AFRICA NEWS
6th NOVEMBER 2024
By Oyenike
GHANA’S INFLATION INCREASES FOR THE SECOND MONTH IN OCTOBER
Ghana’s consumer inflation increased for the second consecutive month in October, rising to 22.1% year-on-year, up from 21.5% in September, according to the national statistics service. Government statistician Samuel Kobina Annim announced during a press conference that both food and non-food inflation accelerated last month.
Annim noted that three sectors—food and non-alcoholic beverages, housing, water and fuel, and transportation—accounted for approximately two-thirds of the total inflation rate for October. This marks the highest level since June.
The West African nation, known for its cocoa, gold, and oil production, is striving to recover from its most severe economic crisis in a generation.
Last month, Ghana’s debt-restructuring efforts neared completion after investors approved the restructuring of $13 billion in international bonds. Additionally, the country reached an agreement with the International Monetary Fund regarding the third review of its $3 billion loan programme.
NIGERIAN POLICE DETAIN 130 FOREIGN NATIONALS AND 17 NIGERIANS IN CYBERCRIME OPERATION
The Nigeria Police Force has conducted a significant cybercrime operation, resulting in the arrest of 130 foreign nationals, primarily from China and Malaysia, along with 17 Nigerians. The individuals are suspected of engaging in activities that threaten national security. Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, reported that the group includes 87 foreign men, 26 foreign women, 4 Nigerian men, and 13 Nigerian women, all detained during a coordinated raid in Jahi, Abuja.
The operation was spearheaded by Assistant Inspector-General Benneth Igweh from the Zone 7 Command, in partnership with the National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC). Authorities seized computers and advanced technological devices believed to have been used in the commission of cybercrimes.
Adejobi stated that the police are currently investigating the matter and analysing the evidence collected. Following the investigation, the suspects will be brought to court, with further updates to be provided. This operation aligns with the NPF-NCCC’s ongoing efforts to combat the rise of cyber threats in Nigeria.
In August, the NPF had also opposed bail for individuals accused of compromising systems at JAMB. Overall, the frequency of cybercrime incidents continues to escalate, with businesses experiencing over 2,500 cyber-attacks weekly.
The Nigeria Police Force has conducted a significant cybercrime operation, resulting in the arrest of 130 foreign individuals
ZIMBABWE PROHIBITS POLICE FROM USING CELL PHONES DURING DUTY HOURS
The Zimbabwean government has instituted an immediate ban on police officers using mobile phones while on duty. A memo has instructed officers to relinquish their personal devices upon arrival at their stations and to only use them during breaks.
The memo did not specify the reasons for the ban, but it is widely thought to be an attempt to reduce police corruption. This decision follows the arrest of two traffic officers in Harare, who were caught on video accepting bribes from public transport operators. Police spokesperson Paul Nyathi labelled these officers as “bad apples” unworthy of serving in the police force.
The new policy aims to reinforce a prior directive that had not been effectively implemented. The earlier memo noted that, despite multiple instructions against phone use during duty hours, enforcement by commanders was lacking.
Now, police station heads have been directed to ensure compliance with the ban, with warnings issued to those who fail to enforce it. The memo states that any officer found with a mobile phone while on duty will result in accountability for their superior. Corruption is a significant issue within the police force, attributed to low wages and unfavourable working conditions.
TEENAGER’S POISONING TRIGGERS SOCIAL MEDIA OUTRAGE
In an unusual occurrence in Afashio-Uzairue, a town near Auchi in Edo State, Nigeria, a teenage girl, Aisha Suileman, has been accused of poisoning her boyfriend with a serving of pepper soup, which tragically led to the deaths of four other young men who shared the meal with him.
Two brothers were among those who died.
While the details of the alleged poisoning are still under investigation, eyewitness accounts state that the teenage girl was seen clutching the flask of food containing the pepper soup. Public opinion has been divided, and the story has polarised social media. Some have even gone to the extreme of calling the girl a hero who took an extreme stand against what they perceive as a string of heartbreaks women endure. Others have condemned her actions, mourning the loss of life and urging caution before rushing to judgment.
The incident is still under investigation by the authorities, though no official report has confirmed that the girl poisoned her boyfriend or his friends. Authorities are reviewing the situation and trying to piece together the details.
A teenage girl, in Nigeria, Aisha Suileman, has been accused of poisoning her boyfriend with a serving of pepper soup
ALLEGED N1.3BN FRAUD: COURT DIRECTS ARREST OF DANA AIR MANAGING DIRECTOR FOR FAILING TO APPEAR
A Federal High Court in Abuja, Nigeria, has issued an arrest warrant for Mr. Hathiramani Ranesh, Managing Director of Dana Air, due to his repeated absence from court regarding fraud charges totalling N1.3 billion. Justice Obiora Egwuatu stated that Ranesh’s failure to attend court, despite being properly notified, warranted the court’s decision to order his arrest.
Justice Egwuatu emphasised the court’s authority under Section 184 of the ACJA of 2015, affirming that the defendant must appear, and non-compliance could lead to an arrest warrant. No objections will be considered until January 13, 2025, when Ranesh is expected in court.
The prosecution, led by Mojisola-Okeya Esho, had sought a bench warrant for Ranesh’s absence during his arraignment on October 10. However, defence attorney B. Ademola-Bello argued that a preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction had already been filed.
The Attorney General of the Federation has charged Ranesh and two companies, Dana Group PLC and Dana Steel Ltd, with six counts, including conspiracy and misappropriation of funds intended for the revival of Dana Steel Rolling Factory. The case will continue to attract attention as the January 2025 court date approaches.
Mr. Hathiramani Ranesh, Managing Director of Dana Air
About Author
More Stories
TRUMP NAMES ELON MUSK, VIVEK RAMASWAMY TO HEAD US GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY DEPARTMENT
INTENSE THUNDERSTORMS, DESTRUCTIVE WINDS, AND BIG HAILSTONES FORMED IN QUEENSLAND AS RESIDENTS ARE ALERTED
NIGERIAN NAVY RECEIVES HELICOPTERS PURCHASED BY MINISTRY OF DEFENCE FOR OPERATIONS