Nigeria’s main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has indicated that it will abide by the Court of Appeal judgment affirming affirming Sunday Udeh-Okoye as its National Secretary.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, stated this at a news conference on Tuesday in Abuja.
The court of appeal had recently upheld the judgment of the High Court removing Sen. Samuel Anyanwu as the PDP National Secretary.
Ologunagba said that as a law-abiding party, PDP would comply with the orders of both the high court and the court of appeal which affirmed Udeh-Okoye as the party’s national secretary.
“There were two court orders, and on Dec. 24, 2023, after consultation with the PDP National Legal Adviser, it was confirmed that we had received the judgment of the appeal court affirming Udeh-Okoye as the national secretary of the party.
We are a rule of law-compliant party; we believe in this finality of the judicial process.
“We have always respected judicial pronouncements and we will always abide by that culture. The position of the party has not changed as regards that.
“In consistence with our position in the past as a rule of law-compliant party, we are obeying the order of the court.
“We will follow the process and ensure full compliance with the pronouncement of the court of appeal.
“We have received the judgment of the court of appeal that affirmed Ude-Okoye as national secretary of PDP, and as a party, we are bound by that judgment,” Ologunagba said.
Five people have been arrested by the police for allegedly defrauding a trader, Audu Shehu, of N500,000 in Dapchi, Bursari Local Government Area of Yone state.
Yobe Police Command Spokesman, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, who confirmed this in a statement in Damaturu on Tuesday, said the money was recovered from the syndicate.
He said the suspects were arrested on Jan. 6 through a joint operation involving men of the State Intelligence Department (SID) and Tarmuwa Divisional Police Headquarters.
Abdulkarim said the syndicate allegedly lured Shehu into believing they possessed magical powers to boost his sales and ward off his enemies.
Their modus operandi involves approaching targets, pretending to be travellers seeking assistance, and subsequently deceiving victims into parting ways with large sums of money under the guise of performing fetish work,” the spokesman said.
He said the suspects claimed that the fraud was their first offence in Yobe, but confessed to having operated in Adamawa, Gombe, and Taraba states for over three years.
Abdulkarim said the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Garba Ahmed, urged the public to report suspected persons to the nearest police station.
The spokesman reiterated the command’s readiness to protect lives and property in the state.
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, 69, is set to stand trial on Monday, accused of illegally accepting funds from the Libyan government led by Moammar Gadhafi to finance his 2007 presidential campaign. The charges against Sarkozy include passive corruption, illegal campaign financing, concealment of public funds embezzlement, and criminal association, with a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison.
Sarkozy, who served as France’s president from 2007 to 2012, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. His legal team remains resolute in claiming that no Libyan money was involved in his campaign, insisting that the court will examine the case impartially.
The trial includes 11 other defendants, among them three former French ministers. Key to the case is Franco-Lebanese businessman Ziad Takieddine, who is accused of acting as an intermediary. Takieddine fled to Lebanon and is not expected to appear in court.
Governor Yusuf’s legal representative, Christophe Ingrain, stated that Sarkozy approaches the trial “with determination,” while maintaining that there is no foundation to the accusations.
The case first came to light in March 2011 after a Libyan news agency reported that Gadhafi’s government had funded Sarkozy’s campaign. Gadhafi himself later stated that it was due to Libya’s financial backing that Sarkozy had won the presidency, although no specific amount was mentioned.
Sarkozy, who had previously welcomed Gadhafi to Paris with grand honors in 2007, became a vocal advocate for military intervention in Libya during the Arab Spring protests in 2011, just months before Gadhafi’s regime was overthrown and he was killed.
Further scrutiny emerged after French news outlet Mediapart published a document in 2012, allegedly from Libyan intelligence, claiming that Gadhafi had agreed to finance Sarkozy’s campaign with 50 million euros. Sarkozy dismissed the document as a “blatant fake,” while filing complaints against the spread of false information.
