EFCC arrests 20 associates of former NSA1

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 20 officials who worked with former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki during his tenure, reports say.

According to Sahara Reporters, a top security source while confirming the arrests, said it was connected to the alleged N337 billion arms deal scam.

Reports also say President Buhari is aware of the arrests.

Some officials being held on different charges ranging from money laundering, theft, forgery, conspiracy etc. are:

Shuaibu Salisu, staff member of the National intelligence Agency (NIA), Aminu Baba Kusa, a former General Executive Director at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mohammed Baba-Kusa.

Others are: Abba M.T. Usman, Evegny Kundaev, Attahiru Maccido, Salisa Umar Garu, Oyinmiebl Bribena, Olukoya Olusegun Godwin, and Olukayode Raimi.

Sambo Dasuki was accused of over N337b fraud by the 13 man committee set up by President Buhari.

The former NSA in his response said former President Goodluck Jonathan approved the purchase of arms.

Meanwhile, former President Goodluck Jonathan has since denied approving such amount of money.

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Customs destroy frozen products worth of N11.5m in Edo capital

 

The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operation Unit, Zone C, says it has destroyed 1, 365 cartons of imported frozen products valued at N11.56 million in Benin.

This is contained in a statement by the Comptroller of Zone C, Mr Victor Dimka, in Benin on Sunday.

According to the statement, 1,205 cartons of the 1, 365 cartons contained imported frozen poultry products, valued at N9.6 million.

The remaining 160 cartons contained frozen fish estimated at about N1.9 million respectively.

The statement said the items were destroyed on Saturday at the NSC office in Benin.

It added that the items were seized on Thursday by officers and men of NCS in the Benin-Ekiadolor area of Edo at about 1.00 p.m.

According to the statement, the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the poultry products and frozen fish are N1.5 million and N2.2 million, respectively.

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Probe all public office holders from 1999 ,Osoba tells president Buhari

At the exhibition of books written by Nigeria’s Poet, and public commentator, Odia Ofeimun, tagged, Special 40-Plus Book Exhibition that took place yesterday at the Agip Recital Hall of The Muson Centre, Lagos, former governor of Ogun State, Chief Segun Osoba, said that past public office holders since the transfer of power to civilian government in 1999 should all be probed.
He said:

“Those who have held public offices in the civilian era should all come back and account for their stewardship, if you really want everybody to be accountable, I’m suggesting that the president should make all of us come back and account for whatever we did when we were in offices since 1999, since the return of civilian government. There should be thorough examinations of our actions, 2003 was not under Jonathan, so the probe must begin from 1999 because once you pull the root, the root will pull all the grass around.

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More drama as Switzerland gets Britain’s request to probe Diezani’s ally Kola Aluko, he also faces extradition to UK

According to Punch there were strong indications on Wednesday that Switzerland might extradite Nigerian oil baron, Kola Aluko, to the United Kingdom.

The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland, in an email to one of its correspondents, confirmed that the UK had sought for mutual legal assistance from its country.

In an e-mail sent to it, the office of the AGF of Switzerland was asked if it had received extradition request from the UK on the businessman.

It was also asked to specify the time the extradition process would begin and when he would be extradited.

In his response, Nathalie Guth of the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland, said:

“I refer to your request of today and we can confirm that the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland (OAG) has received a request for mutual legal assistance from England in this context.”

He declined to give further information on the request.

“The mutual legal assistance” could lead to eventual extradition of Aluko to the UK in connection with the investigation of former petroleum minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke.

When Punch contacted the spokesperson for the UK High Commission in Abuja on Wednesday,Joe Abuku, he said:

“I can’t give any information on the extradition issue because the official that would brief me is out of town and cannot be reached on the phone, but I will try and get him tomorrow (today),” he said.

A top security official in the United Kingdom told The PUNCH that:

“There are srong links between the former oil minister and Aluko. Extradition is not out of question.”

Aluko is an associate of former Petroleum Minister, Alison-Madueke, who was arrested in the UK last week for alleged bribery and money laundering.

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Boko Haram releases new video, reaffirms allegiance to ISIS

Boko Haram militants have released a new video in which they pledged allegiance to Islamic State and its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. An unidentified member of the group who spoke in both Arabic and heavily accented Hausa, said that Boko Haram, also known as IS West Africa Province, was still under the leadership of Abubakar Shekau, who hasn't appeared in a video since February.

