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Hunger Protest: Federal Government Arraigns Activists, British Ally Today

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The Federal Government has slated arraignment proceedings for organizers of the recent hunger protest before the Federal High Court in Abuja today (Monday).

According to court documents filed by Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the government has levied six charges against the defendants.

Notably, British national Andrew Wynne, also known as Andrew Povich, has been named as a co-defendant in the case.

In the charge sheet marked, FHC/ABJ/CR/454/2024, the defendants were accused of “treason, destabilising the country, intimidating the President and destroying the NCC in Kano,” among others.

The IG specifically accused the protesters of acting in concert and conspiring, with the intention to destabilise the country, to commit a felony, with treason, between July 1 and August 4, 2024.

The #EndBadGoveranceInNigeria protests, which commenced on August 1 and ended on 10, were in response to the economic hardship experienced by the citizens.

According to figures revealed by human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), on August 22, 2024, a total of 2,111 individuals were arrested during the 10-day nationwide protests.

Falana added that out of the arrested suspects, a total of 1,403 had been arraigned in courts and remanded in prisons due to lack of legal representation.

In the charge sheet filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja, the Federal Government named the defendants as Micheal Adaramoye (aka Lenin); Adeyemi Ahayomi (aka Yomi); Suleiman Yakubu; Comrade Opaluwa Eleojo; Angel Innocent; Buhari Lawal; Mosiu Sadiq; Bashir Bello (aka Murtala); Nursdeen Khamis; Abdulsalam Zubairu; Andrew Wynne (aka Andrew Povich); Lucky Obryan; Comrade Musa Abdollahi.

The IG specifically accused the protesters of acting in concert and conspiring, with the intention to destabilise the country, to commit a felony, to wit: treason, between July 1 and August 4, 2024.

Egbetokun said the offence was contrary to Section 95 and punishable under Section 97 of the Penal Code.

The IG also said, “Between 1 July 2024 and 4 August 2024, at Karshi Abuja FCT, within the jurisdiction of this court, while acting in concert and with intent to destabilise Nigeria, (defendants) conspired together to commit felony, to wit: Inciting to mutiny and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 96 and punishable under Section 97 of the Penal Code.”

The IG added that the protesters, between July 1, 2024, and August 10, 2024, in Abuja FCT, Kaduna, Kano and Gombe, in collaboration with Andrew Wynne (aka Andrew Povich) a British Citizen, with the intent to destabilise Nigeria, waged war against the state in order to intimidate or overawe the President by attacking and injuring police officers and burning police stations, High Court Complex, NCC Complex, Kano Printing Press, Government House Karo, Kadama Investment and Promotions Agency office, NURTW office and several other buildings.

Egbetokun said the offence was contrary to Section 410 of the Penal Code (Northern States) Federal Provisions Act CAP P3 LEN 204.

Also, the defendants were accused of collaborating with Wynne, a British Citizen, with the intent to destabilise Nigeria, incited disaffection to the government by inciting public disturbance while carrying placards with the inscription ‘end bad government’ and several other inscriptions to incite disaffection to the government.

The IG said they committed an offence contrary to Section 416 of the Penal Code (Northern States) Federal Provisions Act CAP P3 LFN 204.

The National Coordinator, Take It Back, Juwon Sanyaolu, disclosed to our correspondent on Sunday that the defendants would be arraigned today (Monday).

He added the protesters would represented by Falana.

Sanyaolu said, “Mass trial of another set of the protesters in Kano and Abuja will commence tomorrow (Monday). Femi Falana will be representing them.”

Meanwhile, some activists have petitioned the International Criminal Court and the United States of America Embassy, seeking the release of detained #EndBadgovernance protesters in Nigeria.

However, in a copy of the petition obtained by our correspondent on Sunday, the activists, mostly based in the U.S., stated that protesters are not the enemies of the country.

