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‘My kids and I begged for our lives’ — ex-wife of late US-based doctor recounts last moments
AFOLABI
Suzzette Chibuogu, the ex-wife of Ikenna Erinne, the late US-based Nigerian cardiologist, has denied claims that she is responsible for his death.
A Nigerian-American man identified as Clayton Udoh, in a recent video shared on Facebook, claimed the cardiologist committed suicide after losing a child support case and being ordered to pay $15,000 per month.
He also alleged that Erinne’s visitation rights were restricted and that he had lost his license amid the legal battle with Suzzette Chibuogu, his ex-wife.
The claims sparked a range of mixed emotions on social media, with many users calling for the identity of Erinne’s ex-wife to be exposed.
However, Chibuogu’s father dismissed the allegations, arguing that Erinne took his life to avoid the consequences of holding his ex-wife and children at gunpoint for three hours.
Ikenna Erinne, the late US-based Nigerian cardiologist,
Ikenna Erinne, the late US-based Nigerian cardiologist,
In an Instagram post on Tuesday, Chibuogu corroborated her father’s claims, describing the incident as a “near-death experience” where she had to “beg to live for three hours”.
She revealed that she had been the primary caregiver and financial provider for her children, including her disabled child, while Erinne lived in another state.
Chibuogu claimed that she and her children have faced threats since the incident and warned that she has evidence to take legal action if the harassment persists.
She urged people to move forward with love, reminding them that she and her children are real people trying to rebuild their lives after years of hardship.
“There are a lot of lies swirling around the internet right now and it’s impossible to address them all. For years I have stayed silent as I’ve gone through a journey of character development, resilience and obedience to God,” she wrote.
“My children and I had a near-death experience on January 26 and we are now on a journey of healing. Those who know me know that I have always taken care of my kids 100% of the time since their respective births.
“Those that know our situation know that their Dad hasn’t even lived in the same state as us for the majority of their lives. They know that my son is permanently disabled and has been in therapy 40 hours a week since he was 1 year old.
“They know that I have always been the primary financial provider for my kids. Always. My children and I will overcome. The worst night of our lives when we begged to live for three hours has been flipped around to make us look like villains.
“I have received dozens of text messages and calls threatening my life and my childrens’ lives. This has to stop. I have videos. I have pictures. I have police documentation of multiple incidents. I don’t want to take it there. This has to stop.
“Nobody knows someone like their partner. I respect the experiences and memories you had of him and I do not seek to tarnish them. I know the truth. People that know me know the truth. What you think of me is not my business
The federal high court in Lagos has ordered the final forfeiture of N1,168,602,877, £35,070, and $392,818 recovered from Muiz Tijani Adeyinka, a former employee of First Bank of Nigeria (FBN).
On Monday, Alexander Owoeye, the presiding judge, ordered the final forfeiture of the funds after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) complied with the conditions stipulated by the court after the interim order was granted.
In November 2024, the court ordered the interim forfeiture of the funds and directed that a notice be published in a national newspaper.
The publication was meant to give anyone with an interest in the assets 14 days to appear before the court and explain why the funds should not be permanently forfeited to the federal government.
At the court proceedings on Monday, Zeenat Atiku, counsel to the EFCC, said the anti-graft agency received a petition from FBN in March 2024 about “fraudulent” transactions within and outside the bank.
The EFCC counsel said the investigation revealed that the principal suspect is Adeyinka, a former employee of the bank, who was attached to the settlement office of the financial institution.
Atiku alleged that Adeyinka used his office to manipulate “settlement accounts by creating fictitious domiciliary inflows with which he immediately transferred the naira equivalent to himself and his cronies”.
She said the former FBN employee allegedly used the fraudulent funds to purchase US dollars and digital currency as part of the money laundering plot.
“Investigation revealed that Muiz Tijani Adeyinka, who is the principal suspect, is a former staff of First Bank Nigeria Plc,” the EFCC counsel told the court.
“He is also the MD/CEO of Golden Sieve Logistics Ltd., Golden Sieve Properties Ltd., and Golden Sieve Motors Ltd., which are all duly incorporated with the Corporate Affairs Commission.
“He was attached to the settlement office of the bank, and with his office, he had some inalienable access available only to the settlement office.”
Since the recovered funds belong to FBN, the federal government is expected to return the money to the financial institution.
