Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa has announced that the Commission will soon sell to interested Nigerians, over 150 forfeited houses across the country.

The sale will follow the nationwide auction of forfeited vehicles and other automobiles.

Bawa, who spoke today, December 15, at a media briefing in Abuja, as part of the highlights of the activities of the Commission for the year 2022, said that the Commission recovered over N30 billion from the suspended Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Ahmed Idris. The Commission is prosecuting the Idris over alleged N109 billion fraud.

According to the anti graft boss, over 3,615 convictions were recorded within the period under review, saying that the government of President Muhammadu Buhari has been serious about its anti-corruption fight.

Bawa assured that by the time the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering (SCMUL) becomes fully operational, it will be difficult for money to be laundered in the country.

He said that the Anti-graft agency is currently vetting petition against some Nigerian politicians, adding that the Petitions Vetting Desk/Committee of agency, made up of experienced officers from the Legal Department, as well as those trained to investigate such petitions are currently reviewing them.

Asked if it received petition against any of the presidential candidates for the 2023 elections, Bawa said: “My question at this hour is, do you want to start inviting all the presidential candidates to come and make statements? The same media will say it’s politically motivated.

“So we are not, we are not, aah, we are working behind the scene in all the petitions we received to see those that have merits, so that’s why we are not politicising it.

“And that’s why we have what we call Petitions Vetting Desk/Committee made up of experienced officers from the Legal Department as well as those trained to investigate that will review these petitions to see whether they are in line with our own mandate before they will recommend whether they will be prosecuted by the EFCC.

“We have benchmark for it that we can follow, that guides us, you know, in terms of accepting or rejecting petitions, you know, as we also have a criteria which have even been publicised to guide petitioners on the requirements to make a petition to have merit.”

Department of State Service (DSS) has come out with the list of what are expected of politicians, media practitioners, religious leaders and other stakeholders to do, as the nation matches into Christmas festivities, and as the 2023 general elections knock on the door.
In a statement today, December 15, by its spokesman, Dr. Peter Afunanya, the DSS called on citizens and residents
to be of good conduct for public peace and order.
The Service pledged to collaborate with all stakeholders to maintain law and order across the country, advising community, religious and political bodies/leaders to preach peaceful coexistence, tolerance and unity as well as enlighten their members on safety measures during and after the season.
“This becomes necessary as criminal elements may want to capitalise on the festivities to wreak havoc or harm unsuspecting members of the public.”
The Service advised political actors to carry out their campaigns devoid of rancour and that they should play the game according to the rules of engagement. “They should shun fake news, hate speech, violence and acts inimical to national security.
“In the same vein, players in the socio-economic sector are enjoined to avoid manipulative tendencies that could result in undue price hikes, artificial scarcity of products/goods and situations that may lead to heightened tensions.”
On the side of the media and other non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the Service asked them to be objective and patriotic in the discharge of their roles.
“They should understand that the practice of their trade(s) could be more result-oriented in an atmosphere of peace.
“As critical stakeholders in nation building and national security management, they need to consider Nigeria first before any other interest(s).
“To sustain national stability, the Service will continue to carryout its duties and responsibilities in line with global best practices as they affect human rights and rule of law. “This is despite calculated efforts by some interest groups to create impression that persons arrested by the Service are either not taken care of or denied access to their families and/or legal representatives.
“It is instructive to note that the Service has a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on suspect handling. It considers this and general care of suspects sacrosanct and a priority. “This can undoubtedly be attested by those that had passed through its holding facilities.”
It said that for every suspect under its detention, the Service allows a family and/or legal representative, who fulfilled all the processes and clearance procedures, access to such a suspect.
“The public may note that the Service does not carry out illegal arrests or undertake enforced disappearances of innocent persons.
“It also does not operate illegal detention camps. Its operations and activities are rule-based and governed by transparent and accountable legal processes.
The DSS called on those who are opposed to its lawful position on issues to approach the court for redress.
“For emphasis, everyone is encouraged to live in peace and good neighbourliness but should, however, be conscious of his/her environment.
“People should desist from false and deliberate narratives and actions that may incite the populace against itself or the government.
“While the Service reiterates its partnership with sister agencies to ensure adequate security before, during and after the yuletide and election seasons, residents are advised to report any information of relevance to the appropriate security and law enforcement agencies.
“Once again, the DGSS, Alhaji Y.M Bichi, CFR, fwc, Management and Staff of the DSS wish all and sundry, fruitful and peaceful celebrations. Happy New Year in advance!”

A Kano Upper Shari’a Court at Kofar Kudu has sentenced an Islamic cleric Abduljabbar Nasiru Kabara to death by hanging for blasphemy.
The judge, Ibrahim Yola who gave the verdict today, December 15, banned radio and television stations from broadcasting works produced by the cleric.
The judge ordered the state government to confiscate the two mosques belonging to Abduljabbar, who is the son of late prominent Islamic cleric, Nasiru Kabara.
Abduljabar was charged in July 2021 by Kano State Government for alleged blasphemous statements against the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), an act described as capable of inciting public peace.
The convict was quoted as saying that he had no regret and that he would die a hero.
More to follow…

Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, Ambassador Ademola Rasaq Seriki, is dead.
According to available information, the Ambassador died in the early hours of today, December 15, at the age of 63, fighting cancer.
He was said to have been battling cancer of pancreas for several years.
Ambassador Seriki, a notable Lagos State politician, was born on November 30, 1959.
He was a Minister during the regime of late President Umaru Yar’Adua.
An obituary on Ambassador Seriki’s death was issued by his children in the early hours of today.
Source: Eagle Online.