Category: General News

  • Woman docked for allegedly threatening Seyi Tinubu, I-G

    Woman docked for allegedly threatening Seyi Tinubu, I-G

     

     

    A woman, Olamide Thomas, who allegedly threatened Seyi Tinubu with death threat on social media, was, on Friday, arraigned at a Federal High Court in Abuja.

    Olamide was arraigned by the office of the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, before Justice Emeka Nwite on three-count charge.

    She, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Olamide was arrested on allegations bordering on harassing and threatening Seyi Tinubu, Egbetokun and the Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, in a viral social media post.

    In the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/636/2024 dated and filed on Dec 18 by the police team of lawyers led by A.A. Egwu, Olamide was sued as sole defendant.

    Upon resumed hearing, Victor Okoye, who appeared for the police, informed the court that the matter was slated for arraignment and that he was ready to proceed.

    After the counts were read to the defendant, she pleaded not guilty to the charge.

    The defence lawyer, T J. Aondo, SAN, sought to move an oral application on his client’s behalf but the request was turned down.

    Justice Nwite directed Aondo to file a formal bail application and adjourned the matter until Dec 30 for commencement of trial.

    The judge, however, assured the defence counsel that as soon as a bail application is filed in form of a motion on notice, the court would not hesitate to hear it.
    He consequently ordered her to be remanded in Suleja Correctional Centre pending the hearing of her bail application.

    NAN reports that in count one, Olamide was alleged to have, sometime in 2024, knowingly and intentionally transmitted communication in the form of video recording through computer system or network on her social media platforms wherein she made remarks in Yoruba Language.

    In the video, she was alleged to have stated “that Mr Seyi Tinubu would die this year, and misfortune and calamity had befallen the Tinubu family, with intent to bully, threaten, harass the person of Mr Seyi Tinubu.”
    The communication was said to have placed Seyi in fear of death, violence or bodily harm.
    The offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 24 (2) (a) of Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.
    In count two, the defendant was alleged to have intentionally transmitted communication in the form of video recording wherein she made remarks in Yoruba Language to bully, threaten, harass the person of Mr Egbetokun.
    The communication was said to have placed Egbetokun in fear of death, violence or bodily harm.
    The offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 24 (2) (a) of Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.
    In count three, Olamide was accused of intentionally transmitting or causing the transmission of communication in the form of video recording wherein she made remarks in Yoruba Language, stating that the children of Adejobi would all die before his eyes.

    She was quoted to have also said that “he (Adejobi) will bury all his children in a single day, with Intent to bully, threaten, harass the person of Mr. Muyiwa Adejobi.”
    The communication was said to have placed Adejobi in fear of death of his loved ones.
    The offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 24 (2) (a) of Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.

  • Shi’ite files N200m suit against IGP, AGF over alleged disruption of birthday programme in Abuja

    Shi’ite files N200m suit against IGP, AGF over alleged disruption of birthday programme in Abuja

     

    Flowerbudnews

    A member of the Islamic Movement, Lawan Garba Haruna, has filed a N200 million suit against the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, over alleged disruption of his birthday programme in Abuja

    Haruna, in the suit marked: FHC)ABJ/CS/1909/2024 filed by his lawyer, Bala Dakum, also joined the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) as 2nd to 3rd respondents respectively.

    In the originating motion dated and filed on December 18, the applicant sought five reliefs.

    He sought a declaration that the disruption of the birthday celebration organised by him at Decency Events Centre, Wuse Zone 5 in Abuja on October 13, 2024 and treatment meted on him by the agents of the 1st and 2nd respondents, their privies, officers or representatives, was illegal, unlawful, null and void and amounted to gross violation of his fundamental rights as enshrined in Sections 34 (1)(a)and 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

    He, therefore, sought “an order directing the respondents to jointly and severally refund the sum of N600,000 00 (Six Hundred Thousand Naira) to the applicant being the money the applicant paid for the use of Decency Corp Events Centre, Wuse Zone 5 FCT, Abuja on 13th October, 2024.

