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Arraignment of Ex-Power Minister, Mamman, Stalled

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The arraignment of Mr Saleh Mamman, former Minister of Power under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, was, on Thursday, stalled at a Federal High Court, Abuja, due to ill-health.

Report says that Mamman, whose plea was fixed for Thursday morning, collapsed outside the courtroom before the case was called.

The former minister’s counsel, Femi Ate, SAN, told Justice James Omotosho shortly when the matter was called for Mamman to take his plea.

Upon resumed hearing, the ex-minister walked into the courtroom and stepped into the dock with part of his clothes drenched.

Justice Omotosho then asked why Mamman was sweating or whether it was raining outside.

The former minister, who responded from the dock, said water was poured on him.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s lawyer, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, while addressing the court, said though the matter was fixed for Mamman’s arraignment, there was a development outside the courtroom.

Olumide-Fusika said he had discussion with Ate outside the courtroom about Mamman’s ill-health.

“I was informed of an incident outside. I will want my learner senior advocate to tell the honourable court himself,” he said.

Speaking, Ate said Mamman, “upon being brought into the premises of the court collapsed and had to be resusitated and treated by the medical personnel of the Federal High Court.”

He said his client was served with the charge after he was resusitated.

“He was served this morning,” he added.

The senior lawyer said he sought the understanding of Olumide-Fusika for an adjournment so that the arraignment could be done on Monday when his client would have been okay.

But the judge said due to the workload in the court dockets, the arraignment could only be fixed for September ending.

Ate then withdrew the oral application for an adjournment.

Olumide-Fusika said he had just filed an amended charge earlier in the morning following a mistake in the name of the defendant and prayed the court that the fresh charge be read to Mamman to take his plea but Justice Omotosho disagreed with him.

The judge, however, asked Mamman if he was fit enough to take his plea today and he responded in affirmative.

The former minister explained to the court that he collapsed outside the courtroom because of the drugs he took when he had not eaten, and while he was outside the courtroom waiting to be called, his blood pressure dropped.

Mamman, however, said he was fit to continue with the arraignment.

“It can happen to any one,” the judge said.

The ex-minister told the court that he called the attention of his lawyer to the error made by the EFCC on the name in the charge served on him.

“I was complaining about the name, that it was not my own,” he said.

Justice Omotosho then stepped down the arraignment until 1pm today.

Report says that the EFCC had filed a 12-count money laundering charge against the Mamman.

He was alleged to have committed the money laundering offences to the tune of N33 billion.

The former minister served under former President Buhari from 2019 to 2021.

On May 10, 2021, he was arrested and detained at the headquarters of the anti-graft agency in Abuja.

Buhari had September 1, 2021, sacked Mamman and the then Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Sabo Nanono, in what was called a cabinet restructuring.

Mamman was accused of conspiring with staff of the ministry in charge of the accounts of the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro Electric Power projects to divert about N22 billion.

The investigations uncovered property in Nigeria and overseas allegedly linked to the suspects, while millions of naira and dollars had reportedly been recovered.(NAN)

NEWS

LITFCMB Condemns Illegal Use of Facility, Commends NAFDAC on Enforcement

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By David Torough, Abuja

The Management of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board (LITFCMB) has strongly condemned the use of its facility for the production of fake products and any form of unwholesome activities, describing such developments as contrary to its long-standing commitment to promoting genuine trade and ethical business practices.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Board, Veronica Safiya Ndanusa, while speaking on the recent arrest of two persons connected to illegal revalidation of expired drinks and production of counterfeit consumables within the facility, said that relevant authorities have commenced investigations to uncover certain facts that will help in preventing future occurrence.

She warned that any individual or business found culpable of engaging in activities capable of jeopardising public health and undermining the integrity of local manufacturing would face the full weight of the law.

“As a body rooted in the principles of ethical business practices, transparency and genuine trade, we strongly condemn any activity that threatens public safety or brings the reputation of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board into disrepute. Our facility exists to provide a conducive environment for legitimate businesses to thrive, not to serve as a breeding ground for the production or distribution of counterfeit and substandard products,” Ndanusa stated.

