Appeals court gives River States go ahead to probe Amaechi

Rotimi Amaechi

Court of Appeal sitting in Port Harcourt has granted the Rivers State Government a go ahead to probe the financial activities of the immediate past administration led by dismissed the appeal filed by Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, Channels TV reports.

The Court on Monday dismissed the suit filed by the former governor against the Government of Rivers State, the chairman and members of the Panel of inquiry, and others to the effect that the panel did not give him fair hearing.

In an unanimous judgement, the three justices held that Amaechi denied himself fair hearing by refusing to appear before the panel.

The court also held that the former Governor did not show concrete evidence that the panel was biased and set up to find him guilty.

It will be recalled that Amaechi had approached the Appeal court to challenge the decision of the high court in the State that declared that the Panel of Inquiry set up by the Rivers State Government in 2015 to investigate the sale of state assets was properly constituted and its findings in line with the law.

Source: Channels TV

Read More»

Nnamdi Kanu finally leaves Kuje's Prisons

After meeting those terrifying bail conditions, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has finally left Kuje Prison in Abuja, around 5pm today, April 28, 2017.

Kanu was driven home by a former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka.

Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was arrested and detained two years ago, 2015 and charged treason and has since been in prison until around 5pm, on Friday evening, April 28, 2017.

On Tuesday, April 26, 2017, Justice Nyako of Federal High Court, Abuja granted Nnamdi Kanu bail. Although, the bail conditions were condemned by the pro-Biafra group and their supporters, which includes his inability to participate in any rallies or found in a crowd of more than 10 people while he is on bail.

Recall that the pro-Biafra group, IPOB, condemned the bail and said the bail was written by the president and read by Justice Nyako.

Read More»

CONFUSION: High court orders forfeiture of Patience Jonathan's $5.8m

According to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the former First Lady of Nigeria, Patience Jonathan has forfeited her $5.8m to the federal government.

Justice Mojisola Olatoregun of a Lagos Federal High Court, today, April 26, has granted a fresh ex-parte application directing the seizure of Patience Jonathan's money, according to the report.

Recalls that The Punch had reported yesterday, Tuesday, April 25 that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) pull of the plug on its application seeking a stay of the execution of an order by the court which unfroze her account in Skye Bank, housing a balance of $5.9m.

A attorney for the EFCC, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo came before the same Federal High Court in Lagos which had unfroze same account on April 6 stating that the commission had back off in appealing the unfreezing order.

Oyedepo also told the Justice Olatoregun, the presiding judge that the agency was withdrawing its application seeking to stay the execution of the previous court order.

However, on Wednesday, April 26, 2017, the same court has order forfeiture of the same money in the same account that belong to the same Patience Jonathan to the government of Nigeria.

Read More»

How I received N26m from the NSA boss, Dasuki for Fani-Kayode - Police officer opens up

Former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode's trial has offically kicked off on Tuesday, April 25 at the Federal High Court, Abuja.

The hearing which commenced with a male police officer, Victor Ehiabhi, narrating how he assisted the Fani-Kayode to collect the sum of N26 million from Sambo Dasuki's office, the ex-National Security Adviser (NSA), in 2014.

The security agent who introduced himself as an Intelligence Operative with the Force Intelligence Bureau, told the court that he was transferred from the Very Important Persons Protection (VIP) Unit in the bureau, to serve as the former FFK's security aide before the presidential election in 2015.

Ehiabi said he went with a domestic staff of Fani-Kayode to collect the money which was stashed in a Ghana-Must-Go bag, from the NSA's office at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

In the witness' statement: “On November 21, 2014, on that fateful day, my principal traveled out of town and he detailed me to be within town.

“The gardener and other domestic staff were also around within the premises. The house is at Aso Drive Abuja.

“One of the gardeners, called Francis, called me on phone and told me that the defendant had called him on phone that I should accompany him (Francis) and another domestic staff, Esther, to the National Security Adviser’s office at the Villa.

“And not too long after, the defendant himself called me and told me the same thing. The driver named Kenneth was directed to drive us to the venue.

“We moved to the venue at Suleiman Barawo Street in the Villa. While at the venue, the driver, Kenneth, and the gardener, Francis, were asked to stay in the compound while I and Esther walked into the building.

“We identified ourselves as personnel of the defendant. The staff in the office asked who was Victor. I answered I was the one. They asked me to tender my identity card and I did.

