Gunmen suspected to be members of a cult , on Sunday, invaded a Pentecostal church in Inen Ikot Esse community , OrukAnam Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State , and shot one of the elders .

The hoodlums , who were armed to the teeth , got to the church premises around 7 . 05 am and made their way to the vestry , where some church council officials gathered for prayer before the commencement of service .

It was gathered that they shot one Friday Ufenang , an elder of the church , left him in a pool of his own blood before engaging in a shooting spree , causing the worshippers to run in different directions .

It was learnt that Ufenang was rushed to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital by policemen officers to the scene , and he is currently on life support .

Speaking with newsmen in Uyo on Tuesday, an eyewitness, Sunday Ibanga , said it was unfortunate that the incident occurred as the new pastor posted to the church was resuming.

“ It is unfortunate that this incident is happening when a new pastor is resuming that Sunday” Ibanga said

The wife of the church elders , Mrs Iniobong , who spoke with our correspondent on the phone , said her husband left for church that early to attend to his duties and left her and the children at home to join him later for the Sunday service .

She said she was about leaving the house to join her husband when she heard people screaming and rushing to report the incident to her .

Iniobong stated , “ When I heard that my husband had been shot , I summoned the courage and rushed to the church to carry his corpse for burial . But I met policemen helping me to carry him to hospital for treatment .

“ My husband is on oxygen at the emergency ward ; we need money to pay for various tests before surgery can be performed to remove the bullets in his head. ”

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Odiko Macdon , who confirmed the incident , described it as unfortunate , but gave an assurance that the command would do everything possible to arrest the perpetrators of the crime .

He said the state Commissioner of Police, Andrew Amiengheme, had despatched personnel to the scene to restore normalcy in the area

Macdon stated , “ I can confirm the incident in Inen Ikot Esse , OrukAnam Local Government Area. It is unfortunate that such an incident happened on the church premises. When it happened , it was the police who rushed the victim to hospital for treatment .

“ The Commissioner of Police, Andrew Amiengheme, has condemned the dastardly act and has drafted police officers to the area to restore normalcy . ”

Pay our gratuities, retired judges tell Bello

Retired judges in Kogi State have appealed to Governor Yahaya Bello to pay the gratuities of both living and dead judges .

The immediate past Grand Kadi , Sharia Court of Appeal, Kogi State , Hon . Kadi Zakariya Muhammad ( retd . ) , made the call on Tuesday at a valedictory court session held at the state High Court , Lokoja , in honour of the deceased and retired judicial officers in the state .

Muhammad noted that the payment would help to alleviate their suffering , including those of their families .

“ His Excellency should use his magnanimity to pay our gratuities . This would go a long way to reduce the hardship faced by retired judges and those that left their families behind after succumbing to death , ” he lamented .

Muhammad was the Grand Kadi , Sharia Court of Appeal, Kogi State , between 2012 and 2018 .

Also speaking, a former Judge , Customary Court of Appeal, Hon . Justice Elias Adem Egwu ( retd . ) , asked the judiciary to work on the jurisdiction of the customary court of appeal .

Abiodun pledges to clear workers’ outstanding entitlements

Ogun State Governor , Dapo Abiodun , says he will pay all outstanding entitlements of workers in the state .

Abiodun made the pledge on Tuesday , at the swearing- in of new permanent secretaries, principals general and headteachers general , at the Governor ’ s office , Oke - Mosan , Abeokuta .

The governor described the workers and pensioners as co - builders , saying they had contributed their quota to the advancement of the state and deserved to be taken care of.

He said , “ Our administration will not deny you of the rewards of your meritorious hard work . You have all worked and contributed your quota to the continued development of our dear state . ”

“ We have cleared the backlogs of promotions of over 10 , 000 personnel in the education industry, ” the governor noted .

Abiodun added that the state would soon clear the backlogs of workers for 2018 , 2019 and 2020 promotion exercises.

While congratulating the new appointees, Abiodun said their appointments were testament to their past records and a challenge to do more in the service .

Party withdraws suit against Uzodinma

A political party , the Reform and Advancement Party , and a governorship aspirant , Kingdom Okere , on Tuesday withdrew its suit filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja to challenge the emergence of Hope Uzodinma as Governor of Imo State .

The plaintiffs had contended in their suit that the Supreme Court had declared Uzodinma ’ s candidacy on the platform of the All Progressives Congress in the last 2019 governorship election in the state .

They contended that by virtue of a December 20 , 2019 judgment of the Supreme Court, Uche Uwosu , a son - in - law of the immediate - past governor , Rochas Okorocha , was the candidate of the APC in the election and not Uzodinma .

The referenced judgment of the apex court had declared that Nwosu was simultaneously sponsored by both the APC and the Action Alliance in violation of the law .

Despite the December 20 , 2019 judgment , the apex court had on January 14 , 2020 , removed Emeka Ihedioha of the Peoples Democratic Party and declared Uzodinma as the validly elected governor of the state on the platform of APC .

RAP and Okere , in their suit filed on June 25 , 2020 and marked FHC /ABJ/ CS / 677/ 2020 , sought , among others , a declaration that Uzodinma “ did not lawfully participate and was not sponsored by the 4 th defendant ( APC) to contest the 2019 Imo State Governorship election in accordance with Section 177 ( c ) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria ” .

But at the Tuesday’ s proceedings , defence lawyers M . A . Aguma , Idris Yakubu and Hassan Umar ( SAN ) , representing Uzodinma , and the Independent National Electoral Commission , respectively , urged the court not to only dismiss the suit but to also award cost against the plaintiffs .

While Aguma asked for N 8 m cost , Umar asked for N 5 m .

But the judge , Justice Okon Abang , in dismissing the suit awarded N 500, 000 against the plaintiffs and in favour of the two defendants .

Court delivers judgment on suit seeking to stop appointment of 21 judges

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday fixed Wednesday for judgment on a suit opposing the appointment of 21 persons on the list of 33 candidates recommended to the President , Major General Muhammadu Buhari ( retd ) , for appointment as judges of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory .

Justice Okon Abang fixed the date for judgment after hearing parties to the suit which was instituted by a group of lawyers mostly Senior Advocates of Nigeria, the Justice Reform Project Foundation.

Buhari has since picked 11 of the names on the list recommended to him in April by the National Judicial Council and they have been sworn in by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad .

But the plaintiff had in its suit marked FHC/ ABJ/ CS / 602/ 2020 and filed on June 10 , 2020 , described the recommendation of the candidates by the National Judicial Council to the President as improper , adding that the 21 candidates were unsuitable for the appointment .

