The Nigerian Bar Association (Ikeja Branch), through its Human Rights Committee, is hosting a two-day program in commemoration of International Human Rights Day. Themed “Our Rights, Our Future Right Now,” the initiative aims to spotlight the arrest and prosecution of minors by law enforcement agencies across the nation.
The event kicks off with an Awareness Walk and Legal Clinic on Friday, 6th December, 2024, at 9:00 AM, taking participants through key locations in Ogba and Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Areas. The grand finale will be held on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at the NBA Ikeja Secretariat, starting at 11:00 AM.
The central topic, “An Appraisal of the Arrest and Prosecution of Minors by Law Enforcement Agencies,” will be explored through interactive sessions, expert panel discussions, and free legal services to underserved communities.
In what he described as an unjust trend between air passengers and operators, Senator Aminu Abbas bemoaned the situation where travellers are made to pay extra whenever they arrive late to the airport, whereas the operators do not pay anything as compensation when they cancel or delay passengers’ flights.
Amid the condemning remarks of the senators, Senator Victor Umeh entreated his colleagues not to apportion all the blame on the airline operators.
The Anambra Central lawmaker urged the Senate to consider the state of airport infrastructures, the harsh business environment, and unfavourable weather conditions, which he attributed to the problems plaguing Nigeria’s air transport sector.
Umeh’s submission also gained the support of Rivers South-East Senator Barinada Mpigi, who said that airlines do not intentionally disrupt flight schedules, but that this is largely due to the factors highlighted by Senator Umeh.
“Though I support the motion, we also need to look at the economic reasons. Most of these airlines are playing it safe, most of them due to weather, while some airports don’t have the needed infrastructure,” Mpigi remarked.
In its resolution, the lawmakers held that necessary compensation for delayed flights is often ignored, violating international best practices.
They called for penalties for flight cancellations to hold airlines accountable.
The Senate, presided over by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, voted in favour of the motion and directed its Committee on Legislative Compliance to monitor the implementation of all resolutions to ensure proper action is taken.S
The Nigerian Bar Association (Ikeja Branch) has announced plans to embark on a Peaceful March themed “Let the Poor Breathe”. This was disclosed during the branch’s monthly meeting held on Monday, 2nd December, 2024.
The march, scheduled for 5th, December, 2024 is aimed at calling the attention of government to the stifling economic policies that negatively impact the most vulnerable in the society.
Members of the branch will gather at the NBA Secretariat, Ikeja at 10:00 a.m. for the peaceful march.
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has promised that his administration will create a business-friendly environment to attract investors to the state.
He made the promise while inspecting facilities at a private steel manufacturing company located in Ogua Community of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of the state.
The governor thanked the company’s management for contributing to the growth and development of the state and appealed to them to fulfil their social responsibilities to the people of Edo and to promote Edo people to management positions.
“We thank you for coming to invest in Edo State. We have seen what you have been doing in the state, as your contribution to the growth and development of the state is appreciated.
“Your contributions matter to us as a state. You have generated employment for our people and contributed to the growth and development of our economy. We are ready to provide an enabling environment for businesses in the state to thrive. We urge you to bring more investments to the state.
“We are happy you are here and grateful to the company for coming to invest in the state. The company has contributed to the enhancement and growth of the Edo economy.
“I appeal to you to promote our people to also be part of the management team of this company to enable us to feel part of you. I want to also remind you of your social responsibility to our people and the state,” Okpebholo said.
Earlier, while welcoming the governor and his entourage to the company, the Chairman of the company, Xianghai Zhang, congratulated him on his inauguration and assured him that the company would collaborate with his administration to ensure its success.
The chairman, represented by the Managing Director of the company, Frank Wang, said the company is proud to be part of the state’s ecosystem, promising to bring more investors into the state.
“We will collaborate with you to ensure, together, we build a business-friendly environment to promote economic development in the state. Collaboration is key in achieving the vision of development, growth, and prosperity in the state,” Zhang said.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has presented cheques totalling over N1.5 billion to 204 individuals whose properties were demolished for public development projects, including roads, schools, and other facilities.
Speaking at the cheque presentation ceremony, Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasised that the event symbolised collaboration between the government and citizens to build a prosperous future for Lagos.
He expressed appreciation for the landowners’ cooperation, which has supported the state’s ambitious development plans. “This occasion is not just about compensation; it reflects our dedication to improving the socio-economic landscape of Lagos,” he said.
