Business
Mixed feelings trail arrest of Judges as DSS release them on bail
The seven judges, who were arrested on Friday and Saturday by the Department of State Services, have been released on bail.
A source in the DSS, who confided in The PUNCH on Monday evening, said the judges were released on own recognisance on Sunday.
The DSS source said, “They were all released on bail yesterday (Sunday) on own recognisance. They reported this morning (Monday) and they have all gone back home. They will be coming back tomorrow (Tuesday); and everything went very procedurally well and civil.
“They were released on bail on own recognisance based on the fact that given their standing in the society, they cannot run away. They were instructed that they should come back today (Monday) by 10am. They did report for investigation this morning (Monday morning) and they have gone back home.
“The investigation continues and preparation to charge them to court.
“Also, the action was sequel to the lack of cooperation by the National Judicial Council such as the refusal by the NJC to allow the affected persons to be questioned by the DSS. Investigation started some seven months ago, precisely in April 2016.”
A top judiciary officer in Abuja, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the judges had been released.
But calls to the mobile of one of the judges did not go through.
The DSS had, in what it called a sting operation, arrested Sylvester Ngwuta and Inyang Okoro, both of the Supreme Court; the suspended Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Ilorin Division, Justice Mohammed Tsamiya; Justice Kabiru Auta of the Kano State High Court and Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
Others arrested were the sacked Chief Judge of Enugu State, Justice I. A. Umezulike, and Muazu Pindiga of the Federal High Court, Gombe Division.
However, the DSS on Monday, intensified its ongoing investigation of two Justices of the Supreme Court and other judges arrested over the weekend after simultaneous raids on their homes.
Top sources in the Federal Ministry of Justice confided in one of our correspondents on Monday that the DSS had extended its ongoing probe of the arrested judiciary chiefs to the asset declaration forms they submitted to the Code of Conduct Bureau.
The DSS had said it was getting the cooperation of the Federal Ministry of Justice in its ongoing probe of the judges.
Credible sources in the ministry, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak on the probe, confirmed to The PUNCH that the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation was involved in the ongoing investigation.
The sources, one of whom visited the DSS office in Abuja on Monday, said the Service had placed requests for the asset declaration forms submitted by the judges to the CCB.
The source added, “As of today, the ministry is still obtaining statements from the judiciary officers.
“You will recall that apart from the raw cash recovered from the judges, documents relating to the assets linked to some of the Justices were also recovered from their houses.
“So, since it has to do with assets, the DSS thought it wise to place request to the CCB for their asset declaration forms.
“We should be able to compare the forms they submitted to the CCB and the evidence of the ownership of the assets linked to them.”
The Head of Protocol and Publicity Unit of the CCB, Mr. Muhammed Idris, could not be reached for his comment on the DSS request to the bureau on Monday.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justices of the Supreme Court and those of the Court of Appeal as well as other judicial officers are, under Paragraph II of the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution, expected to declare their assets and liabilities to the CCB periodically.
Paragraph 11 of the Part II of the Fifth Schedule to the Constitution reads, “11.—(1) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, every public officer shall within three months after the coming into force of this Code of Conduct or immediately after taking office and thereafter— (a) at the end of every four years ; and (b) at the end of his term of office, submit to the Code of Conduct Bureau a written declaration of all his properties, assets, and liabilities and those of his unmarried children under the age of eighteen years.
“(2) Any statement in such declaration that is found to be false by any authority or person authorised on that behalf to verify it shall be deemed to be a breach of this code.
“(3) Any property or assets acquired by a public officer after any declaration required under this Constitution and which is not fairly attributable to income, gift or loan approved by this code shall be deemed to have been acquired in breach of this code unless the contrary is proved.”
One of our correspondents, on Monday, obtained a copy of the petition sent to the AGF’s office linking Justice Okoro of the Supreme Court to some suspicious properties in his home state of Akwa Ibom.
The petition was forwarded by the AGF to the DSS in August.
A letter from the AGF’s office to the DSS stated, “Investigation privately carried out by Akwa Ibom activist and legal practitioner, and which he generously availed me, shows that Honourable Justice Okoro has suddenly acquired stupendous wealth, which he has used to develop massive estates in Calabar, Cross River State, and Uyo in Akwa Ibom State, which is inconsistent with his status as a Justice of the Supreme Court.
“These estates, which Honourable Justice Okoro recently acquired are as follows:
“A maisonette at Plot 6, Unit S-G, Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
“Block of flats at Fanama Street, Off Ategong Drive, Calabar, Cross River State, built by Marilyn and Costa, and
“A maisonette at Shelter Afrique, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to mention but a few.”
