Kidnapping: Femi Falana demands AGF Malami to produce indicted Soldiers for trial

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July 6, 2020

The attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami has been demanded to produce in court for trial, soldiers indicted for the brutal murder of three policemen over suspected kidnap kingpin Bala Hamisu.

The demand was made in a personal statement by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and human rights lawyer, Femi Falana on Sunday.

The human right czar noted that the military’s court-martial lacks the competence to try the soldiers for terrorism offences committed against police personnel or other members of the public.

He argued that the terrorism offence allegedly carried out by the soldiers is not provided for in the Armed Forces Act.

Falana explained that: “With respect, the offence of terrorism allegedly committed by the indicted soldiers are not provided for in the Armed Forces Act.

“To that extent, a general court-martial or special court-martial lacks the jurisdictional competence to try the offence of terrorism committed against police personnel and other members of the public by soldiers who are subject to service law.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Section 32 of the Terrorism Prevention Act 2011 as amended by the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act 2013 provides that “The Federal High Court located in any part of Nigeria, regardless of the location where the offence is committed, shall have jurisdiction to (a) try offences under this Act or any other related enactment; (b) hear and determine proceedings arising under this Act,” he stated.

SEE FULL STATEMENT HERE

A COURT-MARTIAL LACKS THE COMPETENCE TO TRY OFFENCES OF TERRORISM

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami SAN was reported to have said that the soldiers indicted in the brutal murder of 3 policemen who arrested a suspected kidnap kingpin, Bala Hamisu (alias Wadume) could be tried by a court-martial. According to the Minister, “They are military personnel. First, they are to go through the in-house processes. There are two options – either to charge them before the court-martial which is a special court established by law for the trial of soldiers or in the alternative for the military after consummation of the in-house processes should consider handing them over for trial.”

With respect, the offence of terrorism allegedly committed by the indicted soldiers are not provided for in the Armed Forces Act. To that extent, a general court-martial or special court-martial lacks the jurisdictional competence to try the offence of terrorism committed against police personnel and other members of the public by soldiers who are subject to service law. For the avoidance of doubt, Section 32 of the Terrorism Prevention Act 2011 as amended by the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act 2013 provides that “The Federal High Court located in any part of Nigeria, regardless of the location where the offence is committed, shall have jurisdiction to (a) try offences under this Act or any other related enactment; (b) hear and determine proceedings arising under this Act”.

Hence, the indicted soldiers were properly charged with terrorism along with other suspects in the only competent court in the land. However, since the military authorities did not release the suspects to the Police for the purpose of arraigning them in court the learned trial judge, the Honourable Justice Binta Nyako rightly ordered the Chief of Army Staff to produce them to answer to the heinous charge of terrorism and allied offences. Even though the Attorney- General withdrew the charges against the indicted soldiers the order that they be produced in court for arraignment has not been vacated or quashed either by the trial court or the Court of Appeal. Therefore, the Attorney-General is duty-bound by to ensure full and unconditional compliance with the valid and subsisting order of the federal high court in accordance with section 287 (3) of the Constitution.

Femi Falana SAN

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Video: Daughter of ex-Governor of Oyo, Olunloyo accuses SARS operatives of extortion

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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July 6, 2020

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Officers of the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) operating around Badore in Ajah area of Lagos State have been accused of extorting a music artist named Wealth.

The alleged extortion, which was said to have taken place on July 3, 2020, was disclosed by independent investigative journalist, Kemi Olunloyo, daughter of former governor of Oyo State, Omololu Olunloyo.

In a video posted on her twitter timeline about 10pm on Sunday, Olunloyo stated that she had escorted the artist, who she manages and offers Publicity services, on an errand when the SARS operatives stopped their car.

“What really happened with my artist @iamwealth9ja and SARS in Badore, Ajah, Lagos on July 3rd 2020 12:30pm. It is a rape of civil rights. Forced to transfer cash to officers’ accounts twice. Know your civil rights in Nigeria.

“Police must never abuse their power. Power is a collective force not some big guy up there. I refused to have my bag searched without a warrant and wearing gloves and mask. Officer Kelechi was defiant. He met his match”, she explained.

