The Supreme Court has upturned the conviction of Senator Peter Nwaoboshi and his sentencing to seven years imprisonment for offences of fraud and money laundering.

The apex court ordered the immediate release of Nwaoboshi, who represented Delta North in the ninth Senate, from Ikoyi prisons in Lagos, where he is currently being held.

Delivering Judgement, the court also freed the two companies – Golden Touch Construction Project Ltd and Suiming Electrical Ltd – tried with him on a two-count charge brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In a split decision of four-to-one, the Supreme Court set aside the July 1, 2022 judgment of the Court of Appeal, Lagos, which had reversed their discharge and acquittal by a Federal High Court in Lagos.

In a lead judgment by Justice Emmanuel Agim, the apex court held that Nwaobishi and the two companies were unjustly and maliciously prosecuted by the EFCC for committing no offences known to the law, and subjected them to a criminal trial in relation to a civil transaction, needlessly.

The EFCC had accused Nwaoboshi and his companies of illegally acquiring a property named Guinea House on Marine Road, in Apapa, Lagos, for N805 million, the property said to belong to the Delta State Govt.

They had claimed that part of the money paid for the property was transferred by Suiming Electrical Ltd on behalf of Nwaoboshi and Golden Touch Construction Project Ltd, adding the funds are believed to be proceeds of their illicit activities.

The Osun State House of Assembly, has announced the names of Commissioner and Special Adviser nominees as forwarded to the Assembly by the Executive Governor of Osun State, Sen. Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke.

The Speaker of the Osun assembly, Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun read the governor’s letter containing the nominees to members of the House of Assembly at Plenary on Friday, 7th July, 2023.

The Nominees are:

1. Barr. Oladosu Babatunde

2.Prince Bayo Ogungbangbe

3. Mr Sesan Epharaim Oyedele

4. Barr. Kolapo Alimi

5. Mr Soji Ajeigbe

6. Mr Moshood Olalekan Olagunju

7. Hon. George Alabi

8. Hon. Sunday Olufemi Oroniyi

9. Mr. Abiodun Bankole Ojo

10. Dr. Basiru Tokunbo Salami

11. Mr Morufu Ayofe

12. Mr Sola Ogungbile

13. Rev. Bunmi Jenyo

14. Mrs Ayo Awolowo

15. Barr. Wole Jimi Bada

16. Hon. Dipo Eluwole

17. Alh. Rasheed Aderibigbe

18. Prof. Morufu Ademola Adeleke

19. Mr Adeyemo Festus Ademola

20. Mr Olabiyi Anthony Odunlade

21. Barr. Jola Akintola

22. Hon. Mayowa Adejorin

23. Mrs Adenike Folashade Adeleke

24. Mr Tola Faseru

25. Alh. Ganiyu Ayobami Olaoluwa

The Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Olamide Tiamiyu, in a statement, disclosed that state assembly has also set up an Ad-Hoc Committee to conduct preliminary screening of the nominees before they will appear before the House for full screening and confirmation.

Tiamiyu added that the process will be completed in good time.

An All Progressives Congress (APC) group known as the League of Youth Voters for Tinubu and Shettima has cried out to President Bola Tinubu to come to the aid of Nigerians.

The group lamented that the suffering in the country is too much due to high cost of living.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, Ayoola Oyejide, national coordinator of the group, said the rise in the cost of living is unbearable for the ordinary Nigerian.

“Rise in the cost of living is unprecedented and unbearable. The president is expected to revamp our ailing and critically dysfunctional economy,” he said.

“Corruption among public functionaries in Nigeria is endemic. Though the president is strongly opposed to it, we expect him to confront the menace head-on, setting an example of transparency and zero tolerance of self-regard.

The group urged the president to ensure that young people are appointed to his administration, noting that the country is blessed with intelligent youths.

“Nigeria is blessed with a lot of talented and intelligent youths but are barely given the chance or opportunity to exercise these gifts. Thank God, President Tinubu has a very good record of grooming and including youths in governance,” Oyejide said.

“Therefore, we expect him to continue in that line, most especially, in his subsequent appointment of ministers, heads of departments and agencies, board members of federal institutions, etc.