The governor highlighted that the lands acquired are essential for key infrastructure projects such as hospitals, schools, roads, and housing developments, which will benefit all residents.
Sanwo-Olu further explained that the government is committed to building affordable housing and reinforcing public safety to ensure security and stability for Lagosians.
He encouraged the beneficiaries to use the compensation wisely, investing in opportunities that would benefit their families and contribute to long-term prosperity. He also expressed gratitude to all residents who have contributed to the success of public projects, acknowledging their vital role in the state’s transformation.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Lands Bureau, Mr. Kamar Olowoshago, explained that the lands acquired are critical for several transformative projects, such as the Pen Cinema Bridge in Agege, the Oyingbo Ultra-Modern Bus Terminal, the LAMATA projects along the Oja Oba and Maryland corridors, and the Orile-Badagry Road Expansion. These developments are part of a broader effort to modernise the city’s infrastructure, improve connectivity, reduce congestion, and promote economic growth.
Olowoshago also expressed appreciation for the beneficiaries’ understanding and cooperation in allowing their properties to be used for the public good, reinforcing that fair compensation was being provided in return for their contributions to the state’s progress. Projects requiring land acquisition include the Pen Cinema project, LAMATA bus stops, and the relocation of Computer Village from Ikeja to the ICT Park in Abule Egba.
The federal government has addressed misinformation and fake news circulating around the tax bills and the broader reform agenda of the Tinubu Administration.
Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris made the statement in Abuja, asserting that President Tinubu is committed to accountability on the tax bills and has directed the Ministry of Justice to collaborate with the National Assembly over concerns raised.
Idris welcomed the nationwide debate on the new tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly, commending Nigerians for engaging on such important national issues.
He urged commentators to engage respectfully and avoid ethnic or regional slurs in the discussions.
He also clarified that the fiscal reforms will not harm any state or region, nor will they lead to the scrapping or weakening of any federal agencies. Instead, the reforms aim to bring relief to millions of Nigerians and promote sustainable growth and development for states and local governments.
Idris further emphasised that President Tinubu’s fiscal reform agenda is designed to devolve more resources to state and local governments, fostering democratic governance.
He rejected the suggestion that the process was being rushed, stating that the government welcomes meaningful input to address any concerns before the bills are passed.
The Minister also highlighted that these reforms, alongside the 2023 Supreme Court ruling on local government financial autonomy, will empower local governments and increase revenue without burdening the people.
The aim is to ensure greater accountability in managing public resources and invest in critical infrastructure such as healthcare, education, transportation, and digital technology, as well as social investments to benefit all Nigerians under the Renewed Hope agenda.
The National Assembly has reaffirmed its commitment to enacting laws and backing policies that promote youth entrepreneurship and economic inclusion in Nigeria.
This assurance was given by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, during the 2024 Ugwumba Enterprise Challenge (UEC), organized by the Ugwumba Centre for Leadership Development in Africa (UCLDA), on Tuesday in Abuja.
Kalu highlighted the Federal Government’s dedication to providing avenues for young Nigerians to access training, mentorship, and funding through various programs.
“Nigeria is home to one of the largest youth populations in the world. This offers immense potential for innovation, economic growth, and leadership. However, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) warns that youth unemployment negatively impacts economic growth, stability, and social progress,” Kalu stated.
He commended platforms like the UEC for equipping young entrepreneurs with essential tools, mentorship, and financial support, emphasizing the importance of a supportive environment for entrepreneurship.
“As policymakers, we must complement such initiatives by creating a business-friendly environment. This includes improving access to credit, enhancing digital infrastructure, and aligning our educational system with the needs of the modern workforce,” Kalu added.
Since its inception in 2018, the Ugwumba Enterprise Challenge has supported over 5,000 small and medium-scale businesses, creating jobs for more than 20,000 youths across Nigeria.
Kalu urged participants to view entrepreneurship as a journey of value creation, problem-solving, and legacy-building, rather than mere profit-making.
Former Minister of Information, Frank Nweke Jnr., also praised the initiative, lauding Ugwumba Centre founder Uche Nwosu’s dedication to youth empowerment and national development.
“Instead of retreating after the Imo governorship race, Nwosu embraced the noble cause of supporting entrepreneurial development. His efforts are a legacy of inspiration pleasing to both God and man,” Nweke said.