Despite Sarkozy’s denials, French investigators began investigating numerous trips to Libya made by Sarkozy’s close aides, including his chief of staff, Claude Guéant, between 2005 and 2007. The investigation intensified when Takieddine claimed in 2016 that he had delivered millions in cash from Libya to the French Interior Ministry. However, he retracted his statement in 2020.
The ongoing investigation has also raised concerns over potential witness tampering, with allegations that attempts were made to pressure Takieddine in order to exonerate Sarkozy.
Additional individuals implicated in the case include Alexandre Djouhri, a Franco-Algerian businessman, and several high-profile figures associated with Gadhafi’s inner circle. Among the accused is Gadhafi’s former chief of staff and treasurer, Bashir Saleh, who is currently in South Africa, as well as Saudi billionaires and former corporate executives. Investigators have also uncovered a notebook belonging to Gadhafi’s former oil minister, Shukri Ghanem, which allegedly documents payments to Sarkozy’s campaign.
The Libyan case is seen as a pivotal moment in Sarkozy’s post-presidential career, overshadowing previous scandals for which he was convicted, including a corruption charge upheld last month by France’s highest court. This trial could have significant consequences on Sarkozy’s legacy.
Sarkozy was also convicted in an appeal court in 2022 for illegal campaign financing in his failed 2012 re-election bid.
A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to Olamide Thomas, who was accused of issuing death threats to Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu, and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on social media. Thomas was admitted to a N10 million bond, with one surety required in a like sum.
Justice Emeka Nwite, ruling on Thomas’ bail application on Monday, explained that there was insufficient evidence to suggest the defendant would jump bail. He noted that based on the evidence from both the defense and the prosecution, the court found no cause to deny bail, provided the conditions were met.
“The defendant has not shown any reason to believe that she would jump bail or interfere with the trial process,” Justice Nwite stated. He emphasized that granting bail was in the interest of justice.
As part of the bail conditions, the surety must present a three-year tax clearance certificate and provide proof of residence within the court’s jurisdiction. Additionally, the surety must submit an affidavit of means and deposit two recent passport photographs with the court registrar.
Thomas, who was arrested on December 20, 2024, after allegedly posting a viral social media video with death threats, had been remanded at the Suleja Correctional Centre. She faces charges related to making threatening communications against Seyi Tinubu, IGP Egbetokun, and Police PRO Muyiwa Adejobi.
In the video, Thomas is accused of threatening to kill Seyi Tinubu and expressed violent wishes for Egbetokun and Adejobi. The charges against her, under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024, include sending threatening messages with intent to bully, harass, and cause fear of death or bodily harm.
The case has drawn significant attention due to the high-profile nature of the individuals involved. The trial is set to continue on February 18, 2025.
A Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled a hearing for January 13, 2025, in the ongoing fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by detained Nigerian singer Darlington Achakpo, popularly known as Speed Darlington. The suit, valued at N300 million, was filed against the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
During Monday’s proceedings, Speed Darlington’s counsel, Abubakar Marshal, requested an adjournment to allow the police lawyer, Garba Audu, time to study the documents served in open court. Justice Musa Liman granted the adjournment after confirming the proper service of documents to the police.
The legal battle stems from a court order issued on December 23, 2024, when Justice Liman directed the police to either charge Speed Darlington within 48 hours or release him on bail unconditionally. At that time, the singer had been in police custody over allegations of defaming music star Burna Boy and cyberstalking. Although the court’s order was made, Speed Darlington was released on bail on October 8, 2024, after spending several days in detention.
In the latest development, the court heard that Speed Darlington had been detained following a complaint by Burna Boy, which led to his arrest in Lagos. The police later transferred him to Abuja, where he was kept in custody. Human rights activist Deji Adeyanju also alleged that Speed Darlington was apprehended after Burna Boy filed a petition against him.
At Monday’s hearing, counsel for the singer, Marshal, informed the court that the case had been scheduled for hearing concerning Speed Darlington’s fundamental rights. Despite claims from Audu that the police were not yet served with the application, the court confirmed through proof of service that the documents had been delivered.
