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       Justice Philomena Ekpe of the Court of Appeal, Calabar division, Cross Rivers State, on Monday, May 18, 2020 set aside the decision of a Federal High Court sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, which acquitted Edward Odey Oluohu, Frank Asuquo Okon, Godwin Etim Anwanadung and their companies, Blue Dolphin Limited and Lib-Zone Petroleum Limited, in a case of alleged oil bunkering brought before i t by the Uyo Zonal office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. . . The EFCC on May 22, 2018 arraigned Oluohu alongside Okon, Anwanadung and their companies, Blue Dolphin Limited and Lib-Zone Petroleum Limited before Justice F. O. Riman of the Federal High Court, Uyo, on a 6-count charge bordering on conspiracy and illegal dealing in petroleum products. . . When arraigned, the accused persons pleaded "not guilty" to all the counts, setting the stage for their trial which commenced on June 22, 2018.In the course of trial, the prosecution, through its counse...

     # PTFCOVID19 : PRESS BRIEFING BY HON. MINISTER OF HEALTH, DR. OSAGIE EHANIRE AT THE PRESIDENTIAL TASK FORCE ON   # COVID19   PRESS BRIEFING ON TUESDAY 19TH MAY, 2020 PROTOCOL Yesterday, H.E the President authorized extending easing of restrictions in Lagos, Ogun and FCT by another two weeks. The lockdown in Kano was also extended by two weeks, to address remaining challenges to containing the increasing number of confirmed covid19 cases. It is of great importance that we, members of the health sector and citizens, endeavor to use this period to dedicate their effort to strive for the best, but also prepare for the worst. As we learn more about coronavirus every day, we must be ready to adjust our strategy, based on knowledge and evidence. 2. As at yesterday, 18th May, 2020, a total of 216 new covid-19 cases had been recorded in Nigeria, the breakdown being as follows: Lagos(74), Katsina(33), Oyo(19), Kano (17), Edo(13), Zamfara(10), Ogun(8), Gombe(8)...

     The General Manager, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, Mr. Olajide Oduyoye has reiterated that the Agency's officers have the authority to ensure that Lagosians comply with all directives issued by the State government to enhance public safety. Oduyoye disclosed this in response to claims that its officers are enforcing directives such as the compulsory use of face mask in public places, frequent washing of  hands, use of hand sanitiser, physical distancing, and 60% passenger carrying capacity in public transport vehicles, among others. He emphasised that LASTMA, being one of the enforcement agencies of the State Government, has the authority to ensure adherence to the rules guiding the partial lifting of the lockdown directive in the state. Declaring that the Lagos State Government had proactively embarked on some programmes, instituted necessary measures and made pronouncements as part of efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, Oduyoye...

     REMARKS BY THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, REP. FEMI GBAJABIAMILA AT THE INAUGURATION OF THE HOUSE AD-HOC COMMITTEE ON COVID-19. CONFERENCE ROOM 231, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES BUILDING, TUESDAY 19TH MAY 2020. PROTOCOLS Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, thank you for being here this afternoon. Nothing defines a nation more than how its leaders and its people rise to the seismic crises that manifest, often without warning, and must be confronted and overcome one  way or the other. We now face such a defining crisis. And we too will face the judgment of history. It is in our hands to determine what that judgment will be. The 18 man Committee we have come to inaugurate reflects the intention of the House of Representative to engage the executive arm of government in a partnership that serves the best interests of the Nigerian people as we join hands to confront and conquer the most severe challenge of our lives. Mr Chairman, honourable mem...

     May 19, 2020 Press Statement PDP Mourns, Extols Senator Okoro The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed sadness over the death of one of its chieftain and member of its Board of Trustees, Senator Fidelis Okoro. Senator Okoro’s death is indeed a huge national loss given his unalloyed dedication, commitment and relentless sacrifices towards the unity, development and stability of our dear nation, Nigeria. Senator Okoro was a seasoned politician, a quintessential democrat and excellent parliamentarian, who played key roles in the development of our democracy. In the Senate, Senator Okoro’s contributions as the Chairman of Senate Committee on Industries as well as member of Senate committees on Police Affairs, Agriculture and Niger Delta in the fourth Senate, were pivotal in ensuring good governance, accountability and prudence in those sectors of our national life under the PDP administration. Senator Okoro was an exceptionally committed membe...