In June 2024, the INTERPOL section of the force criminal investigation department (FCID) declared Adeyinka wanted over an alleged diversion of over N40 billion from various customers’ accounts to different accounts in his control
The federal executive council (FEC) has approved N12 billion for the upgrade of critical health infrastructure across teaching hospitals in six states.
Speaking after the FEC meeting, presided over by President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, Ali Pate, the coordinating minister of health and social welfare, said the upgrades are aimed at expanding healthcare access.
Pate said the fund will be used to procure major diagnostic equipment, including three MRI machines and two CT scanners across key tertiary institutions.
The institutions include the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Akwa Ibom; Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta; Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun state; Federal Medical Center, Keffi, Nasarawa state; Modibbo Adamawa University Teaching Hospital, Yola; and Federal Teaching Hospital, Kebbi.
The minister said the funds would also support broader infrastructure upgrades to enhance both patient care and medical education in these institutions.
He added that the improved facilities have already started attracting patients from foreign countries.
“Gradually, piece by piece, we are building our health infrastructure in the front end, but also at the higher level in the teaching hospitals,” he said.
“And we know that important things are happening; people are now beginning to come to Nigeria and receive quality healthcare. This is already happening, including people from faraway places like the United Kingdom and the United States.
“So despite what we may want to believe about Nigeria’s healthcare system, there are good things happening; the transformation that the president promised is beginning to happen.
“We need to sustain it, and we are investing, and we will continue to invest in that direction.”
The FEC meeting also saw the ratification of the African Medicines Agency (AMA) treaty in order to integrate Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector into the African market.
The treaty, first adopted by the African Union (AU) in 2019, seeks to harmonise regulatory standards across the continent, ensuring access to safe and high-quality medicines.
Pate commended Tinubu’s leadership, describing the ratification as a “major milestone” in Nigeria’s path to medical self-sufficiency and industrialisation.
“With this treaty, what we produce as part of our value chain expansion will have access to a much wider market,” Pate said.
“This means what is made in Nigeria will, over time, be made in Africa.”
In a shocking revelation, a Nigerian man identified as Chika Wonder has confessed to having unprotected sex with over 400 women while knowingly living with HIV.
Speaking on a recent episode of ‘Doyin’s Corner’, Chika detailed his reckless sexual history, struggles with depression, and the stigma he faced after his diagnosis.
Chika disclosed that he was diagnosed with HIV seven years ago while working at a photography studio in Kano State. Before receiving the diagnosis, he had already been highly promiscuous, claiming to have slept with around 1,000 women in total.
“I got into photography with a renowned photographer in Nigeria and was posted to Kano. Because I was promiscuous, I started having sex with anybody I saw. It was cheap there,” he recalled.
According to him, he frequently paid women for unprotected sex, arguing that protected sex did not give him pleasure.
“I would offer to pay more just to have unprotected sex. I would even drink to get myself in the mood. I was sleeping with different women, paying as little as N700 for sex and N300 for a room,” he admitted.
However, his lifestyle soon took a toll on his health, as he began experiencing severe fever, diarrhea, and physical weakness. Upon falling seriously ill, he was advised by his colleagues to undergo medical tests, where he was eventually diagnosed with HIV.
Before his HIV diagnosis, Chika admitted to manipulating church members by pretending to suffer from different ailments, including asthma, arthritis, and even HIV, to solicit financial assistance.
“I would visit churches like House on the Rock and lie about my health. Because I was eloquent, I knew how to gain people’s trust, and they would offer me money,” he said.
After testing positive for HIV, Chika initially appeared unbothered. However, the stigma and discrimination he faced from people—including being sent away from his workplace—began to affect him deeply.
“I didn’t care at first, but the stigma started immediately. I was kicked out of the company. That’s when it hit me,” he explained.
Despite knowing his HIV status, Chika continued engaging in unprotected sex, citing depression and lack of pleasure with protection.
“I continued having sex with people unprotected. I did not care anymore. Depression kills your conscience. I had unprotected sex for seven years, and within that period, I slept with over 400 women,” he admitted.
At one point, Chika attempted suicide, an incident that was widely reported in the media.
“I tried to take my own life. All the blogs carried the news. From that moment, my life started to change,” he said.
Chika revealed that he only began taking his HIV medication on November 25, 2024, after years of reckless behavior.
