Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Task Force on ban on street trading around the Idiape market area of Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, has continued to face resistance in the last two months since the enforcement of the ban commenced.

An official of the State Environmental Protection Agency (KWEPA), who spoke to journalists under the condition of anonymity, said: “Despite the efforts of combined security agencies to enforce the ban on the traders, nothing tangible appears to have been achieved.”

It was gathered that”once the security operatives had moved out of the arena, the traders would relocate to their previous locations.

There are also strong indications that the Mobile Court, headed by Chief Magistrate Aluko, handling arrest and prosecution of culprits, may increase the fines imposed on violators of the ban on illegal street trading in the area.

“The fine may be increased from N20,000 to N50,000 to ensure that the ban is effective,” an official KWEPA said.

It would be recalled that many goods belonging to the traders had been impounded by the law enforcement agencies, while fines were also imposed by the mobile court charged with the responsibility of sanctioning violators.

End

From Lateef Taiwo

As parts of the activities marking the 2025 Press Week, members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, held a peaceful March on Monday in solidarity for press freedom, human rights protection and a better work environment.

The solidarity march, known as “Walk for Press Freedom”, attracted over 200 members carrying different placards such as “Without a free press, truth is silenced”, “Press freedom protects our right to know”, “Journalists speak for the voiceless support their freedom”, “Censorship kills democracy — defend press freedom.

Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike in her address during the solidarity march described the walk as a strong message that a free press is non negotiable and a vital part of any successful democracy. She noted that the media in Nigeria continues to play a key role in standing for truth and defending democracy.

She further informed: “Today, we are here as proud journalists, united under the NUJ FCT Council, walking together for press freedom, media rights, and democratic values. This isn’t just a symbolic event, it shows that the media in Nigeria stands firm as a guardian of truth and democracy.”

Ike observed that without a free press, society suffers — people’sn voices are silenced, and the search for truth is hindered. She added that journalism plays a vital role in promoting good governance, accountability, and protecting people’s rights, which is why this year’s theme is “Press Freedom, Democracy, Media and the Society.”

The Chairman also pointed out that in a time of economic hardship and increasing threats to media freedom, journalists must resist censorship, harassment, and violence. She acknowledged the importance of journalists who give voice to the voiceless and help keep those in power in check.

She equally appealed to government, civil society, and the public to support and defend press freedom, saying democracy cannot thrive without a strong and independent media. She also urged for better welfare and professional treatment for journalists who risk their lives to keep the public informed.

According to her, “We must stay united and committed to ethical journalism, stand against false information, and adapt responsibly to the changing media world. This year’s theme reminds us that freedom of speech supports all other human rights.”

She concluded by saying that through the walk and other Press Week activities, NUJ FCT is making it clear, “We will not be silenced. We will keep pushing for a media space that respects rights, supports democracy, and gives everyone a voice.”

Stressing on the importance of press freedom, chairman of the planning committee, Mrs Evelyn Onyilo said, “Genuine democracy will only thrive if the press is free. Any other thing short of that is unacceptable and against the ideals of democratic practice.

“We are amplifying voices this morning to say that press freedom is non-negotiable, should not be taken for granted and those in power should not see journalists as enemies but partners in progress and we must find a middle ground to ensure that democracy works in Nigeria.”

Also speaking at the event, Vice Chairman of the Council, Ndambabo Yahaya, said the walk was meant to highlight the importance of press freedom in Nigeria.

“Press freedom is not a favour — it’s our right. It’s the foundation of all other freedoms,” he said, urging the government and other stakeholders to work together to protect it.

The Lagos State High Court in Ikeja has dismissed a ₦4.8 billion fraud case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Chief Cletus Ibeto, Chairman of Ibeto Energy Development Company. The case was struck out after the EFCC’s counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), revealed that Ibeto had refunded ₦3.2 billion to the complainant, Chief Daniel Chukwudozie.

Jacobs informed the court that the parties had reached an out-of-court settlement, facilitated by the EFCC, and that the ₦3.2 billion refund had been made. However, two issues remain unresolved: allegations of forgery and the denial by Ibeto of collecting $3 million from the complainant.

In response, Jacobs requested the court to strike out the case, allowing the EFCC time to address the outstanding matters. Both the EFCC and the defense counsel supported the motion, confirming that an agreement had been reached to settle the case outside the courtroom.

Justice Oyindamola Ogala granted the request and dismissed the charge. The case, which began in April 2023, involved a 10-count charge of conspiracy, fraud, forgery, and the use of fraudulent documents against Ibeto, Ibeto Energy Development Company, and Odoh Holdings Ltd.

The trial had faced delays due to Ibeto’s failure to appear in court, leading to an arrest warrant being issued in November 2023. In February 2024, the case was reassigned to Justice Ogala, who ultimately struck it out following the ₦3.2 billion refund and reconciliation between the parties.