“We are using this platform to assure the president and the vice president of the youth’s support and to also assure the youth that President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima have the strength of character and dedication to mitigate these problems and even exceed our expectations.”

A Cameroonian lady has embarked on a mission to set a new Guinness World Record.

The lady identified as Danny Zara has declared her interest in embarking on a 200-hour sex marathon.

Zara, in a controversial post on Facebook, noted that the Guinness World Record is “aware of my proposed attempt to have continuous s3xual intercourse for 200 hrs.”

Sharing the flyer, she seeks the participation of capable men who are willing to join her in the endeavour commencing on 17th July to 25th July 2023.

Zara said: “Ladies and Gentlemen, after the confirmation from the Guinness Books of Records, I have decided to break a record of the Longest S3x Hour (Sex-Thon).

“Planet Cameroon, it is time for you to support your own so we can bring this book to our country make Nigeria no help us tear am. Thanks to my defense team Bella Powers of Bella Powers Voice.

“All we need now are guys that will Volunteer theirselves for this project to be carried out. Your girl is loyal.”

The Super Falcons head coach, Randy Waldrum, has revealed that he is owed salary by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

The Super Falcons coach spoke in a recent chat with ‘On The Whistle’ podcast.

Waldrum said he was owed 14 months salary until three weeks ago when the NFF paid for seven months.

He said some players are owed “per diem and bonuses” from two years ago.

“Up until about three weeks ago, I had been owed 14 months’ salary, and then they paid seven months salary,” the American said.

“Before that, a year and a half to two years, I had been owed for months before I was paid a little bit of it. Starting July, I’ll be eight months behind in salary.

“We still have players that haven’t been paid since two years ago when we played the summer series in the USA. It’s a travesty.”

Waldrum also claimed that FIFA had disbursed $960,000 to all the teams that qualified for the 2023 Women’s World Cup to prepare for the tournament.

The coach demanded accountability from the NFF regarding the money that was meant to fund the Falcons’ preparation for the World Cup.

“I have a close contact in the US that is very connected to some of the boards at FIFA, and this person told me that in October, every country was given $960,000 from FIFA to prepare for the World Cup. Where’s the money?” he said.

“If we had that money, why did we not build a camp in November?

“FIFA allows your staff to have up to 22 people, but we have only 11. We don’t have scouts to watch the teams in our group or potential opponents.

“In the two-and-a-half years that I’ve been here, I have never had one time that the federation came to me and asked, “What do you need, coach?”

“What keeps me going is the players. Otherwise, I would have walked away from this job a long time ago.”

The development is the latest in the exchange of words between Waldrum and the NFF over the past week.

On June 29, the Falcons’ head coach condemned the NFF over its “lack of support” for the team ahead of the World Cup.

He said the team is “not prepared the way we need to be” for the tournament.

Responding, Ademola Olajire, NFF communications director, said Waldrum was “shooting his mouth off” instead of “admitting to the glaring deficiencies” he displayed in the list of players invited to participate in the tournament.

The women’s World Cup will be hosted by New Zealand and Australia from July 20.

The Falcons are scheduled to play Canada in their first match on July 21 before facing Australia six days later. The team will play Ireland in their last group game on July 31.

Hon. Amobi Ogar, a member of the House of Representatives, has cried out over the rampant cases of kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes in his federal constituency of Isuikwuato/Umunneochi, Abia State, Daily Post reports.

He disclosed this on Thursday while addressing journalists after presenting a motion on the development at plenary.

According to him, kidnapping had been rampant and was “becoming like akara business”, as people’s homes were being invaded to pick persons in demand for ransom as low as N50,000.

He noted that the primary purpose of governance is the security of lives of the people.

The House of Representatives while adopting Amobi’s motion, urged the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to direct the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Air Force, Nigeria Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to intensify checks and other security measures around the Regional Cattle market in Lokpanta along the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, Uturu-Okigwe Road, Ihube-Isuochi Road, ABSU junction-Akara Road; Uturu-Afikpo Road, Umuaku-Umunze Road and Awgu-Ishiagu Road and environs.

