Police have announced thearrest of three members of a gang that specialize in theft of musical instruments from churches in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
A statement today, September 23 by the spokesman of the Force Headquarters, Frank Mba said that the arrest of the suspects was effected after investigations into the recent spate of break-ins and theft in places of worship in the FCT and other contiguous States to the FCT.
The statement said that the suspects confessed that they had so far broken into over 50 churches.
Names of the suspects were given as Monday Akawu, a 39 years old who impersonates personnel of the Nigerian Army to enable the gang move the stolen items to their intended criminal receivers and Joseph Orazulike, a 35 years old who is a receiver of the stolen items. “Over 30 specialized musical equipment and other electronic gadgets stolen from different churches were recovered from the suspects.”
Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami has said that Supreme Court will end the conflict between federal and state governments on which of them has the right to be collecting Value Added Tax (VAT).
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in New York, the Minister said that the Federal Government is considering the possibility of instituting an action before the Supreme Court for the purpose of having the matter determined once and for all.
He said that in the meantime, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) will continue to collect the VAT in view of the ruling of the Court of Appeal on the matter.
Rivers and FIRS have been locked in a battle on which of them is authorised to collect VAT.
Malami said that it was FIRS that had been collecting VAT before the dispute arose over which the Rivers government approached the High Court.
“The position of not only the Federal Government but indeed the judiciary is the fact that status quo associated with the collecting of VAT should be maintained,” he said.
“And as far as the judicial system is concerned, the status quo as at the time the parties approached the court, it was the Federal Inland Revenue Service that was indeed collecting the value added tax.
“So with that in mind, the Federal Government has succeeded in obtaining an order that establishes the sustenance of the status quo, which status quo is that the Federal Inland Revenue Service should continue collection.
“This is pending the determination of the cases that were instituted by states, particularly the Rivers State Government and the Lagos State government. The cases are being determined by the court.”
Repentant Boko Haram fighter who has just surrendered to counterinsurgency troops in Borno State has spoken of how he and others lived in the bush like slaves with no good food to eat, no water to bath and were virtually suffering.
The suspect, who is current undergoing profiling at a Nigerian Army facility in Borno State, said that he was fooled into joining the terror organisation, adding that the terrorists used religion, intimidation and threats to recruit members.
The suspect (name withheld for security reasons) described life in the bush as hell.
He confessed that they would have surrendered a long time ago but that they were afraid of being killed by soldiers, forcing them to remain with the terrorists.
‘I joined the terrorist group six years ago and have remained in the bush as a slave because you don’t have your freedom.
‘I would have surrendered a long time ago along ago but I was afraid that if I come out of the bush the soldiers would kill so I had to still remain with the terrorists.
“I realised that I was being misled, misinformed into fighting and taking arms and I am happy with the way I have been received and I am appealing to other terrorists to drop their arms and above mbrace peace and they would not be killed. I have a wife and I came out with her.
‘I came out with my guns which I surrenders to the soldiers.
‘I suffered in the bush our commanders misled us that we were fighting a just cause and we hardly eat good food when I surrendered the civilian JTF that I first met did not harm me. Many of my colleagues who are still in the bush are willing to come out. If I had their phone numbers off heart I would have called to assure them to come out,’ he told reporters who were on tour of the counterinsurgency operations in the North East with the Director army public relations in Borno State.”
Queen of the Netherlands, Her Majesty, Maxima Zorreguieta, has confessed that she has “a huge commitment” to Nigeria and its progress.
The Queen, who held a bilateral meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari today, September 22, at the margins of the United Nations General Assembly holding in New York, USA, said “and will want to accompany her to do more. You won’t be alone. We will be there along with other partners.”
The Queen said that agriculture is music to her ears, being the daughter of a former Minister of Agriculture.
She said that her biggest plea would be for Nigeria to make infrastructure available, so that investors and aid donors can access areas beyond the major cities.
