A Lagos State High sitting in Ikeja, on Wednesday, convicted and sentenced a couple, Harry Uyanwanne and Oluwakemi Odemuyiwa (a.k.a Kristein Uyanwanne) alongside Temple International Church.

Justice Mojisola Dada handed down the verdict after finding them guilty of the offences preferred against them.

The judge also ordered that the third defendant, (Temple International Church), should be deregistered and closed down for using the name of God and the church to defraud people.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had filed seven counts bordering on stealing, dishonest conversion, false presentation and fraud against the convicts.

When the EFCC arraigned the convicts on February 25, 2020, they pleaded not guilty, and the prosecution commenced trial.

During the trial, the prosecution counsel, Mr Babatunde Sonoiki, called five witnesses while the defence called two witnesses.

Delivering the judgment, the judge held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and, therefore, found both of them guilty.

Justice Dada sentenced the duo to three years imprisonment on count one, while on count two to six, the first convict, Harry Uyanwanne, was sentenced to seven years imprisonment.

The second convict (Odemuyiwa) was sentenced to three years imprisonment, but the court discharged and acquitted them on count seven.

Uyanwanne was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment while Odemuyiwa (a.k.a Kristein Uyanwanne) was sentenced to six years.

The judge ordered that the sentence should run concurrently.

Justice Dada also ordered the third convict, Temple International Church, to be deregistered and closed down.

“Using the name of God and church to defraud people, I order that the third convict should be deregistered and closed down,” she said.

The judge ordered the convicts to restitute the sum of N31m to the nominal complainant within 60 days of the judgment.

The EFCC had alleged that sometime in March 2016, the convicts dishonestly converted the sum of  N10m for their own use, property of the late Mrs. Janet Adeola Odemuyiwa.

The anti-graft agency said that the convicts, with false intent to defraud, sold the property known as Plot 32, Block 9, Magodo Residential Scheme 1, Ikeja Local Government to one Mr. Kingsley Atere for the sum of N42m on the false presentation that the first convict was authorised to sell the property by the bonafide owner, the late Mrs. Odemuyiwa.

According to the EFCC, the offences committed contravened Section 1 (2) and (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act No. 14 2006 and Sections 278 and 285 (1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria No. 11, 2011.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has condemned the provision of the Tax Reform Bills that recommended the scrapping of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund)

The President of ASUU, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, said scrapping TETFund would kill Nigeria’s public education and would keep children of the poor in slavery.

Professor Osodeke stated this in an interview with Channels TV on Thursday. He noted that the federal government submitted the bill to the National Assembly without consulting the people in the education sector.

“The only source of funding is from TETFund, so when you destroy it, you have destroyed public universities.

“TETFund is a product of ASUU. You can’t make the tax laws without meeting with ASUU for inputs before proposing it before the National Assembly.

“The Vice Chancellors were not consulted, Pro Chancellors were not consulted. The people sat down somewhere and said over the next five years let’s scrap it without consulting those who initiated this bill that has transformed Nigerian public universities. That’s not how to work in a system. That’s not how to run a country that is democratic,” Osodeke said.

Osodeke disclosed that the plan was to replace TETFund with the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). He advised the federal government to seek another way of funding NELFUND, suggesting deducting from the Value Added Tax (VAT)

“Let that Act that was initiated in 1993 that has transformed all Nigerian universities, allow it to stay. If you want to drive NELFUND, go and look for ways to fund it. Don’t take from the one that is in existence to fund it.

“Take 1% or 2% of VAT to fund NELFUND. Don’t take from Peter to pay Peter. Go and look for ways to fund NELFUND.

“When you go around all Nigerian universities, polytechnics and colleges of education today, 90% of the physical structures you have there are products of this struggle for TETFUND.

“But this tax bill is saying that by the year 2030, it should be scrapped and merged with NASENI and NITDA and then reduced to 2%,” he stressed.

The ASUU President further slammed the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Tax and Fiscal Reform, Taiwo Oyedele, on his statement that no part of the bill recommended scrapping of any agency.

