Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

  • ASUU zonal coordinator, Prof Igbafen escapes from kidnappers’ den

    ASUU zonal coordinator, Prof Igbafen escapes from kidnappers’ den

    The kidnapped Zonal Coordinator, Benin Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Professor Monday Lewis Igbafen, has escaped from his abductors barely 24-hours after the abduction.
    The Ambrose Alli University, AAU, Ekpoma, lecturer was abducted by gunmen on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at a10:00 pm while driving into his residence at Ekpoma.
    The former AAU-ASUU chairman was said to have been blindfolded by his abductors, who took him to a forest in Esan South East Local Government Area of the state.
    A colleague of the Zonal Coordinator, Benin Zone of ASUU, who spoke to DAILY POST on condition of anonymity, said Igbafen escaped from his abductors on Sunday night.
    He said, “Prof Igbafen was kidnapped by gunmen at gun point at about 10:00 pm on Saturday, in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of the State.
    “He was driving into his residence at Ekpoma, when gunmen accosted him. The gunmen drove him away to an unknown destination inside his ash colour Toyota Highlander with registration number ABJ 180 JQ.”
    The Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Police Command, Moses Yamu, also confirmed the escape of the university lecturer from the kidnappers den.
    “The Command is aware of the report. Operatives of the Ekpoma Division mounted pressure on the kidnappers which led to the escape of the victim.
    “We are on the trail of the suspects to ensure they are brought to book,” the Police spokesman said.
  • Security Personnel Surround Edo Govt House Over Shaibu’s Resumption

    Security Personnel Surround Edo Govt House Over Shaibu’s Resumption

    Nigeria security agencies have surrounded the Edo State Government House following reports that the Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, would resume office today (Monday).

     

    The security personnel include policemen, Department of State Services (DSS) officials and personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), with many Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) to prevent the breakdown of law and order.

     

    They prevented vehicles into Government House from the first gate with staff, journalists, visitors, and others politely asked to trek, leaving their cars behind.

     

    This is as the Edo Deputy Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebomhiana Musa, in a statement, denied any plan to invade the Osadebe House.

     

    Musa said Shaibu is a peace-loving man who firmly believes in the rule of law. He called on Obaseki to obey court order that affirmed Shaibu as the Deputy Governor of Edo State.

     

    “Our attention has been drawn to the effect that Edo State Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu is making plans to invade the Government House on Monday, September 30, 2024, in a bid to enforce two different court judgements, ordering his reinstatement.

     

    “We want to put it clearly here that, unlike Governor Godwin Obaseki, Philip Shaibu is a peace-loving man, who firmly believes in the rule of law and would not want to shed innocent blood, for whatever reason.

     

    “As it is today, in eyes of the law and in the eyes of the good people of Edo State, indeed, Nigerians, Philip Shaibu is the de jure and de facto Deputy Governor of Edo State. We need not fight or struggle for that which God has given us.

     

    “Obaseki and his co-travellers should accept the fact that the good people of Edo State have spoken, and his godson, Asue Ighodalo, has been roundly rejected at the governorship election of September 21, 2024. Sadly, this reality is yet to dawn on them.

     

    “Crusoe Osagie (Special Adviser to Edo Governor on Media Projects), the purveyor of the fake news, is well known as an alarmist and propagandist who thrives on rumours and beer parlour gossips, with little or no respect for the ethics of our cherished profession, Journalism. So, he has to be ignored,” Musa said.

     

