News

By Uzair Adam

A High Court sitting in Bwari, Abuja, has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS) to apprehend anyone attempting to sell the properties of the late Justice Moses Bello, a former President of the Customary Court of Appeal in Abuja.

Delivering the ruling, Justice M.A. Madugu issued an injunction barring the sale of the late judge’s property located at Panama Street, Maitama District, Abuja.

The court instructed that the order be visibly posted on the property and published in national newspapers.

The court’s decision followed an ex-parte application filed by the late judge’s daughter, Ann Eniyamire, through her counsel, Yahuza Maharaz.

The suit lists Christ the King Catholic Church in Okene, Kogi State, and its parish priest, Reverend Father Ezekiel Awolumate, as defendants.

Justice Madugu ordered the defendants to refrain from selling, leasing, or mortgaging the disputed property until the case is resolved.

The court also empowered law enforcement agencies, including the EFCC and DSS, to arrest and prosecute anyone who violates the court’s orders.

Additionally, the court authorized Eniyamire to mark the property with red paint, indicating “NOT FOR SALE / Lis Pendens,” pending the outcome of the suit.

The judge warned that any attempt to remove the court’s orders from the property would result in contempt of court.

Eniyamire filed the lawsuit, alleging she was unfairly deprived of her rightful inheritance from her father’s estate. She claims her father’s will stipulated an 11.11 percent share of his assets for each of his eight children and his wife.

However, she accused the first defendant, Reverend Awolumate, of altering the share to 4.16 percent, contrary to the will.

In her suit, she is seeking a court declaration confirming her entitlement to 11.11 percent of her father’s estate and demanding the defendants present all relevant documents pertaining to the estate’s management and distribution.

Eniyamire is also requesting N500 million in general damages.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, participated in the National Cybercrime Summit held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja earlier today. 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in collaboration with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC) and the European Union, organized the summit, which focused on enhancing digital skills as a strategy to combat cybercrime.

The event’s theme was “Alternative to Cybercrime: Optimizing Cyber Skills for National Development,” a demonstration of commitment to building digital resilience and ensuring a secure online environment for sustainable national development.

 The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, officially inaugurated the summit and launched a new Rapid Response Centre to address cybercrime emergencies.

Speaking to journalists after the event, Governor Inuwa Yahaya emphasized the importance of collaboration in combating the growing threat of cybercrime. 

The Governor commended the EFCC for organizing the National Cybercrime Summit, recognizing the event as a timely initiative to address the growing challenge of cybercrime. 

He emphasized the importance of multi-level cooperation, including leveraging technology and youth involvement, to promote positive alternatives to cyber activities.

“We appreciate the EFCC for bringing this important issue to the forefront. My government is ready to partner in this endeavour because we recognize that combating cybercrime requires partnership.

“We need to work together with the federal government, EFCC, and other relevant bodies to address this global challenge. Our youths must also be involved, as they are both the drivers of technology and the leaders of tomorrow.”

The summit brought together prominent figures, including the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State, Governors of Katsina and Zamfara, members of the National Assembly, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Saad Abubakar III, and other traditional rulers and diplomats.

By Uzair Adam 

A Federal High Court in Kano has disqualified Prof. Sani Lawan Malumfashi as Chairman of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) due to his affiliation with a political party. 

Justice Simon Amobeda delivered the ruling following a suit filed by Aminu Aliyu Tiga and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The court also disqualified five other members of KANSIEC—Anas Muhammad Mustapha, Mukhtar Garba Dandago, Isyaku Ibrahim Kunya, Kabir Jibril Zakirai, and Amina Inuwa Fagge—on similar grounds. 

According to the court, they are active members of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), making them unqualified for their roles under the Nigerian Constitution and the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission Law.

Justice Amobeda further ordered that KANSIEC must cease all activities related to the upcoming 2024 Local Government Election in Kano State until a properly constituted commission is appointed in accordance with the law. 

This includes halting the issuance of election guidelines, candidate screenings, and the sale of nomination forms, all of which were declared null and void.

Additionally, the court directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withhold all electoral materials, including the voter register, from KANSIEC until the commission is legally restructured.

The ruling emphasizes that any actions taken by KANSIEC in preparation for the 2024 Local Government Election are invalid unless qualified individuals are appointed to the commission.

By Uzair Adam 

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has reserved judgment on a lawsuit challenging the legality of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). 

