society
EFCC and the Failed ‘Revolution’ By Raheem Nasir (Opinion)
EFCC and the Failed ‘Revolution’
By Raheem Nasir
If not well planned, a revolution for a good cause will not succeed, let alone a camouflaged “revolution” sponsored by suspected looters and fraudsters and others undergoing prosecutions or awaiting trials in the courts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
The nation was informed through social media that a massive “revolution” in the form of nationwide protests would be held against the EFCC for the most spurious reasons possible.
That apart, the proposed protests planned for July 5, 2024, were to culminate into a similitude of #Endsars protests witnessed by the nation years ago, during which tens of people lost their lives and property, mainly public-owned, worth billions of naira were destroyed; and from which the nation is yet to fully recover. The protesters’ main goal was to get the present Chairman of EFCC, Olaonipekun Olukoyede, removed while pretending to be protesting against a few reported cases of overzealousness on the part of some operatives of the commission.
The call for the head of the EFFC’s boss was not for corruption or any illicit practices like some of his predecessors, but vaguely for some overzealousness of a few EFCC operatives while carrying out their sting operations.
We want to congratulate the Chairman of EFCC on the failed protests and the recently heightened attacks on the agency in the media. It shows that Olukoyede and his team are doing well! EFFC cannot expect Corruption not to fight back. And the fact that the sponsored protests of July 5, 2024, failed does not mean Corruption will still not sponsor other protests on the streets or in the media, as usual. The machinations and shenanigans of Corruption against EFCC are well-oiled, coordinated by professional consultants and ongoing.
What Olukoyede and his men need to do is to stop corruption at all costs before it can perpetrated; get the operatives more professional and undeterred in their commitment to save the nation from endemic corrupt practices, economic and financial crimes and sabotage.
What the nation has lost to corrupt practices in private and public lives is enough to fix the huge infrastructural deficits bedevilling Nigeria. What famed corruption, internet fraud and scams popularly referred to as 419 have cost the image of this country is dishearteningly unimaginable to the extent that every holder of the green passport is suspected to be corrupt abroad and genuine investors are scared of Nigerian businessmen and women.
It is very heartwarming that on the day of the daggers drawn when faceless anti-EFCC blabbers expected the worst to happen to EFCC’s offices across the nation and culminating in the removal of its hard-working chairman, the organisation ironically recorded yet another major victory against corruption and its allies as the court ruled on that same day, on the N2 billion naira pension fraud case and ordered the final forfeiture of at least 20 property linked to the convicted former chairman of the defunct Pension Reform Task Team, Abdulrasheed Maina.
A Federal High Court in Abuja presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, in a judgment, held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt that the 20 expensive properties, located in different parts of the country, were acquired illegally.
According to Justice Abdulmalik, the applicant, EFC, effectively discharged its responsibility, under the law, to establish that the property was acquired with proceeds of crime.
The judge also held that the “various individuals, who responded to an earlier interim forfeiture order, requiring interested parties to show cause why the properties should not be permanently forfeited, failed to establish their ownership of the affected properties with credible evidence.”
Out of the 23 property listed in the schedule, three of them were left out. Maina’s wife, Laila, who claimed to be a citizen of the United States, and some of his relatives and associates, including Uwani Usman, Alhaji Aminu Yakubu Wambai, Haruna Mu’azu Musa and Aliyu Abdullahi, had claimed ownership of the 23 property.
The anti-graft agency had earlier obtained an order of interim forfeiture of 23 properties linked to Maina, currently on an eight-year jail term for pension fraud to the tune of N2 billion.
Delivering the judgment, Justice Abdulmalik agreed with the lawyer of the EFCC, Farouk Abdullah, that those who claimed to own the property failed to effectively establish the alleged ownership as they could not produce credible evidence.
She said: “It is trite in law that civil cases in non-conviction forfeiture are hinged on the preponderance of evidence. Again, I hold that the respondents have failed woefully in tilting the scale of evidential weight in their favour.”
As far as the operations of EFCC since the assumption of office of Olaonipekun Olukeyede as Chairman is concerned, the preponderance of the evidence is that there is a new Sherif in town! The agency has recorded unprecedented achievements in the fulfilment of its statutory goals in terms of recoveries of humongous amounts of money, undaunted trials and convictions of high-profile corrupt public officials.
The gang-ups and simulated attacks on EFCC are like the cry of a beaten baby; it’s not unexpected. The burbles of corruption-fight-back against the agency that is often seen in the media would fizzle out like that of a failed revolution.
Raheem Nasir, a social policy advocate, sent this piece via [email protected]
Alleged Manipulation of Defilement Case Sparks Call for Review of Legal Advice in Lagos
By Ifeoma Ikem
A legal controversy has emerged in Lagos following a petition seeking a review of a legal advice issued in a case involving two female teachers accused of negligence in a child injury incident at a nursery school in Ikorodu.
The petition, submitted by Crown Cannan Attorneys, urges the Lagos State Ministry of Justice to reconsider the legal advice issued on September 16, 2022, in the case titled Commissioner of Police vs. Ambassador Rukayat Tobiloba and Rukayat Lawal.
Addressed to the former Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Moyosore Onigbanjo, the application argues that the legal advice may have been influenced by what the petition describes as a “deliberate manipulation of facts.”
According to counsel representing the defendants, the allegations stem from an incident that allegedly occurred on October 26, 2021, at Great Kezino Nursery and Primary School located in the Adamo area of Ikorodu, Lagos.
The defendants, Ambassador Rukayat Tobiloba, 26, and Rukayat Lawal, 24, were reportedly the class teacher and assistant class teacher respectively in charge of a Nursery One class where the incident occurred.
