APC Vice-Chairman Backs Oshiomhole’s Suspension

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March 4, 2020

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, March 4, 2020, arraigned four suspected criminals and a vessel before Justice A.M. Liman of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos on a three-count charge bordering on illegal dealing in petroleum products.

The defendants, Ukwuoma Ahamefula, Omeogor Nelson, Efemuaya Evans and Jude Eghreriniovo, were arrested alongside a vessel, MV Tim Begele, by the Nigerian Navy and subsequently handed over to the EFCC for prosecution.

One of the counts reads: “That you, MV Tim Begele, Ukwuoma Ahamefula, Omeogor Nelson, Efemuaya Evans, Jude Eghreriniovo and others now at large on the 3rd of December, 2019, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, conspired among yourselves to commit an offence to wit: dealing in 3,911 metric tons of petroleum products without appropriate licence; and you, thereby, committed an offence contrary to Section 3(6) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap M17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and punishable under Section 1(17) of the same Act.”

They pleaded “not guilty” to the charge preferred against them.

In view of their pleas, counsel for the EFCC, Rotimi Oyedepo, prayed the court for a trial date and also asked that the defendants be remanded in Nigerian Correctional Services, NCS.

Counsel for the defendants, Peter Atabo, prayed the Court for a short date to enable the hearing of his clients’ applications for bail.

Consequently, Justice Liman adjourned the matter until April 1, 2020, for hearing and also ordered the defendants to be remanded in the NCS.

Coronavirus: Sultan calls for special prayer over deadly disease

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March 4, 2020

The Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, has expressed concern over the outbreak of coronavirus and urged Nigerian Muslims to offer special prayers and fast over the further spread of the disease in the country.

A statement signed by JNI’s Secretary-General, Dr Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, on behalf of the Sultan, charged Muslims to observe strict adherence to personal hygiene to halt the spread of the disease.

He also asked Imams to preach about the disease in all mosques during their five daily congregational prayers.

The Sultan said all agencies charged with the responsibility of protecting the health of the citizenry, particularly, the Nigeria Centre of Disease Control, to be up and doing in their responsibilities.

The statement released, on Tuesday, in Kaduna, read in part, “We are worried and concerned about the spate of the deadly coronavirus (Covid-19) and disturbed by the threat it poses to life.

“Apart from China, where the infection of the virus started, it spreads geometrically to other countries in the world, ranging from Europe, America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, Nigeria inclusive.

“Each country is taking measures in curbing the plague of the Coronavirus, by quarantining the suspiciously infected in order to avoid its spread, while the infected are being treated in special medical facilities.

“All Juma’ah (Friday prayers) and five daily congregational prayers’ Imams should mount strong advocacy and enlightenment campaign against the scourge and the epidemic nature of the coronavirus.

“They should include in their sermons and preaching the imperatives of taking serious precautionary measures of personal hygiene.

“JNI calls on all Juma’ah and five daily congregational prayer Imams to engage in special prayers during their sermons, preaching and other sessions for Allah’s quick intervention in wiping away the coronavirus outbreak and all other diseases bedevilling humanity.

“JNI calls on the government at all levels, especially the agencies charged with the responsibility of protecting the health of the citizenry, particularly the NCDC, to do the needful in protecting the health of the citizenry.”

IGP, Adamu Declares Bandits In North West As Boko Haram, ISWAP Members

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March 4, 2020

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Mohammed Adamu, says bandits in North West are Boko Haram and ISWAP members.

He made the declaration in Kaduna on Thursday, during a meeting with top Police Commanders over recent attacks in the state.

The IGP stated that the reinforced attacks need new war strategies geared towards eliminating the bandits from their hideouts in the nook and crannies of the zone.

The police boss said it is important to ensure that peace and security are restored while imploring the officers to show commitment in the fight against criminality in the region.

The IGP’s meeting with top police commanders follows Sunday’s attack by bandits in five villages in Giwa and Igabi local government areas of Kaduna state by where no fewer than 51 people were killed and several others injured.

Channels Television reported that during a visit to some of the affected villages, Governor Nasir El-Rufai vowed to wipe out bandits in Kaduna state.

He insisted that his administration will not succumb to granting the bandits amnesty.

Governor El-Rufai apologised to the villagers on behalf of his government for failing to protect them, while assuring them that troops of the Nigerian military will be stationed in the villages to provide adequate security.

Woman arraigned for breaking 12-year-old son’s head in Lagos

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March 4, 2020

The Lagos State Government, on Tuesday, arraigned a woman, Balikisu Musa, before the Ogba Magistrates’ Court for allegedly inflicting injuries on her 12-year-old son in the course of beating him.

Officials of the Directorate for Citizen’s Rights had on Monday rescued the boy and took him to a government facility, while Balikisu was arrested after a post about the alleged assault went viral on the social media.

Balikisu was arraigned on one count of assault before the court.

She pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The court admitted her to bail in the sum of N50,000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the matter till April 29, 2020.

An eyewitness, Ibrahim Abanikannda, who posted the alleged assault on Facebook, told our correspondent that Balikisu was in the habit of maltreating her son, Ayomide Adegbore.

He said, “I was in my room when I heard a noise and I came out to see what was happening.

“I saw one of my brothers yelling at someone and a little boy was standing where our septic tank is located, and when I asked what happened, my brother told me that the boy’s mother broke his head.

“I drew the boy closer to see what happened to him and he said his mother beat me on his head with a plank that had nails on it.

“After the mother had beaten him, he was sent out of the house and that was what led him to our house to seek refuge.

“I called the mother to ask if she was the one who gave birth to him and why she would beat the boy to the extent that blood was gushing out of his head and she said she beat him because he provoked her and would not listen to what she told him.

“I told her to take the boy to the hospital and it took her about 40 minutes before she reluctantly responded and I told the landlord’s son to ensure that the woman took the boy to the hospital.

“When I woke up the next morning, I saw the boy walking somehow without being treated and I posted the incident on Facebook so that the necessary authorities would take it up.

“I was told by other neighbours that this was not the first time she would treat the boy like that and what pained me most was that the woman’s husband was also maltreating the boy.

“The boy told me that the man used a pair of pliers on his private parts and when I checked, I could see signs on the boy’s private parts and the stepfather did not show any remorse for what he did; he said it was a free world and he could do whatever he liked.”

Abanikannda stated that he was surprised that Balikisu’s husband was not arrested as he was an accomplice in the boy’s assault.

Ohanaeze Writes IGP: Why Are Fulani Herdsmen Allowed To Carry AK-47?

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March 4, 2020

Apex Igbo sociocultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has written an open letter to the Inspector General of Police over the sighting of herdsmen in possession of AK-47 in Anambra state.

The letter titled, The Road to Anarchy, signed by the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo told the IGP that they will not fold their arms and allow gun-toting marauding Fulani herdsmen to continue harassing, raping, maiming and killing them in their own homes.

The Inspector General of Police sir, Ohanaeze Ndigbo is alarmed by this wanton act because of the danger it portends. This raises the following questions:

1. Is the bearing of unlicensed firearms (especially sophisticated ones like Ak-47) no longer illegal and therefore punishable in breach in the laws of this country?

2. Do we now have different laws for different ethnic groups in Nigeria? If it were to be members of IPOB or any other group other than Fulani that bear such illegal arms what fate would befall them?

3. Does the impetuous action and utterance of the Fulani leaders not a clear and definite invitation to anarchy? If everybody in this country, irrespective of tribe, carries such firearms to protect himself, will the security agencies be able to contain the mayhem that will ensue?

4. Can the IGP imagine what fate that would have befallen any Igbo leaders in any part of the North who dare challenge their hosts and the police with such impunity and callousness?

“Mr Inspector General of Police sir, Ohanaeze Ndigbo believes that there is enough tension in the country already to allow room for more. But, it is only a tree that they tell it will be cut down and it remains motionless waiting for the axe.

“The principle of self-defense is even enshrined in the statutes of the country. Peaceful coexistence is a prerequisite for development.

“The police is by statute empowered, equipped and expected to make peace between two warring factions and not to take sides or protect one group.

“The action of the police in Anambra State is, to say the least, despicable and a tacit invitation to anarchy. Except a coward, nobody will ever run away from his fatherland and leave it for another to occupy. Ndigbo are not cowards.

“The behaviour of the police probably explains why it is only police commissioners from a particular part of the country that are posted to Igbo land. This also tends to lay credence to the fears being harboured by our people that even the military laying siege on Igbo land are here to protect the interest of an ethnic group. Not only have Ndigbo been marginalised in this country, they are even being pushed to the brink.

“It is always said that no country survives a second civil war.

“Like I always say, Ndigbo are ever capable of defending themselves. They will not fold their arms and allow gun-toting marauding Fulani herdsmen to continue harassing, raping, maiming and killing them in their own homes. We are law-abiding, hospitable and always ready to coexist with others as friends and brothers but not as foes and at a supreme price.

“Enough is enough.”

Coronavirus: Italy moves to ban kisses, handshakes

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March 4, 2020

Italy has set Wednesday to urge people to stop greeting each other by kissing or shaking hands to limit the spread of the new coronavirus.

Other measures to be approved by the government Wednesday, briefed in advance to the media, including what promises to be an unpopular plan to play all football matches without fans.

Italy has borne the brunt in Europe of the new virus now spreading across the world faster than it is in the central Chinese region where it was first detected late last year.

The Mediterranean country’s 79 deaths have made Italy the world’s third-most affected by a number of fatalities after China and Iran.

It has more than 2,500 cases in all and the COVID-19 disease caused by the virus appears to be spreading faster and wider by the day.

