Nigeria Sends INTERPOL After Escaped Binance Official For Rearrest

By

-

March 25, 2024

Nadeem Anjarwalla - Binance Regional Manager

By Ayodele Oni

The Federal Government has contacted INTERPOL to help and re-arrest Nadeem ANJARWALLA, a suspect in the ongoing criminal probe into the activities of Binance in Nigeria.

The FG contacted INTERPOL after it confirmed in a statement from the office of the National Security Adviser, NSA, that the man who was in its custody has

This was contained in a statement issued by the office of the National Security Adviser(NSA) on Monday in Abuja and signed by Zakari Mijinyawa, head strategic communications.

The statement added that personnel responsible for the custody of the suspect have been arrested, and a thorough investigation is ongoing, while efforts are being intensified to rearrest the suspect.

The statement reads “The Office of the National Security Adviser confirms that Nadeem ANJARWALLA, a suspect in the ongoing criminal probe into the activities of Binance in Nigeria has escaped from lawful custody on Friday, 22 March 2024.

“Upon receiving this report, this office took immediate steps, in conjunction with relevant security agencies, MDAs, as well as the international community, to apprehend the suspect. Security Agencies are working with Interpol for an international arrest warrant on the suspect .

“Preliminary investigation shows that Mr Anjarwalla fled Nigeria using a smuggled passport.

“The personnel responsible for the custody of the suspect have been arrested, and a thorough investigation is ongoing to unravel the circumstances that led to his escape from lawful detention.

“Recall that the Federal Government of Nigeria, like other governments around the world, has been investigating money laundering and terrorism financing transactions perpetrated on the Binance currency exchange platform.

“Until his escape, Nadeem Anjarwalla, who holds British and Kenyan nationalities and serving as Binance’s Africa regional manager, was being tried by Nigerian courts.

“The suspect escaped while under a 14-day remand order by a court in Nigeria. He was scheduled to appear before the court again on 4 April 2024.

“We urge the Nigerian public and the international community to provide whatever information they have that can assist law enforcement agencies to apprehend the suspect.”

Unbelievable: How Binance Official, Nadeem Anjarwalla, Escaped From Detention, Flees Nigeria

By

Akinwale Kasali

-

March 25, 2024

0

By Akinwale Kasali

The office of Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, NSA, has confirmed the shocking escape from Nigeria of

Nadeem Anjarwalla, the Binance Regional Manager for Africa.

He was in Nigeria’s custody but escaped, according to the office of the NSA, using a smuggled Passport.

The officer under whose custody he was before his his escape has been arrested.

Zakari Mijinyawa, ONSA Head of Strategic Communication, in a statement said that “Preliminary investigation shows that Mr Anjarwalla fled Nigeria using a smuggled passport.

“The personnel responsible for the custody of the suspect has been arrested, and a thorough investigation is ongoing to unravel the circumstances that led to his escape from lawful detention,” the statement reads.

The Binance executive was said to have escaped after guards on duty led him to a nearby mosque for prayers in the spirit of the ongoing Ramadan fast.

The report further said he could have been flown out of the country using a Middle Eastern airliner.

Police Recruitment: Medical Screens For Applicants Rescheduled

By

The Source

-

March 25, 2024

0

Due to the ongoing Muslim Ramadan fast and the Christian Lenten period, the date for the medical screening/examination of candidates for Police recruitment into the Constable cadre of the Nigeria Police Force has been rescheduled to commence on Tuesday, April 16th 2024 to allow for the conclusion of these religious obligations.

The screening is expected to last for two weeks and will signal the successful conclusion of the exercise.

Specialist applicants who participated in the physical and credentials screening but were not involved in the JAMB conducted Computer based tests will also be subjected to practical tests and medical screening during the period.

The exercises are expected to hold in the 17 Zonal Command Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force and in Kaduna, yobe and Zamfara states which have been accorded special considerations because of the security challenges in those states. Candidates from these states are to do the screening and practical tests in their states of origin.

Police Colleges situated in States hosting the Zonal Command Headquarters will also provide venues for the exercises.

