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Anambra: Outrage After Soludo’s Men Attack Pastor ‘Odumeje’

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

Nollywood star Kate Henshaw has criticised the assault on the pastor of the  Mountain of Holy Ghost Intervention and Deliverance Ministry, Prophet Chukwuma Ohanaemere, popularly known as Odumeje by Anambra state officials.

The televangelist was attacked by operatives of the state Environmental Task Force during the demolition of part of his church in Onitsha, the state’s capital.

Not a few Nigerians have criticised the Prof. Charles Soludo-led government over the behavior of the officials, who slapped and pushed the man of God during an altercation with him.

For instance, some are asking why the pastor had to be assaulted, even when the officials could have carried out their job with courtesy and civility.

Henshaw said on her Twitter Handle that: “Why must there always be an assault on the person. Is there no decorum? When they are not animals?”

Many residents of the state are not taking the issue lightly as they have descended heavily on the government, calling on Governor Soludo to call his men to order.

They insist that government has a duty to enforce the town planning laws of the state, but such must be done without violating the rights of the citizens.

Meanwhile, Governor Soludo, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, said the cleric failed to comply with government’s directive to remove illegal structure he built on the waterway.

It said the Church had been notified of the demolition since March this year.

The statement reads: “Following the expiration of the more than two weeks notice beginning from April 2022 served on developers and building owners who built several illegal structures along the waterway in Fegge and environs within Onitsha, Anambra state government has begun demolition of such structures.

“The exercise which is being carried out by a joint government task force, commenced the exercise from Bida Road by Modebe Avenue, Fegge Onitsha.

“The affected buildings include Mountain of Holy Ghost Intervention Deliverance Ministries, shops and other perimeter fences.

“ The structures were marked since April, 2022 and all developers and building owners were served notice to remove such illegal structures.”

The Church building located along Bida by Creek Road Fegge Onitsha, has been marked for demolition by successive government in the state, because of its location near Sakamori drainage, a stone throw to Onitsha Main Market.

Governor Sanwo Olu Suspends Lagos Abortion Policy

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State government has suspended the state’s guidelines on safe termination of pregnancy.

Professor Akin Abayomi, state Commissioner for Health, made the disclosure in a statement in Lagos.

Abayomi noted that the guidelines have generated immense public interest which necessitated the intervention of  Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu.

Abayomi said the governor has now directed that further sensitisation of the public and key stakeholders to continue to ensure a better understanding of the objectives of the guidelines.

“To this end, we are suspending the implementation of these guidelines in the meantime for the Executive Council to deliberate on this matter and ensure adequate public sensitisation and stakeholder engagement to reach a consensus required for a successful guideline development,” he said.

According to him, the ministry is seeking different methods to eliminate illegal abortions and ensure that a mother does not die at childbirth, thereby disrupting an entire family unit.

The commissioner said that illegal abortions and high risk pregnancies leading to unresolved  complications rank high among the several factors that contribute to maternal mortality.

“In this regard, it became imperative to examine, in keeping with existing national and state laws and policies, if there are indeed justifications and medical reasons to offer abortion to a woman whose life is threatened by a pregnancy,” he said.

The commissioner said the guideline was developed over four years through painstaking work by experts in law and in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Abayomi noted that the guidelines are focused on creating the opportunity to reduce maternal mortality in line with existing laws.

He said that the ministry remains committed to planning, devising and implementing policies that promote qualitative, affordable, and equitable healthcare services to the citizens.

The 40-page document titled: “Lagos State Guidelines on Safe Termination of Pregnancy for Legal Indications,” was issued by the ministry’s Directorate of Family Health and Nutrition.

The document released on June 28 sets out guidelines for safe termination of pregnancy within the ambit of the criminal law of Lagos State.

WAFCON 2022: Super Falcons Keep Hope Alive With Botswana Win

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

The Super Falcons of Nigeria have returned to contest in their quest to retain their Women African Cup of Nations, WAFCON, title.

