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Passengers in a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) were reportedly attacked and robbed by some street thugs on Tuesday, in Orile Lagos State.
A victim of the attack, Dare Abiola, told The Nation that street boys disguised as protesters against the seizure of motorcycles by the task force, attacked their bus around 1 pm and took away the passengers’ valuables.
He lamented that his money and some of his valuables were stolen by the hoodlums.
He added that the attack went on for about 20 to 30 minutes without the intervention of security personnel.
He said: “I boarded a BRT bus from Mile 2 going to CMS. When we got to the Odunade bus stop, we noticed a crowd had gathered, and some were marching to the Orile bus stop.
“From what we heard, they said they were going to Orile police station to go and attack some policemen who I learnt had raided some motorcyclists around the Odunade-Coker axis.
“As we moved further, the crowd grew. When we got to the Alafia bus stop, in front of the NNPC fuel station, some guys started breaking the BRT windshield and the windows.
“Personally, they collected my bag and my phone. Before I released the items, they threatened to stab me with a Trophy bottle.”
However, he noted that he went to Orile police station to file a formal complaint.
Speaking on the incident, the state’s police spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, noted that he does not have the details of the incident yet.
Do Not Mistake Our Peaceful Attitude For Weakness – FG Sends Warning To Political Thugs Ahead Of Edo State Gubernatorial
Admin
The Federal Government has warned those planning to unleash havoc in next month’s governorship election in Edo State to perish the thought.
The government stated that it is ready to deploy the full weight of the law in dealing with such elements.
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, gave the warning on Wednesday in Abuja at the third regular quarterly consultative meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security ICCES hosted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Ribadu warned that President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to peace must not be taken for granted.
He said, “Any attempt to undermine, interfere with, or disrupt the peaceful conduct of the polls would be viewed as an assault on the very essence of our democratic values.
“We want to reassure you, that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to peaceful election is unwavering.
“Those planning to disrupt the elections should not mistake the current administration’s commitment to peace for weakness. We will defend the integrity of the polls using every lawful means at our disposal, and anyone attempting to disrupt the peaceful conduct of the elections will face the full force of the law. Law enforcement agencies are on high alert and ready to swiftly and decisively deal with anyone trying to undermine the polls.
“To the voters in Edo State, you are encouraged to vote confidently, knowing that the government is standing with you and is determined to protect your voice. Your role in promptly reporting any suspicious activities or threats to the authorities is crucial. Together, our vigilance and unity will prevent any attempts to undermine the polls.
“To our security forces and election officials, your dedication and integrity are crucial. As the guardians of our democracy, you must ensure that every ballot is protected, every voter feels safe, and the sanctity of the election is upheld.
“Let’s move forward knowing that together we are stronger and that we will protect the peaceful conduct of the Edo State governorship election on September 21st, 2024.”
[NaijaNews]
Tobe Oboli, the 22-year-old son of renowned Nollywood actress and filmmaker Omoni Oboli, has welcomed his first child with his wife, Marelle Bergsma, just five months after their wedding.
The exciting news was shared by Omoni Oboli on Monday via her instagram page.
In a heartfelt post, the filmmaker expressed her joy and gratitude, sharing a video from Marelle’s baby shower and celebrating the arrival of the newborn, whom she called the “perfect gift from God.”
“Our hearts are filled with gratitude and joy. We never knew we could love a tiny human this much,” Omoni wrote. “Our baby Naya is here, and she’s the perfect gift from God. Our hearts are filled with so much love. Naya, mummy, daddy, grandparents, and uncles are all doing amazing. THANK YOU LORD.”
The actress also confirmed that both mother and baby were healthy, and the entire family was overjoyed by the new addition. The post has since been greeted with congratulatory messages from fans and colleagues in the entertainment industry, all sending their best wishes to the Oboli family.
Tobe, who is the eldest of Omoni Oboli’s three sons, was born in 2001. He got engaged to Marelle in January 2024, and the couple tied the knot in a simple ceremony held in Canada in March.