  • Travel agents withdraw from 2025 hajj over refund dispute

    Travel agents withdraw from 2025 hajj over refund dispute

    The crisis brewing at the National Hajj Commission seems not to have an end in sight as travel agents under the aegis of the Association for Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria pull out of the arrangement as well as registration for the 2025 operations.
    This was made known through an internal memo obtained by our correspondent on Thursday.
    AHUON and the National Hajj Commission have been at war over issues bordering on the seizure of funds belonging to the practitioners by NAHCON as well as other pockets of alleged misdeeds on the part of the commission.
    It will be recalled that a financial crisis and inhuman treatment of Nigerians at the last hajj consumed the ousted Chairman of NAHCON, Jalal Arabi, who was replaced by Prof. Abdullahi Usman.
    In the latest memo from AHUON, the president directed that members should halt any process regarding the 2025 hajj operations.
    The statement read partly, “Members who have made payment for the 2025 hajj form should not submit it until a counter directive is given. Members who have collected the form submitted it and made payment should send the name of their company to the zonal VP.
    “The NEC has met with our BOT members, and we all agreed that this action is necessary to ensure that all our requests before NAHCON are duly met, especially our accumulated refunds over the years.
    “It is worthy of note that NAHCON responded to our several letters of request only on Tuesday, 24th September 2024, giving an excuse that hajj processing should not be delayed to align with the Saudi Hajj calendar. This, to us, is their usual tactic over the years about the issues of accumulated refunds with them and can no longer be tolerated.”
    The National Spokesperson for the association, Monsurat Akinbode-Ajayi, confirmed the decision to our correspondent on Friday.
    “Yes, the national leadership has directed members to halt all plans on the 2025 hajj operations; it is true, I can confirm that to you,” she said.
    Contacted, the Acting Director of Public Affairs for NAHCON, Fatima Usara, acknowledged the issues at hand but stated that the commission was in touch with the association.
    She noted that the issues at hand involved multiple stakeholders both in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
    In a short piece sent to our correspondent through WhatsApp with the title, ‘NAHCON to AHUON: Do not derail hajj preparations’, Usara reassured AHOUN and the general public that the commission had no intention of downplaying or neglecting the issue of refunds.
    She said, “The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has noted with concern the recent directive by the Association for Hajj and Umrah Operators in Nigeria instructing their members to suspend participation in 2025 hajj preparations.
    “While we acknowledge the issues raised regarding accumulated refunds, it is important to clarify that NAHCON has been in continuous communication with AHOUN on this matter and remains committed to addressing all legitimate concerns. The delay in resolving certain financial issues stems from the complexities of hajj operations, which involve multiple stakeholders both locally and internationally, including Saudi authorities.
    “On 24th September 2024, NAHCON communicated with AHOUN regarding the urgency of aligning with the Saudi hajj calendar to avoid disruptions in the 2025 hajj preparations, a position we still maintain as critical.”
  • EFCC failure to detain Yahaya Bello shameful, smacks of compromise

    EFCC failure to detain Yahaya Bello shameful, smacks of compromise

    Save Nigeria Coalition, an anti-corruption group, has described the failure of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to detain Yahaya Bello after he turned himself in as a  shameful act that smacks of compromise.

     

    The group also berates the manner in which the EFCC has  so far handled the prosecution of the former Kogi State governor.

     

    The group alleged that the EFCC’s actions are a “shameful outing” and a “media trial” that suggests a predetermined outcome.

     

    Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Dr. Felicia Eneh Daniel, its Country Director, said the EFCC’s failure to detain Bello after he voluntarily presented himself for questioning raises questions about the agency’s intentions.

     

    The Save Nigeria Coalition also slammed the EFCC for allegedly writing “barefaced lies” and making “irreconcilable blunders” in its attempt to prosecute Bello.

     

    Furthermore, the group questions the EFCC’s selective prosecution, citing cases against Senator Danjuma Goje, former governors Abdullahi Ganduje and Samuel Ortom as well as Senator Godswill Akpabio that have not been pursued.

     

    Daniel said: “There is nowhere in the civilized world where a law enforcement agency will allow a wanted man who voluntarily presented himself to its operational headquarters and spent Four gruelling hours with operatives of the agency to go without immediately detaining the person and asking critical questions that will enable swift and thorough prosecution of such suspects.

     

    “The actions of the EFCC last week when Yahaya Bello, whom the agency had previously declared wanted and invited even the Interpol to assist in bringing to justice, voluntarily presented himself for questioning and prosecution, in line with the extant laws, suggests that what the agency wants is beyond legal prosecution of Yahaya Bello and that there is a hidden agenda that the EFCC and its handlers are yet to lead Nigerians into.