With a 2-0 win against Botswana, the Nigerian Female team has shed of their loss to South Africa’s Bayana Bayana in their first match.

The Nigerian Ladies dominated the entire match, dictating the pace and momentum, taking the lead in the 21st minute courtesy of Ifeoma Onumnomu after a sublime pass from Halimat Ayinde.

Four minutes into the second half, Christy Ucheibe beat other players from an aerial cross to nod home the match’s second goal, and put the Super Falcons on a comfortable lead.

Waldrum started the game with Chiamaka Nnadozie in goal, with Michelle Alozie, Osinachi Ohale, Onome Ebi and Toni Payne in the defense line.

Rita Chikwelu, Halimat Ayinde, Francesca Ordega, Rasheedat Ajibade and Okobi Okeoghene in manned the midfield with Ifeoma Onumnomu leading the attack.

The introduction of Ucheibe for Chikwelu on resumption of the second half changed the dynamics of the game as the Nigerian push forward to extend their lead.

Uchenna Kanu, Macleans Chinonyerem and Gift Monday gave the Super Falcons the opportunity to mount pressure on their opponent, though the effort did not materialised into a goal.

In the group C match, the Bayana Bayana of South Africa defeated Burundi 3-1 to book a place in the quarter finals of the competition with a game to spare.

Nigeria’s win against Botswana has leapfrogged her to the second position in the Group with three Points, while the leader of the Group, South Africa has six points.

Botswana is third in the Group with three points, they must win or draw with South Africa in the final Group C matches to qualify for the next stage of the competition.

Fidelity Bank: Disco Rebuffs Takeover Move

By
James Orji
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By James Orji

The Benin Electricity Distribution Company, BEDC has disclosed that the take over of the firm by Fidelity Bank Plc is a joke. The distribution company was responding to claim by the commercial bank and Bureau of Public Enterprise, BPE that the management of the firm has been changed due to its failure to service its loan.

The Federal Government had on Tuesday announced the restructuring and take-over of five DisCos for their inability to honour their debt obligations to the Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe-led bank.

The discos are Benin, Kano and Kano and two others.

A statement jointly signed by the Executive Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, Sanusi Garba and the Director General of the BPE, Alex A. Okoh, said the bank has the right to intervene after the firms breached their contractual agreement.

“Fidelity Bank’s action is a contractual and commercial intervention and is between the Core Investors in the DisCos and the lender. BPE is involved because of the 40% shareholding of Government in the DisCos. Fidelity Bank has informed us that the new Board members of the affected DisCos will be as follows:

“Kano DISCO: Hasan Tukur (Chairman), Nelson Ahaneku (Member), Engr. Rabiu Suleiman (Member)

“Benin DISCO: KC Akuma (Chairman), Adeola Ijose (Member), Charles Onwera (Member)

“Kaduna DISCO: Abbas Jega (Chairman), Ameenu Abubakar (Member), Marlene Ngoyi (Member),” the government said.

Reacting on Thursday BEDC said the take over was illegal to the extent that the firm’s shares were not used as collateral security for Fidelity Bank loan.

In a statement issued by Ibeamaka Odoh, its Corporate Affairs Officer, the disco said it will resist any attempt by the bank to interfere with its operations.

Odoh said, “The management of BEDC states unequivocally, that there is no contractual, statutory or regulatory basis for such takeover.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the shares of BEDC have not been given as security to Fidelity Bank or to any other party.

“There was the report that certain parties had been appointed as board members, independent directors and managing director of BEDC.

“We understand these appointments have been communicated to the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

“As we understand it, Vigeo Holdings Ltd. (VHL), a non-shareholder of BEDC, obtained credit facilities from Stanbic IBTC Bank Ltd., Fidelity Bank Plc, and Keystone Bank Plc.

“We further understand that the said credit facilities and any enforcement action in relation thereto have in the meantime become subject of litigation.’

The firm urged its customers, investors and partners to ignore the takeover move.

