https://thestreetjournal.org/efcc-begins-investigation-into-alleged-n1-1bn-contract-scam-linked-to-kust-vc-shehu-alhaji-musa/

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Wednesday, January 4, said that it has commenced investigation into allegation of N1.1 billion contract scam linked to the vice-chancellor (VC) of the Kano State University of Science and Technology (KUST), Wudil, Kano state, Shehu Alhaji-Musa.

The anti-graft agency, in a letter released on Wednesday, said that it was investigating contracts awarded by the vice-chancellor for the supply of office equipments and library stationery as well as the furnishing of a 400-seat capacity twin theatre.

The sum of N584,591,000 was awarded for the supply of office equipments and library stationery, while N608,200,000 was awarded for the furnishing of the 400-seat capacity twin theater on the university campus, according to Daily Nigerian.

It was gathered that the project was captured under the 2021 final supplementary intervention of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND).

The EFCC letter reads, “This commission is investigating a case in which there is a need to obtain information from you in respect of the above-mentioned contracts purported to have been awarded by your office (copy attached).

“In view of the above, you are requested to kindly furnish us with the following information: confirm the genuineness of the contracts; if in the affirmative, avail us with details of the beneficiary of the contracts, mode of payment for their execution to include the account number(s) and bank(s), certified true copies of all documents regarding the award and execution of the said contracts; status of the contracts, and any other information that may assist our investigation.”

EFCC also said that the request was made pursuant to section 38(1) of the economic financial crimes commission (establishment) act, 2004.

Similarly, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), KUST chapter, is accusing the vice-chancellor of obtaining a loan facility to purchase eight exotic cars worth N200 million without due process.

The union said that the purchase of the vehicles came after the the state government bought N40 million vehicles for the VC.

The union also accused Alhaji-Musa of perpetrating multiple frauds, showing disregard for the university tenders board, and usurping the powers of the governing council.

In a separate letters addressed to the pro-chancellor and chairman of the governing council, jointly signed by the branch chairman, Muhammad Gayya, and the assistant secretary general, Mudasir Nasir, the lecturers urged the council to take punitive action against the embattled vice-chancellor before the expiration of his tenure on January 7, 2023.

According to the initial letter dated December 12, 2022, the union threatened to take legal action if the council failed to “urgently do the needful”.

The letter reads, “The union on several occasions has expressed serious dismay over the procurement of eight ( exotic vehicles on loan facility amounting to two hundred million naira (N200,000,000.00) with 10 percent interest from a commercial bank.

“The procurement was a flagrant disregard to section 16 subsection (1), Section 24, Section 25, section 42 of public procurement act 2007, Kano state public procurement reforms and Kano state appropriation law 2019.

“It was quite obvious that the former pro-chancellor A.B Mahmoud (SAN), knowing fully that the procurement was illegal, went with one of the vehicles as part of his severance package.

“You may wish to also note that the outgoing vice-chancellor has one exotic vehicle (Lexus Jeep), a Toyota Prado Jeep, a Peugeot 806, and another Toyota Jeep procured by the state government worth forty million naira (N40,000,000.00) in his custody.

“The union is calling on the council to, as a matter of urgency, do the needful; otherwise, ASUU-KUST will not hesitate to take legal action.”

While noting that it is the responsibility of the university’s board to recommend award of contracts above N2 million, the union said that the VC flouted the rule in spending the 2020 needs assessment intervention fund.

The union added that, “The 2020 needs assessment intervention fund amounting to one hundred and ninety-four million naira (N194,000,000.00) released to the university in December 2021, was purportedly expended without the statutory council tenders board meeting and approval of the governing council.

“The council should ensure that the fund (N194 million) is recovered in order to avert unnecessary litigation.”

ASUU-KUST further noted that the management under the leadership of the outgoing VC, has begun an illegal recruitment of academic staff in some departments without due process or consideration for newly established departments that need more staff.

It added that, “Our concern has been: when did the council approve the recruitment, and is there any budgetary provision for the recruitment? We are worried that recruitment at this transition period would not augur well for the system.

“We have been lamenting that even if there is going to be any employment, priority should be given to the 23 newly introduced programs that are facing NUC accreditation soon.”

In a follow-up letter dated December 20, 2022, the union reminded the council of its promise to convene a regular council meeting to deliberate on “pressing issues affecting the smooth running of the university.”

The union also reminded the university council of the directives of the Kano state executive council, mandating it to institute a disciplinary procedure against the outgoing VC, former bursar, Balaraba Usman, and other erring officers in line with public service rules and university laws.

It noted that, “You may also wish to recall the directives of Kano State Executive Council on instituting disciplinary procedures against the outgoing Vice Chancellor, the former Bursar, and other erring officers in line with the university law and public service rules, which the council is supposed to consider.

“It is in the opinion of the union that the confidence reposed in the council will not be allowed to be drained by passive treatment of issues of high magnitude.

“This passivity will definitely push the union to contemplate considering other available options through established statutory government agencies.

“The union is fully aware that the tenure of the present vice-chancellor expires on 7th January, 2022, and there are a lot of speculations going round on reasons for the apathy of the council to address vital issues as and when due.

“Please note that the union was compelled to make this reminder with all sincerity of purpose, hoping that in your capacity as the pro-chancellor, you will do the needful to save the university from imminent crisis.”

https://thestreetjournal.org/dss-arrest-suspects-behind-bombing-of-ohinoyi-of-ebiralands-palace-during-president-buharis-visit-to-kogi/

The Department of State Service (DSS) has arrested the mastermind of the explosion near the palace of Ohinoyi of Ebiraland in Kogi State.

The explosion had occurred on December 29, 2022, minutes before President Muhammadu Buhari was to commission a project in the state.

At least four people were said to have died in the attack.

A statement by the Public Relations Officer, DSS National Headquarters, Peter Afunanya, on Wednesday, January 4, 2022, said the service arrested Abdulmumin Otaru aka Abu Mikdad, and one of his associates, Saidu Suleiman on Tuesday, January 3, PUNCH disclosed.

He said Otaru sustained a gunshot injury on his left foot while attempting to escape, adding that he is receiving treatment at an undisclosed health facility.

The statement read, “The Department of State Services wishes to inform the public that it has arrested the mastermind of the Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device attack which occurred on December 29, 2022, near the Palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland in Okene, Kogi State during the visit of the President to commission some projects.

“The Service arrested Abdulmumin Ibrahim Otaru (aka Abu Mikdad) and one of his associates, Saidu SULEIMAN on January 3, 2023. Otaru sustained a gunshot injury on his left foot while attempting to escape. He is currently receiving treatment at a health facility.”

Afunanya said investigations conducted by the service revealed that Otaru is an ISWAP commander and had links with deadly attacks in the state as well as the Kuje custodial center invasion in Abuja.

“During investigations, it was ascertained that Otaru was a high commander of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and either coordinated or was involved in the following dastardly operations:

“i. The 24th June 2022 attack on Nigeria Police Area Command, Eika-Ohizenyi, Okehi LGA of Kogi State. A Police Inspector, Idris Musa was killed and two AK-47 rifles were carted away in that attack;

“ii. The 5th July 2022 attack on Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje Area Council of the FCT; and

“iii. 5th August 2022 attack on West African Ceramics Ltd in Ajaokuta LGA, Kogi in which three Indian expatriates were kidnapped. It would be recalled that five persons including one Indian, two Policemen, and two drivers of the company were also killed in the attack. The kidnapped expatriates were released on 31st August 2022.

“Otaru operated terrorist cells in and around Kogi State. Similarly, he and his gang had staged several kidnap operations in Kogi and Ondo States. Meanwhile, the suspects are in custody and will be prosecuted accordingly, ” the statement added.

He, however, said the service was working assiduously with stakeholders including sister security agencies to tackle the menace of terrorism and other forms of criminality and threats to national security.

https://thestreetjournal.org/more-women-will-follow-chimamandah-adichie-speaks-on-being-the-first-woman-to-bag-chieftaincy-title-in-her-hometown/

Famous Nigerian writer, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie says she is the first woman to be bestowed with a chieftaincy title in her hometown in Abba, Njikoka local government area of Anambra State.

