At least 30 British citizens of Nigerian origin will be on the ballot in the United Kingdom’s elections scheduled for Thursday, July 4.

An analysis of the list of candidates by a UK election data supplier, Democracy Club, showed that 20 British-Nigerians will be representing mainstream parties, including the Labour Party, the Conservatives Party, the Liberal Democrats, and the Reform UK, while the rest are from smaller parties or contesting as independents.

The new Parliament is expected to be the most diverse in Britain’s history as more ethnic minorities, including Nigerians, in mainstream and fringe parties, are making strong overtures to the electorate with persuasive manifestos.

To stand as a candidate in a UK Parliamentary General Election, a candidate must be at least 18 years old and a citizen of a commonwealth country who does not require leave to enter or remain in the UK, or has indefinite leave to remain in the UK.

Some of the candidates are seeking re-elections to the parliament, others are appearing on the ballot paper for the first time, hoping to get the votes of their constituencies.

A yet-to-be-identified suspected electricity vandal has been electrocuted while attempting to steal transformer cable which belong to the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company.

A statement on Friday by the Head, Corporate Communications of EEDC, Emeka Ezeh, said the incident happened in the early hours of Friday.

Ezeh, who described the incident as “tragic and very unfortunate,” lamented the increasing rate at which vandals attack electricity installations within the EEDC’s network daily.

Ezeh said, “In the early hours of today (Friday), the lifeless body of a yet-to-be-identified vandal suspect was found within the space of a distribution transformer belonging to the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company Plc located around Missionary Avenue, Coal Camp, Enugu.

“From all indications, it is presumed that the power supply must have been restored while the deceased was cutting the armoured cables, which resulted in him being electrocuted.

“Vandalism has been a big challenge to the company, and there is no way this can be addressed without the support of critical stakeholders.”

Ezeh lamented the increasing rate at which criminals plunder electricity installations within EEDC’s network daily, noting that it has adversely impacted not just the quality of service to its customers but also its revenue.

Meanwhile, the organisation in a statement on Friday, said, “The attention of the EEDC has been drawn to a video circulating on the social media space, made by one Mazi Okechukwu Cyril Nwuche who claims to be a lecturer at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, and the Anambra State Chairman of South East Electricity Consumers Association, purporting that EEDC is calling on its customers to apply for a free prepaid metre.

“This information is not only incorrect but laced with mischief aimed at misleading unsuspecting customers and creating confusion within the space.

“Whilst EEDC encourages its customers in need of meters to apply and have their premises metered, it is important that they are armed with the right information, and that they also understand the procedure in place for metre acquisition.”

The Ikorodu Magistrate’s Court in Lagos State has approved the request of Mohbad’s family to conduct a second autopsy.

This development comes after the family expressed dissatisfaction with the initial autopsy results, which were deemed inconclusive.

Mohbad passed away on September 12, 2023, at age 27, under controversial circumstances.

Following public demand for clarity on his cause of death, his body was exhumed on September 21, 2023, for an autopsy by the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).

According to reports from The Cable Lifestyle, the samples from Mohbad’s gastric content, blood, bone marrow, liver, kidney, and lung were collected for toxicological analysis.

The anatomical and pathological examination disclosed an injury on his right forearm, and it was noted that his body, exhumed after moderate to severe decomposition, showed no significant findings that could determine the cause of death.

The toxicology report indicated the presence of Diphenhydramine, an antihistamine, but its concentration was not at a fatal level. Antihistamines are typically used to treat allergy symptoms and other conditions like stomach issues, colds, and anxiety.

The report concluded that the exact cause of death could not be established, but it suggested a possible drug reaction due to the lack of significant findings in both the post-mortem and toxicology reports. Notably, the body had neither undergone an autopsy nor been embalmed before burial on the second day after death.

However, the family rejected the initial autopsy report due to its failure to determine the cause of death.

During a recent hearing on June 26, 2024, the Ikorodu Magistrate’s Court granted permission for a second autopsy, allowing Mohbad’s family and their legal representatives to pursue further investigation into his cause of death.

The Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos, has affirmed the judgment of a Lagos State High Court, which sentenced Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju James, popularly called Baba Ijesha to five years imprisonment for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old minor.

The appellate court in its lead judgment by Justice Folashade Ojo (presided) found the appellant (Baba Ijesha) guilty on counts 4 and 5, where he was accused of indecently touching a minor and sexually assaulted her.

Other members of the panel, Justice Abdullahi Bayero and Justice Paul Bassi agreed with the lead judgement.

The Lagos State Government had prosecuted Baba Ijesha on a six-count charge of indecent treatment of a child, sexual assault, attempted sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault by penetration.

In her judgment, the trial judge, Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo now retired of the Ikeja Domestic Violence and Sexual Offences Court, on July 14, 2022,  sentenced Baba Ijesha to five years imprisonment over the sexual assault of a minor.

The court found Baba Ijesha guilty of indecent treatment of a child and sexual assault, of a minor between 2013 and 2014, which is contrary to Section 135 of Lagos State Criminal Law 2015.

Dissatisfied with the verdict, Baba Ijesha through his counsel Mr. Kayode Olabiran, appeal the lower court decision, praying the appellate court to allow the appeal and set aside his conviction and sentence.

The appellant argued that the prosecution failed to prove that he (Baba Ijesha) sexually assaulted the victim, contending that the appellant  merely acted a script that he was invited to act.

Delivering judgment on the appeal, yesterday, Justice Folashade Ojo set aside appellant’s conviction on indecent treatment of a child and sexual assault of a minor which allegedly occurred between 2013 and 2014, describing the testimony of PW1 (Damilola Adekoya) as hearsay.

Justice Ojo, however held that on the event that occurred on April 19, 2021, the evidence of PW1 (Damilola Adekoya) was an eye witness account, adding that an eye witness account remains credible and one of the most effective ways to established commission of an offence.

The court held that the appellant’s voluntarily confessed to the crime of of April 19, 2021, and did not challenge the statement of  (PW1), Damilola Adekoya throughout the proceedings.

Justice Ojo noted that the appellant made extra judicial statement at Sabo Police station Lagos State on April 19, 2021, and another statement at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti on April 28,  2021, which were tendered in evidence.

Justice Ojo held, “The law is certain that there is no other evidence other than admission in commission of an offence.

“From the totality of the evidence of PW2 it can be safely inferred that  as at the date of the victim’s testimony she was at best 15 years old and a child by virtue of Section 261 of the Child’s Rights Law of Lagos State, 2015.

“It is significant to note that the appellant did not challenge PW2’s on the evidence she gave. It is in view of all these that I hold that the prosecution established that PW2, the victim of the offence was a child at the time of the alleged offences in 2021.

“I have carefully looked at the record and unable to agree with the appellant, that he was merely acting a script.The interaction between PW2 and the appellant on the 19th April, 2021was not a theatrical performance of make-believe but a personal encounter between the two of them.

“Moreover, PW2’s (victim) body language supported by her oral testimony and documentary evidence clearly show that she attempted to distance herself from the appellant. The most inference to draw from from appellant’s action in searching the entire house immediately after PW1 left with her visitors and sexually assaulting PW2 is that he intended to commit the offence, and did committed the offence.

“It’s  trite that factual findings of the trial court involving the credibility of witnesses are accorded almost respect. Trial courts have the advantage of first-time observation, which allows them to assess witnesses’ demeanour and manner of testifying during the trial.

“On the event of April 19, 2021, it is my firm belief that the evidence of PW1 does not amount to hearsay, she was an eye witness. My conclusion is that the evidence presented by the prosecution before the trial court on the offence of indecent treatment of a child, and sexually assault committed by the appellant on the 19th of April 2021 is compelling and sufficient to justify the appellant’s conviction.

“In conclusion, I have no hesitation in affirming the appellant’s conviction for the indecent treatment of a child , and sexual assault. The appellant indecently touched PW2’s body in a sexual manner, in violation of Section 135 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015. His actions constitute sexual assault against PW2.