 The man denied recent claims by the Nigerian military that some members of the terrorist group had surrendered to the army. He also denied claims by the military that a number of women and children abducted by Boko Haram had been rescued. He said the troops had failed on the battle front and were now resorting to a media campaign to rubbish the insurgents. He ended by saying the violent campaign by the group would not be derailed.

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Driver of trailer that fell off Ojuelegba bridge arraigned for multiple manslaughter

The driver of the trailer that fell off the Ojuelegba bridge and landed with the container of cement it was carrying, on an SUV killing three people on September 2nd, was arraigned before a Lagos State Magistrate Court sitting in Yaba Lagos yesterday September 11th for multiple manslaughter.

The driver, Wasiu Adeleke was dragged before the court by men of the Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department of Lagos State Police Command, Panti-Yaba on an 11 count charge of gross negligence and reckless disregard for human life, reckless and dangerous driving,
driving in public highway without valid driver’s license, a valid MOT Test Certificate, road worthiness certificate, vehicle license and unlawful damage.

The magistrate, Mrs Folashade Botoku, ordered the driver be remanded in prison after the counts was read to her. Asides been accused of killing three people identified as Abubakar Sule, Umaru Sulaiman, and Kamilu Umaru, Wasiu is also being accused of unlawfully damaging a Toyota Corolla car marked Lagos LSD 532 CN, valued at N2 million, belonging to Sumaila Marksman; and another Nissan Sunny car with registration number Lagos SHE 750 LND, valued at N600,000 belonging to Mr Joseph Ajayi.

He is to remain in prison until the next hearing of the matter.

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Photos: Buhari holds meeting with management of Powerchina

President Buhari today held a meeting with a delegation from Powerchina at the state house Abuja. Powerchina is a frontline infrastructural company from China. Continue to see more photos ...

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Graphic photos: Over 50 killed in crane accident in Saudi Arabia

Over 50 people wer killed after a crane collapsed on the Grand Mosque in the Saudi Arabian city of Mecca this evening. According to Saudi Arabia's Civil Defence Authority, 30 people were wounded and are currently receiving treatment. Details as to what caused the accident is still sketchy but the photos released so far show that the crane crashed through the mosque roof. More pics after the cut..

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Atiku reacts to the bomb blast incident at an IDP camp in Adamawa today

Suspected Boko Haram men attacked the Malkohi IDP Camp in Yola, Adamawa State this morning..

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Bomb blast hits IDP camp in Adamawa

Many people are feared dead and injured after a bomb went off at the Malkohi IDP Camp in Yola, Adamawa State this morning. NEMA officials and security agents are currently on ground to manage the situation. Details later.

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Money laundering: Court orders forfeiture of properties of companies linked with Ex- Gov Nnamani to FG

Press statement from the EFCC

Justice Mohammed Yinusa of the Federal High Court, Lagos today July 8, 2015 convicted four companies associated with former governor of Enugu State, Chimaroke Nnamani and ordered that their properties be forfeited to the Federal Government.  The four companies are Rainbownet Nigeria Limited, Cosmos FM, Capital City Automobile Nigeria Limited and Renaissance University Teaching Hospital

The companies had on May 19, 2015 pleaded guilty to a 10-count amended charge brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. The companies are alleged to have failed to comply with lawful inquiry made by the Commission.

At today’s sitting, counsel to the EFCC Kelvin Uzozie prayed  the court to make an order of final forfeiture of the companies based on their plea. Justice Yinusa after reviewing the facts convicted the companies and made an order of final forfeiture of their assets to the Federal Government, citing provision of the EFCC Establishment Act on Final Forfeiture.

The properties are located across the five states in the South East geopolitical zone.

Among them are 22 Duplex buildings in Ebeano Under Tunnel Estate now known as Fidelity Estate; Renaissance University Teaching Hospital; Cosmos 105.5 FM Digital Station (Ceuna Communications); and Capital City Automobile Limited, located at 12 Station Road, GRA, Enugu. Also forfeited to the Federal Government include  properties of Hill Gate Investment  - Plot No H12, H13, H14, H15, H21`, H116, H188, Plot 10, Plot H11, Plot H16, Plot H17, Plot H18, Plot 19, Plot H20, Plot H49, Plot H50, Plot H117, CP/4 (HCR2), CP5 (HCR2) CP/6(HCR2) CP/7 (HCR2) CP/8
The assets also include several undeveloped properties/plots of land  of Rainbownet Nigeria Limited in Enugu, Abakaliki, Aba, Owerri, Onitsha, Awka and Umuahia.