Recall that the award-winning novelist was last week honoured with a chieftaincy title of Odeluwa — the writer of global acclaim.

While reacting to the honour bestowed on her in her hometown on Instagram, she appreciated the residents of Anambra and the traditional ruler, Igwe Ezeh for the honour.

She said her father was also given a similar title adding that she is the first woman to be honoured with a chieftaincy title in her hometown.

She said the gesture increased her joy and gives her hope that more women will soon attain the feat.

She wrote: “I am so grateful to my people of Abba in Anambra State for their warmth and love, for their enthusiastic support. And to Igwe L.N. Ezeh, who has always valued education, for giving me the title of “Odeluwa” — ‘the one who writes for the world.’ (My father received the title of “Odelora” — ‘the one who writes for the community” and the symbolism means very much to me.).

“I am the first woman in my hometown to be made a chief, and it makes me happy to know that more women will follow. Culture does not make people, people make culture. Cultures thrive when they best serve and reflect the people. Ours must become a culture that celebrates achievement, whether it comes from a man or a woman.

“It was a day filled with joyful moments but the highlight for me was the sight of many children on the dusty road, laughing and waving and shouting ‘Odeluwa!’ Amongst them, I hope, were little girls with their hearts full of dreams who feel encouraged to keep trying, to keep going.”

https://thestreetjournal.org/two-naval-officers-paraded-for-killing-assistant-superintendent-of-police-in-lagos/

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police (CP), Abiodun Alabi, on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, paraded 14 suspects, including two naval ratings, Nnamani Anointing and Onyekachi Egwin, involved in the alleged killing of an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Abiona Hezekiah, in the Satellite town area of the state.

Alabi, while parading the suspects at the command headquarters in the Ikeja area of the state, said the duo perpetrated the act during a traffic stop, PUNCH disclosed.

He said, “This deals with a case of the murder of ASP Abiona Hezekiah, 53, by two naval ratings, Seaman Nnamani Anointing, 28, and OSMTD Onyekachi Egwin, 27. The ASP died when the suspects stabbed and killed him during a traffic stop that degenerated into a face-off at the Satellite area of Lagos State.

“The suspects stabbed three other civilians in their bid to escape. The stabbed persons are responding to treatment. The command is currently working with the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, Ministry of Justice, Alausa, Ikeja, to ensure that justice prevails.”

In another development, Alabi said in December 2022 complaints were received concerning threat to life and movement monitoring from a telephone number 08165270517.

He added that investigation led to the arrest of one Smart Richard.

“Smart is an ex-convict who had served a five-year jail term at the Kirikiri Medium Custodial Centre. The suspect identified one Kingsley Richard, currently serving a jail term at the Kirikiri Custodial Centre as his associate.

“Further investigation revealed that while Smart collated telephone numbers and operated an online wallet account through which they collected their blackmail money, Richard, while still in prison, sent the threat messages and made threat calls to the collated numbers.

“The command is currently working with the Nigeria Correctional Service towards extending investigations to Kingsley Richard,” Alabi said.

Also, the CP confirmed the arrest of four suspects, Segun Adeleke, 41; Monsuru Aderogba, 27; Gbenga Sokanbi, 33; and Lukmon Akanwo, 24, for alleged carjacking.

In the same vein, Alabi said a case of stealing was reported against one Eninjah Jude, 32, who specialized in taking up employment as a driver only to steal the vehicle and sell it off.

The police boss equally confirmed the arrest of a driver, Nelson Ezugwu, 32, for using a spare key to steal his former boss’ vehicle in the state.

https://thestreetjournal.org/2023-peter-obi-leads-atiku-tinubu-in-fresh-anap-presidential-poll/

A presidential pre-election opinion poll commissioned by ANAP foundation, a non-profit organisation, has placed the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, as the leading candidate ahead of the 2023 general election.

The poll results, which was released on Wednesday, December 21, projected that Obi is ahead among the four leading candidates for next year’s presidential election.

The three other candidates are Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Rabiu Kwankwaso of New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

The result of the poll, which was conducted in December, showed that 23 percent of respondents proposed to vote for Obi if the election was held at the time of the poll, while Tinubu got 13 percent.

Atiku came third with 10 percent, while Kwankwaso was a distant fourth with two percent.

ANAP’s founder, Atedo Peterside, while speaking on Wednesday, said that, “Peter Obi’s 10 percent point lead at this stage is significant, but not sufficient to separate him from a leading pack of candidates scoring 13 percent, 10 percent and two percent.

“Undecided voters and those who prefer not to reveal their preferred candidate add up to a whopping 29 percent and 23 percent, respectively.

“The gender split of undecided voters shows that 38 percent of women are undecided versus 21 percent of male voters.

“This result was polled from 1,000 respondents, after which ANAP foundation conducted similar polls with 2,000 and 3,000 respondents sample size, however, the difference in the results was not significant,” he added.

In the north-central geopolitical zone, the poll places Obi as the lead presidential candidate with 24 percent, followed by Tinubu with nine percent, Atiku with eight percent, while Kwankwaso had one percent, The Cable reports.

In the north-east geopolitical zone, Atiku leads with 23 percent, Tinubu with 15 percent, Obi has eight percent, and Kwankwaso has two percent.

In the north-west, Atiku is top with 17 percent, followed by Tinubu with 15 percent, Obi with 11 percent, and Kwankwaso scored six percent.

In the south-east, 50 percent of the voters chose Obi, Tinubu and Atiku had one percent each, and Kwankwaso did not have any percentage.

In the south-south zone, 46 percent aligned with Obi, Tinubu came a distant second with nine percent, Atiku had three percent, and Kwankwaso got one percent.

In the south-west, Tinubu came first with 22 percent, Obi had 15 percent, Atiku scored four percent, and Kwankwaso had one percent.

According to the statement released by ANAP Foundation, the organisation said that the December polls are inconclusive because the combination of the undecided voters and voters who refused to disclose their preferences, is enough to change the poll outcome.

“However, ANAP foundation has concluded that the trends are clear enough to establish the front-runners and so our subsequent polls will continue to concentrate on the four leading presidential candidates only,” the statement reads.

Recall that Ngozi Okonjo Iweala (NOI) poll, which was commissioned by ANAP foundation, in September 2022, placed Obi as the leading candidate for the 2023 presidential race, with 21 percent of votes.

Tinubu and Atiku were tied in second place with 13 percent of votes each, while Kwankwaso came fourth with three percent.

The result of the poll was, however, dismissed by the APC, NNPP and PDP.

https://thestreetjournal.org/nigerian-comedian-dies-after-battle-with-cancer/

Ibadan-based comedian, Oluwatobi Owomoyela popularly known as Peteru, is dead.

He reportedly died on Wednesday after battling cancer.

Mourning the deceased, actor Muyiwa Ademola, shared a video on his Instagram page early Thursday saying, “This is a very hard pill to swallow! How could this jolly good fellow just depart this world in this manner? Hmmm… it is well.

“Please be kind to one another as we don’t even know what we are individually passing through! I learnt Peteru died of cancer. You were battling such burden yet I never saw you without a smile! It is well. It is well. It is well. Journey well great guy. I am out of words tonight.”

Peteru was well known for his unique delivery in mimicking people. He was also an MC and an on-air personality in Ibadan.

https://thestreetjournal.org/emefiele-seriously-ill-may-not-return-to-the-country-soon-associate/

An associate of Godwin Emefiele, the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has debunked the rumour circulating on social media that Emefiele is deliberately avoiding the committee set up by the speaker of the house of representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila.

The associate, who does not want his name to be mentioned because he was not permitted to comment on the issue, confirmed that Emefiele is seriously ill, adding that he may not return to the country anytime soon.

