Wema Bank Denies N1.7bn Money Laundering Allegation

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April 25, 2022

Wema Bank Denies N1.7bn Money Laundering Allegation

The allegation of money laundering and bribery involving members of Wema Bank has been debunked.

The allegation was denied by the bank in a statement issued on Sunday.

Earlier the bank was accused of being involved in money laundering to the tune of N1.7 billion, and a case was instituted in a Lagos magistrates court in February 2022.

However, the case, which had Isaac Adewole, the managing director of Shibahwells Energy, and Kingsley Ananwude, a staff member of Wema Bank, as defendants, was struck out over “lack of merit”.
Speaking on the development, the bank said its attention was drawn to recent reports on the allegation, adding that the reports were false, lacked merit, and aimed to malign its workers.

“The bank wishes to state categorically that there is no merit in the article, and it is a malicious publication against members of our staff and the bank’s customer,” the statement reads.

“The said allegations are being peddled by an aggrieved third party, who voluntarily released his property to be used as part of the collateral to secure a loan obtained by the bank’s customer.
“Specifically, on Tuesday, March 15, 2022, the case no. MIK/B/6/2022–Commissioner of Police vs. Adewole Isaac and Kingsley Ananwude, for alleged stealing and money laundering involving N1.7 billion was struck out by Magistrate A.O. Layinka of the Magistrates Court, Ikeja, and the defendants discharged following the legal advice from the office of the director of public prosecution (DPP), Lagos State that no prima facie case has been established against the defendants.

“We urge the general public to ignore the false information being circulated. The bank has already engaged its solicitors to institute appropriate legal action.”

PRP Cautions Public On Fraudulent Nomination Fees In Circulation

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Munachi

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April 25, 2022

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Nigeria’s Electoral System Has Been Monetized – PRP — Peoples Redemption Party

PRP Cautions Public On Fraudulent Nomination Fees In Circulation — Peoples Redemption Party

The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has cautioned the public on fraudulent nomination fees in circulation, describing a circular pegging its nomination fees for elective public offices at a certain amount as fraudulent.

National Chairman of the PRP, Falalu Bello in a statement in Abuja on Monday, said the purported fees were N500,000 and N200,000 for presidential and governorship positions.

“N100,000 and N80,000 for Senatorial and House of Representatives; while N70,000 is for House of Assembly seats.”

He said: “The attention of the PRP has been drawn to a fraudulent circular designed and circulated by some duplicitous elements that intend to scam unsuspecting members of the public.

“For the records, this crooked circular did not emanate from the PRP. It is a handiwork of mischief makers who are bent on creating confusion so as to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.

“The party, therefore, cautions the public on the said publication.”

Bello explained that in compliance with the notice of the 2023 general elections released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the PRP on April 16, published guidelines for the sale and cost of its forms.

He said the cost of the nomination forms was: House of Assembly-N100, 000; House of Representatives- N250,000; Senate– N1,500,000; Governor-N2,500,000 and President-N10,000,000.

“It was further clarified in the guidelines as released by the party that in addition to the cost of nomination forms, each aspirant will be required to pay five percent of the nomination form fee, for the expression of interest form.

“All aspirants living with disabilities shall be offered nomination and expression of interest forms of the party free of charge.

“All female aspirants will be charged only 50 percent of the stipulated costs for nomination and expression of interest forms.”

Putin Just Lost An Opportunity To Gain A Major Ally In The West

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ABN Editor 2

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April 25, 2022

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APTOPIX France Presidential Election — Marine Le Pen gestures as she arrives to speak after the early result projections of the French presidential election runoff were announced in Paris.

Marine Le Pen gestures as she arrives to speak after the early result projections of the French presidential election runoff were announced in Paris.

With Marine Le Pen’s loss in the runoff of the French presidential election on Sunday, Russian President Vladimir Putin may have just lost his best shot at getting a major geopolitical partner in the West.

Le Pen has, historically, been a vocal admirer of Putin, even visiting him while campaigning for the presidency in 2017. She is famously critical of France’s commitments to the European Union and NATO, and wants France to pull out of the latter’s integrated command. Any action along those lines would align with Putin’s geopolitical goals of fracturing Western partnerships and alliances, which he views as existential threats to Russia.

Had she won, Putin might have had a future partner inside Europe and NATO and an ally among the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, of which Russia is also one.

