The Nigeria Police Force has announced that 10,000 recruit constables will graduate from its various training institutions across the country today, Thursday 23, January.
This was announced by Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer on his X handle early Thursday morning.
According to the statement, the passing out parade ceremony will be held at four different Police Colleges and 12 Training Schools.
The ceremony will be presided over by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, as the reviewing officer.
“The newly trained constables have undergone rigorous physical and mental training, now being equipped with the necessary orientation to effectively address the complex security challenges facing our nation, while adhering to the principles of the law,” Adejobi said.
“Following their graduation, the constables will be deployed to various state commands, contributing to local policing efforts and community safety measures. This influx of new personnel is expected to strengthen existing police units and foster better relations between the police and the communities they serve.”
Adejobi described the graduation of the 10,000 recruit constables as a a milestone event and a testament to the ongoing commitment of the Force to enhance its personnel strength and capacity, ensuring the delivery of effective policing services to the Nigerian populace.
“The IGP expresses confidence that these new officers will demonstrate exceptional professionalism, integrity, and dedication to service, thereby upholding the honour and prestige of the Police Force. With the graduation of these new constables, the Force anticipates improved community engagement, response to crime, and overall public safety,” Adejobi concluded in the statement.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has successfully neutralised several bandits and destroyed their logistics base in a series of targeted airstrikes on Alawa Forest, located in Shiroro LGA, Niger State.
The statement, released on Wednesday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, AVM Olusola Akinboyewa, detailed that the operation was carried out on Tuesday following credible intelligence and confirmatory aerial surveillance, which revealed the infiltration of armed terrorists into the forest.
“These criminals are responsible for numerous violent activities, including two Improvised Explosive Device attacks in Bassa, Shiroro LGA, on December 19, 2024, that tragically claimed innocent lives,” Akinboyewa noted.
In retaliation, NAF launched a three-day sustained air operation, named ‘Konan Daji’, aimed at crippling the terrorists’ operations and rendering the forest inhospitable.
The operation saw the deployment of fighter aircraft for air interdiction missions in the region.
Upon arrival, the aircraft swiftly engaged the identified targets with precision strikes, resulting in the neutralisation of numerous armed bandits and the destruction of their logistics base. Multiple secondary explosions confirmed the effectiveness of the strikes.
Akinboyewa affirmed that NAF, in close coordination with ground forces, remains determined to maintain operational supremacy in the region.
The Nigerian Air Force is committed to eradicating criminal elements from Alawa Forest and surrounding areas, ensuring long-term peace and security for communities in Niger and the wider region.
“This successful operation is a significant blow to the bandits and marks a major achievement in NAF’s continued efforts to combat terrorism and insecurity in the region,” he concluded. (NAN)
Real Madrid delivered a scintillating performance to demolish RB Salzburg 5-1 in their UEFA Champions League clash on Wednesday night, significantly bolstering their hopes of qualification to the knockout stages.
The Santiago Bernabéu erupted as the home side wasted no time asserting dominance.
Rodrygo opened the scoring in the 23rd minute with a clinical finish into the bottom corner, following a smart assist from Jude Bellingham.
The Brazilian doubled his tally in the 34th minute with another well-placed shot, sending Madrid into halftime with a comfortable 2-0 lead.
The second half showcased Real Madrid’s attacking flair. Kylian Mbappé capitalised on a defensive blunder by Salzburg goalkeeper Janis Blaswich in the 48th minute, slotting home Madrid’s third goal.
Moments later, Vinícius Júnior joined the party with a stunning solo effort in the 55th minute, leaving Salzburg’s defence in disarray.
Madrid’s relentless pressure paid off again in the 77th minute when Federico Valverde’s cutback found Vinícius Júnior, who calmly netted his second goal of the night, making it 5-0.
Salzburg, though overwhelmed, found a consolation goal in the 85th minute. Mads Bidstrup volleyed home a superb strike from Amar Dedic’s assist, but it was too little, too late for the visitors.
The trial of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman continued on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at the Federal High Court, Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC presenting its 8th witness, PW8.
The witness, PW8 Abdullahi Suleman, a bureau de change operator, narrated how more than N22 billion was allegedly siphoned from the Federal Ministry of Power while Mamman was Minister. He said the naira equivalent of the money was exchanged for United States dollars through his business accounts.
