EVENTS

The Federal High Court sitting in Asaba, Delta State, has upheld the powers of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and that of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate and prosecute officials of the Delta State Government who allegedly engage in corrupt acts.

Published

1 year ago

May 9, 2024

Justice Folasade Olubanjo held that the sister organisations whose core mandates are basically the same do not in any way violate the principle of federalism and separation of powers embodied in the Constitution.

The court gave the judgment in the suit filed by the Attorney General of Delta State challenging the powers of the two anti-corruption agencies to investigate the state government’s finances and invite Delta State officials for interviews in the course of investigations.

The State Government had asked the court to among other things declare that by virtue of the provisions of Section 120, 121, 122, 123 & 125 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), no authority or person other than the state government, the state house of assembly, and the auditor-general of the state has the constitutional mandate to exercise power or control over the funds standing to the credit of Delta State in the Consolidated Revenue Fund or any other state public funds.

The state also asked the court to make a declaration that the provisions of Section 128 of the Constitution empowers only the state house of assembly to the exclusion of the defendants to conduct or direct investigation into the disbursement of public funds for the purpose of exposing corruption, inefficiency or waste of public funds.

The state also insisted that by virtue of the provisions of Section 125 of the constitution, only the auditor-general of Delta State has the power to receive financial statements and annual accounts from the accountant general of the state.

In her judgment, Justice Olubanjo disagreed with the plaintiff and held that Nigeria practices cooperative federalism; and as such the fight against corruption is a function of both the states and the Federal Government.

The judge also noted that the issues before the court had been settled in a plethora of appellate decisions, among which is the Supreme Court judgment in AG Ondo State vs AG Federation & 36 others.

EVENTS

BREAKING: Police take over PDP Secretariat in Abuja

Published

1 week ago

June 30, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

As tension continues to mount over the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting, which is expected to hold on Monday, armed policemen have taken over its secretariat.

According to an official of the party who spoke to newsmen, the police were deployed to stop the proposed NEC Expanded Caucus Meeting.

Though some staff members of the party were initially allowed to go into the premises of the secretariat without any resistance from the police, they were later sent out.

At the time of filing this report, journalists were also asked to leave the premises of the secretariat, while some policemen were seen cordoning off Dalaba Street, which is the road leading to Wadata Plaza.

Details shortly…

EVENTS

Police arrest suspected cultist during meeting, recover firearm in Ogun

Published

1 week ago

June 29, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Operatives from the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit, Ogun State Police Command, have arrested a suspected member of the Eiye Confraternity, Ismail Afolabi, at Saje Area of Car Wash, Abeokuta.

The suspect was arrested following credible intelligence received by the police that members of the Eiye Confraternity were holding a secret meeting with the intention to carry out criminal activities.

The police spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, confirming the arrest to DAILY POST on Sunday, said the suspect was apprehended while attempting to flee.

Odutola stated that he was found in possession of a cross bag containing a loaded cut-to-size double-barrel shotgun and live ammunition.

She said, “On Friday, June 27, 2025, at about 05:30 pm , the Ogun State Police Command received credible intelligence that members of the Eiye Confraternity were holding a clandestine meeting with suspected criminal intent at the Saje Area of Car Wash, Abeokuta.

“Operatives from the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit swiftly mobilized to the scene. On arrival, one suspect, Ismail Afolabi ‘m’, was found in possession of a cross-body bag containing a cut-to-size double-barrel shotgun loaded with live ammunition.”

The spokesperson noted that preliminary investigations have commenced, and efforts are ongoing to track down other accomplices.

The Command restated its commitment to eradicating cult-related violence and maintaining peace and order in the state.

EVENTS

Suspected gunmen kidnap man in Benue

Published

1 week ago

June 29, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Gunmen have kidnapped a middle-aged man, Ortese Tarlumun Joseph, in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, after shooting at his family during an attempted escape.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama revealed the incident in a post on X on Sunday.

He said the abduction happened on Friday, June 27, around 6:00 p.m. near Tomanyiin Main Village in Nzorov district.

Sources told Makama that Ortese was returning from the farm with his wife and son when two armed men came out of the bush and ordered them to lie down.

“Out of fear, the family tried to run, and the gunmen fired two gunshots.

“Mrs. Ortese said she later heard her husband calling for help but could not find him. It was later discovered that the attackers had taken him away,” Makama wrote

The family’s Toyota Corolla was found at the scene.

Security personnel launched a search operation shortly after the incident, but neither the kidnappers nor the victim had been found at the time of reporting.