Nweke emphasized the importance of personal responsibility in self-development, noting the global shift toward innovative and practical education aligned with national development goals.
The Executive Director of UCLDA, Remy Chukwunyere, celebrated the center’s success in identifying and nurturing young talent. He cited examples of beneficiaries like Valentine Nnamani, who recently won $10,000 in an international pitch competition, and Ruth Ede, who secured a $20,000 grant.
“Such successes speak volumes about the impact of our work. These young individuals are not only achieving personal milestones but are also contributing significantly to the economic development of Nigeria,” Chukwunyere stated.
To celebrate International Human Rights Day, the Nigerian Bar Association Ikeja Branch’s Human Rights Committee has outlined a lineup of significant events focused on promoting justice and equality.
Themed “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now,” the events will include:
Sensitization Programme and Legal Clinic On Friday, December 6, 2024, the NBA Ikeja Branch will hold a public sensitization programme and legal clinic at Ikeja Bus Stop. This initiative aims to provide free legal consultations and raise awareness about citizens’ rights. Members of the public are encouraged to attend and benefit from the expertise of seasoned legal practitioners.
Special Programme On Tuesday, December 10, 2024, the branch will host a thought-provoking session on the topic: “An Appraisal of the Arrest and Prosecution of Minors by Law Enforcement Agencies.” This event will explore the challenges faced by children in conflict with the law and advocate for a rights-based approach to addressing such issues.
The Human Rights Committee Chairperson emphasized the importance of these events, saying, “These programmes are essential to advancing the conversation on human rights, particularly for vulnerable groups such as minors and underserved members of our community.”
For further enquiries, please contact: THE SECRETARIAT, NBA, Ikeja Branch, Opposite The High Court, Ikeja Lagos. Call Numbers: @+234 803 757 1078, +234 802 332 4411, +234 803 506 8656
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday announced the single largest asset recovery in the agency’s 21-year history.
Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the High Court of the FCT on Monday, December 2, gave a ruling on a final forfeiture of an estate in Abuja measuring 150,500 square metres and containing 753 Units of duplexes and other apartments.
The EFCC said the recovery of the estate located on Plot 109 Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja, is the single largest asset recovery by the anti-graft commission since its inception in 2003.
“The forfeiture of the property to the federal government by a former top brass of the government was pursuant to EFCC’s mandate and policy directive of ensuring that the corrupt and fraudulent do not enjoy the proceeds of their unlawful activities.
“In this instance, the Commission relied on Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud And Other Fraud Related Offences Act No 14, 2006 and Section 44 (2) B of the Constitution of the 199 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to push its case,” an EFCC statement reads in part.
Ruling on the commission’s application for the final forfeiture of the property, Justice Onwuegbuzie held that the respondent had not shown cause as to why he should not lose the property, “which has been reasonably suspected to have been acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities”.
“The property is hereby finally forfeited to the federal government,” the judge ruled.
The EFCC said, “The road to the final forfeiture of the property was paved by an interim forfeiture order, secured before the same Judge on November 1, 2024.
“The government official who fraudulently built the estate is being investigated by the EFCC. The forfeiture of the asset is an important modality of depriving the suspect of the proceeds of the crime.
“The justification for the forfeiture is derived from Part 2, Section 7 of the EFCC Establishment Act, which stipulates that the EFCC ‘has power to cause investigations to be conducted as to whether any person, corporate body or organisation has committed any offence under this Act or other law relating to economic and financial crimes and cause investigations to be conducted into the properties of any person if it appears to the Commission that the person’s lifestyle and extent of the properties are not justified by his source of income.”
The EFCC said the commission’s Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, has repeatedly described asset recovery as pivotal in the fight against corruption, economic and financial crimes and a major disincentive against the corrupt and the fraudulent.
Addressing members of the House of Representatives Committee on Anti-corruption recently, he said, “If you understand the intricacies involved in financial crimes investigation and prosecution you will discover that to recover one billion naira is war.
“So, I told my people that the moment we start investigation we must also start asset tracing because asset recovery is pivotal in the anti-corruption fight; and one of the potent instruments that you can deploy as an anti-corruption agency for an effective fight is asset tracing and recovery.
“If you allow the corrupt or those that you are investigating to have access to the proceeds of their crime, they will fight you with it. So one of the ways to weaken them is to deprive them of the proceeds of their crime.
