TheNewsGuru

Tag: Lagos

  • What a historic visit! Lagos in chains for Buhari, By Adekoya Adebola

    By Adekoya Adebola

    Lagos and its residents would live to tell the story of their pains and sufferings as their lives is abruptly disrupted and put on hold with grave economic and social loss because the person they voted, campaigned and some of them even starved to put in power through the ballot came visiting them. Can any visit be more historic than that?

    In a world where Presidents commute in public transports and even have coffee right in the midst of the city square, Nigeria is still gauged with so much of nothingness and ravaged with so much of charades paraded across the length and breadth of our dear country. It is obviously like Emir Sanusi described recently, a country where the few decides the cause of the life of the majority, when the few are visiting, the majority should suffer. What a country! There is no doubt that Lagos woke up this morning to untold hardship.

    Lagos is the economic base of Nigeria and to imagine that the most viable economy base of Nigeria is under lock and key for 48 hours simply because the President is visiting at a time they claimed Nigeria is coming out of recession. Yet they call it historic…how more historic can it be to lose about N8billion in revenue when a nation is just trying to recover?

    The question is which competent manager or leader have done this? To make it more historic a visit is to put that average boy and girl on the street of Lagos who earns and survives on the daily earnings to hungry and fasting for today, and to get every nook and cranny taken over by traffic gridlock, and then the major highways of Ikorodu Road and Victoria Island cleared for Mr President just to commission a bus terminal, and yet the people who voted him are trekking miles to reach their destinations, simply to get them to come out and welcome their historic visitor according to the Governor of Lagos State.

    What a price Nigerians have to pay to get the change that really has no change to offer. A change from bad to worse. A change where the average Nigerian amounts to nothing and the interests of the very few is considered well and above that of the hundreds of millions that elected them to represent them in government with a view that they would offer them a future without pain, but this is a far cry from expectation.

    And Lagos is in chains for President Muhammad Buhari to visit Lagos. Nigeria must come forth anew. A New Nigeria is imminent, Alliance for New Nigeria is the difference. For the truth is that we cannot be having the same people and expect them to bring forth a New Nigeria where this kind of visits happens, and life goes on without anyone and everyone experiencing this type of pain.

    Today, we relate the voice of millions of Nigerians. He may be poor because they have made him so. She may be sick because they have offered no quality health care or social security. But this Nigerian will rise again and make his or her voice count come 2019 when the Nigerian shall form an Alliance to birth a New Nigeria that when the President is visiting any part of Nigeria, the Nigerian would have no reason to be in pain or his or her city in chains.

    As a party, we want to register our condemnation of this act and do not think it reflect and show any change from the old. Therefore we are registering our voice in alliance with the people of Lagos State who have gone on social media and have registered their pains for the chains Governor Ambode put on Lagos today because of his cohorts who are visiting.

    We are calling on all Nigerian youth and those young adults across our nation that we cannot continue to allow this type of leadership and governance anymore, and we are going to be trusting that through the instrumentality of the ballot we shall change this, because a NEW NIGERIA must emerge where life is valued and catered for.

    Thank you.

    Signed

    Com. Adekoya Adebola

  • Buhari in Lagos: Travelers, commuters, groan over restriction of movement by security agencies

    Some travellers and commuters were on Thursday, forced to walk long distances to the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos to catch their flights, following restriction of movement around the airport vicinity by security operatives.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the movement restriction around the airport is due to the visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to Lagos.

    The president is expected to inaugurate the newly constructed Ikeja Bus Terminus among other engagements.

    NAN reports that as early as 5 a.m, commercial buses and other unauthorised vehicles were restricted from plying the Agege Motor Road, Airport Road, Mobolaji Bank-Anthony Way and other link roads.

    Activities of shuttle buses and taxis within the airport were also restricted, forcing commuters and travelers going to the airport, to walk long distances to their destinations.

    NAN observes that the situation had also affected flight operations by domestic airlines, which had to delay their 7 a.m flights for about an hour to enable stranded passengers catch up with fights.

    Air Peace, in a statement posted on its Facebook page empathised with its guests over the situation.

    “We empathise with our esteemed guests who are having a challenge accessing the airport to catch their flights due to the diversion of traffic at various points In Lagos.

    “This is currently affecting flights out of our base in Lagos despite the availability and readiness of our crew to operate their flights.

