All Posts in "Day: March 20, 2021"

Rights Activist Raises Alarm Over Health Of American Lady In Police Detention

Adegboruwa Raises Alarm Over Health Of American Lady In Police Custody – Independent Newspapers Nigeria
Human rights activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, has raised an alarm  over the deteriorating health of the American lady in police custody, Kari Ann R’ouke.
He spoke   on the heels of the expectations that Kari Ann would be released from custody yesterday, March 19, 2021, upon the fulfilment of all her bail conditions and the acceptance of her surety.
 Adegboruwa stated that he is scared that something devastating may happen to Kari Ann if she is not released forthwith.
  Kari Ann was arrested by the Lagos State Police Command in respect of the death of her friend that she met online and whom she left in good health at the time of her departure to the airport. Autopsy report into the death has consistently shown that he died of cardiac trauma and heart related conditions and that Kari Ann is not in any way connected with the death or suspected of any foul play in any manner whatsoever.
Kari Ann has been in police custody since March 9, 2021, at SCID, Panti, Yaba, where she has lost about 23 pounds and suffered bouts of malaria and dysentery. She has a delicate health condition of severe anaemia, for which she is due for comprehensive medical treatment in America. On March 19, 2021, responsible sureties visited the SCID in Yaba, to sign all documents for the expected release of Kari Ann, with her lawyers, who all spent hours at the police department till late in the night, when they were later informed to go. Upon the execution and perfection of the bail papers, Kari Ann was told to pack her belongings which she did, only to be told later on to go back into custody.
The lawyer appealed to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hakeem Odumosu,  to direct the immediate release of Kari Ann, so that she can attend to her health urgently.
Her international passport has already been seized by the police and a reputable church has volunteered to accommodate Kari Ann in Nigeria until such a time that the police would be willing to allow her travel back to her home state in America.
 Adegboruwa expressed that the police are keeping Kari Ann in perpetual custody for over one month without any charge before any court of law.
He stated further that in this period of the Coronavirus pandemic, it is not safe for any one of Kari Ann’s age with her underlying condition to be kept in police custody for an indefinite period of time.
He urged the police to respect the rule of law and the liberty and freedom of Kari Ann, as she is presumed innocent under the law.
Online Editor by — March 20, 2021 in Law/Human Rights 0
Gunmen Kill 2 Correctional Officers , Free Inmate In Anambra

Gunmen Kill 2 Correctional Officers, Free Inmate In Anambra – Independent Newspapers Nigeria
An identified gunmen have  attacked  a court duty vehicle of the Nigerian Correctional Service NoCS conveying inmates from court in Anambra State killing two officers and setting free the inmates.
The   incident occurred while the vehicle was returning the inmates from court to  Aguata Custodial Centre,spokesman of the service, Francis Enobore,said
He also said the hoodlums who trailed the vehicle to the court  rained  bullets on the  court duty vehicle for about ten minutes, killing the officers before freeing the inmates, whom they whisked away in their own vehicle.
The criminals had come in a Siena bus and a Hilux keep,he said,adding that: Although the armed escort put up a gallant resistance, he was unfortunately overpowered by the hoodlums who  came in their numbers with sophisticated weapons.Meanwhile, the body of the fallen officer has been deposited in the mortuary awaiting further necessary action.
Online Editor by — March 20, 2021 in Crime/Metro 0
U.S Opens Education Center in Calabar

