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EFCC asks court to dismiss Emefiele’s move to stop seizure of $2.04m, others

Published

3 months ago

October 6, 2024

Trends Admin

Godwin Emefiele

EFCC asks court to dismiss Emefiele’s move to stop seizure of $2.04m, others

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has asked the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos to dismiss an application filed by the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, seeking to stop the forfeiture of some properties and monies linked to him.

On August 25, 2024, the court authorised the EFCC to temporarily take custody of the cash sum of $2.045 million, seven choice landed properties, and shares linked to Emefiele.

At the resumption of proceedings on Friday, Emefiele’s counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Olalekan Ojo, asked Justice Deinde Dipeolu to stay further proceedings in the case pending the determination of the former CBN governor’s appeal.

Ojo said, “We are urging your lordship to stay proceedings pending the hearing and determination of the appeal court in order to avoid judicial rascality”.

But EFCC’s counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Rotimi Oyedepo, opposed the application. He submitted that the former CBN governor had not filed any appeal.

According to him, no motion from Emefiele was taken and ruled on that crystallised in an appeal.

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Oyedepo said: “My lord how can the defendant in this case rush to the Court of Appeal because the Federal High Court returned the (case) file to the administrative judge for assignment, owing to the fact that the annual vacation of the court ends on the next adjourned date?

“I submit with due respect that the defendant just went to dump mere documents in the registry of the Appeal Court. Therefore, I urge the court to hold that there is no appeal.

“Let us even assume there is an appeal, the question will be ‘has the leave of my lord been sought?’ the answer is no”.

“My lord I submit with respect that this appeal cannot stop the proceedings in this matter because the leave of the court was not sought, as the rule of the court has made it mandatory when it is an appeal filed on the ground of mixed fact and law.

“I submit that there is no appeal against the decision of your lordship. In an interlocutory appeal, the application of the appellant must first be taken by the lower court before going to the higher court.

“This party has not shown any exceptional circumstances that will warrant any stay of proceedings.

“The purported appeal has no bearing in the final determination of this case.”

“Therefore, I urge the court to hold that there is no appeal and proceed with the hearing of pending applications.”

Justice Dipeolu has adjourned till Oct. 11th for his ruling on the application.

EFCC asks court to dismiss Emefiele’s move to stop seizure of $2.04m, others

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Suspected IPOB members kill two soldiers in Imo

Published

7 hours ago

December 28, 2024

Trends Admin

Nigerian Military Troop

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

Published

7 hours ago

December 28, 2024

Trends Admin

An accident scene File photo

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

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NDDC empowers Niger Delta young entrepreneurs with N30bn

Published

7 hours ago

December 28, 2024

Trends Admin

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.

Ogbuku said the NDDC was supporting the NDCCITMA to drive economic growth and development in the Niger Delta region by providing financial support, training and networking opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs.

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.”