FEATURES
The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, has ordered the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department (State CID) Enugu, to thoroughly investigate and ensure the prosecution of everyone involved in the alleged sexual molestation of a three-year-old female pupil of Tenderlink School Trans-Ekulu, Enugu.
A statement released by the spokesperson of the command DSP Daniel Ndukwe today November 17, says;
‘’a preliminary investigation proves that the child (names withheld) was found to have been sexually molested, with physical injuries and patches of blood observed on her private part, after the school's bus dropped her at home on Tuesday, November 14, 2023. This is in addition to the receipt of similar complaints by parents of other children at the school. Three (3) suspects, comprising the victim's female teacher, the school's bus attendant and driver, have been arrested for interrogation.'''
Ndukwe added that the state Police Commissioner describes the act as unthinkable and wonders why the school's authority and teachers would allow such to happen to the toddler they are supposed to tutor and protect from such an ungodly act.
‘’He appreciates the Enugu State Government's decision to shut down the school pending the conclusion of the investigation while vowing to ensure that everyone found culpable faces the full wrath of the law,'' Ndukwe added
The Nigeria Immigration Service ( NIS), Lagos Seaports and Marine Command have foiled an attempted smuggling of seven Nigerian girls to Burkina Faso for prostitution.
The girls were intercepted on Sunday, 12th November 2023 at about 19.00 hours.
The Comptroller, of Lagos Seaports and Marine Command NIS, Mohammed Saddiq, disclosed this during a press briefing in Lagos on Friday, November 17, 2023, said the suspects had been under the command’s radar for about two months following intelligence gathered by its operatives which in turn led to their arrest by Badagry, Marine Border Patrol Team along Pashi waterway bordering Nigeria and Benin Republic.
He said the prime suspect, Miss Helen Dandam Nanbyen, 26, hails from Wadata village in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.
“It was uncovered during the course of the investigation that the seven smuggled victims whose ages range from 19 to 23 hail from Langtang North Local Government Area of Plateau State,” he stated.
“It is important to state that the girls willfully consented to the journey under false identities with intent to indulge in prostitution while in their country of destination,” the Comptroller said.
He noted that the suspects neither have any valid travel documents nor financial means to sustain themselves during the journey.
"Narrating her role in the illicit business, Miss Dandam admitted her involvement in prostitution and facilitating the transportation of potential sex workers into Burkina Faso with the support of her Madam, an indigene of Edo State who operates a Beer Parlour in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso capital. She also admitted working with one Miss. Ella whom she claimed recruited four out of the girls but she is currently at large.”
Saddiq maintained that the arrest is a fallout of the Command‘s renewed commitment to the directive of the Ag, Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Caroline Wura-ola Adepoju toward curbing migrant smuggling, human trafficking and all forms of trans-border crimes within the maritime space.
“I want to use this medium to commend the role of the intelligence community in this endeavour. I also call on parents to be more concerned about their children’s activities,” he said.
The Immigration boss further disclosed that illegal migration and human trafficking via the waterways have continued to increase, noting that the service will continue to patrol and police the riverine communities against the backdrop of discouraging the Illicit acts.
Based on the directive from the Ag, Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Caroline Wura-ola Adepoju, the Lagos Seaport and Marine Command boss also disclosed that the females will be handed over to the Plateau State Government thus, they will be reunited with their families and love ones.
Miss Helen Dandam Nanbyen who spoke with newsmen said that she had travelled to Burkina Faso once, adding that her madam had assured them that a bartender job is available for them over there in Ouagadougou.
She admitted to spearheading the voyage of the females' attempt to migrate to Burkina Faso via the waterways from Lagos.
One of the girls expressed regret on the attempted migration to Burkina Faso, saying that she never knew that the trip would end up in Burkina Faso; rather she was told that there were pub jobs for them in Lagos State.
Representatives from Plateau State led by Mr. Emmanuel Sebu from the Liaison Office received the females and he’s expected to hand them over to the state governor.
'kidnappers Fed us with pawpaw and garri' - Abducted Benue LG Chairman Shares Ordeal In Captivity
AdminAmina Audu, the recently freed chairman of Okpokwu Local Government Area in Benue State, revealed the distressing details of her abduction, stating that she and her driver were sustained on a diet of pawpaw and garri during their three-day captivity.
