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In Florida, New HB 3 Law Bans Minors Under 14 From Social Media

Florida Governor, Ron DeSantis, on Monday, March 25, signed a law restricting social media access for minors under 14.

The bill will prohibit children younger than 14 from joining social media in the state also requires age verification for anyone who wants to visit pornographic websites.

Those who are 13 years old and younger will not be able to open a social media account in the state, and 14- and 15-year-olds will need parental consent to use such platforms.

The bill, HB3, also directs social media companies to delete the existing accounts of those who are under 14.

Companies that fail to do so could be sued on behalf of the child who creates an account on the platform. The minor could be awarded up to $10,000 in damages, according to the bill.

Companies found to violate the law would also be liable for up to $50,000 per violation, as well as attorney’s fees and court costs.

“Ultimately, we’re trying to help parents navigate this very difficult terrain that we have now with raising kids, and so I appreciate the work that’s been put in.

“We’re trying to help parents navigate this very difficult terrain that we have now with raising kids”, DeSantis said in remarks during the bill-signing ceremony.

Speaker of the Florida House, Paul Renner, said that social media is fraught with risks from traffickers and paedophiles, and that “social media platforms have caused a devastating effect on the mental well-being of our children.”

Most platforms require users to be 13 or older, though they do little in terms of enforcement.

Across the country, there has been rising concern about the effects of social media on child and teen development and learning.

But the law has also sparked concerns among those worried it sets a precedent for restricting free speech online.

DeSantis, who ran an unsuccessful campaign for president and dropped out in January, has argued many times that parents should have more control over decisions affecting their children, particularly in education.

Parental rights legislation in Florida and other states has sought to give parents more input in areas deemed controversial, especially education around LGBTQ topics in schools.

While the social media ban gives parents oversight on the matter, others say that the government should stay out of such fights altogether.

DeSantis previously vetoed a stricter social media ban, which would have blocked access for those under age 16.

He said at the time that a better balance was needed between competing parental rights, privacy issues and free speech.

While the new law is schedule to go into effect Jan. 1, 2025, it also  makes Florida the latest of a series of states in the US to debate or pass laws that restrict how young people access social media. 

Other states that have pushed similar bills include Arkansas, Louisiana, Ohio and Utah, though many of those bills are tied up in legal challenges over privacy and free speech concerns. 

California is also considering similar legislation called, Protecting Our Kids from Social Media Addiction, which is sponsored by the state’s attorney general and co-authored by a bipartisan group of state senators.

The laws are part of a series of efforts by legislators around the world to ramp up regulation on the tech industry. The European Union recently handed out massive fines and enacted new rules forcing changes to how Apple, Alphabet, Meta and others compete and interoperate with one another.

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News

Tinubu Appoints Major-General Laka, Ex-DIG Kokumo Heads Of Counter-Terrorism, Arms Control Comtres

President Bola Tinubu has appointed new heads for the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) and the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC).

Retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Johnson Babatunde Kokumo has been named the new Coordinator of the NCCSALW.


Tinubu mandated Kokumo to revamp the Centre and devise strategies to combat the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, which is a driver of insecurity.

Presidential spokesperson, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, noted the appointee’s over three decades of experience in crime prevention, management, analysis, and control.

“DIG Kokumo (rtd) is a seasoned and accomplished law enforcement professional with over 30 years of experience in crime prevention, management, analysis, and control.

“He was Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigations Department, Force Headquarters, Abuja, from 2022 to 2023,” said Ngelale.


Meanwhile, Major-General Adamu Garba Laka, a counterterrorism expert, was appointed as the National Coordinator of the NCTC to lead efforts in eliminating security threats through proactive and diligent counter-terrorism coordination.

Ngelale said Laka has experience in degrading terrorist groups in the North-East, and has served in Sierra Leone, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the US AFRICOM exercise in Senegal.

“He (Laka) holds Master’s Degrees in National Security from the National Defence University, Pakistan, and in International Affairs and Strategic Studies, Nigerian Defence Academy,” he added.

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News

Police Prosecute 29052 Criminal  Cases In One Year  – ACP Adejobi

The  Nigeria Police Force under the leadership of the 22nd indigenous Inspector General of Police, Kayode  Egbetokun, has successfully prosecuted a total number of twenty-nine thousand, and fifty-two (29,052) criminal cases across the country in the last one year, Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed on Tuesday.

