JUDGE ORDERS ACCELERATED TRIAL OF EVANS

Evans

Justice Hakeem Oshodi of an Ikeja High Court, Lagos on Tuesday warned counsel to Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike alias “Evans” that no further delays would be tolerated in his ongoing trial.

Justice Oshodi gave the warning following a 30-minute  verbal exchange he had with  Mr Chinonye Obiagwu,  Evans’ new defence counsel who had prayed for an adjournment to study the case file.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Obiagwu is one of  the 31 newly-shortlisted  Senior Advocate of Nigeria  for induction on September 24.

Justice Oshodi said, “I cannot come from home during vacation to be told that the matter will not go on for one excuse or the other.

“Counsel should desist from filing applications targeting at stalling trial,  parties must get their witnesses ready, so that justice will be served within reasonable time frame.”

NAN reported that Evans had on various occasions hired two defence counsel; Mr Olukoya Ogungbeje and Mr Noel Brown to represent him.

The changes in defence counsel had caused delays in the trial.

Previous court proceedings held on June 26, had been put on hold due to Brown taking over from  Ogungbeje who was Evans’ first defence counsel at the onset of his trial.

Evans is standing trial alongside Uche Amadi, Ogechi Uchechukwu, Chilaka Ifeanyi, Okwuchukwu Nwachukwu and Victor Aduba.

The six accused were arraigned on August 30, 2017 on two-count of conspiracy and kidnapping of the Chief Executive Officer of Maydon Pharmaceutical Limited, Donatus Dunu, from whose family they allegedly collected 223,000 Euro (N100m) as ransom.

Evans and his co-defendants have pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Earlier during proceedings, a witness,  Inspector Idowu Haruna of the Intelligence Response Team that arrested the defendants, had told the court how the accused were arrested.

Haruna’ who was led in evidence by Mr Adebayo Haroun,  the State Prosecuting counsel, told the  court that the statements of the defendants were not obtained under duress but rather in a conducive environment.

Following Haruna’s revelation of how the statement were obtained, the prosecuting officer urged the court to admit the statements as evidence.

Obiagwu,  however opposed the admissibility of the statements on the premise that they were obtained under duress prompting Justice Oshodi to order a trial-within-trial.

During the trial-within-trial,  Haruna told the court that when Dunu,  Evans’ alleged victim escaped from the kidnappers den, he was brought to the Anti-Kidnapping Department,  Ikeja and was later taken to the then Lagos State Police Commissioner, Mr Fatai Owoseni.

“Owoseni then ordered a team to move to the defendants hideout at Igando, a suburb of Lagos.

” On getting to the house, the abductors had fled the scene with their little possessions but the police team found some ammunitions in the house which the defendants left behind,” he said.

Haruna revealed that during interrogation,  Evans had alleged that he enjoyed the services of some officers of the Nigerian Army during their kidnap operations.

“Whenever they were going on their  operation,  they put on army uniform to camouflage as army officers and disguise in order to deceive their prey.

“Two army officers involved were later arrested and taken before their superiors at Abati Barracks for disciplinary actions.

“They were dismissed and taken back to the police for further disciplinary action,” Haruna said.

The case was adjourned until October 26 for continuation of the trial-within-trial.

(NAN)

NASARAWA GAS EXPLOSION DEATH TOLL NOW NINE, - GOVERNOR

Gov. Umaru Tanko Al-Makura

The death toll from the gas explosion on Monday at Monaco gas station in Nasarawa has risen to nine.

Governor Umaru Al-Makura confirmed the figures on Tuesday when he visited the scene of the incident to assess the level of damage.

Al-Makura, who described the incident as “unfortunate” condoled the families of those who lost their lives, and assured that government would do its best to ensure that the survivors of the fire outbreak get the best medical attention.

“Last night, I got a report that six people died as a result of the burns sustained from the incident, but this morning, I was told that three more people had been confirmed dead.

“We were able to transfer 17 victims, who had over 60 per cent burns out of the 37 persons affected to the National Trauma Centre in Abuja, but three among them later died.