    “We urge our valued guests to remain calm, while we monitor the development and take steps to minimise the impact of the resulting flight disruptions,’’ the airline said.

    Similarly, Arik Air, in continuous public announcements, appealed to passengers already checked in on its 8 a.m Lagos-Port Harcourt flight to exercise patience with other passengers yet to arrive due to the movement restriction.

    However, Henrietta Yakubu, the General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), explained that the restriction on commercial vehicles was to allow smooth movement during the president’s visit.

    An aviation expert and a member of the Aviation Round Table, Retired Capt. John Ojikutu , faulted the early closure of the access way to the airport which caused discomfort to travelers.

    “Knowing that most flights outbound Lagos are between 7 a.m/7.30 a.m, the closure of the airport that is built within urban developed area like MMA should not have come before 7.30 a.m.

    “Access control for vehicular movement should have been limited not beyond the roundabout near the Forte Oil and the roundabout near the Bisam Police Station.

    “The experience of passengers into the airport today should not be on the president as most people would want.

    “Rather, on the state government and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) mainly and FAAN which could have jointly assess the impact of the visit to the airport on the public,’’ he said.

    Two travelers, Ejike Agu and Augustine Iweh, told NAN that advanced notices should have been sent to travelers to enable them prepare for the inconveniences caused by the restriction.

    Mr. Agu said “some of us are going home for the Easter holidays and it is not good that we are treated this way. It took me hours to get to the airport as I had to trek from Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way.’’

    Mr. Iweh said he was lucky to get a cab driver who was able to navigate his way to the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) of the airport in spite of the restriction.

    “But it cost me N5, 000; At least, I got here without too much stress unlike some other people,’’ he said.

    NAN observes that a number of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority personnel, the Nigeria Air Force, Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, have been deployed around the airport to beef up security ahead of the president’s visit. (NAN)

  • In Photos: Dignitaries at the 10th Bola Ahmed Colloquium

    In celebration of his 66th birthday, Former Lagos State Governor and National Leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC) Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is holding the 10th annual Bola Ahmed Tinubu Colloquium at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    The occasion is chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari and well attended by governors, senators, ministers, political leaders and federal lawmakers, among others

    See photos:

  • Lagos shuts major routes, declares holiday for Buhari’s visit

    Ahead of President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to Lagos, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Imohimi Edgal, on Tuesday said there would be temporary road closure and diversions in some areas.

    The routes to be closed are Ikeja, Agege, Maryland, Ikoyi, and Victoria Island.

    Edgal made the announcement at a news conference in Lagos to update the public on security plans for the President’s visit.

    He said that President Buhari would be in Lagos on a two-day official visit on Thursday, March 29 and Friday, March 30.

    The Police commissioner said that President Buhari would be attending a colloquium marking the 66th birthday of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu at Victoria Island, and also be at the official flag-off ceremony for the construction of the Lekki Deep Sea Port Project in Epe.

    Edgal said the President would also tour the Eko Atlantic City and inaugurate the Ikeja Bus Terminal, among other engagements.

    “The temporary road closure and diversions would be within Ikeja, Maryland, Agege Motor Road, Victoria Island and Ikoyi axis.

    “Security engagements are in top gear, as we are working with the Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency.

    “We have done a threat assessment and engaged all stakeholders such as the National Union of Road Transport Workers and commercial bike riders. We are appealing that they abide by our agreement at the meeting.

    “This is to ensure that Mr. President’s visit to Lagos is smooth, safe and hitch-free,” he said.

    Edgal expressed deep regrets for any inconveniences, saying the listed roads would be reopened immediately after the President’s motorcade passes.

    He advised motorists, commercial bus operators and commercial motorcycle riders to observe road diversions or use alternative routes.

    Edgal appealed to residents to cooperate with security agencies during the period of the visit.

  • Patronise Eastern ports to decongest Lagos ports – NPA advises importers, exporters

    Patronise Eastern ports to decongest Lagos ports – NPA advises importers, exporters

    The Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) has appealed to importers and exporters to patronise ports in the Eastern flank of the county to decongest ports in Lagos.

    The NPA’s Managing Director, Mrs Hadiza Bala-Usman, made the appeal at the NPA Special Day at the ongoing 29th Enugu International Trade Fair in Enugu on Saturday.

