Court Orders Arrest Of Ex Customs Boss, Dikko, For Alleged Contempt

February 17, 2020

A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of former Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Abdullahi Inde Dikko over his continued failure to attend court to answer to a charge of fraud brought against him and two others by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC).

Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu, while ordering Dikko’s arrest today, February 17, said that his lawyer, Solomon Akuma (SAN) who, on the last adjourned date, undertook to ensure that his client attend court today, only turned around to present a medical report, claiming Dikko was critically ill and on admission in London.
Justice Ojukwu noted that Dikko’s address, as shown on the medical report – No: N6 Amhed Musa Crescent Jabi, Abuja – did not support his lawyer’s claim that Dikko was on admission in a London hospital.
The judge however noted that should the prosecution, in executing the bench warrant discovers that Dikko is actually on admission in a London hospital, the execution shall be suspended.
The judge added that otherwise, the prosecution should arrest Dikko and produce him in court on March 16, 2020 which is the next adjourned date for arraignment.
In the charge marked: “FHC/ABJ/CR/21/2019, Dikko is named with two others – a former Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Finance, Administration and Technical Services, Garba Makarfi and Umar Hussaini, a lawyer and owner of Capital Law firm – as defendants.
Dikko, Makarfi and Hussaini are, among others, accused of inducing the Managing Director of Cambial Limited, Yemi Obadeyi, to pay N1.1 billion (N1,100, 952,380.96) into the account of Capital Law Office as a refundable “completion security deposit” for the purchase of 120 units of duplexes as residential accommodation for officers of the Nigeria Customs Service.
Hussaini was said to have distributed the money into various other bank accounts and for his part in the deal, he was rewarded with the sum of $3 million.

Ex Minister Diezani Stole Over $2.5 Billion, Being Protected From Extradition From UK – EFCC Boss

Editorial staff

February 17, 2020

Acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu has alleged that Diezani Allison-Madueke, Minister of Petroleum Resources under the regime of President Goodluck Jonathan stole over $2.5 billion from the nation’s coffers, even as he said that she is currently being protected from being extradited from the United Kingdom.

Speaking at a press conference in Kaduna today, February 17, Magu said: “I was in London this year, we did investigation together with the UK team, and anywhere I go I always call for extradition of corrupt Nigerians to return the money.

“This woman has stolen so much, not less than 2.5 billion dollars, but unfortunately she has generation of looters who are supporting her. This is not good.

“We are in touch with the international community, she is under protective custody, otherwise, we would have arrested her, returned her to Nigeria.

“We will not allow corruption to work here in Nigeria because it is destructive and disastrous. We blocked several accounts.”

In 2017, a federal high court in Lagos ordered the forfeiture of N7.6 billion allegedly linked to her to the federal government.

A federal high court in Abuja had later threatened to strike out fraud charges brought against Alison-Madueke over the continued absence of the accused.

How To Beat Malevolent Minds Flying Fake News – Presidency

Editorial staff

February 17, 2020

The Presidency has cautioned Nigerians against the flood of fake news that have been flying around the country in various social and some conventional media.

The Presidency has therefore offered solutions on “how we can all collectively beat the malevolent minds at their pernicious games.”

In a statement today, February 17, titled: Beware of Merchants of the Fake News on the Prowl, special adviser to the President on media and publicity, Femi Adesina, said that purveyors of fake and concocted Information are currently on overdrive, “and Nigerians are urged to be careful what they consume as news, and also share with others, particularly from the social media.”

Adesina said that an unfounded information has been making the rounds that President Muhammadu Buhari is billed to travel to the United Kingdom for 20 days, and from there proceed to Saudi Arabia, and then Austria.

“Fake. It is nothing but falsehood from mischievous minds.

“Members of the First Family, Ministers, top government officials, the military, and other key institutions, are equally objects of this orchestrated falsehood, coming from enemies of national cohesion.

“We urge Nigerians to be discriminatory about what they accept as credible information, and restrain themselves from sharing what they have not authenticated as genuine.”

Alleged Corruption: Buhari Orders Suspension Of Broadcasting Commission Boss

Editorial staff

February 15, 2020

President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the immediate suspension of Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Modibbo Kawu.
The suspension is coming months after an ongoing prosecution of Kawu by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) for alleged corruption.
Information reaching us said that the most senior Director in the Commission has been directed to take over from the suspended DG.
A source in the NBC confirmed that Armstrong Idachaba, Director, Broadcast Monitoring has been given the nod to act pending the outcome of the case.
The anti-graft agency had urged the federal government to suspend Kawu and 32 other public officers/civil servants undergoing corruption trial at the time.
ICPC is prosecuting Mr Kawu for “using (his) position to confer corruption advantage.”
The Commission on May 2 arraigned Kawu and two others, Dipo Onifade and Lucky Omoluwa, over alleged N2.5 billion fraud.
They are being prosecuted on 12-count charges, allegedly conspired with each other to use the position of Mr Kawu to confer a corrupt advantage on Mr Omoluwa, his friend and associate.
The trio pleaded not guilty and were granted bail.
The anti-graft also agency charged Kawu for allegedly ‘deceiving’ Mr Mohammed to sign the deal.
Kawu allegedly asked Mohammed to approve payment of N2.5 billion to Pinnacle Communications Ltd owned by Mr Omoluwa as “Seed Grant” under the Digital Switch-Over Programme of the federal government.

