Connect with us

Uncategorized

AGF, distances self from Dasuki’s continued detention

Published

on

 

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami, has distanced himself from the continued detention of the immediate-past National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, by the Department of State Services.

The AGF denied culpability in Dasuki’s continued detention in his response to a suit filed by an Abuja-based lawyer, Mr Johnmary Jideobi.

Jideobi, in his suit filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja and marked FHC/ABJ/CS/807/2018, sought, among others, an order stripping Malami of his SAN rank on the grounds of engaging in unprofessional conduct by allegedly advising the Federal Government not to obey the various court orders directing that the ex-NSA be released from illegal detention.

The plaintiff also cited an interview granted earlier in the year by Malami, stating that Dasuki would not be released from custody in the interest of national security.

The said interview formed the basis for the petition lodged before the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee by the Dasuki family, requesting that Malami be stripped of his SAN rank over his utterances in respect of the courts’ pronouncements ordering the ex-NSA’s release.

The family of the leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, also known as Shi’ites, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, had also filed a similar petition against the AGF before the LPDC.

Dasuki was re-arrested by the operatives of the DSS shortly after he was released on December 29, 2015 by the authorities of Kuje Prison in Abuja on fulfilling the conditions of the bail granted him by the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Maitama, Abuja, where he is being prosecuted on corruption charges.

The Federal High Court in Abuja where he is being prosecuted on charges of money laundering and illegal possession of fire arms had also granted him bail.

Apart from the bail granted him at different times by the trial courts, both the Federal High Court in Abuja presided over by Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu, and the ECOWAS Court of Justice had at various times in their  judgments on the fundamental human rights enforcement suits filed by Dasuki, ordered his release from illegal detention.

But the AGF, in his response to the suit which blamed him for Dasuki’s continued incarceration in violation of the courts’ orders, denied ever defending the detention of the ex-NSA.

He also said that contrary to the plaintiff’s claim, he had never rendered any legal advice to the Federal Government or any of its agency concerning Dasuki’s case.

An affidavit deposed to on his behalf stated in part, “That the defendant did not, at any time, defend the alleged refusal of the Federal Government to obey six different court orders directing the release of Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.).

“The defendant did not, at any time, render legal advice to the President or the Federal Government or any of its agencies in contravention of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, or any other law in force.”

Further distancing himself from Dasuki’s continued detention, Malami said he was not responsible for Dasuki’s arrest and did not authorise the DSS, which arrested him not to release him.

He said he also did not have supervisory control over DSS.

The affidavit stated, “The defendant neither arrested nor detained Col. Dasuki, (retd.), and he is also not in the custody of the defendant.

“The defendant also  did not authorise the DSS not to release Col. Dasuki (retd.), or any other person for that matter.

“The defendant does not also control or supervise the DG, DSS or the DSS itself.”

The minister also blamed Dasuki for failing to enforce the various judgments ordering his release from custody, adding that the ex-NSA did not authorise the plaintiff to file the suit.

“That Col. Dasuki (retd.), being the allegedly aggrieved person, did not authorise the plaintiff to make any representation on his behalf in the instant case.

“That  Col. Dasuki, Retd, being the allegedly aggrieved person, did not take any step to enforce the court orders in question.”

Malami, while insisting that he had not done any wrong to warrrant his being reported to the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee, highlighted various instances in which he had separheaded efforts by the Federal Government to comply with court orders.

Justice Evelyn Maha adjourned hearing in the suit till January 16, 2019.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Uncategorized

Union Bank Rewards Customers with Motorcycles, Cash Prizes in 3rd Save and Win Palli Promo 4 Monthly Draw

Published

on

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

Union Bank Rewards Customers with Motorcycles, Cash Prizes in 3rd Save and Win Palli Promo 4 Monthly Draw

Union Bank of Nigeria has rewarded another set of customers in the ongoing Save and Win Palli Promo 4 campaign. Six lucky customers each won a brand-new motorcycle, and 120 additional winners won cash prizes.


The third monthly hybrid live draws were transparently conducted at the Bank’s Sabo, Yaba Branch in Lagos under the supervision of relevant regulatory institutions.

For integrity purposes, some of the winners were contacted to congratulate and remind them that the Bank will never call to request or confirm their confidential banking details such as BVN, date of birth, pins, or passwords.


Save & Win Palli Promo 4 is a nationwide campaign designed to reward both new and existing customers with cash prizes and other exciting gifts worth N131,000,000.

This initiative aims to support them in achieving their savings goals while getting rewarded at the same time.


