An Imo State High Court Judge, Justice Fred Njemanze sitting in Owerri, has ordered an interim forfeiture of several properties, belonging to a former Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, accused of illegally acquiring them between 2011 and 2019.
The properties include Eastern Palm University, Ogboko; Royal Spring Palm Hotels and Apartments; IBC staff quarters allegedly illegally acquired for the purpose of Rochas Foundation College, Owerri; Magistrate Quarters, Orlu Road/Cooperative Office/Girls Guide, alleged to have been illegally converted to private use housing; Market Square, Kilimanjaro Eatery; public building plot B/2 Otamiri South Extension Layout given to the Ministry of Women Affairs for establishing a skills acquisition centre for women, alleged to have been illegally acquired for the benefit of Nneoma Nkechi Okorocha’s All-In Stall, Aba Road.
Other properties ordered to be forfeited in the interim,are Plot P5, Naze Residential Layout, initially part of Primary School Management Board but now annexed to All-In Stall, Aba Road belonging to Mrs. Nkechi Okorocha, and all the properties contained from pages 226 to 272 of the Government White Paper on the recommendation of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Land Administration in Imo state from June 2006 to May 2019.
The order was handed down following an application brought by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Louis Alozie, in a suit with case number HOW/191/2021 had Okorocha’s wife, Nkechi Okorocha, Incorporated Trustees of Rochas Foundation and Okorocha as the first, second and third respondents respectively, against the Attorney-General of the State.
In a motion ex-parte brought pursuant to Section 472(1) of the Imo State Administration of Criminal Justice Law No. 2 of 2020, Alozie applied for interim forfeiture of the following properties alleged to have been acquired by Okorocha illegally:
According to Alozie, the application was, among others, based on the ground that, “these public properties were converted to personal use by the 1st-3rd respondents and their cronies for which the applicants now intends to recover them in line with the White Paper by the Judicial Commission of Inquiry’s report.”
It would be recalled that Palm Springs Estate, one of the properties ordered to be forfeited, was the subject of contention between the state government and Okorocha, leading to a fracas on Sunday for which Okorocha and some of loyalists were arrested.
Muhammed Sani, popularly known as Zakwi, who took over leadership from his late father, Buharin Daji, one of the most dreaded bandits in Zamfara State, has swore with the Holy Qur’an that, henceforth, he would turn a good citizen, never to return to his past life.
Zakwi was at the Government House in Gusau, the state capital today, February 25 to surrender over 30 AK-47 rifles, 2 GPRP rifles, rocket launchers and a large cache of ammunition to the state governor, Bello Muhammad Matawalle.
The repentant Zakwi said: “I swear in the name of the Almighty Allah, I will never kill, kidnap or disturb the peace of innocent citizens of Zamfara State and even beyond again. I also pray God to guide me to live a peaceful life.
“A large number of bandits that are still living in the forests are willing to embrace the government peace accord and reconciliation process as we were all made to understand that, the present administration of Governor Matawalle does not mean to trap and harm us, but rather meant to restore peace and tranquility in the state.”
Governor Matawalle had earlier assured the repentant bandits of equal treatments without any victimization by any person or group of persons or individual in the state.
“My administration is committed towards making you live a normal life and to take good care of your children’s education, health services and their training with a view to build a bright future for them.”
The Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), Amina Mohammed, has said that Nigeria’s economy is moving in the right direction.
At a meeting today, February 25 at the headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment in Abuja, Amina Mohammed said that the challenges in Nigeria are huge.
Its population, she noted, is large but described the country’s economy as great, with a lot of opportunities.
The UN scribe said that after traveling by train and through various roads in the Northern parts of Nigeria, she discovered that the roads are motorable, with some undergoing repairs.
“This is a country that is diverse in nature, ethnicity, religious backgrounds and opportunities. But these are its strengths, not weaknesses.
“And I think the narrative for Nigeria has to change to one that is very much the reality.”
On her trips across parts of Nigeria, Amina Mohammed said: “what I saw along the way is really a country that is growing, that is moving in the right direction economically. Is it fast enough? No. Is it in the right direction? Yes it is.”
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Adeniyi Adebayo, told his guest that the Federal Government is working hard to make Nigeria the entrepreneurial hub of Africa.
He said that before the end of the first quarter of 2021, there should be a document on the government’s investment policies, as efforts are in progress to take Nigeria out of its mono-economy.
President Muhammadu Buhari has made it clear that criminals are found anywhere in any ethnic group and that it is unacceotable for people to embark on ethnic profiling.