Saudi Fighter Jet Crashes In Yemen, Rebels Take Responsibility

Editorial staff

February 15, 2020

A Saudi fighter jet crashed in conflict-torn Yemen, the Riyadh-led military coalition supporting the government announced Saturday, as the Iran-backed Huthi rebels said they downed the plane.
The Tornado aircraft came down on Friday in northern Al-Jawf province during an operation to assist Yemeni government forces, the coalition said in a statement carried by the official Saudi Press Agency.
It did not specify the fate of the crew or the cause of the crash.
The Huthis’ Al-Masirah television said the jet was downed by the rebels using an “advanced surface-to-air missile”.
The insurgents reported multiple coalition air strikes on Saturday in the Huthi-controlled area where the plane went down as local residents gathered near the wreckage, according to Al-Masirah.
The bombing raids left “dozens” of people dead or wounded, Al-Masirah added, a claim that could not be immediately verified by local aid workers.
The coalition intervened against the Huthis in 2015, first with air and naval forces and later with ground forces as well.
The fighting has killed tens of thousands of people, most of them civilians, and sparked what the United Nations calls the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.
The coalition has been widely criticised for the high civilian death toll from its bombing campaign, which has prompted some Western governments to cut arms deliveries to the countries taking part.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE have purchased billions of dollars’ worth of weapons from the United States, France and Britain.
On Wednesday, the coalition said it would put on trial military personnel suspected of being behind deadly air strikes on Yemeni civilians.
The cases being investigated include a 2018 air strike on a school bus in the northern region of Dahyan that killed at least 40 children, Saudi-based Arab News said.

Source: AFP.

Presidency Accuses PDP Of Moves To Embarrass Buhari’s Govt, Cautions Media Against Being Used As Tool

Editorial staff

February 15, 2020

The Presidency has accused the main opposition political party, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and a section of the political class of moves they have been making to embarrass the government of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The presidency also cautioned the media against being used by such political class to carry misleading stories meant to incite Nigerians to stage protests against the heads of military institutions.

In a statement today, February 15, senior special assistant to the President on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu said that there have been reports that about two thousand men and women have been hired to demonstrate against Nigeria’s service chiefs on Monday, February 17.

“This imminent gathering is the latest in a series of demonstrations orchestrated by the opposition to embarrass the government of President Muhammadu Buhari.

“As part of this overall scheme, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, with its belligerent politics, has been marching from one embassy to the other in protest against the Buhari administration and the nation’s highest court of justice, the Supreme Court. They are keen to give the impression that Nigerians are in support of them as they take to the streets, and they will go to any length to promote this false narrative.

“The recent incident in Maiduguri, Borno State, where an overwhelmingly cheering crowd gathered to welcome President Buhari, while a handful were recorded booing him, is a part this elaborate scheme. It is misleading, as some analysts have tried to do, to read this as verdict against President Buhari, who emerged winner with 94 per cent of the votes cast in the Presidential election in the state in February last year.

“This was clearly a hired few, but the news was promoted by the opposition who had of course positioned themselves to record the booing – all just to embarrass the President.

We urge the media to remain unbiased and discerning in their reporting, instead of becoming unwitting tools in the hands of the opposition.

“A group of politicians and beneficiaries of the Boko Haram insurgency is right now paying for people to join their planned protest against our country’s service chiefs, and they will no doubt seek the media’s collaboration on this as usual.

“But there is news and there is promoted content – two very different things, one of which should never make the headlines as these recent fake protests have done.”

Be Prepared To Die, Air Force Chief Tells 2,070 Graduands Trained To Tackle Insurgents, Bandits, Others

Editorial staff

February 15, 2020

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has asked 2,070 recruits who have just been trained and graduated from Basic Military Training Course 40 to be prepared to pay the supreme price for Nigeria as they go out to join In the right with Boko Haram insurgents, bandits and other criminal elements.

Speaking today, February 15 at the passing out parade of the recruits in Kaduna State, the air force chief said that the new personnel were recruited to boost the fight against insurgency, banditry, and other related crimes in the country.
Abubakar reminded the graduands about the duties of protecting the territorial integrity of the nation, and to also submit to both civil and military authorities at all times.
He announced that his administration would always place a high priority on the welfare and capacity building of officers and men of the service.
The passing out parade marks the end of the six-month training of the new recruits after they were carefully selected for the drill at the Nigerian Air Force Military Training Centre in Kaduna.
It also comes ahead of their deployment to the front line, thereby bridging the manpower gap in the service.
As part of the effort to prepare the young airmen and airwomen for the task ahead and in pursuance of the service’s mission-oriented force development, the curriculum for their course was reviewed with the introduction of internal security module.
At the event, awards were presented to recruits who distinguished themselves in the course of the training.

President Of World Methodist Council Prays For Peace In Nigeria

Editorial staff

February 15, 2020

President of the World Methodist Council, Rev. Dr. Jong Chun Park has prayed for peace and religious to reign in Nigeria.

