The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed that a 45-year-old tenant, identified as Tolulope Olusanya, who lived around Madojutimi Abiola Way, Abeokuta, has allegedly taken her life.
The swollen body of the deceased, with a stench emanating from it, was found at her residence.
The Ogun State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, who confirmed the development, noted that her landlord, Adebesin Adebayo, reported to the Kemta Divisional Police Station at about 8:15pm on Monday, 6 January, 2025, that the deceased had not been seen for several days.
According to Odutola, the landlord, who was worried about her, went to her apartment but noticed it was locked from the inside, with a strong unpleasant odor coming from within.
She noted that, based on the information, detectives from the Kemta Division arrived at the scene, broke into the apartment, and found Olusanya’s body lying on the bed, swollen.
The state police image-maker stated that efforts to reach her family proved abortive, as no immediate relatives could be contacted, and attempts to transport her body to the nearest hospital were hindered by a lack of medical equipment to prevent potential infection.
ICPC Charges el-Rufai’s ex-Chief Of Staff To Court Over Alleged Corruption
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai’s ex-Chief of Staff, Muhammad Bashir Saidu, was on Tuesday, 7 January, 2025 charged to the Federal High Court in Kaduna by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Saidu, a one-time Commissioner for Finance in Kaduna State during El-Rufai’s administration, was charged alongside one Ibrahim Muktar, a public officer in the Ministry of Finance.
This is contrary to earlier claim that Saidu had been exonerated of all charges after 10 months of investigation.
The charge was signed by the Assistant Chief Legal Officer of ICPC, Dr Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha.
The court document stated that Saidu who was at that time the Commissioner for Finance, “did accept cash payment of the sum of N155,000,000.00 from one Ibrahim Muktar exceeding the amount authorised by law, which sum you received in cash through proxy to wit: Muazu Abdu, your Special Assistant and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 2(a) and punishable under the Section 19(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”
In the same March 2022, the ICPC also alleged that Saidu “indirectly took control of the sum of N155,000,000.00 received in cash for and on behalf of you by one Muazu Abdul from Ibrahim Muktar, which fund you reasonably ought to have known formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful activity to wit: corruption and you hereby committed an offence contrary to section 18(2)(d) and punishable under Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”
The defendants were slammed with two-count charges of money laundering, according to charge No FHC/KD/IC/2025.
Bauchi Gov Demotes Commissioners To Special Advisers
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has reappointed three of his former cabinet members as special advisers.
This is coming less than 48 hours after dismissing them as commissioners.
The appointments which take immediate effect were announced in a statement on Tuesday, 7 January, 2025 by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado.
According to the statement, the move is part of the governor’s strategy to ensure continuity and leverage the expertise of the former commissioners in advancing his administration’s developmental goals.
According to the statement, the reappointed officials are AbdulhHameed Bununu, the former Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, now Special Adviser on Multilateral Coordination and Regional Integration; Usman Danturaki, former Commissioner for Information and Communication, now Special Adviser on Labour Matters and Contributory Pension Scheme; and Madugu Yalams, former Commissioner for Agriculture, now Special Adviser on Technical and Vocational Education.
“Governor Mohammed urges the appointees to bring their wealth of experience, dedication, and expertise in their respective fields to contribute significantly towards the attainment of the governor’s vision for Bauchi State,” the statement read.
The governor emphasized his commitment to effective governance.
“These appointments reflect our administration’s resolve to ensure inclusivity, effective leadership, and optimal service delivery to the people of Bauchi State.”
Governor Mohammed also called on the new advisers to discharge their duties with diligence, transparency, and a renewed focus on improving the lives of the citizens.
Earlier on Tuesday,7 January, 2025 Governor Mohammed had reshuffled his cabinet, dismissing five commissioners in a bid to reinvigorate governance and ensure optimal service delivery.
PDP Removes Samuel Anyanwu, Affirms Ude-Okoye As National Secretary
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has removed Samuel Anyanwu and affirmed Sunday Ude-Okoye as the party’s authentic National Secretary of the party.
The PDP spokesperson ,Debo Ologunagba, who made this disclosure on Tuesday, 7 January, 2025, said the party affirmed Ude-Okoye in compliance with a Court of Appeal order.
