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Senate Dumps Tax Reform Bills …..holds further consultations

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By George Mgbeleke, Abuja

The Senate on Wednesday at plenary directed its committee on Finance to suspend its proposed Public hearing on the Tax Reform Bills till further notice to make room for wider consultations on the Bills.

Recall that the upper chamber had given it’s committee on Finance six weeks to organize a Public Hearing on the Bills and return them for further legislative consideration before final passage.

Making this declaration while presiding over Wednesday plenary, Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I Jibrin, directed the Finance committee to put on hold further actions on the proposed Public hearing on the Tax Reform Bills and other issues until the leadership resolve the gray issues in them.

Senator Barau’s statement reads in parts,”This was in consonance with the fact that we understand at all times that this Senate is the highest assembly in this country. The Senate is composed of men and women of wisdom, of pedigree that this country has entrusted to legislate for them for the peace and tranquillity and the development of this country.

“The Senate of the Federal Republic, as known by everyone and indeed other Senates in the entire world, are known to be the stabilisers of every country. When there are difficulties and disagreements, the Senate of this country comes in with solutions through dialogue and consensus at all times to solve such problems, and the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has been doing that since 1999.

“Because of this, we decided to put politics, ethnicity, and regionalism aside to sit among ourselves and find the way forward with respect to the issues surrounding the tax reform bills.”

He further said,”It is on this note that we extended our view to the executive arm of government and it was agreed that there should be a forum to sit down to look at the areas that are creating disagreements to resolve them so that the entire country will remain united – united in our effort to solve our problems.

“Before the introduction of these bills, we know we’ve been faced with several problems and insecurity that we’ve been trying to solve. The president has been trying, and we’re also working with him to solve issues about our economy, which is in line with global economic problems.

“We also agree that we shouldn’t allow anything else to aggravate our country’s problems.”

Continuing Senator Barau noted,”It is on this note that it has been agreed by the executive and also by us that there should be a forum that will sit with the Attorney General of the Federation so that we can sit down and sort out all these problems in the interest of this nation.

” It is therefore proposed that by tomorrow (Thursday) there will be a meeting with the committee that we’ve set up here and the leadership to sit with the Attorney General of the Federation to look at those issues and resolve them.

“It’s on this note that the committee on finance that the bills have been referred to, should put on hold further action on it – public hearing and other issues until we resolve these issues.

“All sides will be given the opportunity and we shall resolve the issues before anything is allowed to go. Thank you very much. Thank you.”

Law & Crime

Rivers Crisis: State Assembly in another troubled water  ……. Wants DSS to Probe CJ over alleged age forgery 

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By Our Reporter
Barely 24 hours in the fight against the state governor,  Siminalayi Fubara,  Rivers State House of Assembly has called on the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the State Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi for alleged age falsification.
The call for investigation of the State Chief Judge was made following a motion by the leader of the Assembly, Hon. Major Jack during plenary on Thursday.
Recall that the Deputy Speaker of Rivers  Assembly, Dumle Maol, had raised an allegation of age falsification against the Chief Judge of the state, Simeon Amadi a couple of days ago.
He said, “These documents before me simply say that the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Simeon Amadi, falsified his age in service. Mr Speaker, that is a very serious allegation, and I do hope that this House takes legislative notice.”
The House debated on the topic and resolved to write a letter to the Director of the DSS to do its investigation and revert to the House on their findings.
In his remark, Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, called for an investigation into the alleged age falsification against the state chief judge, Justice Chibuzor Amadi.
Amaehwule also accused the state Governor, Siminalayi Fubara of barring all heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies not to appear before the House or assist the lawmakers in the conduct of investigations.
He said, “The documents are only suggesting a case of age falsification by the honourable Chief Judge of the state, Simeon Amadi. What it means is that there has to be an investigation to that effect.
“Though the House is empowered to conduct investigation by the provisions of Section 128 of the Constitution, the Governor of the State has barred all heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies not to appear before the House or assist the House in the conduct of investigation.
“So, the House is calling on the Department of State Service to institute an investigation on the alleged age falsification by the Chief Judge with a view to ascertaining the veracity or otherwise of the allegation, which will be forwarded to the National Judicial Council (NJC).”
After a voice vote, the House eventually agreed to write the DSS to investigate the age falsification allegation against the Chief Judge.
Meanwhile, the Speaker had asked all Committees to endeavour to submit their reports to the House before the House proceeds on recess, particularly, the House Committee on Public Complaints and Petitions.
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Law & Crime