The Police Recruitment Board will contact shortlisted candidates with detailed information on where and when they are expected to arrive venues of their screening.

Successful candidates from the medical screening will proceed to Police Colleges for their mandatory training.

The Chairman of the Police Service Commission and National Cordinator of the Recruitment Exercise, Dr. Solomon Arase CFR, retired Inspector General of Police has expressed his happiness that at last the exercise is successfully coming to an end and more “boots ready to be injected into the system to join the battle to sanitize the security space”.

He assured that the new Recruits have been painstakingly selected in the best possible processes that meet international standards and our local and peculiar challenges. “We are meticulously looking for high flyers and committed young Nigerians who will grow to become the bedrock of a new Nigeria security architecture. We are following every step of the recruitment with the required scrutiny and sense of purpose and we believe that as we continue with subsequent recruitments, we will have enough boots on the ground to recover the ungoverned spaces across the nation”

Dr. Arase commended the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer Joint Admission and Matriculations Board, JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede and his Management team for the success of the CBT, adding that JAMB has since built a reputation of excellence and reliability in computer based examinations in the country.

IPU Assembly: Nigeria Rallies Members On Gaza Crisis

By

Ayodele Oni

-

March 25, 2024

0

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigeria delegation to the ongoing 148th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Geneva, Switzerland, has pushed for inclusion of an emergency item on the agenda, leading to a debate on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

This has earned the delegation, led by Godswill Akpabio, President of the Nigeria Senate, international commendation for its diplomatic efforts, particularly in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Amidst the contending interests and intrigues characterized by divergence among established and emerging powers on global order, the Akpabio-led delegation stood firm in rallying parliamentarians from across the world to uphold the basic tenets of humanity.

A statement on Monday by the spokesman of the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi Jnr, stated that “Senator Akpabio’s compelling appeal during the debate on the inclusion of an emergency item into the IPU Assembly agenda resonated deeply with parliamentarians worldwide.

“This is as he urged members to set aside ego and differences to work collectively towards drafting an all-encompassing resolution, showcasing Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to global peace and humanitarian principles.”

The statement quoted Akpabio as saying “This is a lone voice from Nigeria. We tried our best in Angola and we failed to lend a collective voice towards what is happening in Gaza.

“Today, the world is very expectant. We must drop our ego. It has nothing to do with which country brings a proposal. The basic tenets of humanity demand that we leave here with resolutions for the rest of the world: to show that we have humane feelings in us.”

The delegation, comprising notable members including Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Senators Asuquo Ekpenyong, Osita Ngwu, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, and Ibrahim Dankwambo, alongside Reps. Victor Abang, Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, and Marie Ebikake.

Deputy Speaker, Kalu, a Member of the Nigerian Delegation, had last October, reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to Parliamentary Action for Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16), urging IPU members to work relentlessly towards achieving it.

He emphasized that a crisis in any part of the world is a crisis for all, reflecting Nigeria’s proactive approach to international affairs.

The 148th IPU Assembly, themed “Parliamentary Diplomacy: Building Bridges for Peace and Understanding,” provides a crucial platform for delegates to deliberate and exchange views on pressing global issues.

The step by the Nigerian delegation has earned members widespread praise and admiration.

The House of Representatives commends the Nigerian delegation for the dedication and the international acclaim received.

It added that “This underscores Nigeria’s steadfast commitment to global peace, security, and humanitarian values.”

Federal Poly Workers, Students Take Over Repair Of Linking Highway

By

Ayodele Oni

-

March 25, 2024

0

Federal Poly Ado Ekiti Workers Protest over bad Road

By Ayodele Oni

Staff and students of the Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti on Monday staged a peaceful protest to call the attention of government and relevant authorities to the poor state of the only road that leads to their campus.

As part of measures to show their grievances and press home their demands, the protesters in their large number barricaded the road thus causing heavy traffic congestion which came to stand still for several hours.

The road, which seems to have defied various emergency repairs, also leads to Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, (ABUAD) and the abandoned airport project of the state government.

It used to be a link for Lagos/ Abuja bound travellers due to the short distance but has now been abandoned for other alternative routes.