The case, initially brought by Kogi State, questions the validity of the EFCC’s operations.

The Daily Reality learned that three states—Anambra, Adamawa, and Ebonyi—withdrew from the lawsuit during Tuesday’s hearing. 

The states’ attorneys general notified the court of their decision to withdraw, citing notices filed on October 14 and 20.

Osun State applied to consolidate its own grievance against the EFCC with Kogi State’s suit.

The EFCC was established in 2002 by President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration. 

However, the plaintiff states argue that the National Assembly did not follow the necessary constitutional provisions, specifically Section 12 of the 1999 Constitution.

The states contend that the EFCC’s operations are illegal, as the majority of state houses of assembly did not approve them. 

They argue that any agency formed under the Act should be considered illegal.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, countered that the EFCC was validly established. 

He urged the court to dismiss the case, emphasizing the far-reaching implications of ruling favouring the plaintiffs.

After hearing arguments from both sides, the Supreme Court panel, led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, reserved judgment until a later date.

By Uzair Adam 

The Federal Government has launched an ambitious initiative to increase Nigeria’s crude oil production by one million barrels daily within the next 12 to 24 months. 

This plan is part of broader efforts to address challenges such as oil theft, pipeline vandalism, outdated infrastructure, and attracting new investments.

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) noted a 1.68% decline in production from 1.571 million barrels per day in August to 1.544 million barrels per day in September. 

Despite this, the government’s new initiative, “Project 1MMBPD,” is expected to restore production levels through strategic interventions.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, emphasized that increasing production is crucial for boosting national revenue and economic growth. 

“Projecting one million barrels per day is a step towards a more sustainable future for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector,” the President said at the event marking NUPRC’s third anniversary.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, urged the sector to aim for even higher targets. 

He noted that Nigeria once produced over two million barrels per day and should be looking to reach 2.5 million in the short term and four million barrels per day in the long term.

The government also approved four major divestment deals, including ExxonMobil’s sale of its assets to Seplat Energy, while blocking a $2.4 billion Shell divestment deal with Renaissance. 

Mallam Mele Kyari, the group CEO of NNPC Limited, and Tony Elumelu, the chairman of UBA Group, stressed the urgent need to modernize the country’s over 50-year-old oil infrastructure as key to achieving the new production goals. 

Both highlighted the impact of pipeline vandalism and regulatory uncertainty as major hurdles that need to be addressed to safeguard Nigeria’s oil sector and economy.

By Uzair Adam

Dangote Refinery has approached the court seeking the annulment of import licenses held by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Matrix, and four other firms.

The Daily Reality learned that Dangote Refinery is also claiming N100 billion in damages from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for allegedly continuing to issue import licenses to NNPCL and the other companies.

Details later…

By Uzair Adam

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has responded to legal challenges questioning its constitutionality, asserting that the individuals behind these lawsuits are reacting to the pressure of its anti-corruption drive.

Sixteen state attorneys-general have approached the Supreme Court, disputing the legality of the EFCC’s establishment.

They argue that the National Assembly failed to follow Section 12 of the 1999 Constitution, which outlines the procedure for incorporating international treaties into domestic law.

During an appearance on Channels Television’s Morning Show on Monday, Wilson Uwujaren, the EFCC’s Director of Public Affairs, emphasized the commission’s legitimacy.

He noted that the EFCC was created following due legislative process and expressed concern over the timing of the legal challenge amidst Nigeria’s ongoing corruption issues.

“I find it troubling that with the magnitude of corruption in this country, some individuals are choosing to challenge the legality of the EFCC. “What’s unfolding is simply an effort by those feeling the impact of our work to derail it. They perceive the EFCC as a threat,” Uwujaren said.

He further urged Nigerians to see through the actions of those opposing the commission, stressing that the EFCC has been vital in recovering stolen funds and prosecuting high-profile corruption cases.

“Nigeria cannot function without the EFCC, given the level of corruption we face. This is a distraction that we must resist,” he added.

The Supreme Court is set to hear the case on Tuesday, October 22.

While human rights lawyer Femi Falana and several civil society organizations have criticized the lawsuit, former Nigerian Bar Association President Olisa Agbakoba has backed the challenge, questioning the constitutional basis of the EFCC’s establishment.

By Uzair Adam

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has denied recent reports about the appointment of an acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), dispelling speculation from certain media outlets.

