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Former Zamfara Governor Yari’s  Problems Multiply As ICPC Pounces On Him

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The Source
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By Gideon Njoku

The problems of a former Governor of Zamfara State, Abdulaziz Yari, which began even before he left office have kept multiplying by the day.

Aside from suddenly losing the party structures of the All Progressives Congress, APC, to a new entrant to the Party, Governor Bello Matawalle, and reduced to irrelevance in the Party,  Yari has now, temporarily, forfeited properties and funds to the Federal Government.

A Federal High Court which sat in Abuja on Wednesday, February 23, ruled that the former Governor forfeits 10 properties scattered within Abuja and a couple of States, as well as funds in a couple of his bank accounts, to the Federal Government.

The Honourable Justice Obiora Egwuatu ruled in an exparte motion filed by the Counsel to the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha.

The Interim forfeiture will last for 60 days, within which time the ICPC would have concluded its investigation.

Justice Obiora, also, asked the ICPC to publcise his order to enable anybody who has any objection to show why, within 14 days, he should not order for a permanent forfeiture of the properties and funds to the FG.

Yari first entered into trouble over the return of Paris Funds to States. At the time, he was the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum.

He was alleged to have deployed part of the funds to personal use, an allegation he vehemently denies.

Fidelity Bank Restates Support for CBN Forex Repatriation Push

By
Bayo Bernard
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By Fola James

Fidelity Bank Plc, a leading Nigerian bank, has reaffirmed its commitment to actively support the Central Bank of Nigeria’s, CBN efforts to achieve its goal of $200 billion in Foreign Exchange repatriation from non-oil exports over the next five years.

The Executive Director, Northern Businesses, Fidelity Bank Plc, Hassan Imam made this known on Monday in Kano at a workshop for exporters and investors on the implementation and opportunities in the new CBN RT200 FX Policy.

Imam stated that the financial institution would not relent in its efforts to bridge the knowledge gap in the non-oil sector space by facilitating the necessary processes and documentation for the new policy, with the goal of increasing FX repatriation through exportation.

The CBN had unveiled the RT200 FX Programme on February 10, 2022, as part of measures to reduce the increasing demand for foreign currency by importers, which frequently puts excessive pressure on the exchange rate.

With the implementation of this policy, the CBN has stated that the supply of foreign currency to commercial banks will cease by the end of 2022, while investors will be able to generate forex through the RT200 FX Program template provided to strengthen commodity exports.

The Regional Bank Head, North West 1, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mannir Ringim re-emphasised the bank’s readiness to support government’s economic imperatives to boost revenue in non-oil sector of the economy.

“As you know Nigeria is currently an import-dependent economy with so much pressure on our currency and the source of revenue as a nation is petrol dollar. So, the initiative of the CBN is to leverage on our non-oil products especially in agriculture like hibiscus flower, cashew nut sesame and many other products for exports.

“Now, Fidelity Bank wants to remain the exporters’ bank of choice not only by providing finance but by helping exporters in bridging the knowledge gap in exporting their commodities. We are committed to this initiative to improve our economy, reduce pressure on local currency and provide an enabling environment to grow the non-oil sector to also create massive job opportunities”, Ringim explained.

Speaking on the need for strategic planning in the non-oil sector, Head of Export and Agric Businesses at Fidelity Bank, Isaiah Ndukwe said the bank is well positioned to advance the CBN policy thrust to reduce our over-dependence on oil revenue in the country.

He stated that the bank is committed to improving the banking system’s competitiveness while focusing on developing exporters’ capability in the fundamentals of local commodity exportation. Isaiah emphasized that the new policy will not only reshape exporters’ mindsets, but will also infuse value addition on their commodities, allowing them to earn more forex.

According to him, the workshop tagged, Harnessing Export Business Opportunities, CBN RT200 FX Programme: current issues, non-oil exports and implications to business; drew inspiration on the policy’s guidelines.

