Court  Remands Kebbi  Businessman For Adultery

A Magistrate court in Birnin Kebbi,has ordered the remand in a correctional center in Birnin Kebbi one Oyenbuce Okafor for committing adultery for many years which led to impregnating one Mansura  with whom he was arraigned.
They were  arrested by Hisbah in Birnin Kebbi and handed over to the police for investigation and prosecution.
In the course of investigation it was revealed that, Onyebuci and Mansura have been in a long illicit affair and already had a child.
According to the complaint Mansura who approached hisbah when Onyebuci requested to take custody of the three years old baby which was turned down by her parents for religious and ethnic reasons.
The police prosecutor, Jibrin Abba ,told the court that, Okafor and Mansura confessed to having been in a long illicit affair which produced a baby boy.
In his ruling,Magistrate Mungadi Samaila,said the offence they committed is contrary to section 369 of the panel code.
He ordered  that the duo  should be remanded in prison custody and adjourned the the matter till next week
till a later date in July.
Okafor’s lawyer who applied for bail was countered by the police prosecutor who said that, the accused once jumped with on another case at another court in kebbi state.
In a related development, mister Onyenbuci has filed a case against hisbah at the federal high court in Birnin Kebbi for defamation of character which the complaint challenged the jurisdiction of the court to entertain a case pending in another court.
Lagos Takes Delivery Of Items From NIMASA To Empower Underprivileged

The Lagos State government has received materials from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to empower the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and the underprivileged in the society.
Materials donated by NIMASA to the Lagos State government included food items, working tools, educational materials, medical equipment, among other empowerment tools.
Receiving the items on behalf of the state government, Deputy Chief of Staff, Gboyega Soyonnwo, who represented Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the event in Agege, Lagos, on Friday, thanked NIMASA for the donations and promised that the items would be delivered to the state government and the intended recipients.
The Director Audit, NIMASA, Olamide 0dusanya, who represented the agency’s Director General, Dr. Bashiru Yusuf Jamau, stated that the donations were parts of the agency’s corporate social responsibility.
She noted that the materials donated would alleviate the sufferings of the underprivileged and eradicate poverty in the society, adding that the items will “also make them to be self-reliant, hence gradually eradicate poverty in our society.”
According to Odusanya, “The presentation of  items to displaced victims of insurgency across the country, and Lagos, being the industrial hub of Nigeria, and NIMASA’s host community, the DG has deemed it fit to extend his hands of fellowship and gesture to the existing vulnerable as part of the agency’s corporate social investment.
“We invest in our communities all over Nigeria; you will also agree with me that the empowerment plays a very vital role in building and developing a nation.
Basic rights like education, nutrition, health and luxury, the agency has deemed fit to use to bridge the gap by assisting and donating across the 36 state in the country.”
Odusanya added: “We have been to Kano, Anambra and other states. It is an ongoing exercise and we will continue till we go round the 36 states of the federation. We have been investing in people and will also want to invest more in infrastructure so as to have growth and development.
“It is about empowering the underprivileged. We will want to do more; the little that we are doing right now will go a long way to help the underprivileged. Let’s satisfy the basic needs of people.”
INEC Insists Nigeria Is  Ripe For Electronic Transmission of Results