Audu, who had been under suspension since the arrival of Governor Hyacinth Alia, was abducted alongside her driver on the deteriorated Naka-Makurdi road. She and her counterparts from 22 other local government areas had faced suspension.
Speaking to journalists in Makurdi, the state capital, Audu recounted the challenges of being held by kidnappers. She expressed the difficulty of the situation, noting, “You know how harrowing it is to be with kidnappers; I cannot even say much now. They (kidnappers) don’t have food in the bush; they only gave us pawpaw and garri to drink.”
Audu emphasized that the exact ransom amount paid for their release had not been disclosed to her by those involved in the negotiation process.
Earlier confirmation of the abduction came from SP Catherine Anene, the Police Spokeswoman for the Benue Command, adding to the growing concern over the security situation in certain regions. The incident highlights the challenges faced by individuals, including public officials, navigating insecure routes.
The Lagos State Police Command on Friday, November 17, 2023, released controversial singer, Azeez Fashola, aka Naira Marley; and his associate, Balogun Samson, popularly known as Sammy Larry, after the duo met their bail conditions.
This was made known by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin on Friday in a terse statement saying, “Naira Marley and Sammy Larry, having met their bail conditions, have been released.”
Hundeyin, a Superintendent of Police, made this known on Friday afternoon after the artiste and the socialite perfected their bail conditions granted by a Lagos State Magistrates’ Court.
The court, on Monday, November 6, had granted both of them bail in the sum of N20m with three responsible sureties.
“As part of the bail conditions, the defendants are to surrender their passports and make weekly appearances at the State Criminal Investigation Department (Panti, Yaba, Lagos),” the court ruled.
They were arrested as part of an investigation into a singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, aka Mohbad’s death after videos of assault against the late singer surfaced online.
Mohbad died in controversial circumstances on Tuesday, September 12, 2023.
Before his death, the singer had cried out that he was being harassed by his former record label, Marlian Music, owned by Marley.
Saturday Beats had visited Panti (where they were detained) on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, a day after Naira Marley was taken into custody. The duo was observed to have been in low spirits, even as Nigerians called for a thorough investigation.
A male teacher at Mgandani Primary School in Zhombe, Kwekwe District in Zimbabwe has been arrested on charges of molesting 11 schoolgirls.
The Grade Six teacher identified as Mawere Pepukai, was apprehended by the police on Thursday morning following a complaint from the parents of one of the alleged victims who visited the school.
Pepukai reportedly targeted minors in his class, engaging in inappropriate behaviour such as proposing love, fondling their breasts, and forcibly playing with their private parts.
Mgandani Primary School head, Mr Titos Shoko who confirmed the incident, said the teacher is currently in police custody. He added that the issue came to light when one of the victims reported it to their parents.
Shoko said;
"The teacher was picked up by police and is in police custody. The issue came to light after one of the alleged victims reported the matter to his parents who came to the school.”
The Lagos State Government under the present administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has vowed to end street begging in any part of the State.
At least 50 street beggars were taken off the road during a special operation led by the Commissioner, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende.
The “Special Rescue Operations” was organized by the Ministry in collaboration with the Lagos State Task Force to sanitize the state of street begging in Lekki axis on Thursday, November 16, 2023.
"The act of begging or using babies to solicit alms is not part of our religion or culture. It doesn’t support the socioeconomic growth of any state. It is counterproductive because some of the so-called beggars have been discovered to be involved in criminality," Ogunlende said.
According to Mr Ogunlende, before embarking on resuscitating the “Special Rescue Operations” primarily aimed at enforcing the relevant sections of the State Government Laws as well as the Child Rights Law banning begging, the Ministry had carried out massive advocacy and sensitisation to help Lagosians, especially the public spirited ones, know what to do with respect to helping the less privileged in the State.
“Street begging has been banned in Kano, Kaduna and other states in Nigeria. So why not Lagos State? We advise those who want to help the less privileged amongst us to take their gift items be it cash or materials to our Homes or Centres designated for the purpose of helping the needy,” Mr. Ogunlende added.
Speaking on the ”Special Rescue Operations”, the Permanent Secretary, Pharm (Mrs) Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu said the Ministry decided to embark on the exercise following a series of reports from Lagosians to the Ministry who complained of being incessantly harassed by street beggars.