“I Will Never Work For Uzodinma Against Peter Obi, LP” –  Martin Agbaso

By
The Source
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0
Martins Agbaso

By Charles Igbo

A very prominent Imo State son,  astute Politician and entrepreneur, Chief Martin Agbaso, has described as stupid and a lie from the pit of hell, a viral write-up which put his name as one of those the Imo State  Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, is using to infiltrate the camp of Peter Obi, the Presidential candidate of the Labour  Party, LP, to destabilise Obi and LP in their 2023 aspirations.

The write-up, amongst other names, specifically said that Uzodinma, to rubbish Obi in the Owerri North Senatorial Zone where Agbaso hails from, gave Agbaso the sum of N70, 000,000 for the job.

Said the write up:

The incriminating section:

“In Owerri Zone, a new twist occurred. The incumbent Senator, Ezenwa Onyewuchi, who was defeated in PDP went and negotiated with the National Leadership of Labour Party and took the party’s ticket for Senate. But Uzodinma, who has a very serious plot, was not relenting. He immediately noticed that Senator Onyewuchi would not be loyal to him and might not play the role expected of him at the appropriate time, so he needed to shop for an influential figure in APC to move into Labour Party to take the structure and leadership from the incumbent Senator.

For that purpose, Chief Martin Agbaso was sent from APC to Labour Party and given Seventy Million Naira (N70,000,000) for the assignment.”

“In Owerri Zone, a new twist occurred. The incumbent Senator, Ezenwa Onyvewuchi, who was defeated in PDP went and negotiated with the National Leadership of Labour Party and took the party’s ticket for Senate. But Uzodinma, who has a very serious plot, was not relenting. He immediately noticed that Senator Onyewuchi would not be loyal to him and might not play the role expected of him at the appropriate time, so he needed to shop for an influential figure in APC to move into Labour Party to take the structure and leadership from the incumbent Senator.

“For that purpose, Chief Martin Agbaso was sent from APC to Labour Party and given Seventy Million Naira (N70,000,000) for the assignment.”

But in response, Agbaso said: “The story is completely false and a handiwork of desperate politicians.

“I cannot and will never be a tool in the hands of anybody  to pursue his or her political interest in any Organisation.”

He said his decision to “join the Labour Party was my personal decision borne out of the desire to be part of a new progressive movement in search of a progressive and just Nigeria which the Labour Party presently represents.”

Agbaso’s statement which he personally signed reads in full:

“My attention has been drawn to a propaganda story  titled ‘HOW HOPE UZODINMA HIJACKED PETER OBI’S LABOUR PARTY IN IMO.’

“I wish to alert the General Public that the paragraph that relates to me in the fabricated story is completely false and a handiwork of desperate politicians.

I cannot, and will never be a a tool in the hand of anybody to pursue his or her political interest in any Organisation.

“My joining the Labour Party was my personal decision borne out of the desire to be part of a new Progressive Movement in search of a progressive and just Nigeria which the Labour Party presently represents.

“I am also pleased with the candidacy of Mr Peter Obi as the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party for the 2023 Presidential Election and will join in the mobilisation for his victory and the Party in the General Election.

“I wish to warn those behind the authoring of the Falsehood to stop dragging my name to their illicit pursuit of their Political Ambition.

“I, therefore, warn the General Public to dismiss and disregard the story as entirely untrue.”

Agbaso, whose Chieftaincy Titles are Ochoudo Owerri and Agadaga Emekuku, was a Special Adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo. He was also the presumed winner of the Governorship election in Imo State which was inexplicably cancelled by the Professor Maurice Iwu-led Electoral Commission. In a rerun election which was seen as the height of impunity and unfairness, he was defeated by the Federal  and State Governments’ endorsed candidate, Chief Ikedi Ohakim. He had, also won the Senatorial seat of Imo North but the late General Sani Abacha Regime aborted the inauguration of that National Assembly.

His younger brother, Sir Jude Agbaso, was the first Deputy Governor of Imo State under the Rochas Okorocha Administration.

