The Nigerian wife of the British national declared wanted by the security operatives over alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu has defended her husband, saying that he is wrongly accused. The wife told Channels Television exclusively, that the reason for her husband’s ordeal is far from the allegation of toppling the government being levelled against him by the police. She pointed accusing finger at a Nigerian for being behind the whole allegation to get her husband out of Nigeria. She said that the man in question is owing her husband and instead of paying him, has been looking for ways to throw Wynne out of the country to avoid paying his debt. “We have been together for nine years, eight years of friendship before we finally got married last year. “My husband is falsely accused. He has never been a terrorist. He is being accused because one Mr. Olumide is owing him and not ready to pay him. “The case is in court even now. So, he is just doing anything he can to intimidate and throw him out of the country. He is in UK because he came in and at the expiring date of his going back, he had to go back. If not for all these, he is supposed to be back maybe around twenty something of September.”
British national, Andrew Wynne, who has been declared wanted by the Nigeria Police Force for allegedly plotting to overthrow a democratically elected government of President Bola Tinubu, has said that he has never be on the run for whatever reason. In an exclusive interview he granted the Channels Television, the Briton denied any wrongdoing, stressing that he is more than ready to speak to the Nigerian authorities. “I am not aware that I am a fugitive. I am not aware that I am running away from the law I have been visiting Nigeria for 25 years. I have had a bookshop at the NLC offices right at the centre of Abuja for seven years and all that time. Of course, the security forces have paid no interest in me. “I only have one nationality and the name on my passport is Andrew Wynne with a nickname. I am more than happy to talk with the police, I am more than happy to have a discussion on WhatsApp or Zoom, I am more than happy to go to London and meet with officials from the Nigerian High Commission. If they want to start a conversation then I think that is more than adequate,” Wynne said.
The Nigeria Police has promised to give the sum of N20 Million to anybody that would provide information to the arrest of a British citizen, Andrew Wynne and a Nigerian, Lucky Ehims over alleged attempt to ‘overthrow’ President Bola Tinubu. Andrew Wynne and Lucky Ehims have since yesterday, September 2, declared wanted. In a statement, the police said that a reward sum of N10,000,000 awaits any person(s) with information leading to the arrest of each of them. Police are said to have launched a comprehensive investigation into the activities of a foreign national and subversive elements plotting to undermine the democratically elected government in Nigeria through unconstitutional regime change and orchestrating violence across the country. Force Public Relations Officer, Muyuwa Adejobi said in the statement: “Following extensive intelligence gathering and collaboration with other security agencies, nine suspects have been apprehended, who received substantial financial backing from foreign sources to destabilize the country. “Preliminary findings suggest they orchestrated and funded violent protests, disseminated false information, and engaged in other unlawful activities to create anarchy and justify their illegal plot to overthrow the democratically elected government. “Investigations have identified a foreign mercenary, Andrew Wynne (also known as Andrew Povich or Drew Povey), a British national, who built a network of sleeper cells to topple the government and plunge the nation into chaos. “He rented a space at Labour House, Abuja, for an ‘Iva Valley Bookshop’ and established ‘STARS of Nations Schools’ as a cover for his subversive activities. “Documentary evidence and confessions revealed that Andrew Wynne issued directives, monitored progress, and provided finance and operational guidance to achieve unconstitutional regime change in Nigeria. “He mobilized and deployed several billions of naira to his Nigerian collaborators, urging them to mobilize the public to violently storm police facilities and military barracks, anticipating a bloodbath that would instigate international condemnation of the Nigerian government. “These acts are in clear violation of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2011 and other relevant laws. “Since the commencement of investigations, Andrew Wynne has fled the country. He and one of his local coordinators, one Lucky Ehis Obiyan have accordingly been declared wanted and global hunting for them has commenced in connection with this investigation. “The ten other suspects already apprehended have been arraigned before a competent court of law on Monday, September 2, 2024, for Criminal Conspiracy, Terrorism Financing, Treasonable Felony, Subversion, and Cybercrime. “They include; Angel Love Innocent (Female), Opaluwa Eleojo Simeon, Michael Tobitoba Adaramoye aka Leni, Suleiman Yakubu, Buhari Lawal, Mosiu Sadiq, Abayomi Adeyemi, Abdulsalam Zubairu (M), Nuradeen Hamis, and Bashir Bello. “These acts are in clear violation of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2011 and other relevant laws “The force also appealed to the public to assist in any useful information that will help their investigations, saying if Andrew Wynne and Lucky Ehims are seen, they should be arrested and “hand over to the nearest Police Station, or to the office of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Department of Force Intelligence, Force Headquarters, Abuja, or call 08035179870, 09133333785, 09133333786. A reward sum of N10,000,000 awaits any person(s) with information leading to the arrest of each of them.”
