Sahara Reporters Latest News Today Wednesday 14th October 2020
Sahara Reporters Latest News Today and headlines on some of the happenings and news trend in the Country, today 14/10/20
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Lauretta Onochie Not Qualified To Be INEC Commissioner, Says Falana-led Group
Femi Falana, SAN.
The Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond has faulted the appointment of Lauretta Onochie, an aide to President Muhammadu Buhari, as a commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Femi Falana, interim chairperson of the coalition, in a statement on Tuesday said a card-carrying member of a registered political party was not fit for such a role.
Falana listed some criteria provided in the constitution to determine who was fit for the position.
Femi Falana, SAN.
One of the criteria included the fact that members must not be partisan, a rule which he says Onochie was not compliant with.
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Buhari Appoints Media Aide, Lauretta Onochie, As INEC Commissioner
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He said, “In view of the desire of President Muhammadu Buhari to fill some vacancies in the Independent National Electoral Commission, it has become pertinent to draw the attention of the Council of State and Senate to the following provisions of the constitution.
“In appointing the members of the INEC, the President is required to consult with the Council of State pursuant to section 154 (3) of the constitution;
“Paragraph B of Part 1 of the 3rd Schedule to the constitution provides that “The Council of State shall have power to advise the President in the exercise of his powers with respect to (iv) the Independent National Electoral Commission including the appointment of the members of the commission.
“Pursuant to section 154 (1) of the constitution, the appointment of the members of the Independent National Electoral Commission shall be subject to confirmation by the Senate.
“Paragraph 14 of Part 1 of the third Schedule to the constitution as amended by Section 30, Act No 1 of 2010, a member of the Independent National Electoral Commission “shall be non-partisan”.
“From the foregoing, it is crystal clear that a card carrying member of a registered political party or a well-known supporter of a particular political party is constitutionally disqualified from the membership of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
“As an unrepentant member of the ruling party, Mrs Loretta Onochie, has consistently attacked members of other political parties. To that extent, she is partisan and therefore not qualified to be a member of the Independent National Electoral Commission.”
President Buhari had on Tuesday requested that the Senate confirm Onochie together with Mohammed Sani (Katsina), Kunle Ajayi (Ekiti) and Seidu Ahmed (Jigawa) as INEC commissioners.
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Nigerians Reject Formation Of SWAT To Replace SARS
Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu.
Nigerians have rejected the formation of a new police unit to replace the scrapped Special Anti-Robbery Squad.
The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, had announced the setting up of a new Special Weapons and Tactics team that will fill the gaps arising from the dissolution of the defunct SARS.
Nigerians have, however, rejected the creation of the new unit, positing that it will not end the brutalization of citizens.
Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu.
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Law Students Demand Immediate Resignation Of Nigeria’s Inspector-General Of Police
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Some also argued that the new name given to the unit will give the police unfettered rights to further harass and intimidate Nigerians as they refer to the new unit as an advanced version of SARS.
A Twitter user, @henrymelvinone, while reacting to the development said, “If we are moving from SARS to SWAT, IGP should launch a portal where youths can sign up for registration and training. It is part of employment. Don’t recycle.”
If we are moving from SARs to SWAT. IGP should launch a portal where we youths can sign up for registration n training. Is part of employment. Dnt recycle werey SARs in disguise. ELSE #ENDSWAT— AP3 🦠(@henrymelvinone) October 13, 2020
Another Twitter user, @zeezish, said, “The difference between the new SWAT and SARS is the same as that between six and half a dozen. In a little while, I’m afraid we’d be back to the situation that led to the dissolution of SARS. So let’s end this before it starts! #EndSWAT.” The difference between the new SWAT and SARS is same as that between Six and Half a dozen. In a little while, I’m afraid we’d be back to the situation that led to the dissolution of SARS. So let’s end this before it starts!#EndSWAT— Azeez Olajide â¼ (@zeezish_) October 13, 2020
from SARS to SWAT, is not different from NEPA to PHCN, na the same darkness we still dey witness. #AbujaProtests SWAT special weapons and tactics #PhProtest pic.twitter.com/gUN375U5BS— Aku N’Esi Obi Ike (@Uzomaka_Kelechi) October 13, 2020
@FrUgochukwu said, “The problem of police brutality in Nigeria is not nomenclature but systemic. The solution, therefore, is beyond a mere change of name from SARS to SWAT. A systemic problem requires a systemic solution and to efficiently address the issue, the NPF needs to be healed from the root.”
