Court Remands Emefiele To EFCC Custody Over Abuse Of Office

 

The Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja has ordered the remand of the former Central Bank Bank (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Justice Rahman Oshodi gave the remand order over alleged abuse of office and and $5.5 billion and N2.8 billion fraud.

Meanwhile, the judge ordered that Emefiele’s co-defendant, Henry Isioma-Omoile, should be detained at Ikoyi Custodial Centre.

The defendants counsel, Mr A. Labi-Lawal, had in his two bail application urged the court to grant the defendants bail on self recognition and on liberal terms pending the determination on the case.

Labi-Lawal, in his 31 affidavits, said the first defendant (Emefiele) had complied with the bail application which was given to him by Justice Muazu in his alleged fraud trial case going on in Abuja.

He said the charges were bailable offences and not a capital offence.

“Though the first defendant was granted administrative bail by the prosecuting authority. He is seeking for bail based on self recognition and he is ready to attend the court.”

“The court should also take into consideration, the status of the first defendant as he was the former CBN governor of the country,” he said.

The defence counsel said his client had religiously presented himself before Justice Muazu in Abuja to answer the allegations before him.

According to him, the first defendant was not at flight risk, as he was the first person to arrive in court.

He also prayed the court to release Emefiele to lawyer, pending the determination of the bail.

Emefiele and his co-defendant pleaded not guilty to the 26-count charge bordering on abuse of office, accepting gratification, accepting gifts through agents, corruption, and fraudulent property receipt.

The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty, following their arraignment.

The EFCC counsel, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), did not oppose the bail application moved by the defence counsel.

Oyedepo, however, urged the court to exercise its discretion judiciously in granting bail to the defendants.

The prosecution had asked the court for a trial date, following the plea of the defendants. 

NAN

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Edo Assembly Sacks Deputy Gov, Shaibu

 

The Edo State House of Assembly on Monday impeached the embattled state deputy governor, Philip Shaibu.

The impeachment followed the adoption of the report of the seven-man investigative panel set up by the state Chief Judge to probe allegations of misconduct against Shaibu.

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FG Plans Three National ID Cards For 104m Nigerians June

 

The Federal Government is to launch three new national identity cards in May this year and has a target of providing them for about 104 million citizens across the country.

The three new national identity cards planned by the National Identity Management Commission include a bank-enabled National ID card, a social intervention card, and an optional ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card.

The Technical Adviser, Media, and Communications to the Director-General of NIMC, Ayodele Babalola, who disclosed these in an interview with The PUNCH on Sunday, said Nigerians would start getting the three national ID cards within one or two months of the launch.

He, however, said the launch date (May), was subject to the approval of the Presidency.

Babalola stated, “We expect the bank-enabled National ID to meet the needs of the middle and upper segments who typically use banks within the next one or two months after launch. Also, activation of the National Safety Net Card to meet the urgent needs for authentication and a secure platform for government services such as palliatives within the next one or two months. The focus will be on the 25 million vulnerable Nigerians funded by the current government intervention programmes.”

“Digital/virtual versions of all cards will be available for individuals who prefer digital formats, albeit with limited functionalities. Additionally, ECOWAS cards will be issued on an as-needed basis in collaboration with the Nigerian Immigration Service,” he added.

On Friday, the Identity Commission unveiled plans to launch a multipurpose national identity card. It explained that the identity solution was equipped with payment capability for all types of social and financial services.

According to a statement by NIMC on Friday, this initiative represents a collaborative effort between NIMC, the Central Bank of Nigeria, and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System. It aims to offer increased options for domestic consumers while fostering the delivery of services in a more innovative, cost-effective, and competitive manner.

During the interview with The PUNCH on Sunday, Babalola explained that the new card would address the need for physical identification by allowing cardholders to prove their identity, gain access to government and private social services, promote financial inclusion for marginalised Nigerians, empower citizens, and encourage greater participation in nation-building initiatives.

He said the commission hoped the cards would be allocated to 104 million eligible applicants on the national identification number database as of the end of December 2023.

He said, “We shall be implementing the following programmes to revive the general multipurpose card issuance; first is the bank-enabled national ID card in collaboration with NIBSS and banks, while the second programme will be a social intervention card under the National Safety Net Card. The third rollout will be an optional ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card.

