NEWS
Court Orders Reproduction Warrant For Naira Marley Amid Cybercrime Trial
In Lagos, a Federal high court, presided over by Judge Nicholas Oweibo, has ordered the issuance of a reproduction warrant for Azeez Fashola, widely known as Naira Marley.
The order follows the artist’s absence during a court session where his counsel, Olalekan Ojo SAN, explained that Naira Marley was in police custody.
Naira Marley had voluntarily surrendered for questioning regarding the death of another hip-hop artist, Ifeoluwa Aloba, aka Mohbad. The court directed the defendant to be brought before it on the next adjourned day.
The lead prosecuting counsel from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Bilikisu Buhari, alongside a Senior Counsel, verified the defendant’s police custody and did not contest Mr. Olalekan Ojo SAN’s request.
They assured the court that measures were being taken to ensure Naira Marley’s presence in the upcoming session. Justice Oweibo, in adjourning the trial to October 30, 2023, directed the issuance of a reproduction warrant for Naira Marley if he is still in police custody. The charges against him pertain to cybercrime.
The charges brought forth by the EFCC state that on December 11, 2018, within the court’s jurisdiction, Naira Marley and Raze (who is currently at large) allegedly conspired to use an Access card (number 42658840359191132) issued to individuals other than themselves, with the intent to gain, thereby violating Section 27(1)(b) of the Cyber Crimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.
This offense is punishable under Section 33(2) of the same Act.
Additionally, the charges claim that on May 10, 2019, within the court’s jurisdiction, Naira Marley and Raze allegedly possessed a counterfeit card (number 4921819410257431) issued to one Timea Fedorne Tatar with the intent to defraud.
This act is stated as an offense contrary to and punishable under Section 33(9) of the Cyber Crimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act.
NEWS
Lagbaja’s Remains Arrive National Military Cemetery For Burial
The remains of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, have arrived at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja, signaling the start of his burial ceremony according to military protocols.
The body arrived promptly at 3:00 p.m. on November 15, 2024, transported in an ambulance. Following tradition, the casket was received and will be positioned by pallbearers before a moment of silence is observed to honor the late COAS.
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During the ceremony, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Minister of Defence, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are expected to deliver tributes highlighting Lt. Gen.
Lagbaja’s contributions to the nation. Afterward, the national flag will be presented to his next of kin, and the casket will be lowered.
Dignitaries, including the Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and other government officials, will lay wreaths in memory of the late army chief, paying their last respects.
Lt. Gen. Lagbaja is remembered for his service and dedication to the Nigerian Army and the nation. The ceremony underscores the nation’s gratitude for his commitment and leadership.
NEWS
Supreme Court Rejects Lawsuit Seeking To Abolish EFCC
The Supreme Court has unanimously dismissed a lawsuit challenging the legality of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Act, upholding the continued existence of the anti-graft agency.
A seven-man panel of justices, led by Justice Uwani-Abba-Aji, ruled that the case, filed by Attorneys General from several states, was without merit.
READ MORE: Police Recover N2.3m Extorted From Abuja Resident, Officers Detained
The lawsuit, initially filed by the Attorneys General of 16 states, sought the dissolution of the EFCC, which was established to combat corruption in Nigeria.
The states involved in the case included Ondo, Edo, Oyo, Ogun, Nassarawa, Kebbi, Katsina, Sokoto, Jigawa, Enugu, Benue, Anambra, Plateau, Cross-River, and Niger.
As the legal proceedings unfolded, some states withdrew their support, while others joined the case as co-plaintiffs.
Notably, Imo, Bauchi, and Osun states joined the suit on October 22, while Anambra, Ebonyi, and Adamawa states withdrew, leading to the dismissal of their claims by the court.
The ruling strengthens the EFCC’s legal foundation, ensuring the continued operation of the commission in its fight against financial crimes in the country.
NEWS
Police Recover N2.3m Extorted From Abuja Resident, Officers Detained
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has detained officers involved in the alleged extortion of N2.3 million from Mr. Nwosu Ndubuisi in Abuja.
This was disclosed by the Police Public Relations Officer of Zone 7 Command, DSP M.B. Abdulkadir, in a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter).
The extorted sum has been recovered and returned to the victim, with disciplinary proceedings initiated against the implicated officers.
The statement read, “Further to the earlier statement issued on the alleged extortion of one Mr. Ndubuisi Nwosu by some officers of Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, investigation was carried out, the officers allegedly involved in the extortion have been identified and detained, while disciplinary proceedings have commenced against them.
“The sum of N2.3m has been recovered and returned to Mr. Ndubuisi Nwosu.”
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The Assistant Inspector-General of Police overseeing Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, AIG Benneth C. Igweh, assured the public that the disciplinary process would be transparent, in line with the accountability standards of the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun.
Igweh emphasised, “The zone will update members of the public on the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings against the defaulters. Zone 7 headquarters remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the rule of law, public safety, security and its mandate of protecting lives and properties.”
The incident was initially reported by X user Harrison Gwamnishu (#HarrisonBbi18), who revealed that the officers coerced Ndubuisi into selling his laptop at Banex Plaza to pay for bail. Following this revelation, AIG Igweh ordered an investigation into the matter, leading to swift action.
This development highlights the commitment of the Nigerian Police Force to addressing misconduct within its ranks and ensuring justice for victims.