@brysonadahcole said, “By Special Weapons and Tactics, did you mean you’re changing SARS to SWAT retaining the same set of criminals and trigger-happy murderers by equipping them with special weapons to kill the youth?”
@SeunMike said, “Problem has changed name… from SARS to SWAT. What assurances are we getting, is it not the same animals who will be rebranded and unleashed on the citizens again? What will be their modus operandi?”
@B_LovedE said, “We can’t afford to be robbed, brutalized, raped or even killed if the only thing you could do is change their name from SARS to SWAT. We don’t want SWAT, we don’t want terrorists, armed robbers, kidnappers, rapists on our roads again as SWAT officers. Die that plan now.”
@timidakolo said, “Oga mechanic please change the colour of my Benz from black to grey make we see if the engine go begin work well. NEPA to PHCN, SARS to SWAT.”
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Human Rights Commission To Set Up Independent Investigation Panel On SARS
The National Human Rights Commission has said that it would set up an independent investigation panel to look into rights violations by the now disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad and other segments of the Nigeria Police Force within the next one week.
The commission made this known on Tuesday in Abuja at the end of a meeting that had the Executive Secretary of the NHRC and Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, in attendance.
In a statement, Assistant Director, Corporate Affairs, Fatimah Mohammed, said the meeting resolved to set up a technical committee to be supported by the NHRC and other civil society organisations to design the roadmap and a work plan for the implementation of the white paper of the Presidential Panel on the Reform of SARS.
The statement reads, “Against the foregoing, the Executive Secretary stated that an open call for memoranda from members of the public whose rights have been violated by the defunct SARS and other segments of the police will be released by the commission within a week.
“The NHRC Chief Executive Officer disclosed that the forum recommends the psychological evaluation, training and retraining of disbanded SARS officials prior to re-deployment.
“There was also an agreement by the forum that the Inspector-General of Police should order all state police commands to halt the use of force against protesters and to release arrested protesters and citizens unconditionally.”
The meeting affirmed that reform proposals for the Nigeria Police Force will be based on the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and existing legislations such as the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, the Nigeria Police Trust Fund Act, 2019, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 and the Anti-Torture Act, 2017, the National Human Rights Commission Act, 2010 amongst others.
It also affirmed that the five-point demand of the protesters and the ENDSARS movement, which bothers on giving justice to victims of SARS brutality and improved working conditions for police personnel are genuine concerns and will be addressed by the government.
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Police Randomly Arresting, Brutalising Young People In Delta State
Police officers in Delta State have continued to engage in indiscriminate arrest and brutalisation of youths.
The police have targeted young people in Ughelli area of the state, detaining and extorting them.
SaharaReporters gathered that any youth arrested will cough out as much as N200,000 before they are released.
Recall that SaharaReporters had reported that this incessant arrest began after a clash between the police and youth clamouring for #ENDSARS in the state on Thursday.
At the protest in Delta on Thursday, the police shot a youth in the leg and forcefully dispersed the demonstrators.
In the ensuing melee, a police officer was killed while another was wounded.
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#ENDSARS: Police Engage In Random Arrest Of Delta Youth After Clash Between Police, Protesters
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The police in a statement on Thursday said a discreet investigation will be done.
Shortly after that period, policemen took to the streets randomly to arrest youths.
Some of those affected, who spoke with SaharaReporters, said the police led by the Divisional Police Officer of Ughelli engaged in night raids and arrested many youth.
One of the youth said, “The DPO of Ughelli Police Station started arresting innocent people every night and day. Lots of them are now in Okere and some that have connections are allowed to bail themselves with the sum of N200,000 and others N350,000 and the ones without connection are taken to Okere.
“Some have been moved to Asaba and their family don’t know where they are. At the moment, many youth in Ughelli are on the run.
“Policemen now secretly go to the houses of those that protested during the day to arrest them at night. Those that don’t agree to follow them are killed secretly.
“A young man was dragged out of his car and hit to death in front of Ughelli Police Station.
“We are not safe, we are on the run. All the youth are now running to different places.”
Nigerian youth have been embarking on peaceful protests for several days now to demand the scrapping of SARS, reform of the police and an end to police brutality.
Following the unending agitation, the police have disbanded SARS and President Muhammadu Buhari has promised a total reform of the law enforcement agency.
