The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Friday opened applications for recruitment of officers into various positions in its Superintendent, Inspector, and Customs Assistant cadres.
This follows a recent announcement by the NCS that it had secured approval to recruit 3,927 officers in 2025, as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance trade facilitation and support the nation’s economic recovery.
NEWS RELEASE
Governor Adeleke Exercises Prerogatives of Mercy towards 53 Convicts.
OSOGBO – 26/12/2024 – Osunstate.gov.ng
In line with the recommendations of the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, Governor Ademola Adeleke has exercised prerogative of mercy towards 53 convicts serving various convictions within the Nigerian Correctional Service.
The letter of commutation dated December 24th, 2024 and which has since been received and acknowledged by the relevant prison authorities read as follows:
“WHEREAS: the inmates whose names are set out in the schedule to this order have been convicted to various terms of imprisonment to wit.
(i) Simple offences and have served substantial portions of the sentences,
(ii) Convicts sentenced to death
“(having spent a minimum of 10 years in custody.)
“AND WHEREAS: following the recommendation made to me by the state advisory council on the prerogative of mercy that I should exercise my power in relation to the said inmates in order to mark the 2024 Christmas celebration.
“AND WHEREAS: in the case of the 30 (thirty) inmates convicted of simple offences, I have decided in accordance with the said recommendation to remit and forgive the remainder of the said sentences in whole.
“AND WHEREAS: I have decided in accordance with the said recommendation to grant outright pardon to 12 (Twelve) inmates convicted of simple offences.
“4 (Four) Convicts have their sentences commuted from death to outright pardon. AND WHEREAS: I have decided in accordance with the said recommendation to commute the sentences as follows;
“1 (One) convict has his sentence commuted from death to 15 (Fifteen) years imprisonment.
“6 (Six) Convicts have their sentences commuted from death to outright release.
“Now know ye therefore that, I Senator Ademola Jackson Adeleke, the Governor of Osun State of Nigeria, in exercise of the power conferred on me by paragraph (a), (c) and (d) of subsection (i) of section 212 of the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as Amended), I am pleased to extend my grace and mercy unto the said inmates.
“My will and pleasure thereof, is that you commute the death, life and years of imprisonment as indicated herewith in the schedule”
Those in the schedule are as follows:
CONVICTS RECOMMENDED FOR OUTRIGHT PARDON (SIMPLE OFFENCES)
1. OLABOMIJI NURUDEEN
2. MUSTAPHA ISAH
3. OLALEKAN ABDULLAHI
4. AYOMIDE OLOJEDE
5. AKEEM RAPHAEL
6. ADEYEMI ABIODUN
7. OLADIPUPO SEGUN
8. OMISAKIN SUNDAY
9. ADEMOLA ADIO
10. TUNDE OLAPADE
11. LATE CHIEF WOLE OLA
RUFUS OJO
12. OMOLOYE OLAJIDE
OLAYEMI
CONVICTS RECOMMENDED FOR OUTRIGHT RELEASE (SIMPLE OFFENCES)
1. OLUBO SUNDAY
2. ISAH UMAR BIODUN
3. FAWAS KAREEM
4. OMIRIN TEMITAYO
5. OLARENWAJU AYOMIDE
6. DARE SUNDAY
7. OLADAPO TUNDE
8. GANIYU SAHEED
9. ADEWUMI SODIQ
10. ADEBAYO ADEOYE
KEHINDE
11. LASIS KAZEEM
12. DAUDA OJO (59 YEARS)
13. ISMAILA RAJI
14. OSENI MICHEAL
15. AJAYI KOREDE
16. ABIONA NURUDEEN
17. OSHI SAMUEL
18. SHEU YUSUF OLATUNJI
19. OJO AANU
20. MUSTAPHA KEHINDE
21. LASIS ABEEB
22. ALEXANDRA IORLAHA
23. OJO TAIWO
24. AZEEZ MUJEEB
25. AKINYEMI DAVID
26. ADEOSUN ADEKUNLE
27. OLAOBAJU SAMUEL
28. ADURA ADEFEMI
29. PAUL BASIL
30. KUNLE DAVID
CONVICT RECOMMENDED FOR OUTRIGHT PARDON FOR GOOD CONDUCT (CAPITAL OFFENCES) – 4 (FOUR)
1. SUNDAY MORAKINYO
2. SEGUN OLOWOOKERE
3. TUNDE OLAPADE
4. DEMOLA ODEYEMI
CONVICT RECOMMENDED FOR OUTRIGHT RELEASE ON HEALTH GROUND, (CAPITAL OFFENCES) –
1 OLUWAFEMI FAGBEMI
2 BEWAJI SUNDAY
3. AMEHIN GEORGE
4. AYOMIDE ARULOGUN
5. TAIWO OLUWATOBI STEPHEN
6. ABUBAKAR ABDULAZEEZ
CONVICT RECOMMENDED TO BE COMMUTED FROM DEATH TO 15 YEARS IMPRISONMENT HAVING SPENT AT LEAST 10
YEARS IN CUSTODY
1. OJEKUNLE TIMOTHY
Signed
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the State Governor.
