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EFCC-NJI Workshop:  Participants Move Against Courts’ Frivolous Restraining Orders

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Participants at the 6th Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) – National Judicial Institute’s (NJI) Capacity Building Workshop for Justices and Judges  have called on judges handling economic and financial crimes as well as other acts of corruption across the country,  to exercise more caution in the granting of restraining orders.

This call was made in Abuja on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, in a Communique issued at the end of the Workshop. According to the participants, comprising justices and judges of the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal, high courts, prosecutors, investigators,  anti-corruption experts, civil society groups, media executives and other stakeholders in the anti-corruption corridor, granting of unjustified restraining orders are posing challenges to the speedy resolution of corruption cases.

“Courts should be wary of granting unjustified restraining orders issued at the behest of government officials and suspects under investigation as this can erode public trust and confidence in the judiciary”, they said. Other highlights of the Communique are:  “need for increased reliance on non-conviction based asset forfeiture procedures in the forfeiture of assets, especially digital assets; need for judges with track records of handling economic and financial crimes cases to be designated to handle such cases, need for increased emphasis on intelligence-driven investigation that leverages existing information technology infrastructures rather than relying mostly on whistle-blowers”

Participants also emphasized the need for developing and sustaining synergy and coordination among all stakeholders in the administration of criminal justice in Nigeria as well as the need for law enforcement agencies to work closely with international law enforcement agencies such as INTERPOL, AFRIPOL and others to enhance efforts to combat cross-border financial crimes.  To effectively address issues that arise in the investigation of Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) cases, participants sought a more inclusive approach that involves all intermediaries, aligning with the country’s risk profile and fostering coordinated efforts among all stakeholders.

ALSO READ: EFCC Nabs 33 Internet Fraudsters With Fake Dollars In Port Harcourt

While maintaining that the judiciary stands as a critical stakeholder in the administration of justice, the Workshop admitted that the adjudicatory functions of the judiciary cannot be judiciously discharged without diligent investigation and prosecution by key agencies. To this end, the EFCC was enjoined to take advantage of the extant fast-track rules of court to expedite the trial of economic and financial crimes cases. Additionally, there is a “need for constant review of strategies, techniques and practices in the detection, investigation and prosecution of financial crimes to aid Anti-corruption agencies secure more convictions in high profile cases. This is in addition to continuous training of Judicial officers and staff of Anti-Corruption Agencies to deal with new trends and best practices on digital forensics and other emerging typologies of economic and financial crimes”. Participants also called for strict adherence to the Administration of Criminal Justice Act(ACJA) which provides a comprehensive framework for criminal justice procedures for efficient and fair administration of justice in Nigeria.

EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, in a closing remark, appreciated all the participants and pointed out that Nigeria still stands out as a nation making good success of asset recoveries across the world. “At every international gathering, Nigeria is regarded highly for its records of staggering recoveries of assets. I called on the judiciary to continue to offer us more support in tackling corruption cases”, he said.

The Workshop which was declared open by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and was themed “Integrating Stakeholders in Curbing Economic and Financial Crimes”. It drew a mammoth crowd of stakeholders including former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Senate President, President of the Court of Appeal, Attorney-General and Minister of Justice,  Chief Justice of Nigeria, among others.

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Rebuttal: Wigwe’s Family Responds To Inaccurate Media Reports

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Following the outbreak of stories that the Wigwe family had drawn the daggers drawn over the will of the late Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank, Herbert Wigwe, it has issued clarifications.

The explanations were contained in a statement issued on behalf of the Family of Pastor Shyngle Wigwe, by Emeka Wigwe.

The statement reads, “We, the family of Pastor Shyngle Wigwe, wish to address a recent article titled “Family Dispute Erupts Over Estate of Late Banking Executive Herbert Wigwe” published on October 13, 2024.

“This article has unfortunately spread widely across social and national media. While we recognize the role of the press in sharing news, it is vital that such reports are based on truth and accuracy.

ALSO READ: Herbert Wigwe, Wife, Son’s Corpses Arrive Nigeria For Burial

“To clarify, at no point has Pastor Shyngle Wigwe requested 20% of the estate of the late Herbert Wigwe. Neither has there been any such request by other family members. The article’s claim that this demand contradicts Herbert’s will, is entirely false and misleading. The facts regarding the estate are already publicly available in the Probate Registry, where an affidavit clearly outlines the correct details. A simple search by your reporters would have revealed this truth.