Italy recorded 13 deaths over the weekend. Then 18 more deaths were reported on Monday, followed by 27 on Tuesday.

The overwhelming majority of the deaths have occurred in Milan’s Lombardy region and the neighbouring northern area around the cities of Bologna and Venice.

But 21 of the 22 regions have now had cases, with only the Aosta Valley on the French border so far unscathed.

The government met on Wednesday to plan new and more radical steps aimed at the country’s overall population of 60 million — and not just the north where restrictions have been in place for over a week.

– Keep a hanky handy –

Media reports said people will be advised to stay at least a metre (three feet) apart and to avoid crowded places whenever possible, and notably to avoid the traditional greetings of kissing on the cheeks or shaking hands.

Exhibits and shows are set to be rescheduled — a measure that will be especially painful for Italy’s already hard-hit hotel and restaurant industry.

Italy’s already anaemic economy threatens to slip into recession from the virus. The tourism industry, accounting for 13 per cent of gross domestic product, has been the worst hit.

Some of the government’s more mundane and common-sense measures include instructions to cough and sneeze in a handkerchief to avoid hands coming in contact with “respiratory secretions”.

Italians will also be urged to avoid sharing bottles and not to drink from the same cups and glasses.

The crowd-control measures will most directly affect football matches and could cause the most resentment in the sports-mad nation.

Italy’s Serie A has already been thrown into disarray by two weeks of postponements that have seen some clubs not play at all and others play multiple matches in a week.

Fans will even be prohibited from attending training sessions that are especially big draws from top teams such as AC Milan and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Juventus in Turin.

The government will also recommend to those over 75 to stay indoors and to avoid public places. The advice extends to those who are at least 65 and suffer from other ailments.

Court Suspends Oshiomhole As APC Chairman

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March 4, 2020

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Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court in Jabi on Wednesday ordered the suspension of the National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, pending the determination of a substantive suit.

The judge, Danlami Senchi, gave the order following an application of interlocutory injunction asking the court to suspend Mr Oshiomhole, having been suspended as a member of the APC by the party in Edo State.

The application was filed by an applicant, Oluwale Afolabi.

While Mr Oshiomhole is the first respondent, the APC is the second respondent.

Mr Afolabi in his application dated and filed on January 16 had contended that Mr Oshiomhole is currently suspended by the party and has not challenged the suspension.

According to Mr Afolabi, Mr Oshiomhole’s rights as an APC member is currently abated and he cannot continue to act as chairman of the party.

He argued that Mr Oshiomhole cannot continue to enjoy benefits from the APC, despite his suspension as a member of the party.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Damian Dodo, is the lawyer representing Mr Oshiomhole and the APC.

In his ruling on Wednesday, Justice Senchi held that the first and second respondents wrongfully kept Mr Oshiomhole as the national chairman of the party.

The court also ordered that Mr Oshiomole should stop parading himself as the chairman of the APC.

He urged the APC to desist from acknowledging him as the chairman of the party

The court has also given the APC orders not to grant Mr Oshiomhole access to the party secretariat.

ABN TV earlier reported how Mr Oshiomhole was controversially suspended by the APC in Edo State after he was suspended by the party’s leadership in his ward in the state.

The former Edo State governor and the APC national leadership, however, discountenanced the suspension, saying it was invalid. They said only the party headquarters could suspend national officers of the party including the chairman.

Mr Oshiomhole is having a crisis with his successor in Edo and fellow party member, Governor Godwin Obaseki.

FG yet to receive $300m Abacha loot — Malami

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March 4, 2020

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami (SAN), said on Tuesday that the latest recovered tranche of the funds looted by the late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha, has yet to be repatriated to Nigeria.

Malami, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media and Public Relations, Dr Umar Gwandu, was reacting to a claim by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party that the recovered loot had been looted.

The minister had on February 4, 2020, on behalf of the Federal Government, signed a tripartite agreement between the United States of America and the Island of New Jersey for the repatriation of $300m of the Abacha loot.

But controversy has continued to trail the discovered loot following Bloomberg’s report of a claim by the United States of America that the Federal Government led by the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), was planning to hand over about $100m out of the Abacha loot to Governor Abubakar Bagudu of Kebbi State.

The report further stated that the Nigerian government was blocking attempts to recover part of the looted funds allegedly traced to Bagudu, who is the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress Governors’ Forum.

But Malami said on Tuesday that the loot expected from the US and the Island of New Jessy had “yet to be received by the government”.

“So, the issue regarding embezzlement or misappropriation of same is an imaginary illusion which does not even arise as the money has not yet been repatriated to Nigeria,” he stated.

He said looted money recovered before 2015 “were substantially recovered by past governments that should be made to account on the application or otherwise of the funds.”

He added that looted funds recovered by the Buhari regime were judiciously utilised for high-impact public-oriented projects.

Buhari Swears-in Yemi-Esan As New Head Of Civil Service [PHOTO+VIDEO]

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March 4, 2020