Justice E. Okpe of Federal Capital Territory(vacation) High Court on Friday dismissed a fundamental human rights suit filed by a staff of the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN), Mrs Sa’adatu Yaro, against the Department of State Services(DSS) which sought an order releasing her six (6) exotic cars seized by the secret police on July 12 as well as bail from continued detention.

The cars in question are Mercedes G Wagon, Land Cruiser Prado, and four saloon cars.

THE WHISTLER reports that Yaro is the second defendant in another suit instituted against the suspended governor of the CBN, Godwin Emefiele, before Justice Hamza Muazu by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation which borders on alleged N6.9 billion procurement fraud.

In the motion on notice (FCT/HC/CV/6918/23) obtained by THE WHISTLER and filed by Yaro’s lawyer, J.B Daudu SAN, he said that DSS’s detention of his client is illegal because, before the invitation by the secret police, Yaro was a subject of an investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) between November 2022 and May 2023.

He added that from the investigation carried out by the EFCC, nothing implicating or incriminating was found against the Applicant.

“The DSS have been embarking on media trial against the Applicant and her lovely husband making all sorts of unfounded allegations,” he stated.

Daudu further argued that the DSS, not being an anti-graft agency, lacked jurisdiction or statutory powers to inquire into business dealings of the applicant.

He said the continuous detention and torture of the applicant by the DSS since the 12th day of July 2023 violates the applicant’s Right to Dignity of Human Person and Right to Personal Liberty guaranteed by Sections 34 & 35 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Some of the reliefs he sought against the DSS partly states: “A declaration that the seizure of the applicant’s Six (6) exotic cars by agents, officials, servants and/ or privies of the 1st respondent in her house on the 12th day of July 2023 in addition to her unlawful arrest and detention and the unlawful arrest and detention of her Husband, Alhaji Aminu ldris Yaro (spouse), which events took place contemporaneously constitutes an infringement of the Applicant’s Fundamental Human Right guaranteed under Section 43 and 44(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and Article 17 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights to own moveable and immovable properties.

“A Declaration and an Order that the DSS not being the Police Force recognised by the provisions of section 214-(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) to exercise exclusive police powers over all and sundry in Nigeria lacks jurisdiction to arrest and detain the Applicant for any offence outside the purview of the National Security Act of 1986 and lacks powers to arrest, detain and investigate the said Applicant for alleged financial misdemeanours or any other like criminal allegation or even with respect to matters or body of matters which are the subject of a civil contract or commercial transactions.

” An order releasing the applicant on bail, either unconditionally or upon such condition(s) as this Honourable Court may deem fit and reasonable in the circumstances of this action pending his proper arraignment before a court of competent jurisdiction.

“An order directing the unconditional release of the Applicant’s Six (6) luxury (top range) cars which include a Mercedes G Wagon, Land Cruiser Prado and four other saloon cars for amounting to a breach of the Applicant’s Fundamental Right to own moveable and immovable properties.”

But in the DSS’ counter affidavit obtained by THE WHISTLER, Hamza Pandogari deposed before the court that part of the mandate of the secret police is to detect, prevent and investigate Economic Crimes of National Security Dimension, as well as any activities that could sabotage the country’s economic development.

He stated that Yaro was arrested upon reasonable suspicion of committing acts which constitute criminal conspiracy, receiving and concealing gratification, economic sabotage, economic crimes of national security dimension and undermining the security of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He told the court that the applicant was suspected to be carrying out dubious businesses and was working with her husband (Aminu) to “serve as major conduit for the pliffering of public funds by government officials, including the suspended governor of the CBN (Godwin Emefiele).”

The DSS lawyer, I. Awo, contended at the proceedings that credible intelligence showed that the CBN staff through the help of her husband was making phone calls to yet-to-be-identified persons on how to flee the country.

He urged the court not to grant the reliefs sought by the woman and her husband.

In his verdict on Friday, Justice Okpe held that DSS was able to prove that the applicant was lawfully arrested and detained.

He added that fundamental right suits should not be used as a shield against investigation by security agents.

He subsequently dismissed the case in favor of the DSS.

Some Ex-Boko Haram terrorists embarked on a protest in Borno state over non-payment of their allowance.