“Shortly before I arrived here, another child died while being removed from a pregnant mother, who also suffered severe burns.

“So, at the moment, we have recorded nine deaths as against the large figures being speculated in the media,” Al-Makura said.

He said the remaining 14 casualties currently at the National Trauma Centre were responding to treatment.

“I have directed that all the victims be given the best treatment available and for those in critical condition, requiring to be moved abroad, the Nasarawa State Government will take care of their bills just to ensure they live,” he assured.

The governor called on residents of the state to obtain proper approval before situating their structures anywhere in the state in order to avert a repeat of such occurrence.

“I have called for a meeting with the committee on development control for us to review approvals for situaing all businesses that pose danger to the people, especially gas stations.

“We have agreed that existing stations must comply with the safe distance specifications,” he said.

He also said that he had directed the state fire service to cordon-off the area for the next seven days to ensure that it is totally safe for habitation.

“We discovered that gas was still leaking from the tanks and we are making contact with the Department of Petroleum Resources and other agencies with the necessary equipment to assist in evacuating gas from the area,” Al-Makura added.

The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that Monaco gas station in Lafia was on Monday morning engulfed by fire when a tanker offloading the liquified gas suddenly went ablaze.

Mr Dogara Dalhatu, the Chief Fire Officer of the Nasarawa State Fire Service, who confirmed the incident attributed it to a spark around the vicinity where the gas was being discharged.

Dalhatu, however, said the inferno has been put under control by men of the fire service.

He said that about 10 vehicles, five motorcycles and three tricycles were destroyed by the fire.

(NAN)

WE’LL CONTINUE TO DEPRIVE LOOTERS THE FRUITS OF THEIR CRIMES – BUHARI

President M. Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari said in Abuja on Tuesday that his administration was committed to depriving looters of public assets of the fruits of their crimes.

Describing asset recovery as an anti-corruption tool, he called on the National Assembly to take all necessary steps to pass the pending Proceeds of Crimes Bill.

He said the bill when passed and assented to would “revolutionise our asset recovery and management architecture”.

Buhari said this at the Presidential Villa while officially receiving the report of the three-man presidential committee set up to audit recovered funds.

The President had on November 22, 2017, inaugurated the committee which comprised Mr. Olufemi Lijadu, Mrs. Gloria Chinyere Bibigha and Mr. Mohammed Nami.

The committee was given the mandate to carry out a comprehensive audit of assets and funds recovered by Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government of Nigeria from May 29, 2015, to November 22, 2017.

Although details of the report of the committee were not released, the President promised to implement its findings and recommendations.

He described corruption as constituting “a threat to the well-being, national security, and economy of Nigeria”, adding that his administration “will not allow the wanton diversion and embezzlement of public funds into private pockets”.

He added, “Thus, we intend to continue taking all necessary measures to deprive looters of public assets of the fruits of their crimes.

“It is in keeping with the Anti-corruption Policy of this Government, and in line with global best practices that this Committee was set-up to review our asset recovery and management practices in order to evolve a proper management, transparency and accountability culture in the management of recovered assets.

“Given our history of impunity, much of Nigeria’s wealth has historically been squandered or stolen; leaving us with inadequate infrastructure for our growing population and economy.

“Asset Recovery is thus one of the essential tools for fighting corruption and we must, therefore, take issues of managing such recovered assets very seriously.

“We must utilise proceeds of our recoveries optimally to address our economic and social problems, and loopholes for stealing public funds must be blocked.

JUST IN: AREGBESOLA RELEASES N19.8 BILLION FOR WORKERS’ SALARY ARREARS

Gov. Rauf Aregbesola

The governor of Osun State, His Excellency, Rauf Aregbesola, has authorised the release of N19.8 billion for payment of four months salary of the workers as well as pensioners.

The State’s Commissioner for Finance Bola Oyebamiji, in a statement on Tuesday said the governor had approved the release of nineteen billion, eight hundred and one million, three hundred and twenty-eight thousand, two hundred and seventy-one naira, twenty-two kobo for disbursement to the workers and pensioners.