Now, he says he is focused on raising awareness about HIV and mental health to prevent others from making the same mistakes he did.
“I am out here to create awareness. Depression kills your conscience. People need to understand that HIV is not a death sentence, but reckless behavior only worsens the situation,” he emphasized.
Chika’s revelations have sparked outrage and concern, with health experts and legal analysts warning about the criminal and ethical implications of knowingly spreading HIV.
Dr. Michael Onwubuya, a public health specialist, stated that intentionally transmitting HIV is a criminal offense in Nigeria and could result in legal consequences.
Similarly, mental health expert Dr. Grace Adeyemi stressed the importance of psychological support for people diagnosed with HIV, as untreated depression can lead to self-destructive behavior.
“Stigma can push individuals into depression, and when that happens, they may engage in risky behaviors. Counseling and proper mental health support are key,” she explained.
Chika’s story underscores the urgent need for greater awareness about HIV, mental health, and the dangers of reckless sexual behavior. Experts urge better access to counseling, education on safe sex practices, and stronger legal enforcement to prevent similar cases.
[NationalDaily]
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), on Tuesday, declared that Nigeria is undergoing a rebirth and that corrupt leaders will soon be exposed.
The PFN also announced a 40-day fasting and prayer campaign ahead of its 18th Biennial Conference, themed “The Rebirth of a Great Nation: Nigeria is Great.”
The National Deputy President of PFN, Archbishop JohnPraise Daniel, disclosed this in Abuja, during a press briefing, said the conference, scheduled for February 11-14 at the Dunamis Glory Dome, Abuja, will focus on economic recovery, security, and national renewal.
Daniel stressed the need for Nigeria to transition from economic dependence to productivity, tackle corruption, and create an enabling environment for all citizens to prosper.
He asserted that the expectations of the righteous would not be cut short, expressing faith that the nation is on the verge of transformation.
Daniel said: “The expectations of the righteous will not be cut short. Our nation is on the verge of transformation.
“The Church, as the conscience of the nation, is committed to eradicating corruption. We must move towards zero tolerance for corrupt practices.”
He called for policies that encourage entrepreneurship, particularly among young graduates, warning that the government alone cannot provide jobs for everyone.
He added, “Our leaders must foster an economy where businesses can thrive. The current economic hardship and the increasing migration of Nigerians abroad underscore the urgency of reform.”
He stressed that improved security would also facilitate the movement of goods across the country, ultimately lowering food prices and reducing economic strain on citizens.
In his remarks, the Co-chairman of the Conference’s Central Working Committee, Dr. Victor Ogunkanmi, reiterated PFN’s commitment to exposing dishonest leaders.
He said: “Corrupt individuals will be exposed, and the people will demand honest and capable leaders. Nigeria must be governed by men and women of integrity, regardless of tribe or region.”
Ogunkanmi clarified that PFN does not endorse political candidates but remains dedicated to praying for righteous leadership at all levels of government.
Ogunkanmi also highlighted the conference’s theme, drawing from Isaiah 66:8 “Can a nation be born in a day?”, stating that Nigeria is at a turning point and in need of divine intervention for lasting transformation.
The PFN leadership confirmed that the 18th Biennial Conference will feature key strategic meetings, including sessions for the PFN National Executive and Advisory Councils, a General Assembly on February 12, and an evening rally
[Leadership]
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has congratulated his son, Seni Saraki, on winning his first Grammy Award at the 67th Academy Grammy Awards.
Seni received the prestigious award for his contribution to the ‘Bob Marley: One Love’ soundtrack, which won in the ‘Best Reggae Album’ category.
Taking to social media platform X, Saraki expressed immense pride in his son’s achievement, highlighting the significance of his global recognition.
“Congratulations, Seni, on winning your first Grammy last night for your work on the Bob Marley: One Love soundtrack, which took home the award for Best Reggae Album!” he wrote. “Seeing you pour your heart into your passion and having it recognized on the global stage is an indescribable joy. Well done! We are super proud of you!”
Seni, in his reaction to the win, expressed deep gratitude to the artists, producers, and engineers who contributed to the project. He acknowledged Nigerian musicians Wizkid and Bloody Civilian, alongside other global artists, for their efforts in reinterpreting Bob Marley’s legacy.
“I appreciate all the amazing artistes, producers, and engineers who were brave enough to take on this project because it is about Bob Marley’s legacy,” Seni stated.
