Category: News

In a significant legal development, the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has declared the prolonged detention of former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele without trial a blatant violation of his fundamental rights. The court has imposed a N100m fine on the Federal Government and the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for this infringement.

The judgment, delivered in response to a fundamental human rights suit filed by Emefiele, addressed his extended detention in the custody of the Department of State Services. The court ordered the respondents to pay him N1bn in damages and restrained them from further arresting or detaining him without a court order.

Former CBN governor Emefiele was arrested on June 10, shortly after his suspension by President Bola Tinubu. Defendants in the suit included the Federal Government, the Attorney General of the Federation, the EFCC, and its chairman.

Presiding judge Olukayode Adeniyi, in delivering the judgment on Monday, not only declared the violation of Emefiele’s fundamental rights but also restrained the FG and its agents from re-arresting or detaining him without a court order.

The judge stated, “A sum of 100m only is hereby awarded in favour of the applicant against the first and fourth respondents jointly as damages for the unlawful violation of his fundamental right to his personal liberty.”

While examining the remand warrant obtained by the EFCC, Judge Adeniyi found it questionable, emphasizing the need to end the practice of arresting suspects before a proper investigation.

He stated, “Time has come to put an end to the unwholesome culture and practices of arresting and keeping a suspect in detention before the investigation of the suspect alleged of an offence.”

Adeniyi further highlighted that the framers of the Constitution did not place restrictions on the High Court, emphasizing citizens’ right to seek redress for the violation of their fundamental human rights.

Ukandi Odey, Jos

The Christian community in Plateau State on Monday came together for a solemn peace walk to Plateau State Government House, Little Rayfield Jos, to commemorate the tragic loss of hundreds of lives during the Christmas Eve attacks in Bokkos, Mangu, and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas.

Led by Rev. Dr. Stephen Baba Panya, President of Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), and in collaboration with Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the community presented their “10-point demand for peace” to Governor Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang.

Rev. Panya expressed gratitude for proactive measures taken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Mutfwang while emphasizing the need for more concerted efforts to address persistent attacks on Christians in Plateau State.

Highlighting the 22 years of unchecked violence resulting in thousands of deaths without proper prosecution, Rev. Panya called for urgent intervention, including the provision of emergency relief to the victims.

He acknowledged President Tinubu’s directive to relevant federal agencies for assistance and commended Governor Mutfwang’s efforts in condemning the attacks and providing aid to displaced survivors. He unequivocally demanded an end to the ongoing attacks and killings, seeking immediate justice for the affected communities.

Rev. Panya urged the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to officially designate the armed terrorist militias behind the killings as terrorists. He called for enhanced security measures for the 15,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Bokkos and the reconstruction of destroyed communities.

Governor Mutfwang, while receiving the Christian community’s position, expressed gratitude for the support and assured prompt delivery of the petition to President Tinubu. He acknowledged Tinubu’s commitment to ending the cycle of violence and emphasized the determination to secure the land, promising that the bloodshed would not be in vain.

Prominent church leaders, including CAN Chairman Plateau State, Rev. Fr. Polycarp Lubo, Catholic Archbishop of Jos, His Grace Mathew Ishaya Audu,
Methodist Bishop, Her Lordship, Nkechi Nwosu, COCIN President represented by Rev. Prof. Pokol, PFN Chairman, Rev. Dunka Gomwalk, OAIC- Apostle M. Ewurum, Rev. Stephen Dangana and Rev. Gideon Para-Mallam joined the peace walk, demonstrating unity and collective concern for the plight of the affected communities.

Globacom subscribers are set to face restrictions in making calls to MTN lines, as the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) revealed its partial approval for the disconnection of Glo from MTN Nigeria Communications Plc. The disclosure was made in a public notice signed by Reuben Muoka, Director of the Public Affairs Department, on Monday.

The NCC stated that it had granted partial approval for the disconnection due to the non-settlement of interconnect charges by Globacom. The notice indicated that Glo was notified of MTN’s application, allowing Globacom to present its case and comment on the matter. However, the commission found that Glo lacked sufficient or justifiable reasons for failing to pay the interconnect charges.

Following the NCC’s decision, subscribers of Globacom will be unable to make calls to MTN lines after a 10-day period from the date of the notice. However, they will still be able to receive calls, while in-bound calls to the Globacom network will not be affected.

This is not the first instance of Glo subscribers facing disconnection from making calls to MTN due to unsettled interconnect charges. In 2019, MTN briefly disconnected Glo subscribers following a directive from the NCC over a N4 billion debt.

The interconnect charge represents the fees telecom operators pay each other for calls terminating on their networks. According to an MTN source, Glo owes approximately N6 billion in interconnect fees.

Efforts to obtain Glo’s response to the situation are ongoing, and as of now, the company has not provided any comments on the matter. With 61.39 million mobile subscriptions on Glo’s network as of August 2023, the restriction on making calls to MTN lines is expected to take effect from January 18, 2024, as per the latest NCC notice.

