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An EFCC witness, Bamaiyi Mairiga, on Thursday, told an FCT High Court, Maitama that the signatures of former President Muhammadu Buhari and the immediate past Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, were forged.
Mairiga, a forensic document examiner with the EFCC, said this while testifying in the ongoing trial of the immediate past governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, before Justice Hamza Muazu.
Emefiele is charged with an amended 20-count charge bordering on conferment of corrupt advantage, forgery, criminal breach of trust, conspiracy to obtain by pretense, and obtaining money by pretense.

The sacked CBN governor is accused in the charge of forging a document titled: Re: Presidential Directive on Foreign Election Observer Missions dated 26 January, 2023 with Ref No. SGF.43/L.01/201 and purported same to have emanated from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to the Governor of the CBN.

He is further alleged to have, on February 8, 2023, knowingly obtained, by pretense, $6,230,000.00 by falsely representing the SGF via a letter dated 26 January 2023 with Ref No. SGF 43/L.01/201 requested the CBN to provide a contingent logistic advance for $6,230,000 “in line with the President’s directive”.
He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against him.
Testifying as the sixth prosecution witness (PW6), Mairiga, said that he was on secondment to EFCC from the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS).

He told the court that the forensic department of EFCC received a request for the examination of some signatures that were forwarded to the department.
Led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN the witness told the court that as an expert, he knew as a fact that no two writers shared identical handwriting characteristics.
He added that two writers could not produce their writing exactly and no writer could exceed their skill level.

According to PW6, “With this in mind, the signatures were examined for the presence of life quality, slants, alignment, diacritical placement, pen movement, skill of execution and comparisons of class and individual characteristics against the specimen signatures.”
Mairiga told the court that both the disputed and specimen signatures were analyzed to identify individual characteristics present or absent in each of the signatures.

The witness added that a comparison of the identified individual characteristics in both the disputed and specimen signatures were compared to establish similarities and dissimilarities.
“To verify the entire process, further analysis was carried out using further methodology and a peer review by another expert to validate it in terms of reproducibility.
“The conclusion from the analysis revealed that the disputed document showed evidence of forgery and copy act,” Mairiga told the court.
He said it was found out that the skill of execution was discovered to be different from that of the specimen signatures.

The witness added, “Specifically, the disputed signature and the specimen signatures were found to be different concerning pen movement, skill of execution, and loop formation. There were individual characteristics.

“This is a confirmation that the author of the specimen signature did not write the signature of Muhammadu Buhari on the disputed document.”

According to him, the same analysis process led to the conclusion that “the author of the specimen signature did not write the signature of Boss Mustapha on the disputed document.”
Mairiga added that the process was reduced to a report, which was tendered as an exhibit before the court.

Without any objection from the defense, the report was admitted and marked a second Exhibit FDE.
Oyedepo asked the witness to identify the disputed document in the previous exhibits, marked Exhibit PD6 and Exhibit PD7.

Mairiga told the court that the disputed document in Exhibit FDE was the document titled, “Presidential Directive on Foreign Election Observe Mission” purportedly signed by Muhammadu Buhari, which was marked “X” in the exhibit.
He added that the second disputed document was marked “X1”, titled “Re: Presidential Directive on Foreign Election Observe Mission” purportedly signed by Boss Mustapha.
While being cross-examined by counsel for Emefiele, Matthew Burkaa, SAN, the witness told the court that though he was on secondment from Immigration, he reported daily for work at the forensic department of EFCC.

He further told the court that he had been on secondment to the anti-corruption commission since 2018.
He added that the Head, Forensic of EFCC is Benedict Agboye, who he said was an expert in question document analysis.

The witness said it is preferable in question document analysis to compare the original document to the original instead of photocopy, adding that both original and photocopy could be compared.
At a point during cross-examination of the witness, Burkaa applied to the court to formally note the witness as being in court deliberately to mislead the court.

“Court should take note of his (Mairiga) demeanor of deliberately refusing to answer questions from the defense and the court to mislead them,” Burkaa said.
The prosecution counsel, however, countered this, saying the court has the responsibility of observing the demeanor of a witness.

He added: ”It is unfair for the defense to say that the witness is in court to mislead it.”
Mairiga later told the court that in the report he issued, he analyzed the signatures of both former President Bihari and Boss Mustapha but did not analyze Emefiele’s signature.

Meanwhile, Justice Muazu adjourned the continuation of the hearing until March 11.