“The man in the office brought out a paper and asked me to endorse it on behalf of the defendant. The sum of the N26m was written on the document for the defendant.

"I initially decided not to endorse the document on behalf of the defendant. But the man in the office insisted that since I was the policeman I should be the one to endorse the document, so I signed it.

“The man in the office brought out the sum of N26m in N1,000 denominations, and put it in one ‘Ghana-Must-Go’ bag. He gave it to us, Esther and I, for the defendant.

“We took it out of the office and beckoned on Francis and Kenneth to take it to the booth. So we departed from the house and departed to house of the defendant with the money.

“On getting to the house, we took it inside the house. As of the time the money was taken to the house, the defendant had not returned. As I said earlier he had travelled out of town.”

Based on Vanguard's report, Ehiabi said that upon the return of Fani-Kayode to Abuja, he invited him and others involved in the movement of the cash home and appreciation them.

The policeman said: “The defendant had called me on phone and told me to ensure maximum security within the house until his arrival.

“On the same day, at about 11pm, the defendant returned. When the defendant returned from his journey, he acknowledged the money and he sent for us, myself, Esther and thanked us.

“Subsequently I was invited by the EFCC. On getting to the office of the EFCC, I was asked if I ever worked with the defendant and I said yes.

“While answering the question, the personnel brought out the document that I signed at the Office of the National Security Adviser on November 21, 2014. There and then I was made to write a statement."

Meanwhile, the counsel to the accused, Wale Balogun, pleaded for an adjournment to allow him to cross-examine the witness.

In response to the application, Justice John Tsoho, who presided over the case adjourned the matter till June 6, 2017.

Mr Johnson Ojogbane was the prosecuting counsel.

Read More»

Textile Dealer Who Attempted Suicide By Jumping Into Lagoon, Charged To Court and Granted N500k Bail

The woman who was rescued on March 24, 2017, from committing suicide by jumping into the wide mouth of Lagos Lagoon from the Third Mainland Bridge by the Nigerian Police Force, has been charged to court and granted N500,000 bail.

On monday, April 24, 2017, a Lagos magistrate court in Ebute-Meta ordered Mrs. Taiwo Titilayo Momoh who is textile merchant, to undergo psychiatric examination after her arraignment by the authority for attempted suicide.

The 58-year-old woman was however granted N500,000 bail with two sureties in like sum. On March 24, Momoh was prevented from taking her life by jumping off the Third Mainland Bridge into the Lagoon by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, RRS of the Lagos State Police Command.

Momoh claimed that she was actually pushed to end her life by the accumulated debts hanging on her neck, says that will end her sleeplessness and shame.

The textile merchant who is a member of RCCG and also resident in Lekki, Lagos, revealed that she had made several attempts to see her Parish Pastor in order to share with her burden with him and for the church to assist her raising the fund, but all to no avail.

Read More»

BREAKING: Federal Govt slams 8-count charge on Supreme Court judge for false asset declaration

Sylvester Ngwuta

A Supreme Court Justice, Sylvester Ngwuta, has been slammed eight-count charge of false declaration of asset.

Justice Ngwuta who has also been facing fraud charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja was charged on Thursday April 20, by the Federal Government at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, in Abuja.

He pleaded not guilty to the new charges.

However, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), who is the defendant lawyer, applied orally seek that the court should grant the accused bail based on self-recognisance after taking his plea.

The Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Umar Muhammed, who serves as the leading counsel, did not go against the application.

Following the application for bail, the tribunal led by its Chairman, Danladi Umar, stamped the bail application and penned July 5 for commencement of the hearing.

Read More»

Court orders temporary forfeiture of $50 million cash found by EFCC to FG

The Lagos Federal High Court has approved a temporary forfeited of the $38million, N23million and £27,000, recovered by the operatives Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in a home located at Osborne Towers, Ikoyi, Lagos to the Nigerian government.

In a court hearing presided by Justice Muslim Hassan today, April 13, 2017, he directed that the money should be handed over to the Federal Government pending when the owner surfaces to claim his or her  possession.

The case was also adjourned til May 5, 2017.

Read More»

Pension scam: I made $544,000 from selling pure water- Defendant, Veronica Onyegbula

The Economic and Finacial CrimesCommission EFCC, yesterday, March 4, 2017 told a Federal High Court in Abuja that the fourth defendant in the ongoing N24 billion police pension scam trial, Veronica Onyegbula, during cross examination in 2012 when she was apprehended, that she made $544,000 from sales of pure water. 

