Author: Vardiafrica

The Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja and presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite today, has set aside the warrant of arrest it earlier issued on the 31st of January, 2024 against the Chief of Staff to Rivers State Governor Edison Ehie and five others. The court agreed with the submissions of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana & Oluwole Aladedoye, who represented the applicants, that it lacks jurisdiction to have granted the ex-parte application brought by the Inspector General of Police (I.G.P) against Ehie and five others because there was no charge pending before his court. The court therefore…

The money laundering trial of a former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, could not proceed on Thursday owing to the absence of the trial judge, Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court, Lagos. Justice Aneke was said to be away on an official assignment, prompting the adjournment of the case to July 1 for the continuation of trial. Fayose is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for an alleged N6.9bn fraud and money laundering. He was first arraigned on Oct. 22, 2018, before Justice Mojisola Olatotegun, alongside his company, Spotless Investment Ltd, on an…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed a notice of withdrawal to discontinue an appeal against an order of a Kogi High Court restraining it from arresting the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello. In the notice filed on April 22, the EFCC said the withdrawal is predicated on the fact that events have overtaken the appeal. The commission also admits that the appeal was filed out of the time allowed by law. “The appellant herein intends to and do hereby wholly withdraw her appeal against the respondent in the above-mentioned appeal,” the notice partly read.…

Isaac Kamalu, the commissioner for finance, has resigned from the cabinet of Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers. Kamalu was affected by a minor cabinet reshuffle made by the governor on April 23. He was moved to the ministry of employment generation and economic empowerment. Kamalu’s resignation comes hours after Zacchaeus Adangor, the former attorney-general and commissioner for justice, who was affected by the shake-up, tendered his resignation Adangor was redeployed to the ministry of special duties (governor’s office). In a letter addressed to Tammy Danagogo, secretary to the state government (SSG), Kamalu said the governor’s “inability to maintain peace” in the state was…

Operatives of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), on Wednesday, quizzed owners of a Chinese supermarket in Abuja over alleged discriminatory practices against Nigerians. FCCPC operatives also conducted an inspection of the facility, even as investigation progresses. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Federal Government agency said, “Owners of the Abuja Chinese Supermarket facing allegations of discriminatory practices responded to our summons today to answer questions regarding the allegations. FCCPC operatives have conducted an inspection of the facility.” The FCCPC had shut the Chinese supermarket on Monday over alleged discrimination against Nigerians. The Commission subsequently summoned the…

President Bola Tinubu has approved the takeoff of the first phase of the Consumer Credit Scheme. Consumer credit serves as the lifeblood of modern economies, enabling citizens to enhance their quality of life by accessing goods and services upfront, paying responsibly over time. It facilitates crucial purchases, such as homes, vehicles, education, and healthcare, essential for ongoing stability to pursue their aspirations. Through responsible repayment, individuals build credit histories, unlocking more opportunities for a better life. Additionally, the increased demand for goods and services stimulates local industry and job creation. The President believes every hardworking Nigerian should have access to…

The Kaduna State House Of Assembly Adhoc Committee set up to investigate ex-governor Nasir el-Rufai’s eight-year administration has set Thursday, April 25, 2024 as deadline for the submission of memorandum and documents to the committee. This was contained in a formal communication issued by the Clerk of the Assembly, Sakinatu Hassan to the Kaduna State Commissioner of Finance outlining the scope of the probe. According to the statement, the investigation by the lawmakers will focus on the loans, financial transactions, contractual liabilities and other than matters that were obtained or awarded under the el-Rufai administration. “The Kaduna State House of…

Multichoice, a major satellite television service in Sub-Saharan Africa, has announced an increase in prices on the DSTV and GOtv packages. In a statement titled ‘Price Adjustment on DStv and GOtv Packages’, signed by its Chief Executive Officer, John Ugbe, sent to its customers on Wednesday, said the increase was necessitated by the rise in the cost of business operations. According to the statement, the increment would take effect on May 1, 2024. “We understand the impact this change may have on you – our valued customer, but the rise in the cost of business operations, has led us to…

The Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, has directed the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to suspend Dana Air, a day after one of the airline’s planes skidded off the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos runway. The minister also ordered a comprehensive audit of the airline. The audit will encompass all aspects of safety protocols, maintenance procedures, and financial health to ensure full compliance with the aviation sector’s regulations. In a letter to the NCAA Director-General titled ‘Immediate Suspension of Dana Air Pending Safety and Financial Health Audit’, the minister said the move was necessary to ensure safety and regulatory compliance. “As…

A former Attorney General, Prof. Zacchaeus Adangor (SAN), who was deployed to the Ministry of Special Duties by Gov. Siminalayi Fubara on Tuesday, has again resigned from the Rivers State Cabinet. In a letter to the Secretary of the Rivers State Government, Tammy Danagogo, sighted by our correspondent on Wednesday, Adangor rejected the deployment and resigned from the Rivers Executive Council, with effect from April 24, 2024. Prof. Adango said he chose to leave the government to preserve his reputation. He accused Governor Fubara of interfering with his duties as the Attorney General, alleging that the governor had directed him…