The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of National Identification Number (NIN), Engineer Abisoye Coker-Odusote, has commended the National Population Commission (NPC) for accelerating and digitalizing birth registration in the country. Coker-Odusote, who spoke at the launch of the Renewed Hope initiative to accelerate birth registration in Abuja, stressed the importance of birth registration and the National Identification Number (NIN) which she said would foster development in Nigeria. She promised that NIMC will continue to be a veritable partner in spearheading the country’s social and educational re-engineering. “Birth registration is not only important for the individual; it is also crucial for the development of the nation’. Digital birth and NIN registration will scale up access to government education, health care and other social benefits not only to the child but to all Nigerians.” According to her, birth registration is a fundamental right and a key component of the nation’s developmental plans. The Director General solicited the support of civil society and international partners for the success of the initiative and added that NIMC would continue to provide seamless NIN registration for Nigerians, most especially children below the age of 16 years. Engineer Coker-Odusote thanked the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her support towards the success of the NIN and birth registration in Nigeria.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has announced that it will soon engage reputable and credible operations and maintenance companies to operate and maintain the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company and the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company, which are due to be handed over soon. Report emanating from the Company said that the initiative is aimed at strengthening the nation’s petrol supply and enhance energy security. The announcement was made through a statement on the NNPC Ltd. official X account yesterday, saying “The NNPC Ltd. is seeking reputable and credible Operations & Maintenance (O&M) companies to oversee the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC) and the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC). “The goal is to ensure reliable and sustainable operations to meet the nation’s fuel supply and energy security obligations. “The tender process for selecting these companies will be a three-stage process: Expression of Interest (EOI), Technical Evaluation, and Commercial Evaluation.” The circular stressed that the process will focus on maximizing cost-saving opportunities in consumable procurement, personnel management, and the use of advanced systems like Computerized Maintenance Management Software (CMMS) and Warehousing Management System (WMS). Inaugurated in 1978, the Warri Refinery in Warri, Delta State, is a complex conversion refinery with a nameplate distillation capacity of 6,250,000 metric tonnes per annum (MTA), or 125,000 barrels per day (bpd). The refinery complex includes a petrochemical plant commissioned in 1988, with production capacities of 13,000 MTA of polypropylene and 18,000 MTA of carbon black. The Warri refinery is strategically positioned to supply petroleum products to the southern and southwestern regions of Nigeria. On the other hand, the Kaduna Refinery was commissioned in 1980 to cater to the petroleum needs of Northern Nigeria, with an initial capacity of 50,000 bpd. By adding a second 50,000 bpd crude train specifically for the production of lubricating oils, the capacity increased to 100,000 bpd in 1983. Further expansions in 1986 increased the capacity of the first crude train to 60,000 bpd, bringing the refinery’s current nameplate capacity to 110,000 bpd. Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC) Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Spain, Alhaji Yusuf Yaro Mamman, will chair the 2024 annual conference of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), slated for October. The 2024 Conference Planning Committee chairman, Danlami Nmodu, mni, announced this in a press statement issued by the Publicity Secretary of GOCOP, Sir Remmy Nweke. The conference, Nmodu said, would be held at the Reverton Hotel, 1/5 Kunama Crescent, GRA Lokoja, Kogi State at 10 am on Thursday, October 3, 2024. According to him, the 8th annual conference, with the theme, “Nigeria: Tackling Insecurity, Power Deficit, and Transitioning to Digital Economy,” would be presided over by Ambassador Mamman, who was once national chairman of the Alliance for Democracy (AD). In his acceptance letter to GOCOP to chair the conference, Amb. Mamman appreciated the committee and entire GOCOP leadership for the opportunity. The former ambassador noted that with the evolution and growth of digital media, online journalism and convergence had thrown up many opportunities and challenges. “I look forward to the conference,” he said. Nmodu also disclosed that a keynote address would be delivered by a renowned technocrat and expert on the theme. He recalled that the GOCOP conference 2023 was chaired by the JAMB Registrar and Chief Executive, Prof Ishaq Olarenwaju Oloyede, while the first Nigerian Professor of Capital Market, Prof. Uchenna Joseph Uwaleke was the keynote speaker. Nmodu noted that previous speakers at the annual conference consisted of Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto who delivered the 2019 lecture on “Economy, Security and National Development: The Way Forward.” In 2021, Mr. Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, keynoted the Conference in his capacity as Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19. He spoke on: “Post Covid-19 Pandemic: Recovery and Reconstruction in Nigeria.” In 2022, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, delivered the keynote entitled “2023 Elections: Managing the Process for Credible Outcome.” He assured that preparations were ongoing to make the conference a resounding success.
