The maid of the former Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian e-commerce giant, Konga, the late Nick Imudia (names withheld), has disclosed the last conversation she had with her boss before news of his death was announced last week.
Vanguard, meanwhile, gathered that the late Imudia’s family had requested his body for burial.
The maid, according to a close friend of the deceased, who spoke with Vanguard on the condition of anonymity, said late Imudia called her a day earlier and handed her a piece of paper with five telephone numbers, including that of his brother in the United States of America.
According to the deceased’s friend, “She said Nick told her to keep the numbers, that she would need them at the appropriate time. Thereafter, she said he went into the bathroom and heard the shower running, indicating that he was having a bath.
“She said after some time, she observed that the shower was still running and wondered what he could still be doing for so long. She knocked on the door, but there was no response and she left.
“Moments later, she said the private guard knocked on the door and informed her to come and see what had happened to Nick. She rushed downstairs and found him in a horrible state. Immediately, she rushed upstairs and still met the shower on. By the time she opened the door, she discovered there was nobody in there.”
Meanwhile, the family, according to the deceased’s friend, had requested the release of Imudia’s body for burial.
The family, in a statement, had ruled out suicide as the cause of his death, stating that he never showed any signs of stress and was never diagnosed as depressed at any point.”
Vanguard gathered that detectives at the Homicide section of the State Criminal Investigative Department, Yaba, Lagos, investigating the cause of the death were expecting some of those invited for questioning as at 11a.m., yesterday.
To ease financial pressure on pilgrims, who took part in the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, the Federal Government and no fewer than eight states spent N100.642 billion on the pilgrims as subsidies and allowances.
The 2024 Hajj lasted from June 14 to June 19.
Coming at a time when no fewer than 20 states refused to pay wage awards to their workers to reduce the hardship occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy, an Executive member of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, Alhaji Isiaq Kunle Sanni, said that the Muslim community never requested the Hajj subsidies.
Sani expressed concern that the government’s priorities are misplaced and that the funds could have been better spent on scholarships and other pressing issues.
However, the Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, commended the governments for the gesture saying it was a necessary rescue package for pilgrims.
FG spent N90bn
At the flag-off of the inaugural airlift for the 2024 Hajj exercise at Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin Kebbi, Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu,
disclosed that the president had ordered the payment of N90 billion subsidy for the 2024 Hajj.
The Vice President said the president took this initiative on account of the economic situation in Nigeria, and urged the intending pilgrims to pray for peace, unity, and progress in the country.
Like the Federal Government, many states, especially, in the North, catered for the welfare of their pilgrims. Most of the states did not disclose how much they spent on their pilgrims; however, seven states disbursed N10.699 billion.
Governors prioritise pilgrims’ welfare over workers pay
There are indications that many governors in the North prioritised the subsidisation of pilgrimage of some privileged persons in their states over the payment of the wage award initiated by the Federal Government to their workers.
Vanguard’s checks indicate that apart from some governors directly funding expenses of the pilgrims from their states, others substantially subsidised the pilgrimage of their pilgrims.
However, most of the governors have vehemently opposed the payment of wage awards to their workers since the Federal Government introduced the six-month payment upon the withdrawal of fuel subsidy last year to cushion the spiral effect on their income and welfare.
Kebbi spent N4 billion
In Kebbi State government, Governor Nasiru Idris subsidised the Hajj expenses by donating One million naira to each of the 4000 pilgrims.
Plateau sponsored 540 of 1,233 pilgrims with N2bn loan
In Plateau State with 1,233 pilgrims, the state and local government councils concertedly sponsored no fewer than 540 of the pilgrims.
To facilitate their travel, the State Muslims Pilgrims Board secured a bank loan of N2 billion to enable it to obtain the needed number of Hajj slots from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, before the intending pilgrims not sponsored by the State or Local Government Area made their deposits.
Kano offered N1.56bn subsidy
On his part, Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State announced a N500,000 subsidy for each of the 3,121 pilgrims from the state running into N1,560,500,000.
It was also gathered that the Governor gifted the pilgrims 100 Saudi Riyal each amounting to N62.42 million as Sallah gesture.
1,815 pilgrims get N550 million in Borno In Borno State, no fewer than 1,815 pilgrims received N303,000 each as subsidy from the state government. The total sum is N549,945,000.
Zamfara spent N257.7m on 1,718 pilgrims
In Zamfara, the state government supported each of the 1,718 pilgrims with $100, which at N1500 to a Dollar amounted N257, 700,000.
Nasarawa pilgrims got N1.23 billion
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State splashed $200, and 200 Riyals on each of 1, 760 Nasarawa pilgrims. At the current exchange rate, one Saudi Riyal is equivalent to N396.91.