The petition was signed by John Parker of the Harriet Tubman Centre for Social Justice, Los Angeles, CA; Sharon Black of Peoples Power Assembly, Washington, DC/Maryland/ Virginia USA; Maggie Vascassenno of Women in Struggle, Los Angeles, CA; and Andrew Mayton of Youth Against War & Racism, Baltimore, USA, among others.

It partly read, “We are workers, students and activists in the U.S., the imperialist giant. We call on you to hear the righteous demands of the people of the #EndBadGovernance movement.

“The protestors are not your enemy. We stand shoulder to shoulder with our comrades in Nigeria, fighting for an end to poverty, unemployment and hunger.

“Tens of thousands of Nigerians protested throughout Nigeria August 1 – 10, 2024, to demand an end to austerity measures that are impoverishing the people. The government forces shot live ammunition into crowds of demonstrators, killing up to 50 innocent Nigerians.

“Over 2,000 Nigerians were arrested in the 10-day period. The arrests are continuing with nighttime raids of homes of suspected activists. Release them all immediately!”

The activists also called on the two organisations to prevail on the Federal Government to drop the charges against the protesters.

“We call on the government of Nigeria to immediately release all #EndBadGovernance detainees! Drop the trumped-up charges. End the continuing raids and detentions. Provide legal representation. Target the IMF & World Bank, not the people!” it added.

They also condemned the invasion of the Nigeria Labour Congress headquarters, asking the police to return the materials they took away.

The petition continued, “On August 7, government security forces staged a nighttime raid ransacking the headquarters of the Nigeria Labour Congress, seizing printed materials and other documents. Return the materials and hand them off to the NLC.

“We stand in solidarity with the just demands of the people for jobs, lower prices of food and other essential items to live and support a family.”

The activists also supported the calls to end measures allegedly imposed by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. They added that the measures impoverished workers in the USA.

“The calls for an end to the austerity measures imposed by the IMF and World Bank are justified. Here in the U.S., workers and the poor are also impoverished by the same banks that are hurting the people of Nigeria,” it added.

BIG STORY

Sanwo-Olu Congratulates His Deputy, Obafemi Hazmat At 60

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  • Says DG is a trusted, committed partner

 

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, on his Diamond birthday, describing him as “a trusted, committed and dedicated partner.”

He saidDr. Obafemi Hazmat, who clocks 60 on Thursday, is a brother, friend and partner in the Greater Lagos agenda.

The Governor noted that the cordial relationship between him and his deputy has led to good governance and the delivery of dividends of democracy to millions of Lagosians in the last five years.

Dr. Hazmat, a former Lagos State Commissioner for Science and Technology, as well as Commissioner for Works during former Governors Bola Tinubu and Babatunde Fashola administrations, will clock 60 tomorrow, Thursday, September 19.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a congratulatory message issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, on Wednesday, praised Dr. Hamzat for his long years of dedicated and meritorious service to Lagos State and Nigeria.

Sanwo-Olu, further described Dr. Hazmat as a genius, team player and brilliant administrator, saying that the Deputy Governor’s supportive and positive contributions are evident in the many achievements so far recorded by the current administration.

He said: “On behalf of my family, the government, and the people of Lagos State, as well as the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), I celebrate my dear friend and brother on his 60th birthday.

“Dr. Obafemi Hazmat, who I have known for over two decades, is a genius, administrator per excellence, seasoned technocrat and politician. He is a reliable, hardworking, dependable, supportive, trustworthy and committed partner in the Greater Lagos agenda of our administration.

“The deputy governor’s Diamond birthday is worth celebrating because of his immeasurable contributions to Lagos State and Nigeria, having served passionately in different private and public offices locally and internationally for over three decades.

“As Dr. Obafemi Hazmat joins the league of sexagenarians, I pray that God will increase his good health to enable him to render more service to humanity, Lagos State and Nigeria.”

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Adron Games 2024 Unveiled: ‘Fit To Be The Biggest’ With Sports Icons Daniel Amokachi And Mutiu Adepoju Leading The Charge

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Adron Homes & Properties is excited to announce the official unveiling of the 7th edition of the Adron Games, tagged “Fit to Be the Biggest”. The 2024 edition is set to take place at the renowned Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, from November 29th-30th, 2024, marking the second time the city of Ibadan will host the prestigious sporting event.

