Stop killing women
+Fuel scarcity might be here longer than expected
This edition was written by Hope Ibiale, and edited by Adetomiwa. That New News is an independent self-funded project by me (Adetomiwa). If you find it useful, you can support us by sharing, donating, or sending us sweet treats.
In this edition:
Femicide cases are on the rise
Nigerian athletes are crushing it at the Paralympics
Prison inmates might be eating good soon
Fuel scarcity crisis
This edition is 2,700 words (approx 8 min read)
Tinubu’s spokesman Ajuri Ngelale resigned
Ajuri Ngelale was the special adviser to the president on media and publicity and the special presidential envoy on climate action. Why he had two distinct roles is a mystery, but he announced his resignation from both on Saturday morning.
Multiple sources in the presidency told FIJ that Ngelale’s exit was not triggered by a family health emergency. According to the sources, the Presidency wanted Ngelale to drop one of his two positions, he wasn’t having it and they said if he didn’t want to, he’d be fired.
According to his announcement, he chose the second option
FIJ’s sources say the crux of the whole thing was a power tussle with Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.
Apparently, they were both trying to be the boss of the other. Ngelale is 38 and Onanuga is 67 so that did not sit well with the latter.
Anyway, the tussle led to one of them leaving, so I guess the winner won.
Police IGP controversy
The Nigeria Police announced that President Bola Tinubu did not approve a tenure extension for Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun.
Controversy arose when Egbetokun reached the mandatory retirement age of 60 on September 4, 2023 and did not return.
According to reports, he didn’t retire because a bill to extend the IGP’s retirement age had been secretly expedited by the House of Reps.
The police say it’s not true, though. Police spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi said that Egbetokun's appointment letter, signed Nov. 2023 granted him a four-year tenure from his appointment date. And even though he has reached retirement age, he hasn’t served his tenure in accordance with Sections 215(a) and 28(c) of the Third Schedule of the Nigerian Constitution.
Adejobi emphasized there's no tenure extension, but rather a proper application of the law.
Femicide
Trigger warning: Rape
Two brothers caught abducting and raping a 14-year-old girl in Rivers state
Two brothers, Honest and Okwukwe, have been arrested for abducting and gang-raping a 14-year-old girl in Rivers State. The brothers abducted the victim when she was on her way to her uncle’s house.
The victim’s mother alerted the local vigilantes about her missing daughter. During their search, they caught the brothers raping the girl, the senior brother was arrested while the other fled. Authorities are currently searching for the other suspect.
The spokesperson for the state’s Police Command has confirmed the arrest and stated that investigations were ongoing.
Habibat Akinsanya was raped and brutally murdered
An 18-year-old girl, Habibat Akinsanya, who was reported missing, was found dead on her father's farm in Ogun State.
The victim was reported missing by her father to the authorities. He also reported receiving a phone call that demanded he pay a ransom. The police traced the number but it was a dead end.
Later on, the victim’s father received a phone call that informed him that his daughter’s body was discovered on his farm.
According to the authorities, she had been raped and brutally murdered, with multiple machete wounds.
Onyeka, who the police have identified as a primary suspect in the murder worked for Habibat’s father. Onyeka allegedly told Habibat that her mother needed her at the farm to help with the cassava harvest.
The police are now looking for Onyeka.
Ayomide Adeleye confesses to killing Christianah Idowu
Ayomide Adeleye, a student of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), has confessed to killing Christianah Idowu.
Adeleye confessed to his crime after he was arrested by military personnel.
Adeleye stated that the victim had come to his family’s house to seek shelter from the rain. While in his house, he tried to rape Idowu, but she resisted, and he then killed her and buried her in a shallow grave in his house.
After murdering Idowu, he posed as a kidnapper and human parts dealer and tried to extort the victim’s mother.
The account the ransom money was paid to was traced to Adeleye’s house and he was immediately arrested.
While in custody, he tried to commit suicide but was restrained.
