Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

  • Binance Boss Summoned Over Alleged Terrorism Financing

    Binance Boss Summoned Over Alleged Terrorism Financing

    CEO of Binance Holding Limited, Richard Teng has been summoned by the 
    House of Representatives Committee on Financial Crimes over the allegations of money laundering and financing of terrorism.

    The Chairman of the Committee, Ginger Onwusibe, issued a seven-day ultimatum to Binance Holdings bossto appear before the committee by March 4, 2024.

    Recall that the federal government banned the major online crypto platforms to avert the continuous manipulation of the forex market and illicit movement of funds, while Binance, an online cryptocurrency exchange, was accused of money laundering by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

    Onwusibe warned that the committee will take appropriate measures if the Binance head fails to heed the summon.

    He criticized Teng for his persistent refusal to attend despite several invitations, highlighting the company’s apparent disregard for the country’s established laws regarding business and financial operations.

    The committee, under the chairmanship of Onwusibe, sent a letter dated December 12, 2023, summoning the Managing Director of Binance for a hearing scheduled on December 18, 2023.

    Onwusibe emphasized the committee’s determination to combat financial crimes, citing the authority granted by the Nigerian Constitution to safeguard citizens from such offences, particularly those perpetrated by foreign entities.

    He highlighted the urgency of protecting the nation’s finances, especially amidst economic challenges like recession, and underscored the seriousness of allegations against Binance, including terrorism financing, money laundering, and tax evasion.

    Onwusibe stressed the need to preserve tax revenues and prevent channels for funding terrorism while prioritizing the protection of Nigerian investors from exploitative practices by firms like Binance.

    He insisted on accountability for tax payments and the establishment of physical offices for addressing consumer grievances, signalling an end to exploitation and a commitment to holding perpetrators accountable.

    Onwusibe said, “The constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has empowered us to protect Nigerians from financial crimes, especially by foreign companies.

    “We also have to protect and defend the country’s finances, especially now that the country is nose-diving into recession. The allegations of terrorism financing, money laundering and tax evasion, amongst others, levelled against Binance, are damning enough.

    “At this material time, we need all the tax dollars and to block the leaks and channels to financing terror.

    “It is also our duty to do everything in our power to protect Nigerian investors from predatory firms, and no distraction and manipulation can stop us.

    “You cannot run a company with over 10 million Nigerians on your platform without paying tax and having a physical office where Nigerians can lodge their complaints when they experience any challenge with your service. The era of exploitation is over, and all culprits must be held accountable.“

  • Why Your Offering Is Not Meant For The Church – Kumuyi

    Why Your Offering Is Not Meant For The Church – Kumuyi

    Doctor William Folohunso Kumuyi, the General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church, says Christians should not spend all their money on building churches but also help their poor neighbours who cannot afford basic life needs.

    Kumuyi who made the statement in a viral video while addressing his congregation, advised Christians against giving their offerings to the Church but rather give it to the poor and unemployed in their communities.

    He narrated how a preacher had instructed his members to give monies meant for offering to the poor and unemployed people around them.

    Kumuyi noted that it is good to build the church but while building, Christians must remember their neighbours dying of hunger.

    He said, “Look at all this offering we’re collecting, this church has silver and gold. I learned of a preacher somewhere who was having their church service. And he said, Now we’re going to collect the offering. If you have 10,000, N20,000, or N50,000, raise your hand, and they will be faithful.

    “Then he stood up and said that N10,000, 20,000, and N50,000 go to the poor in your community. All the offering is not just church, there are poor, unemployed people around. There are indigent people around. We will build ours, but while you’re building, your neighbours are dying.

    “Your neighbour, who does not have anything, your sisters, and your brother have nothing to send their children to school. We built DLICC (Deeper Life International Conference Centre) with all the offerings we could build. And we can now be at ease and allow our members to die of hunger and to be destroyed because they have nothing and we have the money.

    “And what if this church, like we used to do in the olden days, in the good old days that we reserve some amount of money for charity? That we allocate some amount of money for building DLICC, and the district church, and the people we’re building for are dying of hunger, malnutrition, and starvation.

    “Let’s budget part of the money, millions of our currency to take care of the people. Which one comes first when your house is leaking, and your mother is dying? How will you spend it—mending the leaking room or taking care of your mother?

    “We should give priority to members of our church, even those who are not members. We know them, and we can contact them. 

    “We should not spend all our money on a building of a church that will not be raptured when Christ comes, because Christ is coming, he noted.

  • Anambra Labour Party Lawmakers Forfeit 6-Month Salaries

    Anambra Labour Party Lawmakers Forfeit 6-Month Salaries

    At least eight Labour Party lawmakers in the Anambra house of assembly have willingly given up their six months salaries to help alleviate economic challenges faced by citizens.

