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EFCC Kicks Against Court Order Permitting Obiano To Travel Abroad

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ABN TV EDITOR
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EFCC Kicks Against Court Order Permitting Obiano To Travel Abroad
Willie Obiano
EFCC Kicks Against Court Order Permitting Obiano To Travel Abroad
Willie Obiano

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has kicked against an interim ex parte order by the Awka Division of the Federal High Court presided over by Justice Hyeladzira Nganjiwa granting the former governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, leave to travel to the United States of America to attend to his medical appointment, on the grounds of denial of fair hearing.

Obiano is being investigated by the EFCC for alleged corruption and money laundering during his tenure as Anambra State governor from 2014 to 2022.

He was arrested on March 17, 2022, at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos as he attempted to leave the country, hours after handing over to his successor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo. He had earlier been watch-listed by the commission.

A statement on Saturday by the EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, accused Obiano of attempting to arm-twist the anti-graft commission with the ex parte order,

It stated, “Available court documents indicate that Obiano had on March 11, 2022, ahead of his handover on March 17 filed a motion ex parte dated March 10, 2022, before Justice Nganjiwa praying among others, for an interim injunction stopping the EFCC from arresting or preventing him from travelling out of the country for his medical treatment.

‘’While the court in one breath ordered the applicant to put the commission on notice on why interim preservatory order should not be granted, it went ahead to make an order that the commission should not obstruct, impede or prevent the applicant from travelling abroad to keep his medical appointment and adjourned till March 23.

‘’On March 31, the commission was served an originating motion on notice for the enforcement of the applicant’s fundamental rights. Curiously, the motion was filed on March 11, 2022, the same date as the motion for ex parte order.

‘’This was followed by another motion on notice on April 4, putting the commission on notice to release Obiano’s passport to enable him to travel abroad for his medicals with hearing fixed for April 6, and instructions that proceedings shall be conducted virtually via Zoom.’’

Ahead of the hearing, the EFCC said it petitioned the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court asking Nganjiwa to recuse himself from the fundamental rights action on the grounds that he is a party in the commission’s appeal at the Supreme Court in the corruption case, H. A. Nganjiwa vs FRN.

‘’But when the case was called, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba held the brief of his brother judge, who is bereaved. The case was subsequently adjourned, with instruction that counsel will be notified of the adjourned date,’’ the commission explained.

2023: Pius Anyim, Peter Obi, Other South-East Presidential Aspirants Unite For PDP Ticket

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ABN TV EDITOR
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2023: Pius Anyim, Peter Obi, Other South-East Presidential Aspirants Unite For PDP Ticket

2023: Pius Anyim, Peter Obi, Other South-East Presidential Aspirants Unite For PDP Ticket

Presidential aspirants of the Peoples Democratic Party from the South-East have demanded that the party’s presidential ticket for 2023 should be zoned to their area.

They made the request after their meeting in Abuja on Saturday.

The aspirants who attended the meeting were Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, Mr Peter Obi, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa and Dr Nwachukwu Anakwenze.

Anyim, who read the decisions of the four aspirants, said, “We have agreed to work together as a team and that we will work together to ensure that a South Easterner emerges as PDP flag bearer.

Other decisions by the presidential aspirants, according to Senator Anyim, are, “We intend to consult with other zones on this issue and it is based on fairness and equity.

“In doing so, it is important to note that we have always supported other zones and we now expect them to reciprocate.”

“It is to our knowledge that more aspirants may have obtained forms under PDP and we hope they will join us later.”

Responding to questions from reporters on whether they were working towards presenting a consensus candidate from among them, Anyim said, “When we get to the bridge, we will cross it. We will work together in the interest of the Party, in the interest of the nation and in the interest of the South East.”

When asked if the South-East PDP governors are in support of the meeting, the former President of the Senate said the aspirants were not in the position to speak for the governors.

EFCC Docks NOGASA Chair, Fatuyi Phillips For Alleged N43.5m Fraud In Lagos

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ABN TV EDITOR
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EFCC Docks NOGASA Chair, Fatuyi Phillips For Alleged N43.5m Fraud In Lagos

EFCC Docks NOGASA Chair, Fatuyi Phillips For Alleged N43.5m Fraud In Lagos

The Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on April 7, 2022, arraigned one Fatuyi Yemi Philips, Chairman, Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria, NOGASA, alongside his firm, Oceanview Oil and Gas Limited, before Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence to the tune of N43, 502,000.00

Count one reads: “Fatuyi Yemi Philips and Oceanview Oil and Gas Nigeria Limited, on or about the 28th day of September, 2016 at Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, obtained the aggregate sum of N43, 502,000.00 from Elochukwu Okoye and Elebana Unique Ventures Nigeria Limited on behalf of WAPCIL Nigeria Limited under the false representation that you would sell to WAPCIL Nigeria Limited $98,870.00, a representation you knew to be false.”