Later on, he confessed to the crime. Currently, the case has been transferred to the Lagos Police Command for further investigations.
After the news was shared on social media, it sparked multiple reactions, and it was also revealed that Adeleye is also suspected of murdering his ex-girlfriend in 2018 and his sister in 2020.
Police arrest Godgift Bai suspected of circulating a nude video of a young girl
Godgift Bai has been arrested by the police in Bayelsa State for distributing a nude video of a young girl. The suspect allegedly shared the video through social media, which led to his apprehension after a formal complaint was lodged.
The police have confirmed that they are investigating the incident to ensure justice for the victim.
The authorities have condemned the act, emphasising the severe legal consequences for anyone involved in the distribution of explicit content, especially involving minors.
Earlier this year, a man was arrested for sharing nude photos of his 3-year-old to “make her famous”.
Paralympics
Mariam Eniola Bolaji makes history at the Olympics
Nigerian athlete, Mariam Eniola Bolaji has made history as the first African and Nigerian athlete to win a bronze in the SL3 category in Para-Badminton at the ongoing Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Her victory marked a significant milestone for both Nigeria and Africa, furthering her record-breaking journey that began in 2021.
Bolaji dedicated her win to her late coach Bello Rafiu Oyebanji, who introduced her to para-badminton.
With this milestone, Bolaji hopes to inspire more Nigerian para-badminton players.
Esther Nwogu got a silver medal in the para-powerlifter category
Nigerian para powerlifter Esther Nworgu won a silver medal at the 2024 Paralympics in the up to 41kg category, lifting an impressive 118kg.
She set two new Paralympic records with lifts of 112kg and 118kg in her final attempts.
Onyinyechi Mark wins a gold medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympics
Another Nigerian athlete, Onyinyechi Mark, won a gold medal at the Paris Paralympics thanks to an outstanding performance in the women's up to 61kg para-powerlifting event.
Mark set a new world record by lifting 147kg, surpassing the previous record held by Lucy Ejike.
Her victory also brought Nigeria's total medal count to three at the Paralympic Games, following earlier silver and bronze wins in para-badminton and para-powerlifting.
Protests
#EndBadGovernance protesters are still in prison
Several protesters from the #EndBadGovernance movement have been remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The protesters pleaded not guilty to the charges of terrorism and treason.
Justice Emeka Nwite ordered their detention pending a ruling on their bail application, scheduled for September 11, 2024.
Last week we reported that Six End SARS protesters were released from prison after 4 years and many remain imprisoned.
The Nigerian Police declared two people wanted for protesting
The Nigeria Police have declared a British national, Andrew Wynne, and a Nigerian, Lucky Obiyan, wanted for allegedly “plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government”.
Wynne is accused of organising sleeper cells, funding violent protests, and aiming to destabilise the country. While Obiyan has been identified as one of his accomplices.
Nine other suspects have been arrested in connection with the plot. Wynne is said to have financed the unlawful operation and issued instructions for an unconstitutional regime change.
The authorities are currently trying to track down Wynne and Obiyan.
The FG has raised the feeding allowance for prison inmates
The Federal Government has increased the feeding allowance for prison inmates by 50%, effective August 2024.
This move, confirmed by the Nigerian Correctional Service spokesperson, Abubakar Umar, is the first phase of a broader plan to improve inmate welfare, driven by rising food costs.
The decision follows concerns about poor feeding conditions, especially after a viral video from the Afokang Custodial Centre in Cross River.
The increased budget allocation for inmate meals comes amid criticism of the disparity in feeding costs for prisoners and service dogs.
Drunk on Petrol Power
If you have been thinking about the cause of the fuel scarcity, then point those fingers at NNPCL. After weeks of denying a $6 billion debt, they have finally worn their big boy pants and are admitting to the huge debt that is causing the current scarcity.
The company’s financial challenges are attributed to delayed payments and increased operational costs, which have affected the fuel supply crisis.
