All Posts in "Day: October 28, 2024"

Police Arraign,Dismiss Officer Who Killed Enugu Musician

 

       Mohammed Shosanya
The Nigeria Police, on Monday, arraigned before a Chief Magistrate’s Court, Police Inspector Joseph Ozonwanji, formerly of the Anti-Cultism Police Squad, Enugu, for the murder of an Igbo ogene musician, Okezie Mba, popularly known as Igbo-Jah, at the weekend.
His arraignment was sequel to his orderly room trial and approval of his dismissal and arraignment by the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 13, AIG Godwin Aghaulor.
The police prosecution was led by the Officer-in-Charge of the Enugu State Police Command, SP Justice Attah and Emmanuel Ajogwu.
The charge marked CME/614/2024, reads, “That you Ozonwanji Joseph ‘m’ on 25th day of October 2024 at about 2010hrs at anti-Cultism Police Squad, Goshen Estate Enugu in the Enugu North Magisterial District did unlawfully kill one Okezie Chikezie Nwamba ‘m’ by firing him with an AK47 Riffle, which caused his death and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 274(1) of the Criminal Code, Cap 30, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria, 2024.”
Thereafter, the Chief Administrative Magistrate, Enugu East Magistrate Court 1, Ngozi Edeani ordered for the case file to be transferred to the Attorney-General of the State, and for the suspect to be remanded at the Enugu Correctional Centre.
Briefing newsmen after the arraignment, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Enugu State Command, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, said the accused’s arraignment for murder was in keeping with the promise and determination of the Enugu State Government and the police to ensure that justice was done in the matter.
“It is important to inform our people that the Chief Magistrate has listened to the charge brought against the dismissed police officer and has asked that the case file be transmitted to the Attorney General of Enugu State to proceed from there and advise accordingly for the next line of action.
“This is one trial we want to see happen. We are talking about a human life. Police men generally have that responsibility to protect lives, but if, for whatsoever reason, any police officer misuses his firearm, the liability is on the person. That’s is exactly what has happened today. You could see the Enugu State Government and the police command in the state have done everything possible to ensure that justice prevails in this case,’ Ndukwe stated.
Speaking on the matter, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, said his office would expect the file and act expeditiously.
“This is a matter His Excellency is very much determined to see to the very end to ensure that justice is done to everyone involved. I also have his instruction to personally prosecute this matter as the Attorney General. This underscores the import he places on it. And I will do exactly that. We will prosecute diligently and expeditiously,” he assured.
Governor Peter Mbah has announced the award of scholarship up to university level to the three children of the deceased musician, while also taking charge of the health of his sick wife.
This was announced by the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, during a visit to the home of the deceased by herself, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dame Ugochi Maadueke, and the Chairman of Enugu North LGA, Hon. Ibenaku Onoh, on Monday.
“The Governor, in his magnanimity has awarded scholarships to the children to university level. Secondly, the state is going to take care of the welfare of Mrs Igbo-Jah going forward.
“This is a calamity to everybody, who loves Enugu State and who is an indigene of Enugu State. The Enugu state government is on top of the matter and they are going to make sure that justice prevails in this matter.
“With me here are the children of the late Igbo-Jah, and the governor has promised them that he is not only going to take care of them from now till university, but  also promised to take care of their welfare,” she stated.

 

Online Editor by — October 28, 2024 in Crime/Metro 0
Remembering Iyalode Of Yorubaland

By Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji

Precisely 365 days today at about 6. 45am, a telephone call I first received came from the home of Alaba Oluwaseun Lawson. My heart skipped…and listening to the voice from the other end of the phone, It was sad news… Mama has gone to the Lord.

Honestly,I was immediately confused and still on my Jalamia, (Pyjamas) I drove straight to her private residence at Quarry Road in Abeokuta. Reality dawned on me on arrival and I couldn’t hold back tears which rolled down my face and I became speechless.

It was a Saturday I used to appear on a live radio program on fresh F.M between 9-11am. When I regained my consciousness, I put a call across to management of the station, that I can’t make it because I was bereaved. As I was still trying to comfort myself and further regain my strength as a man, there were torrential phone calls from my colleagues in the pen profession, knowing that I was her media adviser, trying to confirm the authenticity of the sad news.

 I had no choice but to issue a press statement early enough to avoid speculations and wrong news dissemination. I must confess in my career as journalist of over three decades that was my first time I will be writing a press statement on a demise of any individual.