INEC states position on electronic transmission of election results in  Nigeria - Daily Post Nigeria
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),says there is enough network coverage across the country to guarantee electronic transmission of election results in 2023.
It faulted the position of the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) to the contrary,adding that the  latterbwas aware since 2018 that the Commission has the capacity and capability to transmit results electronically.
INEC’s Director of Publicity and Voter Education, Nick Dazang, gave  the clarification during an interview on African Independent Television (AIT) breakfast programme Kakaaki.
Following a stalemated consideration of the report on the Electoral Act 2010 (Amendment) Bill over clause 52(2), Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila summoned the NCC to appear and guide the lawmakers.
Officials of the NCC led by the Executive Commissoner (Stakeholder Management), Adeleke Adewolu; Executive Commissioner (Technical Services), Ubale Maska and two others appeared before the lawmakers.
Adewolu had told the lawmakers that only 50 per cent of the country has 3G coverage required for transmission.
He also said NCC could not guarantee total safety for the electronic transmission of results, explaining that no system was completely free from hackers
But,Dazang described the claims as false.
“MTN and Airtel have assisted JAMB to conduct examinations across Nigeria. So INEC is still wondering why NCC has suddenly made a u-turn that there is not enough network coverage in every part of Nigeria”.
He noted that INEC had introduced innovations, which worked well during the governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states as well as National Assembly bye-elections across Nigeria.
He added that  the constitution has given INEC powers that cannot be shared with any agency of government, pointing out that the directive of the Senate on e-transmission was akin to striping INEC of its powers.
Nigeria’s Condemned Inmates Now 3,008-FG

We're establishing Federal Marriage Registries in all state capitals:  Aregbesola
Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesoa has revealed that the country’s condemned inmates have climbed to 3,008.
He  urged governors to sign the death warrants of convicts on death row who have exhausted all avenues of appeal to free up space in the nation’s correctional facilities.
He said:“There are presently 3,008 condemned criminals waiting for their date with the executioners in our meagre custodial facilities. This consists of 2,952 males and 56 females.
“In cases where an appeal has been exhausted and the convicts are not mounting any challenge to their conviction, the state should go ahead, to do the needful and bring closure to their cases.”
He said the nation’s correctional facilities have capacity for 57,278 inmates but that they currently hold a total of 68,747 inmates, made up of 67,422 males and 1,325 females, stating that 50,992 inmates, 74 per cent of these are awaiting trial, while only 17,755 inmates, which is a mere 26 per cent, are the actual convicts.
According to him,governors were at liberty to free some of the condemned inmates, particularly those who have grown old on account of the long time they have been in these facilities and those that are terminally ill.
He said the federal government would build more correctional facilities to cover the six geo-political zones of the country, in addition to the 3,000 high-capacity custodial centre it is building in Kano and Rivers states, as well as Abuja.
WHO Announces Reduction Of Third Wave Of COVID-19 Cases In Africa

World Health Organization says COVID-19 by far its worst global health  emergency - The Economic Times
The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that third wave of COVID -19 cases have dropped in Africa  after  eight-week increase in the pandemic.
The global agency in its latest data,attributed the  development  to a dramatic drop in South Africa, which accounts for the majority of the continent’s reported cases, but cautioned that albeit  the trend may be short-lived.
The number of new cases in Africa declined by 1.7 percent to over 282 000 in the week ending,July 18,according to the data.
But,excluding data from South Africa, which accounted for 37% of all cases, indicates a nine-week spike that is unusually high and unbroken. When data from South Africa is omitted, the current peak is 80% higher than Africa’s prior record. Without the data from South Africa, cases rose in Africa by 18% to
The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director,  Dr Matshidiso Moeti cautioned:“Be under no illusions, Africa’s third wave is absolutely not over. This small step forward offers hope and inspiration but must not mask the big picture for Africa. Many countries are still at peak risk and Africa’s third wave surged up faster and higher than ever before. The Eid celebrations which we marked this week may also result in a rise in cases. We must all double down on prevention measures to build on these fragile gains.”
The data said twenty-one African countries have seen cases rise by over 20% for at least two weeks running – which is an increase of three countries over the previous week and the highly transmissible Delta variant has been found in 26 African countries.
The Alpha variant is in 38 countries and Beta is in 35. South Africa’s gains remain uncertain as protests have disrupted the country’s response, including disease surveillance and testing. Violent mass gatherings could also trigger another rise in cases.
This World Health Organization urged  African countries to urgently ramp up COVID-19 vaccinations as the squeeze on vaccine shipments eases,adding that about 60 million doses are set to arrive in the coming weeks from the United States of America, Europe, the United Kingdom, purchased doses and other partners through the COVAX Facility.
It added that over half a billion doses are expected through COVAX alone this year.
“A massive influx of doses means that Africa must go all out and speed up the vaccine rollout by five to six times if we are to get all these doses into arms and fully vaccinate the most vulnerable 10% of all Africans by the end of September,” said Dr Moeti.
She added that, nearly 70% of African countries will not reach the 10% vaccination target for all countries by the end of September at the current pace. Around 3.5 million to 4 million doses are administered weekly on the continent, but to meet the September target this must rise to 21 million doses at the very least each week.
Just 20 million Africans, or 1.5% of the continent’s population, are fully vaccinated so far and just 1.7% of the 3.7 billion doses given globally have been administered in Africa. High-income countries have administered 62 times more doses per person than low-income countries.
The World Bank estimates that in addition to the US$ 9.5 billion needed to buy enough vaccines to ensure adequate protection from COVID-19, another US$ 3 billion is required to fund operations.
“To increase uptake, countries must scale up operations, investments on operational costs and address vaccine confidence. Countries need sufficient vaccine sites and health care workers, sufficient vaccine storage, and adequate transport and logistics for distribution,” said Dr Moeti.
 Lagos LG Polls: Group Sees Low Voters’ Turnout 

