Legal Nigeria

By Afusat Agunbiade-Oladipo

The Kwara State Police Command has successfully rescued 13 kidnap victims in a swift and coordinated operation within the state.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Ilorin, describing the achievement as a testament to the command’s dedication to ensuring residents’ safety and security.

According to Ejire-Adeyemi, the operation involved collaboration between the Police and the Oke-Ero Local Government Security Initiative personnel. The victims, abducted while en route to a wedding in Kogi State, were rescued after an intense operation.

“The Kwara State Police Command has recorded another remarkable success in its fight against criminal activities by rescuing 13 kidnapped victims following a distress call on Dec. 21, 2024,” she said.

Acting on credible intelligence and with support from local informants, the security operatives traced the kidnappers to their hideout in the Idofin-Igbana area.

Upon sighting the security team, the kidnappers—six in number, with some dressed in military uniforms—engaged the operatives in a gun battle but were overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the rescue team. The suspects fled the scene with various degrees of injuries, abandoning their captives,” Ejire-Adeyemi explained.

The rescued victims included three female and 10 male, drawn from various locations, including Odo-Owa in Oke-Ero Local Government Area, Ilorin, Ogbomoso, and a group of trailer drivers heading to Kogi.

“Two of the victims sustained minor gunshot injuries. They were immediately provided with medical attention at a nearby hospital, stabilised, and reunited with their families,” she added.

Ejire-Adeyemi further quoted the state Commissioner of Police, CP Victor Olaiya, who praised the swift and effective response of the operatives and expressed gratitude to the local communities for their timely provision of credible information.

The CP assured the public of the command’s unwavering commitment to combating criminal activities in all forms,” she noted.

Olaiya also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency hotlines: 07032069501 or 08125275046. (NAN)

Source: PM News

By Chukwuemeka Opara

The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has pledged to stand by his successor, Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, ensuring he completes his full two terms in office.

Umahi made the vow on Saturday in his hometown of Uburu, Ohaoazara Local Government Area of Ebonyi, when members of Nwifuru’s clan, the Izzi National Youths Forum, paid him a Christmas homage.

Describing the visit as “surprising,” the former governor emphasized that Nwifuru would serve his full eight years in office, just as he and other former governors of the state did.

“God forbid that the Izzi people stand against me tomorrow, but my covenant with God and Nwifuru is to ensure he completes uninterrupted eight years in office,” Umahi declared.

“Nothing will stop this. I fought principalities and powers alone and won to make him governor. Do you think I cannot do it now, with someone by my side?” he added.

Reaffirming his belief in Nwifuru’s leadership, Umahi reiterated that the Izzi clan represented the best option for governance in the state and that he had no regrets over the decision

Nwifuru is humble, and until the end of his eight years, I am not leaving him,” he stated.

Umahi also commended the leadership of the Izzi National Youths Forum, expressing admiration for the large number of delegates who had come to visit.

“It is gratifying that you came to celebrate with me, even when you could have been at home celebrating with your son, the governor,” he remarked.


The National President of the Izzi National Youths Forum, Mr. Andrew Elom, explained that the visit was to thank Umahi for fulfilling his promise of handing over the governorship seat to an Izzi indigene.

Elom also urged Umahi to continue guiding and supporting Governor Nwifuru, ensuring that he remains on the right path.

“This is a project you initiated and began, and the governor needs all the encouragement you can provide,” Elom said.

He also praised Umahi’s performance as a minister, highlighting that Nigeria is currently benefiting from the remarkable works he had accomplished in Ebonyi. (NAN)

Source: PM News

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), officially authorised renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), to file file fraud charges against the Chairman of Zinox Group, Leo Stan Ekeh, his wife, Chioma and 8 other individuals and three companies, on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

SaharaReporters reported on Tuesday that Ekeh and the others were charged before the Federal High Court in Abuja for allegedly diverting N162,247,513.80 intended for a laptop supply contract at the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Headquarters.