“Criminals are criminals and should be dealt with accordingly, without resorting to ethnic profiling.”
I have already tasked the new Service Chiefs to devise new strategies that will end this ugly situation where the lives of our people continue to be threatened by hoodlums and criminals.”
The President, who spoke today, February 25, as he declared open a joint security meeting of the Northern State Governors’ Forum, Northern Traditional Rulers Council and delegation from the Federal Government, expressed appreciation to 19 Northern States Governors’ Forum for their contribution towards national growth and development
Buhair, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, said that he has directed the security chief to evolve strategy on how to deal with all forms of criminalities.
He observed that the nation is being confronted by various security challenges which he said, have continued to slow down the emancipation of Nigerians from poverty and economic deprivation.
“At the same time, we are confronting the various dimensions of security challenges that continue to slow down the emancipation of our people from poverty and economic deprivation. The Government shall continue to deal with insurgents, bandits, kidnappers and other criminals who constitute a threat to innocent citizens across the country.”
The former Governor of Borno State and a chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC), Ali Modu Sheriff, has begun meetings with state governors over his national chairmanship ambition.
Speaking to reporters shortly after meeting with the Jigawa State Governor, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, Sheriff said he cannot fully kick off his campaign for the party chairmanship race without consulting state governors.
“No doubt, governors of our great party – APC are the engine room of the party and one cannot do anything tangible without consulting them.
“Today, our party needs a resilient leadership that knows what it takes to salvage it and I’m a more committed person that would do just that.”
The former governor said that he met with the Jigawa State Governor because he is one of the top respected chieftains of the APC, who is known for his dogged commitment to the betterment of party loyalists.
“Whatever one is doing as far as APC is concerned in Nigeria, you have to consult Badaru because of his position among leaders in the nation and my ambitions could only be achieved if I consult governors.”
Sheriff, who held two hours meeting with Governor Badaru behind a closed-door, insisted that he is the best material to be the chairman of the APC.
Bauchi Governor, Bala Mohammed has accused his Benue counterpart Samuel Ortom of as carrying the unfortunate theatrics, for which he is well known, to a very precipitous level of brinkmanship
Reacting to Governor Ortom’s accusation that he is part of the terrorists that have been killing people across the North, Governor Bala said: “We want to state that Governor Ortom has carried the unfortunate theatrics, for which he is well known, to a very precipitous level of brinkmanship.”
He said that as a journalist and democrat, he conceded to Governor Ortom the right to reply, saying that through his unfounded and grave allegations, the Benue State Governor has over-personalized the matter, thereby reducing the debate to a level of toxicity that is neither healthy for the country nor helpful to the People’s Democratic Party, PDP.
”One of the main attractions of democracy is the freedom of speech which we relish very much in this country. That is why anybody can rise and make any allegation as they choose. However, as the legal dictum goes, he who alleges must prove.
“So, if Governor Ortom is not playing to the gallery, we challenge him to substantiate his claim that Governor Bala Mohammed is in cahoots with anybody to kill the Benue State Governor.’’
In the by his Senior Special Assistant on Media Mukhtar Gidado, Governor Bala Mohammed asked Ortom to provide evidence for his allegations.
Part of the statement partly reads: ”In our resolve to deescalate the tension that has gripped the country over the sacking of Fulani herdsman from Ondo State, we had resolved not to join issues with any other person over the position of His Excellency, Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, CON, on the issue.
”However, while standing on that resolve, it will be irresponsible of us to ignore two unfortunate claims made by the Benue State Governor, Dr. Samuel Ortom, at a press conference last Monday. During the conference, Governor Ortom alleged, among other things, that:
”Governor Bala Mohammed is a terrorist, sponsoring those he described as Fulani terrorist herdsmen.”
”And he, Governor Ortom, had received a letter from Fulani herdsmen to the effect that they were going to kill him (Governor Ortom) and that Governor Bala Mohammed should be held responsible if he (Governor Ortom) dies”
”We are therefore shocked that Governor Ortom could, in good conscience, address a fellow Governor whom, he had described as a brother, as a terrorist and who should, to wit, be placed under watch should anything untoward happen to him (Ortom).
Governor Ortom had alleged that Governor Bala Mohammed is a terrorist, sponsoring herdsmen, saying that he had received a death threat from herdsmen and that Bala should be held responsible if anything happens to him.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has said the nation was still losing about 200,000 barrels of crude oil daily to thieves and vandals.