Onyegbula is standing trial alongside Uzoma Attang, Esai Dangabar, Atiku Abubakar Kigo, Ahmed Inuwa Wada, Sani Habila Zira and Christian Madubuike on criminal accusations verging on scam and criminal breach of trust for their complicity in the scam at the police pension office. It is affirmed that the charged people planned and successively pulled back cash from the Police Pension Fund (PPF) in a record domiciled at First Bank of Nigeria and shared it among themselves. 

Upon the resumption of the hearing of the case at a FCT high court yesterday, one of the indicting witnesses and an agent of the anti-graft organization, Rukayya Ibrahim, told the court that amid cross examination, the accused told the office that she made the tremendous whole of cash from her pure water business. Rukayya said this while giving proof in the trial within trial requested by counsel to Onyegbula, Barrister Ernest Ikeji. 

Driven in confirmation by prosecutor counsel, Barrister Leke Atolagbe, Rukkaya told the court that all the statements made by Onyegbula were intentionally made under a cheerful intuitive session and not under coercion as being claimed by her counsel. 

The managing judge, Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf, adjourned the trial within trial today at the instance of the prosecution counsel.

Read More»

Peace Corps boss, Dickson Akoh charged to court & slammed with 90 counts charges of laundering N3.5b

The federal government of Nigeria has allegedly arraigned the national commandant of the Peace Corps of Nigeria, Dickson Akoh, before an Abuja Federal High Cour.

According to Daily Trust, Akoh and the incorporated trustees of Peace Corps of Nigeria, ITPCN, have been smashed with 90 counts.

Tellforcebloglearnt that they were purported to have laundered an total sum of N3.5 billion gotten from extortion in April, 2016.

The report explained further that the prosecution alleged that the suspects operated as a non-profit making establishment but illegally engaged in the business of providing security services under a enlistment scheme, including quasi-military training without approval.

He was said to have acquired huge sums of money by deceitful activities while laundering the ensues of extortion from innocent citizens of the country from the ITPCN account to his personal account.

Akoh pleaded not guilty to all the allegations. 

Read More»

N5bn defamation suit: I will tender my certificate in evidence, Dino Melaye tells Court

Resolute to show that he was presented a Bachelors Degree by the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, the embattled Senator Dino Melaye, on Thursday, March 23, swore to tender his certificate before a High Court in the Federal Capital Territory sitting at Maitama.

Also read: London School of Economic denies Melaye attended institution

Senator Melaye, representing Kogi West in the Senate, said he is ready to tender his certificates during hearing of a N5billion defamation suit he banged against an online media outift, Sahara Reporters, which suspected that the senator never graduated from the Geography Department of ABU, Zaria.

In the lawsuit filed through his lawyer, Mark Ikongbeh, the senator, maintained that he indeed obtained a B.Sc. in Geography from the Academia.

Also read: London School of Economic denies Melaye attended institution

Melaye told the court that the certificate outrage has opened him to great psychological and emotional pain, saying he has been abandoned by his associates and friends due to the libellous publication by the defendants.

Referred to as 1st to 4th defendants in the lawsuit marked M/4812/17, were, the Incorporated Trustees of Sahara Reporters Media Foundation, Sahara Reporters Media Group Inc, Omoyele Sowore and Temitope Olumuyide.

Aside asking the court to award him N5billion as aggravate and exemplary compensations for defamation, the plaintiff also applied for an order restraining the defendants, by themselves or by their servants or agents, from making further publications on the subject.

Melaye equally seek N10million as charge for the legal action. In the declaration of claim, the plaintiff told the court that a great figure of his constituents, associates, friends, foreign acquaintances have felt so deceived and let down by conducts, cruelly and insincerely alleged against him by the respondents, to an level that they have ostracised him and have currently given him a wide mooring.

The Senator said: “Many invitations to honourable events have been withdrawn and attempts to reach out to several people who had very cordial relations with the plaintiff has been met with a cold shoulder.

“The plaintiff has suffered great psychological stress and emotional trauma by reason of the defamatory publications arising from the loss of company he has suffered from friends and associates.

“This precarious psychology state has been exacerbated by the number of people whom the plaintiff has had to reach out to or who have reached out to him for explanation and reassurance of the truth in the situation.