The guidelines involve the provision of a single digit credit facility to exporters, provision of rebates on foreign currency, funding of commodity production and value-addition processes, building terminals and the convening of a biannual summit for the review of the implementation of the policy.

Exporters at the sensitization event expressed satisfaction on the capacity-building initiative as it enabled them to get acquainted with the CBN policy and opportunities in export business.

Fidelity Bank is a full-fledged commercial bank operating in Nigeria with over 6million customers who are serviced across its 250 business offices and digital banking channels.

We Are At Peace With Ondo State Government – Hausa/Fulani Residents

By
Ayodele Oni
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Hausa Leader with Ondo State governor

By Ayodele Oni

The Hausa/Fulani Community in Ondo State has reacted to alleged victimization of some of its members resident in various parts of the State.

The Northerners said a report credited to the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum needed to be corrected to ensure that the public is not driven into unnecessary panic based on the self-serving desires of some people.

A statement signed by the Chairman, Hausa/Fulani community, Alhaji Bala Umaru and Alhaji Bello Garuba, chairman, MACBAN, said attempts were being made to set their people against Government.

“It becomes necessary to respond to this false allegations because elections are around the corner and politicians could use these twisted information to dissuade voting age members among our people from exercising their franchise.

“To begin with, I am a native of Ningi town of Bauchi State, but was born and brought up in Ondo State.

“Having lived here for more than five decades, I can tell categorically that there has never been an Administration as impartial as the current APC one in Ondo State under the leadership of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN especially as touching the welfare and protection of the rights of the Hausa/Fulani Community in Ondo State.

“It is under this Administration that the Hausa/Fulani Community was given greater recognition and there is no way I will allow the interest of our  people jeopardized.

“Recall that Amotekun Corps was set up to complement the efforts of existing Security Agencies who have been overwhelmed by series of criminal activities especially in the wake of Boko Haram insurgency, Banditry, Kidnapping, Cybercrimes, Ritual Killings and some other criminal activities.

”As a matter of fact, there is an enabling law backing up the establishment of the Corps which I suggest you take time to digest.

“The activities of the Corps have been carried out strictly in line with the enabling law and we have deep business interests here that needs to be protected from criminals especially Cattle Rustlers who want to reap where they did not sow.

“There are two verifiable cases involving the theft of Cows by some people. It was through the assistance of Amotekun Corps that we were able to recover the 16 cows while those involved were prosecuted and jailed by the law court.

“Another case involves the kidnap of Alhaji Musa Wakili, a Fulani man from Supare in Akoko Southwest area of the State by fellow Fulanis who were discovered to be mercenaries hired by some people from Edo State.

“There has been massive movement of young boys from the Northern part of the Country into the Southern part with no specific means of livelihood, carrying arms and dangerous weapons loaded in buses and trailers.

“Recently, as you may be aware, about 22 young boys loaded in a Toyota Hummer Bus from Katsina State were apprehended by Amotekun Corps for unlawful possession of firearms with live ammunition and 500 dangerous weapons hidden in a sack containing tiger nuts.

“These developments have become source of concern to us, the Hausa/ Fulani Community and have been engaging the leadership of Amotekun Corps to ensure innocent persons are not punished.

“As a matter of fact, many of the interrogations are carried out in our presence and that of the Chairman of MACBAN in Ondo State, Alhaji Bello Garuba.”

On the passage of the Anti-Open Grazing Law the group explained that “few of our people especially those involved in cattle rustling have been at the center of the deliberate attempt to tarnish the image of Hausa Fulani people, who have been living in Ondo State for decades thus making us endangered species.

“Since the law was signed, we have participated in settling farmers-herders clashes occasioned by wanton destruction of farm crops, diverting cattle to major roads and highways causing traffic jams and sometimes, accidents as in the case that happened in Ore few months back.

