Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

  • BREAKING: NFIU Alerts Banks, Others As ‘Scammers’ Devise New Method To Claim Funds From Abroad

    BREAKING: NFIU Alerts Banks, Others As ‘Scammers’ Devise New Method To Claim Funds From Abroad

    The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) has issued a warning regarding scams involving tracing and recovering digital wire transfers from international banks into local accounts.
    In a June 2024 report, the NFIU mentioned its dedication to offering prompt advice or guidance to its partners using a method grounded in real-life examples.

    The agency’s report offers detailed insights into the latest trends, recurring patterns, questionable behaviours, and techniques aimed at taking advantage of the financial system for illegal and fraudulent purposes.

    The NFIU indicated that its research points to a growing problem of fraudulent petitions that target the tracing and recovery of funds supposedly sent from foreign banks to local ones.

    This issue, it said, poses a significant risk to the intended victims, Financial Institutions, Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs), and other governmental bodies.

    “This advisory became necessary due to numerous petitions received by the NFIU from financial institutions, government agencies, and other third parties seeking assistance towards the tracing and recovery of funds transferred from foreign entities to their business partners in Nigeria.

    “The advisory aims to draw the attention of relevant stakeholders and the general public to the red flags as well as the emerging trends that have been observed, most especially the use of forged documents by fraudsters to defraud unsuspecting members of the public,” the NFIU report stated.

    The agency reported receiving numerous false petitions, including one where a law firm represented a non-governmental organization (NGO) and requested the NFIU and other related authorities to locate and reclaim €30 billion (Thirty Billion Euros) that had been moved from an international bank to a Nigerian bank, alleging that the funds were frozen by a Nigerian financial institution.

    According to NFIU, the NGO intended to use the funds for investments in the property sector.

    The NFIU also mentioned that a law firm had submitted a petition on behalf of its client to trace and recover €6 billion (Six Billion Euros) that had been transferred from international banks to the client’s Nigerian bank account.

    In response, the NFIU urged financial institutions and the public to remain cautious and to follow guidelines that would help protect crucial documents from being easily accessed to prevent their misuse in similar petitions.

    It said, “The public should exercise some level of scepticism when dealing with telegraphic transfer documents from major European banks as nearly all frivolous claims emanate from same jurisdictions and banks abroad.”

    In its recommendations to banks, NFIU said, “Upon receipt of a letter from a customer anticipating huge inflow, evidenced by the usual Telex copy, the financial institution should immediately conduct Enhanced Due Diligence, sufficient to establish authenticity or otherwise of the document presented.

    “Where issues of forgery are suspected, the financial institution must take steps to quickly respond in writing to the letter from the customer, clearly stating the non-existence of such pending transaction of funds.

    “This action must be taken immediately upon receipt of the complaint by the bank to avoid their use of the acknowledgement of the letters for fraudulent purposes.

    “Financial Institutions are advised to immediately file Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) on any entity or individual who presents such frivolous claims to the NFIU.”

    It advised the public to be “Aware of the threat posed by fraudulent individuals and their fictitious telegraphic inflows whilst noting the listed red flags as well as the mode of operations contained in this document.

    “The public must also take necessary steps geared towards scrutinizing potential business opportunities before committing financial resources.

    “The public should recognize the imminent risk of making investment on the strength of unverifia

  • PSC asks police to provide evidence of corruption in recruitment exercise

    PSC asks police to provide evidence of corruption in recruitment exercise

    The Police Service Commission (PSC) has asked the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to provide evidence that the recent constable recruitment exercise was marred by corruption.

    In a statement on Friday, Ikechukwu Ani, PSC spokesperson, said NPF does not respect the commission’s mandate to recruit personnel for the police.

    The NPF had said the recruitment exercise was marred by gratification and irregularities.

    “The Commission demands that the Police should provide verifiable evidence to prove the allegations peddled against it as it is obvious that it is a case of giving a dog a bad name in order to hang it,” the statement reads.

  • BREAKING: Bulldozers Move In To Demolish Bayero’s Nasarawa Palace

    BREAKING: Bulldozers Move In To Demolish Bayero’s Nasarawa Palace

    As Security Operatives Block Entrances, Excavators and bulldozers have been seen driving towards the Nasarawa Palace of deposed 15th Emir of Kano State, Aminu Ado Bayero.

    This is coming after security operatives on Friday blocked all entrances to the Nasarawa mini Palace, the current residence of Bayero

    Security operatives reportedly took the action to prevent miscreants from getting in the way of the Nasarawa Palace’s scheduled demolition.

    Recall that the Kano State government, under the leadership of Governor Abba Yusuf, had instructed the Police to remove the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado, from the Nasarawa Palace.

