Andrew Mailafia

Ekiti State Police Command says it has arrested 10 suspects in connection to the death of a nursing student of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti, Modupe Deborah.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Abutu Sunday, made the announcement via the command’s handle on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, September 7.

Sunday disclosed that the late 200-level nursing student of the institution was declared missing within the school premises on 5/09/2023.

The PRO stated that Deborah’s body was found in a shallow grave at a distance of about 30 meters behind the nursing Lecture Hall.

According to the Ekiti Police Spokesperson, “This is to inform the general public that the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, CP Ogundare Dare, has ordered a thorough investigation into the cause of the death of one Atanda Modupe Deborah, a 200-level nursing student of Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), who was declared missing within the school premises on 5/09/2023 but found dead in a shallow grave at a distance of about 30 meters behind the nursing Lecture Hall.”

He promised that the police would ensure the perpetrators of the crime face the full wrath of the law.

Appealing to the public to be calm, the commissioner vowed that the command will do everything possible to unearth the identity of the perpetrator(s) and ensure they are made to face the full wrath of the law.

“The command enjoins anyone with useful information concerning the ugly incident to visit Oye Divisional Police Headquarters, Oye-Ekiti or State CIID or call 09064050086/08053499199.

“Meanwhile, the body of the deceased has been deposited in the morgue for autopsy while 10 suspects are currently in custody undergoing investigation.”

Earlier, the school management announced the death of the student in a statement signed by the Registrar, Mufutau Ibrahim.

Ibrahim said, “It will be recalled that earlier today, the Management had made public the disturbing development of the missing of the deceased and assured that investigation was ongoing as to unravel the whereabouts of the poor students.

“But current information reaching the security outfit of the University has disclosed that the said student is dead.

“While the University Management condoles with the deceased family and the generality of the University community, particularly our dear students, the Management reiterated that investigation is still ongoing and this is being done in collaboration with national security agencies to get to the root of the sad development and bring to book the culprits.”

Nigeria has attracted over $14 billion from President Bola Tinubu’s visit to India.

This was made know during Tinubu’s outing at the Nigeria-India economic roundtable in India

According to the pledges made by different investors , Indorama Petrochemical Limited pledged a new investment of $8 billion U.S. dollars in the expansion of its fertilizer production and petrochemical facility in Eleme, Rivers State, while Jindal Steel and Power Limited, one of India’s largest private steel producers, committed to investing $3 billion in iron ore processing and steel development in Nigeria.

As well, a Indian firm, Bharti Enterprises which is a major first-generation corporation in India with interests in telecom, space communications, digital solutions, insurance, processed foods, real estate, and hospitality, expressed its commitment to invest an additional $700 million in Nigeria, with work set to begin immediately.

This followed series of discussions with President Tinubu on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit in New Delhi, India.

Similarly, the Founding President of SkipperSeil Limited, Mr. Jitender Sachdeva announced that, following President Tinubu’s personal intervention, he is investing $1.6 billion U.S. dollars in the establishment of twenty 100MW power generation plants across the states of Northern Nigeria, amounting to 2,000MW of new power within the next four years.

Also the finalization on a new $1 billion U.S. dollar agreement to bring the Defense Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) to 40% self-sufficiency in local manufacturing and production of defense equipment in-country by 2027 through a comprehensive new partnership with the Managing Arm of the Miltary-Industrial Complex of the Indian Government.

The newly inaugurated National Council on Nutrition (NCN) has been urged to prioritise innovation and research in its quest to significantly transform the nation’s nutritional landscape by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima.

Shettima made the call on Tuesday in his keynote remarks at the inauguration of the new National Council on Nutrition at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

According to him, “I wish to appeal to all members to prioritise innovation and research in the field of nutrition. We must embrace technology, leverage digital solutions, and invest in research and development to discover sustainable and scalable solutions for our nutrition challenges.