Meanwhile, there were indications on Monday that the judges might be arraigned before a Magistrate’s Court, Life Camp, Abuja, any moment from now.
Journalists and some lawyers, who had anticipated that the detained judges might be arraigned on Monday, converged on the premises of the court at about 11am.
But they later dispersed at about 5pm after it was evident that the arraignment would no longer take place.
Judges of the Federal High Court in Abuja, whose colleague, Justice Adeniyi Ademola, was among the judges arrested during the weekend, did not sit on Monday.
One of the judges confirmed to The PUNCH that they could not sit because they were in bad mood due to the weekend incident.
The trial of a former Governor of Imo State, Ikedi Ohakim, that was supposed to come up before Justice Ademola on Monday was stalled.
Also, the ongoing trial of the immediate past Chief of Air Staff, Alex Badeh, for money laundering was part of a number of cases that ought to come up before Justice Okon Abang, but could not proceed.
However, since the case came up, it has been trailed with mixed feelings with some in support of the invasion and many against it describing it as a threat to democracy.
- Punch
Egbe Obaneye Okunrin Earmarks #15m To Empower Members At SME Business Seminar
SAHARA WEEKLY Reports That One of the fastest growing age-groups, otherwise known as Regbregbe in Ijebuland, Egbe Obaneye Okunrin Akile-Ijebu will on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 hold the second edition of its SME Business Seminar.
The event which promises to be business friendly and educative has been scheduled for Chinese Hall, of the upscale Conference Hotel, Ijebu-Ode, the heartbeat of Ijebuland.
According to a statement by the headship of the Regberegbe, Giwa Oluseye Yusuf, the group through its Baba Egbe has earmarked #15m for the empowerment of 10 members during the SME business seminar to be anchored by Mr Bola Bhadmus, CEO WelthBrifge Asset Management Limited.
‘You are cordially invited to the Idokowo Egbe Obaneye 2.0 SME seminar, where industry experts and thought leaders will share insights and strategies for small and medium-sized enterprises to thrive in today’s dynamic business landscape. Join us for a morning of networking, learning, and growth’.
Business
How RealtorMax became one of the fastest-growing real estate companies in Nigeria – Mike Adeyemi
How RealtorMax became one of the fastest-growing real estate companies in Nigeria – Mike Adeyemi
Nigeria’s real estate industry has witnessed significant growth in recent years, with many companies battling for a stake in the market.
However, RealtorMax, owners of Urbanmax Estate, Owode Obafemi, Ogun State and Aje: The Wealthy Residence, in Ibeju Lekki area of Lagos stood out to emerge as one of the fastest-growing real estate companies in the country.
Based in Lagos and founded a few years ago by Mike Adeyemi, an innovative young entrepreneur, Realtormax has achieved success in a relatively short period.
The company’s vision to redefine affordable housing in Nigeria and across Africa has been the driving force behind its operations, and it has remained committed to this mission since its inception.
According to Adeyemi, its commitment to developing new towns around the metropolis by not just selling lands but holding buyers by their hands and guiding them towards owning their dream homes whether luxury or affordable set apart the ambitous and fast growing firm from other real estate companies in Nigeria.
The company is not just a facilitator of land purchases; it takes a hands-on approach by engaging in project management, providing critical infrastructure, offering building materials at highly doscounted rates, providing amenities such as internet, banks and road, as well as consulting. This approach ensures that clients receive fully realised and developed their choice properties with minimal stress.
Adeyemi’s emphasis on integrity, quality, innovation and attention to detail have set a standard that has become the hallmark of RealtorMax ’s projects.
According to the CEO, RealtorMax has a line up of more innovative solutions that will redefine the landscape of real estate in Nigeria powered by technology and new thinking.
“With our plans which we shall be rolling out in due course, we will deploy technology to make not just home ownership smooth and worry free but will help many more become smart investors who will partake in amazing global real estate ventures, maximise profits and benefit from joint investment platforms,” he noted.
He added: “One of the notable projects currently being undertaken is the almost 500-acre Urbanmax Estate, located in the Owode Obafemi area of Ogun State, near the Shagamu Express Interchange, which sells for N1.3million per plot (500 SQM). The eco-friendly estate offers a range of residential and commercial options with modern amenities, providing residents with a comfortable and convenient lifestyle.