During the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi chaired by WTO Director-General Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the importance of FIFA’s partnership with the World Trade Organization (WTO) in delivering actions that would provide a real impact in improving lives and livelihoods in West Africa and committed to using products from Cotton-4 plus (C4+) in FIFA programs.

Present at the event, were ministers and senior officials from across the WTO’s 164 member states alongside key partners, aiming to generate progress on key international trade discussions that aim to foster development and to explore how best to use football to promote economic inclusion in developing countries, to analyze the economic impact of football and its role in unlocking global economic growth potential and to seek options for the development of capacity-building activities that support the use of football as a tool for women economic empowerment, all of this with a focus on the WTO’s cotton program.

Albeit, President Gianni Infantino stressed that “Football touches the emotions of people, and that’s why we need to use football to promote not just football development but to help people in their day-to-day life; The C4+ initiative in partnership with the WTO is fantastic for FIFA because it puts the spotlight through football on something special.” It would be recalled that in September 2022, FIFA signed a memorandum of understanding with the World Trade Organization (WTO) to promote the effective use of cash crops as a vital raw material for the production of sports apparel amongst West African C4+ countries – Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Mali – as well as in Côte d’Ivoire.

The cotton produced in these countries is among the most sustainable in the world however, most is exported as a raw material rather than a finished product. If that could be changed to mean the field-to-fabric cycle is completed in the C4+ nations, they would gain a greater share of the sports apparel market revenues.

“Together with the WTO and other partners, FIFA wants to do something real, something concrete, something impactful, and something that will influence the life of many people,” said Mr Infantino. “We want to create jobs. We want to help in the fight against poverty. We want to empower women – especially in these countries – and this is something that we need to pursue and push.”

Earlier, the FIFA President explained that football had a real economic impact of almost USD 270 billion, with at least 70% of that generated in Europe. By growing the football economy outside of Europe, the potential exists for that value to grow to half a trillion, helping raise the standard of lives around the world in the process.

“We really (wanted to) get involved in something that can make a material difference in the lives of people in Africa and this partnership is designed to do that – produce value-added products on the continent that can go straight into the sports apparel value chain,” said Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. “The economic value in the sport is so underappreciated. It’s an exciting potential that we have not tapped on the continent. 70% of the income is generated in Europe, and this must be expanded to other regions. We have to get some of this back into Africa; we absolutely must!”

FIFA’s partnership with WTO is playing a part in promoting sustainable development via the global football economy, with a specific focus on the C4+ cotton-producing countries in Africa. Initiatives such as committing to using C4+ cotton products in its programmes help drive efforts and investment into the C4+ and African continental value chains.

“FIFA is an association in which 211 countries are members from all over the world,” the FIFA President added. “The big countries, the big clubs, have their producers for apparel, but many others from all over the world struggle to find somebody who produces jerseys and so on for them. We want to support them where needed through this partnership with the WTO.

“Equally, when it comes to FIFA, we also have some projects around the world. Football for Schools is an education project, and we want to use the sportswear that we require to be produced in the C4+ countries.”

Before the end of the event, the FIFA President, the WTO Director-General, together with FIFA Legends Christian Karembeu, Khalilou Fadiga and FIFA Member Associations Africa Director Gelson Fernandes, unveiled the new ‘Partenariat pour le coton’ branding which will be used for more impactful engagement in leveraging sports for greater industrial and socio-economic growth.

In addition to some panel discussions, there were individual speeches from Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, Ahmat Abdelkerim Ahmat, the Minister of Trade and Industry of Chad, Shadiya Alimatou Assouman the Minister of Industry and Trade, Republic of Benin, and Moussa Alassane Diallo, Minister of Industry and Trade, Republic of Mali.

The widow of the late Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, widely known as Mohbad, Wunmi, has clarified that her husband never doubted the paternity of their son during his lifetime.
Reports state that there have been demands from the deceased’s father, Joseph Aloba, and concerned individuals for a DNA test to be carried out on Mohbad’s son, Liam, to establish his true paternity.
Wunmi had previously expressed her willingness to undergo a DNA test on her son, stating that it should be conducted both in Nigeria and abroad.

However, in a recent series of Instagram posts, Mohbad’s widow asserted that those advocating for a DNA test on Liam were unjustly targeting the late singer’s son by branding him as “illegitimate.”

She conveyed that the push for a DNA test on their son brought her to tears and caused her distress.
Wunmi wrote, “The DNA issue has brought tears to my eyes and pain to my heart, and my legal team has advised me not to dignify anyone with a response. However, I feel compelled to address the misconceptions arising from my silence.