He said that, “Emefiele has not been feeling fine for some time now but he ignored his doctor’s advice because of his love for the country and commitment to making sure that the nation’s economy is stabilized.

“Until last week when his health condition deteriorated, Emefiele didn’t heed to his doctor’s counsel and never gave himself a break.

“We are talking about health-related issue here, if Emefiele is perfectly okay, he has no logical reason to turn down the summons from the house of representatives.

“He needs to be healthy to serve the country, and everyone knows that health is wealth,” he added.

Recall that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), on Wednesday, December 21, said that Emefiele, will not appear before the house of representatives on Thursday, December 22.

The apex bank said that Emefiele is currently ill and would not appear before the lawmakers in person.

It added that Emefiele will be represented by the deputy governor, financial system stability, CBN, Aisha Ahmad.

This was made known in a letter sent to the house by the deputy governor, corporate services, CBN, Edward Adamu, on Wednesday, December 21.

After the speaker of the house of assembly, Femi Gbajabiamila, read out Adamu’s letter to members in the middle of Wednesday’s plenary, the lawmakers resolved to accept Emefiele’s representative.

The house, last week, summoned Emefiele to explain the latest policy by CBN which, among others, set limits to cash withdrawals at the Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) and other financial institutions.

However, the CBN governor, for the second time, failed to appear before the house on Tuesday.

Amidst protests and condemnation, the lawmakers rescheduled his appearance for Thursday, insisting on suspension of the cash withdrawal limits set by the apex bank.

https://thestreetjournal.org/73-year-old-man-remanded-for-defiling-5-year-old-minor-in-lagos-graphic-videos/

A 73-year-old man, Dukuye Ohofete, has been remanded in prison custody for defiling a five-year-old girl in Lagos State.

The defendant was arraigned before the Samuel Ilori Magistrates’ Court, Ogba, Lagos, after he was recorded by a neighbour while perpetrating the act.

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency disclosed this in a statement signed by an official, Adejoke Ladenegan-Oginni, on Tuesday, December 20, 2022, PUNCH disclosed.

The statement read in part, “The mother of the minor was reported to have been separated from the child’s father six months ago. She, alongside the minor, visited the alleged perpetrator, who’s a family friend, on December 14, 2022.

“The alleged perpetrator asked the mother of the minor to get foodstuffs for him and left the five-year-old in the house with him.

“According to the mother of the minor, on getting back to the house, she was shown a video of her daughter being defiled by the alleged perpetrator.

“The mother also claimed that the minor complained about feeling pain in her private parts four months ago but she thought it was an infection.

“The 73-year-old has been remanded in the Kirikiri Custodial Centre pending legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.”

https://thestreetjournal.org/soludo-increases-salaries-of-anambra-workers-by-10-percent-gives-them-n15000-christmas-bonus/

Anambra state governor, Professor Charles Soludo, has increased the salaries of workers in the state civil service by ten percent as part of his administration’s efforts to motivate them for higher productivity.

The governor, who gave the cheering news during the celebration of the 2022 public service day at the Anambra state secretariat complex, Awka, also announced N15,000 Christmas bonus for the civil servants.

He, however, said that the Christmas rice usually given to them in the past is no longer tenable.

Soludo said that, “We reviewed how the Christmas rice was done in the past and discovered that it is no longer tenable.

“I understand that past governments gave 25 kg bag of rice to civil servants for Christmas, but the state of Nigeria is currently bad.

“Everybody is complaining. Prices are rising very fast. I look at you and wonder how you cope.

“Today, 50 kg bag of rice costs over N40,000, which is beyond the salary of a graduate in the public service.

“What we will do instead, within the next two days, is to make sure that our pensioners are taken care of to demonstrate good faith.

“I wish we could do much more, but I can assure you that all workers will receive an alert of N15,000 as Christmas bonus.

“I understand that you wish that our revenue will go up so we can multiply what comes to you in proportion to Nigeria’s inflation.

“The head of service made a request for releasing funds to process promotion.

“We have made the budget for next year and it has been signed. Any new thing not in the budget can’t be done.

“I received a report a few days ago recommending minor adjustments in salaries. We will review it and see if it is feasible,” he added.

The governor further noted that, “I was here last year during the public service day to plead for your votes.

“But I am here today as the governor of this state because you employed me as your chief servant and I am your employee now.

“I thank you for your services to Anambra. I am the chief public servant and without you, there will be no public service.

“The civil servants contribute to what is making Anambra to be what is it today. I commend all the ministries and the staff of Anambra state public service.

“We promised to create a liveable and prosperous homeland. This is our mission and we shall ensure that this promise is delivered to the good people of Anambra state.

“We are not supposed to be celebrating public service at this time of the year, but I insisted that it has to be done to thank you all for the year 2022,” he added.

Soludo also congratulated 33 workers who received awards and enjoined others to also work hard.

In her speech, the state head of service, Theodora Igwegbe, called for the full implementation and consideration of the national minimum wage in the state and upward review of salaries to mitigate economic challenges of the country, Voice of Nigeria reports.

She also appealed for the governor’s approval of funds for civil service commission to conduct 2023 promotion interviews, provision of official cars for permanent secretaries and directors as done in the past, provision of work tools, computers and procurement of buses to ease transportation challenges of civil servants.

https://thestreetjournal.org/iyabo-ojo-flaunts-music-executive-paul-okoye-as-her-new-lover/

Nollywood actress, Iyabo Ojo, in the early hours of Wednesday shared a video of herself and music executive, Paul Okoye, and captioned it, “My Obim.”

The actress, whose 45th birthday is on Wednesday had been sharing photos on her Instagram page before now.

Paul O, as the music executive is fondly called, also dropped a comment, saying, “Happy birthday EzeNwanyi.”

In November, the actress had hinted that her “Heart has finally been captured by an Igbo man.”

Iyabo is a divorced mother of two.

https://thestreetjournal.org/we-have-powers-to-probe-state-finances-efcc-counters-olisa-agbakogba-over-n10bn-fraud-linked-to-yahaya-bellos-nephew/

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday, December 19, 2022, said it has powers to probe state finances, adding that a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Olisa Agbakoba, goofed in his submission.

The anti-corruption commission, in a release by its spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, said it took exception at “the indecorous and utterly irresponsible attempt by Agbakoba to dress it in the borrowed garb of a lawless entity and a meddlesome interloper, who has no business probing the stealing of Kogi State resources”.

The release was reacting to comments made by Agbakoba in which he slammed EFCC’s commitment to the rule of law and its investigation of the finances of the Kogi State government, Nigerian Tribune disclosed.

“The attention of the EFCC has been drawn to comments credited to Olisa Agbokoba, in media reports of Monday (December 19), wherein he cast aspersion on the commission’s commitment to rule of law and its investigation of the finances of the Kogi State government.

“According to Agbakoba, EFCC not only disregards the rule of law but has no business inquiring into how the Kogi State government spends its funds.

“The commission takes great exception at the inde corous and utterly irresponsible attempt by Agbakoba to dress it in the borrowed garb of a lawless entity and a meddlesome interloper, who has no business probing the stealing of Kogi State resources.

“In all his tirades, no evidence was presented to support his claim that the EFCC has been lawless, nor did he mention any law which the commission’s investigation of the finances of the Kogi State government violated,” the release stated.

According to EFCC, contrary to the senior advocate’s view, the Supreme Court at no time delivered any judgment which forbade the commission from investigating fraud cases involving a state government. “Instead, his refrain was to a non-extent decision of the Supreme Court which he also failed to electorate (sic) upon. But it is important to state that contrary to the views of Agbakoba, the Supreme Court at no time delivered any judgment which forbids the EFCC from investigating fraud cases involving a state government.

“The learned counsel ought to have known that the apex court of the land as far back as 2010 in JOLLY TEVORU NYAME V FRN (2010) 11 NWLR (PT.1193) 344 held that the ‘claim that the money belongs to Taraba State and that the state has exclusive claim on it to the exclusion of any other authority by virtue of Section 120 of the 1999 constitution cannot stand.’

