Nelson Ugwuagbo

The Federal High Court in Lagos on Friday ordered the permanent forfeiture of $2.045 million, seven prime properties, and share certificates connected to former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele.

Justice Deinde Dipeolu issued the final forfeiture order after neither Emefiele nor any other interested party contested the initial interim forfeiture. The judge concluded that the former CBN governor could not substantiate any legal income from his time at Zenith Bank or the CBN to justify the acquisition of the properties.

The court noted that Emefiele failed to present documentation proving ownership of the assets. Additionally, companies associated with the properties, including Amrash Ventures Limited, Modern Hotels Limited, Finebury Properties Limited, Fidelity Express Services Limited, H & Y Business Global Limited, and SDEM Erectors Nigeria Limited, did not appear in court to claim the assets.

“The conclusion that can be deduced is that there must be something dark about the acquisition of the properties which Emefiele and the companies do not want to come to light,” Justice Dipeolu remarked. He further ruled that Emefiele had not demonstrated a lawful interest in the assets, which were suspected to have been acquired through illegal activities.

The forfeited assets include:

• Two detached duplexes at No. 17b Hakeem Odumosu Street, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos;
• Undeveloped land measuring 1919.592sqm on Oyinkan Abayomi Drive (formerly Queens Drive), Ikoyi, Lagos;
• A bungalow at No. 65a Oyinkan Abayomi Drive, Ikoyi, Lagos;
• A four-bedroom duplex at 12a Probyn Road, Ikoyi, Lagos;
• An industrial complex under construction on 22 plots in Agbor, Delta State;
• An eight-unit apartment complex at No. 8a Adekunle Lawal Road, Ikoyi, Lagos;
• A full duplex on 2217.87sqm at 2a Bank Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.

The judge ordered these properties to be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The National Democratic Front (NDF) on Friday called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to address a growing political crisis in Rivers State, citing concerns over a recent judicial ruling that could impact essential services in the state.

In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Ikenna Ezenekwe, the NDF expressed dissatisfaction with a Federal High Court ruling by Justice Joyce AbdulMalik, which prohibits the Central Bank of Nigeria from releasing monthly allocations to Rivers State. The group criticized the judgment, warning it could obstruct vital services in health, education, and infrastructure, while rural communities could also suffer adverse effects.

The NDF alleged that some political actors are using the judicial system for personal advantage, undermining the credibility of Nigeria’s judiciary. It warned that such actions not only threaten President Bola Tinubu’s administration but also risk damaging the judiciary’s reputation.

“The people of Rivers deserve a judiciary that delivers justice, not political whims,” the statement read. “Madam Chief Justice, the integrity of Nigeria’s judiciary is at stake. Stand with the people, protect democracy, and prevent political manipulation from compromising the last hope of the common man.”

The NDF described the court’s decision as “scandalous,” suggesting that it risks disrupting essential state funding, leaving health clinics, schools, and public safety services in jeopardy.

Reflecting on recent turmoil during Rivers State’s local government elections, which saw conflicting court rulings and widespread destruction of government property, the NDF cautioned that continued judicial manipulation could lead to renewed unrest, possibly resembling past insurgent activities in the Niger Delta.

“This is a pathway to anarchy,” the NDF warned, urging the Chief Justice to act decisively to protect the judiciary and preserve order in Rivers State.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to 67 minors, all under the age of 15, involved in the recent #EndBadGovernance protests. The minors, who face treason charges, were arraigned on Friday.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu ruled that each minor be granted bail in the sum of N10 million, with the requirement of a single surety who must be a civil servant.

Adult protesters involved in the same case are still undergoing arraignment on similar charges.

Further details to follow….

Information gathered by LeadingReporters reveal that barring any last minute changes, the presidency has decided to retract the controversial Tax Reform Bill, with sources indicating that the proposed legislation will be revised and resubmitted to the National Assembly at a later date.

During the 144th meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) yesterday, which was chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, a recommendation was made to withdraw the tax reform bills. This recommendation arose after governors from 19 northern states met in Kaduna on Monday with prominent traditional leaders, where they collectively rejected the Nigeria Tax Reform Bill.

In a communiqué issued after their meeting, the northern governors and monarchs expressed their opposition to the recent Tax Reform Bill, stating that its provisions did not align with the interests of the northern region and other sub-nationals, particularly regarding the proposed changes to the distribution of the Value Added Tax (VAT).

Explaining their decision to reject the Tax Reform Bill, the Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum, Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, while reading the communiqué of the forum’s meeting said: “This is because companies remit VAT using location of their headquarters and tax office and not where the services and goods are consumed. In view of the foregoing, the forum unanimously rejects the proposed Tax Amendments and calls on members of National Assembly to oppose any bill that can jeopardise the well-being of our people.