Public Relations Officer, Nasarawa State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Abdulrazaq Abacha Madaki, who confirmed this in a message to journalists, said Governor Sule had continued to demonstrate impeccable leadership and compassion after he personally donated two hundred dollars for the Islamic Hadaya and two hundred Saudi Riyals as Sallah gift to each of the 1, 760 pilgrims from Nasarawa State The board image maker explained that the donation was in fulfillment of the the governor’s earlier promise to the pilgrims when departing for the Holy land of Mecca. The summation of the donations, at current exchange rate is N1.227 billion.
Lagos, Ogun subsidized operations with N1.042bn
The Ogun State government subsidized year 2024 Hajj with N119,560,712.70, which is the shortfall in pilgrims’ Basic Travel Allowance, BTA The Special Adviser to the governor on Media and Strategy, Mr Kayode Akinmade, confirmed this to Vanguard in Abeokuta.
Also, Lagos State Government disbursed N923 million as Hajj subsidy for 1,846 pilgrims, this year.
Governor Babjide Sanwo-Olu said this through the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro.
Niger caters for rams, slaughtering
In Niger State, Vanguard’s checks showed that 3,223 pilgrims went to this year’s holy pilgrimage to Mecca.
Each of them paid N6,699,000 for the trip without any subsidy from the state government.
However, the state government, it was gathered, paid for the purchase and slaughtering (Hadaya) of one ram for each of the pilgrims in Mecca.
Other states
However, the sums spent by a host of the states were not disclosed. In Oyo State, Government sources said it was impossible for the government not to subsidize Hajj fare because it’s too costly, and “that’s the tradition for both Christian and Muslim pilgrims.”
In Kwara, there were 3117 pilgrims, according to the Secretary of the Pilgrims’ Board, Alhaji Abdulsalam Abdulkadir, who however declined to disclose what the state had given to each of the pilgrims to supplement their payment for the trip.
“I cannot tell you the amount because it is beyond me,” he quipped.
Although Kaduna State had no fewer than 4,600 pilgrims, officials declined to disclose how much the government paid to subsidise their trips, insisting that such information was beyond their brief.
Taraba sponsored 111 pilgrims
In Taraba State, the government-sponsored 111 of pilgrims for this year’s Hajj.
Apart from this, the only subsidy the other pilgrims from the state benefited from was provided by the Federal Government.
This subsidy was available only to those who had paid the initial cost stipulated by NAHCON before the price was reviewed upwards.
Bayelsa funded 10 of 13 pilgrims
In Bayelsa, a senior appointee of the State government confirmed the state fully sponsored 10 persons to this year’s Hajj, while three other persons were on self-sponsorship.
However, at the time of filing this report, an official at the Bayelsa State Pilgrims Welfare Board said they were still working on the amount to approve for the pilgrims because of the volatility of the naira to the dollar.
Muslims never asked, govt playing politics with subsidies — NSCIA Exco
Speaking to Vanguard in Abuja, Sanni stated that the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, opposed free Hajj trips and preferred scholarships instead.
His words: “The Muslims never asked the government to subsidize pilgrimage. Politicians often seek to appeal to the sentiments of Nigerians, whether they are Christians or Muslims. They likely did this of their own volition, perhaps hoping to gain favour with the Muslim community.
‘’This is why, during Christmas, both federal and state governments subsidize transportation for Christians, allowing them to travel by road or by train free of charge for one month for their religious festivals. The politicians likely aimed to appeal to Christians as well.
“However, this practice was not replicated during the Islamic festival, and we did not complain. Those who had already paid for their pilgrimage in full before the various governments announced their hajj fare subsidies were not refunded a single dime. I can state this unequivocally and with reliable authority. Hajj is not compulsory unless one has the financial means to fund it. Islamic teachings clearly state that Hajj is obligatory only for those who can afford it.
“Trusting politicians can be risky; it’s possible that no money has actually been released despite the announced subsidies. Many of the listed beneficiaries may never receive the subsidies. The government stated that the Hajj subsidy would cover those with outstanding payments. It was not a full subsidy but was intended for those who had made deposits but became unable to pay the balance when the Naira plummeted.
“To the best of my knowledge, and as someone closely connected to Islamic authorities in Nigeria, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, never requested any government to subsidize Hajj for Muslims.
‘’The Sultan personally opposes providing free Hajj trips. He prefers that such funds be allocated to scholarships, as there are many other pressing issues that the government could address instead of sponsoring people for Hajj. Sending someone to Hajj costs about N8 million.