    Senator Dino Melaye wrote today:    "You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you FREE" To God be the Glory..the case between Inspector General of Police and Senator Dino MELAYE prosecuted by The Attorney General of the Federation before Justice Halilu of FCT High Court stroke out and Dino MELAYE discharged this morning for lack of diligent prosecution. God is Just and True.

      The Nasarawa State Government has announced the lifting on the ban on Mosques and Churches for a period of two weeks. This was part of the resolutions arrived at during the critical stakeholders meeting to review measures put in place to combat the further spread of the dreaded Coronavirus pandemic, which held at the Government House, on Tuesday. State Commissioner for Information, Tourism and C ulture, Comrade Dogo Shammah, who chaired the press briefing at the end of the meeting however gave conditions for the opening of Mosques and Churches in the state. Imams and clergies have been mandated to ensure strict compliance to regulations put in place to enable the opening of worship centres. Specifically, they are to ensure that social distancing, the use of face masks and frequent washing of hands with sanitizers by all those attending either the Mosques or Churches. Comrade Shammah said the lifting of the ban will be reviewed at the end of the two weeks...

    Detectives have arrested 27 people in connection with online child sexual exploitation in Bradford. The boys and men, aged between 16 and 57, were questioned after being arrested at addresses across the city. More than 60 devices were seized for further investigation and safeguarding measures put in place for 26 children, West Yorkshire Police said. A force spokesman said warrants were executed in response to information about people suspected of being in possession of indecent material of children or using devices, such as computers and mobile phones, to contact children. Those arrested were later released under investigation or bailed pending further inquiries. Detective Chief Inspector Alan Weekes said: 'Targeted operations like these demonstrate that we take the online sexual exploitation of children in Bradford district seriously and that we will take action against offenders and safeguard those children they have attempted to exploit. 'The Policing ...

       Rwanda’s president has pardoned and ordered the release of 50 young women who were jailed for having or assisting with abortions. Justice Minister Johnston Busingye said the women released Tuesday were the last to be freed. Last year, President Paul Kagame ordered the release of 52 women. Kagame also informed the cabinet Monday that a total of 3,596 inmates had been granted “conditional release” from prison. The government is trying to reduce the number of inmates to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Last month, 1,182 people were freed. Previously, abortion was illegal in Rwanda with a prison sentence for anyone who had an abortion or helped in terminating a pregnancy. The new law says abortion is allowed in cases such as rape, forced marriage, incest or instances where the pregnancy poses a health risk. The law requires that abortions be carried out only after consultation with a doctor. But Sylvie Nsanga, a prominent women’s rights advocate...

      Authorities in Botswana on Tuesday announced the puzzling death of 56 elephants in the Seronga and Eretsha villages in the North-West of the country, adjacent to the Okavango Delta. Oduetse Koboto, Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism said veterinary officers have ruled out the possibility of poaching because all carcasses of the elephants were found intact. “A total of 12 deaths were recorded last week compared to 44 that were registered on March 18, 2020,” said Koboto. He further said preliminary investigations regarding the cause of deaths are currently ongoing while surveillance operations are underway to trace any more dead elephants. Communities in Seronga and Eretsha have been cautioned against the consumption of meat of such dead animals, as they may be detrimental to their health and authorities have implored communities to report any sightings of elephant carcasses.One more photo b...

    According to CCTV ''  Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday announced concrete measures to boost global fight against COVID-19 including providing international aid and making the country's COVID-19 vaccine a global public good when available. Xi made the announcement as he addressed the opening of the 73rd session of the World Health Assembly (WHA) via video link. "China will provide 2 billion U.S. dollars over two years to help with COVID-19 response and with economic and social development in affected countries, especially developing countries," Xi said. China will work with the United Nations to set up a global humanitarian response depot and hub in China, ensure the operation of anti-epidemic supply chains and foster "green corridors" for fast-track transportation and customs clearance, he said. Besides, China will establish a cooperation mechanism for its hospitals to pair up with 30 African hospitals and accelerate the building of th...

     The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has intervened in the planned strike action by the Joint Health Sector Union and the Assembly of Healthcare Professionals (JOHESU), FCT chapter, over issues of irregularities in salary payment, among others. The Speaker, at a meeting with the officials of the union at the National Assembly, Abuja on Monday, pleaded with the health worke rs to extend the ultimatum they gave the FCT Administration on the matter. The JOHESU leadership had on May 7, given the government up to May 28 to address the issues of irregularities in salary payment since January, non-payment of arrears of promotion from 2016, 2017 and 2018, delay in the release of conversion and proper placement of some of the workers, among others. But Gbajabiamila, while pleading with the FCT health workers to tarry a while on the issue, promised them that the House would deliberate on the matter at plenary on Tuesday, May 19, 2020, and ...

