The newly appointed permanent secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Ibrahim Kana, has clarified that there was no mandate to revive the controversial ‘Nigeria Air’ deal with Ethiopian Airlines.

Dr. Kana made the clarification in a statement following the rumours making the rounds that federal government may have decided to revive the deal between Nigerian Air and Ethiopian Airlines.

Recall that a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos State in 2024 nullified the sale of 49 per cent equity stake in Nigeria Air to Ethiopian Airlines.

Kana, while addressing concerns regarding the revival of the National Carrier project, emphasised that future considerations for a national carrier will depend on favourable conditions and presidential guidance.

He pledged loyalty to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and expressed commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s aviation sector through teamwork and innovation, aiming for a bright future reflective of national aspirations.

According to him, “It is with great honour and a deep sense of responsibility that I address you today. As we chart the course for the continued growth and development of Nigeria’s aviation and aerospace sector.

“Since my inaugural statement on Monday at the hand-over ceremony, I have been inundated with inquiries about my reference to the revival of the National Carrier Project.

“For the avoidance of doubt, I never said that there is a mandate to revive the botched Nigeria Air deal with Ethiopian airline. I received no such instruction. I was only referring to the general vision of the administration to still consider a national carrier project if it is favourable to the country and under the guidance and directives of Mr. President and the honourable minister of aviation. I hope this clarifies all the ambiguities surrounding my earlier statement on this issue.

“On a personal note, I pledge absolute loyalty to the honourable minister and remain dedicated to working closely with him to drive the ministry’s agenda forward. Together, we will ensure that the future of aviation in Nigeria is bright, innovative, and reflective of the aspirations of our great nation.”

The Lagos State Special Offences Court, on Wednesday, dismissed an application filed by former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, challenging the court’s jurisdiction to entertain the  $4.5bn and N2.8bn fraud charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Justice Rahman Oshodi, in his ruling, held that the court had the jurisdiction to try Emefiele and his co-defendant, Henry Omoile.

The judge, however, struck out four of the 26 counts filed by the EFCC against the defendants for lack of jurisdiction.

Justice Oshodi explained: “Allocation of foreign exchange without reason is not defined as an offence under any written law. The objection to counts one to four succeeds and is hereby struck out.

“The objection challenging the court’s territorial jurisdiction over counts eight to 26 fails and is hereby dismissed.

“The prosecution has established sufficient territorial nexus in this case.”

The judge subsequently adjourned the case for trial continuation on February 24, 2025.

The EFCC had arraigned Emefiele on 26 charges, bordering on abuse of office and illegal allocation of $4.5bn and N2.8bn.

At the last adjourned date on December 12, 2024, Emefiele’s counsel, Mr. Olalekan Ojo (SAN), argued that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case in Lagos.

Ojo contended that the alleged offences, including abuse of office, fell outside the territorial reach of the Lagos Special Offences Court.

He also argued that the charges violated Section 36(12) of the Nigerian constitution, asserting that the alleged offences were not legally recognised under Nigerian law.

Furthermore, Ojo emphasised that since the Lagos State House of Assembly does not have legislative authority over matters on the Exclusive Legislative List, Section 73 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State (2011), under which counts one to four were filed, cannot apply extraterritorially to the alleged abuse of office by Emefiele.

Ojo added that a court’s territorial jurisdiction is limited to the geographical area within which its authority can be exercised and urged the court to strike out counts one to four of the amended charges filed by the EFCC on April 4, 2024.

In response, EFCC counsel, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), argued that the court had the authority to hear the case.

Oyedepo contended that the alleged crimes were economic and financial in nature, falling within the EFCC’s jurisdiction.

He also maintained that substantial evidence supported Lagos as the appropriate venue for the trial.

According to Oyedepo, the subject matter of the charges clearly fell within the court’s jurisdiction since the offences were committed within its territorial reach.

He noted that evidence and witness testimonies pointed to Lagos as the proper location for the trial and argued that the objections raised by Emefiele’s legal team lacked factual or evidential support.