Social media influencer Martins Otse, known online as “VeryDarkMan,” was granted bail on Friday under strict conditions by the Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja. Otse faces allegations of impersonating a police officer.

Arraigned in Court 1 under charge no. CR/510/2024, Otse was granted bail at N2 million. The court stipulated that Otse provide two sureties who must meet specific requirements, including residence within Abuja municipal, possession of means of identification, and an affidavit committing to Otse’s presence throughout the trial. Additionally, the sureties are required to deposit their passports and provide verified utility bills to confirm their addresses.

Otse must also sign an affidavit pledging availability for all court proceedings.

The Nigeria Police Force confirmed on Friday that Otse’s detention follows a social media post in which he allegedly appeared in police attire without authorization. The FCT Police Command has taken charge of the case, reinforcing the force’s stance on preventing unauthorized use of official symbols.

Otse’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, disclosed that his client was detained on Thursday after responding to a police invitation.

Ten bodies have been recovered from the rubble of a collapsed storey building in the Jegede area of Olunloyo, Ibadan, Oyo State. The incident occurred on Thursday, resulting in several injuries among those trapped.

Yemi Akinyinka, General Manager of the Oyo State Fire Service, reported that the agency received a distress call at approximately 2 a.m. from residents alerting them to the collapse. “As of now, 10 persons have been recovered from the debris, while seven others were rescued alive. Rescue operations are still ongoing,” Akinyinka stated.

The police have also confirmed the situation, indicating that adequate security measures have been implemented in the area to prevent any criminal activity and to protect the lives and property of nearby residents.

“Investigation is ongoing to determine the possible circumstances that led to the incident,” the police said in a statement.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has announced a new security initiative mandating that all commercial buses in Abuja undergo profiling by the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS). The measure, set to take effect in January 2025, aims to enhance passenger safety and reduce criminal activity, including kidnappings and “one-chance” robberies.

Wike revealed the initiative on Thursday at the FCT Renewed Hope Youth Empowerment Programme in Garki, Abuja, where he also distributed 80 new cars for beneficiaries to operate as taxis. The initiative, according to Wike, is part of a broader effort to improve transportation standards and reduce costs for residents of the nation’s capital.

“These new taxis are provided to beneficiaries at no charge, with the government’s aim to help families sustain themselves and make transportation more affordable,” Wike said. He encouraged the new taxi drivers to embrace their roles, pointing out that many Nigerians readily accept similar jobs abroad.

The minister outlined specific regulations that will be enforced starting January, including strict approval and profiling of all commercial drivers and mandatory use of Abuja’s official color scheme for taxis and buses. Wike also noted that profiling would apply to tricycles and motorcycles, which he said are often used by criminal informants.

“By January next year, no one will be allowed to operate as a taxi or bus driver in Abuja without prior security approval, proper profiling, and use of the designated Abuja colors,” Wike emphasized. “We’ll record vehicle numbers and driver details, ensuring passengers feel safer knowing that each vehicle is registered and monitored.”

This new initiative is part of the government’s wider goal to position Abuja as a model city, with the minister stating that the changes are aimed at creating a safer and more orderly transportation system.

The Nigerian government has unveiled a £17.9 million off-grid electricity project funded by the European Union and the German government to address the country’s power shortage.

Mahmuda Mamman, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Power, made the announcement during the 3rd Phase of the Nigerian Energy Support Programme in Abuja on Thursday.

The event was organized by the Nigerian Government in collaboration with the EU and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). Mamman emphasized that the project is intended to reduce the gap for approximately 100 million Nigerians who currently lack access to electricity, focusing on renewable energy to serve underserved rural communities.

In her remarks, Inga Stefanowicz, Head of Section Green and Digital Economy at the EU Delegation to Nigeria, said the project will impact at least five million Nigerians and add an additional 400 megawatts to Nigeria’s electricity supply.

She noted that solar installations for healthcare facilities are among the planned initiatives, with EU financing set at £15 million for the first phase, £30 million for the second, and £9 million for the third phase.

Governor Uba Sani has approved a new minimum wage of N72,000 for civil servants in Kaduna State, effective November 2024. The announcement was made in a statement by Malam Ibraheem Musa, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.

The statement noted that this decision reflects Governor Sani’s commitment to improving the welfare of workers and enhancing living conditions for the vulnerable and underserved in Kaduna State. The governor has consistently advocated for the promotion and protection of workers’ rights and welfare.

Governor Sani also announced a Free Transportation Scheme for civil servants, which will launch with 100 CNG buses to provide transportation to and from work. The scheme aims to reduce transportation costs for workers and improve productivity.

A Joint Management Committee, including representatives from organized labor (NLC and TUC) and the state government, will oversee the Free Transportation Scheme.

The statement added that the Kaduna State Government would continue to implement policies focused on social welfare, with the governor expressing a commitment to making the state a model for social interventions.