In a correspondence by Fagbemi, SAN, dated December 20, 2023, and obtained by SaharaReporters on Wednesday, the AGF noted that the prosecution of Ekeh and others was at the expense of the nominal complainant, Mr. Joseph Benjamin as requested.

The then AGF and justice minister, Abubakar Malami, SAN, had for years shielded the persons from prosecution, thereby frustrating the case and hindering thorough investigation.

In the memo obtained by SaharaReporters, titled, “Authorisation Under Section 174 Of The Constitution Of The Federal Republic Of Nigeria 1999 As Amended’, and addressed to the Federal Ministry of Justice, the AGF said, “In the exercise of the powers conferred upon the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice by section 174(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, I, Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, SAN, Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, hereby authorize; Mr. Femi Falana of Falana & Falana & Co. of 22 Mediterranean Street, Imani Estate, Abuja- FCT, Nigeria to exercise the Powers on my behalf with particular reference to the refiling and effective Prosecution of Charge No. CR/827/2013 between Federal Republic of Nigeria and Chris Eze Ozim and 6 ORS at the expense of the nominal complainant, Mr. Joseph Benjamin as requested.

“You are to also ensure diligent prosecution and consistent update on the progress report of the case to my office without let or hinderance.”

SaharaReporters on Tuesday reported that the government took legal action against Leo Stan Ekeh, his wife, Chioma and 8 other individuals and 3 companies, charging them before the Federal High Court in Abuja for allegedly diverting N162,247,513.80 intended for a laptop supply contract at the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Headquarters.

The funds, domiciled in account number 0059202675 with Access Bank Plc, were reportedly misappropriated by the defendants under the guise of payment to Citadel Oracle Concept Limited.

The Complainant – the Federal Government of Nigeria – alleges that the accused knowingly used the account to receive and launder proceeds from the contract, despite being aware of its illicit nature.

The charge sheet, filed under case number FCT/HC/CR/985/24, lists individuals and entities, including Leo Stan Ekeh, Chioma Ekeh, Mr. Chris Eze Ozims, Oyebode Folashade, Charles Adigwe, Obilo Onuoha, Agartha Ukoha, Anya O. Anya, Femi Dosumu, and Nnenna Kalu as the Defendants.

The companies involved are Admas Digital Technologies Limited, Technology Distributions Limited, and Zinox Technologies Ltd.

The 15 counts filed on November 26, 2024 and received by the high court on November 28, 2024, were signed by human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN) on behalf of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).

One of the charges reads in part, “That you Chris Eze Ozims “M”, Folashade Oyebode “F”, Leo Stan Ekeh “M”, Chioma Ekeh “F”, Charles Adigwe “M”, Obilo Onuoha “M”, Agartha Ukoha “F”, Anya o. Anya “M’, Nnenna Kalu “M”, Femi Dosumu “M”, Technology Distributions, Admas Digital Technologies Limited And Zinox Technologies Limited on or about the 30th day of January 2013, in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja within the jurisdiction of the honorable court jointly and severally acted to criminally misappropriate the sum of N 162, 247, 513. 8k (One hundred and sixty-two million, two hundred and forty-seven thousand, five hundred- and thirteen-naira, eight kobo) in account number 0059202675 domicile in Access Bank Plc being proceed of Federal Inland Revenue Headquarters Abuja contract for supply of laptops which you fraudulently diverted and received with the said amount in the name of Citadel Oracle Concept Limited. You thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 79 and punishable under section 390 of the Penal Code cap 532LFN Abuja (1990).”