US opens education centre in Calabar
The  United States Mission in Nigeria,has  opened a new EducationUSA Advising Center in Calabar, Cross River State.
The Calabar EducationUSA Advising Center hosted at the American Corner, 37 Ekpo Archibong Street, Calabar will offer accurate, unbiased, and comprehensive information about educational institutions in the United States, as well as guidance to prospective students on how best to access those opportunities.
In his remarks during the opening ceremony, U.S. Mission Counselor for Public Affairs Aruna Amirthanayagam,explained that the new EducationUSA Advising Center presents an opportunity for the youth in local communities in Cross River State and its environs to obtain a world-class education in the United States and then return home to contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth and development.
He added:“We are very pleased to open an EducationUSA Advising Center in Calabar. The center offers a variety of free educational resources, including public information sessions, webinars, one-on-one, cohort advising and hands-on support for completing the U.S. college and university application process”
Speaking,U.S. Consulate Public Affairs Officer,Stephen Ibelli added that EducationUSA Advising Centers in Nigeria assist many determined and talented,indigent students in Nigeria who only require financial resources and access to information to better their educational future.
Ibelli disclosed that applications for the 2021/2022 EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program will open on April 15 until May 31, 2021, adding that applicants are welcome from all the states in Nigeria.
He added:“In 2021, 19 high achieving, low-income students from southern Nigeria received full scholarships totaling $2.17 million to attend American universities and colleges for the 2020/2021 academic session.  This feat was made possible through the Opportunity Funds Program of our EducationUSA Advising Center, with support from Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited”
Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Godwin Amanke, expressed the intent of the state government to partner with the U.S. Mission to expand access to the services of the new EducationUSA Advising Center.
Online Editor by — March 20, 2021 in Education 0
Makinde Advocates Integration of South West States

Oyo State Governor, “Seyi Makinde, has advocated the need  for South West integration, saying  that political or religious affiliations should not constitute barriers.
He spoke at the funeral thanksgiving service of Madam Aderonke Adaramaja, held at Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Agbo, Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State.
He said  that the people of South West must  always seek for better integration of the zone by considering what unites them rather than what divides the region.
He promised to further work for better synergy between the people of Oyo State and Ogun State, adding that he would consider the construction of the 11-kilometre road that links Akanran to Ijebu Igbo.
Online Editor by — March 20, 2021 in Politics 0
We Suspended Azman Airline To Avert Major Accident-NCAA