“I appreciate them for taking on the songs, reinterpreting them, and doing it their own way. Artists like Bloody Civilian, WizKid, Daniel Caesar, and Jessie Reyez.”
‘Bob Marley: One Love’ is a biographical film chronicling the life of the legendary reggae icon, focusing on his struggles, resilience, and the revolutionary impact of his music.
Seni Saraki, a graduate of the London School of Economics and Political Science, is the Chief Executive Officer of ‘The Native’, a Lagos-based music magazine that spotlights African music, style, and culture. He co-founded ‘The Native’ in 2016 alongside Teni ‘Teezee’ Zaccheaus.
This is not Seni’s first foray into high-profile music projects. In 2023, his collaborative work on the ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ soundtrack earned four Grammy nominations, where he served as the music consultant.
His Grammy win has further cemented his influence in the global music industry, particularly in amplifying African and Caribbean sounds on the world stage.
[Leadership]
Model Denrele Edun has addressed social media users inquiry about his s3xuality.
A video clip of Denrele attending the grand opening of “Above Lifestyle” in Lagos, accompanied by Nedu Wazobia, sparked questions due to his bold fashion choice.
When a user asked, “Sorry but is Denrele gay?” Denrele responded with his signature wit, redefining the acronym “GAY” to mean “Gorgeous. And. Young,” “Graceful. And. Youthful,” and “Good. As. You.”
Denrele further stated: “Who you go to bed AS is different from Who you go to bed WITH!” He then described himself as a “S3xual Outlaw” who is “BI your side,” leaving a hint about his s3xuality without providing a direct answer.
Another user wrote: “Denrele be hiding under fashion all his years. I hear there’s a lot of money in this Gaybriel thing tho…”
Denrele replied: “Hiding under kini?
Fashion is an expression of Individualism and my Style is a reflection/extension of my Personality!
“All his years? I’ve been in ShowBiz since 1994 and I’m just getting started!
“Now there’s a lotta Money in LEGIT Hustles;
Get something to do other than forming Evaluating Tape Rule for people’s “hiding” shenanigans and preferences. Get busy and thank me later!”.
[TheNation]
A Nigerian lady living in the United Kingdom (UK), identified as @shakels95, has shared her shocking experience of being arrested due to a simple misunderstanding of Nigerian jargon.
According to her, she had gone to a pharmacy to purchase medications for her husband when an innocent remark during a phone conversation led to her unexpected arrest.
While speaking to her husband on the phone, she casually used the word “drugs” instead of “medications,” unaware that people around her at the pharmacy misinterpreted it.
Moments later, the police arrived and took her into custody.
Recalling the incident in a TikTok video, she said, “I got arrested yesterday, last night, and got detained. Now, I am going home. Story time. So, yesterday, I went to the pharmacy to get some drugs for my husband.
“Then, when I got it finish, I was on call to say, ‘Ah, I got the drugs, I got two drugs for you. So, when I get home, when you use it, you are going to be strong.’
“Ok. Not knowing people closer to me were like, ‘drugs, drugs, drugs,’ but I wasn’t bothered ’cause I felt I didn’t do anything wrong. Before I knew it, the police came. When they came, they were like, ‘we heard there is drugs.’
“And I said what drugs? This (displaying the medications she got) was literally what I was referring to as drugs, Ibuprofen, for my husband because he wasn’t feeling well…”
Despite her attempts to explain the situation, the police refused to take her word for it.
She revealed that they detained her at the station and even searched her home in a bid to verify their claims.
“They took me to the police station. They detained me. They asked me questions…” she added.
A former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has launched a scathing attack on his successor, Uba Sani, accusing him of sycophancy and pandering to President Bola Tinubu for personal gain.
The Nigeria Labour Congress has suspended its planned nationwide protest against the recent 50 per cent hike in telecom tariffs approved by the Federal Government.
The labour union aborted the planned rally scheduled for Tuesday (today) following a meeting with government representatives at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation in Abuja, on Monday.
The telecom regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission, had defended the 50 per cent tariff increase, citing rising operational costs driven by inflation, foreign exchange fluctuations, and higher energy expenses.
In a statement, the regulator said the adjustment was in line with its mandate under the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 to ensure the financial sustainability of the telecom sector.
However, the NLC rejected the tariff hike and demanded a reduction to five per cent, threatening a nationwide protest if its demands were not met.