On many occasions, Nigerians, especially the youths had vent their anger over government’s ineptitude to curtail the excesses of security agents, who reports say they extort, intimidate and torture many young persons illegally.

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African News

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B.O.B Echoload

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July 5, 2020

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Photos: How Saturday heavy rain flooded Abeokuta communities

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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July 5, 2020

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The heavy downpour in Abeokuta, which started at about 1.15 am on Saturday had destroyed property worth several millions of Naira.

Among the property destroyed were part of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library fence located at Moshood Abiola Way, Abeokuta and several properties such as electronics and personal belongings of some people that were washed away by the flood. All areas within the Abeokuta metropolis were adversely affected by the flood, as houses at the bank of the river were submerged.

Mostly affected areas also include Kuto, Isale -Igbein, Lanfewa, Amolaso, Ijeun-Titun, Ago -Ijesa, Abiola way, Isale Abetu, Sokori, Igbore, Oke Mosan and Isale Make area, all in Abeokuta South and North local government areas of Ogun State.

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Kanye West eyes White House, announces 2020 presidential run

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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July 5, 2020

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Kanye West, the entertainment mogul who urges listeners in one song to “reach for the stars, so if you fall, you land on a cloud,” claimed Saturday he is challenging Donald Trump for the US presidency in 2020.

“We must now realize the promise of America by trusting God, unifying our vision and building our future. I am running for president of the United States! #2020VISION,” the born-again billionaire rapper tweeted as Americans marked Independence Day.

West offered no further details on his supposed campaign, four months before the November election, and it is unclear if he has officially registered to run for office.

Hundreds of thousands of Twitter users reacted to the star’s announcement and “Kanye” shot to become the top trending term on the platform, although many questioned whether the volatile rapper would go through with his plan and others claimed it was a publicity stunt.

His wife, reality star Kim Kardashian, replied with a US flag emoji, while Tesla CEO Elon Musk wrote: “You have my full support!”

The 43-year-old has mentioned running for president several times and he said last year he would run for president in 2024.

West long ago broke ranks with most of the left-leaning entertainment industry to loudly voice his support for Trump.

In 2018, they met in the Oval Office — a surreal tete-a-tete that included a hug from the rapper as well as an on-camera rant featuring an expletive not often repeated for the White House press corps.

That year, West also delivered a lengthy soliloquy to a president who many deem racist, telling him he loved him — to the dismay of many Democrats and fellow artists.

But in 2019, during an interview with Zane Lowe of Apple Music’s Beats 1 show, he said his support for Trump had been a way to razz Democrats — and announced his own presidential ambitions.

“There will be a time when I will be the president of the US, and I will remember… any founder that didn’t have the capacity to understand culturally what we were doing.”

It was unclear to whom the artist was referring.

The announcement came days after West, who has taken a very public turn towards Christianity in recent years, released a new song, “Wash Us In the Blood,” along with an accompanying video including imagery from recent anti-racism protests.

West has also opened up about his mental health, particularly his struggle with bipolar disorder, telling talk show host David Letterman he feels like he has “a sprained brain, like having a sprained ankle.”

Since 2018, Kardashian has formed her own contacts with the White House as she champions criminal justice reform: she has successfully lobbied Trump to pardon a sexagenarian woman for a non-violent drug offense.

For weeks now Trump, criticized for his response both to the coronavirus pandemic and to anti-racism protests, has been lagging in the polls behind his Democratic rival, Joe Biden.

There was no immediate response to West’s announcement from either candidate Saturday.

AFP

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Buhari appoints Rev. Yakubu Pam as Executive Secretary NCPC

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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July 5, 2020

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Buhari attends Virtual Flag-Off of Construction Phase of the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline Project in State House on 30th June 2020 4 — File photo: President Buhari at the Council Chamber, State House, Abuja.

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Rev. Yakubu Pam as the Executive Secretary of Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC).

The appointment was made known in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in Abuja on Saturday.

According to the presidential aide, Pam’s appointment took effect from June 26, 2020, for a period of five years.