 I must again openly say this, late Iyalode Alaba Lawson, Iyalode of Yorubaland, I knew for over 30 years was my great benefactor and I will continue to appreciate her even in death. She was there for me all time, a reliable mother, a sister and aunty from another womb.

 I have no regret knowing her, if there is opportunity to keep relationship in heaven, I will keep that relationship with Alaba Oluwaseun Lawson (Omo Jiboku Tanatana). Its exactly a year today you left this sinful world to rest in the arms of the Lord. The legacies you left behind speak volume. I pray you continue to rest in perfect peace. Adieu.

Prince Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji is founder of Penpushing Media and Media Adviser to the late Iyalode of Yorubland, Iyalode Alaba Lawson

Online Editor by — October 28, 2024 in Opinion 0
Illegal Mining:FG Arrests 3 Chinese,2 Nigerians

           Mohammed Shosanya
Mining Marshals,last week raided an illegal mining site in Nasarawa State .
The operation, carried out at a site in Rafin-Gabas, Agwada Area Council, Kokona LGA, led to the arrest of three Chinese nationals and two Nigerians mining without authorization.
 Mr. Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to the  Minister of Solid Minerals Development, said in a statement that the suspects were found mining minerals such as fluorite, zinc, lead, and tin, and confessed to engaging in illicit activities on the site since December 15, 2021, covering five cadastral units.
Despite repeated warnings to comply with regulations, the company allegedly ignored all directives, causing substantial revenue losses for the federal government by siphoning resources unlawfully.
The Mining Marshals, a specialized unit comprising 2,570 officers from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), was established by Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, to tackle illegal mining.
 Since their deployment, over 200 arrests have been made nationwide, with around 140 suspects currently undergoing prosecution.
Online Editor by — October 28, 2024 in Crime/Metro 0
CBN,IFC Seal Deal To Boost Local Currency Financing In Nigeria  

            Mohammed Shosanya
International Finance Corporation (IFC),a member of the World Bank Group and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have sealed partnership deal to boost local currency financing in Nigeria
In a statement on Monday, the CBN noted that the partnership will allow IFC to manage currency risks and increase its investment in Nigerian naira across priority sectors of the economy, including agriculture, housing, infrastructure, energy, small and medium enterprises and the creative and youth economy.
IFC aims to significantly scale up its financing of critical sectors in Nigeria, with a goal of providing more than $1 billion in the coming years.
Many of these sectors require local currency financing, and IFC’s partnership with the CBN is a key tool in expanding access.
 “This pioneering initiative between the IFC and CBN will unlock much-needed long-term local currency financing for private businesses in Nigeria at economically viable rates,” stated Governor Yemi Cardoso of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
“This collaboration marks significant progress in the CBN’s commitment to delivering innovative development initiatives through reputable third-party service providers, moving beyond traditional intervention programs. It will serve as a catalyst for economic growth and advance the Federal Government’s agenda for economic diversification.”
“Expanding  access  to  affordable  local  currency  financing  for  small  businesses  in  Nigeria  is essential for IFC to address the increasing demand for diverse funding options and to better manage  currency risk,”  said Makhtar  Diop, IFC Managing Director.
 “Our partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria will enhance lending in Nigerian naira, fostering economic growth and creating jobs across the country.”
With an active portfolio of investments in Nigeria of up to $2.13 billion—the second highest in Africa—local currency financing  is a key priority for IFC.
IFC will continue to leverage innovative financial instruments and strengthen partnerships to meet the growing demand for more local currency financing in emerging markets.
CBN serves as the country’s sole monetary authority, tasked with regulating and overseeing Nigeria’s monetary and financial systems.
Established by an Act of Parliament,  the  CBN’s  mandate  includes  ensuring  monetary  and  price  stability,  issuing  legal tender, maintaining external reserves to protect the international value of the naira, promoting a sound financial system, and acting as banker and economic advisor to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Online Editor by — October 28, 2024 in Business 0
Adelabu Blames Grid Collapse On Old,Weak Infrastructure