Joined as defendants in the suit are Buhari , the NJC , the Judicial Service Committee of the FCT , the Attorney - General of the Federation and the 21 nominees 

The Chairman of the Governing Board of the JRP Foundation, Mrs Funke Adekoya ( SAN) , stated in the affidavit filed in support of the group ’ s suit that the recommendation of 21 of the candidates was marred by “ impropriety , anomalies and procedural irregularities” .

At the Tuesday ’ s proceedings , the President’ s lawyer, Suleiman Jibril , urged the court to dismiss the suit through which he stated the plaintiff sought to dictate to the President on whether or not to appoint the candidates.

Other defence lawyers comprising , Mahmud Magaji ( SAN ) , Yunus Usman ( SAN) , and Abdul Ibrahim, urged the court to dismiss the suit.

Ibrahim, who represented the 5 th to 25 th defendants , the candidates whose appointments were being challenged , urged the court to award N 50 m against the plaintiff.

EFCC grills 11 suspected oil thieves in Rivers

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission , Port Harcourt Zonal Office on Tuesday said it has commenced interrogation and investigation of 11 suspected oil bunkerers arrested in Rivers State by the Nigerian Navy .

The suspects , it was gathered were arrested and handed over to the EFCC on Monday, September 28 , 2020 , by the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base in the Bonny area of the state following their suspected involvement in illegal oil bunkering.

It was gathered that the suspects were nabbed on September 22 , 2020 , alongside 320 drums of petroleum product suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil ( Diesel ) .

According to a statement signed the EFCC Head of Media and Publicity in the state , Wilson Uwujaren , the 11 suspects were identified as Indongesit Mfon ; Asuquo James ; Samuel Bassey ; Blessed Bassey; Victor Attah; Edet Okon ; Nse Okon ; Innocent Effiong ; Njok Okon , Uduak Asuquo and Effiong Asuquo .

Rivers pensioners beg Wike over unpaid benefits

Barely three weeks after the organised labour and the Rivers Government reached an agreement , which led to the suspension of a planned labour strike , pensioners again hit the streets , demanding unpaid emoluments .

The pensioners , who resumed their plea to the state government , said despite reaching an agreement to set up a tripartite committee to address their plights , nothing had been done yet .

Speaking on behalf of the senior citizens , the Secretary to the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, Rivers State branch , Joseph Agbo, said the pensioners had yet to know their fate concerning the unpaid benefits .

He said , “ When we had a meeting , it was agreed that the issue of pension , including gratuity , non - payment of death benefits ; all were included , but until this moment , we don’ t know our fate . The committee the government said it will set up ; up till now , they have not done it , nothing has been done .

“ We have written to the Secretary to the State Government , requesting an audience so that we can explain our problems because if you are not a pensioner , you would not know much about the problems we face .

“ But up till now , our letter is just there , they don’ t care . The government has no regard for their fathers; that is why they have no regard for pensioners in this state . ”

Newspapers Headline

News update, Wednesday, 30/09/2020

Buhari orders extension of Itakpe - Warri Railway to link South and North before 2023

**FG declares October 1 public holiday

**P & ID case: UK Court orders release of $200m deposit to Nigeria

**Buhari replaces two ambassadors-designate, seeks Senate confirmation of FCCPC, NPC nominees

**I have no regrets go heading panel on Magu – Salami

**COVID-19:NIMR presents SIMA test kits to Health Ministry

**Sanwo-Olu, Fashola seek Lagosians understanding on proposed 4th Mainland Bridge

**Nigeria develops own kit to test for COVID-19

**2023: Ex-Lagos commissioner, Abdullateef, declares gov ambition

**My mandate divine, Ondo Deputy Gov tells kinsmen

**Nigeria Oil Reform Bill would create upstream regulator

**4th Mainland Bridge: Lagos unveils logo,meets stakeholders

**Ondo election: Many injured, over 20 vehicles, motorcycles destroyed as APC, PDP supporters clash

**Court Dismisses El-Zakzaky’s No-case Submission

**School feeding: Education secretary arraigned over missing fund

**Lagos Assembly Appoints Onafeko As Acting Clerk

**White House pressured CDC on reopening schools, officials say

**Boris Johnson has apologised for getting the government' coronavirus restrictions wrong

** UK has reported a large increase in Covid-19 cases and the highest death tally since 1 July

**Tottenham outshines Chelsea on penalties

Good morning. Happy glorious end of the month of September.

Buhari submits PIB to National Assembly, scraps NNPC, PPPRA in new bill

The President , Major General Muhammadu Buhari ( retd . ) , has transmitted the much awaited Petroleum Industry Bill 2020 to the National Assembly and has proposed the creation of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited .

The bill , which was sighted by our correspondent on Sunday , also proposes the scrapping of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency .

The bill states that the NNPC Limited will be incorporated by the Minister of Petroleum , who together with his finance counterparts, will determine NNPC ’ s assets and liabilities that will be inherited by the new firm .

Section 54 ( 1 , 2 and 3 )) reads in part , “ The Minister ( of Petroleum ) and the Minister of Finance shall determine the assets , interests and liabilities of NNPC to be transferred to NNPC Limited or its subsidiaries and upon the identification , the minister shall cause such assets , interests and liabilities to be transferred to NNPC Limited .

“ Assets, interests and liabilities of NNPC not transferred to NNPC Limited or its subsidiary under subsection 1 of this section shall remain the assets , interests and liabilities of NNPC until they become extinguished or transferred to the government .

“ NNPC shall cease to exist after its remaining assets , interests and liabilities other than its interests , assets , and liabilities transferred to NNPC Limited or its subsidiaries under subsection 1 of this section shall have been extinguished or transferred to the government . ”

According to Section 53 of the bill, the minister shall “ within six months from the commencement of this Act , cause to be incorporated under the Companies and Allied Matters Act, a limited liability company , which shall be called Nigerian National Petroleum Company ( NNPC Limited ) .

“ The minister shall be at the incorporation of NNPC Limited , consult with the Minister of Finance to determine the number and nominal value of the shares to be allotted which shall form the initial paid - up share capital of the NNPC Limited and the government shall subscribe and pay cash for the shares .

“ Ownership of all shares in NNPC Limited shall be vested in the government at incorporation and held by the Ministry of Finance incorporated on behalf of the government . ”

The bill also proposes the establishment of an agency known as the Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission which will be responsible for the technical and commercial regulation of upstream petroleum operations .

Section 4 of the bill states in part , “ There is established the Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission ( the commission) which shall be a body corporate with perpetual succession and a common seal .