Another count reads, “That you Mr. Chris Eze Ozims “M” and Folashade Oyebode “F” on or about the 30th day of January 2012, in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja within the jurisdiction of this honourable court criminally misappropriated the sum of N 162, 247, 513. 8k (One hundred and sixty-two million, two hundred and forty-seven thousand, five hundred- and thirteen-naira, eight kobo) from account number 0059202675 domiciled in Access Bank plc. being proceed of the Federal Inland Revenue Headquarters Abuja contract for supply of laptops which you fraudulently diverted and received the said payment in the name of Citadel Oracle Concept Limited knowing it to be a crime. You thereby committed an offence contrary to the section 308 of the Penal Code cap 532LFN Abuja (1990) and punishable under section 309 of the same Act.”

BACKGROUND

In June, a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja discharged and acquitted the Managing Director/Chief Executive of Citadel Oracle Concept Limited, Benjamin Joseph, of one count bordering on false petitioning, which was filed by the police.

The presiding judge, Justice Peter Kekemeke, ruled on the case which had been going on since 2016, following a letter from the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to nolle prosequi to charge and terminate the case.

In October 2013, Joseph petitioned the then Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Bureau (FCIB), Solomon Arase, over a N170.3m fraud he said was committed against his company by a syndicate.

In his petition, he accused some senior officials of Zinox Technologies Limited and its subsidiary, Technology Distributions Limited (TD) of conspiring with their allies in Ad’mas Digital Technologies Limited and Pirovics Engineering Services Limited to hijack and illegally execute a contract awarded to his company by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) in 2012 for the supply of laptop computers.

The businessman named the suspects to include the Chairman of Zinox Group, Leonard Stanley Ekeh, and wife, Chioma; Company Secretary/Legal Adviser, Zinox Group and TD, Chris Eze Ozims, and a director of TD, Folashade Oyebode.

He said they connived with the Chief Executive of Ad’mas Digital Technologies Limited and Pirovics Engineering Services Limited, Onny Igbokwe, along with one Princess O. Kama, and two officials of Access Bank PLC – Obilo Onuoha and Deborah Ijeabu, to commit the fraud.

Joseph said Oyebode and Ozims appointed themselves signatories of a fake account opened in his company’s name at Access Bank with forged documents, including a board resolution dated December 18, 2012, using a caricature of his signature.

To facilitate the fake account opening, the businessman said Onuoha and Ijeabu betrayed the company’s confidentiality and illegally gave out to the syndicate the original copies of his company’s documents with the bank.

The businessman said transaction documents also showed that Chioma Ekeh, wife to Stan Leo Ekeh, issued the instructions to the accountant at TD, Charles Adigwe, for the disbursement of funds from the fictitious company account at Access Bank to various benefiting parties in the fraud.

SaharaReporters reported in November 2022 how then Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami opted to exercise his discretionary powers under the constitution to favour the suspects against the complainant.

SaharaReporters on October 2, 2022 reported how Falana filed a charge of 17 counts at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Maitama against the 13 persons and companies suspected to have played different roles in the alleged N170.3 million fraud perpetrated against Joseph, the Managing Director of an Ibadan-based ICT retail firm, Citadel Oracle Concepts Limited.

The suspects were due to be arraigned before Justice Oba on Tuesday at Apo on November 8, 2022.

In the charge sheet with suit No FCT/HC/CR/469/2022, Falana accused the suspects of conspiracy to hijack a contract for the supply of laptops awarded to Joseph’s company in 2012 by the FIRS.

But in a suspicious move by Malami, under the guise of exercising his power (nolle prosequi) to intervene and terminate any case at any time, he withdrew the authorisation earlier granted to Falana to prosecute the suspects.

For instance, a letter signed by the Director of Public Prosecution, M.B. Abubakar, dated October 28, 2022, and titled, “Withdraw of Authorisation Under Section 174 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 As Amended’ was addressed to Falana.

The letter, obtained by SaharaReporters, read, “I am directed to write in reference to the above caption and to inform you that the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice in exercise of the power conferred upon him by Section 174 ( 1 ) ( c ) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended has withdrawn the authorization earlier granted to you dated 10th May 2022 to prosecute the case mentioned below as the expenses of the nominal complainant Mr. Joseph Benjamin FRN VS Chris Ezeh Ozim & ORS Charge No CR/8327/2013.