Group Managing Director (GMD), Mallam Mele Kyari, alongside his top management staff, made this known in a meeting with the Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Lucky Irabor at Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
He commended the security agencies for their support and called for more protection for NNPC’s operational assets and personnel.
He disclosed though petroleum products theft on the System 2B Pipeline has reduced considerably due to support from the security agencies, the nation was still losing about 200,000 barrels of crude oil daily to theft and vandalism.
“We have two sets of losses, one coming from our products and the other coming from crude oil. In terms of crude losses, it is still going on. On the average, we are losing 200,000 barrels of crude every day,” Kyari stated.
Irabor commended Kyari for initiating the engagement, saying: “I am delighted that you made this effort, and I tell you that the Armed Forces of Nigeria will collaborate with you to protect NNPC’s assets.”
Major General Irabor, who acknowledged the significant role of the oil and gas sector to the economy, said there was need for collaboration between the NNPC and the Armed Forces to protect oil and gas facilities which he described as the critical national assets.
“It is my intention to cooperate maximally with you and to give necessary instructions to all officers in the Armed Forces given that our existence, economically, rests almost solely on the NNPC, and to that extent, we must do everything possible to give you everything that you require.”
A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the freezing of bank accounts and shares belonging to downstream oil and gas company, Rainoil Limited, and 13 others over a N1.6bn debt.
The 13 others affected include David Ogwu, Anthony Ezeh, Clara Rotzler, Vincent Otiono, Vincent Sankey, Victoria Alo, Preye Ogriki, Treasure Afolanyan, Chief Nwagwu, Peter Ololo, Gordons Ejikeme, Joe Idudu and Falcon Securities Ltd.
The Asset Management Company of Nigeria made this known in a statement today, February 24, titled: ‘AMCON Seize Assets of Deap Capital Directors over N1.6bn Debt”
The statement said that the order to seize the assets was given by Justice C.J. Aneke, adding that following the order, AMCON had taken effective possession of the seven properties as listed by the court through its Debt Recovery Agent – Etonye & Etonye.
Some of the properties include Plots 14, 15, 16 and 17 in Block 1B, Isolo-Ishaga Area, Mushin, Lagos State; Mile 3 Old Isheri Road, Ikeja, Lagos State; Plot 13, Block 65 Magodo Residential Scheme, Lagos State; No. 73, Femi Kila Street, Okota, Isolo, Lagos State; Plot 22, Block 91, Lekki Peninsula Residential Scheme, Lekki Area, Lagos; and Government Land Allocation, Lekki Peninsula Scheme II.
The statement read: “The court also ordered the freezing of the Bank Accounts and shares of the company’s directors namely: David Ogwu, Anthony Ezeh, Clara Rotzler, Vincent Otiono, Vincent Sankey, Victoria Alo, Hon. Preye Ogriki, Treasure Afolanyan, Chief Nwagwu, Peter Ololo, Gordons Ejikeme, Joe Idudu, Falcon Securities Ltd and Rainoil Limited.”
AMCON spokesperson, Jude Nwauzor confirmed that all the property as listed by the court order had been taken over by AMCON with the assistance of court bailiffs among other officials of the law.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has received a letter signed by 50 of Britain’s biggest music stars, calling him to implement a UK ban on the sale of real animal fur.
The music and film stars including Dame Judi Dench, Brian May CBE, Leona Lewis, Gary Lineker OBE, James Arthur, Thandie Newton OBE, Alesha Dixon, Ricky Gervais, Mollie King and Dame Twiggy Lawson
Animal protection organisation Humane Society International/UK which leads the #FurFreeBritain campaign in collaboration with other animal charities, is hopeful that a 2021 ban is possible now that the Brexit transition is completed.
Fur farming was banned in Britain almost two decades ago in 2003 as it was deemed too cruel. But since then Britain has imported more than £800 million worth of fur from countries including Finland, China, France and Poland, where animals experience severe suffering and distress on fur farms. This is a double standard that needs to end.
The letter which is also signed by Amanda Holden, Simon Pegg, Joanna Lumley OBE, Laura Whitmore, Natalie Imbruglia, Sir Mark Rylance, Imelda Staunton CBE, Deborah Meaden and Shirlie and Martin Kemp, reads: “As long as Britain allows the sale of cruel fur from overseas, we remain complicit in an industry that causes immense animal suffering, environmental harm, and also presents risks to human health through the spread of deadly viruses. It is not enough to say that we have banned fur cruelty from our own back yard, we must stop outsourcing that same cruelty from overseas”
Read the letter in full here.
