metro
Ex-minister Alison-Madueke’s asset forfeiture suit adjourned to Feb 2025
Ex-minister Alison-Madueke’s asset forfeiture suit adjourned to Feb 2025
The hearing of a motion filed by former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, seeking to amend the originating process in her legal challenge of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been adjourned.
A Federal High Court in Abuja presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo rescheduled the hearing for February 17, 2025.
Alison-Madueke, through her counsel, Professor Mike Ozekhome (SAN), filed the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/21/2023, requesting the court to extend the time to apply for an order to set aside the EFCC’s public notice issued for the sale of her assets.
In her application, Alison-Madueke argued that the orders for the forfeiture of her assets were made without jurisdiction, claiming she was denied a fair hearing in the proceedings that led to the forfeiture orders.
She sought five orders from the court, including the annulment of the EFCC’s public notice on the asset sale.
The former minister under the Goodluck Jonathan administration argued that the various court orders issued in favour of the EFCC violated her constitutional right to a fair hearing, as enshrined in Section 36 (1) of the 1999 Constitution.
She maintained that she was never served with the charge sheet, proof of evidence, or any summons regarding the charges against her.
“The various court orders issued in favour of the respondent and upon which the respondent issued the public notice were issued in breach of the applicant’s right to fair hearing as guaranteed by Section 36 (1) of the 1999 Constitution, as altered, and other similar constitutional provisions,” she argued.
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She further claimed that she was neither served with the charge sheet, proof of evidence, nor any summons regarding the criminal charges pending against her before the court.
Alison-Madueke also argued that the courts had been misled into granting forfeiture orders due to the suppression or non-disclosure of critical information. She further insisted that the orders were made in violation of her right to property, as guaranteed by the Constitution.
In response, the EFCC, represented by Detective Rufai Zaki, urged the court to dismiss Alison-Madueke’s application.
Zaki, a member of the EFCC’s investigative team on the former minister’s alleged involvement in criminal conspiracy, official corruption, and money laundering, maintained that Alison-Madueke had been rightfully charged before the court.
He argued that the application for final forfeiture of Alison-Madueke’s assets had been properly instituted and conducted, with all legal requirements followed.
He claimed that the properties had been duly disposed of following the court’s order, which had been made in 2017 and was not overturned on appeal.
The EFCC also noted that its efforts to auction the seized assets, believed to include Alison-Madueke’s properties, were in line with the court’s order.
The auction process began on January 9, 2023, as part of the agency’s broader efforts to recover the proceeds of crime.
During the proceedings on Thursday, Alison-Madueke’s lawyer, Godwin Iyinbor, informed the court that they intended to amend their application challenging the final forfeiture of the seized assets.
However, no legal representative from the EFCC was present in court.
Justice Ekwo, upon confirmation that the EFCC had served the necessary documents on the applicant’s counsel, adjourned the matter to February 17, 2025, for the hearing of the motion to amend the originating summons.
Ex-minister Alison-Madueke’s asset forfeiture suit adjourned to Feb 2025
metro
Suspected IPOB members kill two soldiers in Imo
Suspected IPOB members kill two soldiers in Imo
The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of two soldiers and the theft of their weapons by operatives of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the militant arm of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
IPOB is a separatist group advocating for the creation of the Republic of Biafra, citing longstanding grievances over the marginalization of Nigeria’s South-East region since the Biafra-Nigeria civil war.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Nigerian Army explained that the incident occurred in Osina, Ideator North Local Government Area of Imo State, when troops from the 34 Artillery Brigade, returning from a routine patrol, responded to an emergency call about an attack on Osina Community by IPOB/ESN forces.
The statement revealed that upon arrival, the troops engaged the “terrorists” with overwhelming firepower, resulting in casualties among the attackers. However, the Army did not provide specific numbers, only noting that the “dissidents” eventually withdrew in disarray.
“Unfortunately, two security agents had been killed in action and one other missing in action, with their weapons—a AK-47 rifle and a tear gas launcher—being seized by the terrorists,” the statement said.
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The Army confirmed that the bodies of the fallen soldiers had been recovered, and the troops pursued the fleeing militants.