[Leadership]
On Tuesday, a document titled the Counter Subversion Bill 2024 sparked widespread controversy on social media.
Sponsored by speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, the bill has already passed its first reading.
The bill proposes severe penalties for Nigerians who fail to recite the newly approved national anthem or insult politicians and community leaders.
Major provisions of the bill include:
1. Penalty for national anthem violations: Failure to recite the national anthem or pledge could result in a fine of up to N5 million, a prison sentence of five to ten years, or both.
2. Destruction of national symbols: Anyone found guilty of destroying national symbols or defacing a place of worship with intent to incite violence will face a fine of N5 million, a 10-year prison sentence, or both.
3. Unauthorised activities: Setting up illegal roadblocks, performing unauthorised traffic duties, imposing illegal curfews, or organising unlawful processions could lead to a fine of N2 million, five years in prison, or both.
4. Insulting leadership: Insulting, defaming, or bringing disrepute to community, religious, or government leaders carries a fine of N4 million or a two-year prison sentence.
5. Threatening national security: Engaging in activities that foster mistrust, intolerance, or violence threatening Nigeria’s peace and security could result in a fine of N5 million, a 10-year prison term, or both.
6. Illegal occupation of public or private spaces: Forcefully taking over places like worship centres, schools, or public arenas can lead to a fine of N5 million or up to 10 years in prison.
7. Disregarding Nigerian sovereignty: Pledging loyalty to or supporting organisations disregarding Nigeria’s sovereignty could result in a fine of N3 million or a four-year prison sentence.
8. Foreign interference: Receiving financial or political support from foreign entities that conflict with Nigeria’s interests could lead to a fine of N15 million or a 20-year prison term.
9. Undermining national security: Any activities that disrupt community harmony, disturb peaceful coexistence, or undermine national security could result in a fine of N3 million, five years in prison, or both.
10. Disobedience to authority: Persistently disobeying or disrespecting constituted authority could lead to a three-year prison sentence on the first offence and seven years for subsequent offences, or a fine of N5 million.
In response to public outcry, Abbas defended the bill, stating that its primary aim is to strengthen Nigeria’s anti-terrorism framework by addressing subversive activities, similar to laws in countries like the United Kingdom, Spain, and Canada.
He emphasised that the House of Representatives, as the “People’s House,” encourages robust public engagement and welcomes input from Nigerians to shape the outcome of the legislation.
[Businessday]
The Empower Ekiti Initiative (EEI) has expressed shock over the tragic murder of the former Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Prof. Olaofe.
The initiative extolled the late Don who was kidnapped and later murdered for dedicating his life to education and public service.
It lamented that his untimely death represents a grave loss to our academic community and society at large.
The statement said: “In recent months, Ekiti State has been plagued by escalating insecurity and a disturbing loss of lives. The brutal nature of Prof. Olaofe’s kidnapping and murder is a stark reminder of the urgent need for a comprehensive and effective approach to addressing these growing security challenges.
“We vehemently condemn this abhorrent act of violence and extend our heartfelt condolences to Prof. Olaofe’s family, friends, colleagues, and all those who were touched by his remarkable contributions. His legacy of scholarly excellence and commitment to societal advancement will forever be remembered and honoured.
“In response to this tragic event, we make the following urgent recommendations to Governor Biodun Oyebanji and the State Government to address the escalating violence and enhance public safety: Strengthening Law Enforcement: Allocate additional resources and support to law enforcement agencies to bolster their effectiveness and ensure a rapid and robust response to criminal activities, including kidnapping and murder.
“Enhancing Surveillance and Intelligence Gathering: Invest in state-of-the-art surveillance technologies and intelligence systems to better monitor and prevent potential threats, ensuring timely intervention in cases of violence and abductions.
“Promoting Community Policing and Engagement: Develop and implement community policing strategies that encourage collaboration between law enforcement and local communities, fostering trust and cooperation in the fight against crime.