    “An order of this honourable court directing the respondents to jointly and severally pay the applicant the sum of N200, 000, 000 (Two Hundred Million Naira) only as general damages for unlawful disruption of his birthday celebration and denying him the freedom to assemble

    “An order of this honourable court directing the respondents to tender a formal apology to the applicant by publishing same in two national day newspapers.

    “An order of perpetual injunction restraining the respondents their privies, agents, officers or representatives from further harassing the applicant or depriving him the freedom to peacefully assemble and associate with other law abiding citizens of Nigeria.”

    Meanwhile, at a press briefing on Friday in Abuja, Dr Sabi’u Adamu, who addressed the newsmen on behalf of the Islamic Movement under the leadership of his Eminence, Sayyid Ibraheem Yaqoub El-Zakzaky (H), said the suit is necessary because of the alleged violation of their rights by the police

    He said that was not the first time the police had been disrupting their programmes.

    “It is pertinent to inform the public that on Saturday, 14th of December, 2024, we have made all necessary preparations for the 9th Anniversary of the 2015 Zaria massacre to commemorate the incident at Highpoint Events and Conference Hall, Laralek House, Area 11, Garki, Abuja, and the conference is scheduled to commence by 9:30 am.

    “But since before 7:00 am, the police of the FCT Command and the Secret Police (DSS) barricaded the event centre and started arresting participants of the conference.

    “The conference could not take place at the centre, and up to this moment, the police continue to unlawfully detain those arrested around the event centre without any court order,” he alleged.

    Adamu recalled that this was similar to the incident of October 13 where some of their youths gathered to organise a birthday at Wuse Zone 5.

    “While the programme was going on, police arrived at the event centre and locked up the gate of the centre, arrested some participants, and disperse the gathering,” he said.

  • Handing over:Tincan customs hits N1.26trn revenue with 24/7 cargo clearance

    Handing over:Tincan customs hits N1.26trn revenue with 24/7 cargo clearance

     

    Lagos, The outgoing Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Tincan Island Command, Mr Dera Nnadi has attributed the command’s N1.26 trillion revenue to the implementation of a 24-hour cargo clearance system, which includes weekend operations.

    Nnadi disclosed this during the handover ceremony to the newly appointed CAC of Tincan Island Customs Command in Lagos on Friday.

    According to him, the implementation of the 24-hour cargo clearance process significantly enhanced operational efficiency.

    “My team worked tirelessly to improve professionalism, and in January 2024, we declared the year as one of stakeholders, which positively impacted revenue generation,” he said.

    Nnadi stated that the N1.26 trillion revenue represents 86.8 per cent of the command’s N1.4 trillion target, achieved in spite global cargo declines and persistent economic challenges.

    “The command generated N716.4 billion in 2023. During my 15-month tenure, the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of goods seized amounted to N4.5 trillion.

    “In 2023 alone, the DPV of seized goods was N1 trillion, and this year, we have seized over N4.5 trillion in DPV goods, indicating a significant increase,” he stated.

    Nnadi further noted the establishment of 10 additional bonded terminals under his leadership, which contributed to improved revenue collection.

    In his acceptance remarks, the newly appointed CAC of Tincan Island Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General and the management team for the opportunity to serve.

    Onyeka praised his predecessor for his leadership and acknowledged the challenges of stepping into his ‘giant shoes’.

    “I will double my efforts to sustain the command’s progress and continue with the Comptroller-General’s policies of consultation, innovation, and consolidation,” Onyeka said.

    He urged officers to uphold discipline and view themselves as servants of the people.

    He praised the command’s collaboration with agencies, stakeholders, and media, urging better information sharing for greater success.

    Mr Michel Oyebiyi, Patron of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), commended Nnadi for his hardworking and open-door policy, encouraging Onyeka to emulate these qualities.