“We need roads, railways, digital financial inclusion for farmers. Government needs to digitize all payments.”
Queen Zorreguieta lauded what she called “the huge effort” made by Nigeria to combat the Coronavirus pandemic, saying; “you spent a great part of your GDP.”
This was as President Buhari told the Queen that Nigeria is aware of its limitations, and has therefore prioritized the provision of infrastructure.
“Without infrastructure, development would be limited, so we put emphasis on building roads, rail, and power. We have a comprehensive plan, and we are doing our best.”
The President said that the country is hampered by resources, despite being oil exporting, and that with more financial wherewithal, infrastructure works would be sped up.
He assured the Queen, who last visited Nigeria in 2017, that if she comes again, she would see a lot of differences.
In the area of agriculture, the President said Nigerian borders were closed with some neighboring countries to encourage farmers, “and eat what we grow.
“People went back to the land, and this helped us tremendously. We made fertilizers available, resuscitated dams, and it all paid off handsomely. “Otherwise, with about 200 million people, we would have been in trouble when COVID-19 struck, and affected the economy.”
He said that just like Oliver Twist, Nigeria could do with more help in the area of investments, particularly in agriculture.
“We have the land, we have the people, capital input is what we need,” President Buhari stated, adding that Nigerian farmers were quite receptive to modern ways of doing things, especially in respect of cutting post-harvest waste.”
The Senate has constituted a Conference Committee for the 2021 Electoral Act Amendment Bill, including the content where the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is empowered to determine the suitability of the network for electronic voting procedures, with approval of the National Assembly.
The Senate passed the Electoral Act Amendment Bill on July 15 after it considered and adopted the recommendations of the report of the Joint Committee on INEC. It amended clause 52 (3) of the bill, empowering the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) to determine the suitability of the network for electronic voting procedures, with approval of the National Assembly.
The clause had provided for INEC to determine electronic voting process where practicable, but was amended to empower NCC to determine suitability of network to conduct the processes, subject to the approval of the National Assembly.
The new committee is expected to meet with that of House of Representatives to harmonise the 2021 Electoral Act Amendment Bill passed by both chambers of the National Assembly
Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, who announced members of the committee at plenary today, September 22, said that it would be led by Senate Leader, Senator Abdullahi Yahaya (APC- Kebbi).
He gave the names of other members of the committee as, Sen. Kabiru Gaya (APC-Kano), representing North- West, Sen. Uche Ekwunife (PDP-Anambra), representing South-East, Sen. Danjuma Goje (APC-Gombe), representing North-East.
The rest include, Sen. Mathew Urhoghide (PDP-Edo), South-South: Sen. Surajudeen Basiru (APC-Osun), South-West, and Sen. Sani Musa (APC-Niger), North -Central.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has explained why the Federal Government is not in a hurry to disclose the names of suspected terrorism financiers in the country.
Speaking to newsmen on the sidelines of the ongoing 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly, New York today, September 22, the AGF said that giving terrorism sponsors at this point could jeopardize ongoing investigation of terrorists and their sponsors by security agencies.
“As far as terrorism funding and financing is concerned, we have succeeded in identifying those that are allegedly responsible for funding same and we are blocking the leakages associated with funding while embarking on aggressive investigation that is indeed impacting positively in terms of the fight against terrorism.
“The truth of the matter is that investigation is ongoing and advancing. For the purpose of investigation, I would not like to be pre-emptive in terms of making disclosures that will have effect of undermining the successes we are recording.
“One thing I can tell you for sure is that whatever we do in terms of detention and arrest is indeed backed-up by judicial processes. We have acquired and obtained legitimate court orders taking into consideration the facts and material proof of evidence presented before the court on account of which the court eventually exercises its discretion in terms of granting orders that we can have the suspects in custody pending the conclusion of the investigation,” Malami was quoted as saying in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Dr. Umar Jibrilu Gwandu.