“Every Lagosian irrespective of religion or tribe deserves a safe environment to live, work or do business without molestation. This we will achieve by showing zero tolerance for street begging,” Oke-Osanyintolu stated.
The Permanent Secretary warned people who are in the habit of using babies to solicit alms to desist from the act and engage in legitimate business because if caught they would be made to face the full wrath of the law.
On his part, the Chairman of Lagos State Taskforce, Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP, Shola Jejeloye, who led the enforcement of the special rescue operations maintained, “The task of ridding Lagos State of street begging is non-negotiable. It is going to be a continuous exercise.
"We have decided to do it in broad daylight for Lagosians to get the message that there is no room for street begging in the state. It is part of our statutory responsibilities to support the enforcement of any law enacted by the State House of Assembly for the good of everyone. We are ready to collaborate with every Ministry, Department or Agency in this regard.
“During the Rescue Operations which took place in the Lekki axis of the State over 50 beggars were taken off the streets.”
In a similar development, members of the Lagos State House of Assembly commenced the process to outlaw street begging across the state.
The law, if passed, would also penalise the encouragement of street begging by residents. In this way, it would be an offence to give money to a street beggar.
Speaker of the House, Mudashiru Obasa at the plenary on Tuesday who described street begging as a menace taking over the state agreed with the lawmakers that criminal elements have taken over the streets disguised as beggars.
Reacting to the motion brought by Abiodun Orekoya and some of his colleagues, Obasa noted how previous administrations in the state made attempts to curb street begging without success.
The speaker, therefore, stressed the need for a law that would criminalise street begging and also penalise individuals who give money to beggars on the roads.
“When we address the source, then we can curb it. When you go on the road, you find children between the ages of five and six begging. It means there are established groups of people benefitting from this,” the Speaker says.
“They warehouse and provide for them. Beyond the child rights law, we should come up with another law that speaks to begging and giving. We must come up with genuine laws and institutions that handle begging.”
The speaker said the proposed law should aim to establish a centre where individuals who wish to give alms can do so, while the centre would ensure that the alms reach those in need.
"The law will create a fund to be managed by people with integrity so that if you are in need, you would go there,” he stated.
"While this will help people fulfil their religious beliefs about almsgiving, it will also help curb street begging, reduce crime on the road and promote greater responsibility among residents,” he added.
He further maintained that the smart city status of the state could be abused when beggars adorn the roads, inhibiting free movement and engaging in crime which include drug peddling and stealing from motorists.
Obasa also queried how children as young as five or six manage to travel from other states to Lagos, suggesting that some individuals may be sponsoring and accommodating them.
Calling for a holistic approach to end the challenge, the speaker said, “It is better to tackle it from the source which includes discouraging giving directly to the beggars on the road.”
Obasa also urged local government chairmen to come up with ideas to manage street trading rather than thinking of outrightly chasing traders off the streets.
“Street trading happens across the world. It is for our council chairmen to come up with ideas to better manage the activities of traders in their domains.“
“How do you build a shop and put it at N30 million? What will the traders be selling there? If you remove them all, where do you also want them to go?”
Cassandra Elizabeth Ventura, better known as Cassie, is an American singer who has filed a lawsuit against her ex-boyfriend Season Combs, a.k.a. Diddy, for ‘a decade’ of sexual assault.
According to The New York Times, Cassie accused him of rape and persistent physical abuse over a decade in a suit filed in Federal District Court in Manhattan.
She claimed that the pattern of abuse and control began when she met Diddy in 2005 at the age of 19, where the mogul allegedly subjected her to a disturbing cycle of abuse, including beating her and being forced into sexual encounters with male prostitutes while being filmed, physical abuse, and the supply of drugs.
The statement reads, “After years in silence and darkness, I am finally ready to tell my story and to speak up on behalf of myself and for the benefit of other women who face violence and abuse in their relationships.”
In response to her allegation, Diddy’s lawyer, Ben Brafman, said, “Mr. Combs vehemently denies these offensive and outrageous allegations. For the past six months, Mr. Combs has been subjected to Ms. Ventura’s persistent demand of $30 million under the threat of writing a damaging book about their relationship, which was unequivocally rejected as blatant blackmail.
“Despite withdrawing her initial threat, Ms. Ventura has now resorted to filing a lawsuit riddled with baseless and outrageous lies, aiming to tarnish Mr. Combs’s reputation and seeking a payday.”