‘’If you give an average Nigerian N8 million, they are likely to use it effectively. They could start a business with that money and, after a few years, have enough funds to sponsor themselves for Hajj. However, Nigerian politicians, being who they are, often prefer to make some noise.”
It was a lifeline — MURIC
Toeing a different line, MURIC Executive Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, said the subsidy was a response to the extraordinary circumstances faced by the pilgrims who had paid the full amount required but were affected by the unforeseen fluctuation in naira’s value.
Speaking to Vanguard in Abuja, Akintola said: “Depending on the circumstances, it may be appropriate for the government to subsidize pilgrimage. The subsidy provided by the government in the past year was prompted by the difficulties faced by Muslim pilgrims.
‘’They did not explicitly request the subsidy, either individually or collectively. However, during the payment process, some pilgrims had already paid the full amount required when the Nigerian currency experienced significant fluctuation.
‘’They did not ask for the subsidy, but the prices changed after they had already paid, and it was not due to indigence. They had collected the exact amount that the Pilgrims’ Board required.
Unfortunately, the value of the money they paid dropped, and they were asked to find additional funds. This is the true situation we face.
“Ordinarily, we have argued that under normal circumstances, there would be no need for governments’ intervention in pilgrimage matters. About five years ago, MURIC launched a campaign urging the federal government to withdraw from pilgrimage affairs.
‘’Muslims can manage pilgrimage on their own; this year alone, at least 65,000 Muslim pilgrims went for Hajj. When such a large number of people pool their resources and manage them properly, they can return with profits. Therefore, we suggested that the government should withdraw its involvement.’’
The Nigeria Customs Service said its operatives intercepted nine containers carrying offensive items including arms, ammunition, Illicit drugs and second-hand clothes worth N13.9 billion.
The Comptroller-General, NCS, Adewale Adeniyi disclosed this on Monday while addressing journalists in Onne Port, Rivers State.
Adeniyi said one of the containers which originated from Turkey, based on the number of risk factors associated with the importation, became a subject of interest to the service.
Giving details of the container, the CG said, “We have followed its sail across continents and we’ve benefitted immensely from credible information through our collaboration with intelligence communities both at local, national and international levels,”
According to him, the importer tried to circumvent the procedure through the outlet of a private-bonded terminal.
“On Friday 21st of June 2024, the auspicious container was subjected to a thorough physical examination. Inside the container were 844 units of assorted riffles and 12,500 pieces of life ammunition,” which Adeniyi said were “concealed with various items like doors, furniture fittings and leather bags.”
The NCS boss stated that the duty-paid value of the container was N4.2bn.
He added that three suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures after securing a detention warrant from a competent court of justice.
On the other containers, Adeniyi said, “On Saturday, our officers intercepted eight pieces of 40-foot containers transiting from a bonded terminal
“On examination, six of the containers were laden with 1.5 million bottles of cough syrup of codeine in 100ml sizes, 3.5m tablets of tramadol. The duty-paid value of the containers is N9.6bn. the total duty paid value of the nine containers is N13.9bn,” the customs boss concluded.
On Friday, June 28, 2024, the Joint Border Patrol Team Sector 2 of the NCS said it intercepted 1,410 litres of premium motor spirit worth N30.4m within one week.
The team’s Coordinator, Mohammad Shuaibu, disclosed this while addressing journalists at the Customs Training College in Ikeja, Lagos State.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested four suspected fake Economic and Financial Crimes Commission officers while planning to abduct and collect a ransom of N150m from their victim name (withheld).
Parading the suspects alongside other suspects at the command headquarters in Ikot Akpanabia, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, on Monday, the Commissioner of Police, Waheed Ayilara, said the principal suspect, Emmanuel Akpayak, masterminded the kidnap of the would-be victim whom he owed over N12m as he tried to extort money from him and subsequently kill him to evade repayment of his debt.
He listed the suspects to include one Emmanuel Augustine Akpayak ‘M’ aged 27years, Echem Ovurizichi Weneka, ‘M’, aged 27years, Promise Udofia ‘M’ aged 28 years and Jeremiah Johnson Okon ‘M’ 38 years.
According to the CP, “Investigation revealed that Emmanuel Augustine Akpayak had arranged for the kidnap and killing of the would-be victim by engaging men on arms and procuring the EFCC vest/uniform for the operation.
“(The) Victim was invited and a search was conducted at the principal suspect’s house where four pairs of the EFCC vest were recovered. Information at hand indicates that the suspect transacted a business of selling cars with the would-be victim and owed the victim about N12m. To evade the repayment of the debt, the suspect hired armed men to kidnap, extort the sum of N150m and also kill the victim thereafter but the operation was foiled. Suspects will have their day in court,” he said.