Malami added that although the federal government remains committed to prosecuting the suspects, constitutional provisions stipulate that names of such persons be made public when they are arraigned in court.
He disclosed that out of over one thousand Boko Haram case files domiciled in his office, about 285 have already been filed before the Federal High Court “based on prima facie cases of terrorism against them.”
He assured that calling out those allegedly engaging in terrorism lies with what plays out in court.
“Naming and shaming in the Nigerian context must be rooted in constitutionalism. We must strike a balance between constitutional presumption of innocence and evidential proof of reasonable ground for suspicion in making disclosures associated with terrorism funding and financing.
“Where reasonable grounds are established, suspects must be naturally taken to court at which point their identity must be disclosed and the naming become apparent. Shaming, on the other hand, is the product of conviction at which point the public are equally judicially put on noticed.
“In essence naming and shaming within the context of Nigerian law are judicial functions which commence with arraignment and terminate with convictions.’
President Muhammadu Buhari has assured the world that his government has initiated some specific actions to tackle and reverse the severe trend of biodiversity loss that has been ravaging the whole world.
The President spoke today, September 22 in New York, The United States, in a video message to the hybrid High-Level event tagged: “Transformative Actions for Nature and People,” on the margins of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 76).
He said that besides championing regional and inter-regional cooperation towards addressing the scourge, there are other measures which include expansion of protected areas, “including the establishment of ten new National Parks across the country as well as the creation of Marine Protected Areas pursuant to the 30X30 Agenda of the Convention on Biodiversity (CBD); and domestication of relevant International Agreements, Conventions as well as Laws and Policies for the protection and conservation of biodiversity.”
President Buhari said that leveraging the cooperation and partnerships of the Development Partners as well as International Organisations and Coalitions for concrete action against deforestation and biodiversity loss “and promotion and increased investments in climate-positive and nature-positive economy for sustainable environment and land use practices” were other areas being worked on to confront the challenge.
He expressed gratitude to the President of Costa Rica, Carlos Alvarado Quesada whose country currently chairs the High Ambition Coalition for Nature & People (HAC) of which Nigeria is also a member and co-chair for the opportunity to be part of “this great event.”
Igbo youths under the aegis of the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders, (COSEYL) have threatened to have their own President in the Southeast if Nigeria deny them the opportunity in 2023.
He reacted to Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, spokesperson of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) on his recent comment about the north retaining power in 2023, affirming that the South East will produce its own President if that happens.
Ahmed had made the comment while speaking at the maiden Maitama Sule Leadership Lecture Series organized by the students wing of Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, where he said that anyone who doesn’t want a Northerner as President in 2023 can leave the country.
In a statement, the President General of the Igbo youth group, Goodluck Ibem, described the utterance by the northern statesman as unfortunate and disappointing.
“It is unfortunate that a man of his standing who the youths look up to for better direction and guidance will hold such view on such important and sensitive issue. We are totally disappointed that he will make such statement.
“It is a well known fact that the North cannot produce Nigerian President without the support of the Southern Nigerians. President Buhari had the full support of the North and he contested in 2003 and he lost.
“He contested again in 2007 and 2011 and lost. He won the election in 2015 when he aligned with the Southern part of the country who voted for him and he emerged as president. It is wrong for the hen to forget the one that assists her in drying up her wet feathers during the rainy season, as the saying goes. It was the support of the South that made President Buhari to win his elections in 2015 and 2019.
“We are very surprised that Hakeem has suddenly forgotten so soon how President Buhari emerged as president. History doesn’t lie, he should go back to history to refresh his memory.
“We as the youth leaders of South East geopolitical zone stand by the decision of the Southern governors that the office of the Nigerian president be zoned to the South for equity and justice.”
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has held a two-day capacity-building retreat for members of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Anti-Corruption.
The retreat, according to ICPC spokesperson, Mrs. Azuka Ogugua, in a statement today, September 22, was
to strengthen the collaboration of the agency with the House of Representatives in addressing corruption and Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) in the country.