GOCOP was established to ensure that online publishers uphold the tenets of journalism. Membership of the Guild is a constellation of editors and senior journalists who, having distinguished themselves in their various positions in the print and electronic media, ventured into online publishing which is both the present and future of journalism globally. The Guild has over 104 corporate publishers as members.
A new report by SBM Intelligence, titled “Grim Reaping” has said that Nigerians kidnapped by hoodlums paid N1.048 billion as ransom to kidnappers between July 2023 and June 2024. The report said that kidnappers across the country demanded about N10.99 billion in ransom out of which N1.048 billion was paid by victims, representing about 9.5 per cent of the total figure. According to the report, Nigeria’s worsening insecurity is driven by economic stagnation, leading more people to resort to kidnapping for survival as the pool of high-net-worth individuals shrinks. It said that kidnappers increasingly target a broader range of people, starting with high ransom demands that are eventually lowered to what families or social organisations can afford. It said that ransom paid reflects the purchasing power of Nigerians rather than the negotiating skills of the victims’ families. According to the report, Nigeria’s security challenges have grown increasingly intricate, marked by the resurgence of Boko Haram in the Northeast, the activities of armed gangs in the North-central and Northwest, secessionist violence in the Southeast and gang-related disturbances in the Southwest. The report said that amid these diverse threats, kidnapping for ransom has emerged as a pervasive and unifying concern. It said that between July 2023 and June 2024, “our research uncovered that at least 7,568 individuals were abducted in 1,130 incidents across Nigeria. “The states of Zamfara, Kaduna and Katsina reported the highest numbers of both incidents and victims. “Zamfara experienced 132 incidents with 1,639 victims, Kaduna had 113 incidents involving 1,113 victims, and Katsina recorded 119 incidents with 887 victims. “These states also recorded the highest number of civilian deaths. Over the past year, kidnapping has become increasingly lethal, resulting in 1,056 deaths across 1,130 reported incidents. “On average, every attempted kidnapping now results in a fatality.” The report noted that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) recorded the highest ransom demands in the country, with Lagos and Kaduna closely trailing. “An analysis of geopolitical zones reveals that the Southeast leads in both the amount of ransom paid and the rate of successful collections.” The report revealed a new form of payment demanded by kidnapper- in-kind payments from victims’ families, which vary by region. In the South, these demands often include food, drinks and cigarettes, while in the North, motorcycles are frequently requested. According to SBM’s analysis, women are more often targeted for kidnapping than men. While the South has witnessed only a modest increase in kidnapping incidents from 2022 to 2024, the North has seen a sharp escalation. “This year alone, the number of incidents in the North has exceeded the combined totals of the previous two years, indicating a rapidly deteriorating and increasingly unmanageable situation. “The worsening state of security in the country is affecting economic activities with agriculture the major culprit. “Farmers in many states, especially in the north, have been forced to pay to farm and even harvest their products. In some cases, farmers have been victims of kidnapping and have lost their lives in the process.” SBM Intelligence report said that over 1, 356 farmers have been kidnapped across the country from 2020 while another similar report noted that farmers pay up to N100,000 to kidnappers as permission to farm in the Northern part of the country. This has exacerbated the food crisis with food inflation reaching 40% this year- the highest in almost three decades.