Cassie’s lawyer, Douglas Wigdor, counters this narrative, stating that his client and Diddy had a conversation before the lawsuit was filed.
According to Wigdor, Diddy allegedly offered Cassie eight figures to silence her and prevent the filing of this lawsuit. He said she rejected his efforts and decided to give a voice to all women who suffer in silence.
The lawsuit represents a significant step in addressing the complexities of abuse within high-profile relationships.
[OpinionNigeria]
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed all public officials, appointed and elected workers in the state to start wearing Adire every Wednesday to boost the industry and enhance cultural strengths of the state.
Adire is a Yoruba textile, that is a type of dyed cloth made in south west Nigeria by Yoruba women, using a variety of resist-dyeing techniques.
The governor in a circular issued by the head of service, Mr Ayanleye Aina, noted that the directive affected all categories of public servants across ministries, departments and agencies of government including tertiary institutions, local governments, local development council and area office.
“Consequently, every Wednesday is adopted as “Adire Osun Day” with all accounting officers and heads of agencies expected to comply with the directive.
“Additionally, all political appointees are also expected to comply with the directive from the State Executive Council to special advisers, and other categories of appointees,” the circular posited.
A release by the spokesperson to the Governor, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, stated that Adeleke had presented the subject at the last state Executive Council meeting with a unanimous approval and adoption.
The governor said “Adire” actually has its source from Osun State, noting that the new decision will reassert the traditional claim of Osun to the adire genre.
“Our administration is working on the creation of SME industrial clusters. The Adire and other craft sub-sectors will be supported to grow and flourish.
“By this decision, we are determined to rebuild the Adire industry that is under threat from foreign mass producers. We are poised to breathe life into our culture with Osun as the cradle of the Yoruba nation”, the Governor stated.
[Leadership]
Veteran actor, Hanks Anuku has pleaded for financial assistance from Nigerians.
In a video that has now gone viral, Anuku explained his struggles with unemployment and called on his supporters to help him through this difficult time.
The actor said he had worked tirelessly for his country and attained the height of being a legend.
He then appealed to his fans and the governor of his state, Sheriff, to send him financial support.
“Well, I’m going to address my fans and those who truly love me, including my governor, Sheriff. I have worked for this country, I have attained the height of being a legend.
“I’ve had no jobs for God knows how many years and I expected Nigerians to also know that I did it all for them.
“I’m going to ask the governor. Sherry, please send support to me and my fans who truly love and appreciate the works I’ve done for them, I’ll send my account number. May God help you all. Help me,” he said.
In a related development, Veteran Nollywood actor, Amaechi Muonagor has publicly solicited help as he opened up about battling a stroke.
In a viral video, he said the reason he did not publicly disclose his illness was because he didn’t know it would last this long.
[DailyTrust]
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Air Peace, Allen Onyeama has described the call for a national carrier as moribund and a drain pipe.
Naija News recalls that some months back, Nigeria had launched a national carrier called Nigeria Air.
However, the government of President Bola Tinubu suspended the project about two months after he took over power.
Joining the growing list of persons who have condemned the push for the national carrier, Onyeama insisted that the country does not need such a project owing to the difficulties of running the business.
Speaking during an appearance on Thursday’s edition of Channels Television’s Politics Today, the Air Peace boss said, “The national carrier thing connotes government ownership. The government has no business doing the business of commercial airline operations. The national carrier thing is a moribund idea that has been jettisoned several decades ago by countries.”
According to him, several airlines that bear country names are just “flag carriers” and not owned by nations as many may have assumed.
“In the olden days, they used to be [owned by governments] but they are all divested. They are all flag carriers.
“Why is my country going backward? In 2023, talking about national carrier?” Onyeama added.
He believes the few African countries with national carriers are those “that cannot afford business entrepreneurs with the right funding”.
[NaijaNews]
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The Chinese government said it is working with African countries to help reduce poverty on the continent without worsening its debt problems.
Yan Yuqing, the Chinese Consul-General, shared this during the 18th China-African lecture, which took place on Thursday at the University of Lagos.
Yuqing talked about how China and African nations are teaming up to reduce poverty in Africa.