The Adron Games is a national platform designed to promote physical fitness, wellness, and community engagement through sports. Having previously held successful editions in Ogun and Lagos states, the 2024 edition is expected to attract over 10,000 athletes and fitness enthusiasts from across Nigeria.

The theme of this year’s Adron Games, “Fit to be the Biggest”, perfectly captures the spirit and ambition of the event. It signifies both the physical and metaphorical journey to greatness, where athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and even spectators are encouraged to embrace the challenge of becoming their best selves, physically, mentally, and competitively.

The theme also promotes the idea that fitness is essential to achieving greatness, whether through competitive sports or in everyday life. It motivates participants to push their boundaries and excel, whether on the field, court, or track, and ultimately reminds them that the journey toward fitness and excellence never stops.

This year’s games will feature a wide array of sporting disciplines, including Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Athletics, Table Tennis, Snooker, Shot Put, Long Jump, E-sports, and the fan-favorite Tug of War.

In a special highlight, Nigerian football legends Daniel Amokachi and Mutiu Adepoju have been announced as the official ambassadors of the event. Both are renowned for their contributions to Nigerian football and are expected to inspire athletes and spectators alike with their presence.

Key Event Highlights:

• Event Dates: November 29th-30th, 2024

• Venue: Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan

• Ambassadors: Daniel Amokachi, Mutiu Adepoju, Vanessa Jones and MC Relax

• Sporting Events: Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Athletics, Table Tennis, Snooker, Shot Put, Long Jump, E-sports, and Tug of War

• Special Guests: Sports icons, fitness personalities, and celebrity appearances

• Participants: Over 10,000 athletes and fitness enthusiasts

• Prizes: Cash prizes, trophies, and awards for winners in various categories

Speaking at the unveiling, Daniel Amokachi emphasized the importance of corporate sponsorship in fostering young Nigerian talents, praising Adron Homes for their commitment to promoting sports.

He said “Sports in Nigeria need more support from businesses and brands to help discover and nurture talents among our youth. Organizations like Adron Homes, through their consistent support of sports, are boosting Nigeria’s global sports performance,” Amokachi said.

Meanwhile, Mutiu Adepoju lauded the unifying and transformative power of sports and commended Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, Group Managing Director of Adron Homes, for his unwavering commitment to organizing this event annually. “Sports is a powerful tool for unity and fitness, both physically and mentally. I commend Aare Adetola Emmanuelking for his continuous support of sports by organizing this prestigious event. His dedication is vital to the development of sports and the empowerment of youth in Nigeria,” Adepoju remarked.

it will be recalled that, Adron Games is an annual sporting event organized by Adron Homes & Properties to promote physical fitness, wellness, and community engagement through sports. Since its inception, the event has grown into a major national platform, bringing together thousands of athletes, corporate teams, and fitness enthusiasts in the spirit of competition and fun.

Adron Homes, through this sporting event, encourages everyone to view fitness and sports as key to unlocking personal and communal growth, building healthier lifestyles, and fostering unity across different regions, backgrounds, and demographics. “Fit to be the Biggest” represents not only the size and scope of the event but also the opportunity for everyone involved to elevate themselves and inspire others through the power of sport.

For more information, sponsorship, vendor registration and inquiries, please contact: Abiodun 08138432335.

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BREAKING: Yahaya Bello Not In EFCC Custody — Spokesman

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has said that the former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, is not in their custody.

The commission, in a statement on Wednesday by its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said that Bello is still wanted and has an outstanding arrest warrant.

He said, “Media reports today that a former Governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello is in the holding facility of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is incorrect. The Commission wishes to state that Bello is not in its custody.

“Bello, already declared wanted by the Commission for alleged N80.2billion money laundering charges, remains wanted with a subsisting warrant for his arrest.”

 

More to come…

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