Moshood Jimoh assumes office as Lagos 41st Commissioner of Police

A new Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, has assumed duty as the 41st Commissioner of Police at the Lagos State Command. He takes over from CP Olanrewaju Ishola, who has been redeployed to Force Headquarters, Abuja. CP Jimoh, who hails from Ilorin, Kwara State, studied Political Science at the Ahmadu Bello University and was appointed into the Nigeria Police Force as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police in 2000. He has worked in different parts of the country including Katsina, Cross River, Anambra, FCT, Oyo, Gombe and Rivers. He was Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Central Police Station, Abuja; Force Public Relations Officer; Deputy Commissioner, Criminal Investigation Department, Airport Police Command; Deputy Commissioner, Finance and Administration, Oyo State Police Command and Deputy Commissioner, General Investigation, FCID Annex, Gombe. He has undergone several professional trainings some of which include: Combat Operations Course, Police Mobile Training College, Maiduguri; Weapons of Mass Destruction Counter Measure First Responder Training Course, United States Embassy, Abuja; Crime Prevention of Korea Police, Police Training Institute, Seoul South Korea; Social Construction and Management Reform, China Executive Leadership Academy, Pudong China; Maritime Rescue and Salvage for Developing Countries, China Maritime Police Academy Ningbo, China; Training on Anti-hijacking Techniques and Tactics for Developing Countries, Special Police Academy, Beijing, China; and SMART Government and Informatization at Academy for International Business Officials (AIBO), Beijing, China. CP Jimoh is a recipient of the Presidential award for Public Relations Personality of the Year in recognition of his sterling qualities and outstanding contribution to the development and use of Public Relations by the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations. He was also a member of the African Union Peacekeeping Mission in Darfur Sudan where he got an Award of Recognition for Commendable Service. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants (IMC), Nigeria; Certified Management Consultant (CMC) by Institute of Management Consultant (IMC), Nigeria; Fellow, Institute of Corporate Administration of Nigeria; Associate, Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON); and Member, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations. Until this appointment, CP Jimoh was Commissioner of Police, Ports Authority Police, Eastern Ports, Port-Harcourt. As CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh embarks on his mission to maintain law and order, foster community trust, and enhance the safety of the state through his wealth of experience, the good people of Lagos State are implored to give him maximum support and cooperation.

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Court sentences Banker to jail for fraud in Lagos

The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentencing of one Ugenyi Kalu, before Justice R.A. Oshodi of a Special Offences Court, sitting in Ikeja, Lagos for fraud. The convict, a banker, was arraigned on a five-count charge, bordering on official corruption and gratification. One of the counts reads: “That you, Ugenyi Kalu sometime in November 2016 in Lagos within the Lagos Judicial Division being the head of Lagos Region of NEXIM Bank, received monetary benefit for yourself in the sum of N4,000,000 (Four Million Naira) from one Obi Ogoh on account of the loan availed to his company Sevirg AgroAllied Mills Ltd by NEXIM Bank. Thereby committed an offence bordering on official corruption contrary to Section 8(1)(a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 and punishable under Section 8(1)(b)ii of the same Law.” He pleaded “not guilty” to all the charges, prompting his trial. In the course of the trial, prosecution counsel, G.C. Ofulue called six witnesses who testified to his crime, two of whom were his co-workers in Nexim Bank. Delivering judgement on February 12, 2025, Justice Oshodi held that the prosecution proved its case beyond every reasonable doubt, and found him guilty as charged. He was convicted on four of the charges and sentenced to four years and two months imprisonment or to pay N20,850,000 (Twenty Million, Eight Hundred Fifty Thousand Naira) fine.

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EFCC arrests 47 suspected internet fraudsters in Edo

Operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Saturday, February 15, 2025 arrested 47suspected internet fraudsters at different locations in Ekpoma, Edo State. The suspects were arrested based on credible intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities. Items recovered from them include 14 exotic cars, laptops and phones They have made useful statements and would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

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President Tinubu congratulates El-Rufai on 65th birthday

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai on his 65th birthday. Mallam El-Rufai is an administrator, scholar, and politician. He is a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and highly regarded for his resourcefulness and brilliance. He served as governor of Kaduna State for eight years, and prior to elective office, he had served as Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from 2003 to 2007. President Tinubu celebrated Mallam El-Rufai on this occasion and commends his endeavours for democracy; his meritorious service to the nation, and mentorship of the younger generation. The President acknowledged Mallam El-Rufai’s role in the dialogues leading up to the formation of the APC and his contributions to the success of the party in the three consecutive elections of 2015, 2019, and 2023. President Tinubu wished El-Rufai good health and strength for continuous service to the nation.