“Ensuring Accountability and Justice: Commit to a transparent and rigorous investigation into Prof. Olaofe’s kidnapping and murder, ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice and that the rule of law is upheld.
“Supporting Victims and Families: Provide comprehensive support services for the families affected by violent crimes, including counselling, legal assistance, and protection measures.
“Implementing Preventive Measures: Launch public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on crime prevention and the importance of reporting suspicious activities, fostering a culture of vigilance and community responsibility.
“Strengthening Inter-Agency Collaboration: Facilitate better coordination and information sharing among various security agencies to enhance overall effectiveness and efficiency in addressing security challenges, particularly those involving kidnappings and violent crimes.
“The safety and well-being of our citizens are of paramount importance, and Governor Biodun Oyebanji and the State Government must take immediate and decisive action to address the root causes of violence and ensure a secure environment for all.
“We call upon all stakeholders, including government officials, community leaders, and the public, to unite in this critical effort to restore peace and security in Ekiti State.”
[TheNation]
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has withdrawn the Counter Subversion Bill and other related draft legislations following widespread public concern.
The decision, announced in a press statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, Musa Krishi, on Wednesday was said to have come after extensive consultations with various stakeholders and a careful assessment of the nation’s current circumstances.
The Counter Subversion Bill, which was introduced on July 23, 2024, sparked public debate and raised concerns about its potential impact on civil liberties.
The statement read, “In response to the voices and concerns of the people, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has decided to withdraw the Counter Subversion Bill and other related draft legislation.
“His decision to withdraw the bill reflects his commitment to ensuring that the House of Representatives remains a true representation of the people’s will.”
Krishi noted that the withdrawal of the bill underscores Tajudeen’s pledge to never support any legislation that could potentially disrupt the peace and unity of the nation.
“Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, a champion of the people’s interests, has always prioritised listening to the citizens and fostering unity. His decision reflects his commitment to ensuring that the House remains truly the People’s House.
“He acknowledges the significance of the concerns raised and the attention the Bill has garnered, reaffirming that he will never support any action that might disrupt the peace and unity of our nation.
“The public is hereby notified of the withdrawal of the Counter Subversion Bill and other related ones introduced on July 23, 2024,” he added.
The Counter Subversion Bill 2024 went viral on social media on Tuesday after it scaled through the first reading and proceeded to the second, where its general principles would be debated on July 23.
It aims to impose stringent penalties on Nigerians who fail to recite the newly approved national anthem or abuse politicians or community leaders.
According to the bill, anyone found guilty shall be fined up to N5 million and would face five to 10 years prison sentence or both.
[Punch]
The newly sworn-in Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoSF), Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, has promised to build and improve on the foundation laid by her predecessor, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan.
She made this known on her assumption of duty, where she was received by Permanent Secretaries along with Directors and Staff on Wednesday 14, 2024 in Abuja.
“I will work assiduously to escalate ongoing reform initiatives in the Service, deliver on the Mandates of the Office, in sync with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present Administration”, she vowed.
She thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the appointment and expressed her commitment to maximizing the use of technology to drive transformation in the Service.
“I intend to maximize the usage of technology in driving transformation in the Service, it is uncompromisable,” she said.
Mrs. Walson-Jack also urged staff to be more proactive in their service delivery, saying
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Common Services Office, Mr. Raymond Omachi, assured the HoSF of staff commitment to duty and absolute loyalty to the system.
The HoSF was received by Permanent Secretaries, Directors, and Staff on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, in Abuja
[Vanguard]
Chidimma Adetshina, the embattled Miss South Africa contestant, has accepted an invitation to compete in the 2024 Miss Universe Nigeria pageant.
Chidinma was recently subject to controversies over her eligibility to participate in this year’s Miss South African beauty pageant.
The controversy surrounding her nationality rapidly gained traction on social media platforms last month after she qualified for the round of 16. Some X users — predominantly from South Africa — had called for her disqualification.
The South African ministry of home affairs also launched an investigation to determine the nationality of Chidimma.