Addressing journalists at PDP’s National Secretariat in Abuja, Ologunagba said the party was in receipt of the Court’s ruling affirming Ude-Okoye as the National Secretary, just as he also added that the party intends to carry out the dictates of the court fully.
“I’m sure you know the background to all the cases where we have two cases, two orders and then there was the court of appeal.
“And on 24th of December, 2024, after consultation with the legal adviser, the office of the legal adviser, it was confirmed that we have received the judgment of the two appeals affirming Rt. Hon S.K.E Ude-Okoye as the national secretary of the party.
“As a party, we are rule-of-law compliant, we have received the judgement of the court of appeal that has affirmed Rt. Hon S.K.E Ude-Okoye as the national secretary of PDP and we as a party are bound by that judgment because it is the highest judgment today.
“And we will take appropriate action as required of a responsible political party to ensure that the position of the law is complied with.”Ologunagba
The declaration effectively lays to rest the claims by Senator Anyanwu to the National Secretary seat of the PDP.
Ude-Okoye had recently declared himself as the PDP National Secretary, citing a recent Court of Appeal judgment.
The development follows the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Enugu Division, which affirmed the nomination of the former PDP National Youth Leader as a replacement for Anyanwu.
The Court of Appeal, Enugu Division, on 20 December, 2024, upheld the judgment of an Enugu High Court that affirmed Udo-Okoye as Anyanwu’s replacement.
Nigeria’s External Reserves Jump To $40.920bn
Nigeria’s external reserves increased to $40.920 billion as of January 6, 2025, up from $40.292 billion recorded on December 2, 2024.
This is contained in the Central Bank of Nigeria’s external reserves movement data
The data showed an increase of $628 million on a month-on-month basis, following the government’s $2.2 billion Eurobond auction on December 2, 2024.
This growth in Nigeria’s external reserves is indicative of the effectiveness of the country’s strategic measures in stabilizing its foreign exchange position amid mounting external and internal challenges.
Meanwhile, it is worth noting that the proceeds from the Eurobond auction likely served as a vital financial cushion, helping to bolster the nation’s external reserves in the period under review.
Recall that in December last year, Nigeria raised $2.2 billion through its Eurobond auction, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s ongoing efforts to address its growing fiscal deficit.
Recall that the exchange rate dropped to N1,537.03 per dollar on Tuesday, 7 January, 2025 at the official market but remained stable at N1,665 per dollar in the black market.
PETROAN To Sign Direct Purchase Agreement With Three Nigerian Refineries
Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), has announced that it will sign a direct purchase agreement with three Nigerian refineries.
The National President of PETROAN, Billy Gillis-Harry, and the Secretary, Adedibu Aderibegbe, made this disclosure in a notice on Tuesday, 7 January, 2024.
According to the notice, the agreement is expected to kick off on Wednesday, 8 January, 2025 to ensure affordable petroleum products for Nigerians nationwide.
“This is to inform you that PETROAN will be signing a Sales Purchase Agreement (SPA), with Allegiance Energy and Power Limited, a Refined Petroleum Products Offtake and Sales Agreement with Claridge Petroleum Company Limited, a Sales Purchase Agreement (SPA) with Oasis Petrochemical Products Limited, respectively,” the notice stated.
This comes as PETROAN in its New Year message hinted that prices of petrol may reduce further in 2025.
Recall that towards the end of 2024, Dangote Refinery and Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited announced a reduction in retail petrol price to N935 and N965 per litre, respectively.
Source: Daily Post
NGX Records First Loss In 2025 As Investors Shed N152bn
The Nigerian Exchange market recorded its first loss in 2025 as investors shed N152 billion following sell-offs of Tier-one banking stocks.
The market capitalisation, which opened at N63.203 trillion, lost N152 billion, or 0.24 percent, to close at N63.051 trillion.
Notably, losses in Zenith Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA), Access Corporation, Oando Plc, Dangote Sugar, and Nigerian Breweries, alongside other declined equities, pushed the market on the negative side.
The All-Share Index also lost 0.24 percent, or 249.42 points, to close at 103,398.82, against 103,648.24 recorded on Monday.