“Despite these infractions from some of our people, I have taken frantic steps in conjunction with the leadership of Miyetti Allah to curb the negative publicity arising from these.”

Uzodinma Lashes Lukman, Ex-DG Progressives Gov’s Forum; Labels Him PDP Mole

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma

Imo State Governor, Senator  Hope Uzodinma, has lashed out at the former Director General of the Progressives Governor’s Forum, Salihu Mohammed Lukman, labeling him a mole for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, within the APC.

Lukman who inexplicably resigned as the PGF’s DG, had come down badly on some Governors, including Uzodimma, on Monday, saying they were busy struggling to be either the President or Vice President.

Stung by that unfounded allegation, Uzodimma descended on Lukman, calling him a PDP mole in words and deed.

In a statement signed on his behalf by his Media Adviser/Chief Press Secretary, Uzodinma said Lukman was going to be sacked by the PGF because of his embarrassing attitude, before he resigned on his own to save face.

Following is the full text of Governor Uzodinma’s response.

“The former Director General of the Progressives Governor’s Forum (PGF), Salihu Mohammed Lukman, has demonstrated beyond reasonable doubt that he is a People’s Democratic Party (PDP) mole in the midst of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“Lukman, who recently hurriedly resigned his appointment as DG of the PGF to avoid a pending sack over unbecoming demeanour has continued to run his mouth in ways that suggest that his sojourn in the midst of progressive politicians in APC was nothing but a design to spy on the Party in the interest of his co-conspirators in the opposition PDP. 

“On Monday, February 21, Lukman was credited by a section of media to have accused some respected APC Leaders, including Governors, of holding the Party captive and working with Governor Mai Mala Buni-led Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) against the February 26 Convention that has been postponed to March 26.

“Ordinarily, we would have ignored Lukman if he did not have the misfortune of bringing the name of Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State into the picture of his thoughtless and careless statement.

‘Interestingly, perhaps except for His  Excellency Dapo Abiodun, three of them – His Excellency Mai Mala Buni, His Excellency Yahaya Bello and His Excellency Hope Uzodimma – are all aspiring to become Presidential or Vice-Presidential candidates,’ Lukman reportedly said.

“It is obvious that Lukman had been engaged by enemies of democracy to deliberately discredit respected APC Governors and Leaders like Uzodimma just because their selfish political permutations are not working out.

“Even when Governor Uzodimma, barely two weeks ago, came out to distance himself from any Presidential contest, Lukman would deliberately overlook that to make insinuaions that were borne out of hatred for Governor Uzodimma due to the latter’s rising profile in APC and the trust his colleagues have reposed on him because of his many years of experience in politics and sincerity of purpose. 

“One would have thought that Lukman must have learnt his lesson by now given that he is still being haunted by the illogical spirit that led to his near sack in office recently. But how wrong can we possibly be!

“As an aide to the body of Governors, Lukman probably saw himself in the mould of His Excellencies and would not humble himself to take directives from his bosses in the interest of their States in particular and the Country at large.

“He was therefore, in good stead, issuing controversial statements that were not only antagonistic to the leadership of the Party he pretends to be part of but quite anti-thetical to the views of his bosses.

“Few weeks out of office, Lukman is behaving true to type – a mole planted amidst the APC top echelon to spy on them.

“Why would Lukman’s feeling about the postponement of the APC Convention be in sync with the feeling of the opposition politicians and the few APC members known for anti-party activities?

“Regardless of those Governors and CECPC Members Lukman was content discrediting, could it have been possible to move the date of the Convention without the buy-in of the leader of the Party, President Muhammadu Buhari?

“The point is that Lukman deserves our pity. He has lost touch with the current reality in politics and except he retraces his steps by committing whole-heartedly to the supremacy of the Party encapsulated in the power invested in the leadership, it would be difficult for him to deny he is not a mole in APC.”