The DHQ emphasized that no such appointment exists within the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).

In a statement on Monday, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director Defence Information, clarified that the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, is currently on his 2024 annual leave.

The Daily Reality reports that the statement emphasized there are no changes in the military leadership.

“The AFN is professionally managed and all the Service Chiefs are performing their duties as stipulated in the Constitution of the FGN.

“Major General Abdulsalam Bagudu Ibrahim, the Chief of Policy and Plans, is providing routine briefs to the COAS in accordance with standard military procedures,” the statement read.

The DHQ urged individuals spreading rumors to stop immediately, clarifying that the COAS is “hale and hearty” and will resume duties at the end of his leave.

Media organizations were advised to verify information with the appropriate authorities before releasing “fake news.”

Gusau further noted that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) had spoken with the COAS only a few minutes before the statement.

Additionally, Gusau warned that those advocating for a military takeover, as seen in a viral video, should note that “such actions are treasonable under the Constitution.”

“The AFN is steadfastly committed to the preservation and advancement of our democracy and are loyal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration,” Gusau added.

The Daily Reality gathered that the military remains focused on protecting the nation’s integrity. The relative peace being enjoyed is a result of the President’s support for the military and the dedication of AFN leadership.

“To this end, the AFN and relevant security agencies have been mandated to take necessary action against any individual or group advocating for unconstitutional changes in the country.

“The CDS appreciates Nigerians for their support and prayers. Victory is assured,” the statement concluded.

By Uzair Adam

A prosecution witness, Mr. Stephen Gana, testified on Monday before an Abuja High Court, stating that two companies linked to the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, received preferential treatment in vehicle procurement contract bids.

Gana, the tenth prosecution witness, explained that the contracts were awarded to Emefiele’s companies through selective processes, which bypassed regular competitive bidding.

Gana, who served as the Head of the Procurement Department at the CBN, disclosed this while being led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN.

He confirmed that he was in office when contracts for vehicles, as highlighted in exhibits presented to the court, were approved.

The witness testified that Toyota vehicles valued at N99,900,000 were procured from April 1616 Company Ltd through direct procurement.

Referring to another exhibit, Gana stated that two Toyota Hilux vehicles, costing N23,100,000 each, were obtained through selective bidding.

The April 1616 Company was awarded the contract after offering the lowest bid and meeting the CBN’s in-house estimate.

Gana explained that at the CBN, contracts could be awarded through direct procurement or selective bidding, depending on the recommendations of the Director of Procurement, who worked alongside him and other officials in the department.

Following Gana’s testimony, the prosecution counsel requested an adjournment, citing his involvement in a Supreme Court case.

The defense counsel, Matthew Burkaa, did not oppose the request but raised concerns about the cost of transportation. Justice Hamza Muazu adjourned the case until November 13 for further hearings.

Earlier, Burkaa had challenged the prosecution’s move to introduce new witnesses, arguing that the defense was not informed about these additions during the initial charge.

Emefiele faces allegations of forgery, conspiracy, and breach of trust during his tenure as CBN Governor.

He is accused of using his position to favor two companies—April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd—in a case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The hearing will continue next month.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has received the prestigious Golden World Award (GWA) for Crisis Communication from the International Public Relations Association (IPRA), which recognised its outstanding public relations efforts.

The award was presented at a grand ceremony on October 18, 2024, at the Metropol Palace Hotel in Belgrade, Serbia, to Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi. 

The award honours the NCS’s “100 Days of Impactful PR at Customs Service” campaign, which effectively addressed critical challenges during Adeniyi’s first 100 days in office.

“The campaign was about crisis communication,” Adeniyi said.

“The entry submitted during this period was recognised as the best, from the perspective of addressing the campaign’s challenges, its impact, and the positive outcomes we have seen”. 

The campaign excelled in the Crisis Management category, demonstrating the NCS’s ability to navigate operational difficulties, foster vital stakeholder collaboration, enhance border security, and drive significant revenue growth.

Philip Sheppard, IPRA Secretary-General, praised Adeniyi’s leadership, noting that it significantly improved border security and revenue generation, instilling optimism within the organisation. 

Established in 1990, the Golden World Awards celebrate excellence in public relations across various categories.

This recognition underscores the NCS’s commitment to aligning its activities with international communication and governance standards.

By leveraging strategic public relations, the NCS has promoted customs reforms, national security, and economic development.