“The plaintiff has greatly been weighed down emotionally by the sudden loss of huge public goodwill which he enjoyed prior to the publication of the defamatory publication.

“Further, the defendants published the defamatory words out of malevolence and spite towards the plaintiff and with a view to cower the plaintiff into soft pedalling on his stance in several issues ongoing in the Senate chambers.”

He declare in a 15-paragraphed affidavit that was personally deposed by the complainant:

“That I am a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria representing Kogi West Senatorial District of Kogi State and I was once the honourable member of the House of Representatives representing the Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency. Amongst other duties; I currently serve as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the FCT.

“The 1st defendant is an organisation setup under Part C of the companies and Allied Matters Act as a non-profit organisation ostensibly dedicated to promoting a brand of investigative journalism pioneered by the 4th defendant. The 1st defendant is the Nigerian arm of the 4th defendant. The 1st defendant by its official filings at the Corporate Affairs Commission is based in Lagos.

“The 2nd and 3rd defendants are the Trustees of the 1st defendant and also the promoters of the 4th defendant. They are self-styled investigative journalists who are not visibly known to be accredited by or affiliated to any registered media outfit.

“They operate under the popular ‘Sahara Reporters’ brand. The 2nd and 3rd defendants operate all over Nigeria but have listed addresses located in Lagos in their corporate filings.

“The 4th defendant is a business Corporation organised under the laws of New York State in the United States of America and is the proprietor of a website and other online channels through which it disseminates news items predominantly about governance issues in Nigeria.

“The 2nd defendant is listed as the Chief Executive Officer of the 4th defendant. That the 4th defendant is based in New York, United States of America but is represented in the country by the 2nd defendant who is also its alter ego and service of court process on the 2nd defendant will definitely bring the suit to the 4th defendant’s attention.

“On the 19th and 20th March 2017, the defendants falsely and maliciously wrote, posted, and published or caused to be written on their verified Twitter handle identified as @SaharaReporters hosted online at the web address of and concerning me by directly mentioning and linking it to my Twitter handle identified as @dino_melaye hosted online at the web address ; the following words:

“FLASH: University teachers at the Geography Department of Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria insists that @dino_melaye did not graduate, bribed his HOD/1 (posted at 4:09 PM- 19th March 2017.

“FLASH: University teachers at the Geography Dept of ABU, Zaria insists that @dino_melaye never graduated, DG DSS informed but covered it up. (posted at 4:11 PM- 19th March 2017.

“FLASH: At least 3 Exam Officers at ABU, Zaria insists that @dino_melaye never graduated from Geography Dept, DG DSS alerted but covered it up (posted at 4:14PM – 19th March 2017).

“FLASH: Exam Officers at ABU, Zaria insists that @dino_melaye never graduated from Geography Dept, they said Dino’s name was not on graduation list (posted at 4:16 PM -19th March 2017).”

Dino said the virtual media outlet equally posted that his HOD, Prof. David Okoro Ogbonna, helped him to falsify his transcript and that he applied for a Post Graduate class at UNIJOS, went to ABU for transcript and not any could be provided.

He said: “By the said words in their natural and ordinary meaning, the defendants meant and were understood to mean: That I am dishonest and have deceived the public about the state of my academic qualifications.

“That my academic credentials are shady and questionable. That I am guilty of bribery and corruption. That I have corruptly influenced investigation against me.

“That I am guilty of forgery. That I am guilty of corruptly influencing public officers in the performance of their duties. That my educational qualifications are false and fake.

“That I am guilty of the criminal conduct of collusion and falsification of official records. That I am unworthy of the credit and trust of the society. That I am unworthy to hold the office of the Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The above publication received instant widespread publicity both within and outside Nigeria as the defendants website and their electronic channels enjoy huge popularity globally.

“The verified twitter handle of the defendants @saharaReporters has over 1, 390, 000 followers to 

whom the publication was immediate made available upon publication”.

“The greatest impact of this publication is here in Abuja”. According to him, “The result of the publication of the defamatory words by the defendants has been devastating to my image and has greatly injured my credit and reputation and brought me into public scandal, odium and contempt.”

In his statement of assertion, Melaye also told the court that the defendants, “propagate a style of unconventional and unregulated journalism which they term “advocacy journalism” that encourages.

Also read: London School of Economic denies Melaye attended institution

“citizen journalist” (essentially untrained and unregulated individuals) to report news items which are not subject to verification before publication.

