https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ss4AjyJ7NxE

An old video which was shot sometime in 2019 shows the late ESN commander, Ikonso, expressing his undying love for the leader of IPOB, Nnnamdi Kanu.

He was reacting to a leaked intimate video of Mazi Kanu with his wife. According to Ikonso, the leaked video does not affect his undying love and support he has for Nnamdi Kanu and his ideology of breaking the Igbos away from Nigeria, rather, the Video is making Kanu more popular.

According to him; he does not care how many nude pictures or videos of Nnnamdi Kanu is posted online, he believes Nnamdi Kanu is still the savior and leader of the Igbos because Kanu has opened his and many others eyes on what is happening in Nigeria and the world at large.

He further states that he does not value his life, and is ready to carry out any order from Nnamdi Kanu. He also laid curses on those who leaked Kanu’s video online, promising them to die within a week of him releasing the video.

He ended the video by saying; “We will die for Nnamdi Kanu”. Anywhere Nnamdi Kanu tells us to move to, we will go; even if it is Aso rock.

It should be recalled that sometime in 2019, a video showing Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB) in bed with a woman believed to be his wife, Uchechi Kanu, surfaced online.

In the viral video, the pair was seen half-naked in bed and the Biafran leader can be heard bragging about his sexual prowess.
At one point, Nnamdi Kanu had to explain why he takes it easy on her when they make love together.

Enugu State Court Remands Two Siblings For Murder Of Makeup Artist (video & Pics)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3ndwto2goI

Two siblings, Chiamaka Ifezue, 26, and Chukwuemeka Ifezue, 21, were remanded at the Enugu Custodial Centre on Wednesday by an Enugu North Magistrate’s Court presided by Mr JI Agu for alleged murder.

The accused, who were arraigned on a two-count charge of conspiracy and murder, were accused of murdering one Miss Ijeoma Nneka, 27, on November 11, 2020.

In the charge read in the court, the two siblings were said to have conspired to commit felony to wit: murder and, thereby, committed an offence punishable under Section 494 of the Criminal Code, Cap 30, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria, 2004.

They were also alleged to have unlawfully killed the deceased on the same day by compelling her to drink poisonous substance and, thereafter, poured corrosive acid chemical all over her body which caused her death.

The offence, according to the police charge, is punishable under Section 274(1) of the Criminal Code, Cap 30, Vol. II, Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria, 2004.

The accused were not allowed to take plea after the reading of the charge to them as the Magistrate’s Court declined jurisdiction on the matter.

Magistrate Agu said that the court would only conduct binding over proceedings in order to refer the matter to the State Attorney General(AG) and Commissioner for Justice.

Thereafter, the Prosecution Counsel, CSP CP Nwachukwu, supplied the court with the names of 11 prosecution witnesses and handed over the two original police case files to the court.

The numbers of the case files are CR41/2020 from Independence Layout Police Station and CR4/2020.

In his ruling, the Magistrate held that each of the witnesses had been bound over to the sum of N10,000 to appear before any competent court to which the case would be transferred.

He directed that the case files be transmitted to the AG and Commissioner for justice for his opinion and advise.

The Magistrate also directed that the accused be remanded at the Nigeria Correctional Services’ Enugu Custodial Centre and adjourned the matter to February 24 for a report on the Attorney-General’s opinion.

SOURCE: https://www.sunnewsonline.com/enugu-court-remands-two-siblings-for-murder/

According to the reports, Chiamaka conspired with her brother to kill Ijeoma for allegedly having an affair with her boyfriend.

Chiamaka allegedly lured Ijeoma by inviting her for a makeup job.

On getting there and suspecting foul play, Ijeoma quickly sent a message to a friend, before being forced to drink a poisoned

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3ndwto2goI


Two siblings, Chiamaka Ifezue, 26, and Chukwuemeka Ifezue, 21, were remanded at the Enugu Custodial Centre on Wednesday by an Enugu North Magistrate’s Court presided by Mr JI Agu for alleged murder.

The accused, who were arraigned on a two-count charge of conspiracy and murde, were accused of murdering one Miss Ijeoma Nneka, 27, on November 11, 2020.

In the charge read in the court, the two siblings were said to have conspired to commit felony to wit: murder and, thereby, committed an offence punishable under Section 494 of the Criminal Code, Cap 30, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria, 2004.

They were also alleged to have unlawfully killed the deceased on the same day by compelling her to drink poisonous substance and, thereafter, poured corrosive acid chemical all over her body which caused her death.

The offence, according to the police charge, is punishable under Section 274(1) of the Criminal Code, Cap 30, Vol. II, Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria, 2004.

The accused were not allowed to take plea after the reading of the charge to them as the Magistrate’s Court declined jurisdiction on the matter.

Magistrate Agu said that the court would only conduct binding over proceedings in order to refer the matter to the State Attorney General(AG) and Commissioner for Justice.

Thereafter, the Prosecution Counsel, CSP CP Nwachukwu, supplied the court with the names of 11 prosecution witnesses and handed over the two original police case files to the court.

The numbers of the case files are CR41/2020 from Independence Layout Police Station and CR4/2020.

In his ruling, the Magistrate held that each of the witnesses had been bound over to the sum of N10,000 to appear before any competent court to which the case would be transferred.

He directed that the case files be transmitted to the AG and Commissioner for justice for his opinion and advise.

The Magistrate also directed that the accused be remanded at the Nigeria Correctional Services’ Enugu Custodial Centre and adjourned the matter to February 24 for a report on the Attorney-General’s opinion.

SOURCE: https://www.sunnewsonline.com/enugu-court-remands-two-siblings-for-murder/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqkXsnUzIlQ


A Pro-SARS supporter has been caught on tape admitting he was hired to disrupt peaceful #EndSARS protests in Abuja.


In the video which was secretly recorded, the man is seen showing a group of men what appeared to be bruises on his hand, before claiming he was attacked.


When asked why he was against the #EndSARS protests despite being a victim of SARS brutality, the Pro-SARS supporter said he is only after the money they were offering. Though, he claimed he is yet to be paid.


As the group disguising themselves continue to interrogate him, the man was asked who contracted him and other Pro-SARS supporters to allegedly disrupt the peaceful #EndSARS protests. He alleged they were hired by government officials.

https://www.lindaikejisblog.com/2020/10/pro-sars-supporter-caught-on-tape-admitting-he-was-hired-to-disrupt-peaceful-endsars-protests-in-abuja-video-2.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5dFbDoImpo

The Senate and the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) engaged in a verbal war yesterday with the former accusing the latter of sharing N3.14 billion to staff and the police as COVID-19 relief package. The upper chamber is probing allegations of misappropriation of N40 billion by the IMC of the commission.


At the commencement of public hearing in Abuja, the Chairman of the Senate Ad hoc Committee on Investigation of Alleged Financial Recklessness in the NDDC, Senator Olubunmi Adetumbi, gave the breakdown of how N3.14billion was shared.

“From the financial statements or documents forwarded to this committee from your office (IMC) as regards expenditure carried out between October 29, 2019 and May 31, 2020, monies expended on COVID-19 pandemic relief are mind-boggling. “Out of the total expenditure of N81.495 billion spent by both the IMC led by Mrs Gbene Nunieh as Managing Director between October 29, 2019 and February 18, 2020, and the current IMC led by Professor Pondei between February 19, 2020 and May 31, 2020, N3.14billiion was spent on COVID-19 pandemic as relief funds.

“Highly disturbing is the fact that based on the records of payment of such funds, a whopping N10 million was given to a single staff while two other staffers collected N7 million each. “Other payments as reliefs against the pandemic are N3 million given to each of 148 other staffers, N1.5 million each to 157 other categories of staffers, N1 million each to 497 others and N600,000.00 each to the last category of 464 other staffers. “Also included in the COVID-19 pandemic relief largesse, as clearly stated in your submitted financial documents, is N475 million given to the police high command for purchase of face masks and hand sanitisers for men and officers across the nine states in the Niger Delta Region,” the committee chairman said.

According to him, the IMC I chaired by Mrs. Gbene Joi Nunieh between October 2019 to February 18, 2020, spent a total of N22.5 billion out of the N81.5 billion. He added that IMC II chaired by Professor Daniel Pondei, between February 19, 2020 and May 31st 2020, spent the sum of N59.1 billion. Among others, the Senate ad hoc committee said community relations at the NDDC gulped N1.3 billion; condolences, N122 million; consultancy, N83.8 million; COVID-19 intervention, N3.14 billion; Duty Tour Allowance (DTA) N486 million; Imprest N790.9 million; Lassa fever, N1.956 billion; legal fees, N906 million; logistics, N61 million, maintenance; N61 million and medicals, N2.6 billion.