Garba also noted that President Buhari urged the Executive Secretary NCPC to sustain his reconciliatory pre-disposition in his new position.

Until his appointment, Pam was the Chairman of the Plateau State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board.

Born on Feb. 20, 1960, in Gyel, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau, Pam holds a first degree in Christian Education.

As an ordained Minister, Pam brings to the position more than 30 years of leadership experience in the Christian community, coupled with a deep understanding of promoting inter-religious harmony and conflict resolution in the northern parts of the country.

The cleric has held many leadership positions in the Church, including Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) of Northern Nigeria (which includes the 19 Northern States and Abuja) from 2016 to date; and Vice President, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, 2013 to date.

He was also the District Superintendent, Jos Mainland Assemblies of Nigeria, 2010 to date.

Pam also served as Chairman, Plateau State Inter-Religious Council; and Chairman, Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Committee, Plateau State.

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Video: Buhari Celebrates Ikenna Nweke for Returning Missing Wallet with Huge Cash to Police in Japan

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Abuja Bureau

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July 4, 2020

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Amidst ongoing trial of a cyber-crime suspect, Ramon Abbas a.k.a Hushpuppi, who was recently arrested in the United Arab Emirates and extradited to the United States, President Muhammadu Buhari has had cause to celebrate a Nigerian for his acts of honesty, propriety and sincerity.

Buhari Saturday sent warm greetings and commendation to a Nigerian doctorate student in University of Tsukuba, Japan, Ikenna Nweke, who returned a missing wallet with huge sums of money to the police, and also turned down offer of a percentage by the authorities.

The President saluted Nweke for projecting the values of honesty, integrity and contentment that should be the hallmark of a people, noting that good virtues and propriety are the hallmark of every culture in Nigeria, while crimes and criminalities are exceptions.

He noted that “Nweke’s behaviour, coming at a period that the country needs a positive spotlight and close-up on its real values, clearly signposts what should hold the nation together, inspired by solid foundations laid by most families, religious bodies and communities for success in life.”

Buhari, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, wished Nweke all the best in his studies and work as a teaching assistant in same university, urging all Nigerians, home and abroad, to keep celebrating the age-old, irreplaceable attributes of honesty and decorum, and shun the microwaved, get-rich-quick tendencies that bring individual and collective shame.

It would be recalled that Nweke on June 19 demonstrated uncommon virtues by reporting a loss wallet, containing a huge sum of money, a credit card, and other valuables, to the police.

Narrating his experience, Nweke said: “On June 19, while I was going home from the university, I decided to get my wife her favorite kebab. As I was climbing the staircase around Tsukuba center, I noticed something on the ground. As I drew closer, I saw that it was a wallet. When I opened it, I saw a huge sum of money, a credit card, and other valuables.

“I immediately reported to the police. One of the officers was surprised and asked me why I did not take the money. I told him that there was no need for that, because I was raised by responsible parents, and that I am also a Christian.

“He told me that according to Japanese law, that I was entitled to 10% of the money found inside the wallet. Again I declined. The look on his face indicated bewilderment.

“Yesterday, the owner of the wallet called me to show appreciation. Today, I got a letter from the Ibaraki/Tsukuba Police. They expressed their gratitude towards my incredible and selfless behavior.

“Not every Nigerian is criminal-minded. There are a lot of Nigerians abroad working so hard to erase the bad name given to ‘us’ by the criminal few.”

Idowu Sowunmi

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Video: updated – My Father, Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi, is Alive, Says Daughter

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Abuja Bureau

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July 4, 2020

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Princess Aduragbemi Obey-Jaiye has debunked claims that her father and Nigerian music legend, Chief Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi, is dead.

She said her father is hale and hearty contrary to claims making rounds on social media platforms.

Describing the report of her father’s death as fake news, Princess Obey-Jaiye said the Juju maestro is full of energy and ready for celebration.

Princess Obey-Jaiye also said earlier: “My Father Dr. Ebenezer Olasupo Obey-Fabiyi is well, healthy full of energy and ready for celebration AND ALIVE…

The Juju Maestro also in a video claimed he’s alive hale and hearty as shown below.

