Henry Nathaniel Ekanem, a final-year student of the University of Port Harcourt in Rivers State, has been sentenced to 14 years in jail for internet fraud.

Ekanem was jailed on Wednesday, October 30, by Justice A. T. Mohammed of the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt.

The development follows his arraignment by the Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on seven counts bordering on obtaining money under false pretence and impersonation.

One of the counts reads: "That you, Henry Nathaniel Ekanem on or about 17th September, 2024, at Choba in Port Harcourt, Rivers state, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, with intent to defraud, did obtain the sum of Twenty Two United states of America dollars ($22)  from Diana Roskov by fraudulently representing yourself as Coran Capsha, manager of the singer, Chris Stapleton, a pretence you knew to be false and thereby committed offence contrary to Section 1(1) (a) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud- Related Offences Act 2006.”

He pleaded guilty when the charges were read to him.

In view of his plea, prosecution counsel, A. Abubakar called witnesses, tendered some documents as evidence which were admitted by the court and marked as exhibits. He thereafter prayed the court to convict and sentence the defendant accordingly.
 
F. T. Fred-Boufini, counsel for the defendant did not oppose the prayers by the prosecution. However, she prayed the court to temper justice with mercy, stressing that the defendant was a first-time offender with no previous criminal records.

However, Justice Mohammed convicted and sentenced the defendant to two years imprisonment on each of the seven counts or an option of fine of Two Hundred Thousand Naira (N200,000) payable into the Consolidated Revenue Account of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

 
The judge also ordered that all the phones recovered from the convict be forfeited to the government, being proceeds of crime.

The Joint Action Committee of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities said the ongoing strike is a long-term battle involving even vice-chancellors, bursars and registrars.

On Monday, the JAC of SSANU and NASU embarked on an indefinite strike over its four-month withheld salary.

Since then, activities have been grounded in universities across the country.

In an interview with The PUNCH on Wednesday, the National President of SSANU, Mr Mohammed Ibrahim, said university executives, including vice-chancellors, bursars, and registrars, did not receive salaries for four months.222A 

He said as a result, the universities would remain completely shut down until the payments were made.

He added that the unions reported massive compliance with the ongoing strike across all universities nationwide.

Ibrahim also revealed that there had been no invitation or any form of interference from the government.

He said, “It is a long-term battle because this strike also involves vice-chancellors, bursars, registrars, and other senior administrators who were not paid.

“The impact is significant, and no one from the government has reached out to us. We have withdrawn our services, and our members are resolute they will not return to work until all salaries are paid.”

He added that compliance with the strike was encouraging, achieving 98 per cent adherence.

“We have achieved 98 per cent compliance with the strike; it is a total strike if you look around. The remaining two per cent are those who held their congress today, and they will join fully tomorrow,” he said.

Both Ibrahim and Vice President of SSANU, Abdussobur Salaam, noted that there had been no official response from the government on the strike.

The former Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman, was relieved of his position last week, and a new minister, Dr Tunji Alausa, is expected to take over today, following President Bola Tinubu’s directive that former ministers should hand over by October 30.

Prof Mamman was among the five ministers relieved of their positions by the President after a Federal Executive Council meeting on Monday.

One of the issues facing the substantive minister, Dr Alausa, as he assumes duty today is the SSANU and NASU strike.

Salaam, however, said there had been no official communication from the government regarding the ongoing strike by the union.

“There’s no update on the ongoing strike, it continues. Some informal contacts were made between the minister of state for education and our union executives, but there’s been no real progress, just an informal appeal.

“This issue has persisted for a long time, with repeated promises that have not been fulfilled.

“All our ultimatums have expired, and we still haven’t received any alerts. The recent invitation was just an informal call on the phone. We urge the authorities to take decisive action; we have come too far and can no longer accept empty promises. If we don’t get the alerts we won’t back down, Salaam said.

A statement made available to The PUNCH on Sunday and signed by National President, SSANU, Ibrahim and General Secretary, NASU, Peters Adeyemi, said the ultimatum it gave the Federal Government over its withheld salaries expired on Sunday midnight.

The unions were demanding, among others, the payment of the four-month withheld salaries, improved remuneration, earned allowances and implementation of the 2009 agreements with the government.

Also, the National Association of Academic Technologists, on Wednesday, announced a nationwide protest over the five-month withheld salaries and unfulfilled agreements with the Federal Government.