It condemned the hike as insensitive and unjustifiable, arguing that it would impose an extra burden on Nigerian consumers.
The union’s president, Joe Ajaero, reiterated its demand for a significant reduction after the National Administrative Council meeting of the NLC.
He said, “After extensive discussions, the following resolutions were reached: NAC-in-session totally rejects the 50 per cent telecom tariff hike, which it considers too harsh for citizens. It, therefore, strongly condemns the Nigerian Communications Commission’s decision to approve the increase.”
“This decision is insensitive, unjustifiable, and a direct attack on Nigerian workers and the general populace, who are already suffering under worsening economic hardship caused by government policies beyond their control.”
The union called on Nigerians to prepare for a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services in protest against the increase.
Despite the union’s pressure, telecom operators remained firm that the current adjustment was necessary to maintain service quality and support network expansion in an increasingly challenging economic environment.
They ruled out negotiations with organised labour on the tariff increase, insisting that no reduction would be made despite the labour threat.
The Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria, Gbenga Adebayo, argued that the approved increase is vital to sustaining telecom operations amid escalating costs.
“This increase is a lifeline that enables us to survive. Anything lower would be like giving someone who needs 100 litres of oxygen only a fraction—barely enough to keep them alive but insufficient for long-term survival,” he asserted.
To ensure maximum impact, the NLC mobilised the electricity, aviation workers and civil society groups for the protest.
However, following the Monday meeting, the NLC resolved to halt the demonstration pending further discussions.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, NLC President, Ajaero, said the government had agreed to set up a larger committee to review the entire tariff structure.
According to him, the committee will be composed of five representatives from both sides and is expected to submit its findings within two weeks.
Ajaero stated, “We emphasised that the NLC is the largest organisation in Africa, and no stakeholder consultation can exclude us and still stand. On that basis, they agreed to form a broader committee to ensure a fair and inclusive agreement to look at the entire tariff structure as a model to come out with a realistic and all-inclusive agreement.
“So, the committee will be made up of five representatives, from both sides and expected to come out with a result after two weeks. That will determine the next line of action and the process of engagement.’’
He added that the union’s next steps, including protests, boycotts, or service withdrawals, would depend on the outcome of the committee’s work.
“The symbolic action of submitting the letters tomorrow (today) will be put on hold until the outcome of such a committee. The outcome of such a committee is what will determine our next line of action in terms of protest, in terms of boycott, in terms of even withdrawal of services, which are the three issues we put online,” he explained.
While the planned symbolic submission of protest letters had been put on hold, Ajaero noted that the NLC remains concerned about other pressing economic issues, including electricity tariffs and burdensome taxes on workers.
“We have also expressed our displeasure over the high electricity tariff and the unbearable tax regime, which is killing workers. These remain unresolved issues that must be addressed,” the labour leader said.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the NCC raised the tariff following a study.
He stated that the NLC agreed to look at the study to come up with its resolutions, adding that a committee of five representatives each from both sides had been instituted.
The minister said, “The crux of the matter is that there is already a study that was conducted by the NCC that led them to arrive at this 50 per cent increase. Now, we are discussing this with Labour.
“Labour has agreed that they will look at that study, and then a small committee has been set up to look at that study once again and come up with a final resolution for the consideration of government and Labour in about two weeks.
“So, the summary of it is that the Nigeria Labour Congress and the delegation of the Federal Government have set up a committee of five each.
“We are going to meet here continuously for the next two weeks, and at the end of the second week, we will now come up with a recommendation that we will give to the government and the organised Labour for final consideration.
“Both the organised Labour, the NLC particularly, and the government people have sat down here and have agreed on this position.
“So, there won’t be any protest tomorrow (today) by the Nigeria Labour Congress, and there will be some form of report that will come up in about two weeks from now to consider the study and other considerations by both parties.”
Meanwhile, the National Civil Society Council of Nigeria, which had initially supported the protest, also announced on Monday the suspension following a high-level meeting with the NCC.
The council, which represents over 600 affiliate organisations, had previously condemned the tariff hike and planned a mass protest to occupy the headquarters of the NCC and the National Assembly.
However, after extensive deliberations and a forensic review of the economic realities facing telecom service providers, the Council reversed its stance.
The NCSCN assembled an 11-man delegation for a four-hour meeting with NCC officials.