In an interview with the principal suspect, Akpayak, he claimed that the intending victim was his business associate to whom he owed some money but hired “boys” who were issuing threats to him.
He noted that attempts to make his associate come to roundtable discussions failed hence he resorted to getting the EFCC vest from an online vendor to give to his syndicate who posed as officials to arrest the man and force him to bring N150m as he alleged that the would-be victim was rich and into Internet fraud.
The commissioner also paraded suspected advance fee fraudsters who had been swindling PoS operators in Uyo.
“On 21/06/2024 at about 7:00pm, one Glory Uko Okon ‘F’ of Afaha Ikot Obio Nkan Village, Ibesikpo Asutan LGA, called in through the emergency hotline and alleged that one Donald Ita Nyong ‘M’, Rex Clement Uso ‘M’ and one Kingsley Mathias Joekim POS syndicates came to her stand at Udo Udoma Avenue Uyo, pretended to make a withdrawal of N10,000. While she made the withdrawal to the suspects, one of the suspects gave her N3,200 to deposit into an Opay account which she tried three times and the transaction was unsuccessful. The suspects mounted pressure on her which made her give out the POS machine to the suspect to type in the account number. Before she could realise it, the suspects had withdrawn the sum of N320,000 from her machine and quickly jumped into their waiting car and zoomed off. Suspects were arrested, they all made useful statements and have confessed to the crime.”
At least, three members of a suspected child trafficking syndicate have been arrested by the Akwa State Police Command for allegedly selling a 12-year-old boy (name withheld) for N400,000 in Ibesikpo in the state.
The state Commissioner of Police, Waheed Ayilara, announced this in a statement following a press conference at the police headquarters in Uyo on Monday.
PUNCH Metro learnt that the suspects were arrested at about 2 pm on May 9, 2024.
Ayilara stated that the trio of Michael Edet, Umem Moses, and Ability Tom were apprehended in their hideouts in the state by operatives of the command following credible intelligence about the syndicates.
Our correspondent learnt that the suspects allegedly kidnapped the victim, who was selling groundnuts along Oron Road in Akwa Ibom State, and transported him to the Ovum Community, Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State, where he was sold to another suspect identified as Loveth Nwankwo for the stated amount.
Ayilara said, “On May 9, 2024, at about 2:30 p.m., acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the command arrested one Michael Emmanuel Edet ‘M’, one Ability Henry Tom ‘F, and one Uwem udoh Moses ‘F’ from their hideouts within Ibesikpo and Aka Etinan Road for stealing a child (name withheld) ‘M’ 12 years while he was hawking groundnuts along the Oron Road and was taken to Ovum community and sold out for the sum of N400,000 to one Loveth Nwankwo.
“Further investigation led to the arrest of the said Loveth Nwankwo in Abia State. Suspects confessed to the crime and promised to help arrest other fleeing members of their syndicate. The victim was rescued and with others. The investigation is still ongoing. The above suspects and others will have their day in court.”
He assured the state’s residents that the command would continue to confront criminals directly and prevent any breakdown of law and order.
“We urge Akwa Ibom people to continue cooperating with the police through intelligence sharing so that together we can fight and successfully defeat crime and criminal elements in the state,” Ayilara added.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kano Sector Command, has confirmed the death of 25 travellers following an auto crash on the Kano-Kaduna highway.
The accident, which took place early Monday morning near Dangwaro International Market in Kano’s metropolitan area, also left 53 injured.
According to the FRSC Sector Commander in the state, Ibrahim Abdullahi, the incident involved a trailer (IVECO) with the number plate XA 311 ZB, which was transporting both passengers and cows from Maiduguri to the southern part of Nigeria, when the trailer collided with another vehicle, causing it to somersault.
“We received a call at about 03:15 am on July 1, 2024. On receiving the information, we quickly dispatched our personnel and vehicle to the scene of the incident to rescue the victims at 03:30 am,” Abdullahi stated.
He attributed the cause of the accident to excessive speed, dangerous driving, and overloading, which led to the driver losing control of the vehicle.
Explaining further, Abdullahi noted that during the rescue operation, FRSC personnel recovered six motorcycles, 10 mobile phones, several animals including goats and rams, bags of maize, and a sum of N400,000.
He stated that all the victims were rushed to Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital Kano for urgent medical treatment, where doctors confirmed the deaths of 25 individuals.
“All the victims were immediately conveyed to Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital Kano for urgent medical attention. The doctors on duty confirmed 25 dead out of the victims,” Abdullahi said.
The commander advised motorists against the unsafe practice of transporting animals and goods alongside humans.