ANALYSIS: APC set for another landslide victory in Lagos council elections
Yiaga Africa, a non-profit and non-governmental organisation,says there would be possible low turnout of voters for the Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) election scheduled to hold today.
Yiaga’s Director of Programmes, Cynthia Mbamalu tied  her  group’s concern to little or no campaigning by political parties participating in the election, low voter mobilisation and publicity.
She also lamented  difficulties in accessing information from the the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), stating that this negatively impacted Yiaga Africa’s planning for the observation of the election.
She said  that the guidelines containing the election day procedures are not available from the commission, and that all efforts to access the document from the headquarters of the commission were unsuccessful.
“While acknowledging the ongoing promotion of the LGA election on state television and social media, voter education campaigns by the election stakeholders especially political parties and LASIEC have been poor. The LGA election which is considered closest to the people has not received the intensive grassroots campaign for citizens’ participation in the process,” she added.
While recommending solutions for future elections, a board member of the Yiaga Africa, Eze Nwagu urged LASIEC to improve on its communication and engagement with election stakeholders, which include election observers, CSOs, security and the media.
He also urged the commissio to be transparent and accountable to boost citizens’ confidence in the LGA election process.
“For future LGA elections, LASIEC should provide a simple and straightforward process to facilitate timely accreditation for domestic observers.Security agencies should collaborate with the commission to secure election materials, personnel and citizens.Security personnel deployed for the election should conduct themselves with the utmost sense of responsibility, professionalism, and impartiality. They should be on the alert to forestall any attempt to circumvent the election using violence and intimidation.
“Yiaga Africa calls on all contesting political parties to abide by the rules governing the conduct of the LGA elections; parties should admonish their supporters to refrain from acts that could jeopardize the process or destabilize public peace. CSOs should up their efforts in conducting last-minute Get-Out-The-Vote Campaigns in a matter that will increase participation in the election. CSOs should increase their effort in providing oversight on the LGA election.
Meanwhile,the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LAISEC) has assured Lagos residents of adequate security during and after today’s local government election in the state
The body  said that the security of lives and properties during and after the election will be given topmost priority, stressing that members of the police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSDC) and Neighbourhood watch will be first responders while the joint forces of Operation  MESSA will be on standby.
Justice Ayonde Philips (rtd), chairman of LASIEC, told journalists that the result of validation exercise of  political parties showed that 15 political parties will be participating in the election.
She said: “As part of preparations for the election, non-sensitive materials have ready been deployed, while the distribution of sensitive materials to all the Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) will be done tonight  in the presence of security agencies and political parties agents to ensure security and transparency.
“Voting process will start at 8am and will end at 3pm, while those on the queque at 3pm shall be attended to. Elections shall be conducted with the use of smart cards, Personal Voters Card (PVC). Persons living with Disabilities would be adequately assisted in the election process, while elderly people, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers shall be given preference in casting their votes.”
The commission maintained that in line with Nigeria Centre for Dusease Control (NCDC), Lagos State government and other relevant health authorities protocols on COVID-19,  the commission shall strictly enforce the use of facemask and observance of social distancing, while there will be provision of infrared thermometers, alcohol-based hand sanitizers, disinfection of chairs, tables and work areas for safety of voters and electoral officials at voting centres.
10 Pirates Bag 48 Years Jail Term In Nigeria