“Furthermore, Agbakoba’s erroneous views ought to be tempered by the decision of the Supreme Court in A.G ONDO STATE v. A.G., FEDERATION (2002) 9 NWLR [pt.772] page 222 at page 308 where the Honourable Court held: ‘It has been pointed out that the provisions of the Act impinge on the cardinal principle of federalism, namely, the requirement of equality and autonomy of the state government and non-interference with the functions of state government. This is true, but as seen above, both the federal and state governments share the power to legislate in order to abolish corruption and abuse of office. If this is a breach of the principle of federalism, then, I am afraid, it is the constitution that makes the provisions that have facilitated the breach of the principle. As far as the aberration is supported by the provision of the constitution, I think it cannot rightly be argued that an illegality has occurred by the failure of the constitution to adhere to the cardinal principles which are at best ideals to follow or guidance for an ideal situation.’

https://thestreetjournal.org/man-bags-life-imprisonment-for-killing-8-family-members-in-us/

A man convicted in the killings of eight members of an Ohio family in the United States (US) was sentenced on Monday, December 19, 2022, to life in prison without the possibility of parole for his role in what one surviving relative called a monstrous act of mass murder.

George Wagner IV was sentenced after an emotional hearing at which the victim’s anguished family members spoke of their devastation and grief, and urged the judge to show no mercy toward a man they called evil and remorseless.

“None of these victims deserved to die. None of them did anything to warrant the death sentences they received at the hands of the defendant and his family,” special prosecutor Angela Canepa told the judge.

Wagner, 31, declined to make a statement in court, and his lawyer said he maintains his innocence.

Wagner denied any knowledge of his family’s involvement in the 2016 shootings of seven adults and a teenager from the Rhoden family. Prosecutors said most of the victims were killed as they slept, in some cases next to their very young children, who weren’t injured.

Authorities alleged Wagner, his brother and their parents plotted the killings amid a dispute over custody of Wagner’s niece, whose mother was among those slain.
The April 2016 shootings at three mobile homes and a camper near Piketon terrified residents in that part of rural Ohio and initially prompted speculation about drug cartel involvement. The resulting multimillion-dollar investigation and prosecution are among the state’s most extensive.

Andrea Shoemaker, the mother of shooting victim Hannah Gilley, pounded the lectern as she raged against the Wagner family and mourned the loss of her child as well as her daughter’s fiance, Clarence Rhoden, both of them just 20, and the parents of a baby boy.

“We are all suffering, hurting, always heartbroken, forever without our children! All because devils like the dark, devils hunt at night, just like you, George Wagner IV, and your evil family did,” Shoemaker said.

Tony Rhoden, whose brothers, Chris Sr. and Kenneth Rhoden were among the victims, remembered better, earlier times, when he and his siblings played in the local creek, raced homemade toy boats, and caught skunks with buckets. Rhoden said in court that his family members’ lives had been cut short by the selfish acts.

Wagner looked down at the defense table and showed no emotion as family members lashed out at him, AP News disclosed.

Wagner was convicted on 22 counts, including aggravated murder. It was no longer a death penalty case because his brother made a plea deal to testify against the others and help all four Wagners avoid execution.

Prosecutors had said Wagner showed no remorse in urging he be imprisoned with no chance of parole. They said what he really deserved was a death sentence and that he was spared only because of his brother’s actions, not his own.

The prosecution alleged Wagner was with his brother and father when they went to the homes, that he went inside, and that he helped his brother move two bodies.

Wagner’s attorneys emphasized that he didn’t kill anyone and argued that denying him a meaningful chance of parole would be unconstitutional cruel and unusual punishment.

They also requested a new trial in which Judge Randy Deering denied.

He imposed eight consecutive life sentences, one for each victim.

Of the four defendants in the slayings, Wagner is the only one to face trial so far.

His brother, Edward “Jake” Wagner, pleaded guilty to aggravated murder and other charges, admitted responsibility for five of the shootings, and is expected to spend the rest of his life in prison.

Angela Wagner pleaded guilty to helping to plan the slayings, and prosecutors recommended a 30-year sentence for her.

Her husband, George “Billy” Wagner III, pleaded not guilty in the killings and awaits trial.

The victims were 40-year-old Christopher Rhoden Sr.; his ex-wife, 37-year-old Dana Rhoden; their three children, 20-year-old Clarence “Frankie” Rhoden, 19-year-old Hanna Rhoden and 16-year-old Christopher Rhoden Jr.; Clarence Rhoden’s fiancee, 20-year-old Hannah Gilley; Christopher Rhoden Sr.’s brother, 44-year-old Kenneth Rhoden; and a cousin, 38-year-old Gary Rhoden.

https://thestreetjournal.org/former-nigerian-high-commissioner-to-south-africa-shehu-malami-dies-at-85/

A former Nigerian high commissioner to South Africa, Shehu Malami, has passed away.

Malami, who was based in Cairo, Egypt, died at the age of 85.

His death was confirmed in a statement issued on Monday, December 19, by Garba Shehu, the presidential spokesperson.

President Muhammadu Buhari, in the statement, described the death of the Sokoto prince as “sad and shocking.”

The president said that, “This is such a shocking and sad news. I am absolutely stunned to hear this.

“It is another reminder of how fragile life is.

“Malami was a business leader respected globally and he believed in the economic prowess of our country.

“He was an icon of business and industry and a graceful traditionalist.

“His passing is a big loss to the nation. Condolences to his family and friends, the Sultanate and the government and people of Sokoto state.”

The deceased held the position of Sarkin Sudan of Wurno, an esteemed title of the Sokoto Caliphate, The Cable reports.

Malami was a technocrat, entrepreneur and administrator who played a major role in the development of some commercial banks and several companies, including Costain West Africa, Nigeria Industrial Development Bank, PZ, and Indo-Nigeria Merchant Bank.

He was a member of the executive committee of the Nigeria-USA business council and a member of the international advisory council and world economic forum foundation.

https://thestreetjournal.org/wife-son-of-lp-presidential-campaign-council-dg-doyin-okupe-plead-for-mercy-as-court-convicts-him-over-money-laundering-charges/

The wife and son of Doyin Okupe, the director-general of the Labour Party (LP) presidential campaign council, on Monday, December 19, begged a federal high court in Abuja to tamper justice with mercy on Okupe’s sentencing.

The presiding judge, Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu, on Monday afternoon, convicted Okupe of breaching the money laundering act.

Okupe received over N240 million in cash from the office of the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (retired), according to PM News.

Justice Ojukwu, in his judgment, held that Okupe was found guilty of contravening Sections 16(1) and (2) of the money laundering act, for accepting cash payments without going through a financial institution, in excess of the threshold allowed under the act.

Okupe’s wife, Omolola, and son, Adesunkanmi, spoke as witnesses shortly after the court reconvened following the defendant’s conviction.

Apart from Okupe’s wife and son who testified about his good character and honesty before the court, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, and former director-general of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Dr. Idi Farouk, also gave their evidence and appealed for leniency.

The court sentenced Okupe to two years imprisonment on count 34 with an option of a fine of N500,000.

The court also sentenced him to two years imprisonment on counts 35 to 59 with an option of N500,000 fine.

The option of fine is to run consecutively on each count while the sentence is to run concurrently.

Justice Ojukwu also gave Okupe till 4:30 pm before being taken into custody.

It is worth noting that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arraigned the LP chieftain in 2019 on a 59-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering and diversion of funds to the tune of N702 million.

https://thestreetjournal.org/court-sentences-lp-presidential-campaign-dg-doyin-okupe-to-24-months-in-prison-over-money-laundering-charges/

The federal high court, Abuja, has sentenced the director-general of the Labour Party (LP) presidential campaign council, Doyin Okupe, to two years in prison for breaching the money laundering act.

Okupe was convicted of the offence on Monday, December 19, by a federal high court in Abuja, Channels TV reports.