Adejobi, in a statement said, the  remarkable accomplishment stems from the unwavering dedication and hard work displayed by “investigative officers, in collaboration with legal teams across Commands and Formations nationwide, leading to the successful resolution of numerous cases, all in the relentless pursuit of accountability and upholding the rule of law”.

A breakdown of the cases showed that of the 29,052 cases prosecuted, 17,676 have been conclusively dispensed with, while a total number of 11,376 cases are still undergoing trial, with a total of 51 cases currently under appeal at the respective appellate courts.

“Out of the dispensed cases, an impressive 16,200 led to the conviction of suspects who have been handed various forms of punishments for their criminal acts, a stark reminder to all criminals that they have no hiding place in our societies.

“They are hereby warned to desist from their criminal acts as the long and vicious arm of the law will eventually bring them to justice,”, Adejobi said; adding 1,476 individuals have been discharged at the discretion of the jury.

He however stressed that some of these discharged cases have been appealed by the Police for justice to prevail.

The Inspector General of Police commended the dedication and professionalism of field and supervisory officers as well as legal teams, whose tireless efforts have led to these notable achievements.

He expressed gratitude to the judiciary, legal practitioners, and all stakeholders for their invaluable support and collaboration in the pursuit of justice.

 The IGP reiterated commitment of the Police to upholding the principles of justice and effectively fulfilling its role.

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News

We Must Treat  Kidnappers As Terrorists – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has condemned the reprehensible acts perpetrated by kidnappers across the country, declaring that individuals involved in such despicable crimes must be treated as terrorists. 

The President made the declaration on Tuesday at a Ramadan dinner with members of the Federal judiciary led by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola. 

Reiterating the government’s resolve to defeat banditry, the President said those who resort to kidnapping children are cowards, incapable of confronting the might of the Nigerian Armed Forces.   

”We must treat kidnappers as terrorists. They are cowardly. They have been degraded. They look for soft targets. They go to schools and kidnap children and cause disaffection. We must treat them equally as terrorists in order to get rid of them, and I promise you we will get rid of them”,  the President said at the dinner attended by serving and retired judicial officers, including two former CJNs, Justice Mahmud Mohammed and Justice Walter Onnoghen. 

On the review of salaries of judicial officers, the President pledged that his administration would continue to implement necessary reforms to improve the welfare and working conditions of judicial officers. 

”I recognize that the judiciary has one of the most unrewarded responsibilities. They are yet to modernize equipment and recordkeeping, and their progress towards improvement is slow. 

”When you look at the career path of a judicial officer, they cannot practice the vocation for which they were trained after retirement. 

”While the framers of the law may have their reasons, I perceive this differently and see this from a fair compensation angle that should benefit all”, the President stated. 

President Tinubu expressed gratitude to the judiciary for their dedicated service to the nation, acknowledging their role in upholding the respectability of the judicial arm of government.

“We will continue to support one another and bring Nigeria to that glorious dawn”,  the President concluded.  

The Chief Justice of Nigeria commended the President for the honour of hosting judicial officers to a Ramadan dinner, his commitment to judicial reforms, and for improving the welfare of judicial officers in the country.

“May the Lord continue to bless you and your administration. Let your ship land and berth beautifully. We shall continue to pray for your administration because there are many good things in the pipeline for Nigerians”, he prayed.  

Justice Ariwoola commended the administration for achieving a significant milestone by appointing a full complement of 21 justices to the Supreme Court, a feat he described as unprecedented. 

Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, expressed gratitude to the President for forwarding the executive bill titled, “Judicial Office Holders, Salaries and Allowances, etc, Bill 2024” to the National Assembly. 

Highlighting the stagnant state of judges’ salaries and emoluments since 2007, Fagbemi commended the President’s courage, determination, and compassion in taking decisive action.

”It takes a man with a great heart, determination, and consideration to do what the President did. More than 300.3 percent increase has been given to the judges. The President has done his own part, never mind that the bill is still with the National Assembly.

”In my short stay as the Attorney-General, I have come to observe that anything that concerns the judiciary, you are very much interested in it, and I thank you for your abiding interest in the judiciary,” the AGF said.

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Economy News

Again, CBN Increases Interest Rate To 24.75%

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has increased the Monetary Policy Rate by 200 basis points to 24.75 per cent in a continued chase to tame inflationary pressures.

This is the second interest rate hike by the committee in two months

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) said to address Nigeria’s food crisis, the authorities have to deal with the issue of food insecurity and implement federal government’s agricultural intervention programmes.