The workers are being owed a backlog of salaries, with some cadre receiving only portions of their pay.

The state government applauded the workers for their perseverance and commitment to the state despite its lean finances, in a statement.

“In line with its agenda and fulfillment of its promise to the state workers regarding prioritisation of their welfare above others, the government of the State of Osun has commenced payment of full salary and arrears in line with available resources.

“This decision was taken at the meeting of the Fund Apportionment Committee led by Comrade Hassan Sumonu with labour and government representatives in attendance.

“In line with labour unions’ demands and current financial position of the state, government of the State of Osun led by Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has authorised payment of of four (4) months salary arrears and 2016 leave bonus to its workers.

“Also, Mr Governor has directed that going-forward, workers in the state should be paid their full salary as and when due to demonstrate his commitment to his earlier promises.

“With this, Government of the State of Osun has commenced gradual disbursement of Nineteen Billion, Eight Hundred and One Million, Three Hundred and Twenty-Eight Thousand, Two Hundred and Seventy-One Naira, Twenty-Two Kobo (19,801,328,271.22) as salaries and other entitlements to its workers”, the statement read.

APC GIVES CONDITION FOR EMERGENCE OF CONSENSUS CANDIDATES

The All Progressives Congress has given conditions for the emergence of consensus candidates for all elective positions.

This was contained in a statement signed by the acting National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Yekini Nabena, in Abuja, on Tuesday.

The statement read “The attention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been drawn to announcements of consensus candidates for elective positions in some states.

“It is therefore pertinent to make some clarifications to enlighten Party faithful on the procedure for nominating candidates.

“While consensus is provided for by the Party’s Constitution, the option is conditional.

“Consensus does not foreclose Direct or Indirect Primaries for all elective positions as contained in the resolution of the 6^th meeting of the Party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).

“Again, consensus will apply when no other aspirant signify interest (i.e. through purchase of nomination forms) for the position in question.”

Recall that the Ogun, Zamfara and Yobe state chapters of the APC earlier announced the emergence of “consensus” candidates for the governorship position amidst protests from other aspirants.

BAKERS SET TO INCREASE BREAD PRICES

The high cost of baking ingredients may push bread prices up, bakers have warned.

The Premium Bread Makers Association of Nigeria gave this warning on Monday at a press briefing in Lagos.

“The challenges we face as a result of incessant increase in the prices of baking ingredients have rendered most premium bakeries comatose making us to operate at a loss,” the President of the association, Mr Jemide Tosan, stated.

The association noted that whereas the prices of flour, sugar and other baking ingredients had increased threefold in the past three years, there had been no corresponding increase in the prices of premium bread by the PBAN members.

It said between 2015 and 2018, the price of flour had increased from N6,500 to N11,500 per 50kg bag, while sugar had seen 77 per cent rise in price in the same period, with salt, margarine, yeast and preservatives had recorded 84 per cent, 67 per cent, 112 per cent, 45 per cent and 137 per cent increases, respectively.

Also, the price of diesel, which is used to power factory generators on a 24-hour basis, had gone up by 57 per cent, while the price of improvers used in enhancing the quality of bread had risen by 160 per cent during the period, the association stated, adding that conversely, the price of bread had only witnessed 11 per cent rise within the period.

“Most of us got loans with double-digit interest rates from financial institutions to fund our bakery projects and are finding it extremely difficult to meet our loan repayment obligations,” Tosan noted, adding that something had to be done to save the industry from extinction.

He said, “Given the current situation, most premium bakeries may be forced to embark on a price increase, which will further make bread unaffordable to the common man.

“As an association, we are totally committed to ensuring that Nigerians have healthy, quality, affordable and harmless bread on their tables.

“It is in light of this that we appeal to the Federal Government to look into the issues that currently threaten the existence of the premium bakery industry in Nigeria.”