“Let me clarify, there has never been any doubt or discussion about Liam’s paternity until my husband’s demise. It is disheartening to hear false narratives circulating on social media. My husband never for once questioned the paternity of our Sonshine during his lifetime, and neither did my father-in-law or his family.

“The first time I heard about his doubt was on social media. He never spoke to me personally about the DNA till this very day. My father-in-law’s legal team reached out to my legal team, who then gave him the terms and conditions in which the DNA will be conducted.”
She implored the public to appeal to her father-in-law to seek a court order for the DNA test to proceed.

Two Mississippi National Guardsmen died after a two-seat U.S. military attack helicopter crashed on Friday during a routine training flight in Mississippi, Governor Tate Reeves said.
The crash of the AH-64 Apache helicopter happened at 2 p.m. Central Time (2000 GMT).

“Tragically, both Guardsmen on board did not survive. Safety crews are currently working the scene of the crash with local authorities,” Reeves said.

The incident comes on the heels of a Feb. 6 Marine helicopter crash in a remote area outside of San Diego that killed five Marines who had been on a training flight during a fierce winter storm.
Shortly before the crash, at least two wind gusts measuring 21 mph were registered in Booneville, according to National Weather Service data. The temperature was 64 degrees.

On Feb. 6, a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter travelling from Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, crashed amid a winter storm, killing all five U.S. Marines on board, officials said.

And in April 2023, two U.S. Army AH-64 Apache helicopters returning to Fort Wainwright in Fairbanks, Alaska, after a training flight collided, killing three soldiers and injuring a fourth, the 11th Airborne Division said.

Israel intends to advance plans for 3,000 new settler homes in the aftermath of the West Bank terror attack next to a checkpoint heading into Jerusalem, in which one man was killed, and another eight were injured.

“Let every terrorist plotting to harm us know that any raising of a hand against Israeli citizens will be met with a blow of death and destruction and the deepening of our eternal grip on the entire Land of Israel,” Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated.

He was one of several ministers who, together with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, decided on the plan that is likely only to increase the tension between Israel and its Western allies, including the United States.

Further, push to advance decisionDefense Minister Yoav Gallant and Strategic Affairs Minster Ron Dermer also participated in the decision to advance the homes by convening a meeting of the Civil Administration’s Higher Planning Council for Judea and Samaria next week.

The Ma’aleh Adumim settlement, located next to the site of the Thursday morning attack, is due to receive authorization for the construction of an additional 2,350 housing units.

The settlement located off of Route 1, as it heads to the Dead Sea, is the third largest Jewish city in the West Bank and has a population of over 38,000, according to the Central Bureau of Statistics.
The Efrat settlement, with a population of over 11,800 according to the CBS, is due to receive authorization for 694 new housing units. Efrat is located next to the Palestinian West Bank city of Bethlehem, from where the terrorists originated.

The Kedar settlement, with a population of over 1,600 and located next to Ma’aleh Adumim, is slated to receive an additional 300 housing units.
The move came on the heels of US Middle East Envoy Brett McGurk’s meetings with Netanyahu, Gallant, and the War Cabinet on Thursday.

In a tribute to her late husband, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu during his funeral at Saint Andrews Church, Imola, Owo, on Friday, Mrs Akeredolu noted that “in civilised climes, if you beat your wife, jail awaits you, even if you are a governor.”

“They marvel that a Nigerian man can love his wife. To them, na only Oyibo (white) man dey love,” she said.

Despite not mentioning any names, her comments were believed to be in an apparent reference to a recent outburst by one of her husband’s aides, who had criticised the late governor for being weak in dealing with his matrimonial affairs.

According to the former Ondo First Lady, her husband had left her “alone to face all manners of mockery.”
“You just left me, just like that. It hurts badly; it hurts. Now alone to face all manners of mockery. Not a few lashed out that you were a weakling because you loved me,” she said.
“I don’t think so. In their homes, while growing up, they saw their mothers trampled upon as doormats, beaten up like punch bags.

“They copied the template and treated their wives as pieces of furniture that can be easily discarded as trash. And in many instances, the subjugation was garnished with beatings while the community looked the other way and remained unperturbed as gender-based violence reigned supreme nationwide,” Mrs Akeredolu added.

She also described the former Ondo governor as a lovely, passionate and caring man.
“Na love at first sight brought us together, biko. No be juju! Na love make me cross the Niger. That love at first sight turned out to be true and pure. And you were proud to say it. You were proud to show it.
“You were even prouder to tell the people of Ondo State, and beyond, that we were a team. You were audacious to tell your people that ‘you voted for one but got two’ – testimony of my positive contribution to your life and career, emotionally and intellectually,” the tribute further read.

