The trial of the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele continued on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court in Maitama, with a fifth prosecution witness, Kingsley Obiora, former CBN Deputy Governor in charge of policy, disclosing that the new naira notes printed and released into circulation under Emefiele’s leadership did not match former President, Muhammad Buhari’s approval.

Testifying before Justice Maryann Anenih via zoom, Obiora pointed out that, “the approval by the President was different from what was eventually produced.” He stated this after being shown evidence by the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo SAN, noting that he recognized the discrepancy when he compared the President’s original approval with the currency that was put into circulation.

Obiora, who worked at the CBN for over seven years, clarified his involvement in the CBN’s Committee of Governors COG, a body he described as comprising “the governor, four deputy governors, and the director of corporate services.”

He further explained, “The governor is the Chairman of the Committee, and during my tenure as Deputy Governor, Emefiele was our Chairman.”

According to Obiora, the Committee met weekly on Wednesdays to deliberate on critical policy matters and updates within the bank.

Reflecting on how the redesign plan came about, Obiora recounted a CBN event held on October 25, 2022, in Lagos to mark the one-year anniversary of the e-naira.

During the event, “the governor called all four deputy governors into a huddle and informed us of the plan to redesign the currency.” Obiora expressed immediate concerns, saying, “My personal reaction was that the event itself may not be the appropriate place to announce such a major policy”. He further urged that more time be allocated to study the policy thoroughly and make improvements.

Despite these concerns, Obiora said Emefiele pressed on and brought the plan forward in a formal meeting of the COG on October 26, 2022.

“The governor mentioned that we had already had the president’s approval for the policy,” Obiora confirmed, adding, “The deputy governor in charge of currency operations presented a memo, and it was discussed, deliberated upon.”

Following this, Emefiele and two other deputy governors joined him in a press conference to announce the policy to the public.

When asked about the CBN Board’s role in the redesign, Obiora explained that the board was only formally informed months later, in mid-December 2022, when the naira redesign was presented to them.

He testified, “The policy was discussed at the board level mid-December. The board did not sit as day-to-day management but instead gave policy directions.”

Obiora clarified that “the board’s involvement in the policy was limited to endorsing the COG’s prior decision, not initiating it.”

During cross-examination, defence counsel Olalekan Ojo, SAN, questioned Obiora about the board’s role in finalizing the redesign.

Ojo suggested that the December board meeting “conforms with the naira notes currently in circulation,” to which Obiora replied, “Yes, sir.”

He further clarified, saying there had been no directive or complaint from former President Muhammadu Buhari about the redesign.

Obiora also commented on his limited past involvement with currency design. He shared that during his initial role as Special Adviser at the CBN in 2014, the bank had introduced a redesigned N100 note. However, he emphasized, “I was not part of it, but I was at the bank then.”

After giving his evidence, Justice Anenih discharged him and adjourned the matter till December 4, 2024, and January 21, 2025 for continuation of trial.

In a fresh onslaught against Boko Haram and Lakurawa terrorists, military troops have killed 88 suspects, arresting over 200 in one week.

Spokesman of Defence Media Operations (DMO), Major General Edward Buba, who made the disclosure, also said that troops also arrested 40 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 181 kidnapped hostages.

Buba said troops are on an onslaught to crush terrorists in the Northwest and other parts of the country.

He noted that operations are being modified accordingly, to box in these terrorists, while also increasing operational intensity to ensure total destruction of all terror groups and dismantling of their terror networks.

He added that troops are also deployed in strength to provide assistance to the police in ensuring a hitch free off-cycle governorship election in Ondo State, slated for 16 November 16, 2024.

“Indeed, troops’ presence is to ensure security of citizens enabling them to cast their votes without any form of harassment or intimidation, while keeping mischief makers at bay. The NAF is already engaged in flying sensitive electoral material in support of INEC

“Meanwhile, during the week under review, troops neutralised 88 and arrested 228 persons. Troops also arrested 40 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 181 kidnapped hostages. In the SS, troops denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of One Billion Two Four Million Four Hundred and Twelve Thousand Nine Hundred and Fifty Naira (N1,021,412,950.00) only.

“Furthermore, troops recovered 84 assorted weapons and 2,393 assorted ammunition. The breakdown is as follows: 34 AK47 rifles, 15 fabricated rifles, 11 dane guns, five fabricated revolver pistols, eight locally made pistols, three pump action guns and one magnum pump action.

“Others are: 1,807 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 314 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 146 rounds of 7.62mm PKM ammo, 77 rounds of 9mm ammo, 49 live cartridges, 25 magazines, 2 baofeng radios, 16 vehicles, 35 motorcycles, 27 mobile phones and the sum of N1,851,000.00 only amongst other items.

“Troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 13 crude oil cooking ovens, 20 dugout pits, 73 boats, 25 storage tanks and 59 illegal refining sites. Other items recovered include 3 barges, 7 speedboats, 73 drums, one tricycle, 5 pumping machines, 3 mobile phones and 9 vehicles among others. Troops recovered 942,420 litres of stolen crude oil, 175,075 litres of illegally refined AGO and 4,980 litres of PMS.

“Overall, troop offensives have severely depleted ISWAP terrorist rank and file in the NE forcing a desperate recruitment drive. Similarly, terrorists in the NW are on a recruitment drive on social media for new recruits. Troops are aware of the situation and working with other security agencies and governments to thwart the plans.” General Buba said.

The Lagos Territorial Office of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Tuesday welcomed a new group of returnees repatriated from Niger Republic.

The returnees, a total of 148 individuals, arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Cargo Terminal, at approximately 2:15 pm on Skymali flight ER-CTZ.

They were welcomed by NEMA alongside support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and other stakeholders.