Properties of Rainbownet Communication which include BTS, Microwave Avenue Radio, Rectifiere,  and a host of the equipment in various sites in Anambra States are also to be forfeited to the Federal Government.

Aside the landed properties, over N35 million from the frozen bank accounts of the companies are also to the forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Uzozie who is pleased with the ruling of the court said the Commission had to sought for a separate trial of the companies as the first accused person, former governor of Enugu State, Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani had stalled proceedings on the matter on account of frequent application to travel abroad for medical treatment on grounds of ill-health.

Chimaroke Nnamani alongside Sunday Anyaogu, his then aide and six firms linked to them: Rainbownet Nigeria Limited, Hillgate Nigeria Limited, Cosmos FM, Capital City Automobile Nigeria Limited, Renaissance University Teaching Hospital and Mea Mater Elizabeth High School were first arraigned before Justice Tijani Abubakar in 2007.   The case was re-assigned to Justice Charles Archibong following the transfer of Justice Abubakar, now of the Appeal Court, out of the Lagos division of the Federal High Court. Again, the case was re-assigned to Justice Yinusa, after Justice Archibong (now retired) was also transferred out of the Lagos division of the court.

According to the charge, Nnamani conspired with other accused persons to launder funds from the state treasury, especially monies meant for the local government areas of Enugu state.

Wilson Uwujaren
Head, Media & Publicity
7th July, 2015

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ThisDay editor allegedly receives threat mail from Boko Haram

A features editor with Thisday newspapers, Adeola Akinremi reportedly received a threat mail from members of the insurgency group, Boko Haram over his anti-Boko Haram articles. Akinremi received the threat mail in May after his visit to Adamawa state to investigate the plight of Internally Displaced Persons and the activities of the sect in the state. Akinremi afterwards wrote a piece titled, Why Boko Haram don’t deserve our amnesty?.

See a  copy of the threat mail signed by one Abu Musab Abul-Barnawi and exclusively obtained by The Cable after the cut...

"We have seen your hand against us . Inshallah you will die like other infidels that we captured. You have been joining our enemies. You are made yourself their mouth [sic] but we will get you insha Allah. This is a holy mission for Allah, so stop writing against us. “You’re going too Michika calling yourself a brave journalist, but you’re a coward. We will get you. Its your government that talks amnesty, we are not looking for amnesty. Allah is with us. You’re now a walking dead and a prey to the Lions of Islam from the bullet of a passing car or a nearby rooftop. “We are not asking you to repent, because of your error, we will use your blood to send warning to others. Those people from America and Europe that are using you against our mission will soon know the truth. Our wounded fighters will never give up. they will return to fight for Allah to get their reward. Your soldier will soon know the truth.”

Thisday has suffered attacks from the sect in the past. In April 2012, the Abuja and Kano office of the media house came under attacks from Boko Haram.

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NEMA calls for blood donors for Kaduna bomb blast victims

The National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, is calling for people to come forward and donate blood at the Ahmed Bello University Teaching Hospital for victims of the Kaduna bomb blast which occurred in the Sabongari area of the state yesterday.

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Stop and search on roads and highways begins nationwide

Press statement from the Force Headquarters in Abuja signed by CSP Shogunle. Read below...

Sequel to intelligence report, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Solomon E. Arase NPM, fdc has directed the commencement of special stop and search on Roads and Highways nationwide, with emphasis on roads in and out of major cities/towns. 

Citizens are enjoined to bear with the Nigeria Police Force during this security operation which is a temporary measure put in place to address the intelligence received.

The special security measure, stop and search is in no way a return of roadblocks. Any unprofessional conduct should be reported at www.stopthe bribes.net or nearest Police Station. The general public is advised to cooperate with Police operatives by providing answers to questions that may be asked as well as allowing their vehicles to be searched. 

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Govornor bans beggars, street hawkers after Kaduna bomb blast

Following the bomb blast at Sabongari area in Kaduna state this morning, the state governor, Nasir El Rufai has banned beggars and street hawkers in the state. The directive is contained in a statement released by his media aide Samuel Aruwan. The statement below....