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#ENDSARS Protesters Demonstrate In Front Of Delta State Government House, Call For Scrapping Of Police Unit
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Boko Haram Terrorists Kill 14 Farmers In Borno
Boko Haram terrorists have killed 14 farmers in Borno State, members of a local vigilante group said on Tuesday.
Sources told AFP that insurgents on Monday seized 15 farmers working on their irrigation fields in Ngwom Village, 14 kilometres (nine miles) North of Maiduguri, and cut their throats.
“They slaughtered the farmers, killing 14 while one survived with a deep slash. They left him for dead,” Babakura Kilo, a local of the vigilante group, said.
The insurgents captured the farmers as they tended to their crops during the early afternoon, giving them no room to escape, said another member, Ibrahim Liman, who gave the same death toll.
The survivor was taken to a hospital in a “life-threatening condition,” Liman said.
Boko Haram and rival group, Islamic State West Africa Province, have increasingly targeted loggers, herders and fishermen in their violent campaign, accusing them of spying and passing information to the military and the local militia fighting them.
At least 36,000 people have been killed in the conflict, which has displaced around two million from their homes since 2009.
The violence has spread into neighbouring Niger, Chad and Cameroon, prompting a regional military coalition to fight the militants.
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NNPC’s $200,000 Bribe Against Fuel Price Hike Tears National Association Of Nigerian Students Apart
A leadership crisis is currently rocking the National Association of Nigerian Students over a bribe given to the group by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.
SaharaReporters gathered that the $200,000 bribe was given to leaders of the association to compromise them on the recent increment in fuel price.
On Monday, some members of the association announced the impeachment of the President, Danielson Bamidele Akpan, and swore in Chidi Ilogebe as the new leader of the organisation.
The accused Bamidele of high-handedness, fraud, misappropriation and diversion of students COVID-19 palliatives.
He was also accused of embezzling $200,000 given to the association by the NNPC.
“The Senate of the National Association of Nigerian Students has impeached the President, Danielson Bamidele Allan, and sworn in Chidi Ilogede, who hitherto was the Vice President, National Affairs as President of NANS with immediate effect.
“A committee set up by the NANS Senate to investigate allegations of misappropriation and diversion of students COVID-19 palliatives indicted the President of financial impropriety, criminally diverting students COVID-19 palliatives, fraudulently concealing information relevant to help the growth of the organisation and the development of the country and having abused his office by doing arbitrary and unlawful acts which are prejudicial to the rights of other members of the NANS all in violation of the code of conduct of an official of NANS as enshrined in schedule 3 of the constitution and charter of demand of NANS.
“The former NANS President was also indicted for having not been remorseful despite being exposed that he had received the money as alleged,” a statement by the Senate President, Abubakar Gambo Mohammed, reads.
But in a reaction, the embattled President said he was still in charge.
Bamidele in a statement announced the suspension of Mohammed for offences ranging from public extortion, anti-organizational activities, illegal conveying of NANS Senate meeting on zoom platform, sabotage and gross indiscipline.
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BREAKING: NANS Expels Senate President, Mohammed, For Public Extortion, Indiscipline
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He also accused him of tampering and manipulation of the NANS constitution and Charter of Demand without recourse to constitutional provisions.
Meanwhile, a group, Concerned Nigerian Student has dragged the impeached President to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission, Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force.
The group in a letter by its Convener, Salahudeen A. Lukman, asked the agencies to probe Bamidele for allegedly diverting N18m meant for Bayelsa students’ project and NNPC’s $200,000 student’s palliative.
The letter reads, “With humility, deep sense of patriotism and moral concern for the need to curb corruption and its wave among the young generation to save the commission and Nigeria from future stress and underdevelopment respectively. I write to seek the independent intervention of your commission as the leading anti-graft agency in the country with records of efficiency and capacity in taming corruption in the country. It has become imminent to seek your professional intervention into alleged diversion and misapplication of funds by NANS leadership under Mr Danielson Bamidele Akpan owing to the significance of NANS as largest black student body in the world, African continent and the nation, its role as young leaders training platform which serves as feeder to national political and economic structures of our dear nation Nigeria.
“Over time, similar allegations of corruption had gone unchecked, hence it is fast becoming a norm which must be stopped at this change/next level era of President Muhammadu Buhari. This I consider as a big threat to the anti-corruption war of this administration ably championed by your commission.
