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Farouk Lawan regains freedom after 5-year jail term
A former federal lawmaker, Farouk Lawan, has regained freedom after serving five years jail term on conviction over $500000 bribery. The former member of the House of Representatives, Abuja, Farouk Lawan, regained freedom on Tuesday after 5-year jail term in Kuje Prison, FCT. Farouk was convicted for receiving $500,000 bribe from Femi Otedola during investigation of subsidy payment in the country by the National Assembly.
Stop misusing DSS, proxies to silence us, SERAP tells Tinubu govt
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu and his government “to stop the ‘weaponization’ of the country’s security agencies to target Nigerians simply for the peaceful exercise of their human rights, and to direct the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately withdraw the baseless defamation lawsuit by their proxies against our organization and management staff.” Two named DSS officials last week filed a defamation lawsuit against SERAP, following allegations by the organization regarding the recent invasion of its Abuja office by some officials of the security agency. In the open letter dated 19 October 2024 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “We are seriously concerned that your government seems to be weaponizing the DSS and misusing defamation laws as a tool of repression and to target those who defend human rights.” SERAP said, “Rather than addressing the allegations of widespread corruption in the oil sector and the worsening economic situation in the country, and reducing the cost of governance, your government is targeting those who campaign for actions in these areas.” The letter, read in part: “We would be grateful if the recommended measures are immediately taken following the receipt and/or publication of this letter. “If the lawsuit is not immediately withdrawn, we will be prepared to defend our organization and management staff in court, and to join your government and DSS in the lawsuit. This may include calling witnesses to ensure justice, end impunity for rights abuses, and achieve legitimate public interests in this matter. “We have since 2004 pursued several public interest cases against the governments of former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari. This is the first time any government will weaponize the country’s security agencies to intimidate and target our organization. “The defamation lawsuit is brought by two named DSS officials but their names are unknown to our organization. The lawsuit by these officials is apparently instigated and sponsored by the DSS under your watch. “It is critical for human rights defenders, activists, journalists and other citizens to be able to organize and freely exercise their human rights without the threat of baseless lawsuits by your government or its security agencies and/or their proxies. “Weaponizing the security agencies to intimidate, harass and silence human rights defenders, activists, journalists and other civil society actors will weaken representative democracy, deepen impunity and undermine the rule of law. “Rather misusing the security agencies to crackdown on human rights defenders, activists, journalists and other civil society actors, your government ought to take steps to thoroughly, independently, impartially, transparently and effectively investigate the allegations raised by SERAP. “We are disappointed that your government has so far failed to respond to our recommendations calling on you to direct the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to immediately reverse the apparently illegal and unconstitutional increase in the pump price of petrol across its retail outlets. “Your government has also failed to probe the allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the NNPC, including the spending of the reported $300 million ‘bailout funds’ collected from the Federal Government in August 2024, and the $6 billion debt it owes suppliers, despite allegedly failing to remit oil revenues to the treasury and to prosecute suspected perpetrators. “Your government also continues to refuse to obey several court judgments obtained by SERAP, including those which ordered the Federal Government to disclose the details of the agreement with X, formerly Twitter, to assess whether the agreement complies with the exercise of Nigerians’ human rights online and to account for payments of N729 billion to 24.3 million poor Nigerians for six months. “SERAP had on 9 September 2024 also called on you and your government to direct the DSS to end the intimidation and harassment of our organization and our staff members. “Our call followed the invasion of our Abuja office by some officials of the DSS. SERAP was subsequently served with a defamation lawsuit with number CV/4547/24. “The country under your government has witnessed an escalating crackdown on human rights, particularly the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, association and media freedom, as well as socio-economic rights. “The judicial harassment of those who peacefully defend human rights is entirely inconsistent and incompatible with the letter and spirit of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and the country’s international human rights obligations. “Under your government, human rights defenders, activists, journalists and other civil society actors such as the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) continue to face harassment, intimidation, and arbitrary detention simply for carrying out their legitimate work. “The judicial harassment of SERAP by your government and its agencies shows hostility towards civil society actors defending the rights of other citizens, criticizing human rights violations, and challenging a culture of impunity for perpetrators. “SERAP therefore urges your government to end the intimidation, harassment and threats against our organization and management staff and other human rights defenders, activists as well as journalists and other civil society actors, including intimidation, through baseless legal processes. “SERAP strives to ensure that our human rights and anticorruption work meet the highest standards of analytical rigor devoid of politics. Our work is driven solely by the fundamental principles of justice, impartiality, solidarity and universality of human rights. SERAP believes that no government is beyond scrutiny and accountability. “SERAP’s non-partisan work in the field of human rights and anticorruption has been widely recognized nationally and internationally. Our organization received the Wole Soyinka Anti-Corruption Defender Award in 2014, and was nominated for the UN Civil Society Award and Ford Foundation’s Jubilee Transparency Award. SERAP was also nominated for the 2024 Columbia Global Freedom of Expression Prizes. “Our organization’s calls on your government regarding the persistent increases in fuel prices and allegations of corruption in the NNPC are based on the constitutional and international responsibilities of your government to Nigerians who are victims of corruption, and your constitutional oath of office. “SERAP believes that it is through action like this that any…