The judge presiding over the case, Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu, on Monday found Okupe guilty of contravening sections 16(1) & (2) of the money laundering act and accepting cash in excess of the threshold allowed under the act without going through a financial institution, in excess of the threshold allowed under the act.

Okupe received hundreds of millions in cash from the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) while Col. Sambo Dasuki (retired) was in office, according to Justice Ojukwu.

Consequently, the court sentenced Okupe to two years imprisonment on count 34 with an option of a fine of N500,000.

The court also sentenced him to two years imprisonment on counts 35 to 59 with an option of N500,000 fine.

The option of fine is to run consecutively on each count while the sentence is to run concurrently.

Justice Ojukwu also gave Okupe till 4:30 pm before being taken into custody.

It is worth noting that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arraigned the LP chieftain in 2019 on a 59-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering and diversion of funds to the tune of N702 million.

https://thestreetjournal.org/nafdac-raises-alarm-over-fake-covid-19-test-kits-in-circulation-photos/

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has notified Nigerians of counterfeit BTNX Incorporated COVID-19 antigen rapid test kits in circulation.

In a statement released on Sunday, December 18, NAFDAC said that it was notified of the counterfeit kits’ circulation by Health Canada.

The agency said that the fake test kits were sold online in 25-pack boxes by a distributor called Healthful Plus which does not have the required licence.

NAFDAC noted that although the packaging of the counterfeit kits resembles the authentic and has the identifier “COV-19C25”, it was labelled as manufactured by ‘Health Advance Inc.’ instead of ‘BTNX Inc’, The Cable reports.

“Genuine COVID-19 Antigen test kit helps detect certain proteins in the virus. Rapid antigen tests are designed to tell in a few minutes whether someone is infected or not,” the statement reads.

“It is recommended as a high-performing test for individuals with symptoms, high-risk populations and healthcare or casual workers.

“Counterfeit health products are imitations of authentic products. The safety and effectiveness of these counterfeit test kits have not been assessed.

“The genuine manufacturer BTNX Inc. has confirmed that the devices were counterfeit.”

The agency also advised wholesalers, distributors, pharmacies and consumers to ensure that their products are obtained from authentic and reliable sources.

It encouraged healthcare providers to increase vigilance within the supply chain and advised healthcare providers to prevent the administration of the product to unsuspecting patients.

NAFDAC said that anybody in possession of the counterfeit product should immediately discontinue sale or use and submit stock to the nearest agency office.

Meanwhile, NAFDAC directed healthcare providers and consumers to report suspected counterfeit health products to NAFDAC at 0800-162-3322 or email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.

https://thestreetjournal.org/oyetola-took-n18bn-loan-after-losing-at-polls-osun-gov-adeleke-alleges/

Osun state governor, Ademola Adeleke, has alleged that his predecessor, Gboyega Oyetola, took N18 billion loan after he lost the July 16, 2022 governorship election.

Adeleke made this known on Thursday, December 15, during a meeting with Osun state traditional rulers in Osogbo, the state capital.

The governor also confirmed that the state is indebted to the tune of N407.32 billion as of November 30, 2022, The Nation reports.

Adeleke stated that, “My administration inherited eight outstanding loan facilities, apart from salaries and pension debts, from Oyetola’s administration.

“My good people of Osun state, the total loan stock as of today is N331.32 billion.
“If the N76 billion debt on salaries and pension are added, the state is indebted to the tune of N407.32 billion.

“Meanwhile, The amount owed to contractors is yet to be determined.

“As your governor, I will ask questions on your behalf, and will demand answers from Oyetola.

“Oyetola must explain how the N331 billion borrowed in the name of Osun state was expended, with no obvious infrastructural development to justify this huge debt.

“He must explain how the N18 billion bridge loan taken after he lost the election on July 16, 2022, was expended.
“Oyetola must also explain why Osun state is owing salaries and pension to the tune of N76 billion after collecting a N50 billion salary bail out loan from the federal government.

“The creditors, especially the commercial banks, must explain why various loans were given to an administration beyond its four-year tenure.

“28 years is equivalent to the tenure of at least four governors. A child that is born today stands a chance to become Ph.D. holder at 28.

“Oyetola mortgaged the future of Osun state. This is definitely not acceptable,” he added.

https://thestreetjournal.org/nigerias-ambassador-to-spain-demola-seriki-dies-at-63/

Nigeria’s ambassador to Spain, Demola Seriki, has passed away.

Seriki died in Madrid, Spain, at the age of 63.

His death was announced in a statement signed by his children on Thursday, December 15.

The statement said that the former minister of state for defence died in Madrid in the early hours of Thursday, according to The Punch.

The statement reads, ”It is with heavy hearts and profound gratitude to Almighty Allah that we announce the loss pf our much loved and admired patriach, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend, His Excellency, Ambassador Rasaq Atanda Seriki (CON) on December 15, 2022.

”He passed away peacefully surrounded by his family in Madrid, Spain,”

Recall that Seriki purchased the N20 million senatorial form of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to contest the Lagos-central senatorial seat for the 2023 general election.

The Lagos central senatorial district comprises of five local governments including Surulere, Eti Osa, Lagos Island, Apapa, and Lagos mainland.

https://thestreetjournal.org/delta-man-beats-ex-girlfriend-for-refusing-to-marry-him/

A man identified as Atumu Treasure popularly known as Oluwa Benz Richer has been accused of beating his ex-girlfriend, Peace, for refusing to marry him.
It was reported that the couple went their separate ways six months ago in Irri, Isoko South Local Government Area, Delta State, PUNCH disclosed.
According to an activist, Israel Joe, who shared the story on his Instagram page, the man broke into Peace’s house with a spare key, locked the doors, and began beating and strangling her because she refused to marry him.
The incident occurred on Monday, December 12, 2022.
Joe said that it was neighbours who heard the lady’s cries, that saved her from her estranged lover and got him arrested.
The activist went on to charge the Delta State Commissioner of Police, Ari Mohammed Ali, to ensure the suspect is charged to court, claiming his bail is being negotiated at the Oleh Police Station in Isoko LGA of the state.

https://thestreetjournal.org/senate-orders-cbn-to-adjust-daily-cash-withdrawal-policy/

The senate, on Wednesday, December 14, ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to considerably adjust its recently announced cash withdrawal limit policy.

Controversies have continued to trail the planned policy of CBN to limit daily cash withdrawal for individuals to N20,000 daily and N100,000 and N500,000 per week for individuals and corporate bodies respectively.

The upper chamber, in its resolution, also asked its committee on banking and finance to embark on an aggressive oversight of the apex bank as it implements the policy and give periodic reports to the senate.

The senate’s resolution was reached after an exhaustive debate by the lawmakers who attended Wednesday’s plenary session.

Some lawmakers argued that the withdrawal threshold set by the apex bank is unrealistic considering the economic situation in the country.

Some lawmakers also blamed CBN for not holding wide consultations on the policy before making the announcement, while some legislators argued that the policy will put Point of Sale (PoS) operators out of business, Channels TV reports

In addition, some lawmakers said that the policy will adversely affect Nigerians in the informal sector and those in rural communities.

Recall that the apex bank, last week, pegged maximum daily withdrawals via Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and Point Of Sale (PoS) terminals at N20,000.

The CBN also directed commercial banks to ensure that weekly over-the-counter (OTC) cash withdrawals by individuals and corporate entities do not exceed N100,000 and N500,000, respectively.

https://thestreetjournal.org/terrorists-kill-four-in-attack-on-kaduna-communities/

Four persons have been killed by terrorists in a fresh attack on two Communities in Zango Kataf Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna state.

The Executive Chairman of Zango Kataf Local Government, Hon. Francis Sani (Zimbo), who confirmed the incident on Wednesday, December 14, 2022, said four people were killed while four sustained gunshot injuries and were receiving treatment at a hospital, PUNCH reports.

The council chairman urges residents in the area to remain calm and allow security agencies to do a thorough job of bringing the preparators to book.

