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Nnamdi Kanu: Abaribe, others yet to pay N100m bail bond

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Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe and two others who stood as  sureties for  the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, have yet to pay the N100m bail bond they were ordered by the  Federal High Court in Abuja to deposit in the court’s bank account in November 2018 less than a week to the expiration of the two-month ultimatum given to them to pay the money.

A report by the PUNCH on Monday confirmed that rather than depositing the money in the court’s bank account as ordered by Justice Binta Nyako on November 14, 2018, the three sureties filed separate appeals challenging the court order.

Justice Nyako had ordered Abaribe, Tochukwu Uchendu and Emmanuel Shallom Ben – to pay the money due to Kanu’s persistent absence from court since October 2017.

Kanu’s absence stalled his trial on charges of treasonable felony, a development which forced the prosecution to separate his case from that of his four co-defendants,  whose trial are making progress.

Not swayed by the sureties’ excuse for not being able to produce the IPOB leader in court, Justice Nyako ruled on November 14, “That the three sureties took the defendant on bail on the condition that they would bring/produce the defendant before the court on any day the court demanded. And that they have not been able to produce the defendant.”

She then ordered, “That in the interim, the three sureties are hereby ordered to deposit the bail bond in court within two months from today for six months or the bond will be forfeited.”

Court officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the sureties had yet to pay the money as ordered by the judge.

Abaribe’s lawyer, Mr Chukwuma-Machukwu Ume (SAN), also confirmed on Monday that his client had yet to pay the money. He explained that the lawmaker could not pay the money because he had filed an appeal against the court order.

The prosecuting counsel, Mr Shuaibu Labaran, also said he was not aware that the sureties had complied with the court order.

“I am not aware that they have complied with the court order by paying the money,” Labaran said.

“I have been served with their appeals.”

When asked about  the prosecution’s next action   if the sureties failed to comply with the court order before the next hearing date, Labaran said, “when we get to the bridge we will cross it.”

Our correspondent also obtained a copy of the five-ground notice of appeal filed by one of the sureties, Uchendu, contending among others, that the court order directing the sureties to pay the bail bond to the court’s bank account “was in obvious error”.

He added that the court “acted without jurisdiction when it went ahead to order the appellant to forfeit the bail bond when section 173 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act had not been complied with”.

He said,  “Section 179(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act provides that before there can be any forfeiture of any bond, it must be proved to the satisfaction of the court that the bond has been forfeited.”

After being granted bail by Justice Nyako in April 2017, Kanu went missing after soldiers invaded his house in Afara-Ukwu, Umuahia, Abia State.

The IPOB leader only resurfaced about a year later  (October 2018)  in a viral online video showing him to be praying in Israel.

Further proceedings in the have been fixed for March 28.

Source: Punch

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Emulate Christ’s virtues, Glo urges Christians at Easter

Reporter: Sandra Ani

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Glo and Globacom
Globacom

Digital solutions provider, Globacom, has congratulated Christians in Nigeria on this year’s Easter celebration, and urged them to emulate the noble qualities of Jesus Christ.  

The company, in a goodwill message to the Christian faithful in the country, lauded their perseverance through the Lenten period which preceded Easter. It enjoined them to always promote the ideals of selflessness, love and peace among all as a way of demonstrating the virtues of the exemplary life of Jesus Christ. 

“Peace, love and sacrifice are the central message of Easter. Christ offered himself in atonement for the sins of the world and he lived a life which made Him an eternal symbol of peace and goodwill for mankind”, Globacom added. 

The company enjoined all Nigerians to share in the lessons of promoting selflessness, a necessary ingredient in the growth and development of every society. It also enjoined all Nigerians to join hands to make Nigeria a better place for all. 

Easter is celebrated yearly at the end of the Lenten season of fasting and prayer considered as a ritual of purification for the Christian faithful. It also precedes the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ on Good Friday and His eventual resurrection on Easter Sunday.

The company assured its customers of seamless voice, data and Short Messaging Service (SMS) during and after the Easter celebrations, while urging them to avail themselves of the various data and voice offerings on the network.