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SERAP gives CBN 48 hours to withdraw hike in ATM transaction fees

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Olayemi Cardoso, to use his ‘leadership position to immediately withdraw the patently unlawful, unfair, unreasonable and unjust increase in Automated Teller Machine (ATM) transaction fees’. SERAP urged him to ensure that the exercise of CBN statutory powers and functions does not inflict misery on poor Nigerians and contribute to human rights abuses. The CBN recently announced that ATM withdrawals made at a machine owned by a bank but outside its branch premises will now attract a charge of N100 per N20,000 withdrawn. ATM withdrawals at shopping centres, airports or standalone cash points, will incur a N100 fee plus a surcharge of up to N500 per N20,000 withdrawal. Banks ‘are advised to apply the increased ATM fees with effect from March 1, 2025.’ In the open letter dated 15 February 2025 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “the manifestly unlawful, unfair, unreasonable, and unjust increase in ATM transaction fees will hit hardest those at the bottom of the economy and exacerbate the growing poverty in the country.” SERAP said, “The increase in ATM transaction fees ought to have been shouldered by wealthy banks and their shareholders, not the general public. The increase only benefits the CBN and commercial banks at the expense of poor Nigerians.” According to SERAP, “CBN policies should not be skewed against poor Nigerians and heavily in favour of banks that continue to declare trillions of naira in profits mostly at the expense of their customers. The increase in ATM transaction fees would inflict misery on poor Nigerians and contribute to human rights abuses.” The letter, read in part: “The increase in ATM transaction fees is also entirely inconsistent with the oft-expressed commitment by the government of President Bola Tinubu to address the growing poverty across the country.” “We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 48 hours of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel you and the CBN to comply with our request in the public interest. “The exorbitant and unlawful increase in ATM transaction fees at a time the country is facing economic and financial crises would contribute further to the impoverishment of the population. “Imposing exorbitant ATM transaction fees on socially and economically vulnerable Nigerians at a time several Nigerian banks are declaring trillions of naira in profits yearly is manifestly unfair, unreasonable and unjust. “The increase cannot be justified under the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], the CBN Act, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, and the country’s international human rights obligations. “The patently unlawful, unfair, unreasonable and unjust increase in ATM transaction fees also inherently contributes to violations of the human rights of socially and economically Nigerians. “The increase creates a two-tiered financial system that discriminates against poor Nigerians who may not be able to afford or pay the increased fees. “While the government of President Tinubu has primary responsibility for protecting the rights of Nigerians, the CBN also has the responsibilities to ensure that its practices and guidelines do not cause or contribute to human rights abuses. “The CBN could play an important role in promoting economic opportunities for Nigerians where the majority of the people live in poverty. “The CBN is failing to comply with the Nigerian Constitution, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act and the country’s international human rights obligations in the exercise of its statutory powers and functions. “The CBN is also compromising its stated mission to advance the management of the country’s economy, and ultimately, sustainable development. “According to our information, the CBN through a Circular to all banks and other financial institutions dated February 10 2025 stated that it has reviewed and increased the ATM transaction fees prescribed in section 10(7) of the CBN Guide to Charges by Bank, Other Financial and Non-Bank Financial Institutions 2020. “Section 42(1)(a) of the CBN Act 2007 provides that ‘The Bank shall wherever necessary seek the co-operation of and co-operate with other banks in Nigeria to – (a) promote and maintain adequate and reasonable financial service for the public.’ It also provides that any policy of the CBN ‘shall be in the national interest.’ “Section 1(c)(d) of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018 provides that the objectives of the Act are to ‘protect and promote the interests and welfare of consumers’ and ‘prohibit restrictive or unfair business practices’ such as the exorbitant and unreasonable increase in ATM transaction fees by the CBN. “Significantly, the provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act are directly binding on the CBN, as the provisions constrain the exercise of the statutory powers and functions of the institution. “Specifically, section 2(1) the Act provides that its provisions ‘apply to all undertakings [such as the CBN] and scope of application to all commercial activities within, or having effect within, Nigeria. “Section 2(2) provides that, ‘This Act also applies to and is binding upon- (a) a body corporate or agency of the Government of the Federation; (b) a body corporate; (c) all commercial activities aimed at making profit and geared towards the satisfaction of demand from the public.’ “According to section 70(1) of the Act, ‘For the purpose of this Act, an undertaking [such as the CBN] is considered to be in a dominant position if it is able to act without taking account of the reaction of its customers or consumers.’ “The Act prohibits abuse of dominant position by the CBN including charging excessive ATM transaction fees to the detriment of consumers. “Section 104 of the of the Act asserts the supremacy of the Act over ‘the provisions of any other law’, such as the CBN Act. The only exception to the provision is the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended]. “Section 127(1) of the Act also prohibits the CBN from making any policy or providing “any services at…

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UNIZIK expels student for biting lecturer in clash over TikTok video

