Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

  • Two Boko Haram bomb experts surrender in Borno

    Two Boko Haram bomb experts surrender in Borno

    Two suspected Boko Haram individuals identified as Improvised Explosive Device (IED) experts, 19-year-old Abubakar Mohammed (alias Garba) and 13-year-old Babagana Modu, have laid down their arms and surrendered to troops of Sector 3 Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Monguno, in Borno State.

    The surrender took place on April 21, 2024, marking a notable success in the ongoing campaign to dismantle Boko Haram’s operations in the region. 

    This was disclosed on Monday in a press statement signed by the Chief Military Public Information of MNJTF, Ndjamena, Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi.

    The statement reads: “Sector 3 of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) Monguno, Nigeria, has reported continued surrender of terrorists in its Area of Operations.

    “Among the latest to lay down their arms were two individuals identified as improvised explosive device (IED) experts, 19-year-old Abubakar Mohammed (alias Garba) and 13-year-old Bana Modu. The surrender took place on 21 April 2024, marking a notable success in the ongoing campaign to dismantle Boko Haram’s operations in the region. 

    “During a preliminary investigation, Mohammed and Modu revealed they had been ordered to plant IEDs along roads of Doron Baga and Fish Dam in Baga, Kukawa Local Government of Borno State Nigeria.

    “Instead of carrying out their mission, they decided to abandon their task, escape with the IEDs, and surrender to the MNJTF. Their decision was influenced by the MNJTF recently concluded Operation NASHRUL SALAM, a non-kinetic operation and sector’s personal engagement strategy with relevant sources, showcasing the effectiveness of psychological operations in the fight against terrorism.

    “Items recovered from them include two IEDs, two mobile phones, and a sum of fifty-three thousand Naira (N53,000.00) only from Mohammed and Modu. This development underscores the MNJTF’s commitment to encouraging other terrorists hiding in the Lake Chad Islands to come out, surrender, and lay down their arms, in a bid to achieve sustainable peace in the region.

    “The MNJTF remains dedicated to its mission of restoring peace and facilitating the return of normalcy to the Lake Chad Basin,” Lt. Col. Abdullahi stated.

  • INEC releases final list of candidates for Edo Governorship election

    INEC releases final list of candidates for Edo Governorship election

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially unveiled the final list of candidates for the forthcoming Edo State Governorship Election.

    Following the conclusion of initial primaries, the Commission had earlier disclosed the personal details of gubernatorial candidates and their running mates at its offices across the state.

    In compliance with the provisions of Section 33 of the Electoral Act 2022, certain political parties opted to conduct fresh primaries to replace their earlier nominated candidates before the 15th April, 2024 deadline.

    Notably, the Action Alliance (AA) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) made substitutions for their Governorship candidates and running mates.

    Additionally, the African Action Congress (AAC), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Boot Party (BP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) replaced only the running mates of their candidates.

    A total of seventeen (17) political parties will be fielding candidates in the election, with sixteen (16) being male and one (1) female.

    The final list, inclusive of detailed candidate information such as age, academic qualifications, and disability status, has been made accessible at INEC’s offices in Edo State, as well as on its website and social media platforms.

    Part of the statement signed by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner & Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, read:

    ”With the publication of the final list of candidates for the Edo State Governorship Election, the next activity is the electioneering campaign.

    ”As provided by Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, campaigns by Political Parties in public shall commence not earlier than 150 days before polling day and end 24 hours prior to that day.

    ”Therefore, Political Parties are now permitted to start campaign in public from Wednesday, 24th April 2024 and end at midnight on Thursday, 19th September 2024, as indicated in items 8 and 12 of the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the election.

    ”As parties commence this critical phase of the election, the Commission reminds candidates, agents and their supporters of the provision of the law and the Commission’s guidelines governing such activity. For emphasis, parties shall conduct their campaigns with civility and decorum devoid of inciting language, violence, voter inducement and other infractions mentioned in Sections 92 – 97 of the Electoral Act 2022.”

    The Edo State Governorship Election is scheduled to be held on Saturday, 21st September 2024.

  • Kenyan Police Arrest Binance Executive Who Escaped From Nigeria

    Kenyan Police Arrest Binance Executive Who Escaped From Nigeria

    The Kenya Police Service has successfully apprehended a senior executive of Binance, Nadeem Anjarwalla, who had been on the run, as efforts to extradite him to Nigeria gain momentum.