“This aligns with our pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals and Universal Health Coverage. By harnessing the power of innovation and making prudent investments, we can fundamentally transform the nutritional landscape in Nigeria, creating lasting and meaningful change.”

The vice president and chairman of the council stated though there are challenges to the actualisation of set targets and goals, “we must collaborate to enhance nutrition governance, ensure the widespread availability of nutritious food, champion optimal infant and young child nutrition, and bolster nutrition education and awareness campaigns.

“While funding is undeniably crucial, we must also prioritise streamlining processes, implementing practical strategies, and fostering genuine collaboration to overcome the hurdles before us.”

“A healthy nation isn’t just a happier one; it’s also safer. This underscores the necessity of our gathering here today. This occasion is not only to emphasise that the quality of what we consume is just as important as the quantity but also to renew our commitment to understanding the connection between food and human security,” Mr Shettima added.

On the composition of the NCN, the vice president said it is “a testament to the priority accorded to nutrition of every Nigerian in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda for food and nutrition security in Nigeria.”

He said “the council being inaugurated today stands ready to foster political determination and the utilization of our resources to eradicate malnutrition. This is our realistic pathway towards attaining the objectives outlined in the National Policy on Food and Nutrition.

“I am, therefore, confident that the diverse assembly of stakeholders within this council will facilitate comprehensive multi-stakeholder engagement, encompassing various sectors such as health, agriculture, social protection, and more, as well as spanning across different levels of government.”

The VP acknowledged the support of stakeholders in the private sector and the UN system, noting that “we are truly fortunate to have partners who offer their technical, subject matter, and financial expertise to support the government’s efforts in addressing this pressing challenge.”

Earlier in his remarks, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu, said the inauguration of NCN will ensure further consolidation on the successes already recorded in the sector,

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Tuesday, had vowed to clear all passport backlogs within the next two weeks, adding that there is no excuse for passport delay in Nigeria.

Speaking on Channels Tv on Tuesday, September 5, he stressed that he is in talks with service providers and the Nigeria Immigration Service to digitise and decentralise the process of fresh passport issuance and renewal.

Noting that clearing of all backlogs shouldn’t take more than two weeks, the minister said owning the green passport is a right of every Nigerian and not a privilege.

” After clearing these backlogs, no Nigerian should wait for more than two weeks,

According to him, “It’s a right and not a privilege. Nigerians want that right to be actually theirs, not by somebody offering you your right.”

He said it is not excusable for any Nigerian to be treated with disrespect because of passport application, adding, “What Nigerians want to see is solutions and that is what the President has constantly told us… No excuses.

“In line with the directive of Mr. President, it can no longer be business as usual. We have critically analysed all these scenarios – from the point of going online to fill out the form to the point of payment, to the point of picking a date, to the point of biometrics, to the point of issuance of passports.We understand the service providers involved and we have been able to see one or two things to put right,” he said.

The deputy governor of Edo state, Philip Shuaibu, has withdrawn the suit he filed against Godwin Obaseki, governor of the state.

The suit filed at a federal high court in Abuja, the inspector-general of police, state security service, governor of Edo, speaker of Edo state house of assembly, and chief judge of Edo state, were listed as first to fifth defendants, respectively.

Shaibu had asked the court to restrain the governor, the speaker of the state assembly, and the chief judge, from “initiating impeachment proceedings or sanctioning any impeachment” against him.

A statement issued on Tuesday, September 5 by the deputy governor said fhat due to intervention from “well-meaning citizens of Edo”, he has instructed his solicitors to withdraw the suit.

“Arising from the series of meetings held with me and also with Mr. Governor by well-meaning Edolites and indeed Nigerians including party leaders, traditional rulers, and my archbishop, His Grace Most Rev’d Dr. Augustine Akubeze, the Archbishop of Benin Archdiocese on the issues that led to my going to court on the above-named suit,” the statement reads.