Insisting that her husband was never a weakling, Mrs Akeredolu pointed out that the late Akeredolu respected and gave her honour despite being the state governor.
She recalled her differences with her late husband on religious matters. She noted that she was able to manage him as they grew on with the union, even though her stance frustrated him often.

“We differed on one aspect, though. Religion. You were religious and wore your faith on your sleeves. I’m not. With no apologies. You were frustrated. Yet, we managed to work it out by harnessing our communication skills.

“You came to terms with my position on religion and respected my choice of pragmatism. And a peaceful home we built by respecting each other’s idiosyncrasies, supporting each other’s career pathways and loving each other at the same time.

“That you were courageous and fearless are now like a radio jingle on the lips of all and sundry,” Mrs Akeredolu added in her unique tribute that has left tongues wagging.
 Akeredolu was buried in Owo, his hometown, amid tributes and eulogies from dignitaries and personalities.

The ideal spot for relaxation from the bustling noise associated within the metropolis especially after working all through the week to meet deadlines at our workplaces.

The JDN Relaxation Resort in Freetown, Sierra Leone located on the Beach Font at Lakka, provides an ideal serene atmosphere for weekend relaxation, holiday makers and Tourists.

The beach front scene makes an ideal and sublime relaxation for anyone which gentle breeze and whispering sounds of the waves that enables guests think creatively.

The resort boasts of well tendered rooms, with assorted drinks, a beach front party hall for birthdays, seminars et al. Most importantly they provide improved variety of seafoods like lobsters, tiger shrimps amongst others.

Safety is of primary importance at the resort, with proper security personnel to guard guests vehicles. The pillars of front beach shed sitting on an 18ft down to the clay.

Speaking with the Chief Executive Officer of JDN resort, Mr Desmond Ngebeh on how he is able to handle beach encroachment he responded by noting that “through the advise and support of Mr Thomas Lebbie of the Sierra Leone Disaster Management Agency , we are able to employ simple techniques of utilizing used Tyre’s to reclaim the beach front and this has become effective”.

He further emphasised that the driving force towards establishing the resort was borne out of the desire to change the landscape and provide prospects and customers an improved set up far from the usual makeshift structures associated with beach front resorts. “With JDN, guests can get premium services and facilities when they come to the beach and have a proper relaxation place as well.”

We enjoin beach lovers to visit the JDN Relaxation Resort for a memorable experience.

Princess Adeife Precious Olaleye an Accounting student of the prestigious Babcock University, Nigeria turns a unique Seventeen. Here is wishing our beautiful Princess Adeife a pleasant birthday and glorious wins ahead as you fulfill her Royal Destiny.

Congratulations Princess Adeife

Issues about human rights, international humanitarian laws, peace took centre stage at the launching of Prof. Yinka Olomojobi’s latest book titled ‘Armed Conflict: The Convergence between International Human Rights Law & International Humanitarian Law’.

No doubt, in today’s world, understanding the intricate interplay between human rights and humanitarian law is more vital than ever, especially, against the backdrop of numerous conflicts unfolding globally. ‘Armed Conflict: The Convergence between International Human Rights Law & International Humanitarian Law’ provides timely insights and in-depth analysis, shedding light on how these legal frameworks intersect and apply to contemporary conflicts.

Speaking during the presentation of the book in Lagos, Olomojobi, a legal practitioner, human rights activist and Professor of Law at Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo, Ogun State, underscored the need to avoid war and conflicts because of the danger they bring to the society. He said the use of nuclear weapons leads to human suffering and weakens global economies, stressing also that the danger of leaving nuclear weapons in the hands of corruption-ridden countries, as would expose the world to great danger.

The author notes that International Human Rights Human Rights Law (IHRL) and international humanitarian law (IHL) are complex subject matters, as they are interwoven and at the same time belong to different sets of legal regimes. Human rights law has been an effective legal regime and has made substantial progress of development since 1945. According to him, the main challenge of human rights law is that it has constantly been violated during armed conflict. “Universal standards of human rights law are seldomly adopted during armed hostilities, even though death and destruction are directly consequences of these conflicts; it is IHL that regulates the rules on how wars can be fought.

“International humanitarian law is a system of law that aims to cushion the effects of armed conflict for humanitarian reasons. This is achieved by placing restrictions on how war is waged, and protecting the rights of those who are not currently – or have ceased to be – directly or actively engaged in hostilities. International humanitarian law is also commonly known as ‘the law of war’ or ‘the law of armed conflict.’”