Court documents indicate that a three-year-old pupil, identified as Victim A, was reportedly injured after another pupil allegedly pierced a pencil into her private part during school hours.
The prosecution claims the incident occurred due to the failure of the teachers to exercise adequate care and supervision over the children under their custody.
Based on this allegation, the two educators were charged with negligence under Section 252 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, which addresses acts that may cause harm through lack of proper care.
The defendants were subsequently arraigned before Magistrate Court No. 2 in Ikeja on April 19, 2022, where they faced a one-count charge relating to the incident.
During the investigation conducted at the Gender Unit of the Lagos State Police Command in Ikeja, several civil society groups reportedly monitored the proceedings.
Among them were representatives of the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) and other non-governmental organizations.
These groups reportedly raised concerns about what they described as a growing tendency to weaponise allegations of child abuse in ways that could unfairly damage reputations and careers.
In its petition, the defence team argued that the case deserves a fresh review to ensure that justice is served based on verified facts rather than assumptions or public pressure.
They urged the Ministry of Justice to carefully reassess the legal advice and the circumstances surrounding the investigation to determine whether the prosecution should proceed as currently framed.
Legal observers say the outcome of the requested review could determine the next stage of the case and may also highlight broader concerns about investigative procedures and child protection cases within the justice system.
Reacting to a viral social media post by Ambassador Rukayat Tobiloba, who claimed she might be jailed for defilement, the head teacher of Great Kezino Nursery and Primary School, Mrs. Edaolaropin Toyin, provided the school’s account of events.
According to her, the pupil identified as Victim A was enrolled in the Nursery One class on September 20, 2021, which had about 15 pupils.
She explained that on October 26, 2021, the pupil was transported home on the school bus after closing hours and handed over to her father around 4:30 p.m.
“Later that night, the pupil’s mother allegedly contacted the head teacher, claiming her daughter cried while bathing and alleged that a male classmate, Victim B, had inserted a pencil into her private part during school hours,” she said.
The school, however, rejected the allegation, maintaining that no such incident occurred while the child was in its custody.
“The following morning, the teacher visited the pupil’s home, where the father reportedly denied the mother’s account of the incident,” Toyin added.
She said the situation escalated later that day when the child’s parents arrived at the school with police officers from Imota Police Station demanding that the alleged male classmate be produced.
The head teacher further stated that the school management had supported Tobiloba throughout the legal process.
“Since the incident happened, the school management has never stopped supporting Tobiloba’s welfare until last year when she sent a WhatsApp message saying she was no longer interested in the court matter, claiming she had relocated to Ibadan,” she said.
She described the claims currently circulating on social media as “defamatory narratives.”
*GEN CG MUSA SUPPORT INITIATIVE MOURNS FALLEN HEROES AND URGES UNITY IN SECURITY SUPPORT
The Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa Support Initiative (GCGMSI) expresses its heartfelt condolences to His Excellency Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa OFR, Minister of Defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Grand Patron of the Initiative, and the families of the fallen heroes who courageously lost their lives in a recent attack by ISWAP in Konduga, Marte, Jakana, and Dalori in Borno State, northeast Nigeria. Among the tragic losses were three senior military commanders: Major U.I. Mairiga, Lt-Col Umar Faruq, and Lt-Col S.I. Iliyasu, who dedicated their lives to the service of our nation.
The GCGMSI implores the public to continue supporting our security agencies, emphasizing that the safety and security of our nation is a collective responsibility. Every day, our security forces pay the ultimate price to safeguard our country. We urge the public to remain supportive, pray for their success, and refrain from politicizing the security challenges we face.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Convener, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu, which has been made available to the press. The statement highlights the initiative’s profound concern for the losses sustained by our security personnel and reflects on the broader security situation in Nigeria.
In his unwavering commitment to addressing the insecurity plaguing our nation, the Minister of Defence, Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa, has consistently engaged in urgent meetings with service chiefs, reinforcing strategic plans to combat threats and enhance national security. His leadership and decisive actions demonstrate a dedication to restoring peace and stability across our regions, ensuring a safer environment for all Nigerians.
society
SECURITY IS A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY: BACKING OUR MINISTER OF DEFENCE GEN. CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA OFR
SECURITY IS A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY: BACKING OUR MINISTER OF DEFENCE GEN. CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA OFR
By Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani
In these challenging times, it is essential for all Nigerians to rally behind our leaders, particularly His Excellency Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa OFR, the Minister of Defence. The security of our nation is not a matter to be taken lightly or politicized. Gen. Musa, recognized for his unwavering dedication and sacrifice, has served our country commendably throughout his life.
Following the recent reshuffle of service chiefs by President Asiwaju Bola Ahamed Tinubu GCFR, which resulted in Gen. Musa’s retirement as Chief of Defence Staff, many voiced their concerns. Yet, upon his appointment as Minister of Defence, there was a renewed sense of hope among the populace. Gen. Musa has embraced his role with an unwavering commitment, often sacrificing his rest to ensure the safety and security of our great nation.
While it is undeniable that Nigeria faces security challenges, we must approach these issues with unity rather than division. It is crucial to recognize that those who politicize our national security are often those who have not contributed positively to the success of our security agencies. Instead of spreading negativity, we should support Gen. Musa in his mission to restore peace and stability.
To achieve our collective goal of a secure Nigeria, we must provide Gen. Musa with the trust he deserves. His vision and determination, paired with our support and prayers, can pave the way to overcoming the challenges we face. It’s time for every Nigerian to put aside political differences and work together for the common good. Let us have faith in our leaders and trust in Gen. Musa’s ability to steer our nation towards safety and security.
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