Tinubu preaches love, peace and unity at Christmas

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians to embrace love, peace and unity as Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ across the country. The President, stated this in his message on the Yuletide on Tuesday. “On this joyous Christmas Day, I extend my heartfelt greetings to Christians across Nigeria and worldwide as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, as narrated in the Holy Scriptures. “Christmas embodies the fulfilment of divine prophecy and symbolises the triumph of love, peace, and unity. It is a poignant reminder that light can emerge even in the darkest times, bringing solace and hope. This belief resonates with people of all faiths. Indeed, God is with us,” the President pointed out. On the recent stampede in Ibadan, Okija and Abuja, the President was saddened by the incident, saying: “Our thoughts are with those who continue to suffer from these heartbreaking incidents. We earnestly pray that such misfortunes do not revisit our families and communities and that the lives of innocents are never again cut short. “I offer my deepest sympathies to the families enduring pain and loss this year, whether from floods, fires, or accidents. May we all find comfort and solace in our faith, the support of loved ones, and the abiding presence of Jesus Christ. Our compassionate and merciful God stands with the weak, the brokenhearted, and the sick. “As we celebrate this blessed season, let us be mindful of those facing difficulties. They are not far from us—our neighbours, family members, and the people we encounter daily, whether in places of worship, markets, offices, or boardrooms. “Kindness transcends financial status. Those with modest means and those with abundance need a smile or a word of encouragement. “We must also honour our brave troops, who risk their lives to safeguard our nation. They deserve our prayers and steadfast support. “Let us extend similar support and prayers to our nation’s leaders. With your backing, we can serve our country diligently and strive for prosperity. “Nigeria is on a promising path of restoration and progress, with every indication pointing toward a bright future. In the spirit of this season, let us renew our hope and belief in a prosperous Nigeria. “For those travelling during this festive period, I wish you safe journeys. Rest assured, the government is taking all necessary steps to ensure our transportation routes are secure and convenient. We also provide free train services and subsidized road transport costs on 144 routes nationwide to ease your travels. “Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a joyous and prosperous New Year.”

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LPDC rejects Afe Babalola’s petition seeking Farotimi’s disbarment

The Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) has rejected petition seeking the disbarment of Dele Farotimi, a human rights lawyer, by Emmanuel Chambers, Afe Babalola’s law firm. While rejecting the petition, the LPDC in its report which became public knowledge on Tuesday, determined that the alleged offences occurred in Farotimi’s capacity as an author, not during his practice as a legal professional. The committee then concluded that it lacked jurisdiction to address complaints about publications and advised aggrieved parties to seek redress in regular courts. READ ALSO: UPDATED: Dele Farotimi Released From Ekiti Prison “The publication is an intellectual property and not a conduct or action committed while practising as a Legal Practitioner. All aggrieved parties who find the publication ‘defamatory’ should ventilate their grievances through the regular courts,” LPDC’s report stated. Emmanuel Chambers had alleged in its 90-page petition that was sent to the LPDC on December 6, that Farotimi, in his book titled Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, made defamatory statements against the Supreme Court and the legal profession. The Chambers’ petition also accused Farotimi of distorting case facts, disrespecting fellow lawyers, and engaging in actions that obstructed justice for personal gain. READ ALSO: Afe Babalola’s Relative Vows Anyone Who Protests Farotimi’s Arrest in Ekiti ‘Will Suffer’ The petition claimed that the human rights lawyer’s book violated several sections of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners 2023 and requested that his name be struck off the Roll of Legal Practitioners. The LPDC is responsible for investigating and addressing cases of misconduct among legal professionals in Nigeria. The committee’s decision to reject the petition coincides with Farotimi’s release by the Ekiti State Police Command after spending three weeks in their custody. Farotimi’s arrest on December 3 was inspired by a petition the same Babalola had written to the police, claiming he had been defamed by the lawyer in his book.

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Kidnappers demand N30m each as ransom for travellers

A suspected ring of kidnappers have demanded the sum of N30 million each for travellers captured on Sunday. The bus, according to media reports, was ambushed by the gunmen at Emure Ile, near the borders of Ekiti and Ondo States. The bus was returning from Onitsha when the assailants took all passengers, including the driver, Sunday Emmanuel, into captivity. Meanwhile, a member of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) at the Ado-Ekiti Motor Terminal who pleaded anonimity hinted that the kidnappers have demanded N30 million each as ransom for the abductee. The situation highlights ongoing safety concerns for travellers in the region, emphasizing the need for enhanced security measures to protect individuals on the road.