Le Pen backtracked on her support for Putin after Russia invaded Ukraine, but in a news conference focused on foreign policy held before the election, she said she wanted France to spearhead an approach of “strategic rapprochement” between Russia and NATO once the war in Ukraine ended. Given the West’s outrage and unity in response to the Kremlin’s invasion, it’s highly unlikely the two sides will find common ground any time soon.

She’s not done yet: During her concession speech Sunday, Le Pen chose to highlight her strong performance — she won 41% of the vote — and looked ahead to June’s parliamentary elections in France.

“The historic score of this evening puts us in an excellent position,” she said. “The game is not quite over.”

Despite her decision to backtrack on her support for Putin, Le Pen’s previous positions — and her party’s decision to take out a loan from a Russian-Czech bank several years ago — almost certainly cost her votes.

Whether those positions will cost her in the next vote remains to be seen.

Former Italy Goalkeeper Zenga Applies For Super Eagles Top Job

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Munachi

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April 25, 2022

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Former Italy Goalkeeper Zenga Applies For Super Eagles Top Job

Walter Zenga, a former Italian national team, the Azzurri goalkeeper, has indicated an interest in replacing Gernot Rohr as the substantive head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles.

Zenga, who has equally had a managerial spell at Italian Serie A side, Cagliari, is understood to have already submitted his resume, through his agent, to the Technical and Development Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF.

Alberto “Jimmy” Fontana, who is Zenga’s Intermediary, confirmed that 62-year-old Zenga, is interested in the three-time African champions’ coaching role, disclosing further that his client’s last job was at Cagliari.

Zenga managed a number of clubs before Cagliari, including MLS side, New England Revolution; Brera Calcio (Italy); three Romanian clubs – National Bucuresti, Steaua Bucuresti, and Dinamo Bucuresti.

Others in the long list of clubs Zenga has managed are Al Ain (UAE), Red Star Belgrade (Sebia), Gaziantepspor (Turkey), Calcio Catania (Italy), Palermo (Italy), Al-Nassr (Saudi Arabia), A-Nasr CSC (Dubai), Al Jazira Club (UAE), Sampdoria (Italy), Al-Shaab CSC (UAE), Wolverhampton Wanderers (England), Crotone (Italy) and Vanezia (Italy).

Zenga, 61, was capped 58 times by Italy. He made 328 appearances for Inter Milan before proceeding to play for Salernitana, Savona, Sambenedettese, Sampdoria, Padova, and New England Revolution.

As a player, he won a Serie A title, one UEFA Cup, and an Italian Super Cup with Inter Milan. He also won Serbian Super Liga and Super Cup titles as the manager of Red Star Belgrade.

Super Eagles’ coaching job became vacant following the sacking of Franco-German gaffer, Gernot Rohr after a six-year tenure.

Augustine Eguavoen, the NFF Technical Director, was drafted in an interim arrangement to lead the Eagles to the 2021 AFCON finals in Cameroon in January. But despite a 100% performance in the group stage, Super Eagles agonizingly crashed out following a 1-0 defeat to the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia in the Round of 16.

Eguavoen’s charges also failed to go past Black Stars of Ghana in the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup African qualifying playoffs following a 1-1 draw in Abuja after a scoreless draw four days earlier in Kumasi.

With the painful reality of Nigeria not going to be part of the global football showpiece in Qatar, NFF has opted to employ another expatriate coach for the Super Eagles with the 2023 AFCON qualifiers being the next big assignment.

Zenga has applied to be the one to be entrusted with the future of the Super Eagles. He is vying for the Nigeria top job alongside a host of other European coaches including Portuguese gaffer, Jose Peseiro; former Netherlands international, Phillip Cocu; former France international/PSG coach, Laurent Blanc, and former Barcelona coach, Ernesto Valverde.

You Made Huge Mistake Accepting Man United Managerial Job – Ruud Gullit Tells Ten Hag

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Munachi

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April 25, 2022

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You Made Huge Mistake Accepting Man United Managerial Job –Gullit Tells Ten Hag — Erik Ten Hag

Former Chelsea and Newcastle manager Ruud Gullit says Erik ten Hag has made a mistake agreeing to join Manchester United.