“I am of the view that the respondent discharge the burden proving it’s case beyond reasonable doubt against the appellant on the allegations of April 19, 2021, and I so hold. I have no reason to interfere with the findings of the trial court on the event of April 19, 2021.

In all , I hold that this appeal succeed in part and it accordingly allowed in part.

The court ordered as follows “The appellant’s conviction, and sentence to five years imprisonment for the offence of indecently touching of a child contrary to Section 135 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2011 (count 2 of the charge) is set aside.

“The appellant conviction of three years imprisonment for the offence of sexual assault of a child contrary to section 261 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2011 (count 3 of the charge) is set aside.

“I affirm the conviction and sentence of the appellant to fiveyears imprisonment for the offence of indecent treatment of a child contrary to section 135 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2015 (count 4 of the charge)

“The appellant’s conviction and sentence to 3 years imprisonment for sexual assault contrary to section 263 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2011 (count 5 of the information) is also affirmed.

“The sentences for counts 4 and 5 are to run concurrently”.

Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has approved Friday, July 12 as the date for the coronation and presentation of staff of office to the Olubadan of Ibadan land designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.

The governor’s approval was conveyed in a statement issued by the State Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mr Dotun Oyelade, on Thursday evening.

According to Oyelade, the announcement of the date for the Olubadan coronation has put paid to insinuations in some quarters regarding the government’s keenness on justice and fairness in the emergence of the next Olubadan of Ibadan land.

Oyelade said the state had put all machinery in motion to ensure that the coronation and presentation of staff of office would be a worthy and remarkable ceremony.

Olakulehin is the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadan land.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued fresh guidelines on foreign currency deposits by deposit money banks (DMBs).

CBN made this known in a circular signed by Solaja Olayemi, its acting director of the currency operations department on Friday.

In the circular, the apex bank directed banks to transfer all excess foreign currency notes to its Lagos or Abuja branches.

The financial regulator said this is aimed at boosting liquidity in the foreign exchange market. 

According to CBN, each bank would be allowed a maximum deposit of $10 million threshold for $100 notes and $50 notes daily.

“In order to deepen the foreign exchange market, boost liquidity and attain convergence in the exchange rates of the parallel and official markets, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has approved that DMBs may deposit their excess foreign currency notes with Lagos and Abuja branches of the Bank,” CBN said.

“The approval is a response to the increasing demand by DMBs to deposit their forex cash with CBN for onward credit to their off-shore accounts with the correspondent banks.”

‘3 WORKING DAYS NOTICE FOR INTENT TO DEPOSITS’

The financial regulator said the banks should adhere strictly to its guidelines such as giving three days notice showing intent to deposit foreign currencies.

“Give at least three (3) working days’ notice of their intent to deposit forex cash, in writing to the branch controller, CBN Lagos or/and Abuja. This must be accompanied by the list of owners of foreign currency to be deposited,” CBN said.

“All deposits must be within the threshold of the following per day: (i) USD higher bills ($100 and $50) maximum limit of $10 million. (ii) USD lower bills (20 and below) maximum limit of $1 million. (iii) GBP notes a maximum limit of £1 million. (iv) EURO notes – maximum limit of €1 million.

“Two (2) representatives of the depositing bank must be present to witness and confirm the amount to be deposited.

“Deposits may be in $100, $50, $20, $10, $5, $1 and all GBP and EURO denominations. Each denomination shall be in separate boxes.

“The DMBs shall engage the services of only CBN-registered CIT companies for deposits of foreign currency notes.

“The time for accepting deposits shall be between 8am and 12pm.”

CBN said Abuja and Lagos branches would receive, count and authenticate deposits in the presence of the representatives of the depositing bank on the same day.

“The bank shall credit the DMBs account through their correspondent bank within the cycle time of T+5.” the apex bank said.

“The handling charge of 0.30 per cent of the authenticated amount should be recovered from the DMB current account with CBN.

“The Bank would not accept forex deposits from any DMB that fails to comply with any of the guidelines.”

On  September 12, 2023, the CBN asked banks to stop utilising gains from the revaluation of the naira to pay dividends or finance operations.

