Headlines

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court Abuja, has refused to grant bail to an Executive of Binance Holdings Limited, Tigran Gambaryan.

Justice Nwite held that Gambaryan is likely to jump bail if bail is granted to him.

The company and its executive were arraigned on a five-count charge bordering on money laundering before Emeka Nwite, judge of a federal high court in Abuja.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Moving an application, Counsel to the Defendant, Mark Mordi, argued that the court had the power to grant bail to the defendant and impose conditions to ensure his presence in court.

The Prosecution Counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, however opposed the bail application, stating that the defendant was a flight risk.

He stated that the defendant attempted to obtain a new passport which he claimed was stolen, and this was a suspicious act given the proximity to his colleague’s escape from custody.

He added that the court cannot risk granting him bail, especially since he is not attached to any community in Nigeria.

“The fact that the passport of the defendant is with the complainant does not guarantee that he will remain in Nigeria because the defendant is not only an American citizen but also an Armenian citizen by birth.

He urged the court to refuse the application and instead remand him in EFCC custody to ensure his safety and prevent potential flight risk.

Delivering ruling, the judge said several factors including the nature of offence and its severity must be considered when trying to decide whether or not bail should be granted to the defendant applicant.

Justice Nwite agreed with the depositions made by prosecution and was of the view that the applicant will jump bail if bail is granted to him.

He subsequently ordered that the trial be given an accelerated hearing.

After the ruling, the EFCC called its first witness, a staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Unidentified gunmen have struck in Anambra State, abducting Rev. Father Basil Chukwuemeka at Nkpor Junction near Onitsha. Eyewitnesses report the priest’s sudden disappearance while driving in the area, prompting swift action from the State Police Command.

SP Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed the incident, with CP Nnaghe Obono Itam assuring the Catholic community of ongoing efforts to secure the safe return of Rev. Fr. Basil Chukwuemeka.

A comprehensive manhunt is underway, supported by eyewitness cooperation, as authorities strive to ensure the priest’s safe release and apprehend the perpetrators.

The management of Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), led by its Managing Director, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, has announced May 24, 2024, as official date for the opening of the Fund’s portal for student loan applications.

This was contained in a press statement issued Thursday evening by the media and public relations lead, NELFUND, Nasir Ayitogo.

The statement said the development marked a significant milestone in the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to fostering accessible and inclusive education for all Nigerian students.

“Through the portal, students can now access loans to pursue their academic aspirations without financial constraints.

“The portal provides a user-friendly interface for students to submit their loan applications conveniently.

“We encourage all eligible students to take advantage of this opportunity to invest in their future and contribute to the growth and development of our nation,” Ayitogo stated.

He further said students can access the portal on www.nelf.gov.ng to initiate their applications.

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has demolished over 500 unauthorized structures at the popular Karmo Market in Abuja. in Abuja to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance safety in the area.

The demolition exercise was overseen by Garba Jibrin, the assistant director of the sector monitor in the Department of Development Control. Jibrin stated that the administration decided to demolish the market due to the persistent traffic bottlenecks caused by the market since the inception of Abuja.

Jibrin stated that the administration decided to demolish the market due to the persistent traffic bottlenecks caused by the market since the inception of Abuja.

There has been serious gridlocks on the Karmo road which has made it very difficult for motorists and residents of the area to access the road on a daily basis,” Jibrin explained. “So, for us to make it easy for Abuja residents, the minister said we should open up the road by ensuring that all the bottlenecks along the road are cleared.”

The FCTA has provided a new market facility for the displaced traders, which has been fully built and is ready for occupation. Jibrin emphasized that the administration has carried out extensive sensitization and notification processes to ensure a smooth transition for the traders.

The director has held meetings with stakeholders of this market more than three times. We even served them 24 hours’ notice and this is 48hours after we served them the notice. We sincerely carried them along, that is why there is success in this operation,” he said.The FCTA has also made efforts to accommodate the traders by offering a one-year free operation period in the new market and subsidized rates thereafter.

The demolition exercise also aims to address the security concerns in the area. Dr. Peter Olumuji, the secretary of the Command and Control Centre, FCTA, stated that the Karmo community has been an unplanned settlement, which has led to increased criminal activities in the area.

These people during the night time go into all types of crimes, even those who ply these routes are not safe from their nefarious activities,” Olumuji said. “What we have come to do here in conjunction with the development control by clearing this place, is going to reduce the crime rate within this axis.

This move by the FCTA is expected to bring significant improvements to the traffic flow and safety in the area, while also providing a more organized and secure market environment for traders and residents alike.

No fewer than 20 worshippers at a popular mosque in Laraba Abasawa area of Gezawa Local Government Area, Kano State, have sustained various degrees of injuries following an early morning attack on Wednesday, May 15.

Eyewitnesses say the suspect, who was yet to be identified as at the time of writing this report, poured petrol and lit fire on the mosque.

It was gathered that about 40 worshippers were in the mosque as at the time of the incident.

According to an eyewitness who craved anonymity, the incident caused tension in the area on Wednesday morning.

“the man used petrol and lit fire while the people, about 40 of them were praying. He locked the mosque after the fire,” he said.

“It took time for people outside to get aware of the incident and rescue the victims who were struggling to break out.”

The worshippers, who reportedly sustained serious injuries, have been rushed to Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital in Kano.

The Kano State Police Command is yet to comment on the attack as at press time.