News

16 Soldiers, One Officer Face Court Martial In Plateau

Published

2 years ago

February 27, 2024

Editor

At least, 16 soldiers and one officer are currently facing court martial in Plateau state.

The personnel facing trial were accused of various offences ranging from armed robbery and murder to unlawful possession of arms and ammunition and selling same contrary to their operational mandate within the 3rd Amoured Division.

The inaugural sitting of the court martial took place at the 3rd Armoured Division, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, the Nigerian Army in Bassa Local Government Area on Tuesday.

Acting Deputy Director of Legal Services 3 Division Nigerian Army, Major Aminu Mairuwa, who spoke after the inauguration of the General Court Martial noted that the Nigerian military is an institution that believes in discipline and will continue to ensure the full application of its internal disciplinary mechanism.

He said the accused personnel were brought before the court martial to follow the necessary procedures premised on respect for the rule of law and ensuring that there is compliance with the principle of natural justice and the extant rules and procedures.

“The essence is to make sure that the military personnel always operate within the confines of our rules of engagement, code of conduct and respect to international best practices”, he stated

The President of the General Court Martial, Brigadier General Liafis Bello, who read the order of the Convening Officer and General Officer Commanding 3 Division, Maj.General Abdulsalam Abubakar, maintained that Nigerian Army as an institution thrives on discipline, regimentation and utmost professionalism.

He said unveiling the court martial in the Nigerian Army is a routine duty aimed at compliance with the dictates of the military justice system pointing out that the 3 Division Headquarters of the Nigerian Army had keyed into the command philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja which is “To Transform the Nigerian Army into a Well-trained, Equipped and Highly Motivated Force Towards Achieving our constitutional responsibilities within a Joint Environment”.

Earlier in his remarks, the Judge Advocate, Major Nasir Abdullahi, stressed that the court was set up to enhance discipline and ensure that erring officers and soldiers are investigated and prosecuted within a reasonable time through the laid down rules, regulations and procedures.

He further stated that the General Court Martial is being convened to try some Nigerian Army personnel who are alleged to have committed various offences within the 3 Division Area of Responsibility.

“One of the aims of Court Martial is to achieve timely and quick dispensation of justice” he stated

Abdullahi charged the accused and their defense Counsels to avoid frivolous adjournments that may lead to unnecessary delay in dispensing justice.

Representative of the Plateau State Chapter of the Nigerian Bar Association, Samson Gotom, stressed the need for fair hearing and expressed satisfaction with the composition of the Court.

He said the Nigerian Bar Association would support the Court to ensure a smooth trial and speedy dispensation of justice for the accused soldiers.

The President, Judge Advocate and other members sworn in pledged to administer justice according to the Armed Forces Act CAP 820 and the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria without partiality, favour or affection.

The Court adjourned further sitting to 6th March 2024, for commencement of trial.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

5 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

6 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

News

N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

8 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.