The police on Thursday said they have arrested alleged gang leader Balogun Olamilekan Eletu, Sammy Larry, as widely known, in connection to the ongoing investigation into the controversial death of Afrobeats musician Promise Aloba, whose stage name was Mohbad.
“Balogun Olamilekan Eletu, aka Sam Larry, is now in our custody. He is currently assisting with an ongoing investigation,” the police said in an update on Thursday.
Sam Larry was named as a person of interest in the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the sudden death of Mohbad a few weeks ago. He is a known ally of musician Azeez Fashola aka Naira Marley, who is another person of interest in the case.
Footages that emerged following the death of Mohbad on September 12th documented the series of abuses and maltreatment the deceased was subjected to after he departed from the Naira Marley-owned Marlian Records label.
In one of those footages, Sam Larry, who singer Portable name-dropped as the founder of the notorious ‘One Million Boys’ gang known for assaults, armed robbery and raping, could be seen disrupting a Mohbad video shoot set alongside Omoniyi Temidayo aka Zlatan.
Sam Larry had been out of the country since the footage started circulating online, but a video posted on social media late on Thursday showed him being escorted by three men from the airport.
The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Kaduna State is set to deliver its judgement via zoom.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its Candidate, Isah Mohammed Ashiru, had filed petition against the election of Uba Sani of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as governor of Kaduna.
Proceeding had not commenced at 9:50am when this report was filed, but the court room has been set with provision made for transmission of the judgement proceeding via zoom.
The large screen provided, which is already connected to the zoom, read EPT KADUNA 3.
Kano governorship tribunal had similarly delivered judgement via Zoom.
Meanwhile, there is water-tight security at the premises of Kaduna State High Court, Kawo Kaduna where the tribunal is sitting.
A former minister of Education and ex-Board of Trustees member of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Prof Tunde Adeniran, on Tuesday called on the federal government to be transparent and sincere in its approach to solving the incessant strike actions by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other staff unions in tertiary institutions country.
He also warned the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) against making empty threats but focus on ensuring good governance in the sub-region.
He spoke in Abuja during a public presentation of two books he authored entitled: “Some Thoughts on Education in Nigeria” and “Policy Making and International Security”.
Adeniran who was also former Ambassador of Nigeria to Germany, noted no problem could not be solved if the parties involved in the negotiation process were sincere, transparent and committed.
On the best approach to end the incessant ASUU strikes, Adeniran observed that education must be given the right attention, adding that both the goverment and lecturers must see themselves as Nigerians and patriots first during negotiations.
He said: “The ASUU strike occupies a whole chapter in my book which goes into the genesis and what it will take to resolve the incessant and I believe (it is resolvable. There is no problem that cannot be solved, if we are sincere, transparent and committed.
I believe very much that once we regard education, give it as much attention as possible, support it adequately, and give education the right orientation in this country, we will be able to solve so many problems, even the security problems
“I believe that we are going to solve this question of kidnapping, and banditry and some other things when we generally resolved and resort to build a genuine and true nation, whereby we cater for the needs of everybody.
“How do we really solve these strikes? I believe that so many agreements have been reached with the government on quite a number of issues. There is need to sit down and revisit them. When the two parties are transparent and they are sincere, they will be able to solve the problems.
“There are certain agreements that have been reached even as of today, which has become difficult to implement. Let all these issues be discussed. One thing is we usually operate from adversarial position and comments from time to time.
“During negotiations, parties looks at one another, not as the same citizens and nations committed to the same goals but as opponents and enemies which is wrong. We should all put the interests of the country first”.
Speaking on the Nigerien crisis and political climate across Africa, Adeniran warned the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) against making empty threats.
He was reacting to the spate of coup d’etat spreading across the continent and ECOWAS threat to use military intervention in restoring democracy in Niger.
Noting that the ECOWAS leaders must be proactive by thinking ahead, he also stressed the need for the regional leaders to also be realistic.
The diplomat said: “Well, my advice to ECOWAS is that before situations arise, they should be proactive by thinking ahead and when they are thinking ahead, they should also be realistic. It doesn’t pay to make threats that are not credible. If you cannot fulfill, you do not make threats.
“One other thing which is important here is that ECOWAS should pay a lot of attention to good governance. They are shy. They are not ready to tell the various member countries the truth about what is going on.
“When there are certain shortcomings, where we do not have enough commitment to the welfare of the people, they should be bold and courageous enough to let others know because it is of collective interest to have stability, security and above all, to have development that will improve quality of life of citizens.