‘Our agency hijacked by legislators for self-help’ But in his submission at the hearing, the NDDC’s acting Deputy Director, Projects, Cairo Ojougboh, said the allegation that the IMC had misapplied the sum of N40 billion since inception was unfounded. He said the IMC had not initiated any new projects that formed the basis of any payments other than the Emergency Intervention on COVID-19 that was ordered and approved by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The IMC, he said, inherited a debt profile of about N3 trillion out of which the sum of N156, 986,545,802.68 had been processed and ready for payment by previous management. He said “the budgets of the commission have always been hijacked by the leadership of the committee on NDCC from both chambers for their personal gain.” According to him, “The budget(s) of the NNDC from 2001 till date have always been hijacked by the two chairmen of the committee; the chairman in the House and the chairman in the Senate. “Not one kobo has been misused since the coming of the IMC. We want to beg the National Assembly that they should allow the people of the Niger Delta to grow.

Since the inauguration of the IMC, we have not known peace. It has been one false allegation after another,” Ojougboh said as members of the committee looked in disbelief. Also responding, the commission’s Acting Managing Director, Kemebradikumo Pondei, justified the N1.5 billion they shared, saying it was distributed to staff as COVID-19 relief fund to ease the effect of the pandemic. “We have to take care of the staff who are also the representatives of the people from the nine states of the Niger Delta region,” he said. On the N475 million given to the police to buy face masks and hand sanitisers, he said the commission received the request from the police high command and the management approved it.

“We work closely with the security agencies… Without them, we can’t survive. “A request was made from the Police high command for assistance and the management looked at it and approved it. “We gave the money to the police high command and they have not given us the record of how the money was spent,” he said. The spokesman of the Nigeria Police Force, DCP Frank Mba, did not respond to a request for comment on the statement by the NNDC management that the police got N475m to buy face mask and hand sanitisers.

Mixed reactions in Niger Delta Daily Trust reports that there were mixed reactions from the Niger Delta states yesterday over how the affairs of the NDCC were carried out in respect of touching the lives of the people at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. There were allegations that officials of the NDDC took care of themselves more with the monies set aside to support the vulnerable.

Our reporters could not establish the actual amount released to be used as COVID-19 palliatives. However, some residents of the catchment states said they received foodstuff while others said they heard of the intervention in the media. In Bayelsa, some items donated by the NDCC were among those shared to the eight local government areas of the state on Tuesday. Secretary to Bayelsa State Government, Mr Konbowei Friday Benson, while distributing the items announced that NDDC gave the state 870 bags of 50kg rice, 2,112 bags of beans, 2,934 cartons of noodles and 60 bags of garri.

But some citizens of the state said the local government areas were yet to distribute the palliatives to them. Mr Tari Nonso said though he was aware that the state government had distributed the food items but the people at the grassroots were yet to get them. Also, an indigene of Sagbama LGA, Mr Saturday Jonathan, said he was yet to get the palliative from NDDC. In Akwa Ibom, the NDDC recently donated food items and medical consumables to the state government to support its fight against COVID-19 pandemic.

The food items included 1,500 of 50kg bags of rice, 411 bags of beans, 387 bags of garri, 128 jerry cans of palm oil, 2,615 cartons of noodles and 1,150 cartons of biscuits. The medical items consisted of 77 cartons of sanitiser, 93 cartons of Dettol, 1,164 cartons of toilet roll, 46 cartons of toothpaste, 25 cartons of toothbrush, 155 pieces of inhaler, 42 sets of crutches and 42 sets of wheel chair.

Three people in Uyo and two others in Abak said they received some support. Ukeme Samuel who is a trader said she got rice and spaghetti, while a taxi driver who gave his name as Ndifrike said he got garri. In Abia, Mr Gospel Adiele, a community leader in Ukwa, one of the oil producing communities in the state said they only heard of the intervention for the first time. And in Ondo State, a widow, Mrs Victoria Aderemi Ilesanmi, said she hasn’t received anything from the state government, NDDC or private organisations. Mr Aniedi Imoh, a barber who lives on Mbukpa Road, in Calabar, said nobody told him anything about palliatives from NDDC.

A trader at the popular Watt Market, Mrs Inyang Cobham, said she has not received either. In Edo State also, Mr John Idemudia said he was not even aware of any palliative being distributed by the NDDC. Multiple allegations, fights over NDDC The Senate and House of Representatives have been at loggerheads with the NDDC for many years, a development that led to accusations and counter accusations. In the latest debacle, the two chambers of the National Assembly are probing an allegation that the NDDC interim committee ‘squandered’ N40 billion within three months.

The lawmakers yesterday asked members of the NDDC board who appeared before the committee over alleged discrepancies in the budget submitted by the commission, the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Investigation committee chairman, Adetunmbi said based on their records, the NDDC said it spent N81.5 billion; the AGF submitted N82 billion and CBN submitted N92.2 billion between October 2019 and May 2020.

In his defence, Pondei, who led the NDDC team to face the legislators, said they “inherited so much debt that needed to be cleared upon assumption of office.” Daily Trust recalled that since the appointment of the interim management committee by President Buhari, the NDDC had remained in the media with some leaders from the Niger Delta trading blames, a development that partly resulted in the decision of the National Assembly to wade into the matter. For instance, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi (PDP, Delta North) had alleged that Senator Godswill Akpabio had collected contracts worth N500 million from NDDC in 2017 without executing them, despite receiving full payment.

On his part, Akpabio had through the interim committee alleged that Nwaoboshi similarly collected N3.6 billion worth of contracts from the commission in 2016, without any execution. CSOs task National Assembly on equity The Head, Environment and Conservation, Centre for Environment, Human Rights and Development (CEHRD), Dr Kabari Sam, told Daily Trust that there was nothing wrong with the National Assembly initiating a probe of the NDDC or any other agency. According to him, “Any probe ordered by Mr. President or initiated by the National Assembly is in order. However, we should go beyond the probes and ensure that whoever is culpable answers the necessary questions and is prosecuted. “My only worry is that even those championing the probes have questions on their heads that they have not answered. As at December 2019, we heard that a certain member of the National Assembly had 300 contracts from the NDDC.

Is it that they wanted to cover those things? These are the fear of some of the stakeholders,” he said. Speaking on the development, the Executive Director, United Global Resolve for Peace (UGRFFP), Shalom Olaseni, said the National Assembly should not be seen as a mere toothless barking dog. “With the acting managing director admitting to the National assembly committee that close to N2bn was spent as palliatives to take care of their staff, it is a grave insult to average Nigerians,” he said. On his part, Barrister Aminu Ismail said the National Assembly should revisit all the probes it carried out in the past and see if they made any sense and helped the polity.

“The legislators should clean their names. There is this general perception that they only probe government institutions when leaders of such places refuse to settle them. We want to know what happened to previous investigations and whether somebody had been jailed,” he said.


SOURCE: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/senate-nddc-spar-over-n3-14bn-palliatives-to-staff-police.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8958OUtijMo

The Senate ad-hoc committee investigating the N40 billion corruption allegation against the interim management committee (IMC) of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) was stunned on Thursday when an official accused unnamed members of the parliament of ‘hijacking’ the commission’s budgets over the years.

In his submission, at the hearing, the acting deputy director, projects, NDDC, Cairo Ojougboh, said the budgets of the commission ”have always been hijacked by the leadership of the committee on NDCC from both chambers for their personal gain”.

He asked the National Assembly ”to let the commission function in peace.”

“The budget(s) of the NNDC from 2001 till date, has (have) always been hijacked by the two chairmen of the committee; the chairman in the house and the chairman in the Senate,” the angry official said. ”Not one kobo has been misused since the coming of the IMC.

“We want to beg the National Assembly that they should allow the people of the Niger Delta to grow. Since the inauguration of the IMC, we have not known peace. It has been one false allegation after another.

“Some contracts supplied to ‘an NDDC warehouse’ along Benin-expressway. The warehouse belongs to Peter Nwabaoshi (a senator). About 2900 emergency projects were awarded and Mr Nwabaoshi collected 1000 of them saying he will distribute them among senators and House of Representatives members. But when asked, lawmakers denied receipt. We are being accused because we are working for the region and because they want to take over the commission.

“NGOs were paid N50 billion but they (chairmen, committees of both chambers) cut it to N49 billion each. They want us out to put people they can control.”

Tense session

The Senate and House of Representatives are probing an allegation the NDDC interim committee ‘squandered’ N40 billion within three months. They also seek account for other financial transactions within this period.

At the investigative hearing on Thursday, the lawmakers grilled members of the board who appeared before the committee over alleged discrepancies in the budget submitted by the commission, the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The chairman of the committee, Olubunmi Adetunmbi, pointed out that while the commission said it spent N81.5 billion, the AGF submitted N82 billion and CBN submitted N92.2 billion between October 2019 and May 2020.