    This development was confirmed by government sources on Sunday night, who spoke to Punch under the condition of anonymity due to restrictions on their authority to discuss the matter publicly.

    One of the sources said, “Binance executive, Nadeem Anjarwalla, has been arrested by the Kenya Police Service, and he would be extradited to Nigeria this week by INTERPOL.”

    Another source noted, “As we had said before that Anjarwalla would be extradited, he has been arrested in Kenya, and he’ll be extradited to Nigeria this week.”

    Recall that the Federal Government revealed that it traced Anjarwalla to Kenya, following his escape from lawful custody in Nigeria.

    A source that spoke on the development at the time said, “We have found him. We know where he is; he is in Kenya, and we’re working with the authorities to bring him back to Nigeria.

    “All hands are on the deck, the government and all the security agencies are working hard in conjunction with the Kenyan authorities and INTERPOL, to ensure his return to Nigeria to face the charges brought against him.”

    Meanwhile, the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, had in the March edition of its bulletin titled, “EFCC Alert,” confirmed that the commission was working in conjunction with the International Criminal Police Organisation, the United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation, the governments of the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, and Kenya to extradite Anjarwalla.

    Olukoyed said, “The takeover of the prosecution of Binance chiefs by the commission is no less a strong message in the direction of EFCC’s resolve to hedge in distortions and disruptions in the country’s forex market.

    “Tax evasion, currency speculation, and money laundering to the tune of $35,400,000 and are at the foundation of the Commission’s five counts against Binance Holdings Limited, Tigran Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla, the company’s chief executives.

    “While Gambaryan is currently in the Commission’s net, the process of extraditing the fleeing Anjarwalla is revving in full swing. Involved in partnership with the EFCC to nick Anjarwalla in flight are the International Criminal Police Organisation, the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation, the governments of the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, and Kenya as the clock winds down to his arraignment in absentia alongside the company and Gambaryan.”

  • NNPC’s Mele Kyari Earns Energy Times’ GCEO of the Year Award, Vows Gas Revolution

    NNPC’s Mele Kyari Earns Energy Times’ GCEO of the Year Award, Vows Gas Revolution

    By Doris Israel Ijeoma

    Mele Kyari, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL)’s Group Chief Executive Officer, has been honoured with the prestigious Energy Times’ GCEO of the Year Award, a testament to his dedication to excellence in the energy sector.

    The accolade recognizes Kyari’s unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and outstanding performance.

    At the award ceremony held at Lagos’ Eko Hotel & Suites, NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Mr. Olufemi Soneye, accepted the award on Kyari’s behalf.

    The Energy Times Award Committee praised Kyari’s leadership, citing his pivotal role in NNPC’s success and his contributions to Nigeria’s energy industry.

    In his acceptance speech, Kyari highlighted NNPC’s efforts to transition Nigeria into a gas-powered nation, leveraging the country’s abundant natural gas reserves.

    He outlined key initiatives, including the development of gas infrastructure such as the OB-3 and AKK gas pipelines, as well as strategic partnerships for global gas exports.

    Kyari also emphasized NNPC’s expansion into the power sector, citing investments in independent power plants and plans for new facilities along the AKK pipeline corridor.

    He underscored NNPC’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions and its role in driving Nigeria’s economic growth.

    Dedicating the award to NNPC staff, Kyari expressed gratitude to the Energy Times editorial board for the recognition, pledging to redouble efforts in advancing NNPC’s mission and the Nigerian oil and gas industry.

  • Guinness World Record: Tinubu Reacts As Tunde Onakoya Shatters New World Chess Record

    Guinness World Record: Tinubu Reacts As Tunde Onakoya Shatters New World Chess Record

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his congratulations to Nigerian chess master, Tunde Onakoya, for achieving a new world chess record and showcasing Nigeria’s resilience, self-belief, and ingenuity on the global stage.

    In a press release issued on Saturday (today) through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu highlighted that Onakoya set a new Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon by playing for more than 58 hours and emerged victorious in every game.

    The Nigerian leader commended Onakoya, the brain behind Chess in Slums Africa for his remarkable accomplishment, emphasizing the noble cause behind his remarkable display of character, which involves raising funds to support African children in learning and discovering opportunities through chess.