President Bola Tinubu has signed an executive order to introduce zero tariffs, excise duties and value added tax (VAT) on imported pharmaceutical inputs.

In a statement on Friday, Muhammad Ali Pate, coordinating minister of health and social welfare, said the order is aimed at revitalising the Nigerian health sector and increase production of healthcare products.

“In a transformative move to revitalize the Nigerian health sector, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR @officialABAT, has signed an Executive Order aiming to increase local production of healthcare products (pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, devices such as needles and syringes, biologicals, medical textile, etc.),” Pate said.

“The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation @FedMinOfJustice, Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi SAN, @LOFagbemi, is to now take the next steps towards codifying the new Order.”

Pate said the order is crucial to the success of the initiative for unlocking the health care value chain (PVAC_NG), which was approved in October 2023 by the president.

“The Order introduces zero tariffs, excise duties and VAT on specified machinery, equipment and raw materials, aiming to reduce production costs and enhance our local manufacturers’ competitiveness,” he said.

“Specified items include Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), excipients, other essential raw materials required for manufacturing of crucial health products like drugs, syringes and needles, Long-lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) and Rapid Diagnostic Kits, among others.

“The Order also provides for establishing market shaping mechanisms such as framework contracts and volume guarantees, to encourage local manufacturers.”

According to the minister, the order mandates collaboration among the ministers of health, finance, as well as industry, trade and investment, to develop a harmonised implementation framework — expediting regulatory approvals and reducing bottlenecks.

Pate said agencies including the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) “will ensure swift implementation, with special waivers and exemptions effective for two years”.

“The implication of this order is pivot towards market-based incentives to encourage medical industrialization, reducing costs of medical products through import substitution over time, creating and retaining economic value and enabling job creation in the healthcare value chain,” the minister said.

Pate thanked Tinubu for his courage and commitment to ensure Nigeria is put back on the path to prosperity.

He also expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the ideas that culminated in the consensus that resulted in the significant milestone.

The development follows an appeal sent by TheCable on May 23 to Tinubu and other political leaders in the country for policy and legislative actions on the escalating cost of medications, also known as “drugflation”.

The publication identified key proposals from its webinar — which was held in April 2024 — in the appeal and requested the approval of an unambiguous executive order to tackle the identified health sector issues, and encourage patronage of local manufacturers.

The Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) has dismissed Athletics Integrity Unity’s (AIU) appeal against the clearance of Tobi Amusan’s anti-doping rule violation.

The court announced the decision in a statement published on its website on Friday.

In July 2023, AIU handed Amusan a provisional suspension for allegedly “missing three tests in 12 months”.

The case was transferred to a disciplinary tribunal. A month later, a “majority decision” of the tribunal ruled that the 27-year-old “has not committed an anti-doping rule violation (ADRV) of three whereabouts failures within a 12-month period.”

Amusan was cleared of the charge by the disciplinary tribunal.

Later that year, AIU announced that it had filed an appeal against the tribunal’s decision before CAS.

In its ruling on the case, CAS judged that although Amusan “committed two filing failures,” the appellant “did not confirm the existence” of a third missed test “which would have been the third whereabouts failure committed within a 12-month period”.

The court ruled that the athlete did not violate any Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) rule and that the “challenged decision should be confirmed.”

“The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has dismissed the appeals filed by World Athletics (WA) and by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) against the decision issued on 17 August 2023 (the Challenged Decision) by the World Athletics Disciplinary Tribunal (WADT) in relation to the hurdler Oluwatobiloba (Tobi) Amusan (Nigeria),” the statement reads.

“In their respective appeal to CAS, WA and WADA had sought the imposition of a two-year period of ineligibility. The CAS Panel held a hearing on 19 January 2024. Having deliberated, the CAS Panel has issued its decision today dismissing both appeals. The CAS Panel unanimously acknowledged that the athlete committed two filing failures but did not confirm the existence of a missed test, alleged by WA and WADA, which would have been the third Whereabouts Failure committed within a 12-month period. Accordingly, the CAS Panel concluded that the athlete did not commit an ADRV and that the Challenged Decision should be confirmed.”