“ The commission shall have the power to acquire , hold and dispose of property , sue and be sued in its own time . The commission shall be responsible for the technical and commercial regulation of upstream petroleum operations . ”

The proposed law also recommends the creation of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority known as ‘ The Authority ’ .

Section 29 of the bill states in part , “ There is established the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority ( the Authority ) which is a body corporate with perpetual succession and a common seal .

“ The Authority shall be responsible for the technical and commercial regulation of midstream and downstream petroleum operations in the petroleum industry. ”

Wike, Amaechi exchange words at Supreme Court justice’s burial

Rivers State Governor , Nyesom Wike, and his predecessor , Rotimi Amaechi , on Saturday engaged in a verbal fight at the burial of a former Justice of the Supreme Court, Adolphus Karibi - Whyte , in the Abonnema, Akuku - Toru Local Government Area of the state .

Amaechi, who is the Minister of Transportation , while speaking at the funeral service , lamented what he termed the rising insecurity and political intimidation in the state , saying the state was back to the time of Ateke Tom , a former militant leader , who is now the traditional head of Okochiri town in Okrika LGA of the state .

“ You have lost your voice . The sage ( the late justice ) has gone under and nobody is speaking. When I was governor , I gave people voices , but they have blocked those voices .

“ Everyone is scared . We are going back to when Ateke held sway . We are going back to the period where we run away from our people . We are back to a period when nobody could speak . But from next year , I will begin to speak , if nobody wants to speak .

“ We are all here because we need to bury a man God has blessed . I have stopped travelling because of bad weather , but I told myself I must be here because of Justice Whyte .

“ If you knew Justice ( Karibi - Whyte ) very well , you will know I was close to him . I was one of the few people he mentored , ” Amaechi stated .

Wike on his part described the late Karibi -Whyte as an epitome of unshakable integrity, civility and dignity , but noted that comments credited to Amaechi were embarrassing .

Responding to Amaechi , Wike who was represented by his Chief of Staff , Chief Emeka Woke , said the minister had lost touch with developments in the state , adding that since the launching of

Operation Sting by his administration , the security situation had improved greatly .

Wike said , “ It is unfortunate for Amaechi to come to Kalabari land and accuse former President Goodluck Jonathan of not developing the area six years after he had left office .

“ I wonder why the former governor will choose to make such embarrassing remarks at the funeral of late Justice Karibi - Whyte , a man he ( Amaechi ) claimed to be his mentor. ”

Oluwo plans to replace us, Iwo kingmakers allege

Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi

Twelve kingmakers in Iwo have accused the Oluwo of Iwo , Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi , of planning to remove and replace them as chiefs , after they demanded his removal in a petition sent to the Osun State Governor , Adegboyega Oyetola .

The kingmakers, in a court process obtained by The PUNCH on Sunday, had subsequently approached an Osun State High Court, sitting in Iwo , in a suit numbered HIW /M . 18 / 2020 , demanding an order , restraining Oba Akanbi from removing them .

Osa of Iwo , Chief Yekeen Bello , in an affidavit in support of a motion ex parte dated September 25 , he deposed to on behalf of 11 other kingmakers , filed by their counsel , John Enworo , said after the petition against Oluwo had gone viral on the social media , Oba Akanbi ordered thugs to attack them .

Bello said he and other kingmakers , as well as some notable indigenes a perceived as enemies by Oluwo had gone into hiding to avoid being maimed or killed by thugs .

He also claimed that Oba Akanbi had called on compounds that the complainants represent to supply names of those to be appointed as their replacements .

He added that there was a likelihood of the Oluwo replacing them unless court waded in to stop the move .

Ogun police arrest cultists mourning dead member

The Ogun State Police Command , on Sunday, said it had arrested no fewer than eight members of a dreaded cult known as the Black Axe Confraternity , while mourning one of their members, who died recently .

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state , DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi , said this in a statement on Sunday.

Oyeyemi explained that the suspected cultists allegedly shot a 16 - year - old boy, Onome Iduru , during the procession in honour of their departed member .

According to the PPRO , the arrested suspects are Olatunji Opeyemi , 26 ; Ayuba Oduola , 25 ; Sobowale Abiodun , 28 ; Sobowale Sunday, 25 ; Adelowo Olalekan , 32 ; Kareem Lanre, 21 ; Emmanuel Adebisi , 21 ; and Tobiloba Wasiu , 20 .

Oyeyemi added that after shooting the victim, the cultists also dispossessed him of his phone and unleash terror on the community .

He stated, “ The cultists were arrested following a report lodged at the Ogijo Police Station , where the 16 - year - old boy was rushed to after he was shot in the stomach by the cultists , who were in a procession in honour of their departed member .

“ The cultists , after shooting the victim, dispossessed him of his phone and unleashed terror on the community .

“ Upon the report , the DPO Ogijo Division, CSP Muhammed Suleiman , led his men to the scene , where eight members of the violent group were arrested after serious encounter with the policemen .

“ A banner designed with the group ’ s insignia to announce the death of their member was recovered from them , while the injured victim was taken to the Oladayo Hospital for medical attention . ”

Oyeyemi said the Commissioner of Police, Edward Ajogun , had ordered the transfer of the suspects to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department for further investigation .

The PPRO added , “ The commissioner , therefore , warns that any group or individual, who engage in any activity capable of undermining the peace of the state will be dealt with in a very decisive manner.

“ He appealed to parents to warn their children not to belong to any unlawful society as the results may be catastrophic. ” , ,

Three Lagos cops returning from Edo election die in crash

One of deceased policemen

Three policemen have lost their lives in a crash that occurred on the Benin - Ore Expressway in Ondo State while returning from a national assignment in Edo State .

PUNCH Metro gathered that the policemen were on their way home following the conclusion of the governorship election in Edo State when the vehicle conveying them and their colleagues to Lagos State was involved in an accident in Ore , Ondo State .

While their colleagues survived , with some sustaining varying degrees of injury, the corpses of the three policemen were recovered from the scene of the accident .

The corpses were said to have been deposited in the Ore General Hospital’ s mortuary .

It was learnt that the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu , on Sunday, September 13 , 2020 , deployed 1 , 000 policemen to complement the personnel deployed in Edo State by the Inspector - General of Police , Mohammed Adamu .

A policeman, who was in the vehicle and spoke on condition of anonymity , said he and his colleagues spent a week in Edo State for the election and had completed their assignment and were on their way back to their stations in Lagos when the accident , which claimed the lives of the officers , occurred last Sunday.