According to NCSCN Executive Director Blessing Akinlosotu, the council’s delegation initially approached the meeting prepared for a showdown, expecting to challenge the NCC on the tariff decision.
However, detailed presentations, economic assessments and operational data provided during the meeting led to a re-evaluation of the situation.
To ensure an objective assessment, the council formed a five-man technical committee to conduct a forensic analysis of telecom service providers’ operational costs, financial statements and annual profit margins.
Akinlosotu said, “After the tensed and robust engagement with the Management of NCC, we further set up a 5-Man Technical Committee to carefully study documents presented to us, and asked the Committee to do clinical and forensic examination of available records of operational costs and annual profits margins of some major Telecom Service Providers in Nigeria, with critical assessments of Financial Statements.
“Our findings were very interesting and calls for serious review of position and planned line of action.”
The committee’s findings revealed that telecom operators had not increased tariffs since 2013 despite inflation and harsh economic conditions.
The cost of electricity and diesel has risen sharply, significantly impacting network operations.
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The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to pay N1.12bn in compensation to the family of one Mike Madu, killed by an INEC driver in Imo State.
Justice Inyang Ekwo, in a judgment on Friday, ordered INEC to pay the N1.12bn with 10 per cent interest per annum from the date of judgment until the final or full payment is made.
In addition, the judge ordered INEC, its Chairman, Prof. Yakubu Mahmood, and other defendants to send a letter of condolence to the late Madu’s family.
“An order is hereby made for the defendants to pay the cost of prosecuting this action. This shall be the judgment of this court,” Justice Ekwo added.
The plaintiff, Augustine Madu, filed the suit on behalf of the Umudurugwu, Umuokwe, Awo-Omamma community in Oru-East Local Government Area of Imo State.
The amended writ of summons, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1074/2019, listed INEC, its Chairman, the INEC Commissioner in Abuja, and an INEC escort driver, Hassan Abdul, as the first to fourth defendants, respectively.
Augustine filed the suit on September 18, 2019, seeking four reliefs, including an order for the defendants to pay N1.12bn in compensation to Madu’s family for the unlawful termination of his life.
In his statement of claim, Augustine described his deceased brother, Mike Madu, as a successful businessman born on June 9, 1970, to the late John and Chioma Madu in Awo-Omamma, Imo State.
He said Abdul, an INEC staff member and driver under the office of the national commissioner, was responsible for the fatal accident that claimed Mike’s life on June 16, 2019.
On September 10, 2019, the deceased’s family resolved to take legal action against the defendants.
Augustine noted that his brother frequently travelled between China and Nigeria, often accompanying Chinese investors to facilitate business opportunities.
On one such trip, Mike was escorting two Chinese investors to explore investment prospects in the Enugu State Free Trade Zone.
During their journey on the Itobe-Anyigba Expressway in Kogi State, their Lexus car, driven by Ega Chukwudi of Auto Star Transport Company, collided with a Toyota V8 Land Cruiser Jeep driven by the fourth defendant, Hassan Abdul.
The Toyota, occupied by Abdul and a police escort, Sgt. Usman Abdullahi, lost control, swerved into the opposite lane, and crashed into the Lexus in a head-on collision.
The Land Cruiser then somersaulted into a bush and caught fire, while the Lexus sustained heavy damage.
Mike sustained severe injuries and died, along with one of the Chinese investors, Huang Hia Yan.
The victims were taken to Holley Memorial Hospital in Ochadamu Village for medical attention, while the deceased were later transferred to Kogi State Specialist Hospital Mortuary.
The surviving Chinese investor, Qu Xin Dong, was admitted to the same hospital, while Chukwudi, the Lexus driver, was treated at Enugu State Orthopaedic Hospital. Abdul and his police escort received treatment at Holley Memorial Hospital.
A police report dated July 16, 2019, concluded that Abdul’s reckless speeding was the cause of the accident.
On July 10, 2019, the Kogi State Chief Magistrate Court ordered a post-mortem examination of the deceased. The plaintiff later obtained a warrant to bury his brother and the deceased investor.
Augustine lamented that throughout this period, INEC and its officials showed no concern or remorse for causing Mike’s death.
He emphasized that his late brother was not only the breadwinner of his immediate and extended family but also provided for his Chinese wife, Xiaojuan Li, and their son.