To stand a chance to win, customers can continue to top up their savings in multiples of N10,000 or more and perform a minimum of five transactions a month to increase their chances of winning in the draws.

This promo is open to new and existing savings and current account holders.
Prospective customers can download the UnionMobile app on their smartphones to open accounts or walk into any Union Bank branch. Returning customers can call the 24-hour Contact Centre on 07007007000 or visit any Union Bank branch nationwide to reactivate dormant accounts.

About Union Bank Plc:
Established in 1917 and listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange in 1971, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc. is a household name and one of Nigeria’s long-standing and most respected financial institutions.

The Bank is a trusted and recognisable brand with an extensive network of over 300 branches across Nigeria.

The Bank currently offers a variety of banking services to both individual and corporate clients, including current, savings, and deposit account services, funds transfer, foreign currency domiciliation, loans, overdrafts, equipment leasing, and trade finance.

The Bank also offers customers convenient electronic banking channels and products, including Online Banking, Mobile Banking, Debit Cards, ATMs, and POS Systems.


More information can be found at: www.unionbankng.com
Media Enquiries:
Favour Ayeni
+234 0201 2716800
Email: mediarelations@unionbankng.com

Continue Reading

Business

Zuriel Oduwole, Sterling One Foundation, Sanwo-Olu Harp on Gender Equality and Youth Empowerment

Published

on

Zuriel Oduwole, Sterling One Foundation, Sanwo-Olu Harp on Gender Equality and Youth Empowerment

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Nobel Peace Prize nominee Zuriel Oduwole and Sterling One Foundation have emphasized the need for gender equality and youth empowerment during a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Governor’s Office, where discussions focused on sustained action in creating opportunities for young leaders.

L-R: Moyo Akinyosoye, Business Executive, Institutional Banking, Sterling Bank; Zuriel Oduwole, Youth Envoy/Nobel Peace Prize Nominee; Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Executive Governor, Lagos State; Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO, Sterling One Foundation; and Ifeoluwa Elegbede, Communication Lead, Sterling One Foundation, during a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Governor’s Office to discuss youth empowerment, gender equality, and the need for sustained action in creating opportunities for young leaders.

At just 22 years old, Oduwole is the youngest Nigerian ever nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize and the first to be recognized in this category. Her global advocacy in education, gender equality, and youth inclusion has influenced policies and engaged key decision-makers across multiple countries.

Sterling One Foundation, through its investment in social impact across critical sectors, has mainstreamed gender equality and women’s empowerment across all its initiatives, ensuring that young women and girls have access to the resources, platforms, and opportunities needed to thrive.

Speaking on the Foundation’s commitment to gender equality and women empowerment, Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO, Sterling One Foundation, highlighted the importance of telling African stories and driving impact through intentional programming, while also reflecting on this year’s International Women’s Day theme, Accelerate Action.
“At Sterling One Foundation, we are intentional about telling African stories that reflect the strength and potential of our people. This is evident in our focus areas and programming, where we have deliberately mainstreamed gender equality and women’s empowerment.

This aligns with the call to ‘Accelerate Action’ this International Women’s Day, reinforcing the urgency of breaking barriers for women and girls.

We are proud of Zuriel Oduwole for amplifying these values on the global stage, and we remain committed to creating an environment where young changemakers, especially women and girls, have the support and opportunities they need to lead and succeed.”

During the visit, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu recognized Oduwole’s contributions and her historic Nobel Peace Prize nomination, describing it as a milestone for Nigeria and the African continent.

“This achievement reflects the resilience and determination of our people. In the past five years, we have faced COVID-19, economic challenges, and instability, yet we have continued to create opportunities for young Nigerians in technology, finance, and entertainment.

The THEMES Plus agenda reinforces our commitment to inclusion and youth empowerment. Lagos is proud to support Zuriel’s journey and work with the Sterling One Foundation to expand opportunities for the next generation.”

Oduwole also emphasized the power of storytelling in driving social change:
“I have seen the power of storytelling in changing perceptions and opening doors for young people. When we share our stories, we inspire action. I am grateful to our partners for amplifying young voices and creating opportunities that make a real difference.”

Her remarks highlight the role of storytelling in influencing narratives that drive meaningful change. By amplifying diverse voices and ensuring that young people, especially women and girls, have platforms to be heard, storytelling becomes a powerful tool for influencing policies, shifting mindsets, and creating lasting impact in communities. The need for sustained efforts to support and invest in these platforms has never been more critical.