He said , “ An accident claimed three policemen while on our way back from election duties in Edo State last Sunday, September 20 , 2020 . One of the victims was Corporal Oluwafemi Adeyanju , an indigene of Ondo State , where the accident occurred . The other two policemen were inspectors . I was also deployed in Edo State for the election and we had completed the national assignment and were coming home when the accident happened in Ore and three of my colleagues were killed .

“ Apart from the three policemen , who died on the spot , others sustained varying degrees of injury. The family of Adeyanju has gone to claim his remains and buried him in his home town of Akure ; we don’ t know about the rest of the victims . When we were departing for Edo State , more than 80 buses parked outside the gate of the police command ’ s headquarters in Ikeja and conveyed us to Edo State . ”

Another policeman, who also spoke on condition of anonymity , told PUNCH Metro

that the government abandoned them after completing their assignment in Edo State , adding that all the policemen deployed in the state for the election had to find their way back home by themselves.

He said , “ We left the command headquarters around 2 pm on Sunday, September 13 , 2020 , and spent a week before the election on Saturday, September 19 , 2020 , and we returned on Sunday. It was the Federal Government that was responsible for our transportation to Edo State , but we were abandoned after the completion of the assignment and had to return back to base by ourselves .

“ I paid my transport fare back home , because I couldn ’ t remain in Edo State and I thank God that I travelled for the assignment and returned home safely . It was not a small journey; out of the 1 , 000 policemen deployed in Edo State , only three could not make it back home and some others got injured . The police authorities should find a way to honour their sacrifice while serving the nation . ”

Adeyanju, popularly known as Two Sure , was said to be 35 - year - old and was reportedly survived by his wife , children , sisters and aged father .

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi , said he would get back our correspondent but had yet to do so as of the time of filing this report despite repeated calls and a text message sent to his mobile telephone line .

Stripped workers: I’m ready to honour police invitation, says ex-minister

A former Minister of State for Education , Chief Kenneth Gbagi , has restated his resolve to honour police invitation over the alleged dehumanisation of four employees of his Signatious Hotel , Warri , Delta State .

The female hotel workers were allegedly stripped naked, photographed , arrested and arraigned before a Delta State Magistrates ’ Court sitting in Effurun , Uvwie Local Government Area of the state over the alleged disappearance of money belonging to the hotel .

Gbagi told our correspondent on the phone on Sunday , “ Any responsible person should be able to honour police invitation; anybody who does not honour police invitation is a criminal .

“ The police will soon know who is sponsoring the whole incident . ”

According to him , the police have yet to serve him with any formal invitation to enable him state his own side .

“ There ’ s no invitation to me from the police. I will honour the police invitation if I’ m invited. The police have invited people , who are higher than me, even Presidents. Who am I? I will honour the police invitation, ” he stated .

The social media was awash with reports that the Inspector - General of Police, Mohammed Adamu , had on Friday issued a warrant for the arrest of Gbagi over his alleged involvement in the incident , after police personnel raided the hotel and arrested two staff members.

Gbagi , who is gunning for the governorship of the state in the next political dispensation, while addressing a press conference in his Oginibo country home in the Ughelli South Local Government Area on Saturday, claimed that he was busy attending to guests at the funeral of his elder sister , Mrs Doris Emareyor , and debunked the claim of his arrest by the police from Abuja.

He denied any involvement in the alleged stripping of the workers at his hotel , insisting that the whole episode was politically motivated by those he claimed were out to pull him down for parochial interests .

Gbagi also asserted that none of his children had a hand in the alleged act , which has been roundly condemned by members of the public , especially the human rights community .

We’ll pursue expansion policies to fight recession – CBN

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Godwin Emefiele , has said the bank will pursue expansionary monetary policies to fight recession because the fiscal policy was already constrained .

Emefiele said this was necessary to curb the rising inflation and address recession in the economy .

He said this was part of the resolutions of the Monetary Policy Committee meeting held last week .

He said , “ The committee was therefore of the view that to abate the pressure , it had no choice but to pursue an expansionary monetary policy using development finance policy tools , targeted at raising output and aggregate supply to moderate the rate of inflation.

“ At present , fiscal policy is constrained and so cannot , on its own , lift the economy out of contraction or recession , given the paucity of funds arising from weak revenue base , current low crude oil prices , lack of fiscal buffers and high burden of debt services .

“ Therefore , monetary policy must continue to provide massive support through its development finance activities to achieve growth in the Nigerian economy . ”

He said the MPC was confronted by policy dilemma .

He said though the MPC felt the primacy of its price and monetary stability mandate , it nevertheless was confronted with what policy direction to focus on , given the contraction in output growth during the second quarter of 2020 .

According to Emefiele , the Q2 contraction may lead to a recession , if the third quarter of 2020 output growth numbers further show a contraction.

“ It is , therefore , of the view that , if a recession occurs in Q3 , the committee would be confronted with proposing policy options in a period of stagflation , ” he said .

The CBN governor said this was because with the recent removal of subsidy on fuel price , the increase in energy prices , and the adjustment of the exchange rate , inflationary pressure would no doubt persist unless MPC considers options that would deal with the pressure aggressively.

He said this was the reason the MPC would continue to play a dominant role in the achievement of the goals of the Economic Sustainability Programme through its interventionist role to navigate the country towards a direction that would boost output growth and moderate the level of inflation.

Emefiele said given that the currency adjustment was a causal factor in determining the price of petroleum products and energy prices , the MPC believed that the CBN management must take bold actions to stabilise the exchange rate .

He said the CBN was further enjoined by the MPC to continue to provide funding to sectors that would resolve the supply constraints in petrol pricing , energy pricing and food availability.

Newspapers Headline

News update, Monday, 28/09/202

**Labour suspends planned strike, electricity tariff hike.

**FG to reopen Seme, Idiroko, other land borders soon –Osinbajo 

**Fuel, Electricity: Nigeria’ll incur wrath of IMF, World Bank if we revert to old prices —FG

**Buhari is doing well with dwindling revenues–Lai Mohammed

**Ondo 2020: Sanwo-Olu hits Akure, meets APC leaders, stakeholders

**PDP to Akeredolu: Explain how you spent over N700m COVID-19 fund

**Makinde to Adelabu: Congrats @ 50, but it’s time to imbibe politics without bitterness

**Nigeria @ 60: Sanwo-Olu urges citizens to rededicate to nation’s unity

**Nigeria @ 60: We’ve lots to celebrate –Lalong

**Nigeria, Bayelsa Anniversary: Injustice hinders development- Diri

**COVID-19 protocols violators to pay N100m fine in Rivers

**Governors Forum describes attack on Zulum’s convoy as distraction

**PDP condemns attack on Zulum

**Focus on creating more friendly business environment, Iyayi tells Obaseki

**Democracy 'll take Nigeria to desired destination — Makinde

**Plateau denies receiving $350 million loan from AfDB

**Lagos sensitises Salon Managers, Hairdressers, Barbers on safety, hygiene

**Okowa to Nigerians: Support PDP back to power in 2023 for good governance, infrastructures

**Biden accuses Trump of using Supreme Court to ‘eliminate’ Obamacare

**Protests in Madrid before partial lockdown widened

**Leicester humiliate Man City in 7-goal thriller

**Bayern Munich suffer 4-1 loss to end long unbeaten run

Good morning. Wishing you a nice, blessed and glorious week.