    Bala-Usman said that patronising the Eastern ports would reduce trucks traffic on Lagos roads as well.

    ‘‘I wish to use this medium to appeal to importers and exporters to patronise the ports in the Eastern flank of the country, namely: Warri, Rivers, Onne and Calabar ports as this will decongest the ports in Lagos,’’ she said.

    The managing director said that NPA had remained resolute in its drive to ensure that the nation’s ports remain safe, secure and customer-friendly, while delivering efficient port services.

    ‘‘I am glad to inform you that NPA is implementing with vigour, the Presidential Order on Ease of Doing Business in the nation’s ports.

    “This is with a view to eradicating all bottlenecks to business transactions in the nation’s seaports.

    ‘‘We will like port users and stakeholders in the nation’s maritime sector to take advantage of this development,’’ Bala-Usman said.

    She maintained that the authority had continued with its vision statement of being the leading port in Africa and making our seaports a pride of the nation in service delivery.

    ‘‘We have made improvement in our port infrastructure, navigational aids and channels with 24 hours port operations, both for berthing of vessels and discharge of cargo,’’ the managing director said.

    Bala-Usman said that NPA had been adhering to policies and strategies as they affect ports operations in ensuring speedy clearance of cargo, improved infrastructure and equipment.

    She said that the authority would continue to improve intermodal transportation systems to encourage speedy transfer of goods from the sea ports.

    ‘‘We anticipate that government’s policies geared toward the diversification of the Nigerian economy will make our ports to attract transshipment of cargoes, which will help to boost our revenue,’’ Bala-Usman said.

    Earlier, the President of Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Chief Emeka Udeze, commended NPA for always partnering with the chamber to educate members of the public on port operations and the ease of shipping their goods.

    Udeze said: ‘‘We are not unmindful of the various measures to decongest out ports.

    ‘‘We say that a lot still need to be done, because importers, especially from this part of the country are still experiencing undue delay and unwarranted bureaucracy in clearing their goods at the ports.

    ‘‘We don’t know when the apportioning of blames amongst operators in the sector will cease.

    ‘‘We believe that what we need to do is to evolve more pragmatic and proactive approaches in resolving these negating issues in the maritime sub-sector, which have continued to be clogs in the wheels of our progress and development.’’

     

  • 2019: Obasanjo in crucial meeting with Kwankwaso, Duke, Agbakoba, 35 political parties in Lagos

    As the 2019 general elections approaches, former President Olusegun Obasanjo is leaving no stone unturned to strategise on a quality performance for his movement.

    As part of the strategies, the former president met with the immediate past Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Governor of Cross Rivers State, Donald Duke and representatives of over 35 political parties.

    In one of such meetings, which held at Protea Hotel, located at 42/44 Isaac John Street, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, Obasanjo was said to have met with 35 political parties under the aegis of the Coalition for New Nigeria.

    Others at the meeting included the Co-Chairmen of the Nigerian Intervention Movement, Mr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), and Dr. Jhalil Tafawa-Balewa, one of the children of Nigeria’s post-independence first Prime Minister, Alhaji Tafawa Balewa.

    Former Governor Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; and a former Special Adviser to Obasanjo, who is the spokesman for the CNM, Mr. Akin Osuntokun, also attended the strategic meeting.

    Some of the political parties represented at the meeting included the Social Democratic Party, Labour Party, Alliance for Democracy, Democratic People’s Congress, Action Alliance, Progressives People’s Alliance, Democratic Alternative and National Conscience Party.

    Others, who attended the Lagos meeting, were Mr. Kenneth Udete, who represented Action Alliance Party; and Mr. Okey Chukwuendu, who represented the All Grand Alliance Party.

    A source, who attended the meeting, told newsmen that Obasanjo emphasised the need to work together ahead of the 2019 general elections.

    The source, who is close to Obasanjo said that the coming together of the various interest groups and individuals had become necessary as that was seen as the only way to defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress in the 2019 elections.

    Speaking on condition of anonymity, the source said, “The meeting was summoned by Obasanjo. He noted that both the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party have failed Nigeria and there is a need to come together. He said his association, Coalition for Nigeria Movement, and the NIM should form a merger.”