The Sterling One Foundation remains committed to driving sustainable change through strategic interventions that create lasting impact in gender equality, youth empowerment, and About Sterling One Foundation.
Sterling One Foundation (SOF) is a registered non-profit focused on tackling the root causes of poverty in Nigeria, and Africa through interventions and social impact programmes across five critical sectors namely: climate action, health, education and youth development, gender equality and empowerment, and food security. The Foundation’s programmes adopt a central theme of prioritizing partnerships for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For more information visit onefoundation.ng

Continue Reading

Uncategorized

Nigeria Takes Bold Steps to Bridge the Gender Digital Divide at the United Nations CSW69

Published

on

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

n a resounding commitment to bridging gender digital divide, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs (FMWA), has taken a decisive step toward closing the gender digital divide by presenting the National Gender Digital Inclusion Strategy (NGDIS) at the United Nations 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69).

  1. Esther Eghobamien-Mshelis – President of UN CEDAW
  2. ⁠Iklima Musa – Special Assistant to the Director General of NITDA
  3. ⁠Noimot Salako – Deputy Governor Ogun state
  4. ⁠Maryam Ciroma – former minster of women affairs
  5. ⁠Imaan Sulaiman- Minister of Women Affairs
  6. ⁠Josephine Anenih – former Minister of women affairs
  7. ⁠Dr Maryam Keshinro – Permanent Secretary – Ministry of Women Affairs

Themed “Digital Harmony: Advancing Gender Inclusion by Empowering Women and Children for a Secure Digital Future,” the high-level event reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to fostering equitable access to digital technology, online safety, and economic empowerment for women and children.

Speaking at the event, Iklima Musa Salihu, Special Assistant to the Director General on Strategic Partnerships, presented the strategy, emphasizing NITDA’s role in driving digital transformation and creating opportunities for women and girls to actively participate in the digital economy. The NGDIS, developed in alignment with Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 5 and 8, seeks to remove barriers to digital inclusion by expanding access to digital skills training, infrastructure, and mentorship opportunities for women and girls. The Director General of NITDA Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE as represented by the SA, in his special remarks reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to ensuring that Nigeria’s digital transformation is inclusive and equitable, highlighting NGDIS as a game-changer in achieving gender parity in the digital space. He noted that the framework prioritizes digital literacy, entrepreneurship, safety, and gender-responsive policies to accelerate women’s participation in Nigeria’s growing digital economy.

DG, NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, represented by Mrs Iklima Musa Salihu, SA to the DG on Strategic Partnerships

The NGDIS is built on five core pillars that will drive women’s access, participation, and leadership in the digital ecosystem. It seeks to expand digital literacy and skills by ensuring at least 40% female participation in all national training initiatives. Recognizing the role of women in Nigeria’s innovation and entrepreneurship landscape, the strategy emphasizes access to funding, mentorship, and technical assistance for female-led startups, leveraging the Nigeria Startup Act to increase financial and institutional support for women in the tech ecosystem. With 58% of young women globally experiencing online harassment, the NGDIS prioritizes online safety and cybersecurity awareness.

Speaking at the event, the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Honourable Imaan Sulaiman, FSI, underscored the urgent need for action in tackling gender disparities in digital access. She revealed alarming statistics that demonstrate the stark reality of the digital divide in Nigeria, highlighting that 68% of Nigerian women do not own smartphones, making it difficult for them to access online services and economic opportunities. She stressed that this divide extends beyond access, as women and children face significant online risks, including cyber harassment, digital gender-based violence, and exclusion from the rapidly growing tech-driven economy.

She called for the swift implementation of the National Gender Digital Inclusion Strategy (NGDIS) 2024-2027, which seeks to remove the structural barriers that prevent women from fully engaging in the digital economy. She emphasized the need for strong legal frameworks that would accelerate action in promoting digital literacy, providing safe online spaces, and empowering women to thrive in technology-driven industries. She reaffirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is committed to creating an inclusive digital future where no woman or child is left behind. She urged all stakeholders to work together to transform digital access and security for women and children, making technology a tool for empowerment rather than exclusion.

As the world embraces the Fourth Industrial Revolution, NITDA in collaboration with stakeholders is taking bold and strategic steps to ensure that women and girls are not only participants but also leaders in the digital transformation journey. The National Gender Digital Inclusion Strategy is a blueprint for action, providing a clear framework for accelerating digital inclusion, fostering entrepreneurship, and strengthening online safety for Nigerian women and children. The side event at CSW69 ended with a resounding call to action, urging stakeholders to work collectively to bridge the gender digital divide, expand opportunities for women in technology, and create a safe, inclusive, and thriving digital ecosystem for

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2021 All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from August24news.com
This Website is designed and Managed by: August 24 Communications Nigerian Limited (RC: 798585)