American Airlines to get $5.5bn loan from US Treasury

American Airlines has agreed to a $ 5 . 5 billion loan from the US Treasury as it aims to ride out the downturn caused by the coronavirus , the carrier announced Friday .

The airline , which has said it could lay off as many as 19 , 000 employees next month without another relief package from Congress , said the financing will “ help us shore up our longer - term liquidity until demand returns , ” according to a message to employees .

The loan , authorized as part of the massive CARES Act federal relief package passed this spring , adds to American ’ s mounting debt level , which is higher than that of other leading US carriers .

The Treasury Department told the carrier that the loan could be boosted to as much as $ 7 . 5 billion , “ although such amount is subject to final approval by the Treasury , ” American said in a securities filing .

The CARES Act also provided $ 25 billion in Payroll Support Program ( PSP ) funds for US carriers, including $ 5 . 8 billion to American .

US airlines that took PSP funds committed to not undertaking any involuntary job cuts through the end of September . American has said it could lay off 19 , 000 workers starting in October if there is not a new relief package.

Airline CEOs visited the White House on September 17 to lobby for such legislation , but talks in Congress have stalled amid intensifying partisanship ahead of the November presidential election .

Togo prime minister Klassou resigns

Togo ’ s prime minister and his government have resigned , the West African nation ’ s presidency said late Friday .

President Faure Gnassingbe congratulated prime minister Komi Selom Klassou and his team for their “ economic , political and social efforts and the encouraging results despite the health crisis around the world ” , a statement on the presidency ’ s official website said .

Togo has been due for a political reshuffle since Gnassingbe was reelected in February for a fourth term in office , but changes were delayed by the coronavirus pandemic .

The president ’ s election win, which came after a constitutional change allowing him to run, extended more than a half - century of dynastic rule over the former French colony by the Gnassingbe family .

The victory was disputed by the main opposition challenger , who has faced official harassment in the wake of the vote.

The president has led the country of eight million people since taking over in 2005 following the death of his father Gnassingbe Eyadema , who ruled for 38 years .

Klassou has served as prime minister since 2015 .

Togo ’ s economy has been hit by the pandemic as the authorities have imposed restrictions to limit the spread of the virus .

The country has recorded 1 , 722 infections and 44 Covid - 19 deaths .

AFP

Health centres: Governors reject FG’s deductions from LG accounts

The Nigeria Governors Forum have rejected the decision of the federal government to withdraw local government funds to build health centres across the 774 local government areas .

They also demanded a halt to disbursements of already deducted funds to benefiting contractors while questioning the legality and legitimacy of the federal government ’ s decision on the issue .

This was contained in a communique issued at the end of the 18 th Teleconference ( Emergency meeting ) of the forum held on Thursday .

The communique which was signed by the Chairman of the NGF, Governor Kayode Fayemi , was issued in Abuja, on Friday .

According to the document, the emergency meeting was convened to deliberate on two key issues namely : ALGON Vs FAAC: deduction of LGC statutory allocation for the construction of primary healthcare centers in each of the 774 LGAs; and the NLC & TUC call for a national strike action over the recent increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit and increase in Electricity Tariff.

Tambuwal said “ Governors expressed serious concerns over the deductions from the Federation Allocation of the 774 local governments of the country to construct and equip healthcare centres in each local government area on behalf of the Association of Local Government Areas of Nigeria.

“ The Forum rejected the legality and the legitimacy of the contract including all financing arrangements . ”

The governors also resolved to : “ Call on the Minister for Finance and the Accountant General of the Federation not to disburse to receiving entities monies already deducted for the construction of primary healthcare centers in each of the 774 LGAs , and that further deductions should be halted forthwith .

“ Constitute a Committee comprising the Governors of Ekiti ( Chairman ) , Ebonyi , Delta , Gombe , Plateau , and Kano States to represent State and local governments on the matter . ”

The committee was also saddled with the responsibility of approaching Mr . President, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation , the National Judicial Council and the Minister of Finance , Budget and National Planning on the issue .

On the proposed industrial action by labour, the governors appealed to the NLC and the TUC to exercise restraint noting that the Nigerian economy which took a hit from the COVID - 19 pandemic could ill afford another shut down .

Members of the NGF suggested the provision of palliatives to cushion the effect of the subsidy removal while pledging to use the period of the reprieve given by the judgement of the Industrial Court halting the proposed nationwide strike to intervene .

Father weeps as autopsy revealed Rivers artiste died of gunshot complications

The Rivers State Police Command said a 20 - year - old up - and - coming artiste , Daniel Ikeaguchi ( aka Sleek) , died of gunshot complications following an autopsy conducted on his corpse .

A consultant pathologist for the state police command , Musa Stevens , told journalists that the autopsy was conducted at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.

He said a missile object consistent with a metallic bullet was found in the deceased ’ s body .

Stevens further said he saw a penetrating wound on the back of the late artiste , noting that he ( Ikeaguchi ) died of complications from the injuries he sustained .

Stevens added , “ The body before me that was examined showed a single penetrating wound from the back . I recovered a missile object consistent with a metallic bullet . From my examination , he ( Ikeaguchi ) died of complications from the injury. ”

Ikeaguchi was allegedly shot by Special Anti - Robbery Squad operatives of the Rivers command in the Elelenwo area of Port Harcourt , the state capital , last Saturday.

The incident has since sparked protests , especially by youths and civil society organisations , demanding justice for the slain musician .

Meanwhile , father of the late musician , Mr Dominic Ikeaguchi , who broke down in tears after seeing the lifeless body of his son, has also demanded justice , saying he was heartbroken .

“ Somebody just wasted my son. There was no war; there was no fight; there was no riot . The boy wasn ’ t involved in any fracas or robbery .

“ They murdered him ; they wasted him . Oh God, avenge his blood . The Lord will surely do it for me. My heart is broken . I need justice , ” the visibly broken man said .

