News
State Governments Can Offset, Waive Minor Fines Owed By Inmates – Aregbesola
The Federal Government has revealed that state governors can offset or grant waivers to inmates with fines less than N1 million.
This is according to the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, during the commissioning of a 20-bed space medical facility at Port Harcourt maximum security custodial centre.
Aregbesola said while the Federal Government is finding long time solutions to the challenge of prison decongestion, the State Government can in the meantime provide basic supports, like offsetting the meager fines and debts, building court houses at the correctional services premises or try the defendants virtually from the Correctional Centres for speedy determination of cases.
He held that some of the inmates are held behind bars for minor offences that can be easily waved by the states.
The Minister further stated that he recently asked the comptroller of Correctional centres to compile the list of inmates whose reason for incarceration is a fine or a debt not more than one million naira that are meant to be paid to the state governments.
According to him, about 5,000 inmates where shortlisted under this category and most of them have stayed long enough in the care of the Federal Government to consume foods worth more than they are supposed to pay as fines and debt to the states.
According to him, in Rivers State, there are about 22 of such inmates and the 22 of them are collectively owing a little above 3million naira, an amount he thinks the State Government can offset or wave for the inmates to be freed.
The minister noted that apart from reducing the financial burden on the Federal Government, such decisions by the state will also help in decongesting the correctional centres.
He said for instance, the Maximum facility in Port Harcourt was built 1,800 inmates, but as of May 12, 2023 the centre was holding 3,100 inmates.
While emphasizing that the situation in Port Harcourt is a reflection of the cases in most of the facilities across the country, the minister said Additionally, the Federal Government is building 6 mega facilities with at least 3,000 capacity in the six geopolitical zones to further decongest the existing facilities.
The one for the South-South is located in Bori in Khana Local Government Area of the Ogoni ethnic group in Rivers State.
News
Troops Free 8 Abducted Wedding Guests in Kano
Nigerian troops have successfully rescued eight wedding guests who were kidnapped earlier this week in Kano State, the military announced today.
The victims, all attendees of a wedding ceremony, were abducted by gunmen in a rural area on the outskirts of Kano metropolis. The attackers reportedly ambushed the convoy of guests returning from the event late at night.
Acting on intelligence and swift response, troops from the Nigerian Army conducted a coordinated rescue operation in the early hours of Wednesday. The eight hostages—five men and three women—were freed unharmed during the raid on the kidnappers’ hideout.
According to a brief statement from the Defence Headquarters, the operation also resulted in the neutralization of several suspected kidnappers, with others fleeing into nearby bushes. No military casualties were reported.
The rescued individuals have been reunited with their families and received medical checks. Authorities are continuing efforts to apprehend the remaining fleeing suspects and recover any looted items.
This rescue comes amid heightened security concerns in parts of northern Nigeria, where kidnappings for ransom targeting social gatherings, travelers, and rural communities remain a persistent threat.
The military reiterated its commitment to intensifying operations against banditry and kidnapping syndicates across the region.
News
Judge Withdraws from EFCC’s Case Against Ex-AGF Malami
A Federal High Court judge has recused himself from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) high-profile case against former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), citing personal reasons.
Justice Obiora Egwatu made the announcement in open court on Thursday, stating that he was stepping aside “for personal reasons and in the interest of justice.
”The matter involves the EFCC’s pursuit of interim forfeiture of properties allegedly worth over ₦213 billion linked to Malami, as well as related proceedings.
The case had earlier been assigned following an ex-parte order granted by another judge.
With the recusal, the file is expected to be returned to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for reassignment to a new presiding judge.
The development marks the latest twist in the long-running legal action against the former minister, which continues to attract significant public interest.
News
Man dies, wife injured as truck crushes car in Lagos
A man lost his life while his wife sustained critical injuries on Thursday morning after a granite-laden truck overturned and crushed their Toyota saloon car at Eleko Junction along the Lekki–Ajah Expressway in Lagos State.
The incident was confirmed in a statement by the Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Adebayo Taofiq.
Rescue teams from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and other first responders arrived at the scene, where the man was confirmed dead on the spot.
His wife was extricated from the wreckage with multiple injuries and rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent treatment. Her condition remains critical, according to hospital sources.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and police have cordoned off the area to manage traffic and commence investigation.
Preliminary findings suggest possible speeding and brake failure on the part of the truck driver, who has been taken into custody for questioning.
This latest road crash adds to the growing concern over reckless driving and poor vehicle maintenance on Lagos roads, where heavy trucks frequently share space with smaller vehicles and commuters.
Authorities have appealed to motorists to exercise caution and adhere to traffic rules to prevent further loss of life. The identities of the victims are yet to be released pending family notification.
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