Count two reads: “Fatuyi Yemi Philips and Oceanview Oil and Gas Nigeria Limited, on or about the 28th day of September, 2016 at Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, stole the sum of N43, 502,000.00, property of WAPCIL Nigeria Limited.”

He pleaded “not guilty” to the charges.

Following his plea, counsel for the EFCC, S.O. Daji, who held the brief of M.S. Owede, prayed the Court for a trial date, in order to enable the prosecution prove its case against the defendant.

Defence counsel, Charles Ugbonna, who held the brief of Augustine I. Ogbodo, however, informed the Court of the bail application for the defendant filed on April 7, 2022.

While noting that granting of bail to a defendant was at the discretion of the Court, Daji stated that the application was not really ripe for hearing.

Following the submission of both parties, Justice Dada adjourned till April 28, 2022 for hearing of the bail application and ordered the remand of the defendant at any Correctional Centre of his choice.

APC: Adamu Makes U-turn On Buni’s Decisions, Seeks Discontinuation Of Court Cases

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ABN TV EDITOR
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APC Chairman, Adamu To Vacate Seat At Senate
Abdullahi Adamu

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, has begun reversing some of the decisions taken by his predecessor and Caretaker Chairman, Governor Mai Mala Buni.

The move comes less than a week after Adamu disclosed his plans to look into the finances of the party.

ABN TV learnt that before leaving office, Buni had given standing instructions to lawyers representing the APC to appeal court judgments challenging the conduct of congresses supervised by the caretaker committee.

One of the appealed judgments was that of the Federal High Court recognising the Akwa Ibom State faction of the APC led by the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, over that of the erstwhile Secretary, Senator John Akpanudoedehe.

However, in a letter signed by the Head, Legal Services of the APC, which was addressed to Adeniyi Akintola (SAN) & Company dated April 6, 2022, it was stated that the new chairman had directed that all cases appealed by Buni’s committee be immediately withdrawn from court.

The letter titled, ‘Notice of Withdrawal of Instruction’, relates to a case marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1635/2021 between Stephen Ntukekpo and three others vs. the APC and three others

It read in part, “I have the instruction of the national legal adviser to convey the decision of the leadership of the party to obey the judgment in respect of the above-captioned suit having been served with the same.

“Our instruction on the above matter was terminated at the Federal High Court. Consequently, the party is not interested in pursuing the appeal in respect of the above matter.

“I have further instructions of the national legal adviser to request that you withdraw all the processes filed on behalf of the party and H.E. Mai Mala Buni, the erstwhile national chairman of the CECPC, at the Court of Appeal.”

Our correspondent learnt that the APC had begun withdrawing all the cases from the Court of Appeal.

On Thursday, the APC lawyer, Adeniyi Akintola, informed the court that the party would be withdrawing its appeal, effectively recognising Akpabio’s faction over that of Akpanudoedehe.

The Court of Appeal Abuja subsequently dismissed the appellant’s appeal.

The court presided over by Justice Haruna Tsamani alongside Justice Ugochukwu Ogakwu and Justice Bature Gafai said that was the right thing to do since the APC had withdrawn from the case.

Counsel for the plaintiffs, Chief Umeh Kalu, SAN, and counsel for the Independent National Electoral Commission, Umar Farouk, SAN, did not oppose the withdrawal.

However, the court ordered that the status quo be maintained until the determination of the motions for jurisdiction and stay of execution, which comes up on May 17.

Top sources in the APC said Adamu’s new approach could destabilise the party.

An APC chieftain, who spoke on condition of anonymity said, “The best thing for Senator Adamu to have done was to allow the cases to run their course. There are over 200 cases in court at the moment. He should have let them continue.

“What the new national chairman is doing now is to reverse Buni’s actions and those who feel slighted will be forced to leave the party,” the source said.

Gunmen Abduct Plateau Commissioner’s Wife, Daughter

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ABN TV EDITOR
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Gunmen Abduct Plateau Commissioner's Wife, Daughter
File Photo

Gunmen invaded the residence of Plateau State Commissioner of Environment, Usman Bamaiyi, in the wee hours of Saturday, abducting his wife and daughter.

It’s unclear if the commissioner was at home when the armed gang stormed the house in Gindiri community of Mangu Local Government Area of the state.

The spokesperson of the  Plateau State Police Command, ASP Ubah Gabriel, who confirmed the incident said men of the Command were already on the trail of the abductors to ensure safe rescue and release of the victims.

This is coming barely one week after two pastors were abducted in the area.

A source within the community, Sani Musa, who spoke to our correspondent, said the Gindiri general area is under siege by bandits.

The Plateau attack comes less than a week after the son of a serving commissioner was gunned down by bandits.