Counsel for the Ikeaguchi ’ s family , Chinedu Orji, said the matter would be charged to court , noting that the family insisted on conducting an autopsy to serve as evidence in court .

“ Even if we are sure that it was a gunshot that killed him , we still need to get the autopsy so that it can be on paper because this matter will definitely go to court . It ( autopsy report ) will be a piece of evidence in court , ” he said .

Meanwhile , the policeman, who allegedly shot Ikeaguchi , Sergeant Isaiah Ben, has since been arrested and detained at the State Criminal and Investigation and Intelligence Department .

Newspapers Headline

News update, Saturday, 26/09/2020

**Fuel Price/Electricity Tariff Hike: Judicial workers declare 2-wk strike

**Buhari renews appointment of key petroleum exco

 

**Don’t shutdown economy, NATBO urges NLC,TUC

**APC faction suspends Fayemi over alleged anti-party activities

** Fayemi, other purported ‘Suspensions’ a nullity – APC

**APC nullifies suspension of Fayemi, Ojudu, others

**My purported suspension a big joke - Fayemi

**Ohanaeze condemns IPOB sit-at-home call

**Sanwo-Olu flags off construction of 377 roads, power projects across wards

**Military airstrikes hit terrorists’ targets, kill scores in Lake Chad, Sambisa forest

**We’ll empower youths in Lagos East -Abiru

**Police parade 17 teachers, supervisors, Principal for WAEC exam malpractice

**Bauchi schools reopen October 12

**Pro-Yoruba group calls on FG to move against secessionists

**Abiodun releases grants for projects in 20 LGs in Ogun

**Ondo 2020: ‘Ondo people will resist Wike’s attempt to play godfather’

**Zazzau: Forum insist on due process in new Emir selection

**IBEDC justifies electricity tariff increase

**Mali: Bah Ndaw sworn in as civilian leader

**18-year-old among 33 new deaths in UK

**Black Friday: Plane crash kills 20 in Ukraine

**NFF picks Danjuma, others to head national teams coaching crew

**Arsenal can face Liverpool with confidence, says Arteta

**Messi hits Barcelona over Suarez exit

**Super Eagles to now face Algeria and Tunisia in October friendlies as Cote d'Ivoire opt out

Good morning. Wishing you a lovely weekend.

Bauchi rape law’ll be amended to include castration – Gov

THE Bauchi State Governor , Bala Mohammed , has lamented the rising cases of gender - based violence , especially rape in the state , promising that the Violence Against Persons Prohibition bill he recently signed into law will be taken to the State Assembly for amendment to include castration of rapists .

Mohammed said this when he received the Minister of Women Affairs and Child Development , Dame Paulen Tallen , who paid him an advocacy visit at the Government House , Bauchi on Thursday .

The governor said that the VAPP law will be taken back to the State House of Assembly to ensure that areas of conflicts were amended , pointing out that “ it will be done to suite our tradition and our societal expectations , because this bill came from there . We have already discussed with the chairperson of the National Council of Women Societies and my wife . ”

He added , “ The VAPP law has been signed and there are some impurities there and implementation is going to be very , very hard. I assure you that we will start the implementation.

“ Areas where we find out that the punishments are not adequate the way Kaduna did, we will amend it to include those aspects so that castration will also be part of our own ( VAPP law ) .

“ Honestly , I think we better destroy the instrument of rape by going for castration because even when I pardon somebody , I discovered that he was a serial rapist . ”

Mohammed said on the issue of Child Rights Act, there are some provisions that are against some traditional perception , especially the issues of early marriage and the rest .

174,574 apply for COVID-19 N75bn MSME survival fund

Within 48 hours a total of 174, 574 persons successfully registered for the N 75 bn National MSME Survival Fund and the Guaranteed Off- take Stimulus schemes under the Nigeria Economic Sustainability Plan, the Federal Government announced on Thursday .

Registration for the MSME Survival Funds commenced at 11 pm on Monday .

The schemes were introduced by the Federal Government to support individuals and businesses negatively affected by the COVID - 19 pandemic .

Minister of State for Industry , Trade and Investment , Mariam Katagum , told journalists in Abuja that “ as at 8 . 30 am this ( Thursday ) morning , total successful registrations stood at 174, 574. ”

She added , “ The following states have the highest applications as follows , Kano, 19 , 895; Kaduna , 13 , 575 ; Lagos , 13 , 640; Katsina: 8 , 383; Federal Capital Territory , 8 , 085 . ”

She stated that within the first 24 hours of opening the registration portal , approximately 138, 000 individuals logged on, created profiles and completed the first stage of registration .

Katagum said Kano, Kaduna and Lagos emerged the lead states .

According to her , all successful applicants received SMS and email verification with a list of requirements for the second stage of application which would commence on October 1 , 2020 .

“ Applicants will be required to upload details supporting their applications which will be verified and if successful , approved for disbursements , ” the minister stated .

On states that recorded the highest number of applications in the first 24 hours of registration , the minister said Kano recorded 16 , 880: Kaduna , 11 , 438; Lagos , 10 , 530; Katsina, 7 , 354; and Bauchi , 6 , 622.

Katagum said registration for other tracks would start next with hospitality industry coming on September 25 , 2020 by 10 am ; payroll support , September 28 , 2020 , 10 am ; while artisan/ transport grants begins on October 1 , 2020 .

174,574 apply for COVID-19 N75bn MSME survival fund

Within 48 hours a total of 174, 574 persons successfully registered for the N 75 bn National MSME Survival Fund and the Guaranteed Off- take Stimulus schemes under the Nigeria Economic Sustainability Plan, the Federal Government announced on Thursday .

Registration for the MSME Survival Funds commenced at 11 pm on Monday .

The schemes were introduced by the Federal Government to support individuals and businesses negatively affected by the COVID - 19 pandemic .

Minister of State for Industry , Trade and Investment , Mariam Katagum , told journalists in Abuja that “ as at 8 . 30 am this ( Thursday ) morning , total successful registrations stood at 174, 574. ”

She added , “ The following states have the highest applications as follows , Kano, 19 , 895; Kaduna , 13 , 575 ; Lagos , 13 , 640; Katsina: 8 , 383; Federal Capital Territory , 8 , 085 . ”

She stated that within the first 24 hours of opening the registration portal , approximately 138, 000 individuals logged on, created profiles and completed the first stage of registration .

Katagum said Kano, Kaduna and Lagos emerged the lead states .

According to her , all successful applicants received SMS and email verification with a list of requirements for the second stage of application which would commence on October 1 , 2020 .