He further stated that Mike’s untimely death had left his family in distress, especially his wife and child in China, and that INEC had willfully refused to offer any compensation.
During the trial, the plaintiff presented two witnesses, including Josephine Emumwen, an officer in the Nigeria Police Force, Kogi State Command.
Augustine testified as the first witness, adopting his written statement on June 14, 2023.
Although he was recalled for cross-examination on November 16, 2023, the defendants failed to appear in court.
Justice Ekwo, ruling in favor of the plaintiff, upheld the claims and awarded the compensation.
Embattled former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, has urged the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja to bar the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission from calling additional witnesses after 10 had testified in his ongoing procurement fraud trial.
Emefiele’s lead counsel, Matthew Burkaa (SAN), contended that since EFCC listed only 10 witnesses in the proof of evidence it filed in court, it should not be allowed to call additional witnesses.
But the EFCC’s prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), opposed the application, asserting that further testimonies were necessary to ensure a fair and thorough presentation of the case.
Oyedepo argued that denying the agency the ability to call additional witnesses would infringe on their right to a fair hearing.
After taking arguments from sides on Monday, Justice Hamza Muazu adjourned till March 20 for ruling.
Emefiele is facing 20 counts, bordering on criminal breach of trust, forgery and conspiracy in the charge marked FCT/HC/CR/577/2023.
He was also accused of using his position as CBN governor to confer unfair and corrupt advantages on two companies, April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd.
However, during Monday’s proceedings, EFCC’s 10th witness, Salawu Gana, said the award of contract to April 1616 for the procurement of vehicles for the CBN adhered to procurement laws and the CBN guidelines.
Fielding questions during cross-examination by Emefiele’s lawyer, Gana said the CBN’s Procurement Department evaluated the quotations submitted by the bidders, vetted the submissions, and resolved to award the contract to April 1616 because its quotation was the lowest.
He added that Emefiele only approved the contract award based on the recommendations of the CBN Tenders Board.
The witness also confirmed that the vehicles were supplied, and the company, April 1616, was paid based on the recommendations of the board to Emefiele for approval.
Gana, who was the Head of the Procurement Unit at the time, stressed that Emefiele was not a member of the CBN Tenders Board.
He admitted that neither he nor the five procurement officers who recommended April 1616 for the award had been charged by the EFCC.
Gana also said he had not seen any evidence or document showing that money was paid from April 1616’s bank account to Emefiele.
He confirmed that, according to the company’s registration certificate, Emefiele was not a director, shareholder, or signatory to April 1616’s bank account.
Gana further testified that Emefiele did not direct or influence him, either through phone calls or SMS, to favour April 1616 in the procurement process, adding that he reported directly to his supervisor, Mr Ekanem Akpan, and not to Emefiele.
The EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), presented bundles of exhibits related to the bidding processes for 45 different contracts for vehicle supplies to the CBN by April 1616, RT Briscoe, and Globe Motors.
During his evidence-in-chief, Gana reiterated that April 1616 was awarded the contracts because it submitted the lowest quotations.
President Bola Tinubu has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to dismiss a suit that is seeking to compel the National Assembly to initiate impeachment proceedings against him over alleged rights violations.
The plaintiff, in his suit that has the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, as the 2nd defendant, is seeking six principal reliefs from the court.
He urged the court to declare that alleged persistent suppression of peaceful protests organised by Nigerian citizens, by the President Tinubu-led administration, amounts to an impeachable offence.
For instance, the plaintiff alleged that the government had, between August 1 and 10, 2024, violently clamped down on peaceful protesters across the federation, an action he argued constituted misconduct and a ground for Tinubu’s impeachment from office.
The plaintiff maintained that section 143 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, empowered the NASS to set machinery in motion for President Tinubu’s impeachment.
However, in a joint preliminary objection they filed against the suit, both President Tinubu and the AGF queried the locus standi (legal right) of the plaintiff to institute the action.
Aside from praying the court to dismiss the suit for being incompetent, the defendants insisted that the action failed to disclose any reasonable cause of action to warrant an exercise of judicial discretion in his favour.
In the process, they filed through a team of lawyers led by Mr. Sanusi Musa, SAN; President Tinubu; and AGF further challenged the jurisdiction of the court to hear the matter.
More so, the defendants applied for “an order striking out this suit for being incompetent as this suit is not initiated by due process of law having been initiated under a wrong procedure.”
