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Court Strikes Out Charges Against #Endbadgovernance Protesters, Releases Minors Charged With Treason

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1 year ago

November 5, 2024

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The Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out the charges against the #EndBadGovernance protesters.

The trial judge Obiora Egwuatu threw out the charges following its withdrawal by the Attorney General, Lateef Fagbemi on behalf of the Nigerian government.

Fagbemi, represented by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation DPPF during the proceedings announced his exercise of section 174 of the 1999 Constitution to take over the case from the Inspector General of Police.

The Attorney General subsequently applied to discontinue the trial of the protesters, who are mostly minors. The judge granted the request and struck out the charges.

Although the accused persons were not in the courtroom, the Judge ordered their immediate release from prison.

Among those present to witness the Court proceedings on Tuesday is the new Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Nentawe Yilwatda.

President Bola Tinubu had on Monday directed the Attorney General to terminate the charges against the accused persons, following the widespread outrage that greeted their arraignment on account of alleged treason.

Related Topics:Court Order EndBadGovernance Protesters

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“Melody Hymns with Sean Polotee” Returns, Rekindling Sunday Mornings with Soulful Inspiration

Published

8 months ago

July 24, 2025

thecolumnng

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In a welcome return to the airwaves, “Melody Hymns with Sean Polotee” is back on Melody 107.7 FM, set to grace Sunday mornings once again from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. The show, known for its soul-stirring hymns and uplifting content, is hosted by Sean Polotee, a seasoned broadcast journalist, poet, and media personality.

Renowned for his charismatic on-air presence and deep connection with listeners, Polotee brings nearly two decades of media experience to the program. He is also the recently appointed Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the National Coalition of Apostles, Bishops, Archbishops, and Cardinals (NCABAC) — a role that further highlights his commitment to using media as a force for positive change.

“Melody Hymns” blends carefully curated gospel music with personal reflections and conversations that spark hope, resilience, and faith. Polotee frequently engages guests from various walks of life, offering listeners stories that resonate far beyond the studio walls.

Drawing on his background as a poet and storyteller, Polotee’s style is warm, engaging, and deeply human. His previous hosting credits include popular radio shows like “Maagbon” on Miliki 101.3 FM and the award-winning “Deflower Your Mind” on Jordan 105.5 FM — programs that showcased his ability to connect meaningfully with audiences.

Listeners can expect more than just music — “Melody Hymns” is a celebration of community, faith, and shared experience. It invites audiences to participate by sharing personal testimonies, song requests, and reflections, reinforcing the show’s mission to uplift and unite.

Whether you’re seeking peace, encouragement, or simply a beautiful start to your Sunday, “Melody Hymns with Sean Polotee” offers a refreshing hour of inspiration.

Tune in to Melody 107.7 FM every Sunday at 9:00 AM.

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Singapore Hangs Third Drug Trafficker In A Week

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1 year ago

November 22, 2024

thecolumnng

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Singapore on Friday hanged a 55-year-old man for drug trafficking, its narcotics enforcement agency said, the city-state’s third execution in a week as the United Nations called for a halt.

The UN and rights groups say capital punishment has no proven deterrent effect and have called for it to be abolished, but Singaporean officials insist it has helped make the country one of Asia’s safest.

Singapore’s Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) said the death sentence was carried out for Rosman Abdullah, convicted of trafficking 57.43 grams (2.03 ounces) of heroin.

Under the country’s tough drug laws, the death penalty kicks in for any amount above a 15-gram threshold.

The hanging at Changi prison followed the November 15 execution of two men — a 39-year-old Malaysian and a 53-year-old Singaporean — also for drug trafficking.

“Rosman was accorded full due process under the law, and was represented by legal counsel throughout the process,” CNB said in a statement.

The Singaporean, first sentenced in July 2010, had exhausted his appeals, including one for clemency from the president.

His execution was the eighth this year in the city-state, seven for drug trafficking and one for murder.

According to an AFP tally, Singapore has hanged 24 people since it resumed carrying out the death penalty in March 2022 after a two-year halt during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The UN on Thursday reiterated its call on Singapore to review its position on capital punishment.

“The use of the death penalty for drug-related offences is incompatible with international human rights law. There is increasing evidence showing the ineffectiveness of capital punishment as a deterrent,” UN Human Rights spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani said in a statement.

The CNB, however, said capital punishment was “imposed only for the most serious crimes, such as the trafficking of significant quantities of drugs which cause very serious harm” to users and society at large.

AFP

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South Africa Central Bank Cuts Interest Rate to 7.75%

Published

1 year ago

November 22, 2024

thecolumnng

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Cyril Ramaphosa waves as he prepares to take the oath of office for his second term as South African President during Ramaphosa’s inauguration ceremony at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on June 19, 2024. (Photo by Kim LUDBROOK / POOL / AFP)

South Africa’s central bank on Thursday cut its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 7.75 percent, adopting caution amid mixed data and global uncertainty.

It follows a fall in inflation in October to 2.8 percent, its lowest level since June 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Inflation appears well contained in the near term, South Africa’s Reserve Bank governor Lesetja Kganyago told reporters.

However it was “highly uncertain” in the medium term given the possibility of higher costs of food, electricity and water, as well as insurance premiums and wage settlements.

While recent manufacturing data was subdued, mining was strong and unemployment had shifted lower to 32.1 percent in the third quarter from 33.5 percent in the previous quarter, Kganyago said.

South Africa’s economic growth could be higher from next year, given ongoing structural reforms including in the electricity and transport networks, he said.

“I think 25 basis points is cautious, and the environment is uncertain, and it calls for caution,” he said.

“Global interest rates could well shift higher again and the recent rand depreciation demonstrate how rapidly changes in the global environment can affect South Africa.”

Kganyago cited higher than expected inflation in the United States and Britain.

Another contributing factor was uncertainty about the policies that the incoming government of Donald Trump would adopt.

Generally there is “a rise about protectionism around the globe, and there is a concern that the protectionism that we are seeing could impact global trade, and global trade is the life blood of the global economy”,” Kganyago said.