     

    “It is appalling that the anti graft agency will now resort to writing barefaced lies and making up irreconcilable blunders in its desperate attempt to nail Yahaya Bello on the media and destroy a man who has not been convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction despite having legal representation, as allowed by the law, in all the hearings.

     

    “It is also intriguing that the EFCC will attempt to play on the sensibilities of Nigerians that the agency has no sacred cows and will spare no one in it’s efforts to rid the country and its institutions of financial improprieties.”

     

    Daniel demands answers to several critical questions, including why the N5 billion case against Senator Danjuma Goje was withdrawn, why the EFCC hasn’t prosecuted former governor Samuel Ortom despite corruption allegations, and why the EFCC hasn’t investigated and prosecuted Ganduje.

     

    “Why did the anti graft agency accede to the withdrawal of the N5billion case against former governor of Gombe state, Senator Danjuma Goje?

     

    We were all in this country when FG suddenly withdrew its case against Senator Danjuma Goje from the court.

     

    “Why has the EFCC not prosecuted former governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state despite the monumental corruption allegations against him and the willingness of the present Benue state government to assist the anti-graft agency to unearth the endemic corruption that took place in the state during the Ortom government?

     

    “Why has the EFCC refused to investigate and prosecute Former Governor of Kano state and now national Chairman of the ruling party , Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, despite his indictment by the anti graft agency in Kano state and monumental corruption cases filed against him by the Kano state government?

     

    What happened to the viral Gandollar video? Or has the agency started keeping sacred cows?

     

    “Why has the EFCC not prosecuted the current senate president, Senator Godswill Akpabio despite the allegations of billions of naira and his refusal to appear before the agency when he was invited for questioning? Do we now have two laws in Nigeria; one for the Akpabios and the other for the Yahaya Bellos?

     

    “We can go on and on as a group that has dedicated years of its existence into tracking corruption cases under the radar of the EFCC.”

     

    The Save Nigeria Coalition, therefore, called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure the EFCC follows due process, warning that selective prosecution will undermine the country’s democratic credentials.

     

    They urged Nigerians to stand up for the rule of law and demand accountability from the EFCC.

     

    Daniel added: “We call on Mr. President to intervene and call the EFCC to order as this unacceptable act of singling out a perceived political enemy for persecution, if allowed, will become a big dent to his tall democratic credentials.

     

    “While we do not hold briefs for anybody, our group takes seriously, cases of corruption and believes in imbibing international best practices in making leaders accountable for their actions. The current kill-him-at-all-cost strategy by the EFCC in this current case involving Yahaya Bello is crude and unknown to our laws.

     

    “Lastly, the fact that some illiterate cashivists like the so called Human and Environmental Agenda (HEDA Resource Center), and other fake groups are being hurriedly assembled to buy into this agenda of blackmailing and browbeating Yahaya Bello to submission, further confirms the fears of many Nigerians that this so-called corruption prosecution of Yahaya Adoza Bello is a grand conspiracy by powerful political enemies to silence the former governor and ease him out of circulation. “

     

  • #ENDBADGOVERNANCE: FG rearraigns 10 protesters, amends charges

    #ENDBADGOVERNANCE: FG rearraigns 10 protesters, amends charges

    The Nigerian government on Friday re-arraigned 10 young Nigerians arrested in Abuja, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto and Gombe in connection with #EndBadGovernance.

    The rearraignment follows the decision to amend the charge bordering on treasonable felony.

     

    The re-arraignment was at the instance of an application by the Prosecution Counsel, Mr. Simon Lough to add Daniel Akande to the 1-8 count charge bordering on treasonable felony.

     

     

    Recall that 10 protesters were on September 2, arraigned before Justice Emeka Nwite when they pleaded not guilty to the six counts charge earlier brought against them.

     

    They were also admitted to bail with stringent conditions with N10million each and one surety in like sum on September 11.

     

    The amended charge has now included Daniel Akande who is a member of the Solidarity Network for Workers’ Rights as 11th defendant in the case.

