NEWS
Court Orders Arrest Of Inspector General of Police, AIG Hafeez Inuwa
The Inspector General of Police, Mr Usman Alkali, and the Force Secretary, AIG Hafeez Inuwa, have been ordered to be arrested by a National Industrial Court in Abuja.
This order came as a result of their alleged disobedience of a court order, which was deemed as contempt.
Previously, the court had instructed the IG to reinstate a group of police officers who had graduated from Courses 33, 34, and 35 of the police academy.
These officers were reportedly subjected to forced retirement by the police force. However, it is alleged that the IG failed to comply with the court’s order.
Despite the plea from the affected officers, who were compelled to retire from service by the Inspector General of Police (IG), they decided to approach the court seeking the nullification of their compulsory retirement.
Justice Oyebiola Oyewumi presided over the case and subsequently issued an order for the IG, the Police Service Commission, and the Force Secretary of the Police to reinstate the officers who were forcefully retired.
Regrettably, as of April 19, 2022, when the judgment was rendered, the IG and other defendants have not complied with the court’s order, failing to reinstate the officers as directed.
Justice Oyebiola Oyewumi, in a recent court order dated June 8, 2023, expressed strong criticism towards the Inspector General of Police (IG) for his persistent disregard of the court’s instructions.
The court order, which was obtained by correspondent on Tuesday, highlighted Justice Oyewumi’s disappointment in the IG’s refusal to comply with the court’s directives, even after receiving counsel from pertinent stakeholders within the police force.
The court order read, “It is on record of this court that the court delivered a judgement in this case on 19/4/2022 and ordered that the judgement creditors/applicants should be reinstated forthwith.
“It is on record of this court also that the Police Service Commission, the statutory body that is vested with the power to appoint, promote and discipline the judgement creditors/applicants had ordered the Inspector General of Police to comply with the judgement of this court.
“It is equally noteworthy that the CP, Legal, the Head of Department of the Nigerian Police Force had also issued a legal advice urging the Inspector General of Police to comply with the order of this court vide a letter dated and the Inspector General of Police received it on 27/7/2022 yet he has refused to obey or comply with the judgement of this court.
“This is an officer of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who swore on oath to uphold the rule of law and same law he has now failed or refused to obey.
“It is also of importance to state that this court has given ample opportunities to him and the Force Secretary to appear before this court and show cause why they are not to be held to be in contempt of this court, the record of the court evinces that they have both been served the enrolment of order of this court severally yet they both deem it fit to flout the order of this court and desecrated this hallowed chamber and temple of justice.
“Justice is not only for the affluent, it is indeed for the poor and vulnerable also. I pause to say that I wonder what type of head of an enforcement agency like the police, the Inspector General of Police is, if he finds it so difficult or so difficult it seems for him to obey a simple order of court.
“I also wonder the type of example he is laying for his officers if he as the head of the Nigerian Police Force has chosen/ elected to flagrantly take the law into his advised by the Police Service Commission and his own officer, the CP, Legal to comply. This I must say is preposterous and appalling.
“It is in the light of all stated which are in sync with the record of this court that I hold the Inspector General of Police Usman Alkali Baba and the Force Secretary, AIG Hafeez Inuwa for being in contempt of this court, they are to be arrested and be produced before this Court for necessary action.” it added.
However, the court has adjourned the case until October 9, 2023
International News
JUST IN: Equatorial Guinea Blocks WhatsApp Multimedia Amid Engonga Sex Scandal
The government of Equatorial Guinea has imposed new restrictions on WhatsApp, limiting citizens’ ability to download and share multimedia files through mobile data.
This policy follows recent directives for telecommunications operators to control access to “inappropriate content.”
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The measure, however, has led to public frustration, with citizens now relying solely on WiFi for sharing photos, videos, and audio files.
The restrictions come in the wake of a high-profile scandal involving Baltasar Engonga, Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF).
Engonga, 54, is currently under investigation for fraud. During an unexpected search of his home and office, ANIF officials reportedly discovered a collection of more than 400 explicit videos involving Engonga and the wives of various prominent figures.
Among those reportedly involved are relatives of senior officials, including the wife of the Director General of Police, multiple government ministers’ spouses, and even family members of the President of Equatorial Guinea.
The leaked videos have caused a media uproar, with calls for transparency from the government.
Citizens are questioning whether the restrictions on WhatsApp multimedia sharing are part of an effort to prevent the spread of sensitive content related to the scandal.
So far, officials have not commented on the duration of these restrictions or whether they are linked to the ongoing investigation.
The local news platform Ahora EG has reported widespread frustration over the restrictions, quoting anonymous sources expressing concern about the impact on essential communication.
“Should an entire country pay for the actions of a few?” one source asked. “This measure interferes with work and educational activities for thousands who rely on WhatsApp, and it feels more like a move to control than to facilitate communication.”
Critics have also questioned the transparency of the new restriction, with some speculating it may be linked to Vice President Teddy Nguema’s recent announcement of a plan to install surveillance cameras in state offices.
This initiative, he said, is part of a broader government crackdown to reinforce public service laws and combat misconduct among officials.
As frustrations mount, Equatorial Guinea’s citizens are left awaiting clarity on the government’s intentions behind these measures.
With no official statements on how long the restrictions will remain in place, many continue to speculate whether these changes will be temporary or signal a new era of state control over digital communication.