    When asked why Kwankwaso was invited to the meeting despite being a member of the ruling APC, the source noted that Kwankwaso had always been an Obasanjo loyalist.

    “Have you forgotten that Kwankwaso was appointed the Minister of Defence by President Obasanjo in 2003? The former governor was not invited because of his ties with the APC but because he also has a huge movement known as the Kwankwasiya in Kano and its environs. Kano is a very strategic state,” the source, a top member of one of the groups, stated.

    “The meeting is not just a political one but an attempt to come up with a unified ideology and strategy for 2019.”

    The source explained that Obasanjo stressed the need for the parties present to prove to Nigerians that they were different from the APC and the PDP, saying Nigerians were tired of the two parties.

    When asked why the meeting was kept secret for so long, the source said Obasanjo insisted that such strategic sessions remained clandestine.

    When contacted on the telephone on Saturday, Agbakoba confirmed the meetings with Obasanjo.

    Agbakoba, who is a co-chairman of the NIM, said the meetings would continue to hold.

    The Senior Advocate of Nigeria stated, “What I can say is yes, that is true. We are exploring the option of working together and those conversations are still ongoing and we have a mutually-agreed agenda that we will have to make an impact in 2019.

    “And that we will not be supporting the APC or the PDP. We have agreed on that but we have not agreed on who the candidate would be and other minute details.”

    When asked if the presence of old politicians like Kwankwaso and Oyinlola in the meetings would not undermine the quest for change, Agbakoba said NIM would be circumspect.

    The former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, added, “I can confirm that Kwankwaso was there and Oyinlola was there, but for us, our concern is that Nigerians need to see a new political plan and we told them in clear terms that if we are to work together, it would present a challenge if the Nigerian voting population see the same old people and then there would be no change. So, that’s where we are.

    “It will be difficult in my view for us to be supporting the same old people who left the PDP and went to the APC to come and join us. It will be very difficult.”

    Attempts to get a response from Kwankwaso about the meetings were futile.

    Calls to the mobile of his spokesperson, Rabiu Bichi, were not returned while a response to a text message sent to him on the subject was still being awaited as of the time of filing this report on Saturday night.

    Attempts to speak with Osuntokun proved abortive as he neither returned calls to his mobile on Saturday nor responded to a text message sent to his telephone.

    Efforts to get Oyinlola to speak on this were unsuccessful. Calls to the former governor’s phone rang out several times while he had yet to respond to the text message sent to him on the same issue as of the time of filing this report.

  • Police arrest 100 in Lagos over violence

    The police in Lagos State have arrested no fewer than 100 persons allegedly involved in a violent clash between two unknown groups at the Scavengers Land near New Garage, Ojota.

    The state Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), Mr Mohammed Ali, made the diclosure to newsmen on Friday.

    He said that the arrested persons had been transferred to the Taskforce Office, Oshodi, Lagos.

    Ali said that the leaders of the two groups were meeting with state Commissioner of Police, Mr Imohimi Edgal, with a view to resolving their conflict amicably.

    “Nobody was killed in the clash. The situation has been brought under control.

    “Our men will be here until total peace is restored,” Ali said.

    The two groups were scavengers gathering and selling unserviceable items at a place called “Igidanpani.

    The clash forced shops in the New Garage and some parts of Ojota to close.

    “We don’t really know what caused the crisis. We were surprised to see people scampering.

    “It started on Thursday but the police brought the situation under control.

    “The groups started again today, forcing shops in the area to close,“ a vulcanizer, who identified himself simply as Adeshina, told newsmen in Ojota.

    Meanwhile the state Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode visited the scene on Friday evening for an on-the-spot assessment.

    He ordered closure of the New Garage as a measure to end the crisis.

    The governor warned against violence of any sort, saying that the government would not tolerate it.

     

     

  • Lagos Land Use Charged Act will further impoverish people — Labour

    The United Labour Congress (ULC) has lent its voice to the cries against the new Lagos State Land Use Charge Act saying it would create housing deficit and impoverish the people.

    The president of ULC, Mr Joe Ajaero, who fielded questions from journalists on Tuesday in Lagos, called for the immediate withdrawal of the Act.

    Recall that the new Lagos State Land Use Charge Law on Jan. 28, 2018 replaced that of 2001.

    Gov.ernor Akinwumi Ambode had said that the tax was designed to help the government to generate additional revenue needed to develop the state in the light of increasing demand for urban and rural infrastructure and other expenditure.