“Then, at the national level, my advice would be each of them should go back to the drawing board and have dialogue with their various constituents then come up with a constitution that will be able to drive development and improve the quality of life of citizens which will also enable them too to govern effectively. By this, they won’t turn themselves to little emperors. What this means is that there is need for our leaders to revisit their approaches to governance.
The new Cental Bank of Nigeria governor, OLayemi Cardoso has stated how Tinubu’s administration will address Forex scarcity, and inflation in the country.
The Senate on resumption of plenary on Tuesday confirmed the nomination of Olayemi Cardoso as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. Four other nominees of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the offices of Deputy Governors of the apex bank were also confirmed. They included, Mrs Emem Nnana Usoro, Mr Muhammad Sani Abdullahi Dattijo, Mr Philip Ikeazor and Dr Bala M. Bello.
Addressing the gathering of Senators on the floor of the Red Chamber, Cardoso promised to restore the CBN to its core functions.
“A refocused CBN will better serve the country. In restoring the CBN to its core mandate, we must limit CBN to its advisory role and facilitate new regulatory framework,” he said.
Giving an insight into how he will mitigate the free fall of the Naira as against the Greenback, Cardoso highlighted what he called short term and long term measures to address both the devaluation of the Naira and the rising inflationary trend.
He said:” On the issue of foreign exchange which everybody has been talking about is very worrisome. It goes without saying that for the sort of country we want we need to have an exchange rate that is very stable . For a country that we all dream of we need to have an exchange rate that is stable
There are short and medium term measures
“The major short term measure has to do with balance of payments over a period of time like the sort of things that are being done already with respect to ensuring that you are getting more Petroleum Resources and diversifying the economic base of the country. That I believe will continue by the present administration and of course it will take time I think we should take that as a medium.
“The more immediate is what you need to look at . Number one, is what I call operational issue.
“We are aware that there are unsettled obligations by the CBN. Whether it is N$4b, N$5b or N$7b, I don’t know but definitely the immediate priority is to ascertain the extent.
“We need to find a way to take care of that. It will be naive for us to be expecting to succeed if we are not able to handle that side of the foreign exchange market.
“Secondly, we have to be transparent so that any of the players in that market will understand. We have to come up with rules that are transparent that any of the players in that business understands
“You cannot reasonably expect serious foreign investors, portfolio investors Foreign Direct Investment, that is why we were talking about short term we are not going to expect that players
“Those players who will have direct impact on your market will not do so if we do not have an open, transparent system that everybody understands, that can be relied on.
“Those two immediate steps will go a long way to ease up the restrictions and encourage investors to come with their money. The short term measures is something that my team will address. The impact will help us with greater liquidity.
“In setting up those guidelines, one will also have to carry stakeholders along
We should be ready to engage people.
“These are two immediate steps that will go a long way to ease up the restrictions and encourage investors to come with their money. The short term measures is something that my team will address. The impact will help us with greater liquidity. ”
“On the issue of inflation , again there are longer term measures there are shorter term measures and I believe that some of those measures are being taken already.
“We will be looking at evidenced based monetary policies. We must do something about our data capacity to take critical decisions, based on data.
“On the issue of inflation and the price of goods , the jury is out, some people will say structure some people will say it is money supply. It is a combination of both. If indeed it is food inflation we need to ramp up food production.
That is the effort that the fiscal side will tackle and it is tackling and we will collaborate with them to ensure that it happens, if it is energy we know the challenges of energy that if you were importing things into the country that has energy component, automatically you are importing inflation
“The whole objective of ensuring that the energy side of the country is ramped up we also will work very closely with the fiscal side to ensure that it happens.
“Finally, the big issue that comes up any times is the issue of money supply. That has major effect on inflation. Studies have shown that 50% of inflation has been as a result of deficit financing.
“We will do everything to ensure that we work closely with the fiscal side to address deficit financing. Those are the assurances that we can give you. We will ensure collaborative efforts to address the excesses of the past. ”
“We can not afford to have the big challenges from fiscal deficit financing.”
Responding to lawmakers question on the breach of rules by the immediate past Governor of the apex Bank, Godwin Emefiele, Cardoso assured the lawmakers that the CBN under his leadership would insulate itself from manipulations by politicians.
“Under my leadership, we won’t be hijacked by anybody. We will do what is right, when it is right. We have seen the effect of not doing things right. With the resetting of the CBN, we will ensure the culture of compliance.
“We will have zero tolerance for abuse of compliance. One of the key mechanism for compliance is the hallowed Chambers. Now that we propose to have a reset, we are appealing to members of this Chamber to work with us. Whatever the CBN Act says, we need to comply with it. What is lacking is the implementation of compliance. ”
Cardoso assured Nigerians that the CBN under the Tinubu administration would attain $1Trillion Gross Domestic Product in 8 years.