“So, our modus operandi has changed simultaneously. The moment we begin an investigation, we begin asset tracing. That was what helped us to make our recoveries.”
The Middle Belt Forum (MBF), Kaduna State Chapter has faulted the Kaduna State governor, Uba Sani for granting pardon to repentant bandits in Birnin Gwari local government area of the State.
Governor Sani had penultimate week reopened cattle market closed for years due to insecurity in the local government area, and as well granted pardon to bandits who surrendered themselves to government authority after repenting over their age long atrocities.
But in a statement on Sunday, Chairman, Middle Belt Forum, Kaduna State Chapter, Mr. Luka Binniyat said, “The Middle Belt Forum (MBF), Kaduna State Chapter is in complete harmony with both Kaduna State government and the Federal government in the pursuit of peace, security and safety of all residents of the state, believing that Nigeria is a strong sovereign state that no group can dictate to. It’s very difficult to achieve development the state and the well-being of citizens without these key elements. That we understand.
“However, it is with deep concern and consternation that we received the odd news of His Excellency, the Governor of Kaduna state, Sen. Uba Sani granting pardon terrorists, a.k.a Bandits. These are violent criminals that have been accused of serial mass murder, mass kidnapping, rape, arson among other heinous crimes against his citizens in Birnin Gwari axis of the state and beyond for over a decade.
“He granted them pardon in Birnin Gwari town during a ceremony that looked like a celebration last Thursday. They Governor claimed that they have repented and dropped arms following negotiations with multi-sectoral stakeholders.
He also assured them of rehabilitation and reintegrating them to society – Whatever rehabilitation that criminals who are multimillionaires from composite criminality need!
“Some of the criminals are among the most dangerous wanted outlaws in Nigeria. The Nigerian military have placed price tags on their heads due to the grievous crimes they have committed against citizens and the Nigeria state.
“It is on record that past Governments of Zamfara and Katsina state have tried such an exercise and it ended up in escalating the criminality of the bandits who are absolutely not persons of honour and integrity and, as such, their words cannot be trusted.
“We do not know where Nigerian State Governors are drawing powers to forgive persons accused of Federal crimes, such as banditry, capture and occupying Nigeria territories, mass murder and sundry grim crimes.
“No persons that carried out the scale of massive heartless cruelty for over a decade – killing thousands, raping and displacing hundreds of thousands into conditions of destitution that these terrorists are accused of – deserve to go free. Especially for self-serving crimes. Not in the most lawless country!
“Does that mean that both the state and the Federal Government have agreed that the bandits cannot be decimated or captured unless they willingly drop arms?
“To us in the MBF, Kaduna State Chapter, the freedom and peace that these evil people are enjoying today is crude lack of empathy and sympathy to their victims, dead and alive.
“And to think that Kaduna state will use its tax payers money to rehabilitate these outlaws, feels very insulting to the hundreds of thousands of their victims who are living, with scars of their wickedness, especially those who can never recover their losses in their lifetime and those that cannot even feed today.
“We are at a loss how these gunmen will return to the same communities that they have terrorised and pillaged and hope to live peacefully with those who survived their terror.
“It is grave injustice and a relegation of responsibility to law-abiding citizens- who have suffered the heinous crimes committed by these bandits. Especially as they have never received any assistance from the government. Instead, the perpetrators of these crimes are now celebrated and pampered as “repentant” terrorists.
“In Borno state, we read news of “repentant” Boko Haram terrorists carrying out criminal acts recklessness. Many have returned to their comrades in the bushes, yet so much was spent in “rehabilitating” them while their victims wallow under beggarly conduct in IDP camps. Is Borno state free of Boko Haram today?
“We just pray that these “repentant” bandits will not play prominent role in the 2027 general elections as armed thugs for political parties and politicians.
Meanwhile, in Southern Kaduna, which is part of the Middle Belt, these bandits have displaced and are occupying several communities in Kauru, Kachia, Kajuru and Chikun LGAs.
“In some areas in the aforementioned LGAs, they are holding scores as hostages. And in other areas, they place levies on farmers before they can farm and harvest their crops.
“From what we gather among our youths on ground, there are thousands that are ready to volunteer as citizen guards in collaboration with the military and other law enforcement agencies to combat these cowardly enemies of the state. That’s how to take justice to them. Not to deal with them like partners.
“That’s the kind of cooperation we see working in Katsina and Zamfara state and is celebrated every day in the news”. The statement said.