“Stop the Fake NEWS.”

Idowu Sowunmi

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Saraki carpets APC on offensive claim, denounce link with Hushpuppi

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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July 4, 2020

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Nigeria’s former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki has described as irresponsible and cheap politics the statement credited to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and signed on its behalf by one Yekini Nabena in which it tried to link him with a cyber-crime suspect, Ramon Abbas who was recently arrested in the United Arab Emirates and extradited to the United States.

Saraki in a statement issued in Abuja today stated that he has no form of association with the said suspect, Ramon Abbas otherwise known as Hushpuppi and neither does he know him in any way.

“The statement credited to the APC, the ruling party in our country, is one of the ways by which our anti-graft agencies are weakened and why the fight against corruption in the country is often viewed with suspicion by the international community.

This is because when these cyber-crime suspects were operating freely and openly displaying wealth, the APC saw nothing bad in their activities. Also, the party at that time did not deem it necessary to call on the anti-graft agencies to investigate their activities.

“Also, since the arrest of those cyber crime suspects and the subsequent damage to the image and the economy of Nigeria as well as the crisis it created for Nigerians engaged in lawful businesses across the world, the ruling party had been muted.

“The only time the APC deemed it necessary to make a statement was when it thought it should play dirty, cheap and irresponsible politics, Saraki stated.

The former Senate President had on July 1 publicly reacted to the recent arrest alleged internet fraudster in an Op-Ed article published in a Nigerian Newspaper, Daily Trust, titled “Cyber Criminals: Confronting The Few Who Dent Many”.

Dr. Saraki had in the article, strongly condemned the activities of cyber criminals and called on the law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders to make decisive interventions to checkmate their activities.

According to the media aide of the ex-Senate President, Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki enlisted a research institution, the Politeia Institute, whose board he chairs to commence a research on the best ways to tackle the menace.

Olaniyonu, while carpeting the APC, described Saraki’s intervention as noble.

“Such a noble intervention in tackling a menace is what Dr. Saraki believes in, not mudslinging and playing politics at the expense of the nation’s image. At this point, we call on the APC leadership to rein in the so-called Yekini Nabena and compel him to desist from making and circulating such malicious, odious and offensive claims”, he said.

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Boat accident kills passengers, Sanwo-Olu warns operators against night travel

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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July 4, 2020

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Aftermath of a fatal boat accident that occurred on Friday at about 8pm along Ikorodu Channel, the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos State Government has reiterated the ban on night travel.

The governor warned all ferry operators and passengers against violating the laid down rule of ‘No Night Travel’ on Lagos State waterways.

Speaking on behalf of the Sanwo-Olu administration, Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Frederic Oladeinde, said the avoidable boat mishap occurred after an overloaded 20-passenger capacity commercial ferry took off illegally from Ebute-Ero Jetty around 8pm heading towards Ikorodu, but unfortunately ran into an unforeseen object on the waterways causing the boat to capsize.

He said the immediate rescue efforts deployed by the Sanwo-Olu administration, comprising of Lagos State Inland Waterways Authority (LASWA) search party, local boat operators search team, the Marine Police and Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), were able to save 16 passengers, one in critical condition, while six deaths were recorded.

The commissioner, alongside LASWA General Manager, Damilola Emmanuel, who was at the Ikorodu scene of the incident, commiserated with the families of the dead passengers and assured that the violators of the mishap would be prosecuted as the unfortunate incident is already under investigation.

Oladeinde appealed to all ferry operators to desist from acting contrary to the stipulated safety guidelines in order to avoid such incidents.

He said if the rule of ‘No Night Travel’ on the waterways from 6pm had been strictly observed by the operators, the accident could have been averted.

In his remarks at the scene of the incident, LASWA general manager reiterated that, henceforth, any operator who violates any of the laid down safety guidelines, especially the ‘No Night Travel’ rule, would be arrested by the Marine Police and the boat involved confiscated.

He also admonished passengers to stop waterways night journeys as any passenger found on board of such boats after the stipulated time would also be prosecuted in accordance with the relevant laws of the state.

Idowu sowunmi

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