Ncaa-logo - Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, HD Png Download - 800x600(#1609247) - PngFind
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has explained that it  suspended flight operations of Azman Air in order to avoid major accident .
Azman Air Boeing 737 aircraft operating scheduled passenger flights were involved in three separate incidents over a period of about six weeks, resulting in damage to the aircraft in each case but with no loss,according to Sam Adurogboye
General Manager, Public Relations, NCAA.
He said that no responsible civil aviation agency will fold its arms and wait for the accident to happen before taking action.
He added:”The attention of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has been drawn to a press release issued by the management of Azman Air over the suspension of its flight operations by the NCAA that has gone viral in the social media.The NCAA would not ordinarily have bothered to respond to the publication
and would rather focus on its core mandate of ensuring safe and secure air
transportation in Nigeria.
“We are, however, constrained to issue this press release to keep the records straight and disabuse the minds of the public that
the action the Authority took was actuated otherwise than by safety considerations.Over a period of about six weeks, Azman Air Boeing 737 aircraft operating scheduled passenger flights were involved in three separate incidents, resulting in damage to the aircraft in each case but with no loss of life, for which we are grateful to God.
“During a routine ramp inspection on 10th February 2021, at Nnamdi Azikiwe
International Airport, Abuja, NCAA inspectors found an Azman Air maintenance engineer carrying out replacement of the right-hand main landing gear wheel assembly (nos. 3 and 4) of their Boeing 737-500 aircraft with registration 5N-SYS, without referring to the manufacturer’s maintenance manual.
“This is a violation of the Civil Aviation Regulations, for which both Azman Air and the engineer have been sanctioned but are yet to
pay the fine.
“On 11th February 2021, Azman Air flight AZM 2318 operated with the same Boeing 737-500 aircraft with registration 5N-SYS, departed Kaduna for Lagos.
 “During take-off, a component of the aircraft was observed to have accident chain before a completely avoidable national tragedy occurs.
“No responsible Civil Aviation Authority will fold its arms and wait for the next incident to occur, perhaps a fatal accident, before taking action.
“Consequently, the Director General called for an emergency meeting of the Flight Standards Group of the NCAA, to discuss and decide on the next line of action on the worrisome developments at Azman Air.
“After deliberations, which lasted for several hours, and comprehensive evaluations of these incidents, the Director General decided to suspend Parts A3 (Aircraft Authorization) and D43 (Aircraft Listing) of the Operations Specifications (OPS SPECS) issued to Azman Air, thus suspending the operation of the
entire Boeing 737 aircraft on its fleet.
“A comprehensive audit of Azman Air will be conducted in the areas of operations, airworthiness, training, licensing, financial health and any other area determined to be necessary during the exercise.
“An Audit Team of inspectors has been constituted to determine the root causes of these incidents, and recommend action plans to forestall re-occurrence.
“Regarding the spurious allegation made against the Director General, that he
demanded the sum of 15 million naira for a publication which carried an Azman advert. Between 20-22 November 2017, Nigeria hosted the ICAO World Aviation Forum (IWAF/3)in Abuja.
“The sponsorship of this event was sought from aviation organizations, including Azman Air, through a letter from the then Federal Ministry of Transportation (Aviation).
 “The Director General, who at that time was the Representative of Nigeria on the Council
of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and a key member of the organizing committee of IWAF/3, delivered the letter of sponsorship to the management of Azman Air while he was on a family visit to Kano.
“The Chairman and the CEO of Azman Air both promised to revert but never did. The request for sponsorship of IWAF/3 can be independently verified with other Nigerian airlines.In addition, a publication, ICAO STATES TODAY, carried an Azman Air advert. The Airline subscribed to the advert in 2016, in preparation for the 39th General Assembly of ICAO but till date, Azman Air has refused to pay the advert cost of US$3,701, despite several reminders. The invoice from the
publisher of the magazine, FCM Communications based in Montreal,
Canada, can be independently confirmed with the publisher.
“The official request for sponsorship of IWAF/3 and reminder of payment for the long overdue invoice of US$3,701 to FCM Communications, are the basis for the false claims against the Director General of allegedly demanding the sum of 15 million naira.
“The allegation of “sitting” on the request of Azman Air to hire expatriate pilots is outright falsehood. The Director General assumed office on 24th February 2020 and shortly afterwards, in late March 2020, the Nigerian
airspace was closed to all flights.
” Azman Air applied for expatriate quota by
a letter signed by the Managing Director on 8th December 2020. That is just
over five months ago, and it was promptly turned down.
“The NCAA neither approves nor issues expatriate quota, however the inputs
of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and NCAA are part of the approval process of the Nigerian Immigration Services (NIS).
“Azman Air terminated the appointments of 6 Nigerian pilots (3 Captains and 3 Co-Pilots) on 6th November 2020, “due to recent happenings and developments in the company” and a few weeks later, on 8th December 2020, applied for expatriate quota for 6 expatriates to replace the terminated
Nigerian pilots. The Director General refused to endorse their request”
Online Editor by — March 20, 2021 in Aviation 0
Okowa Urges FG To  Use  Fuel Subsidy Funds For Health Insurance 

Delta State Gov Okowa Presents N378.48 Billion Budget for 2021 | Investors King
Delta State Governor, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has  advised the Federal Government to use 25 percent of funds expended on fuel subsidy to provide health insurance for poor Nigerians.
Okowa,who  gave the advice  when the Minister of State for Health, Dr Olurunnimbe Mamora, visited him ,said that the Federal Government spent lots of money in subsidizing fuel for the rich, without consideration for the vulnerable in the society,
He added  that the country would experience peace if 25 per cent of the subsidy funds was deployed for an insurance scheme for the less-privileged.
He commended the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19, the Federal Ministry of Health and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) for their efforts in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The governor stated that God had been very merciful to Nigerians and Africans in the face of the pandemic by preventing many deaths as was earlier predicted.
He lauded the management of Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba, saying they had been of immense help to the government in the handling of COVID-19 patients in the state.
“I am glad that you are in Delta to inaugurate the ECR machine at the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba.Although we have lost some lives, God has kept us safe and the anticipation of the world didn’t come to pass.
“We are in a very difficult time in our nation Nigeria and the more we pay special attention to the vulnerable people the better the society we will have.
“I thank God that the 7th Senate passed the National Health Bill which became an Act, and I must commend you and the Ministry for making funds available for the running of the basic health care fund provision.The basic health care fund provision has come to the aid of local government areas and the primary health care centres.
“If we are able to address health insurance for the vulnerable in our society, it will help us to reduce maternal mortality and the more we are able to reduce those indices the better for us as a nation.
“The money being used to subsidise fuel today, if 25 per cent is spent to provide health insurance for all Nigerians that have not been able to afford health care, it will help us as a nation.We must continue to direct our policies in favour of the poor because if the family is well enough it can take care of itself.
“If a reasonable chunk of that money is spent on the education of the poor children, it will help to check insecurity and unemployment to a large extent and we must continue to voice this narrative to change things in this country,” he said.
Okowa implored Nigerians to make themselves available for the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, saying that it was safe.
Online Editor by — March 20, 2021 in News 0
 NJC Recommends Appointment Of  New Judicial Officers