As a result, the Year-To-Date (YTD) return decreased to 0.46 percent.
Market breadth closed negative with 51 losers and 18 gainers.
Analysis of Tuesday’s trading showed that Cocoa, RT Briscoe, and Veritas Kapital led the losers’ table by 10 percent each to close at N1.80, N2.70, and N1.53 per share, respectively.
Sunu Assurances and Cornerstone Insurance dropped 9.98 percent each to close at N10.01 and N4.15 per share, respectively.
On the gainers’ side, Abbey Mortgage Bank and PZ Nigeria led by 10 percent each to close at N3.63 and N27.50 per share, respectively.
Learn Africa followed by 9.90 percent to close at N5.44, NCR Nigeria added 9.77 percent to close at N7.30, and NGX Group gained 9.72 percent to close at N29.90 per share.
Similarly, a deeper look at the market activities revealed a higher trade turnover compared to the previous session, with transaction value rising by 10.48 percent.
A total of 1.11 billion shares valued at N14.64 billion were exchanged in 16,617 deals, compared with 855.97 million shares valued at N13.25 billion traded in 16,505 deals.
Meanwhile, FBN Holdings led the activity chart in volume and value with 161.46 million shares in deals of N4.72 billion.
Igbokwe To Atiku, Obi, Others: Stop Dreaming Of Presidency, Tinubu Will Rule Till 2031
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress( APC), Joe Igbokwe, has urged those aspiring for the presidency to bury the idea of contesting for the number one seat in the land..
This comes amid speculations that the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, and his Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, counterpart, Atiku Abubakar, are teaming up to sack President Bola Tinubu in the coming election.
A post shared by Igbokwe on his official Facebook page warned those nursing presidential ambitions to desist, stating that Tinubu would remain Nigeria’s president until 2031.
According to Igbokwe, the president needs a second term to enable him to “set the records straight.”
: “If any presidential aspirant is dreaming of winning presidential elections in 2027, I will advise that candidate to perish the thought till 2031.
“PBAT is destined to remain in the seat of power till 2031. He needs eight years to set the records straight,” Igbokwe wrote.
Ogun Police Raises Alarm Over Increase Cases of Missing Persons
Ogun State Police Command has raised concerns over a significant increase in reports of missing persons in the state.
The Ogun State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, made this disclosure in a statement issued in Abeokuta on Tuesday, 7 January, 2024
Odutola, who stated that the command had noticed an unprecedented rise in the number of missing persons across all age groups, added that only a small fraction of the individuals had been found, with many regrettably not returning home.
The police image maker urged residents to remain vigilant and more security-conscious while prioritising their safety.
She further stated that as a proactive and community-oriented force, the command was committed to raising public awareness about this concerning trend.
“We encourage everyone to prioritise their safety by maintaining a heightened sense of security to avoid becoming a victim.
“The Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, has outlined essential measures and guidelines to keep residents informed about the most pressing issues.
“Based on insights from individuals who were rescued, the Commissioner advises parents not to allow their children to use commercial transportation services with strangers.
“Additionally, he encourages restless youth to activate the digital communication and sharing features on their mobile devices, especially when traveling or in moments of distress,” Odutola said.
The PPRO reiterated that the public could contact the police control room at 09164859299 and the Police Public Relations Department at 09159578888 for assistance.
Gunmen Invade Zamfara Community, Abduct 46
Gunmen on Sunday, 5 January, 2025 invaded Gana town in Zamfara State and abducted no fewer than 46 people, including women and children.
According to Reuters, residents said the attack occurred around 10 pm on Sunday, 5 January, 2024.
It was gathered that scores of gunmen on motorbikes reportedly attacked the town while shooting sporadically, burning several homes and businesses.
The incident comes about a month after gunmen reportedly kidnapped 43 persons in Kakidawa, Gidan Goga district, Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
According to eyewitnesses, the gunmen shot sporadically, causing residents to scamper into nearby bushes.
They said the assailants then conducted a house-to-house search, abducting women and children who were unable to escape.
Recall that there has been a spike in the spate of kidnapping for ransom in Nigeria’s northern region in recent times.
Recall that last month, troops reportedly killed several terrorists in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The operation was said to have targeted several terrorist hideouts following weeks of intelligence on their activities.