N450 Million Fraud: Court Jails Former Minister, Ochekpe

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Sarah Ochekpe

By Akinwale Kasali

A Federal High Court sitting in Jos, Plateau State, has sentenced Former Minister of Water Resources, Sarah Ochekpe, to three months imprisonment.

Ochekpe, a Minister under former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s administration was sentenced alongside; Raymond Dabo, a former Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in Plateau State and the Plateau State Coordinator of Jonathan Campaign Organization, Leo-Sunday Jitong.

The three accused persons had been standing trial since 2018 in a case of money laundering and conspiracy brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, amounting to over N450 million.

The Anti-Graft agency, Gombe Zonal Command, on Tuesday, February 22, 2022, secured the conviction Ochekpe and the two others.

The trio were convicted and sentenced to six years imprisonment each by Justice H. M. Kurya of the Federal High Court, Jos, Plateau State, on an amended three – count charge bordering on conspiracy and money laundering.

They were alleged to have received the sum of N450million from Fidelity Bank Plc through cash and wire transfer by some oil companies and former Petroleum Resources Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, to influence the outcome of the 2015 presidential election.

Investigation had showed that on 26th March, 2015, the sum of N450million were withdrawn from the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, by Fidelity Bank Plc, Jos main branch and it was handed over to the defendants in cash after they signed for collection.

Though the defendants claimed that they handed over the money to late Senator Gyang Pwajok, the Plateau State PDP Governorship candidate in 2015, they however failed to provide any evidence to support the claim.

The defendants were convicted on count one, bordering on conspiracy to accept cash payment above threshold under the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2012 (as amended) and sentenced to three (3) years imprisonment with an option of N2,000,000.00 (Two Million Naira) fine each.

On count two, the defendants were convicted and sentenced to three (3) years imprisonment with an option of N2, 000,000 (Two Million Naira) fine each. The sentences are to run consecutively.

Abba Kyari Loses As Court Orders His Detention Till Investigation Ends

By
The Source
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0
Abba Kyari in Court

By Gideon Njoku

Suspended and embattled Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, has finally lost his bid for bail.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted the request of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, to keep him in custody until after the Investigation of his involvement with a Drug cartel.

Ruling on an exparte motion filed by the NDLEA, Justice Zainab Abubakar ordered the NDLEA to detain Kyari and four other police officers, for 14 days in its facility at the first instance pending the end of Investigations against them. Depending on circumstances, it could be extended, some watchers of the Kyari drama say.

Kyari had, on Monday, February 21, approached another Federal High Court presided over by the Hon. Justice Inyang Ekwo, asking for administrative bail from the EFCC. He was denied on the grounds that the Respondents should be aware of his exparte motion.

In the main suit backed by an affidavit, Kyari is asking the NDLEA and the Federal Government to pay him the sum N500m as compensation for allegedly humiliating and disgracing him. He is also asking for a public apology to be published in two National papers. He claims innocence of the allegations against him, insisting he was framed by an NDLEA personnel.

Abba Kyari was arrested on February 14, 2022 and has been in the custody of the NDLEA since then.

He is alleged to be neck-deep in connivance with Drug dealers. He also, allegedly, tried to bribe an NDLEA personnel with the sum of $61,000.

Postponed APC Convention: PDP Asks Party To Register Afresh As A Political Party

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
APC Party
APC Party

By Ayodele Oni

The People’s Democratic Party, (PDP), has advised the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), to reapply for fresh registration as a political party with the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) due to its inability to hold its National Convention.

PDP, in a statement on Tuesday, noted that “as a party in Government, unable to conduct a routine National Convention has further explained why all sectors of our national life have been in shambolic state under the incompetent, corrupt, rudderless and overtly confused APC administration.

The statement, signed by PDP’s spokesman, Debo Ologunagba, pointed out that “APC’s postponement of its National Convention again validates PDP’s stance that the APC is not a political party but a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) of strange bed fellows, political buccaneers, and ferocious power mongers on a mission to wreck our Nation.