“The plaintiff is a graduate of the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, where he bagged a B. Sc in Geography. The Plaintiff’s certificates are pleaded.

“The plaintiff at all times material to this suit is a highly visible politician who is well known through the length and breadth of Nigeria and globally. He ranks high amongst the most well-known public office holders currently in Nigeria having served in several capacities over the years.

“The plaintiff has particularly become a beacon and a model to the youths of the world due to the roots of his political life which begun with his active participation in student union affairs at Ahmadu Bello University Zaria.

“By dint of selfless stewardship, the plaintiff successfully transformed from a youth leader into a National leader in Nigeria reputed for frankness, forthrightness and principled leadership.”

Also read: London School of Economic denies Melaye attended institution

However, the lawsuit is yet to be allotted to any judge for trial.

Also read: London School of Economic denies Melaye attended institution

Read More»

Photos: Dino Melaye launches N5bn lawsuit against Sahara Reporters

Dino Entering court. Photo credit: Sumner Chagari

The embattle Senator Dino Melaye has this morning, March 23, 2017, approached a Federal High Court in Abuja, to file a N5 billion lawsuit against Sahara Reporters who published over a recent information, alleging Senator Melaye never graduated from the Ahmadu Bello University as claimed.

The Senate has ordered its committee on Ethics and Priviledges to look into this allegation reported by the media outfit. The embattle senator has however refuted the claim.

Dino Entering court. Photo credit: Sumner Chagari

The pictures in this post shows how Melaye was entering an Abuja court to file his case. 

Photo credit: Sumner Chagari

Read More»

I won’t be appearing before the Senate tomorrow - Customs Boss

The Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali, has said he will not appear before the Senate on Wednesday, March 23, 2017.

Ali confirmed this at media conference with Editors in Abuja on Tuesday, March 21, 2017.

Hameed Ali

The CGC grounded his reason on an advice he received on Tuesday, about a case filed by an attorney at an Abuja court, it would be subjudice for him to go the assembly and appear before the Senate, while they have pending issues before them, which are also part of what is before the court.

Also read: BREAKING: Senate commenced investigations on Melaye’s alleged certificate scandal

Ali said: “Based on the advice from lawyers and briefing from the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice who is also a party in the suit, I won’t be appearing before the Senate tomorrow until the court decides otherwise”.

Speaking on some other issues, Ali confirmed that some highly influential Nigerians have been prevented from abusing the privilege they have, either political or social wise, by illegally importing expensive items including exotic vehicles into the country without paying appropriate duties.

Also read: BREAKING: Senate commenced investigations on Melaye’s alleged certificate scandal

Read More»

Fanta or Sprite can be taken with "Vitamins C", it's not poisonous - NBC

Reacting to the claims that Fanta and Sprite can be poisonous if taken with Vitamins C, the Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Limited has come out to rubbish the claim that, such is misleading to the public.

On Wednesday, March 15, in a statement released by NBC management, the company said information on the safety of benzoic and ascorbic acids as ingredients in soft drinks, citing the judgement of the Lagos High Court, is misleading.

Also read: Court orders NAFDAC to inform consumers that "It's poisonous for Fanta & Sprite to be taken with Vitamin C"

“In the judgement delivered on February 15, 2017 in a suit involving Fijabi Adebo Holdings Limited & Dr. Emmanuel Fijabi Adebo vs. Nigerian Bottling Company Limited (NBC) & National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Lagos High Court dismissed all claims against NBC and held that the company had not breached its duty of care to consumers and that there was no proven case of negligence against it.

“In the same judgement, the court directed NAFDAC to mandate NBC to include a warning on its bottles of Fanta and Sprite that its contents cannot be taken with Vitamin C as same become poisonous if taken with Vitamin C. This order was premised on the fact that the products contain the preservative, benzoic acid. NBC has since appealed this order.”

NBC claimed that the standards for testing benzoic acid in soft drinks varies from one country to another and factors like climate could also have influence on the ingredient used in production.

It added that, the United Kingdom (UK), being in a temperate region, requires lower preservative levels compared a tropical country like Nigeria, and claimed that this does not make NBC’s products harmful when taken with Vitamin C.

NBC said: “In the subject case which dates back to 2007, the UK authorities confiscated a consignment of our products shipped to that country by the plaintiff because their benzoic acid levels were not within the UK national level, although well within the levels approved by both the national regulators for Nigeria and the international levels set by CODEX, the joint inter-governmental body responsible for harmonising food standards globally.