His, recently, late elder sister,  Chief Mrs Salome Zainab Marwa, married to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwar, was the First Lady of old Borno State.

Malawian-Based Catholic Priest Says Reno Omokri Doing Everything To Undermine Peter Obi

By
Adesina Soyooye
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0
Kelvin Agwu

By Adesina Soyooye

A Malawian-based Catholic Priest has accused Reno Omokri of doing everything to undermine the success of Peter Obi as a Presidential candidate in the 2023 Presidential election. Obi is the candidate of the Labour Party, LP.

Rev. Fr. Kelvin Agwu, citing a number of examples, said Omokri’s negative stuffs on Obi has gone so bad that he now resorts to lies to damage Obi in favour of his preferred candidate,  Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Ugwu said Omokri’s modus operandi is to incite Muslims against Obi who is a Christian.

In a post on his verified Facebook page, Rev. Ugwu recounted:

“Who first shared Peter Obi’s picture printed on a Muslim mat and made it go viral? Reno!

“Who used the mat and picture and tried to instigate a Muslim Vs Christian fight with arguments on tolerance and intolerance that even led to Peter Obi making a disclaimer? Reno!

“Who started the false story of Peter Obi leaving PDP to join NNPP? Reno!

“Who edited a picture of Peter obi and Kwankwaso and came up with the false story that Peter Obi is trying to sideline Kwankwaso in “his own party? Reno

“Who is trying so hard to make Peter Obi look merely like an Igbo project? Reno!

“Who is the one trying to gaslight Peter Obi’s supporters by emotionally blackmailing them and accusing them of Cyberbullying? Reno

“Just this recent interview that Peter Obi granted with Arise news in which he used a driver-pilot analogy to explain how we need to start hiring the right and qualified candidate for the job without the primitive consideration of tribe and religion. . . who is trying to turn his analogy upside down to cause tension and division between Muslims in the North and Christians in the South by playing a mind game on the Northerners even to the extent of making the post in the Hausa language? Reno!”

And, finally, Ugwu says if Obi wins, a surprise will come from Omokri. According to Agwu:

“Who will come out to still post pictures of himself and Peter Obi and make videos claiming to be  Peter Obi’s friend? Reno!”

Rev. Fr Agwu also questioned Omokri’s claim to Christianity. Ugwu:

“Who is the man that claims to be a Christian Pastor yet does not believe that Jesus is God? Reno!

Expressing his confusion over Reno’s character, Ugwu asked for help:

“What is the best word that we can use to describe the person and actions of Reno Omokri?

“Please, if you have an idea, help me…”

Rev. FR. KELVIN AGWU
#FacebookTelevision

Baba-Ahmed Is Obi’s Running Mate

By
Adesina Soyooye
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0

By Adesina Soyooye

After speculations, expectations, and especially,  the breakdown  in talks between the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party ,LP, Peter Obi, and that of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP,  Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, the LP and Obi have finally settled for an impeccable character as the Vice Presidential candidate.

Obi’s running mate is Senator Yusuf  Datti Baba Ahmed, a Politician, Academic and Philanthropist.

Dr Baba Ahmed will be unveiled on Friday July 8 at the Labour Party Headquarters, Abuja.

His unveiling which was slated for Thursday, July 7, was rescheduled because Candidate Obi’s flight from Maiduguri to Abuja was canceled.

In preparation for Baba-Ahmed’s unveiling, Dr Doyin Okupe, who occupied the position as a stand-in, has written to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to stand-down. He has withdrawn as Obi’s running mate. Said Dr Okupe in a Tweet on Thursday:  “This afternoon,  I submitted my withdrawal letter from the position of Vice Presidential Candidate  of the  Labour Party to INEC. A replacement will be announced by d National Chairman of d Party shortly. I feel greatly blessed to have been part of the foundation of success 4 the LP.”

Baba-Ahmed, 46, is the founder of the Baze University, Abuja, and Baba-Ahmed University, Kano. He is, also, a well-respected entrepreneur.