The following celebrities have added their names as signatories: Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden, Amy Jackson, Anna Chancellor, Brian May CBE, Chris Packham CBE, Deborah Meaden, Evanna Lynch, Fearne Cotton, Gabrielle Aplin, Gaby Roslin, Gail Porter, Gary, Lineker OBE, Imelda Staunton CBE, James Arthur, Jasmine Harman, Jilly Cooper CBE, Joanna Lumley OBE, FRGS, Jon Richardson, Johnny Marr, Dame Judi Dench CH DBE FRSA, Laura Whitmore, Leona Lewis, Lily Cole, Lucy Watson, Sir Mark Rylance, Martin Kemp, Megan McCubbin, Mollie King, Natalie Imbruglia, Nicholas Hoult, Paul O’Grady MBE, Pete Wicks, Peter Egan, Rafferty Law, Ricky Gervais, Rula Lenska, Rumer, Sadie Frost, Scarlett, Moffatt, Shirlie Kemp, Sian Clifford, Simon Pegg, Sue Perkins, Thandie Newton OBE, Tiffany Watson, Tracy Edwards MBE, Dame Twiggy Lawson DBE, Victoria Summer and Will Poulter.
The stars have signed the open letter in support of the #FurFreeBritain campaign run by animal charities Humane Society International/UK, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (UK), FOUR PAWS UK, Open Cages, RSPCA, Animal Aid, Viva! And Brian May’s Save Me Trust.
Last autumn, Defra Minister Lord Goldsmith stated that “Fur farming has rightly been banned in this country for nearly 20 years and at the end of the transition period we will be able to properly consider steps to raise our standards still further. That is something the Government is very keen to do.” The campaign has also received cross party political support from 140 MPs who have signed Early Day Motion 267 against real fur imports.
Claire Bass, executive director of Humane Society International/UK, said: “Fur is cruel and unnecessary, and a fur sales ban would command support from the vast majority of the public, politicians, designers and retailers. This letter from some of the country’s top celebrities proudly backing a ban on fur cruelty sends a clear message to Boris Johnson that Britain must no longer be an accomplice in the suffering of millions of animals for frivolous fur fashion. When the selling stops, the suffering will too.”
Singer and songwriter Alesha Dixon says, “Britain’s decision two decades ago to ban cruel fur farming, has been an inspiration to numerous other countries that have followed our compassionate lead. But for as long as we allow fur to be sold in UK shops from animals who have suffered overseas, the UK is still responsible for fur cruelty. So now it’s time for us to show world leadership once again by banning fur sales. Britain’s got compassion, and with a fur sales ban we have the power to stop animals suffering for fashion.”
Comedian, actor and director Ricky Gervais says, “Banning the sale of fur in the UK doesn’t even require debate, it’s a no brainer. Should the UK be selling fur from animals who have been anally electrocuted, gassed to death, beaten to death, and may even have had COVID-19? No it shouldn’t, let’s get the ban done.”
Elisa Allen, director, Peta UK says, “The overwhelming majority of British people oppose the fur trade, in which animals are gassed, electrocuted, and even skinned alive. We’re calling on the government to seize this opportunity to take a stand against needless cruelty and be a world leader by creating a fur-free Britain.”
Hannah Baker, FOUR PAWS UK head of communications, says, “The UK public has repeatedly spoken out about their detestation of the fur industry. Today with the added weight of over 50 celebrities we are once again calling for an end to this cruel trade in which animals unnecessarily suffer, all in the name of so-called fashion. The Government cannot continue to ignore the calls for us to finally put animal welfare first and embrace more compassion in fashion by becoming a fur-free Britain.”
Heidi Allen, RSPCA director of advocacy and policy, says, “As a compassionate nation of animal lovers, we know it isn’t enough to simply ban fur farming at home. If we want to continue leading the way, then we must also say “no” to any activity connected with this barbaric, cruel and inhumane use of animals. The RSPCA is therefore proud to add its name to this campaign to end the sale of fur in Britain. Not only is it the right thing to do, it would also demonstrate our global and moral leadership as we strive towards a world totally free of fur farming”.
Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has described the nomination and appointment of 40 years old Abdulrasheed Bawa for the position of Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as a hope for Nigerian youths
Speaking during the screening of Bawa by the Senate today, February 24, before his (Bawa’s) appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari was finally confirmed, Senator Omo-Agege expressed great admiration for the young nominee for his articulation and composure which, he said, was peerless.