     The attention of the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) has been drawn to series of reports on claims by tertiary institutions unions, led by ASUU, that IPPIS was deducting their salaries and allowances to the extent that their take home is now only 50% or less of what they earn. It is pertinent that the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) puts the records straight for the interest of the general public and majority of staff of tertiary institutions that have displayed unparalleled understanding and cooperated with IPPIS till date. We hereby state as follows: The Pay As You Earn (PAYE) Tax is a statutory tax deductions paid by all salary earners. IPPIS applied the correct rate in compliance with Section 34 of the 6th schedule on personal income tax (Amendment) Act of 2011. Prior to migration to IPPIS, the rate of tax being applied by tertiary institutions was not correct, leading to underpayment of PAYE Tax. It is im...

       *ELECTROCUTION* On 18/05/2020 at about 330pm,there was a report at Otolo Division that one Mrs Patience Ugbana 'f' aged 55 years and her daughter Miss Adaeze Ugbana ''f' aged 10years were electrocuted in their shop along St Peter's junction Okpuno Nnewichi in Nnewi North LGA of Anambra State when a high tension electric wire allegedly fell on victim's shop. Police operatives visited the scene and victims were rushed to Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching hospital (NAUTH) Nnewi for treatment but they were confirmed dead by a medical Doctor on duty . Meanwhile, Corpses are deposited at the same hospital mortuary for autopsy while Investigation is ongoing to ascertain circumstances surrounding the incident please. *SP Haruna Mohammed PPRO* Anambra State Police Command, For-Commissioner of Police Anambra State Command.

      1. In a decisive intercept offensive operation, troops of 130 Battalion with the support of Army Super Camp Baga, had a fierce encounter at the north west of Baga town with BHT/ISWAP Criminals on the 17th of May 2020. 2. The criminals armed with mortars, rocket propelled grenades and small arms were heading to attack villages surrounding Baga, when the troops attacked their convoy with overwhelming fire power killing 20 BHT/ISWAP criminals, captured six AK 47 Rifles, 520 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and five 36 hand grenades. 3. However, nine of our gallant soldiers were wounded in action with no loss of life. They were evacuated to Sector 3 hospital for treatment. 4. The Chief of Army Staff commends the gallant troops for their professionalism and directs them to remain resolute towards eradicating the criminals from the North East. 5. You are please requested to disseminate the information with the enclosed pictures through your medium to the gen...

     Oyo State Police Command on Monday paraded seven suspects arrested over the abduction of the twins children of Ibadan based cleric, Sheikh Taofeek Akewugbagold.The suspects were paraded  by the Oyo state Police Commissioner, CP, Shina Olukolu at the police headquarters, Eleyele Ibadan.Also, part of the N4m ransom collected by the kidnappers to free the twins as well as the vehicles used for the operation recovered from the suspects were also paraded before journalists. The kidnapping syndicate paraded by the police includes: Rildwan Taiwo,(30) Rafiu Mutiu(35), Olumide Ajala, (36) Fatai Akanji,(39) Bashiru Muhammed (25), Opeyemi Oyeleye (33)and Rafiu Modinat (29).Modinat, the only female member of gang was said to have been saddled with the responsibility of  taking care of the twins while they were in captivity of the kidnappers.While parading the suspects before journalists, Olukoku said, ”I wish to inform you that in the sensational case of the kidnappi...

      Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy, on Monday, embarked on advocacy to different locations across the metropolis to sensitise residents on the importance of facemask usage as part of efforts to curb the community transmission of the COVID-19 in the State. Speaking during the exercise, tagged “Mask-Up-Lagos”, an Assistant Director and leader of the team, Mr. Bode Lawal said the advocacy was geared towa rds encouraging all residents of the State on the need to support the efforts of the State Government to curb the spread of the global pandemic by using face masks. He observed with dismay that most Lagosians are still disobeying the directive of the Lagos State government on the use of face mask, especially in public, stressing that there is a need for all citizens to abide by the safety regulations issued by the State Government and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). According to him, “the Governor Sanwo-Olu led administration introd...