    “Nnadi resolved protests within the terminals through dialogue and soft words, and I hope he extends this approach to the headquarters,” Oyebiyi said.

    Toyota Nigeria’s representative, Mr Apostle Tola, praised Nnadi as a humble problem solver who transformed the command.

    “I will miss a friend who resolved issues without compromise,” Tola added, noting Nnadi’s contributions to improving infrastructure, including the Customs building and car parks.

  • Corpses Pile up in Northern Gaza as Israel Continues Deadly Onslaught

    Corpses Pile up in Northern Gaza as Israel Continues Deadly Onslaught

     

    ‘Stray dogs and cats are devouring the piled-up bodies, which portends a serious environmental disaster,’ Palestinian medics warns

    Amer Solyman

     

    GAZA CITY, Palestine:      A Palestinian medic warned Sunday of an “environmental catastrophe” in northern Gaza as corpses piled up across the area amid a deadly Israeli offensive.

    “There are large numbers of dead bodies in the streets that can’t be reached,” Mohammad Abu Afsh, the head of Gaza-based Medical Relief Organization, an NGO, said in a statement.

    “Stray dogs and cats are devouring the piled-up bodies, which portends a serious environmental disaster,” he warned.

    The Israeli army has continued a deadly offensive in northern Gaza since Oct. 5 to allegedly prevent Palestinian resistance group Hamas from regrouping. Palestinians, however, accuse Israel of seeking to occupy the area and forcibly displace its residents.

    Since then, almost no humanitarian aid, including food, medicine, and fuel, has been allowed into the area, leaving the remaining population in the area on the verge of famine.

    Nearly 4,000 people have since been killed in northern Gaza, according to Palestinian health authorities.

    Abu Afsh said there is a severe shortage of surgeons in northern Gaza due to repeated Israeli attacks.

    “The Israeli army repeatedly targets hospitals and medical staff and prevents doctors from reaching northern Gaza,” he added.

    Israel has launched a genocidal war on the Gaza Strip that has killed more than 44,900 victims, mostly women and children, since a Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023.

    The second year of genocide in Gaza has drawn growing international condemnation, with officials and institutions labeling the attacks and the blocking of aid deliveries as a deliberate attempt to destroy a population.

    The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants last month for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense chief Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

    Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on Gaza.

    *Writing by IkrGazaam Kouachi

  • Malaysia has agreed in principle to resume search for flight MH370, says transport minister

    Malaysia has agreed in principle to resume search for flight MH370, says transport minister

    Malaysia has agreed in principle to resume se

     

    KUALA LUMPUR, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) /FLOWERBUDNEWS: — The Malaysian government has agreed in principle to resume the search for Malaysian Airlines flight MH370, Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said on Friday.

    Loke told a press briefing that the cabinet has agreed in principle to accept the proposal from exploration firm Ocean Infinity to proceed with seabed search operations to locate MH370 in a new area estimated at 15,000 square kilometers in the southern Indian Ocean.

    “This endeavor will be based on the ‘no find, no fee’ principle. Under this principle, the Malaysian government will not be required to pay Ocean Infinity unless the wreckage of the aircraft is discovered,” he said.

    Loke also said the proposed new search area, identified by the firm, is credible based on the latest information and data analyses conducted by experts and researchers.

    The disappearance of MH370 was a tragic incident that occurred on March 8, 2014, when the Boeing 777, en route from Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Malaysia to Beijing Capital International Airport in China, vanished from radar screens with all 239 on board.

     

  • FCT-IRS pledges aggressive enforcement against tax defaulters in 2025 – Official

    FCT-IRS pledges aggressive enforcement against tax defaulters in 2025 – Official

     

     

    THE Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) says it will carry out aggressive enforcement against tax defaulters in 2025.

    The acting Executive Chairman of the service, Mr Michael Ango disclosed this at the 2024 end of year media briefing, in Abuja on Thursday.