Jan Vertonghen would wish he wasn’t included in Belgium’s national team squad for Euro 2024 as he helped France to end his team’s campaign in the round of 16.
Jan Vertonghen who has played 156 times and scored ten goals for the Belgium national team was arguably the most experienced player on the pitch in the France vs Belgium clash. Unfortunately for him, he left the pitch with his head covered in shame.
The scrappy first half of the round of 16 clash at the Merkur Spiel Arena ended in a 0-0 draw giving the Belgian side hope that they could come up with something tangible in the second half.
They were able to hold their own against the French side in most parts of the second half as the game was relatively balanced.
While Belgium looked good in midfield, they weren’t looking that convincing in the final third. France looked more dangerous in the final third throughout the game as they recorded 19 shots but only two were on target.
Jan Vertonghen’s woes in the game started in the 76th minute when the 37-year-old defender who currently plays for Belgian side, Anderlecht, received a yellow card for his harsh reaction against Kolo Muani.
Nine minutes later, the worst happened to him in the game when he scored an own goal that gifted unconvincing France a 1-0 win and ended Belgium’s run in the Euro 2024.
France who had masked Kylian Mbappe to bank on for 90 minutes couldn’t score a goal of their own but they wouldn’t have much to complain about as they make it to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals.
The U.S. Supreme Court found on Monday that Donald Trump cannot be prosecuted for official actions taken as president, but can for private acts, in a landmark ruling recognizing for the first time any form of presidential immunity from prosecution.
The justices, in a 6-3 ruling written by Chief Justice John Roberts, threw out a lower court’s decision rejecting Trump’s claim of immunity from criminal charges involving his efforts to undo his 2020 election loss to Joe Biden. The six conservative justices were in the majority. Its three liberals dissented.
“We conclude that under our constitutional structure of separated powers, the nature of presidential power requires that former presidents have some immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts during his tenure in office,” Roberts wrote.
“At least with respect to the president’s exercise of his core constitutional powers, this immunity must be absolute. As for his remaining official actions, he is also entitled to immunity,” Roberts added.
Roberts said Trump’s case will be sent back to the lower courts for further review. The Supreme Court’s slow handling of the blockbuster case already had helped Trump by making it unlikely that any trial on these charges brought by Special Counsel Jack Smith could be completed before the election.
The court analyzed four categories of conduct contained in Trump’s indictment: his discussions with Justice Department officials following the 2020 election, his alleged pressure on then-Vice President Mike Pence to block certification of Biden’s election win, his alleged role in assembling fake pro-Trump electors and his conduct related to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
The court found Trump was absolutely immune for conversations with Justice Department officials but returned the case to lower courts to determine whether Trump has immunity for the other three categories. The ruling marked the first time since the nation’s 18th century founding that the Supreme Court has declared that former presidents may be shielded from criminal charges in any instance.
Trump is the Republican candidate challenging Biden, a Democrat, in the Nov. 5 U.S. election in a 2020 rematch.
The decision came in Trump’s appeal of a lower court ruling rejecting his immunity claim. The court decided the case on the last day of its term.
Trump, 78, is the first former U.S. president to be criminally prosecuted as well as the first former president convicted of a crime. Smith’s election subversion charges embody one of the four criminal cases Trump has faced.
Justice Sonia Sotomayor, joined by fellow liberal Justices Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson, delivered a sharply worded dissent, saying the ruling “makes a mockery of the principle, foundational to our Constitution and system of government, that no man is above the law.”
Sotomayor added: “Relying on little more than its own misguided wisdom about the need for bold and unhesitating action by the president, the court gives former President Trump all the immunity he asked for and more.”
Sotomayor said the ruling “reshapes the institution of the presidency.”
Trump had argued that he is immune from prosecution because he was serving as president when he took the actions that led to the charges. Smith had opposed presidential immunity from prosecution based on the principle that no one is above the law.
Rick Hasen, a professor of law at the UCLA School of Law and a critic of Trump’s efforts to overturn his 2020 election defeat, said: “The Supreme Court has put out a fact-intensive test on the boundaries of the president’s immunity – with a huge thumb on the scale favoring the president’s immunity – in a way that will surely push this case past the election.”
During April 25 arguments in the case, Trump’s legal team urged the justices to fully shield former presidents from criminal charges – “absolute immunity” – for official acts taken in office. Without immunity, Trump’s lawyer said, sitting presidents would face “blackmail and extortion” by political rivals due to the threat of future prosecution.
The court’s conservative majority includes three justices Trump appointed.
In the special counsel’s August 2023 indictment, Trump was charged with conspiring to defraud the United States, corruptly obstructing an official proceeding and conspiring to do so, and conspiring against the right of Americans to vote. He has pleaded not guilty.
