, Bello, to order, particularly over his needless confrontation with the managers of the COVID-19 pandemic in the state. The PDP also called on the security agencies to immediately commence a high level investigation into the attack on the FMC Lokoja and ensure that the gunmen and their sponsors are made to face the wrath of the law.

EFCC Arraigns Alleged Internet Fraud Kingpin for $8.5m Scam

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Port Harcourt zonal office, has arraigned one Onwuzuruike Ikenna Kingsley, popularly known as Jeff Sikora, a self-styled President/Chief Executive Officer of United States-based Prime Trust Credit Union Bank, before Justice A.T. Mohammed of the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy, impersonation, forgery, possession of proceeds and obtaining money by false pretence to the tune of $8, 502,000. The offence contravenes Section 1 (1) (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006, and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the same Act. One of the counts read: “That you, Onwuzuruike Ikenna Kingsley (aka Jeff Sikora), on or about December 28, 2019, in Umuahia, Abia State, within the jurisdiction of this court, with intent to defraud, did obtain the sum of $6, 500,000.00 through web transfer from one Mr. Selah Elnagar Ali Ahmed, a citizen of Egypt, with the pretence that he is a beneficiary of inheritance funds in a fixed deposit account of Prime Trust Financial Bank in United States, a pretext you knew to be false, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (1) (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006, and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the same Act.” The defendant pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to him. In view of his plea, the prosecution counsel, M.T Iko, asked the court for a short adjournment. However, defence counsel, R.E. Wanogho, informed the court of a pending application for the bail of the defendant. Iko, however, opposed the application on the grounds that he was only served the application that same morning and needed time to study and respond to it. Justice Mohammed adjourned the matter till July 3, 2020, for hearing, and ordered that the defendant be remanded in EFCC custody. Kingsley ran into trouble following actionable intelligence received by the commission on his alleged fraudulent activities. This led to the arrest of the defendant on January 26, 2020, by operatives of the EFCC at his residence on Uzuakoli Road, Umuahia, Abia State.

Senate Summons Finance Minister, EFCC Boss, Others over Revenue Leakages

The Senate on Wednesday summoned the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed; Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emeifele; acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, and the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Melee Kyari, to appear before it over revenue lost annually to tax evasion and money laundering activities in the country. This was sequel to the adoption of a motion entitled: ‘The need to review the domestic framework against illicit financial flows and to consider the creation of a tax amnesty for the voluntary repatriation of funds to Nigeria’, which was sponsored by Senator Gershom Bassey. Also invited are Heads of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS); Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC); Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU); the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), among other relevant institutions, which are expected to brief the Senate Committees on Finance, Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes; Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions on measures being sought to curb revenue loss, tax evasion and money laundering activities. The Senate, while mandating its three committees to investigate illicit financial flows, also called for an appraisal of the FIRS current framework for tracing, identifying, preventing and sanctioning cross-border tax evasion and other illicit financial outflows. It also moved to block Nigeria’s revenue loss owing to money laundering, tax evasion by international oil companies operating in the country (IOCs), proceeds of corruption and other criminal activities involving illicit financial flows. The Senate further mandated its Committees to come up with a holistic legislative framework on how to repatriate lost revenue due to illicit financial flows, mitigate such future unabated flows and provide an efficiency strategy for the reinvestment of repatriated resources into the Nigerian economy. Moving the motion, Senator Bassey, while citing a 2014 Global Financial Integrity Report, said: “Nigeria lost a minimum of US$140 billion to illicit financial flows between 2000 and 2014 mainly to crude oil and commercial activities mis-pricing.” According to him, “This economic loss to the country was not abated as Nigeria was ranked among the global top 30 countries of illicit financial outflows by dollar value with US$8.3 billion in illicit outflow from Nigeria in 2015.” Bassey expressed concern at further findings by the Tax Justice Network and International Monetary Fund (IMF) “that developing countries, including Nigeria, have lost over US$200 billion per year to illicit financial flows as multinational corporations neglect, fail and/or refuse to pay taxes in these countries where they generate substantial amounts of profit. “Nigeria loses approximately US$15billion annually to offshore tax evasion. This has resulted in a consistent low tax revenue as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), as low as 5.7 percent in 2017. Such statistics are alarming, especially when compared to the 17.2 percent average of 26 African countries in the same year.” The senator added that “this incessant financial drain on the Nigerian economy continues to have negative implications for domestic resource mobilisation and long-term economic growth and development. “IFFs continue to pose serious obstacles to development, as approximately five percent of the IFFs from Africa can be attributed to corruption, while 95 percent of IFFs come from commercial and criminal activities. These unrecorded and untaxed cross-border transfers could have been mobilised as part of government revenue and injected into Nigeria’s formal economy towards sustained development and economic growth.” Bassey further expressed concern that “statistics has shown that the amount of revenue lost annually by Nigeria is more than the sums provided as development aid.” The lawmaker added that global awareness has prompted governments across the world to develop measures and policies aimed at eradicating the perpetuation of illicit financial flows (IFFs) such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Common Reporting Standard (CRS).