The Federal Government has declared Wednesday 25th, Thursday 26th December 2024, and Wednesday 1st January, 2025 as Public Holidays to celebrate Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year respectively.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani in a statement on Monday in Abuja said the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government.
According to her, the minister extended warm greetings to all Nigerians, urging them to use the festive period to reflect on the values of love, peace, and unity that the season signifies.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo emphasized the importance of the season as a time to
foster harmony and strengthen bonds across families and communities.
The Minister also called on Nigerians to remain committed to the peace, unity and progress of the nation for national development.
“The Christmas season is a good moment for both spiritual reflection and national renewal. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, let us demonstrate kindness and extend goodwill to one another, irrespective of our differences,” said Dr. Tunji-Ojo.
He assured citizens of the Federal Government’s continued commitment to ensuring peace, security, and prosperity across the nation.
“While wishing Nigerians a merry Christmas and a prosperous 2025, the Minister expressed his confidence in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu’s Administration ushering in the new year, a better and prosperous economy that will be the envy of the world”, the statement added.
NEWS RELEASE
Death by Hanging for Stealing Fowl: Governor Adeleke Intervenes, Orders Action for Prerogative of Mercy
OSOGBO- 17/12/2024- Osunstate.gov.ng
Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed immediate investigation and pardoning action on the case of a young man reportedly sentenced to death by hanging in Osun state for stealing fowl.
In a statement on Tuesday evening, the Governor ordered the Attorney General to intervene in the matter and ensure the youngman is listed for prerogative of mercy before the end of the year.
“I have read about the case. I recognize separation of powers in our democracy. In this particular case,I have directed the Commissioner for Justice to initiate processes to grant prerogative of mercy to the young man.
“Osun is a land of justice and equity. We must ensure fairness and protection of the sanctity of lives.
“I assure the public that the matter is receiving my direct attention. A sense of urgency is also attached to our response to the matter as a responsible state government”, the Governor was quoted as saying.
Signed
Mallam Olawale Rasheed ,
Spokesperson to the State Governor.
DECEMBER 2024 is shaping up to be a thrilling month for Nollywood fans, as cinemas prepare to showcase some of the most anticipated films to round off the year.
Last year’s record-breaking ‘A Tribe Called Judah’, which earned over 1billion views, highlights how December Nollywood movies have become a tradition for clients.
This festive season, producers have flooded social media with teasers and promotional campaigns, leaving no doubt that this December will be packed with excitement.
1- Everybody Loves Jenifa.
The hilarious and heartwarming Jenifa franchise is back, with one of the greatest installments from the Funke Akindele movie.
The all star movie follows Jennifer on a new journey as a now established humanitarian.
Directed by Akindele and Tunde Olaoye, this sequel brings back fan favourites like Falz, Nancy Isime, Jackie Appiah, Layi Wasabi and Patience Ozokwor.
2- Alakada: Bad and Boujee.
Toyin Abraham is back with the fifth installment of the Alakada series, continuing the hilarious escapades of Yetunde, a character beloved for her outrageous lies about her contacts and connections.
Produced by Abraham herself, the movie features casts like Bimbo Ademoye, Ik Ogbonna, Chimezie Imo, Olumide Oworu, and the music Icon, King Sunny Ade.
Packed with humour and relatability, this movie comedy is sure to be a festive favourite.
3- Christmas in Lagos.
Jade Osiberu serves up a holiday romance in this film. The movie is set against the lively backdrop of Lagos famous ‘Detty December’.
A young lady known as Fiyin, who after a heartbreak begins to develop feelings for her best friend Elo.
However, the movie takes a turn after Elo returns to Nigeria, ready to propose to his secret girlfriend, Yagazie.
With storyline featuring characters like Shaffy Bello, Richard- Mofe Damijo (RMD), Waje, Adekunle Gold, Ayra Star, and Ladipoe, the film is a cocktail of drama, romance and Lagos vibes.
4. Another captivating movie is ‘Thin Line.’’
A pastor entangled in an investigation into the sudden death of a prostitute, Annie. His life as a pastor and that of his wife, Pastor Dammy comes to a halt as they try to defend themselves and also save their marriage.
Directed by Akay Mason, and produced by Mercy Aigbe, the cast include Iyabo Ojo, The Cute Abiola, Yvonne Jegede, Jaiye Kuti, and Adeniyi Johnson.
This film is packed with intrigue, drama, and complex relationships, promising to keep audiences glued to their screen.
5. Crowning the list is ‘Seven Doors’. This Femi Adebayo debut showcases a man’s perfect life unravel as he is elected the new King of his village, only for an ancient fury to challenge his reign with blood and fury.
