The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, AGF, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has canvassed the effective implementation of existing laws to fight all forms of crime in the country.

He said, it was not enough to have laws but that effective implementation of the laws must be in full force for crimes to be brought down to the bearest minimum.

The AGF spoke on Monday in Abuja, at a one-day stakeholders’ engagement summit on the effective implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice ACT and the official signing of the Practice Directions on remand proceedings, guidelines and monitoring framework for the implementation of remand proceedings.

At the summit held at the headquarters of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and attended by critical stakeholders, Fagbemi called for synergy of stakeholders in the justice sector for effective implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, ACJA.

While waiting for the amendment of ACJA as suggested, he said courts should use the laws already in existence, especially the deployment of Mutual Legal Assistance, MLA, to repatriate those convicted in absentia but are outside the country.

Also speaking at the occasion, the Chief Judge of the High Court of FCT, Justice Hussein Baba Yusuf assured of the commitment of the judiciary to uplifting and promoting various provisions of ACJA for effective administration of criminal justice.

He also stated that the new guidelines will ensure that Judges adhere to the rule of law and the rights of suspects in issuing remand order.

In his own speech, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, called for a holistic review of the provisions of the ACJA.

The EFCC boss recalled that ACJA has achieved a lot in the administration of criminal justice in the past ten years of its existence but, however, observed some flaws, especially Section 396(7) which was annulled by the Supreme Court for been in conflict with the Constitution.

He cited the case of former Abia State governor, Orji Uzor Kalu, who was ordered to be retried simply because the judge that convicted him at the trial was elevated to the Court of Appeal bench.

The EFCC boss, who was represented by the Director, Legal, Sylvanus Tahir, SAN, also faulted Section 252(4)(5) of ACJA that denies a judge the power to pass sentence on a suspect who was convicted in absentia.

He also stressed the need for the Chief Judge and other critical stakeholders to sponsor necessary bills and amendment to the National Assembly.

Also speaking, the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa stressed the need to harmonize the provisions of ACJA and the Nigerian Correctional Service Act l, 2019, to ensure seamless operations.

Represented by the Controller of Operations, National Headquarters, Ezekiel Kagah said the Correctional Service is committed to collaborating with all stakeholders in the administration of criminal justice.

Nigerian singer, Chidozie Ugochinyere, popularly known as FaveSzn, has revealed that she once dated her choirmaster when she was just 10 years old.

Speaking during a chat with colleague Bloody Samaritan and actresses, Susan Pwajok and Genoveva Umeh, the ‘Baby Riddim’ crooner explained that it was the children’s choir and the choirmaster was in the same age bracket.

“He was the choirmaster. It was the children’s choir, so we were all kind of like kids. We would do this midnight thing where he would call, and it was just cute,” the 24-year-old singer recalled.

She further disclosed that she has doubts about her sexuality.

“My sexuality is in question; I am curious. Shouldn’t we all be curious? If you are not, then it is a problem,” Fave added.

The Women In Mining In Nigeria (WIMIN), in collaboration with the Ford Foundation, has called on the Nasarawa State Government to urgently address the issues of sexual harassment and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) affecting female miners in the state.

WIMIN, a non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting women’s inclusion in Nigeria’s mineral exploration and mining sector, focuses on community engagement, research, capacity building, and strategic dialogue.

Speaking in Lafia on Monday at the opening of a three-day training for Service Providers on Sexual Gender-Based Violence, WIMIN President Janet Adeyemi, represented by Vice President Regina Edzuwah, lamented the increasing cases of GBV and other issues affecting its members and females across the 13 Local Government Areas of the state.

Adeyemi stated that female rights have been the most abused and neglected despite numerous awareness campaigns.

“In most mining sites and host communities in Nigeria, women are constantly abused, misused, over-laboured, underpaid, shortchanged, and even raped by the male labourers and staff of mining companies,” she stated.

She further pointed out the unlawful employment of young children in mining environments, stating, “The companies also unlawfully welcome the labour of young children who should not be exposed to the mining environment yet but should be in school.

“The children are stretched and over-laboured by mining companies and their wages are given to their mothers who are equally on the mining sites.”

She added that the training program, titled, ‘Eliminating Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Mining Host Communities’, aims to address GBV affecting females.

It will cover various critical topics, including understanding Sexual GBV, cultural and social norms influencing Sexual GBV, root causes and risk factors, legal framework and policies, survivor-centred approach, and trauma-informed care.