Delta State: Court Nullifies PDP Gov Candidate Election

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
PDP Secretariat - Wadata Plaza

By Ayodele Oni

The last may not have been heard about the governorship primary of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) in Delta state as contenders will have to return to the drawing board.

This followed an order by a federal high Court in Abuja on Thursday that the party should conduct fresh primary.

The court nullified the election of Sheriff Oborevwori, as the Peoples Democratic Party’s governorship candidate in Delta State for the 2023 general elections.

Oborevwori, who is currently the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, is Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s annoited candidate and was allegedly imposed on the PDP in the state.

Presiding judge, Justice Taiwo O. Taiwo ruled that the plaintiff, David Edevbie proved beyond reasonable doubt that Oborevwori was unqualified by virtue of the discrepancies in his documents.

The court  nullified Oborevwori’s election as the PDP candidate on the basis of discrepancies in his  certificates issues and ordered the party to conduct a fresh primary before the final date of change of candidates.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has set July 17 as deadline for political parties in the country to return names of their candidates for next year’s election.

The Electoral Act does not permit the runner-up to automatically become the candidate.

Oborevwori emerged as the candidate of the PDP, after polling 590 out of 825 votes to beat former commissioner for finance, David Edevbie, who is the anointed candidate of former governor James Ibori with 113 votes to clinch the second position.

State Of The Nation: NUJ Urges President Buhari To Wake Up

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigeria Union of Journalists, (NUJ) has joined in the call on the Federal Government to swiftly address some problems facing the country.

The union identified  insecurity, education, health, spiraling inflation, scarcity of petroleum products, power, maintenance of law and order, electioneering, respect for rule of law, food security, arrest, harassment and intimidation of Journalists among others as areas calling for government attention.

The President of the union, Chris Isiguzo at a media briefing in Abuja on Thursday expressed dismay at the spate of insecurity in virtually every geopolitical zone in the country.

“It is almost becoming unbelievable the geometric rate of attacks by terrorists/bandits in different locations. The unfortunate development is certainly unacceptable particularly with the proportion and dimension insecurity has assumed in the country to the extent that no one is sure of where is safe any longer,” he said.

According to him, “While terrorism and banditry are ravaging most parts of the North-east, North-west and some states in the North-central geo-political zones, (we are worried at the number of kidnap cases especially in Kaduna, Zamfara and Niger states), IPOB agitation and assumed criminality is sweeping across the South-east.

“As at today, Imo and Anambra states have become notorious for disturbing trends in kidnapping and killings.

The security agencies must rise to the occasion especially in Imo state where some arrests have been reportedly made with suspects making mind-boggling  revelations.

“Some suspects are said to be in custody, since December last year and have even allegedly mentioned names of politicians as their sponsors. Such revelations should not just be ignored.

“All those fingered as masterminds of insecurity in the area must be brought to book irrespective of who they are. We are hopeful that the IGP would address these issues as a matter of utmost national importance

“As for Anambra, efforts must be intensified in arresting the rising crime wave in the state.

Apart from the South East, other South-south and South-west parts of the country are not also spared of the activities of the dare devil bandits and kidnappers that kill at will thereby making nonsense of the premium value attached to human life. This cannot continue and must not be allowed to continue.

“Just last Tuesday night, the audacity of these criminal gangs was expressed in a daring raid on the Kuje Maximum Security Prison in Abuja. The Correctional Facility was breached for hours without any reinforcement being sent after the Soldiers and other guards were overpowered.

“According to Correctional Service Officials, over 600 Prisoners escaped, including all the Boko Haram members in detention. Before then, a Presidential convoy conveying an advance party of Officials for the Sallah visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to Daura was attacked and it took the Presidential Guards much effort to repel the attackers.