    The lawmakers said they took the decision at an emergency meeting of the party which held on Thursday.

    “We, the Labour Party House of Assembly members, wish to lend our voice to the cry of our Leader, His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi, on the sorry state of the nation, after our emergency caucus meeting,” the statement reads.

    “We urge His Excellency, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, to stop work on all other sectors on the economy including infrastructure, for the next six months, and declare a state of emergency on security and hunger in the nation.

    “Similarly, we urge all other governors of the 36 states, including Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra state, to suspend all infrastructural development for the next six months and also declare a state of emergency on security and hunger.

    “For this reason, we, the Labour Party house of assembly members have resolved to relinquish our basis salary for six months as part of our contribution to alleviate the sufferings of the masses.

    “We must commend our leader, Mr. Peter Obi, for his selfless efforts to ensure the stability and growth of our nation. It really shows that he is committed to making this nation a better place for all of us.”

    The lawmakers include Nkechi Ogbuefi, Henry Mbachu, Jude Ifeanyi Umennajiego, Fred Ezenwa, Justice Azuka, Paul Obu and Patrick Okafor.

  • Jose Peseiro Resigns As Super Eagles Coach

    Jose Peseiro Resigns As Super Eagles Coach

    Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro, has tendered his resignation.

    The Portuguese former forward disclosed this in a post on his X handle, formerly Twitter, on Friday.

    According to Peseiro, he concluded his contract with the Nigeria Football Federation on Thursday.

    The gaffer wrote: “It was a pride and honor to coach the Super Eagles. It has been 22 months of immense dedication, sacrifice, emotion, and enormous enthusiasm.

    “We feel a sense of fulfillment.

    “We would like to express our gratitude to Sir Amaju Pinnick (the president who signed us), President Ibrahim Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi, Secretary Dayo Enebi, the NFF, all the Staff, and especially all the players, with whom leading has been a great pleasure.

    “Guys, we are thankful; it has been a privilege to be part of this family. We will miss you, but we will always be there for you, no matter where you are.

    “A big hug to all of you.”

  • Alex Otti Denied Reports Of Dragging Tinubu To International Court

    Alex Otti Denied Reports Of Dragging Tinubu To International Court

    Abia State Governor, Alex Otti has denied a report that he had dragged President Bola Tinubu to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

    The report published by IPOB factional leader, Simon Ekpa claimed that Otti sued the Federal Republic of Nigeria and President Tinubu for allegedly refusing to grant the request of the Abia Governor to establish a seaport as well as an international airport in Abia.

    Ekpa also alleged that Governor Otti had placed a ban on businesses operated by Nigerians of northern extraction resident in Abia State, until the approval for the establishment of the said seaport and international airport is granted.

    Reacting to the report, Otti through a statement signed his chief press secretary, Kazie Uko on Friday dismissed it as fake.

    He said:

    “There is absolutely no truth in this wickedly contrived fable. We are still on the drawing board on the proposed seaport while the Federal Government provided for an airstrip in Abia in the current budget, for which we are grateful.

    “The general public is by this statement, therefore, advised to ignore the fake report, treat it for what it is, a trash, and consign it to the waste bin, as it is the handiwork of idle rabble-rousers”.

  • Kano Hisbah Boss Resigns, Gives Reason

    Kano Hisbah Boss Resigns, Gives Reason

    The Commander-General of the Kano State Hisbah Board, Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa has resigned his position.

    Giving reasons for the resignation, Daurawa cited “discouragement” from the state governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf.

    He expressed disappointment at the governor’s remarks despite his efforts to uphold societal morality during his time at Hisbah. 

    In a video shared on social media, he mentioned being in Kaduna State discussing the implementation of mandatory pre-marital health checks in Kano, similar to other states. 

    He highlighted his efforts to engage with Kannywood and TikTok personalities, providing guidance and financial support. 

    However, he acknowledged facing criticism from Kano and apologized to the governor for his frustration, announcing his resignation from his position at Hisbah.

    His words:

    ” I’ve encountered discouraging comments from Kano, despite my efforts at Hisbah to promote societal morality.

    “I’ve actively engaged with Kannywood and TikTok celebrities, offering guidance and even providing financial assistance to some TikTokers. I even extended advice to Murja too.

    “Unfortunately, those who disregarded our guidance faced consequences.

    “But I am saying sorry to the Excellency Governor for being angry, I sorry to say I have resigned from the position he gave me in Hisbah, I wish him best in his leadership.”