Wigwe: Family accuses business partner of taking over asset
A cousin of the late Herbert Wigwe and former group managing director and CEO of Access Bank, Christian Chukwak Wigwe, has filed an Affidavit of Truth accusing Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede of taking indirect guardianship and custody of the deceased’s assets and children. According to the affidavit filed at the Lagos High Court Probate Registry, Christian stated that Aig-Imoukhuede, who was a business partner to the deceased, is taking on a role that should rightfully belong to Pastor Shyngle Wigwe, the grandfather of the children. In the court document dated October 7, 2024, Christian emphasized that Pastor Shyngle should be the one to determine the welfare of his grandchildren David, Hannah and Great. He said, “In accordance with African values and good order, it will naturally be the father of the deceased, Pastor Shyngle Wigwe, who will act as guardian to the minor children or at the very least, he will be consulted to ascertain who should act as guardian. “Pastor Shyngle Wigwe (grandfather) should ordinarily play a role in determining the welfare of his grandchildren. Given his fatherly role, his involvement in their upbringing would be both natural and beneficial.” This act, Christian said, had made it difficult for Shyngle to act as “guardian for the children, particularly the minor children.” He added, “Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede is currently controlling the assets of the late Herbert Wigwe. While Pastor Shyngle Wigwe, otherwise natural guardian of Herbert’s minor children, would usually not be bothered by this, the way Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede is handling the assets is grossly undermining Pastor Shyngle Wigwe’s role as guardian and the head of the Wigwe family. “Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede’s access to Herbert’s funds gives him a certain level of influence over decisions that affect the deceased’s children. Although he is not their legal guardian, his control over the estate puts him in a position where he indirectly acts as one. This situation has made Pastor Shyngle Wigwe uneasy.” He said Aig-Imoukhuede’s actions had raised concerns for Shyngle, who doubts that if this continues, the grandfather’s legal and natural role as guardian will be further eroded. While Christian acknowledged Aig-Imoukhuede’s role in providing continued financial support to the deceased’s dependent parents, Shyngle and his wife Mrs. Stela ‘Affong-Wigwe, as well as covering the ongoing expenses related to the deceased’s children, he mentioned that Aig-Imoukhuede has not provided any formal updates or disclosed how these expenses are being met, or their impact on the overall Estate. He said, “The absence of critical information or any accounting makes it unclear how much of the deceased’s wealth is being expended for the sustenance of the deceased’s dependents.” Christian also mentioned that Aig-Imoukhuede’s domineering attitude, along with his unrestricted access to Herbert’s wealth, is causing some family members to align with him to gain his favour. He said such a dynamic is creating tension within the family, alienating other members and potentially causing rifts if not addressed properly. Christian further pointed out in the court document that this development has effectively given Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede indirect control over the deceased’s assets, without being formally accountable to the beneficiaries or dependents of the estate, which goes against the deceased’s purported will. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede and late Herbert Wigwe are business allies and friends from childhood and co-founder of Access Bank. They both left GTBank as Executive Directors to take over Access Bank in early 2000. Herbert succeeded Aigboje after he finished his term as the Group CEO following CBN Directive in 2010 that forced Bank CEOs that had spent more than 10 years in office to step down. Late Herbert Wigwe expanded the presence of the Bank across Africa and made it bigger after strategic acquisitions of Diamond Bank and other banks in Kenya and South Africa In the past months there have been controversies within the family especially regarding concerns about the control of the late Herbert Wigwe assets. An online publication had indicted Wigwe’s parents of filing a caveat at the Probate Registry, seeking to challenge the distribution of his estate as outlined in his will. The caveat was reportedly filed under the direction of Pastor Shyngle, and supported by an affidavit from Christian Chukwuka Wigwe, who claims to be Herbert’s cousin. This legal manoeuvre was directed at altering the directives set forth by the deceased regarding the administration of his estate. Shyngle has since denied the reports making the rounds that he was fighting over his late son’s property. In a statement signed by one Emeka Wigwe for the family on Tuesday, refuted the claims made in the report stressing that at no point had he requested 20 per cent of the estate of his late son.
Governor Adeleke gifts Ooni new SUV for 50th birthday
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has presented a brand-new car to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, in celebration of his 50th birthday. This was revealed in a TikTok post that has been circulating widely on social media. Governor Adeleke gifts Ooni of Ife a new car for 50th birthday Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State. Earlier, prominent figures took to various platforms to send heartfelt birthday messages to the revered monarch. Among the gifts received by the Ooni was the car from Governor Adeleke. In the accompanying video, the governor and his entourage can be seen presenting the vehicle to the monarch. As the video spread online, viewers quickly took to the comments section to share their thoughts and reactions.
