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FG Increases Inmates Feeding Allowances By 50%

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. . . Over 1000 Studying For First Degrees, 282 For Diplomas/Masters, 6 For PhDs

The Federal Government has reacted to prevailing economic adversity by increasing the feeding allowance for prison inmates by 50 percent.

The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) made the revelation on Thursday at a press briefing in Abuja.

ALSO READ: BREAKING: Ex Rep Member Repays FG Student Loan With N3.2m

It also disclosed that over 1,000 inmates are currently pursuing university degrees, with 282 undergoing studies for Diploma or Masters, while six are studying for PhD.

It would appear that the FG was responding to a recent viral video in which inmates at a correctional centre in Calabar, Cross River State, complained about inadequate feeding.

However, during the Strategic Communications Interagency Policy Committee’s monthly press briefing in Abuja, the spokesperson for the service, Umar Abubakar, said the increment was a result of the rising cost of food.

He said, “The viral video is not a representation of Nigeria Correctional Service, nor is it a mandate of the service on reformation and rehabilitation of inmates. Let me make this known here that since the inception of the change in name, significant progress has been made in reforming those who are in our custody.

“Four days ago, I granted an interview where we gave details on the alleged video. The NCoS has actually ordered for detailed investigation of the said video, which is going viral. And on the outcome of the investigation, I may not be able to speak much on that.

“And on the issue of the cost of food, the Federal Government has actually reviewed the feeding allowance of inmates in our custody with 50 per cent. And this is just the first phase of the review.”

Umar also stated that the NCoS had created a conducive environment for inmates to fulfill its mandate of reformation and rehabilitation.

He added that over 1,000 inmates are undergraduate, 282 are on their diploma and Master’s degree and six undergoing their PhD programmes.

“Let me say here that currently in an effort to ensure that we have what I refer to as public safety through our reformatory activities, we have over 1,000 of our inmates who are actually going through their various degree programme, 282 doing their diploma and master’s degree programme, and six that are doing their PhD programme. Three of the PhD students are already writing their thesis.

“All this is geared towards our efforts to ensure that we change the psyche and behaviour of our inmates, and to help their re-entry back to society.

“It is the care we give to these inmates in our custody that has provided a serene environment to help them learn skill acquisition across our custodial centre,” Umar added.

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Crime

Court Orders Arrest Of Dana Air CEO In N1.3bn Fraud Case

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Amid repeated absences from court, the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an arrest warrant for Hathiramani Ranesh, Managing Director of Dana Air, who faces charges of fraud and conspiracy tied to alleged misappropriations totaling N1.3 billion.

The ruling, handed down Monday by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, calls for Ranesh’s immediate arrest following his failure to respond to multiple court summonses.

READ MORE: Ibadan Man On Why He Used 76 Women For Ritual, Ate Others

Justice Egwuatu cited Section 184 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), empowering the court to issue an arrest warrant against defendants who evade appearance.

“The defendant is legally obligated to appear, and the court is authorized to issue a warrant for arrest if he does not,” Justice Egwuatu said, setting January 13, 2025, as the next court date, adding that no objections will be considered unless Ranesh is present.

Ranesh and two Dana Group subsidiaries—Dana Group PLC and Dana Steel Ltd—face serious allegations from the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).

Prosecutors claim that between 2014 and 2018, Ranesh and his companies engaged in fraudulent activities, including the unauthorized sale of industrial generators valued at N450 million, which had been pledged as collateral in a debenture agreement.

Additional charges allege the misappropriation of N864 million from bond funds meant for operations at the Dana Steel Rolling Factory in Katsina, and a N60.3 million transfer to an external account without authorization.

The charges, filed by Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Moshood Adeyemi, cite violations under the Criminal Code Act.

In court, government lawyer Mojisola Okeya-Esho argued for the arrest warrant, stating that Ranesh had disregarded court orders to appear for arraignment.

Defense counsel B. Ademola-Bello challenged the prosecution, contending that jurisdictional issues must be addressed before proceeding with the case.

Justice Egwuatu dismissed these objections, underscoring that Ranesh’s presence in court is required before other arguments can be entertained.

The matter is now adjourned until January 13, 2025, with the warrant remaining active until the defendant is brought to court.

 

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Crime

Gunmen Attack Police Facility In Owerrinta, Female Detainee Killed

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In a shocking act of violence, armed assailants targeted the Police Rapid Response Squad facility in Owerrinta early Monday morning, resulting in the tragic death of a female detainee.

The attack occurred shortly after midnight along the Umuahia-Aba Federal Expressway.

READ MORE: Edo Deputy Gov, Omobayo Ordered To Court Over Refusal To Vacate Office

State Commissioner of Police Danladi Isa confirmed the incident, revealing that the gunmen arrived in three Hilux vehicles and opened fire on the police facility.

“Our personnel successfully repelled the attack,” Isa stated.

However, the attackers resorted to using dynamite, causing significant damage to the building and exposing the detainees inside.

During the chaos, the gunmen attempted to free detainees, leading to the fatal shooting of the female suspect.

Unconfirmed reports suggest she was in custody related to a child trafficking case.

In the aftermath of the attack, police swiftly initiated a manhunt for the perpetrators, employing advanced technical methods to track their movements.

Commissioner Isa announced the arrest of one suspect, who is currently undergoing interrogation to uncover the identities of additional accomplices.

“We are making significant progress in our investigation,” he affirmed.

Authorities are calling on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities as the investigation continues.

 

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Crime

Bobrisky Flees Nigeria Amid Legal Turmoil

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Idris Okuneye, better known as Bobrisky, a controversial figure in Nigeria’s social media landscape, has reportedly departed the country just days after being released from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

While the destination of his flight remains undisclosed, Bobrisky took to Instagram on Monday morning to boast about his lavish travel arrangements, sharing videos that highlighted his purchase of a first-class ticket, claiming, “This girl bought a first-class ticket three times; that’s over 30 million naira. Raise the bar for this girl.”

READ ALSO: Bobrisky Granted Bail After Denying N15m Bribe Voicenote Claim

In his posts, he humorously commented on the disfigurement of his passport photo, saying, “That passport disfigured my picture,” showcasing his characteristic flamboyance.

Bobrisky’s sudden exit from Nigeria follows a turbulent week marked by a series of dramatic events.

Reports indicate that on Thursday night, he was removed from a KLM flight bound for Amsterdam while trying to travel to London.

He alleged that he sustained injuries during the altercation at Murtala Muhammed International Airport and later recounted the incident to his followers on social media.

Following this disruption, Bobrisky was taken to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja, where he faced questioning over allegations that he attempted to bribe officials with 15 million naira to dismiss money laundering charges against him.

He was released on bail on Saturday after denying the bribery claims during his interrogation.

Bobrisky’s legal troubles began earlier this year when he was sentenced to six months in prison for naira abuse.

Initially held at Kirikiri Prison, reports later emerged that he spent only three weeks in confinement before being discreetly relocated to a private location.

The controversy surrounding Bobrisky intensified in September, when social media influencer Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, leaked an audio recording allegedly featuring Bobrisky discussing the bribery of EFCC officials to drop the charges against him.

 

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