MAN, 25, BURNT HIS BOSS’ CREDENTIALS FOR REFUSING TO INCREASE SALARY

A 25-year-old store keeper, Abubakar Hussaini, who was on Tuesday sentenced to 12 months imprisonment by a Kubwa Grade 1 Area Court, Abuja, said he burnt his boss’s credentials for his failure to increase his salary‎.

Hussaini said the complainant, Mr Jack Jiang, a Chinese, promised to increase his salary, but failed to do so.‎

‎Hussaini who pleaded guilty to charges of criminal trespass, mischief by fire and theft, begged the court for leniency.

The judge, Abdulwahab Mohammed, however, sentenced Hussaini to 12 months imprisonment, but gave him N20,000 option of fine.

He also warned Hussaini to be of good behaviour and to also desist from committing crime.

The prosecutor, John Okpa, had told the court that Jiang reported the matter at the Area Command, Life Camp, Abuja on August 26.

He said that Hussaini criminally trespassed into the complainant’s house and stole a traveling bag containing five wrist watches, two bangles, four T -shirts and credentials.

Okpa said that all the said items were valued at N1.5 million.

The prosecutor said that four wrist watches, two bangles, two T-shirts and the traveling bag were recovered from Hussaini during police investigations.

He further said that Hussaini burnt the complainant’s credentials, adding that the offences contravened Sections 348, 336 and 288 of the Penal Code.

(NAN).

GUNMEN KILL IMO CATHOLIC PRIEST, ONE OTHER, SNATCH VEHICLE

Tragedy struck in Nkwerre in the Nkwerre Local Government Area of Imo State on Monday night after gunmen murdered a Catholic priest and made away with his vehicle.

The gunmen equally murdered a young man whose identity could not be ascertained immediately.

The man was said to be with the priest in his vehicle when the criminals struck.

A native of the community told our correspondent on Tuesday morning that the priest, identified as Rev Fr. Jude Egbuom, was until his death in charge of St Patrick’s Catholic Parish, Amucha, in the Njaba LGA of the state.

He hailed from Umuwala, a village in Nkwerre Community.

He was attacked around 8pm when he went to a barber’s shop on Anara-Nkwerre Road in Nkwerre town.

He reportedly resisted giving the car keys to his killers, which angered them.

The cleric was immediately shot together with the other victim in his vehicle ,while the criminals fled.

A native of the community said, “The circumstances surrounding the killing of the priest indicated that it was a case of armed robbery.

“It could not have been a case of assassination, who did the gentle priest offend? He was from our community, Nkwerre and was doing his missionary work at Njaba, a nearby LGA. ”

When contacted, the police spokesperson, Andrew Enwerem, confirmed the killings and said that the police commissioner, Dasuki Galadanchi, had deployed the Tactical Unit of the command in the area.

The police spokesperson said, “The incident is confirmed. Rev Fr.Jude Egbuom of St Patrick’s Catholic parish Amucha was murdered last night.

“Another person whose identity had yet to be known was also killed by the hoodlums. The priest was in his priestly regalia when they shot him dead.

FG, STATES, LGs SHARE N2TN IN THREE MONTHS

Increase in crude oil price as well as domestic oil production raised the nation’s revenues from oil, which made the three tiers of government to share N2tn in the second quarter of this year, the Nigerian Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative has said.

The Director, Communications and Advocacy, NEITI, Dr Ogbonnaya Orji, said in a statement made available to our correspondent on Monday that the disclosure was contained in agency’s Quarterly Review.

According to the statement, the federal, state and local governments shared N3.95tn from the Federation Account in the first six months of the year.

Featuring data sourced from the National Bureau of Statistics, the statement also showed that within the first half of the year, Osun State received N10.24bn from the Federation Account, while its account was debited with N14.52bn.

This means that the total deductions from the state’s account was N4.28bn more than it received from the Federation Account. States accounts are debited due to local and foreign debts they have contracted.

In contrast, Delta State received the highest amount of N101.19bn in the first half of the year. Total deductions for the state amounted to N13.81bn or 13.65 per cent of the money received from the Federation Account within the period.