He said:” What is important to us is the element of economic growth. Our feeling is that in identifying the important issues with economic growth, we believe very strongly that size matters.
“The economic policy proposal of the administration identified a set of fiscal reforms and growth patterns that will be achieved in $1trn GDP within 8 years.
In reviewing selected growth targets that can achieve $1trn GDP, interviewing selected countries with large population and similar characteristics as Nigeria, it is interesting to identify micro-economics indices that points to Nigeria’s economic trajectory living faithful to implementation of the proposed economic reforms.
In economies bigger than $1trn these indices include moderate inflation, sizeable foreign reserves and capacity to creating rebound from economic downturn.
In order words to the extent that the administration has defined such a bold target for the country, it is our feeling that achieving this is very critical to achieve the stability that we require in various economic indices, it is not the only thing but it is very important. So we believe that this is the right way to go.
Given this, a refocused CBN will better serve the country through monetary policy interventions and advisory roles that sustain the implementation of the administration fiscal policy.”
One of the nominees, Mr Muhammad Sani Abdullahi Dattijo, also listed efforts in the pipeline to inspire confidence of Nigerians in the apex bank.
” We must restore the bank to its core mandate as Central Bank. It is important to depoliticise the CBN. The third is communication and feedback, especially with the Hallowed chamber. If confirmed, you will see significant amount of communication, transparency and feedback
We will also take important, evidenced based data. We will also take cognisance of monetary and fiscal side.
Popular Nigerian singer, Azeez Fashola popularly known as Naira Marley, who has been a subject of public outrage over the death of fellow musician and former signee, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba aka Mohbad, has denied having a hand in Mohbad’s death.
Naira Marley is the owner of Marlian Music, the record label that formerly signed the late Mohbad.
Mohbad died on Tuesday, September 12, 2023. Following his death, there have been allegations that he was assaulted by Naira Marley and his crew.
However, in a statement he posted on his Instagram page on Tuesday, Naira Marley said though he and Mohbad had misunderstandings, he never fought or attacked him.
Naira Marley, who is not currently in Nigeria said he would return to the country to clear his name.
The statement reads: “In the last few days, there has been a lot of onslaught on my person and reputation globally over the death of my former signee. All manner of stories has been woven against me in respect of his untimely death. I have not only been in shock over the death of the deceased whom I considered to be my brother and member of our music family, but over the various lies spread and threats against me.
“Before I progress further, let me say that as it is traumatic for a lot of people to bear the reality of lleri’s death, so it is to me. May his gentle soul continue to rest in peace and may God grant his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
“Permit me to categorically state that I have no hand in the death of llerioluwa, either directly or indirectly. It is not unusual in the industry, just like in several other industries to have family friction, even amongst blood relatives.
“Truly, we had our own share of misunderstandings whilst working together, but the disagreement between us was never to the extent being painted by some hirelings. It never degenerated to the extent of wishing each other death. Even at that, we were resolving our business disputes legally before he had passed.
“I have chosen not to say anything since due to being distraught over his death and in order not to jeopardize the investigation being carried out by the government agencies.
“In addition, I have been out of the country since the 31st of August, 2023 and I’m yet to return. In light of the police invitation, I am making arrangements to return to the country to assist the investigation and give my version of the events. I am fully cooperating with the Police team and I certainly have no reason to be a fugitive when I have no hand in his death
“I am certain that the culprit behind his death and has a vendetta against me and are fueling public opinions to have me lynched for reasons known to them. In due time the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death will be unveiled and the world will know the truth. This kind of scenario of attempting to set someone up is not novel in the industry as other great musicians have experienced the same and came out better and stronger. Mine will not be an exception as I am innocent of the accusations.
“Mohbad left the label in September 2022, the label accepted his departure. Marlian Music did not stop or interfere with his career or releases since and he has been with oneRPM. Legal efforts were made to reconcile his concerns regarding the work we had done together.
“The rumors regarding the label being a drug cartel are untrue. I am not a drug lord, neither do I Marley belong to any cult or fraternity. I’m dedicated to proving my innocence and I’m cooperating with the authorities to clear my name with sufficient evidence.
“Marlian Music is an independent label run by a small intimate team. We run a legitimate label that focuses on championing exceptional talent, breaking new acts and nurturing them
“I will like to clearly state that I have never fought or attacked Mohbad. For the avoidance of doubt I have never instructed anyone, friend, known associates or fans to attack, bully or harass Mohbad. With regards to the talent on the label, none of our artists ever fought or mistreated Mohbad.
