The judge also ordered the arrest of Bashir Alkali, a former permanent secretary in the same ministry.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, had filed charges against the former minister, who served in the administration of late President Muhammadu Buhari, Alkali and Sani Rabiu.

They were to be arraigned sometimes in 2025 but the arraignment could not hold due to the absence of the defendants in court.

On March 23, Justice Onwuegbuzie ordered substituted service on them and directed the EFCC to paste the charge on their known addresses.

At the resumed sitting, the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs SAN, informed the court of an exparte application by the prosecution seeking warrant of arrest for Farouq and Alkali.

The application, according to Jacobs, was brought pursuant to Section 352 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.

Jacobs, however, amended the application in view of the fact that Rabiu, was present in court.

Abdul Ibrahim SAN appeared for the former minister.

Ruling, the court noted that Exhibit SF1 attached to the affidavit in support of the application was an affidavit of service of the charge on the defendants as directed by the court at the last sitting.

Having been satisfied that the former minister and the second defendant refused to appear before the court after service, Justice Onwuegbuzie subsequently issued bench warrant for the arrest of the first and second defendant.

He then adjourned the matter until May 18 for arraignment.

Source: NAN

READ ALSO:

Police foil bomb attempt, arrest six suspects in Ondo

2.2m candidates sit for 2026 UTME nationwide

Ondo: Police deploy adequate security to JAMB CTB centres

UCL: Arsenal edge Sporting, set up Atlético Madrid semi-final clash

Ike-Mounso to deliver the 10th Bullion Lecture

FUNAAB don tasks AMREC on work ethics for agric transformation

Remains of Brig-Gen Braimah, other fallen heroes buried

Lagos hands over Obalende Park to MTN for redevelopment

Nigeria’s inflation rate rises to 15.38% in March -NBS

Pat Utomi: An economic buccaneer flirting with intellectualism

Flood alert: 14, 118 communities identified as high risk nationwide

Pat Utomi: An economic buccaneer flirting with intellectualism

Yayi: The Lagos-Ogun boundary belt can wait no longer

NSCDC arrests two men for allegedly defiling minors in Ondo

Troops overrun terrorists’ camps, destroy logistics in Bauchi forest

The post Court issues arrest warrant against former minister, one other appeared first on Frontpageng.

Minister of Transportation, Saidu Ahmed Alkali, disclosed this while chairing a discussion on infrastructure during the two-day interactive session organised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Foundation in Kaduna.

He noted that the project was being supported through the Ministry of Finance Incorporated, MOFI.

Speaking on the Renewed Hope Cities, RHC, Project, the minister revealed that 3,112 housing units had been completed in Abuja, while Kano had 1,500 units and an additional 500-unit estate.

READ ALSO: FG appeals to nurses, midwives to shelve impending strike

In other states, 250-unit estates are being planned in each state, with those in Sokoto, Gombe, Yobe, Katsina, Nasarawa, and Benue states completed.

According to him, the projects will create over 250,000 jobs across various sites, with workers earning an average monthly pay of ₦150,000.

They will also stimulate the creation of building material hubs and attract over ₦70 billion in private investment, he said.

Speaking on the standard gauge Kaduna-Kano railway modernisation project, the minister said 53% has been completed.

In the same vein, he mentioned the Kano-Maradi as 61% completed.

Additionally, a section of the Port Harcourt–Maiduguri (61 km), he said, had been finished and put into use.

The post FG flags off light rail projects in northern states –Minister appeared first on Frontpageng.

Speaking on Wednesday during the two-day interactive session organised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Foundation, the minister said 216 additional road construction projects were currently ongoing in the region.

He further revealed that 312 road maintenance projects had been completed, while 50 others were in progress.

According to the minister, several legacy projects cutting across many states were underway.

READ ALSO: What ADC will do differently from APC… (II), By Bola Bolawole

They include the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, Calabar–Abuja Superhighway, and the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe Road.

In the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, he said, 14 road projects had been completed and commissioned.

Other completed projects, he said, included the Greater Abuja Water Supply Network Project, the construction or rehabilitation of numerous primary and secondary schools, and the commissioning of three world-class bus terminals.