“Contact was again made with the criminal IPOB/ESN elements at Nkwachi Community, and in the firefight that ensued, one of the dissidents was neutralized while others, unable to withstand the troop’s firepower, retreated into the nearby forest. One AK-47 rifle with a fully loaded magazine was recovered, ” the statement said, adding that the troops continued their pursuit into Umalouma forest, where another intense exchange of fire took place.
“The dissidents eventually abandoned their weapons due to the troops’ superior firepower and scattered into the dense forest with severe gunshot wounds. An additional four AK-47 rifles, one Fabrique Nationale rifle, and two magazines were recovered,” the statement added.
The Army assured the public that operations would continue, with efforts to track down and eliminate the remaining criminals. “Further exploitation is ongoing as troops continue to track down the injured terrorists and flush them out of their hideouts and treatment locations,” the statement stated. “We urge all IPOB/ESN elements and other criminals hiding in the bushes to surrender to the nearest troops or face defeat, as the Brigade will ensure that the people of Imo celebrate the Yuletide season in peace, free from fear or intimidation.”
The Nigerian Army also called on the people of Imo State to continue providing timely intelligence to assist in the fight against criminal elements and help rid the state of lawlessness.
Suspected IPOB members kill two soldiers in Imo
metro
13 passengers burnt to death in Ondo auto crash
13 passengers burnt to death in Ondo auto crash
The Federal Road Safety Corps, Ondo State Sector Command, says no fewer than 13 people were burnt to death along Ikare-Akoko/ Owo Road on Saturday in the state.
Dr Samuel Ibitoye, FRSC State Sector Commander made this known in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday in Akure.
“FRSC regrets to inform the public about a road traffic crash that occurred today 28 December, 2024 at Abule Panu before Ose Bridge, on Owo-Ikare highway, Ondo State.
“The fatal crash which occurred at about 10:14 AM claimed 13 lives of commuters in two buses.
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“A total of 14 people were involved, out of which 13 were burnt beyond recognition, while only one was rescued alive with serious injuries.
“Eyewitness account indicates that the bus coming from Ikare axis had a tyre burst which led to loss of control.
“This was resultant in a head-on collision with the bus loaded with fabric coming from Owo axis.
“Immediately after the collision, the two buses went up in flames. The men of FRSC, Police and Fire Service were swiftly at the crash scene for rescue,” he said.
The FRSC boss said that the injured victim was taken to Federal Medical Centre, Owo, while the deceased were deposited at the morgue of the same hospital.
He, therefore, advised drivers to exercise patience on the roads and passionately maintain their vehicles.
“Passengers are also encouraged to speak out against dangerous driving because road safety is a concern of all,” Ibitoye said.
13 passengers burnt to death in Ondo auto crash
NAN
metro
NDDC empowers Niger Delta young entrepreneurs with N30bn
NDDC empowers Niger Delta young entrepreneurs with N30bn
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has pledged to galvanise the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) by releasing N30 billion counterpart fund for the development of young entrepreneurs.
The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku who disclosed this in Port Harcourt, restated the Commission’s commitment to empowering the people of the region through economic programmes.
He highlighted the NDCCITMA’s role in training youths, supporting SMEs, and designing industry-friendly skill development programmes.
He said, “We are providing N30 billion to fund projects and support businesses to ensure the sustainability of our youth development initiatives.
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“We will release the matching funds so the entrepreneurs can access them to boost their businesses. In our 2024 budget, we have provision for N30 billion which we are to use as matching funds for the chamber of commerce. We are working towards releasing this fund so that the chamber of commerce can start work in earnest.
“The Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce will strengthen young entrepreneurs in the region. It is no longer acceptable for our youths to be contented with receiving stipends while at home doing nothing.
Ogbuku remarked that the Commission was collaborating with the Bank of Industry, BOI, to ensure the success of NDDC’s youth development programmes.
“The current NDDC Board and Management choose to look at sustainable options in designing youth programmes. In the past, we did a lot in supporting entrepreneurs in the Niger Delta but these activities were not properly documented and backed with verifiable data.
“Our new strategy is to support genuine entrepreneurs rather than people who are just portfolio entrepreneurs because we know that the government alone cannot employ everybody. Many university graduates are coming out, and the government cannot employ all of them. However, we can empower them by creating an environment where they can engage other persons to expand their businesses.”
NDDC empowers Niger Delta young entrepreneurs with N30bn
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