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Alleged Corruption: Rights lawyer petitions Minister, seeks suspension of NSCDC CG, Audi

Published

4 months ago

May 18, 2024

Former Special Prosecutor for the Special Presidential Investigation Panel for Recovery of Public Properties, Tosin Ojaomo, has petitioned the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, regarding an ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into corruption allegations against Ahmed Audi, the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Ojaomo recommended Audi’s immediate suspension to ensure public safety and protect the integrity of the investigation from possible interference.

The petition, dated May 15 and made available to DAILY POST, was addressed to Tunji-Ojo and copied to President Bola Tinubu, Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, and EFCC Chairman Olanipekun Olukoyede.

Ojaomo highlighted that the EFCC has been investigating the NSCDC for alleged financial mismanagement, making significant progress. He also mentioned a pending allegation against Audi regarding unexplained property acquisition filed with the Code of Conduct Bureau (CBB).

Ojaomo’s request is based on Section 8 of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Act, 2003 (as amended), and Section 11 of the Interpretation Act, 2004, which allow the minister to recommend the appointment and removal of the NSCDC Commandant General.

The petition stated, “We are compelled to make this request as the investigation of the agency cannot be thoroughly and discreetly conducted if the current Commandant General of the NSCDC is allowed to continue in office while the investigation continues because most of the financial activities of the agency which form the subject matter of the investigation are conducted under the current CG’s watch.”

He further emphasized that the suspension would safeguard the investigation process and prevent possible interference. Ojaomo cited allegations linking Audi to a company, Keltes Security and Consultancy Limited, which allegedly received contracts from Tantita Security Limited, a company under the NSCDC’s supervision.

He concluded, “In view of these facts, it will be in the interest of public safety and to protect the integrity of the office to suspend Dr. Abubakar Audi, the current Commandant General of NSCDC, so that the EFCC can conduct a thorough and discreet investigation into the matter.”

News

We’ll be forced to export 97% of our petrol – Dangote Refinery warns

Published

2 days ago

September 12, 2024

ARS NEWS

Dangote Refinery has announced that it will need to export 95-97 percent of its Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) due to low interest from Nigerian marketers. The refinery, which processes 650,000 barrels per day, revealed that only 3 to 5 percent of petrol marketers are purchasing its fuel.

Devakumar Edwin, Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, shared these details during an X Space session hosted by Nairametrics on Wednesday. He highlighted the challenges facing both the Dangote Refinery and Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

Edwin explained, “I’m selling 2 to 3 percent to small traders who are willing to buy, while the remaining 95 to 97 percent has to be exported,” referring to the local sales of the refinery’s products.

This situation arises as the NNPCL’s deadline for adjusting the Dangote Refinery’s fuel distribution approaches without a clear plan in sight. It is worth noting that while Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, has announced the refinery’s initial petrol rollout, its distribution to marketers is contingent upon NNPCL’s decisions.

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FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup: Round of 16 fixtures confirmed [Full list]

Published

6 days ago

September 9, 2024

ARS NEWS

The final sixteen teams for the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia have been determined following the conclusion of the group stage.

In recent matches, Ghana triumphed over New Zealand with a score of 3-1, and Japan secured a 2-0 victory against Austria.

As a result, Japan has advanced to the Round of 16, joining the other 15 teams in this knockout stage.

The Round of 16 matches are scheduled for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

The full lineup for the Round of 16 is as follows:

Spain vs Canada
Brazil vs Cameroon
Colombia vs South Korea
Mexico vs USA
North Korea vs Austria
Germany vs Argentina
Netherlands vs France
Japan vs Nigeria

News

Nigerian Army debunks reported mass resignation of soldiers

Published

6 days ago

September 9, 2024

ARS NEWS

The Nigerian Army has refuted claims of widespread resignations among its soldiers due to issues like corruption and low morale.

In a statement, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, dismissed these reports as unfounded.

A news outlet had alleged that numerous Nigerian soldiers were resigning because of corruption and low morale. However, the statement condemned these allegations as misleading and a deliberate attempt to create discontent and undermine the Nigerian Army’s reputation and the dedication of its personnel.

Major General Nwachukwu clarified that, similar to other military organizations worldwide, service in the Nigerian Army is voluntary rather than mandatory. This means that personnel have the freedom to resign following established procedures.

He explained that the resignation process allows personnel to prepare and manage their entitlements, including pensions and gratuities, as outlined in the Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service (Officers/Soldiers).

Contrary to the report’s implications, the statement emphasized that Nigerian Army personnel are highly motivated, and their welfare is a priority under the leadership of Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.