The cast include Adebayo Salami, Muyiwa Ademola, Ronke Oshodi, Gabriel Afolayan, Jide Kosoko, and Yinka Quadiri. It premiered on Dec. 13.
With this dazzling lineup, Nollywood is ready to make this holiday season truly special.
Which movie are you adding to your watchlist?(NAN)
16th December, 2024.
THE Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed the death of one person and the rescue of four others, in an accident that happened on the Third Mainland Bridge.
The LASTMA General Manager, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, made the confirmation in a statement on Monday in Lagos,
Bakare-Oki said he promptly led LASTMA officials to the scene of the tragic collision involving a J5 Ford bus (FKJ 724 YC) and a Mercedes truck (FKJ 746 YC) at Ilubirin, inward Sura, along the Lagos Third Mainland Bridge.
The LASTMA boss said he spearheaded the rescue operations with the support of concerned bystanders, adding that four victims were extricated from the wreckage, three of whom were rescued alive.
“The accident, which occurred earlier today, claimed one life, an individual, trapped inside the J5 Ford bus laden with pepper and other perishable goods, who succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash and it left a total of five individuals affected.
“Preliminary findings suggest that the J5 Ford bus experienced brake failure while traveling at high speed, resulting in a collision with the Mercedes truck.
“Emergency response teams, including the LASEMA Response Unit (LRU), the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Nigerian Police Force, and LASAMBUS, collaborated with LASTMA to manage the situation.
“All survivors were swiftly transported to the General Hospital on Lagos Island for immediate medical attention,” he said.
The LASTMA boss noted that in a coordinated effort to restore normalcy, LASTMA’s rescue team efficiently cleared the accident site, removing the vehicles and spilled perishable goods to ensure the free flow of traffic along the bridge.
He extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and reiterated the critical importance of road safety, particularly during the festive season.
Bakare-Oki urged drivers, especially operators of heavy-duty vehicles, to avoid excessive speeding and ensure that their vehicles, most notably the braking systems, are in perfect working condition before embarking on any journey.
“LASTMA remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding all road users and will continue to collaborate with relevant agencies to prevent avoidable accidents on Lagos roads,” he said
Supreme Court, on Monday, awarded a N5 million fine against Mr Ambrose Owuru, a former presidential candidate in the 2019 general elections, for filing a suit described as “frivolous and vexatious” against President Bola Tinubu.
The five-member panel of justices, in a judgment read by Justice Uwani Aba-Aji, also ordered the court registry not to accept any frivolous suit from Owuru henceforth.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Owuru, a British-trained lawyer, was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1982.
He was the presidential candidate of the defunct Hope Democratic Party (HDP) in the 2019 presidential poll.
In the suit marked: SC/CV/667/2023, Owuru had prayed the apex court to sack President Tinubu on two major grounds of alleged non-qualification to hold office and usurpation of the same office against the law of the country.
The lawyer, who filed the suit directly at the Supreme Court, sued former President Muhammadu Buhari, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Tinubu as 1st to 4th defendants respectively.
The plaintiff insisted that he won the 2019 presidential poll but that his tenure was allegedly usurped by Buhari for eight years.
He claimed that his suit at the Supreme Court which would have kicked Buhari out of office was technically jettisoned by the apex court due to mix-up in the hearing dates.
When the case was called on Monday, Owuru stood to argue his own case wearing his wig and gown.
He was, however, ordered out of the Bar and directed to remove his wig and gown before he could be allowed to argue his case.
Upon complying with the orders, Owuru was asked why he came before the court again, having had his suits dismissed three times.
Although he tried unsuccessfully to convince the Apex Court to grant him adequate audience, his explanations were rejected as unconvincing.
Following his recalcitrant, the court threatened to refer him to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC).
Justice Aba-Aji, in the ruling, held that Owuru’s conduct was unbecoming of a lawyer of over 40 years, as he claimed to be.
The apex court lambasted him for taking the court for a ride, wasting its precious time with baseless suit and grossly abusing the court processes.
Before the suit was thrown out, Bode Olanipekun, SAN, who appeared for President Tinubu, had drawn the attention of the court to several cases of Owuru that were dismissed on account of frivolity.
The senior lawyer said that the direction of the instant suit could not be understood because of the poor way and manner it was couched by the applicant.
Olanipekun also said that it was difficult for him to apologise to the court on behalf of Owuru because the conduct of the applicant had become something unbearable in the practice of law profession.
The judge consequently dismissed the suit and awarded N5 million against him and in favour of Tinubu
In his response, a professor of law, Taiwo Osipitan, SAN, who was also in court, assured that the conduct of the former presidential candidate would be referred to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
NAN reports that the Court of Appeal had previously imposed a fine of N40 million on Owuru, to be paid to Tinubu, INEC and others, for filing a suit against them.(NAN)
THE Federal Government, through the Debt Management Office (DMO) has offered two FGN bonds valued at N120 billion for subscription through auction.