He added that TETFund has been the game changer in tertiary schools’ infrastructural development, which other countries are emulating.

“He is playing with words. TETFund is not gotten from the budget. For TETFund, the money is consolidated in an account that is accessed by CBN; it is money coming from companies – investment by companies in education.

“When you go outside the country, companies fund universities, they give grants, which companies are not doing in Nigeria, the only one they are doing is this 2%. So, they should not look at it as tax but investment to produce graduates that would work for you.

“He is playing with words. Look at the sharing: by 2025-2026, TETFund will access 50% of this consolidated fund. 2026-2027, it will reduce to 33%. In 2030, TETFund will have zero.

“Other countries in Africa are emulating this TETFund. I will give you an example: Ghana. Because of this, in 2021, Ghana passed their GETFUND – Ghana Education Trust Fund. They got theirs from VAT.

“If you are starting your programme which is NELFUND, there is no problem. Challenge the academia, we will tell you how to fund it. We will give you a way to fund it without tampering with the one on the ground,” he added.

The Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (BoT-PDP) has said it will meet with FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike in January in order to resolve the crisis in the party.

This was part of the resolutions arrived at on Thursday during its emergency meeting in Abuja.

The PDP-BoT also said that President Bola Tinubu’s “poorly-implemented reforms” were pushing millions of Nigerians deeper into poverty.

The BoT similarly criticised the Umar Damagum-led National Working Committee for repeatedly postponing the National Executive Committee meeting thus worsening the crisis in the party.

The resolutions which were read by the PDP-BoT Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara said, “On the national front, the harsh economic policies of the (President Bola) Tinubu administration have exacerbated the suffering of Nigerians.

“The skyrocketing cost of living, coupled with poorly implemented economic reforms, has pushed millions into deeper poverty.

“The promises of economic relief have proven hollow, leaving families struggling to make ends meet,” the PDP board said.

It enjoined the party to “rise to this occasion by offering credible alternatives and amplifying the voices of the suffering masses.

“Let us reaffirm our commitment to the values of fairness, equity, and prosperity for all Nigerians.

“Internally, we must put our house in order. I want to use this platform to call for unity among our PDP governors.

“The strength of our party lies in our collective resolve, not in individual pursuits. We cannot afford to let personal ambitions or differences overshadow our shared vision for a better Nigeria.

“Our governors are the bedrock of the PDP’s successes across states, and their synergy is vital for our collective progress.

“Let us prioritize dialogue, collaboration, and a sense of shared responsibility as we navigate these trying times.

“The BoT will be relentless in seeking for peace and unity in our party as the conscience of PDP.”

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, will receive an honorary doctorate degree at the 48th convocation ceremony of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.

The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simeon Bamire, disclosed this during a pre-convocation press briefing held on campus on Thursday.

The Vice-Chancellor also announced that the Group Chairman of Mutual Benefits Plc, Dr Akin Ogunbiyi, and the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria Communications, Karl Toriola, will also be honoured.

Bamire further revealed that, during the three-day convocation ceremonies, 7,368 students will graduate, and two other distinguished individuals — academic and entrepreneur Professor Anthony Adegbulugbe, and oil and gas industry leader Daere Afonya-Akobo — will also receive honorary doctorate degrees.

Explaining the basis for Senator Tinubu’s award, Bamire highlighted her longstanding support for the university, noting her contributions towards improving the welfare of OAU students and the university community.

“Specifically, we will confer honorary awards on five exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to humanity by uplifting the less privileged and advancing societal progress through their talents, financial resources, and material support,” Bamire said.

The Honorary Award Recipients for this year are:

“Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, OON First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu is an astute politician and advocate for the underprivileged, particularly women and children.

“Dr. Akinade Akanmu Ogunbiyi Group Chairman of Mutual Benefit PIc, leads a conglomerate of nine companies employing over 5,000 people.

