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Kogi vs EFCC: Agbakoba heads to Court, insists Commission must not undermine rule of law

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Kogi vs EFCC: Agbakoba heads to Court, insists Commission must not undermine rule of law

Kogi vs EFCC: Agbakoba heads to Court, insists Commission must not undermine rule of law

 

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In order to legally prove his stance that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has been breaking the rule of law, especially with the manner it prosecutes matters relating to states of the Federation, former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Dr Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, has said he is heading to court.

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Agbakoba said he would be praying the court for a declaration on the exact scope of powers of the commission, especially in relation to states of the Federation, while maintaining that the EFCC must not in the fight against corruption undermine the rule of law.

 

 

Kogi vs EFCC: Agbakoba heads to Court, insists Commission must not undermine rule of law

 

 

 

He quoted a very recent decision, Dr. Joseph Nwobike SAN v The Federal Republic of Nigeria FRN SC/CR/161/2020, in which the Supreme Court drastically limited the scope of powers of the EFCC, as it recognised that the EFCC being very powerful could not be allowed to run amok.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria spoke in a statement he released on Tuesday evening, titled, “The Scope of Powers of EFCC Will Be Tested By The Courts.”

The statement reads, “Concerned that the EFCC often exceeds its powers in the investigation and prosecution of alleged offenders of our criminal laws, I held a media press conference to express my concerns, which I do occasionally on several national issues. I stated that I felt that the EFCC often but not all the time, I must concede, exceeded its powers in what it considers to be its public duty, in the war against corruption in Nigeria.

“The EFCC issued a response stating that I was wrong to take the views that it sometimes acts outside the scope of its powers vested by the EFCC Act. The EFCC referred to some cases, but I would say that in a very recent decision, Dr. Joseph Nwobike SAN v The Federal Republic of Nigeria FRN SC/CR/161/2020, the Supreme Court drastically limited the scope of powers of the EFCC, as it recognised that the EFCC being very powerful could not be allowed to run amok.

“I am not a court. Neither is the EFCC. I will proceed to the Court for a declaration on the exact scope of powers of the EFCC, especially in relation to states of the Federation. A declaration by a Judicial authority is the most valid process to authenticate if I am right or wrong with respect to my position that the EFCC often acts contrary to the law.

“I am not in any way against the EFCC on the fight against corruption. As admitted by the EFCC, I have always supported the fight against corruption. My concern is that the EFCC, in its undoubted statutory powers to stamp out corruption in Nigeria must strictly conform to the prescriptions of the law. EFCC must not in the fight against corruption undermine the rule of law. So, to the courts I go.”
While addressing a press conference on “The Rule of Law in Nigeria Today”, in Lagos on Sunday, Agbakoba had faulted the anti-graft agency over its recent actions against the Kogi State Government.

According to him, how a state spends its money should not be the business of the anti-graft agency. He had accused the EFCC of impunity, saying that assuming it was the Commission’s business to inquire how the state spends its money, would it still be its lawful business to investigate it?

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Justice For Chinemerem Anosikwa: Cut Down in His Prime

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Justice For Chinemerem Anosikwa: Cut Down in His Prime

 

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In yet another tale of the unending brutality of the Nigerian Police Force, a member of visiting 12 PMF squadron identified as Inspector Aliyu Taofeek has sent one Mr. Patrick Chinemerem to his early grave over an undisclosed dispute.

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Justice For Chinemerem Anosikwa: Cut Down in His Prime

 

According to reports, the killer policeman, Inspector Taofeek who was one of the policemen attached to Skymall Supermarket located in Sangotedo, Ajah area of Lagos State, stabbed Chinemerem to death and took to his heels after committing what’s clearly a premeditated murder.

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According to reports, the fleeing policeman has been arrested and in custody according to the statement released by the Lagos Police Command. The sad incident which occurred a few days ago has sparked an outrage among members of the public who are demanding justice for Chinemerem. It would be recalled that police brutality led to the massive ENDSARS protest across the country a few years ago. Apparently, nothing much has changed since then, the latest murder of an innocent man by Inspector Taofeek is a reminder of the brutality embedded in the Nigerian Police Force.

 

 

In order to forestall another avoidable death, Nigerians are calling for swift investigation and prompt prosecution of Inspector Taofeek.

