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Prerogative of Mercy: Sanwo-Olu pardons 52, commutes death sentences to life imprisonment
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu recently, and on the recommendations of the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, approved the release of 52 inmates from various correctional facilities across the State and the commutal of six death row inmates to Life Imprisonment. According to a statement signed by Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, the order was for the immediate release of 35 inmates while others are to be released after serving additional terms of three – six months. According to him, the Prerogative of Mercy is in line with Mr. Governors’ powers under Section 212 (1) & (2) of the 1999 Constitution of The Federal Republic of Nigeria (As amended) and the commitment of the present administration to decongest correctional facilities in Lagos State as part of the Justice Sector Reforms in the State. The Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy in reaching its recommendations exercised due diligence in its deliberation of the applications brought before it in line with the applicable guidelines with information provided by the Authority of the correctional facilities, the nature of offence the inmate was convicted for, period of incarceration, age, health condition and the behavioural conduct of the inmate. Before their release, the correctional centres are to confirm that arrangements have been put in place for the rehabilitation and integration into the society of the convicted inmates recommended for release. While admonishing the inmates to be of good behaviour, the Commissioner said Mr. Governor’s release order is to be complied with after completion of the administrative process by the correctional facilities.
Alleged N33.8bn Fraud: EFCC presents four more witnesses against Saleh Mamman
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, January 13, 2025 presented four more witnesses in the ongoing trial of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja. Mamman is being prosecuted by the EFCC on a 12-count charge bordering on conspiracy to commit money laundering to the tune of N33,804,830,503.73 (Thirty-three Billion, Eight Hundred and Four Million, Eight Hundred and Thirty Thousand, Five Hundred and Three Naira, Seventy-three Kobo). At the Monday`s proceedings, prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, told the court that the EFCC was prepared to further prove its case with four more witnesses: PW4, 5, 6, and 7, whom he said were Compliance Officers at Zenith, UBA, GTB and Wema Banks, respectively. The witnesses are PW4 Mishelia R.B, PW5 Mayowa Itiku, PW6 Lily Marama and PW7 Oluwunmi Ogunloye. While being led in evidence by prosecuting counsel, the witnesses took turns to inform the court that they received correspondences respectively from the EFCC to provide details of account openings and statements in respect of ten business entities which are: Sami Court Resort Limited, Golden Bond Nigeria Limited, Samson Bitrus, Gurupche Business Enterprise, Shipikin Global Enterprises, Silverline Ventures, Breathable Investment Ltd, First Class Contraction Ltd, Spinhillls Biz International Ltd and Fulex Utility Concept Ltd. Oyedepo presented bundles of documents of those entities which the witnesses affirmed before the court that they emanated from their banks and were generated from their databases. After confirming the documents as their bank documents, the prosecuting counsel tendered them in evidence before the court. Justice Omotosho thereafter adjourned the matter till January 22, 23 and 24, 2025, for continuation of hearing.
Students protest: MAPOLY shuts down indefinitely
Authorities of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic Abeokuta have announced the closure of the Polytechnic effective from Monday, 13th January, 2025, till further notice. The closure according to the School’s Head, Public Relations and Protocol, ‘yemi Ajibola, is to ensure safety of lives and properties owing to the protest by some students on the decision of the Management to verify their National Diploma results from their former schools. “Management expressed its zero tolerance to fake results from any quarters. “Consequently, students are advised to stay away from the campus in their own interests. “Parents and the general public are assured of timely updates as events unfold,” the statement read.
NLC shuts down Radio, TV Stations over new minimum wage
Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Lagos State chapter, and workers on Monday, shut down normal operations of Lagos Television, Eko FM/Radio Lagos and Lagos Traffic Radio to protest the non-implementation of the N85,000 minimum wage by the management of the stations. NLC, in collaboration with workers of the three broadcast stations under the aegis of Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria, RATTAWU, picketed the station and also demanded to be placed on Oracle System. The workers a few weeks ago notified the management of the three stations of their readiness to down tools once the stations failed to implement the minimum wage by the Lagos State Government. The workers early in the morning blocked the entrance and exit to the Agidingbi complex of the broadcast stations, displaying placards with different inscriptions, such as: “Give us Oracle and take the revenue generated, Oracle is the answer, it’s all we need, Pay us Minimum Wage,” among others. The workers were led in their solitary songs by the state Chairman of NLC, comrade Funmi Sessi. Speaking with newsmen, Sessi said, “We started peacefully, and we are going to end it peacefully. Nobody is going to push us through the wall. I assure everybody that we shall be peaceful because we are Lagosians. “We are here this morning you can see the workers of government in communication departments that is LTV, Eko FM, and Traffic Radio, all here to show their displeasure against the injustice that has been meted out to them, This is the situation they do there work to the best of their abilities and now at the receiving end by being shortchanged. And not receiving the new Minimum wage as being approved and agreed upon by the law set by the Federal Government of Nigeria. “This is an injustice to the set of workers. The management has been given the mandate to pay the minimum wage has been announced by the Lagos State Government. They are Lagos State workers. “Since the government has commenced implementation of the N85,000 minimum wage since November they have never collected the minimum wage. The arrears of the three months and the 13th month they have not been enjoying the benefits. So, why is this disparity for this set of workers even in the face of this hardship?” The leadership of their union had engaged the management previously. They gave a 21-day notice to dialogue. After several engagements with management, they gave 14 days and 7 days, and they followed due process, yet there was no resolution. Now when they saw that the workers were resolute to fight for their rights and now telling them to shield their swords. “Though, the governor has been doing a lot and showing empathy to workers. We are hereby appealing to him to prevail on the management to do the needful and avoid unnecessary disruption to operations in the interest of the majority. We will sustain this struggle until the government listens and takes appropriate action on these demands.”
