Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Category: News

  • Kenya’s military chief, nine other soldiers killed in helicopter crash

    Kenya’s military chief, nine other soldiers killed in helicopter crash

    Kenya’s Armed Forces Chief, General Francis Ogolla, and nine other military representatives have been confirmed dead after a helicopter crash.

    This was revealed by the Kenyan President, William Ruto at a news conference on Thursday.

    The president subsequently announced three days of national mourning.

    It was gathered that the helicopter crashed in the west of the country in the Elgeyo Marakwet district, shortly after taking off from the village of Chesegon.

    The high-ranking military delegation has been visiting Kenyan soldiers in the region.

    The cause of the crash was initially unclear.

    According to reports, only two of the 12 people on board survived.

  • Why PDP failed to suspend Wike, Makinde, others over anti-party activities – George

    Why PDP failed to suspend Wike, Makinde, others over anti-party activities – George

    A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, has reacted to calls for the the suspension of FCT minister, Nyesom Wike and other members of the G-5 group.

    According to George, the PDP is more focused on reconciling its members than punishing them over previous actions against the party.

    The PDP chieftain stated this during an interview with ChannelsTV on Thursday, April 18.

    Wike, now the minister of the FCT under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), fell out with the PDP hierarchy in the lead-up to the presidential election of last year.

    He and a group called G-5 including then-governors, worked against the PDP in the presidential election, insisting the southern part of Nigeria ought to produce the party’s flagbearer.

    While many have questioned Wike’s membership of the party with others calling for sanctions against him, Bode George says the PDP is working to settle its matters.

    “There is a standing committee. They are going to add more members to do a post-mortem analysis,” he said.

    “We don’t want to start firing because there are one or two people that are still thinking about the past. The party must move on.”

    “It is an issue in the party. It should not be resolved in the marketplace,” the PDP chieftain said, insisting “We are going to settle our own matters like a family.”

    The PDP was the runner-up in the 2023 presidential election, losing to the ruling APC.

    Atiku Abubakar, a former vice president, was its flagbearer in that exercise and also in 2019.

  • IGP withdraws policemen attached to former Kogi governor Yahaya Bello

    IGP withdraws policemen attached to former Kogi governor Yahaya Bello

    Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has ordered the withdrawal of all policemen attached to former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.

    The directive, contained in a police wireless message, comes amidst the embattled former governor’s legal troubles and being placed on the Nigerian Immigration Service watchlist.

    The order relayed through a police wireless message, emphasized strict compliance with the withdrawal of security personnel assigned to Bello. 

    The document read in part, “IG has ordered the withdrawal of all policemen attached to His Excellency and former Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.

    “Acknowledge compliance and treat with utmost importance. Please, above, for your information and strict compliance.”

    The decision follows the Economic and Financial Crimes Comission’s declaration of Bello as wanted in connection to a money laundering case totalling N80.2 billion.

    In addition to the police withdrawal, the Nigerian Immigration Service placed Bello on its watchlist, directing border officials to arrest and refer him to the Director of Investigation if sighted at any entry or exit point. 

    The EFCC had earlier declared Bello wanted and was granted a warrant of arrest by a Federal High Court in Abuja.

    Efforts by the EFCC to apprehend Bello were foiled by the current Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, and his security team escorting Bello away from his residence.

  • BREAKING: EFCC declares Yahaya Bello wanted

    BREAKING: EFCC declares Yahaya Bello wanted

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has declared a former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, wanted for offences relating to economic and financial crimes.

    This was contained in a notice posted on the commission’s official Facebook page on Thursday.

    “The public is hereby notified that YAHAYA ADOZA BELLO (former Governor of Kogi State), whose photograph appears above is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with alleged case of Money Laundering to the tune of N80,246,470,089.88 (Eighty Billion, Two Hundred and Forty Six Million, Four Hundred and Seventy Thousand and Eighty Nine Naira, Eighty Eight Kobo).

    Bello, 48-year old Ebiraman, is a native of Okenne Local Government of Kogi State. His last known address is: 9, Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja.

    “Anybody with useful information as to his whereabouts should please contact the Commission in its lbadan, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Gombe, Port Harcourt and Abuja offices or through these numbers 09-9044751-3, 08093322644, 08183322644, 07026350721-3, 0706350724-5; its e-mail address: info@efccnigeria.org or the nearest Police Station and other security agencies, ” a public notice issued by the EFCC read.

    Yahaya Bello’s response to these allegations remains unknown at this time, as he has yet to issue a public statement regarding the EFCC’s declaration.

  • N40bn fraud: Obiano loses bid to stop trial

    N40bn fraud: Obiano loses bid to stop trial

    The Federal High Court, Abuja, has refused to quash the N40Billion money laundering charges brought against the former governor of Anambra State, Willie Maduabuchi Obiano by the federal government.

    The trial Judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo, in a ruling Thursday, faulted and rejected all grounds upon which the application was predicted by Obiano.