Again, an unspecified number of terrorists were said to have been killed in the raid while others were targeted in air interdictions as they attempted to escape with cattle.
FG Gets $255m Chinese Loan For Kano-Kaduna Railway Project
China Development Bank (CDB), has approved the first tranche of a $255 million loan for the Nigerian government’s Kaduna-Kano railway project.
The bank, which made this disclosure on in a statement issued on Tuesday, 7 January, 2025, said the loan will provide crucial financial backing to ensure the smooth construction of the transportation initiative.
The railway is on the list of practical cooperation deliverables released during the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in 2023.
CBD said the railway project has been making steady progress, so far, adding that going forward, it will closely coordinate with Nigerian partners to ensure the smooth disbursement of subsequent loans and effective post-loan management.
Recall that the Kaduna-Kano railway, which spans through 203 kilometres in total, once completed, would provide a direct rail connection between Kano and Kaduna.
Delta Governor Speaks On Rumoured Defection To APC
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has debunked reports of his purported plans to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The denial was contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon.
In the statement, Ahon described the rumours as “unfounded and fabricated” by opposition elements in the state.
According to Ahon, certain factions within the opposition are feeling threatened by Governor Oborevwori’s growing popularity and his efforts to foster connections across political lines.
The Governor’s spokesperson emphasized that Oborevwori has no intention of leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing his wide acceptance within the party and his followership among well-meaning Deltans and residents.
According to him, Governor Oborevwori remains focused on delivering the MORE Agenda to all Deltans, as promised during his electioneering campaigns. He urged Deltans to ignore the rumours, describing them as the handiwork of naysayers who are not happy with the achievements of the Governor.
2027: SDP Chairman Shares Details Of Meeting With el-Rufai, Atiku’s Allies
The Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Shehu Gabam, has disclosed what transpired in his recent meeting with former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai and allies of ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
The closed-door meeting, which took place at the SDP national secretariat, sparked speculations about a possible political merger ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to Gabam, the meeting was centered around conversations for a better Nigeria, rather than a political party. “There is no official statement from El-Rufai or any one of them about officially joining SDP,” Gabam clarified. “We are looking for like-minded people who believe in the future of the country, so that we can work together and uplift the individual standard of Nigeria.”
Gabam also revealed that he has been receiving dignitaries from different political parties, discussing ways to stabilize the country and offer productive advice to the government. “Once the government has a crisis, it affects every Nigerian,” Gabam emphasized. “So, part of our responsibilities is to make sure we are not facing a crisis.”
The SDP Chairman assured that there is an ongoing conversation, and when the time comes, they will arrive at a conclusion and hold an official press conference. “Once we agree on what we are going to do together, we will unveil it to all Nigerians,” Gabam promised.
Gabam’s statement comes after a chieftain of the PDP and ally of Atiku Abubakar, Segun Showunmi, described the meeting as “strategic.” Showunmi revealed that the meeting was called to review “The state of opposition democratic engagement in Nigeria” and plan a stronger opposition for Nigeria ahead of the 2027 elections.
Tinubu Meets Obasanjo, Jonathan In Ghana
President Bola Tinubu met with former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday, 7 January, 2024 during the inauguration of President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana that took place at the Black Star Square in Accra, the country’s capital.
At the inauguration ceremony, Tinubu delivered a keynote address, in which he praised Ghana’s democratic progress and emphasized the importance of African unity and cooperation. He noted that Ghana has answered the question of whether Africa is capable of democratic and productive endeavors, and that it is time for Africa’s critics to stop asking the continent to prove itself.
Tinubu also commended Mahama’s leadership qualities, describing him as a man deeply committed to the welfare and progress of Ghanaians. He expressed his personal friendship and professional collaboration with Mahama, pledging Nigeria’s support whenever needed.
“My dear brother, I am here to work with you,” Tinubu said, addressing Mahama. “You know you can count on Nigeria’s support at any given time you call on me. We are your brothers and sisters. We shall always be there for you.”
Goodluck Jonathan served as acting president from February 2010 to May 2010, following the illness of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, and then as president from May 2010 to May 29, 2015.
