All Posts in "Day: December 16, 2022"

How Train Crushed Woman, Car In Abuja

A train belonging to the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) on Thursday crushed a woman and her car while she allegedly tried to drive across a level-crossing in the Kubwa area of Abuja.

Olisa Ogbechie, an eyewitness,who claimed to have witnessed the accident posted on his Twitter handle saying that the incident happened on Thursday morning.

According to him, the police used force to chase people, who wanted to help away from the scene.

He added:”In an attempt to rescue the victim by first responders and also cover the incident, the policemen at the scene, on-board the train became hostile.I and a few others were brutally assaulted by the policemen as they hit and sprayed pepper spray in my eyes and two others, they pointed guns as they harassed us away from the scene”

James Osaretin,another eyewitness,said the victim got stocked on the rail track and while they were trying to rescue her,policemen at the scene discarded them .

He added: “A lot people who were trying to rescue the woman were beaten by policemen. I had to run for my dare my life .

The Regional Manager, NRC,Pascal Nnoli,confirmed that there was an accident on the train tracks in Kubwa train station but he is yet to get full details that led to the unfortunate incident .

He said he has been at a Board meeting for some days and his is yet to ascertain the cause of death.

He said train services are ongoing and it doesn’t affect any activities at the train station.

Pascal implored residents and farmers living close to the train station to avoid the tracks and be mindful of their activities around the tracks .

Spokesperson of the FCT police command, DSP Josephine Adeh, confirmed the incident saying it happened along the Chikakore axis in the Kubwa Area council of the FCT December 15.

Adeh, said upon receiving information of the incident, investigators attached to the Byazin Divisional Police Headquarters were drafted swiftly to the scene and took charge of the situation.

She said the victim was confirmed dead by a medical practitioner on ground.

“Investigation has commenced by the Rail way division having jurisdiction over the track. Findings and safety tips already existing will be reiterated to ensure a non repeat of incident shortly.” she added

admin by — December 16, 2022 in Crime/Metro 0
Blasphemy: Sheikh Abduljabbar Wants Speedy Execution

 

Kano controversial cleric,Sheikh Abduljabbar Kabara,who sentenced to death by a court on Thursday says he won’t contest the death sentence as he called for his quick execution without delay.

Reacting to the death sentence passed on him for blasphemy by Justice Ibrahim Sarki Yola,the cleric enjoined his supporters to remain calm.

He said:”I will die with the honour of good men, and I prayed for quick execution without any delay” .

Turning to his supporters, Sheikh Abduljabar Nasiru Kabara said I’m telling my followers not to despair.”

The trial judge, Ibrahim Sarki Yola Thursday upheld that section 382 (B) of Kano State Sharia Penal Code 2000 provides that “any person whosoever found using any expression by means of words, gesture, abusing the Holy Prophet Muhammad shall be convicted to death”

“Consequently, I Ibrahim Sarki Yola, Upper Sharia Court Judge City Number One, I found you Abduljabbar Nasiru Kabara committing an act contrary to section 283 (B) of Kano State Sharia Penal Code Law 2000, I therefore sentence you to death by hanging,”

The cleric was convicted after 16 months trial in connection with four count charge of defamation of character against Noble Prophet while making commentry on Prophet Muhammad Marriage in Hadith Number 1,365 and 1, 428 his marriage with Nana Safiyya while conducting his Islamic preachings at Filin Mushe, Gwale LGA, and his Mosque, Jamiurrasul, Sharada, Kumbotso LGA, Kano.

The blasphemous statement was however recorded and circulated on social media, especially Ashabul Kahfi WhatsApp platform.

Justice Ibrahim Sarki Yola upheld that the Prosecution has discharged the burden of proof against Abduljabbar.

He said the four witnesses called by the P
prosecution, include; Adamu Adamu Gwale, Murtala Kabiru Muhammad, Inspector Muhammad Kabir and Professor Ahmad Murtala who successfully linked the with the charge against Abduljabbar.

He said prosecution has established that the blasphemous words used by Abduljabbar during his commentary was fabricated not in line with the propounded by Imam Malik and Imam Bukhari,”

Justice Yola said the court gave him enough time to show the authentic sources of his narrations but failed to prove his assertions,”

According to the prosecution, the cleric committed the offence, contrary to section 382 and 375 of Kano State Sharia Penal Code Law 2000

METRO

How Train Crushed Woman, Car In Abuja

A train belonging to the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) on Thursday crushed a woman and her car while she allegedly tried to drive across a level-crossing in the Kubwa area of Abuja.

Olisa Ogbechie, an eyewitness,who claimed to have witnessed the accident posted on his Twitter handle saying that the incident happened on Thursday morning.

According to him, the police used force to chase people, who wanted to help away from the scene.