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has flagged off the third edition of the Vision First Programme, as part of comprehensive community-focused healthcare outreach targeted at the Ilaje community and its environs in Bariga, Lagos State. A statement today, August 29, from the spokesman of the Company, Olufemi Soneye said that the Vision First programme is a continuation of NNPC Ltd/ SNEPCo Production Sharing Contract commitment to advancing health and well-being within its host communities. The statement said that tough this initiative, over 1,000 individuals will receive free eye care services, alongside a range of general healthcare provisions. It said that the services include cardiovascular screening, BMI assessments, laboratory services, consultations, treatment of mild and chronic diseases, and distribution of insecticide-treated nets. “Since its inception, the Vision First programme has made a significant impact, with over 1,853 individuals benefiting from free eye care services. “The Lagos edition, which began in 2022, has screened 2,000 people, provided 1,199 prescription glasses, administered medication to 1,310 beneficiaries, and facilitated successful procedures for 189 individuals. “The initiative is also aligned with the Mallam Mele Kyari-led Management commitment of making positive impact in NNPC Ltd’s host communities and enhancing the quality of life for Nigerians through sustainable partnerships.” The statement quoted the Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (CUIO – NUIMS), Bala Wunti as having said that the Vision First Plus programme represents a commitment to restoring hope and improving lives within NNPC Ltd commour communities. “Through this programme, we aim to ensure that preventable vision challenges do not hold anyone back. By providing eye screenings, corrective lenses, surgeries, and general healthcare, we’re dedicated to bringing clarity and brighter futures to those who need it most,” Wunti, who was represented by Mrs. Bunmi Lawson, added. The statement said that the outreach emphasized the significance of proactive health management, highlighting that healthy eyes lead to a brighter future. Attendees were encouraged to protect their vision through regular check-ups, a balanced diet, and adequate rest. It said that the Vision First programme embodies the spirit of collaboration and the essence of giving back to the communities where NNPC Ltd operates. It also signifies the Company’s commitment to investing in social initiatives that leave a lasting positive impact.
A recent study has revealed that not less than 31.8 million Nigerians are experiencing acute food shortages due to escalating insecurity and the removal of fuel subsidies.
The Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning disclosed these findings, which were discussed during a meeting between the government and international development partners.
The report shows a sharp increase in food insecurity, with the number of vulnerable Nigerians rising from 18.6 million in late 2023 to the current figure.
The study attributed the food crisis to banditry, which has disrupted farming activities, and the soaring transportation costs following the removal of the subsidy.
President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which initiated the removal of the subsidy, is facing criticism for its impact on the cost of living.
The study, conducted by organizations including the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, highlighted the urgent need for intervention to address food insecurity and protect vulnerable populations from further hardship.
The publisher of Neptune Prime newspapers, Dr. Hassan Gimba has announced plans to commission three major projects in his home state, Yobe State. In an invitation letter sent to newsmen today, August 28, the publisher said that the event, which is scheduled to take place on August 31, will coincide with the wedding Fatiha of his son, Barrister Suleiman Gimba. According to the letter, the wedding Fatiha will take place by 11:00am at the residence of Mohammed Babate, Behind Water Board, Army Barracks, Potiskum. “Immediately after the wedding Fatihah, we will be commissioning the Hafsatu Gimba Ahmed Memorial School located at VIO Street, Unguwar Jaji, Potiskum. “This institution is dedicated to the memory of my late mother, aiming to serve the educational needs of our community.” Dr. Gimba said that as part of the launch programme, the Abubakar Monja Lifeline Foundation for Late Journalists’ Families, which he founded to cater to the families of journalists who have passed away, will be empowering youths it trained in tailoring and plumbing. “Additionally, I would like to invite you to inspect the ongoing construction of the Lami Fatima Babare Cancer Outreach and Clinic situated nearby, also in Unguwar Jaji. “The clinic is an initiative of the Lami Fatima Babare Cervical Cancer Foundation, which was founded in 2020 – in memory of my late wife, Lami Fatima Babare – to provide medical services and referrals to cancer patients.”
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