Emeka Ihedioha, the former governor of Imo State, resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) citing a conflict between his personal convictions and the party’s current direction.

In a resignation letter addressed to the chairman of his constituency, Mbutu Ward, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, Ihedioha expressed his dedication to the advancement of democracy and good governance in Nigeria despite his decision to step away from the party.

Having been a member of the PDP since its inception in 1998, Ihedioha highlighted his contributions to the growth and evolution of the party, noting its historical commitment to internal reforms and providing credible leadership both in and out of power.

However, Ihedioha lamented recent developments within the party, stating that it has deviated from its core principles. He voiced concerns over the party’s inability to enact internal reforms, uphold its own regulations, and effectively oppose the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The letter reads, “Since 1998, I have contributed my quota to the development and transformation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as one of the founding members. All these years, I have taken pride in the fact that the PDP is a party that will always look inward for internal reforms and provide credible leadership for the people, whether in power or outside power. I have had the benefit of serving and benefiting from the party at various levels.

“Regrettably, in recent times, the party has taken on a path that is at variance with my personal beliefs. Despite my attempt to offer counsel, the party is, sadly, no longer able to carry out internal reforms, enforce its own rules or offer credible opposition to the ruling All Progressives Congress.’

“It is in the light of the foregoing, that I am compelled to offer my resignation from the People’s Democratic Party effective immediately. While the decision was difficult to take, I, however, believe that it is the right one. Despite this resignation, I will always be available to offer my services towards the deepening of democracy and good governance in Nigeria.”

Two members of the Nigerian Army who were accused of stealing armored cables from the Dangote Refinery in Lagos have been dismissed, according to the army.

The suspects were identified as CPL Innocent Joseph and L/CPL Jacob Gani.

Dangote Refinery, which is owned by Dangote Group, was inaugurated on the 22nd of May 2023 in the Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos State.

In a press statement issued by Onyema Nwachukwu on Monday, the army authorities said the suspects were summarily tried in accordance with Armed Forces Act and were eventually found guilty of the alleged offences.

The statement reads: “The Nigerian Army (NA) wishes to inform the general public of the outcome of the investigation into the alleged theft of armoured cables at the Dangote Refinery premises on 14 Apr 24; involving one Corporal Innocent Joseph and Lance Corporal Jacob Gani.

“The investigation conducted in collaboration with the management of the company implicated the two soldiers of unauthorized possession of these materials. In accordance with military laws, the soldiers were summarily tried, given the privilege to present their cases and subsequently found guilty of the charges levied against them.

“In line with our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and discipline, the two soldiers involved have been dismissed from the NA with immediate effect and handed over to relevant authorities for further prosecution. This decision underscores the NA’s zero-tolerance for any form of misconduct and criminal activities within its ranks.

“The NA once again condemns this act which could tarnish the image and reputation of this revered institution and also undermine the trust and confidence the public imposed in their Army.”

“Furthermore, the NA reassures the public and stakeholders of its unwavering dedication to upholding integrity, discipline, and accountability across all levels. We remain resolute in our duty to protect and serve the nation with honour, dignity, and in utmost good faith. We urge the public to continue to support the efforts of the NA in maintaining law and order, safeguarding national security, and promoting peace and stability across board,” the army added.

Two individuals who have been planting improvised explosive devices (IEDs) for Boko Haram, 13-year-old Bana Modu and 19-year-old Abubakar Mohammed (alias Garba), have surrendered themselves, according to Sector 3 of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).

According to the Chief Military Public Information-Ndjamena, Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi said the surrender took place on Sunday in Monguno Government Area of Borno State.

He said it marked a notable success in the ongoing campaign to dismantle Boko Haram operations in the region.

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

“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 N53,000 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.”

Col. Abdullahi reiterated that the MNJTF remained dedicated to its mission of restoring peace and normalcy to the Lake Chad Basin.

Following his announcement as the party’s nominee, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has clinched the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the upcoming November 16 governorship election.

Aiyedatiwa clinched the nomination with a resounding victory, amassing a total of 48,569 votes in the primaries. His closest contender, Mayowa Akinfolarin, trailed behind with 15,343 votes, while Chief Olusola Oke secured the third position with 14,865 votes.

The announcement was made by the Chairman of the Governorship Primary Election Committee and Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Ododo. Governor Ododo, reflecting on the competitive nature of the primaries, highlighted the rigorous contest that characterized the electoral process.

The primaries, held across the 18 council areas of Ondo State, witnessed fervent participation from party members and supporters.

With the nomination secured, Aiyedatiwa and the APC now shift their focus to consolidating support and rallying behind their candidate as they prepare to face off against opponents in the November election.

Returning officer in lfedore, Oliver Okpala said violence marred the exercise in the area, hence no voting in all the wards.

Speaking before the party’s electoral officers reeled out the results from the 18 council areas, Governor Usman Ododo said, “Let’s remember that the real election lies with all of us as members of this great party, the All Progessives Congress.

“We must always reflect on the words of our father and leader, President Bola Tinubu, who has maintained that a political contest is a quest to serve by brothers and sisters from the same family but leaving in the same room and must therefore live in the same house after the election has been won and lost.