Mamman is being prosecuted by the EFCC on a 12-count charge bordering on conspiracy to commit money laundering to the tune of N33,804,830,503.73 (Thirty-three Billion, Eight Hundred and Four Million, Eight Hundred and Thirty Thousand, Five Hundred and Three Naira, Seventy-three Kobo).
At Wednesday’s proceedings, Suleiman, while being led in evidence by prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN narrated that about 12 of his business accounts received money from the Federal Ministry of Power without carrying out any service, contact or project. His companies; Prymint Investment Limited, Strong Field International Projects Limited, Mintedge Nigeria Limited, First Class Construction and Project, Silverline Ocean Ventures, Golden Bond Nigeria Limited, Sipikin Global Enterprise, Spinhiills Biz International limited, Fullest Utility Concepts Limited, Platinum Touch Enterprises, Breathable Investment Limited and a company owned by his brother named Gurupche Business Enterprises were used for the transactions.
“I know Alhaji Maina Goje, we are in the same business, sometimes in 2019, Maina Goje met me that he has transaction that I should give him some of my account numbers, the first account I gave him was Fullest, he will send money and I will give him dollars, he started asking for more accounts, he will tell me what to do with the transactions, I will get the dollar and give him and sometimes I will do a transfer to other accounts. We have been working together since then till 2024. From my rough calculations, the amount I have received through the transactions will be more than 22 billion naira. Also Maina used to send someone called Musbhu anytime he was not available, he would send him and give me instructions on what to do with him, we do call him Yaro Minister because he is from Saleh Mamman”, he said
Continuing, “ I also know Mr Mustapha Muhammed, Goje told me that he is his oga, I didn’t know him before until Maina Goje introduced him to me, then I learnt he works with Federal Ministry of Housing and instructed that anytime they can’t reach him, I should give him the amount of dollars he requested”
When shown Exhibit X series, which contained bank statements generated from his companies showing evidence of money inflows into his bank accounts with Strong Field international Projects Limited, Mintedge Nigeria Limited, Prymint Investment Limited, the witness admitted that they were the accounts he gave Maina Goje.
Among some of the notable transactions shown to him on the accounts were; N285,983,285 received on 24th May 2021, N278, 248.611 on 26th May 2021, , N320m on 1st January, 2021, 184m on 18 June, 2021, N178,300,285 on 14th July 2021, , N75,420, 000 on 5th August 2021, N75,120,000 on 1st December 2021, N68,150,620 and N70,650 on 15th December 2021, N90,247,395 on 12th Jan 2022, N64, 747,627 on 16 February 2022, among others and he agreed receiving them.
Earlier, a Compliance Officer from FCMB presented and tendered bank statements and attachments in a reply letter to the EFCC dated August 16, 2024 in respect of Prymint Investments Limited, Platinum Touch Enterprises, Royal Perimeter Ventures, Golden Bond Nigeria Limited, Flex Utility Concepts Limited, Bentech Nigeria Limited admitted and marked Exhibit XTUB.
The judge adjourned the matter to 23 January, 2024 for continuation of hearing.
Telecommunications operators under the aegis of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) are eagerly awaiting the official determination document from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The document will provide crucial guidelines for implementing the recently approved 50% tariff adjustment.
Following the NCC’s announcement on Monday, which attributed the adjustment to escalating operational costs and the need to sustain the telecom industry, ATCON is emphasizing the need for clear directives.
The Commission’s authority for this decision is rooted in Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
In a statement, ATCON President Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere stated: “While the approved tariff adjustment, capped at a maximum of 50 per cent, does not fully address the operators’ request for a 100 per cent increase, we understand that this is a step towards bridging the gap between operational costs and revenues.”
He further emphasized that this adjustment will be crucial for operators to continue investing in infrastructure, expanding coverage, and ultimately improving service quality for consumers.
ATCON reassured Nigerians that the primary goal of these adjustments is to improve the overall consumer experience.
Operators are committed to reinvesting the additional revenue into enhancing network quality, expanding digital access, and delivering a better service to their customers.
Despite facing significant challenges such as inflation, exchange rate volatility, and rising operational costs, telecom tariffs in Nigeria have remained largely stagnant for over a decade.