“The PDP states that the APC which cannot conduct its own internal affairs could not be expected to successfully manage the affairs of a nation like Nigeria.

“The APC is a perfect example of failure both as a party and Government unable to conduct a simple National Convention in two years. It has become a Russian Roulette with unending request for extension of time to undertake a routine statutory political activity.

“Our Party is not surprised that the APC, a party of backstabbers, again postponed its National Convention already scheduled for February 26, 2022.

“It is rather saddening how a set of confused, greedy, deceitful, hard-heartened and self-centered individuals who cannot run a creditable organization foisted themselves in power and plunged our nation into the economic, security and social mess that we face today.

“As a vacuous political contraption without a soul, peopled by political warlords without conscience and operating without rules, the APC is a bunch of inchoate sailors clobbered together for remote personal gain; operating without a Board of Trustees (BoT) and a National Working Committee (NWC); exists in violation of rules while constituting itself to a threat to our national unity and corporate existence as a Nation.

“APC’s postponement of its National Conventions had always been a fallout of the horrible infighting, backbiting and gang war by “political bandits” who are desperate for power and access to our national treasury.

“That explains why their congresses and other activities are always marred by violence, bloodletting and killings.

“Moreover, the APC is not capable of holding a National Convention having become defunct since December 8, 2020 when it dissolved all its States, Zonal and National party structures and set up an illegal contrivance called the Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee led by Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State.

“Of course, the activities of the Mai Mala Buni Committee remain invalid and unconstitutional by virtue of Section 183 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) which bars a sitting governor from holding “any other executive office” in any capacity whatsoever while serving as a State Governor.

“The failure of the APC to hold a National Convention is therefore a clear warning to those aspiring for various positions in the 2023 election on its platform to note that with the APC, they are on a journey to nowhere.

“The only way the APC can legitimately participate in the 2023 General Election is to re-apply to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for fresh registration as a political party.

“In any case, Nigerians are hopeful for a better future because the PDP is back and repositioned to Rescue and Rebuild our nation from the stranglehold of the APC in 2023.

“Nigerians are yearning for the return of good governance with the PDP so that they can again be secure, enjoy economic prosperity, infrastructural development, employment, food security and national cohesion which they experienced in the 16 years of the PDP in power.”

Edo Indigenes Flay Obaseki’s Move To Turn Varsity To Multi Campus System

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

The people of Esan in Edo State have kicked against the decision of Governor Godwin Obaseki to turn Ambrose Alli University, (AAU) Ekpoma, to a Multi-Campus Institution.

Also to be affected is the College of Education, Igueben. Both institutions were founded during the tenure of late Prof Ambrose Alli as Governor of the old Bendel state.

Concerned indigenes of Esan, in a statement on Tuesday, said they  “read with dismay, the announced conversion of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, alongside College of Education, Igueben, into a multi-campus tertiary institutions by Governor Godwin Obaseki.

“Governor Obaseki announced the conversion while speaking at the Education Policy Town Hall Meeting, convened by the State Ministry of Education on friday 18th february, 2022.

“The Governor said that, while the main campus would be in Ekpoma, the two new campuses would be located in Oredo Local Government and Owan Federal Constituency.

“According to him, the State College of Education, Igueben, is also converted into multi-campus, with the two new campuses located in Abudu and Afuze.”

The statement signed on behalf of the people by Monday Okpebholo added that: “From all academic indicator, the Governor’s decision is ill-conceived and improvident.

“The concept of running a multi-campus tertiary institution is financially draining, and psychologically exhausting for students and lecturers who have to jostle between campuses for academic activities.

“These multi-campus will require provost(s) and administrative facilities, little below that of the Vice Chancellor.

“The departments for professional courses will require readjustment and standardization, inter alia.

“At this point, it is of great importance to state, that, the major issue that continues to linger between the staffers and Management of AAU, and the Obaseki administration, is the failure of the Obaseki Government to fund the University adequately.