Revealing the decision of the 296th meeting of the MPC on Tuesday in Abuja, CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, said the MPC retained the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) of deposit money banks at 45 percent and adjusted the CRR of merchant banks from 10 percent to 14 percent.

The committee also retained the liquidity ratio at 30 percent.

“The considerations of the committee at this meeting focused on the current inflationary pressures and the need to anchor inflation expectations as well as ensure sustained exchange stability”, Cardoso said; adding that the moves are part of efforts to combat the country’s rising inflationary rate which was pegged at 31.70 percent in February.

Cardoso noted that MPC members believe the headline inflation in the country is triggered mostly by a hike in the cost of food.

“The committee therefore was of the view that addressing food insecurity is key to containing the current inflationary pressures”,  he said while commending the Federal Government’s efforts at curbing food insecurity including the distribution of palliatives.

Providing an update about Nigeria’s clampdown on the crypto platform, Cardoso said the CBN’s collaboration with other government agencies is yielding results.

“We consider ourselves as having the wherewithal to collaborate with other agencies of government and that is a very important function for us. About a month ago, we actually did have collaboration with law enforcement agencies, EFCC, the SEC, and other regulatory bodies as well, and what came out of that, is a work in progress, but very positive as far as I can say.

“The NSA, we’ve been sharing information together. However, in this particular case, the responsibility for regulating cryptocurrency is not our role, it isn’t ours; it is strictly that of the Security and Exchange Commission, not our responsibility”, he added.

The next MPC meeting will be held between the 20th and 21st of May, 2024.

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News

Ondo APC Governorship Aspirant, Akintelure is Dead

A governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Dr Paul Akintelure, is dead.

Akintelure died in the early hours of Tuesday in Lagos after a brief illness.

A mmedical doctor, Akintelure hailed from Igbotako in Okitipupa Local Government Area of the state.

One of his family member who simply mentioned his name as Akintunde, said  the politician died in Lagos after a brief illness.

“We learnt he died this morning in Lagos after a brief illness”, he said.

Akintelure was the running mate to the late former governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu during the 2012 governorship election on the platform of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

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News

Kidnapped Edo PDP Chairman Regains Freedom

The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Dr Tony Aziegbemi, abducted on March 15 in Benin-City, has regained freedom.

Aziegbemi joined the family at 3am on Tuesday after 10 days in captivity.

Mr. Clem Aziegbemi, on behalf of the family, said the PDP leader was released unhurt.

“As a member of the Aziegbemi family, we say thank you all for your great show of love and solidarity with us all through the period of the adoption of our beloved son, brother, cousin, and leader, Dr Tony Aziegbemi.

“Thank you, all…. We are most grateful for all your valuable contributions through prayers and steadfastness. God bless,” he said.

Speaking with newsmen on Tuesday, Aziegbemi said  he was happy to be back at home and reunited with his family.

“I am happy to be back home. I thank you for calling and your concern. I am happy to reunite with my family. It comes with terrain. I was not maltreated by my kidnappers but again I am happy to be back home”, he added.

Dr Aziegbemi was ambushed at the Bishop Edokpolor Boulevard Junction, Off Country Home, GRA Benin City, while returning from Government House where held a meeting with Gov Godwin Obaseki.

His abduction came less than a month after his party conducted a primary election for the Sept 21 off-cycle governorship election in the state.

When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Police Command in Edo, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, said an official statement would soon be issued on the development

Categories
Crime News

Chinese to Die by Hanging For Killing Nigerian Girlfriend in Kano

A Kano high court has sentenced Frank Geng-Quangrong, a Chinese man, to death by hanging for killing Ummukulsum Sani, his Nigerian girlfriend.

Frank was arraigned on a one-count charge of culpable homicide.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The prosecution had told the court that the offence contravenes section 221(b) of the Penal Code.


The prosecution presented six witnesses and four exhibits to prove their case against the defendant.

Muhummad Dan’azumi, the defense counsel, presented the defendant to defend himself. He also presented one other witness and tendered five exhibits.

Sanusi Ado-Ma’aji, the trial judge, on Tuesday, said the prosecution team proved their case beyond reasonable doubt.


The judge said the defendant’s testimony was inconsistent and held that he is guilty of the crime.

On September 16, 2022, Geng-Quangrong stabbed his girlfriend to death at her residence in Janbulo quarters, Kumbotso LGA of Kano.