“The UK standards limit benzoic acid in soft drinks to a maximum of 150 mg/kg. Both Fanta and Sprite have benzoic levels of 200 mg/kg which is lower than the Nigerian regulatory limit of 250 mg/kg when combined with ascorbic acid and 300 mg/kg without ascorbic acid and also lower than the 600 mg/kg international limit set by CODEX.”

It stated that both benzoic acid and ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) are ingredients approved by international food safety regulators and are globally used in many food and beverage products.

“These two ingredients are also used in combination in some of these products within levels which may differ from one country to another as approved by the respective national food and drug regulators and in line with the range prescribed by CODEX.

“The permissible ingredient levels set by countries for their food and beverage products are influenced by a number of factors such as climate, an example being the UK, a temperate region, requiring lower preservative levels unlike tropical countries.

“Given the fact that the benzoic and ascorbic acid levels in Fanta as well as the benzoic acid level in Sprite produced and sold by NBC in Nigeria are in compliance with the levels approved by all relevant national regulators and the international level set by CODEX.

“There is no truth in the report that these products would become poisonous if consumed alongside Vitamin C.

“The wrong perception emanating from the media reports that our Fanta and Sprite beverages which are fully compliant with all national and international food quality and safety standards are unsafe, simply because their levels of Benzoic acid were not within the UK standards, is not only unfounded but also undermines the entire food and beverage industry in Nigeria which is regulated by the same ingredient levels approved by NAFDAC and other regulatory bodies for the country.”

NBC promised and assured its consumers and members of the public of its “unwavering commitment to product quality, safety and customer satisfaction.”

Also read: Court orders NAFDAC to inform consumers that "It's poisonous for Fanta & Sprite to be taken with Vitamin C"

Read More»

Peace Corps slammed with 90-count criminal charge by FG

The Federal Government of Nigeria, on Tuesday, March 14, 2017, in Abuja has slam a 90 count criminal charge on the National Commandant of the Peace Corps, Dickson Akor and the Incorporated Trustees of Peace Corps of Nigeria, ITPCN.

Dickson Akor 

The case against the defendants was signed by Aka Alilu, who is an Assistant Chief State Counsel in the Federal Ministry of Justice and borders on extortion, money laundering and obtaining money under false pretence.

The case was filed on Tuesday by the office of the Attorney General, AG of the Federation and Minister of Justice Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN), via the office of the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, DPPF.

The prosecution reported that the defendants while operating as a non-profit making organization was unlawfully engaging in the business of providing security services under a recruitment scheme which involved quasi-military training without government approval.

Read More»

Court orders NAFDAC to inform consumers that "It's poisonous for Fanta & Sprite to be taken with Vitamin C"

A High Court in Lagos has ordered the National Agency For Food, Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, to instantly instruct the Nigeria Bottling Company PLC, manufacturers of soft drinks; Fanta and Sprite to include a written caution on the bottles of the drinks that the content cannot be taken with Vitamin C.

This is coming following a suit filed against the NBC and NAFDAC by a Lagos businessman, Dr. Emmanuel Fijabi Adebo and his business, Fijabi Adebo Holdings Limited.

His lawyer claimed that erstwhile in March, 2007, his client's company bought large quantities of Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta Orange, Fanta Pineapple, Fanta Lemon and Soda Water from NBC for export to the United Kingdom for retail purposes and supply to their customers.

Upon arrival of the packages in UK, fundamental health related matters were raised on the contents and composition of the Fanta and Sprite products by the UK Health Authorities, explicitly the Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council’s Trading Standard Department of Environment and Economy Directorate.

The discoveries from the United Kingdom were verified by the Coca-Cola European Union and products were found to have excessive levels of “Sunset Yellow and Benzoic Acid “which are usafe for human consumption.

Due to the irregularities and harmful content of the soft drinks which can cause cancer to the consumer, the claimants was unable sell the Fanta and Sprite products resulting in appreciable losses, as they were certified unsuitable for consumption and were confiscated and destroyed by the United Kingdom health authorities

Adebo's Lawyer begged the court to declare that the Nigeria Bottling Company was negligent and breached the duty of care owed to their valued customers and consumers in the production of contaminated Fanta and Sprite soft drinks with excessive “benzoic acid and sunset” addictive. They also urged the court to direct NAFDAC to conduct and carry out routine laboratory tests of all the soft drinks and allied products of the company to ensure and guarantee the safety of the consumable products, produced from the Nigeria Bottling Company factory.