He added:”In an attempt to rescue the victim by first responders and also cover the incident, the policemen at the scene, on-board the train became hostile.I and a few others were brutally assaulted by the policemen as they hit and sprayed pepper spray in my eyes and two others, they pointed guns as they harassed us away from the scene”

James Osaretin,another eyewitness,said the victim got stocked on the rail track and while they were trying to rescue her,policemen at the scene discarded them .

He added: “A lot people who were trying to rescue the woman were beaten by policemen. I had to run for my dare my life .

The Regional Manager, NRC,Pascal Nnoli,confirmed that there was an accident on the train tracks in Kubwa train station but he is yet to get full details that led to the unfortunate incident .

He said he has been at a Board meeting for some days and his is yet to ascertain the cause of death.

He said train services are ongoing and it doesn’t affect any activities at the train station.

Pascal implored residents and farmers living close to the train station to avoid the tracks and be mindful of their activities around the tracks .

Spokesperson of the FCT police command, DSP Josephine Adeh, confirmed the incident saying it happened along the Chikakore axis in the Kubwa Area council of the FCT December 15.

Adeh, said upon receiving information of the incident, investigators attached to the Byazin Divisional Police Headquarters were drafted swiftly to the scene and took charge of the situation.

She said the victim was confirmed dead by a medical practitioner on ground.

“Investigation has commenced by the Rail way division having jurisdiction over the track. Findings and safety tips already existing will be reiterated to ensure a non repeat of incident shortly.” she added

admin by — December 16, 2022 in News 0

The National Association of Petroleum Products and Gas Consumers (NAPGCO) has vowed to protect the Petroleum Industry Act from political manipulation by any administration, in the interest of the growth of the oil and gas industry.

Pioneer Secretary General of NAPGCO, Usman Dabo, who disclosed this in a statement,commended the government for enacting a Petroleum Industry Act.

According to him,the Association would work with government,industry players and other relevant sectors to ensure protection of rights of consumers and support the reform in the oil industry that guard against fuel scarcity in Nigeria.

The Association will open offices in the six geopolitical zones of the country with a view to monitor and carry out their activities smoothly,he said.

According to him, fuel consumption stands at 68 million litres per day, and Nigerians have the right to daily fuel for the smooth operation of business activity across the country.

The statement added:”The Association will educate and enlighten the citizenry on the rights of the consumers of petroleum products and gas. We will partner and cooperate with the NNPCL and other trade unions and marketers in protecting the rights of the consumers”.

admin by — December 16, 2022 in Oil&Gas 0
NAFDAC Uncovers Unregistered Tomato Paste Warehouses in Lagos

National Agency for Food and Drug, Administration and Control (NAFDAC) officials have cracked down on warehouses in Lagos that contained unregistered sardines, cooking spices, and tomato pastes worth millions of Naira.

Dr Monica Eimunjeze, Acting Director General, NAFDAC, who led the enforcement team for the sting operation, said despite the ban on importation of tomato pastes in the country, they were surprised to see heavy loads of unregistered tomato pastes, seasonings and sardines stockpiled in warehouses located in Lagos.

She said although investigation is ongoing on the goods, but it was necessary to alert the public on the discovery to prevent the consumption of such unregistered products.

Among the list of the unregistered tomato pastes brands displayed at the NAFDAC’s office were Lena, Mummy’s Joy, St Anne, 1st Choice, Famrite, Estus and others.

She added: “We uncovered some banned tomato pastes products, which have not been evaluated by this agency, stockpiled in warehouses in Lagos. The products question the existence of local manufacturers who are in the line of production of these products.

”As I said earlier, investigation is ongoing, but suffice it to say that the quantities are remarkable enough to warrant attention, and we can’t speak to the quality of these products”.

She appreciated Head of Enforcement of the agency, for his vigilance and alertness in spotting warehouses where these illegal products are kept.

“I want to specially appreciate the work of our investigation and enforcement director, Mr Martins and his team, ably supported by our officers, who joined us on this operation. It was not easy, I wouldn’t say more than that, and we know it could get worse, if such crack operations are not carried out”, she explained.

admin by — December 16, 2022 in Health 0
Inflation Climbs To 21.47% In November

The latest report released National Bureau of Statistics (NBS)’has revealed that Nigeria’s inflation rate rose to 21.47% in November 2022.

The figure was 6.07% points higher compared to the rate recorded in November 2021, which was 15.40%,it said in the report on Thursday made available to Premium News.

The report reads:”In November 2022, on a year–on- year basis, the headline inflation rate was 21.47%. This was 6.07% points higher compared to the rate recorded in November 2021, which was 15.40%.

“This means that in the month of November 2022, the general price level was 6.07% higher relative to November 2021.On a month-on-month basis, the Headline inflation rate in November 2022 was 1.39%, this was 0.15% higher than the rate recorded in October 2022 (1.24%).