The committee sought explanations as to how other allocations in the budget were implemented. They include:

Condolences – N122 million, Consultancy – N83.3 million, N3.14 billion – COVID-19, N486 million – Duty Tour Allowance (out of which the current EIMC spent N305.3 million between February and May 2020).

Others are N1.9 billion – Lassa fever intervention spent by both IMCs, N900 million – Legal Services, N61 million – Logistics, N2.6 billion – medicals.

Defence

Although there was no tangible explanation for the differences in the budgets submitted by the commission, the AGF and CBN, the Acting Managing Director, Kemebradikumo Daniel Pondei, however, said the EIMC ”inherited so much debt that needed to be cleared upon assumption of office.”

He also said allowances like duty tours were not paid to staff for years hence the need for such allocations.


He further said the NDDC has not awarded any contract apart from the COVID-19 contract awarded by the president.

“We refused to do so, so as not to add to the confusion. The major interventions for COVID-19 were medical, palliatives, publicity,” he said.


Mr Ojougboh also denied allegations that the commission sacked some of its staff.

“Anyone who has said they have been sacked or suspended let him bring the letter. We have not sacked or suspended anyone. No one is being witch-hunted. Staff on leave are receiving full salaries,” he said.

Earlier, a representative from the Office of the Accountant General, Slyvia Okolie, said the OAGF submitted the NDDC’s audit report from 2016 to May, 2020 to the committee.

He said in 2017 – N64 billion, 2018 – N71 billion, 2019 – N71 billion, January – May 2020 – N34 billion has been released to NDDC.

Quarterly releases were suspended since June pending the outcome of the investigation, he said.

The investigative hearing will continue on Friday, the chairman said. All invitees are expected to be present – including the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, who failed to show up.

This is not the first time the lawmakers would be having a faceoff with another government official over the activities of an agency or ministry.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how the minister of labour, (state), Festus Keyamo, accused lawmakers of trying to manipulate a recruitment process to their advantage.

SOURCE: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/402100-nddc-budgets-hijacked-by-nigerian-lawmakers-official.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n18VEDop3JA


Police operatives attached to the Special Tactical Squad have arrested a seven-man criminal gang that attacked and robbed three comm​ercial banks in Ondo and Ekiti between 2019 and 2020, killing innocent citizens including six policemen and carting away several millions of naira.

Investigation reveals that the armed robbers -- Tunbosun Ojo, Ismaila Ojo, Victor Oyeyemi, Dele Ariyo, Shola Oladimeji, Olubodun Folayemi and Adeniyi John – carried out the robbery of a commercial bank in Ile-oluji, Ondo State on February 7, 2020 where four policemen were killed.

Similarly, they were also involved in the robbery of a microfinance bank in Idanre, Ondo State in December 2019 and a commercial bank at Oye Ekiti, Ekiti State where two policemen lost their lives.

Efforts are being intensified to arrest other members of the gang still at large and to recover other sophisticated weapons used in the operations, Force spokesperson, Frank Mba,.said in a statement.

In a similar vein, 23 other suspects were also arrested by the police operatives for their involvement in various crimes including armed robbery, kidnapping, illegal possession of prohibited firearms, car snatching at gun point, amongst other offences.

The following were recovered from the suspects: one AK49 rifle, one AK47 rifle, two pump action guns, five locally made guns, 19 locally made short guns, 125 cartridges, 145 AK47 ammunition, locally fabricated explosives and a Toyota Corolla vehicle with Reg. No. LSR 490 GC.

The suspects will be charged to court on conclusion of investigations.

SOURCE: http://saharareporters.com/2020/07/09/seven-persons-arrested-multiple-bank-robberies-ondo-ekiti-others

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahD86bgVOCE


Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has appealed to residents of the State to take personal responsibility to curb the spread of Coronavirus, as he imposed curfew on Bonny
Local Government and Onne Community.

He also cautioned that with the commencement of inter-state travels and domestic travels, residents must be cautious in relating with friends and relatives coming from heavily impacted areas like Lagos and Abuja in line with the established protocol of 14 days Isolation.

Wike made the appeal in Port Harcourt today in a state-wide broadcast.

He stated that to sustain the progress made in the state, the State Security Council has imposed a night time curfew from 8p.m to 6a.m on Bonny Local Government and Onne Community in Eleme Local Government with effect from July 10, 2020 until further notice.


“As at July 8, 2020, the COVID-19 status of our State is as follows: Total samples collected: 4573, Total samples tested: 3871, Total confirmed cases: 1235, Total discharged cases: 810, Total active cases: 382, Total death: 43, New cases: 30.

“From the first days of this virus, we took serious measures and literally set the pace in our country to slow down the spread.

“We have noticed that most affected people are resorting to self medication instead of presenting themselves for treatment at the State’s Treatment Centres.

“Those who experience symptoms of fever, cough, loss of smell or taste and shortness of breath, among others should present themselves for appropriate treatment at the expense of the State Government.

“Furthermore, in the face of increasing infections and systemic risk to public health and safety, most residents have continued to disregard the mitigating protocols with reckless abandon.

“Public and private transporters, business owners and churches are refusing to adhere to the relevant protocols,” he said.

Government, he said, is also appraising the prospect of opening markets as soon as it is satisfied that it is safe with appropriate guidelines on social distancing, hand washing and wearing of face masks.

Wike announced the setting up of a Joint Taskforce made up of security and civilian personnel to enforce the wearing of face masks.

The Governor assured all health workers, including doctors and nurses that government would continue to cater for their welfare as they continue to serve the state at grave risks to their own lives.

He added that government would not fail to do whatever it takes to slow down the spread of the virus.

SOURCE: https://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2020/07/08/covid-19-wike-imposes-curfew-on-bonny-onne/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zh7ixqtVN8Q

SPECIAL REPORT: Unforgettable timelines in the battle to sack EFCC boss, Magu

The nation’s media space was agog Monday with the reported arrest of the acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, by the Department of State Services (DSS).

Though the DSS has since denied arresting Magu, just as another piece of report indicated that he was only facing a presidential panel, the way and manner his invitation to the panel took place speaks volume, underscoring the various controversies that have trailed his tenure as the helmsman of the anti-corruption agency.

According to reports, operatives of the DSS had accosted Magu while he was about driving out of the Wuse II Abuja annex office of the EFCC, informing him of an invitation to the panel. Efforts made by security details to thwart what was seen by many as his arrest could not save the anti-graft czar from being whisked away.

For keen followers of the chequered tenure of Magu as the EFCC helmsman, the new turn of events may not come as a surprise as Magu’s tenure has continued to generate controversies.

From open spat with top government officials, including ministers, heads of arms of government and the refusal of the National Assembly to confirm his appointment as the substantive chairman of the EFCC, Magu has been in the face of the storm.

Ripples Nigeria presents some events that have defined his tenure and some pointers to the fact that a day like this has long been in sight.

December 15, 2016

The Senate, which is saddled with the power to confirm nominees by the President, on this day rejected the nomination of Magu as the substantive Chairman of the EFCC.

The reports reads:

The Senate, on Thursday, rejected the confirmation of the acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Magu.

Ripples Nigeria had earlier exclusively reported that out of anxiety, Magu had recruited Ali Ndume to intensify lobby of lawmakers who can sway the pendulum in his favour.

The report also noted that senators were in possession of a damning report from the Department of State Services (DSS).

Also earlier, before the screening exercise, Ndume, obviously in defence of Magu had engaged his colleague from Kogi State, Dino Melaye, in war of words over the confirmation hearing of Magu.

Spokesman of the Senate, Senator Sabi Abdullahi, who briefed National Assembly correspondents, confirmed Ripples Nigeria report that the rejection of Magu was based on ‎a ‘worrisome’ security report, made available to lawmakers by the Department of State Services (DSS).

March 15, 2017

After the initial rejection of Ibrahim Magu as the EFCC chairman, President Muhammadu Buhari, again, re-presented him for confirmation by the Senate. He was however again, rejected on March 15, 2017.

The report reads:

The Senate has again rejected the confirmation of Ibrahim Magu as the substantive chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Magu was first rejected on the 15th of December, 2016 based on a report submitted to the Senate by the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr Lawal Daura.

This was the second time the Senate was rejecting Magu since he was appointed in an acting capacity since November 2015 by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The rejection followed a heated questions and answers session between Senators and Magu. The question and answer session was part of the confirmation process for Magu.

Magu was grilled on issues of human rights abuses, abuse of court processes and judgments, as well as loss of human lives in EFCC cells.

Magu responded to questions on a report of the Department of State Services (DSS) which claimed that he corruptly enriched himself since he joined the commission in 2004.