Trump’s trial had been scheduled to start on March 4 before the delays over the immunity issue. Now, no trial date is set. Trump made his immunity claim to the trial judge in October, meaning the issue has been litigated for about nine months.
In a separate case brought in New York state court, Trump was found guilty by a jury in Manhattan on May 30 on 34 counts of falsifying documents to cover up hush money paid to a porn star to avoid a sex scandal before the 2016 election. Trump also faces criminal charges in two other cases. He has pleaded not guilty in those and called all the cases against him politically motivated.
A spokesperson for Smith declined to comment on Monday’s ruling. A lawyer for his office told the Supreme Court during arguments that the “absolute immunity” sought by Trump would shield presidents from criminal liability for bribery, treason, sedition, murder and, as in this case, trying to overturn the proper results of an election and stay in power.
During the arguments, justices asked hypothetical questions involving a president selling nuclear secrets, taking a bribe or ordering a coup or political assassination. If such actions were official conduct, Trump’s lawyer argued, a former president could be charged only if first impeached by the House of Representatives and convicted in the Senate – something that has never happened in U.S. history.
In a May Reuters/Ipsos poll, a new tab, just 27% of respondents – 9% of Democrats, 50% of Republicans and 29% of independents – agreed that presidents should be immune from prosecution unless they have first been impeached and convicted by Congress.
Smith, seeking to avoid trial delays, had asked the justices in December to perform a fast-track review after Trump’s immunity claim was rejected by U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan that month. Trump opposed the bid. Rather than resolve the matter promptly, the justices denied Smith’s request and let the case proceed in a lower court, which upheld Chutkan’s ruling against Trump on Feb. 6.
The immunity ruling comes 20 weeks after Trump on Feb. 12 sought relief from the Supreme Court. By contrast, it took the court less than nine weeks in another major case to reinstate Trump to the presidential primary ballot in Colorado after he appealed a lower court’s ruling that had disqualified him for engaging in an insurrection by inciting and supporting the attack on the U.S. Capitol by his supporters.
The timeline of the court’s immunity ruling likely does not leave enough time for Smith to try Trump on federal election subversion charges and for a jury to reach a verdict before voters head to the polls.
Federal prosecutors have accused Trump of pressuring government officials to overturn the election results and encouraging his supporters to march to the Capitol on Jan. 6 to push Congress not to certify Biden’s victory, based on false claims of widespread voting fraud. Trump supporters attacked police and stormed the Capitol, sending lawmakers and others fleeing. Trump and his allies also are accused of devising a plan to use false electors from key states to thwart certification.
Not since its landmark Bush v. Gore decision, which handed the disputed 2000 U.S. election to Republican George W. Bush over Democrat Al Gore, has the Supreme Court played such an integral role in a presidential race.
Trump also faces election subversion charges in state court in Georgia and federal charges in Florida brought by Smith relating to keeping classified documents after leaving office.
If Trump regains the presidency, he could try to force an end to the prosecution or potentially pardon himself for any federal crimes.
[NationalDaily]
Amid the increasing demand for an efficient and responsive police system, the Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele on Monday lamented the dysfunctionality of the Nigeria Police, pointing out that as currently constituted, the police was not properly established to succeed in the country.
Bamidele, also Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, further observed that any police structure that did not reflect Nigeria’s federal realities would not effectively address the roots of security challenges facing the federation.
He made these remarks at the 2024 Distinguished Personality Lecture Series jointly organised by the Department of Political Science and Institute of Legislative Studies, University of Ilorin, Kwara State.
The lecture, titled “Constitutional Amendment and the Political Dynamics of State Police in Nigeria,” was chaired by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, who was represented by Deputy Leader of the Senate, Senator Oyelola Ashiru.
At the lecture were the Chairman, Senate Chairman on Agriculture, Senator Saliu Mustapha; Chairman, Senate Committee on Trade and Investment, Senator Sadiq Umar; Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Police Affairs, Senator Akintunde Yunus; Vice Chancellor, University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole (SAN) and Director General, National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, Prof. Abubakar Suleiman.
Speaking at the session, Bamidele dissected diverse socio-economic and political forces responsible for the dysfunctionality of the Nigeria Police and reeled out antidotes to the problems of policing in Nigeria.
While warning against the incessant deployment of the armed forces without compliance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, Bamidele faulted the undue establishment and operations of vigilante groups and security outfits at the state levels without national legal framework.
Bamidele explained that the incessant deployment of the armed forces for the purpose of maintaining law and order internally was at variance with their mandate under the 1999 Constitution and did not portray Nigeria as a truly democratic and internally stable democracy.