These factors, coupled with the substantial investment demands of the sector, have placed immense financial pressure on operators, threatening the long-term sustainability of this critical sector for Nigeria’s digital economy.
ATCON acknowledged the NCC’s efforts to balance the interests of both operators and consumers.
The association emphasized the importance of continued open dialogue and collaboration with the regulator to address the ongoing challenges facing the industry.
The telecommunications sector, ATCON noted, remains committed to contributing to national development and economic growth through sustained investment and improved connectivity for all Nigerians.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has shut down a warehouse in Kaduna for storing expired food and cosmetic products worth over N75 million. The operation followed a tip-off from a concerned citizen, leading to the discovery of the illegal stockpile.
The warehouse, located at PP2A Bayajidda Street, New Ogbomosho Road, was found to be repackaging expired products, including biscuits, dairy milk, vegetable oil, soft drinks, and detergents. NAFDAC’s team also uncovered expired medical test kits, such as the “H-Pylori” test kits, valued at over seven million naira, which pose significant health risks.
The managing director of the warehouse has been arrested and is under interrogation. NAFDAC has vowed to impose strict sanctions after the investigation is completed.
In line with its regulatory mandate, NAFDAC emphasized that no product should be sold or used in Nigeria unless registered and in compliance with its regulations. It also reminded the public to report any suspicious products or activities to the nearest NAFDAC office.
The recent moves by the Ogun State Government to sign death warrants of condemned inamtes in the State due to rise in violent crimes is a cause for concern. This revelation was made by the the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Oluwasina Ogungbade, SAN, after inspecting inmates and facilities at the Correctional Centre, Ibara, Abeokuta, Ogun State on the 17th January, 2025 and reported in some news media.
The intention of this joinder is to plead with Ogun State Government ably represented by the honourable Attorney General of the State to temper justice with mercy by reconsidering the move as doing so will be inhuman and degrading as the best contemporary practice is to commute death sentence to life imprisonment. This is with the hindsight that death sentence does not abate violent crimes as it is a mere violent retaliation to it. The late Coretta Scott King, wife of Martin Luther King Jr., whose husband and mother-in-law were both assassinate had this to say about death penalty despite being a victim of same:
“An evil deed is not redeemed by an evil deed of retaliation, Justice is never advanced in the taking of a human life. Morality is never upheld by a legalized murder.”
Bryan Stevenson, a civil rights lawyer striving to reform the US criminal justice system remarked that the main argument on death penalty is not whether it is right or wrong but whether we deserve to retaliate by exercising the same killing which we condemn. The celebrated rights activists had this to say about death penalty:
“The death penalty is not about whether people deserve to die for the crimes they commit. The real question of capital punishment in this country is, do we deserve to kill.”
Internationally, death penalty is deemed to be inhuman, degrading and violation of human dignity. More than 140 countries have abolished it or introduced moratorium on its use thereby indicating that it is not an effective deterrence to crimes but a merely ultimate denial of human dignity. This growing global trend led to various United Nations resolutions aimed at eliminating death penalty. Two notable resolutions of notes are resolution 62/149 that called for a worldwide moratorium on executions of death row inmates and resolution A/RES/77/222 that noted that the death penalty is often applied disproportionately to poor people, foreign nationals, and people exercising their human rights.
In Africa, 26 out of the 55 countries have abolished the death penalty while 16 are observing a moratorium on executions. Only 14 countries still retain capital penalty. Chad, our immediate neighbour abolished the death penalty in April 2020 while Ghana just abolished death penalty in July 2023.
In Nigeria, though our legislations are replete with various provisions for death penalties, the court has been courageous enough to declare the method of execution of death row inmates in Nigeria unconstitutional. In the celebrated case of James Ajulu & Ors v. A.G. of Lagos State (Unreported) Suit No. ID/76M/2008, Hon. Justice Olokoba held thus:
“Death by hanging or by firing squad amounts to a violation of the condemned right to dignity of the human person and inhuman and degrading treatment. It is consequently unconstitutional being violation of section 34(1)(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999.”
What is more? Death penalty forecloses investigation for justice as many death row inmates had been found to be innocent after being sentenced and this could have been brought about by poor investigation procedure, poor/inadequate legal representation or judicial error. Their fate would have been sealed if the worst had happened.