“While we commend the Federal Government, the Nigerian military and other security agencies for their commendable efforts in tackling the situation, we however appeal to the government not to be deterred but to continue in providing the needed support to the Armed Forces, the Police and other security agencies in the fight against all forms of insecurity. The war will surely be won by Nigeria and the enemies of the country shall be put to shame.

The NUJ President also appealed to President Mohamadu Buhari  to personally wade into the rift between Academic Staff Union of Universities, (ASUU) and government to facilitate quick resolution.

“The NUJ wishes to passionately appeal to the good conscience of President Muhammadu Buhari to as a matter of urgency, national interest and for the sake of the future generations of Nigerians, personally wade into the matter to save the country from further embarrassment.

“The country can no longer afford to continue to watch our  youths waste away at home with no end in sight for school resumption .

“The NUJ believes strongly that the personal intervention of Mr. President would go a long way in addressing the issues at stake as against what looks like the back and fort dance steps around the subject matter by some officials of government.

‘We equally appeal to the leadership and members of ASUU to in the overall interest of the nation, accept some of the offers the federal government is proposing to allow for the resumption of academic activities in the Universities,” the NUJ president said.

Gumi Warned FG Ahead Kuje Attack

By
James Orji
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0

By James Orji

Popular Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, says the attack on the Kuje Prison attack would have been averted if the authoties àcted on the intelligence report he shared with them.

The Islamic State for West Africa Province, ISWAP has claimed responsibility for the attack.

President Muhammadu Buhari had during his visit to the prison on Wednesday lashed out at the nation’s intelligence body for failure to avert the attack. The president has ordered a probe.

Gumi has advocated for dialogue between the terrorists and the government. He has also  negotiated the release of hostages by terrorists on many occasions.

Daring terrorists had attacked the prison, releasing over 800 inmates many of who are still at large.

The minister of Defense Bashir Magashi, said over 60 Boko Haram terrorists kept in the facility are among prisoners who escaped.

Speaking, Gumi said the authority failed to act on the intelligence report he shared with the Chief of Defense Staff, Gen Lucky Irabor that terrorists were planning an attack the facility.

He claimed that the same terrorists who attacked the Abuja-Kaduna bound train, and abducted many passengers are behind the attack on Kuje Prison.

According to him, the terrorists had as part of his negotiations with them demanded that 10 of their leaders in the prison be released. He claimed to have communicated their demand to the government which failed to a t on time.

He explained that the terrorists attacked because they probably ran out of patience.

In a statement issued on Thursday, by one of his  aides, Gumi.said he shared intelligence with security agencies and a committee that was constituted by Gen. Irabor.

“On the tendency and threat to attack targets and other facilities of interest like the Kuje Correctional Centre attacks I have shared that intelligence with the security agencies and the committee that was constituted by CDS Gen. Lucky Irabor,” Gumi said.

He further explained that he was able to negotiate down from 51 to 10 with the terrorists the number of their leaders to be released from the prison.

He said, “I can confirm without a doubt that the Kuje Correctional Centre attack was executed and coordinated by the same group that attacked the Abuja-Kaduna bound train because they gave indications of imminent attacks to that effect which I shared.

“For the records, they requested for the release of 51 of their members. But through the power of dialogue and engagement, I was able to singlehandedly scale that number to only 10 and communicated with audio backing the development to the relevant authorities.

“There was an unnecessary delay on giving them even precise feedback by the government and now they have not only succeeded in carrying out another successful attack that indicts the nature of our intelligence and capacity to respond promptly but has also succeeded in releasing dozens of their members which would have been averted if the action has been taken to give them only 10 and secure the release of the train victims.

“In all this risky, painful and frustrating engagement which government is yet to acknowledge and appreciate, I have more than 100 documented audios that I shared with the relevant authorities. For the purpose of this important press release and to authenticate my claims, I will also share four of the latest audios.”

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Correctional Service, NCoS has denied that some high profile prisoners have escaped.

The service said former Governors Joshua Dariye, Jolly Nyame and disgraced supercop Abba Kyari, who is standing trial for corruption and drug trafficking are still in the facility.

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