       Mohammed Shosanya
Minister of Power, mAdebayo Adelabu,Monday blame  the frequent collapse of the national power grid on old and dilapidated infrastructures.
He disclosed that the national grid infrastructures dates back 50 years ago, when they were constructed.
 He lamented that the transmission lines dotting the northern region which he said are currently weak, while the towers are falling apart and the sub-stations unable to aid power distribution to households.
He disclosed these to State House Correspondents,shortly after meeting with the President, Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He added:”Before the recent one, the last disturbance of the grid was about four months ago, which meant that we have been managing the grid. Let me tell you the truth of the matter is, we have old infrastructure. We have a national grid that is more than 50 years old. We have national grid whose transmission lines are weak, the towers are falling and the substations, the transformers are old. In fact, the transformer that actually exploded in Jeba was 47 years old. We’ve been trying to revamp this to change them, but they cannot all be changed overnight”
Adelabu got the backing of Tinubu to deploy security personnel to guard workers tasked with repairing the failed power infrastructure in the northern region
He disclosed that personnel deployed to the north to restore power usually complained of insecurity, occassioned by bandit attacks.
He said:”We discussed the root causes of these blackouts which basically is due to vandalization of the transmission lines of Shiro Kaduna line, which is the major line that supply electricity to the north, and the transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, they already set out to fix this line.
“What they have asked for, which has been provided to them now is the security cover of the National Security Adviser through the Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Air Staff to enable them restore the damaged lines, we are optimistic that very soon this will be fully restored.
“We also explored the alternative line of providing light to the north through the Ikot Ekpene substation supplied from the Calabar plant, but the line got burnt along the line, and we are also trying to fix that.
“If you remember that at the last FEC one of the approvals for the ministry of power was actually the upgrade of the Siroro Kaduna transmission line, which is the major line that supply electricity to the northern part of the country.
“We already have approval for this. It is one of the oldest transmission lines that we have in Nigeria, and we believe that it requires an upgrade. And through the magnanimity of Mr president and the Federal Executive Council, we got an approval to fix the line on a permanent basis. Once this is done, I believe that power to the North will be more stable than we’re experiencing right now.
“But before I end this, let me also state that the world is moving, this is the 21st century, and we believe that the most effective way of supplying uninterrupted, functional, stable and reliable electricity to the northern part of Nigeria is through our distributed power model, whereby each of the northern states will have an embedded utility, solar scale, solar source.
“All the 20 states will be insulated and immune from each other, we actually made progress in this as we have interested contractors and financiers that are ready to install 100 megawatt each for each of the 20 northern states, which is scalable to 50 megawatts at first, then upgraded to 100 megawatt.
“When we have this the power supply to the North will be reliable because of the advantage of sun that they have, where solar will be highly effective. The lowest number of hours that a state in the north enjoy in terms of sunshine is 10 hours. Once you have this we believe that the pressure on the national grid from the northern part of Nigeria will be lower, and our people, they will be able to enjoy better supplies”
Online Editor by — October 28, 2024 in Power 0
IBEDC,Bresson Ink N180bn Power Purchase Agreement On Improved Electricity Supply

          Mohammed Shosanya
The first phase of Magboro Power Plant commenced today with official signing and unveiling of the 30 MW Power purchase agreement between Bresson A S, Magboro  Power Company and Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company.
The new power deal is expected to  provide  uninterrupted electricity supply to the company’s customers around Magboro,and Mowe,a statement said.
The Magboro plant is designed as a 90 MW plant is expected to receive its first shipment of Titan 170 Solar Turbine by the end of April 2025.
Speaking,Engr. Francis Agoha,the Acting Managing Director of IBEDC,emphasized that this partnership aligns with the federal government’s target of 6000 mega watts power projection  for 2024 and the company’s strategic goal of improving customer energy availability.
He added: “This agreement marks a significant milestone in our continuous efforts to ensure consistent and affordable power for the Magboro community and beyond.
“We are committed to forging partnerships that foster progress and deliver lasting solutions to the power challenges faced by communities within our network.”
Online Editor by — October 28, 2024 in Power 0
Trafficking:NiDCOM Rescues 17 Nigerian Girls In Ghana,Arrests Traffickers