The former terrorists who are being held at Hajj Camp in Borno after surrendering to the Nigerian government, caused a gridlock after blocking Bulumkutu-Maiduguri highway during the protest on Friday, August 18.

They accused the federal government of withholding the N30k allowance they were promised.

On Friday, human rights advocate, Femi Falana, announced his legal action against the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), challenging what he deems an “illegal” floating of the Naira.

The move may put the CBN’s leadership, particularly the acting CBN governor, Folashodun Adebisi Shonubi, in a precarious legal position.

Falana’s lawsuit takes direct aim at the CBN’s decision to float the naira, a strategy he believes runs afoul of established legal frameworks.

Based on provisions outlined in Section 7 of the CBN Act 2007, the CBN governor or his nominees are accountable for overseeing the management of the apex bank.

Section 11 of the same Act also states that the governor will cease to hold office if he is disqualified by a court of competent jurisdiction, found guilty of not discharging his duties within the confines of the CBN Act, or if he is removal by the president is backed by two-thirds of the Senate, among others.

Section 11(2) states that a CBN Governor, Deputy Governor or Director shall cease to hold office in the Bank if he “(b) is convicted of any criminal offence by a court of competent jurisdiction except for traffic offences or contempt proceedings arising in connection with the execution or intended execution of any power or duty conferred under this Act or the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act ; (c) is guilty of serious misconduct in relation to his duties under this Act ; (d) is disqualified or suspended from practising his profession in Nigeria by order of a competent authority made in respect of him personally; (e) becomes bankrupt; (f) is removed by the President: Provided that the removal of the Governor shall be supported by a two-thirds majority of the Senate praying that he be so removed.”

On Friday, Falana told Channels Television that the floating of the naira is not known to law.

Recall that after the swearing-in of President Bola Tinubu, CBN floated the naira by directing banks to buy forex from any source at any rate and sell at any rate depending on a maximum of N1 bid-ask spread between the buy and sell rate.

But Falana maintained that the directive remains illegal, citing Section 16 of the Central Bank Act which states that “the exchange rate of the Naira shall be determined, from time to time, by a suitable mechanism devised by the Bank for that purpose.”

The senior lawyer was of the view that Section 16 of the CBN Act gives the apex bank the exclusive right to determine exchange rates, not market forces.

“There’s no provision for floating the naira. It’s illegal. You say, ‘The value of the naira will be determined by market forces. That is not there in the law.

“I’ve had to sue the Central Bank of Nigeria at the Federal High Court because Section 16 of the Central Bank Act has imposed a duty on the Central Bank to fix and determine the rate of the naira vis-a-vis other currency,” he said.

But CBN had explained in a previous statement that “These changes are necessary to deepen the foreign exchange market, provide more liquidity and create more transparency in the administration of Diaspora Remittances into Nigeria.”

… Targets Conversion of 55,000 Vehicles

President Bola Tinubu is targeting the conversion of 55,000 petrol-powered vehicles as he approves the establishment of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI).

The initiative also targets over 11,500 new CNG-enabled vehicles through local assembly and manufacturing, a move to ameliorate the impact of the fuel subsidy removal on transportation.

The development was contained in a statement signed by Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the Tinubu on Media & Publicity.

The Presidency said, “This transformative initiative is poised to revolutionize the transportation landscape in the country, targeting over 11,500 new CNG-enabled vehicles and 55,000 CNG conversion kits for existing PMS-dependent vehicles, while simultaneously bolstering in-country manufacturing, local assembly and expansive job creation in line with the presidential directive.

“The landmark initiative, which comprises of a Comprehensive Adoption Strategy, will include the following: Empowering Workshops Programme w/ Nationwide Network of Workshops, Local Assembly and Job Creation as key points of emphasis with an initial focus on mass transit systems and student hubs in order to significantly reduce transit costs for the general populace in the immediate term.”

The development is coming a few weeks after the Nigerian Petroleum Company Ltd sealed a deal with NIPCO Gas Limited to develop Compressed Natural Gas stations across the country.

“In line with the PCNGI’s determination to ensure a seamless integration of CNG utility within the current midstream and downstream energy value chain to support its sustainability, the PCNGI will facilitate the provision of workshops across all geopolitical zones and states with essential kits and comprehensive training for newly employed staff, thus creating new opportunities for technical skill development and employment for Nigerians,” the Presidency said.

