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Category: News

  • BREAKING: Obiano to be arraigned over alleged ₦4bn fraud

    BREAKING: Obiano to be arraigned over alleged ₦4bn fraud

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission will arraign the immediate-past governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, on Wednesday, January 24, before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, over alleged money laundering to the tune of N4,008,573,350.

    The ex-governor will be arraigned on nine count charges.

    The development comes over a week after the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede vowed to review all abandoned high-profile cases, especially those involving former Governors and Ministers.

    An impeccable source revealed, “We found that Obiano moved N4,008,573,350 from security votes into different accounts. The money at various times was changed into dollars and returned to Obiano by cash.”

    EFCC’s lead counsel, Slyvanus Tahir, SAN, will lead eight other lawyers in the trial of the former governor

    Some of the charges against Obiano include, “That you, Chief Willie Maduabuchi Obiano, whilst being the executive governor of Anambra State of Nigeria between March 2014 – March 2022, sometime between 7th February, 2018 to 18th February, 2019 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, indirectly transferred through Mr Willie Nwokoye, your then principal private secretary, the sum of N156,800.00 only from the Anambra State Government Security Vote Account No: 5030050875 domiciled in Fidelity Bank Pic into the Fidelity Bank Ple Account No: 6060018819 belonging to C.I. Patty Ventures Nigeria Limited (an entity that had no business relationship with the Anambra State Government), which funds were dissipated for purposes unrelated / unconnected with the security affairs of Anambra State, which you reasonably ought to have known that such funds formed part of the proceeds of your unlawful act, to wit: (Stealing and Corruption) and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15 (2) (b) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) in 2012 and punishable under Section 15 (3) of the same Act.

    “That you, Chief Willie Maduabuchi Obiano, whilst being the executive governor of Anambra State of Nigeria between March 2014 — March 2022, sometime between 9th August, 2017 to 4th March, 2020 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, indirectly transferred through Mr Willie Nwokoye, your then principal private secretary, the sum of N261,268,585.00 only from the Anambra State Government Security Vote Account No: 5030050875 domiciled in Fidelity Bank Plc into the Fidelity Bank Plc Account No: 5600062873 belonging to Easy Diamond Integrated Link (an entity that had no business relationship with the Anambra State Government), which funds were dissipated for purposes unrelated / unconnected with the security affairs of Anambra State, which you reasonably ought to have known that such funds formed part of the proceeds of your unlawful act, to wit: (Stealing and Corruption) and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15 (2) (b) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) in 2012 and punishable under Section 15 (3) of the same Act.”

    When contacted by our correspondent on Tuesday, the EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale confirmed the development while noting that Obiano will be arraigned on Wednesday.

    “Yes, we’re arraigning Obiano tomorrow,” Oyewale noted.

    The ex-governor was first arrested at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport, Lagos, on March 17, 2022, as he was preparing to board a flight to Houston, the United States of America.

    The arrest took place at about 8.30 pm, hours after he left office as governor and, thus, lost his immunity from arrest and prosecution.

    He had been on the EFCC’s watchlist for some time before he was eventually arrested over corruption allegations.

    “Obiano was arrested for alleged misappropriation of public funds, including, N5 billion Sure-P and N37 billion security vote which was withdrawn in cash. Part of the funds was also allegedly diverted to finance political activities in the state,” EFCC had noted at the time.

  • Nigerian Foreign Minister Tuggar Welcomes US Secretary of State Blinken for Bilateral Talks

    Nigerian Foreign Minister Tuggar Welcomes US Secretary of State Blinken for Bilateral Talks

    Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, warmly received the United States Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, on Tuesday, January 23, 2024.

    The diplomatic encounter took place at the Presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, where Tuggar, alongside Secretary to the Government of the Federation Sen George Akume, led a brief reception and exchanged pleasantries with the visiting American diplomat.

    Alkasim Abdulkadir, Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, confirmed these details, highlighting the significance of the diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and the United States.

    During Secretary Blinken’s visit, discussions are set to revolve around key areas such as deepening democracy in the West African subregion, enhancing trade relations, and bolstering security cooperation between the two nations.

    The Minister also plans to utilize the opportunity to advocate for multilateral reforms, specifically emphasizing the need to democratize the United Nations Security Council.

    The talks aim to strengthen ties and address regional and global concerns in a collaborative manner.

  • BREAKING: Governor declares 24-hour curfew in Plateau LG

    BREAKING: Governor declares 24-hour curfew in Plateau LG

    Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has declared a 24-hour curfew on the Mangu Local Government Area of the state with immediate effect.