“We are looking at May for the possible launch but that is also subject to presidential approval. It is just to finalise some very important details. The project will be powered by AfriGo, which is under the central bank but everything stops at the table of the President.”

In January 2023, the CBN launched AfriGo to drive financial inclusion using the card and boost data sovereignty.

AfriGO was birthed in Nigeria with continental aspirations, as ‘AFRI’ means culture, ethnic diversity, bravery, innovation, and growth, while “GO” symbolises progress, empowerment, inclusivity, and future-forward, among others.

This initiative is coming months after the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Shubham Chaudhuri, announced plans to collaborate with the National Identity Management Commission to ensure the successful rollout and registration of digital national IDs for all Nigerians.

Chaudhuri at a meeting with the minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, said the ambitious target was to provide at least 148 million people of working age with a digital national ID by the middle of 2024, marking a significant step towards inclusion and accessibility.

Chaudhuri said, “So one of the main partnerships we have is working with NIMC to ensure the rollout of the registration so that all 213/220million Nigerians have a digital national ID, beginning, of course, with all people of working age and I think the target for that is at least 148 million people by the middle of next year.”

Continuing during the interview on Sunday, Babalola said, “On our part, we have done the needful but we also have to wait for necessary permission. It is going to be three different cards, one would be for the smooth process of palliative distribution and social safety programmes. There will be another one that is bank-enabled and people will have the choice to choose based on their needs. Persons without bank accounts will also be able to use it and persons living with disability.

“The National E-ID card can function as a debit and prepaid card for both banked and unbanked individuals using biometric authentication, such as fingerprint and picture, to aid identity verification. It has offline capability that will allow transactions to be carried out in areas with limited network coverage. Banking details at the back of the card with chip and pin as well as magnetic stripe enabled.

“While the National Safety Net Card will be enabled for identity and used for all government interventions and services across multiple ministries, departments, and agencies. Among other capabilities and functionalities, this card will be enabled for the eNaira in compliance with the operational and security standards and interoperable with the existing payment system.

“The card will be used for all government social programmes including cash transfers, agricultural loans, student loans, health insurance schemes, micro contributions, micro pensions, etc, with a validity period of 10 years and will be issued based on the government programmes and existing social register. This will enable real access through electronic money and not cash and uplift 133 million people out of poverty.”

When our correspondent asked him to provide further explanations, Babalola insisted that the three ID cards would be launched. ‘’Yes, three cards will be launched,” he said.

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Northern Elders Lambast FG Over Electricity Tariff Hike

 

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) yesterday expressed concern and disappointment on the recent decision by President Bola Tinubu’s government over the increase in electricity tariff.

It described the hike as a “reckless move” and a complete disregard for the well-being and welfare of the Nigerian people.

In a statement by Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, its Director of Publicity and Advocacy, the pan-northern group said it “recognizes that this drastic increase in electricity tariffs will have a significant negative impact on the already struggling population, further exacerbating the gap between the rich and the poor. ”

It said the breakdown of the new tariffs revealed an alarming burden that the average Nigerian will face in affording electricity on a daily basis.

“Under the new tariff plan, 24 hours of electricity per day will cost a staggering N5,400, amounting to an unbearable monthly total of N162,000 and an astounding yearly total of N1,971,000.

“These exorbitant amounts are simply unaffordable for the majority of Nigerians, who are already grappling with economic hardship and trying to make ends meet.

“By implementing such exorbitant electricity tariffs, the government is effectively perpetuating a form of economic oppression that will only serve to widen the gap between the rich and the poor in Nigeria. It is imperative that this act of exploitation be firmly rejected and not be allowed to stand unchallenged.

“The decision to implement these tariffs without considering the impact on the average citizen is not only callous but also short-sighted. The resulting consequences could potentially lead to internal security threats as the disparity between the haves and the have-nots becomes more pronounced.

“The NEF strongly believes that this decision was made without carefully considering the economic realities faced by the majority of Nigerians and it highlights the government’s lack of empathy towards its citizens.