“In addition, RealtorMax Limited is also developing Aje: The Wealthy Residence, in the vibrant Ibeju Lekki area. This luxurious residential development showcases our commitment to delivering high-quality and prestigious homes for discerning buyers at N32millon per plot (500 SQM). So, we offer dream homes to all our customers whether their choice is luxury or affordability.
Both estates offer opportunities to enjoy eco-friendly homes with close proximity to Lagos metropolis.
Business
Nigeria Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund flags off 10th edition of Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition
Nigeria Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund flags off 10th edition of Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition
The Nigeria Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund has announced the call for entries for the much-anticipated 10th edition of the Maltina Teacher of the Year competition.
Entries for the competition open on Thursday, May 16, 2024, and will close on Friday, July 19, 2024. The competition remains a platform to appreciate and reward teachers for their significant contribution towards the development of the education sector in Nigeria, while inspiring excellence in teaching.
To participate, eligible teachers can visit the dedicated website (www.maltinateacheroftheyear.com) to complete the entry form online. Alternatively, they can download the form, complete it, scan it, and email the completed form to maltinateacheroftheyear@heineken.com
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held in Lagos today, Managing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Hans Essaadi who was represented by the Human Resource Director, NB Plc, Grace Omo-Lamai explained that the flag-off of this year’s edition represents the beginning of another journey to appreciating and celebrating the tireless efforts and dedication of teachers.
Essaadi stated that the company through the Felix-Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund remains unwavering in its commitment to supporting teachers in shaping future leaders and changing the lives of students for the better in Nigeria.
“The Maltina Teacher of the Year competition presents an opportunity to express our gratitude to teachers for the sacrifices they make, the extra hours they invest, and the guidance and mentorship they provide to ensure the success of our youth. Through this competition, we aim to recognize the efforts of teachers in the countless ways they have shaped our future. We acknowledge their selflessness, their passion for teaching, and their relentless pursuit of the growth and development of our nation,” he said.
He stated that it was exciting to note that other corporate organizations have come on board to be part of this transformative initiative, adding that Union Bank of Nigeria Plc and Woodhall Capital Foundation have been enlisted as main partners while First City Monument Bank and Alert Group are supporting partners for the competition.
In her keynote address, the Corporate Affairs Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Sade Morgan, disclosed that the competition remains a veritable platform to reward and inspire teachers for their invaluable contribution to the development of education and society at large.
Morgan stated that the platform aims to recognize and appreciate teachers for the stewardship of our most precious national resource – the youth.
“Indeed, our teachers continue to play their role effectively and, as such, deserve to be appreciated, recognized, and celebrated for what they have done, and what they continue to do, to make society what it is today, particularly in the human and national development,” she said.
She disclosed that secondary school teachers in both public and private schools are eligible to participate in the 10th edition of the Maltina Teacher of the Year competition.
Speaking on the reward earmarked for the winners, she noted that the overall winner for the 2024 edition would receive a trophy, a total cash prize of N10 million, and a capacity development training opportunity abroad while his/her school receives either a block of classrooms or a computer laboratory.
“The first runner-up of the competition will equally receive a trophy and a total sum of N3,000,000, while the second runner-up receives a trophy and a total sum of N2,500,000. All State Champions will be rewarded with recognition plaques and a cash prize of N1, 000,000 each”, she added.
In her remarks, Winner of the 2023 Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition, Adeola Adefemi while praising NB Plc for the competition stated that her emergence as winner has attracted pride, fame, and fortune.
According to Adefemi, the success has become a confidence booster and attraction to several global opportunities in the teaching profession.
Goodwill messages of support were delivered by representatives of the corporate partners and key stakeholders in the education sector, such as representatives of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), and the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).
The Maltina Teacher of the Year competition was established in 2015 and funded through the Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund, which was set up in 1994 to facilitate an active contribution to the development of the education sector in Nigeria in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal, SDG No.4.
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ABOUT THE MALTINA TEACHER OF THE YEAR COMPETITION
In 2015, Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund introduced the Maltina Teacher of the Year, a national competition, to identify, honor, and reward outstanding teachers in Nigeria.
Maltina Teacher of the Year is proudly endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Education and other education stakeholders including the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPPS), and Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).
ABOUT NIGERIAN BREWERIES-FELIX OHIWEREI EDUCATION TRUST FUND
The Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund was set up in 1994 with a startup capital of 100 million Naira to enable sustained quality education through structured intervention in the sector.
The Fund has footprints across the six geographical zones in Nigeria at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of education. Through the Fund, NB Plc has constructed and furnished over 400 classrooms, sanitary facilities, and libraries in 74 communities across the country. The Fund has also granted scholarships to deserving students in tertiary institutions
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