Dangote now 65th richest person worldwide with $28bn
Nigerian business mogul, Aliko Dangote, remains the richest man in Africa. Dangote is also ranked the 65th richest man in the world. Bloomberg, in its latest Top 500 Billionaires Index released on Thursday, revealed that Dangote with a wealth of $28 billion had his wealth increased significantly after the commencement of operations of his newly built Petrochemical refinery, said to be worth over $20 billion. This new ranking is the highest the renowned entrepreneur has risen. He was previously ranked 83rd in 2022. No African is close to Dangote’s latest ranking as Johann Rupert, of South Africa is 174 on the world list, with a wealth of $13.6bn and Nicky Oppenheimer also of South Africa is number 224 on the world list with a wealth of $11.6bn. Other Africans on the list are: South Africa’s Natie Karsh, number 297 in the world with a wealth of $9.25bn, Egypt’s Nassef Sawiris on number 302 in the world with a wealth of $9.16bn, and Naguib Sawiris also of Egypt with a wealth of $7.37bn on number 407 in the world. Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos are the richest in the world with $242 billion and $210 billion respectively in their kitties while Mark Zuckerberg and Larry Ellison followed respectively with $204 billion and $185 billion on the world’s billionaires’ chart.
EFCC, NAPTIP join forces against money laundering
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr Ola Olukoyede has expressed the readiness of the Commission to work closely with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, in order to tackle the scourge of Money Laundering more fiercely. He gave this indication in Abuja when the Director-General of NAPTIP, Binta Bello Adamu, led the management team of the agency on a courtesy visit to Olukoyede at the corporate headquarters of the Commission. The EFCC’s boss explained that there was a strong linkage between human trafficking and money laundering and that all efforts should be made to confront and conquer the two crimes together. “There’s a very strong nexus between human trafficking and money laundering. Wherever human trafficking takes place, there will definitely be money laundering, so that makes it necessary for us to work together,” he said. While assuring NAPTIP of EFCC’s support, he pledged the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that the relationship is further strengthened for optimal outcomes, noting that NAPTIP plays a critical role in Nigeria’s economic development and good international image. “Even though there’s an existing relationship, the essence of enhanced collaboration is to strengthen it and take it to a higher level. So, we will always be willing to collaborate with you, especially in areas like joint investigation, public awareness, resource mobilization, and manpower development as you have requested. The mandate of your agency is critical to our economic development and in giving a good international reputation to our country. So we will always be willing to support and to collaborate with you,” he said. Earlier in her remark, Bello pointed out that “the key points for this visit today are to seek collaboration on joint investigation, cybercrime and online trafficking investigation because this kind of crime involves a lot of finances, intelligence sharing, and capacity building, public awareness, and resource mobilization. I need all the support that will make us succeed in this fight so as to curtail the menace of human trafficking and violence against persons to the barest minimum,” she said. She noted that NAPTIP has been working closely with the EFCC since its inception, adding that “because of that, we think it is very important to come and present ourselves again before the Executive Chairman, particularly regarding the fight against human trafficking.” She recalled that the landmark conviction her agency got in 2022, involving a transnational human trafficking syndicate operating between Nigeria and European countries was achieved through a robust collaboration with the EFCC, adding that “Previous joint efforts also yielded notable results, such as the 2021 rescue operation that liberated 500 human trafficking victims from Libya, Europe, and the Middle East, and the 2020 partnership that resulted in the arrest of several traffickers and the recovery of over N100 million illicit funds.”
Senate passes vote of confidence on Akpabio
The Nigerian Senate, on Thursday, passed a Vote of Confidence on Godswill Akpabio, reiterating loyalty in his leadership as President of the red chamber. The lawmakers also passed a confidence Vote on the entire leadership of the 10th Senate. Repots claimed that the assurances of loyalty to the leadership of Akpabio by the senators followed social media reports on Wednesday, that some aggrieved senators from the North planned to impeach the Senate President. While the the Presidency and the upper chamber refuted the reports, the Senate also directed its Committee on Special Duties chaired by Shehu Kaka to investigate and reports findings within 24 hours.
Tinubu celebrates Ooni of Ife’s 50th birthday
President Bola Tinubu proudly joins Nigerians, the people and chiefs of Ile-Ife, and the global Yoruba community in commemorating the 50th birthday of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, the Ojaja II. The President notes Ooni’s extraordinary leadership and maturity since ascending the throne at 41, emphasising his significant role in preserving the rich traditions of the Yoruba people in the ancient city known as The Source. President Tinubu acknowledges Oba Ogunwusi’s deep sense of duty, wisdom, and knowledge as he fulfils his responsibilities as both the traditional ruler of Ile-Ife, Osun State, and the revered spiritual leader of the Yoruba people. The President also recognises Ooni’s critical contributions as Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, where he serves as a unifying figure, a steadfast supporter of government policies, and a passionate advocate for religious tolerance, peace, and the unification of our nation. President Tinubu commends Oba Ogunwusi’s tireless advocacy for women and youth empowerment through education and entrepreneurship, underscoring his admirable philanthropy and unwavering commitment to uplifting those in need throughout Nigeria and beyond. With heartfelt optimism and support, the President pays tribute to the Ooni for exemplifying the traditional Yoruba values of humility, peace, and generosity while also honouring the dignity and integrity of his exalted throne. As the esteemed Yoruba monarch celebrates this significant milestone, President Tinubu offers his sincere prayers for the continued success and prosperity of His Imperial Majesty’s reign, which will undoubtedly benefit the people of Ife and the nation at large.