Connect with us

News

EFCC slammed with N10m damages for declaring pastor, wife wanted without court order

Avatar

Published

on

A Federal High Court in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, has ruled that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) must pay damages of N10 million to Pastor Oyinmiebi Biribena and his wife, Pastor Beatrice Biribena, for declaring them wanted without a valid court order. Pastor Biribena oversees the Christ Embassy Church in Kumasi, Ghana.

The court, presided over by Justice Dashen, made this declaration in response to a lawsuit (No. FHC/YNG/CS/132/2022) filed by the Biribenas seeking the protection of their fundamental human rights against EFCC’s actions.

Justice Dashen found EFCC’s declaration of the Biribenas as wanted on June 8, 2022, without a valid court order to be unjust, unlawful, and unconstitutional. He ruled in favor of the plaintiffs and against the anti-graft agency.

The court also declared EFCC’s newspaper publication on June 8, 2022, announcing the Biribenas as wanted without a valid court order to be a violation of their fundamental rights to personal liberty, freedom of movement, right to private and family life, and dignity of the human person, as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights.

Justice Dashen ordered EFCC to publicly apologize to the Biribenas for the unlawful publication and restrained EFCC from inviting, harassing, arresting, and detaining them pending the resolution of another suit (No. FHC/YNG/CS/125/2022) involving Bliss Multinational Perfections Limited versus EFCC.

Advertisement

In another case (Bliss Multinational Perfections Limited and Oyinmiebi Biribena versus EFCC), Justice Dashen granted declarations in favor of the plaintiffs against EFCC. The court declared that disputes between members of Baraza Multipurpose Cooperative Society, arising from transactions related to the cooperative society’s registered business objects, should be reported to the registrar and director of the Bureau of Cooperative Societies in Bayelsa State before resorting to any security agency or court.

Furthermore, the court ruled that EFCC is not authorized to intervene in disputes arising from civil transactions related to the registered business objects of cooperative societies and cannot seize properties that are not proceeds of crime.

Consequently, Justice Dashen deemed EFCC’s seizure and sealing of properties belonging to Bliss Multinational Perfections Limited and Oyinmiebi Biribena as wrongful and unlawful.

The court also declared EFCC’s instructions to Biribena’s bankers to freeze his bank account due to disputes from civil transactions with Baraza Multipurpose Cooperative Society as wrongful and unlawful.

As a result of these rulings, Justice Dashen ordered EFCC to refrain from inviting, arresting, detaining, and harassing the plaintiffs over disputes arising from transactions with Baraza Multipurpose Cooperative Society.

Advertisement

However, instead of the N100 million requested by the plaintiffs, the court awarded the sum of N10 million as exemplary damages against EFCC.

News

Nigerian Govt shuts Eko Bridge, ramps for 8-week repairs

Avatar

Published

on

The Federal Government has announced the closure of the Eko Bridge and Ramps for eight weeks to carry out essential asphalt resurfacing work.

Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, shared this information in a statement on Saturday. She noted that the resurfacing project is set to begin on Friday, September 20, at 7:00 a.m., and will continue until November 20.

Due to the closure, drivers will need to follow detours and alternative routes. Kesha advised that motorists traveling to the Island from Funsho Williams Avenue should utilize the service lane at Alaka to connect to Costain and access the Eko Bridge.

She explained that some sections of the bridge will be fully closed while others will have partial access.

“This important project aims to enhance road safety and improve the driving experience for motorists,” she stated. The work will involve milling the existing asphalt and laying down new asphalt on both the bridge and ramps to address wear and tear and create a smoother, safer roadway.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

News

Gov Adeleke appoints new Governing Council Chairman for Osun College of Education

Avatar

Published

on

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has appointed Akinwale Sarafadeen Adeyemi as the new Chairman of the Governing Council for Osun State College of Education in Ila-Orangun.

The announcement was made in a statement on Friday by Governor Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed. The statement described Adeyemi as an experienced educationist and noted that he will succeed Peter Babalola, the former chairman, who was dismissed by the state government earlier this month.

Babalola, who was also a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, faced suspension from his local ward in Irewole due to public criticism over alleged financial misconduct before his removal.

The statement highlighted, “Governor Ademola Adeleke has approved the appointment of Mr. Akinwale Sarafa Adeyemi, a seasoned educationist, as the new Chairman of the Governing Council of Osun State College of Education, Ila-Orangun. Mr. Adeyemi replaces Dr. Peter Babalola, who resigned following a controversial term at the college.”

Adeyemi holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Education from the University of Ibadan and is a retired principal of the Federal Girls College in Ipetumodu. His swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Monday at the EXCO lounge.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

News

Edo Decides: Police arrest armed political thugs ahead of election

Avatar

Published

on

The police have reported that their operatives apprehended political thugs and seized firearms during overnight operations in Edo State, where the governorship election is taking place today, Saturday.

They also vowed to address illegal weapons possession and prevent any disruptions to the electoral process in the state.

Prince Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, shared this information in a statement on Friday night, along with images of the recovered firearms.

He identified the arrested individuals as Edwin Obanor, 43, and Audu Tajudeen, a 41-year-old PDP member from Ugbogbo quarters in Igara Akoko, Edo.

“The Nigeria Police Force has made a significant breakthrough in combating electoral violence in Edo State with the arrests of Edwin Obanor, 43, and Audu Tajudeen, a 41-year-old PDP member,” the statement noted.

Advertisement

According to DAILY POST, residents of Edo State will be voting for a new governor today, September 21, 2024, who will succeed Governor Godwin Obaseki after his eight-year term ends.

Continue Reading

Trending