Following the arguments, Justice Oshodi initially adjourned the case to January 7, 2025, for a ruling on the application challenging the court’s jurisdiction.

However, the ruling was not ready on that date, prompting an adjournment to Wednesday, January 8, 2025.

The case has now been adjourned to February 24 and 26, 2025, for the continuation of trial.

A truck loaded with granites, on Wednesday, lost control and rammed into roadside traders, killing an unknown number of victims and injuring many others at Eleyele Junction, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Most of the victims were said to be petty traders at the Eleyele bus stop.

An eyewitness stated that the truck, coming from the opposite direction, initially hit the group of roadside traders before barreling into a motor park, where it rammed into waiting passengers, leaving many injured.

The eyewitness described the chaotic scene, emphasising the devastation and panic that ensued.

The driver of the truck fled the scene in an attempt to avoid being mobbed by people, further complicating the aftermath of the tragedy.

Rescue operations are currently ongoing, and authorities have stated that the exact number of casualties remained unknown as they were working to clear the wreckage.

Emergency responders were focused on removing the truck to prevent additional accidents and to restore normal traffic flow in the area.

The Oyo State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Rosemary Alo, who confirmed the tragic incident, stated that the roadside traders had previously been warned about the dangers of conducting their businesses in the area.

“If they had heeded these warnings, we could have potentially reduced the number of casualties,” she remarked.

Alo also indicated that efforts would be intensified in collaboration with the local government authorities to enforce a ban on street trading in the vicinity, with the aim to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The operatives of the Nigeria Police Force intercepted a white Peugeot J5 bus with registration number – KMC 283 ZJ along the Abuja-Kano route with 59 children suspected to have been trafficked from Kano State.

The police operatives, led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Sarki Umar, intercepted the suspects on January 6, 2025, at about 3:30pm while heading to Nasarawa State.

Police said the kids, aged between 4 and 12, came from different families and were being transported by one Idris Usman to a male resident in Nasarawa State.

Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Olatunji Disu, said some arrests have been made, saying the police will ensure that the children are returned and reunited with their families.

CP Disu also said the driver, Usman, who claimed to be a teacher with over 40 years of experience, travelled to Kano State to convene the children en route to Nasarawa State under the pretext of training them.

The driver of the vehicle operates with his motor boy, Al Hassan Ibrahim, who is also from Kano State.

The FCT Police Commissioner said, “This incident has been classified as a case of suspected child abuse and trafficking, given the circumstances and the absence of proper documentation or parental consent for the movement of the minors.

“At present, the suspects, the vehicle, and all the children are in custody while a thorough investigation is underway.

“The Police Command is working closely with the FCT Social Development Secretariat (SDS) to ensure that the children are safely reunited with their families and to bring all those involved in this act to justice,” the CP said.

He reiterated the police commitment to protecting vulnerable groups, particularly children from exploitation and abuse in line with the Child’s Right Act 2003.

Disu also appealed to parents and guardians to remain vigilant and ensure the safety of their children.

A 52-year-old man, Samuel Dada, has been brought before an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrate’s Court for allegedly defrauding 12 persons of N14.6 million.

The defendant was said to have swindled his unsuspecting victims of the humongous amount under the pretense of securing American visas for them.

The prosecutor, Inspector Akinwale Oriyomi, told the court that Dada is suspected of committing the offenses of forgery and fraud, saying there is probable cause to order his remand at the correctional custody in Ado-Ekiti,

Oriyomi said the suspect defrauded the 12 victims including one Olugbemi, and Dele under false pretenses of procuring American visas and job opportunities for them.

The suspect, according to the prosecutor committed the crime within the Magisterial District between January and November 2024.

The offence, Oriyomi said is punishable under Section 376(2)(b) of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State 2021 and Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offenses Act, 2006.

Counsel to the defendant, Adunni Olanipekun, prayed the court to admit his client to bail, promising that he would not jump bail.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr. Abayomi Adeosun, granted bail to the defendant in the sum of N20 million with two sureties in like sum, adding that the sureties must have landed property within the district.

