NEWS
Sowore Rejects Bail Conditions, Opts for Detention
Mr Omoyele Sowore, a former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), on Monday rejected the bail conditions imposed by police operatives at the Force Intelligence Department (FID).
Sowere in a post earlier on Monday on his official “X”handle following his summon by the police regarding a viral video he posted on social media, said the bail he conditions by the police “compromise his innocence, dignity, and integrity”.
He arrived at the Force headquarters in Abuja on Monday to answer questions on his allegations of extortion against officers at a checkpoint in Lagos.
He was also accused of resisting and obstructing public officers, disobedience to lawful orders, cyberstalking and actions allegedly intended to prevent arrests.
In his subsequent posts, he disclosed that he had completed the engagement with the police however; the officers said they were waiting for order from the hierarchy to decide his fate.
He wrote: The DIG of FID, Dasuki Galandachi at the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja had just informed me that he has instructed his personnel to grant me bail, pending the conclusion of the investigation.
“I have also advised the DIG that in accepting “bail”, I will not agree to conditions that compromise my innocence, dignity, and integrity. If such unreasonable conditions are imposed,
“I will choose to remain in detention until I am charged to court, even then I know that there is no crime defined or to be investigated it is just the impunity that has become the hallmark of the @PoliceNG hierarchy,” he posted.
In a follow-up tweet, the former presidential candidate disclosed that he has been asked to drop his International passport and provide a civil servant on level 17 for administrative bail, stating however that he has opted to remain in custody.
“The Nigeria Police Force has requested that I deposit my International Passport and provide a level 17 civil servant as a guarantor for bail, but I have declined these conditions and opted to remain in police custody #RevolutionNow
“I have rejected a bail condition asking me to present a level 17 Permanent Secretary, instead I have offered to remain in police custody pending when the joke is over with. #RevolutionNow,” Sowore added. (NAN)
NEWS
Lagos Rescues 9-year-old Victim of Aalleged Sexual Assault
The Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development (MYSD), in collaboration with the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), have rescued a nine-year-old girl allegedly molested by one Baba Michael.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende, disclosed this in a statement on his official X handle @ Mo_ogunlende on Saturday.
He said that the alleged assault took place at the suspect’s residence at 4, Azeez Ademola Street, off Anishere, Ayobo.
“This was in response to a viral video posted by Comedienne Princess, who raised alarm to notify the public of the ugly incident.
“The survivor has been placed in protective custody, and she is receiving necessary medical care and psychological support through counseling, ” he said.
According to him, the alleged perpetrator has been apprehended and is currently in custody, with DSVA handling the legal proceedings to ensure justice is served.
Ogunlende said that the swift intervention by MYSD and DSVA underscored the Lagos State Government’s unwavering commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of all residents, particularly vulnerable persons in our society.
The commissioner urged residents to continue to report matters of concern to the ministry;” See Something, Say Something, Sort It Out”.
He reaffirmed government’s zero-tolerance stance on all forms of sexual and gender-based violence. (NAN)
NEWS
Dangote Refinery Crashes Petrol Price to N890 Per Litre
Dangote Refinery has reduced the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, from N950 to N890, effective from Saturday.
Mr Anthony Chiejina, the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Dangote Petroleum Refinery, said this in a statement on Saturday in Lagos. Chiejina said that the price adjustment was in response to favourable developments in the global energy sector and a significant decline in international crude oil prices. He explained that this latest move followed a similar decision made on Jan. 19 when a modest price increase was implemented due to rising crude oil costs.Chiejina said with recent global market trends indicating a decline, Dangote Refinery had once again adjusted its pricing structure, providing relief to Nigerians.The statement also noted that the price reduction would significantly lower the cost of petrol across the country, generating a positive ripple effect throughout the broader economy.“Dangote Petroleum Refinery firmly believes that this reduction from N950 to N890 will result in a meaningful decrease in the cost of petrol nationwide,” he said.He said the reduction would drive down the prices of goods and services as well as the overall cost of living, with a positive ripple effect on various sectors of the economy.The refinery called on marketers across the country to ensure that the benefits of the reduced price were passed on to Nigerians.Dangote refinery reiterated its support for the economic revival spearheaded by President Bola Tinubu.According to the refinery, the Tinubu administration is focused on making Nigeria self-sufficient in refined petroleum products and positioning the country as a leading oil export hub.The refinery’s decision is expected to play a vital role in stabilising the country’s economy.(NAN)Education
FG Allocates N940bn to TETfund in 2025 Budget -Tinubu
The Federal Government says it has allocated N940.5 billion to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) in the 2025 fiscal year, to enhance manpower and infrastructure development in the education sector.
President Bola Tinubu stated this on Saturday at the 42nd Founders’ Day and 33rd Convocation of the Federal University of Technology, Minna. Represented by Rakiya Iliyasu, Director of Tertiary Education, Federal Ministry of Education, Tinubu said the gesture was demonstrating his administration commitment towards improving educational infrastructure and manpower. He said the federal government had disbursed over N104 billion loans to more than 600,000 students across tertiary institutions under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to fostering a knowledge-driven society, prioritising education in its policies and funding initiatives.He urged universities to deepen collaborations with industries, aligning research with societal needs to contribute meaningfully to national development.The president congratulated the graduates for their resilience and determination, and enjoined them to embrace their new chapter with confidence and purpose.The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Faruk Adamu-Kuta described the institution’s 42nd Founders’ Day and 33rd Convocation Ceremony as historical.He said the university had grown to become a leading institution in technological education in the country, ranking 8th on the index of best universities in Nigeria and 2nd among specialised universities.Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger, expressed gratitude to the university for confering on him a Doctorate Degree in Agriculture, saying that it served as a call to do more in the sector.He reiterated commitment to collaborate with individuals to make education accessible to every citizen of the state, and urged the university to continue to take the lead in training and innovative research.Bago advocated for stronger ties with the state government to ensure the institution’s sustainability through agriculture.The governor donated N100 million to the endowment fund established by Sen. Muhammad Sani-Musa, who also donated N200 million.The university produced 5,816 graduates for the 2023/2024 academic session, comprising 4,955 undergraduates, 632 Master’s degree, 105 postgraduate diploma, and 124 PhD holders. (NAN)