    The government said the palace is set to be demolished to allow for a reconstruction and renovation.

    The Kano State Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Haruna Isa Dederi, who was accompanied by the Secretary to the State Government, Baffa Bichi, gave the order while addressing newsmen at the government house on Thursday.

    Dederi submitted that Bayero is trespassing on government property, and the State Commissioner of Police has been ordered to remove him.

    The Commissioner insisted that the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, remains the Emir and urged the people of the state to remain peaceful in the face of the recent court order which he claimed validated the dissolution of the five emirates carried out by the state government.

  • IGP Egbetokun Reacts To Call For His Sack By President Tinubu

    IGP Egbetokun Reacts To Call For His Sack By President Tinubu

    The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has reacted to the calls for him to be sacked by President Bola Tinubu, saying those making the call were entitled to their opinion.

    The IGP on Thursday, during a meeting with commanders in Abuja, said those calling for his sack are entitled to their opinion and he won’t respond to the calls.

    He added that he has no problem with those calling for his sack from office as everyone is entitled to his or her opinion.

    Egbetokun, said, “I won’t respond to a call for my removal. Anybody can call for my removal.

    “Anybody who doesn’t like me can come out tomorrow and say, remove the IG. That’s not a problem. We are all entitled to our opinion.”

  • Court nullifies creation of 33 LCDAs by late Gov Akeredolu’s administration

    Court nullifies creation of 33 LCDAs by late Gov Akeredolu’s administration

    The Ondo State High Court, sitting in Akure, has annulled the creation of 33 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) by the administration of the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

    Presiding Justice A.O. Adebusuoye declared that the creation of the LCDAs was unconstitutional and illegal.

    The court determined that the procedures followed in establishing these LCDAs did not comply with the necessary legal requirements.

    The administration of the late Governor Akeredolu initiated the creation of the 33 LCDAs to enhance local governance and development. However, the move faced legal challenges, culminating in the recent court decision.

    Justice Adebusuoye noted that the creation of the LCDAs bypassed critical constitutional processes, rendering the establishment of these local government entities null and void.

    The judgment reiterated the importance of adhering to the constitution and legal statutes in the creation of any local government areas.

    The annulment of the LCDAs means that any administrative actions taken by the councils are now invalid.

    As of now, there has been no official response from the Ondo State Government regarding the court’s ruling.

  • New Minimum Wage:We Are Ready To Make Sacrifices, Pay ₦150,000-Sen Wadada tells Tinubu

    New Minimum Wage:We Are Ready To Make Sacrifices, Pay ₦150,000-Sen Wadada tells Tinubu

    The lawmaker representing Nasarawa West zone, Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, has called on President Bola Tinubu to approve at least ₦150,000 as the new national minimum wage.

    Wadda made the call while speaking with newsmen in the Keffi local government area (LGA) of Nassarawa State.

    The Social Democratic Party of Nigeria (SDP) chieftain asserted that the economic situation in the country is the reason he is making such a demand.

    His words: “I have expressed my opinion in the past on the issue, and I am going to reiterate it here. “For me as a person, the minimum a worker should earn is N150,000, looking at the realities of today.”

    Speaking further, Wadada stated that he and other lawmakers were willing to make sacrifices in terms of reduction of their remunerations and allowances just to ensure Nigerian workers earned decent monthly salaries.

    He added: “At worst, it should be higher than what the government is currently offering.”

    Nigerian workers, under the auspices of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) are waiting on the federal government and national assembly to meet their demand on the proposed minimum wage.

    It is yet to be seen if the government and labour will come to an agreement soon.

  • Court ‘Postpones’ Ruling On Kano Emirate Tussle

    Court ‘Postpones’ Ruling On Kano Emirate Tussle

    A Federal High Court in Kano has postponed its judgement on the Council Repeal Law 2024 to 2 pm, Thursday.

    The court judgement was initially scheduled for 12 pm today but was moved before noon.

    Recall that the incumbent Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, had dethroned the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, and also overturned the establishment of four emirates in Bichi, Rano, Karaye, and Gaya, by his predecessor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

    A newly passed state law was also used to reinstate the 14th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, who was ousted by Ganduje in 2020, as the 16th Emir of Kano.

    However, a key figure in Kano emirate, Aminu Babba Danagundi, the Sarkin Dawaki Babba, contested the legality of the law and requested the court, through his lawyer, Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), to declare the law invalid.

    The judge, Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman, upon receiving the motion last Friday, adjourned the case to Thursday for consideration of the request.

    The judge will also issue a decision on a request for a stay of proceedings made by A.G. Wakil, the lawyer for the State Attorney General and Kano State Government, who was also involved in the lawsuit against Danagundi.