    Tinubu stressed that Onakoya has exhibited a streak typical of Nigeria’s youth population – the courage to bring about positive change, defy impossibilities, and drive innovations and solutions to the nation’s challenges, even from disadvantaged areas.

    The President confirmed that Nigerian youths have showcased their capabilities in various fields, such as Afrobeats, Nollywood, skit-making, education, science, and technology, proving that significant achievements can indeed originate from humble beginnings.

    Tinubu praised the unity displayed by Nigerians, transcending artificial divides, as evidenced by their unwavering support for this groundbreaking initiative, Naija News reports.

    He reassured all citizens that his administration remains fully dedicated to creating and expanding opportunities for the youth to harness and showcase their talents, ultimately becoming the epitome of greatness that our nation embodies for the future.

  • Senate gives update on P/Harcourt Refinery

    Senate gives update on P/Harcourt Refinery

    The Senate Ad-Hoc Committee to Investigate the Turnaround Maintenance of Nigeria’s Refineries has said the Port Harcourt Refinery will begin operation before the end of December.

    This is as the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has stated that his administration is working in tandem with President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government’s policies designed to make life better for Nigerians through the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Fubara noted that, in doing so, the Woji-Aleto-Alesa-Refinery Road, now 70 per cent completed, was being constructed to provide a bypass to easily access the Port Harcourt Refinery and take off traffic from the East-West Road.

    He made the remark when members of the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee to Investigate the Turnaround Maintenance of Nigeria’s Refineries, led by their Chairman, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday.

    This was contained in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Saturday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Nelson Chukwudi.

    The governor said the purpose of governance was to make life easy for the people. He expressed delight that the Senate Committee’s investigation would make life easy and meaningful for Nigerians.

    The statement read, “We, as a state, before the commencement of the rehabilitation job, had a contribution that we wanted to make to support the work at the refinery because of the deplorable state of the East-West Road.

    “There is a road: Woji-Aleto-Alesa Refinery Road. We are almost completing the bridge. It’s about 70 per cent completed. We are doing almost the last part of it. With that road, it will help to decongest and reduce the trouble commuters face along the East-West Road while providing easy access, straight to the refinery.

    “So, you can see that our government is working in line, supporting the Administration of President Bola Tinubu to give our people hope and assurance that things will soon get better.”

    It added, “And it is this role that you are playing, genuinely. With the support of this state government, that is the only way we can achieve the purpose of governance for everyone.

    “The purpose of governance is to make life easy for the people. I am happy that your investigation would make life easy for the people,” the governor explained.

    Fubara pointed to the derivable benefits when the refinery is eventually revamped and becomes operational, both to the Federal Government and host, Rivers State.

    He added, “When the refinery restarts production, there will be petroleum products available locally. The issue of importation will go down.

    “We will now make an impact, the economy will grow, and internally generated revenue will increase. More projects will be executed in this state. You can see that it’s a chain effect thing. So, I want to thank you.”

  • Gov Ododo didn’t help Yahaya Bello evade EFCC arrest — Commissioner, Fanwo

    Gov Ododo didn’t help Yahaya Bello evade EFCC arrest — Commissioner, Fanwo

    Kogi State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, has claimed that Governor Usman Ododo did not shield ex-Governor Yahaya Bello from arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

    Fanwo stated this while speaking on Channels Television on Friday.

    “Governor Ododo did not assist in Bello’s departure from his residence; the EFCC’s claims are misinformation aimed at furthering their objectives.

    “Bello is not evading anyone; the existing court injunction protects his fundamental rights,” he said.

    Fanwo also insisted that a state high court injunction protects Bello from harassment by the EFCC.

    He noted that Governor Ododo remains a law-abiding leader who respects the rule of law and the Constitution of Nigeria.

     EFCC operatives had laid a siege at Bello’s house in Abuja.

    But Ododo arrived at the residence and hours after he drove out, there were reports that Bello snuck out with him.

    The EFCC has since declared Bello wanted.

    He has also been placed on a security watchlist by the federal government.

  • Police Detain Yahaya Bello’s ADC, Security Details

    Police Detain Yahaya Bello’s ADC, Security Details

    The Nigeria Police Force has detained the female aide-de-camp (ADC) and several other police officers attached to the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, following suspicions of their involvement in aiding his escape from law enforcement.

