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Police arrest Ooni’s ex-queen, others as death toll hits 35
The Oyo State Police Command has disclosed the arrest of the ex-queen of the Ooni of Ife, Naomi Silekunola; the Principal of Islamic High School, Ibadan, Fasasi Abdulahi; and six others in connection to the death of some children during a stampede at a funfair in Ibadan, the state capital, on Wednesday. The ex-queen was named as the main sponsor of the event. More so, the number of children who have died from the stampede has risen to 35 while six others are critically injured, according to a statement issued on Thursday by the State Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso. The event which was held at the Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan, was made available to 5,000 children but the number that turned up was reportedly over 7, 500, according to investigations by PUNCH Metro. Details later…
Alleged N110.4bn fraud: Yahaya Bello begs court over Maitama property for bail
A former governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello has pleaded with Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja to spare him the possession of a landed property in the Maitama district of Abuja as one of the conditions for bail. Details later…
Holiday Bonanza: Dangote Reduces PMS Price to N899.50k
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reduced the price of its Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) product to below N900 per litre, to provide much-needed relief for Nigerians ahead of the holiday season. Africa’s first privately-owned oil refinery, which previously lowered the price to N970 per litre on November 24, has now announced a new price of N899.50 per litre. This reduction is designed to ease transport costs during the festive period. In a statement issued by the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer of Dangote Group, Anthony Chiejina, the company also introduced a special offer to further benefit consumers. In addition to the holiday discount, Dangote Petroleum Refinery is allowing consumers to purchase an additional litre of fuel on credit for every litre bought on a cash basis. “To alleviate transport costs during this holiday season, Dangote Refinery is offering a holiday discount on PMS. From today, our petrol will be available at N899.50 per litre at our truck loading gantry or SPM. Furthermore, for every litre purchased on a cash basis, consumers will have the opportunity to buy another litre on credit, backed by a bank guarantee from Access Bank, First Bank, or Zenith Bank,” said Chiejina. The refinery also expressed its gratitude to Nigerians for their continued support as the country enters the festive season. Chiejina further emphasised the refinery’s commitment to ensuring Nigerians have access to premium quality petroleum products that are competitively priced, as well as environmentally and engine friendly. He highlighted that the refinery’s operations mark the end of Nigeria being a dumping ground for substandard and ‘blended’ imported products, which have posed significant risks to human health, machinery, and the environment. The Dangote Refinery, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day (BPD), is the largest single-train refinery in the world. It is fully capable of meeting 100% of Nigeria’s refined petroleum product requirements, with a surplus available for export.
SERAP sues Tinubu over alleged missing N57b in Humanitarian Affairs Ministry
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has instituted a lawsuit against President Bola Tinubu over “the failure to direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to work with appropriate anti-corruption agencies to investigate allegations that over N57 billion of public funds were missing, diverted, or stolen from the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in 2021 alone.” This was disclosed in a statement signed by Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP’s Deputy Director, on Sunday and sent to Nairametrics. The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) has been joined as a respondent in the suit, with the advocacy group alleging that serious concerns against the Humanitarian Affairs Ministry were documented in the 2021 audited report released last month by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation. In the suit before the Federal High Court in Lagos, SERAP is asking the court “to compel President Tinubu to direct Mr. Fagbemi to work with appropriate anti-corruption agencies to promptly investigate allegations that over N57 billion of public funds were missing, diverted, or stolen from the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in 2021.” SERAP is also asking the court “to compel President Tinubu to direct Mr. Fagbemi to work with appropriate anti-corruption agencies to prosecute anyone suspected to be responsible for the missing N57 billion, if there is sufficient admissible evidence, and to recover any missing public funds.” SERAP argued that investigating the allegations, prosecuting those suspected of being responsible for the missing N57 billion, and recovering the missing funds would help end the impunity of perpetrators. “The allegations amount to stealing from the poor. There is a legitimate public interest in ensuring justice and accountability for these grave allegations. “Poor Nigerians have continued to pay the price for the widespread and grand corruption in the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, as well as in other ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs),” SERAP added. Oluwadare and Ms. Oluwakemi Agunbiade further emphasized that granting their reliefs would go a long way in addressing corruption in ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), as well as the country’s budget deficit and debt problems. “According to the 2021 annual audited report by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation, the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation failed to account for over N54 billion (N54,630,000,000.00) meant to pay monthly stipends to Batch C1 N-Power volunteers and non-graduate trainees between August and December 2021,” the suit partly reads. No date has been fixed for the hearing of the case.