“I am calling on affected communities and other neighbouring villages to be vigilant while going about their normal businesses.

“We’re approaching festive period. We must remain steadfast in prayers and be watchful in order to keep our communities safe,” Francis cautioned.

When contacted, the spokesman of the Kaduna State Police Command, Mohammed Jalige, said he was attending an event and promised to respond with appropriate information on the sad incident.

https://thestreetjournal.org/court-sentences-two-students-to-death-for-killing-unilorin-undergraduate-in-kwara/

A Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin and presided over by Justice Ibrahim Yusuf on Tuesday, December 13, 2022, sentenced two students, Abdulazeez Ismail and Ajala Oluwatimileyin, to death for the murder of a 300-level undergraduate of the University of Ilorin, Blessing Olajide.

Olajide was raped and killed by the duo on June 2, 2021, at her sister’s house in the Tanke area of Ilorin, Kwara State, PUNCH disclosed.

Justice Yusuf also sentenced another student, Oyeyemi Omogbolahan, to life improvement, while two siblings: Abdulkarim Shuaib (aka Easy) and Kareem Rasheed (Rashworld), were sentenced to three years imprisonment each for withdrawing money from the Guarantee Trust Bank account of the deceased a few days after she was killed.

Three others: Abdullateef Abdulrahman, Daud Adebayo (Bashman), and Akande Oladoja, were discharged and acquitted by the court.

Delivering judgment on 11 counts of conspiracy, armed robbery, rape, culpable homicide, and stealing of funds preferred against the eight accused persons, Justice Yusuf found the three students guilty of conspiracy, rape, and murder of Olajide, while two other telephone repairers who helped to unlock her telephone and assisted in the withdrawal of money from her account were convicted for conspiracy and stealing.

The judge, who said 13 people testified for the prosecution, while 16 witnesses, including the accused persons, were called to testify for the defendants, said the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

Justice Yusuf said, “While the prosecution established the ingredients of conspiracy and armed robbery against the first three accused persons, it proved beyond reasonable doubt that injury was inflicted on the deceased and she was raped to death.

“I direct that Abdulazeez Ismail and Ajala Moses Oluwatimileyin be hanged by the neck until they are pronounced dead.”

The prosecution counsel and former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Salman Jawondo after the court session, said, “The irony of it all is that all those involved are young men of 19, 23, etc. It’s quite unfortunate. And that shows that we have to work on our future in this country.”

https://thestreetjournal.org/hoodlums-pluck-out-eye-of-12-year-old-boy-in-bauchi/

Two yet-to-be-identified hoodlums in Kafin Madaki, headquarters of Ganjuwa Local Government Area of Bauchi State, have removed one of the eyes of a 12-year-old student.

The victim, Najib Hussaini, an indigene of Kano State, came to Kafin Madaki to acquire Quranic education, PUNCH disclosed.

The Bauchi State Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmed Wakil, confirmed the incident in a statement on Tuesday, December 13, 2022.

He said the state Commissioner of Police, Aminu Alhassan, had ordered a thorough investigation into the incident, adding that a manhunt for the suspects had begun.

Wakil, a Superintendent of Police, said, “Najib Hussaini, who was attending Quranic school (Almajiranci) in Kafin-Madaki was barely a year in the state when the incident occurred on December 9, 2022, around 2am at Unguwar Yamma, not far from the victim’s school (Tsangaya).

“It was revealed that two unknown people, who came on a motorcycle (Bajaj), lured the victim to a nearby house to assist them to call a lady. They took the victim on their bike straight to an isolated area near Hanyar Gonar Wakili of the same village (in Bauchi).

“They stopped the motorcycle in a bushy area and forcefully plucked the right eye of the victim and consequently abandoned him in a pool of blood.

“The victim managed to reach a point where he was sighted by some of his colleagues, who rushed him to their teacher.

“The incident was reported to the Ganjuwa Divisional Police Headquarters; discreet investigation commenced in earnest as the victim was rushed to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital, Bauchi.”

The CP, according to the statement, vowed that the perpetrators of the criminal act will be apprehended soon.

https://thestreetjournal.org/2023-if-elected-president-ill-eliminate-kidnappers-terrorists-tinubu/

The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, December 13, said that he would eliminate kidnappers, terrorists and other criminal elements in the country, especially in the northern part, if he’s elected president in 2023.

Tinubu made this vow while addressing a mammoth crowd in Kaduna state during the north-west presidential campaign of the ruling party.

According to the former governor of Lagos state, northerners would not regret voting him in 2023, stressing that terrorists, kidnappers and all criminal elements who brought insecurity into Kaduna state would be eliminated when he assumes office.

He added that his administration, if elected, would turnaround agriculture, economy and provide employment for youths.

Tinubu noted that he would work hard and wipe out banditry and violence in the region, Channels TV reports.

He said that, “You will never regret voting for me in 2023. All those terrorists, killers, kidnappers, who are terrorizing Kaduna state, will be eliminated.

“I assure you, we will eliminate all of them. Governor El-Rufai has done a good job in Kaduna state. Go around Kaduna, you will see how beautiful and developed it is.

“He has also increased the internally generated revenue (IGR) of the state.

“A leader without a successor is not a leader, and he (El-Rufai) has given us an energetic man in the person of Uba Sani to continue the good work beyond 2023.

“The sun is brighter, the sky is clear. We want you to go with happiness and joy because hope is here,” he added.

https://thestreetjournal.org/cbns-move-to-limit-daily-cash-withdrawals-will-curb-vote-buying-looting-of-funds-former-emir-of-kano-sanusi-lamido/

A former emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido, has told Nigerians not to panic over the new policy introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to limit daily cash withdrawals.

The CBN, last week, restricted cash withdrawals from over-the-counter and Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), to N100,000 and N500,000 per week for individuals and corporate organizations respectively.

Sanusi, who is a former governor of CBN, explained that the new policy would only affect politicians who intends to deploy heavy funds to rig and compromise the electoral process in 2023.

He made this known during his weekly Islamic lecture on his Facebook page on Tuesday, December 13.

He advised Nigerians, especially the poor, not to be deceived by the narratives of politicians who are only interested in whipping up sentiment to gain sympathy from the masses they have impoverished, Daily Nigerian reports.

Sanusi stated that, “This is not a new policy. It’s a policy that I introduced while I was the CBN governor.

“In 2012, we introduced a policy called “cashless Nigeria.”

“And we started in Lagos state, and subsequently in five states and the FCT.

“Our reason was because the world was going digital and it has gone beyond moving about with cash.

“So we wanted to ease financial transactions in the country.

“A lot of people kicked against the policy when it was introduced, but people are now benefiting from it.

“When banks were shut during the COVID-19 pandemic, people easily went to the ATM machines and withdrew their cash.

“People can now also go to the market or a restaurant and make payments with credit cards.

“So this is a policy that has been going on for 10 years and is still evolving.

“The country has progressed to the point that we can make transactions without carrying huge amounts of cash.

“And my second advice to Nigerians is that they should be careful of what politicians say to them, because they are the worst hit by this policy.

“Politicians would spend four years looting the treasury and inflicting hunger and suffering on the masses, but they would bring out the looted cash during elections to buy votes, bribe security operatives, mobilize thugs and arm them to intimidate and deprive voters of voting for their preferred candidates,” he added.

Sanusi further stressed that the policy would allow the banks to easily track the account to which the looted funds are being transferred.

He said that, “So this new policy by the CBN would drastically reduce these electoral malpractices.

“Even if you want to bribe the security operatives, INEC, or judges to rig the election for you, you will have to pay it through their bank account, and the money can be easily traced.

“Our democracy allows citizens to vote for candidates of their choice, not those imposed by the most powerful person who has looted the treasury.

“But we have a history in this country where the person who stole the most money from the government coffers rigs the election to their advantage and spend another four years.

“With this new CBN policy in place, even if you loot, you must gather it somewhere, and if you want to make use of it, you must bring them out through the bank.