He also dispelled claims that he accepted to stay in a house rented for him by a former Air Force officer who is currently facing corruption trial in one of the courts in the country.

The second rejection of Magu was based on another report from the DSS which maintained the same position that he would constitute a problem to the ongoing anti-corruption fight.

Announcing the rejection after an hour 30 minutes grilling by the Senate, lawmakers claimed that another report from the DSS again indicted Magu.

In the letter signed by an operative of DSS, one F.O. Adams on behalf of the Director-General, the Service said the only difference between the old and the new report is the cover note.

In the cover note of the new report, sighted by Ripples Nigeria, the DSS boss reinstated his earlier position, saying that the Service was standing by its earlier claims.

“We want to reiterate our earlier position that we stand by our report, dated 3rd of October, 2016. Everything in the earlier document stands,” part of the cover note of the new report read.

March 25, 2017

In a move that may have been aimed at justifying the rejection of Magu, the office of the Attorney General of Federation confirmed the receipt of the damning report of the DSS on Magu.

Ripples Nigeria reported it as follows:

The office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) is now in possession of the Department of State Security (DSS) report that sealed the fate of Ibrahim Magu, Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Magu recently failed Nigerian Senate’s screening for confirmation of his appointment, having been renominated a second time by President Muhammadu Buhari after a failed previous effort.

Buhari, rejecting the initial DSS report and relying on the advice of the AGF, Abubakar Malami, had told the Senate that Magu was without any blemish that could stop him from picking up the strategic portfolio.

However, the DSS, in a report laden with 12 documents, laid the facts of Magu’s breaches of the trust of office before the AGF.

Signed by Folashade Bello, on behalf of the Director-General of the DSS, the report noted specifically that:

“This is a copy of the confessional statement of Air Commodore Mohammed Umar (retd.), a suspect hitherto detained and currently being prosecuted by the service.

“The statement confirms his ownership of Valcour SA Nigeria Limited, a company awarded the contract of securing and furnishing an official residence for Ibrahim Magu by the FCTA. Investigations revealed that this was facilitated after Magu was earlier shown the residence by one Uche Aleka, a close business associate of Umar who was introduced to Magu by the former.”

Alleging that Magu was in the habit of sharing top secret documents with the said Umar, the report added, “This is a copy of progress report with reference number SH/COS/24/A/7277 dated 25th May, 2016 on NNPC/NLG Brass Investments Accounts in Nigeria commercial banks from Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Abba Kyari, to the acting Chairman of the EFCC chairman. The letter is an official/classified document of the EFCC, which was duly received by the commission as indicated by the stamp on the document. However, it was recovered at Umar’s residence.”

It concludes, “It has exposed Magu as a fraudulent officer and betrays the high confidence reposed in him by the President.”

March 25, 2017

Basking in the euphoria of denying Magu a confirmation, the Senate, through its then spokesman, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdulahi, released a statement, saying the upper chamber of the National Assembly had been justified.

Here is the report:

The Senate says it’s position on EFCC’s acting chairman, Ibrahim Magu, and why it refused to confirm his appointment has been justified.

Spokesman of the Senate, Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi has stated that the leaked report of the Directorate of State Security (DSS) sent to the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN, on the integrity of Mr. Ibrahim Magu has vindicated the decision of the legislative chamber to reject his nomination as chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In a statement he signed Saturday in Abuja, Abdullahi stated that: “Following several calls made to me today by journalists seeking my comments on the leak report on Mr. Ibrahim Magu which was more damning than the one submitted to us, I can only say that myself and my colleagues have been vindicated.

“From that report which is now public, it is obvious the DG SSS even tried to give Magu soft landing in the report that was sent to the Senate. The recent report is messier and shows that our decision not to confirm his nomination was right.

“We therefore call on all Nigerians to continue to have full confidence and trust on the Nigerian Senate as it discharges its responsibilities according to the letter and spirit of the Nigerian constitution”, he stated.

August 24, 2017

Magu’s problems was not just with the Senate, as he has had a number of spats with the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, who is supposed to be his supervising minister.

Malami on this date accused Magu of playing ignoble roles that led to the suspension of Nigeria from the Egmont Group.

Below is the report:

The feud between the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, took a new turn for the worse as the AGF on Wednesday alleged that Magu’s “ignoble role” was what led to the suspension of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) from the Egmont Group.

In a statement by his spokesperson, Malami alleged that Magu had frustrated efforts geared towards making the NFIU independent of the EFCC as required by the global body of financial intelligence units.

It will be recalled that following Nigeria’s suspension from the Egmont Group earlier in the year owing to what the group cited as lack of independence of the NFIU owing to perceived undue interference largely from the EFCC, the Senate hurriedly passed the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Agency bill which will grant full autonomy to the body, separating it from the EFCC.

The EFCC had criticized the move, interpreting it as a calculated effort to limit its powers, a position shared by some civil society groups but one which is opposed by the AGF’s office. The AGF had praised the move as a wise and timely intervention by the lawmakers.

This development is coming as Magu and Malami are still locked in bitter disagreement over non-release of requested corruption case files. Magu had despite repeated requests by the AGF declined to send over case files resulting in heated public exchanges, a situation which some say merely reflects a deeper issue.

Many will read these new comments by the AGF as further confirmation of his widely speculated long-held sentiments against the EFCC boss, and perhaps the clearest sign yet of a festering long-drawn fundamental disagreement.

In the statement, Malami observed that “the threat of expulsion from the Egmont Group” that might follow the suspension, “calls for a thorough review of the NFIU.”

He added that it also warranted a review of “the manner in which the EFCC leadership has manipulated and misused intelligence to the detriment of the fight against corruption and financial crimes in Nigeria.”

The AGF narrated different instances where Magu had frustrated bills sent by his office aimed at enhancing the anti-corruption fight and making the NFIU independent.

The statement which was titled, ‘EFCC ignoble role that led to Nigeria’s Egmont suspension’, stated in part as follows:
“…It is a sad tale to tell how the Acting Chairman, Ibrahim Magu-led EFCC has frustrated these efforts and even had to resort to blackmail in some instances oftentimes, alleging that the AGF and the ministry were all out to impede the government’s anti-corruption drive. Magu and other EFCC officials; and atimes through online publications; had at one time or the other accused the minister of trying to compromise the war.

“They have always perceived the Office of the AGF as a threat instead of addressing the issues related to the best strategy to fight corruption advocated by the AGF.

“For instance, during the House of Representatives Committee review session on 18th April, 2017, Magu vehemently rejected the new Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition Bill 2016 submitted by the President; which according to him, as reported by some national dailies; might prejudice President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-corruption agenda. He even went on his whimsical best by surmising that passing the bill into law now will affect Nigeria’s application for the membership of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). What parody!

“In likewise, the EFCC is now in a state of paranoia, as it dreads the effort of the government to have an independent NFIU which it has stood against stoically since 2006.

“As it presently stands, the NFIU members of staff are all deployed by the EFCC to serve in the interest of whoever is its current chairman.

“This has to stop if it must conform to the new thinking and global best practices. Nigeria cannot be an island of its own.”

It noted that the EFCC “cannot fight corruption in isolation.”

February 9, 2018

Malami was not the only minister that had disagreements with Magu or queried his work at the EFCC.

A former Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun had queried Magu on the figures the EFCC had been quoting in the media as monies recovered by it.

In a February 9, 2018 letter, Adeosun wrote to Magu: “This is to notify you of the records of cash asset recoveries in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from May 2015 till date based on information available to the office of the Accountant General of the Federation (attached),” the letter read.

“It has, however, come to the notice of the ministry of finance, the use of recovery figures in media reports by the EFCC that do not reconcile with the records of the ministry.

“You are, therefore, kindly requested to clarify where these cash recoveries have been deposited and provide accompanying evidence.”

June 19, 2020

In what many say may have been the final onslaught against Magu that led to the events of today, July 6, 2020, the Attorney General, Malami, in a damning report, accused Magu of several infractions, 22 in number, emphatically recommending his sack to President Muhammadu Buhari, who has solidly insisted on Magu’s stay in office.

Here is the report:

The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami, has written to President Muhammadu Buhari to have the acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Ibrahim Magu relieved of his office.

The AGF listed 22 offences allegedly committed by Magu, for which he should be sacked.

Magu has been in acting capacity since the National Assembly twice refused to confirm his nomination to head the anti-graft agency after the president sent his name to the federal lawmakers on both ocassions.

The AGF, among other things, accused Magu of insurbordination, and discrepancies in the figures of funds reportedly recovered by the EFCC.

He was also accused of disposing of assets, especially buildings seized from corrupt politicians and others, without approval, or knowledge of the AGF’s office, which is the supervisory ministry of the EFCC.