She said, “China has never been a creator of the debt crisis of African countries. China partners to help African countries to help them deal with their poverty problems. Under the framework of the G20, there is a plan to delay debt repayment, and China has contributed more than 60 percent and done more than other G-20 members. China will never threaten to sanction any African country with recourse to contracts between the two countries.
“The people of Nigeria and China are wonderful, hard-working, and friendly. We have very good results in several fields, such as infrastructure, trade and investment, education, and culture. These are very important parts of our bilateral relationship.”
The ambassador further mentioned that the lecture’s theme, “Chinese Modernization and Development of Africa,” was intended to foster stronger Nigeria-China bilateral relations.
“This is also to allow young students from the University of Lagos to know more about Chinese development. I am so glad that most students are learning Chinese. They will have the opportunity to go to China, learn more about Chinese history, and make friends with Chinese people,” she added.
The Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Adelaja Odukoya, said Chinese society had decided to do things differently with regard to its socialist system.
He said, “I call that Chinese essentialism. This means they don’t forget their roots, and they are very passionate about who they are. Whether you like socialism or not, it is a different thing. If there is any social organisation that takes people from wealth into a superpower, it is society that practices socialism. We have an example from China. Go back to 1949; where was China then, and where is it today? Go back to 1917; where was Russia, and where is it today? Capitalist society has done nothing for us in Nigeria.”
The Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Prof. Akanbi Ilupeju, said the meeting was for the benefit and possibilities of having a cross-fertilisation of ideas in relevant areas of the sciences, social sciences, and humanities in general.
“It is also to benefit our students through exchange and the possibility of having the students pursue their programmes in China,” he added.
He said, “I call that Chinese essentialism. This means they don’t forget their roots, and they are very passionate about who they are. Whether you like socialism or not, it is a different thing. If there is any social organisation that takes people from wealth into a superpower, it is society that practices socialism. We have an example from China. Go back to 1949; where was China then, and where is it today? Go back to 1917; where was Russia, and where is it today? Capitalist society has done nothing for us in Nigeria.”
[https://businessday.ng]
MultiChoice Group Ltd. has reported its third consecutive semi-annual loss, attributing the financial challenges to foreign exchange difficulties in Nigeria and persistent power outages in South Africa.
In a filing on Wednesday, Africa’s largest pay-tv company disclosed a net loss of 1.32 billion rand ($72.4 million) for the six months ending Sept. 30.
According to the company, the recorded loss is due to the poor performance of the naira against the dollar. The challenges in Nigeria stemmed from the mid-June decision to allow the Naira to trade more freely against the dollar, resulting in a 40% devaluation. This compelled MultiChoice to revalue inter-group loans, leading to foreign exchange losses.
What Multichoice said
- “After adding 1.4m new subscribers in FY23, subscriber growth in the Rest of Africa was more subdued in 1H FY24. This was due to the impact of inflationary pressures in key markets like Nigeria, and similar trends to previous periods which followed a FIFA World Cup or northern hemisphere football off-season.
- “ A total of 0.1m subscribers were added to end the period at 13.0m 90-day active subscribers. The active subscriber base was broadly stable at 8.9m subscribers and subscription revenues grew 14% organically. Revenue of ZAR10.5bn was flat (+13% organic) with a weaker ZAR against the USD on conversion, offsetting the impact of weaker local currencies relative to the USD.
- “The RoA(return on assets) segment delivered a trading profit of ZAR330m (+ZAR2.2bn YoY on an organic basis) which was underpinned by specific cost interventions around decoder subsidies and content costs.
- “Weaker currencies remained a significant impediment to improvements in profitability, with average first-half exchanges falling sharply against the USD.
- “The sharp fall of the naira resulted in a large proportion of the previously recognised losses incurred on cash remittances now being recorded in trading profit. The net effect of these forex movements was a negative ZAR1.6bn impact on the segment’s trading profit for the period.”
In addition to the currency woes, South Africa experienced rolling blackouts, contributing to a 5% decline in the number of active days per subscriber. This exacerbation further impacted MultiChoice’s financial performance during the specified period.
The company’s shares fell 0.6% in Johannesburg at close on Wednesday after plunging as much as 3.6% to a record.
MultiChoice plans a relaunch its Showmax streaming service in the second half of its financial year and a sports betting service in South Africa following the success of a similar offering in Nigeria.
[Nairametrics]
Olanrewaju Kolawole an indigene of Ikire in Irewole Local Government Area of Osun State believed he is the father of all the four children in his house.
