News

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) has confirmed its readiness to conduct the local government elections scheduled for Saturday, October 26, 2024.

The KANSIEC Chairman, Prof. Sani Malumfashi, made the announcement on Friday after a Kano State High Court ruled in favor of the commission, overturning a previous federal court decision that halted the elections.

Justice Simon Amobeda of a federal high court had initially ruled against the elections, removing Malumfashi and five other commission members.

However, the high court’s decision now allows the elections to proceed as planned. Prof. Malumfashi stated that security arrangements, in cooperation with the police, are in place to ensure a peaceful electoral process.

The commission chairman expressed disappointment over one political party’s refusal to participate in the election process, citing missed deadlines for candidate nominations and form submissions.

He noted that all other parties, including the NNPP, ZLP, Accord Party, NRM, AAC, and AA, have participated in the electoral preparations.

Malumfashi showed the state’s commitment to holding transparent and fair elections, as mandated by the federal government to be completed by October 2024.

He urged all stakeholders to support the process, highlighting KANSIEC’s dedication to due process in all electoral preparations, including the nomination of commissioners approved by the State House of Assembly.

By Uzair Adam

The Association of Online Media Guild (ASSOMEG) has extended its heartfelt condolences to Malam Sanusi Bature, the Director General of Media and Publicity to the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, following the passing of his son, Abubakar Sadiq, who died on Thursday at age 15.

In a statement jointly issued by ASSOMEG’s Chairman, Abdullateef Abubakar Jos, and Secretary, Abbas Yushau Yusuf, on Friday, the association shared that Sadiq passed away in an Indian hospital after a successful bone marrow surgery.

“This tragic loss resonates within the media community, and we join in the sorrow and grief that Mr. Bature and his family are facing,” the statement said.

The message emphasized that Malam Sanusi Bature is a respected ally within the media sector and has offered his support and partnership over the years.

ASSOMEG conveyed its solidarity, expressing thoughts and prayers for Bature and his loved ones during this trying time.

“We pray for the strength to bear this profound loss and trust that Almighty Allah (SWT) will provide solace and peace to his family,” the statement added.

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has presented New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) flags to 44 party candidates for chairmanship in the upcoming Local Government Elections.

Despite a recent court order halting the poll, the governor assured party members that the election would proceed as planned, vowing there would be “no retreat, no surrender.”

This stance comes after the Federal High Court in Kano, on Tuesday, removed Prof. Sani Malunfashi and five others from the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) and suspended the October 26 election.

Speaking at the event, held at Sani Abacha Indoor Stadium, Governor Yusuf noted the state’s commitment to stability and peace, stating that KANSIEC had constitutional authority to conduct the election.

The governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin, quoted Yusuf as saying that no one could prevent KANSIEC from carrying out its mandate.

Yusuf encouraged NNPP members to rally support at the grassroots, expressing confidence in the party’s ability to secure all 44 chairmanship and 484 councillorship seats.

In attendance were Acting National NNPP Chairman Dr. Audu Ajuji, state NNPP Chairman Alhaji Hashim Sulaiman Dungurawa, as well as National and State Assembly members, Commissioners, Special Advisers, and other key party supporters.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has said the blackout affecting parts of Northern Nigeria will persist due to security challenges hindering repairs on critical transmission lines.

Despite efforts to restore electricity through alternative means, the TCN said the situation will not be fully resolved anytime soon.

The ongoing blackout, which has lasted over four days, initially stemmed from vandalism of the Shiroro-Mando transmission line, which provided bulk electricity to the northern states.

To mitigate the impact, the TCN diverted electricity through the Ugwuaji-Apir 330-kilovolt (kV) double-circuit transmission line.However, a tripping incident on this alternative line further worsened the power supply situation.

Engr. Nafisatu Asabe Ali, Executive Director of the Independent System Operator at TCN, explained during a public hearing by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) that the repair of the Ugwuaji-Apir line would only provide limited solution.

She noted that while the line could carry up to 750 megawatts (MW) of power, only 350 MW could be safely transmitted to Kano, Kaduna, and parts of Niger Republic due to voltage stability issues in Kano.

The larger Shiroro-Mando transmission line, which supplies more power, remains out of service due to insecurity in the area where it was damaged.Engr.

Nafisatu said the TCN had received security advice from the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) indicating that the area where three towers were destroyed are currently inaccessible due to ongoing security issues.

Despite having the materials needed for repairs, TCN cannot proceed until the security situation improves, she noted.She said the region is currently sharing 250MW of electricity with Niger Republic, and when the Ugwuaji-Apir line is restored, the maximum power transmission will reach only 350MW.

The Chairman of NERC, Garba Usman, criticised the TCN for its lack of solutions to prevent equipment failures, particularly transformer explosions, which have contributed to the recurring power outages.

He called for stronger protective measures to avoid transformer fires that disrupt the entire grid.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched B’Odogwu, a revolutionary Unified Customs Management System, commencing with a pilot phase in Lagos at Port & Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML).

This innovative platform represents a significant milestone in Nigeria Customs’ modernisation journey, aligning with global best practices. 

Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, noted the significance of B’Odogwu, stating, “B’Odogwu is our new customs management system that embodies our vision for a paperless customs administration that facilitates seamless trade while maintaining robust security measures.”

He noted that B’Odogwu will eventually replace the current Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS II) as the NCS Legacy System. 

The system’s development acknowledges the forthcoming National Single Window and will integrate with it upon implementation by the Federal Government.

Adeniyi revealed the legal framework supporting the initiative, citing sections 28 and 29 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, which empower the Service to develop, maintain, and employ electronic systems while ensuring transparency and stakeholder consultation. 

Adeniyi urged stakeholders to embrace the change optimistically, providing constructive feedback to refine and improve the system. “B’Odogwu will enhance our ability to streamline end-to-end business processes, provide stakeholders with customised integration capabilities, support more efficient and intelligent business decisions, and facilitate ease of doing business,” he said.

The Comptroller General expressed gratitude to terminal operators, customs officers, licensed customs agents, and the Trade Modernisation Project team for their support. He charged PTML command officers to take training seriously, as they will implement the system in other commands. 

The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) has declared support for the initiative, acknowledging the transformation of the clearing profession.

By Uzair Adam

A Kano State High Court has set November 20 to hear pending applications in the case of alleged bribery and misappropriation of public funds amounting to billions of naira involving the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, his wife Hafsat Umar, and six other defendants.

The defendants, including Abubakar Bawuro, Umar Abdullahi Umar, Jibrilla Muhammad, Lamash Properties Limited, Safari Textiles Limited, and Lasage General Enterprises Limited, are facing an eight-count charge relating to bribery, misappropriation, and the diversion of public funds.

During Wednesday’s session, the counsel for the plaintiff, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, expressed readiness to proceed, having filed a counter affidavit, with one of their witnesses testifying remotely from Lagos.

However, the defense teams for several defendants requested more time, stating they had not been served with the necessary documents.

Counsel for the 1st, 2nd, and 4th defendants, Offiong Offiong, SAN, and others representing the remaining defendants, all requested adjournments for the hearing of their preliminary objections.

Justice Amina Adamu Aliyu emphasized the importance of proper service of processes and adjourned the case to November 20 for the hearing of all pending applications. Hi

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.