It also urged the Chief of Army Staff, Inspector General of Police and Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to set up a joint patrol team to comb the farmland and forests to root out kidnappers, bandits and all criminal elements in all parts of Isuikwuato and Umunneochi Local Government Areas of Abia State.

The House mandated an Ad-Hoc Committee when constituted, to interface with the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Air Staff, the Inspector-General of Police and the Commandant-General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps to determine measures aimed at reducing the constant attacks by kidnappers, assassins and bandits in the area.

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), has disclosed that the average daily consumption of fuel in Nigeria has fallen by no fewer than 28 percent since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the scrapping of fuel subsidies. 

According to new figures released to Reuters by NMDPRA, the average daily petrol consumption fell to 48.43 million liters (13 million gallons) in June, as against the previous average of 66.9 million.

The fuel regulatory industry added that since the scrapping of the subsidy, neighboring countries like Cameroon, Benin, and Togo, which relied on petrol smuggled out of Nigeria, have experienced a collapse in their black market.

It will be recalled that President Tinubu announced the removal of fuel subsidies, which had kept petrol prices low for decades, during his inaugural speech on May 29, 2023.

In his democracy day speech, June 12, the President admitted the decision to remove fuel subsidies would impose an extra burden on the masses, but appealed to the good people of the country to bear the brunt of the decision as it will “save our country from going under.”

The removal of the fuel subsidy, which tripled the price of petrol, has affected virtually every part of the economy, leading to an increase in the prices of goods and services across the country.

According to the World Bank in June, despite having spent $2.41 billion on the subsidy in the first five months, Nigeria could save up to $5.10 billion this year from the removal of fuel subsidies and foreign exchange reforms.

The Nigerian government spent no less than $10 billion (£7.8 billion) on the subsidy last year

In a recent correspondence, Prof. Mike A. A. Ozekhome has responded to the proposed demolition of houses in Trademore Estate, located in Lugbe, Abuja, FCT. The professor aims to debunk the insinuation made by the Director of the Development Control Unit, who claims that Trademore Estate lacks the necessary development plan approval.

In regards to the aforementioned subject matter, in a development, Trademore International Holdings Ltd. has taken a firm stance against the insinuation made by the Director of Development Control Unit of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA). In a letter penned by Ozekhome, the company has vehemently denied the claim that they lack the necessary Development Plan Approval for the Trademore Estate located in Lugbe, Abuja. The solicitor, acting on behalf of Trademore International Holdings Ltd., has made it clear that he is writing this letter in accordance with his client's explicit instructions and mandate. They aim to debunk the insinuation made by the Director of Development Control Unit of the FCDA. The Director had previously cast doubt on whether Trademore International Holdings Ltd. possessed the required Development Plan Approval for the Trademore Estate. However, the company's solicitor has firmly refuted this claim, asserting that his client has indeed obtained the necessary approvals. The letter, written with utmost humility, seeks to set the record straight and defend the reputation of Trademore International Holdings Ltd. It emphasises that the company has adhered to all relevant regulations and obtained the required Development Plan Approval for the Trademore Estate in Lugbe, Abuja. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the Director of Development Control Unit of the FCDA will respond to the letter from Trademore International Holdings Ltd. The company, however, stands firm in their assertion that they have fulfilled all necessary requirements and possess the appropriate approvals for Trademore Estate project.

In an interview, Mr. Mukhtar Galadima, the Director of the Development Control Unit of the FCDA, made some speculative remarks about the causes of frequent flooding in Trademore Estate, Lugbe. The interview, which took place on July 4th, 2023, caught the attention of the solicitors client. However, it is important to note that Mr. Galadima's insinuations were found to be erroneous. The interview that has quickly gained widespread attention, a shocking insinuation was made regarding the recurring issue of flooding in Trademore Estate. The individual in question suggested that the solicitors client may have developed the estate without adhering to the necessary protocols of obtaining the required Development Plan Approval. This revelation has sparked a wave of concern and speculation among residents and the wider community.