He added that several other road construction, rehabilitation, and expansion works were ongoing across the country in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The post FG completes 135 road projects across Northern Nigeria –Minister appeared first on Frontpageng.

The government delegation will comprise the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar; Minister of Transportation, Senator Saidu Alkali; Corps Marshall of the Federal Roads Safety Commission (FRSC), Mr Shehu Mohammed; and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North West), Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai.

While in Jigawa, the delegation will visit the scene of the incident to assess the situation and visit injured persons in the hospital.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, made this known in a statement on Wednesday.

He said Tinubu further directed that emergency aid, including medical supplies, food, and shelter, be extended to the 50 victims receiving treatment and others affected by the fire.

READ ALSO: GITEX Nigeria: Lagos ready to host the world, says Hamzat

The president, according to his aide, with a heavy heart, joined the Vice President in extending his deepest condolences to the families of the victims of the devastating incident.

He expressed his heartfelt prayers and support to the government and people of Jigawa during the time of the tragic loss and grief.

He prayed for divine comfort for the bereaved families and the peaceful repose for the souls of the departed.

President Tinubu reassured the nation that the federal government, in collaboration with states, was committed to the swift and comprehensive review of fuel transportation safety protocols across the country.

He restated his directive to the Federal Roads Safety Corps, FRSC, to strengthen night travel measures, such as increased patrols, stricter enforcement of safety regulations, and other highway safety mechanisms.

He said those found responsible for breaches of safety standards would be held accountable, reaffirming the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring such incidents did not recur.

The post Tanker fire: Tinubu sends high-level delegation to Jigawa appeared first on Frontpageng.

The launching, billed for Wednesday next week, is the second phase of the administration’s e-mobility programme, following the launch of CNG-powered buses last year.

Governor Abiodun, speaking during a meeting with the Minister of Transportation, Senator Sa’idu Ahmed Alkali, in Abuja on Thursday, described the planned introduction as a significant step towards sustainable transportation solutions in the state.

Prince Abiodun also said that the introduction would further bring down transport fares across the state, noting that gas and electricity were cheaper than petrol powered transportation system.

The governor said: “We met with the Minister of Transportation, Senator Sa’idu Ahmed Alkali, to discuss the upcoming launch of Phase 2 of our energy transition plan in Ogun State.

READ ALSO: NANS shelves protest, urges FG to address challenges

“This phase, centred on our e-mobility programme, will see the introduction of electric bikes, marking a significant step towards sustainable transportation solutions in our state.

“The meeting underscored our commitment to promoting alternative clean energy sources, which are crucial in addressing the current economic challenges and transportation costs.

“We are excited to announce that the official launch of this initiative will take place on Wednesday, 31st July, at the Arcade Ground, State Secretariat, Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

“This event will not only showcase our dedication to environmental sustainability but also our focus on innovative public-private partnerships that support the ‘Building Our Future Together’ agenda,” the governor said.

The post Dapo Abiodun unveils plans to launch electric bike initiative appeared first on Frontpageng.

Alkali was charged by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp, NSCDC, with defilement on four separate charge sheets.

The four boys were between the ages of 13 and 15 years.

The NSCDC prosecutor, Mr Marcus Audu, told the court that the matter was reported to the Corp’s office for investigation by the Salama Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Kafanchan on July 3.

Audi explained that the defendant committed the act with the boys separately on multiple occasions between February and July 2024.

READ ALSO: Alleged bribery: Judge orders Ganduje’s trial to continue in absentia

He said the defendant lured each of the boys into his room at Takau, kissed and romanced them.

According to him, the defendant threatened to kill them if they told anyone about the affair.

The prosecutor added that during the course of investigation, he confessed to the commission of the crime.

The presiding judge, Samson Kwasu, however, declined to take the defendant’s plea for lack of jurisdiction to entertain the matter.

Kwasu directed the prosecutor to forward duplicate copies of the case files to the State Director of Public Prosecution for legal advice.

He, thereafter, adjourned the matter until July 25 for further mention.

Source: NAN

The post Teacher remanded for allegedly kissing, romancing four boys appeared first on Frontpageng.