Pyrates condemn arrest, detention of Farotimi, demand immediate release
The National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) has condemned the unjust arrest and subsequent detention in prison custody of human rights activist and lawyer Mr Dele Farotimi over an alleged case of defamation against the founder of Afe Babalola University, Aare Afe Babalola. The group described the Police and Judiciary’s actions as an abuse of the rule of law, saying such a posture is an aberration and brings to the fore the dark era of the military. An Ado-Ekiti Magistrate Court, presided over by Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun, on Wednesday remanded Farotimi in prison custody until December 10, 2024. In a statement titled, “Enough is Enough! This Harassment, Intimidation of Innocent Citizens Must Stop Now,” by the NAS Capn, Dr Joseph Oteri, the association said the invasion of his law firm and subsequent harassment of his staff is a clear abuse of their fundamental human rights as guaranteed in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Therefore, the association is demanding his unconditional release. It expressed concerns that these incidents underscore the deep-rooted flaws in Nigeria’s governance and law enforcement systems. The association said while Nigerians are still reeling from the shameful imprisonment and torture of minors for protesting against hunger, they were, again, confronted by another brazen disregard of the human rights activist. Ironically, the Pyrates Confraternity pointed out that the alleged offence of defamation, for which Farotimi was reportedly arrested, is a civil matter under Sections 373 and 375 of the Criminal Code. “Law enforcement must never be weaponised to target individuals or institutions for personal or political reasons. Upholding the rule of law is a non-negotiable cornerstone of any democratic society, and any deviation from this principle threatens the very fabric of justice and accountability,” it stated. The association argued that Farotimi’s persistent advocacy for justice and his documented outcries, including threats to his life and harassment of his associates, remain unresolved. NAS said instead of investigating these concerns and holding the culprits accountable, the Police again aligned with vested interests. “It is alarming that a civil matter has been distorted into a criminal issue, and the age-old bullying and intimidation tactics have once again been brandished and deployed, showcasing a blatant disregard for professional ethics, the Nigerian Constitution, and the principles of justice. “Such impunity erodes public trust in law enforcement and deepens the disconnect between the government and the people, especially in these delicate times,” the group added. The association, however, warned that this misuse of authority places undue pressure on the Judiciary and the Executive, raising serious questions about their commitment to upholding the rule of law and safeguarding public trust. “It is disheartening that the Nigerian Police repeatedly positions itself as a tool at the whims and caprices of the elites and powerful hegemony. “To stop this rising level of citizens’ harassment, the Pyrates Confraternity is calling on the Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, to take immediate corrective action and ensure accountability within law enforcement,” NAS said. Similarly, the association calls on the Executive to address these recurring lapses, while the Judiciary must reaffirm its mandate to uphold justice without fear or favour. The group said such measures are essential to prevent future misconduct and restore public confidence in the institutions entrusted with safeguarding our democracy. NAS insisted that the unjust arrests, bullying, and harassment, which have no place in a democratic setting, are not just stains on the rule of law but a renewed wake-up call for all arms of government to recommit to justice, accountability, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
NBA calls for immediate release of Dele Farotimi
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has been deeply concerned by the arrest of Dele Farotimi on allegations of libel. In a statement signed the President of NBA, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN urged the security agency to ensure restraints in the enforcement of the law. The statement reads; “While we recognize the powers of the Nigerian Police Force to arrest and investigate crimes, we firmly believe that such powers must be exercised within the confines of the law and in respect of offenses known to law. “It is in this context that we oppose the arrest of Dele Farotimi on allegations of libel, which is not recognized as a criminal offense under the laws of Lagos State. “The Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011 repealed the criminalization of defamation by omitting it from its provisions. “Previously, defamation was criminalized under the Criminal Code applicable in Southern Nigeria. However, Lagos State modernized its criminal law framework through the enactment of the 2011 law, aligning with global best practices that treat defamation as a civil wrong, not a criminal offense. “This position was emphatically affirmed by the Supreme Court in Aviomoh v. Commissioner of Police & Anor (2021), where Justice Helen Ogunwumiju held that defamation ceased to be a criminal offense in Lagos State following the enactment of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011. “Furthermore, the Nigerian Police Force derives its powers to arrest and investigate crimes under Sections 4 and 24 of the Police Act, 2020. These provisions mandate the Police to act only in respect of conduct that constitutes a criminal offense under Nigerian law. Arresting individuals for non-criminal matters, such as defamation in Lagos State, is a clear violation of these legal principles and an affront to the rule of law.” The NBA unequivocally demanded the immediate release of Dele Farotimi and calls on the Nigerian Police Force to exercise its powers responsibly and strictly in accordance with the law. “We also urge all law enforcement agencies to prioritize respect for human rights and adherence to the principles of legality, as these are foundational to the administration of justice and the protection of citizens.”