“Therefore, how can a Government which couldn’t fund a single campus, fund multi-campus?

“Ambrose Alli University serves as a medium of job creation and facilitate economic growth and development in Esan land.

“Thus, it is clear, that, Governor Obaseki has ignoble agenda against Esan people. Clearly, that anti-Esan people agenda, is to destroy the legacy of Prof Ambrose Alli, and in the same-vein, crush the economic viability of Ekpoma, and by extension, Esan-land.

“As someone, who is proud of his Esan heritage and driven with Pan-Esan interest, we can’t keep quiet and watch the legacy of Prof Ambrose Alli and the economic fortunes of Esan race, being destroyed in the name of subaltern politics.

“It is not suprising to Esan people, that, few days after Governor Obaseki’s brother, Pedro Obaseki, degraded and insulted Esan people in his most ethnically chauvinistic audio recording in the 21st century, the Governor decided to diminish the pride of Esan land (Ambrose Alli University).

“We state unequivocally, that, the Esan people will not allow themselves to be treated like an endangered species in the political and social-economic spectrum of Edo State.

“Ambrose Alli University, should be left the way it is, same applies to College of Education, Igueben.

“If the Governor means well for Esan people, he should fund and develop the infrastructures of the tertiary institutions located in Esan-land adequately and efficiently, instead of converting them into a diminishing multi-campus.”

Tension In Federal Medical Centre, Owo, Over Reappointment Of CMD, Union Kicks

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Fdederal Medical Centre Owo

By Ayodele Oni

The Federal Government may have set a bad precedent with the reappointment of the Chief Medical Director (CMD) Federal Medical Centre, (FMC) Owo, in Ondo state.

Investigation revealed that there is a peace of the graveyard at the Health Centre as workers are unhappy with the reappointment of Dr Liasu Adeagbo as the CMD for another term in office.

The Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria ( MDCAN) one of the unions at the FMC, called for the intervention of the Federal Government  in the unfolding crisis at the FMC, Owo.

Chairman of MDCAN in the hospital, Dr Samuel Faturoti, made the call in a statement made available in Akure.

The crisis centres on the  re-appointment of Adeagbo, after his retirement from the Health institution at the age of 60.

Faturoti said that the CMD would be clocking 60, the official retirement age, in July and, so is expected to have proceeded on the mandatory three months terminal leave, preceding his retirement.

According to the Union leader, Adeagbo has served for two years and four months in acting capacity, adding that by April, he would have served for four years as the substantive CMD.

“We remain resolute in our demand that the CMD deserves his retirement and nothing more after the expiration of his present tenure.

“We are confident that the supervising ministry and the Honourable Minister of State for Health will do the needful, to sustain the confidence reposed in the civil service and prevent the palpable tension at the centre from snowballing.

“Moreso, the centre has within the system a sizeable number of equally eligible and capable consultants (within the stipulated age limit), any of whom can be appointed to pilot the affairs of the hospital.”

The MDCAN Chairman added that it was more worrisome that stakehders especially members of the Hospital’s Management Board, had no knowledge of the process or procedure that led to the re-appointment.

“Within the last two weeks, the hospital community has witnessed a desperate attempt by the Medical Director to hang on to power despite the rising tension.

“This is exemplified by his tactical support for the activities of an apparently illegal union: United Workers for Patient Care.

“The Union, with no National base or any known branch in any Federal or State Hospital in Nigeria, has been exhibiting conducts likely to cause breach of peace within the hospital.

“As a responsible stakeholder, we have formally notified appropriate security agencies in this regard.”

Faturoti described the CMD’s reappointment as an infringement on the Public Service Rules (PSR) as the focal point of the operational framework, regulatory principles, charter of right, privileges and duties of all public servants in Nigeria.

The CMD, in his reaction through a text message, simply stated that: “There is peace in the Hospital.”