“I share my deepest condolences to the family. Let’s be mindful as we seek justice to focus on supporting the police and authorities with relevant information and evidence surrounding his death so that those responsible will be apprehended. I am positive that at the end of the day. the truth will prevail and I shall be exonerated.
“My lawyers are already in touch with the police and government agencies and will support in every way necessary.
“Without a doubt I will honor his memory and I promise to do right by him and his family.”
On October 6, 2022, Mohbad made a series of posts which read, “The events of the last two days have left indelible scars in my heart. I have always just wanted to create good music and to provide for my family and myself through my music. As an Artiste from the street, I thought the Marlian Family would be a good place for me.
“However, recent events and certain truths have come to light which threaten my peace, health and career. Because of these issues, I informed Naira Marley on the Marlian WhatsApp group chat of my intention to change my manager.
“This didn’t go down well with my current Manager Tunde (His Brother) There were instant angry outbursts and protests from him in the chat. I went to Naira Marley’s house with my Producer and my friend on the 4th of October, 2022, to have this conversation and reach a peaceful-resolution.
“We were in the studio, and some of the guys who work with Naira- Sid, Shuddy, Seyi and others- were present, as well as Naira and Tunde. I noticed Tunde was quite agitated as we started the discussion. In the middle of the conversation, Tunde became violent and-attacked me.
“The guys I was with were also attacked, humiliated and stripped naked by Sid, Shuddy and Seyi and some of the other boys. We were barely able to escape. 3 of us had to be checked into the hospital to get medical care for the injuries sustained during the assault.
“Naira Marley was fully present throughout this event, and in fact, coordinated some of the attacks as he instructed the boys to beat us up. Some of this was captured on video.
“It is therefore disrespectful for Naira Marley to insinuate that I started the attack because I was intoxicated as he is fully aware of the facts and circumstances surrounding this violent attack. It is not the first time Naira has lied to push his own narrative, but it will hopefully be the last.”
The naira on Tuesday exchanged at N1,000 to the United States dollar at the parallel market, a historic dip that spotlights the weakness of President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to manage the national currency amid runaway inflation.
While the central bank’s rate appeared to stabilise at N768 per dollar over the past week, the currency value has sunk to critical depths for those trying to access it at the parallel market, where most foreign exchange transactions are conducted in Nigeria.
According to Abokifx, a website that aggregates daily rates for Nigerians using parallel market sources, the dollar sold at N1,000 on Tuesday morning.
Abokifx gained prominence shortly after the naira began a steep freefall in 2016, following President Muhammadu Buhari’s brazen display of power over the central bank’s activities, which turned off international investors and reduced dollar inflow into Nigeria even as demand grew from within the country.
Ousted Governor Godwin Emefiele of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) attacked Abokifx in 2021 for allegedly manipulating the exchange rate at the parallel market.
Abokifx’s shutdown in September 2021 has so far done nothing to stop the naira’s free fall and steep crashing at the parallel market. But critics admonished Mr Emefiele at the time to focus on stabilising the naira rather than his 2023 presidential ambition, which appeared to have distracted him from functioning efficiently as Nigeria’s top banker.
The naira has continued to depreciate considerably against the dollar despite Mr Tinubu’s attempt to allow the free market to determine its value. It was exchanging at about N650 when Mr Tinubu took over from Mr Buhari on May 29.
Spokespersons for both the presidency and the central bank did not return Peoples Gazette’s requests seeking comments about the naira’s historic fall on Tuesday.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced a policy, barring parents from choosing preferred courses for their children, especially those living with disabilities, seeking admissions into tertiary institutions.
JAMB’s Registrar, Isqau Oloyede broke the information while reacting to the comment by the National President, the National Association of Visually Impaired Students, headed by Stanley Onyebuchi at the First Conference of JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG) in Abuja Monday.
The Conference has as its theme: ”Towards Increasing Equal Opportunity of Access to Higher Education in Nigeria”.
The programme also featured the unveiling of the Strategic Roadmap for Inclusive Access to Quality Higher Education in Nigeria 2024-2028.
“There was a case of a student that wanted to study law, it was her stepfather that said he cannot allow her to go as far as Calabar to study law but asked that she be enrolled in Kaduna State University.
“This is because the course she showed interest in was not available at the university but the father asked that she study special education.
“We have now taken a decision that henceforth, just like with regular admissions, no parent will be allowed to have a say in the admission choice of candidates with disabilities,” he said.
In his opening address, Oloyede said that the board was ready not only to facilitate access but ensure equity as special arrangements had been made for inclusivity of PWDs to acquire tertiary education.