“In our own room today, we are all in the same room as a family, and as such, we have no need to abandon the party, irrespective of today’s outcome.

” We must set aside our differences and unite behind our candidate.

“In our unity, we shall continue to find strength, and our victory lies in our solidarity as party men and women.”

RESULTS

Total number of voters 117922
Total number of accredited voters 95,178
Total votes cast 95178
Invalid- Nil

Jimi Odimayo 490
Omogoroye Judith 115
Aiyedatiwa 48,569
Kekemeke 1045
Soji Ehinlanwo 492
Olugbenga Edema 395
Jimoh lbrahim 9456
Adekojo Funmilayo 529
Akinfolarin Samuel 15343
Wale Akinterinwa 1952
Olusola Oke 14,915
Olamide Ohunyeye 424
Morayo Lebi 290
Diran lyantan 348
Prof Dayo Faduyile 353
Ife Oyedele 462

1:ILAJE LG
Lucky Aiyedatiwa 2,485
Wale Akinterinwa. 26
Olusola Oke. 2,511
Jimoh Ibrahim 589

2: Ile Oluji/Okeigbo
Jimoh Ibrahim: 282
AIYEDATIWA: 1225
WA: 474

3: Ondo West LG:
Jimoh Ibrahim: 2668
AIYEDATIWA: 10610

4: ESE-ODO LG
Aiyedatiwa 298
Akinterinwa 0
Oke 147
Jimoh Ibrahim 174

5: OWO LG

Aiyedatiwa 2,123
Akinterinwa. 345
Oke 225
Jimoh Ibrahim 192

6: IDANRE LG

Aiyedatiwa 1, 579
Akinterinwa 119
Oke 225
Jimoh Ibrahim 120

7: AKOKO NORTH EAST LG

Aiyedatiwa 1, 664
Akinterinwa 135
Oke 138
Jimoh Ibrahim 505

8: AKOKO NORTH WEST LG

Aiyedatiwa 5, 430
Akinterinwa 198
Oke 2, 721
Jimoh Ibrahim 728

9: AKOKO SOUTH EAST LG

Aiyedatiwa 2, 533
Akinterinwa 43
Oke 391
Jimoh Ibrahim 67

10: AKOKO SOUTH WEST LG

Aiyedatiwa 2, 747
Akinterinwa 272
Oke 415
Jimoh Ibrahim 466

11: NO RESULT FOR IFEDORE LGA.

ALL ASPIRANTS SCORED ZERO ACCORDING TO THE RETURNING OFFICER DUE TO AN ALLEGED SHOOTING.

12: OSE LG

Aiyedatiwa 1, 091
Akinterinwa 39
Oke 800
Jimoh Ibrahim 267

13: IRELE LG

Aiyedatiwa 1, 203
Akinterinwa 15
Oke 93
Jimoh Ibrahim 139

14: ODIGBO LG
Aiyedatiwa 2, 631
Akinterinwa 114
Oke 138
Jimoh Ibrahim 845

15: AKURE NORTH LG

Aiyedatiwa 2, 860
Akinterinwa 177
Oke 1, 239
Jimoh Ibrahim 1, 606

16: AKURE SOUTH LG
Aiyedatiwa 3, 265
Akinterinwa 86
Oke 328
Jimoh Ibrahim 294

17 OKITIPUPA LG

Aiyedatiwa 1, 622
Akinterinwa 27
Oke 1, 571
Jimoh Ibrahim 109

18: ONDO EAST LG

Aiyedatiwa 4, 803
Akinterinwa 141
Oke 1, 171
Jimoh Ibrahim 406

Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, has been listed as wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday.

The anti-graft agency said Bello is wanted for alleged offences relating to economic and financial crimes to the tune of N80.2 billion.

The EFCC called on Nigerians with information as to his whereabout to report immediately to the Commission or the nearest Police Station.

“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.

A Federal High Court sitting in Kano, has dismissed the purported suspension of National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, by self-acclaimed members of the party’s executive in his ward.

The ruling came on Wednesday after Ganduje filed an ex parte motion seeking to enforce his fundamental right to fair hearing.

The respondents in the application are the Police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and nine other individuals.

On April 16, APC executives in Dawakin ward, Tofa LGA of Kano, purportedly suspended Ganduje over alleged corruption.

Subsequently, the State Working Committee of the APC in Kano nullified the suspension and punished the ward executives.

However, Usman Na’Abba, a Kano High Court judge upheld the purported suspension on the same day.

In the ex parte order delivered on Wednesday by the Federal High Court and made available to newsmen on Thursday, A.M Liman, a judge of the Federal High Court in Kano said the purported suspension should not be implemented until the case is heard and determined.

“”That all the Respondents, their servants, agents or privies are hereby restrained from Implementing and/or giving effect to the purported decision reached during the purported emergency meeting of the alleged Executive members of APC Ganduje Ward, held at Ganduje Ward of Dawakin Tofa Local.

“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.