The crippling debt has stopped five suppliers from supplying fuel to NNPCL.
However, NNPCL has assured Nigerians that the fuel scarcity will be over in a few weeks.
After admitting to the debt, what does NNPCL do next?
They increased the price of petrol to ₦897 per litre.
Despite the economic strain on Nigerians, the company argues that the adjustment is necessary to ensure a more sustainable and equitable fuel distribution system and reduce the financial burden on them.
And, according to the Executive Vice President (EVP) Downstream of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, it might get worse.
EVP Adedapo Segun indicated that the ₦897 does not accurately reflect market conditions, suggesting that further increases are imminent.
Why did they increase the price? FG says don’t look at them. The FG refuted claims that they instructed NNPCL to increase the price of fuel.
The government emphasized that they’re committed to managing fuel subsidies and maintaining stable prices.
Several lawmakers have expressed their displeasure over the increase in fuel prices and advised the government to find a solution because the new prices would affect the newly approved minimum wage.
But NNPCL is workin’
The Corporation is considering halting petrol imports due to a significant increase in depot prices, which are approaching ₦1,000 per litre. However, a halt in petrol imports could worsen existing fuel scarcity.
Dangote refinery to the rescue?
Dangote is set to supply 25 million litres of petrol daily to the Nigerian market this month and will subsequently increase this amount to 30 million litres daily from October 2024. The refinery is expected to alleviate fuel shortages and stabilise prices in Nigeria. Let somebody shout Hallelujah
NNPC will be the sole buyer of petrol from Dangote Refinery
NNPC’s decision to be the sole buyer would significantly lower importation and logistics costs, allowing local marketers to purchase petrol from NNPC at a reduced price.
This arrangement could also address the persistent fuel scarcity that is currently plaguing the country.
But NNPC has refused to take the petrol?
Contrary to reports that stated that NNPCL had started taking petrol from Dangote Refinery and had already fixed a price, both parties have refuted these claims, stating that NNPCL has not commenced taking fuel from the refinery.
Dangote revealed that the Federal Executive Council is currently working on a new pricing arrangement for the refinery, hence the delay.
NNPC is set to start getting petrol from Dangote on the 15th of September, but there are rumours that NNPC might tie Dangote’s pricing to forex, which would defeat the entire purpose of homemade petrol.
Electricity
Nigerians are paying more for electricity
Nigerians are expressing frustration as the prices of electricity meters have risen sharply. The cost of a single-phase meter has jumped from N88,000 to N130,000, while three-phase meters now cost up to N229,000.
The high cost of electricity in Nigeria is not limited to metered consumers. Unmetered consumers are also suffering from the ever-rising electricity charges.
Unmetered consumers are arguing that the electricity charges are not reflective of their actual electricity usage.
However, the General Manager of Corporate Communications and Strategy of EKED, Babatunde Lasaki, said none of the customers of the distribution company are charged indiscriminately.
A few months ago, the FG approved N21bn under the Presidential Metering Initiative to provide meters to unmetered customers at no cost. But no Nigerian has confirmed receiving a meter. Did a snake swallow the money again?
A few sources claim that only Band A members will be given free meters before it circulates to other bands.
But where is the light?
Nigeria's power generation dropped by 1,400 megawatts as distribution companies (Discos) rejected allocated power.
The country's generation had reached 5,170MW but had to be reduced due to Discos' inability to pick the supply.
This development hinders the government's goal of increasing power generation to 6,000MW by year-end.
For Nigerians, the rejection of allocated power by distribution companies means less electricity supply, despite available generation capacity and the high cost of power.
Why can’t they pick it up? the actual consumption figures of most Discos are usually lower than their allocated load, they can’t handle the load. Power pass power.
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, criticised the rejection and highlighted plans for infrastructure upgrades, including $800 million in investments under the Presidential Power Initiative, which aims to improve transmission and distribution across key regions.