Following the investigation, the model of Nigerian heritage pulled out from the final of the Miss South Africa pageant which was held on August 10.
The organisers of Miss Universe Nigeria would later invite Chidimma to participate in this year’s pageant.
On Wednesday, Chidimma revealed her decision to accept the invitation for the 2024 Miss Universe Nigeria pageant.
The 23-year-old model expressed excitement that she will be participating in what she described as “Africa’s most prestigious” pageant.
Chidimma also thanked the organisers for allowing her to take part in the pageant.
“With great excitement, I have decided to participate in the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 beauty pageant,” she said in social media post shared by Ben Murray-Bruce, the founder of Silverbird Group, the pageant organisers.
“Now, I understand the expectations and responsibilities that come with this title and I’m so excited to be back on this journey.
“I just want to say thank you so much for this opportunity and I’m looking forward to participating in Africa’s most prestigious beauty pageant, Miss Universe Nigeria.”
Chidimma was born in Soweto, South Africa. She is believed to be of Nigerian (dad) and Mozambican (mum) heritage.
Last week, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) for South Africa alleged that preliminary evidence suggests Chidimma’s mother may have committed fraud and identity theft.
Chidimma said her decision to withdraw from the country’s competition was for the “safety of my family and I”.
[TheCable]
The lawmaker representing Kano South senatorial district of Kano State in the National Assembly, Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila, has revealed that Senators get ₦21 million naira monthly each as allowances and running costs.
He made the revelation in a chat with the BBC Hausa Service on Wednesday morning.
Sumaila, who was elected on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), narrated that his actual salary, as fixed by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), is less than N1m and comes down to about ₦600,000 after deductions.
The Senator, however, said the leadership of the Senate has made some increases in the take-home pay of the lawmakers, with each Senator getting up to ₦21 million in salary and allowances.
“My monthly salary is less than ₦1million. After deductions, the figure comes down to a little over ₦600,000,” Senator Sumaila said.
He, however, added that: “Given the increase effected, in the Senate, each Senator gets ₦21million every month as running cost.”
The revelation comes at a time when the controversy and secrecy over the earnings of lawmakers in Nigeria are taking the front burner of public discussions again.
Naija News recalls former President Olusegun Obasanjo recently called out the members of the National Assembly, accusing them of fixing bogus salaries and allowances for themselves in contravention of extant laws.
Also, a one-time Senator of Kaduna Central in the 8th Senate, Shehu Sani, had once publicly disclosed that each Senator collects a monthly running cost of ₦13.5m in addition to the monthly ₦750,000 prescribed by RMAFC.
In reaction to the fresh allegation by Obasanjo, the RMAFC Chairman, Muhammed Bello Shehu, explained on Tuesday that each member of the Senate collects a total monthly salary and allowances of the sum of N1,063,860.
The breakdown of the cumulative take-home pay, according to the commission, include; basic salary of N168,866:70; motor vehicle fuelling and maintenance allowance of N126,650; N42,216:66 for personal assistant; domestic staff – N126,650:00; entertainment – N50,660:00; utilities – N50,660; newspapers/periodicals – N25,330:00; Wardrobe allowance – N42,216,66:00; house maintenance – N8,443.33 and constituency allowance – N422,166:66; respectively.
The RMAFC chairman said some allowances are regular while others are non-regular. Regular allowances are paid regularly with basic salary while non-regular allowances are paid as of when due.
For instance, furniture allowance (N6,079,200 million) and severance gratuity (N6,079,200 million) are paid once in every tenure and vehicle allowance (N8,105,600 million) which is optional is a loan which the beneficiary has to pay before leaving office.
“A closer look at the monthly entitlement of Senators reveals that each Senator collects a monthly salary and allowances of the sum of N1,063,860:00 consisting of the following: Basic Salary- N168,866:70; Motor Vehicle Fuelling and Maintenance Allowance N126,650:00; Personal Assistant N42,216:66; Domestic Staff-126,650:00; Entertainment-N50,660:00; Utilities-N50,660:00; Newspapers/Periodicals-N25,330:00; Wardrobe-N42,216,66:00; House Maintenance -N8,443.33:00 and Constituency Allowance- N422,166:66; respectively,” the RMAFC chairman said in a statement he personally signed on Tuesday.