The Chinese national fled the scene after the incident.

The lady was rushed to the hospital, where she was confirmed dead.


Days later, Geng-Quangrong was arrested by the police.

In his testimony, the Chinese national said he did not “intentionally” stab the deceased but did so in self defence after she grabbed his testes

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News

Heavy Casualties As Francis  Baltimore’s Bridge Collapses in US

The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapsed early Tuesday after a column was hit by a large container ship, sending vehicles and people into the Patapsco River, authorities said.

Baltimore City Fire Chief James Wallace told reporters Tuesday morning the scene was “an active search and rescue.”

“We may be looking for upwards of seven individuals, that’s the latest information we have.” He said the search was being conducted on and in the water and on the ship’s deck.

He said sonar has detected vehicles in the river.


Wallace said at least two people have been rescued from the water — one wasn’t hurt and one was in “very serious” condition.

He added that the ship’s crew was still on board.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore declared a state of emergency, saying in a statement that “we are working with an interagency team to quickly deploy federal resources from the Biden Administration. We are thankful for the brave men and women who are carrying out efforts to rescue those involved and pray for everyone’s safety.”


Earlier, the fire department, said at about 1:30 a.m., 911 calls started coming in saying a vessel had hit a bridge column. It was unclear how many vehicles were on the span but “there was surely a large tractor-trailer” on it.

The department’s communications director, Kevin Cartwright, described the collapse as “a mass casualty event.” He told newsmen it was a “dire emergency” and some cargo was apparently dangling from the bridge.

The department said on its scanner that there was lots of diesel fuel in the water around the ship and that there were construction workers on the bridge pouring concrete at the time. Wallace said it wasn’t clear how much fuel was in the water.

NOAA’s National Data Buoy Center said the river water was 48 degrees overnight.


The MidAtlantic Coast Guard, said the 948-foot Singapore-flagged cargo ship Dali had struck the bridge. It was apparently en route from Baltimore to Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Meabnwhile, the ship’s owner, Synergy Marine Group, said the cause of the collision wasn’t known but all crew members were accounted for and there were no reports of any injuries to any of them.

Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott said on social media that, “I’m aware of and en route to the incident at the Key Bridge. … Emergency personnel are on scene, and efforts are underway.” He told reporters at the morning briefing the collapse was “an unthinkable tragedy.”


Johnny Olszewski Jr. said on social media that, “Rescue efforts are underway. Please pray for those impacted.”

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said on social media that he’s “spoken with Gov. Moore and Mayor Scott to offer USDOT’s support following the vessel strike and collapse of the Francis Scott Key bridge. Rescue efforts remain underway and drivers in the Baltimore area should follow local responder guidance on detours and response.”

The Maryland Transportation Authority said all lanes were closed in both directions for an incident on I-695 Key Bridge and later posted that traffic was being detoured to I-95 and I-895.

The Patapsco River, which the bridge crossed, is a key waterway that serves with the Port of Baltimore as a hub for East Coast shipping.

The 1.6-mile span was used by some 31,000 people a day and was four lanes wide. The bridge was named after the writer of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” It was opened in 1977.

Categories
Business Economy News

CBN Floats Each BDC With $10k, Warns Against Selling Above  N1,269/$ 

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has sold $10,000 to each   Bureau De Change (BDC) operators at the rate of N1,251/$1.

Threatening sanctions against any breaches of its its directive, the apex bank in a statement issued by the Director, Trade and Exchange Department, Hassan Mahmud, warned  BDCs not to sell the dollars at a rate which exceeds 1.5 per cent above the purchase price; that is,  N1,269 per dollar.

The statement read;  “We refer to our letter to you referenced TED/DIR/CON/GOM/001/071 in respect of the above subject wherein the CB approved a second tranche of sale of FX to eligible BDCs.

“We write to inform you of the sale of $10,000 to each BDC at the rate of N1,251/$1. The BDCs are to sell to eligible end users at a spread of not mora than 1.5 per cent above the purchase price.

“ALL eligible BDCs are directed to make the Naira payment to the underlisted CBN Naira Deposit Account Numbers before close of business on Thursday March 28, 2024, and submit confirmation of payment, with other necessary documentation, for disbursement at the appropriate CBN Branches.

“Please note that any BDC that breaches above terms shall be sanction appropriately, including outright suspension from further participation in the sale.”