With the latest decision, Amusan is cleared and is expected to represent Nigeria at the Paris Olympics next month.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has responded vehemently to recent statements by some Nigerian governors regarding their intention to determine what they deem fit as the minimum wage for Nigerian workers.

According to the NLC, this stance is dictatorial and undermines the established model for creating a national minimum wage in Nigeria.

In a press release issued by Benson Upah, Head of Information and Public Affairs at NLC, the Congress emphasised that the national minimum wage is not an arbitrary figure but a collective agreement designed to ensure a minimum standard of living for every worker in the country.

The governors’ desire to unilaterally set the minimum wage contradicts this principle and threatens the welfare of Nigerian workers and the national economy, NLC maintained.

“The concept of a national minimum wage represents a national wage floor, a baseline below which no worker should be paid,” Upah stated.

He reminded the governors that the minimum wage is separate from the individual pay structures of states, which already reflect their unique financial capabilities and circumstances.

This flexibility, he noted, allows states to reward their workers in alignment with their financial realities.

The NLC also criticised the inconsistency in the governors’ stance, pointing out that political office holders across the nation receive uniform salaries as determined by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission without similar objections.

“This double standard pits a few privileged individuals against the majority poor, which should concern anyone who loves this country,” the release stated.

The NLC expressed deep concern over what it described as a “blatant display of ignorance” regarding global best practices for national minimum wage by some governors. Despite frequent travels abroad, these governors, according to the NLC, have failed to educate themselves on fundamental issues crucial to successful governance. The Congress recommended that these governors “return to school for proper education” to avoid posing a threat to democracy.

The NLC commended the governors who prioritize workers’ welfare and urged the federal government to address the issue of the national minimum wage without yielding to pressure from “selfish governors.” The Congress reiterated that workers’ salaries are not charity but hard-earned income that drives the economy.

“Allowing numerous companies and organizations in Nigeria to pay workers whatever they like is akin to what the governors are asking for,” the NLC argued. “While these companies may not pay the same salaries, they must adhere to the national wage floor, and the same should apply to state governors.”

The NLC called on President Bola Tinubu to uphold his promise of a living wage and not be influenced by unpatriotic governors. The Congress urged the governors to abandon any inclination towards dictatorial practices and to embrace policies driven by equity and fairness. Ensuring a fair minimum wage, they argued, is not only a matter of economic justice but also a fundamental aspect of maintaining social stability and national cohesion.

“Nigerian workers should not be reduced to beggars! Enough is enough!” the NLC declared. The Congress reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of Nigerian workers, advocating for a fair and equitable wage system that reflects the nation’s values. They called on the governors to join them in this commitment for the benefit of all Nigerians and to let democracy flourish.

The Central Bank Governor, Yemi Cardoso, says Nigeria has done relatively well in its efforts to stabilize the Naira. 

In a recent interview with Bloomberg, Cardoso said his office is pleased with how far they have gone so far with regards their efforts to ensure the Naira is stable. He also stated that the exchange rates how more or less are merged now to ensure that Nigeria operates a single exchange rate. 

In his words;

‘’We feel that a number of things have happened, one of which is that more confidence has come back into the market, a lot inflows have come back because there was very little liquidity at the time and potential players within the market, both on the buy and the sell side are more confident in the future. When I talk about the buy side, bear in mind that in the past, what used to happen is people were panicking and frontloading their request. A lot of that has also calmed down and there is no inclination to do that because liquidity has come back into the market.

We are relatively pleased with how far we have gotten to up till now. In the past two-three weeks after a period of volatility, we have seen a lot of stability within the market. There is hardly been any movement in the currency. The rates have been merged. In the past we had two different rates , right now, we have more or less one rate and we believe that this is good. It allows companies to plan and again it gives an idea of where the potential  road of travel is for people who are investing in our economy. I am relatively pleased with where we are . We don't believe that we have gotten to the position we want to stay at, it is continuous work in progress and we will do everything possible to ensure that we continue to manage the macroeconomic fundamentals that affect that market in such a way that it will improve.''

Watch a video of him speaking below