NAAT also said it would picket the Ministry of Finance on November 14 for the failure to implement the President’s directive that the withheld salaries should be paid.

The protest is expected to commence at midnight on November 6, 2024, with all branches of the union across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education mobilised to press home their demands.

The President of NAAT, Ibeji Nwokoma, who declared the protest after the union’s National Executive Council meeting in Abuja, also gave the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum starting from October 30, 2024, as a final opportunity to resolve their grievances.

Nwokoma, at the media briefing in Abuja, reeled out a list of long-standing demands that included the payment of five and a half months of withheld salaries and the full implementation of a 2009 agreement with NAAT.

He said the agreement encompassed critical items such as allowances for academic technologists, provisions for student training programmes, and the enhancement of staff-to-student ratios.

It urged the government to, among other things, release funds for upgrading university laboratories and to address the broader issues of underfunding and proliferation of public universities.

Recall that the union had previously issued a three-week ultimatum on September 30, 2024, which expired on October 21.

According to Nwokoma, the ultimatum ended without any acknowledgement from government agencies, including the Federal Ministries of Education and Labour and Employment.

NAAT expressed frustration over what it described as government “insensitivity,” pointing to the President’s recent approval of the withheld salaries that, according to NAAT, had not yet been actioned by the finance ministry.

NAAT’s president announced that, within the two-week window, local branches would convene congresses to conduct a referendum on whether to escalate the protest into a full strike.

It warned that if the government failed to act by November 13, 2024, it would embark on an indefinite strike which would potentially impact academic calendars and critical research activities across the tertiary education system.

The prepared text read, “It is quite unfortunate and regrettable too, that despite the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s waiver and approval to pay five-and-half month salaries owed NAAT members, the refusal by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy to effect this approval raises more questions than answers on the true commitment and sincerity on the part of the Federal Government in resolving the issues.

“Several efforts were made in the past including a series of letters, protests, visits, notices of ultimatums and several Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) freely entered between NAAT and Federal Government (i.e MOU of 2017, 2020, 2021 and 2022) as the result of efforts by Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment as conciliator of the Federal Government but all to no avail.

“Consequent upon the above, the union, having reviewed the situation critically, decided to give the Federal Government an additional two (2) weeks ultimatum, with effect from 30th of October 2024.

“Meanwhile, the National Executive Council has directed all her branches in universities, polytechnics and colleges of education to hold a nationwide protest to drive home our demands.

“Within the two-week ultimatum, branches have been directed to hold congresses and conduct a referendum to decide if the union will proceed on strike once the 14-day ultimatum expires on the 13th of November 2024.

“If at the end of the 14-day ultimatum no positive response from the government, the union will embark on a national protest which will culminate into a total and indefinite strike without recourse to government.

“It is hoped that the government will avail itself of this window to resolve the issues on the ground, with the view to averting any industrial action.

“This decision is in line with our concern for the tertiary education system so as not to disrupt the academic calendar which will eventually affect research and practical teaching; laboratory, workshop, farm and studio practices and the attendant monumental loss of resources.”

The Rivers State Police Command has arrested three female Inspectors over alleged extortion of motorists at the Rumuokoro area of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.

This came after the social media was awash with complaints of the actions of the female operatives in the area.

The police said they were arrested on Tuesday following a coordinated monitoring patrol by men of the Commissioner of Police team.

The spokesperson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this in a statement in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

Iringe-Koko said the illegal activities of the officers were captured on video by a mobile phone, providing clear evidence of their actions.

While condemning the actions of the operatives, she described it as unprofessional especially as they were not in uniform, pointing out that they had been detained and awaiting appropriate disciplinary measures.

The statement reads, “The Rivers State Police Command has arrested three of its officers following a coordinated monitoring patrol by operatives from the Commissioner of Police team, CP Monitoring Unit, on October 29, 2024.

“The operation, conducted under the Rumuokoro Flyover around 3 pm, led to the arrest of Inspector Sarah Anendei, Inspector Caroline Promise, and Inspector Christiana Jatau, who were caught engaging in a corrupt practice against innocent motorists under the flyover.

“Two of the officers, Inspectors Caroline Promise and Christiana Jatau, were found conducting this unprofessional behaviour while out of uniform, further contravening police standards.

“Their misconduct was captured on video by a mobile phone, providing clear evidence of their actions.”

The PPRO stated that during the immediate on-site investigation, the operatives searched the officers and recovered the money taken from the motorists, marking a swift response in upholding ethical practices within the Rivers State Police Command.