“ Applicants will be required to upload details supporting their applications which will be verified and if successful , approved for disbursements , ” the minister stated .

On states that recorded the highest number of applications in the first 24 hours of registration , the minister said Kano recorded 16 , 880: Kaduna , 11 , 438; Lagos , 10 , 530; Katsina, 7 , 354; and Bauchi , 6 , 622.

Katagum said registration for other tracks would start next with hospitality industry coming on September 25 , 2020 by 10 am ; payroll support , September 28 , 2020 , 10 am ; while artisan/ transport grants begins on October 1 , 2020 .

Uzodinma bans Imo traffic agents

The Imo State Governor , Hope Uzodinma , has banned all traffic agents and task forces in the state .

The state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba , confirmed this to our correspondent at the Government House in Owerri , on Thursday .

Our correspondent gathered that the task force team , which operates from Heroes’ Square , still ask people to pay a fine as much as N 27 , 000 when arrested .

But the information commissioner , who described the task force as “ illegal ” , said the state government would sanction its personnel .

Emelumba said , “ The governor has since banned all traffic agents and task forces in line with the desire of the people . ”

French Open: Nadal eyes Federer’s record

The undisputed king of clay , Rafael Nadal is one title away from matching Roger Federer ’ s all - time Grand Slam record , but 15 years on from the Spaniard ’ s first French Open triumph he appears more vulnerable than ever at his beloved Roland Garros .

Nadal owns an astounding 93 - 2 record in Paris dating back to his debut in 2005 , when , still a teenager , he became the first player to win the French Open on his first attempt since Mats Wilander in 1982 .

Fast - forward to the present day , and his 19 Grand Slam crowns — a record 12 of which have come at Roland Garros — coupled with Federer ’ s absence after knee surgery leave him on the brink of history at a venue where he has won each of the past three years .

Yet a multitude of factors , mostly beyond his control , have conspired against Nadal and offered hope to his chief rivals — namely Novak Djokovic and recent US Open winner Dominic Thiem .

Boris Becker , a former coach of world number one Djokovic, suggested the rescheduled tournament — pushed back from its traditional spring billing due to the coronavirus pandemic — will be tougher than usual for Nadal .

The heavier conditions could suit hardcourt players more and negate some of Nadal’ s lethal topspin , possibly aiding Thiem who has finished runner - up in Paris twice in succession .

“ This year is going to be particularly hard for Rafael Nadal. He’ s my number one favourite but the difference between him and the other players is less big this year than usual, ” said Becker , a six - time Grand Slam champion.

“ He ’ s not in his regular rhythm . He needs match practice . Normally , he was coming to Roland Garros having often played four big clay tournaments, which he had generally won . ”

Nadal will head into the French Open without a clay title under his belt for the first time , having lost in straight sets to Diego Schwartzman in the quarter - finals at Rome — his first tournament in six months.

“ It ’ s not a moment for excuses . I’ ve spent a long time without competing , I played two good matches , ” Nadal, who skipped the US Open citing Covid - 19 concerns , said following the defeat .

“ It ’ s a completely special and unpredictable year , ” he added . “ I did my job here . I did a couple things well and other things bad . At least I played three matches. ”

AFP

Ajayi snubs Ondo debate as Akeredolu, Jegede lock horns

As the nation ’ s political attention shifts to Ondo State for the October 10 governorship election , some candidates in the poll participated in a debate on Thursday evening to share their vision and sell their objectives to the people of the state .

According to the Independent National Electoral Commission , 17 political parties fielded candidates for the election but analysts have opined that the poll would be a three - horse race amongst the All Progressives Congress , the Peoples Democratic Party and the Zenith Labour Party .

Five candidates were invited to the debate organised by BBC News Yoruba and its partners but while Dotun Ojon of the Young Progressive Party , Adekunle Adeleye of the African Action Congress ; PDP ’ s Eyitayo Jegede and APC’ s Rotimi Akeredolu attended the virtual debate , the candidate of the Zenith Labour Party , Agboola Ajayi , was absent at the over two - hour debate .

Ajayi was elected on APC’ s platform in 2016 as Akeredolu ’ s running mate but the deputy governor defected to PDP earlier in the year when he fell apart with his principal . Ajayi later defected to the ZLP after he lost out at the PDP governorship primary .

Security, education , health and economy top agenda at the debate.

The YPP candidate criticised the Ondo State Security Network Agency codenamed Operation Amotekun and the law that created it . He argued that “ those who started it don’ t really understand it . ”

Ojon said if elected, he “ will create an arm within Amotekun Corps to address the serial kidnapping in the state . The section won ’ t use weapons but deploy technology to identify security threats per time and transfer the intelligence to the Nigeria Police Force . ”

Before now , Akeredolu had inaugurated the Amotekun Corps to tackle kidnapping , banditry , herdsmen attack , amongst other security challenges in the state .

Responding , the governor said the YPP candidate was ignorant of the law that created the Amotekun Corps , noting that intelligence gathering through the use of technology is an integral part of the operations of the security network.

Also , the PDP candidate said if elected, he will build police stations and army barracks in the localities notorious for crime in the state .

The former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in the state said he will activate the state Anti - Kidnapping Law that stipulates death penalty for murderers and life imprisonment for kidnappers .

Jegede , who was also the PDP candidate in 2016 , pledged to reduce the tuition paid by students of the Adekunle Ajasin University , Akungba Akoko .

Reacting, Akeredolu said his government had already reduced the tuition , noting that students of the varsity pay the same tuition as their counterparts at the Lagos State University .

Akeredolu explained , “ Ondo State can ’ t be different from other states in the country. At the beginning of my tenure , the university ’ s governing council increased the tuition and the students ’ representatives approached me.

“ I told them to go to all universities in the South- West and let me know wherever they pay lesser tuition than ours . They came back and sad the Lagos State University tuition was lesser and I told the governing council to put it at that . ”

On economy , Akeredolu promised to bring the proposed Ondo deep seaport to life if re- elected . He said the project would provide more jobs for the youths of the state , adding that his administration would consolidate on all its programme of action if re - elected.

The four candidates also pledged not to abandon any project started by the present government if elected.

Meanwhile , in a bid to ensure a violence -free election , INEC has said candidates of the 17 political parties contesting the governorship election would sign a peace accord Tuesday next week .

IGP ordered me to leave Edo on eve of election -Wike

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State says the Inspector - General of Police, Mohammed Adamu , called him on the telephone on the eve of the Edo State governorship election last week and ordered him to leave the state immediately .

Wike said this on Channels Television ’ s Sunrise Daily programme on Friday .