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NUJ at 70: Private Broadcast Members Congratulate Union

Reporter: Ikenna Oluka

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NUJ at 70
NUJ

The Guild of Private Broadcast Managers  has extended its heartfelt congratulations to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) as it celebrates its 70th Anniversary.

In a congratulatory message signed by the Guild’s National President, Ambassador Patrick Uzoyi-Peters, JP MNGRM, the guild described the milestone as a testament to the NUJ’s unwavering commitment to upholding press freedom, journalistic integrity, and the advancement of democracy in Nigeria.

“For seven decades, the NUJ has played a pivotal role in shaping the media landscape, advocating for the rights and welfare of journalists, and ensuring that the voice of the people remains strong and unyielding. Your resilience, professionalism, and dedication to ethical journalism have been instrumental in fostering transparency, accountability, and national development”.

Celebrating this historic achievement, the Guild’s President, Uzoyi-Peters recognized the sacrifices and contributions of journalists across the nation who work tirelessly to inform, educate, and empower society.

The Guild reiterated it commitment towards collaborating with the NUJ in promoting responsible journalism and strengthening the media industry for the greater good.

While wishing the NUJ continued success, growth, and greater impact in the years ahead, President Uzoyi-Peters prayed that the anniversary serve as a renewed call to uphold the principles of truth, fairness, and press freedom in our collective pursuit of a more informed and just society.

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Family Marks one-year Memorial of Late APC Chieftain, Ojougboh with Charity Outreach

By Ikenna Oluka

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Mrs. Bose Ojougboh
Mrs. Bose Ojougboh, wife of the Late Dr. Cairo Ojougboh (Centre) flanked by other members of Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Foundation during the outreach programme.

The family of the late chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, led by his wife, Mrs. Bose Ojougboh, marked his one-year memorial anniversary with a series of charitable initiatives aimed at honoring his legacy of philanthropy and service to society.

The memorial activities included the donation of school books and bags to pupils of Erigbe Primary School, in Agbor within the Ika South Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State, where Dr. Ojougboh had received his early education.

The outreach also included extension of financial assistance to patients at Central Hospital, Agbor, and the provision of toiletries, cash, and food items to children at the Salve Regina Children’s Home, Agbor.

The outreach was carried out under the ‘Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Foundation’, a family-led initiative established to immortalise him and continue his lifelong commitment to education, healthcare, and social welfare.

Speaking during the event which took place recently, Mrs. Ojougboh reaffirmed the family’s dedication to sustaining the ideals of the late APC chieftain, describing him as a man who strongly believed in education and giving back to society.

“We are here to celebrate the life of my husband, Late Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, who passed on a year ago. In his honour, we decided to give back to society. He was a man who valued education and was always willing to help others. It is only fitting that we continue his legacy through acts of generosity,” she stated.

Honouring his passion for education

The first visit was to Erigbe Primary School, where Dr. Ojougboh had received his early education. The Foundation distributed school bags, writing materials, and food packs to the pupils. The family encouraged the pupils to take their education seriously and strive to become responsible citizens.

Supporting patients at Central Hospital, Agbor

At Central Hospital, Agbor, Mrs. Ojougboh and her entourage moved through the medical wards, offering financial support to patients to assist with their treatment costs. The hospital staff and beneficiaries responded with prayers and words of gratitude for the kind gesture.

Reaching out to orphaned children

The outreach team also visited Salve Regina Children’s Home in Agbor where they donated cash, food items, and toiletries to the children.

Mrs. Bose Ojougboh -
members of Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Foundation during the outreach programme.

The Matron of the home expressed her deep appreciation to the Ojougboh family, commending their commitment to sustaining the late politician’s legacy of compassion and social impact.

Dr. Cairo Ojougboh’s enduring legacy

Reflecting on her late husband’s contributions to society, Mrs. Ojougboh emphasised that his legacy of generosity and service to humanity would not be forgotten.

“Dr. Cairo was a selfless man who touched many lives. His contributions to the Nigerian political landscape, his mark in Agbor Kingdom, Delta State, and the country at large, will always be remembered. He may be gone, but his impact will continue to be felt for generations,” she said.

The Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Foundation has pledged to continue supporting education, healthcare, and social welfare initiatives in his memory, ensuring that his vision for a better society lives on.

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