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Eko Cares: Group Commends Sanwo-Olu’s Compassionate Leadership On Social Interventions

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Eko Cares: Group Commends Sanwo-Olu’s Compassionate Leadership On Social Interventions

 

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Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has garnered praise from The Mandate Movement for his decisive actions in the face of economic challenges with the launch of the ‘Eko Cares’ initiative. The initiative, aimed at alleviating the hardships faced by residents, particularly the economically vulnerable, has been lauded as a significant step towards improving livelihoods in the state.

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The Chairman of The Mandate Movement, Abdullahi Ayinde Enilolobo, conveyed his gratitude to Governor Sanwo-Olu through a member of the group’s Central Working Committee (CWC), Prince Adewale Arogundade, for spearheading various interventions aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of inflationary trends. A total of 300,000 households are expected to benefit from the inaugural program.

According to Enilolobo, “This holistic approach shows Governor Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to addressing the multifaceted challenges facing Lagosians and ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of progress. Additionally, measures such as free ante-natal care, reduced transportation fares, and support for small businesses underscore the government’s dedication to improving the quality of life for all residents.

“We at The Mandate Movement commend Governor Sanwo-Olu for this initiative put together for the residents of Lagos, which also collorates with the wonders of the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration. This clearly shows that the All Progressive Congress (APC) remains a beacon of hope for Lagosians, and Nigerians at large.”

Residents across Lagos have begun to laud the ‘Eko Cares’ initiative, stating that the government has shown determination to prioritize the well-being of its citizens, embodying the principles of empathy, inclusivity, and resilience in the face of adversity.

 

Eko Cares: Group Commends Sanwo-Olu's Compassionate Leadership On Social Interventions

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An Icon of Service: NATCOM boss, Otunba Adejare Adegbenro’s Leadership Legacy

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An Icon of Service: NATCOM boss, Otunba Adejare Adegbenro's Leadership Legacy

An Icon of Service: NATCOM boss, Otunba Adejare Adegbenro’s Leadership Legacy

 

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In the intricate mosaic of Nigeria’s societal fabric, Otunba Adejare Adegbenro stands as a beacon of commitment, resilience, and service.

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Born on March 6th, 1973, in Lagos, he draws from a lineage steeped in political legacy, being the grandson of the late Premier of Western Region, Alhaji Daudu Sooroye Adegbenro. Raised in a family that values service to the community, Otunba Adegbenro has carved his path as a distinguished figure in Nigerian society.

The culmination of his familial heritage and dedication to community service was marked by his installation as the first Otunba Laje of Owu Kingdom in Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria.

This historic event, which took place on January 20th, 2018, under the auspices of His Royal Majesty Oba Olusanya Dosunmu II, traditional ruler of Owu kingdom, reinforced Otunba Adegbenro’s deep-rooted ties to his cultural heritage and commitment to uplifting his people.

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Beyond his traditional titles, his influence extends globally, with his appointment as High Commissioner by the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC), where he spearheads foreign special missions aimed at preventing illegal migration and human trafficking. This appointment is a testament of his reputation as a renowned security expert and industrialist, whose expertise transcends national borders.

In his role as the acting Director-General of the National Commission against the Proliferation of Arms, Light Weapons, and Pipeline Vandalism (NATCOM), Otunba Adegbenro has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to combating threats to national security. His vast experience in security consultancy and supply of security gadgets has positioned him as a pivotal figure in Nigeria’s security landscape.

However, Otunba Laje of Owu Kingdom’s contributions extend beyond the realm of security.

Through his foundation, the Otunba Adejare Adegbenro Foundation (OAAF), he channels his resources towards uplifting the less privileged in society. With initiatives ranging from the provision of boreholes to communities lacking access to clean water, to scholarships for deserving students, he exemplifies the spirit of philanthropy and communal solidarity.

Reflecting on his journey, Otunba Adegbenro once acknowledged the challenges he has faced, from navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship to confronting societal stereotypes.

Yet, through it all, he remains resolute in his commitment to service and upliftment. His philosophy, rooted in faith and compassion, drives him to make a tangible difference in the lives of others, regardless of obstacles encountered along the way.

Otunba Adejare Adegbenro stands as a testament to the power of leadership, resilience, and unwavering dedication to the common good. In him, Nigerians find not only a visionary leader but a compassionate steward of progress, whose impact reverberates far beyond the shores of his homeland.

 

An Icon of Service: NATCOM boss, Otunba Adejare Adegbenro's Leadership Legacy

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