NEMA, in a statement on Thursday, said the returnees included 120 adult males, nine adult females, 10 male children, seven female children, and two infants.

The agency said there was a brief delay in moving the returnees from the aircraft due to a heavy rain when they arrived.

Officials from the Nigerian Immigration Service arrived when the weather cleared and the aircraft handlers provided buses to transport the returnees to the biometric registration center for documentation, the agency said.

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has directed the immediate suspension of all state-owned bank accounts.

In a statement issued on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor clarified that the accounts would stay frozen until further instructions are given.

The governor also urged commercial banks and leaders of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to implement the directive without hesitation.

The statement emphasized that Okpebholo warned that anyone, including MDAs leaders and government employees, who ignores the order would face stringent consequences.

“All state bank accounts with commercial banks have been frozen. Commercial banks must comply with this order and ensure that not a single naira is withdrawn from government coffers until further notice.

“Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies must ensure full compliance without delay.

“Following necessary investigations and reconciliations, the governor will take appropriate action and decide on the way forward. For now, this order remains in effect,” the statement read.

The governor also instructed the appropriate government bodies to restore the Ministry of Roads and Bridges to its former name, the Ministry of Works, a change that was made during the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki.

Okpebholo mandated swift adherence, insisting that the updated name be formally adopted.

“It is odd to name a government institution the Ministry of Roads and Bridges, especially when not a single bridge was built by the previous administration — not even a pedestrian bridge.

“In the coming days, we will examine further actions taken by the previous administration and make decisions that serve the best interests of the state,” the statement concluded.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) announced on Thursday that it would be sending 1,500 officers to oversee the smooth operation of the Ondo State governorship election, set for November 16, 2024.

This deployment, authorized by Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed, is part of a wider strategy to collaborate with other security agencies and ensure compliance with vehicle movement restrictions during the election.

In a statement from Assistant Corps Marshal and Corps Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, the FRSC emphasized the critical need for maintaining order throughout the election process.

The personnel will be supported by 25 patrol vehicles, seven tow trucks, and six ambulances, all positioned to manage traffic, clear road blockages, and handle emergencies.

The Corps Marshal encouraged the officers assigned to demonstrate the utmost professionalism and honor the rights of every voter.

He cautioned against any behavior that could violate democratic rights, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a peaceful and well-organized election.

As election preparations progress, the FRSC has urged voters to adhere to the vehicle movement restrictions and work together with officials to ensure a smooth and impartial electoral process.

The statement read, “As part of efforts put in place to ensure smooth conduct of the forthcoming Ondo State Gubernatorial election scheduled by the electoral umpire to hold on 16 November 2024, the Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed, has approved the deployment of 1,500 operatives, and ordered them to collaborate with other security agencies to enforce compliance on restrictions of vehicular movement.

“The directive issued by the Corps Marshal also mandated the Personnel to clear obstructions from the roads, carry out rescue operations in case of emergencies, and maintain orderliness in polling booths.

“In the same vein, adequate mobilisation has also been made for operational tools, including deployment of 25 patrol vehicles, seven tow trucks, as well as six ambulances to strengthen enforcement of restrictions during the entire process of the election.

“He warned the personnel deployed to play an active role in the democratic exercise. While emphasising the need to exhibit the highest sense of professionalism, the Corps Marshal also admonished them to avoid any act that could lead to abuse of the rights of electorates.”

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has announced a prohibition on all forms of transportation, including vehicles on roads, waterways, and other modes, between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. on the day of the Ondo State governorship election, which is set for Saturday, November 16th.

A statement released on Thursday by Force Spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi stated that essential services such as ambulances, media personnel, fire services, and accredited journalists would be exempt from this restriction.

Furthermore, the IG has banned security personnel and VIP escorts from accompanying their principals to polling stations and collation centres in an effort to maintain order and prevent disturbances.

Adejobi also revealed that vehicles without authorization would not be allowed to use sirens on the election day.

He said, “As part of the security framework, there will be a restriction of all vehicular movements on roads, waterways, and other means of transportation from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Election Day, except for those on essential services, such as ambulances, media officials, fire services, and other accredited media.”

“Furthermore, security aides and escorts attached to VIPs are banned from accompanying VIPs to polling stations and collation centres to prevent disruptions. Unauthorised security personnel and quasi-security agencies will not be permitted to operate during the election, and a strict ban on the use of sirens by unauthorised vehicles will be enforced.”

He guaranteed that priority would be provided to senior citizens and individuals with disabilities, among others, on election day.

Adejobi said, “Special consideration will also be extended to individuals with disabilities, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and those with mobility challenges to ensure polling stations remain accessible.”

Adejobi also mentioned that DIG Sylvester Alabi would oversee the security plans for the election, with assistance from AIG Bennett Igweh and CP Tunji Disu.

He said, “In preparation for the elections, the IGP has deployed DIG Sylvester Abiodun Alabi as the coordinating DIG for the elections, tasked with overseeing the implementation of the police security strategies to maintain law and order throughout the electoral period, while AIG Bennett Igweh, mni, and CP Tunji Disu are deployed as AIG and CP Elections, respectively.”

Adejobi called on citizens to report any suspicious activities that could jeopardize the integrity of the electoral process and reiterated the police’s dedication to ensuring a secure and democratic atmosphere as the state prepares for the upcoming elections.Adejobi called on citizens to report any suspicious activities that could jeopardize the integrity of the electoral process and reiterated the police’s dedication to ensuring a secure and democratic atmosphere as the state prepares for the upcoming elections.

“The police will also work with the military and other federal security agencies, as collaborative efforts from all stakeholders are vital to ensuring that the elections are conducted fairly and peacefully,” he added.