Sowore, Mr Macaroni shred Judiciary over Dele Farotimi’s detention
Frontline Human Rights activist and former Presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore has slammed the Nigerian judiciary for hurriedly prosecuting Dele Farotimi. A High Court sitting in Ekiti on Wednesday remanded Barrister Farotimi following the alleged defamation of Chief Afe Babalola in his book; Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System. Reacting to the court refusal to grant Farotimi bail, Sowore wrote on his X handle; “The Nigerian justice system is wack, as expected @DeleFarotimi has been hurriedly prosecuted and sent to prison after being denied bail by a judge in Ado Ekiti pre-arranged to do the same. “The @policeng, Chief Afe Babalola, SAN, and the judicial officers had it all planned out even before they sent the goons from Ekiti state command RRS (formerly SARS) to abduct him. “The case adjourned till December 10, 2024. “#RevolutionNow, I mean it. Nigeria is overdue for a REVOLUTION!,” Similarly, Comedian and human rights activist, Debo Adebayo popularly known as Mr Macaroni took the judiciary and the Police Force to cleaners over the treatment melted to the Lagos- based lawyer. Mr. Macaroni on Wednesday submitted; “Dele Farotimi wrote a book Called “Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System” and the brazen impunity which the book seeks to address is playing right before our eyes. “How does one describe this insanity? “Using the Police to abduct a person from one state to another state, the intimidation and harassment of his staff, seizure of their phones… How many crimes have been committed here while trying to investigate whether Mr Farotimi actually committed a crime? “For how long will the Nigerian Police continue to allow themselves be used by the “High and Mighty” to oppress Nigerians? “This is what happens when we support that civil matters be treated as criminal matters because of political differences or stanship. “We have opened the season to the rich and influential who can have a Nigerian arrested by the police because the person said that the big man’s fart stinks. “Even people who should know better now abuse power because there are zero consequences for these actions. “Our system of corruption allows the innocent man who hasn’t been proven guilty of committing any crime suffer while the guilty who commits numerous crimes trying to prove that the innocent man committed a crime roams freely. “TUEH!”
Dele Farotimi remanded in prison
Human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi has been remanded in prison for allegedly defaming a legal luminary and founder of Afe Babalola University, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN. It was reported that Farotimi was arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Ado Ekiti on Monday. The activist was accused of maligning and defaming the character of Afe Babalola in his recently published book, ‘Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System. Farotimi pleaded not guilty to all the sixteen count charges. Police prosecutor, Samson Osun called for the remand of the suspect in prison custody pending further investigation and its outcome for the maintenance of security in the country. Counsel to the defendant, Dayo Akeredolu opposed the call, pleading with the court to admit the defendant to bail on very liberal terms and on self-recognisance. According to him, the case at hand is bailable and the suspect is a known figure who is not constituting any threat. He said the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. However, in his ruling, the presiding judge, Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun remanded the suspect in prison custody and adjourned till December 10.