ABUAD founder, Afe Babalola, (SAN) had in the past took over the repair of the road util the situation seems to have turned worse.

The spate of kidnapping on the route of recent has been on increase due to its deportable state.

In a separate interviews, the Chairman, Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics, Mr. Sunday Akomolafe, Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, (ASUP), Adebayo Daramola and Chairman, Non Academic Staff Union, (NASU) Adebayo Abubakar said the protest became necessary after government turned deaf ear to their plea over the years regarding the road.

According to them, the road has become a death trap alleging that more than five persons have died within this year as a result of accidents occasioned by the poor state of the road.

The staff noted that they have on several occasions contributed personal income to repair the road but its condition was beyond patching but a total reconstruction.

They vowed to continue to barricade the road unless government takes necessary action.

Kebbi: Two Wives Of Governor Idris Run First Lady’s Office, Run Separate NGOs, Empower Womenfolk

By

Ayodele Oni

-

March 25, 2024

0

Two wives of Governor Idris -Hajiya Zainab Nasare and Hajiya Nafisa Nasir Idris

By Ayodele Oni

The two wives of Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, are jointly running the office of the First Lady of the State.

Although there is no known law in the statute from the Federal level to States which give backing to the creation of the First Lady’s Office, Wives of the President and Governors have turned the position to a powerful one.

Aside from jointly overseeing the day to day activities of the office of the First Lady, the two wives run a separate Non Governmental Organizations, ,(NGO) through which they reach out to women in the State.

The two wives of Kebbi State Governor, Hajiya Zainab Nasare and Hajiya Nafisa Nasir Idris have distributed grains and cash to 3000 women of the four Local Government Areas in Zuru Emirate, comprising of Zuru, Fakai, Danko/ Wasagu and Sakaba.

The gesture was jointly supported by the two foundations of the Governor’s wives, NASARA Foundation of Hajiya Nasare and NANAS Foundation of Hajiya Nafisa.

In a statement by Yahaya Sarki,

Special Adviser to Kebbi State Governor on Media and Publicity, stated that distributing the items to the beneficiaries at Zuru town Hall, the spouses of Governor Idris, thanked the women of the area for their support to the incumbent administration of their husband.

Hajiya Nasare Nasir Idris informed the gathering that N30 million would be disbursed as financial assistance to the women to support their families.

She requested the women to use this month of Ramadan to pray for the State and the country for prevalence of peace, unity and prosperity.

In her speech, Hajiya, Dr. Nafisa Nasir Idris remarked that the provision of food items and money to the women was aimed at cushioning the effect of the economic situation in the country and bring succour to those observing the Ramadan fast.

Nafisa announced that her foundation would sustain empowerment of women already ongoing in all parts of Kebbi State for self reliance through gainful ventures.

Addressing the gathering, the Kebbi State APC Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Zuru said the ruling government would enhance the welfare of all communities through the provision of the dividends of democracy.

In a welcome address, the Sole administrator of Zuru Local Government, who spoke on behalf of the Sole administrators of the four Local Governments in Zuru Emirate, Alhaji Isa Gajere, commended Governor Nasir Idris for his fatherly care to the people of the Emirate and other sections of the state.

He extended similar appreciation to Hajiya Nasare and Hajiya Nafisa for their benevolence and compassion by providing palliatives to women.

The Governors’ wives also visited Zuru Army Barracks where they provided foodstuffs, wrappers and cash to widows of fallen heroes as well as the Zuru Orphanage where they made similar donations to the children.

At the Palace of the Emir of Zuru, the wives of the governor informed the Monarch that they were there to seek for his royal blessings for the success of the scheme.

In response, the Emir of Zuru, Muhammadu Sani Sami, commended them for their initiative to support women in the state especially in this Month of Ramadan.

The elated Emir conferred traditional titles on the two wives of the governor respectively.

Hajiya Zainab Nasare Nasir Idris is now Jagaban Matan Zuru, while Hajiya, Dr. Nafisa Nasir Idris was conferred with the title of Aminiyar Matan Zuru, in recognition of their service to humanity.