    The court held that all the reliefs sought by Obiano are not grantable because they are premature and lacking in merit.

    Meanwhile, Justice Ekwo permitted the ex-governor 60 days to travel abroad for medical treatment.

    He ordered that Obiano be made to sign an undertaking to return to the country after the treatment and to deposit his travelling passport within three days of his return to Nigeria.

    The former governor had, amongst others, prayed the judge to dismiss the 9-count charges instituted against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC on behalf of the federal government.

    He claimed that there was no connection between the proof of evidence supplied to court by EFCC and the accusations against him.

    He averred that there was no testimony from any witness indicating that he issued directives for the disbursement of security votes and other funds belonging to the Anambra State government.

    Obiano also claimed that he can not be held accountable for any alleged unlawful actions by officials of the Anambra State government as there is no concept of vicarious liability in the criminal justice system.

    His motion on notice was brought pursuant to section 6 (6) (a) and (b) and section 36(6) (6) b of the 1999 constitution as amended and section 1(1) & (2), 266, 271(b), 383(4) &492 (3) of the Administration of the Criminal Justice Act 2015.

    Among others, Obiano sought “An order of the court quashing the instant charge for it amounts to flagrant abuse of judicial process and a mockery of the criminal Justice

    “An order quashing the charge for non-disclosure of a prime facie case being vague and devoid of precision in respect of all the 9 count charges.

    “No prima facie case has been disclosed against the defendant in this charge. There is no link between the proof of evidence and the purported allegation made against the defendant in the charge

    “No evidence exists from any witness showing that the defendant passed down a directive for the disbursement of security votes and other funds belonging to the Anambra State government.

    “The defendant can not be made answerable for any purported unlawful actions of officials of Anambra State government as there is no vicarious liability in our criminal jurisprudence.

    “The thinking and conclusion of the prosecution on the counts arose from speculation and suspicions

    “The subject matter of the charge borders on accountability for security vote funds.
    The honourable court lacks the requisite jurisdiction to entertain issues on accountability for security vote funds

    “There is an appeal filed by the Anambra state government challenging the powers of EFCC to investigate the security vote of the Anambra state government.

    “The preferment of the entire charge is in bad faith. This honourable court has inherent judicial power to grant all the reliefs sought above.

    However, the judge said that there is no way the court would know whether the former governor is linked with the alleged offences or not unless the trial is conducted in line with the provisions of the law.

    The former governor is being prosecuted by EFCC on 9-count charges bordering on money laundering to the tune of N40 billion.

    The matter is adjourned to June 24, 25, 26, and 27 for commencement of trial.

  • Protesters storm PDP secretariat, demand Wike’s suspension

    Protesters storm PDP secretariat, demand Wike’s suspension

    Some protesters, on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Reform Vanguard, have besieged the party’s secretariat in Abuja to demand the suspension of FCT minister, Nyesom Wike.

    The protesters also called for the resignation of Umar Damagun as acting national chairman of the PDP.

    The group arrived the headquarters on Thursday morning ahead of the scheduled national executive council (NEC) meeting of the PDP, while demanding that Wike should be suspended for alleged anti-party activities.

    Speaking with reporters, Usman Seidu, convener of the group, said Damagun and Wike have “undermined our collective efforts and jeopardised our very existence as a formidable opposition force”.

    “We commend our former National Chairman Dr. Iyorchia Ayu for his demonstration of unwavering loyalty and love for our party by withdrawing all pending suits against the party in the court,” Seidu said.

    “His actions have paved the way for our great party to move forward, to cleanse our ranks and restore integrity to our leadership.

    However, the presence of individuals like Amb. Iliya Damagun and Mr. Nyesom Wike within our midst remains a cancerous growth on the body of our party.

    Their actions, tantamount to betrayal, have undermined our collective efforts and jeopardised our very existence as a formidable opposition force.

    “The time has come for the NEC to act decisively. Amb. Iliya Damagun must be removed from his position as acting national chairman, in accordance with the provisions of our party’s constitution.

    “He must be replaced with a loyal member from the north-central, someone who embodies the spirit of our party and will work tirelessly for the advancement of its course.

    “Furthermore, we cannot turn a blind eye to the continuous presence of Mr. Nyesom Wike within our ranks. His romance with the APC has been handsomely rewarded with his appointment as minister of the FCT and as such, his stay is a slap in the face of every loyal member of our party.

    ”If the party fails to take decisive action against those who have betrayed our trust, then it risks losing the faith and support of it’s loyal members across the country.”

    Wike attended the national caucus meeting of the PDP on Wednesday.

  • Kogi Governor to chair committee for Ondo APC primary poll

    Kogi Governor to chair committee for Ondo APC primary poll

    Usman Ododo, governor of Kogi state, has been appointed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to lead a seven-member committee that will conduct the party’s governorship primary election in Ondo state.

    The Ondo APC primary poll has been slated for April 20.

