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Abike Dabiri speaks on restricted entry of Nigerians into UAE

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Abike Dabiri-Erewa, chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), says some Nigerians who have been sent back from Dubai tried to circumvent the new visa rules of the United Arab Emirates.

She said this on Thursday in reaction to recent reports that some Nigerians were stranded in Dubai, and some others have been turned back from the UAE.

On Wednesday, a viral video of Nigerians reportedly stranded at the Dubai international airport surfaced on social media, with a Twitter user, @dunchichi, saying at least 20 Nigerians were stuck at the airport and their passports seized.

Speaking on the reports relating to Dubai in a post on her Twitter handle on Thursday, Dabiri-Erewa said despite being warned on the new United Arab Emirates (UAE) visa rules for certain age categories, some Nigerians tried to “circumvent” the regulations.

“Warned on the new UAE visa rules for certain age categories. Many now try to circumvent by applying for ‘family visas’. They get the visas and travel alone. Also 6 months genuine bank statement, accommodation, return ticket must be produced. Another set to be sent back now,” she tweeted.

UAE visa rules require that Nigerian passengers “must have a hotel booking or proof of accommodation address for the whole period of intended stay”, but this does not apply to persons with resident visa.

Also, aside from other regulations, the rules provide that “deportation on the same flight will follow if sponsor (or representative) is not present at the time of passenger’s arrival at the airport”.

Meanwhile, in another video shared by NiDCOM on Thursday but dated August 4, Dabiri-Erewa said “bad behaviour” by some Nigerians prompted the UAE to tighten their visa rules.

“I think a few Nigerians have taken bad behaviour too far and we have to admit and accept that. It is not about profiling or generalisation, it has gone too far,” she said.

“So, what the Dubai authorities have done is they have made their visa processes more stringent. So, if you are below 30, no visa for you if you are male below 30.

“It is very difficult. They have made it so stringent that you are not likely to fulfill it. It doesn’t matter who you are.

“Secondly, if you’re looking to Dubai now, you have to provide a six-month bank account, you have to have your return ticket and you must show proof of accommodation and if you lie, they are going to know and turn you back.

“So, let’s learn to obey laws of other countries and just do the right things because there are too many good Nigerians in Dubai.”

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Appeal Court nullifies ruling restraining Bayero from parading self as Kano emir, orders fresh hearing

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The court of appeal in Abuja has ordered a fresh hearing of the Kano state emirship tussle involving Aminu Bayero.

In a judgment delivered on Friday, a three-member panel of justices led by Mohammed Mustapha, faulted the verdict of the Kano state high court.

The high court had stopped Bayero and four other dethroned emirs of Bichi, Rano, Gaya and Karaye from parading themselves as emirs.

The appellate court held that in the ruling delivered by Amina Adamu Aliyu, trial judge, on July 15, Bayero was denied fair hearing due to the “shoddy manner” the high court conducted its proceedings.

Mustapha said the high court was unfair to Bayero by conducting proceedings without serving him a hearing notice to enable him present his case.

The lead justice held that all courts of law are bound to ensure justice for all parties by giving them equal opportunities, adding that the conduct of the proceedings against Bayero amounted to a travesty of justice.

Consequently, the appellate court ordered that the case be remitted to the chief judge of the Kano state high court for reassignment to another judge for expeditious determination.

Lamido Sanusi was reinstated as emir by Abba Yusuf, governor of Kano, at a colourful ceremony in the government house on May 24.

The Kano house of assembly repealed the law that Abdullahi Ganduje, former governor of the state, used to depose and exile Sanusi in 2020.

The repeal paved the way for the reinstatement of Sanusi and the dethronement of Bayero.

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Makinde announces Abimbola Owoade as Alaafin of Oyo

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Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo state, has announced Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo.

The announcement was made in a statement issued on Friday by Sulaimon Olanrewaju, his chief press secretary.

Owoade’s appointment comes over two years since the death of Lamidi Adeyemi who was Alaafin from 1970 to 2022.

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US government returns $52.88m linked to Diezani

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The Government of the United States of America, USA, has repatriated the sum of $52. 88 million it said was traced to former Petroleum Resources Minister Diezani Madueke.

The US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Richard M. Mills, Jr, led a delegation that executed the Assets Return Agreement at the Federal Ministry of Justice Headquarters in Abuja, on Friday.

Signing the agreement on behalf of the Federal Government, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, disclosed that the $52.88m arose from the forfeiture of Galactica assets, linked to the ex-Minister and her associates.

The AGF maintained that the development was not only a testament to the unwavering commitment of both nations to fight corruption but also signified the commitment of the USA to facilitate restitution and support integrity and accountability in governance.

“Measures have also been put in place to ensure that the repatriated funds are not only disbursed but also utilized transparently and accountably by the World Bank and IIJ, with periodic reports to be forwarded to Nigeria and the US on the implementation of the projects.

“This robust framework will guarantee that the funds are effectively used for the full benefit of the Nigerian people in line with UNCAC and the Global Forum on Asset Recovery (GFAR) principles,” the AGF added.

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Bodex F. Hungbo, SPMIIM is a multiple award-winning Nigerian Digital Media Practitioner, Digital Strategist, PR consultant, Brand and Event Expert, Tv Presenter, Tier-A Blogger/Influencer, and a top cobbler in Nigeria.

She has widespread experiences across different professions and skills, which includes experiences in; Marketing, Media, Broadcasting, Brand and Event Management, Administration and Management with prior stints at MTN, NAPIMS-NNPC, GLOBAL FLEET OIL AND GAS, LTV, Silverbird and a host of others

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