News

How we made it possible to free abducted Dr Ganiyat from bandits den – Army

Published

5 hours ago

November 2, 2024

Since her abduction, several kinetic and non-kinetic operations were undertaken by troops of 1 Division and defunct Operation WHIRL PUNCH (now Sector 1 Operation GANSAN YAMMA) to secure her release from the terrorists captivity. The efforts yielded partial positive result with the release of her husband Sqn Ldr Popoola on 8 Mar 24.

The terrorists had made several demands for ransome money amounting to more than one hundred million naira and some logistics items including motorcycles from the family members before the commencement of intense military kinetic operations that denied them freedom of movements out of their enclaves in the forests and access to basic logistics such as food. The combined effects of this operation mounted so much pressure on the terrorists that eventually led to a plea by the terrorists for amnesty to enable them to surrender.

Their plea was subsequently considered on some given conditions including the immediate release of Dr Ganiyat and her nephew among others. The terrorists finally accepted the given conditions but also requested for the return or payment of compensation for their cattle killed or recovered during various kinetic operations which were handed over to Kaduna State Livestock Agency for custody and further necessary actions.

2. The prolonged ordeal had inflicted immense emotional and psychological trauma on Dr Ganiyat’s immediate family and friends particularly her husband and five children including an infant who was being catered for by her extended family members.

3. Accordingly, Sqn Ldr Popoola and their 3 daughters; Muadha, Mazeeda and Mariam who are all pupils of Air Force Comprehensive Secondary School Kaduna have visited to see Dr Ganiyyat at 1 Division Medical Services and Hospital in Dalet Barracks Kaduna on 31 Oct 24 where she is presently being medically examined but in high spirits.

She will thereafter be taken for debriefing and further psycho-social support by appropriate authorities.

News

Bill Seeking Provision Of Guidelines for Judgment Debts Payment Scale Second Reading 7

Published

1 hour ago

November 2, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has passed for second reading a bill seeking the provision of guidelines for the payment of judgment debts owed by the Federal Government and its agencies.

The bill titled, “A Bill for an Act to provide guidelines for the payment of Judgment Debts Owed by the Federal Government and its agencies and for other related matters thereto,” was sponsored by Rep. Miriam Onuoha, member representing Onuimo/Okigwe/Isiala Mbano Federal Constituency of Imo State.

Leading the debate on the general principles of the bill, Rep. Onuoha noted that over the years, the country faced increased financial liabilities from judgment debts.

According to he, These payments have been managed without consistent guidelines, proper documentation, or transparency, and this has led to government agencies paying judgment debts on a discretionary basis, without due consideration for the order of judgments, public interest, or the need to respect court orders.

She said, “The current lack of a legal framework in handling these obligations has created room for

negligence and misconduct. Often, the actions of public officers, unchecked by clear consequences, lead to avoidable litigations.

“Therefore, the Judgment Debt (Payment Guidelines) Establishment Bill, 2023 is a necessary response to these challenges. It introduces a structured approach to managing judgment debt payments by the Federal Government and its agencies, ensuring accountability, compliance, and financial discipline.”

The objectives of the bill include to “Establish guidelines and procedures for the payment of judgment debts by the Federal Government and its agencies;

“Deter negligence and promote professionalism within government agencies, ensuring that officials act responsibly to avoid unnecessary litigation and foster transparency and accountability by mandating that judgment debts are included in the annual budget, subject to the oversight of the National Assembly.”

The lawmaker clarified that the bill does not intend to repeal the Sheriff and Civil Processes Act, rather, “It complements existing legislation by providing specific

guidelines tailored to the payment of judgment debts owed by the Federal Government and its

agencies.

“This Bill is narrowly focused on ensuring that payments are managed transparently, fairly, and with respect to established priorities, without undermining the broader framework of the Sheriff and Civil Processes Act,” she added.

Contributing to the motion, Rep. Ademorin Kuye, member representing Shomolu Federal Constituency of Lagos State, sought clarification in the difference between the provisions of the bill and the Sheriff and Civil Processes Act, particularly in relation to the personal responsibility of government officials.