Women who benefitted from the palliatives went home with one bag of rice and one bag of millet as well as ten thousand naira cash each.

How Lack Of Funds Forced Veteran Nollywood Actor, Amaechi Muonagor, Out Of Hospital, Killed Him

By

Akinwale Kasali

-

March 24, 2024

0

By Akinwale Kasali

Nollywood popular Actor, Amaechi Muonagor is dead.

He died at home on Sunday, March 24, 2024.

But for lack of funds, perhaps, the story could have been different. He was forced to leave the hospital, a Government-owned Teaching Hospital, where he had been undergoing dialysis, for lack of funds to continue his treatment.

Last week, a video of him made the rounds when another Actor, Kingsley Orji, posted it to solicit for funds to help the now dead Actor to be flown to India for a kidney transplant. He did not say if a matching kidney was ready for him.

Orji who spoke on his Instagram account disclosed that the deceased left the hospital due to financial constraints.

Speaking in both Igbo and English Orji said: “It has not been easy. He has been in this condition for months now. He wants to go for a kidney transplant. What we want is for you to help us for him to travel to India.

“He just came back from the ICU in Nnewi Teaching Hospital a couple of days ago. He was responding to treatment but not very well.

“We decided to bring him home because there was no money, but it is not advisable. He barely talks well. Please, he needs your help.”

Muonagor’s passing came less than three weeks after the demise of another thespian, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu.

Muonagor was born in Obosi, a village in Idemili North, Anambra State. He attended St. Mary’s Primary School, Obosi, Oraifite Grammar School before he furthered his education at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN,where he studied economics and graduated in 1987.

In 1989 after his Youth Service, he started working for NAN (News Agency of Nigeria). He left his job a few years later for an acting role in his first movie as Akunatakasi in Taboo 1, a Nigerian movie.

He was aged 61 years.

Hunger: Saudi-based Humanitarian Body Sends 5,606 Food Baskets To Households In Jigawa, Katsina, Kano States

By

The Source

-

March 24, 2024

0

Kano,Jigawa, and Katsina states are to benefit from a total of 5,606 food aid donated by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre ,a Saudi Arabia based international humanitarian Organization.

The donated food baskets are to be distributed to 5 606 households in the beneficiary States whch have been enumerated jointly by the National Emergency Management Agency NEMA and the States Emergency Management Agencies, SEMA of Kano, Jigawa and Katsina States .

A statement issued on Sunday, March 24, 2024, in Abuja by the NEMA Spokesperson, Manzo Ezekiel, said a total of 2,056 households have been captured in Kano State, while 1750 households each are to benefit in Katsina and Jigawa states .

Similarly,a total of 50 food baskets will be disbursed to vulnerable persons at various Internally Displaced persons Centres and their host communities across Maiduguri ,the Bornu State capital.

The statement further indicated that the food items will be distributed directly to the beneficiaries jointly by NEMA and SEMAs of Kano ,Jigawa and Katsina States.

However, the disbursement in Borno will be overseen by a non-state actor, Taibah Educational Foundation ,with officials of NEMA only supervising the exercise.

Before now, Kano,Yobe,Zamfara and Kano states had all benefited from a similar gesture from the Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia based International humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre.

In a similar development ,the Aliko Dangote Foundation, has donated 120,000 bags of rice to kano state for onward distribution to the poor and vulnerable.

Kano state Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf ,who disclosed this on his official site on Sunday , expressed gratitude for the donation,noting that it will go a long way in alleviating the current economic hardship being experienced by the people.

Ekiti: “Aspirants That Can’t Win House Of Assembly Election Now Coming Out On PDP Ticket To Challenge Gov Oyebanji” – PDP Chieftain

By

Ayodele Oni

-

March 24, 2024

0

By Ayodele Oni

A chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State, Lere Olayinka, has advised governorship aspirants on the Party’s ticket to stop abusing leaders in the State.

Olayinka cautioned a particular intending Governorship aspirant in the state, Mrs Funmi Ogun, against attacking notable leaders, saying: “it is uncharitable, childish, and will lead to another electoral failure for the particular aspirant.”