    Daniel was arrested in Abuja during a church service on September 1.

     

    The defendants pleaded not guilty to the eight counts charge when it was read to them.

     

    The case which was initially slated for trial could not go on as scheduled as defendants were made to take their plea alongside Daniel Akande, the 11th defendant.

     

    Earlier, counsel to the 1st and 2nd defendants, Abubakar Marshal said the amendment of the charge by the prosecution was not in line with section 216 of Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) .

    He argued that the prosecution could not unilaterally amend the charge without the leave and permission of the court.

     

    He also told the court that prosecution had not served the parties with the proof of evidence which the defendants would rely on.

     

    He said in the cause of previous proceedings, they did apply and emphasise the need for the prosecution to furnish them with the proof of evidence to enable the defendants to prepare for their trial.

     

    Marshal insisted that the prosecution must furnish them with the list of every witness they intend to rely on.

     

    “The written testimonies of all witnesses including the police and all the documents must be provided.

    Any procedure contrary to this invalidates the entire procedure,” Marshal argued.

     

    Marshal also hinted on the application pending before the court seeking variation of bail for 3rd, 4th and 10th defendants respectively in line with section 396 of Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA ).

     

    He said they had been able to perfect the bail conditions for seven out of 10 just as he prayed the court to vary the terms for the remaining three defendants in the interest of justice.

     

    Meanwhile counsel to the 4th defendant, Anthony Itedjere while objecting to the amended charge said 11 people were listed as defendants but each of the 1-8 count has 14 persons named who are supposed to take plea to these count.

     

    “As of this morning, the 12-14 persons name on count 1-8 has not been served and also not in the court. So this amended charge should be struck out.”

     

    He also aligned himself to the argument made by Marshal that the prosecution must fulfill and comply with section 216 and seek the leave of the court adding that the amended charge could not stand on nothing.

     

    The judge, after listening to the arguments of the parties involved in the case granted the prosecution the leave just as he urged the defence counsels to raise their objections if there are any defects at the appropriate time.

     

    Counsel to the 11th defendant, Deji Adeyanju prayed the court to admit his client, 11th defendant, to bail on liberal terms.

     

    The judge also agreed to the application and admitted Daniel Akande to N10million bail with one surety in like sum.

     

    The court also held that the defendant must submit his International Passport to the court.

     

    The surety must swear an affidavit of means and must reside within the jurisdiction of the court.

     

    He also granted the prayers of all the defence counsel and ordered that the defendants continue in the existing bail conditions.

     

    He adjourned to October 4 for ruling on variation of bail application for 3rd, 4th and 10th defendants and trial to November 11 respectively.

     

     

  • Tinubu Makes 7 New Appointments  

    Tinubu Makes 7 New Appointments  

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of seven executive directors for the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).

     

    This was made known in a statement released on Friday and signed by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

     

    They are:

     

    1. Ayo Adewuyi — Reappointed Executive Director, News.

     

    2. Bar. Ibrahim Aliyu — Executive Director, Special Duties – Legal Practitioner

     

    3. Malam Muhammed Fatuhu Mustapha — Executive Director, Administration and Training

     

    4. Mrs Apinke Effiong — Executive Director, Finance. An expert in financial marketing with treasury, management accounting and reporting skills.

     

    5. Mrs Tari Taylaur– Executive Director, Programme. An audio/visual creator, producer and showrunner.

     

    6. Mr Sadique Musa Omeiza – Executive Director, Engineering

     

    7. Mrs Oluwakemi Fashina – Executive Director, Marketing. An integrated marketing communications professional and chartered marketer

     

  • Whistleblower, Isaac Bristol granted bail

    Whistleblower, Isaac Bristol granted bail

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted Whistleblower, Isaac Bristol, also known as PIDOMNIGERIA, bail.

     

    This was announced by the 2019 and 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, in a short post on his X handle.

     

    Recall that the court had, on the 11 of September 2024, postponed his bail hearing to the 27th of this month.