The governor , who was the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party ’ s governorship campaign , said he asked the IGP why Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State and his Imo State counterpart , Hope Uzodinma , who are members of the All Progressives Congress , were allowed to remain in Edo State but there was no response from the police boss .

Wike said the IGP was crossed with him because he challenged the illegal deduction of the Rivers State financial allocation for the police fund .

The governor said , “ The IG never saw me outside . I was inside my room and I got a call from the IG that I must leave Edo State . What surprised me was why should I leave Edo State ? I am the chairman of the campaign council and chairman does not mean that after campaign , you leave . No , you must monitor what is going on so that at the end of the day , you would be able to write your report .

“ I discovered that the IG ’ s own had nothing to do with the election because I remembered that some time ago my commissioner returned to me from a FAAC meeting and said there were deductions made to the Police Trust Fund .

“ I asked who approved it because the police are under the exclusive list and not the concurrent list . I told my attorney -general to challenge it . This angered the IG . ”

He further stated that the police boss was angry with him for obstructing the arrest of a former acting Managing Director of the Niger Dela Development Commission , Joi Nunieh.

Wike said he never regretted his action because the police were wrong to have attempted to arrest her on the same day she was supposed to give evidence at the National Assembly.

“ When our sister , Joi Nunieh , was to be abducted , IG was not happy about my intervention. He called me and I asked him how could you allow a woman to be taken away at 4 am knowing the security situation in the country today . Why didn ’ t you invite her ?” he asked.

Navy inaugurates hydrological survey ship in France

Chief of Naval Staff, Ibok-Ete Ibas

The Nigerian Navy , on Thursday , inaugurated the first purpose- built hydrological survey vessel at Les Sables d ’ Olonne , France.

The vessel is scheduled to join the NN fleet in 2021 .

Speaking at the ceremony at the OCEA shipyard , the Chief of Naval Staff , Vice Admiral Ibok - Ete Ibas , represented by Rear Admiral Abraham Adaji, said the new vessel was conceived as a replacement for the Nigerian Navy survey vessel , NNS LANA , which was decommissioned about 10 years ago.

According to a statement by the NN spokesman, Commodore Suleman Dahun , the CNS said the ceremony marked a giant stride in the efforts towards actualising the dreams of not only restoring but enhancing the Nigerian Navy ’ s survey capability .

He also emphasized that surveying and charting play a crucial role in ensuring safe navigation as well as delivery of maritime security , especially in the Gulf of Guinea .

The CNS thanked the President , Major General Muhammadu Buhari ( retd . ) , for his “ unflinching support to the recapitalisation of the Nigerian Navy fleet . "

Earlier, Mr Fabrice Weinbach, who represented the Chief Executive Officer of OCEA , Mr Roland Joassard, said the LANA was the result of the excellent cooperation between the Nigerian Navy and the OCEA teams .

He remarked that the new ship demonstrated the willingness of Nigeria to improve the knowledge of the country’ s waters with a sea - proven platform and up -to - date equipment .

Nigeria’ s Ambassador to France, Mrs Modupe Irele , described the ceremony as a manifestation of the cordial relations between both countries .

Bayelsa by-election: I’m not scared, says Ebebi

Peremobowei Ebebi

The candidate of the All Progressives Congress for the Bayelsa West Senatorial District by- election , Mr Peremobowei Ebebi, says he is not afraid of facing his opponents .

He said this in an interview with journalists in Yenagoa on Thursday .

Ebebi ’ s major contender is former governor Seriake Dickson of the Peoples Democratic Party .

The APC candidate said he was working hard with his supporters to win the poll .

Ebebi said , “ Victory belongs to God . It is God that knows what will happen on the 31 st of October . I’ m working ; some of my people are working towards victory . We are praying to God to give us victory.

“ I’ m not scared at all . You can look at my face; I’ m not scared at all . You can check out my history; I’ m not scared of any human being . I have fought some political battles in this state . So, whoever is doing anything should know that I’ m not scared of anybody . I’ m a product of God; I’ m a child of God . ”

Lagos court jails Internet fraudster for six months

The Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja , on Monday, sentenced one Imole Oluwasegun to six months ’ imprisonment for being involved in an Internet scam .

It was gathered that Oluwasegun was arrested following intelligence received by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission about the activities of some young boys in the Ikorodu area of the state , who were living flamboyantly without any known means of livelihood

According to the anti - graft agency , investigation revealed that Oluwasegun was involved in a love scam and used fake identities to defraud unsuspecting members of the public .

Oluwasegun was arraigned before Justice Oluwatoyin Dada on three counts bordering on possession of fraudulent documents containing false pretences , use of fake documents and impersonation .

He pleaded guilty to the charges .

Following the plea of the defendant , the prosecution counsel , Joy Amahian and Okezie Chineye , reviewed the facts of the matter and urged the court to convict him accordingly .

Delivering her judgment , Justice Dada sentenced Oluwasegun to six months’ imprisonment with an option of N 250, 000 fine .

96 suspects arrested in Benue for cultism, robbery

The police in Benue State have arrested 96 suspect criminals within Makurdi, the state capital , for various offences .

According to a statement by the command ’ s Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene , the suspects were arrested for housebreaking and theft , robbery and cult activities around the Welfare Quarter , Yarkiyo , Wadata, Ankpa Quarter , NUJ and North- Bank , all in the state capital .

Anene , who said that 96 suspects were apprehended between August 24 and September 15 , 2020 , named some of them as Ortee Sesugh, aka Smart ; Kabiru Mohammad, aka Awasco ; Aondover Terfa , aka Stubborn; Tyosenda Kator , aka Total ; Noah Isaac , aka Zico ; Bemdoo Terhide ; Suleiman Hamza , aka Pepper Boy ; Ahmed Ibrahim, aka Transformer ; and Eduh Elaibi , aka Baron .

Others are Aondoaseer Akaa , aka SS ; Kamal Mohammad, aka Eighty ; Terkumbur Tivlumun , aka Andy ; Samuel Nengem, aka Doff , and 83 others , all of different address in Makurdi.

The PPRO said that items recovered from the suspects included two - locally made pistols, one Dane gun , two live cartridges , one canister of 38 mm teargas , one military camouflage cap , three black berets , four red berets , military jungle hat , two pairs of military uniforms ( khaki and ceremonial dress ) , two pairs of military trousers, one I- pad , two desert boots, one animal horn, cutlasses , knives , assorted charms and wraps of herbs suspected to be Indian Hemp.

While stating that the command appreciated relevant information that could lead to the arrest of more suspects , the police spokesperson said investigations were still in progress on the respective cases .