“This means that in the month of November 2022, the general price level was 0.15% higher relative to October 2022. The percentage change in the average CPI for the twelve months period ending November 2022 over the average of the CPI for the previous twelve months period was 18.37%, showing a 1.39% increase compared to 16.98% recorded in November 2021”.

According to the agency,Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 2.25% (year-on-year) in real terms in the third quarter of 2022.

It said,this growth rate declined from 4.03% in the third quarter of 2022,adding that the reduction in growth is attributable to the base effects of the recession and the challenging economic conditions that have impeded productive activities.

It added:”The Q3 2022 growth rate decreased by 1.78% points from the 4.03% growth rate recorded in Q3 2021 and decreased by 1.29% points relative to 3.54% in Q2 2022. However, quarter-on-quarter, real GDP grew at 9.68% in Q3 2022, reflecting a higher economic activity in Q3 2022 than the preceding quarter. In the quarter under review, aggregate GDP stood at N52,255,809.62 million in nominal terms.

“This performance is higher when compared to the third quarter of 2021 which recorded aggregate GDP of N45,113,448.06 million, indicating a year-on-year nominal growth rate of 15.83%. The nominal GDP growth rate in Q3 2022 was higher relative to the 15.41% growth recorded in the third quarter of 2021 and higher compared to the 15.03% growth recorded in the preceding quarter”.

admin by — December 16, 2022 in News 0
EFCC Responsible For My Travail In UK Court-Ekweremadu

 

Former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has alleged that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is behind his travails at the London Court where he is in detention.

The Senator told the Federal High Court Abuja, on Thursday, that the EFCC wrote a letter to the London court, which made the court to refuse him bail.

He disclosed this in an application he filed before the court seeking an order to set aside interim order granted in favour of the Federal Government for forfeiture of his 40 properties in the country and outside the country.

His counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, Ekweremadu claimed that the forfeiture order was granted the Federal Government in error because the EFCC suppressed information and facts in respect of the properties.

He alleged that the EFCC fraudulently obtained the forfeiture order for government by concealing information that investigation on the 40 properties started as far back as 2008.

He also alleged that the EFCC was fully aware that he was in detention in London when the application for forfeiture of the properties was filed and argued.

According to him,the anti-graft agency deliberately refused to disclose to the court that he was in London detention and would not be able to counter the forfeiture request.

He prayed the court to set aside the forfeiture order and stay proceedings in the matter until he resolves his ordeal before the London Court.

Counsel to the EFCC, Mr Silvanus Tahir SAN denied that his client was behind Ekweremadu’s travail.

Tahir, however admitted that EFCC wrote the London court based on a special request adding that it was a normal routine for anti-graft agencies to exchange information that would be of help to one another.

He did not oppose request for stay of proceedings till Ekweremadu fully resolve his matter before the London court but however, vehemently opposed the request for setting aside of the forfeiture order.

Justice Inyang Ekwo after taking arguments from parties fixed January 25 next year for ruling in the matter.

The court had on November 4, ordered interim forfeiture of 40 landed property linked to Ekweremadu in some parts of the country and outside the country..

admin by — December 16, 2022 in Law/Human Rights 0
FG Not Doing Enough To Stop Fuel Scarcity-PENGASSAN

Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN),says the federal government is allegedly demonstrating high level of culpability in the persistent shortages of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in the country.

Comrade Festus Osifo, the President of PENGASSAN,who stated this at the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the association in Abuja,expressed disgust over government’s silence and unwillingness to frontally and publicly address the harrowing experiences of Nigerians in the current situation.

According to him,the persistent fuel scarcity in the country has become a source of pain to the Nigerians,stressing that the current shortages are being perpetuated by players in the downstream sector in other to hike the price far above the government approved threshold.

He said the various security agencies, especially the men of Nigerian Customs and Immigration charged with manning the nation’s borders act professionally and in dictates to their oaths of allegiances to stop high rate of smuggling of the products across the West African countries.

He added:”The persistent shortages of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in the country has become a source of pain to the Nigerian people as the current shortages are been perpetuated by players in the downstream sector in other to hike the price far above the government approved threshold. It is an added problem when non-state actors begin to arrogate to themselves the power to determine the price of a liter of fuel far above the rate pegged by government in the current subsidy regime.

“It is more disturbing that the government is equally demonstrating high level of culpability in the unwholesome situations by its silence and unwillingness to frontally and publicly address the harrowing experiences of Nigerians in the current situation, because no concerned and responsive government will bury its head in the sands like the proverbial Ostrich while the citizens are being brutally exploited.

“We demand that the various security agencies, especially the men of Nigerian Customs and Immigration charged with manning the nation’s borders act professionally and in dictates to their oaths of allegiances to stop high rate of smuggling of the products across the West African countries. The various depots and other storage facilities especially those owned and operated by the NNPC should be upgraded and made accessible to all operators to lift the product.