NJC recommends appointment of Heads of Courts, Judicial officers – The Sun Nigeria
The National Judicial Council under the Chairmanship of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Honourable Dr. Justice Tanko Muhammad CFR, has recommended the appointment of 26 judicial officers.
The council  made the recommendation at its 94th meeting held from 17 to 18 March, 2021.
At the meeting, NJC considered the list of candidates presented by its Interview Committee and resolved to recommend to President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, and the Governors of Rivers, Nasarawa, Kogi, Jigawa, Ebonyi and Delta States twenty-six (26) successful candidates for appointment as Justices of Court of Appeal and Heads of Court in Nigeria.
A statement by Soji Oye, Director, Information, NJC,  indicated that
all recommended candidates are expected to be sworn-in after approval by the President, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR and their respective State Governors and confirmation by the National Assembly and the respective States Houses of Assembly.
He said:”Council at the meeting deliberated on the Reports on 24 petitions written against 29 Judges presented by its Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committee and decided to empanel an investigation Committee against one Judge and issued two strong warning letters against 2 Judges of the Federal and State High Courts.
“It also resolved to set up a Medical Board to ascertain the health status of one Judge” Oye stated.
In addition, he said, “Council decided to issue strong warning letters to Hon. Justices Mufutau Olokoba and M. A. Savage of the Lagos State High Court.
Hon. Justice Olokoba was reprimanded and also put on the watch list of the Council for his failure to deliver judgement within the Constitutional period of 90 days and Hon,  Justice Savage was reprimanded for not being in charge of his Court, according to the statement.
“The remaining petitions were summarily dismissed for obvious and manifest lack of merit, being subjudice, overtaken by events or that such petitions were matters for appeal.
“The dismissed petitions were against Hon. Justices Rita Nosakhare Pemu, Ita G. Mbaba and Theresa Ngolika Orji-Abadua all of Owerri Division of the Court of Appeal; Hon. Justices O. O. Oguntoyinbo and A. Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice Anslem A. Nwaigwe, Chief Judge of Ebonyi State, Hon. Justices M. A. Abubakar, Binta Bawa Rijau of Niger State High Court, Hon. Justice Maurice Odey Eneji of Cross River State and Hon. Justice Kulu Aliyu, Chief Judge, Zamfara State.
“Other petitions dismissed were those written against Hon. Justice S. O. Falola of Osun State Judiciary; Hon. Justices C. C. Okaa, S. N. Odili and P. C. Obiorah, all of Anambra State High Court; Hon. Justice Chukwuemeka – Chikeka, Hon. Justice Ijeoma O. Agugua, Acting Chief Judge of Imo State; Hon. Justice Y. A. Adesanya of the Lagos State Judiciary and Hon. Justices Godwin O. Ollor and S. H. Aprioku of Rivers State High Court.
“Similarly, Council dismissed petitions written against Hon. Justices Hadiza H. Ali-Jos, E. B. Omotoso, I. Ityonyiman, W. O. Animasahun, A. A. Aderibigbe and Hon Kadi M. Y. Usman who served in two Election Petition Tribunals.
“Council also received notifications of retirement of seventeen (17) Judicial Officers and notifications of death of three Judges from the Federal and State Judiciaries.
Online Editor by — March 20, 2021 in Law/Human Rights 0
Don’t Politicize Appointment Of Judicial Officers,Onnoghen Warns