Although the EFCC boss is said to have supporters at the presidency, who have been speaking in his defence and giving reasons why he should not be sacked, there are feelers that the president may be forced to act on Malami’s complaints, and set up a body to look into the allegations against Magu.

SOURCE: https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/icymi-special-report-unforgettable-timelines-in-the-battle-to-sack-efcc-boss-magu/

stephanie11:
POLITICSNIGERIA.COM

Prosecution witness and victim in the alleged $25,000 (Twenty-Five Thousand Dollar) fraud, involving Senator Shehu Sani, Alhaji Sani Dauda, on Tuesday, July 7, 2020, continued his testimony before Justice I.E Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, revealing how the Senator who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District, knelt and begged him to alter his statement with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on how he duped him.

In a statement sent to POLITICS NIGERIA, the commission disclosed that Sani is facing prosecution on two-count criminal charge, bordering on name-dropping, influence-peddling and obtaining the sum of USD$25,000.00 (Twenty-Five Thousand United States Dollars) from Dauda, under a false pretence that he would use the sum to bribe the Acting Chairman of EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, in order to shield the plaintiff from investigation and prosecution and to prompt the Commission to arrest and prosecute the plaintiff’s estranged son-in-law, one Abubakar Musa.

Dauda, in his testimony before the court, said that Sani, after allegedly defrauding him of $25,000, came to his office, knelt, held his legs and begged him to change the statement he gave to the EFCC, concerning the fraud.

According to him, Sani made the entreaties in the presence of his brother, Dr. Ibrahim, who came along with him to his Kaduna residence. Continuing, Dauda quoted Sani as saying: “You are like a father to me, my mom and dad knew you for more than 20 years, and you’re also my godfather”. He said the Senator pleaded that he needed him ( Dauda) to change the statement because of his political career.

According to Dauda, “I then told him I cannot change my statement because I was the one who took the case to them (EFCC). Then his brother, Ibrahim told me that he knew one Permanent Secretary, named Shinkafi who is Magu’s friend and he will inform him about the situation and that he will get back to me on Sunday”. Dauda also said that, Sani assured him not to worry about what would be Magu’s reaction, claiming that the EFCC boss was his friend and that he would just call and talk to him.

“I was in my farm that fateful Sunday when Shehu Sani came and told me that Shinkafi said I should write a letter of withdrawal to EFCC, I then told him I can’t. Since that day, I never saw him again. He switched off his phones as I could not reach him. I then texted(sic) him three times but no response”.

Narrating how he later confirmed that Sani defrauded him, Dauda said that, “I contacted one of my friends, Murtala who knew the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and he confirmed to me that the CJN didn’t know anything about the matter, then I realized he has duped me.”

Dauda also told the court that when he was coming back from the lesser hajj, aboard Emirate Airline, en route Dubai, that he met Magu and told him about the issue, and that Magu said he knew nothing about the issue. It was at this point, according to him, that Magu advised him to meet his Secretary and write a Petition on the issue.

Justice Ekwo discharged the witness from the dock and adjourned the matter till July 8, 2020, for continuation of trial.

https://politicsnigeria.com/25000-bribe-shehu-sani-knelt-begged-me-to-change-my-statement-efcc-witness/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgfowFMqmPE

Alleged Fraud: EFCC Witness, Sani Dauda, Denies Giving Shehu Sani $25,000 As Bribe

Dauda, who testified on a two-count charge bordering on alleged bribery against Shehu Sani on Tuesday in Abuja, told the court that he personally took the money to the anti-graft agency because he was forced by the commission.

Chairman of ASD Motors, Sani Dauda, who is also a witness for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, has told the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja that he did not give $25,000 as bribe to Senator Shehu Sani to give the Chief Justice of Nigeria and EFCC Chairman.

Dauda, who testified on a two-count charge bordering on alleged bribery against Shehu Sani on Tuesday in Abuja, told the court that he personally took the money to the anti-graft agency because he was forced by the commission.

He said he told the commission that Sani had returned his money to him but the investigators insisted that he (Dauda) must bring the money.

The prosecution witness added that nobody was there when Sani collected and returned the money.

When asked if he was aware that offering bribes was an offence in the country, the witness admitted that he was aware but insisted that he did not give the money to him as a bribe.

He said, "When I went to EFCC, they said that I should bring the money but I said no, that it was my money and Sani had returned my money. But EFCC forced me to bring the $25,000.

"EFCC did not recover that money from Shehu Sani, I took it there by myself."

He added that nobody was there as a witness when he gave out the money to Sani and when he returned the money but insisted that people only saw him with brown envelope.

Meanwhile the defence counsel, Abdullahi Ibrahim, sought the permission of the court to tender a document containing a proforma invoice of $17,500 with a bank account of ASD Motors for the purchase of a Peugeot 508.

The witness also confirmed the documents and signature as his own when he was confronted with the evidence.

The court therefore admitted the documents as exhibit.

There was a little drama when the prosecution counsel, Abba Mohammed, attempted to interject the defence counsel during the cross examination but was overruled by the presiding judge, Justice Iyang Ekwo.

Mohammed also made efforts to put words into the witness’ mouth in the course of the proceedings but was cautioned by the court.

A new interpreter (Memuna Abdullahi Bulama) was also brought to court following the disagreement that ensued between the witness and interpreter on Monday.

The judge therefore adjourned the case until Wednesday, July 8, for continuation of trial.

Sani is standing trial for alleged name-dropping and obtaining a total sum of $25,000 by trick from Dauda to save him from a criminal investigation by the EFCC.


SOURCE: http://saharareporters.com/2020/07/07/alleged-fraud-efcc-witness-sani-dauda-denies-giving-shehu-sani-25000-bribe

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhhqcGaJdhY

Oil workers in black attire block Imo govt house to protest months of unpaid salaries

The Imo State Government House on Monday witnessed another blockage over the state government’s inability to pay salaries of some workers.

The blockage on Monday was carried out by staff of Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ISOPADEC), who were in black attires, to protest three months’ unpaid salaries by the Governor Hope Uzodinma led administration.

Recently, pensioners in the state had also blocked the premises of the state government house to protest months of their pension arrears.

The oil workers on Monday, who carried placards with different inscriptions, disrupted movements in and out of the government house for hours.

The angry protesters conducted their protest amid the presence of armed security men.


Even after the Chief of Staff to the governor, Nnamdi Anyaehie addressed them and assured them that their grievances would be addressed as soon as possible, the protesting continued their disturbances, insisting that except their three months salaries were paid, they would not vacate the entrance gate to the government house.

The Union Chairman, Chinedu Awuzie, who spoke to journalists accused the state government of being “wicked”.

“We are here to protest three months unpaid salaries. Our allocation does not come from the state government but the state government is holding the money meant for payment of salaries and for carrying out projects in the oil-producing communities.

”We had an understanding that from the 13 per cent oil derivation paid to us by the Federal Government, the state government should take 60 per cent and give us 40 per cent. But unfortunately, the state government will take its 60 per cent and still take our own 40 per cent,” Awuzie said.

SOURCE: https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/oil-workers-in-black-attire-block-imo-govt-house-to-protest-months-of-unpaid-salaries/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvQ-mlVh3Eg


The Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, has addressed the controversy surrounding the planned employment of 774,000 Nigerians by the federal government as well as the clash between the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo, and the National Assembly joint committee on Labour.

Both the minister and members of the panel were involved in a war of words at a meeting aimed at discussing the progress of the planned employment.

The National Assembly had in the 2020 budget appropriated N52 billion for the Special Public Works Programme aimed at employing 774,000 citizens, a thousand from each of the 774 local government areas in the country.

My Keyamo had accused the lawmakers of attempting to sabotage the recruitment process despite receiving 15 per cent jobs slots.

Speaking with journalists on Monday, however, Mr Lawan said the committee was right to ask questions regarding the recruitment process.

He said the National Assembly was conscious that the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) would be the agency to implement the programme.

“We know NDE has the capacity to implement the programme. So that programme is an NDE programme approved by the National Assembly.

“It is within the purview of our committees to demand an explanation on the process and procedure through which the programme would be implemented.

“So our joint committee was right. The committee was right to ask the questions. We are meant to interrogate the processes through which such programmes will be implemented,” he said.

Just like the committee, the lawmaker insisted that the programme be suspended “until such explanations are provided on how the programme will be implemented.”

“We stand by that. The National Assembly is saying that until the executive arm of government comes to explain how they will implement that programme; we passed the budget for NDE to go and implement because it has the capacity. Our purpose is not just to approve money.

“Only NDE will implement this programme. The NDE led by the ministry of labour will have to come and explain.”

He added that it will be unfair to say that the legislature and executive are not on the same page because of an action by someone in the executive.

The committee in a joint statement demanded that the programme be suspended until the modalities for the exercise have been explained to the lawmakers.