In a bid to set the records straight, a recent development has emerged regarding this certain matter, Nigerian Real Estate Developer emphasises Proper Allocation and Authorization. In a recent statement, the solicitor's client, the indigenous real estate developer in Nigeria, has underscored the importance of proper allocation and authorization in their development projects with an impressive track record spanning over two decades in the real estate industry, The solicitor's client firmly denies any allegations suggesting that they would engage in development activities without the necessary approval. He said that his client has "successfully secured the rights to the coveted land that encompasses the prestigious Trademore Estate. In a remarkable feat, the development of the Trademore Estate has received the much-awaited Development Plan Approval. This significant milestone paves the way for the construction of over 700 units of houses, marking a major step forward in the real estate sector. The attainment of Development Plan Approval was no small feat, as it required meticulous efforts and strategic planning. The project's success was made possible through the acquisition of substantial bank loans, which played a crucial role in facilitating the realisation of this ambitious endeavor. The Trademore Estate is poised to become a prominent residential hub, offering a wide array of housing options to meet the diverse needs of prospective homeowners. With the green light from the authorities, the development team can now proceed with the construction phase, bringing their vision to life. This significant achievement does not only highlights the dedication and perseverance of the project's stakeholders but also underscores the positive impact it will have on the local community. The Trademore Estate promises to provide a much-needed boost to the housing."

In a recent development, the question surrounding Ozehkome's client's possession of a Development Plan Approval has come to light. In a letter addressed to the solicitor's client, the Office of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) has shed some light on the matter. Dated March 23, 2010, the letter, penned by the Co-ordinator of the AMMC, highlights the council's careful examination of the case and presents their observations.

It has come to light that; " (a)Your Company, a prominent entity, has been named as a beneficiary of land allocations in Lugbe by the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).

(b)This allocation has provided an opportunity for Your Company to establish its presence in the area.

(c) Furthermore, it has been revealed that Your Company obtained a significant milestone in 2004 when it was granted a building Plan Approval by the AMAC.

(d) This approval has paved the way for Your Company"

A copy of a significant letter has emerged, shedding light on a matter of interest. Dated March 23rd, 2010, the letter in question has been obtained and is now being made available to the public. Attached herewith, the document has been appropriately labelled as "Annexure A" for reference purposes.

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has officially acknowledged that the Trademore Estate in Lugbe did, in fact, undergo the necessary procedures and was granted Development Plan Approval. This admission comes as a clear concession by the FCTA, affirming the legitimacy of the estate's approval. A matter of internal arrangement has emerged between the Urban and Regional Planning Department of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC). The issue revolves around the approved layout that spans the entire Lugbe axis. According to sources, the approved layout has become a point of contention between the FCDA and AMMC. It was initially expected that the two entities would resolve the matter internally. However, the situation remains unresolved. The disagreement centres on the proper arrangement and organisation of the approved layout. Both the FCDA and AMMC are responsible for overseeing urban planning and development in the area. As a result, it was anticipated that they would be able to find a mutually agreeable solution. The approved layout, which cuts across the entire Lugbe axis, has raised concerns among stakeholders. The FCDA and AMMC were expected to address these concerns and reach a consensus. However, the matter remains unresolved, leaving residents and other interested parties in a state of uncertainty. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the FCDA and AMMC will navigate this internal arrangement issue. Stakeholders are eagerly awaiting a resolution that will ensure the proper development and organisation of the Lugbe axis. In a recent development, the ANLMC (Association of National Land Management Council) has provided additional evidence supporting the claim that the approval of the layout in question was indeed an internal arrangement. Shedding more light on the matter, the ANLMC stated that "The Council has already taken proactive measures by initiating inter-departmental consultations to address the challenge of four layouts in the Lugbe area." This statement comes as the ANLMC seeks to clarify the circumstances surrounding the approval process, which has been a subject of debate. By emphasising their efforts to resolve the issue, the ANLMC aims to demonstrate their commitment to finding a satisfactory resolution for the multiple layouts in the Lugbe area. The ANLMC's announcement serves as a response to mounting concerns and criticisms regarding the approval process. With the initiation of inter-departmental consultations, the Council is taking concrete steps to rectify the problem and ensure a unified layout for the Lugbe area. As the matter unfolds, stakeholders eagerly await the outcome of these consultations, hoping for a swift resolution that will address the issue of multiple layouts and bring clarity to the situation.