The authorities of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, have expelled a student, Goddy-Mbakwe Chimamaka Precious, over her assault on a lecturer from the Department of Theatre and Film Studies. In an official expulsion letter dated February 13, 2025, and signed by the Acting Registrar, Mr. Victor I. Modebelu, the university stated that the decision followed the recommendation of the Student Disciplinary Committee, which found the student’s actions to be a gross violation of the institution’s disciplinary regulations, specifically Regulation 4 (SDR). The incident, which gained widespread attention after a video surfaced online, reportedly involved Precious attacking the lecturer identified as Dr. Chukwudi Okoye. The attack followed the interruption of a TikTok video she was recording on campus. The confrontation led to public outrage and calls for disciplinary action. According to the letter, the expulsion takes immediate effect, with the university directing Precious to vacate the premises and return any university property in her possession. This development marks a decisive move by the UNIZIK administration in maintaining discipline within the institution, and it generated widespread reactions. The letter read, “The Ag. Vice-Chancellor has received the report from the Student Disciplinary Committee on the case of your assault on a lecturer from the Department of Theater and Film Studies, which was found to be a gross misconduct and violation of the Students Disciplinary Regulations particularly Regulation 4 (SDR). “Consequently, the Ag. Vice-Chancellor has, on behalf of the University Senate, approved the Committee’s recommendation that you be expelled and you are hereby expelled from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. The expulsion takes immediate effect. “You are expected to vacate the University premises immediately and return any University property in your possession.”

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Afenifere chieftain Ayo Adebanjo dies at 96

Elder statesman and chieftain of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, Pa Ayodele Adebanjo, has died at the age of 96. Adebanjo died on Friday morning at his residence in Lekki, Lagos State. The family confirmed his death in a statement made available to our correspondent on Friday. The statement was jointly signed by his children, namely, Mrs. Ayotunde Atteh (nee Ayo-Adebanjo), Mrs. Adeola Azeez (nee Ayo-Adebanjo), and Mr. Obafemi Ayo-Adebanjo. “With a heart full of gratitude for a selfless life spent in the service of God, the nation and humanity, we announce the passing on of our beloved patriarch, Chief Samuel Ayodele Adebanjo. “He died peacefully this morning, Friday, February 14, 2025, at his Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria home at the age of 96,” the statement reads. Afenifere asks Tinubu to probe NNPCL fuel import, refinery repairsIt added, “We will forever cherish his commitment to fighting for truth, equity, and justice. “His belief and struggle for a truly independent and progressive Nigeria was total, and this he fought for until he breathed his last breath.” The family also disclosed that consultations are ongoing with Adebanjo’s friends, associates, and various interest groups across the country and beyond to finalise plans for a befitting funeral. According to the statement, details of the funeral arrangements will be announced in due course, adding that a condolence register has been opened at his residence in Lagos and his country home in Isanya Ogbo, near Ijebu Ode, Ogun State. The former organising secretary of the Action Group is survived by his 94-year-old wife, Chief Christy Ayo-Adebanjo, along with children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

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COAS charges Troops to intensify operations against security threats

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, has charged troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE and the 401 Special Forces Brigade to sustain their offensive operations against security threats in Benue and neighbouring states. He commended their professionalism, dedication, and selfless service while reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s commitment to their welfare and operational effectiveness. Lieutenant General Oluyede gave these directives during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE and the 401 Special Forces Brigade at Joe Akahaan Cantonment, Makurdi, on February 12, 2025. Upon arrival, he was warmly received the Commander of Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Lewis Lepdung and the Commander of the 401 Special Forces Brigade, Brigadier General AS Bugaje. During a briefing, Major General Lepdung highlighted the successes recorded in the ongoing operations as well as the challenges faced by the troops. In response, the COAS assured them of his unwavering support, pledging to provide the necessary resources and combat enablers to enhance their operational efficiency. Addressing the troops, General Oluyede expressed deep appreciation for their relentless efforts in safeguarding citizens and securing Benue and its environs. He praised their bravery, discipline, and sacrifice, emphasizing his pride in leading a professional and dedicated force. He reaffirmed that the welfare of troops and their families remains a top priority and assured them that any challenges hindering their mission success would be promptly addressed. Furthermore, the COAS urged the troops to intensify their offensive operations against terrorists, reiterating the Nigerian Army’s resolve to combat internal and external threats to national security. He encouraged them to remain resolute and committed to their duties, assuring them of continued support to ensure their success. As part of his visit, Lieutenant General Oluyede inspected ongoing projects at the Nigerian Army School of Military Engineering and the 401 Special Forces Brigade. These projects are aimed at addressing accommodation shortages and improving the living standards of personnel and their families within the barracks community. The COAS concluded his visit by reaffirming his commitment to strengthening the capabilities of the Nigerian Army, ensuring that troops remain well-equipped, motivated, and ready to defend the nation.

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