He added that, perhaps, even more fundamental, is that “the rationale behind IHL, is its human application, unlike human rights law which is of general application. What is particularly significant about IHL is that it is precise. It may be regarded as the ‘Queensbury rules’ of war. However, beyond the scope of IHL is that over the years, it has become increasingly difficult to demarcate the lines between IHL and IHRL. What is important to realise is that IHL is traditionally considered separate from IHRL, even though the two legal disciplines frequently overlap. Thus, there is a convergence between the two bodies of law. Therefore, this book aims at throwing more light on the argument that IHRL and IHL are complementary and are not fixated under any strict rule of compartmentalisation.”

In attendance at the book presentation include the CEO, Adron Homes & Properties, Aare Ademola Emmanuel King, who was the Chairman of the occasion; the Attorney-General of Lagos State, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN); Professor of Commercial and Intellectual Property Law, Babcock University, Dorcas Odunaike; Barrister Adewole Koko; Barrister Kemi Osunde; and Mrs. Adebimpe Audullahi Mosadoluwa, from Harmony Gardens & Estate Development.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Aare Ademola Emmanuel King, commended Olomojobi for writing the book, noting that “a lot of work and nights of studies were put to work to write and publish this book which will be a reference point now, and in several years to come. The book is a great addition to the legal world. Having the book will do the society a great good.”

Also, in his remarks, the Attorney-General of Lagos State, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN) also commended the autor for writing the book, describing it as “a job well done. I will also have the opportunity to attend the next publication.”

Osunde, in is remark, commended the author for having the ability to put his thoughts together in the book, noting that “people will remember the amount of time and energy put into this book and read it. I urge you to keep impacting knowledge on people.”

A pivotal work in the field of international law, ‘Armed Conflict: The Convergence between International Human Rights Law & International Humanitarian Law’, is a must-read for anyone seeking to comprehend the complexities of modern warfare and its legal implications.

President Dr Julius Maada Bio has received a technical team from the K-Rice Belt Initiative of South Korea, which updated him on the outcome of their visit and plans to increase rice production, improve food security and ultimately reduce reliance on rice imports.

Led by Jae-Hyeon Ryu, the team comprising agricultural experts, told the President about their pre-feasibility study and assessment of potential sites in the country, adding that they had identified Bo Manehun in the Bonthe District due to its characteristics, including land fertility, expansiveness, transportation accessibility, and water supply feasibility.

He said they were now returning to present the findings to their government and following which the necessary infrastructure improvements in the chosen area would be undertaken to support the project.
He informed the President that they would return to commence the implementation process, first with a full-scale study while effective implementation should be expected to begin this year.

President Julius Maada Bio said he was very excited to have the team and notified them of the visit last week of the outgoing Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Sierra Leone, His Excellency KIM Young Chae, who informed him about their coming. He said he was eager about the relationship between Sierra Leone and Korea, especially in the aspect of food production.

The President expressed hope that the Koreans would share their experiences, and expertise and develop the capacity of locals by working with them. He added that that was very important for the transfer of knowledge and to get them fully involved in every aspect of the project.

He said he wanted to meet them in person to register his commitment to the project, adding that his government would give all the support needed, including making the roads leading to the sites they had chosen. He wished them well and assured of his government’s readiness whenever they were ready.
The K-Rice Belt Initiative, launched by South Korea as a part of its international aid and cooperation programmes, involves collaboration with several African countries to enhance their rice production capabilities based on their experience and success in rice cultivation and agricultural technology.
Today’s visit is a follow-up to discussions, including those between President Bio and the Korean President, His Excellency Yoon Suk Yeol, during the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in September last year.

Immediately after that meeting in New York, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Henry Musa Kpaka, travelled to Korea and engaged the Deputy Prime Minister, Choi Sang-mok, the leader of the K-Rice Belt Initiative to express Sierra Leone’s interest.

His formal application for Sierra Leone to join the countries receiving support under the initiative was also approved by the Korean Government. The partnership was to be later formalised through a memorandum of understanding signed between the two countries on 16 October 2023, the day the FEED SALONE was launched by the President.

According to the MoU, K-Rice Belt Objectives would seek to increase rice production by introducing high-yielding seed varieties to significantly boost local rice production and reduce reliance on imports.
It would also ensure technology and knowledge transfer through the introduction of advanced South Korean agricultural practices and high-yield rice varieties, including the provision of machinery for the project and extension services by the Koreans. It would further support sustainable agricultural practices and long-term viability and resilience in rice cultivation.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Republic of Sierra Leone State House.