He subsequently adjourned the case till January 31 for hearing

The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has described as unfortunate and misleading claims attributed to the former governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, alleging threats to his life.

Ganduje, in a statement he personally signed on Wednesday, described the claims by Obi as sheer mischief and outright falsehood, which would have been ignored if not for the need to refute such a baseless narrative.

The APC National Chairman expressed displeasure over the claim shared on Mr. Obi’s verified official X (formerly Twitter) account, labelling it as a malicious lie aimed at seeking attention and playing the victim for emotional blackmail.

Ganduje further stated that Obi’s accusations stemmed from a misrepresentation of remarks made by the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, during an interview on AriseNews Channels’ ‘ThisDay Live’ on Saturday, January 4, 2025.

He stated unequivocally that at no point did Morka threaten the former Anambra governor or his family.

“By falsely claiming that Morka threatened his life, Mr. Obi has libeled Morka in the extreme and incited his online supporters to issue death threats against Morka and his family,” Ganduje said.

He emphasised that as a public figure, Obi has a responsibility to provide accurate and truthful information, adding that spreading falsehood undermines public trust.

Ganduje noted that Morka was simply discharging his duties as the National Publicity Secretary of the APC, holding opposition actors accountable for their statements, as is expected in a democratic setting.

“Morka’s comments during the interview were strictly in response to a question referencing ‘prophets of doom’ and ‘voodoo economics.’ Nothing in his statement constituted or suggested a threat to Obi or anyone else,” he clarified.

The APC chairman further underscored the importance of free speech, a right protected by Nigeria’s Constitution, which applies equally to all Nigerians, including members of the ruling party and therefore called on Mr. Obi to refrain from misinformation and to accept criticism as part of the democratic process.

“Does Mr. Obi expect the APC to fold its arms and allow the opposition to propagate falsehoods without any response?” Ganduje queried, stressing that the APC will continue to counter baseless allegations with facts against the Tinubu led government.

He stated that the party stands by the position of the National Publicity Secretary in his effort to defend the federal government and set the records straight against disinformation by desperate politicians.

Ganduje reiterated the APC’s commitment to upholding democratic principles while holding opposition actors accountable when necessary.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Daniel Amah, once celebrated for rejecting a $200,000 bribe nearly three years ago, has converted to Islam in a private ceremony held at the palace of 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II.

The event, which took place on Tuesday, saw Amah formally embracing Islam and adopting ‘Muhammad’ as his new name.

Speaking during the ceremony, Emir Sanusi II urged the newly converted Amah to seek Islamic knowledge and observe the core tenets of the religion, including the five pillars of Islam: belief in Allah, daily five-time prayers, fasting during Ramadan, pilgrimage to Mecca, and Zakat (charitable giving).

Addressing Amah in Hausa language, the Emir prayed for Allah’s guidance for him, expressing hope that he would excel as a devout Muslim. He also advised Amah to maintain his exemplary character and to remain respectful and obedient to his parents, regardless of their religious beliefs.

LEADERSHIP recalls that Amah first gained national recognition in April 2022 as the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Nasarawa Police Division in Kano State. He rejected a $200,000 bribe offered by armed robbery suspects involved in the theft of over N300million. The suspects, led by Ali Zaki, had trailed and robbed a Bureau De Change (BDC) operator who was in possession of $750,000 cash.

In recognition of his integrity, the Police Service Commission (PSC) promoted Amah from Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) to Assistant Commissioner of Police on November 10, 2022. Additionally, he received the prestigious 2022 Public Service Integrity Award from the then President Muhammadu Buhari.

The award followed a recommendation by the then chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, in a letter dated September 13, 2022.

The University of Lagos, Akoka, will graduate two students as the overall best-graduating students with a perfect Cumulative Grade Point Average of 5.0 at its 55th convocation ceremony.

Both students are from the Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science.

Speaking on Wednesday at a media briefing, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Folasade Ogunsola said that the convocation would start on Friday, January 10, with a Jumaat service and end on Sunday, January 17, 2025, with a thanksgiving service.

