Category: News
Stay updated with trendbrio.com as we bring you the latest news headlines of today. Our dedicated section covers all aspects of politics news in Nigeria today, ensuring you never miss important updates. From politics today in Nigeria to Naija news updates, we provide comprehensive coverage of the latest events and developments. Explore our Naija news today and breaking stories to stay informed about the most pressing issues. Whether you’re looking for political news in Nigeria or the hot news in Nigeria, we’ve got you covered with timely and accurate information.
President Tinubu meets with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace
President Bola Tinubu was warmly received on Wednesday in London by His Majesty King Charles III at Buckingham Palace for a private meeting, highlighting the enduring and cherished relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. This will be the two leaders’ first meeting since they met in Dubai at the COP 28 Climate Summit last year. The latest meeting was at the King’s request. Both leaders discussed global and regional matters of shared priority, focusing on the urgent and complex challenge of climate change. President Tinubu and His Majesty also explored opportunities for collaboration in anticipation of the upcoming COP 29 Summit in Azerbaijan and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa. President Tinubu reiterated Nigeria’s firm commitment to addressing climate change in a manner that aligns with the country’s energy security objectives whilst affirming Nigeria’s readiness to adopt global strategies for sustainability. During their dialogue, the two leaders shared ideas for innovative approaches to climate financing and funding, expressing mutual interest in strengthening partnerships by harnessing Nigeria’s leadership position in Africa and the Commonwealth.
Court jails internet fraudster in Enugu
Justice Mohammed Garba Umar of the Federal High Court, sitting in Independence Layout, Enugu has convicted and jailed one Okwudili Joseph for fraud. He was prosecuted on a one-count charge bordering on impersonation and cybercrime by the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. The charge reads: “That you, Okwudili Joseph, on or about the 5th day of June, 2024 at Enugu, Enugu State, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, fraudulently impersonated one Jim Warren, a gas detection specialist from the United States of America with intent to gain advantage for yourself and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (3) (a) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 and punishable under Section 22 (4) of the same Act.” He pleaded “guilty” when the charge was read to him, following which prosecution counsel, Mohammed Shehu reviewed the facts of the case and prayed the court to convict and sentence him accordingly, while the defence counsel, G. C. Ugwele prayed the court to temper justice with mercy, arguing that her client has become remorseful of his action and has learned his lesson as well. After listening to both sides, Justice Umar convicted and sentenced Joseph to two years imprisonment with hard labour or to pay a fine of N200,000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira). The convict’s road to jail began with his arrest by EFCC operatives on June 5, 2024 in Nike, Enugu, following credible intelligence that linked him to fraudulent internet activities. He admitted to the commission of the crime upon arrest and willingly tendered his confessional statements.
Court jails 17 Internet Fraudsters in Benin City
Justice Igho Braimoh of Edo State High Court, sitting in Benin City has convicted and sentenced 17 internet fraudsters to various jail terms. The convicts are Oserei John Vianny, Osaro Moses, Desmond Okoduwa, Obi Isaac, Joshua Omoruyi, Iyabosa Omoruyi, Jeffery Omoruyi, Odion Alex Idada, Aisosa Aiyeki, Prosper Aimiomwona, Others are Cherish Omoruyi, Kelly Omoruyi, Victor Osaze, Obobor Moses, Timothy Ogie, Osemuahu Godspower, and Bonny Stephen. They were prosecuted by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on separate one-count charges bordering on obtaining by false pretence and possession of fraudulent documents. The charge against Oserei John Vianny reads: “That you Oserei John Vianny (m) on or about the 10th of June, 2024 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did have in your possession documents which you knew or ought to have known contained false pretence, thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 6 and 8 (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.” All the defendants pleaded “guilty” to their charges when they were read to them, prompting the prosecution counsel, I.K. Agwai, Ibrahim Faisal and Ahmed Salihu to pray the court to convict and sentence them accordingly. However, counsel to the defendants pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, stating that they have become remorseful for their actions. Justice Braimoh afterwards convicted and sentenced Vianny, Idada, Cherish Omoruyi, Kelly Omoruyi, Aiyeki, Obobor Moses and Osaro Moses to two years imprisonment or to pay a fine of N200,000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) each, while Iyobosa Omoruyi, Joshua Omoruyi, Aimiomwona, Ogie, Godspower, Stephen, Jeffery Omoruyi, Osaze and Isaac bagged three years imprisonment or to pay a fine of N200,000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) each. Desmond was handed three years imprisonment or to pay a fine of N500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira). Furthermore, the judge ordered the forfeiture of a Toyota Camry, Mercedes Benz 350, Rav4 Toyota, Mercedes Benz C300 recovered from Desmond Okoduwa, Isaac, Aiyeki being proceeds of their crime to the federal government. In addition, all the convicts forfeited their phones, laptops, and money in their respective bank accounts to the federal government and undertook in writing to be of good behaviour henceforth. The convicts’ journey to the correctional centre began with their arrest by operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC following credible intelligence on their involvement in fraudulent internet activities.