    According to Ajaero, the tax is heavily weighted against the poor who do not have their own houses and who depended on the rich for housing.

    He said the Act which raised land use charges payable in the state to between 400 and 500 per cent was hard for the poor.

    The ULC leader said that it would have been appropriate for the state government to improve on the provision on housing deficit before such law was enacted.

    “It is on record that Nigeria suffers housing deficit and Lagos as one of the most urbanised state and has a high deficit.

    “The implication of this is that the supply of housing is short and creates a landlord’s market where the masses have little option in the face of landlord decisions,’’ he said.

    Ajaero said that anything that would raise the cost of providing houses by the landlords would automatically be transferred to the tenants.

    “As soon as it becomes operational, landlords will immediately transfer it to their tenants by raising rents payable on their properties.

    “Lagos is a city built by the people and its sustenance also depends on the people, and in making it a megacity, it should be inclusive for both the rich and the poor,’’ he said.

    The labour leader, however, advised Ambode not to place politics and Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) above the people as governance was for the people and not the people for governance.

    He urged the government to take into cognisance the workers and the underprivileged in its actions and policies.

  • Lagos Land Use Charge against democratic ideals – LCCI

    Sanctions to defaulters under the Reviewed Land Use Charge Law of Lagos are too severe and not in tandem with democratic ideals.

    The President of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Babatunde Ruwase, made the observation in Lagos on Friday during a stakeholders’ forum on Lagos Land Use Charge Law, 2018.

    He said that while the chamber would not encourage or support any form of infractions of the law, the sanctions must be proportional and fair.

    The Land Use Charge law stipulates a 25 per cent increase in charge if payment is not made between 45 and 75 days.

    It also prescribed a 50 per cent increase after 105 days and a 100 per cent increase if payment is not made between 75 and 105 days.

    The law further prescribed that a property shall be liable to enforcement if payment is not made after 135 days of notice.

    “There would be instances where the citizens are willing to pay but just do not have the capacity to pay, given the state of the economy.

    “The Nigerian economy is only just gradually recovering from recession. Many companies are yet to return to profitability.

    “Industrial capacity utilisation has declined, purchasing power is still very weak, occupancy rate in many commercial and residential properties are still very low.

    “All of these have adversely impacted the returns on investment in property market and points to the fact that current market value of property may not necessarily reflect the rental income for the property,” Ruwase said.

    He said that only 300,000 property were paying the charge, while 700, 000 property were identified for tax payment.

    According to him, emphasis should be on getting more property into the tax net, rather than imposing additional burden on those currently on the database.

    He urged government to explore the platform presented by VAIDS to capture more property owners into the net.

    Ruwase suggested that implementation of the law be suspended, while the grey areas should be sorted out in the interest of fairness, equity and natural justice.

    According to him, there is no evidence to show that adequate dissemination of information to critical stakeholders had been done; noting that the conditions stipulated for law review occurred before its implementation.

    He said that stakeholders were concerned that assessed value used for computation of the law was high and difficult to justify.

    According to him, the business community appreciates government’s efforts in investing in infrastructure and security and businesses are willing and ready to pay their tax.

    He appealed to the government to create a tax environment that would be fair, equitable, inclusive, transparent and investment friendly.

    Lagos State Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Akinyemi Ashade, said the law was aimed at entrenching a regime of self assessment that would allow property owners to make their own calculation and know their rate with the help of professional valuers.

    Ashade said various reliefs had been made available to payers, including a general 40 per cent relief for all property liable to LUC payment.

    According to him, property of N10m and below constitute 75 per cent of property owners in the state and are expected to pay N5,000 per annum as land use charge.

    Ashade said the new law also established an Assessment Appeal Tribunal which authorises the adoption of Alternative Dispute Resolution in resolving disputes concerning LUC, provided the appeal was lodged within 30 days after the receipt of the notice.

     

  • N650m fraud: Akinjide’s lawyer seeks Lagos court’s movement to Ibadan

    A frantic effort was made on Thursday by lawyers to get the Federal High Court in Lagos to move its sitting to Ibadan in the ongoing trial of former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Jumoke Akinjide for alleged N650 million fraud.

    The judge, however, ruled that trial would continue on March 9 in Lagos.