    The committee is expected to conduct direct primary elections in the 18 LGAs of the state.

    The five-man primary election appeal committee will be headed by Mohammed Abubakar, former governor of Bauchi.

    Abubakar’s committee will be inaugurated by Suleiman Argungu, APC national organising secretary; with Ovie Omo-Agege, former deputy senate president, serving as the secretary of the primary election committee.

    Obiocha Israel will serve as secretary to the five-man election appeal committee, with Jamilu Gwamna, Patrick Obahiagbon and Onyeka Okafor as members.

  • Another Judge Halts Ganduje’s Suspension From APC

    Another Judge Halts Ganduje’s Suspension From APC

    A Kano high court has issued an order halting the suspension of the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, from his party.

    Justice A.M Liman gave this interim ruling in response to an ex parte motion filed by Ganduje, wherein he sought to enforce his fundamental right to a fair hearing.

    The suspension, initially enforced on April 15 by APC executives in Dawakin ward, Tofa LGA of Kano, came after Ganduje was accused of corruption.

    The Kano State APC working committee quickly overturned this local party action, which also disciplined the ward executives involved in Ganduje’s suspension.

    However, to complicate matters further, Justice Usman Na’Abba of the Kano High Court previously upheld the suspension, deepening the legal and political intrigue surrounding the case.

    The respondents named in Ganduje’s application included not only local party officials but also major national security agencies like the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

    Justice Liman’s order temporarily stops any enforcement of Ganduje’s suspension, stipulating that no action should be taken until the case is fully heard and a determination is made.

    “That all the parties are hereby mandated to maintain status quo before the purported emergency meeting of the alleged executive members of APC Ganduje Ward, and to stay action in respect of this matter pending the hearing and determination of the substantive application,” Liman said.

    The judge subsequently fixed April 30 to hear Ganduje’s appeal.

  • Police Invite Edo Labour Party’s Guber Candidate, Akpata Over UNIBEN Assault Incident

    Police Invite Edo Labour Party’s Guber Candidate, Akpata Over UNIBEN Assault Incident

    The Edo State Police Command has summoned the Labour Party’s governorship candidate, Olumide Akpata, to discuss alleged security breaches, particularly the incidents of gunfire reported at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) last Friday.

    The Public Relations Officer for the Command, Chidi Nwabuzor, disclosed this development to the media in Benin City.

    Nwabuzor stated that the LP gubernatorial candidate was served the invitation by investigators during the Political Desk Session at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.

    Recall that during an investiture ceremony hosted by the UNIBEN Staff Club, the candidate of the Labour Party for the forthcoming September 21, 2024, governorship election in Edo State was allegedly assaulted by suspected political thugs.

    Olumide Akpata, on the other hand, has claimed that the attack was orchestrated by both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state and the State Government to assassinate him.

    The Command’s spokesperson elaborated that the invitation extended to Olumide Akpata was a component of the investigation launched by the police Command into the crisis.

    In response to inquiries, the State Chairman of the Labour Party, Kelly Ogbaloi, verified the reception of the police invitation, mentioning his absence in Benin during the letter’s arrival, but he affirmed his intention to honour the invitation.

    “The police ought to have done their background investigations, his being honoured by UNIBEN had nothing to do with our party secretariat. So, I don’t know why I am being asked to come along with him to the Police Command Headquarters in Benin, however, I will honour the invitation,” he said.

  • JAMB Issues Stern Warning to Parents, Stay Clear of CBT Centers or risk arrest

    JAMB Issues Stern Warning to Parents, Stay Clear of CBT Centers or risk arrest

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has taken decisive action to clamp down on exam malpractice by issuing a stern warning to all Computer-Based Test (CBT) center owners.

    In a recent briefing held in Abuja, Professor Is-haq Oloyede, the Registrar of JAMB, underscored the gravity of the situation and the necessity of stringent measures.

    Professor Oloyede emphasized that parents found near any CBT facility during the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) would face immediate arrest. This move, he explained, was prompted by the discovery that many such parents have been involved in facilitating exam malpractices or disrupting exams in the past.

    In no uncertain terms, Professor Oloyede stated that any parent caught disobeying this directive would not only be apprehended but would also face disqualification for their ward from sitting the examination.

    Furthermore, the Registrar revealed that security operatives have been instructed to collaborate closely with CBT centers to apprehend any meddlesome parent attempting to interfere with the examination process.

    Warning candidates of the consequences, Professor Oloyede cautioned that those whose personal details are found on fraudulent websites would be treated as accomplices and subject to prosecution.

    In a call to action, the Registrar urged CBT center owners to uphold integrity and eschew any unethical behavior, emphasizing that failure to do so could result in missed opportunities.

    Expressing the Board’s unwavering commitment to maintaining the integrity of the examination, Professor Oloyede revealed that state-of-the-art technologies have been deployed to detect and prevent various forms of infractions and collaborations that run counter to the Board’s code of operations.