Governor Dapo Abiodun disclosed this during the opening ceremony of the Executive Session of the 18th Edition of the National Council on Transportation, with the theme, “Embracing Innovations and Technologies For Sustainable Transportation: Tackling the Energy Challenges”.

The event was organised by the state in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Transportation, at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta.

Governor Abiodun, who emphasised the significance of strategic collaboration in the state’s project development and implementation drive, noted that the transportation sector played a pivotal role in sustainable growth and development of any state and the nation, stating that it was in recognition of that that his administration created a fully professionalised Ministry of Transportation.

READ ALSO: Tinubu to AU leaders: Nigeria ready to host African Central Bank

Represented by his deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Abiodun explained that the state’s strategic and geographically advantageous position, coupled with its current swift industrialization and viable business opportunities, a proposed rail development plan would leverage and connect to infrastructure and services provided by the Nigeria Railway Corporation and neighbouring Lagos State.

He noted that the move would create a sustainable socio-economic revolution, deliberately embarked upon to improve the ease of doing business, attract more investors, create employment opportunities and boost the revenue potential of the state, which was the essence of his administration’s ISEYA agenda.

Governor Abiodun disclosed further that plans were underway to establish and operationalise a Dry Port city at Kajola/Papalanto in Ewekoro Local Government Area of the state, along the Nigeria Railway Corporation’s Standard Gauge Rail corridor, adding that the city would feature complementary mixed residential, commercial, and industrial developments like its Aerotropolis.

While appreciating the organisers for the choice of Ogun State for the programme, the state’s helmsman said the event would foster collaboration and cross-fertilise innovative ideas towards driving transformative changes within the country’s transportation sector.

Speaking, the Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Ahmed Alkali, noted that the transportation sector was a major cause of environmental pollution due to over dependence on fossil fuel and non-availability of alternative energy which had raised environmental and socio-economic issues such as environmental pollution, fuel price volatility and economic sabotage.

“For Nigeria to be at the forefront, there is need to adopt a multifaceted approach to accelerate the adoption of a sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation solutions such as modernising the country’s transportation systems by pioneering the frontier of green manufacturing and industrialisation, with a focus on natural gas as a transition fuel alongside other renewable energy sources,” he said.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Micheal Oloruntola, said the purpose of the technical session was to chart a new course that would assist in embracing new innovations and technologies for a sustainable transportation with a view to developing the transportation sector in the country.

The post Transportation: Ogun to collaborate with multilateral institutions appeared first on Frontpageng.

The governor also noted that the resuscitation of the narrow gauge from Ibadan to Abuja, when completed, would give investors the opportunity to wheel cargo all the way from Lagos to Kano State and improve trade and commerce.

Prince Abiodun stated this Thursday evening when he received the Minister of Transportation, Senator Saidu Ahmed Alkali and some commissioners for transportation across the country who were in the state for the 18th edition of the National Council on Transportation.

Governor Abiodun commended the minister for the bold steps he is taking to reposition the transportation sector of the country, noting that the plan by the Ministry of Transportation to resuscitate the Kaduna to Kano line would further open up the country for commerce.

“I am very glad about the laudable achievements under your watch, the initiatives that you’re championing, the intervention you have sought from the Chinese to resuscitate the Kaduna to Kano line so that you will now have the connection, all the way from Lagos, Ogun, Ibadan, Abuja, Kaduna and Kano.

“You admitted to me that you are thinking of how to connect our industrial zones together so you can de-emphasis vehicular transportation whilst connecting the Badagry port to the rail line that will connect with the Lagos to Kano line, also thinking of a line that will go from Lekki port to Ijebu-Ode and connect to Kajola.

“This is indeed very laudable thinking. This is what you see when you put people who have the requisite experience and capacity in position of authority, ” he said.

The governor added that his administration, upon realising the importance of the transportation sector, quickly created a ministry that would see to the running of the sector in the state.

“We understand the importance of the ministry of transportation when I assumed office. We didn’t have that ministry in Ogun State. We had the Ministry of Works, and for some strange reasons, my predecessor assumed that the commissioner for works can carry out the responsibilities of the commissioner of transportation.