    This case is of significant interest as it will shape the future direction of the emirate dispute.

    The Kano State command of the Nigeria Police Force has since admonished the public to remain peaceful and patriotic as the Court delivers its ruling.

    In a statement issued earlier, the command’s spokesman, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa, reiterated the commitment of the command to protect lives and property while warning against any attempt to incite violence.

    “In collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, the command will strictly enforce the ban on public protests, processions, and unlawful gatherings imposed by the state government.

    “Violators and their sponsors will face legal consequences. Adequate security personnel will be deployed to maintain law and order.

    “The public is urged to cooperate with the security forces and provide actionable information to preserve peace and detect deviants. Non-state actors, including vigilantes and hunters, are advised to refrain from participating in security operations under any guise,” he said.

  • IPOB Leader, Nnamdi Kanu, May Move For Negotiation With FG

    IPOB Leader, Nnamdi Kanu, May Move For Negotiation With FG

    Leader of the indigenous people of Biafra Nnamdi Kanu has through his lawyer told Justice Binta Nyako of the federal high court that he will under section 17 of the Federal High Court Act seek negotiations with the federal government.

    Lead counsel to Mr Kanu, Alloy Ejimakor made this known in open court after he moved two applications brought before the court.

    The first application is to move form 49 and an application objecting to the jurisdiction of the court.

    Mr Ejimakor says if the applications are denied they will move for the implementation of section 17 of the Federal High Court Act.

    Responding to this counsel to the federal government Adegboyega Awomolo told the court that he had earlier informed the defendant that he does not have the powers to negotiate on behalf of the federal government, the fiat given to him does not empower him to negotiate.

    The defendant should approach the Attorney General of the federation.

    The form 49 application is a contempt charge against the DSS for failing to obey the orders of the court, granting Mr Kanu unfettered access to his lawyers which the DSS has failed to comply with.

    The second application is challenging the remaining 7 count charge retained by the court after it had struck 8 count out of the 15.

    Justice Nyako held that she could not overrule herself, the defendant should go on appeal.

  • Governor Fubara Orders Audit Of Local Government Accounts 

    Governor Fubara Orders Audit Of Local Government Accounts 

    As the political crisis in Rivers State is yet to resolve, the Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has called for the audit of local government accounts in the state.

    He gave the order after he swore in new caretaker chairmen for the 23 local government areas of the state.

    The swearing-in ceremony was currently ongoing at the Government House in Port Harcourt, amid tight security. 

    The swearing comes a day after the governor forwarded the list to the state House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Victor Jumbo.

    Earlier, the Rivers Assembly passed the Local Government Amendment bill into law but Fubara failed to assent to the bill. 

    While the governor did not sign the bill, the lawmakers led by Martin Amaewhule vetoed him.

    The amended bill which the governor failed to assent, empowered the Rivers State Assembly to extend the tenure of council chairpersons, their vice, and councillors where it is deemed impossible to hold elections before the end of their three-year tenure.

    However, the court nullified the amended law, prompting an appeal. 

    The appeal court is set to deliver a ruling on the matter on June 20, 2024.

  • Wike loyalists storm council secretariat, vow to resist Fubara’s caretaker team

    Wike loyalists storm council secretariat, vow to resist Fubara’s caretaker team

    There is ongoing tension in Port Harcourt City Local Government Council (PHALGA) in Rivers State as youths, loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, gathered around the council premises amidst a crisis over local government administration.

    Police presence was heightened around PHALGA and other local council areas across the state to maintain order following reports of unrest.

    Speaking to Channels Television, Maxwell Enwukwe, a former Council Executive and current coordinator of grassroots development initiatives in PHALGA, emphasized their commitment to ensuring peace and order.

    “These are youths from Port Harcourt Local Government Council. We have come to ensure peace and order in our local government council because yesterday, we received information that some individuals gathered hoodlums to besiege the council even during a public holiday,” Enwukwe stated.

    He further explained, “Today, we have come to see why that happened, but fortunately, the police have taken over the local government council premises, and everyone is here peacefully. These are supporters of grassroots development initiatives loyal to the Minister of FCT.”

    Despite the police presence, the crowd remained stationed at the PHALGA environment, which is near the Rivers State Government House, indicating heightened tensions over the leadership dispute.

    The crisis was triggered by the expiration of the tenure of local government chairmen in Rivers State on Tuesday, with conflicting claims over tenure extension by the State House of Assembly.

    Governor Siminalayi Fubara has, however, maintained that there was no official extension of tenure and has proceeded to nominate caretaker committees for the 23 local government councils in the state.