The LITFCMB boss while commending National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for the enforcement operation; assured members of the public that the management was determined to work with all relevant regulatory and law enforcement agencies to ensure that the facility is free of illegal activities.

Ndanusa further urged traders and business operators within the complex to uphold established standards, warning that the pursuit of profit must never come at the expense of consumers’ health and safety.

The Board reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the integrity of the nation’s Trade Fair Complex as a leading commercial hub, stressing that it would continue to support legitimate enterprises while maintaining zero tolerance for activities that undermine public confidence in locally manufactured products.

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Education

Makurdi Old Boys Association Inaugurates BOT October 17, Launches N1bn Secretariat  Project Fund

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Government College Makurdi Old Boys Association (MOBA) has completed arrangements to inaugurate its Board of Trustees (BOT) October 17, at the school premises.

The high profile event will also witness the launch of N1billion Appeal Fund for the construction of its National Secretariat Project.

A statement by the  Association’s National President, Dr Cletus Akwaya and the Central Planning Committee Chairman Cmrd.

Stephen Tadawus, reminded all members of the National Executive Committee (NEC), Board of Trustees Members-designate, invited Guests, and the entire MOBA family to attend the event punctually at Government College Assembly Hall, Makurdi beginning by 10:00AM   

The statement said the Governors of Benue state, Rev.

Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia; Plateau state,  Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutwang; Nasarawa,  Engr. A. A. Sule and   Bauchi,    Sen. Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed  are expected to grace the occasion as distinguished guests of Honour.

Similarly, the  Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Benue State, Dr. Adamu Margaret Ijaguwa and Executive Secretary, Teaching Service Board,  Benue State, Dr. Bem Tseen  have been invited as Special Guests, the statement said.

It named members of the Board of Trustees (BOT) to include Prince Yandev Amaabai, Senator Joshua Chibi Dariye, Senator Gabriel Torwua Suswam, Hon Hassan El Yakub SAN- Hon,  Alhaji Abubakar Giza, Prof. Terna Yawe, Chief  Rebo Usman, Dr. Dader Mazadu Bako, Engr. Ali Rabiu, Prof. John Wade, Arc. Terseer Dankaro and Titus Ihunduas Secretary of the Board.   

This event marks a new chapter in the life of the Association. We request all Old Boys to massively turn out and support the cause of giving back to their Almamater,”  the statement further said adding,   All concerned are therefore, requested to come together to make this historic event a success and to contribute generously towards the completion of Makurdi Old Boy’s Associations’ National Secretariat Project.”

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NEWS

Sanwo-Olu Celebrates Prince Olusi at 90

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Lagos State Govornor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of has described Prince Tajudeen Olusi, Chairman of the Governance Advisory Council of the Lagos Chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC), as an epitome of loyalty, trust, integrity and wisdom.

Sanwo-Olu said this in a congratulatory message to Olusi, the Baba Adini of Yorubaland and Atobatele of Ekiti, on his 90th birthday anniversary.

The governor described the nonagenarian as a father, whose counsel helped his administration to navigate challenges.

“Baba has taken me as a son; in fact, I am his political son.

He has guided me and offered advice on several occasions on matters of politics and governance while maintaining respect for the office I occupy.

“He is a rare human being, whose wisdom, patience and peacemaking abilities remain invaluable,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu said Olusi remained a repository of knowledge on the political and historical development of Lagos and the old Western Region of Nigeria.

According to him, the elder statesman has an exceptional understanding of Nigeria’s political evolution.

“He can effortlessly recount events that shaped political decisions, from the days of the late sage Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s Action Group to the current republic,” he said.

The governor also commended Olusi for his loyalty to the APC.

“Baba Olusi firmly believes that the party is supreme.

“He often emphasises that no political group or association can stand the test of time if members fail to respect and abide by the party’s decisions,” Sanwo-Olu said.

He prayed for a longer life and continued good health for the elder statesman.

“On behalf of my family and the good people of Lagos State, I pray that Baba enjoys good health for the rest of his life.

“I wish Prince Oluyole Olusi a happy 90th birthday anniversary,” the governor said. (NAN) 

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