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The Lagos High Court, Ikeja has adjourned its siting till April 23 to rule on the application filed by Justice Mohammed Yinusa, asking it to quash the corruption charges against him.

The trial judge, Justice Sherifat Solebo fixed the date after listening to arguments of parties in the case. On the 18th of January, Justice Yinusa was arraigned on five counts bordering on corruption alongside one Esther Agbo, a staff of the Law Firm of Rickey Tarfa (SAN).

The judge among other things was accused of receiving the sum of N1.5million paid to him by his co-defendant, Esther Agbo in order to give decisions in favour of the Chambers of the Law Firm of Rickey Tarfa.The duo had pleaded not guilty to the charges.

At the resumed hearing of the matter on Friday, Counsel to Justice Yinusa, Robert Clarke (SAN) argued a preliminary objection filed by his client seeking to quash the charges against him.

The lawyer urged the court to follow due process of law with regards to the constitutional provision of law on the discipline of a judicial officer.

Clarke said, “Of the five charges against the defendant, three have been adjudged not guilty by the National Judicial Council (NJC). The remaining two on which he was sanctioned are not included in the charges presently before the court”.

The Counsel also held that, according to the constitution, the position of the NJC must be approved by the presidency and this has not been done for over 22 months.

Clarke, therefore, urged the court not to be dragged into reviewing the decision of the Court of Appeal in Justice Nganjiwa’s case especially as his client is still a serving judicial officer whose appointment had not been terminated by the Presidency.

The EFCC’s counsel, Wahab Shittu, in his response argued that the NJC by virtue of Section 153, 158 of the Constitution, has the powers to appoint, dismiss and discipline any judicial officer.

He urged the court to refuse the defendant’s application seeking to quash the charges as the offences contained in it were within the jurisdiction of the court.

The second defendant also argued that the charges against her were grossly incompetent and unknown to law. She urged the court to decline jurisdiction to entertain the charges and in the alternative quash them.

After listening to all the arguments, Justice Solebo adjourned ruling till April 23.

BIG STORY

Federal Government Earmarks N827bn For Education Infrastructure In 2025 Budget

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Nigeria’s President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has announced that the Federal Government has disbursed a total of N34bn in loans to students studying at tertiary institutions across the country through the “Nigeria Education Loan Fund.”

The President made this statement on Wednesday while presenting the N49.7tn 2025 budget estimates to a joint session of the National Assembly. He also highlighted that the government has allocated N826bn for infrastructure development in the education sector for the 2025 fiscal year.

He stated, “Our administration has so far disbursed N34bn to over 300,000 students via the Nigeria Education Loan Fund.”

“In the 2025 budget, we have made provision for N826.90bn for infrastructure development in the educational sector. This provision also includes those for the Universal Basic Education and the nine new higher educational institutions.”

He continued, “We are convinced that Universal Health Coverage initiatives will strengthen primary healthcare systems across Nigeria. In this way, we have allocated N402bn for infrastructure investments in the health sector in the 2025 budget and another N282.65bn for the Basic Health Care Fund.”

“Our hospitals will be revitalised with medication and better resources, ensuring quality care for all Nigerians.”

“This is consistent with the Federal Government’s planned procurement of essential drugs for distribution to public healthcare facilities nationwide, improving healthcare access and reducing medical import dependency.”

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BIG STORY

President Tinubu Targets N1,500 Per Dollar Rate In 2025 Budget Goals

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Nigeria’s President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Wednesday, stated that the Federal Government aims to stabilise the exchange rate at N1,500 to the dollar to ensure the smooth implementation of the 2025 budget.

This marks a reduction of about N200 from the current rate of N1,700 to a dollar.

President Tinubu made this known while presenting the 2025 Appropriation Bill to a joint session of the 11th National Assembly in Abuja.

“The budget projects that inflation will decline from the current rate of 34.6% to 15% next year, while the exchange rate will improve from approximately N1,700 per dollar to N1,500. The base crude oil production assumption is set at 2.06 million barrels per day”, he said.

“The projections are based on the following observations: reducing the importation of petroleum products, increasing exports of refined petroleum”. He added.

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BIG STORY

JUST IN: 32 Reportedly Die In Ibadan Children Programme Stampede

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At least 32 people have tragically lost their lives during a stampede at a children’s carnival in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, in the early hours of Wednesday.

A statement from the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, revealed that the stampede occurred at a private children’s funfair at Islamic High School, Basorun, resulting in the deaths of 32 people, mostly children, with some others sustaining injuries.

He mentioned that the state government promptly deployed a rapid response team to the site following the incident.

The commissioner confirmed that the victims have been transported to various hospitals across Ibadan for medical treatment.

While thanking the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, for quickly activating all available response teams to assist at the scene, Oyelade emphasized that the state government will do everything possible to support the victims of the stampede during this difficult time.

He noted that the sate government was not involved in the planning of the carnival, adding that the Ministry of Health was also not carried along in the organisation of the private end of the year children funfair.

Oyelade emphasised the importance of proper coordination when organising events of such magnitude, especially those involving children and elders.

“We are currently awaiting a detailed report from the Commissioner of Police to clarify the total number of victims involved in this unfortunate incident,” he said.

The commissioner urged parents who are concerned about the whereabouts of their children to check the following medical facilities in Ibadan where affected children were taken for proper medical attention, with a valid means of identification:

  • Patnas Hospital, Basorun
  • Western Hospital, Basorun
  • Ringroad State Hospital
  • Molly Specialist Hospital
  • University College Hospital (UCH)

“Oyo State Government extends its deepest sympathies to the families affected by this tragedy while also urging the public to remain calm and cooperative as relevant pieces of information are gathered and necessary supports arranged for the victims,” he added.

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