Adducin 18 reasons why the case should be terminated, President Tinubu and the AGF argued that the plaintiff filed the action on behalf of faceless citizens, noting that he did not disclose the persons whose rights were allegedly violated.
The defendants argued that by the provision of Section 46 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, only the person whose right was breached has the right to file an action before the court to seek redress.
According to the defendants, “Pursuant to the provision of Section 46 (3), the Chief Justice of Nigeria has {brought into being the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, 2009, which makes ample provision of the procedure to follow in filing an action with respect to a breach of the Fundamental Rights of any Nigerian.”
They argued that the plaintiff’s questions two and three for determination were in respect of the alleged breach of the 1999 Constitution by the 1st defendant (President Tinubu) vis-a-vis Section 143 of the said constitution.
The defendants maintained that the plaintiff failed to disclose any of his rights that were breached.
Likewise, in a counter affidavit that was deposed to one Gbemga Oladimeji, a principal state counsel in the Federal Ministry of Justice, he averred that contrary to the plaintiff’s claim, the President Tinubu-led government has been a promoter of democratic tenets.
He averred that the president had always allowed people to air their grievances and conduct peaceful protests.
“I know for a fact that the protest conducted between 1st August 2024 and 10th August 2024 was peaceful, as there was a court order limiting the protesters to demonstrate within a confined location,” he added.
The deponent added that during the protest, security agents under the control of the president were present to protect the protesters and ensure that their civil action was not hijacked by hoodlums.
“I know as a fact that the 1st defendant has always ensured that law and order are adhered to strictly by the security agencies and institutions of the arm of government.
“Contrary to the deposition in paragraph 26 of the Affidavit in support of the Originating Summons, I know as a fact that the 1st defendant has not violated any provision of his oath of office and allegiance.
“There has been no breach on his part that would warrant his impeachment from office as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he further averred.
Meanwhile, Justice James Omotosho, on Monday, adjourned the case till March 4 to enable the counsel representing the plaintiff, Mr. Stanley Okonmah, to respond to the preliminary objection by President Tinubu and the AGF.
Four persons were reported killed on Sunday night in Rimin Auzinawa, Ungogo Local Government Area of Kano State, following a clash between residents of the area and security operatives during a demolition.
Our correspondent learnt that the victims were allegedly shot dead when security personnel opened fire after residents resisted the destruction of their buildings.
The team, according to a witness, promptly began demolishing properties, which was met with stiff resistance from residents of the community.
“In the ensuing chaos, security operatives allegedly opened fire, killing two people on the spot, while two others were rushed to the hospital, where they were subsequently pronounced dead,” he said.
Another eyewitness told PUNCH Metro operatives of the Kano Urban Planning and Development Authority had previously marked the affected buildings, mostly residential buildings under construction, for demolition.
The affected buildings were said to be about 40, while the disputed land belongs to the Bayero University, Kano.
A resident affected by the demolition who spoke on condition of anonymity, told our correspondent in a telephone interview on Monday, that the KNUPDA had initially cleared the properties, confirming they were not within the university’s land.
“We resolved all issues with KNUPDA. They assured us that our properties were not within the BUK land. But on Sunday night, officials of KNUPDA and security operatives arrived and demolished the buildings.
“When people resisted, security forces opened fire, killing four individuals who have now been buried. It’s a tragic situation,” the source said.
Efforts to obtain an official response from KNUPDA were unsuccessful, as efforts to contact the agency’s Managing Director proved abortive as his mobile phone was not switched off.
Meanwhile, the KNUPDA office had been deserted while most of the officials were alleged to have gone into hiding for fear of being attacked by the aggrieved residents of the area.
When contacted the Public Relations Officer of Kano State Police Command, SP Abdullahi Haruna, confirmed the incident.
He, however, directed our correspondent to contact the PRO of the state command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps “as they have the casualty on their side.”
When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, Kano Command, Ibrahim Abdullahi, confirmed the incident, adding that security personnel, including their officials, were deployed to the area to protect government property but were confronted with hostility.
“We went there to provide security and safeguard government properties. However, the residents attacked our personnel, injured one of our officers, and damaged our vehicles,” Abdullahi said.
When contacted, the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning confirmed that the said lands in dispute belonged to the Bayero University but declined further comments.
Sources at the ministry revealed that the government would soon make its position known on the matter.