The senate leader observed that the challenges facing the Nigeria Police “are numerous. How the police are organised, managed, governed and funded can determine its ability to deliver on its constitutional mandate of protecting the life and property of Nigerians.
“Understanding these dynamics can help in appreciating what needs to be done to improve security in the country. It is clear that Nigerians do not fully appreciate the depth and scale of the challenges facing the police.
“I maintain that the police have not been set up properly to succeed in this nation. Effective policing in Nigeria is almost impossible unless there are fundamental changes. Indeed, the constraints faced by the police are used as excuses for various misconducts and unprofessional behaviours by many officers of the force.
“Despite many attempts by its leadership of the Nigeria Police to enforce discipline and even sack bad eggs, operational misconduct is still prevalent in the ranks of police operatives, and this undermines their capacity to decisively respond to pervasive insecurity nationwide.”
He further argued that the regular deployment of the Nigeria Armed Forces across the federation was, no doubt, an indication that the present police structure could no longer address the present security challenges of our nation.
To correct these anomalies, the senate leader canvassed the adoption of decentralised police model to address a myriad of security challenges currently undermining the country’s internal cohesion and disincentivizing investors from coming into the federation.
[DailyTrust]
A 103-year-old Tanzanian woman identified as Mariam Hussein has narrated the lifelong story of love and patience detailing her deep affection for a white boyfriend named John, whom she failed to meet again after he left.
Hussein, who spoke with Afrimax’s English anchor, Simon Greenwood, in Swahili (translated to English) recently said she was convinced that her European boyfriend would find her soon so they could rekindle their love, but she ended up single and celibate all her life.
According to her, John was a young man full of adventure and kindness who had come to Tanzania seeking adventure.
“I met John, a young white man from Europe who had come to Tanzanian in search of adventure and purpose. I helped him navigate and settle comfortably into his new environment. Over time, our friendship blossomed into something more, to be honest, he was unlike anyone I have ever met his manners, stories, and kindness all fascinated me he respected my culture and showed genuine interest in my life and aspirations we spent countless hours envisioning a future filled with love and happiness I believed he was truly unique and indeed he was.
“Our relationship blossomed and I found myself falling deeply in love every moment we spent together made my feelings for him grow stronger, I could see that he loved me too, his eyes sparkled with genuine affection whenever he looked at me and his actions always showed his care and commitment.
“I love him back wholeheartedly and unconditionally because, for the first time in my life, it was all about love in its purest form we shared dreams, hopes and secrets together, building an unbreakable bond I also hoped that John would be the one to change my destiny I dreamt that he may take me away from the life of struggle I had always known and experienced with him I envisioned a future filled with endless possibilities free from the hardship that had defined my past he gave me hope that together we could build a new life full of love and happiness,” the woman said.
The woman, who has never married nor had children, stressed that her hopes were dashed when John abruptly received an urgent call to return to his village without bidding her farewell or explaining.
Devastated by his sudden disappearance, Hussein spent years searching for him, believing that he would someday return to fulfil their dreams.
“I was devastated I couldn’t believe he had disappeared initially. I considered the possibility of it being a prank or a test of my patience. I searched high and low for John desperately hoping for an explanation but he was nowhere to be found days turned into weeks, weeks turned into months and still there was no trace of him months turned into years and yet I clung to believe that John would eventually return.
“I refused to accept the idea that he may not come back anytime soon despite the wonderful moments we had shared, I remained a virgin in our culture, it was expected that preserve her purity until marriage having sex before a marriage was considered a taboo so I made it my priority to maintain my purity…,” she noted.
The 103-year-old woman further asserted that she had always believed that one day she would be married to John and her patience would be rewarded.
“This cultural belief was deeply ingrained in me and I took my commitment to take it seriously even though I loved John deeply and we had an incredible bond. I remained steadfast in upholding this cultural value.
“I believed that one day, we would be married and my patience would be rewarded … however as years went by the hopes of his returns began to fade leaving me feeling both betrayed and alone nevertheless, I remained resolute in my promise to myself and my culture,” she said.
[Punch]
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The chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has hailed the appointment of Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon, as the Chancellor of Glasgow Caledonian University, UK.
In a congratulatory message, Dabiri-Erewa said the appointment was a well-deserved one.
Dabiri-Erewa in a statement signed by Abdur-Rahman Balogun Director, Media, Public Relations and Protocols, NiDCOM, said Nigeria is proud of the genius achievements of Anne-Marie, breaking records and setting unimaginable standards at her young age always that has earned her the prestigious assignment to continue to serve humanity.