    Akinjide is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) along with a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, who is said to be “at large”.

    Also charged with them are a former Senator, Ayo Adeseun, and a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Olarenwaju Otiti.

    The accused are charged with conspiring to directly take possession of N650 million which they reasonably ought to have known formed part of proceeds of an unlawful act and without going through a financial institution.

    When continuation of trial resumed on Thursday, Counsel to the second accused, Mr Michael Lana, informed the court that a letter had already been written to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for the court’s sitting to be moved to the Ibadan Division.

    According to Lana, the second accused is charged with offences which consequently require the defence to produce witnesses in about 11 local governments areas of Ibadan, saying the defence has numerous witnesses to call.

    “We are not seeking a transfer of this case to another judge or court; we are only seeking a change of venue for My Lord, Justice Hassan, to seat in Ibadan via a fiat.”

    Besides, the defence counsel also told the court that he had also filed a motion dated March 7, seeking an order of the court, directing the complainant to supply those document referred to but not supplied in the proof of evidence.

    Citing a Supreme Court decision in the case of Okoye Vs C. O. P as well as the provisions of Sections 379 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, he urged the court to hear his application before a further prosecution witness is called.

    In the same vein, the third defence counsel, Mr Akinola Oladeji, indicated that he had an application seeking that the charges against the third accused be quashed, or in the alternative, that the case be transferred to the Ibadan Division.

    According to him, the third accused intends to call at least 65 witnesses from nine council areas where she served, including party leaders, chairmen and other witnesses.

    “I respectfully urge the court to be mindful of the Latin maxim “hastina litin” which according to him, means “hasten slowly”.

    Olajide added that prosecution witnesses were intended to give evidences in connection with their investigations, adding that the defence was at a“complete loss”as to the document sought to be tendered, noting they were not attached to the proof of evidence.

    He urged the court to be mindful of the position of the law.

    In relation to defence’s application for supply of document to be relied on by prosecution witnesses, Counsel to the first accused, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN), also agreed with the submissions of other defence counsel.

    He urged the court to exhibit caution in looking at the application before it.

    Responding, the EFCC Prosecutor, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, said he had yet to receive the motion referred to by the counsel to the second accused.

    He said he was not aware of the letter written to the Chief Judge as stated by second defence counsel, adding that the instant charge which began in Ibadan was transferred twice at the instance of the defence counsel.

    Oyedepo conceded that in line with Sections 379 of the ACJA 2015, the prosecution had duly complied with the provisions of the law by supplying the defence a summary of the statement of the proposed prosecution witnesses.

    He referred the court to go through the proof of evidence.

    In a short ruling, Justice Hassan held that the court had yet to see the application of the second accused or the letter, and so, could not make any pronouncement on same.

    Meanwhile, the court held that in its view, the prosecution had complied with the provisions of the law since the document sought to be relied on by the second prosecution witness was listed in the proof of evidence.

    The court then urged the prosecutor to call its second witness (PW2), who swore to the Holy Quran, and in his evidence-in-chief, he introduced himself as Mr Usman Zakari, an EFCC operative, who is saddled with investigations of economic and financial crimes.

    Oyedepo asked: Do you know the defendants?

    The witness replied in the affirmative and further explained that early 2015, the commission received a “Top classified category A intelligence”, stating that sometime in December 2014, there was a meeting at the residence of the then Minister of Petroleum Resources (Allison-Madueke).

    Before the witness could proceed further with his evidence, the second defence counsel, (Lana) raised an objection.

    “My Lord, what the witness has just said is completely not in the proof of evidence; there is no where it is mentioned in the proof of evidence.

    “You see, this is what we were saying all along.”

    The prosecutor urged the court to allow the witness to emphasize the “punch line” of his testimony before the defence’s objection.

    The defence counsel on the other hand, maintained that a copy of the intelligence report referred to by the witness “must first” be made available to the defence before the continuation of his evidence.

    Harping on his position, he cited Sections 36 (6) of the 1999 Constitution, insisting that the report should be produced.

    Other defence counsel also agreed with Lana’s submissions.

    In a short ruling, Justice Hassan adjourned the case until March 9 for continuation of trial and ordered the prosecution to supply the defence with all necessary documents.

    He urged the defence to avail the prosecution a list of the documents so sought.