In a development, it has come to light that Trademore Estate was not the sole party involved, but rather one of several entities implicated in the matter.

New Layout Plan Unveiled for Lugbe Area In the bustling "Lugbe area," Trademore stands tall as one of the prominent estates and residential buildings.

Contrary to the claims made by Mr. Mukhtar Galadima, it has come to light that there were indeed development Plan Approvals for our client's estate. In a recent revelation, it has been confirmed that the Trademore Estate in Lugbe possesses a legitimate allocation and has obtained a Development Plan Approval in accordance with the specifications under which the houses were constructed.

Attention has been drawn to paragraphs 6 (a), (b), and (c) as highlighted above. These specific paragraphs have become the focal point of discussion, prompting further analysis and examination.

In a statement, it has been emphasised that insinuating or alleging a lack of Development Plan Approval as the cause behind the recurring flooding in the Trademore Estate is simply not accurate. The authorities have made it clear that such claims are unfounded and misleading. In a comprehensive report released on the 4th of July, 2023, the remote and immediate causes of the devastating flooding that has plagued our region have been meticulously outlined. The letter, addressed to you, provides explicit details shedding light on the factors that led to this catastrophic event.

In a  development, a copy of a significant letter has surfaced, shedding light on an important event that took place on July 4th, 2023. The letter, which has been marked as "Annexures B," is now available for review.

In a recent statement, it has been emphasised that the issues surrounding flooding in the Trademore estate cannot be attributed to any actions or negligence on the part of our client. Instead, these problems are being attributed to external factors beyond their control. These factors include various government agencies, ineffective dams, and nearby construction projects.

In a plea for assistance, "our client is calling upon the authorities to address the plight of innocent residents in their estate. They are gravely concerned about the potential consequences of additional demolitions, which could lead to significant hardships for these individuals. Urging swift intervention, our client is appealing for the preservation of lives and properties by halting any further demolitions of the residents' houses. In a stunning turn of events, our client's legal team asserts that there is no evidence of any wrongdoing on their part, despite the overwhelming display of governmental authority," he said

Police in Kano State have arrested three suspected ATM card fraudsters with 36 cards of different banks.

This was contained in a press statement signed by the command’s spokesman DSP. Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, and issued to newsmen.

He said the suspects were arrested after police received a report from a resident of Kofar Ruwa Quarters, Kano, that some unknown persons deceitfully swapped her ATM card at a bank on Murtala Muhammed Way, Kano.

Kiyawa said after police received the report, a team of detectives swung into action, and three suspects were arrested.

He said those arrested are; Mu’azzam Sabo, 25 years old of Yakasai Quarters, Kano; Auwal Nasiru, 27 years old of Tudun Maliki Quarters, Kano; and Auwal Sueiman, 25 years old of Medile Hamdala Quarters, Kano.

He said the case is under investigation.

Former governor of Ekiti state, Ayodele Fayose, has said even though he’s a staunch supporter of president Bola Tinubu, he remains a bona-fide member of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Speaking with state house correspondent after meeting with Tinubu on Thursday, Fayose said he won’t resign his membership of the opposition party.

Fayose and other top PDP members, including five governors at the time worked against the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in the build up to the last general election and during the polls proper.

He, however, said all that was in the past and electioneering was over, adding that it was time focus on governance and make the country work.

He said “But it’s no more time for campaigning or selling a political party, it is time to govern Nigeria for the benefit of children yet unborn and those of us that are still here and to equally let you know that I had a very wonderful time with the President.

He affirmed that although he and some opposition party leaders such as Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde and former Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, are working with Tinubu, he can never join the All Progressives Congress as he remains a member of the main opposition, the Peoples Democratic Party.

The former Governor said “I will never be a member of the APC. I am a PDP man. If anything takes me out of the PDP or if I don’t do partisan politics again, I will be the husband of my wife at home.

“It is not a matter of party, Nigeria is bigger than all political parties and all interest groups. You don’t have to take an appointment to make a difference.

“Nigeria is about 200 million population, we all can’t be on the appointment, whosoever makes it, either in the APC or in the attempt to have a government of national unity, it’s all about service.”