“It will do us a lot of good if the commission can be beam its searchlight into the affairs of the apex students body in Nigeria (NANS) visa viz the recent allegation absconding with a donation of $112,000, about N52,000,000 (fifty two million naira equivalent) due to the association, as palliative earmarked for student from oil sector as benefit was criminally diverted by Mr Bamidele Akpan.
“With news of student resumption nationwide announced by the Federal Government coinciding with the recent hikes in tariff and opportunity for an emergency interface on the welfare of students was midwives by himself and the President of NANS with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation authority according to his revelations. The compassionate appeal saw a humane intervention from the oil sector. It was, however, to his amazement, that the President diverted these sums due to students, stakeholders and the purpose it was to serve, which was to cushion enormous burden for student resumption.
“While everywhere was filled with groaning and news of N96m allegedly collected by the President and an information demanded by NANS Senate and executive council members which led to reaching out to the NANS consultant. So it was his outburst recently that made the organisation aware of any such funds. In his public statement/revelation issued, he related the events of one year of his journey with the President. He further revealed other funds such as N18m from Bayelsa State on issues with the President among others figures.
“This so disappointing that the mentioned funds can’t be traced to any program executed or project implemented or people cushioned through the incumbent President of NANS, Mr Bamidele Akpan, who remain the basis of the current anger within the association’s rank and files, aside the abandonment of his primary responsibilities such as #Reopening of School Struggle, #ASUU strike struggle, #COVID-19 fee charge by state owned institutions struggle, including the ease of resumption which the funds were to serve. In as much as this revelations have ignited serious tension and uproar within the association, the President, Mr Bamidele is reportedly in cohort in some quarters trying to adopt jungle justice, attack and molestation of any of those challenging him of this alleged diversion which include my humble self, the signatory, the consultant and other persons enlisted into the panel of enquiry set up by the NANS Senate.
“The President is currently manipulating people around, trying to induce, corrupt and subvert this investigation by doling money out to his cronies to defend this unjustly, this is not in the interest of the student populace.
“Hence I write to request your official intervention with immediate independent investigation and prosecution of Mr Bamidele Akpan if found guilty of diversion of N52m to his personal account and also N18m for Bayelsa State student project according to revelation by the NANS consultant.
“The recovery of these monies will aid the Senate President of NANS and the exco to deliver the fund to the beneficiaries. This recovery from him will also return the association to the path of normalcy, restore her integrity and return Nigerian students and public trust back to the association thereby vindicating the panel and our stakeholders/consultants.
“The urgent action of your agency to retrieve and recover the N52m and N18m Bayelsa student money respectively will be of great help and relief to the student community at large.”
DOCUMENT: NNPC’s $200,000 Bribe Against Fuel Price Hike Tears National Association Of Nigerian Students Apa… by Sahara Reporters on Scribd
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EndSARS: Report Erring Officers To Me, Ondo Police Boss Tells Protesting Youth
Ondo CP, Bolaji Salami.
The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Bolaji Salami, has asked residents of the state especially the youth to report any erring police officers to the command now that the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, a unit of the Nigeria Police Force, had been scrapped.
Salami, who stated this on Tuesday in Akure, said the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has made the best decision by banning the brutal police unit.
Ondo CP, Bolaji Salami.
He said that he had been receiving reports of human rights violations by policemen in the state, adding that such would be taken up.
Salami made the comments while addressing youths demanding an end to police brutality, extortion and killings at the Ondo Police Command headquarters.
He said, “You are aware that the IGP has scrapped the SARS and it is the best decision which we have all abided by nationwide.
“But I want us to be peaceful and civil because I have been receiving lots of reports of how our men are behaving and also responding to this issue.
“I can assure you that we are here, and I want you to always report any of these officers if they abuse your rights.
“We have agreed that our men must be decent and we shall take necessary action against any of them found wanting.”
Earlier, the protesters had shut down the main streets of Akure while demonstrating against police attacks on innocent residents.
The demonstrators were joined by activists and different civil society groups during the protest on Tuesday.
Jonathan Obatola, one of those, who led the protest, said the lives of those killed by SARS officers matter to the society, adding that justice must be done.
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E2%80%99s-inspector-general-police Law Students Demand Immediate Resignation Of Nigeria’s Inspector-General Of Police
Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu
The Law Students Association of Nigeria has asked the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, to immediately resign his appointment over his incompetence.