“During this painful time of grief, our family remains united, focusing on healing and growing stronger together. We have no intention of engaging in a public defense because there are no sides to take. The only truth is that we are navigating this immense loss and will continue to do so with dignity.

“Herbert Wigwe’s legacy as a visionary banker and entrepreneur is what should be remembered. He transformed Access Bank into a national leader and devoted himself to empowering others through initiatives like The HOW Foundation, which focused on education and healthcare. These are the values that define his life and should be the focus, rather than unfounded speculation.

“We respectfully urge your publication to correct the inaccuracies in the report and to exercise greater diligence in fact-checking future stories.”

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‘Commotion Will Happen’: Rufai Oseni Dares Lawmakers To Take Public Drug Test

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In a provocative move, popular Nigerian journalist Rufai Oseni has thrown down the gauntlet, daring all members of the National Assembly to undergo public drug testing.

Oseni, known for his outspoken criticism of the political class, questioned the integrity of lawmakers, implying that many will not pass such a test.

Read Also: Nigeria Customs Foils N1.183bn Drug Smuggling Attempt At Apapa Port

Speaking on a broadcast, Oseni voiced his skepticism about the conduct of those in power, saying, “I doubt the percentage of people that will pass that drug test in that house.”

He further claimed that several politicians and their associates have been linked to drug-related activities. “Our politicians use their status as politically exposed persons to move drugs around,” he alleged.

Oseni’s comments come amid rising concerns over corruption and the behavior of public officials in Nigeria.

He urged lawmakers to submit to public drug testing and release their results to the public. “I dare all the lawmakers in the house to take a public drug test and reveal their drug records,” Oseni challenged, adding, “If they do, commotion will happen. The country will scatter.”

However, as of now, no official response has been made by members of the Senate or House of Representatives regarding the challenge.

 

 

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BREAKING: Obi Laments Collapse Of National Grid

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The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in Nigeria’s 2023 election, Peter Obi has expressed deep concern over the “recurring disaster” of collapse of the national grid, describing it as “a national shame”.

The former Anambra State Governor vented his frustration in a statement on his verified handle on micro-blogging site, X, on Tuesday.

He lamented thus, “This latest power grid collapse is emblematic of a leadership and government that have consistently failed to prioritize the welfare and economic well-being of the people.”

In his view, Nigeria’s economy dropping from first to fourth in Africa could be traced “to leadership failure over the years, including the persistent power crisis, which is critical when compared to smaller economies.”

ALSO READ: Aradel Holdings Admitted To NGX’s Main Board, Boosts Market Capitalization By N3.05 Trillion

Obi wrote, “For the umpteenth time, the national grid has collapsed, plunging a huge part of the nation into darkness and exposing the fragility of Nigeria’s power infrastructure.

“This recurring disaster is a national shame and a glaring testament to the failure of leadership and policy implementation at the highest levels.

“How long must Nigerians endure a system that fails to provide one of the critical necessities for a productive society?

“This latest power grid collapse is emblematic of a leadership and government that have consistently failed to prioritize the welfare and economic well-being of the people.

“We all know the immense importance of power supply to the transformation of our economy. Its support to SMEs, which are the engine of job creation and a major contributor to our GDP, is immeasurable.

“Today, we are the fourth largest economy in Africa, having fallen from the number one position due to leadership failure over the years, including the persistent power crisis, which is critical when compared to smaller economies.

“South Africa, which is now the largest economy in Africa with a GDP of about $400 billion and 30% of our population, generates and distributes over 40,000 megawatts of electricity.

Secondly, Egypt, the second largest economy with a GDP of about $350 billion and half of our population, generates and distributes over 40,000 megawatts.

“Algeria, the third largest economy, with about 300B GDP and 20% of our population, generates and distributes over 50,000 megawatts of electricity.

“Nigeria, with less GDP but with more population than the 3 countries combined, generates and distributes less than 10,000 megawatts, and even that is riddled with frequent collapses and crises of failure.

“This disparity in power generation is a reflection of the deep-rooted governance deficit that continue to hold back our growth and potential.

“It is time for urgent, comprehensive reform. Nigerians deserve a government that prioritizes measurable indices of development.

“A new Nigeria is POssible. PO.”

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