Adeyemi noted that the training is designed to enhance the capacity of service providers, including healthcare professionals, law enforcement officers, social workers, and community leaders, to provide effective support to Sexual GBV survivors and promote a coordinated community response.

She lamented that over 90 percent of WIMIN members had been sexually harassed by their male counterparts in the past year.

The Director of Public Defender at the Nasarawa State Ministry of Justice, Justina Allu, condemned the issues of sexual harassment, molestation, and gender-based violence in the state.

Allu revealed that her office had handled over 50 cases in the last six months and commended WIMIN for organizing the training program.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Aisha Ibrahim, represented by the Director of the Women Affairs Department, Matayashi Aselema, welcomed WIMIN members and other stakeholders to the training.

She reiterated the state government’s commitment to addressing the issues affecting women in the state, including sexual harassment and gender-based violence.

Patience Sampson, a participant, thanked WIMIN for the opportunity to learn more about tackling sexual harassment and GBV, promising to put all that they learn into practice.

The Federal Government on Monday announced the suspension of duties, tariffs and taxes for the importation of some food items through land and sea borders.

The foods include maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpeas.

Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, disclosed this while announcing a 150-Day Duty-Free Import Window for food commodities.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Kyari said: “150-Day Duty-Free Import Window for Food Commodities, suspension of duties, tariffs and taxes for the importation of certain food commodities (through land and sea borders). These commodities include maize, husked brown rice, wheat and cowpeas.

“Under this arrangement, imported food commodities will be subjected to a Recommended Retail Price (RRP).

“I am glad to reiterate that the Government’s position exemplifies standards that would not compromise the safety of the various food items for consumption.

“In addition to the importation by private sector, Federal Government will import 250,000MT of wheat and 250,000MT of maize. The imported food commodities in their semi processed state will target supplies to the small-scale processors and millers across the country.”

The Jigawa State Police Command has announced the loss of three senior officers due to illnesses over the past two weeks.

The Command disclosed this in a statement released to newsmen by its spokesman, DSP Lawan Shiisu, on Monday.

According to the statement, the officers, who passed away between June 22 and July 5, 2024, include SP Salisu Salisu-Mudi, a Patrol and Guard officer from Babura Division, who died at the Federal Medical Centre in Katsina on June 22.

ASP Asabe Muhammad, the second-in-command of the Gender Desk Office at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), died on Wednesday, July 3.

CSP Muhammad Salihu-Koko, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Yankwaahi Division, passed away on Friday, July 5.

Shiisu expressed the Command’s condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased officers, while praying for the repose of their souls.

Four persons have been reportedly killed by trees that fell on them at the popular Jattu market in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State .

Several others, including traders and shoppers, sustained various degrees of injuries in the incident.

DAILY POST gathered that about four trees fell simultaneously on traders and customers in the market following a heavy morning downpour on Monday morning.

It was gathered that a mother and her child were among the victims.

The chairman of the Local Government, Marvellous Zibiri, who spoke to newsmen confirmed that four persons lost their lives.

However, at the plenary of the Edo State House of Assembly, a lawmaker, Abdulganniyu Akokhia said over 10 persons were reported to have died in the incident.

The LG chairman said, “Around 8:00 am and 9:00 am, I got a call from my vice chairman and the supervisory councillor for environment about the incident that happened at Jattu market.

“During the rainfall four trees in the market fell simultaneously while people were taking cover under the trees, thereby killing four persons and many injured.

“So far, we have been able to recover four bodies and we have taken them to the mortuary while those who sustained injuries are at the hospital responding to treatment.”

Zibiri added that a rescue operation is still ongoing at the scene as the trees are being cut in pieces, to ascertain if there are other bodies under the trees.

The council chairman, who described the incident as tragic, also sympathized with families who lost their loved ones at the market.

He, however, appealed to residents of the local government to stay indoors whenever it rains.

The Kogi State Government says it has adopted the use of technology to block leakages in revenue collection across the state.

The Executive Chairman, Kogi State Internal Revenue Service, (KGIRS), Salihu Sule Enehe, made the disclosure at the official flag-off ceremony of Kogi State Infrastructure Maintenance Levy Collection on Monday in Lokoja.

Enehe noted that the rate of leakages in the revenue generation process across the state is unimaginable and a major challenge to the Service,.