Gullit fears Ten Hag will not be given the time to turn things around with ex-United players like Gary Neville and Rio Ferdinand scrutinizing his every move in the media.

He said: “I follow the media in England and I have already concluded that Ten Hag will not get the time to change things.

“Rio Ferdinand has put the pressure on, Gary Neville has done it, all the papers will be onto him. I have lived and worked in England.

“The first club all the media look at and talk about is United. What United have done wrong is that when Man City and Liverpool made a change in their playing styles to a very attacking way, playing 4-3-3, pressing the opponent, and using an aggressive style, United went the other way.

“They went for older managers like David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, and Jose Mourinho. That did not work. Now United have realized that they must go for a young, modern manager too.

“But it’s too late. In the end, they have now ended up with Ten Hag. As much as I wish he will succeed at United, my fear is that this is going to be a really, really difficult project for him.”

Chelsea Boss Confirms Rudiger’s Summer Departure

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Munachi

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April 25, 2022

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Chelsea Boss Confirms Rudiger’s Summer Departure

Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that Antonio Rudiger will depart Chelsea in the summer after months of uncertainty surrounding the player’s future.

Rudiger is out of contract in a few months and has informed the Blues boss of his likely imminent departure.

The German defender has been linked with Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain while his agent met with Barcelona officials last month over a potential summer move.

“The media is reporting things and the situation seems to be that he leaves the club,” Tuchel told Sky Sports.

“I have the feeling that we gave everything over many months, both me personally and the club, but unfortunately we were in a position where we could not fight anymore because of the sanctions and Toni has said that he will leave the club.

“Without the sanctions, we would have at least had the chance to keep fighting for him to stay but for many weeks now, our hands have been tied. I don’t know what the outcome would have been otherwise but this is his decision now. It’s not a nice one for us but we won’t take it personally.

“It will be challenging but no matter how much I love him and how big a role he played, there will be Chelsea without Toni Rudiger and we will find solutions.”

Rudiger joined Chelsea in 2017 from AS Roma and has gone on to make 127 appearances.

He helped the club win the Champions League, Europa League, FIFA Club World Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup.

No Cabal Can Impose President On Nigerians In 2023 – Pius Anyim

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Munachi

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April 25, 2022

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No Cabal Can Impose President On Nigerians In 2023 - Pius Anyim

Pius Anyim, a presidential hopeful on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party has guaranteed Nigerians that no cabal in Nigeria’s seat of power would dictate to the country who the next president will be.

Anyim said any Nigerian with the impression that some inner caucus arrangement would produce the president in 2023 should come off it.

He noted that he would have his first shot at the presidential seat in 2023 and would win it.

The former President of the Senate spoke while featuring on a programme, Political Roundtable, on Lagos Mainland FM on Sunday.

Asked by a caller how he intended to deal with the ‘cabal’ in Aso Rock to become the next president, Anyim said, “Maybe you still have the impression that it is Aso Rock that will ordain who the next president will be. I do not share that view.

“I think with the new Electoral Act, people have more confidence that their votes will count.

“Whether cabal or no cabal, I am going to give my first shot at the presidency and I will win.”

Asked further if he would have a cabal in Aso Rock if he emerged victorious at the 2023 polls, he said, “I want to say that I will run an inclusive government and the principles of democracy would be deployed.

“I am a young man with all respect and I have a whole lot of energy, so there is nothing to leave for anybody to do for me differently. I will be hands-on on the job and get the job done. It is when you are not hands-on before that you allow some people to come.”

Speaking on zoning, Anyim reiterated that it was only fair that the PDP zoned its presidential ticket to the south, which should, in turn, micro-zone it to the South-East.

According to him, if the PDP decides not to follow its constitution, it would, in the long run, weaken the system which would no longer have the power to protect its members.

Again Abba Kyari And Others Linked To Nigerian billionaire Arrested By NDLEA Over N3bn Tramadol.

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ABN Editor 2

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April 25, 2022

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced the arrest of a Nigerian “billionaire drug baron”.

The suspect is Chief Afam Mallinson Emmanuel Ukatu, Chairman of Mallinson Group.

A statement on Monday by NDLEA Media Director, Femi Babafemi said he is behind the N3 billion Tramadol deal involving Abba Kyari.

Kyari, a suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, led Intelligence Response Team (IRT).