“Instead of implementing policies that would alleviate the suffering of the people, the government has chosen to further exploit them. This introduction of exorbitant electricity tariffs is not only unjust but also a clear indication of the disconnect between the government and the people they are meant to serve. It is a blatant display of the government’s blatant disregard for the well-being of its citizens and a betrayal of the trust placed in them.

“The NEF calls on the government to immediately reconsider this ill-conceived decision and take into account the dire economic situation faced by the majority of Nigerians.

“Nigerians must now rise and demand accountability from their leaders, reminding them that their primary duty is to serve the people, not exploit them for personal gain,” the group said.

 

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Kano State Govt Charges Ganduje, Wife With $413,000, N1.38bn Bribery Allegation

 The Kano State Government has filed criminal charges against the immediate past governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, over alleged $413,000, N1.38bn bribery.

The state said it had assembled 15 witnesses to testify against Ganduje.

Joined as co-defendants in the charge sheet dated April 3, 2024, sighted by our correspondent on Thursday, were Ganduje’s wife Hafsat, and his son, Umar.

Also listed as defendants were Jibrilla Muhammad, Lamash Properties Ltd,  Safari Textiles Ltd and Lesage General Enterprises.

Governor Abba Yusuf had on assumption of office accused  Ganduje of misappropriating public funds and allocating plots of land to some members of his immediate family.

One of the charges read: “That you, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, sometime between the period of January 10, 2016 or thereabouts, at Kano in the Kano Judicial Division, while serving as the Governor of Kano State and being a public servant in the government of Kano State corruptly asked for and received the sum of $200,000  being benefit for yourself from one of the beneficiaries of contracts awarded by the Kano State Government on your instruction andapproval as part of your function as the Governor of Kano State, thereby committed the offence of official corruption, contrary to and punishable under Section 22 of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-corruption Commission Law 2008 (as amended), Law No 2 of 2009, Laws of Kano State of Nigeria. ”

In the second count, the state government said, Ganduje, on February 10, 2017 “dishonestly and/or corruptly to your own advantage collected a kick-back of the sum of $ 213,000  being money generated from people and entities seeking or holding the execution of Kano State Government contact and or project for the remodeling of Kantin Kwari textile market as a bribe through one of the contractors (agent).”

In another count, state alleged that Ganduje, between September 2020 and march 2021, “together with one Hafsat Umar (your spouse) and Abubakar Bawuro, a businessman, Safari Textile Ltd, a limited liability company, wholly owned and maintained by the 3rd defendant, agreed to do an illegal act to wit: dishonestly converted to your own use the sum of N1,376,000,000 through account No. 7085982019 belonging to the 3rd defendant being moneyearmarked and approved for the purchase and supply of face masks and other hospital equipment for the health sector, thereby causing wrongful loss to the people and the government of Kano State and thereby jointly committed the offence of criminal conspiracy contrary to Section 96 and punishable under section 97 of The penal code (as amended) CAP,105, Vol.2. The Laws of Kano State of Nigeria, 1991. ”

The Kano State’s Attorney General, Muhuyi  Magaji, said he was empowered by Section 211 of the 1999 Constitution and Sections 121(1), 126(b) and 377 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2019, “to apply to prefer the charge attached herewith against the defendants.”

Meanwhile, the Governor Yusuf also set up two committees to probe the government of Ganduje, over alleged misappropriation of public property, political violence and missing persons in the state.

While inaugurating members of the committees, the governor vowed to bring to book anyone found wanting on conclusion of the probe.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Sanusi Tofa.

It will be recalled that Governor Yusuf had vowed to recover all public property allegedly stolen by the administration of his predecessor.

The panels, according to the statement, are to unravel those behind or involved in the misappropriation of public properties and political violence between 2015 and 2023.

Tofa quoted the governor as recalling his inaugural promises of investigating the misappropriation of public assets, unravelling and prosecuting the culprits.

 He said, “Political violence is a major setback to democracy worldwide. It leads to loss of lives and properties as well as mistrust on the part of the people and those in power.

“The disturbing cases of political killings especially in 2023 must not be swept under the carpet, this is to ensure we prevent future occurrences”.

While Justice Zuwaira Yusuf was pronounced chairperson of the commission with the responsibility of unraveling players and causes of political violence as well as missing persons, Justice Faruk Lawan sits on the commission saddled with the responsibility of probing misappropriation of public properties and assets during the years under review.