Meanwhile, Olusegun Obasanjo served as Nigeria’s president twice, first as a military head of state from February 13, 1976, to October 1, 1979, and later as a civilian president from May 29, 1999, to May 29, 2007.
Obasanjo has been a vocal critic of the present government, recently expressing concern over the commencement of operations at local refineries overseen by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).
You Can Count On Nigeria’s Support, Tinubu Assures New Ghana President
President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has assured Ghana’s newly inaugurated President, John Dramani Mahama, that he can count on Nigeria’s support during his tenure
The remark was made on Tuesday, 7 January, 2025 during Mahama’s inauguration ceremony at the Black Star Square in Accra.
According to Tinubu, Ghana has answered the question of whether Africa is capable of democratic and productive endeavors, and that it is time for Africa’s critics to stop asking the continent to prove itself.
Tinubu emphasisized on the importance of African unity and cooperation, adding that the legacy of Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah is a guiding spirit for African progress. Tinubu urged African nations to avoid conflict and choose peaceful dialogue to resolve differences while resisting external forces that seek to divide them.
Addressing Mahama, Tinubu said, “My dear brother, I am here to work with you. You know you can count on Nigeria’s support at any given time you call on me. We are your brothers and sisters. We shall always be there for you.”
Tinubu’s remarks read:
It is always good when a friend and brother can visit the home of a close neighbour to celebrate his success and progress with him.
We celebrate African Democracy today as Ghana and her beloved people mark the transition from one democratic government to another. This moment does more than symbolise another milestone in the evolution of Ghanaian democratic society. It lays to bed the question of whether Ghana and Africa are capable of democratic and productive endeavours. Ghana has answered that question resoundingly. It is time that Africa’s critics stop forgetting the strides your nation, Nigeria and others have made by continuing to ask us to prove ourselves. We have nothing to prove to anyone except ourselves. We have found the critical path to our success. We shall lift our nations out of poverty and build a resilient economy at our own pace.
Rivers APC Chairman Says Fubara Has Missed Opportunity To Settle With Wike
The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Tony Okocha, has expressed his doubt about the possibility of a political truce in the state this year.
Okocha blamed Governor Siminalayi Fubara for failing to extend goodwill during ex-Governor Nyesom Wike’s recent birthday celebrations.
According to Okocha, the altercation between the two political figures would not end soon, insisting that Fubara missed an opportunity to mend fences with Wike during the festive season.
In an interview on Arise Television, Okocha stated that the ongoing war between the governor and his predecessor, now FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, could have been mitigated during the festive season if Fubara had shown a gesture of reconciliation.
“I don’t see Rivers State coming out of this quagmire in 2025. The festive season was a time for convivialities and goodwill. A simple message to celebrate his former boss’s birthday could have made a difference, but instead, the governor is threatening brimstone and fire,” Okocha said
The state APC chairman also weighed in on Wike’s remarks about former Governor Peter Odili, interpreting them as advice for Odili to remain neutral in the dispute.
“The role of a father is not to take sides when children are having disagreements,” he said, just as he also dismissed allegations that he was aligning with Governor Fubara’s camp, describing such claims as “absolute nonsense” and “hallucinations.”
Bariga LG Presents N11.2b Budget
Bariga Local Council of Lagos State on Tuesday, 7 January, 2024 presented an appropriation bill of N11.2 billion to its legislators.
The Chairman of the council Kolade Alabi, described the bill as a ‘Budget of Consolidation’.
Alabi, who was represented by Zainot Kuponiyi, his Deputy, said the budget is a roadmap to a shared vision of progress and development for the people of Bariga.
He also explained that the bill solidifies the foundations of growth while preparing his administration towards providing sustainable and impactful development for the people.
“In recent years, we have faced a host of challenges—economic uncertainty, global instability, and pressures on public services,” the council boss said adding that his administration is determined to ensure that every naira spent delivers the much-needed impact to the people of Bariga.
“The decisions we make today will define the trajectory of our economy.
“We are going to prioritise programmes that deliver value, eliminate wasteful spending and invest in strategic areas by channelling resources into key sectors like healthcare, education, and infrastructure to ensure long-term growth,” Alabi said.
