NEWS
NCoS CG Denies Attempts by EFCC, DSS to Forcefully Remove Emefiele from Correctional Centre

By Ubong Ukpong, Abuja
Controller General of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) Haliru Nababa on Thursday denied that the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) attempted to forcefully abduct former Central Bank (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele from the custody of Nigeria Correctional Centre, Kuje, Abuja.
He said this when he appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions, following a petition by the Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency alleging that the EFCC and DSS attempted to forcefully remove Emefiele from custody.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon Mike Etaba, however dismissed the petition on the grounds that it was sub judice, when it came on for first hearing on Thursday.
This was as the Director Legal and Prosecution Department of EFCC, Sylvanus Tahir SAN, said it was inappropriate to entertain the petition as it bordered a subsisting court matter.
Nababa, who was represented by the Assistant Controller-General in Charge of Operations, Nwakeze Emmanuel, said, “As far as we are concerned, we are not aware of any alleged attempt to forcefully release Dr Emefiele. Emefiele is still in our custody, bubbling.”
The Committee Chairman said, “This matter is in court, we can’t forget ahead with this matter because it is subjudice to us. This matter is hereby dismissed from this committee.
Earlier the EFCC’s legal representative, Tahir had said, “The petition which we perused borders on a pending court case.
“There is a subsisting criminal charge against Mr Godwin Emefiele on whose behalf the petitioners have petitioned.
“I am wondering whether it is appropriate given the fact that it borders on a subsisting court matter for this committee to by way of public hearing delve into the matter more so that Mr Emefiele is ably represented by very senior lawyers in this matter including senior advocates of Nigeria (SAN) and this petition did not emanate from them and in any event, we believe if the allegations have substance as the petitioners would want this committee to believe it would have been ventilated before the honourable court before which this case is pending because they are alleging case of contempt.
“If it is a case of contempt as it is being alleged, I thought the appropriate forum to ventilate that issue should be before the honourable court other than being it before this committee given the sub judice nature of this case.
“The court made an order admitting him to bail on conditions which to the best of our knowledge is yet to fulfil the bail condition.“The correctional centre can confirm that he (Emefiele) is in their custody ostensibly because of the reason of non-fulfilment of the bail condition.”
JUDICIARY
Teenager Gets 10 Strokes Of Cane For Stealing Electric Cables

A Kaduna Magistrates’ Court, on Wednesday ordered that a teenager, be given 10 strokes of the cane for breaking into a house and stealing electrical cables worth N450, 000.
The Magistrate, Ibrahim Emmanuel, gave the sentence following a guilty plea by the 18-year-old now convict who resides at Kinkinau Kaduna.
Emmanuel said that the light punishment was because the convict saved the court from a prolonged trial, adding that he hoped that it would serve as a deterrent to others.
He also ordered that the recovered electrical cables be returned to the complainant, Sadiq Yusuf.
Earlier, the Prosecutor, Insp. Chidi Leo, told the court that the convict committed the offence on May 17 at Ungwan sarki Kaduna.
He said the convict and one Mohammed Sani, now attack large, broke into the complainant’s house and stole the electrical cables worth N450, 000.
Leo said the convict was arrested when a neighbour to the complainant saw him coming out of the house with the stolen items.
The prosecutor said the offence contravened the Penal Code of Kaduna State, 2017. (NAN)
CRIME
Woman In Court For Allegedly Stabbing Boyfriend With Knife

A 23-year-old woman, Abigail Victor, was on Wednesday arraigned before a Kaduna Magistrate’s Court for allegedly stabbing her boyfriend with a knife.
Victor, a resident of Ungwan Sunday, Kaduna, was facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and causing injury.
The Prosecutor, Insp Chidi Leo, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on May 17 at Sabon Tasha, Kaduna.
Leo said the defendant conspired with two others at large to beat her boyfriend, Dominic James, and also stab him with a knife in his shoulder.
He said the defendant, who had a misunderstanding with the complainant, accused him of cheating on her.
“In the process, she called two of her friends who came to the complainant’s house, beat him up and stabbed him.
“It took the intervention of neighbours who came to the aid of the complainant and rushed him to a hospital.
“The offences contravene Sections 58 and 284 of the Penal Code of Kaduna State, 2017.
“Section 58 attracts a one-year prison term if found guilty, while Section 284 attracts a prison term of not less than five years if found guilty,” he said.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Magistrate, Ibrahim Emmanuel, granted bail to the defendant in the sum of N200,000 with one surety in like sum.
He said the surety must be a blood relation to the defendant and must present a three year tax clearance to the Kaduna State Government.
Emmanuel adjourned the case until June 17 for hearing. (NAN)
Metro
First Lady Urges Nigerians to Embrace Cultural Diversity, Promote Unity

The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has urged Nigerians to embrace their cultural diversity and promote unity and respect within the diverse nation.
The first lady made the call in her message on Wednesday in commemoration of the 2025 World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.
“The World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, highlights the profound strength that lies our differences and the shared humanity that connects us all.
”There is indeed strength and unity in diversity.
“Nigeria for example is blessed with over 250 ethnic groups, each speaking a different language, but it is through our dialogue, our interactions, and our mutual respect that we find true identity and unity.
“On this day, I encourage every Nigerian to celebrate our cultural richness, to listen with empathy, and to lead with understanding.
“Let us embrace this journey together and shape a brighter future for Nigeria and the world,” Mrs Tinubu said.
The World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is celebrated every year on May 21, to raise awareness on the role of Culture in sustainable socio-economic growth and development. (NAN)