The Quarterly Review, according to Orji, further showed that the total Federation Accounts Allocation Committee disbursements in the second quarter of the year were 46 per cent higher than the figure for the same period in 2017 and 127 per cent higher than for the same period in 2016.

The report noted that while N2tn was shared in the second quarter of the year, N1.38tn was disbursed during the same period last year and only N886.38bn was shared in the second quarter of 2016.

“In fact, quarter two 2018 was the first time an amount of N2tn was disbursed since the quarter three of 2014. This is a run of 14 consecutive quarters of disbursements below N2tn,” the report stated.

NEITI hinged the increase in revenue earned and shared by the three tiers of government on the rebound in oil prices in the international crude oil market as well as increase in domestic crude oil production.

The rise in disbursement recorded in the second quarter of 2018, the report noted, was the highest to the federation since the third quarter of 2014.

The report attributed the positive development to the rise in crude oil prices and similar increase in oil production.

The Quarterly Review was quoted as stating, “Average oil price in 2016 was $43.5 per barrel, while in 2017 oil price averaged $54.2 per barrel. However, in the first six months of 2018, average oil price was $70.6 per barrel. Thus, on the average, oil price increased by 62.2 per cent between 2016 and the first half of 2018.

“Total oil production in 2016 was 661.1 million barrels, while the figure was 690 million barrels in 2017. In 2016, average monthly oil production was 55.1 million barrels, while it was 57.5 million barrels in 2017. For the first two months of 2018 for which data is available, average production was 59 million barrels.”

The disbursements made by FAAC represented an increase of 41 per cent when compared to the N2.79tn disbursed in the first half of 2017 and 95 per cent increase on the N2tn disbursed in the first half of 2016.

A breakdown of the disbursements showed that the Federal Government received N1.65tn; states received N1.38tn; while the local governments got N795bn.

The disparity in the revenues received by each of the three tiers of government was based on the revenue sharing formula of the federation as stipulated in the Constitution, the statement added.

The NEITI Quarterly Review showed that the lowest monthly figure of N635.6bn disbursed in the first half of 2018 was N121.4bn higher than the highest monthly figure of N514.2bn disbursed in the first half of 2017 and N218bn higher than the N417bn for 2016.

“These figures clearly indicate that revenue accruing to the federation in the first half of 2018 completely outstripped revenues in the previous two years,” the report stated.

Another feature of the NEITI report was the significant increase in Value Added Tax disbursements during the period under review. VAT disbursements increased by 35 per cent between the first quarter of 2015 and the second quarter of 2018.

“It is interesting that VAT has been generally increasing over time. This bodes well for the government’s efforts at increasing revenue from non-oil sources,” it added.

NEITI expressed hope about increased revenues to the government from both oil and non-oil sectors, but cautioned that the volatile and unpredictable nature of government revenues would continue to make planning difficult for all tiers of government, increasing difficulties in implementing their budgets.

It said that there was a need to place priority attention on internally generated revenues.

MFM SLAMS LIBEL SUIT AGAINST THISDAY NEWSPAPERS, DEMANDS N500BN

The Incorporated Trustees of Mountain of Fire & Miracles Ministries and the church’s founder, Dr Daniel Olukoya, have commenced a legal action against ThisDay Newspapers for allegedly publishing a libellous story against them.

The suit marked PHC/2257/2018 was filed before the Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt.

The cleric and his church are demanding N500bn in damages from the newspaper for the alleged injury caused them by the defendant’s publication.

The claimants are urging the court to make an order, directing the newspaper “to tender a written apology and a retraction published prominently on its website and for three consecutive days on the front page of ThisDay Newspaper and in at least three other nationally circulating newspapers and two international magazines, including TIME International.”

The claimants also want the court to order the defendant “to pull down and erase the offending story from the Internet forthwith.”

They are also seeking an order of perpetual injunction “restraining the defendant by itself, its agents, servants, privies or other persons howsoever called or described from further publishing and/or disseminating libellous stories and statements against the claimants.”

The cleric and his church are also praying the court to put the cost of filing the lawsuit on the newspaper.