    The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the governor’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere.

    He said the decision followed the deteriorating security situation in the area.

    The statement read in the part, “Governor Mutfwang took the decision after consultations with the relevant security agencies.

    “He stated that only persons on essential duties are allowed to move within the local government area until further notice.

    “He urged all citizens, especially residents of Mangu Local Government Area, to comply with the directive and assist the security personnel by providing reliable information to restore peace and order in the area.

    “He lamented that some people are still determined to create an atmosphere of insecurity in the state, despite the government’s efforts to end the activities of terrorist elements.

    “He expressed his sympathy to the families of the victims and the injured and assured them that the government will not relent in ensuring lasting peace in the state.

    “He promised that the curfew will be reviewed as soon as the security situation improves.”

  • BREAKING: Ogun State Assembly Speaker, Olakunke Oluomo, impeached

    BREAKING: Ogun State Assembly Speaker, Olakunke Oluomo, impeached

    The Speaker of Ogun State House of Assembly, Olakunle Oluomo, has been impeached from his position over alleged gross misconduct.

    In his place, Hon Oludaisi Elemide has been appointed as the new speaker.

    Oluomo was reelected in June 2023 after a week of tension over the seat. He faced a challenge from former deputy Speaker Elemide.

    Both lawmakers are members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which holds 17 of the 26 seats in the House, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has the remaining nine members.

  • Court Nullifies Passage of Rivers State 2024 Budget

    Court Nullifies Passage of Rivers State 2024 Budget

    Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, Monday, declared unlawful the presentation and passage of Rivers State 2024 Budget by a group of unlawful four member legislators in the State.

    Also, the court ordered the governor of the State Siminalaye Fubara to represent the budget to the legally constituted House of Assembly under Speaker Martin Amaewhule.

    Ruling on the matter before the court, James Omotoso also held that the government has no Constitutional power to withhold the Hose of Assembly fund.

    The court restrained Governor Fubara from frustrating House of Assembly under Amaewhule from sitting or interfering in the affairs of the House.

    The redeployment of the Clerk and Deputy Clerk done by the Governor was declared null and void and was set aside.

    The Inspector General of Police was ordered to immediately give adequate security to the Speaker and legislators loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike.

    Justice Omotoso ordered the Clerk and the Deputy Clerk to resume office immediately and unhindered.

    The National Assembly barred from taking over the Rivers State House of Assembly or accept or treat any request from Governor Fubara.

    Governor Fubara was ordered to release all monies standing in the credit of the House of Assembly to Martin Amaewhule.

    In all, all issues in dispute on Ribers State House of Assembly were resolved in favour of Wike’s loyalists.

    Details later.

  • 16 sacked Plateau Assembly lawmakers  to resume legislative duties

    16 sacked Plateau Assembly lawmakers  to resume legislative duties

    The 16 members of the Plateau House of Assembly, who were ousted by the Court of Appeal in November last year, have announced their intention to resume legislative duties on Tuesday.

    Briefing newsmen in Jos, the lawmakers, originally elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), revealed that they considered the recent Supreme Court judgment on Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s election as a precedent for their case.

    The Court of Appeal had nullified their election, citing a lack of party structure within the PDP. 

    This decision also affected federal lawmakers from the state, leading to re-run elections scheduled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for February 3.

    Interestingly, Governor Mutfwang faced a similar fate but saw his dismissal overturned by the Supreme Court on January 12, highlighting an error in the lower court’s judgment.

    In response to the Supreme Court’s ruling, the ousted legislators asserted that they were merely on recess during this period and, based on the apex court’s decision, claimed their election nullification was in error. 

    The spokesperson for the group, Ishaku Maren, emphasized their democratic legitimacy, asserting that they were duly elected by the majority of votes in their respective constituencies.

  • Boakai Sworn In As Liberian President 

    Boakai Sworn In As Liberian President 

    Joseph Boakai has been sworn in Monday as Liberia’s president after his election victory over former football star George Weah, with the challenge of tackling poverty and corruption.

    The 79-year-old narrowly beat former Ballon d’Or winner Weah in November’s run-off poll with 50.64 percent of the votes to 49.36 percent.

    The inauguration ceremony in parliament was attended by Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo and US ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield.

    Boakai has 40 years of political experience already behind him.

    He was vice-president from 2006 to 2018 under Liberia’s first woman president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, before being soundly beaten by Weah in the 2017 election.

    November’s poll in the West African country was peaceful in a region that has seen a succession of military coups in recent years in Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea and Niger.