“This will make everyone see where the money is coming from and where it is going.

“So I am appealing to Nigerians to tread carefully and not fall into the trap of the politicians,” he added.

https://thestreetjournal.org/oyo-policewoman-allegedly-kills-14-year-old-ward-returns-corpse-to-mother-with-scars/

A Beninoise, Yemisi Jimoh, has accused a policewoman attached to Oyo state Command who was identified only as Omolola, of killing her 14-year-old daughter, Tomiwa Ajayi.

Jimoh, who lives in Ogun State, had the victim in her previous marriage, PUNCH disclosed.

The woman handed over her daughter to her younger brother’s wife, Kehinde Ojo.

Ojo, a seamstress, was said to have taken Ajayi to Omolola’s house in the General Gas area of Ibadan, Oyo State.

The policewoman reportedly promised to support the teenager to learn a craft while she worked for her as a housemaid.

The child’s mother said she agreed to the arrangement after Omolola also promised to take care of her daughter.

Jimoh, however, said less than 10 months after the 14-year-old left their house alive, her corpse was returned with scars.

She said, “In February 2022, my sister-in-law, Kehinde Ojo, who married my brother, Fatai, came to me that a woman in Ibadan (Oyo state), Omolara, who was working with the police, wanted a girl to take care of her baby and her house too.

“I accepted, but I told her that I did not want payment; all I wanted was that the family should help me to train her either in school or fashion design.

“Ojo called the woman (Omolola) who wanted my girl; we spoke and she agreed to the conditions that I gave her.

“Since February 2022 when my daughter left my house, it was her brutalized corpse that I received last Friday (December 9) from Omolola, whom I have not met but through my sister-in-law.

“Some days before then, my heart went to my daughter and when I called to speak with her through Ojo, Omolara’s number was either switched off or busy.”

Ojo confirmed that she took the victim to the policewoman’s house in Oyo state.

She said, “I don’t know Omolola’s surname because a friend just introduced us and said she needed a girl.

“I then remembered that my sister-in-law was talking about having somebody that could train Tomiwa (Ajayi), her first child, to school or learn handwork. I quickly contacted her and she agreed to allow Tomiwa to work with Omolara.

“I took her to Omolara in February this year (2022) and begged her to treat the girl like her child. Anytime Tomiwa’s mother wanted to talk to the girl, it’s through my phone.

“But sometime last week, Tomiwa’s mother was on my neck that she wanted to speak to Omolola, her daughter’s guardian and Omolara started to evade calls.”

The woman said suddenly, Omolola asked to speak with her in private about the child living with her in Oyo state.

“Omolola asked me if she could talk to me in private and I agreed, only for her to tell me about the death of Tomiwa through a swollen leg injury.

“She asked if it was possible that they could come with the corpse and I said it was alright, but I told my husband about the matter.

“My mother reported the case at the Ilaro Police Station, Ogun State, on Friday (December 9). But before then, Omolara sent three old men to calm things down; they said they were from Oke Anglican, Ilaro, Ogun State

“Meanwhile, as the old men were leaving, I took a bike and followed them. Omolola, who said she was in Ibadan, was with the corpse of the girl when the old men joined her. I accused her of killing the girl. Tomiwa’s body was scarred; I am in distress,” she added.

Efforts to reach the policewoman were abortive as her phone was switched off.

When contacted, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, promised to get back on the matter.

He had yet to do so as of the time of this report.

https://thestreetjournal.org/police-summon-nstif-boss-michael-akabogu-over-alleged-forgery-of-nysc-certificate-photos/

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has summoned the managing director of Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Michael Akabogu, over the alleged forgery of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate attached to his Curriculum Vitae (CV).

In a petition sent to the police by a whistleblower, the NSITF boss was accused of parading a fake NYSC discharge certificate with number: A030544.

According to the petition, Akabogu, claimed that he was mobilized for the compulsory one year service, with NO. OG/ FUTO/91/23402 for the first batch from October 4, 1991, to October 1992, Leadership reports.

The police, in an invitation letter sent to Akabogu on December 8, said that it is investigating a case of the criminal complaint against the NSTIF managing director.

The letter reads, “The NPF, Utako division FCT, Abuja, is investigating a case of a criminal complaint in which your name featured prominently.

“In view of the above, it is requested that you should report to the above office on December 12, at approximately 11 am in furtherance to the above complaint.

“This is a fact-finding mission and your presence is important.”

However, a police source stated that a discreet investigation was carried out upon the receipt of the petition against Akabogu.

Further findings showed that the NYSC certificate with number: A030544, allegedly paraded by the NSITF boss was not issued by the corps.

NYSC, in a letter of response with reference number: NYSC/CCD/VER/10/S.1/VOL/07, and addressed to the assistant inspector general of police, divisional police headquarters, Utako division, FCT command, said that it did not issue the certificate.

The letter signed by the acting director corps certification, Ibrahim A.M, reads in part, “Your letter re: Case of forgery involving a corps member, Akabogu Michael C. with state code number OG/FUTO/91/23402

“I wish to inform you that the certificate of national service belonging to Akabogu Michael with certificate number: A030544 forwarded for verification was not issued by the NYSC.

“However, you are requested to retrieve the original certificate for onward submission to the NYSC.”

The spokesperson of the FCT Command, Josephine Adeh, while confirming the police invitation, said that the commissioner of police, Sunday Babaji, ordered a discreet investigation over the complaint.

https://thestreetjournal.org/2023-politicians-buying-pvcs-from-voters-inec-alleges/

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Monday, December 12, accused some politicians of buying Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

The commission also alleged that some politicians are financially inducing voters to harvest their voter identification numbers.

INEC added that two persons have been recently convicted for illegal possession of PVCs in Sokoto and Kano states.

The acting chairman of INEC and national commissioner overseeing the FCT, Nasarawa, Kaduna and Plateau states, Mohammed Haruna, raised the alarm in Abuja during the launch of the #YourVoteMatters project by an election observer group, NESSACTION.

The project was supported by the International Foundation for Electoral System, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

It aims to assist INEC in increasing the number of PVCs collected ahead of the 2023 general elections as well as the voters mobilized on election day.

Haruna said that, “We are aware that some politicians are buying PVCs from voters.

“If you collect the PVC and then you sell it out or allow someone else to have it, you are aiding illegal possession of the PVC, and this is an offence in the electoral act.

“Some Nigerians are aware that only recently, INEC managed to convict two people who were found guilty of illegal possession of PVCs in Kano and Sokoto.

“So, I urge Nigerians to collect their PVCs, keep them safely, and make sure that on election day, they go out there and cast their votes because, of course, without their PVCs, they cannot vote,” he added.

The executive director of NESSACTION, Eniola Cole, while speaking, explained that the project scheduled for implementation in the FCT, Nasarawa, and Plateau states, would provide logistics and give incentives to communities with low PVC collection rates, The Vanguard reports.

She commended INEC for gains made in the electoral process through technology and other reforms.

Cole said that, “We implore the general public to take advantage of the timeframe set by INEC for PVC collection at the commission’s local government offices nationwide from December 12, 2022, to January 5, 2023, and at the 8809 registration areas from January 6, 2023, to January 22, 2023, including Saturdays and Sundays.

“The public can, through dedicated channels, inform us of their location to receive support including the PVC collection buses and community outreach activities to be conducted at the local level in each state by our community mobilisation officers,” she added.

https://thestreetjournal.org/nigerian-govt-lied-about-negotiating-with-us-during-seven-months-ban-former-twitter-official-peiter-zatko/

A whistleblower complaint filed by Twitter’s former security head, Peiter Mudge Zatko, has shown that Twitter did not negotiate with President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to overturn the seven-month ban imposed on the microblogging site by the federal government earlier this year.

The federal government, in June 2021, restricted the social network’s operations in Nigeria after a violence-inciting tweet was deleted from the president’s handle in June 2021.