     

    His lawyer, Deji Adeyanju had confirmed the postponement in a WhatsApp message.

     

    “The court granted bail to the protesters, but moved Bristol’s bail application to the 27th of this month,” Adeyanju said.

     

    Bristol, after his arrest by the police in August 2024, was charged with nine counts, which included terrorism, money laundering, cybercrime, and evidence tampering.

     

    The charges are in connection with his whistleblowing activities, where he was alleged to operate the X handle of “@PIDOMNigeria,” where exposes alleged misccountry of public officials and regular Nigerians.

     

  • Education Minister Whatsapp Number Hacked

    Education Minister Whatsapp Number Hacked

    The phone line of the Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman, has been hacked, according to a disclaimer issued on his official X account on Thursday.
    In the post, Mamman warned the public to avoid communicating through the affected number.
    “My phone line has been compromised. Please refrain from calling the number and ignore any messages requesting assistance until the issue is resolved.
    “Thank you for your understanding,” he wrote on X.com.
    The Ministry of Education has also confirmed the breach.
    In a statement issued Friday by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, the ministry disclosed that the compromised line is being used by unauthorised individuals.
    The statement read, “The Office of the Honourable Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, wishes to inform the general public that the Minister’s WhatsApp number has been hacked and is currently being used by unauthorised individuals.
    “We deeply regret any inconvenience this may cause and urge everyone to disregard any message of request received from the said number until further notice.
    “The matter has been reported to the relevant authorities and is under investigation. We advise all members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.”
  • Akwa Ibom Firstlady, Mrs. Patience Eno is dead

    Akwa Ibom Firstlady, Mrs. Patience Eno is dead

    Pastor Mrs. Patience Umo Eno, wife of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has passed away after a brief illness.

    The news was announced by the state Commissioner for Information, Ini Ememobong, in a heartfelt statement titled “Unexpected Sunset”.

     

    The state Commissioner for Information, Ini Ememobong, announced the First Lady’s death in a press statement issued in the early hours of Friday.

     

    According to the commissioner, the First Lady passed away peacefully at a hospital on September 26, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones. The family has requested prayers and support during this difficult time and has asked for privacy as they mourn the loss of their beloved wife, mother, and grandmother.

     

    “She passed away peacefully at the hospital on 26th September 2024, in the presence of her family.

     

    “The family submits to the will of the Almighty and asks for the prayers and support of kind-hearted individuals during this difficult time.

     

    “Further details will be provided by the family as necessary. In the meantime, the family kindly requests privacy as they mourn their beloved wife, mother, and grandmother.

     

    “His Excellency, the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno appreciates all who have stood by the first family in this period and assures all the citizens that despite this huge personal loss, his commitment to the service of the state is unwavering.”

     

    Pastor Mrs. Patience Umo Eno was a highly respected figure in Akwa Ibom State, renowned for her charitable work and unwavering support for her husband’s administration. Her legacy will live on through the lives she touched.

     

     

    Despite this huge personal loss, Governor Umo Eno has reassured citizens of his unwavering commitment to serving the state. He expressed gratitude to those who have stood by the first family during this period.

     

  • Okpeboholo, APC Govs create scene, kneeling to greet Tinubu at the Villa

    Okpeboholo, APC Govs create scene, kneeling to greet Tinubu at the Villa

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu received  the Edo state governor-elect, Monday Okpebholo, at the State House, Abuja.
    Okpebholo is accompanied by the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, and some of the governors elected on the platform of the party.
    When President Tinubu reached for a handshake with Okpebholo, the Edo Governor-elect fell to his knees to receive the President’s stretched arm.
    Edo-Governor-Elect-Okpebolo kneels before President Tinubu
    Among the governors spotted in the entourage are the chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq (Kwara), Uba Sani (Kaduna), Usman Ododo (Kogi), and Dapo Abiodun (Ogun).
    Also on the entourage is the Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomhole, and deputy governor, Philip Shaibu.
    It would be recalled that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Okpebholo the APC winner of last Saturday’s governorship election in Edo State.