Although the Nigeria Bottling Company contested that the claimant’s claims are hypothetical, frivolous and vexatious and should be dismissed with substantial costs, NAFDAC did not file any defence.

In a judgment delivered by Justice Adedayo Oyebanji declared that NAFDAC has disappointed Nigerians by its certification as satisfactory for human consumption, products which in the UK failed sample test for human consumption and which became poisonous in the presence of  Vitamin C.

He therefore ordered: ”That NAFDAC shall forthwith mandate Nigeria Bottling Company to, within 90 days hereof, include on all the bottles of Fanta and Sprite soft drinks manufactured by the company, a written warning that the content of the said bottles of Fanta and Sprite soft drinks cannot be taken with Vitamin C as same becomes poisonous if taken with Vitamin C.

”In consideration of the fact that this case was filed in 2008 and that it has been in court for 9 years, costs of N2 million is awarded against NAFDAC. Interest shall be paid on the costs awarded at the rate of 10% per annum until liquidation of the said sum.”

Via

Read More»

Peace Corps of Nigeria sues Police and DSS over arrest, demands N2bn compensation

The Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN) has decided to take the power struggle brouhaha with the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) to another level by filing a N2 billion suit against the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and the Director General of the Department of State Service (DG of DSS) over the unlawful detention of Dickson Akoh, The National Commandant and 49 others last week.

Recall that the police and some DSS officials, on February 28, raided the headquarters of the security agent, arrested some PCN Boss and its officials and also paraded them before journalists.

Speaking at the press briefing, the NPF’ spokesperson, Jimoh Moshood, claimed that some terrorists have infiltrated the group.

In a suit filed by PCN’s counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN) at the Federal High Court, Abuja, PCN described the raid of their organization's new Headquarters by a combined team of Police and the DSS last week as unlawful.

Peace Corps Office

So, on this basis, It is demanding for a sum of N2 billion as compensation for the embarrassment brought on the organisation and its Incorporated Trustees.

PCN is requesting the court to also declare as unlawful, illegal and unconstitutional the arrest of it Commandant, Akoh and other Corps members, as well as the sealing up of its Headquarters in Abuja and the other offices in the 36 States of the Federation.

Also asking the court to declare that the sealing up of the Headquarters office in Abuja is unlawful, illegal, malicious and unconstitutional, having committed no offence to warrant the unlawful invasion and seizure of properties.

PCN claims that they are entitled to Fundamental Rights to acquire and own properties, freedom of movement, lawful assembly, personal liberty and dignity of their human persons as guaranteed under sections 34, 35, 40, 41, and 43 of the 1999 constitution.

They also asked the court that the police and DSS should be issued a directive to unseal the Headquarters office in Abuja and its offices countrywide and release their seized properties during the raid.

It was reported that the case will come up for hearing today.

Read More»

Photo: Osinbajo swears-in Justice Walter Onnoghen as Chief Justice of Nigeria, lists of former CJNs since 1914

Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 swore in Justice Walter Onnoghen as the 20th Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) since 1914.

The swearing-in ritual took place at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, with the presence of Senate President Bukola Saraki, Ministers, government officials and some members of the new CJN’s family.

Onnoghen 66, was at the brief swearing-in ceremony, decorated with the country’s second highest national honour of the Grand Commander of Order of the Niger (GCON).

Onnoghen was born on the December 22, 1950 at Okurike Town, Biase local government area, Cross Rivers State.

The new CJN, Walter Samuel Onnoghen has been a Supreme Court Justice since 2005, appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari to succeed Justice Mahmood Muhammed in November, 2016, in acting ability.

He is a graduate of University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana, graduated in 1977 and also graduated from the Nigerian Law School in Lagos in 1978.

Onneghen was a judge in Cross River State and a justice of the Court of Appeal before moving to the Supreme Court.