“Prof. Anthony Adegbulugbe: A distinguished entrepreneur, academic, and engineer, Prof. Adegbulugbe has demonstrated extraordinary generosity through the Springland Kids and Youth Foundation (SKY Foundation) and the Anthony and Afolake Adegbulugbe Foundation.

“Prince Karl Olutokun Toriola: A seasoned business leader and telecommunications expert, Prince Toriola serves as the CEO of MTN Nigeria Communications Plc.

“Daere Afonya-Akobo: A prominent figure in the oil and gas sector, Daere Afonya-Akobo is highly committed to education and philanthropy. His contributions include Donating ICT units to Rivers State University in 2021,” the VC said.

Giving details of the grades obtained by the graduating students drawn from the 13 faculties in the university, Bamire said 215 students made First Class Honours, Second Class Upper Division, 2,197, Second Class Lower Division, 2,691, Third Class Honours Upper Credit, 61, Lower Credit, 33, Pass, 62, making a total of 6,015 students for Classified Degrees.

For Unclassified Degrees, Bamire said, Distinction, 13 students, Pass with Distinction, 59 students, Pass with Credit,154 and Pass, 169, making a total of 395 for Unclassified Degrees.

For Postgraduate Degrees, the VC said 74 students would bag Postgraduate Diplomas, while 708 and 176 students would bag Master’s Degrees and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), respectively.

The ECOWAS Court of Justice has ordered the Federal Republic of Nigeria to compensate Oluwatimilehin Adebayo with ₦5 million for the violation of his right to freedom from torture.

The court also ordered Nigeria to conduct a prompt, impartial, and effective investigation into the torture and prosecute those responsible.

Adebayo, in a suit marked (ECW/CCJ/APP/47/23), accused some police officers from Ogun State of subjecting him to severe physical abuse, including beating him with the handle of an axe and tying his limbs with chains to a pole.

He said this ordeal caused him physical injuries, including trauma to his scrotum and left him suffering from significant psychological distress.

However, the respondent, the Nigerian Government, challenged the jurisdiction of the Court, arguing that the case was filed outside the three-year limitation period stipulated under the Court’s rules, rendering it statute-barred.

It also argued that the Court lacks jurisdiction to hear the matter, arguing that it would involve reviewing a case that is either pending (sub judice) or already decided by a municipal court within the respondent state.

However, the court, in its judgment sent to our correspondent via email on Thursday, dismissed Nigeria’s preliminary objections, asserting its jurisdiction to hear human rights cases.

It clarified that the three-year limitation period under Article 9(3)(b) of the Court’s Protocol does not apply to cases of human rights violations.

In the judgment delivered by Justice Dupe Atoki, the court held that these acts constituted torture, violating Article 5 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, to which Nigeria is a party.

“The Court noted that the torture was intentional and aimed at coercing Mr. Adebayo into signing a pre-written statement. Consequently, it ordered the Federal Republic of Nigeria to pay ₦5 million in compensation to the Applicant for the violation of his right to freedom from torture.

“It also ordered Nigeria to conduct a prompt, impartial, and effective investigation into the torture and prosecute those responsible.

“However, the Court dismissed the claim that the applicant’s right to a remedy had been violated, noting that there was no evidence the Applicant had formally reported the abuse to relevant authorities,” it added.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has dismissed allegations that the state will gain the most from the proposed tax reforms, urging Nigerians to thoroughly understand the provisions of the reforms before concluding.

Speaking on Wednesday during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the Africa Investment Forum Market Days 2024 in Morocco, Sanwo-Olu addressed concerns raised by Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum.

Zulum claimed on December 2 that the value-added tax (VAT) sharing model proposed in the reforms would disproportionately favour the states of Lagos and Rivers.

Sanwo-Olu countered Zulum’s assertion, emphasising that the reforms aim to create a more efficient tax system that benefits all states by addressing structural challenges in revenue generation and distribution.

Sanwo-Olu said, “What those uncomfortable with the tax reform are not willing to accept is that there is no way of making an omelette without breaking the egg.