He, however, said with the technology driven process now employed by the Service, it will no longer be manually driven.

“The process will improve the revenue generation of the State and ease of collection. The new technology will take care of all the challenges in revenue collection,” he stated.

In his address, Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo described Infrastructure Maintenance Levy as a principal item in the state government’s revenue collection profile, backed by the law.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Folashade Ayoade Arike, the governor noted that while neighboring states such kwara, Edo, Osun and Anambra were making huge success with the Infrastructure Maintenance Levy, Kogi State had not been able to get it right since 2017 when it established the Internally Generating Revenue Service.

According to him, the flag-off of the project marked the commencement of the collection of Infrastructure Maintenance Levy across the state, using technology.

Ododo said the success of the Infrastructure Maintenance Levy would enable his administration to enhance revenue and deliver good governance to the citizens.

He, therefore, directed all officials of the transport unions, their members and other stakeholders to cooperate fully with the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service in the implementation Infrastructure Maintenance Levy.

She accused the actress of engaging in lesbianism and sleeping with little girls.

Radiogad made the claim in a viral video.

He further threatened to release videos and evidence to back his claims if Rita Edochie dared to come for him.

This is coming after Rita showed support for controversial critic, Verydarkman after he was accused of engaging in homosexuality.

Watch video below:

See reactions:

Reacting, One meritflix_glam wrote: “I talk ham say mama go later use her own hand set herself up when I saw her comments and like under the prodigal Boy posts🚶🚶🚶🚶.”

dr_shugaboy wrote: “Na Wetin fit @ritaedochie since she can’t respect her old age .. I go follow @radiogad drag her wotowoto for this social media.”

Doyin Okupe

Doyin Okupe, a former Director-General of the Labour Party (LP) Presidential Campaign Council, has hailed President Bola Tinubu on his re-election as chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Recall that Tinubu was re-elected at the 65th Ordinary Session of the bloc in Abuja on Sunday.

Speaking on the development via a congratulatory message on Monday, Okupe said, “I congratulate President Bola Tinubu on his re-election as the leader of ECOWAS.

“It is difficult for me to understand why it is the destiny of President Tinubu to come into position of leadership, both at national and regional levels, at periods of hardship and difficulty.

“But I pray for divine guidance and wisdom to navigate these turbulent waters.”

According to him, in this new tenure, Tinubu’s main agenda should be to bring back the leadership of the Sahel Nations of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger to the ECOWAS.

He also urged the president to reconcile with Nigeria’s immediate neighbours, the Republic of Niger.

Okupe advised Tinubu to lean on the support of former President Muhammadu Buhari and other influential Northern leaders with strong ties with Republic of Niger.

“The Africa Union as a body can be made to officially spearhead this reconcilatory agenda while a diplomatic outreach to Russia for this purpose, especially if handled at the level of the AU, will certainly be helpful,” he noted.

Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has commissioned a hotel, Trend’s Place Hotel and Suites, in Abuja.

Speaking at the commissioning, Diri, while appreciating the contribution of hotel proprietors to Nigeria’s hospitality industry, stated that the nation needs more efforts by its citizens and investors around the world to boost its economy.

Chairman of Trend’s Place Hotel and Suites, Brig. Gen. Eric Angaye (retd) said he decided to expand into Abuja because of his commitment to contributing to the growth and development of the Federal Capital Terrritory while offering world-class accommodations and services to travellers from around the globe.

He said, “Abuja, known for its vibrant culture, dynamic economy, and warm hospitality, has always held a special place in our hearts. Our goal has always been to provide an unparalleled experience, where every detail is thoughtfully crafted to render quality service while exceeding expectations.

“Our team is dedicated to ensuring that every guest experiences the epitome of comfort, elegance, and personalized service.”

He added, “I extend my sincere appreciation to the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, and to all our distinguished guests, partners and friends who have honored us with their presence. Your support and encouragement have been instrumental in our journey, and we look forward to continuing this journey together as we strive to set new standards in the hospitality industry.”

According to Angaye, his foray into the hospitality business is a tale of passion turned profession, having drawn from his love for travel, entertainment and hospitality, and motivated by a desire to transform his hobby into a thriving enterprise.

Retired Brig-General Eric Angaye is the Coordinator of the Bayelsa Community Safety Corps, an outfit tasked with ensuring security in all the remote communities in the state, as well as assisting in curbing crime and protecting government infrastructure.