metro
Lagos bus driver accused of stealing N25m solar panels arranged
Lagos bus driver accused of stealing N25m solar panels arranged
The Lagos State Police Command on Monday arraigned Olusola Olaniyi, a 32-year-old bus driver, for allegedly stealing 80 pieces of solar panel structures valued at N25 million.
Olaniyi appeared before Magistrate Patrick Nwaka at the Chief Magistrate Court in Yaba, facing charges of conspiracy to steal and theft.
According to the charges, on May 17, 2024, Olaniyi conspired to steal the solar panels, which belonged to Ololade Olawuyi. Olawuyi reported that Olaniyi had been hired to transport and supervise two buses carrying solar panels to Cross River State. However, one of the buses, containing the 80 pieces of solar panels, never arrived.
Subsequently, Olawuyi received a call informing him that his goods had been offloaded in Onitsha, Anambra State. Despite traveling there, he could not locate his items. The police, with the help of the park’s chairman, tracked Olaniyi to Katsina State, where he was arrested.
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Prosecutor Thomas Nurudeen stated that the alleged offence violated Sections 410 and 287 (5) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2015. He noted that the complainant’s and investigating officer’s statements were key evidence.
Olaniyi pleaded not guilty to the charges. Magistrate Nwaka set bail at N4 million with four sureties residing in Lagos State. Until bail is met, Olaniyi will be held at Ikoyi Correctional Centre. The case has been adjourned to September 9, 2024.
Lagos bus driver accused of stealing N25m solar panels arranged
metro
‘Deepen Shariah knowledge to curb misinformation’
‘Deepen Shariah knowledge to curb misinformation’
Islamic scholars and other stakeholders have called on clerics, particularly those claiming to be Muftis, to deepen their understanding of Sharia before issuing opinions on Islamic matters.
This call comes in response to the growing concern over misleading preaching and messages spreading on social media, which have contributed to rising conflicts.
The Mufti, an Islamic jurist qualified to issue nonbinding opinions (fatwas) on matters of Islamic law (Sharia), plays a critical role in guiding the Muslim community.
However, experts warned that the increasing misinformation online calls for a more cautious and informed approach to issuing fatwas.
The call was made during the 16th Annual Islamic International Conference organised by Daaru Na’im Academy for Sharia Science of Nigeria in Lagos.
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The conference, themed “The Jurisprudence of Fatwa and its Relationship with Maqasid-based Fiqh,” brought together scholars from across the globe to address the issue of fatwa misuse.
Sheikh Imran Abdulmajeed Eleha, Conference Supervisor and Director General of Daaru Na’im Academy, highlighted the challenge posed by clerics issuing misleading fatwas and emphasised the need for a coordinated effort to prevent such practices.
He stressed the importance of ensuring that fatwas align with the fundamental objectives of Sharia, as outlined in the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, which also promote peaceful coexistence.
Dr. Awwad bin Sabti Al-Anazi, Undersecretary of the Saudi Arabian Ministry for Islamic Affairs, also addressed the issue, noting that Prophet Muhammad emphasised the importance of knowledge among clerics to avoid passing incorrect information.
He shared that in Saudi Arabia, the government regulates the issuing of fatwas, with a formal body known as The Committee of Crown Scholars overseeing the process.
He also mentioned that the country’s Grand Mufti is responsible for issuing fatwas on matters with broader implications.
Dr. Bilal ElHallak, a U.S. delegation representative, further emphasised that fatwas should not be based on personal opinions. He called for swift action from eminent scholars to address misinterpretations of fatwas and prevent the spread of misinformation.
Prof. Abdulrazzaq Abdulmajeed Alaro from the University of Ilorin’s Islamic Law Department discussed the dangers of allowing anyone to issue fatwas, noting that it has contributed to confusion and misinformation among Muslims. He stressed the importance of ensuring fatwas align with the core principles of Islam.
Delegates at the conference included representatives from Saudi Arabia, the United States, Oman, Algeria, Chad, Cote d’Ivoire, Congo, Benin, Burkina Faso, and Nigeria. The gathering underscored the need for greater care and coordination in issuing fatwas to safeguard the integrity of Islamic teachings and promote peaceful coexistence.
‘Deepen Shariah knowledge to curb misinformation’
metro
Why I persuaded Tinubu to reject Yar’adua’s finance minister offer – Senator Ojudu
Why I persuaded Tinubu to reject Yar’adua’s finance minister offer – Senator Ojudu
Babafemi Ojudu, a former Special Adviser on Political Matters to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, has disclosed how he and other close allies convinced President Bola Tinubu to reject an offer to serve as Minister of Finance during the administration of late President Umaru Yar’Adua.
Speaking during an interview on the State Affairs podcast hosted by Edmund Obilo, Ojudu recounted how Tinubu had enthusiastically informed him of the offer.
According to Ojudu, Tinubu had called him with the words, “Congratulations to me,” prompting a curious response.
“Congratulations for what?” Ojudu said he had asked, to which Tinubu replied, “President Yar’Adua has invited me to serve as Minister of Finance.”
Ojudu explained that he immediately advised against the move, warning Tinubu about the potential political risks involved.
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He reminded Tinubu of the tragic fate of Bola Ige, the former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, who was assassinated under mysterious circumstances while serving in the government of President Olusegun Obasanjo.
“You are in the Action Congress. Are you not a student of history? Have you forgotten what happened to Bola Ige? You would be digging your political grave if you accept that type of job,” Ojudu recalled saying.
The warnings did not come from Ojudu alone. Rauf Aregbesola, a close ally of Tinubu and former Governor of Osun State, also argued that accepting the position could harm Tinubu’s long-term political aspirations.
A businessman, who was part of the discussion, reportedly offered a contrasting perspective, suggesting that the role could benefit Tinubu and others. However, Ojudu stood his ground, warning about the dangers of the offer.
Ojudu further warned that such a move could lead to Tinubu being arrested, tried, and politically neutralized, mirroring what happened to Bola Ige.
“Our dream for him was bigger than a ministerial position in Yar’Adua’s government. Nine months down the line, they would have arrested him, tried him, and finished him off—just like Bola Ige,” Ojudu said.
Why I persuaded Tinubu to reject Yar’adua’s finance minister offer – Senator Ojudu
metro
Man stabs neighbour to death over rice in Delta
Man stabs neighbour to death over rice in Delta
The Delta State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of Daniel Onyejekwe, a 30-year-old man, for allegedly stabbing his neighbor, identified as Christian, to death during a dispute over rice.
The incident occurred on New Year’s Day in the Ogwanja area of Sapele, Delta State. Reports indicate that an argument between the two escalated into a physical altercation, leading to the tragic loss of life.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the development on Thursday, saying, “It is confirmed, and the suspect is in custody. The two were fighting and injured themselves badly. Unfortunately, one, Christian, died.”
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Eyewitnesses told PUNCH Metro that the altercation started when rice was being shared along Boyo Road in Ogwanja. An argument ensued between Onyejekwe and the deceased, leading to a physical fight.
An eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “Christian and Daniel started dragging the rice, and during the fight, Daniel picked a bottle and stabbed Christian multiple times. The vigilante rushed him to the hospital, but he was confirmed dead on arrival.”
The remains of the deceased have been deposited at a mortuary, while the police have launched an investigation into the incident.
SP Edafe assured residents that the suspect would be prosecuted after the investigation was concluded.
Man stabs neighbour to death over rice in Delta
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