An Enugu man, Sunday Echeji, who was accused of cutting off his wife’s hand in domestic violence, has been ordered to be remanded in correctional centre.

Echeji was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Court 1 in Enugu, Enugu State, on Friday, according to a statement issued on Saturday by the office of the First Lady of the state.

The incident, which occurred in Ugwuogede village, Ibagwa-Agu, Nsukka Local Government Area, sparked widespread outrage across the state.

The accused person is charged with attempted murder under Section 275, Subsection A of the Criminal Code CAP 30, Vol. 1 Reversed Laws of Enugu State, 2024.

However, the magistrate court transferred the case to the State Department of Public Prosecution, citing lack of jurisdiction.

Echeji was thereafter remanded at the Enugu State correctional centre pending his arraignment at the State High Court.

The Federal Government has announced plans to introduce an annual electricity subsidy of $600m for all customers from 2025 as part of efforts to reform the power sector.

The subsidy, expected to last until 2027, aims to bridge the gap between cost-reflective tariffs and regulated electricity rates, while the government works towards eliminating the metering deficit and enhancing the financial sustainability of power distribution companies.

According to Nigeria’s Energy Compact document obtained by Sunday PUNCH, the initiative is part of the National Energy Compact and aligns with Nigeria’s broader electrification and clean energy transition plans.

Nigeria, alongside Côte d’Ivoire, Zambia, and nine other African countries, presented its energy compact at a two-day summit in Tanzania, with a focused on innovative energy solutions.

However, the policy is a temporary measure designed to ensure affordability while the government progressively moves towards full cost-reflective tariffs.

The document noted that the subsidy might take different forms, including a flat monthly subsidy per electricity consumer or a subsidy on the first 50 kilowatt-hours consumed each month.

This approach intends to reduce the regressivity of previous subsidies, where a significant portion benefited wealthier households.

By 2027, the government plans to introduce a social tariff to protect low-income and vulnerable customers once the broader cost-reflective framework is fully implemented.

The document noted the Federal Government’s trajectory to full cost-reflectivity included a “$600m per year subsidy in 2025 to 2027 (while metering gap is being closed), and then fully CRT except for social tariff for vulnerable customers.”

It added, “In order to decrease the regressivity of electricity subsidies, move towards a full cost reflective tariff system which includes a limited and uniform subsidy for all customers in 2025 while the metering gap is being closed. This scheme can take the form of a uniform monthly subsidy per customer, or the first 50 kWh per month being subsidised.”

A key focus of the reform is closing Nigeria’s metering gap, which currently stands at approximately seven million unmetered electricity end-users.

The government outlined a plan to install 1.5 million smart meters in 2025, four million in 2026, and 1.5 million in 2027.

The closure of the metering gap is expected to minimise losses in the sector, improve revenue collection efficiency, and ensure that tariffs are aligned with actual consumption, thereby reducing the need for future subsidies.

The electricity sector has struggled with financial sustainability due to high technical and commercial losses, low tariff recovery rates, and liquidity constraints.

Despite efforts under the Power Sector Recovery Programme, tariff shortfalls reached N650bn in 2023 and are expected to rise further in 2024, potentially exceeding N2.2tn.

The subsidy scheme would provide temporary relief while ensuring that distribution companies meet their financial obligations to power generation companies and the Transmission Company of Nigeria.

Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has expressed concern over the contradictory stance of many Nigerians regarding corruption.

He pointed out that while citizens frequently condemn corruption, they often rally behind corrupt leaders when they face prosecution.

Olukoyede made these remarks on Friday in Abuja during a visit by officials of the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC), led by its Board of Trustees director, Chris Olukolade.

The EFCC chairman emphasized that corruption and financial crimes are among the biggest challenges hindering Nigeria’s progress. He asserted that tackling these issues requires collective responsibility, not just government intervention.

“One of the major problems in Nigeria, which, when tackled, will make underdevelopment a thing of the past, is corruption and financial crimes,” Olukoyede stated.

He stressed that national progress depends on both leadership and citizen action, urging Nigerians to actively uphold integrity in their daily dealings.

“A society that is ready to move forward is a responsibility not only of the government but of the citizens. This is why some of us are deeply committed to this cause. We are prepared to do what is necessary within the confines of the law and the powers granted to us by the Constitution. If everyone decides to do the right thing, Nigeria will move forward,” he added.

Olukoyede reiterated the EFCC’s unwavering commitment to fighting corruption, assuring the public that the agency will operate strictly within legal boundaries while ensuring justice is served.

Highlighting the importance of public cooperation, Olukoyede emphasized the need for strategic communication and collaboration with organizations like the CCC to enhance public awareness. He lamented the inconsistency in public reactions to corruption cases, noting that the same individuals who criticize corruption often defend high-profile figures facing corruption charges.

“It is unfortunate that people condemn corruption yet, at the same time, support those accused of it,” he said.

He criticized the public tendency to stage protests in support of politicians and business figures facing corruption trials, arguing that such actions undermine the fight against financial crimes.

“Everybody complains that corruption is ruining our system, yet when we investigate and prosecute high-profile cases, the same people take to the streets with placards in support of corrupt leaders. This attitude suggests that we are not serious about fighting corruption. The fight must be a collaborative effort,” he remarked.

Olukoyede urged Nigerians to remain consistent in their stance against corruption, emphasizing that meaningful progress can only be achieved when citizens and authorities work together in the pursuit of accountability and justice.