“Consequently, we demand an immediate end to the avoidable, unnecessary, crippling and pain inducing fuel shortages and unapproved price hike in the country. No excuse is good enough to cripple the country. If there are challenges, they should be fixed; we have a government in power to fix challenges not to make excuses.

“We are ready and willing to collaborate with the Federal Government and assist in all ways possible to overcome the country’s present challenges. But we caution it not to take the Nigerian people for granted as it seems to be manifestly doing on various crucial national issues” he said.

Osifo demanded stoppage of pension to all political office holders and kill any idea of further increasing their salaries until they justify such increment by first putting the economy in a proper shape and lifting millions of Nigerians out of poverty.

He decried what it described as growing multidimentional poverty expressing worry at the ever increasing poverty status of Nigerians despite the abundance of human and natural resources.

admin by — December 16, 2022 in Oil&Gas 0
Court Refuses Motion Seeking To Stop CBN’s Cash Withdrawal Limits

An Abuja High Court sitting in Maitama has refused to grant a motion seeking to stop the new cash withdrawal policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The application was brought before the court by Adamu Sarki, Shekwoyi Gaza, Philip Tanko and seven other applicants for themselves and on behalf of 20 million unbanked Nigerian citizens against the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Attorney General of the Federation, Central Bank of Nigeria and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The applicants prayed the court to grant injunctions restraining the Respondents from proceeding with the 31st January, 2023 deadline of the use of the current N200, N500 and N1,000 notes as it affects the applicants without any realistic plans or workable guidelines to cover the over 20 million unbanked Nigerians, who are vulnerable to information and the use of technologically driven platform without the possibility of financial inclusion.

They prayed for another injunction restraining the respondents from implementation of the revised cash withdrawal limiting the maximum cash withdrawal over the counter (OTC) by individuals and corporate organizations per week to N100, 000 and N500, 000 respectively, which is a violation of the  Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2002 and which also constitutes a flagrant violation of the fundamental rights of the applicants as guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution as well as the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act.

Besides,they asked the court to grant an order for accelerated hearing to the Suit and also an order for substituted service on the parties while also praying for the order of court mandating the apex bank to produce a detailed plan and guidelines covering the over 20 million unbanked citizens, who are vulnerable to the use of telecommunication and technologically driven money platforms.

Justice Oriji  refused the prayers for injunction but rather directed that all the respondents be put on notice to come and show cause why the order for injunction should not be granted against them.

The judge  adjourned the matter to 10th January, 2023 after granting orders for accelerated hearing and substituted service.

admin by — December 16, 2022 in Law/Human Rights 0
Continental Hotel Sale: 11Plc Takes Case To Supreme Court

The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Polaris Bank Limited and 11PLC have approached the Supreme Court seeking to quash the recent verdict of the Appeal Court which set aside the sale of Lagos Continental Hotel to 11Plc

The company said that the parties took the matter to the apex court through its Notice of Appeal dated December 5, 2022.

Samuel Ozeh Asst. Company Secretary/Legal Adviser,conveyed this in a statement.

According to him,the parties have also filed a motion for stay of execution of the appellate court’s verdict pending the determination of the suit by the apex court.

The motion for stay of execution, copies of which were made available to journalists, was also dated December 5, 2022.

He added: “This move has effectively arrested the ability of Milan Industries Limited to enforce the Appeal Court’s judgement and would compel the parties to maintain status quo pending the final determination of the appeal by the Supreme Court,” the statement said.

“In view of this situation, the ownership and operation of the Hotel by 11 Hospitality is not in any way impacted. “11 Hospitality remains upbeat in the circumstance as its acquisition of the Hotel followed due process and it believes AMCON assigned a valid title to it pursuant to the extensive powers vested in the Corporation under section 34 of the AMCON Act (as amended)”

AMCON had acquired the Lagos Continental Hotel as an eligible bank asset on account of the failure of Milan Industries Limited to repay its loan to Skye Bank plc (now Polaris Bank Limited) to the tune of N15 billion with the interest element of the loan verging on N30 billion at the time.

The loan may have partly put paid to the bank’s financial distress and thereby necessitated AMCON’s acquisition of its non-performing loans, including that of Milan Industries Limited.

Two years ago, AMCON, in line with its powers under section 34 of the AMCON Act (as amended) assigned its interest in the Hotel to 11 Hospitality Limited, a subsidiary of 11plc (formerly Mobil Oil Nigeria Plc).

But,the sale was challenged by Milan Industries Limited at the Federal High Court, which dismissed the suit and affirmed the sale by AMCON, after it found no merit in Milan’s claim of having repaid the huge loan it took from the Polaris Bank Limited.

Milan Industries Limited then challenged the decision of the Federal High Court, and the Court of Appeal in its judgement set aside the decision of the lower court.

admin by — December 16, 2022 in Property 0