  • Presidential Nominee Rejects Appointment

    Presidential Nominee Rejects Appointment

    A nominee for membership of the Central Bank of Nigeria Board of Directors, Urum Kalu Eke has declined the offer stating that he was currently engaged in the World Bank.

    This came to the fore during the Thursday plenary when the Senate began the process for the confirmation of the nominees.

    President Bola Tinubu had on February 13 forwarded the names of Urum and four others for confirmation as members of the board for the CBN.

    But during the confirmation, former Governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Kalu,( APC, Abia North ) told the Senate that the person who is his constituent had called him on the phone to reject the offer, noting that it would conflict with his present job as a consultant with the World Bank.

    He said, “The nominee told me this role would conflict with his job as a consultant to the World Bank, Federal Government agencies and other private companies.”

    Meanwhile, the Senate has confirmed the appointment of four other members of the Board of Directors of the CBN forwarded to it by the President.

    Those confirmed by the Senate on Thursday as Directors are Robert Agbede; Ado Yakubu Wanka; Professor Murtala Sabo Sagagi and Mrs. Muslimat Olanike Aliyu.

  • Senate Summons Wike Over Rising Insecurity

    Senate Summons Wike Over Rising Insecurity

    In response to the alarming surge in kidnappings, the Senate has summoned the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, and Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igwe.

    This comes after the abduction and tragic murder of Chris Agidy, an aide to Senator Ned Nwoko, in the Galadimawa area of Abuja in November 2023.

    Senator Nwoko, deeply affected by the incident, sponsored a motion leading to the Senate’s resolution. 

    The Red Chamber demanded the FCT Minister and the Police Commissioner to provide insights into the escalating kidnapping cases within Nigeria’s capital.

    Following an intense debate, the Senate mandated the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to enhance security patrols nationwide. 

    Additionally, the installation of CCTV cameras along Abuja highways and the establishment of a three-digit emergency number for swift police response were directed.

    In a bid to bolster emergency services, the Nigerian Communications Commission was tasked to ensure the functionality of dedicated emergency numbers for the police, ambulance, and fire services.

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasized the seriousness of the matter, stating that both the FCT Minister and the Police Commissioner would meet with the Senate in a closed-door session. The aim is to discuss the measures and strategies in place to combat the growing threat of kidnappings not only in the FCT but across Nigeria.

    Akpabio concluded, “Incidences like the kidnapping and killing of Senator Nwoko’s Senior Legislative Aide and other residents are worrisome and must be stopped, not only in the FCT but also in Nigeria generally.”

  • Bandits Invade Nigerian Mosque, Kidnap Worshippers

    Bandits Invade Nigerian Mosque, Kidnap Worshippers

    Bandits have abducted about 30 worshippers in one of the mosques in Tsafe town, the headquarters of Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

    The bandits invaded the mosque around 5 a.m. on Thursday when the people were about to start the morning prayer.

    ”We were about to start the morning prayer today, Thursday when suddenly they (bandits) entered into the mosque and directed everybody to go out and follow them.

    “Everybody scampered for safety but the bandits blocked everywhere and warned us that they would kill anybody who tried to run away.

    “I was able to jump out of the window and ran quickly into one of the uncompleted buildings near the mosque where I hid myself”, an eyewitness, Garba said.

    Garba maintained that the bandits left their motorcycles far away from the mosque so that the worshippers would not notice their movement.

    “They came on foot, leaving their motorcycles outside the town so that they would not attract the attention of the people of the area.

    “They later marched the worshippers to their motorcycles and took them to the forest,” he added.

  • Security Tightened in Chad’s Capital Amidst Rising Tensions

    Security Tightened in Chad’s Capital Amidst Rising Tensions

    Chad’s capital, N’Djamena, is witnessing heightened security measures with roadblocks and military deployment around the Socialist Party Without Borders’ headquarters, following a deadly attack on the security agency.

    The junta-led government accused the opposition party of orchestrating the assault.

    Soldiers surrounded the PSF headquarters, led by Yaya Dillo, a cousin of transitional president Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno. 

    The attack near the party’s HQ adds to the escalating tensions between the government and opposition.

    Access to the presidential palace has been restricted, and schools in central N’Djamena are closed. 

    The telephone network has been facing disruptions since Wednesday, while mobile internet access remained suspended.

    Yaya Dillo denied any involvement in the security agency attack, dismissing the allegations as politically motivated lies.

    The government had accused a PSF member of an “assassination attempt against the president of the supreme court.”

    Despite the turmoil, Chad announced a presidential election on May 6, contested by both Deby Itno and Dillo.

    The transitional president, Mahamat Deby Itno, initially pledged a return to civilian rule but later extended the transition period by two years.