The statement stated: “While praying for her success and impactful tenure, the NiDCOM boss acknowledged the receipt of her invitation to attend the prestigious Chancellor’s installation slated for July 2, as a special guest of Dr. Anne-Marie Imafidon, saying it is a great honour to her.
“She urged her not to rest on her oars by being a trailblazer and continue to motivate others to be the best in all their endeavours.
“Dr. Imafidon, apart from being the youngest leader of a non-private University and youngest scientist to become Chancellor of a multidisciplinary University, has now become the youngest Chancellor of a major University.
“This feat she has attained began with her siblings when they joined the ExcellenceInEducation.org.uk mentorship program. A program that nurtures inner-city kids.
“While there, she achieved global recognition as the youngest person to attain A-Level in computing and Mathematics followed by a scholarship at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, USA at the young age of 13.”
Dr. Anne- Marie in a statement said: “To be welcomed to an institution that stands for the Common Good is one of the greatest honours of my life.”
[TheNation]
Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), says the commission has no constitutional power to conduct local council elections except in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Yakubu said this on the sidelines of a two-day induction retreat for INEC Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), on Monday in Lagos.
Reacting to the agitation seeking constitutional backing for INEC to be saddled with the responsibility of conducting local council elections, Yakubu described it as ‘a constitutional matter’.
According to Yakubu, unless necessary constitutional amendments are made, the commission will only continue to organise national and state elections.
“The same section of the constitution that establishes INEC also establishes the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) and we cannot take over their duties.
“It is good for people to engage in advocacy for INEC to take charge of the whole elections, but the constitution has to be amended for that to happen.
“For now, INEC can only conduct the local government elections in the Federal Capital Territory with six area council chairmen and 62 councillors.
“And it is in the FCT that the conduct of council elections has been regular and we are proud that the conduct of the elections there has been done to the best of our capacity.
“So, we are encouraged by what we have done, but as for taking over the state elections, the constitution has to be amended, and we are not there yet,’’ he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some Nigerians are canvassing for the dissolution of the State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) in the ongoing constitutional amendment, to pave way for INEC to take charge of local government elections.
The prooponents believe that state governors were hijacking local councils’ allocation due to irregularities in the conduct of the LG polls.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), had in March this year called for the scrapping of SIECs.
Fagbemi said that SIEC’s function should be transferred to INEC, to ensure independence and transparency in the outcome of local government elections in the country.
[Vanguard]
Rita Dominic, the Nigerian actress, has rebuked a critic of her role in the show ‘Lekki Wives: The Reunion’.
On June 17, Blessing Egbe, the show’s producer, announced the release date and inclusion of Dominic.
Since then, the actress has come under fire for accepting to feature in the show.
A critic said Dominic should “have outgrown the role”.
Reacting to the criticism via an X post, Dominic said the critic does not have “artistic integrity”.
She also urged actors to always showcase their skills through available platforms and turn deaf ears to this type of comment.
“Dear Actors, only people who have no single drop of artistic integrity speak like this,” she wrote.
“If you listen to them you will soon begin to believe you are more important than the industry that birth you.
“You are an actor, so make sure to find a way or platform to release the creative energy in you.
“Continue to hone your skills regardless of empty comments like this cos knowledge is never-ending.”
‘Lekki Wives: The Reunion’ is the sequel to ‘Lekki Wives’ which was produced in 2012.
It revolves around five women living in Lekki Lagos, their flamboyant lifestyles, and the significant issues they face daily.
The cast members are Kiki Omeili as Loveth, Keira Hewatch as Peace, Adaora Ukoh as Miranda, Chinonso Young as Cleopatra, and Katherine Obiang as Uju.
In the sequel, Rita Dominic will play Abike, the tout and friend of Uju.
[TheCable]
The multimillion Naira Zungeru Hydro Electricity Dam in Niger state has been hit by an explosion.
The Dam which is yet to be officially commissioned by the Federal government is the fourth located in the state coming after Jebba, Kainji and Shiroro.
Our Correspondent reliably gathered that the explosion occurred early morning of today.
The real cause of the explosion is yet unknown.
A dependable source from the area who confirmed the incident to our Correspondent however said that several of the workers on duty sustained various degrees of injuries and are being attended to at different hospitals close by while those seriously affected are said to have been rushed to Minna, the state capital for more medical attention.
“We saw a foreigner,(Chinese) who is a worker who had severe injuries being ferried to Minna for further medical attention but we cannot say the exact number of staff injured but they are many,” the source added.
Besides the human injuries, the explosion was said to have affected some installations at the Dam.
The implication of the explosion on power supply generally across the country is not yet known.
Details later.