It also mandated its Committees on Labour and Employment to immediately invite the Minister of Labour, Chris Ngige, and any other relevant officials of the ministry to brief the joint committee on the modalities for the implementation of the programme.

SOURCE: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/401423-774000-jobs-lawan-speaks-on-controversial-recruitment.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHNprQ0B9Rk


Hushpuppi: Protest Rocks US Embassy As Nigerians Demand Forensic Investigation Of Atiku, Timi Frank Over Links With Alleged Cyber-Fraudster

Some Nigerians, on Monday, protested to the US Embassy, Abuja, demanding a forensic investigation over ex-Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, associate, Timi Frank and some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftains link to alleged fraudster, Raymond Abbas Igbalode, popularly known as Hushpuppi.

The group, under the aegis of Concerned Citizens Forum (CCF), numbering over 500 persons submitted a letter to the US Ambassador and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, urging a thorough probe of Hushpuppi’s political allies who are all in the PDP.

Recall that the All Progressives Congress (APC) had alleged “criminal conspiracy linking the top echelon of the opposition” to Hushpuppi.

According to the APC, ” the PDP leadership turned Dubai into their ‘Strategic’ meeting place ahead of the 2019 general elections.

In its petition signed by Comrade Adamu Kabir Matazu, the peaceful protesters called on the US, through relevant agencies, to investigate the connection between these high profile Nigerians and Hushpuppi so as to recover fully the proceeds of crime or make it difficult for such monies to be laundered in Nigeria.

The group reasoned that Atiku’s frequent reliance on cyber experts and reference to internet server and frequent trips to Dubai prior to last year’s elections may not be unconnected to Hushpuppi.


It, therefore, urged the US to go after Atiku, Timi Frank and other PDP stalwarts who through their actions and associations with the fraudster may have helped to launder the proceeds of crime.

Read full statement below:

Permit us to congratulate you on your appointment as the United States ambassador to Nigeria by US President, Donald Trump, and for the successful presentation of your credentials to Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari in December, 2019.

We are a group of eminent Nigerians with keen interest in building a positive image for our country through the promotion of credible best practices and exposure of acts capable of soiling the image of Nigeria.

In the light of the fact that we share common ideals of accountability and good citizenship, we wish to bring to your attention, certain facts that will further build citizens’ capacity for best practices.

Dear Ambassador, we are sure you are aware that within the period you arrived Nigeria and shortly before that, some of our citizens have been arrested for alleged criminal activities like cyber crime, internet fraud and money laundering in many countries in Europe, Asia and America including your country, the United States.

The biggest and most recent of such, is the arrest of Mr. Raymond Abbas Igbalode, the Instagram celebrity, also known as Hushpuppi and 12 others who are alleged to have scammed over 1.9 million people across the globe of over $35 million.

We commend the international community for the vigilance which has led to the arrest of these persons whose activities have deprived many of their legitimate sources of livelihood and brought shame to Nigeria.

Dear Ambassador, following the extradition of Hushpuppi and his associates to the US to undergo trial for alleged cyber fraud, we wish to offer our suggestions on how the investigations would be thorough to achieve the goal of exposing all those suspected to have either aided the fraud or those who have through their actions and associations with the fraudsters, helped to launder the proceeds of crime

This, we believe would ensure that all those involved in the crime are brought to book so as to serve as a deterrent to others.

You will agree with us, dear Ambassador, that all the global instruments on financial crime including FATF, clearly identity several ways in which proceeds from financial crimes can be whitewashed and presented as legit.

Some of these processes include association with politically exposed persons, channeling the resources through existing organisations and partnering with already established businesses.

We wish to inform you that since 2016 when Mr. Igbalode pulled his first heist and leaped into living a luxurious life of opulence, his major channel for laundering the proceeds of his crime have been through open association with notable Nigerian politicians as well as former and serving public officials.

Such meetings are usually presented to the public through videos and other photos of the event which are usually held in posh hotels or other expensive venues around the world on Instagram and other online media.

The aim of such videos and photos, Dear Ambassador, as you are aware, is to further scam the public by presenting such fraudsters and their ill gotten wealth as clean business men with legit income that anybody can do business with.

The photo and video shoots from such events serve as open endorsements of such characters, making it easy for the proceeds of these cyber fraud to be brought into Nigeria and to be accepted by unsuspecting members of the public as normal which further makes it difficult for investigating agencies to track.

We wish to report you, dear Ambassador, that some of the persons who have lent their high profile personalities to cover up for such shady transactions include a former vice president of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, a former senator, Dino Melaye, and a top member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Mr. Timi Frank and others.

Videos clips of their association with Mr.Igbalode have been posted and reposted on major internet outlets like Facebook, Internet and YouTube for all to see.

We have every reason to suspect that their open association with Mr. Igbalode (Hushpuppi), was not a coincidence as they are trying to make people believe, but was well planned to sell the fraudster to Nigerians as a legitimate businessman who associates with respected and eminent members of the society.

It is in the light of this, dear Ambassador, that we urge you, to use your good office as the representative of the United States Government in Nigeria, to call the attention of the US government of the possibility that the major accomplices of Mr. Igbalode are still roaming about freely in Nigeria.

We call on the US Government to in the bid to help fight cyber crime, money laundering and possible terrorists financing, to draw the attention of the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, Mr. Christopher A. Wray and the Secretary General of Interpol, Mr. Jürgen Stock to these facts.

We are aware that both the

FBI and Interpol have range of legal authorities that enables them investigate federal crimes and threats to national security, as well as to gather intelligence and assist other law enforcement agencies in countries outside the US.

Hushpuppi is known to have defrauded millions of people across the world and is wanted for fraud crimes in Europe, the United States and Nigeria.

We are aware that Title 28, U.S. Code, Section 533, authorizes the Attorney General of the US, to appoint officials to detect and prosecute crimes against the United States.

The investigation we are asking these agencies to carry out are clearly crimes against the United States as well as other countries and we are aware that the FBI, unlike many domestic intelligence agencies around the world, can investigate crime in other countries, more so as the investigative jurisdiction of the FBI extends to most federal criminal laws in more than 200 areas, including computer crime (cybercrime), embezzlement, money laundering, organized crime (including extortion and racketeering), piracy and hijacking, sabotage, sedition, terrorism (including ecoterrorism).

We are also aware that these agencies have helped in tracking down crimes in other countries.

We also know that the FBI has in the past worked with The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Nigeria, to identify and prosecute local partners of international fraudsters and had arrested 281 individuals, including 167 in Nigeria, for their involvement in fraudulent business email compromise (BEC) schemes.

Dear Ambassador you may wish to know that the EFCC in Nigeria, has said that details of Mr. Igbalode’s money laundering transactions involves many high-profile cyber criminals facing trial in Nigeria.

We are happy that EFCC is also eager to engage with the EFCC in tracking victims of Mr. Igbalode’s fraudulent transactions and other fraudsters having direct involvement with him.

We are interested in having these persons investigated because we believe they may have aided in laundering the proceeds of crime by Mr.Igbalode either directly or indirectly, which if established, makes them accomplices in the crime.

Our suspicion is heightened by the frequent visits of these persons to Dubai in the United Arab Emirate, UAE, where Mr. Igbalode was arrested, at the slightest instance, one of which was the celebrated meeting of the associates of the former vice president shortly before the 2019 Nigeria general elections.

Again, we have every reason to suspect that the frequent reliance on cyber experts and reference to internet server by the former vice president and his associates, may not be unconnected with their relationship with these cyber criminals.

We therefore call on the US Government to assist through the relevant agencies to investigate the connection between these high profile Nigerians and the internet fraudster so as to recover fully the proceeds of crime or make it difficult for such monies to be laundered in Nigeria.

SOURE: https://www.withinnigeria.com/2020/07/06/hushpuppi-protest-rocks-us-embassy-as-nigerians-demand-forensic-investigation-of-atiku-timi-frank-over-links-with-alleged-cyber-fraudster/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MW2uJJj-lA

Herdsmen/Farmers Crisis: FG, Nigerian Army Have Restored Peace To Most Warring Communities In Nigeria

A report by the Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CASJET) has hailed the Federal Government and Nigerian Army for halting the age-long farmers-herders crisis ravaging parts of the country.

The well-documented report detailed how President Muhammadu Buhari and the Army miraculously restored peace to warring communities to end the perennial clashes.

Barely a month after being sworn-in, President Buhari, in June 2015, constituted a Strategic Action Committee to look into herders-farmers crisis and make recommendations that would address it.

Without this intervention, the centre reckoned that perhaps the nation would have ultimately slid into chaos along religious and ethnic lines which would have in turn had a toll on the economy.

According to the report, from all available indices, no Nigerian community is under occupation by herdsmen even though the herders-farmers conflict has become more significant in recent times.

