Crime
NUJ Ex-President Warns NYSC Against Victimizing Corps Member Over Criticism Of Tinubu’s Government
NUJ Ex-President Warns NYSC Against Victimizing Corps Member Over Criticism Of Tinubu’s Government
NUJ ex-president warns NYSC against victimizing corps member over criticism of Tinubu’s government. Former Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and African Union of Journalists (AUJ) President, Comrade Lanre Ogundipe, has cautioned the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) against taking punitive measures against Rita Ushie Uguamaye, a corps member serving in Lagos State.
In a statement released on Monday, Ogundipe emphasized that freedom of speech is a fundamental right enshrined in Section 39(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees individuals the right to express their opinions without interference.
He further noted that this right is also upheld by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international legal instruments.
Ogundipe reacted to a viral video in which Uguamaye criticized President Bola Tinubu’s government over the country’s economic challenges.
He condemned any attempts to silence or intimidate her, stressing that young Nigerians should support and protect her from harassment.
“Every youth must stand in defense of her fundamental rights. Her courage and determination to speak truth to power should be applauded rather than punished,” Ogundipe stated.
NUJ
He also criticized the NYSC’s reported summons of Uguamaye to its Eti-Osa Local Government Secretariat, describing it as an attempt to pressure her into deleting the video and impose disciplinary actions.
Urging the NYSC to halt any retaliatory actions, Ogundipe maintained that dissenting voices should not be suppressed, and young activists should be encouraged to express their views freely.
EFCC Arrests TikTok Influencer, Murja Kunya for Alleged Naira Mutilation In Kano
EFCC arrests TikTok influencer, Murja Kunya for alleged Naira Mutilation in Kano. Operatives of the Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission , EFCC, have arrested popular TikTok influencer, Murja Ibrahim Kunya, for allegedly abusing and mutilating the Naira.
Specifically, Kunya was arrested for allegedly spraying Naira notes for fun during her stay in a hotel room at Tahir Guest Palace in Kano.
The arrest followed her diligent pursuit by EFCC operatives after she jumped an administrative bail granted her by the Commission over one month ago.
She was initially arrested in January 2025 for violating the Central Bank of Nigeria CBN, Act which prohibits the abuse and mutilation of the Naira.
She was granted an administrative bail by the Commission pending her arraignment before the Federal High Court in Kano.
However, when it was time for her court appearance, Kunya absconded, evading the legal processes.
However, after weeks of intensive investigation and surveillance, EFCC operatives successfully re-arrested the TikTok Influencer on Sunday March 16, 2025.
Murja Kunya
She was subsequently conveyed to the Kano Zonal Directorate of the Commission, where she is currently in custody awaiting her arraignment.
The EFCC reiterates its commitment to enforcing laws protecting the integrity of the Nigerian currency and warned against acts of abuse including spraying, stamping, or mutilating the currency during social events.
Protest Erupts In Abuja Over Benue Judiciary Crisis, Seeks Tinubu Intervention
Protest erupts in Abuja over Benue judiciary crisis, seeks Tinubu intervention…Coalition Petitions NJC, Seeks Tinubu, CJN’s Intervention
A coalition of civil society organizations (CSOs) staged a protest at the Three Arms Zone in Abuja on Monday, calling for urgent intervention from President Bola Tinubu and the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, in the ongoing crisis within the Benue State judiciary.
The protesters, holding placards questioning the integrity of some judges, warned that Nigeria’s democracy was at risk and urged the CJN to take action.
Speaking to journalists, the coalition’s Chief Convener, Comrade Igwe Ude-Umanta, criticized the increasing politicization of the judiciary. He accused Benue State Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, of violating judicial procedures by waiving the mandatory security deposit for petitioners at the Local Government Election Tribunal and later relocating the tribunal to Abuja—actions seen as breaching Benue State’s electoral laws.
Despite a Federal High Court order on March 7, 2025, barring the tribunal from sitting outside Benue, an FCT High Court presided over by Justice M.M. Adamu allegedly issued a conflicting order on March 14, allowing the tribunal to operate in Abuja.
Protest Erupts In Abuja
The coalition described this as judicial overreach and called for disciplinary action against both judges.
The group also alleged that powerful Benue politicians in Abuja were colluding with top police officials to suppress protests against the tribunal’s relocation.
They commended the FCT Commissioner of Police for maintaining order during past demonstrations but condemned military intimidation of peaceful protesters.
The coalition urged President Tinubu and the NJC to intervene immediately to uphold the integrity of the judiciary and ensure justice prevails in Benue State.
EFCC Arraigned Woman In Borno Over Alleged N6.8m Romance Scam
EFCC arraigned woman in Borno over alleged N6.8m romance scam. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Catherine Ijeoma Ugwu before Justice Aisha Kumaliya of the Borno State High Court, Maiduguri, over allegations of a N6.8 million fraud.
Ugwu was charged on Monday, March 17, 2025, in connection with a romance scam in which she allegedly deceived a victim, Emmanuel Ani, by posing as his fiancée, “Miss Chinansa.”
The EFCC filed a four-count charge against her, including obtaining by false pretence, criminal misappropriation, and impersonation.
According to the anti-graft agency, between June 2023 and August 2024, Ugwu fraudulently obtained N6,710,300 from Ani under the guise of supporting his supposed fiancée.
Upon hearing the charges, Ugwu pleaded not guilty.
Court Remands Ugwu, Trial Set for April 8
EFCC Arraigned Woman
Following her plea, prosecution counsel S.O. Saka and Faruku Muhammad urged the court to set a trial date and remand the defendant in a correctional facility. Justice Kumaliya granted the request, adjourning the trial until April 8, 2025.
The EFCC disclosed that Ugwu failed to return or account for the money when confronted by the petitioner.
The commission reiterated its commitment to tackling financial crimes, particularly scams involving deception and impersonation.
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