News
Kano Governor’s Address Administration Of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) 2019
By Tambaya Julius
In an effort to uphold the rule of law, Kano Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, urged criminal case investigators and prosecutors to familiarize themselves with the state’s Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) 2019.
With its extensive 471 sections, including Appendices and Forms, this law offers innovative provisions that empower investigators and prosecutors to carry out their roles without infringing upon the rights of suspects.
Governor Yusuf conveyed this message through Air Vice Marshal Ibrahim Umar (rtd), the Director-General of Special Duties at Kano Government House.
He inaugurated a one-day workshop for 100 Police Prosecutors and Investigators, a joint effort by the state Police Command and the Magistrates Association of Nigeria (MAN), held at the Police Officers’ Mess in Bompai.
The Governor stressed that a thorough understanding of the ACJ (2019) Law by prosecutors and investigators would streamline the administration of justice within the judiciary, fostering a more efficient and expeditious process.
He lauded Mr. Mohammed Usaini Gumel, the state Commissioner of Police, for initiating the workshop and assured continued support for projects that enhance the capabilities of police officers, ultimately contributing to peace and order in the state.
During the workshop, participants were encouraged to leverage the insights gained to foster greater collaboration between investigators and prosecutors.
Chief Magistrate Aminu US man Fagge, the state Chairman of MAN, praised Commissioner of Police Mr. Gumel’s initiatives, commending his commitment to strengthening the connection between the judiciary and law enforcement agencies.
This partnership not only enhances relations but also bolsters the skills and competencies of officers within the Command.
Highlighting the significance of the workshop, Chief Magistrate Fagge noted that its purpose is to provide technical assistance and capacity-building for police officers.
The aim is to ensure compliance with the relevant provisions of the ACJ Law 2019.
He underlined the need for consistent sensitization and training, acknowledging that law enforcement agencies require ongoing support to effectively implement the law.
In his address, Commissioner of Police Gumel expressed his excitement about the workshop, deeming it a historic moment for the Kano state Police Command.
This initiative aligns with the objectives of the Police Act, 2020, which seeks to enhance the responsiveness of the Police Force to public needs and perceptions.
By strengthening the capacities of the police, including investigators and prosecutors, the Act strives to foster a positive change in public perception and ensure safety and security across Nigeria.
CP Gumel emphasized that the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL), 2019 brought about significant reforms that impact the prosecutorial and investigative functions of the police.
Acknowledging these changes, he underscored the importance of proper sensitization to facilitate compliance and implementation, ultimately contributing to a more effective and just criminal justice system.
This event marks a pivotal step towards fostering a stronger collaboration between investigators, prosecutors, and law enforcement agencies.
The commitment of both the Kano state Police Command and the Magistrates Association of Nigeria (MAN) underscores the shared goal of upholding the rule of law while promoting effective administration of justice.
By Abubakar Yunusa
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has slashed its ex-depot price of premium motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, to N825.
Esan Sunday, head of media relations and branding communications at Dangote Group, announced the reduction in a statement on Wednesday.
The development comes more than three weeks after the refinery reduced petrol price from N950 per litre to N890.
The new price means that the refinery has significantly cut the ex-depot price by N125 from N950 per litre in January.
“This recent price reduction will also ensure that Nigerians pay between N860 and N865 per litre for petrol at the pump in Lagos,” the statement reads.
“This strategic price adjustment is designed to provide essential relief to Nigerians in celebration of the Ramadan season, while also supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic recovery policy by alleviating the financial burden on the Nigerian populace.
“It is important to note that Dangote Petroleum Refinery has consistently lowered the prices of petrol and other refined petroleum products to the benefit of Nigerians.
“This marks the second reduction of PMS prices in February 2025, following a previous decrease of N60 earlier in the month.
“Additionally, in December 2024, during the yuletide period, the refinery reduced the price of PMS by N70.50, from N970 to N899.50 per litre, as part of its commitment to easing the cost of living and providing relief to Nigerians during the holiday season.”
The oil firm refinery also said previous reductions have positively impacted the overall cost of living, benefiting various sectors of the economy.
Dangote refinery added that its high-quality products, which have become a favourite in both domestic and international markets, will remain available nationwide, particularly through its key partners — MRS Holdings, AP (Ardova Petroleum), and Heyden — at market-friendly rates.
The organisation assured the public of a consistent supply of petroleum products, with sufficient reserves to meet domestic demand and a surplus for export, thereby boosting the country’s foreign exchange (FX) earnings.
The refinery also called on marketers to support the initiative, ensuring that Nigerians remain the primary beneficiaries of its effort
Abdullahi Ganduje, the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says the ruling party had a debt of N8.9 billion when he assumed office.
Ganduje took over from Abdullahi Adamu, who was the national chairman of the APC until his resignation in July 2023.
Speaking during the APC’s NEC meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, the former Kano governor said the expenses were incurred during pre-election legal battles, election cases, and appeals for legislative, governorship, and presidential elections.
“The current NWC inherited debts and legal liabilities to the total tune of N8,987,874,663, arising from various legal engagements,” Ganduje said.
However, the APC chairman said Kareem Kana, the national legal adviser, has been working to reduce the debt burden.
“We still passionately appeal to the national executive committee to intervene accordingly,” he said.
Earlier today, the chairman said the party is making efforts to mend internal divisions and bring aggrieved members back into the fold.
Ganduje explained that the APC had initiated high-level discussions among party leaders and stakeholders to address lingering disagreements and strengthen party unity.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Jude Okoye, the elder brother and former manager of Paul and Peter Okoye of the defunct music group, P-Square, on charges of laundering ₦1.38billion, $ 1 million and £34,537.59.
Jude was arraigned alongside his company, Northside Music Ltd, before Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court, Lagos, on a seven-count charge
One of the counts read: “That you, Jude Okoye Chigozie and Northside Music Ltd sometime in 2022, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did directly acquire a landed property known as No 5, Tony Eromosele Street Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos worth ₦850,000,000.00 (Eight hundred and fifty million naira) only, which money you knew or reasonably ought to have known forms part of proceeds of unlawful act and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (2) (d) and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”
Another count read: “That you, Jude Okoye Chigozie and Northside Music Ltd sometime in 2022, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did indirectly using bureau de change convert the sum of $1,019,762.87 (One million nineteen thousand, seven hundred and six-two dollars eighty-seven cents), domiciled in Access Bank Plc operated by Northside Music Lid to the naira equivalent and remitted into various bank accounts with the intention of concealing that the said fund form part of the proceeds of an unlawful act and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (2)(a) and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”
He pleaded “not guilty” to the charges.
In view of his plea, the prosecution counsel, Larry Peters Aso, applied for a date for hearing as well as for the remand of the defendant in the correctional facility pending trial.
The defendant’s counsel, Inibehe Effiong, informed the court of a pending bail application. He asked for a short date for the hearing. Effiong also asked that the defendant be remanded in the EFCC’s custody pending the hearing of the application.
Aso objected to the request for the defendant to be remanded in the EFCC custody. He argued that the EFCC custody was already congested with suspects awaiting arraignment. He urged the court to remand the defendant to the correctional facility since he had taken his plea.
Justice Owoeye adjourned the matter till February 28 for bail hearing and April 14 for trial.
He also ordered that the defendant be remanded in the Ikoyi correctional facility.