Ukatu was arrested at the MM2 terminal of the Lagos airport in Ikeja after months of surveillance and evading arrest.

NDLEA said he’s been a major importer of large consignments of different brands and high dosages of Tramadol Hydrochloride, ranging from 120mg, 200mg, 225mg and 250mg.

Ukatu owns pharmaceutical and plastic manufacturing companies, which he allegedly used as a cover to import illicit drugs into Nigeria.

“This is in addition to operating 103 bank accounts, most of which are used to launder money”, Babafemi noted.

Ukatu came under watch in 2021, a year after five cartons of Tramadol 225mg were seized from his staff on 4th May 2021.

He had sent them to sell to undercover police officers (unknown to Ukatu), from the then Kyari-led IRT, in Lagos.

The price of a carton of Tramadol was negotiated at N17million each as against the then black market value that ranged between N18million and N20million a carton.

After the arrest of Ukatu’s staff, Pius Enidom and Sunday Ibekwete, Kyari’s men were led to Mallinson’s warehouse at Ojota in Lagos where 197 additional cartons of Tramadol 225mg were seized by the IRT.

The monetary value of the 202 cartons of Tramadol seized from Mallinson in one day was over N3 billion.

Three weeks after the seizure, the Kyari’s IRT team transferred only 12 cartons of the Tramadol with one truck and a suspect to the Lagos Command of the NDLEA, leaving 190 cartons unaccounted for.

NDE Disburses N3.8m To 38 Youths In Kogi

By

Munachi

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April 25, 2022

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NDE Disburses N3.8m To 38 Youths In Kogi

The National Directorate of Employment has disbursed N3.8m to 38 youths in Kogi State to enable them to embark on sustainable agriculture.

Each of them got a N100,000 loan.

The loan is earmarked for the beneficiaries to embark on four agricultural schemes, namely: Graduate Agricultural Enhancement, Community Based Agricultural Empowerment, Sustainable Agricultural Development, and Agricultural Enhancement under the Rural Employment Promotion Department of the NDE in Kogi State.

Aside from loan disbursement, a total of 100 unemployed youths were trained on sustainable agricultural development.

Inaugurating the programme on Friday in Lokoja, the Director-General of NDE, Mallam Abubakar Nuhu Fikpo, was represented by the state coordinator, Mallam Abubakar Zakari, who described agriculture as the only sector with the potential to create mass employment for the unemployed youth in Nigeria.

Hon. Kasarachi Enyinna Decries Weak Leadership In Abia, Joins Governorship Race

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ABN TV EDITOR

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April 25, 2022

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Hon. Kasarachi Enyinna Decries Weak Leadership In Abia, Joins Governorship Race — Hon. Kasarachi Enyinna

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Kasarachi Enyinna has decried what he called weak leadership in Abia State which he says is responsible for lack of democratic dividends in the state.

He expressed this concern on Sunday while declaring his interest to contest the 2023 governorship election in Abia State in Ukwa West Local Government.

He vowed to change the fortunes of the state by bringing on board purposeful, credible, responsive and people oriented leadership that will meet the yearnings and aspirations of Abians.

He lamented that the PDP-led government in the state had not done anything with the huge resources of Abia state while promising to change the narrative of leadership.

According to him, “Based on the foregoing and after extensive consultations across board, I have decided to succumb to pressure from my constituents and Abians in general, to contest for the position of Governor of Abia state. I see it as a clarion call to serve.”

The gubernatorial aspirant stressed that It is worthy to note that over the years, having served in various capacities in the private and public sectors beyond the shores of Nigeria, he has robust experience to steer the affairs of God’s own state, if given the opportunity.

“I have sustained my contributions to women and youth empowerment across the state through various humanitarian initaives, including the Micheal Eyinnaya Kasarachi Foundation, which has sponsored sporting activities and provided free medical outreach to indigents across the state. I have equally facilitated projects to my constituency.”

“I am connected to the people at the grassroots and do understand their pains. Without understanding the problem, you cannot profer solutions. With a good understanding of the challenges faced by Abians, I am equipped with the right skills to improve the common lots of the people.”

“It is on this note, that I stand before you all today, in a bid to build a prosperous state, to declare my interest to contest as Governor of Abia state in the forthcoming 2023 general election under the platform of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).”

“I am optimistic that collectively we shall build Abia state of our dream,” he said.