FG Meet With MTN, Airtel, Others As Telcos Push For Higher Tariffs
The Minister of Communications, Innovations, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, on Wednesday, 8 January held a meeting with representatives of major telecommunications companies to address mounting pressures to increase telecom tariffs in Nigeria.
Attendees include representatives from MTN Nigeria, Airtel, Globacom, 9Mobile, and key government regulatory bodies such as the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
The meeting aims to find a balance between the Telcos’ push for higher tariffs and the government’s regulatory stance.
The telecom companies argue that current economic realities—like the removal of fuel subsidies and the naira’s floating exchange rate—necessitate tariff adjustments to sustain operations.
However, the government has urged the companies to consider the existing 2013 tariff price floor before implementing increases.
This development comes as consumer advocacy groups, such as NATCOMS, reject the proposed hike, citing affordability challenges for Nigerians already burdened by economic hardships.
The Nation reports that further deliberations are expected to determine the future of telecom pricing in the country.
Gov’s Aide Dies 24 Hours After Appointment
Abba Yusuf, Governor of Kano State, has been thrown into mourning over the death of Ahmed Bunkure who died barely 24 hours after he was given an appointment by the Governor.
Bunkure was appointed by Governor Yusuf as his Special Adviser on Works on Tuesday, 7 January, 2025, and unfortunately passed on the next day, Wednesday, 8 January, 2025.
His death was announced by the spokesperson to the Governor, Sunusi DawakinTofa, on Wednesday, 8 January, 2024.
Describing Bunkure’s death as tragic and an irreplaceable loss to the state, his family and the wider political community, Governor Yusuf prayed for the repose of his soul.
He also prayed to Allah to have mercy on the deceased and give his family and loved ones the strength to bear the loss.
“This is a heartbreaking moment for us as a government. Bunkure was a dedicated professional whose expertise and contributions were expected to drive our administration’s vision for development. His loss is deeply felt,” the governor said in the statement.
Court Throws Out Emefiele’s Application Challenging Jurisdiction
An Ikeja Special Offences Court presided over by Justice Rahman Oshodi on Wednesday, 8 January, 2025 thrown out the application filed by the embattled ex-Governor of Central Bank, Godwin Emefiele, challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear his case.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed a 26-count charge against Emefiele, for alleged misuse of office, resulting in losses of $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion.
His co-defendant, Henry Omoile, is standing trial on related offences, including unlawful acceptance of gifts.
Justice Oshodi in his ruling held that the court had jurisdiction to try Emefiele on the charge, citing relevant authorities.
He, therefore, dismissed Emefiele’s application and held that EFCC had established a territorial jurisdiction on counts eight to 26, with various facts in the proof of evidence attached to the case file.
The court, however, struck out counts one to four of the charge which bothered on abuse of office.
He said that allocation of foreign exchange without bid, which was the subject of counts one to four was not punishable under the law.
Oshodi said: “Allocation of foreign exchange without reason is not defined as an offence in any written law.
“The objection to counts one to four succeeds and is hereby struck out.
“The objection challenging the court’s territorial jurisdiction over count eight to 26 fails, and is hereby dismissed.
“The prosecution has established sufficient territorial nexus in this case”.
The judge, thereafter, held that the case should proceed to trial and adjourned until Feb. 24 for continuation of trial.
Recall that Emefiele’s Counsel, Mr Olalekan Ojo (SAN), had on 12 December, 2024, argued that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case in Lagos.
Ojo contended that the alleged offences, including abuse of office, fell outside the territorial reach of the court.
He said the charge violated Section 36(12) of the Constitution, and asserted that the actions Emefiele was accused of, were not legally recognised offences.
He stated that the Lagos State House of Assembly did not have legislative authority over matters on the Exclusive Legislative List.
Ojo, therefore, said Section 73 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011, under which counts one to four were filed, could not apply extra-territorially to any alleged abuse of office by Emefiele.
The learned silk argued that a court’s territorial jurisdiction referred to the geographical area within which its authority could be exercised.
According to him, outside of that territorial jurisdiction, the court can not act.
He urged the court to strike out counts one to four of the 18 amended information filed on April 4, 2024, on the grounds that the offences occurred outside the court’s jurisdiction.