Ogun to release 100 CNG Buses -Abiodun
The Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has announced that his administration would make available 100 brand new 18-seater Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses for the use of transporters in the state. The Governor, who made this known in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta on Monday, also said that the Federal Government would make available 20 CNG-enabled buses and 500 conversion kits to the state government during the week. Governor Abiodun disclosed this at a meeting with transport unions on how to ensure fair transportation pricing in the state. Abiodun also announced the inauguration of an enforcement committee, comprising the State Police Commissioner, his counterpart in the Department of State Security Service (DSS), the Traffic Compliance Agency (TRACE), and heads of transport unions, as well as representatives from the Ministries of Transportation and Trade and Investment. He said that the meeting was called because of events over the last week, including fuel scarcity, which is already abating, and the associated increase in the pump price of the product. Abiodun noted that there has always been an astronomical rise in transport fares anytime there is a slight adjustment in the pump prices of fuel. According to him, the federal government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is not unmindful of the impact of the recent hike in the pump price, adding that the government is putting in place measures to lessen the impact on the people. “The plans that we have as a state government, our plans are to, in the first instance, make 100 buses—100 18-seater buses—available to our transport unions. These will be 100 brand new CNG buses, and these buses will be brand buses, not no-name buses. We are talking about Toyota Hiace buses that we will give to you under a purchase agreement. “We will make them available to you, and you can pay in installments over a period of time. You have demonstrated commitment and seriousness, and we are confident that when we give you these buses, you will utilize them responsibly and pay back on time. “The Federal Government has also started an Energy Transition Program through the Presidential CNG initiative, and I can confirm to you that the Presidency has confirmed that they are making 20 buses available to Ogun State in the first instance—20 CNG buses. We will be getting those buses in the next week. “They are also making 500 CNG conversion kits available to Ogun State for the immediate conversion of vehicles to CNG-enabled. “I have been assured that the conversion kits, which is the first batch of 500, will reach us in the next five days. You know that we have a conversion center in Ogun State. We are a major conversion center for the Southwest, and we will begin the conversion of vehicles in accordance with how we agree in terms of scheduling who will come first and what vehicles we will begin to convert,” he said. Governor Abiodun, while disclosing that the Federal Government is gradually leaving the business of sales and distribution of petroleum products to the private sector, noted that there was no need for transporters to increase transport fares by over 1000% when the price of PMS was just increased by 30%. “We’ve seen in the past that when there is a change in pump prices by maybe 10%, we have noticed that our transporters also naturally increase fares because the cost of their operational equipment—be it motorcycles, tricycles, trucks, or buses—is impacted. “What we’ve noticed is that when there is a change in the pricing of petroleum products by 10% to 20%, the impact that we see play out at times is like 2000%, and we want to dialogue to ensure the people are not stretched. “The change in price is about 25% or 30%, so if pump prices have changed by like 25% to 30%, we should not see a difference in transport fares that is more than 25% or 30%,” he said.