President Bola Tinubu, on Monday, promptly suspended Dr. Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, in response to the uproar surrounding an alleged ₦585 million scandal. The decision aligns with Tinubu’s commitment to upholding integrity, transparency, and accountability in the administration of Nigerian resources, as announced by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale.

The suspension follows Tinubu’s directive on Sunday for a thorough investigation into the alleged financial irregularities within the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. The President had expressed his determination to decisively penalize individuals found culpable during the inquiry.

Various groups and individuals, including the Peoples Democratic Party, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, Femi Falana, SAN, the Yoruba Youth Assembly, and other civil society groups, had called for an unbiased investigation into the leaked memo by Minister Betta Edu. The memo reportedly instructed the Accountant-General of the Federation, Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein, to transfer ₦585 million into the private bank account of a project accountant in the ministry, Bridget Oniyelu.

Despite Edu’s claim that the funds were intended for vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun, and Lagos states, the allegations against her were dismissed as baseless. Her Media Assistant, Rasheed Olarenwaju, asserted that such payments into private accounts of staff members, particularly project accountants, were within the legal framework of the civil service.

As this story unfolds, further details will be provided.

Sadiya Umar-Farouk, the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, has made her way to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters to engage with investigators regarding the alleged laundering of ₦37,170,855,753.44 during her tenure. The funds are reported to have been channeled through a contractor, James Okwete.

Our correspondent confirmed Umar-Farouk’s arrival at approximately 10 am on Monday. Subsequently, around 10:20 am, the ex-minister shared on Twitter that she had voluntarily presented herself at the EFCC headquarters to respond to the anti-graft agency’s invitation and provide clarifications on pertinent issues.

It’s worth noting that, citing health challenges, the former minister had previously officially requested an extension for her meeting with EFCC interrogators. The investigation revolves around the alleged money laundering through the aforementioned contractor during her tenure in office.

Further details on this developing story will be provided as they emerge.

By Milcah Tanimu

A BBC investigation, conducted in collaboration with Open Democracy, has alleged sexual abuse, physical abuse, and faked miracles involving the late Nigerian pastor Temitope Joshua, commonly known as TB Joshua. The investigation, which spanned two years and involved over 15 BBC journalists across three continents, included testimonies from more than 25 eyewitnesses and alleged victims from the UK, Nigeria, Ghana, the US, South Africa, and Germany.

The report alleges that survivors shared accounts of sexual assault, physical abuse, and psychological trauma suffered during their time in Joshua’s Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) compound. The BBC claims that victims described being raped multiple times a week, experiencing violence during the assaults, and being silenced or discouraged from reporting the abuse. Former insiders estimated that TB Joshua made tens of millions of dollars through various streams, including pilgrims, fundraising, video sales, and stadium appearances.

The investigation also explored claims of faked miracles and detailed how some individuals, seeking healing or solutions to personal struggles, found themselves subjected to various forms of abuse instead. Victims described being manipulated into joining an elite group known as the “disciples” and experiencing prolonged isolation, sleep deprivation, and psychological torment.

One victim, a 21-year-old British woman named Rae, shared her story of being lured by the promise of healing her sexuality but ending up in a situation of prolonged trauma and attempted suicide. The report also includes accounts from other survivors who describe similar patterns of abuse and manipulation during their time in TB Joshua’s compound.

The SCOAN, led by TB Joshua’s widow, Evelyn Joshua, responded to the allegations, stating that making unfounded allegations against Prophet TB Joshua is not new and that none of the allegations had ever been substantiated.

The investigative report raises serious questions about the conduct within the SCOAN and the alleged abuse of power and trust by TB Joshua. It also highlights the vulnerability of individuals seeking spiritual guidance and healing, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency within religious organizations.

President Bola Tinubu has instructed a thorough investigation into the alleged N585m scandal within the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. In response to public outrage, Tinubu expressed determination to decisively punish any individuals found in breach of financial regulations during the inquiry, as anger grows over the reported diversion of funds.

The controversy centers on a leaked memo from Minister Betta Edu instructing a payment of N585m into a private bank account. Despite Edu claiming the funds were designated for vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun, and Lagos states, various groups, including the Peoples Democratic Party, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, and Femi Falana, have called for an unbiased investigation.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, issued a statement affirming the President’s commitment to transparency and accountability. The statement assured Nigerians that appropriate action would be taken following the investigation’s findings, cautioning against circulating unverified narratives on social media.

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana criticized Edu’s dismissal of the allegations, citing a breach of financial rules. The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) demanded Edu’s immediate dismissal and prosecution for alleged money laundering, citing a violation of financial regulations. Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project also called for a thorough probe to ensure transparency in public fund usage.

The controversy extends to allegations of misuse of funds for travel expenses, including flight tickets and airport taxis, by Edu and her team to Kogi State. An internal memo revealed approved funds for the trip, raising further concerns about financial accountability within the ministry.

As calls for accountability intensify, the President faces pressure to uphold transparency, with civil society groups urging a comprehensive audit of political appointees and civil servants to combat corruption effectively. The unfolding investigation is poised to shed light on the alleged financial irregularities within the ministry and determine appropriate disciplinary actions.