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Dele Farotimi regains freedom 21 days after arrest

Dele Farotimi, a human rights advocate, has been released from the correctional centre in Ekiti State after meeting his bail conditions. Farotimi was released on Tuesday morning. A Presidential Candidate of the African Pro….Omoyele Sowore revealed the development in a post on his X handle. “I’m pleased to report that Dele Farotimi is no longer being held at the prison yards in Ekiti State and is now returning home to Lagos. “The stfruggle continues! “Happy holidays to you all,” Sowore wrote. Recall that a Magistrate’s Court in Ado-Ekiti granted N30 million bail to Farotimi last Friday. Farotimi, had since December 4, been remanded in prison over alleged defamation of Afe Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and founder of Afe Babalola University Ado Ekiti (ABUAD). He was arrested in Lagos on Dec 3, 2024 by police officers deployed from the Ekiti State police command and taken to Ado Ekiti the same day.

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NAFDAC seizes unregistered food products worth N3.8bn

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control’s Investigation & Enforcement Directorate raided a warehouse at Apongbon Oke Arin Market, following a tip-off about the sale of unregistered food products. Various unregistered items valued at N3,818,802,720 were seized during the operation, and the facility has been placed on hold pending further investigation. The warehouse management, according to statement on NAFDAC’s X handle, has been summoned for questioning, and appropriate sanctions will follow after investigations.

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Tinubu celebrates Faleke on his 65th birthday

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, who marks his 65th birthday on December 25, 2024. Faleke has been the representative for the Ikeja Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives since 2011. President Tinubu acknowledged Faleke’s invaluable contributions and unwavering loyalty over the past two decades, emphasising his steadfast support during pivotal moments. Reflecting on Faleke’s exemplary service as the chairman of the Ojodu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) from 2003 to 2011, President Tinubu further commends his pivotal leadership in orchestrating the successful 2022- 2023 presidential campaign, which paved the way for the Renewed Hope administration. President Tinubu praised Faleke for his instrumental role as the campaign’s lead strategist and for tirelessly working to ensure his and his party’s triumph. Tinubu lauds Hon. Faleke, a senior Federal House of Representatives member, for his incisive contributions to the national discourse. He particularly appreciates his strong advocacy for true federalism, prudent financial management, anti-corruption measures, transparency in public procurement, and youth empowerment. The President said that Hon. Faleke’s extensive experience in the National Assembly and various leadership roles continues to benefit the people of Lagos and Nigeria as a whole. President Tinubu prayed that God Almighty grants Hon. Faleke good health and gives him more opportunities to serve the nation diligently.

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Police arrest 30,313, recover 1,984 firearms, 23,250 ammuntion

The Inspector-General of Nigerian Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has revealed the arrests of 30,313 suspected criminals in the out-going year. Egbetokun made this revelation on Tuesday during a strategic meeting held on Tuesday, with senior police officers of the Nigeria Police Force. The meeting, which took place at the Goodluck Ebele Peacekeeping Hall, Force Headquarters Abuja, served as a platform for reviewing the achievements of the Force in the year 2024 while outlining strategic plans for innovation and adaptability as the Force prepares for the challenges of the coming year. In his remarks, the IGP acknowledged the hard work and dedication displayed by police officers throughout the year, particularly the significant accomplishments in crime reduction and community engagement, noting the importance of collaborative efforts in fostering trust between the police and the public. In the year under review, the Nigeria Police Force recorded major successes in tackling crime, leading to the arrest of 30,313 suspects for various heinous offences, the recovery of 1,984 assorted firearms, 23,250 rounds of ammunition of varying calibres, and the rescue of 1,581 kidnapped victims. The IGP emphasized that the Force will prioritize innovation in technology and operational strategies in 2025, learning from experiences and adapting as we move on. The IGP also encouraged senior officers to embrace modern tools and progressive practices that enhance the Force’s effectiveness in crime prevention and investigation. As the nation approaches the festive season, the Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of IGP Egbetokun, is poised to implement the necessary measures to ensure a peaceful and secure environment for all citizens. The IGP reiterates the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the public, ensuring safety, and fostering a culture of accountability.

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Stampede: Court remands Ooni’s ex-queen, Oriyomi Hamzat

The Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Iyaganku, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Tuesday ordered the remand of the Principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun Ibadan, Mr Abdullahi Fasasi; the Chairman of Agidigbo FM, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat; and Naomi Silekunola, an estranged wife of the Ooni of Ile Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, at Agodi Correctional Centre. The court presided over by Chief Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi, remanded the three defendants on a four-count charge of conspiracy and murder in connection with the children’s funfair stampede in Ibadan on Wednesday. The three defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. The trio were arrested in connection with the recent stampede that occurred at the school, and they were brought to court on Tuesday by men of the Oyo State Police Command. The suspects were arraigned amidst heavy security. The premises of the court were filled with relatives of the defendants and other interested parties. The police prosecutor argued that the offence committed by the defendants was contrary to Section 324 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria, 2000. Ogunkanmi ordered that the suspects be kept at Agodi Correctional Center pending advice from the State Prosecutor. The case has been adjourned until January 14, 2025.

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