National President of the group, Dr Blessing Agbomhere, disclosed this in Abuja while addressing journalists over the continued killing and violations of rights of innocent citizens.
Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu
He said they had facts to believe that the agents and elements of the police were venting their frustration and anger on peaceful, law-abiding and defenceless citizens of Nigeria.
He said, “We hereby direct the Inspector-General of Police, Abubakar Adamu, to resign immediately for his incompetence. If he refuses to do the same immediately, we direct the National Assembly to remove him from office.
“If the National Assembly refuses to do so, we urge President Muhammadu Buhari to sack and remove him from office for gross incompetence, an act which is capable of leading to a breach of national security.”
He added that EndSARS protests became necessary to reflect the violation of our laws and breach of our fundamental and universal rights by the agents and elements of the Nigeria Police.
Agbomhere narrated how a student of Nigerian Law School, Abuja Campus, Treasure Nduka, was arrested, humiliated and raped at Ojuelegba, Lagos, by the police.
He added, “President Muhammadu Buhari should appoint an acting IGP among the most senior police officers who shall release and revive all arrested and killed protesters, pay damages to them and their families, and put a permanent end to the menace of these unscrupulous elements operating under the cover of the Nigeria Police Force.
“We are ready to deploy all instrumentalities and principalities of the law to solve this problem if nothing is done immediately.”
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Police Arrest Benue Youth For Submitting Letter Of Protest
The arrested three.
The Benue State Police Command has arrested three youth, who went to the police station to submit a letter of protest.
The protesters identified as Ahile Shimadoo Teravese, Odido John Obogo and Ayuwha Sonter Joseph were detained when they visited Makurdi Police Headquarters.
The arrested three.
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SaharaReporters gathered that the trio went to drop a letter to notify the police of their intent to embark on a protest against police brutality in the country.
“They had gone to deliver a letter to the Police Commissioner informing him of their intention to protest.
“They were asked to return in one hour and were promptly arrested on their return,” one of the protesters said.
The 3 of us that were arrested. Let be known!!!!!#SARSMUSTENDNOW pic.twitter.com/Xf7geJwTwR— MONITORING_SPIRIT (@Sonjoe_Kutuh) October 13, 2020
Confirming the incident, Adesina Ademola Ogunlana said the Radical Agenda Movement in the Nigerian Bar Association was liaising with the Makurdi branch of the NBA to ensure their release.
Ogunlana said, “RAMINBA is already seeking to mobilise volunteers lawyers to the state police command, but it would be appreciated if there’s anything that we can do to reach out to them in Benue State.
“The Makurdi 3, detained this afternoon by the Nigeria Police for applying for permit to hold #ENDSARS protest in Makurdi.
“RAMINBA is liasing with NBA Makurdi branch leadership to intervene in the matter.”
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Military Personnel Prevent #ENDSARS Protesters From Entering National Assembly In Abuja
A detachment of armed military personnel on Tuesday prevented #EndSARS protesters from gaining entry into the National Assembly complex in Abuja.
The soldiers were stationed at the Presidential Villa gate and National Assembly complex to prevent the crowd from getting to the main entrance of the facility.
Trouble started when the protesters were approaching the main entrance of the National Assembly while the soldiers barricaded the road and pointed guns at the crowd while threatening to shoot them.
PHOTONEWS: Nigerian Government Sends Military After Protesters Calling For #PoliceReform In Abuja | Sahara Reporters #SARSMUSTEND #EndPoliceBrutality #EndBadGovernanceinNIGERIA pic.twitter.com/u4zcpT3yDD— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) October 13, 2020
An argument that ensued between the leaders of the group and security operatives soon left many protesters with injuries.
Journalists covering the protest were not spared during the encounter as many of them were harassed and had their cameras seized.
The crowd had planned to deliver a nine-point demand to the leadership of the National Assembly as representatives of the people.
Some of the demands include for President Muhammadu to make an announcement of the banning and dissolution of SARS.
They also demanded the immediate release of protesters arrested nationwide.
Others are justice for the victims of SARS brutality, prosecution of officers involved and compensation of affected families.
The people also demanded regular and random mental and psychological and drug evaluation of police officers and review of police welfare for serving and past police officers.
The group also demanded the legislation enabling states to create community police.
They also asked for unreserved and genuine apologies from the President and Inspector-General of Police for dehumanisation and violations of human rights of all protesters on television.
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