Justice Liman then inquired whether Speed Darlington had been released, to which Marshal responded negatively. Audu explained that a criminal charge had already been filed against the singer, but it had yet to be heard due to court scheduling issues. Audu also stated that Speed Darlington had been granted administrative bail but later violated the terms of his release, prompting his re-arrest. The police lawyer also clarified that efforts had been made to assign the case to a vacation judge, but this had not been successful.
In response, Marshal requested that the court order the police to release Speed Darlington on bail pending his arraignment. The application was opposed by the police lawyer, but Justice Liman, while noting that the police had not willfully disobeyed the court’s earlier order, suggested that the police release the singer to Marshal, with an assurance that he would appear for his trial.
Justice Liman also pointed out that the police would not lose anything by granting bail, leading to the adjournment of the case until January 13 for further proceedings.
In the lawsuit (FHC/ABJ/CS/1832/2024), Speed Darlington is seeking the immediate and unconditional release from detention, a declaration that his arrest violated his constitutional rights, and N300 million in damages. The lawsuit argues that his detention since October 2024, without formal charges, was both unlawful and inhumane, with allegations of torture and poor treatment while in custody.
Additionally, Speed Darlington’s legal team pointed out that despite informing the police of medical emergencies and obtaining permission for travel to Owerri for a performance, the artist was re-arrested on November 27, 2024, under the claim that he had violated bail conditions. His legal team insists that this continued detention violates his rights and harms his ability to care for his family.
The case is now set for a key hearing on January 13, as Speed Darlington seeks justice for his unlawful detention.
As Nigeria moves forward with the implementation of the Cybercrime Act 2024, legal experts and judicial stakeholders are calling for immediate and specialized training for judges to effectively navigate the intricacies of cybercrime cases. With the rise of blockchain technology, online dispute resolution, and digital criminal activities, experts argue that these emerging fields require judicial officials to possess a deep understanding of the latest technological advancements and legal frameworks.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Abdul Balogun, emphasized the need for judges to undergo intensive capacity-building workshops focused on cybersecurity, blockchain technology, and intellectual property rights. According to Balogun, such training would enhance the judges’ ability to properly interpret and apply the complex provisions of the Cybercrime Act 2024.
“More training for judges would provide a valuable platform to deepen their understanding of cyber laws and address challenges posed by digital crimes,” Balogun stated.
An anonymous official from the National Judicial Council (NJC) confirmed that a substantial portion of the budget is allocated each year for judicial training. The National Judicial Institute (NJI) regularly organizes programs aimed at equipping judges with the necessary tools to handle emerging legal challenges. However, the official acknowledged that there is a growing need for more specialized training in cyber-related legal issues.
“Judges are trained annually through the NJI and collaborations with government agencies and corporate bodies. However, more specialized training in cyber-related areas is crucial,” the official remarked.
Constitutional lawyer Bello J. Akinwale also called for workshops specifically focused on copyright law in the digital age, enforcement of foreign arbitral awards, and violations of intellectual property rights across jurisdictions. He underscored the importance of continuous judicial education in adapting to new legal challenges brought on by digital advancements.
“The NJI should remain proactive in promoting efficiency and improving the quality of judicial services in our courts,” Akinwale urged.
In the same vein, Abuja-based lawyer Barrister Paul Aaron recommended that Nigeria’s judiciary seek international partnerships to enhance training in cyber law enforcement. He pointed out that foreign agencies such as the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Office (INL) and the Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance, and Training (OPDAT) could offer invaluable expertise to Nigerian judges.
While the NJC maintains that funds are allocated annually for judicial training, legal professionals argue that more targeted and specialized programs are essential to address the rapidly evolving nature of cybercrime. As the Cybercrime Act 2024 takes effect, stakeholders agree that ongoing training and retraining of judges are critical to ensuring the Act’s successful implementation and strengthening Nigeria’s efforts in combating cybercrime. Without prioritizing this essential capacity-building, experts warn that the law’s impact could be weakened, potentially leaving gaps in the country’s judicial response to digital crime.