He said, “Let us get the clarification so that the bill does not become superfluous. It appears to me that the bill she is proposing has been taken care of by the Sheriff and Civil Processes Law.

“If an officer of government leaves office and another one comes in, who is going to be held responsible for debt entered into” he asked.

The duo of Rep. Ahmed Jaha and Rep. Iduma Igariwey, from Borno and Ebonyi States respectively however urged their colleagues to support the bill, saying more clarifications on the bill would be made at the committee level or during public hearing.

“Let us not terminate this bill at this level. Stakeholders will give further clarifications on areas that are not very clear during the public hearing on the bill,” Mr Jaha said.

But Rep. Igariwey said, “Let us allow the bill to go through a second reading so that when we get to the committee level, officials of the Ministry of Justice can provide the needed clarifications.”

Providing further insights, Mrs Onuoha added that the bill would help make public officers sit up and be more accountable.

She added, “Judgment debts have been shielded in secrecy. As a parliament, we have not had the privilege to scrutinise debts-how much is owed, how much is to be paid and all that. This bill will help build inclusivity and public trust.”

Following its adoption, the bill was referred to the House Committee on Justice for further legislative action.

News

Police burst organ harvesting gang in Ebonyi

Published

3 hours ago

November 2, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Police in Ebonyi have busted an organ harvesting ring responsible for the death of at least three persons in the state.

Spokesperson of the Police, Joshua Ukandu, stated this in Abakaliki yesterday.

He noted that four suspected members of the organ harvesting ring were arrested following a painstaking investigation and credible intelligence into the matter.

The spokesperson said the suspects confessed to being responsible for the murder of Chikezie Idenyi, a Dubai based businessman.

According to him: “One Mrs. Blessing Chikezie Onyekachi had reported to the command of her missing husband, Mr. Chikezie Idenyi, who left home on 14th September, 2024 on a supposed business trip to Lagos but was not heard from again.

“Police investigation led to the arrest of one Innocent Elebe and Eze Elechi who made useful statements that led the police to arrest Obinna Nwanguru and Oda Peter.

“They confessed to killing Chikezie Idenyi, Chibu Odii and Eze Fabian on different dates while trying to extract their blood/organs to use it to cure a cognitively impaired person (Down syndrome).”

He noted that the corpses of Chikezie Idenyi and Chibu Odii were subsequently recovered while efforts were ongoing to recover the remains of the third victim.

Ụkandu stated this while giving update on Police crime fighting activities in October, 2024

News

INEC accredits over 700 journalists for Ondo gov election

Published

4 hours ago

November 2, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Independent National Electoral Commission has announced accrediting 112 media organisations ahead of Ondo State governorship election scheduled to hold November 16.

Yakubu Mahmood, the INEC chairman, disclosed this Abuja, on Friday, adding that the accreditation of the media organisations include over 700 journalists, technicians, and support personnel to facilitate the poll.

He said, “The Commission is glad to announce the accreditation of 112 national and international media organisations (newspaper, radio, television and online) deploying over 700 journalists, technicians and other personnel to facilitate their coverage of the election.

“The detailed breakdown of the media organisations and the number of personnel to be deployed will be uploaded to our website and social media platforms for public information,”

He, however, called on the professionals to be factual in their reports as part of ensuring peaceful poll.

The INEC Chairman stated, “I appeal to the media to intensify your accurate reportage that will ensure peaceful elections, especially now that campaign by political parties and candidates is in full swing in the State.

“I also appeal to you to continue to serve as a counterforce against fake news, misinformation and disinformation.”

The commissioned disclosed earlier that 72 per cent of registered voters had collected their Permanent Voter Cards.

Yakubu revealed that by November 6, a mock accreditation exercise in selected polling units for to test result uploads on its result viewing portal would held.

He further noted that it would partner with security agencies to avoid any disruption of the poll.

He stated, “However, we are aware of flashpoints in some local government areas to which we have already drawn the attention of the security agencies.”