The Kaduna State Government has commended the people of the state for promptly embracing the crucial necessity of watchful vigilance and attention to security. The government has also announced further measures to enhance public security in the state. All beggars and hawkers are to stay off the streets until further notice.
Any beggar or hawker found on the streets will be arrested, until these measures are relaxed. In addition, government reiterates that the ban on motorcycle taxis (achaba) remains in force, and the law will be strictly enforced in this regard. The government hereby urges all citizens to report all suspicious persons and movements to the security agencies, and to afford these agencies their maximum cooperation. These measures take immediate effect. Signed Samuel Aruwan Special Assistant, Media and Publicity

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Chief of Army staff, Lt Gen Kenneth Minimah reassures Nigerians of security

Press statement from Defence Headquarters

The Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Kenneth Minimah has reassured Nigerians of continued security in the country despite pocket of attacks in some parts of the North East. He made this re-assurance during the interdenominational church service to mark the Nigerian Army Day Celebrations 2015 at the All Saints Protestant Church Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja.

He noted that Nigerian Army has made considerable success in all efforts to contain insurgency in the country “I want to reassure Nigerians that we are fighting terrorism. We need a little more time and with the support of the citizenry, it will be over as quickly as possible. The Army has made considerable success in all efforts to contain insurgency in the country”. He noted that this time last year, the military were losing equipments, territories, troops and personnel but it is the reverse now. The terrorists are rather on the run, degraded and have resorted to all acts that are designed to coax, intimidate and cause disaffection in the minds of the people as to the reality of their existence. General Minimah concluded.

Special prayers were offered for the Nigerian Armed Forces In the well attended event by senior officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces, members of the Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA), the Nigerian Police and other Para-military Services as well as members of the public.

In his sermon, the Director of Nigerian Army Catholic Chaplaincy, Reverend Father (Colonel) Charles Iroegbu described the fight against insurgency as not just a physical war but a spiritual war and therefore charged all Christians to pray without ceasing for peace to reign in Nigeria. He called on the members of the Armed Forces to work together to ensure victory and gain the confidence of the civil populace.

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Gov.El-Rufai visits bomb blast victims in the hospital, releases statement

Governor of Kaduna state Nasir El Rufai visited injured victims of the Sabongari bomb blast incident who are receiving treatment at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital. He has released a statement regarding the blast. See the statement signed by his media aide after the cut...

The statement below...

The city of Zaria today suffered a terrible act of infamy. Terrorists detonated explosives that killed and injured several persons at the secretariat f the Sabon-Gari local government council. The casualty count as at 12 noon is 25 fatalities, including a two-year old child. Thirty-two injured persons are being treated at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria and other hospitals in the city.

The blast went off as the residents welcomed the new chairman of the interim management committee of the local government to his office at the secretariat. Some local government staff from Lere and Ikara were also undergoing biometric verification at the venue.

The Kaduna State Government has expressed its sadness at this mindless attack on our citizens. It has condoled with the victims and is coordinating the treatment of the survivors.

Speaking at the scene of the blast, the governor Malam Nasir El-Rufai sympathised with the direct victims and the residents of Zaria. He prayed Allah to grant the souls of the deceased victims peaceful repose. He condemned the attack as an inhuman act of terror, and he urged the people of Kaduna State as a whole to be vigilant, even as they preserve the peace. The governor said residents of the state should promptly report all suspicious persons and activities to the security agencies and community leaders.

The governor further announced the deployment of extra security forces across the state. Malam El-Rufai urged the people of the state to shun large gatherings but, where that is impossible, to exercise and practise maximum vigilance and vigorous checks on persons, vehicles and luggage. The state government will announce further steps to strengthen our security and safety in the next few days, and call on our people to cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies in these trying times.

Signed
Samuel Aruwan
Special Assistant, Media and Publicity
07 July 2015

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Graphic photos from the scene of the bomb blast in Kaduna yesterday

Some photos from the scene of the bomb blast that occurred in Dagorara secretariat in Sabongari area in Kaduna state yesterday morning. A female suicide bomber covered in a veil and carrying a bag arrived the secretariat moments before the attack. 25 people have been confirmed dead while 32 were injured.  The photos are very graphic. Please be warned. See them after the cut...

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