Calls for immediate reversal From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
The National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS) has strongly opposed the purported recent approval of a tariff hike by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), warning that the increase will lead to a 40% rise in telecommunication service prices, further burdening Nigerian consumers.
While a source within the NCC previously dismissed rumours of a proposed hike set for January 2025, telecom companies argue that the current pricing does not reflect Nigeria’s economic conditions, citing inflation, currency depreciation, and rising equipment costs.
They also noted that there have been no tariff increases in the past decade and highlighted the financial burden from various government levies.
In a communiqué released following an emergency meeting held recently, NATCOMS criticised the NCC’s consideration of the tariff increase.
In the document signed by its National President, Adeolu Ogunbanjo, and National Secretary, Barr. Bayo Omotubora, the association described the decision as “insensitive” and argued that it would further worsen the economic hardship facing ordinary Nigerians.
“Under the new tariffs regime, a voice call will rise from N11.00 to N15.40 per minute, short message services will jump from N4.00 to N5.60 and
“One GB data bundle will move from N1,000 to N1,400. This represents additional digital costs consumers will have to square up with at the beginning of a new year among other harsh economic realities of Nigeria of today. This, undoubtedly, is against public interest contrary to the false narrative of NCC that described the recent adjustments as pro public interest.
“This Association sees the increment as an official policy to price telecoms services out of the reach of the generality of the citizens of this country,” it stated.
NATCOMS noted that the decision by the NCC will have a detrimental effect on telecom users, already struggling with rising costs of living. The association pointed out that this price hike is an additional burden that comes at a time when Nigerians are grappling with high inflation, increased taxes, and soaring living expenses.
NATCOMS strongly disagreed with the NCC’s justification that the tariff increase is in the public interest. The association described the hike as a clear departure from the NCC’s duty to protect telecom consumers, warning that the price rise could price out millions of Nigerians from accessing basic communication services.
“Telecom services are already becoming less affordable for the average Nigerian. If this tariff increase goes through, we risk seeing many people completely priced out of the market,” it said.
The association also raised concerns about the cumulative effect of other recent cost increases, such as the 50% VAT hike on telecom services imposed by the Finance Act of 2019 and the excise duty charge introduced by the Federal Government in 2020. NATCOMS warned that the combined effect of these changes could make telecom services prohibitively expensive for many Nigerians.
The association also highlighted the ongoing legal battle over the excise duty charge, which it has challenged in court on the grounds of double taxation.
It noted that the case is currently pending before the Federal High Court, with a hearing scheduled for March 2025.
While NATCOMS acknowledged the telecom operators’ claims of rising operational costs, including government-imposed levies and the increasing dollarisation of telecom equipment, the association argued that there are other ways for operators to meet these costs without burdening consumers.
“The Nigerian Stock Exchange Market, for instance, is a veritable avenue for the operators to raise funds to meet their cost requirements. The operators should bring part of the ownership of their companies to their subscribers through public offers. The decision of some of the operators to keep their companies as a private going concern is against public interest and the consumers should not be made to bear the burden of such a decision.
“We, therefore, call on the NCC to null the approval given for the tariff hike and advise the operators to embrace other options of generating funds for their operations,” it added.
Lecturers at the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, in Nasarawa Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, have raised concerns over the alleged refusal of the Acting Rector, Hauwa Tanko Mohammed, to relinquish her position after the expiration of her six-month tenure.
The lecturers, who called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene, expressed dissatisfaction with the continued leadership of Mohammed, whose tenure they claim ended on December 31, 2024.
In an interview on Monday, a senior lecturer, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that the situation has unsettled staff and created uncertainty about the institution’s leadership.
“We were expecting a new rector in January, as the Acting Rector’s tenure ended last month. This is an academic institution where things should be done in an orderly manner. If her tenure has expired, she should step aside and allow a deputy rector to oversee the institution until a substantive rector is appointed,” the source said.