Ibadan Stampede: Court grants Oriyomi Hamzat, Queen Naomi bail
An Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan has granted the bail applications of Naomi Silekunola, former wife of the Ooni of Ife; CEO of Agidigbo FM, Hamzat Oriyomi; Islamic High School principal, Abdullah Fasasi, filed by their respective counsel. The trio are on trial for their roles in the stampede that culminated in the death of 35 children, including males and females, at Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan on December, 18, 2024. The Eagle Online however learnt that the Oyo State Government has filed a fresh18 counts charge, bordering on murder and manslaughter against the three defendants. According to a source privy to the case, the charge sheet, marked I/05C/2025, was filed on Friday, January 10, 2025 before the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan. The Oyo State Government was listed as the complainant while Silekunola, Hamzat and Babatunde were named as defendants. “The court will most likely grant bail on Monday. The state government has however filed an 18-count charge of manslaughter and similar offences against the Defendants,” the source said. In the 18 counts, the government accused the defendants of “conspiracy to commit a felony to wit: murder, manslaughter, conspiracy to commit an offense to wit: criminal negligence, and criminal negligence.” The offences are said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 324 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Vol II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000. In the charge sheet, the state alleged that the defendants “negligently omitted to provide adequate security, crowd control mechanisms, and medical facilities to prevent a stampede at a children’s funfair programme organised by you.” It could be recalled that the Defence Team, at the Oyo State High Court last Tuesday, January 7, passionately argued for the bail of the accused, citing their cooperation with investigations and lack of flight risk. The defence lawyers contested the detention of their clients, asserting that it was unconstitutional due to procedural irregularities and uncertainties surrounding the court’s jurisdiction. They further expressed concerns regarding the legitimacy of the “holding charge” employed to remand the trio, arguing that it lacked recognition under Nigeria’s Administration of Criminal Justice Act. However, the state government through its Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abiodun Aikomo, strongly opposed the request. Aikomo insisted that the applicants had not provided sufficient grounds for their release. He dismissed claims of persecution by the state government, describing them as unfounded. He, therefore, vehemently opposed the motion, stressing the gravity of the charges and the need for justice for the victims and their families. Following deliberations from both the prosecution and defence, Justice K.B. Olawoyin reserved his judgment on the bail applications, scheduling the ruling for Monday, January 13, 2025.
Makinde presents Staff of Office to new Alaafin
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has presented the staff of office to the new Alaafin of Oyo, Abimbola Akeem Owoade. The governor presented the official instrument legitimising the reign of a king to the new monarch on Monday morning at the Exco Chamber of the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, the state capital. The symbolic event was performed nearly three years after the death of the former Alaafin, Lamidi Adeyemi III. The presentation of the staff of office was done amid controversy concerning the choice of the new Alaafin announced by the governor last week. Speaking at the event, the governor said the Alaafin’s stool is important not just to Oyo town but to the Yoruba race as a whole. The governor maintained that he decided not to meddle in the appointment of the new Alaafin because of his administration’s belief in openness and transparency. He said, “The Alaafin stool is very important not just to Oyo Town or Oyo State but the entire Yoruba race. So, under my watch, I made it very clear that the stool would not be for sale. It is not a stool for us to toil with. “I met Prince Owoade for the first time in my life yesterday. I never spoke to him in my entire life until yesterday. I did not know his profile or the profile of any of the princes vying for the stool and it was deliberate, because I did not want my opinion to influence the process. “Let me say this clearly; when we came in 2019, we had challenges with the traditional institution in Ibadanland and it has been resolved to everybody’s satisfaction. “When it was time for us to approve the selection of Okere, some people came to me and said ‘This is our friend’. They said one person is APC and I said it does not mean anything to me whether you are PDP or APC. Why should my decision be based on political consideration? So, I approved the selection of the Saki kingmakers. “I always tell people not to kill themselves over politicians, because we see ourselves in the night. We go to each other’s houses. Politics, electioneering is a game. It’s only when you have been elected, then governance becomes a serious business because you will take decisions that will affect millions of people. So, we will not play politics with governance. “The Alaafin stool became vacant in 2022. We were moving towards election and people said, you have to approve the appointment of Alaafin, otherwise, Oyo people would not vote for you. I said the people should not vote for me but that I would do what was right and Oyo voted for me massively. Oyo will continue to support me. “Let me also say briefly that those that are still hell-bent on destabilising the traditional institution in Oyo, the government is not letting down. We will prosecute them. The money they collected; they will still be prosecuted except they go to Kabiyesi. If he forgives them, I will also forgive them.” While congratulating the new monarch, Governor Makinde prayed that his reign would bring peace and progress to Oyo Town, Oyo State and the Yoruba race. “The coronation would be in four weeks. From today, we have an Alaafin. I congratulate the Alaafin of Oyoland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade. I pray that your reign shall bring unity to Yoruba race wherever they may be around the world. “I pray it would also bring progress and development to Oyoland, Oyo State as well as Yoruba race in general,” Governor Makinde added. In his response, Alaafin Owoade promised to work for the progress of Oyo Town, Oyo State and Nigeria as well as the development of the people. He thanked the Governor, the Oyomesi and everyone that worked for his selection and assumption of office as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo. Earlier in his speech, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon Demola Ojo, lauded the Governor for his determination to ensure that the right processes were followed in the selection of the new Alaafin. He also thanked those involved in the selection process. In attendance at the event were the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal; a former Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; member representing Oyo East/Oyo West House of Assembly, Hon. Rahman Olorunpoto; Awise Awo Agbaye, Professor Wande Abimbola and his wife, Iyanifa Ajisebo Abimbola; some members of the Oyomesi as well as traditional rulers in Oyo Kingdom. Top government functionaries in attendance included the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni, and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Joel Ajagbe.