According to a statement by the DMO on Monday in Abuja, the first offer is an April 2029 FGN bond valued at N60 billion, at an interest rate of 19.30 per cent per annum (five-year re-opening).
The second offer is a February 2031 FGN bond, valued at N60 billion at an interest rate of 18.50 per cent per annum (seven-year re-opening).
“Auction date Dec. 16, and settlement date is Dec. 18.
“The bonds are offered at N1, 000 per unit subject to a minimum subscription of N50 million and in multiples of N1, 000 thereafter.
“Interest is payable semi-annually, while the bullet repayment is on the maturity date,” the DMO said.
It said that for re-openings of previously issued bonds, successful bidders would pay a price corresponding to the yield-to-maturity that clears the volume being auctioned plus any accrued interest.
According to the DMO, FGN bonds are backed by the full faith and credit of the Federal Government, and are charged upon the general assets of Nigeria.
“They qualify as securities in which trustees can invest under the Trustee Investment Act.
“They qualify as government securities within the meaning of Company Income Tax Act and Personal Income Tax for tax exemption for pension funds amongst other investors.
“All FGN bonds qualify as liquid assets for liquidity ratio calculation for banks,” it said
It said that they are listed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited and FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange.(NAN)
THE Dangote Petroleum Refinery said it has exported Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, also known as petrol to Cameroon, Ghana, Angola and South Africa.
Vice President of Oil and Gas, Dangote Industries Limited, Dr. Devakumar Edwin, disclosed this recently when a delegation from the Japanese Business Community in Nigeria, led by Japan’s Ambassador-designate to Nigeria, Suzuki Hideo, visited the facility.
He said: “In recent weeks, we’ve exported petrol to Cameroon, Ghana, Angola, and South Africa among others. Diesel has gone all over the world, and jet fuel is being heavily exported to European markets. Our products are already making their mark internationally.”
He said that by leveraging Africa’s vast crude oil resources to produce refined products locally, the Dangote Group aims to create a virtuous cycle of industrial development, job creation, and economic prosperity.
Dr. Edwin, explained that the facility is the vision of a Nigerian investor- Aliko Dangote, designed and built by Nigerians, and intended to serve the global market.
He said that it is a point of pride that a Nigerian company not only designed but also built the world’s largest single-train refinery complex, adding that Dangote Industries Limited, a Nigerian company, acted as the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor for the refinery.
Dr. Edwin assured the ambassador-designate and the delegation that the company is open to collaboration, always striving to maintain the best possible standards.
He said: “Even now, we have a lot of Japanese equipment inside both the refinery and the fertiliser plant. There are significant opportunities for collaboration, as we always seek the latest technology in any business we engage in. For instance, our cement plant laboratory is managed by robots, and we always embrace advanced technology. With Japan’s focus on technological innovation, there is ample scope for cooperation and for supplying various types of technology.”
Edwin stated that the Dangote Petrochemical project will significantly boost investment in downstream industries, creating substantial value, generating employment, increasing tax revenues, reducing foreign exchange outflows, and contributing to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
On his part, Hideo, described Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals complex as an astonishing masterpiece, showcasing Nigeria’s technological advancements on the global stage.
The Japanese delegation, which toured the impressive facilities housing both the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals as well as Dangote Fertilisers, commended the state-of-the-art technology on display, noting that it reinforces Nigeria’s role as the gateway to Africa.
Also, the Managing Director of the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), Takashi Oku, remarked that while Nigeria remains the gateway to Africa, the Dangote Refinery stands as a remarkable project that showcases the country’s technological progress.
He added that the facility, as the world’s largest single-train refinery, is a point of immense pride for Nigeria. JETRO is Japan’s governmental organisation for trade and investment.
“We had heard about the excellence of the Dangote Refinery through the media but seeing it in person has left us truly amazed by its vastness and grandeur. It demonstrates that Nigeria’s population is not only growing but also advancing in technology. We are keen to collaborate with Nigerian companies, especially Dangote Refinery,” he said.
Emphasising that the refinery has bolstered Nigeria’s leading position in Africa, he noted that the facility serves as an ideal introduction to the country for the global community.
Similarly, the Managing Director of Itochu Nigeria Limited, Masahiro Tsuno, also praised the size and automation of the Dangote Refinery, calling it a miracle and one of the wonders of the world.
“I have seen many standalone refineries across the globe, including in Vietnam and the Middle East. However, this size of a refinery built by one single investor is probably a miracle in the world. And I’m just actually witnessing a miracle, to be honest, today,” he said.
Tsuno indicated that his company would seek collaboration with the refinery across various sectors, including polypropylene and other petroleum products