    But the small nation of five million has been plagued with corruption, high levels of poverty and a weak justice system, after years of civil war and an Ebola outbreak.

    Impunity related to crimes committed during those civil wars is another unresolved issue.

  • Zelensky to reward foreign fighters with Ukrainian citizenship

    Zelensky to reward foreign fighters with Ukrainian citizenship

    President Volodymyr Zelensky has unveiled draft legislation allowing foreigners who fought against Russia in Ukraine to apply for Ukrainian citizenship. 

    Thousands of volunteers from various countries rushed to support Ukraine in the face of Russia’s invasion. 

    Zelensky emphasized the commitment of these foreign fighters to Ukraine’s freedom, stating, “Ukraine will become such for them.” 

    The proposed legislation permits dual citizenship, excluding Russia. 

    Zelensky also signed a decree titled “On the Territories of the Russian Federation Historically Inhabited by Ukrainians,” aiming to reveal historical truths for Ukraine’s future.

    In addition to receiving Western-supplied weapons, Kyiv, the country’s capital has welcomed citizens from multiple nations joining its forces. 

    Notably, units comprised of Belarusians and Russians, deemed “aggressor countries” by Kyiv, have joined the fight.

    Meanwhile, President Putin, responding to an attack on Belgorod, announced an intensified assault on Ukrainian military targets, vowing that no crime against civilians would go unpunished. 

    The attack on Belgorod followed a large-scale Russian assault on Ukrainian cities, resulting in casualties and injuries.

  • Bandits Strike In Enugu Community, Kill 1

    Bandits Strike In Enugu Community, Kill 1

    Agu-Amede community near Eha-Amufu in the Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State witnessed another horrifying attack on Sunday, January 21, 2024. 

    Suspected herder bandits targeted Odoba and Isi Agbuhu villages, resulting in the tragic death of Ikechukwu Odomi from Isi Agbuhu.

    Community leader Ephraim Ogbu confirmed the attack, expressing deep concern over the apparent lack of response from security forces despite timely information provided by the locals. 

    Ogbu revealed that a house owned by Chibuike Olinya in Odoba Agu Amede village was also burned down, with Olinya narrowly escaping harm.

    Despite the prolonged nature of the attack, Ogbu lamented that soldiers and other security agencies did not intervene, raising questions about the effectiveness of their presence in the area. 

    Ogbu questioned, “What we don’t know is whether the soldiers are here to protect the bandits?”

    Residents have been grappling with ongoing attacks since late last year, with Fulani bandits reportedly occupying a significant portion of farmland. 

    The assailants enter the community freely, leaving destruction in their wake. Ogbu emphasized, “The bandits come into the community at will, kill and burn houses.”

    The slain Ikechukwu Odomi had been accompanying his in-law when they encountered the bandits on the road. 

    He abandoned his vehicle and fled into the bush, but tragically, the assailants pursued him, setting the bush ablaze and claiming his life.

  • Suspended Minister, Betta Edu Reacts As Prayer Groups Hold Protests To Demand Reinstatement

    Suspended Minister, Betta Edu Reacts As Prayer Groups Hold Protests To Demand Reinstatement

    The suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, has claimed that she did not authorise groups organising public prayers and protests in her support to seek her reinstatement to President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet. 

    This was stated in a release by her media aide, Rasheed Olanrewaju, alleging that Edu was confident and committed to the government’s ongoing inquiry and was fully collaborating with the authorities.

    The suspended minister added that she did not sponsor any public activity and urged those behind the planned actions to stop it for smooth investigation into the allegations made against her. 

    The statement reads: “Following recent developments, would like to thank various stakeholders for their immense support since the unfortunate chain of events at the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. Dr Betta Edu remains committed and confident in the investigative process instituted by President Bola Tinubu and is cooperating fully with relevant authorities.

    “The Minister has however been made aware of several efforts by individuals, supporters and others to organise public prayers, road walk and or protests to show public support.

    “We wish to use this medium to state that such efforts are not approved by her or any member of her team and should be discontinued forthwith because such efforts – no matter how noble the intent, it could be seen as an attempt to pre-empt the outcome of the investigations, or can be hijacked by nefarious persons with ulterior motives.

    “We kindly request that those with such plans should show their support by respecting the process and await the official findings and conclusions.

    “Your understanding and cooperation are highly appreciated at this time. She is indeed grateful for the overwhelming support from Nigerians across all strata of society especially those most dear to her heart; the Poor and vulnerable.

    “By God’s Grace, she will be back to continue her selfless service to humanity, especially to the poorest of the poor whose prayers have kept her strong thus far.”