Crime & Court
NANS petitions EFCC, seeks investigation of alleged financial mismanagement in UI {See Petition}
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Oyo State chapter, has demanded a comprehensive investigation into the allegations of financial misappropriation, mismanagement and extortion by the management of the University of Ibadan (UI), Mega Icon Magazine exclusively gathered.
The association led by its Chairman, Comrade Asubiojo Olujuwon Marshal, in a petition submitted on Tuesday at the Ibadan Office of the Economic & Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) called for thorough investigation of its allegations and subsequent prosecution.
Contained in the petition, NANS accused the management of the University of Ibadan (UI) of continued collection of a compulsory students’ union levy of N200 for two consecutive sessions after the students’ union was summarily suspended by the same management, wondering where such sums now accumulating into millions of Naira has ended up, as the fee is being charged both from postgraduate and undergraduate students.
Another issue raised in the petition, also of paramount interest was the Identity Card (I.D Card Issue) which it said was only resolved recently.
“An incident that saw students not issued ID cards for two full sessions and when the issuance was eventually done, an entire session was fraudulently by passed as students only received ID cards for the last session, and not the one before. Also, several students graduated within this period without receiving these I.D cards, and as the time of this petition, we have no knowledge of any refund system to address this.
“Equally worthy of your due reference and attention is the very suspicious technology fee, which was levied on students for the 2019/2020 session for the first time. The said fee is being charged at the sum of N6,500 per student and yet key members of the university management have declined that such is meant for the provision of internet facilities. It is instead claimed that such fee is only meant for “Portal access”. Please note that the same “Portal access” was previously charged at just N2,500. We wonder what new technology is being developed to warrant an increment of over 200%.
“Furthermore, despite the fact that students are still being charged every session for the issuance of the students information handbook, as attached school receipt indicates, no issuance of such, either by hand, post or any known means has been done in the last five sessions. This is surely a blatant case of extortion and should be duly addressed.
“In our capacity as the voice of Nigerian students in Oyo state, we are appalled and aggrieved that such referenced atrocities of corruption are being nonchalantly displayed in the premier university, and we trust that you will not just look into this petition”.
NANS, however called for thorough and credible investigation of the allegations by the anti-graft body without minding whose ox was gored in the interest of justice and fairness.
Crime & Court
Ibadan Stampede: Principal, Agidigbo FM Boss, Ooni’s Ex-Wife Remanded
A Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Iyaganku, Ibadan, has ordered the remand of three individuals in connection with last week’s tragic stampede at Bashorun Islamic High School, which claimed the lives of 35 children and left many others injured.
The accused include Abdullahi Fasasi, the school’s principal; Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, proprietor of Agidigbo FM; and Naomi Silekunola, estranged wife of the Ooni of Ife. The trio was arraigned by the Oyo State Police Command on Tuesday, before Chief Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi.
The court proceedings, held under heightened security, drew a large crowd of family members and concerned citizens. According to the police prosecutor, the defendants face four counts, including charges under Section 324 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
After hearing the charges, Chief Magistrate Ogunkanmi ruled that the accused be remanded at the Agodi Correctional Center, pending further directives from the state prosecutor.
Southern Governors Pay Condolence Visit
In a related development, Southern governors, led by the Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum (SGF) and Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, paid a condolence visit to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.
Addressing reporters after the visit, Governor Abiodun described the stampede as a tragic turn of events from a well-intentioned initiative. He urged non-governmental organizations to collaborate with government agencies to ensure better planning for charity programs.
“I am here on behalf of myself, my family, the people of Ogun State, and the Southern Governors’ Forum to commiserate with Governor Makinde and the people of Oyo State on the unfortunate incident of December 18, 2024,” Abiodun said.
“The entire Southern governors are deeply pained by this tragedy. In Ogun State, we believe anything that affects Oyo State affects us as well. Our prayer is that such an incident never happens again. We will continue to hold the bereaved families and the people of Oyo State in our prayers.”
The Southern Governors’ Forum also expressed solidarity with the affected families, praying for the repose of the departed souls and quick recovery for those injured.
Crime & Court
Human Rights Lawyer, Dele Farotimi, Granted ₦30m Bail
A Magistrate Court sitting in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, has granted human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi, bail to the tune of ₦30 million. The court also mandated Farotimi to provide three sureties with landed properties within its jurisdiction.
As part of the bail conditions, the court ordered Farotimi to refrain from granting media interviews and to submit his international passport to the authorities. The case has been adjourned to February 13, 2025, for further proceedings.
Farotimi, who had been remanded at a correctional center in Ado Ekiti, arrived at the court premises on Friday at approximately 9:45 a.m. He was conveyed in a prison van accompanied by a police escort. Upon arrival, the embattled lawyer raised his hands in appreciation of a cheering crowd that had gathered outside the court to show their solidarity.
The human rights advocate is facing prosecution for allegedly defaming a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Afe Babalola. His arrest has ignited widespread public outcry, with many Nigerians and civil society groups condemning the action and demanding his immediate release.
Farotimi’s detention and subsequent arraignment have fueled debates about the boundaries of free speech and defamation laws in Nigeria, with critics arguing that the case may stifle dissenting voices in the country.
Crime & Court
Anambra: Police Arrest Man with Gun Hidden in Rice Bag
Police operatives have apprehended a 25-year-old man, Enediong Bassey, in possession of a pump-action gun concealed in a bag of rice at Nkwelle-Ezunaka.
The suspect, a native of Ikono Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State, was arrested on November 22, 2024, at 6:38 pm following credible intelligence.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.
The statement revealed that officers attached to the 3-3 Divisional Headquarters, led by CSP Emeka Obi, acted swiftly to intercept Bassey.
During interrogation, he admitted to being a member of a local vigilante group but confessed to plans of absconding with the weapon to join a criminal gang involved in armed robbery and other illicit activities.
“Given the above and following other complaints and unprofessional conduct by some security outfits and vigilante members, the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, in line with the principles of community policing, reiterates the calls for profiling of security operatives assisting the police and other security agencies on anti-crime operations to improve safety in the state,” the statement read.
In light of the situation, the Commissioner of Police has directed the immediate transfer of the suspect to the command’s anti-robbery squad for a thorough investigation.
The Anambra State Police Command reassured residents of its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of lives and property, urging vigilance and collaboration with law enforcement.
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