“And with due respect to these eminent personalities and leaders whose persuasions and persons I cannot ignore, I, Rt. Hon. comrade Philip Shaibu have authorized and instructed my solicitors to withdraw the suit forthwith.

“I wish to sincerely thank and appreciate these well-meaning Nigerians, party leaders, traditional rulers, and my archbishop, His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Augustine Akubeze for their kind words, advise and encouragement thus far in ensuring peace and unity in our dear state, Edo.

The former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, has been expelled by the party under the leadership of Major Agbo, over his alleged anti-party activities and misappropriation of party campaign funds.

Kwankwaso’s expulsion was made public in a statement released in Abuja on Tuesday, September 5 by the NNPP factional National Publicity Secretary, Abdulsalam Abdulrasaq.

The development is coming barely three days after the factional leaders vowed to probe the former Kano governor and some of his loyalists over alleged misappropriation of over N1bn, generated from the sale of nomination forms.

Abdulrasaq said that the decision to expel Kwankwaso with immediate effect was taken after he failed to appear before the disciplinary panel to defend himself over the allegations of “gross anti-party activities and mismanagement of party campaign funds within five days.”

The spokesman, however, stressed that his expulsion was in accordance to the provisions of the party’s 2022 constitution as amended.

He said, “The NEC met in an emergency session on Friday, September 1, and resolved that following the refusal of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to appear before the disciplinary committee, which sat on Thursday, August 31, after being duly invited in writing, he is hereby, expelled from NNPP with immediate effect.

“That the erstwhile presidential candidate, Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso will be reported to appropriate quarters to answer questions on financial impropriety relating to mismanagement of public funds.”

Responding, an ally of Kwankwaso and National Auditor of NNPP, Ladipo Johnson, frowned at the report, saying Agbo’s faction does not have the locus standi to dismiss the former governor.

“Expel who? These people are no longer our people. They are out of the party and cannot speak on behalf of the party. Let them form their own party or go to court. It is as simple as that. There are so many important things to worry about in this country.

“How can they expel Kwankwaso? Someone whose relationship with the National Working Committee is intact here at the national headquarters in Abuja? We will soon be having a press conference to address this matter,” he said.

The national leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress has turned down the last-minute reconciliatory meeting convened by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, to avert the two-day warning strike already declared by the labour organisation.

Listing reasons why it would mobilize its members for the nationwide shutdown, the NLC accused the police of laying siege at the national headquarters of the National Union of Road Transport Workers.

The Labour Congress also alleged exploitation of the rights of workers in Imo state; interference in trade union matters by the Abia State government and proposed demolition by the new minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, among others.

Leadingreporters observed that only the leadership of the Trade Union Congress, led by its President, Festus Osifo, showed up for the meeting slated for 3 p.m. but which started at exactly 5:32 p.m.

This paper had also reported that on Friday, the NLC in a communique jointly signed by its national president, Joe Ajaero and Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, said it decided to embark on a two-day warning strike following what was described as the failure of the Tinubu-led Federal Government to dialogue and engage stakeholders within the organised labour on efforts to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal on Premium Motor Spirit, popular known as petrol, on the “poor masses”.

The Department of State Services (DSS) has uncovered plans by some elements in parts of the country to stage violent protests to discredit the Federal Government and security agencies over sundry socio-economic matters.

A statement released on Monday, September 4 by the spokesperson of DSS, Peter Afunanya noted that intelligence reports have indicated that the plotters include certain politicians who are desperately mobilising unsuspecting student leaders, ethnic based associations, youth and disgruntled groups for the planned action.

Stressing that the service had identified the ring leaders of the plot, Afunanya said that DSS had sustained monitoring around them in order to deter them from plunging the country into anarchy.

“In view of this development, University Vice-Chancellors and Heads of Tertiary Institutions are advised to discourage their students from engaging in acts capable of derailing public peace.

DSS further urged parents and guardians to admonish their children and wards to shun the lure of participating in inimical behaviours or conducts against law and order.