FG Evacuates 172 Stranded Nigerians from Uganda

The federal government has evacuated 172 stranded Nigerians from Uganda. The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) disclosed this on Wednesday through its verified Twitter handle, saying some of the evacuees would disembark in Abuja, while others would proceed to Lagos. The commission twitted: "172 evacuees from Uganda and Nairobi arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 10:20 a.m. local time via @flyairpeace Flight B777-200 from Nairobi today, Wednesday, July 1, 2020. "Some of the Evacuees will disembark in Abuja while others will proceed to Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. "The exercise was put together by our Mission in Nairobi, Kenya, in collaboration with the Mission in Kampala, Uganda." The commission stressed that all evacuees tested negative to COVID-19, and would proceed on 14 days self-isolation as mandated by the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

Suspected Rapist Begs Lagos Police to Kill Him

Following his apprehension, a rape suspect, Adeniyi Ajayi, 27, also known as Ogologo, has appealed to the police to kill him rather than charging him to court for justice. The suspect, who the police described as an ex-convict, was arrested on Wednesday, by operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Lagos State Police Command. He was also said to be notorious for robbery and gangsterism. In his confessional statement, while answering questions from journalists when he was paraded alongside 70 others at the Command Headquarters in Ikeja, Ajayi said he opted to be killed by the police out of fears of coming back worse if remanded at the correctional centre. He revealed that he operated as a one-man squad, and his previous experience at the correctional centre made him move from pickpocketing to armed robbery. According to him, "I don't want to go back to the correctional centre because I will come back worse. I rob people at night alone. I operate with torchlight and a knife which I use to scare my victims. It is only when a victim tries to prove stubborn that I rape them to teach them a lesson. I have only raped two ladies-a married woman and a house girl. “I just want the police to waste (kill) me because I don't have anything good to give to the society. I don't want them to send me back to the correctional centre. It was my stay at the correctional centre that made me become worse. "I only stole a phone when I was sent to prison, but when I got there, the inmates encouraged me to go into big time robbery when I regain freedom. “If I had gotten someone to help me when I regained freedom 10 months ago, I wouldn't have followed their advice. But I didn't have anyone to help me, so I went into armed robbery, robbing people’s houses. “I fear that if I go back to prison, the inmates will still poison to do more. It is obvious I cannot be of any good to the society. I will continue to cause trouble for the police, so they should just kill me.” The state Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, who paraded the suspect, said the suspect admitted that he had raped eight women. Speaking on how the suspect was arrested, Odumosu said he had robbed some female and male staff of a company on June 16, 2020. The phone the suspect stole was tracked by operatives, and he was arrested in a hotel at Ijora Badia area of the state. The commissioner said: "Some female and a male staff of a particular company reported at Sabo Police Station that while on duty at the company, Ajayi forcefully gained entrance into the company building. The suspect claimed to be in company of other members of his gang outside the premises. “He tied the hands and legs of the staff and robbed them of their four phones, two laptops and ATM card. He sexually harassed the female staff. The suspect was arrested in a hotel at Ijora Badia by SARS operatives. “The stolen phones were recovered from him. It was revealed that the suspect operates alone. He was recently released from the prison custody. He equally confessed to series of robbery and rape he single handedly committed around Sabo area. “In the cause of investigation, more than eight female survivors affirmed that the suspect recently robbed and raped them, even in the presence of their husbands and other family members.” The CP maintained that the suspect would be charged to court soon.

No Life Lost as LASEMA Puts Out Lagos Estate Market Fire

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has revealed that no life was lost, as it successfully put out the fire that occurred at the popular Abule Market in Ajao Estate area of the state. According to an eyewitness account, the fire, which destroyed not less than four shops and goods worth billions of naira, started in one of the lock-up shops in a small shopping mall located just before the main market, before extending to the main market at about 1 a.m. yesterday. The fire was further attributed to an electrical power surge suspected to have sparked off the fire that eventually razed some parts of the market before it was brought under control through combined efforts of the LASEMA fire unit, state and Federal Fire Services, preventing it from spreading to nearby buildings. In a statement issued by the spokesperson to the agency, Nosa Okunbor, he said: "In the battle to salvage the situation and quickly curtail the fire outbreak at the Ajao Estate market, the Federal Fire Service deployed one fire truck; the Lagos State Fire Service also deployed one fire truck, while LASEMA fire unit deployed two fire trucks, all in efforts to curtail and check the fire to ensure it does not spread and cause further damage." Commenting on the incident, the Director-General of LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, said: "The agency received a distress call at 1:59 a.m. via emergency helpline 767/112 regarding a fire outbreak at the aforementioned location and immediately deployed its team to the incident scene. "Upon arrival at the scene, it was discovered that the aforementioned market located inward Oshodi, was completely engulfed in flames. "LASEMA fire team and the federal fire service worked to battle the inferno and prevented it from spreading to nearby residential buildings. "No life was however lost and no injuries sustained, but a total of four shops were completely destroyed and properties and goods worth several billions of naira were razed by the inferno. "The fire was finally put under control, but the area has been cordoned off for safety reasons."