Onnoghen denies alleged meeting with Atiku prior to 2019 elections
Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen (rtd),has advised that appointment of judicial officers should not be politicize in order to strengthen democracy and good governance in the country.
He spoke at a book launch titled ‘Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, 2009, Practice, Procedure, Forms and Precedents’, authored by a renowned legal luminary, Chief Ogwu James Onoja, SAN.
He  also reflected on his tenure as the Chief Justice of Nigeria.
He said:”During my tenure, the problem of Nigeria was not the Nigerian judiciary, but those who had no regard for the rule of law. We must therefore be committed to the rule of law and dispense justice without fear or favour. Truth stands, crush it, it will stand because it is truth, Onnoghen added.
According to him, his ordeal in 2019 was not the first, adding that at a point during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s regime, a Commission was set up and that he was indicted of wrongdoing, even when he was not invited or a appeared before the Commission to defend himself.
Onnoghen said because former President Obasanjo was a leader who listened to advice, the matter was referred to the National Judicial Council NJC for review.
He said at the council, truth surfaced and it was upheld to resolve uncleared issues.
He also spoke on issues surrounding his removal,saying he got the boot because of the former Vice President,Atiku Abubakar
He said  before  his removal, there had been rumour from  the Executive that he held a meeting with former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, preparatory to the 2019 general elections.
Onnoghen spoke at the unveiling of a book titled ‘Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, 2009, Practice, Procedure, Forms and Precedents’, authored by a renowned legal luminary, Chief Ogwu James Onoja, SAN.
He expressed surprise that inspite of the fact that the Federal Government had all the machineries to investigate the allegation of the rumoured meeting with Atiku, it never did so, but opted to unlawfully go after him and his office.
Onnoghen said the rumour was thick and spread fast, but he decided not to react to it because he never travelled to Dubai or held any meeting with anybody, including Atiku.
Onnoghen said that the situation climaxed when suddenly, his trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal was stage managed, even when he had not been invited or accused of any wrongdoing.
The action of the government, according to Onnoghen, got to the peak when in the course of the trial and when parties had joined issues, an ex-parte application was suddenly brought in, and what followed was his illegal and unlawful suspension as the CJN.
“Prior to my suspension, I was confronted with no allegation.
“There were rumours that I met with Atiku in Dubai. As I am talking here today, I have never met Atiku one on one in my life. As if that was not enough, I was also accused of setting free, high-profile criminals, whereas I seized to be a High Court Judge as far back as 1978.
“In Supreme Court, I did not sit alone. we sit in panel. In all these rumours and outright accusations, I was not given opportunity to defend myself.
“Let me make it clear that the office of the CJN was not for Onnoghen but for all Nigerians who had sworn to guide and protect the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria .
“To say the least,  the period of my ordeal was the darkest era in the history of the Nigerian judiciary
“As I have severally, Judicial officers must be courageous. And I want to beg all serving judicial officers not to be discouraged by what happened to me in the hand of the Executive arm of the government” Justice Onnoghen stated.
Online Editor by — March 20, 2021 in News 0
‘How Middle-Aged Man Infected Teenagers With HIV After Anal Sex’.