Abba Kyari Opens Pandora Box; Says NDLEA Personnel Escort Drug Runners, Demands N500m, Apology

By
The Source
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0
Abba Kyari - DCP

By Gideon Njoku

Suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, has opened a Pandora Box. Kyari has been in the custody of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, since February 14 after he was declared wanted by the Angency and arrested by the Police.

The NDLEA had accused Kyari of not only being involved in Drug running, but of trying to bribe its personnel to the tune of $61,000 over a 25kg cocaine brought into Nigeria.

These sordid facts were disclosed by the NDLEA at a Press Conference in Abuja, with video evidence.

But Kyari has dismissed all that as a bundle of lies. He says he is a victim of a frame-up. He said he met the NDLEA officer to tell him to pay commission to the informants of the Police Intelligence Response Team, IRT, as was agreed and promised the whistle-blowers.

He claimed that NDLEA personnel were working closely with Drug Barons, allowing them pass through the Airports, and even escorting them to their destinations.

In the instant case, for example, Kyari said the Drug  Baron, to the knowledge of NDLEA operatives at the Enugu Airport, has been bringing in cocaine from  Ethiopia, and being escorted by NDLEA personnel.

In suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/182/22, supported by an affidavit sworn to by his younger brother, Muhammad Nur Usman, Kyari alleged that NDLEA officers usually gave the suspect clearance, and escorted him from the airport to his destination.

Kyari said he was publicly disgraced and humiliated by the NDLEA, without anybody hearing his own side of the story. He is, therefore, demanding for the sum of N500m from the Federal Government, and a written apology to be published in two National Newspapers.

The affidavit states:

“That on that fateful day, the suspect, as usual, shipped drugs (cocaine) from Ethiopia to Enugu airport. The officer of NDLEA cleared him within the airport, then officers of FIB-IRT arrested the suspect with the help of information.

“That before the informant accepted to work with the officers of FIB-IRT, they both had an agreement to compensate the informant.

“That officers of FIB-IRT having noticed that officers of NDLEA were the ones clearing the said suspect with his drugs (cocaine), they immediately took the suspect to NDLEA and also reported those officers involved in the act.

“That instead of the NDLEA to handle the matter, accordingly, and bring their officers involved to book, they decided to frustrate the informant, thereby refusing to compensate the informant.

“That it was at this juncture that the attention of the DCP Abba Kyari was called, whom because the NDLEA officer involved is his friend, decided to intervene for the purpose of compensating the informant.

“That the NDLEA officer who refused to compensate the informant was the one who framed DCP Abba Kyari up on a trump-up allegation that he was trying to bribe him.

“That the agent of the respondent (NDLEA) declared the applicant wanted because of a mere allegation that he was trying to bribe an NDLEA officer without sufficient proof.

“That the Nigerian Police Force, based on the allegation of the respondent, arrested the applicant on the 12th day of February, 2022, and handed over to the NDLEA.”

“That the applicant is a decent Police Officer who has distinguished himself in areas of serving his father’s land as a Police Officer.

“That the applicant needs to be compensated and not to be dragged about, receiving torture, degrading and inhuman treatment by anybody or agency whatsoever.

“That there is no sufficient proof that the applicant has committed any offence to warrant this torture, degrading and inhuman treatment.”

Kyari said based on the above, he has been humiliated. He is asking the Court for the enforcement of his fundamental human rights.

He is also asking to be released on administrative bail based on his deteriorating health. He said he suffers from diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease, and has not had his medication since his detention.

He said he would not jump bail, and asks that the Federal Government and its agents be restrained from harassing him.

To compensate him for the humiliation he has gone through, he is asking for the sum of N500m, and a public apology from the Federal Government. He insists he was disgraced without any prima facie case established against him.

The Hon Justice Inyang Ekwo, rejected his bail application brought under an exparte motion by his Counsel, and said that the Respondents need to be aware.

He adjourned hearing to February 24, 2022.

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