His hope of fathering the four children jointly raised by his wife, Toyin Tella was dashed when the results of the DNA conducted on the four children were released.
The results of the DNA carried out at DDC DNA Diagnostic Center in Osogbo, Osun State capital, showed that the 44-year-old man is not the biological father of the four children.
This made Kolawole to cry out and seek help from well meaning Nigerians.
Kolawole and his estranged wife, Toyin Tella appeared on a live radio programme christened “Kokoro Alate”, anchored by Oriyomi Hamzat on Agidigbo 88.7 FM in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.
Kolawole wept profusely after the DNA test results showed that none of the children was his biological child.
DAILY POST learnt that Kolawole and his wife, Toyin, got married in 2007 and the marriage produced four children.
Kolawole revealed that the DNA test on the first child revealed that the child did not belong to him.
He added that he subsequently carried out tests on the three other children, and all returned negative results.
He said, “I want Nigerians to come to my rescue because I must not suffer this in vain. I married Toyin in 2007 and gave birth to four children. She gave birth to four children, but none of them belong to me after findings from a DNA test.”
However, the wife disagreed with the results.
She said that she was not there when they took the sample and did not know which samples were taken.
“I don’t accept the result. I don’t accept it because I was not there when they took samples, and I don’t know which sample they took, so I don’t accept it. I can’t accept it because I know how I conceived those children,” she declared.
The above story is not a scene in any of the Nollywood movies but a true story of a family which has been shattered by alleged paternity fraud.
DAILY POST reports that this is not the first case of paternity fraud that will gain media attention in recent times.
In 2021, a case of alleged paternity fraud between the family of Mr. Tunde Thomas and the family of Mr. Adam Nuru gained media attention across the country.
It was alleged that Moyo Thomas who married Mr. Tunde Thomas was having a secret romantic affair with the Managing Director of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Mr. Adam Nuru.
It was claimed that the relationship between Moyo Thomas and Nuru started when the woman was an employee of FCMB.
Tunde Thomas had been legally married to Moyo Thomas, and it was generally believed then that the two children produced by the marriage were those of Mr Thomas.
It was reported that Moyo had informed her husband that she was leaving Nigeria for the United States with the kids only to inform him upon arrival that the children were not his but for the FCMB MD.
The news allegedly caused Mr Thomas to be down with a stroke and later cardiac arrest which led to his death.
However, Moyo later came up and dismissed the claims.
In her statement, she denied ever telling her late husband that he was not the father of her children.
“I write in reference to all the allegations and accusations that have recently been making the rounds on the internet and various social media platforms. I have refrained from responding to this matter for various reasons, one of which is to preserve the memories of Tunde who departed to be with his maker on December 16, 2020. Memories, not only to me, but to his children, who are still young, and to everybody who had a relationship with him.
“Just like any marriage, Tunde and I had a lot of differences in our marriage, some of which even led to police intervention. But I remain committed to keeping only positive memories of him. No one can ever understand what transpired between us or what each of us experienced in the marriage; like they say, it is he who wears the shoes that knows where it pinches. In all of it, I never for once wished him bad. His untimely and sudden death is still a shock to me as it is to many others.
“On no occasion did I ever tell him he was not the father of our two children. It is therefore deliberate falsehood and certainly malicious to allege and insinuate that I informed him that the children are not his. The children still bear his name. Only God knows why he died in an untimely period. It is not in my place, or anyone’s place to play God and talk with certainty as to the cause of his death, without proven medical facts.
“Despite our separation, we never allowed our differences affect the relationships we respectively have with the children. He still had conversations with the children like any father will, up until his sudden and unfortunate death. It is quite sad and disheartening to see the pictures of these innocent children splashed all over the internet with very disparaging and weird comments.
“I do wish his family and friends the fortitude to bear the unfortunate loss and I ask that we all be allowed to grieve his loss in peace. He has now been laid to rest and we implore all and sundry to please respect our privacy and allow those grieving his loss, including the children and I, to do so in peace,” she said.
On his part, Nuru, who opted to go on leave as the bank investigated the allegations, was also said to have denied the claims.
It was also reported in 2016 that an Ikorodu Customary Court in Lagos granted the prayers of a 48-year-old artisan for the dissolution of his marriage after he confirmed that his second child belonged to another man.