“Although the government had in the past taken some measures to address this phenomenon, the increasing desertification and the effects of climate change have further increased the drive for the herdsmen to move further south in search of grazing land and pasture for their livestock,” the report said.

“These southward movements always pitch them against farmers and the host community whose crops are regularly invaded and destroyed by the cattle during this seasonal movement. The result of this is increased conflict, death, displacement and the destruction of properties. However, because the phenomenon is a human security issue, there is a need for a concerted effort at state, national, regional and international levels to address the challenges, especially since there is no specific legislation that is dedicated to addressing the peculiar needs of herders and farmers in the country.”

Among others, the report, however, urged the FG to deploy more security personnel in “affected areas; ensure they are better equipped; improve local ties to gather better intelligence, and respond speedily to early warnings and distress calls”.

It further called for the freezing of enforcement and reform of state anti-grazing legislation as well as heightened herder-farmer dialogues.

“The Benue state government should freeze enforcement of its law banning open grazing, as Taraba state has already done, and amend objectionable provisions therein,” the report recommended.

“It should also help herders become ranchers, including by developing pilot or demonstration ranches, and conducting education programs for herders uneasy about making the transition.”

SOURCE: https://www.withinnigeria.com/2020/06/24/herdsmen-farmers-crisis-fg-nigerian-army-have-restored-peace-to-most-warring-communities-in-nigeria-report/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYl0C3Ka-LY

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have arrested twenty-four Yahoo Yahoo suspects, comprising twenty-three male and one female for cybercrime and other related offences.
The suspects were arrested for their involvement in cases of romance and online dating scams, generating and deployment of fake bank alerts, hacking and fraudulent wire transfers, cyber stalking and impersonation of high-profile personalities in Nigeria and across the world.

Exhibits recovered from them were 11 Laptop Computers, 37 Mobile Phones, 11 SIM cards of different telecoms networks, 5 International passports and 12 ATM cards.

Other recovered items Fake US Dollar notes and quantities of dry leaves suspected to be Marijuana.

Three of the suspects are brothers Emmanuel Ushie, 23 years old; Henry Ushie, 30 years old and a graduate of Statistics from Anambra State University and Matthew Ushie, 28 years old.

The latter was an OND graduate from Federal Polytechnic Oko.

The brothers were arrested for running a fake Frank Mba Foundation bank account with FCMB.

The trio used a fake Facebook account and then fraudulently operated the bank account to defraud innocent Nigerians of their hard earned monies under the pretext that the Foundation is raising money to help vulnerable Nigerians during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Investigations by the police operatives attached to the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) revealed that the brothers engaged extensively and serially in such frauds and other related cyber crimes.

During a manhunt of the fraudsters, Henry Ushie, senior brother to Emmanuel Ushie, was identified as the gang leader of the syndicate behind the scam.

He went underground as his younger siblings were arrested.

Following weeks of intense follow-up and meticulous investigations, the kingpin – Henry Ushie was arrested on 11 June at a hideout in Ihiala, Anambra State.

His arrest eventually led to the arrest of his younger brother Mathew Ushie, who is also an active member of the syndicate.

Further investigation revealed that Mathew Ushie was arrested in Ghana last year in a well-publicised bust of fraudsters.

In Ghana, Mathew and other international fraudsters used the name of the Inspector General of Police of Ghana, John Kudalor to defraud unsuspecting Ghanaian policemen in the guise of providing opportunity for them to attend United Nations peacekeeping mission using a fake Facebook account.

Information about his arrest and his parade before the press in Ghana is available on the internet.

Similarly, Henry Ushie had also been arrested in 2017 by the IRT for impersonating then ACP ABBA Kyari, the Commander IRT on Facebook and defrauding many innocent Nigerians before he was arrested and subsequently charged to Court for impersonation. He eventually got bail from the court and went back to same crime.

All the suspects will be charged to court at the conclusion of investigations.

Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Abubakar Adamu once again uses this medium to assure Nigerians of the continued resolve of the Force to rid the country of all forms of crimes and criminality including cybercrimes. He also urges citizens to redirect their energy to the positive utilization of the cyberspace, cyber resources and the social media, and shun their related negative influences.

SOURCE: https://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2020/06/22/police-harvest-24-yahoo-yahoo-suspects-3-brothers-used-ppro-mbas-name/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vw5NE0CEoRo


My new ideology in PDP is practical development, not sharing money -Obaseki


The Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki revealed on Saturday that his new ideology as he joins the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is to foster practical development and provide the basic amenities for the people, and not to share money as he was compelled while in All Progressives Congress (APC).

This is just as Obaseki was screened by the party’s screening committee to contest the Edo governorship election primary, after he was granted a waiver, on Friday.

Also, Obaseki disclosed that he submitted to the PDP screening committee all his educational credentials including secondary school, higher school, university and the National Youth Service Certificates, to end APC’s allegations of inconsistencies.

Obaseki, who arrived at the popular Wadata Plaza in Abuja, at about 2.40pm, was accompanied by his aides, and some members of his party from Edo state.

Fielding questions from newsmen shortly after he appeared for the PDP screening, Obaseki alleged that while in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), he was only being compelled to share money to political bigwigs, instead of enhancing proper leadership.

According to Obaseki, the ugly situation made him almost confused and prevented him from adequately attending to the yearnings of the people.

“My experience is that having served four years as a governor, I don’t see that ideological divide, it doesn’t exist. I think the focus for me is development.

“Whether you are conservative or progressive, it is expected that the outcome should be development. And unfortunately, I get a beat confused in the APC that at some point, I was being accused of not sharing the money.

“When we were campaigning against PDP, we said that the problem there was that they were sharing the money. So for me, it cannot be about ideology.

“At this point in time, it is important that I will provide string and correct leadership, provide a direction for the country and about our people, provide the basic amenities that they need, education, health care, good infrastructure, these are the things that our people are yearning for.

“These are the things that we are doing in Edo state today.So as a progressive or as a conservative, my ideology is about the people, getting the people to enjoy the benefits of democracy,” Obaseki stated.

Speaking on the outcome of the screening, Obaseki described the exercise as very professional and also said it was objective.

He said: “The screening was fair, it was very professionally done. You could see objectivity and I presented all my certificates, my secondary school, higher school, university, and my National Youth service certificate, so that they can look at it and see if there are inconsistencies in them and you can ask the screening committee if there are any inconsistencies in any of them.”

SOURCE: https://businessday.ng/politics/article/my-new-ideology-in-pdp-is-practical-development-not-sharing-money-obaseki/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erlZDzAMj08


The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, on Friday said the Peoples Democratic Party’s energy will help him take the state to the next level.

Obaseki made the remark shortly after he picked up his membership form at the party’s Secretariat in Benin City, the state capital.

Addressing supporters and party members, the governor promised to provide leadership that would ensure the party emerges winner of the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

He said: “I am prepared to provide leadership that will lead this party to victory. I am prepared to provide leadership that will not only put PDP into office in Edo State but as a ruling party in Edo State, we will make sure that the level of progress, growth and participation in the political system and our people is unrivalled in this country.

“I am very happy to be here. The reception I have received since I drove in here has been ecstatic. The energy I see in this party is the kind of energy I require to take Edo to the level we should go to next.”


Following his protracted disagreement with Adams Oshiomhole, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Obaseki had a few days ago dumped the party for the PDP.


SOURCE: https://metrodailyng.com/2020/06/19/why-pdp-will-help-me-take-edo-to-next-level-gov-obaseki/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-L_Qerj9cI

Indications emerged Friday that the Federal Government has released the sum of N4.5 billion to 31 Federal Teaching Hospitals and Medical Centres across the country to cover hazard and inducement allowances for the month of April and May.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, made this disclosure while briefing State House Correspondents, in company of the Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire and the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo, after they briefed President Muhammadu Buhari, on the strike by the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).

Ngige expressed optimism that the strike action embarked upon by the Resident Doctors will end soon.

The strike which commenced on Monday this week followed instructions by the NARD to its members to down tools over shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and poor remuneration for members as they battle the raging Coronavirus pandemic.

“Just this morning, before we went to see Mr President, the Ministry of Finance reported that as at this morning, 3am, they have paid the allowances for hazard and inducement to 31 teaching and Federal Medical Centres and specialist hospitals of the federal government service and they have expended close to N4.5 billion in the payment because we are paying them the arrears of April and May. The payment for June will also be done immediately these ones are sorted out.

“Again, it’s important to report to you that in consonance with what he’s saying, we have arranged a meeting for them to speak to the Nigerian Governors’ Forum because you don’t mix apples and oranges. The issue of health is on the concurrent list, so the federal government will do its own and the state governments will be expected to do their own. Some of their grievances border on what they feel the state governments have not done.”