    Ango explained that the enforcement would be carried out after massive public enlightenment on residents’ tax obligations and opportunity to voluntarily comply.

    He said that the service would extend the enforcement to all taxpayers, adding that the FCT-IRS would not hesitate to impose the necessary sanctions and penalties under its laws.

    “This will include filing criminal charges against tax offenders where necessary.

    “We will provide multiple channels for taxpayers in 2025 and improve use of technology for tax compliance.

    “We have already engaged a revenue improvement consultant who will support the FCT in this regard.

    “We have also onboarded additional payment gateways for collection of tax revenue to afford taxpayers various options for paying their taxes,” he said.

    Ango further said that the service would also establish kiosk offices in various markets, parks and other strategic locations in the FCT.

    This, he said, would bring tax and revenue administration closer to the people.

    The FCT-IRS boss also said that the service was considering the implementation of property taxes, including pools, betting and games taxes in the FCT.

    He explained that the decision followed the recent Supreme Court decisions regarding powers of states to regulate and tax such activities.

    He pointed out that the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike was undertaking an aggressive infrastructural transformation in the FCT, which requires funding.

    According to him, funding such capital projects would have to come from the Internally Generated Revenue in the FCT.

    “This is why we are focusing on existing revenue that were hitherto not fully collected in the FCT such as stamp duties, capital gains tax and entertainment tax amongst others.

    “We are equally collaborating with various agencies to ensure that Abuja residents are properly educated on their tax obligations.”

    Ango said that the service was working to improve its processes and human capacity, adding that it had conducted 52 training programmes for members of staff in 2024.

    He further said that the service was equally improving staff access to working tools and addressed various infrastructure challenges in its tax offices.

    “We have equally revamped our Health Insurance Scheme to improve coverage for staff, and currently working to ensure that all our staff work in a conducive and work-friendly environment,” he said. (NAN)

  • IBADAN TRAGEDY: Ooni’s Ex-Wife, School Principal, 6 Others Arrested As Death Toll Hits 35, 6 Critically Injured

    IBADAN TRAGEDY: Ooni’s Ex-Wife, School Principal, 6 Others Arrested As Death Toll Hits 35, 6 Critically Injured

     

     

    The Police have confirmed that they have arrested 8 people in connection with yesterday’s tragedy in Ibadan.

    This was as just the police said death toll has increased to 35 while 6 are critically injured.

    Adewale Osifeso, spokesperson of the Oyo command, revealed that investigation continues.

    RE: IBADAN CHILDREN FUNFAIR TRAGEDY

    1. Sequel to the Stampede incident recorded on Wednesday 18/12/2024 at the Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan venue of the family event Organized by Wings Foundation and Media partners Agidigbo Fm, the Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform the good people of the State that (8) Persons have since been arrested for their various involvements.

    2. These persons include the main event sponsor, Prophetess Naomi Silekunola ’f’ age 31yrs, Fasasi Abdulahi, ’m’ age 56yrs (School Principal Islamic High School, Ibadan), Genesis Christopher, ’m’ age 24yrs, Tanimowo Moruf,’m’ age 52yrs, Anisolaja Olabode, ‘m’ age 42yrs, Idowu Ibrahim, ‘m’ age 35yrs and Abiola Oluwatimilehin, ’m’ age 25yrs.

    3. So far (35) Thirty-Five Minors have been documented Dead while (6) Six others are critically injured and on various Medical Interventions.

    4. In furtherance of the above, the case has since been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Iyaganku with the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge leading the investigations.

    5. So also, residents around the axis are advised not to panic as they would witness high level patrols and visible Police presence to prevent hoodlums from taking advantage of the unfortunate situation.

    6. Finally, the Oyo State Police Command sympathizes with all the families and loved ones affected by the tragedy and assures the good people of the State that Justice will be served accordingly.