How Kwara’s UBEC N5.78 Billion Funds Was Allegedly Diverted

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CJN of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat kekete -Ekun

 

By Our Reporter

The trial of the immediate past Governor of Kwara State, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, and his Finance Commissioner, Ademola Banu, over alleged misappropriation of N5.78 billion in public funds continued on Wednesday, March 11, 2024, before Justice Mahmud Abdulgafar of the Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin.

At the resumed hearing on Wednesday, the EFCC presented its second witness (PW 2), Dr. Musa Oladimeji Dasuki, a retired Permanent Secretary at the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), who served between 2011 and 2020.

Led in evidence by EFCC counsel Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, Dasuki testified that the Kwara State Government, under the leadership of the first defendant as governor and the second defendant as finance commissioner, requested UBEC funds for the years 2013 and 2014 to pay teachers’ salaries.

According to Dasuki: “The then Commissioner for Finance, Ademola Banu, who is the second defendant in this case, initially made an oral request for the release of the 2013 UBEC Matching Grant to pay teachers’ salaries. However, we insisted that such a request must be made in writing. Subsequently, the commissioner sent a letter conveying His Excellency’s approval for the release of the funds. As a result, the money was deposited into the state government’s account domiciled with Skye Bank Plc.”

Dasuki further explained that SUBEB initially opposed the request because they knew it would affect ongoing projects. However, they eventually approved the release after receiving assurances from Banu that the funds would be repaid once the state received its allocation from Abuja.

“A letter was written to that effect from the office of the Commissioner for Finance, signed on his behalf, and the money was released immediately upon receiving the letter,” he added.

Despite the assurances, Dasuki stated that the money was never repaid.

“According to the 2013 action plan submitted to UBEC, the funds were intended for the construction of 40 standard classroom blocks with offices, 40 VIP toilets, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centers in primary and junior secondary schools across the 16 Local Government Areas of Kwara State. However, many of these projects could not be executed because the funds had been diverted,” he said.

He further testified that many contractors protested due to non-payment for completed projects.

During cross-examination by Jimoh Mumini, SAN, counsel to the first defendant, Dasuki confirmed that neither the former governor nor the finance commissioner was a member of SUBEB. He also clarified that the loans were obtained on behalf of the state government, not in the defendants’ personal capacities.

Further hearing has been adjourned until Thursday, March 13, 2025.

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Law & Crime

FCT Police Neutralizes Infamous Kidnapper Dogo Saleh *Recover AK-47, other weapons

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IGP Kayode Egbetokun

 

In it bid to rid the Abuja of criminal al sorts crimes and criminals, the FCT Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its relentless fight against criminal elements terrorizing the Federal Capital Territory and neighboring states. In a well-coordinated intelligence-led operation, FCT Police operatives neutralized a notorious bandit, Salisu Mohammed, alias “Dogo Saleh,” following an intense counter-kidnapping operation aimed at dismantling a syndicate responsible for violent crimes along the Kaduna-Lokoja-Enugu highway and within the FCT.

This was disclosed in a statement issued to newsmen by the Command Spokesperson SP Josephine Adeh on Wednesday in Abuja.

On March 3, 2025, acting on credible intelligence regarding the movement of bandits into the FCT, the Officer-in-Charge of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit led operatives to block their access routes. After meticulous tracking, the operatives successfully intercepted and arrested Salisu Mohammed at Gidan Abe Forest while he was en route to Bwari Area Council, FCT.