International News
U.S. Election: Historic Decision Looms As Kamala Harris, Trump Enter Dead-Heat Contest
On a high-stakes Tuesday, American voters are heading to the polls in an election that will either catapult Kamala Harris into history as the first woman president or grant Donald Trump a historic return to the White House.
After months of intense campaigning and unexpected developments, Democratic Vice President Harris, 60, and former Republican President Trump, 78, remain locked in one of the closest and most turbulent races of modern times.
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As polling stations open nationwide, both candidates are counting on a strong turnout in key swing states, including Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.
With early voting already at record numbers, tens of millions more are expected to cast their ballots throughout the day, adding to the over 82 million who voted early.
Campaign Finale: Fierce Push for Every Vote
Both campaigns spent Monday frantically rallying supporters. In Pennsylvania, Harris stood on the iconic “Rocky” steps in Philadelphia, energized by celebrities like Lady Gaga and Oprah Winfrey.
“Momentum is on our side,” she said, calling the race potentially “one of the closest in history” and urging supporters to get to the polls.
Meanwhile, Trump held his closing rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan, after stops in North Carolina and Pennsylvania.
Emphasizing his populist message, he depicted a nation under siege from crime and economic turmoil, promising that his leadership could restore America’s greatness.
“With your vote tomorrow, we can fix every single problem our country faces and lead America — indeed, the world — to new heights of glory,” he declared.
An Election of Unprecedented Drama
This election has been marked by surprising developments that left voters and analysts reeling.
Harris took over the Democratic nomination in July following President Joe Biden’s withdrawal, a dramatic shift that reshaped the race.
Trump’s campaign faced its own challenges, including surviving two assassination attempts and pushing forward even after a criminal conviction.
Despite these extraordinary events, polls show the race remains deadlocked.
Observers are bracing for potential delays in determining a winner, with the tight race suggesting that final results could take days.
In Washington, security is heightened with barriers around the White House and storefronts boarded up, fearing possible unrest.
Trump’s ongoing claims about election integrity — similar to those he made in 2020 — have already raised concerns about the potential for dispute if he loses.
Global Impact: Allies, Rivals Watch Anxiously
The international community is closely watching the U.S. election, as the outcome could reshape key policies.
A Harris administration would likely pursue climate action, support for NATO, and continued aid to Ukraine in its war with Russia.
Trump’s “America First” approach, however, signals a return to isolationist policies that unsettle allies while promising sweeping trade tariffs that concern trading partners.
The election’s significance extends beyond politics, as Harris would make history as the first Black woman and South Asian president in the United States, breaking another barrier after her 2020 election as vice president.
Trump, if successful, would make his own history, becoming only the second president after Grover Cleveland to win non-consecutive terms and the oldest president to assume office.
Divided Nation Faces Uncertain Path Forward
Harris’s campaign has focused on reproductive rights and healthcare, aiming to galvanize women and young voters.
Though she has condemned Trump’s “dark rhetoric,” she ended her campaign with an optimistic message, calling for unity and avoiding further mention of her rival.
Trump, meanwhile, has leaned into his populist appeal, casting himself as the country’s last line of defense against rising crime and immigration issues.
In his final speeches, he warned of election fraud — claims widely debunked by experts — and hinted that he might not concede if he loses, saying he should “never have left” the White House in 2021.
As polls close later tonight, Americans and the world wait anxiously for what could be a turning point in U.S. history. Regardless of the result, today’s vote promises to reshape the nation’s future and its role on the global stage for years to come.
NEWS
Tragic Building Collapse In R/State Leaves One Dead, Several Injured
A tragic building collapse in Rivers State has left a middle-aged contractor, identified as Udeme, feared dead after a two-storey structure under construction caved in at the Egbelu Mgbaraja area of Ogbogoro Community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
This incident comes just one week after a three-storey building collapsed at the Iriebe axis of the same local government, though that incident fortunately recorded no casualties.
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The latest collapse occurred on Monday, November 4, 2024, around 2 p.m., with construction workers on site when the structure gave way.
According to eyewitness Mr. Jonathan Obey, the building’s second floor suddenly buckled, trapping Udeme beneath the rubble, while another worker managed to escape with serious injuries.
Obey, who attempted to rescue the trapped contractor, suspected negligence, saying, “We couldn’t reach him despite our efforts. An inspection revealed substandard materials had been used, with the foundation only three feet deep for a two-storey building, which is insufficient. The rebar was of poor quality, and essential supports, such as a center beam, were absent.”
The Rivers State Government has since sealed off the property and declared the developer, Vincent Nwoye, wanted for questioning.
Rt. Hon. Evans Bipi, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, visited the site and expressed his dismay, attributing the collapse to gross negligence.
“This tragedy was preventable,” Bipi stated. “The developer failed to obtain an approved building plan and used inferior materials. The government will ensure accountability and take severe action.”
Bipi extended his condolences to the victim’s family and the Ogbogoro Community, affirming that the government will facilitate the family’s recovery of their loved one’s remains. “We sympathize with the bereaved family and the entire community,” he added.
The Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Samuel Anya, also condemned the developer’s actions, highlighting the dangers posed when profit is prioritized over safety. “This loss is a direct consequence of unethical practices,” he said.
The government has committed to a thorough investigation and tighter regulatory enforcement to prevent further tragedies in Rivers State.