The governor, who noted that the move was neither political nor a witch-hunt,  charged the commissions not to compromise but to remain faithful to their oath and the people of Kano by ensuring justice for the state.

He added, “We went through your records and we couldn’t find any of you wanting. We believe in you and we expect your full reports in 3 months time.”

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IGP: 141 Terrór Cases, 214 Kidnáppings Recorded In Eight Weeks

 

The Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, on Thursday, said 141 terrór cases, 214 kidnáppings and 537 homícide cases were reported to the police in the last eight weeks.

Egbetokun added that 3,685 suspects were apprehended for their participation in various crimes, while 401 kidnáp victims were rescued.

Egbetokun said this while fielding questions from journalists at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, Louis Edet House, Abuja.

He said, “I am pleased to report a substantial advancement, propelled by the execution of diverse strategies aimed at mitigating the escalating trend of críminal activities across the nation after our last conference held on February 8, 2024.

“In the past eight weeks, we recorded 141 cases of terrórism/secessionist attàcks, 537 cases of murder, 126 cases of armed robbery, 214 cases of kidnápping, and 39 cases of unlawful possession of fireàrms.

“Also, during the period under review, the Nigeria Police Force arrested 3,685 suspects for their participation in various crímes, 401 kidnáp victims were rescued, 216 various fireàrms, 3,601 ammúnition and 82 vehicles were recovered.

“We have in the last nine months cumulatively presented cheques totalling N7,263,391,051.73 to 2,5143 families of decéased police officers.”

The IG said the police would continue to strive for excellence by being more proactive in our policing approach.

He said, “Our responses to the current internal security threats require strategic deployments that are not only proactive but also technology and intelligence-driven.

“Through meticulous analysis of available information, we shall endeavour to pre-empt críminal activities, disrupt their illîcit networks, and apprehend perpetrators swiftly. It is essential that we remain vigilant and adaptive in our approach, continuously refining our strategies to stay ahead of evolving threats.”

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APC: Fubara Planning Interim Order To Declare Rivers Assembly Illegal

 

The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has alleged that the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, is plotting to procure interim orders to declare the state House of Assembly illegal.

Also, the state’s main opposition party said Fubara’s outburst on Wednesday while addressing members of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees in Government House, Port Harcourt, the state capital; was drumming war and disrespect for President Bola Tinubu.

The State APC Caretaker Committee Chairman, Tony Okocha, disclosed this during a media briefing in Port Harcourt on Thursday.

Fubara, while referring to his detractors in the political crisis in the state, had said, “If you dare me I will surprise you.”

The governor also urged members of the NULGE in the state to prepare and brace up, saying, “The next phase is fire for fire.”

The Punch

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Customs Disturbed As CBN Increases Duty Rates 28 Times In 3months

 

The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has expressed concerns over the continued adjustments of customs import duty rates which have affected the volume of transactions in the first quarter of 2024.

Comptroller General of the NCS, Bashir Adewale, expressed the concerns of the Service yesterday in Abuja at a briefing to highlight its performance in the first quarter of 2024.

During the quarter, the NCS boss stated that they encountered several systemic challenges that impeded their ability to fulfil statutory responsibilities effectively which led to a notable decline in cargo, evidenced by a 4.89% decrease in the volume of transactions handled.

“Additionally, significant fluctuations in exchange rates applied in the customs clearance of consignments posed considerable difficulties. As per protocol, the exchange rate utilised by customs in the clearance of goods via the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS) is based on the rate determined by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

“In the last quarter, a total of 28 rates were directed by the CBN, ranging from NGN 951.94 per USD 1 in January 2024 to a peak of NGN 1,662.35 per USD 1 in February 2024. While a singular exchange rate of NGN951.94 per USD 1 was maintained in January, February witnessed 15 different spot rates ranging from NGN 951.94 per USD 1 to NGN 1,662.35 per USD 1.

“March saw a total of 13 different spot rates applied, ranging from NGN 1,303.84 to NGN 1,630.16. These fluctuations resulted in an average applied exchange rate of NGN 1,314.03 per USD 1 in the clearance of customs goods during the quarter,” Adeniyi explained.