The Court President, Mrs Omolara Abiola, separated the 10-year-old couple, having confirmed through a DNA test that the second child was not his.
In February this year, a Nollywood actor, Yomi Alore, also known as Yomi Gold, cried out for help over an alleged threat to his life following a paternity scandal with a Lagos big boy, Mosh and his wife Doyin Aduke.
These upsurge on cases of paternity fraud in many families across the have raised concern among Nigerians.
Nigerians express divergent views
There is popular belief that paternity fraud has rocked many families, although only few have been reported.
A lecturer in the Department of Social Work, University of Calabar, Pius Akah noted that it required a multi-faceted approach to address cases of paternity fraud in the country.
Akah, who doubled as National Auditor, Nigeria Association of Social Workers (NASoW) maintained that a combination of legal measures, educational initiatives and support services is needed to reduce the occurrence and impact of paternity fraud across the country.
“This revelation undoubtedly presents a profound emotional challenge for the 44-year-old man and his family.
“From a social worker’s standpoint, it’s crucial to approach this situation with empathy and a commitment to fostering understanding.
“Initial intervention might involve providing a safe space for the man to express his feelings and fears. Offering family counselling services can facilitate open dialogue, enabling all family members to navigate the complex emotions associated with this discovery.
“The focus should be on rebuilding trust, fostering resilience, and ensuring the well-being of the children involved. The social worker may also guide the family towards legal resources and help the man establish a supportive network to navigate this unexpected and emotionally charged journey.
“Overall, the objective is to promote healing, understanding, and ultimately, a path towards a healthier family dynamic.
“Addressing the issue of paternity fraud requires a multi-faceted approach. Education and awareness campaigns can help individuals understand the importance of honesty and transparency in relationships.
“Legal reforms might focus on updating paternity testing regulations to ensure accurate and accessible methods.
“Counselling services should be readily available to support individuals and families navigating the emotional aftermath of such revelations.
“Additionally, promoting open communication and mutual respect within relationships can contribute to preventing such situations.
“Overall, a combination of legal measures, educational initiatives, and support services can work together to reduce the occurrence and impact of paternity fraud,” he told DAILY POST.
There should be regulation for the conduct of paternity tests – Marriage counsellor
A marriage counsellor, Mrs. Elizabeth Adamolekun noted that the government should rise up to the occasion by putting a regulation to control paternity tests.
She added that the government should be proactive enough to control how it is done.
She told DAILY POST that, “We need to look at it holistically. We need to find out if the equipment used and if the result is not influenced.
“If we are sure of that, then we need to look at the agreement between the couple before we conclude that the woman is at fault.
“We need to be sure if the man’s reproductive organs are in a good position and if it is fertile. There are some situations where the man’s sperm is not fertile and the man makes arrangements with his family members or friends to impregnate the woman.
“This case has gone beyond the family but the society at large. It shows the moral decadence in the society. The government should rise to the occasion.”
Court can order for DNA to be conducted – Lawyer
A Jos-based lawyer, Sam Tokz, noted that the law is clear on the issue of paternity of a child.
Toks, a former President of Students’ Union Government, University of Jos, while speaking with DAILY POST, maintained that the Supreme Court has held that there is a presumption of paternity of a child during a subsisting marriage.
He added that where there is suspicion on the paternity of a child, the Court can order for DNA to be conducted.
“Yes, the law is clear on issues of paternity of a child. The Supreme Court has held that there is a presumption of paternity of a child during a subsisting marriage.
“Where there is suspicion on the paternity of a child, the Court can order for DNA to be conducted, and this is at the court’s discretion. From the authorities I have read so far, it is more of civil liability than criminal liability. It all depends on the circumstances,” he said.
Men should normalise DNA testing in the early weeks of delivery of the child – Public health professional
A public health professional, Pharmacist Opeyemi Akindele advised men to save money for DNA testing if they do not trust their wife.
He also enjoined men to normalise DNA testing in the early weeks of delivery of the child.
He added that women who see any other man apart from their husbands should take emergency contraceptives after sex.
“We must come to a point where society accepts the value of abstaining from sex until marriage. It will prevent a lot of the issues.
“That said, a man who has not had sex for some weeks with the wife, if he suspects extramarital affairs, he should insist she does a pregnancy test before they can have sex again.