“You cannot make changes if the reforms are not set in. I have advised that people should take time to read the provisions of the reform very well and to fully understand what they’re trying to do.

“I have seen comments around. Comments like Lagos is going to be the major beneficiary. It is not true. Lagos is actually going to be a shaped-off in some places, but on a larger scale basis, we see it as a global thing for a better governance structure.

“All of us will play better and we’ll be able to discipline ourselves more. Some of the things that you will see is that you need to work harder for you to get the full benefit of the reform. So it’s not just an easy kill.”

According to Sanwo-Olu, while Lagos state may face some losses in certain areas, it will also gain greater opportunities to play a more significant role.

He stressed the urgent need for reform, pointing out Nigeria’s low tax-to-GDP ratio, which ranks among the lowest globally.

The governor expressed optimism that the proposed reforms would unlock significant opportunities for all states and non-governmental actors.

He reassured Nigerians that the reforms are not intended to hurt anyone but to foster a fair and inclusive system that benefits everyone.

The governor said, “I have a positive attitude to it. I see it as a very wonderful reform. Tax-to-GDP ratio in Nigeria is one of the lowest in the world.

“So, there are a few things that need to happen, and like I keep saying, not only when you make those changes, you will not be able to see the opportunities that are found in your account.

“We really need to be bullish. We need to be encouraging ourselves and know that the intention is not to hurt anybody. This, I am very sure of.

“The intention is to better a lot, but not just better a lot of one person or one set of people. It’s for all of us, and so we should look at it this way.”

Sanwo-Olu, who attended the forum alongside other governors to attract investors, said he has been actively engaging stakeholders to clarify misconceptions about the reforms.

The governor said he has personally urged the presidential tax reform committee, led by Taiwo Oyedele, to intensify its public engagement efforts.

He also acknowledged that some resistance to the reforms stems from misunderstandings but noted that public engagement is a positive development.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, has criticized the Federal Government’s student loan initiative, arguing that beneficiaries often struggle to repay the loans.

During an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily program on Thursday, ASUU President Emmanuel Osodeke stated that the union’s research on student loan systems in other countries shows that graduates often become societal burdens and feel demoralized.

“Imagine a student graduating from the university with a loan of five million naira, even me as a professor, I cannot pay back such a loan in 20 years’ time..

“A student who graduated has a loan of N5 million and is not sure of getting a job in the next 10 or 20 years”, he said.

Osodeke suggested that increasing the budgetary allocation for education would eliminate the need for student loans.

He also noted that this is the third attempt to implement such an initiative, which previously failed, raising doubts about its viability this time.

Citing the United States, where student loans are prevalent, he mentioned that many students are unable to repay their debts, leading to severe consequences, including suicides.

He added that President Joe Biden had to intervene to address the loan crisis.

The professor questioned how the initiative could succeed in a country with a high unemployment rate.

Erhriatake Ibori-Suenu, the daughter of former Delta State Governor, James Ibori, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party House of Representatives caucus.

Ms Ibori-Suenu announced her defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC in a letter read on the floor of the House on Thursday.

Her Father, Ibori served as the Governor of Delta State from 1999 to 2007 and is believed to have retained his hold on the political structure of the the PDP in the state.

Ms Ibori’s defection is the latest in the gale of defection rocking the minority caucus.

Earlier, four members of the Labour Party caucus also defected to the APC.

A major defection wave has rocked the Labour Party caucus in the House of Representatives, as four members have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The four LP candidates that defected on the floor of the House on Thursday are from four states: Kaduna, Imo, Edo and Cross River.

Speaker Abbas Tajudeen announced the defection on the floor of the House.

The lawmakers are Chinedu Okere (Owerri Municipal/Owerri North/Owerri West Constituency), Mathew Donatus (Kaura Federal Constituency of Kaduna), Akiba Bassey (Calabar Municipal/Odukpani Constituency) and Esosa Iyawe (Oredo Federal Constituency of Edo).