He added that, “The repercussions of these fluctuating rates have sent concerning signals to our stakeholders, affecting and disrupting activities. Beyond the speculation regarding potential gains it may have on NCS revenue, the implications on transaction volumes are significant and outweigh any possible benefits.”

The CGC however noted that with the support of the Honourable Minister of Finance, it has initiated periodic consultations with the CBN to mitigate the potential impact of exchange rate fluctuations on import activities.

On revenue performance, Adewale noted that in the first quarter of 2024, the NCS recorded a total revenue collected amounting to N1.34 trillion.

He noted that the collection for the first quarter represents a substantial increase of 122.35% compared to the same period last year, where N606 billion was generated.

“Month-by-month analysis further illustrates the Service’s impressive growth trajectory. In January 2024, revenue collection surged by 95.60%, reaching NGN 390,824,148,326.55 from NGN 199,809,974,327.52 recorded in January 2023.

“This upward trend continued in February 2024, with a staggering 138.68% growth, elevating revenue collection to NGN 450,209,267,557.15 from NGN 188,625,011,386.87 in February 2023. By March 2024, the revenue collected by NCS revenue grew by 132.76% from NGN 217,669,949,432.28 to NGN 506,642,193,019.05.

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Terrórism: I have No Crime History Says Miyetti Allah Leader

 

The President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Bello Bodejo, who is facing terrórism charges, has urged the court to release him on bail, saying he has no criminal records.

Bodejo, who is being prosecuted before the Federal High Court in Abuja, also  denied any involvement in the establishment of an ethnic militia group, Kungiya Zaman Lafiya.

He stated this through his brother, Mohammed Musa,  in an affidavit in support of his bail application dated March 28, 2024.

Musa said his brother only had a registered vigilante company that offered security services to the members of society and promoted peace.

He said, “The defendant/applicant neither established nor has any involvement with the Kungiya Zaman Lafiya ethnic militia group, as alleged in the charge preferred against him on the 12th March 2024.

“The defendant/applicant only established a vigilante company, which was duly registered under the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020 as Nomad Vigilante Nigeria Limited as opposed to an ethnic militia known as Kungiya Zaman Lafiya, as alleged by the complainant in the charge preferred against the defendant/applicant.

“The aim of establishing the vigilante company is to render security services to the members of society and promote peace but not to commit any act of terrórism whatsoever.”

In a counter-affidavit dated April 2, and deposed to by a litigation clerk in the Department of Public Prosecutions, Federal Ministry of Justice, Noma Ganau Wando, the Federal Government urged the court to dismiss the Bodejo’s bail application.

Wando also contended that contrary to Bodejo’s claim, he was not suffering a life-threatening illness.

Wando also said the defendant would not attend trial if granted bail.

He said, “All the facts deposed to by the deponent about ill health and heart failure, among others in the affidavit brought before this honourable court, have not been proven to be cogent, credible, material or genuine to support his application to enable the court to exercise its discretion in his favour.

“The defendant/applicant will not show up for his trial if granted bail due to the gravity of the alleged offences and the severity of punishment prescribed by law.”

Bodejo was arrested on January 23 at the Miyetti Allah’s office in the Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State for allegedly unveiling a militia group.

The Miyetti Allah leader was arraigned before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja on three counts of terrórism on March 22, 2024.

At the hearing on his bail application on Wednesday, his counsel, Dr. Sulaiman Usman (SAN), sought an adjournment, stating that the Federal Government, in its counter-affidavit, raised fresh issues he would need to respond to.

The prosecution lawyer, Y. A. Imana, did not oppose Usman’s plea for an adjournment.

Usman made an oral application for an order directing the Defence Intelligence Agency to grant  Bodejo access to his lawyers.

He told the court that his client needed access to his lawyers as well as adequate time to prepare for his trial.

 Usman said, “We urge Your Lordship to order the DIA to grant the defendant access to his lawyers. He needs to be prepared for the trial.”

But the prosecutor, in response, maintained that Bodejo had not been denied access to his lawyers.

She said, “I don’t agree with him. After the last time that court ordered that he should be given medical attention and lawyers, we wrote them and the feedback we got was that the counsel had visited him.”

In his response, Justice Ekwo said, “Report to the court at any time you are denied access to him.”

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