According to the plan, the new nationwide network of workshops that would be established through the initiative, would ensure widespread access and demand side utilization of CNG technology and CNG-related expertise.

This would facilitate smoother transitions for vehicle owners at the wider benefit of the Nigerian economy, it said.

Based on the plan, five strategic objectives will be achieved.

They are the development of new stakeholder-operated Intrastate Mass Transit systems built on CNG. Support for states to onboard new CNG buses as part of their Intrastate Mass Transit network (wholesale conversion, retro-fitting and new purchase) and the deployment of CNG buses through existing Private Mass Transit operators, including new financing programmes for operators through an innovative asset finance programme.

The others are to incentivize investors to invest in CNG processing, distribution and utilization by providing incentives for enhanced investment and partnership and deliver training and technology transfer to support the After-Sales Services and maintenance sub-industry to create sustainable jobs.

“President Tinubu’s focus on assembling CNG-enabled vehicles within the country will stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities, and bolster the nation’s automotive manufacturing capabilities.

“The launch of this initiative also underscores this administration’s commitment to fostering a cleaner environment by reducing carbon emissions and promoting energy security through the utilization of domestic natural gas resources,” it added.

Super Falcons' captain Onome Ebi has celebrated the grassroots coach who discovered her, Mr Paul Okwudili Nnakwe A.K.A (PALEPA).

In the video shared on her Instagram account on Friday, she said, “This is my papa, PALE, Today I wan let you know say I see you as my father, you be my papa right from when I small. Na you teach me how to play ball, yes I sabi play ball but na you put everything for my head wey make me be like this today.

“Today I want to appreciate you, I wan make you know say as my papa don die na you be second. Thank you very much for everything."

Reports from some communities across the state revealed that incidents of thief of raw Cassava, Yam and Maize were recorded in recent weeks.

It has been revealed that some residents of Taraba have resorted to stealing farm produce in order to feed their families.

Reports from some communities across the state revealed that incidents of thief of raw Cassava, Yam and Maize were recorded in recent weeks.

A lady, who owned a cassava farm in one of the villages in Ardo-Kola local government area of the state, told Daily Trust that she caught her neighbours harvesting cassava in her farm severally.

The lady farmer, Lami John, told our reporter that the first person she caught in her farm confessed that he stole cassava from her farm not to sell but to feed his family.

“I told him to go and l did not report the matter to our ward head because l know him as an honest person,” she said.

Lami stated further that she recorded more of such cases in her farm and all those she caught were her neighbours and actually stole the cassava to feed their families.

Further findings revealed that theft of Yam and Maize in the farms is now rampant in villages across the state.

Another farmer, Ibrahim Suleiman, told Daily Trust that he caught his neighbours stealing Maize in his farm four times but did not report the matter to the police or to their ward head.

He said he knew that those he caught were never identified with any criminal acts in the village but probably the hard time might be the factor behind their action.

According to him, theft of farm produce is now being carried out during the day time and those caught confessed that poverty and lack of food at home pushed them to steal from the farm.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has declared 20th August of every year as Isese Day in the state.

The Governor gave the approval on Friday.

Recall that traditional religion adherents in the state have in the last few years demanded their own public holiday.

They have asked the state government to declare 20th August as their own public holiday in commemoration of the Isese day.

The governor has now granted the request of the traditional religion adherents by declaring Monday, August 21, 2023 as the maiden public holiday to commemorate the day.

He added that every 20th August would be observed as a public holiday in commemoration of the Isese day in the state.

The governor made the declaration in a statement signed by the Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Professor Olanike Adeyemo.

The governor urged traditional worshippers in the state to use the occasion to pray for the peace, unity and stability of the state in particular and the country in general.

A Senior Advicate of Nigeria and human rights lawyer Femi Falana, has described the floating of the naira by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as illegal.

The CBN had instructed Deposit Money Banks to allow the naira to float freely against international currencies, collapsing all transactions to importer and exporter window. As such, the value of naira against foreign currencies is determined by market forces.