Ogun State, just like other states in the country, is faced with existential surge in violent crimes not purposely due to lack of execution of death penalty but mainly due biting economic meltdown in the country. This economic issue has pushed a great proportion of the citizens to extreme poverty level. Despite the woeful economic situation, the State still owes it to all citizens to protect lives and properties by not just enforcing laws but deploying high-tech security architecture to combat crimes and criminality. Central to all these is the onerous duty of the state to cater for and invest greatly on the welfare needs of the citizens as this will invariably reduce crimes and criminality in the society.
Based on the above assertions, a humble appeal is being made to Ogun State not to embark on the exercise of executing death row inmates but commute their sentence to life imprisonment as this accord with modern and more justified trend. This will protect their dignity and humanities which we all share.
The Supreme Court has condemned the behaviour of an appellant-husband in strong words for his humanity-reducing objectification of estranged wife and denial of paternity of their child.
The appellant, whose goal was to convince the justices that the trial court’s decision was wrong and should be reversed, was heavily berated.
“I must not conclude this Judgment without commenting on the outrageous, horrendous, unashamed, and atrocious conduct of the Appellant, who displayed uncommon insolence by fencing an innocent woman for sixteen months,” Hon. Justice Tijjani Abubakar said handing down the unanimous judgment in Abubakar Yahaya v. Alhaji Haram and Fatima Haram.
The ruling continued that “…satisfying his lust later declaring her a lunatic, he behaved like a typical gourmet whose past-time is to taste every woman in town and throw her away, just like a typical village rich man who has more money than sense. The conduct of the Appellant is utterly reprehensible, presence of such men in the society constitutes danger to decency and morality. May God protect our society. On the whole therefore, the issues crafted and argued in this appeal are all resolved against the Appellant and in favor of the Respondents.”
“Appellant’s appeal lacks merit, it is therefore dismissed, the decision of the lower Court is hereby affirmed. Five Million Naira cost is awarded to the Respondents against the Appellant.” The ruling noted.
The appellant was represented by Saidu Muhammad Lawal, with him Muhammad Mujahid, while Olanrewaju Tesleem Akinsola, with him Abdul Fatai Oyedele held the respondents’ brief.
The Chief Judge of Delta State, Hon. Justice Theresa Diai has directed Magistrates to hear and conclude custody cases within six months of arraignment..
In this context, custody matters refers to cases where suspects have been arraigned and subsequently produced from custodial facilities to face court trial.
This directive is contained a circular seen by TheLoyal Nigerian Lawyer correspondent. The document reads:
HEARING AND CONCLUSION OF CUSTODY CASES WITHIN SIX MONTHS
I am directed by His Lordship, The Hon. the Chief Judge to refer to the above subject matter and remind Your Worships, that custody matters should be concluded within six months from the date of arraignment.
I am further directed to state that in the event that such trials exceed the stipulated six months duration, a report to that effect should be forwarded to the Administrative Judge of the Judicial Division within your respective districts for further directives.
Accept the assurances and warm regards of The Honourable, the Chief Judge, please.
Presidential spokesman Daniel Bwala has stated that UK Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch denigrates Nigeria to gain acceptance of the rights in her party.
Badenoch was recently quoted as saying she did not want Britain to be like Nigeria where she claimed the government had failed.
Addressing her remarks while appearing on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Bwala said her rhetoric will not affect Nigeria’s presidency.
According to him, Badenoch’s denigration of Nigeria is counterproductive.
“The only problem we have with Kemi, I think, is the rhetoric because Kemi belongs to the right base in the United Kingdom which is what you see in this populism around the world that you can deepen on your support system if you can feed off of the anger of the people.
“And so she’s building a rhetoric of denigrating Nigeria, demarketing in Nigeria, so she can probably win the acceptance or acceptation of the rights in her party.
“And that to me is counterproductive because if you look at Rishi Sunak, he is also of Indian origin. There has been this issue of gang rape in India.
“He has never used that as a weapon to promote what he believed to be a departure from what is likely to be believed as hereditary or history of the Indian people, but she has always denigrated Nigeria,” Bwala stated.