“The overall best-graduating student position is shared by two students Damilare Adebakin and Samuel Badekale, from the Faculty of Science, Department of Cell Biology & Genetics with a perfect score of 5.0,” a statement made available to PUNCH Online on Wednesday read.

Ogunsola said, “We will be graduating 16,409 students of these 9,684 students will receive first degrees and diplomas while 6,659 will be awarded postgraduate degrees while 66 will graduate from the UNILAG Business School.”

Ogunsola added that on Monday, January 13, at noon, a convocation lecture titled ‘Universities as Hubs for Development and Wealth Creation,’ would be delivered by CEO of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group, Dr Tayo Aduloju, at the J.F. Ade-Ajayi Auditorium.

“Former Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola will chair the event, which aims to discuss the funding of tertiary education and its role in driving economic and social progress.

“We are looking forward to a very thought-provoking lecture that will add to the discussion on funding of tertiary education and positioning them as drivers of economic and social development.

“We are privileged to have as Chairman, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, CON, SAN, former Governor of Lagos State and former Minister of Works, whose clarity in addressing issues was pivotal to innovative reforms and development of our country,” she stated.

She added that three eminent Nigerians, including the co-founder of Guaranty Trust Bank, Fola Adeola; the Group Managing Director of Sahara Power Group, Engr. Kolawole Adesina, and the director-general of the World Trade Organisation, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, would be conferred with the honorary degree of Doctor of Science.

The convocation week will feature several key events, including the groundbreaking ceremony for the School of Postgraduate Studies building on January 13, a project donated by Chief Tunde Fanimokun in celebration of his 80th birthday.

Award ceremonies for degrees, diplomas, and certificates will take place from January 14 to January 16 across various faculties, with postgraduate degrees and diplomas being conferred on January 16.

The week will also include a convocation play, Langbodo by Wale Ogunyemi, on January 17 and conclude with a thanksgiving service on January 19.

“The ceremonies will formally come to an end on Sunday, January 19, 2025, with a Thanksgiving Service at the Chapel of Christ Our Light, University of Lagos at 10:00 am,” the statement concluded.

The 2023 African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has dismissed the Federal Government’s proposed National Youth Conference as a scheme to reward President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, and his associates.

Sowore made this claim on Wednesday during an appearance on Lunchtime Politics, alleging that the initiative would fail to address the pressing challenges facing Nigerian youths.

“The current administration wants to compensate the youths ‘who are in the corner,’ particularly the son of the president and his friends,” Sowore said, describing the move as unproductive and politically motivated.

President Tinubu, during his nationwide broadcast on October 1, announced plans for a 30-day National Youth Conference aimed at creating a platform for youths to discuss and address the challenges they face.

“Considering this, I am pleased to announce the gathering of a National Youth Conference. This conference will be a platform to address the diverse challenges and opportunities confronting our young people, who constitute more than 60 per cent of our population,” Tinubu had stated.

However, Sowore questioned the sincerity of the initiative, arguing that it was unlikely to produce meaningful outcomes.

He said, “The agenda is to compensate some young people who are in their corner. These young people they are calling to a conference are probably Seyi Tinubu’s friends, not Nigerian youths.

“They cannot afford to have the real youths on the table. If I am invited, I will not go because I know in advance that this is a joke, nothing will come out of this.

“They want young people to feel like, ‘Oh, they belong.’ If you come to a national youth conference, they get it livestreamed, they will get them compensated and at the end of the day, nothing will come out of it.”

Sowore argued that youths do not need a national conference if they truly want to take over power.

He added that the young people who are serious about governance would team up in unity to actualise their plans.

Newly-appointed Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle will earn a monthly stipend of $50,000, it has been revealed.

According to OwngoalNigeria, his assistants will get $5,000 each as their salary.

Chelle will arrive Abuja this weekend to finalise the details of his contract.

The 47-year-old is expected to sign a two-year contract with the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF.

Local coaches, Daniel Ogunmodede and Fidelis Ilechukwu are expected to be part of the new technical crew.

Chelle’s first assignment will be the 2024 African Nations Championship which will kick-off early next month.