Buhari had threatened genocide against the Igbo-dominated south-east in the tweet which violated Twitter’s policy on violence and abusive behaviour.

The document partly reads, “The Nigerian government blocked Twitter in June 2021, then falsely claimed to be in negotiations with Twitter executives.

“Twitter’s failure to correct the false record on many reported non-existent discussions with the federal government permitted Nigeria to negotiate unilaterally through the media and dictate unfavourable terms for final resolution.”

The information in the document was contrary to the statements made by the minister of information, Lai Mohammed, who repeatedly claimed that the federal government was in talks with Twitter about lifting the ban.

In the protected whistleblower disclosure, Zatko stressed that Twitter did not refute the minister’s report, thus encouraging misinformation through their silence and giving the Buhari-led administration a chance to stifle free speech, WeeTracker reports.

The document added that, “Twitter’s deliberate decision to refrain from correcting misinformation about Twitter’s proposed negotiations with the Nigerian government directly harmed Twitter shareholders.

“It permitted the federal government of Nigeria to impose various conditions on free expression rights of Nigerians.”

https://thestreetjournal.org/naira-depreciates-to-n745-per-dollar-at-parallel-market/

The naira has depreciated further against the dollar at the parallel and official sections of the foreign exchange market.

Bureaux De Change operators (BDCs), popularly known as ‘abokis’, while speaking on Monday afternoon, December 12, quoted the naira at N745 to the dollar at the street market.

The figure signifies a depreciation of N5 or 0.7 percent from the N740 it traded over a week ago, The Cable reports.

The street traders put the buying price of the dollar at N735 and the selling price at N745, leaving a N10 profit margin.

“Demand is fair. People are not rushing to buy dollars at the moment,” a BDC operator in the Victoria Island area of Lagos said.

At the official market, the local currency fell by 0.11 percent to close at N446.50 per dollar on Friday, according to details on FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange, a platform that oversees official foreign-exchange trading in Nigeria.

However, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has continued to intervene in the official market to maintain the stability of the local currency.

An analysis of the CBN’s economic reports showed that the apex bank’s interventions in the forex market stood at $12.74 billion in the first eight months of 2022.

When compared with the same period in 2021, the interventions declined by 13.6 percent from $14.74 billion.

Recall that the apex bank, last week, announced a new policy which limits weekly over-the-counter cash withdrawals by individuals and corporate entities to N100,000 and N500,000, respectively.

Since then, the policy has generated mixed reactions from the many Nigerians.

https://thestreetjournal.org/wike-kicks-against-presidency-being-retained-in-the-north-video/

Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has told those who say that Nigeria is not ripe for muslim-muslim ticket not to also justify and embrace the efforts at retaining the presidency in the North.

Governor Wike spoke on Sunday, 11 December at the special dedication service for the Rivers State People Democratic Party (PDP) 2003 General Election Campaigns Rallies, which held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Port Harcourt.

Governor Wike, maintained that those involved in such double-speak and trying to hoodwink some gullible few, know that they are insulting the sensibility of well meaning Nigerians who want a united country that advances national cohesion, accordind to Channel Tv.

“You play on people’s intelligence; you say Nigeria is not ripe for muslim-muslim ticket, I agree. But Nigeria is ripe for presidency to remain in one zone? I mean, just look at the insult. You blow hot and cold.”

Governor Wike urged those people who delightfully condemn the muslim-muslim ticket as wrong, should also know that Nigerians are also saying it is wrong to retain the presidency in the North after President Muhammadu Buhari.

“Most of you just sit there, you don’t ask yourselves questions. Somebody continues to sell this kind of cheap ideas. You don’t ask the person, I agree with what you are saying but look at what we are saying here.”

He further added, “Your party wants the presidency to go to the same zone where president Muhammadu Buhari is coming from. Who is cheating who?”

The Rivers State governor also spoke reminding the church of the need for it to participate in the voting process. However, he said that, it should not get involved to the extent of serving as cannon fodder against any political party or political actor.

Governor Wike pleaded with the church to be careful and resist those politicians who come to mobilise them as if there is a religious war to wage.

“It is not now that politics have come, you want to come and tell the church a different story for your own personal interest. We have to be careful so that the church is not destroyed. Because, all of us, for example, we are Anglicans, I will not allow anybody, for his selfish interest to destroy the church of Nigeria. I will not allow that.”

Meanwhile, governor Wike has warned that his administration will not allow those who in the past instigated wanton destruction of lives and property in the State under the guise of politics to repeat same.

Governor Wike appealed to members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the State to resist deliberate attempt by some disgruntled and inconsequential politicians to provoke them ahead of the 2023 general elections.

He described as ludicrous and cheap blackmail the allegation by Dr. Abiye Sekibo and some of his associates that the State government recently resent thugs to attack them.

“Some people are saying we sent thugs to attack them. You see, when people see failure, they will begin to plan excuses. These are people all of us know our background and how we have won election in our various local government. I remember one of them during the last election could not even go to his local government. He ran down to Port Harcourt and stayed with me. Instead of you to tell your principal, this will be difficult for me, you are giving excuses.”

The governor who emphatically declared that he has never engaged in any acts of political violence in all his political career, warn those who might be planning to plunge the State into chaos to have a rethink.

“Anybody who knows me know, that I have never been violent. If I am violent, I won’t go to court. But we know those who planted killings in this State when they were Secretary to government. We know them, but that killing will not happen again in the State. We will not give you the opportunity to try it again.”

Governor Wike explained that the reason why Dr Sekibo and his associates are begrudging him is simply because he did not support their ambition to emerge to get the PDP governorship ticket.

On the issue of Executive Order 21 and 22, the governor advised politicians in the State to approach the court rather than take the laws into their hands. He insisted that until the court declares otherwise, the government will ensure full implementation of the orders.

“The Federal Government has come up with so many Executive Orders, we didn’t kill anybody, but we went to court to challenge such others. The Federal Government has done a lot of things that Rivers state had challenged in court, and by the grace of God, we won.

“If there is anything any government has done which you feel you are not comfortable with, you have to go to court and challenge it, and not just to come out to shout they don’t want you to campaign. Why will anybody not like you to campaign.”

Governor Wike declared that there was nothing wrong with the PDP dragging other political parties to court over their failure to comply with Independent National Electoral Commission electoral guidelines. According to him, sure litigations are part of Nigeria’s electoral process.

“When I know you have made mistake not to run an election, I should leave you? All we are saying is INEC comply with the law. You made us to comply with the law. Why are these people not complying with the law. Why should you allow us to pass through the process we passed through and you did not allow these other people to pass through that process. We said look, this is what the law says. INEC is like you are being partial . It is like you are applying this law differently to different persons.”

In his sermon, the cathedral archdeacon of St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Venerable Obinna Ochulor spoke on the topic; “God our refuge” and exhorted the congregation to acknowledge the infallibility of God always.

He pointed to how people often rush to the altar of God to make vows when they are either experiencing critical situation but would refuse to return to fulfil them when they have triumphed.

While vows are important to be fulfilled, he admonished the congregation and particularly the PDP family to trust in God as their defence and shield so that they can enjoy his protection against all shades of evil.

https://thestreetjournal.org/oyo-gov-makinde-loses-driver-in-road-crash-photo/

A driver attached to one of the vehicles in the convoy of Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde, died in a crash on Tuesday, December 6.

Three other persons in the convoy were also injured when the governor was returning to Ibadan, the state capital, from Saki, where he had gone to attend a town hall meeting with members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of his reelection bid.

The driver, identified as Ramon Mustapha, died on the spot after the vehicle eventually landed after tumbling several times, The Nation reports.

A source, who was part of the convoy, said that the late driver smashed his head in the unfortunate accident, adding that the situation could have been different, if the driver had used his seat belt.

The crashed vehicle with the code name “Zebra 4” somersaulted throwing off some bags of rice bought by some individuals on the trip.

The driver was later buried in his residence in the Amuloko region of Ibadan, on Wednesday, December 8, according to Islamic rites.