Governor warns against illegal attempts to establish Sharia Court

The Ogun Government has warned against illegal attempts to establish a Sharia Court in the state.

Gov. Dapo Abiodun, in a statement issued in Abeokuta on Tuesday, said Sharia Courts could not be legally constituted by individuals or groups without legal backing.

According to him, the government was reacting to a notice announcing the launch of a Sharia Court in the state.

Abiodun explained that the government only recognised courts established through the legal framework of the Nigerian Constitution.

He adds that a Sharia Court does not form part of the legal framework operating in the state.

“The Ogun State Government has noted the circulation of a digital notice announcing the launch of a Sharia Court in Ogun State.

“No Sharia Court is authorised to operate within Ogun State.

“The courts that are legally empowered to adjudicate disputes arising within Ogun State are those established by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or by State Laws.

“These are: Magistrates’ Courts, High Court, Customary Courts, Customary Court of Appeal, Federal High Court, National Industrial Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court.

“No law operating in Ogun State has established a Sharia Court, and Sharia law does not form part of the legal framework by which the Ogun State Government administers and governs society,” he said.

Abiodun, however, said the government would uphold and protect the rights of individuals to practice the religion of their choice, or to subscribe to no religion.

According to him, the government recognises the freedom of individuals to apply their faith in their personal and private matters.

“The Ogun State Government hereby directs that all persons involved in the creation or operation of this unauthorised court must immediately cease all related activities and disband the illegal entity and all its apparatus.

“The government also advises members of the public to disregard any summons, documents, or persons associated with the illegal Sharia Court.

“The Ogun State Government will uphold the rule of law, ensure respect for the legal and judicial framework within the state, and prevent a breakdown of law and order,” he said. (NAN)

Cybercrime; NPF recovers $11,450,000 arrests Suspects, seeks support to remove Nigeria from money laundering terrorism financing list

The Nigeria Police Force has called for support from Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) to remove Nigeria from the list of countries designated as high-risk jurisdictions for money laundering and terrorism financing.

The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi made the call in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) had in February, 2023, placed Nigeria on the grey list, designating the country as a high-risk jurisdiction for money laundering and terrorism financing.

“In response to this critical situation, the Nigeria Police Force has been actively tackling these issues through the establishment of specialised units.

“The units established in this regard are the Special Anti-Fraud Unit (SFU), the National Cybercrime Centre and the newly launched Anti-Money Laundering Unit.

“Collectively, these initiatives are to enhance Nigeria’s compliance with international standards and facilitate the country’s removal from the FATF grey list,” he said.

According to him, over the past year, these specialised units have made significant strides in combating financial crimes, resulting in the arrest of 1,088 suspects and securing 152 convictions.

He said a total 11,450,000 dollars and N142.2 billion was recovered over the past year.

“The National Cybercrime Centre, in particular, has been pivotal in addressing digital financial crimes, leading to the arrest of 751 cybercrime suspects and extensive recoveries amounting to billions of money.

“A notable achievement includes Operation Butterfly Net, addressing a cyber-attack on Flutterwave, which led to the arrest of 179 individuals involved in laundering over ₦11 billion,” he said.

Adejobi said the establishment of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Sections has bolstered the framework surrounding financial investigations.

He said the training of over 2,000 officers across various units in money laundering and terrorism financing investigations was reflective of the force’s commitment to improving Nigeria’s global standing in combating financial crimes.

According to him, with the submission of quarterly AML/CFT reports to the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Nigeria’s ratings within the FATF regime have also significantly improved, indicating the effectiveness of these initiatives.

He pledged that the force would remain resolute in its efforts to combat money laundering and terrorism financing to ensure that Nigeria meets international requirements set by the FATF.

“We urge all relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to collaborate in this critical effort of lifting Nigeria from the FATF grey list.

“While the fight against financial crime is far from over, the progress made by the police in investigations, arrests and prosecutions demonstrate its determination to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s financial system,” he said. (NAN)

BREAKING; Governor approves 21-year jail term for cult members

Monday Okpebholo, Governor of Edo State has signed a new law imposing a 21-year jail term for cult members and their sponsors.

The development was announced on Tuesday in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikhllor. According to the statement, the previous law addressing cult-related offences has been repealed and replaced with stricter penalties to deter cult activities.

Ikhllor emphasised the government’s commitment to maintaining peace and security across the state, warning the public against engaging in actions that could jeopardise Edo’s growth and development.

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The statement read: “It is hereby announced for the information of the public that the Edo State Secret Cult (Prohibition Law) 2018 has been repealed by the Edo State House of Assembly.

“By virtue of the repeal, the Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law, 2025, has been passed by the Edo State House of Assembly and signed into law by the Governor of the State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, effective from 24 January 2025.

“Please be informed that in the new law, there are provisions for stricter penalties for anyone found guilty of secret cult-related offences in the state.

“Section 5 of the law prescribes 21 years of imprisonment for financial and material sponsors of secret cults.

“Additionally, Section 6 of the law provides for 10 years of imprisonment for those who knowingly harbour members of a secret cult or permit secret cult meetings or activities to take place in any house, building, or location under their control.”

The statement further noted that, in addition to the 10-year jail term for those who harbour cult members, such individuals would have their properties confiscated and demolished by the state government.

It added: “Section 12 of the law clearly states: ‘Any person found to be a cultist under Section 4, who assaults, injures, maims, or kills any person(s) or destroys any property in furtherance of the activities of any secret cult, is guilty of an offence and is liable to 21 years of imprisonment without an option of fine. In the case of a fatality, the perpetrator(s) shall be liable to the death penalty upon conviction, and any properties in their name, as well as their place of residence, shall be confiscated and demolished by the State Government.’

“The general public is, by this notice, advised to take heed and refrain from acts detrimental to the peace, growth, and development of Edo State.”