“I have not seen anyone as eloquent; he is a very brilliant young man. Within a couple of minutes he was able to showcase himself. That is why I like to begin by thanking President Muhammadu Buhari, this nomination is unique and is an aspirational nomination; it is a nomination that has generated hope for the millions of our youths in this country. With this nomination, the youth of this country can now sit in offices and make those very crucial and fundamental decisions on how Nigeria should be governed and there cannot be a better platform than the office of the chairman of the EFCC, I want to thank the president for finding him worthy.”
He then called on his colleagues to simply ask Bawa to take a bow and go.
However, this suggestion was shot down by the Senate President, Senator Ahmad Lawan who said it was important for Senators to grill the nominee, as such would afford him the opportunity to speak on issues and address all stakeholders and partners of the EFCC.
Bawa then took the opportunity to state his vision for the EFCC as he responded to questions by the lawmakers.
First, he promised to lead the EFCC by example and cut down discretion in the conduct of its affairs through institutionalizing a Standard Operating Procedure.
“What I envisage the EFCC to do is to ensure that we work on our own Standard Operational Procedure, to improve on our Standard Operational Procedures so much so that, all that is expected of us is written down somewhere in a document to curtail the use of discretion from the office of the Executive Chairman down to the ordinary investigator.
“We are looking forward to an EFCC whereby I as the Executive Chairman if I give an instruction to a junior officer, he will look at my face and say, Sir I understand your instruction but I will not be able to do it because of so and so Section governing the rules and regulations of the EFCC”
He said that he was interested in establishing synergy with other law enforcement organizations, both nationally and internationally, and aggressively pursue the repatriation of seized assets.
“I have talked on the issue of synergy between the EFCC and sister security agencies in the country as well as the work I envisage to do together with our foreign strategic partners. We are going to work on that, we are going to strengthen it. The EFCC is not a lone ranger, we are going to reach out. The job of fighting economic and financial crimes is for everybody to be on board, and we will ensure that because we don’t have monopoly of knowledge.”
The new EFCC Chairman expressed his desire to upgrade the skills of staff of the Commission through training, while also seeking the support of the lawmakers by way of appropriation.
“Regarding the issue of repositioning, I have talked about processes and procedures and the law, but the backbone of every organization is its human resource. I hope and pray that we will still come back to this chamber for proper appropriation to enable us build the capacity of our staff at the EFCC and to meet up with the current challenges and new typologies of crime as well as trends in money laundering so that, at the end of the day, our vision of ridding this country of economic and financial crimes is actualized.”
On the issue of management of recovered assets, the new EFCC Chairman said that going forward, the Commission will be more transparent and accountable, and ensure that finally forfeited assets are disposed of immediately instead of leaving them dormant.
He pledge to work with the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Disposal of Federal Government Forfeited Assets, to ensure the success of their assignment, while also pursuing a programme of digitalization to guarantee the fidelity of assets record.
“We have, of course, the lingering problem or issues bothering on management of assets, etc. We will embark on the digitalization of the processes in the EFCC. In essence, what I am saying is that we are going to embrace technology to enable us keep our records properly so that anytime Nigerians are asking questions, it will just be a matter of pressing a button”
In answer to a question, Bawa dispelled the allegation of illegally selling forfeited properties during his time as Head of the Port Harcourt Office of the Commission.
“I never sold a single truck at the Port Harcourt office; the head office handled that at the time.
“Anybody that is familiar with the processes of the EFCC knows that the chairman doesn’t have the power to sell an asset but the secretary of the agency. The former secretary and two directors came from the head office to conduct the sale.”
The EFCC boss assured that he would live to the expectation of the appointing authorities and teeming Nigerian youths who now look up to him as a model and ambassador.
“I am not unaware of the fact that my nomination has caused a lot of hope for millions of youths around the country, I want to state here that I am going to give them a good representation in the governance of this country so that at the end of the day, more youths will be given huge responsibilities in this country.
“Let me thank the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for finding me competent and deserving as the chairman of the EFCC and to also assure him and indeed Nigerians that the confidence he has in me will be proven beyond doubt at the end of my term in office,” he stated.
Bawa who is a certified fraud examiner and member of the America -based Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, and a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist, has also been trained by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI and the UK National Crime Agency.
As the fourth executive chairman of the EFCC, he is the first core staff of the Commission to occupy the office.
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Bauchi Governor, Bala Mohammed has accused his Benue counterpart Samuel Ortom of as carrying the unfortunate theatrics, for which he is well known, to a very precipitous level of brinkmanship
A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the freezing of bank accounts and shares belonging to downstream oil and gas company, Rainoil Limited, and 13 others over a N1.6bn debt.