“While the DSS is aware of Government’s efforts and determination to resolve some of the challenges confronting the nation, it warns those desirous of subverting national security to retrace their steps.

“This is more so that it will not hesitate to legally come against persons and groups behind the devious plans, the statement added.

Bola Tinubu will depart Nigeria to attending the two-day summit on the special invitation of Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, released on Sunday, September 3, Ngelale revealed that the President aims to leverage the platform to attract global capital and promote increased foreign direct investments in key labour-intensive sectors of Nigeria’s economy for job creation and revenue expansion.

The statement was titled ‘President Tinubu set to attend G-20 Summit in India with investment attraction topping Nigeria’s agenda.’

According to Ajuri, “He will use this opportunity to highlight Nigeria’s attractiveness as an investment destination, specifically outlining his cross-sectoral reform plan as encapsulated by the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“Given the President’s renowned experience in attracting investment to Lagos State, leading industrialists have sought separate private engagements with him at the summit,” it read in part.

Stressing that President Tinubu will participate in and deliver keynote addresses at both the Nigeria-India Presidential Roundtable and the Nigeria-India Business Conference.The CEO Roundtable will be attended by leading industrialists in the Indian private sector, Nigerian industrialists, as well as senior government officials from both countries.

His itinerary will also feature bilateral meetings with a cross-section of world leaders from four different continents, representing both G-20 and non–G20 countries.

“These engagements are geared towards strengthening bilateral economic, trade, and investment partnerships for mutual benefit,” said Ngelale.

At the G20 Summit, the Nigerian leader is expected to share Nigeria’s perspective on the theme, “One Earth-One Family-One Future,” which speaks to the global unity required to address the challenges facing humanity and the planet.

Although Nigeria is not yet a member of the G-20 bloc founded in September 1999, the presidential aide said Tinubu’s participation at the summit is, in part, in furtherance of his objective to make the country a member of the bloc.

He noted that while Nigeria’s membership of the bloc is desirable, the Tinubu-led government has embarked on wide-ranging consultations to ascertain the benefits and risks of membership.

“This is consistent with the desire of the President to democratise foreign policy and articulate policy formulation and implementation through a Whole-of-Society and a Whole-of-Government approach that achieves the nation’s long-term strategic objectives.”

President Tinubu at the G-20 Summit in India is, in part, in furtherance of this objective.

A Human Rights Lawyer, Femi Falana, (SAN) has demanded for the immediate release of the detained Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Abdulrasheed Bawa.

In a statement issued in Lagos Sunday, Falana said the remand order for Bawa had expired hence the Department of State Services had no legal backing to continue to detain him.

According to Falana, “In view of the fact that Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa has not been charged with any criminal offence whatsoever, the State Security Service ought to have released him from custody. I am not unaware of the claim that Mr. Bawa is being detained on the basis of a remand order issued by a Magistrate Court in the Federal Capital Territory. It ought to be pointed out that the remand order has become spent, invalid, and illegal as no magistrate has the power under section 493 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 or section 35 of the Constitution of Nigeria to authorise the detention of a criminal suspect for 67 days without trial.

“Indeed, under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, the cumulative lifespan of a remand order is 56 days. Therefore, having exceeded the detention period permitted by the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and the Constitution of Nigeria, the State Security Service should be directed to release Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa from illegal custody without any further delay.

“The Federal Government should ensure that the rights of Messrs Emefiele and Bawa are respected by the State Security Service and the office of the Director of Public Prosecution in the Federal Ministry of Justice, even though the duo had a penchant for disobeying the orders of the courts when they were in office. The plight of both suspects should be a lesson for all public officers in Nigeria who always behave as if there will be no tomorrow. However, the Government which rules by law is under a legal obligation not to breach the fundamental rights of citizens except in a manner prescribed by the Constitution of Nigeria.”

Leadingreporters had earlier reported that Bawa was suspended by the Tinubu and invited by the DSS for Investigation on corruption