Edun pushes for smarter investments at ISDB retreat in S’Arabia
Minister of Finance Wale Edun has delivered a decisive call for action during the Islamic Development Bank Governors’ Retreat in Al-Madinah on Sunday. His remarks were part of the bank’s ongoing efforts to gather input and build consensus on its upcoming 10-year strategy to achieve greater developmental impact. Edun emphasised the need for the IsDB to rethink its approach to development financing in response to current economic realities. He called for transformative, high-impact projects in infrastructure, agriculture, rail, and energy, urging the bank to focus on investments with strong returns to ensure sustainable financing. He also highlighted the importance of innovative funding solutions tailored to national priorities and debt dynamics, stressing the urgent need for a concessional financing strategy that balances development goals with minimal debt accumulation. The retreat also featured key contributions from Algeria’s Minister of Finance and Chairman of the Board of Governors, H.E. Laaziz Faid, and Saudi Arabia’s Finance Minister, H.E. Mohammed Al-Jadaan, who opened the discussions. Responding to the bank’s call for input Edun also stressed the need for robust monitoring systems to evaluate the real impact of the bank’s initiatives. His remarks reflected Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening the IsDB’s role in delivering greater results for its member states. The retreat served as a forum for governors to provide ideas and feedback on the IsDB’s 10-year strategy (2026–2035), which aims to chart a clear path for addressing pressing development challenges in a rapidly changing global landscape.
Obasanjo: Jimmy Carter visited Abacha to seek my release from prison
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo said Jimmy Carter was the only leader outside Africa who visited Sani Abacha, the late military dictator, solely to plead for his release from prison. Obasanjo stated this in a tribute to Carter, the late American president, who passed on December 29, 2024, aged 100. The tribute, titled “Jimmy Carter: The Departure of a Titan”, was read during a memorial service held on Sunday at the Chapel of Christ the Glorious King, Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, Ogun state. Obasanjo was arrested, tried, and sentenced to prison by the Abacha junta in 1995 over alleged involvement in a failed military coup. Obasanjo narrated how Carter visited Nigeria and got Abacha to release him (Obasanjo) from prison, and he was placed on house arrest. He said that although many others intervened to seek his release, Carter was the only one who had visited Nigeria solely for that purpose. “President Carter was one of my foreign friends who stuck their necks out to save my life and to seek my release from prison. On President Carter’s visit to Nigeria, he got Abacha to agree to take me from detention to house arrest on my farm. But that did not last for too long,” Obasanjo said. “Many other friends and leaders intervened, but President Carter was the only non-African leader, according to my information, that paid a visit to Abacha solely to plead for my release. “I would remain ever grateful to all who worked for my release from Abacha’s gulag. Abacha ensured that I would not be released. Within a week of his death, though, I was released by his successor, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who also facilitated my going around Africa and the rest of the world to thank all those who worked for my release.” Obasanjo further said he was surprised when Carter told him that Ted Turner, CNN founder, had offered to take care of him and his family upon his release. “I was touched and moved to tears. I immediately went to Ted, who expressed to me the same sentiment that President Carter expressed,” Obasanjo said. The elder statesman said he and Carter shared some similarities, including their military backgrounds and being born into farming families that instilled discipline in them. “He beat me though in one respect; there was a road to his settlement, and there was no road to my village. We walked to every place or, at best, we were carried on bicycles,” he said. Obasanjo said he would miss Carter, “a great and true friend but I know we shall meet again in paradise”. Speaking during an interactive session with young African leaders at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library OOPL during the weekend, Obasanjo said his refusal to keep quiet on national and international issues landed him in detention during Abacha’s tenure.