“The Commission also wishes to use this opportunity to state that any allegation regarding other allowance(s) being enjoyed by any political, public office holder outside those provided in the Remuneration (Amendment) Act, 2008 should be explained by the person who made the allegation.
“To avoid misinformation and misrepresentation of facts capable of misleading citizens and members of the International Community, the Commission considers it most appropriate and necessary to request Nigerians and any other interested party to avail themselves of the opportunity to access the actual details of the present Remuneration package for Political, Public and Judicial Office holders in Nigeria published on its website: www.rmafc.gov.ng,” he added.
The RMAFC boss, however, said the commission does not have the constitutional powers to enforce compliance with the proper implementation of lawmakers’ remuneration packages.
He added that aside from the President, Vice President, Senate President, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, all public and legislative officers are no longer provided with housing, as was the case in the past.
FG Freezes $37m Worth Of Cryptocurrency Traced To Suspected #EndBadGovernace Protest Organizers
AFOLABI
The Federal government has frozen more than $37 million worth of cryptocurrency held in wallets believed to be owned by some organisers of #EndBadGovernance protests.
Premiumtimes reports that the freezing of the wallets followed an order granted by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja on August 9.
The judge issued the order based on an application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). In the ex parte application filed on August 8 and heard by the court on the following day, the EFCC described the assets as proceeds of money laundering and terrorism financing.
There was no objection to the application during the hearing, which was proceeded like an exchange of views between the judge and EFCC’s lawyer, O.S Ujam.
“That an order of this honourable court is hereby made freezing the wallet addresses/accounts stated in the schedule below, which wallets are owned by individuals currently being investigated for offences of money laundering and terrorism financing, pending the conclusion of the investigation,” Mr Nwite ruled shortly after listening to the EFCC’s lawyer.
The wallet with the lion’s share of the assets has USDT37 million (USDT37,061,867,869.3) cryptocurrency, which equals the exact value in American US dollars.
Each of the three other wallets has USDT967, USDT90, and USDT443,512.37, respectively. The EFCC did not reveal the identities of the wallet owners in its application but the federal government however linked them to suspected organisers of the #EndBadGovernance protests.
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The Anambra State Government, through the Ministry of Women and Social Welfare and Security Operatives, has apprehended a 34-year-old man, identified as Chukwudi Okoye, for defiling a 10-year-old girl.
PUNCH Metro gathered that the suspect said to be a seminarian in the Anglican Communion, committed the act in the Amanuke community, Awka North Local Government Area in the state.
A statement on Tuesday by Chidimma Ikeanyionwu, the media aide to the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, disclosed that the incident, which occurred sometime in July, was brought to the notice of the ministry in August, by a whistleblower.
Ikeanyionwu added that the commissioner, through the security operatives, launched a hunt for the suspect, apprehended and brought him for interrogation before the law enforcement agents.
The statement read in part, “The suspect, Chukwudi Okoye, 34, a native of Enugwu-Agidi, but resident at Amanuke, said he only fingered the survivor because his manhood could not enter her private parts.
“According to the 34-year-old suspect, he never intended to do such a despicable act but was lured into it when the 10-year-old lay on his bed. Although he denied penetrating the girl, he at the same time, pleaded for pardon because, according to him, it was the work of the devil.
“The suspect is said to be a seminarian in the Anglican Communion in Amanuke.
“Meanwhile, the 10-year-old victim stated that she was defiled on the day of her graduation ceremony when the suspect called her alongside her friend to come and wash plates for him.
“She explained that after she had finished washing the plates, he discharged her friend and asked her to play with him before taking her to the bed where he removed her clothes and had carnal knowledge of her.
“On why she did not tell anyone of the incident, the little girl said that she was seriously warned by the suspect never to tell anyone or he would deal with her.”