Funmi Ogun served as Commissioner for Works during the second term regime of former Governor Ayodele Fayose.

Olayinka, who was the PDP House of Representatives candidate for Ekiti Central Federal Constituency 2 in the 2024 general elections, said Ekiti State has gone past that era of politics of personal attacks, especially on leaders in the State.

In a release on Sunday, Olayinka described a statement by Funmi Ogun, alleging that some godfathers of the state governor, Biodun Oyebanji, were the ones “eating” the State resources, thereby making it impossible for the governor to perform as the height of advertisement of “political nonsensical nonsense.”

While challenging her to be bold enough to mention names of the godfathers, Olayinka said he hoped it was not a reference to Governor Oyebanji’s closeness to his predecessors like Ayo Fayose, Kayode Fayemi, Niyi Adebayo and Segun Oni, as well as other notable leaders in the state like Chief Afe Babalola, Chief Deji Fasuan, Chief Wole Olanipekun and others.

“Is she crucifying the governor for treating leaders in the state with respect? Is buying vehicles for a former governor like Asiwaju Segun Oni and Chief Fasuan, a man who led the struggle for the creation of Ekiti State, an offence for which an aspirant in the embryo will mount the podium and cry blue murder? This, to me is, uncharitable and childish.

“Or the rebellion spirit in her has so matured that she will now accuse Fayose of collecting Ekiti State money from Governor Oyebanji, such that the governor has become incapacitated from delivering good governance? The same Fayose through whom she attained whatever political level that she is now?

“If the reference is to Fayose, then, people like myself will no longer keep silent because we cannot all be clothed with garments betrayer.”

“Most importantly, how does it even sound for someone who played active roles in the construction of the Fajuyi – Ojumose bridge by the Fayose’s government, which I was part of to be condemning the construction of another bridge by the present government? Is that not self-indictment? Must we talk just for the sake of talking?

“Let me however say this clearly that if she thinks that she can win the PDP governorship ticket, she needs to be told to stop playing because the race is not for the runner.

“And with the level of endorsements being received by the governor, is it someone who was unable to pick PDP tickets for House of Assembly, Deputy Governor and House of Representatives that will confront him?

Kebbi Food Basket Of Nigeria – Peter Obi

By

Ayodele Oni

-

March 24, 2024

0

By Ayodele Oni

The Labour Party (LP) Presidential Candidate in the 2023 General Elections, Mr Peter Obi, has said that Kebbi State has the capacity to feed the entire nation.

A statement by Ahmed Idris,

Chief Press Secretary to Kebbi State Governor stated that Obi disclosed this when he paid a courtesy visit on Governor Nasir Idris in Government House, Birnin Kebbi on Sunday.

Obi observed that God Almighty has blessed the State with vast land for mass agricultural production, adding that if properly harnessed, the entire nation would have no reason to be hungry.

The LP presidential candidate cited an example with Belgium which has less than 20 per cent land size of Kebbi, but could produce $20 billion worth of agricultural export annually.

He, therefore, advised the State Government to take advantage of the vast land and engage in cultivation of different crops to generate employment, eradicate poverty, tackle inflation and check the incessant insecurity bedeviling the country.

Obi added that Northern Nigeria “is blessed with abundant land, if Government actually invest in agriculture, we can no longer depend on oil. We can comfortably feed ourselves and export it out to other countries.

“By exporting to other countries, we can earn more foreign exchange, thereby force the price of US Dollar down against Naira.”

Responding, Gov. Nasir Idris appreciated Obi for the visit and assured that the State was not unmindful of the opportunities across the State.

The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Yakubu Bala-Tafida, assured the visitor that the present administration has invested heavenly in agriculture.

He recalled that the present Government procured fertilizers worth N2.9 billion last rainy season and distributed them free to farmers across the State, which has increased productivity as well as crop yield in the State.

The Governor added: “We have also procured solar powered pumping machines and distributed them at 30 per cent price to farmers across the state with a view to ameliorating fuel cost.

Governor Idris assured that Government would leverage on the vast land opportunity to expand agricultural cultivation for enhanced productivity across the State.