An Adamawa High Court presided over by Justice Nathan Musa has docked a middle-aged man for allegedly defiling and infecting two teenagers with HIV/AIDs.
The accused,Adamu Abdulrahaman Gwaldi of Anguwan Magaji,  Gwaldi allegedly had anal intercourse with victims (name withheld) and infected them with HIV/AIDS in Yola South Local Government Area
Testifying before the court, the teenager said he  and a friend who were living in Muchalla in Mubi South LG of Adamawa State, left their hometown to Yola in search of job between March and April, 2019.
He informed the court that because they have nowhere to sleep in Yola upon arrival, the duo asked for the house of Magajin Gari, noting that the defendant around 7:30pm, met them and assured them that he is the real Magajin Garin Yola.
The teenager told the court that Gwaldi took them to his house on that fateful night, offered them food and drugs. The teenagers added that Gwaldi told them the drug was for pain relief.
He stated that they ate the food and took the drugs and slept, and that the only thing he noticed during the night was like somebody was on his back and having sexual intercourse with him through anus.
He said when he woke up, he experienced severe pain in his anus and found blood and sperm adding that his friend was also abused in the same fashion.
One of the  teenagers noted that they became apprehensive when they could not see Gwaldi when they woke up and to add to the anxiety, the door of the room was locked.
According to the teenager, Gwaldi kept them in the room and had sexual intercourse with them repeatedly for one week.
He noted that after the week elapsed, Gwaldi took away his friend to an unknown destination but told him that he took his friend back to Muchalla noting that since then he had never saw him again.
The teenager told the court that he went out of Gwaldi’s house one morning when Gwaldi was away, but to his chagrin, he heard people calling him Gwaldi’s wife.
He told the court that he pleaded with them to rescue him from the hand of his aggressor.
He averred that one Philip Bwasa rescued him after he was briefed by the people, saying that the man took him to Magajin Gari and later reported the matter to police which led to the arrest of the defendant.
On his part, Mr. Philip Bwasa who also testified in court, said that he actually rescued the boy when he was told about his plight, saying  when he was trying to rescue the boy, the defendant met him and warned him to stop interfering in his affairs.
The Investigative Police Officer (IPO) Sergeant Ishaya Iliya, who also testified before the court said that the matter was reported at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Police headquarters, Yola.
He said saying during  investigation, the boy was taken  to specialist hospital Yola, where he was discovered to have been defiled and contracted HIV during the intercourse
After cross examination by the defence counsel, N. I. El-Yakub, counsel to the prosecution, D. I. Kulthu, Senior State Counsel II, tendered confessional statements of both parties in evidence.
Online Editor by — March 20, 2021 in Crime/Metro 0
Kia Introduces EV6 Crossover

Kia EV6 All-Electric Crossover To Get Full Reveal On March 30
Kia Motor Corporation has unveiled Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV), the Kia EV6. EV6, scheduled to make its world premiere later this month.
Kia EV6 adopts the Korean automaker’s brand new design philosophy, ‘Opposites United’, which takes its inspiration from the contrasts found in nature and humanity. EV6 is based on the E-GMP platform, which it shares with the Hyundai Ioniq 5. Kia EV6 is the first of the seven models the automaker intends to introduce by 2026.
The exterior design of the EV6 reflects a modern appearance. The EV also boasts its ‘digital tiger face’ to flaunt its typical Kia character. The digital tiger grille is based on the automaker’s signature tiger-nose grille and it will continue in Kia’s electrified era. The sequential dynamic light pattern, low air intake vents, widen the front of the car and also lend a ‘high-tech’ image to the EV6.
On the side, the EV6 looks quite aerodynamic with sharp lines and intricate detailing. The swept-back windshield, the character line running along the bottom of the doors that blend into the rear wheel arches, add to the boldness of the EV6. The sloping rear C-pillar also adds to the aerodynamic prowess while the roof spoiler adds to the sporty character of the car.
On the inside, the EV6 comes with a seamless curved AVN screen. The slim dashboard and the curved screen offer the occupants a cabin that appears quite roomy and uncluttered. The occupants also get the HVAC (heating, ventilation and AC) settings by haptic buttons. The seats are quite slim and contemporary made from fabrics using recycled plastic.
“EV6, as the first dedicated Kia EV, is a showcase of human-centred, progressive design and electrified power. We strongly believe EV6 is a compelling and relevant model for the new EV market. With EV6 we aimed to create a distinctive, impactful design by using a combination of sophisticated, high-tech features on pure and rich volumes while providing a unique space as a futuristic EV,” said Karim Habib, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Design Center.
Online Editor by — March 20, 2021 in Motoring 0