Details later…

Madam Chizoba Kalu Marks 80th Birthday With Thanksgiving On Sunday In Umuahia

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ABN TV EDITOR
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Madam Chizoba Kalu Marks 80th Birthday With Thanksgiving In Umuahia

Madam Chizoba Kalu Marks 80th Birthday With Thanksgiving In Umuahia

A community leader, disciplinarian, and devout Christian, Madam Chizoba Kalu has climbed her glorious 8th ladder as she marks 80th birthday celebration.

The family has therefore concluded plans to hold a thanksgiving ceremony to express gratitude to God for this uncommon grace.

Madam Chizoba Kalu Marks 80th Birthday With Thanksgiving On Sunday In Umuahia

Son of the celebrant, Amarachi Kalu said the event will take place on Sunday, April 10, 2022, at Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Solid Rock Parish, besides Healing Cross Hospital off Bende Road Umuahia.

Reception will take place at Unique Life Hotel, Secretariat Road Umuahia immediately after church service.

Madam Chizoba Kalu was born eight decades ago in Obiezu Isu, Arochukwu local government area of Abia state.

A peacemaker and a lover of God, she is hailed for instilling discipline and the value of hard work on her biological and adopted children.

My Father Said Holy Spirit Asked Him To Sleep With Me, 16-Year-Old Girl Shares Story

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ABN TV EDITOR
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My Father Said Holy Spirit Asked Him To Sleep With Me, 16-Year-Old Girl Shares Story

My Father Said Holy Spirit Asked Him To Sleep With Me, 16-Year-Old Girl Shares Story

A 16-year-old girl identified as Bukola Okeowo has narrated how her 43-year-old biological father, Emmanuel Odega, allegedly defiled her severally.

Bukola shared her sad ordeal to an Ikeja Domestic Violence and Sexual Offences Court.

While being led in evidence by State Prosecutor, the survivor revealed her father had been having s^x with her at the age of 14.

She also stated that his father claimed that the “holy spirit” instructed him to have sexual intercourse with her.

“I was 14 years when the incident happened. It initially started with him touching my body. When I noticed this, I moved my body from him. I told my twin brother about it the next morning but he shunned and did not believe me.

The next day, he had s^x with me at night. I could not shout or do anything because my father threatened me.

I saw him at my back at midnight telling me to pack my things that I will leave the house that day. As I was packing, I was scared he might have s^x with me again so I locked the door inside.

After some interventions from the landlord and another old man, I opened the door. He took my bag and dragged me out. It was from there, that I started shouting for help.

Some boys in the neighbourhood came out and confronted him that where was he taking me to at the time of the night.

He told them he is my father and that I will not stay in that house again. It was at that time I explained to the other old man that my father had been having s^x with me for almost one year,” she said.

The survivor said the old man called the estate chairman the following morning and thereafter asked if she wanted to pursue the case and she conceded.

She said she had told her father’s girlfriend, one aunty Gloria in April 2021 who later got in contact with her mother on Facebook and informed her of the incident.

“The case was later reported at Langbasa Police Station in Ajah after that it was transferred to State Command.

“I later went to Gender Police Station and they took me to Mirabel Medical Centre where various tests were carried out.

“I also went to Domestic Sexual Violence Response Agency (DSVRA) for counselling,” she said.

While responding to the counsel, Mr Buhari Momoodu, the young lady said she had once been raped before her father allegedly had canal knowledge of her.

In her response to the counsel if she had any quarrel with her father, she said no “but he said we were not peaceful and he took us to his girlfriend’s place to stay.”

“I always saw my father as a role model because people respect him. He always prays and sometimes es, he wakes us up at midnight to pray,” she said.

Another witness, Dr Oyedeji Alagbe, a forensic examiner at Mirabel Centre told the court that he carried out a medical report on their survivor on June 28, 2021.

He said his findings showed no fresh injuries to her private part but its examination showed that the survivor has had repeated forceful vagina penetration.

Justice Ramon Oshodi adjourned the case until June 6 for the continuation of the trial.

Nigerians Experience Power Blackout As National Grid Collapses Third Time

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ABN TV EDITOR
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Nigerians Experience Power Blackout As National Grid Collapses Third Time

Nigerians Experience Power Blackout As National Grid Collapses Third Time

The national electricity grid suffered a system collapse on Friday — the third incident in less than one month.

The grid had collapsed on March 14 at 10:40am leading to power outage across the country.

Barely 48 hours later, the grid collapsed again on March 15, resulting in blackout in communities across states.

Confirming the latest development in a statement on Friday, Abdulazeez Abdullahi, head of corporate communication, Kaduna Electric, said the grid collapsed at 6:29pm.