Consequently, the exchange rate hitherto fixed at around N460/$ now hovers around N700-N800/$.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Friday, Falana kicked against the apex bank’s decision to float naira, saying it contradicted the CBN Act.

He said, “There’s no provision for floating the naira. It’s illegal. You say, ‘The value of the naira will be determined by market forces. That is not there in the law.

“I’ve had to sue the Central Bank of Nigeria at the Federal High Court because Section 16 of the Central Bank Act has imposed a duty on the Central Bank to fix and determine the rate of the naira vis-a-vis other currency.”

Falana noted that Section 20(1) of the CBN Act stated that the official legal tender in Nigeria is solely the currency notes issued by the Central Bank, specifically the naira.

He added that Section 20(5) of the Act stipulated that anyone who uses any other currency in Nigeria without the approval of the central bank committed an offence punishable by six months’ imprisonment.

Falana said until government officials took steps to strengthen the naira and make it the only legal tender in Nigeria, the country’s progress would be limited.

The Katsina State Police Command has successfully arrested a suspected rapist and killer responsible for the tragic death of an eight-year-old girl in Kanon-Haki village, within the Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State. The suspect, identified as Jibrin Yusuf, is a 25-year-old male from the same locality as the victim.

According to ASP Sadiq Abubakar, the Police Public Relations Officer, Katsina Command, the suspect is alleged to have brutally murdered the young girl, employing a sharp knife to slaughter her throat, and subsequently disposed of her lifeless body on another farmland. Thereafter, concealed the tragic scene by covering the victim’s remains with leaves.

Aggravating, the situation further, ASP Sadiq revealed that Jibrin Yusuf made off with three bags of fertilizer from the premises.

Recounting the ordeal that led to the arrest of the suspect, the Katsina Police PRO said:

“On August 2, 2023, at about 14:30 hours, Hassan Jibrin, the father of the deceased, engaged the services of the suspect to transfer fertilizer between two of his farms situated on the outskirts of the village. The victim, entrusted with guarding the fertilizer, was left alone as her father attended to laborers on another farm. Taking advantage of the situation, the suspect forcibly abducted the innocent girl to a nearby farmland. There, he reportedly subjected her to a horrifying ordeal, involving rape and ultimately, slaughtering her.”

Sadiq continued, “After committing this heinous act, the suspect callously relocated the victim’s body to yet another farmland. He attempted to the tragic evidence by concealing the body beneath a cover of leaves and also made away with three bags of fertilizer, compounding his grave misdeeds.”

According to the Police PRO, the swift response of diligent detectives led to the apprehension of the suspect who in the course of investigation confessed to his reprehensible actions, noting that the stolen bags of fertilizer were also successfully recovered from the suspect.

Nigeria has approved a total of 180 billion naira ($235 mln) for its 36 states to procure rice and maize to cushion the effects of food shortages across the country and hardship caused by reforms, Borno state governor Babagana Zulum said on Thursday.

President Bola Tinubu has embarked on Nigeria’s boldest reforms in decades, including scrapping a popular but costly petrol subsidy and devaluing the naira, a move he hopes will boost growth.

But the actions have stoked inflation which climbed to an 18-year high in July. Food prices have soared due to widespread insecurity, flooding in farming areas, a weaker currency and higher transport cost, worsening a cost of living crisis in the country.

Nigeria will release its second-quarter growth data on Aug. 25, the first after Tinubu initiated reforms.

Zulum said 5 billion naira will be given to each state as partly a grant and a 2-year loan to buy 100,000 trucks of rice and 40,000 trucks of maize, he said after a National Economic Council (NEC) meeting headed by the vice president in Abuja.

“NEC … expressed serious concerns regarding increasing costs of food items, increasing costs of transportation, amongst others as a result of subsidy removal,” Zulum told reporters.

Tinubu is under pressure from unions to offer relief to households and businesses. Labour unions have criticised his ending of the fuel subsidy without measures to mitigate rising prices.

Last month, Tinubu announced a 500 billion naira package to boost employment and directed the release of more than 200,000 metric tons of grains to families to ease hardship.

Tinubu has said subsidy savings will be used to set up a fund to build infrastructure. The government plans to deploy mass transit buses powered by natural gas and electric vehicles with charging points in Nigeria to reduce transport cost.

[sabcnews]