Continuing, she said, “The officers are currently detained and awaiting appropriate disciplinary measures.

“The Rivers State Police Command reaffirms its commitment to professional integrity and assures the public that any personnel found violating the principles of service will be held accountable.”

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reiterated its support for the removal of petrol subsidy and the floating of the exchange rate by the President Bola Tinubu-led government.

The Bretton Woods institutions have come under heavy backlash by Nigerians for advising President Bola Tinubu on the present economic policies, especially the removal of subsidy from PMS as well as the floating of the naira which have plunged the country into inflationary pressures.

The IMF’s African Region Director, Abebe Selassie at a briefing on the sidelines of the IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings, however, stated that the organisation did not advise the President to remove fuel subsidy, adding that it was Tinubu’s decision.

However, an IMF spokesperson who spoke to  Premium Times, in response to its enquiry on Wednesday, said the institute stands by its advice to the Tinubu-led government.

“We stand by our advice, though it’s important to underscore that individual pieces of that advice cannot be viewed in isolation.

“Our advice is a comprehensive policy package where all elements are linked to each other. That package seeks to ensure macroeconomic stability and raise living standards in a sustainable fashion.

“Importantly, our advice on petrol subsidies and the exchange rate, is set in a larger, comprehensive policy mix that also includes scaling up social transfers to provide relief to Nigerians who are already suffering from a cost-of-living crisis or who are impacted by policy reforms,” the spokesperson was quoted as saying.

Also, the spokesperson referenced the IMF’s 2024 report on Nigeria, published in May, in which the global institution’s executive directors “welcomed the bold reforms implemented by the new administration and commended the authorities’ focus on revenue mobilization, governance, social safety nets, and upgrading policy frameworks in the face of Nigeria’s significant economic and social challenges.”

Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo has emphasized the importance of integrating local cultural values into Nigeria’s democratic framework, stating that such an approach could enhance the effectiveness of governance in the country.

Speaking on Wednesday during a valedictory event in Abeokuta for the outgoing Vice-Chancellor of Chrisland University, Prof. Chinedum Babalola, Obasanjo argued that adopting local cultural principles would help overcome the limitations of Western liberal democracy.

Obasanjo highlighted the communal values traditionally upheld in African societies, which emphasize collective decision-making and mutual support.

The former president voiced his skepticism about the suitability of Western democracy for Nigeria, pointing out that the system has struggled to meet the country’s unique socio-political needs.

He said, “I have always been talking about Western liberal democracy; it is not working for us; it is not even working for those who gave it to us. The British were complaining. We must rethink democracy.

“We must bring our own culture into democracy. African culture does not talk about opposition; it talks about communalism; you come together, reason together, iron it out, and then you work together.”

Obasanjo stated that there should be consequences for doing wrong, adding that there were Nigerians all over the world holding key positions.

He added, “Nobody will do it for us; we have to do it for ourselves, and we can do it. I believe there are people everywhere; you just need to look for them.

“Look at today; the two major development banks in Africa are headed by Nigerians; the number two woman in the United Nations is a Nigerian—Amina Muhammed; so we have people.

“They are Nigerian from different parts of Nigeria; we have people. These are people who can contribute to the changes the nation requires.”

The Senate on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as the substantive Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, alongside six other ministerial nominees in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet reshuffle.

The confirmations followed the dismissal of several ministers by Tinubu on October 21, 2024.

In addition to Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Senate approved Dr. Jumoke Oduwole as Minister of Industry, Trade, and Development, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, and Muhammadu Dingyadi as Minister of Labour and Employment.

The chamber also confirmed Idi Muktar Maiha as Minister of Livestock Development, Yusuf Ata as Minister of State for Housing, and Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad as Minister of State for Education.

Following approximately five hours of screening, the nominees were confirmed by a voice vote led by Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

Each nominee outlined their plans to advance their respective ministries, discussing reforms and goals to enhance Nigeria’s development.

After the recent handover process, the confirmation marks a fresh chapter for several ministries.

The Minister of Women Affairs, Iman Sulaiman-Ibrahim, assumed office on Monday, succeeding Uju Kennedy Ohanenye.

The Ministry of Tourism also transitioned leadership, with former Minister Lola Ade-John handing over to the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy.

The Senate had earlier suspended its procedural rules following a motion by Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele to admit Basheer Lado, Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, who accompanied the nominees into the plenary.