Salisu Mohammed, a 21-year-old Fulani man from Baban Saural village, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was identified as a notorious hitman for bandit leaders operating in Rijana Forest, Kaduna State. He had terrorized communities along major highways, kidnapping unsuspecting victims and extorting huge ransoms.

During the operation, he attempted to evade capture, abandoning his possessions, which included:
– An AK-49 rifle with two magazines
– 60 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition
– N3,000,000 cash proceeds from previous kidnappings

Further investigations revealed his direct involvement in several high-profile kidnappings and killings, including:

1. Kyauta Village, Chikun LGA (two years ago) – Two individuals, including a security officer, kidnapped. Ransom collected: Millions of Naira The officer was later killed.
2. Kike Village (one year ago) – A security officer’s wife kidnapped. Ransom collected: millions of naira.
3. Bagada Village (five months ago) – Three individuals kidnapped. Ransom collected: millions of naira.
4. Village near Kaduna Refinery (one year ago) – Two men kidnapped. Ransom collected: millions of naira.
5. Karuga Village, Chikun LGA (one year ago) – One person kidnapped. Ransom collected: millions of naira.
6. Bagado Village, Chikun LGA (eleven months ago) – Ransom collected: millions of naira.
7. Dan-Bushiya Village (two years ago) – Ransom collected: millions of naira.
8. Kidnapping of a woman and her two children at Police Quarters in Baban Saural, Chikun LGA – The officer and her children remain in captivity.
9. Attack on security outpost at Kujama Market, Kaduna (January 5, 2025) – Two security personnel killed, firearms stolen.

Salisu Mohammed and his gang were actively involved in kidnapping motorists along the Lokoja-Enugu highway. Led by his gang leader, Kanaboro, alongside Saleh and Abubakar, they recently kidnapped a tribal youth leader and others, collecting ransom before their release.

Leadership:
– Boka – Overall commander (now deceased)
– Sharmi (surname unknown) – Deputy
– Dogo Isa – Assistant (now deceased)
– Gudan – Assistant
Each of them operated a sub-camp in the forest.

Connection with Terrorists:

The gang is loyal to Dogo Gide and collaborates with the Ansaru terrorist group for arms and ammunition supply.

On March 4, 2025, at approximately 11:14 PM, leveraging intelligence provided by the arrested suspect, operatives launched a high-risk follow-up operation to dismantle his gang. The suspect led the Anti-Kidnapping Unit to Kwasau Forest, Kagarko LGA, Kaduna State, where his gang, led by one Abdu Musa, alias “Kanabaro,” had established a major hideout.

Upon arrival, the Police team was ambushed by armed bandits attempting to free the suspect. The operatives swiftly engaged the criminals in a fierce gun battle, displaying superior tactical expertise and resilience. The bandits were ultimately overpowered and forced to flee into the forest with severe gunshot wounds. The suspect sustained fatal gunshot wounds inflicted by his own gang during the crossfire. He was rushed to Kubwa General Hospital, where he was confirmed dead.

The Police recovered:

– An AK-47 rifle with a scratched-out breech number
– One magazine with two rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition

The bandits’ hideout was successfully dislodged.

One officer, Inspector of the FCT Anti-Kidnapping Unit, sustained minor injuries and has since been treated and discharged. No other casualties were recorded.

The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Olatunji Disu, has commended the officers involved in the operation for their bravery, professionalism, and tactical efficiency. He assured residents that operations are ongoing to track and apprehend the fleeing gang members and dismantle all criminal networks operating within the region.

He further reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property, urging citizens to remain vigilant and support law enforcement efforts by providing timely and actionable intelligence.

The FCT Police Command urges members of the public to report any suspicious activities, individuals with gunshot wounds, or movements of criminal elements to the nearest police station. Citizens can also reach out through the following emergency lines:

– 08032003913
– 08028940883
– 07057337653
– Complaint Response Unit: 08107314192

 

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