Ehanire on his part said: “We hope that there is a solution in sight; what we have done is to brief the President of the country, who as we all know has the final responsibility for everything that goes on in government. Those of us who are Ministers administer our ministries and have to report to him periodically.

“In this particular case, it has been important to report to him how things have been because of the strike action of resident doctors. We have to report to him the implications and the possible consequences of such a strike action.

“He listened to us carefully. Of course he is not happy that it has come this way and we all hope that it would be resolved after all the demands that were made have been resolved.

“The Minister of Labour has listed those demands and how all of them have been fulfilled except those of them which are not within our ambit; if the Association of Resident Doctors has a quarrel with a State government the Ministry can put in a word for them but we cannot order any State to do anything.

“All those things that have to do with disciplinary action within the Ministry of health will be attended to and what we have also urged the resident doctors to do is to have some trust in the system, this is a government, a regime that has always lived up to its expectations and always met its promise and not lump all regimes together in one box,” he said.

Ehanire appealed to the striking doctors to return to work so as to save lives, especially in the fight against COVID-19 and other diseases.

The minister of labour, while reacting to a question on the strike by the Academic Staff Union of University (ASUU), urged the striking lecturers to embrace Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information (IPPIS) pending the resolutions of all issues on the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS).

He said the lecturers could migrate to UTAS just as they were moving into the Nigerian University Pension Management Company (NUPEMCO) after it was granted a licence to operate by the National Pension Commission (PenCom).

The federal government and ASUU had in March agreed to find ways of reconciling the two salary payment platforms – Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) and the University Transparency and Accountability System (UTAS).

Both sides said they had reached a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to settle the issues, which led to the commencement of a two-week warning strike by the university lecturers.

Ngige had said the March meeting resolved that modalities would be set out on how to merge IPPIS and UT.

https://businessday.ng/health/article/fg-releases-n4-5bn-to-31-teaching-hospital-says-nard-strike-will-end-soon/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhh5Zz5wovw

Another Video from Naira Marley’s drive-in concert which was hosted by KimOprah in Abuja, and has ignited controversy

There are more videos.... like the one below


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhh5Zz5wovw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBjzWWv9x-s

Atlanta protesters set a Wendy's on fire after police fatally shot a Black man at the drive-thru

On Saturday night, angry protesters set fire to the Wendy's fast-food restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia, where police fatally shot and killed Rayshard Brooks, the black man who investigators say grabbed an officer's taser and pointed it as he fled from police.
The protesters surrounded the restaurant and later made their way to Interstate 75/85 bringing traffic to a standstill.

Outraged protesters in Atlanta set fire to the Wendy's where police fatally shot 27-year-old Rayshard Brooks one night earlier.

Activists also shut down traffic on a nearby highway in response to the fatal police shooting, and police used tear gas and a flash bang to disperse the crowd, CNN reported.

The unrest on Saturday night came on top of existing tension between police and the Black community in Atlanta. Protests have raged throughout the city — and across the country — for weeks in the wake of the killing of George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis.

Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said at a press conference earlier on Saturday she did not believe Brooks' killing was justified. She called for the officer involved to be fired.

The officer had opened fire on Brooks after a struggle in which Brooks grabbed an officer's Taser. Brooks had been running away when the officer began shooting, but he had pointed the Taser at the officer behind him, according to surveillance footage. It's unclear if Brooks fired the Taser or merely pointed it.

The deadly encounter began after police received a complaint that Brooks was asleep in his car at the drive-thru, according to the George Bureau of Investigation.

The GBI said officers initially conducted a field sobriety test, and tried to arrest Brooks after he failed the test.

But lawyers representing Brooks' family said the GBI's account was false. One of the attorneys, L. Chris Stewart, said witnesses had told him that officers had not conducted a field sobriety test — instead, they appeared to be having a civil conversation with Brooks before they suddenly tried to arrest him.

Stewart also said Brooks had not been blocking the drive-thru line when he was asleep in his car.

Stewart said officers should merely have had a conversation with Brooks if they suspected he had been drinking, and avoided escalating the situation.

"Why was he even under arrest? You want to know how this could have been avoided?" Stewart said. "Talk to him. 'Hey, buddy, you fell asleep in line, you okay? Why don't you pull your car over there and call an Uber.' And then you walk over and then you leave. Why is that so hard for police officers."

Stewart continued: "He wasn't doing anything crazy or violent or harming anyone."

SOURCE: https://www.insider.com/atlanta-protesters-set-wendys-on-fire-after-rayshard-brooks-shooting-2020-6

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yetUKu3fw8

Naira Marley and KimOprah trigger an outcry after violating the presidential ban on interstate travel by flying out together, and hosting a fully packed show in Abuja in spite of the ban on public gathering over the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic

Nigerian singer, Azeez Fashola, better known as Naira Marley is currently trending on Twitter following a packed concert he held last night in Abuja.

According to the reports, the concert was meant to be a ‘drive-in’ concert but fun-seekers also known as the Marlians defied social distancing at the venue.

This has, however, left a lot of people asking questions on how Naira Marley was able to fly to Abuja since lockdown is still in place.

Recall that Naira Marley was also part of the attendants at the Funke Akindele and JJC Skillz house party at Amen Estate in Lagos, which took place against lockdown order.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPHISgBGJEg


Actress, Anita Joseph disagrees with married women who claim they were raped by their husbands after they told him they aren't in the mood for sex.
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In a video she made with her hubby, the actress opined that a woman's body is the food of her husband and should be ready for him when he needs to feed. She says the only time she would frown at a husband is when he assaults his wife just to have sex with her. She believes it is wrong for women to tell their husbands they aren't in the mood for sex. According to her, when a wife is not in the mood, she should just open her body and when her husband penetrates her, she will eventually get into the mood for sex.
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Tonto Dikeh, Uche Ogbodo and others however disagree with her. .

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-GfLtwNjO4

A Nigerian woman identified as Lady Monica who hails from Edo State has got herself trending on social media after she advised women to lock their irresponsible husband inside bottle.

According to the woman, she sells a bottle which makes irresponsible husband to be loyal to his wife.

In the now viral video, she can be heard saying;

“This bottle you can see is a very new one. This is a new business line that i am opening on Facebook. If you know you have a husband like ‘Efeyi Bright’, husband that is very irresponsible, husband that can disgrace in-laws, disgrace wife, disgrace himself, disgrace his tribe, husband that doesn’t have respect for women, husband that talk anyhow and your really sick and tired, but you don’t want to leave that husband house.

This is a fresh bottle i sell to lock husband, if you lock that kind husband inside here, anything you tell him, he will do it. I am that woman that locks women’s husband for inside bottle and when you lock him for inside this bottle finish you go dey shine.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvdHSGcT8e4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4eb9bRTB6g

Former anollywood actress Regina Askia in this video, shared that she has separated from her husband of almost two decades Rudy Williams.

She further exposed all the abuse, both domestic and emotional she had to endure while being married to him.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Jy4-mhZj3k

Nigerian men put cocaine on their manhoods to make sex sweeter and also get our women addicted - Kenyan socialite, Shornarwa

Kenyan socialite, Shornarwa has knocked down claims that Nigerian men are sexually active as they claim to be, while alleging that they ''intentionally put cocaine on their manhoods to make sex sweeter and also get women addicted to them.''



Shornarwa during an Instagram live video with media personality, Shaffie Weru, spoke about how several Kenyan women fall for Nigerian men, thinking they are sexually strong.

Shonarwa said she recently asked her followers to share their sexual experiences with Nigerian men, and she was left shocked by some of their claims.



During the conversation, she claimed one woman confessed that the Nigerian man she has been sleeping with is very good in bed, a claim which she said four other women countered, stating that these set of men deceive ladies by using other other things to make sex sweeter.



According to her, about four women confirmed to her that Nigerian men intentionally put cocaine on their manhoods to make sex sweeter and also get women addicted to them

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHDwxv0PEsg

Three unidentified men came out unscathed after they were involved in a ghastly accident where a container carrying goods fell on the car they were in.

An eyewitness made a video showing the men who came out of the car which was already compressed and mangled after the container fell on the car, in an accident which occurred at Liverpool in Apapa, Lagos.

The crowd gathered at the scene of the accident could not believe their eyes, they were amazed as to how the men survived the accident unscathed.

Social media user who shared the video on his page, wrote;

“Who says God is not alive? Who says God doesn’t do miracles?”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOHTkWK3Aws

Woman breaks into songs of praise and speaks in tongues after surviving car accident

A woman was so overwhelmed with gratitude that she broke out in worship and started speaking in tongues after she survived a ghastly accident.



The woman's car somersaulted but she came out unscathed with the help of cops and other people who were at the scene.



Immediately, she was brought out of the car, she began speaking in tongues and thanking God for saving her life.