The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Ademola Banu, a former commissioner for finance in Kwara, over alleged money laundering and misappropriation of state funds to the tune of N1.22 billion.

Banu was arraigned on Monday before Evelyn Anyadike, judge of the federal high court in Ilorin, Kwara state capital.

He is alleged to have conspired to divert the funds during the administration of Abdulfatah Ahmed, former governor of Kwara, between May 2011 and May 2019, while serving as the commissioner for finance.

In a press statement on Tuesday, Dele Oyewale, EFCC spokesperson, said Banu was to be arraigned alongside the former governor on February 23 but was absent in court and had no legal representation.

The court then issued a bench warrant against him upon an application by Rotimi Jacobs, counsel to the EFCC.

The former governor was arraigned on the 12-count charge and the matter was adjourned till April 29.

At the resumed sitting, Ahmed and Banu, listed as the first and second defendants, respectively, were present in court.

When the case was called, A. A. Ajibade announced the appearance for Ahmed, while Gboyega Oyewole represented Banu.

Oyewole prayed the court to discharge the bench warrant earlier issued against his client, which the EFCC counsel did not oppose.

In a short ruling, Anyadike vacated the bench warrant on the second defendant.

Banu pleaded not guilty to the counts.

The Federal Government has declared Wednesday as a public holiday to mark the Workers’ Day celebration.

Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, minister of interior, announced the public holiday in a statement on Tuesday.

The minister, who reiterated the need for excellence, efficiency and equity in all spheres of labour, reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation, productivity, and inclusivity in the workplace.

“In alignment with this year’s theme, which focuses on ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate, I wish to state that the Federal Government remains steadfast in its resolve to prioritise the safety and well-being of all citizens,” the statement reads.

“Let me reaffirm Mr. President’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for work, where every worker can thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development.”

Tunji-Ojo called for proactive measures to mitigate adverse effects of climate change through synergy in in the implementation of sustainable practices and policies that promote well-being in the workplace and in building a nation guided by the principles of integrity, diligence and compassion.

He also urged Nigerians to remain committed to the present administration’s renewed hope agenda.

Seventy-seven per cent of the 1,842,464 candidates whose 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination results were released by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board on Monday scored less than 200.

Giving a breakdown of the results of the 1,842,464 candidates released, the Board’s Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede noted that, “8,401 candidates scored 300 and above; 77,070 scored 250 and above; 439,974 scored 200 and above while 1,402,490 scored below 200.”

The Board is expected to announce the minimum benchmark for the 2024/2025 academic session admissions during its policy meeting to be held at a later date.

Over the years the benchmark for admissions to universities has hovered around 180 to 200.

Oloyede also gave the new format for acceptance of admissions.

He said, “ Either a candidate sends ACCEPT/REJECT on his dedicated phone line to 55019/66019, or a candidate accepts or rejects any admission offer (programme change inclusive) with his/her fingerprint (biometric) at an accredited CBT centre or any JAMB Office.

“The above newly-crafted methods of accepting or rejecting admissions, are aimed at protecting the details of the candidates and upholding the sanctity of the admission process.

“With this new method, the candidates’ registered phone (SIM) is now more important than ever as it is now required to perform even more sensitive operations. We are in discussions with NCC on dedicated student’s SIM with restricted services.”