“You are accordingly requested to withdraw charge No FCT /HC/ CR / 469/2022.”

Malami’s intervention in the case a few days before the arraignment by quashing the fiat he granted Falana to prosecute ensured no charges were filed against the Zinox top officials and other suspects.

Source: SaharaReporter

By Suleiman Shehu

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested 153 suspected armed robbers and recovered 12 vehicles in the past six months, from July to December, Commissioner of Police Ayodele Sonubi revealed on Friday.

At a news briefing in Ibadan, Sonubi stated that the police also recovered 12 motorcycles and tricycles, along with 48 firearms and 1,396 rounds of various ammunition from the robbers.

“In line with our constitutional mandate, the command has made significant strides in tackling crime,” Sonubi said.

“Our officers have demonstrated professionalism, strength, and courage in their relentless fight against criminal activities in Oyo State.”

The police chief added that he had instructed all area commanders, divisional police officers, and tactical teams to ensure the effective deployment of personnel and resources across the state.

He appealed to the public for continued support in 2025, assuring citizens that the police were prepared to protect them during and after the festive season.

Sonubi also reminded the public that the ban on the sale and use of fireworks remained in effect and warned that violators would face penalties.

He urged residents to continue providing credible information to assist in crime prevention and management.

Additionally, the police command paraded several suspects involved in various crimes, including kidnapping, armed robbery, and goods hijacking. (NAN)

Source: PM News

President Bola Tinubu participated in the Jumat prayer at the Lekki Central Mosque in Lagos on Friday afternoon, joining other Muslim faithful in worship.

It marked the President’s first public appearance since he attended prayers at the Alausa Central Mosque the previous Friday.

During his sermon, the Chief Imam of Lagos Central Mosque, Ridhwan Jamiu, urged the congregation to express gratitude to Allah during times of fortune and remain patient during adversity.

He reminded worshippers that steadfast hope and faith are essential virtues for believers, even in the face of challenges.

Acknowledging the President’s presence, Imam Jamiu offered prayers for his success in steering Nigeria towards peace, security, and prosperity.

He reassured the President of the continued prayers and unwavering support of the Muslim community as he leads the nation.

“We are proud of you. I recall encouraging people to vote for you during the campaigns, and we thank God that you have not disappointed us.

“We know you possess the capability, sagacity, and competence. We believe and pray that you will not disappoint us. May Allah continue to guide you. Allah has entrusted Nigeria to your care and will hold you accountable for this trust.

Always remember your responsibility to the people and your accountability to Allah when you return to Him.

“Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, ‘The most beloved of all people to Allah is the righteous and just leader.’


“We have observed righteousness, fairness, and justice in your leadership. Please continue to uphold these qualities.

“You bear one of the names of Prophet Muhammad, Ahmed, which means one who acts praiseworthily. This name has reflected in your past actions, and we trust it will continue to reflect in your leadership now,” Imam Jamiu said.

President Tinubu, who spent the festive season in Lagos State, had arrived in the commercial capital on 18 December after presenting the 2025 budget to the National Assembly.

In light of the tragic stampedes in Oyo and Anambra states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which claimed lives, the President cancelled his public engagements in Lagos last Saturday, including a planned boat regatta.

On 23 December, President Tinubu hosted the inaugural Presidential Media Chat at his residence on Oyinkan Abayomi Drive in Ikoyi. Throughout the Christmas and holiday period, he also received private visitors daily.

Source: PM News

By Polycarp Auta

The Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Heipang community in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau, has denied media reports that some herders were attacked within the community.

Mr Christopher Mwankon, the Chairman of BYM in the community, denied the report in a statement on Thursday in Jos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that there were claims in some media organisations that suspected gunmen on Wednesday attacked some herders in Heipang and made away with their cattle.