Naija News understands that the confirmed ministers will be sworn-in by President Bola Tinubu, thereby giving them the right to attend the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.

The next weekly FEC meeting is expected to hold on Monday, 4th of November, with a fresh view after the reshuffling of cabinet during the last meeting.

A report has indicated that efforts to evacuate Nigerians from Lebanon by the Federal Government have been stalled.

Despite initial announcements of an evacuation plan, Nigerian in the crisis-ridden country are currently stranded.

The evacuation efforts were initiated in response to escalating tensions in the Middle East after Iran’s missile attacks on Israel on October 1, 2024.

However, a report by Punch states that low registration numbers and reluctance among Nigerians in Lebanon complicated the process.

The evacuation efforts were initiated in response to escalating tensions in the Middle East after Iran’s missile attacks on Israel on October 1, 2024.

The current crisis began when Iran launched a barrage of 180 ballistic missiles toward Israel, in retaliation for the assassination of Iran-backed militant leaders.

The missile attack, which targeted key sites in Israel, sent Israelis scrambling to shelters, raising concerns of a wider regional conflict.

Although the Israeli Defense Forces managed to intercept many of the missiles, the incident heightened instability in the region, including Lebanon, which borders Israel and has its internal security challenges.

In response to the situation, the Federal Government activated its emergency evacuation protocols, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs coordinating efforts alongside the National Emergency Management Agency, the Department of State Services, and other key agencies.

These agencies worked closely with the Nigerian mission in Lebanon to ensure that citizens who wished to be evacuated were safely brought home.

Giving updates on whether the Federal Government would evacuate the Nigerians in Lebanon despite the reduced tension in the country, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb Eche Abu-Obe, simply stated that the “situation is under observation.”

The Rivers State Government has filed an appeal against a recent Federal High Court ruling in Abuja that barred the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from distributing federal allocations to the state.

Recall that on Wednesday, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Abuja Federal High Court declared that Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s presentation of the 2024 budget before a four-member Rivers House of Assembly contradicted Constitutional provisions.

She criticized Fubara’s ongoing receipt and use of monthly federal allocations since January, calling it a Constitutional violation that cannot be permitted.

Justice Abdulmalik further ruled that the implementation of an unauthorized budget by Fubara amounted to a severe breach of the 1999 Constitution.

The ruling also prohibited the CBN, the Accountant-General of the Federation, Zenith Bank, and Access Bank from granting Fubara access to funds from the Consolidated Revenue and Federation Account.

In delivering her judgment on the case marked FHC/ABJ/CS/984/2024, Justice Abdulmalik stated that the four-member House of Assembly faction supporting Fubara, which he cited to validate what she termed an “unlawful budget,” had already been invalidated by the Federal High Court and the Abuja Court of Appeal.

The court reaffirmed that the Amaewhule-led Assembly remains the lawful legislative body, as ruled by the Federal High Court and upheld by the Court of Appeal.

On Wednesday, the Government House in Port Harcourt saw heightened activity, with various groups, government officials, Peoples Democratic Party supporters, and other stakeholders gathering, resulting in significant traffic in the vicinity.

A widely circulated video captured a closed-door meeting at the Government House involving Finance Minister Wale Edun and other officials with Governor Fubara.

The state’s Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, confirmed an appeal has been filed and expressed confidence that the Appeal Court would overturn the judgment.

He stated that signs indicating the likely outcome were clear, and they remain calm, having already challenged the Federal High Court’s decision.

He told The PUNCH, “We saw this judgment coming the way it did when the trial judge refused 23 council chairmen as joinders, refused the state to change their lawyer and refused our objection challenging jurisdiction of the federal high court.”

Johnson added, “The judgment has already been appealed and l believe that the Court of Appeal will upturn the judgment. We are not panicked and there is no cause for alarm.”

Johnson cautioned that if the Court of Appeal upholds the judgment, local government employees would be impacted.

He said, “If it is anything to reckon with it will impact negatively on the civil servants at the third tier of government, it will affect teachers’ salaries and all that that are attached to the council salaries.

“So, I can imagine how anybody would advocate for the stopping of funds that will bring development to the local government councils and also pay those who work in the council.

“It’s a legal problem and you cannot take it out of the court, particularly when you are a defendant. That is not how the law operates. This matter is one that the court will give justice to. So, let us stop all these shenanigans because it is not going to take us anywhere. It is the state that will suffer and in this case the local government staff.”