The Acting Rector, Hauwa Tanko Mohammed, assumed office on July 1, 2024, following the tenure of her predecessor, Samuel Obarakpo. Obarakpo had also served as Acting Rector for six months due to the absence of a substantive Governing Council at the time.
According to Section 16 (3) of the Federal Polytechnic Act, 2019, as amended, an acting rector’s tenure cannot exceed six months. However, the lecturers allege that Mohammed continues to hold the position with support from the Governing Council.
The lecturer further alleged that Mohammed lacks the moral standing for the position, citing a 2015 plagiarism case. “A four-man committee chaired by Sunday Adudu established that she used a plagiarised book, ‘Issues in Technical English: Communication Skills for Polytechnics and Other Tertiary Institutions,’ for her promotion from Senior Lecturer to Principal Lecturer in 2014. The committee recommended her demotion as a penalty,” the source added.
Despite these allegations, the Acting Rector, Hauwa Tanko Mohammed, in an interview, dismissed the claims, asserting that she was authorised to remain in office by the institution’s Governing Council.
“It is a lie. I have been given a letter by my council to continue as Acting Rector pending the outcome of the process,” Mohammed said in a telephone interview.
Our Correspondent contacted Major General Lawrence Onoja (Rtd), Chairman of the Governing Council, who corroborated Mohammed’s position, explaining that the council sought permission from the Minister of Education to extend her tenure until a substantive appointment is made.
“I have written to the Minister to permit her to continue acting until further notice. The necessary processes have been followed, and this is the procedure,” Onoja said.
Meanwhile, the Governing Council is reported to have conducted interviews for the rectorship position, shortlisting Mohammed alongside eight other candidates. However, delays in finalising the appointment have fuelled tensions among the staff.
Lecturers have called for transparency and adherence to due process in resolving the leadership issues to ensure stability and progress in the institution.
Following the recent outbreak of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in northern China, the federal government has tightened border checks on passengers arriving from China.
HMPV is a respiratory virus which causes fever, cough, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath. Children under 24 have been those primarily affected.
The development has led to overcrowded hospitals in China, with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) disclosing stricter monitoring measures.
NCDC’s Dr John Oladejo revealed: “Our team is prepared to implement necessary quarantine protocols for travellers from affected regions if the need arises.”
Speaking on ways to check the virus, the World Health Organization (WHO) stated: “Vaccination, improved ventilation, and proper hygiene are essential steps in mitigating the spread of HMPV.”
HMPV reported in India
Two HMPV cases were reported in Bengaluru, India on Monday, with confirmation that the illness is responsible for the spike in respiratory ailments in China.
According to News 18, an eight-month-old child in Bengaluru tested positive for HMPV. Additionally, India Today reported that two cases were detected at the Bengaluru hospital.
The reports were confirmed by the Union Health Ministry on Monday.
“The reports have come from a private hospital, and we have no reason to doubt the tests of the private hospital.
“We don’t know what strain of virus this is yet because we don’t have data on the strain of the virus detected in China,” sources revealed to India Today.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has issued a stern warning that the police will no longer tolerate any form of assault or attack on its officers and personnel. Egbetokun made this declaration during a visit to the Enugu State Command on Friday, stressing that such actions are not only criminal but also an attack on the institution itself.
The IGP emphasized that attacks on police officers would be met with a firm and appropriate response, and justice would be pursued in every instance. “An assault on a policeman is criminal; it is an assault on the Inspector General, and we are not going to condone any act of assault on our officers, let alone the killing of any of our officers,” Egbetokun stated, asserting the force’s commitment to protect its personnel.
He further declared that, starting in 2025, the police force would no longer tolerate assaults or killings of its members, urging collective action in responding to such incidents. “Anywhere there is the killing of any policeman, we must all respond collectively and appropriately,” he said, calling for a coordinated and decisive response to ensure accountability.
The IGP also reassured the police officers that the force is working closely with the Federal Government to enhance the welfare of its personnel, ensuring that officers are better supported in their duties.