List of Nigerian Chief Justices since 1914:

1. Sir Edwin Speed, 1914-1918

2. Sir Ralph Combe, 1918-1929

3. Donald kingdon, 1929-1946

4. Sir John Verity, 1946-1954

5. Sir Stafford Sutton, 1955-1958

6. Adetokunbo Ademola, 1958-1972

7. Taslim Olawale Elias, 1972-1975

8. Darnley Arthur Alexander, 1975-1979

9. Atanda Fatai Williams, 1979-1983

10. George Shodeinde Sowewimo, 1983-1985

11. Ayo Gabriel Irikefe, 1985-1987

12. Mohammed Bello, 1987-1995

13. Muhammad Lawal Uwais, 1995-2006

14. Salihu Moddibo Alfa Belgore, 2006-2007

15. Idris Legbo Kutigi, 2007-2009

16. Aloysius Iyorgyer Katsina-Alu, 2009-2011

17. Dahiru Musdapher, 2011-2012

18. Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, 2012-2014

19. Mahmoud Mohammed, 2014-2016

20. Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen, November 2016 till date.

Read More»

Woman offers to repay dowry to end her marriage.

Woman offers to repay dowry to end her war-torn marriage.

Mrs Victoria Ayegba who is a civil servant has offered to refund the dowry paid on her, in order to end a terrifying 7-year-old marriage which could be a death trap for her.

On Monday, March 6, 2017, Victoria, 37 pleaded with the Upper Area court to grant her this wish.

She said: “I am ready to refund the dowry. I will deposit it with the court registry so that he can go there and collect it.”

The 37-year-old mother of seven also pleaded with the court to grant her custody of all her children produced by her unhappy marriage with Ezekiel Ayegba, her husband.

She said that the couple had not been living together for the past two years because of their never-ending quarrels.

“For the past seven years of our marriage, there has been no peace and harmony between us. Two years ago we separated.’’

“Ezekiel who calls himself a pastor has over the years made life unbearable and miserable for me.

“I have never been happy since we got married. He always finds fault in everything I do.

“To him, I have never done anything good.  All I get from him is emotional pain. “He has worsened it by disappearing to an unknown place with our children.

“The worst is that he has deprived me of seeing and having access to my children.

“I do not even know where he has taken them to, because they are no longer with him,” she stated.

The civil servant pleaded with court to compel Ezekiel to return the children to her.

“I cannot live without them,’’ she sobbed.

The Presiding Judge, Mr Ibrahim Shekarau, deferred the case till March 16, 2017 for hearing due to Ezekiel’s failure to appear in court, despite all sorts of sermons served on him. 

Read More»

Nnamdi Kanu: Striking out six from eleven charges is ‎an act of God – IPOB

Nnamdi Kanu (middle)

The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has termed the striking out of the six charges from eleven against its arrow head, Nnamdi Kanu as an act of God.

Emma Powerful who is the pro-Biafra group’s spokesman issued a statement yesterday after the courts process, that the fight for the restoration of Biafra was designed by God and described the outcome of Kanu’s trial as the handwork of God.

Recall that Abuja Federal High Court, yesterday, March 1, 2017, striked out six of the 11 charges levelled against Nnamdi Kanu and three others by Federal.

IPOB admonished its members to remain resolute in the pursuit for the independence of the Republic of Biafra.

Powerful said: “We the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, and its leadership worldwide, thank God Almighty and eminent Biafrans, who made it possible for the case in the Abuja court to be successful.

“We thank all IPOB members and Biafrans who made it to the Abuja High Court in solidarity for the Biafra cause and our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. May God Almighty bless them all.

“We advise every IPOB member and Biafrans worldwide to remain resolute in the pursuit of the restoration of the nation of Biafra because it is ordained by Almighty God and no man born of a woman can stop it, unless God says so. This is the time for the restoration of the prophesied nation in West Africa.”

Read More»

Video: Nigeria is a country of savages and animals, it does not obey law - Nnamdi Kanu

Nnamdi Kanu who is the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has described Nigeria as a country of savages and animals.

He issued this statement on Wednesday, March 1, 2017 following the dismissal of six charges out of eleven charges filed against him by the Federal Government.

Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja, Yesterday threw out six charges filed against him and three others by the Federal Government.

Justice Nyako held that the six charges does not have enough proof of evidence by prosecution adduced against the defendants. Though, the court sustained five other charges filed against the IPOB leader and three other pro-Biafra agitators who are Benjamin Madubugwu, David Nwawuisi and Chidiebere Onwudiwe

Speaking to the Newsmen and his supporters after the court process, Kanu, who dressed in a Jewish apparel, said that Nigeria is a country that does not obey the law.

Find the Video below:

Read More»