Rev Jong Chun, who led a delegation of the Church on a courtesy visit to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo today, February 14 at the presidential villa in Abuja, commended the role played by the Vice President in promoting religious harmony through his numerous engagements and activities across the country.
He prayed for the country and its leadership, expressing optimism that the leadership and wisdom exhibited by the Vice President would enable Nigeria to achieve its objectives.
“I feel touched by your harmonized way of governance. May God bless President Buhari and you, the Vice President.”
Dr. Park further prayed that God will bless Nigeria, “and all Christians and our Islamic brothers and sisters to live together in harmony, peace and love.”
This was even as the Methodist Prelate who introduced Rev Park both as a priest and University Professor expressed satisfaction with the work of the Vice President saying: “we are proud of you” adding that this is also “because you attended our school.”
He was referring to Igbobi College which was founded by both the Methodist and Anglican Churches.
Responding, Vice President Osinbajo said that the responsibility to ensure harmony amongst people of different religious and ethnic backgrounds in Nigeria and elsewhere depends largely on the contributions and sacrifices of faith leaders.
He said that the Methodist Church in Nigeria had played an important role in maintaining harmony in the country, adding: “in most societies that have been seamless, you will realize that a lot of it has had to do with what men and women of God did.
“I think that the role of the church in bringing that harmony is crucial. The political leadership is one, but the solutions to the world’s deepest problem lies in Gospel and I believe that we as the body of Christ hold the key to several of the problems.
“So, the question is how we deploy the resources that God gave to us to unite people. Obviously, it requires tremendous sacrifice and it is really about the sacrifices that we are prepared to make.”
On the need for collaboration between government and other stakeholders in promoting harmonious coexistence in Nigeria, the Vice President said: “I believe that religious harmony is possible and it is our duty to promote same.”
He thanked the visiting global religious leader for underscoring the important point, saying: “we should try and bring our communities together. We have a large Muslim and large Christian populations, and we can’t do anything without collaboration. Religious leaders can’t wish that away.
“Our Constitution guarantees religious freedom not just in words but in practice in Nigeria, again it is a duty that we accept this reality.
“Despite all the various challenges that we face as a country, we are all resolved that this country is one that is fair for all, that there is justice, equity and that we give everyone a chance to realize the objectives that they set for themselves,” the Vice President added.
He commended the contributions of the Methodist Church in the development of society noting that “the Church has not just contributed to the salvation of souls, but also to human capacity development, education, and health care.

Against Tradition, Nnamdi Kanu Absent At Burial Of Parents In Abia

Editorial staff

February 14, 2020

The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu was absent at the burial ceremony of his parents, Eze Israel Okwu Kanu and Ugoeze Sally Kanu today, February 14.

The burial was held at Isiama Afaraukwu community in Umuahia North local government area of Abia State.

Nnamdi Kanu was supposed to have taken charge of burial ceremony as the first son, according to the customs and traditions of the community, but the fear of being arrested by the security operatives after being declared wanted by the federal government may have prevented him from being present at the burial ceremony.

Some IPOB members said that they would have been happier if their leader was able to attend the parents burial.

However, Kanu’s younger brothers; Prince Emmanuel and Kanuta were in attendance.

Also in attendance were the Senate Miniority leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Senator Victor Umeh, former National Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), former Anambra State and Atiku Abubakar’s vice Presidential candidate in the 2019 election, Peter Obi, former Speaker Abia State House of Assembly and onetime Umuahia/Ikwuano federal House of Representatives member, Rt. Hon. Stanley Ohajuruka, l Chief Tony Ukasoanya; Abia State PDP pioneer chairman, Chief Empire Kanu and among others.

There was no presence of military personnel around the Isiama Afaraukwu community, though there was deployment of Police personnel at different entrance and exit routes of the community in an apparent move to forestall any breakdown of law and order.

Atiku To Supreme Court Judges: Be Just, No Matter Whose Ox Is Gored

Editorial staff

February 13, 2020

Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 election, Atiku Abubakar has encouraged Supreme Court judges in the country to be just in their ruling no matter whose ox is gored.

Atiku, who was reacting to today’s, February 13 judgement that removed the governor-elect under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and handing it over to the candidate, said: “I urge the Supreme Court to show consistency in its judgments and find the resolve to always deliver just judgments no matter whose ox is gored.

“The people of Nigeria are behind the apex court in whatever they do to free themselves from the dominance of dictatorial forces.”

Atiku said that he is fully satisfied that the PDP candidate, Senator Douye Diri, who has been declared as the duly elected Governor of the state, has what it takes to make Bayelsa the ‘glory of all lands’.

“I congratulate Senator Douye Diri and his running mate, Mr. Lawrence Ewhrujakpor. I also felicitate with the Peoples Democratic Party. The Lords Justices have given us another opportunity to show Nigerians that power belongs to the people, and we must make good use of this opportunity.

“I call on all the people of Bayelsa to make peace with the recent past, and embrace the future together, united in the mission to transform the state into a haven of peace and prosperity.”

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