Mwankon, who acknowledged that some herders were attacked in Wereng in Riyom LGA, described the media report as malicious, mischievous and misleading.

“We wish to categorically assert that the location of the said attack was not within the borders of Heipang community, but in Wereng, Riyom LGA.

“This fact was established and affirmed yesterday by our youth leaders, the administrative officer, and the Sector Commander of Sector Four of Operation Safe Haven (OpSH).

We wish to point out that the report is misleading, mischievous, and a deliberate attempt to tarnish the image and reputation of the peace-loving and law-abiding residents of Heipang community,” he said.

Mwankon explained that it was clear that the author of the report, the medium and the source were merely fanning the embers of violence in Heipang community.

According to him, the action is unprofessional and a calculated ploy by crisis merchants to truncate the relative peace currently enjoyed in the state.

“We dissociate ourselves and our community from such malicious insinuations and strongly urge the media organisation to immediately correct, retract and expunge the name of our community from this misleading and defamatory report,” he called.

Mwankon also called on the security agencies to urgently investigate and arrest the perpetrators of criminal acts and bring them to justice.

(NAN)

Source: PM News

By Paul Dada

The Nigeria Police Force says its operatives arrested 23 robbery and  kidnapping suspects targeting fun seekers during the Christmas celebrations in different parts of the country.

The Police said this on Friday through a statement by its Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi. He said, “On the 25th of December 2024, at about 1am, the police operatives attached to Lagos State Command, received a distress call that a group of hoodlums armed with dangerous weapons was operating around the Safejo area of Amukoko, Lagos State”.

He said the police responded and arrested three hoodlums  identified as: “Emmanuel Okoli ‘m’, 20 years, Ogunde Tejiri ‘m’, 20 years, and Emmanuel Orji ‘m’, 18 years.”. He added that the weapons they used in carrying out robbery attacks  were recovered by the police.

Adejobi also said, “In a similar development, Police Operatives attached to Saminaka Division of the Kaduna State Command on 25th December 2024, at about 8pm, successfully apprehended one Sule Muhammad ‘m’, 25 years, who has been actively involved in multiple kidnapping incidents within the Saminaka area.”

Adding, the Force spokesman said, “Following cooperation received from Muhammad, efforts are in top gear to apprehend other members of his gang and recover more arms and ammunition in their identified camp. Commendable efforts of the Nigeria Police Operatives have also been witnessed in states including Delta, Ogun Katsina, Benue, FCT and Imo, leading to the arrests of several suspects in various locations during the Christmas celebration period.

“The IGP has commended the officers involved in these operations for their vigilance and commitment to public safety, highlighting their display of exemplary dedication in safeguarding our communities, especially during this joyful season.”

“As the celebrations continue, the Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its mission to protect all citizens and ensure that the spirit of festivities during this period remains unmarred by criminal activities”,  Adejobi said.

Source: PM News

The Commissioner of Police in Kogi, Bethrand Onuoha, has ordered a watertight security across the state throughout the Yuletide and beyond.

Onuoha gave the assurance in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Williams Aya, and made available to journalists on Monday in Lokoja.

The statement said that the CP addressed members of the Command Management Team as well as the Tactical Commanders at the Command Headquarters, Lokoja.

The CP further disclosed that the Command had adopted a comprehensive crime prevention and control strategies in ensuring adequate security of life and property throughout the Yuletide.

He assured the people of the state of sustained efforts by the Command in synergy with other Security Agencies in fighting crimes and criminality as well as improving public safety and security across the state.

Onuoha charged the Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and their supervisory Area Commanders to deploy human and other operational assets to carry out confidence building and crime prevention patrols.

The CP said that the patrols should be done on major highways, residential and vulnerable points, places of worship and other places of interest.

He further urged the officers to carry out undercover operations to black spots, flash points and other vulnerable criminal spots to nip in the bud all forms of crime and criminality across the state.