Meanwhile, the National President, National Association of Visually Impaired, Stanley Onyebuchi had said that some of their members faced some sorts of rejection from tertiary institutions in the areas of their choice courses.
Onyebuchi said when PWDs sought for admissions in tertiary institutions, some of the institutions castigated them saying they were not meant to be in their institution.
He added that the economic hardship occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy had taken a toll on its members as many of them no longer continued their education.
“I want the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities to take note of our predicaments.
”If it means a sensitisation visit, we don’t mind going round because for us, the visually impaired persons, education is key to our success, anything that will hinder us from achieving this we will not take it.
“Also with the increment in the tuition fees, that has discouraged our members from going back to school. I want to suggest that since the government want our children to be out of the streets, there should be free education for all persons with disabilities in all the tertiary institutions,” he said.
He, therefore, advocated for a good working environment saying that PWDs most times lacked some assisting devices that would make them work effectively.
Declaring the Conference open, the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, said the Federal government was paying attention to ensure that every member of the society have equal access to education.
Mamman said that equal opportunity to higher education must begin with inclusivity while calling on tertiary institutions, their communities on inclusive access for PWDs.
“We must work by focusing on an accessible learning environment where physical appropriate environment is needed and an inclusive curriculum for all students.
“Support services should be readily available in the institutions, faculty and staff training who will be sensitive to the need of the diversity must be put into consideration.
“All information from application processes in the format that will suite the PWDs must also be ensured,” he said.
The Ministry however promised to continue in the delivery of President Bola Tinubu’s mandates by focusing on policies that promote inclusivity and unity.
In the same vein, the Chairman,of the House of Representatives Committee on Disability, Dr Bashiru Daudu said the house would soon commence raising awareness on the Disability Act 2018.
Daudu said that the committee would start implementation of the act in January 2024 saying this would address the needs of PWDs in the country.
Also, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, Senator Ahmad Kaita, pledged to explore innovative funding to ensure all Nigerians have equal opportunity to higher education.
Veteran Nollywood actor who was one of one of the arrow head of Wale Adenuga production’s series of the Super Story, Chief Yemi Adeyemi, aka Suara is dead.
Notable theatre practitioner, academic and critic, Dr. Shaibu Husseini announced his death on Monday.
Dr. Husseini noted that Chief Adeyemi passed away on Sunday, September 24, 2023.
“I have been reliably informed that veteran actor Chief Yemi Adeyemi aka Suara has transited.
Popular as Suara, Chief Adeyemi rode to prominence playing Suara in the long rested ‘Oh Father, Oh Daughter’ series of the hugely popular Super Story stories by Wale Adenuga Productions.
“Baba Suara as some of us his younger colleagues simply called him, reportedly “acted out” this Sunday. Journey well Baba Suara. You will be sorely missed. Odigba Sir. Journey Well…..”
Chief Adeyemi became popular for his role as Suara, who was paired with veteran sizzling actress Sola Sobowale for her role as Toyin Tomato.
The circumstances surrounding the actor’s death is yet to be made official by family members to the interested members of the public. .
The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, September 27, 2023 as public holiday in commemoration of Eil-ul- Maulid celebration.
The celebration signifies the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW)
In a statement which the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Oluwatoyin Akinlade, issued on his behalf, Minister of Interior, Hon Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, congratulated Muslims for witnessing this year’s occasion.
He also admonished them to imbibe the spirit of love, patience, tolerance and perseverance which are deep spiritual virtues that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him ) exemplified.
The Minister urged youths to embrace hard work and peaceful dispositions to fellow citizens irrespective of faith, ideology, social class and ethnicity.
The National President of Congress Of University Academics (CONUA), Niyi Sunmonu, has emphasised the need for actions to complement the commitments of President Bola Tinubu’s administration on various policies such as student loans.
Sunmonu spoke on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics when asked to comment on the performance of Tinubu’s administration with regard to its early-days enactment of the Students Loan Act.
The CONUA president emphasised the need for concrete measures to match the government’s promises as well as the importance of action by referring to the congress’ objections, which he said it submitted to the government in August.
“The student loan is about promises; it is about pronouncements. We need to see it in action and see how it works,” he said.
Sunmonu decried that the legislative summit held by the House of Representatives last month did not have “the sub-unions” represented.
“If any union would be there, we must be part of those that would look at that because we are a player,” he said.
“All these issues, when they take them on board and we start seeing the action, we can then evaluate the action.”
One of the key issues Sunmonu raised was the loan’s eligibility requirements.
“Part of it is the conditioning for accessing the loan. Part of it is the committee that will consider those that will apply for the loan,” he stated