“This definitely sounds weird since lack of trust doesn’t make sense in marriage.
“Secondly, men should normalise DNA testing in the early weeks of delivery of the child. If you don’t trust your wife, then save up money for DNA testing. That will save you headaches.
“Women who see any other man apart from their husbands should take emergency contraceptives after sex to avoid this kind of situation.
“Emergency contraceptive drugs are widely available, affordable and supported by the Nigerian government,” he told DAILY POST.
There is no sin for the conduct of DNA if the husband is in doubt – Deaconess
A deaconess at one of the churches under Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Oyo State, Mrs. Funmi Ogundipe, while speaking with DAILY POST, said there was nowhere that DNA is forbidden in the Holy Bible.
Ogundipe said that a husband can conduct DNA on his child if he is in doubt of their paternity status.
“When the husband is not sure of the paternity of his child, he can conduct DNA.
“There is no place in the bible that says DNA should not be conducted. It is a matter of choice. There should be trust among couples,” she stated.
[DailyPost]
Necessary sacrifices must be made to generate enough revenue and reduce Nigeria’s high deficit financing, the Minister of Finance/Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, submitted yesterday.
He foreclosed government’s reliance on borrowing to fund the next year’s 2024 Budget, saying the cost of taking foreign loans would be too heavy for developing nations to shoulder.
Edun spoke when he appeared before the Senator Sani Musa-led joint Senate Committee scrutinising the 2024-2026 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper (MTEF/FSP) in Abuja.
The minister made the assertions before the panel in the company of the Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Zacch Adedeji and the Director-General of the Debt Management Office (DMO), Ms. Patience Oniha before lawmakers called for a closed session.
Edun insisted that the best was for Nigeria to fund its annual budgets was to invest more money on revenue-generating infrastructure.
According to him, advanced countries have raised their interest rates to bring down inflation rate and to stabilise their economies, adding that accessing foreign loans will be very expensive for a developing countries to cope with.
Edun said: “Clearly the environment that we have now, internationally as well as nationally we are in no position to rely on borrowing.
“We have an existing borrowing profile. Our direction is to reduce the quantum of borrowing or intercepting deficit financing in the 2024 Budget.
“Simply put internationally there is focus among rich countries on bringing down the inflation rate to stabilize the economies and give them opportunity for investment growth.
“They are in the process, sacrificing that immediate goal for compacting their economies, or at least contracting the money supplies and pushing up the interest rates and of course high interest rates and investments don’t go together.
“What is left for us to access those funds are expensive. So, it is the last thing that we must rely on. “As we know we have all the figures on debt servicing and cushioning 98 per cent of government revenue.
“The last thing you can think of is to pile up more debts. The government needs to not just maintain its activity, it needs to spend more.
“If you look at government spending, if you look at the budget as a percentage of GDP, ours is one of the lowest being 10 per cent. Even Ghana is at 25 per cent while rich countries are at 50 per cent.
“The very rich countries have to be most advanced in terms of social safety nets and its social security system at 70 per cent of GDP. Government spending definitely will lead to increase.
“The number one source of revenue especially in short term, even in the medium term is all revenue.”
Musa earlier fears that the revenue projections of the ministries, departments and agencies of the Federal Government that have so far appeared before his panel were far less than what the Federal Government has proposed as income in the 2024 fiscal year.
He noted that going for external interventions would definitely not be an option because it would further push the country into deficit financing.
Musa said: “Currently there are lots of leakages in the use of government resources. A lot of funds being generated as revenues by most MDAs are not being remitted as at when due. Some even remit funds a year after they collected the money.
“The office of the Accountant General of the Federation should look properly in that direction. The current practice of delaying the remittances of revenues by the MDAs had created a room for the misappropriation of those funds.
“After meeting with the Nigerian Customs Service officials yesterday, we realise that there were lots of shortfalls they are experiencing as a result of incidences of waivers.
“We want to know who is issuing those waivers. Is it the FIRS or the Ministry of Finance? We are also interested in knowing details of the Customs modernization project, known as e-customs.
“The Senate Committee on Finance is interested in knowing the type of agreement that was signed on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
“What is the value of the e-customs agreement? How much is Nigeria expecting? We are tired of judgement debts all over the place. We need to know the plans on ground to collect excise duties and other tariffs so that we won’t run a deficit budget again next year.”
[TheNation]