The Kano State High Court has issued an ex parte order affirming the suspension of ex-governor Abdullahi Ganduje as the National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC).

This development followed a tumultuous period of internal strife within the APC.

Justice Usman Malam Na’abba, presiding over the court, granted the order in response to an exparte motion filed by two executive members of the APC from the Ganduje ward, Laminu Sani and Haladu Gwanjo.

The motion, filed on behalf of the ward, sought the suspension of the APC chairman, alleging misconduct and breaches of party regulations.

The court’s ruling mandated Ganduje to cease all activities associated with his position as the National Chairman of the APC, effectively halting his involvement in the affairs of the National Working Committee (NWC).

Justice Na’abba emphasised the need for maintaining the status quo, instructing all parties involved to uphold the suspension pending the substantive suit scheduled for April 30, 2024.

Justice Na’abba said, “An order is hereby granted directing all parties… to maintain status quo ante belum… restraining [Ganduje] from parading himself as a member of APC or presiding over any affairs of the NWC.”

The suspension of Ganduje, initiated by some members of his ward, stemmed from allegations of corruption levied against him by the Kano State Government.

Prompted by a petition from Ja’afaru Adamu, a member of the APC from Ganduje’s polling unit, the ward executives took action to investigate the claims, ultimately leading to the APC chairman’s suspension.

Despite delays in addressing the petition filed on April 8, 2024, the legal adviser and eight other executives of the ward acted upon the allegations, culminating in the suspension of the ex-Kano governor.

The Ganduje Ward Executive Committee and Dawakin Tofa Local Government Executive Committee had earlier denounced the suspension of the APC national chairman.

Popular Instagram personality Pascal Okechukwu, better known as Cubana Chief Priest, is facing three counts of money laundering and other offenses from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly spray-painting and tampering with naira during a social gathering in violation of the Central Bank Act of 2007.

Cubana Chief Priest will be arraigned on Wednesday, April 17th before Justice Kehinde Ogundare of the Federal High Court, Lagos.

Platinum Times Nigeria obtained a copy of the charge which was filed on April 4th by EFFC’s prosecutor Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) alongside seven other lawyers representing the chairman of the Commission.

In Count 1, it was alleged, “that you, Okechukwu Pascal on 13th Feb. 2024, at Eko Hotel, within the jurisdiction of the court, while dancing during a social event, tampered with funds in the denomination of N500 (Five Hundred Naira) issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying same for two hours, and you thereby committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act 2007”.

In count 2, it was alleged, “that you Okechukwu Pascal sometime in 2020, in Lagos during a social event, tampered with funds in the denomination of N500 (Five Hundred Naira) issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying same for two hours, and you thereby committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act 2007”.

In Count 3, it was alleged, “that you Okechukwu Pascal sometime in January 2024, in Lagos during a social event, tampered with funds in the denomination of N500 (Five Hundred Naira) issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying same and you thereby committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act 2007”.

The arraignment is coming days after the EFCC arraigned controversial cross-dresser Idris Okuneye better known as Bobrisky on similar charges for which he was sentenced to a six months jail term.

The Kano state chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC) State Working Committee, has taken a drastic measures against some ward party leaders who earlier suspended the National Chairman of the Party, Umar Abdullahi Ganduje from the party.

The APC’s Ganduje ward in Dawkin Tofa Local Government, were said to have purported suspended the party’s National chairman Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, but in a quick counter the party Local Government office thwarted the suspension and rather sacked those behind it.

The APC Dawakin Tofa Local Government Chairman, Inusa Suleiman Dawanau, told newsmen that those behind the suspension of the National Chairman were cut in anti party activities with their records of meetings with opposition exposed.

Adopting suspension of the wards APC leaders behind the suspension of the National Chairman of the party, Ganduje, the state working committee said they have sanctioned them for six months and a special investigations panel has been set up to verified several allegations against them.

The Kano Chairman of the Party Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, said that they have since adopted the decisions of the Local Government Party Leaders, and they are now investigating the Anti Party activities of the culprits.

“We have evidence of meetings between the State Government officials and those that suspended the National Chairman, and state working committee has agreed to sanctioned them for six months and they stand for now Suspended.”

Halliru Gwanjo said they decided to suspend Dr Ganduje from the party due to the allegations levels against him by Kano state Government on bribery , and suspension started today 15 April.

But the State Working Committee said the suspension is invalid and stand null and void cannot stand.

The actor died this afternoon, while filing in Asaba, the Delta State capital.

According to our source, the actor died during a boat trip. The boat capsized and him alongside two other yet to be identified actors got drown. His body was recovered and rushed to the hospital, where he was confirmed death.

The Delta State Chairman of Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN, Emma Onyemeziem confirmed to newsmen that the corpse has been deposited in the morgue.

Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive, has been remanded in Kuje Correctional Center by a Federal High Court in Abuja until his bail application is processed.

The trial judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, gave the order after Gambaryan pleaded not guilty to the money laundering charges preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Monday.

The judge subsequently adjourned the matter till April 18 for the ruling on his bail application and May 2 for commencement of trial.