The CP also charged the men to make sure that detection of crimes were prompt to serve as effective deterrent to all criminals.

He assured Kogi people that adequate security measures were in place, and urged them to remain security conscious throughout the yuletide and to report any suspicious movement or activities within their community.

He noted that the public had a critical role to play in sustaining the peace in their community through effective collaboration with the Police and other Security Agencies by way of sharing information and intelligence that would assist in crime control and management.

He, however, called on parents to caution their children and wards not to fall victims of fireworks, warning that anyone caught causing trouble would be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.

The CP advised all law-abiding residents to go about their lawful businesses without fear and warned that the Command would not hesitate to apply the full wrath of law against persons who took laws into their hands. (NAN)(www.nannew.ng)

ASA/MNA

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

Source: PM News

By Paul Dada

President Bola Tinubu says he is not ready to downsize his cabinet  to cut down the cost of governance.

Tinubu who said this at the ongoing presidential media chat, was reacting to the criticisms of those who say he is keeping a large cabinet.

The President said every member of his cabinet was performing well.

“I am not prepared to bring down the size of my cabinet. They have their job descriptions. If you have to entertain 200 million people,  calculate how many stewards you will require. Let us pay attention to efficiency.”

About the tax reform bills, Tinubu said, “Tax reform has come to stay. We cannot just doing what we were doing yesteryears. But a new dawn is here. I am convinced. And you should be convinced.

Speaking particularly about the Value Added Tax issue in the tax reforms, Tinubu said tax matters are subject to debate and review.
Tinubu also noted that the country was now better at fiscal management. “We have more revenue being generated and distributed,” he said.
Tinubu maintained that the security situation in the country had improved.
He said, “Two decades of wanton killings have been addressed. Today, you can travel the roads. Before now, it was impossible.”

Source: PM News

Preparations are in full swing for the African Bar Association’s (AFBA) Medical Law Committee Annual Conference, a groundbreaking event that aims to reshape the future of healthcare delivery in Africa. Scheduled to take place in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, from February 19 to 20, 2025, the conference is expected to attract top legal and medical professionals from across the continent.

Themed “Towards a Legal & Ethical Practice of Healthcare Delivery in Africa: Advocating for Best Ethical Standards,” the conference will focus on fostering robust legal frameworks and ethical guidelines to improve healthcare systems across Africa.

Opportunities for Scholars and Practitioners
AFBA has called on experts and academics to contribute to the conversation through scholarly papers.

• Abstracts (max. 200 words) must be submitted by January 5, 2024.
• Full papers (max. 5000 words) are due by January 15, 2025.
  Submissions should be sent to onyegbule.kelechi@funal.edu.ng
  cc: khadeejatahmed@gmail.com

Registration Details

Early Bird Registration (available until January 31, 2025):

• AfBA Members: ₦100,000 / $100
• Non-AfBA Members: ₦150,000 / $150
• Lecturers/Magistrates/Judges: ₦50,000 / $50
• Postgraduate Students: ₦30,000 / $30
• Undergraduate Students: ₦20,000 / $20

Late Registration (from February 1, 2025):

• AfBA Members: ₦150,000 / $150
• Non-AfBA Members: ₦200,000 / $200

Payment Information
For Naira payments:

• Account Number: 3002269422
• Account Name: African Bar Association
• Bank: UBA

For international transfers:

For Credit To: United Bank for Africa PLC, Account No: 36320321, Swift Code: UNAFNGLA

Beneficiary Account Number: 3002269422

Beneficiary Bank: United Bank for Africa (UBA)

Intermediary Bank: Citibank New York

Swift Code: CITIUS33

Routing/ABA Number: 021000089

The conference comes at a time when healthcare delivery is facing unprecedented challenges, from ethical dilemmas in medical practices to gaps in legal protections for patients. Experts say this event will be instrumental in setting new standards for the continent.