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Reps new bill proposes 15-year prison sentence for victims found paying ransom

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The House of representatives is considering a bill seeking to provide compensation for victims of kidnapping.

The proposed legislation titled: ‘Control of Small Arms, Light Weapons and Restitution of Victims of Abduction, Kidnappings, Banditry Bill, 2022’, passed first reading at the lower legislative chamber on Tuesday.

The bill is sponsored by Tajudeen Adefisoye, a lawmaker from Ondo state.

Last month, the federal government released a gazette proscribing bandits as terrorists in Nigeria.

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The development came about two months after a federal high court in Abuja declared the activities of bandit groups in the country as acts of terrorism — after several calls by Nigerians.

In a 25-page bill monitored by TheHeute, the proposed legislation seeks restitution for “victims of acts of abduction, kidnapping and banditry in Nigeria from the amounts of monies or properties of the offender(s) forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria whether or not the monies or properties are proceeds of the crime committed”.

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The bill also seeks to give legal backing to the national centre for the control of small arms and light weapons (NACCSALW).

In May 2021, the federal government established a national centre for the control of small arms and light weapons (NACCSALW).

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According to the bill, the office of the national security adviser (ONSA) will supervise the activities of the centre and report to the president.

The centre will also have the responsibility to control dealings in small arms and light weapons and coordinate the compensation of kidnap victims.

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Aside from controlling the proliferation of arms, the centre will also serve as an institute where “distinguished academics, policy initiators, captains of industries and resource persons meet to brainstorm and mutually or confidently exchange views or ideas on national or global issues”.

The centre will have the power to investigate and prosecute kidnap suspects or order an agency of government to do so.

‘LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR ILLEGAL POSSESSION OF SMALL ARMS’

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Section 11 (1) of the proposed bill states that any person “who without lawful order, permission or authority possesses, uses or causes to be used any small arms or light weapons commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction to life imprisonment”, while subsection 2(a) of the same section proposes 20 years jail term for persons who deal illegally in small arms or light weapons.

‘JAIL TERM FOR PAYMENT OF RANSOM WITHOUT APPROVAL FROM GOVERNMENT’

Section 11 (5) proposes that “a person who for the time being acts as parent or guardian of the victim(s) of an act of abduction shall not in whatever guise pay ransom for the rescue of the victim(s) without the consent, guidance and approval of the centre first sought and obtained”, otherwise, such person “shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not less than 5 years or fine of five million naira”.

Meanwhile, a similar bill was introduced at the senate, which proposed 15-year jail term for anyone who pays ransom.

‘ESTABLISHMENT OF SPECIAL COURTS’

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According to the document, the bill also seeks to facilitate the prosecution of kidnap cases by the establishment of a special court.

Section 3 of the bill gives the court the powers to exercise the judicial powers vested in the federal or state high courts and shall have one jurisdiction in the federal capital territory (FCT) only with at least 12 courtrooms.

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Education

Gov. Kefas Grants 50% Tuition Cut for Final Year Nursing Students

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In a move that underscores the commitment of the Taraba State Government to prioritize education and make it more accessible, the Taraba state Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas has approved a significant reduction in tuition fees for final year students at the College of Nursing and Midwifery Jalingo.

Effective immediately, all final year students pursuing their nursing and midwifery diplomas will benefit from a 50% reduction in tuition fees. This decision aims at alleviating the financial burden on students and their families, ensuring that quality education remains affordable and accessible to all.

Dr.Agbu Kefas stated, “Education is the bedrock of our society, and we are dedicated to providing opportunities for our students to excel without the undue burden of high tuition costs. We believe that this reduction will not only support our students but also contribute to the development of the healthcare sector in our state.”

The Taraba State Government remains committed to enhancing the quality of education and healthcare services in the state. This reduction in tuition fees is a significant step towards achieving these goals.

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Why we donated N8.9m worth of books to Plateau Varsity- Brooks Consolidated

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Brooks Consolidated Investments Limited, Jos, an organisation that specialises in supplying books and library essentials to universities and research institutes, has donated 252 volumes of books worth N8,988,200 million to Plateau State University, Bokkos.

The organisation said that the donation was a testament to the company’s enduring commitment to education and the pursuit of knowledge.

Managing Director of Brooks Consolidated Investments Limited, Mr Sunday Jesmiel, while making the donation said that the company was proud to be associated with Plateau State University, which has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence in education and research.

He said, “The donation of these books to Plateau State University today, not only reflects our commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility and educational advancement, but also serves as a direct response to the urgent appeal made by the University’s Governing Council Chairman and former Vice Chancellor.

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Jesmiel urge corporate entities and individuals with a sense of public duty to support the University.

According to him, “We are Particularly encouraged and inspired by the pronouncements of the Plateau State Governor, His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang to not only accord priority to the development of the University, but to make it a centre for medical excellence.”

“These books, were carefully selected to cover a wide range of subjects, to serve as valuable resources for students, researchers, and faculty members alike”, he explained.

He expressed the hope that they would inspire and empower them to explore new horizons, expand their knowledge, and make groundbreaking discoveries.

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The Managing Director also expressed gratitude to the management and staff of the University for their unwavering dedication to providing a conducive learning environment for students of the institution.

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He encourage the students of the institution to make the most of the books and other resources that have been entrusted to them.

Adding that education was the key to unlocking the full potential of individuals and societies and hoped that the donation would serve as a catalyst for positive change and contribute to the growth and development of the University.

The Managing Director reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting education and the academic community, saying together, they can strive for excellence, embrace lifelong learning, and create a brighter future for all.

In his remarks, Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Bernard Matur, thanked Brooks Consolidated Investments Limited for their generous donation and said that the university was grateful for their support and partnership

While acknowledging that the books would enhance the quality of teaching and learning at the University, Matur commended the organisation for its Corporate Social Responsibility and their contribution to the development of education in the State.

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The Vice Chancellor assured them that the institution would make good use of the books and ensure their proper maintenance.

He used the opportunity to call on other corporate bodies and individuals to emulate Brooks Consolidated Investments Limited and support Plateau State University in its quest for academic excellence.

Brooks Consolidated Investments Limited is a reputable registered company in Nigeria that supplies books and library essentials to Schools, Universities and Research Institutes. It has its headquarters in Jos, Plateau State Capital.

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Bauchi Court Dismisses Case Against NUJ

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BAUCHI – High Court No.10 has struck out the suit filed against the State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) for lack of jurisdiction and awarded damages of N100,000 against the plaintiff.

 

Recall that Voice of America Hausa (VOA) Service Correspondent, Abdulwahab Muhammed and three others approached the court challenging the process of the nomination of members of the 2023 Electoral Committee of the council tasked to organise fresh polls for the council.

 

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The complainants also sought the legal interpretation of some sections of the NUJ Constitution in relation to the complaints as contained in their claims before the Court.

 

Counsel to the defendants, Barr. Rilwanu Jibrin argued that the State High Court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the case noting that only the National Industrial Court is the appropriate court to entertain the issue being a labour-related issue.

 

While delivering the judgement on the arguments before him, Justice Muktar Abubakar affirmed the submissions of the defendants that indeed, the High Court lacks jurisdiction to entertain the matter.

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He dismissed the case for lack of merit and ordered the plaintiffs to pay the sum of money for wasting the time of the court and that of the defendants.

 

Meanwhile in another development, the Advisory Committee of the NUJ called for peace meeting to settle the matter amicably out of court but the Plaintiffs rejected the move insisting that their conditions for settlement must be met.

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