When interrogated, the grandmother of the victim said she only got to know of the incident after the girl became seriously ill, which was one week after the incident.
The statement added, “The grandmother explained that she took her granddaughter to the suspect’s house after she learnt that he was responsible for the act.
“She said it was in the process that the suspect decided to take the child to the hospital where they were subsequently referred to the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital, Amaku Awka for further treatment.”
As of the time of this report, the suspect had been handed over to the police for further investigation and consequently charged the case to court.
In Anambra State, the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, which outlaws all forms of violence against women and girls, including rape, female circumcision and forceful ejection, was enacted in 2015 and offenders, on conviction, face life imprisonment or a maximum of 14-year jail term, depending on the age of the offender and type of violence committed.
Several persons have been arrested in Anambra on offences ranging from rape and defilement and many cases are at various courts waiting for prosecution
A 33-year-old cleaner, Charles Sunday, was arraigned on Tuesday before the Ebute-Metta Magistrate Court in Lagos for allegedly stealing a gold chain and other items valued at N3.250,000 from his employer.
Sunday, who resides at No. 15, Orchid Road, Eleganza, Lekki, is facing a charge of stealing.
The Police Prosecutor, Inspector Cyriacus Osuji, told the court that the defendant committed the alleged crime while employed as a cleaner for the complainant, Mr Temitope Aremu.
He said the incident took place between July and August 2024 at the Horizon Court Estate, Ikate, Lekki.
Osuji informed the court that the stolen items included a gold chain valued at N3m, along with a hand bangle, bracelets, a face cap, and a jean jacket, all totalling N250,000.
The prosecutor emphasised that “The total value of the stolen items is N3,250,000, and these belong to the complainant, Mr. Aremu.”
According to Osuji, the offence committed contravened Section 287 (7), of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015. Sunday, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The defence counsel, Mr Ali Abah, pleaded with the court to grant his client bail on lenient terms.
“We humbly apply that the defendant be granted bail in the most liberal terms,” Abah urged the court.
The prosecutor did not oppose the bail application but noted that while some of the stolen items had been recovered, “The gold chain valued at N3m is still missing.”
In her ruling, the magistrate, Mrs Oluwatosin Erinle, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N1m, with two sureties in like sum.
She stipulated that the sureties must provide evidence of livelihood, with one being a blood relation of the defendant.
Additionally, Erinle ordered that the sureties must present six months’ bank statements, proof of income tax payment to the Lagos State Government, receipts for house rent, and their National Identity Numbers, with their addresses verified.
The case has been adjourned to August 29, 2024, for mention.
A Libyan driver was apprehended in the Bishr area on Tuesday for attempting to smuggle six undocumented female migrants of Nigerian nationality.
The arrest was made during routine police patrols, which intercepted the vehicle and detained the driver.
Migrant Rescue Watch, an organisation that monitors migrant activities, disclosed the incident on social media.
According to their report, the driver, who is suspected of being involved in human trafficking, falsely claimed that the Nigerian nationals were his family members in an effort to evade arrest.
All individuals involved have been transferred to the Bishr Police Department for further legal action as authorities continue to investigate the case.
Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola, has said the Nigerian telecom sector is in an Intensive Care Unit, warning that it could collapse if urgent steps are not taken.
Toriola disclosed this on Tuesday while speaking virtually at a hybrid telecom investment forum organized by Financial Derivatives Company in Lagos, the Nation reports.
According to him, there’s an urgent need to rescue the sector from collapse.
Meanwhile, Airtel Nigeria CEO, Carl Cruz, had expressed optimism that the sector would continue to attract investment.
Cruz noted that telecom tariff hike was a necessity due to soaring operational costs.
Recall that barely a week ago, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Aminu Maida described reports of telecoms tariff hikes as false.
According to him, there have been no new tariff hikes for Mobile Network Operators, MNOs, or any increases in telecom services for consumers.
Meanwhile, Mobile Network Operators in Nigeria have continued to call for telecoms tariff hikes.