Maritime security: Ten pirates bag 48 years imprisonment under SPOMO ACT -  Nigeriannewsdirectcom
A  Lagos Federal High Court has sentenced ten (10) pirates to a total of 48 years each in prison under the Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences, SPOMO ACT, for hijacking a Chinese fishing vessel, FV Hai Lu Feng II, in May 2020.
Justice Ayokunle Faji convicted the defendants 12 years each on all four counts as charged.
Faji said the  48 years imprisonment will run concurrently.
The convicts, who reside in Nigeria, are Frank Abaka, Jude Ebaragha, Shina Alolo, Joshua Iwiki, David Akinseye, Ahmed Toyin, Shobajo Saheed, Adekole Philip, Matthew Masi, and Bright Agbedeyi.
Prosecution counsel, Mr Magaji, said they violated Section 3 of Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences (SPOMO) Act, 2019, punishable under Section 2 of the same Act.
They were arraigned in July 2020 by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) for allegedly hijacking the Chinese vessel in international waters off the coast of Cote D’Ivoire.
They pleaded not guilty and were remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Navy, following which trial commenced.
In his verdict,Justice Faji said the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt that the pirates did hijack the vessel, FV Hai Lu Feng II, belonging to Haina fishing company.
In his reaction to the verdict, Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh said that history has been made adding that a huge lacuna has been filled in the battle against maritime crimes in Nigeria and the entire Gulf of Guinea.
He said:”Today, history has been made, our industry has made a huge leap in the battle to rid our maritime domain of illegalities. We are not going to rest on our ours as we now have a tested legal instrument like the SPOMO ACT which is a major tool in Nigeria’s quest to end Piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.In the course of the trial, the government told the court that the defendants “while armed with weapons, committed an illegal act of violence against the crew on board FV Hai Lu Feng II belonging to Haina Fishing Company by putting them in fear in order to take control of the vessel.”
Report Says Private Sector Growth In Nigeria Slowed Down Last Month

Private sector growth in Nigeria slowed in June – Report - Punch Newspapers
The Stanbic IBTC Purchasing Managers Index has shown that the private sector growth in Nigeria moderated as headline PMI went down from 54.4 in May to 53.6 in June.
For PMI, readings above 50.0 signal an improvement in business conditions on the previous month, while readings below 50.0 show a deterioration.
The report said the sector still experienced a solid rate of growth as the uptick extended the period of expansion to 12 consecutive months, even though it moderated from a nine-month peak in May.
It added that the growth was attributed to greater client demand in both domestic and international markets which led to a sharp and accelerated rise in new orders.
It said:“Output, purchasing and employment growth softened during the month. Meanwhile, firms reduced their backlogs at the second most marked rate in the series. On the price front, overall input price inflation was robust but eased to the softest since December 2020 despite a sharper rise in purchase costs.Sector data revealed services recorded the sharpest increase in activity followed by wholesale and retail and manufacturing respectively. Agriculture meanwhile registered a fractional rise. To support higher output, firms engaged in buying activity with growth now seen in each month since July 2020.”
According to the  report,inventories also rose at a similar pace, though the rate of expansion softened in both.
It stated:“Workforce numbers rose marginally in June, which coincided with only a slight rise in staff costs. Amid efforts to keep on top of outstanding business, backlogs fell at the second most marked rate in the series, surpassed only by that seen in February.Higher prices were passed on to clients, with the rate of charge inflation robust overall. Finally, firms remain optimistic about their output prospects over the year ahead, but the degree of positivity was far below the series average in June.”