The Ministry of Power is “trying” their best
To Nigerians, the electricity supply in the country is horrible, but to the Ministry of Power, this is the best they have been in three years.
According to the Ministry of Power, Minister Adebayo Adelabu, Nigeria's power generation hit 5,313 megawatts, its highest in three years. This means we are getting more light. Don’t worry, I am as confused as you are.
Minister Adelabu also urged distribution companies to take in more electricity to prevent grid collapses caused by frequency drops.
Despite complaints from Nigerians, the Ministry of Power is basking in its recent achievement and has also promised to improve power generation.
Meanwhile, as Nigerians protest hardships, the government is once again proposing rice subsidy, their new go-to solution to everything.
Things killing us
Floods
The governors of Gombe and Yobe states have revealed that 4,167 houses and farmlands were destroyed by floods which ravaged different communities in both states.
Gombe suffered significant damage with 2,517 homes affected across 33 communities, while Yobe saw 1,650 houses destroyed, particularly in Jajere and Yunusari.
According to reports from both states, no lives were lost, however, two children were injured and several citizens have been displaced.
Relief efforts are underway in Yobe, and preventive measures are being taken in Taraba and Anambra states due to concerns over potential future floods from water releases in Cameroon, Mali, and Niger Republic.
Residents in Anambra and Taraba states began harvesting their crops and evacuating their livestock, and they have started searching for higher ground.
The worst is not over yet
The National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre of the Federal Ministry of Environment warned 23 states about heavy rainfall that may lead to flooding.
The flooding is caused by unprecedented rainfall and the rising Niger and Benue rivers.
The states that may be affected include Bauchi State, Borno State, Gombe State, Jigawa State, Kaduna State, Kebbi State, Plateau State, Niger State, Sokoto State, Taraba State, Yobe State, Kogi State, Nasarawa State Ebonyi State, Benue State, Enugu State, the FCT, and Cross River State.
Boko Haram
The villagers who were killed as a result of a violent attack organised by Boko haram have been buried. The attackers also razed houses and left many displaced. Although locals claim over 100 deaths, the government confirmed 34 casualties. The state government, led by Deputy Governor Idi Gubana, provided N30 million in support to the victims' families.
Meanwhile, a retired senior police officer told Vanguard that a real-time tracking platform, initially used to tackle kidnapping, was misused by politicians to monitor their "enemies and mistresses."
The platform was launched in 2015 by then-Inspector General of Police Solomon Arase and was instrumental in solving several high-profile cases.
However, successive IGPs failed to maintain and update the platform, allowing politicians to misuse it.
The company responsible for maintaining and upgrading the platform withdrew its services due to non-payment of subscription fees for three years.
As a result, the system became non-functional, rendering the police tracking equipment useless.
MPox vaccines will be made available soon
The National Primary Health Care Development Agency has confirmed that Nigeria will begin vaccinations on October 8.
Recall 10,000 doses of the mpox vaccine from the U.S. Agency as transported to Nigeria.
A spokesperson from the primary health agency stated that the vaccines would be subjected to regulatory lab analysis for three weeks, after which they would be distributed across five states, with 4,750 people receiving two doses each, 28 days apart.
He also disclosed that the target population for the vaccine are those in close contact with Mpox cases, health workers, and people with low immune status.
Other news
The governments of Nigeria and China have agreed to collaborate on tackling financial crimes, including money laundering and terrorist financing. This cooperation aligns with broader goals of promoting regional stability, trade, and economic growth - TV360 Nigeria
Nicholas Peter, a 26-year-old photographer has been released after spending 10 months in prison after his employer arrested him over his resignation text - The Cable
NELFUND has disbursed student loans to 40 additional Nigerian institutions, with 5 located in the Eastern region, bringing the total number of beneficiary institutions to 59 - Nairametrics
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission is investigating the former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige over alleged job racketeering - Punch
American lawmakers ask US government to declare Binance executive ‘wrongfully detained’ in Nigeria - The Cable
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