“We are a testimonial for the transportation sector. We value that sector, we’ve taken transportation very seriously,” he said.

Abiodun said his administration is deeply committed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of renewed hope, adding that the state under his watch would continue to put the people first.

Earlier in his remarks, Senator Alkali noted that the National Council on Transportation would address the National Transportation Policy, which does not exist at the moment.

READ ALSO: Nigerians cry out over quackery in health sector, charge govt

He said that the ministry had submitted a draft recommendation for stakeholders to make their input for onward presentation and deliberation by the Federal Executive Council.

Senator Alkali disclosed that the federal government would soon commence the railway project from Ibadan to Abuja and Kaduna to Kano, adding that the ministry had started the evacuation of about 90 containers daily at the APMT terminal to Ibadan.

According to him, the ministry would start freighting of goods by the end of the present quarter from the APMT terminal to Kano State.

He said that the ministry was in high-level discussions with foreign investors to see how the transportation sector could be fixed.

“In December last year, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed the Vice President to lead a delegation to attend a conference in Beijing.

“The Vice President was privileged to hold a bilateral discussion with the Chinese President. Among the issues raised was in respect of our railway modernization project.

“The project was segmented initially. From Lagos to Ibadan was completed and put into use, and Abuja to Kaduna, Warri to Itakpe. We are looking at the possibility of continuing the project from Ibadan to Abuja and from Kaduna to Kano,” he said.

Alkali acknowledged Governor Abiodun for the great work he had started in the state, saying that he had written his name in gold.

The post Abiodun lauds FG’s plan to connect industrial zones by rail appeared first on Frontpageng.

The meeting, to be hosted by Governor Dapo Abiodun, will have in attendance Commissioners in charge of Transportation in the 36 states and the FCT, their permanent secretaries, Transport Secretaries, Director of Planning Research and Statistics and other stakeholders.

The Guest of Honour is the Minister For Transportation, Senator Saidu Alkali.

The theme for this year’s edition is ‘Embracing Innovations and Technologies For Sustainable Transportation: Tackling The Energy Challenges’.

Commissioner for Transportation in Ogun State, Engr. Olugbenga Dairo, in a statement at the weekend, said  the programme was an  avenue to foster  development in the  Nigeria transportation system being  a yearly event.

“The National Council on Transportation is a national and yearly event geared at developing transportation system in Nigeria.

READ ALSO: We are determined to achieve food sufficiency for Nigeria -Tinubu

“I am delighted to inform you that His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, Governor of Ogun State in his unrelenting effort at repositioning the State as one to reckon with in national transportation innovative in the country, has graciously accepted to host this year’s National Council on Transportation which is the 18th Edition of it , from Tuesday 13th  February to Friday 16th February 2024 at June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto Abeokuta.

“The  State will play host to all transport experts, regulators, policy makers, investors and operators across the country, including federal and state ministries of transportation, federal agencies within the transport sector to discuss current transport issues, provide innovative and technological ideas which culminate in formulation and adoption of policies and common resolutions,” Dairo said.

The post Ogun hosts 18th National Council On Transportation appeared first on Frontpageng.

The federal government announced a free train service on all serviced routes and 50% rebate on road transportation from December 21, 2023 to January 4th, 2024 on specific routes to reduce the burden of high cost of public transportation during the just concluded Christmas and new year holidays.

While over 163,000 Nigerians benefitted from successful first leg of the yuletide initiative, President Tinubu, in further demonstration of his care for the welfare of Nigerians, directed that the free train service should be made available for extra three days to allow more Nigerians to take the advantage.

READ ALSO: Poultry farmers seek FG’s intervention in 2024

In the announcement made by the Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Ahmed Alkali, on Thursday, the government advised members of the public to note that the extension applied to all three routes currently being serviced by the Nigerian Railway Corporation as follows: Lagos – Ibadan; Warri -Itakpe and Abuja – Kaduna.

It said that it hoped that Nigerians interested in travelling by rail would take full advantage of the unique opportunity aimed at enhancing people’s welfare.

The post Yuletide: Tinubu extends free train service to Sunday appeared first on Frontpageng.