The EFCC Counsel, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), in his counter affidavits, had argued that the court had the authority to hear the case.
Oyedepo argued that the alleged offences were economic and financial in nature, therefore, within the jurisdiction of EFCC.
He also added that the evidence in support of the facts, proved Lagos as the appropriate venue for the trial.
Oyedepo further submitted that the subject matter of the charge fell squarely within the court’s jurisdiction, as the offences were committed within the court’s territorial reach.
He argued that the evidence and witness testimonies pointed to Lagos as the proper location for the trial.
He added that the objections raised by Emefiele’s legal team were not substantiated by facts or evidence.
Source: NAN
Russian Troops Kill 290 Ukrainian Soldiers In One Day
Russian units said it has eliminated more than 290 Ukrainian military in the border areas of the Kursk region within the past 24 hours.
Russian Defence ministry said on Wednesday,8 January that, they destroyed one tank, an armored personnel carrier and four armored combat vehicles.
“During the day, the losses of the Ukrainian armed forces amounted to over 290 servicepeople, and a tank, an armored personnel carrier, four armored combat vehicles.
“Four vehicles and three artillery pieces were destroyed,’’ the defence ministry said in a statement.
Ukraine’s total losses in the Kursk direction since the start of hostilities amount to approximately 50,120 fighters, 294 tanks, and 217 infantry fighting vehicles, the ministry added.
Source: (RIA/NAN)
Man To Spend 365 Days In Jail For Stealing Vehicle Parts
An Area Court sitting at Centre-Igboro, Ilorin, presided over by Judge Toyin Aluko,on Wednesday, 8 January, 2025 sentenced a 28 year-old man, Hamsat Babatunde of Odota Area, Ilorin, to one year in prison for stealing vehicle parts.
Judge Aluko pointed out that the accused had earlier pleaded guilty to the offence, hence, there was no reason to delay the case.
Aluko, therefore, sentenced the accused to one year in prison without an option of fine.
The court ordered the accused to pay N200,000 as compensation to the complainant, and to also write a letter of undertaking, to never commit the offence again after his jail term.
Earlier, the Prosecutor, ASP Mayowa Samuel, said that on 4 January, 2025 , one Umar Hassan of Olorunsogo Area, Ilorin reported the case at Budo Nuhu Divisional Police station, Airport Road, Ilorin.
Samuel told the court that the convict stole one trailer kick starter, alternator, jack and 30 litres of diesel, all valued at N300,000 from the complainant’s truck.
The prosecutor said that during investigation, the convict confessed to have committed the offence.
“Babatunde sold some of the stolen items to a scavenger at Ogbondoruko Area, off Asa Local Government Area, but all efforts to arrest the scavenger proved abortive.
“The convict committed an offence of theft by servant, contrary to section 289 of the penal code law.
“I pray the the court should order the convict to pay N250,000 as compensation to the complainant,” he said.
The convict had earlier pleaded guilty to the one count charge of theft.
Babatunde said that he was left alone with the vehicle during the new year celebration and had to sell some things to raise money.
Source: NAN
Community Guard Kills Self In Error After Rescuing Kidnap Victims
An operative of the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps (name withheld) has mistakingly shot himself dead shortly after participating in the joint operation that rescued 66 kidnap victims in the state.
The operation led by the army was conducted on Monday, 6 January, 2025 at Tidibali Forest in the eastern part of the state.
Confirming the incident to our reporter on Wednesday, 8 January, 2025, the Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Aliyu on Security, Colonel Ahmed Usman (rtd), said the operative died as a result of accidental discharge.
“The incident happened shortly after they had returned to their base from the operation.
“He was with his gun when it mistakingly fired and shot him. He died shortly afterward,” he said.
According to Usman, a lot of successes have been recorded in the ongoing operation sponsored by the state government in a bid to crush bandits in the state.
“So far 66 kidnap victims have been rescued and several bandits killed during the operation.
“The operation is a continuous one because we want to rid the state of criminal elements, particularly bandits,” he said.
Daily Trust had earlier quoted a resident of Isa Local Government area who said the rescued victims were brought to Isa town.
Source: Daily Trust