EFCC boss, Olukayode tasks Auditors on due diligence
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has charged auditors across the country to always ensure due diligence and compliance in their operations. According to him, auditors are professional gate-keepers trained to keep watch over every system in order to achieve organizational goals through appropriate control measures. The EFCC’s boss spoke in Abuja at the weekend while receiving a team from the Institute of Internal Auditors, IIA, that came to the Commission’s headquarters on a Courtesy Visit. The team, led by Ibrahim A. Anas, applauded Olukoyede on his achievements since he resumed office. Speaking through the Director, Internal Audit, Commander of the EFCC, CE Idowu Oluwole-Apejoye, Olukoyede pointed out that auditors are crucial in preventing corruption and ensuring that systems work for the good of all. “Auditors are crucial in ensuring that our systems are working effectively. They must be diligent in their work to prevent corruption and ensure that our policies are followed,” he said. Affirming the Chairman’s commitment to due diligence, she stressed that, “The Executive Chairman is a compliance person who ensures due diligence and compliance in every aspect of what he does.” Director of Finance and Accounts, CE Ahmed Pate, also emphasized the importance of auditors in ensuring financial transparency. “Auditors play a critical role in ensuring that our financial systems are transparent and accountable. We must ensure that our financial reports are accurate and reliable.” Pate further advised the Institute to key into the national anti-corruption strategy of the Federal government of Nigeria. “You have members across the Federation in both government and private sectors, so ensure your members join by becoming whistleblowers in their various organizations.” Also speaking, the Chief of Staff to the Executive Chairman, CE Michael Nzekwe, emphasized the importance of auditors in ensuring that systems work for the good of all. “Any organization that wants to succeed must get it right from their account and audit. You are good, but if the audit is in a mess, you are finished.” Earlier, Anas called on EFCC’s internal auditors to join the Institute to enhance their performance in the Commission, promising that his Institute would provide standard guidelines for internal audit. “We have heard over time the Chairman saying that the cost of investigation is on the high side. As internal auditors, we are expected to put some control measures before those crimes actually take place”, he said.
Ogun LGA Elections: COYOF drums support for Delu
The Coalition of Ogun Youth Forum (COYOF) has reassured of their unalloyed support for Honourable Babatunde Adeluola ahead of Abeokuta South Local Government Chairmanship poll. According to the group, “Abeokuta South Local Government as one of the premier Councils in the country deserves no less but an astute, a technocrat and versatile man in charge. “No one can fill this void than the man of the people, Babatunde Adeluola (Delu). “Having served for decades as a financial expert, Delu will be prudent with public funds. “Our incoming chairman is youthful, vibrant, energetic, listening and shall be useful for everyone, especially the youths in the LGA. “Let’s join hands and support Delu to achieve great dreams for our beloved Local Government. “Our iconic local government deserves the best brain and no other than Delu. “Delu for sure!!! “Vote DELU, Vote Progress!,” the group stated. Adeluola, a financial expert with several years of experience, is the candidate of the All Progressive Congress.
Youths endorse Delu as Abeokuta South LGA boss
Youths in the Abeokuta South Local Government have thrown their weight behind Babatunde Adeluola to emerge as the new Council boss. The group, under the aegis of Coalition of Ogun Youth Forum (COYOF), endorses Adeluola as the best candidate for further develop the local council area. Adeluola, popularly known as Delu, a financial expert, is believed to bring his wealth of experience over the years to bear in the administration of one of the historic Local Governments in Nigeria. Some of the Youths comments are; “Adeluola is the perfect man for the task. “Adeluola will bring youthful experience for development.”
Lagos signs MOU with Chinese Coy on rice value chains, agric productivity
Lagos State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a Chinese food processing company, Yihai Kerry Arawana Holdings Co. Limited, to increase productivity in the rice value chain and enhance food security in the State. Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State Governor, who is currently in China with some Lagos State Government officials for the ongoing Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), witnessed the signing of the MoU on Wednesday. The Special Adviser to Governor Sanwo-Olu on Agriculture (Rice Mill Initiative), Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola, signed the MoU on behalf of the Lagos State Government, while Group Director, Rice Industry Division, Yihai Kerry Arawana Holdings Co. Limited, Mr. Wang Wei, signed on behalf of the Chinese company. The signing of the MoU was also witnessed by the Group Head of Rice, Wilmar Group, Mr. Prashant Trikha. The signing of the MoU and collaboration between the Lagos State Government and the Chinese company will enhance rice production and agricultural productivity in Lagos State in line with the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration’s quest for food security and agricultural revolution. He said: “We realise that we have the capacity to feed ourselves as a people, if we put the right investment in agriculture. That is why our administration has prioritised agricultural value chains. Our rice initiative, with the Imota Rice Mill is projected to provide 1,500 direct jobs and over 250,000 indirect jobs. The rice mill alone has a capacity to produce 2.8 million bags of 50 kg bags of rice yearly.” Lagos State Government is committed to enhancing agricultural productivity and has been actively engaged in the promotion of cultivation of rice to meet the high demand for rice consumption in Lagos State, further to which it has established a 32-metric-tonne per hour capacity rice mill in the Imota area of the State. Yihai Kerry Arawana Holdings Co. Limited is one of the largest food processing companies in the Peoples Republic of China, which operates an integrated rice business covering the rice value chain, from cultivation to processing and distribution of milled rice.