    The detentions occurred at the State Criminal Investigation Department in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, as confirmed by senior police sources to Punch.

    This action was taken after the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, issued a directive on Thursday night for the immediate withdrawal of these officers from Bello, who is currently embroiled in legal challenges.

    The former governor was supposed to be arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at his residence in Abuja on Wednesday but managed to evade capture.

    The police sources, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, indicated that the ADC and the detained officers are under investigation for potentially abetting Bello’s escape, which has led to a significant uproar within security circles.

    This incident marks a critical development in the ongoing case against Bello, who faces allegations of corruption during his tenure as governor.

    One of the sources said, “The ADC and the other police details attached to Yahaya Bello have been arrested and detained.

    “They were arrested on the order of the IG, on the suspicion that they aided and abetted the former governor’s escape from the EFCC on Wednesday.”

    Another source said, “Yahaya Bello’s female ADC and other police officers attached to him were brought to the command this morning, and they’ve been detained for aiding and abetting (the governor’s escape).”

    Egbetokun had, on Thursday night, ordered the withdrawal of all police officers attached to Bello.

    The order reads, “CB:4001/DOPS/PMF/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.48/ 34 X ORDER AND DIRECTIVES X FOLLOWING MESSAGE RECEIVED FROM NIGPOL.

    “DOPS ABUJA X BEGINS X CB:4001/DOPS/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.21/462 DTO:180955/04/2024 X ORDER AND DIRECTIVES X REF MYLET NO CB:3412/DOPS/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.1/36 DATED 15/04/2024 X AND MY EARLIER LET NO CB:3412/DOPS/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.1/30 DATED 24/01/2024 X Nigeria police have ordered the withdrawal of all men.

    “Police attached to His Excellency and former Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, should acknowledge compliance and treat with utmost importance. Please above for your information and strict compliance.”

  • After Sacking El-Rufai’s Ally, Kaduna APC Appoints New Woman Leader

    After Sacking El-Rufai’s Ally, Kaduna APC Appoints New Woman Leader

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State has announced the appointment of Naymarie Musa as the new Acting Woman Leader of the party, following the suspension of the previous office holder, Maryam Sulaiman.

    The change in leadership comes amid a backdrop of political controversy surrounding the state’s debt profile, which had been defended by Sulaiman in support of the immediate-past Governor Nasir El-Rufai administration.

    Musa steps into her new role with a wealth of experience from her previous position as Assistant Woman Leader of the ruling party in the State.

    Speaking to journalists at the party’s secretariat in Kaduna on Thursday, Musa expressed her eagerness to foster unity and strengthen the party’s position ahead of upcoming general elections.

    “I am deeply committed to serving the women of Kaduna State with dedication, integrity, and passion,” Musa stated. She outlined her vision for an inclusive administration, focusing on the interests of women and ensuring accountability and participation within the party’s ranks.

    “My duty and commitment is to consolidate on the ‘Sustain Agenda’ of Governor Uba Sani and to deliver effective leadership to achieve new developmental heights,” she added, emphasising the importance of prioritising women’s interests under her leadership.

  • Abortion Should Be Legalized – Actress Etinosa Idemudia

    Abortion Should Be Legalized – Actress Etinosa Idemudia

    Actress Etinosa Idemudia has argued abortion should be considered an option as the world is filled with hungry innocent children.

    Questioning via her X page, she asked if it isn’t preferable for a woman to get rid of a pregnancy than to give birth to a child that will be subjected to long suffering.

    Idemudia wondered why the world is strongly against terminating pregnancies especially as many people are not disciplined enough to use condom.

    According to her, an impoverished family bringing children into the world should be criminalised, adding that if she is the child, she will never forgive such parents.

    She wrote: “With all the hungry Innocent children who are suffering all around, are we still against abortion? Isn’t abortion better than life long suffering? They never asked to be born into all this hardship. If your own future is not sure why bring an innocent person to life.

    “You are not discipline enough to use condom so in your selfishness you get your wife pregnant with the 5th child no house no tangible source of income. Bringing that child into the world should be a crime. If I’m that child I’ll never forgive you.

    “You will now hear things like “oh my sweet mother suffered for me. The hustle is for Mama. Her sacrifices made me who I am today. She went hungry so I can eat”… I don’t understand. She no see say food no dey before she born you? She is responsible for you! fam! they owe you!!”