    7. In cases of emergency, the Command can always be reached through these numbers; OYO STATE CALL RESPONSE CENTER TOLL FREE LINE: 615
    OYO STATE POLICE COMMAND CONTROL ROOM LINE(S):08081768614, 09054133071 & 09061299291

  • FCT-IRS collects N252.83bn IGR in 2024

    FCT-IRS collects N252.83bn IGR in 2024

     

    THE Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS), has collected a total of N252.83 billion Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in 2024.

    The acting Executive Chairman of the service, Mr Michael Ango, made this known at the 2024 end of year media parley, in Abuja on Thursday.

    Ango said that the amount, collected between January and Dec. 18, represents 101 per cent of the N250.2 billion target for the year.

    He added that the figure also represents a 19.8 per cent increase on the N211.1 billion collected in 2023.

    He attributed the successes to the dedication of members of staff and management staffers of the service, FCT Secretariat, Departments and Agencies, FCT area councils and other government agencies.

    He also commended the support of the Senate and House Committees on FCT

    The FCT-IRS boss said that since his appointment in August 2023, he had taken certain steps to improve the ability of the service to discharge its mandate.

    According to him, one of the changes is the review and expansion of the organisation’s structure, with the creation of new departments.

    He identified the department as Audit, Debt Management and Enforcement, as well as the expansion of the Tax Operations Department by taxpayer type.

    This, he said,  led to the creation of two new directorates, one of which focused on government’s Ministries, Departments and Agencies, corporate entities and international organisations.

    Ango added that the other directorate focused on individuals and enterprises and partnerships.

    “We also created a separate Learning and Development Department, which focuses on capacity building and training of our employees and other stakeholders.

    “We created a High Net-worth Individuals Unit, focused on taxation of HNIs in Abuja.

    “FCT-IRS has further strengthened its collaboration with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit to get active intelligence on HNIs in Abuja with a view to improving tax compliance and collection,” he said.

    “In terms of external collaboration, we have also strengthened collaboration with the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Joint Tax Board and the FCT Judiciary, amongst others.

    “This is to enhance our ability to collect revenue for the FCT,” he said. (NAN)

  • Copyright Society assures members of prompt payment of second palliative royalty

    Copyright Society assures members of prompt payment of second palliative royalty

    By Taiye Olayemi

    The Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) has assured its members across the country of prompt payment of their second palliative royalty, approved by the society’s 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM), held recently.
    Its Chairman, Chief Tony Okoroji, in a statement on Thursday, said that the palliative royalty was a token to members to further assist them to deal with the current economic hardship in the country.
    Okoroji said every member that was entitled to the palliative, as explained during the AGM, would receive their palliative in earnest.
    He noted that this was different from the N465.5million royalties distributed to COSON members earlier, on Dec. 10.
    He said “After the approval, the 2nd palliative royalty distribution commenced immediately at the AGM. Several members confirmed receiving their alerts while the meeting was still going on.
    “My information is that as of Wednesday, December 18, 2024, 4,083 members across the country have received their second palliative distribution. More should receive theirs before Christmas.”
    “COSON members are once again assured that they belong to an organisation that is 100 per cent transparent and accountable.
    “No COSON member will lose one Naira of money which he is entitled to. Any COSON member who has yet to receive his royalty is assured that his money is safe.”
    Okoroji explained that there were some COSON members who were yet to receive their money because they had given COSON faulty account details or had changed their bank accounts without notifying the society.
    According to him, there were also several members whose royalties were returned unpaid by the society’s bankers.
    “We have noticed that a significant amount of the returned royalties is with respect to members with accounts with one bank.
    “COSON is presently engaging the banks to find out the reason for this anomaly and to have the problem resolved.
    “We have published a list of the COSON members whose royalties were returned and we request that the affected members forward alternative account details by WhatsApp or SMS to a stated dedicated phone number so that a new payment can be initiated on their behalf, without delay,” he said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)