“Dear Esteemed Customers, the management of Kaduna Electric regrets to inform you that the current outage being experienced in our franchise states is due to a collapse of the national grid,” the statement reads.

“The collapse occurred at about 18:29 pm this evening. Normal power supply shall be restored as soon as the grid is restored.

“We sincerely apologise for all inconveniences.”

The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) also confirmed the development in a message to its customers on Friday night.

“Please be informed that there has just been a national grid collapse causing an outage in our franchise areas,” the message reads.

“We apologise for the inconvenience caused and appeal that you bear with us while we await restoration from the TCN. We regret all inconveniences caused.”

Popular Nigerian Gospel Singer, Osinachi Nwachukwu Is dead

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ABN TV EDITOR
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Popular Nigerian Gospel Singer, Osinachi Nwachukwu Is dead
Osinachi Nwachukwu
Popular Nigerian Gospel Singer, Osinachi Nwachukwu Is dead
Osinachi Nwachukwu

Popular gospel singer, Osinachi Nwachukwu, is dead, ABN TV reports.

Osinachi reportedly died from throat cancer on Friday.

The song that shot her to the limelight is the hit song “Ekwueme” released in 2017.

Osinachi sings in Igbo language, and her audiences are dominant in the eastern part of Nigeria.

 

She is the twin sister of Amarachi Grace Eze, who is also a singer.

The deceased, whose age cannot be determined as of the time of publishing this report, leaves behind four children, and husband.

Many individuals have sent their heartfelt condolence messages and sympathy notes to the Nwachukwu family via social media.

More to follow…

Actor Will Smith Banned From Attending Oscars For 10 Years After Slapping Chris Rock On Stage

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ABN TV EDITOR
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Actor Will Smith Banned From Attending Oscars For 10 Years After Slapping Chris Rock On Stage

Will Smith has been banned from attending the Academy Awards for the next decade after slapping Chris Rock during the ceremony last month.

On Friday, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences called Smith’s behavior “unacceptable” in a letter to organization members and said the recently minted Academy Award winner would not be allowed at any events or programs hosted by the group for 10 years.

“This action we are taking today in response to Will Smith’s behavior is a step toward a larger goal of protecting the safety of our performers and guests, and restoring trust in the Academy,” the Academy wrote in a letter to members, obtained by ABN TV.

Smith confronted Rock onstage after the comedian made a joke about the close-cropped hair of Jada Pinkett Smith, Smith’s wife. Pinkett Smith has alopecia, a skin condition that can result in hair loss. After striking Rock, Smith returned to his seat and screamed profanities at his fellow star.

The Academy’s board was initially set to convene on April 18 to discuss possible disciplinary actions, including a potential suspension or ban from the organization. However, last week Smith resigned from the Academy calling his own actions “shocking, painful, and inexcusable.”

Smith apologized to the Academy and his fellow nominees during his acceptance speech for the best actor award, which he won for his portrayal of Richard Williams in “King Richard.” He apologized to Rock via social media the day after the ceremony.

Rock, meanwhile, has refrained from commenting too deeply on the slap. He told a crowd at a comedy show last week in Boston that he was “still processing what happened.”

“During our telecast, we did not adequately address the situation in the room,” Academy executives said in the letter Friday. “For this, we are sorry. This was an opportunity for us to set an example for our guests, viewers, and our Academy family around the world, and we fell short — unprepared for the unprecedented.”

The Academy has said that Smith refused to leave the ceremony after he struck the comedian. However, there are conflicting reports about whether Smith was actually asked to leave or if it was just suggested that he depart before his award category was called.

The Los Angeles Police Department was ready to arrest Smith at the awards ceremony Sunday, according to a producer of the show, but Rock declined to press charges.

Read the full letter from the Academy:

The 94th Oscars were meant to be a celebration of the many individuals in our community who did incredible work this past year; however, those moments were overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behavior we saw Mr. Smith exhibit on stage. 

During our telecast, we did not adequately address the situation in the room. For this, we are sorry. This was an opportunity for us to set an example for our guests, viewers and our Academy family around the world, and we fell short — unprepared for the unprecedented. 

Today, the Board of Governors convened a meeting to discuss how best to respond to Will Smith’s actions at the Oscars, in addition to accepting his resignation. The Board has decided, for a period of 10 years from April 8, 2022, Mr. Smith shall not be permitted to attend any Academy events or programs, in person or virtually, including but not limited to the Academy Awards. 

We want to express our deep gratitude to Mr. Rock for maintaining his composure under extraordinary circumstances. We also want to thank our hosts, nominees, presenters and winners for their poise and grace during our telecast. 

This action we are taking today in response to Will Smith’s behavior is a step toward a larger goal of protecting the safety of our performers and guests, and restoring trust in the Academy. We also hope this can begin a time of healing and restoration for all involved and impacted.

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