      Mohammed Shosanya
Seventeen young Nigerian girls trafficked to Ghana have been rescued and repatriated to the country while five traffickers have been arrested.
The development was sequel
to the combined and coordinated efforts of the Ghanaian Anti-Human Trafficking Police, Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Ghana, and the Nigerian High Commission in Accra.
Speaking on the latest efforts, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), expressed her gratitude to Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu (CON), for her support in facilitating the safe return of the young girls back to the country.
She also commended the  roles played by Chief Callistus Elozieuwa, BOT Chairman of NIDO Ghana, and the Ghanaian Anti-Human Trafficking Police Unit in bringing the traffickers to justice.
She reiterated the agency’s commitment to protecting Nigerians in the diaspora under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which gave priority to combating human trafficking and safeguarding the rights of Nigerian citizens at home and in the Diaspora.
A statement by the Commission’s Head of Media and Public Relations, Abdur-Rahman Balogun,stated that the rescued young girls, ages 18 to 29 years, are indigenous of Anambra, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Imo, Edo, and Ebonyi.
 They were lured to Ghana under false promises of employment but were instead forced into exploitative situations and bound by an oath of secrecy,the statement said .
Dabiri-Erewa expressed her determination to the rescue of those still trafficked in conjuction with various stakeholders, noting that many more trafficked Nigerians are still awaiting rescue.
Mr. Williams Ayaregah,Director of the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of the Ghana Police Service, commended NiDCOM’s efforts under Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa’s leadership.
He said: “More than ever, traffickers must realise that Ghana is no longer a safe haven.”
The operation, conducted in Kpone Katamanso, Tema, resulted in one of the largest single- operation arrests, with five traffickers apprehended.
Mr. Akinboye Akinsola, representing NiDCOM, played a critical role in escorting the rescued women back to Nigeria, where they were handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for rehabilitation and reintegration.
Chief Callistus Elozieuwa added that two young men were also repatriated, including one who was previously detained in Ghanaian prison.
Online Editor by — October 28, 2024 in Crime/Metro 0
PH Helicopter Crash:We’ve Recovered One More Body-NSIB 

      Mohammed Shosanya
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB),has confirmed the recovering of one additional body as it persisted with its coordinated effort in the recovery operation and investigation into the crashed incident involving a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, roperated by Eastwind Aviation.
The agency also disclosed that it has relaunched the Fast Rescue Craft (FRC)  to facilitate recovery operations.
The incident, which occurred last Thursday, October 24, 2024, involved eight persons onboard and took place off the coast of Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean.
A press release by Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji,Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance,NSIB  confirmed the latest recovery on Sunday. This makes it the fourth bodies recovered since the crash.
It said:”The following updates highlight today’s significant developments:10:30 AM: Search, Rescue, and Recovery vessels MV VOSINE, Ebok HD Steadfast, MV Pioneer, and Jacksparrow departed Ebok for the Antan field.
” 1:40 PM: MV Albacore 5 was prepared to transport additional diving equipment for human divers, along with personnel to support recovery operations. The vessel departed at 4:45 PM for the incident scene.
” 1:58 PM: NSIB confirmed that two additional specialists would be deployed to the NUIM Antan incident site on October 28, 2024, to supervise and support the helicopter recovery effort.
2:50 PM: The Fast Rescue Craft (FRC) was re-launched to facilitate recovery operations.
4:00 PM: A floating body was retrieved from the water by the FRC and was escorted by the Cameroonian Navy to NUIMS Antan, for safe transit through their territorial waters.
“4:00 PM: The HD Steadfast, HD Pioneer, and an additional vessel arrived at the Antan location. The superintendent convened with the crew to discuss the area survey and diving operations began afterwards.
6:44 PM: Field operations identified the body by confirming the T-shirt worn matched the description provided. Although it took time, photographic evidence confirmed the identity as the fourth victim.
“6:50 PM: Eastwind Aviation was contacted to arrange an air ambulance for transporting the body tomorrow morning, with Eastwind actively coordinating this effort.
7:05 PM: Antan Security informed the Port Harcourt Marine Police to prepare for receiving the body from the air ambulance.
The NSIB,according to the statement,is actively collaborating with a joint search, rescue, and recovery team, as well as various supporting agencies. These combined efforts are essential for ensuring a thorough and efficient recovery process and for gathering critical evidence to aid the investigation”.
Captain Alex Badeh Jr., Director General of the NSIB, expressed appreciation for the joint support.
He said:“We are grateful for the coordinated support of national and international partners working alongside us in this challenging environment. Our thoughts remain with the families of those affected, and we are dedicated to gathering the essential information to provide clarity and closure.”
“The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau remains committed to upholding transparency and accountability in its investigations and working to advance transportation safety across Nigeria.”

 

Online Editor by — October 28, 2024 in News 0