The statement quoted the Chairman of the ICPC, Professor Bolaji Owasanoye as having said at the opening of the retreat in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, that the regulation of the cryptocurrency trading in Nigeria would help to prevent the swindling of unsuspecting members of the public.
He emphasized the need for more regulations to address IFFs and other related offences, adding that the breaches in the law and absence of regulatory framework have encouraged perpetrators of the crimes to continue to engage in the crime.
This, he added, would strengthen the economy, and lessen the rate of borrowings by the country.
“Nigeria needs regulatory intervention in cryptocurrency trading. Some people trading in cryptocurrency have used the digital currency and assets to engage in corruption, money laundering and terrorism financing. Corruption in digital assets is not easily traceable.”
He assured the legislators that the Commission would continue to cooperate with them to achieve its mandate of ridding Nigeria of corruption through lawful enforcement and preventive means.
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Anti-Corruption, Nicholas Garba Shehu, commended the Commission for collaborating with the House in the fight against corruption in Nigeria.
“Corruption has held Nigeria backwards for many years and whatever we can do, we will do to help the fight against corruption. The 9th National Assembly has made the fight against corruption one of its cardinal mandates.
“The House of Representatives stands ready to partner with the ICPC in the achievement of its mandate which is to rid the country of corruption.”
Speaking on the topic: “National Security and the Opportunity Cost of Corruption,” Professor E.E. Alemika of University of Jos and a member of the Presidential Advisory Committee against Corruption (PACAC) decried the depletion of critical national resources with renewal due to corruption.
“We are having less and less of what we used to have and not refilling them. We have discouraged productivity, creativity and we are not investing in the real sector of the economy.”
Professor Jonathan Aremu of Covenant University gave an in-dept analysis of the topic: “Illicit Financial Flows Typologies – Trade, Tax and Oil,” while Mr. George Tyendezwa of the Federal Ministry of Justice explained Cryptocurrencies, Money Laundering & Terrorist Financing Threats.
Another paper on: “Public Service and Integrity, including the NEIP” was presented by representative of the former Chairman of ICPC, Ekpo Nta.
The 2-day event also featured an interactive session between the House of Representatives Members and the Management of ICPC on ways to improve the operations of ICPC.
The programme rounded off with a city tour of Uyo and a Dinner for the participants.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory ( FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has given a marching order to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, (NSCDC) and other security agencies to intensify efforts in arresting and prosecuting people that have been vandalising public properties in the territory.
Speaking today, September 21 while receiving in audience, management team of the NSCDC led by its Commandant General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, the minister expressed concern over the spate of vandalisation of critical national assets in the FCT, including telecommunication ducts, manhole covers, street lights, solar panels at traffic intersections and some facilities at the Abuja light rail project.
He emphasized the need for the NSCDC to work in conjunction with other security agencies to not only arrest the vandals but their sponsors.
“It is a sophisticated and complicated value chain. So far the arrest of the vandals have been at the lowest level, the street urchins.
“But I think it is very important now that your operations and investigations really need to identify the real culprits and beneficiaries. Where are the vandalized items sold? Where is the economic value chain? Because the amount of damage is enormous. It affects us all as a people because needed resources are recycled and recycled just to replace vandalized equipment.”
He commended the NSCDC for the establishment of a Rapid Response squad as well as an all-female squads while also commending the activities of the FCT Command for its activities within the FCT Security Committee.
The new Commandant General had commended the Minister for all the support the NSCDC has enjoyed from the FCTA even as he called for a robust partnership that involves more information sharing between the two organisations for the overall safety of all residents of the FCT.
He said that as a means of putting an end to armed banditry, the NSCDC has launched an all women squad to focus on bandits that specialize in the kidnap and rape of women, while more attention is being given to secure public schools as well as farmers and farms across the country.
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The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has held a two-day capacity-building retreat for members of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Anti-Corruption.
