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Terrorism: Shekau Declared Wanted Again, After Army Claimed Twice He’s Dead |The Source

By
Bayo Bernard
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His Men On The Run

By Fola James

Ababukar Shekau, the notorious leader of Boko Haram has been declared wanted by the Nigerian Army, among 86 other terrorists, seven years he was declared dead by the military.

Twice in 2009 and 2013 the Boko Haram leader was declared killed by troops fighting terrorists in Borno, the epicenter of the war against terror in the country.

He later resurfaced, and has remained elusive, leading his men to kill many civilians, including women and children in Nigeria’s north east.

But on Wednesday, the military authorities named him alongside 85 other notorious terrorists, including Abu Musa Al Banawi as the most wanted persons in the fight against terrorism.

Other terrorists still at large, according to the Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Burutai are   Modu Sulum, Malkam Umar, Mallam Bello Husba, Abu Musab Barnawi,Abu Imma, Ibrahim Abu Maryam and Baka Kwasari.

The terrorists that also made the list are Mallam Yan Kolo, Bana Gonna, Mohammed Abu Maryam, and Abu Dardda.

The Army chief disclosed this alongside Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum at the Nigerian Army Super Camp, Chabbal in Konduga Local Government Area of the state, at a ceremony to absorb some Civilian JTF, Hunters, and Vigilantes into the operations of the Nigerian Army Super Camp.

The army boss stated that the nation’s military was on the final push of the terrorists out of all the occupied areas in the north, noting that “the induction of Civilian JTF into the operation will greatly help in containing the activities of Boko Haram because of their knowledge of the terrain and identifying Boko Haram members,” even though civilian JTF will not be allowed to participate in major operations against the terrorists.

The Borno Governor on his part renewed the call on the terrorists to take the last opportunity to lay down their arms in their own interest and for peace to reign in the area.

He warned that their activities will no longer be tolerated as the soldiers are prepared to flush them out.

Zulum said “You are killing your brothers and sisters, destroying your own infrastructures that were built using money generated through tax from your forefathers. Today, we have all seen the level of devastation, nobody is been left, we are all affected in one way or another.”

The Untold Story Of Ohakim’s Arraignment, According To His Counsel |The Source

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The Source
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Ikedi Ohakim
Ikedi Ohakim

Late on 11th November, there was a widely published breaking story that Ikedi Ohakim, a former governor of Imo State was arraigned before a High Court of Federal Capital Territory.

Following up on this story, thesourceng.com contacted Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, Ohakim’s Lawyer in Owerri, to shade more light on what actually transpired. While confirming that he became aware of the arraignment from news reports, Ejimakor hastened to add that “I was in Owerri at the time and thus not privy to the decisions that led to what transpired in Abuja”.

Continuing, Ejimakor added “My guess is that  propelled by recent news reports of charges pending against him, Dr Ohakim voluntarily went to the Abuja Court out of abundance of caution or to make inquiries, thus becoming unwittingly vulnerable to a legal process that is currently being questioned in a competent court in Imo State”.

Ejimakor told The Source (Magazine) that as far as he is concerned “the arraignment should not have proceeded because there was a subsisting Court order against the processes that led to it. Plus, Dr Ohakim was never personally served with the charge or the hearing notice pertinent to the arraignment. Yet, it appears to me that the Abuja Court was not made aware of the subsisting order and processes pending in Owerri”.

Referring to a legal process he filed on 9th November, 2020, titled “Motion to remove and quash proceedings in Charge Number CR/993/2020”, Ejimakor queried: “how can such arraignment proceed when I am still prosecuting a Motion to quash the very Charge upon which the arraignment was predicated? I tell you this – now and in the fullness of time, this arraignment will be subjected to the rigors of the judicial process that preceded it at the High Court of Imo State”.

It will be recalled that on 25th September, the Court 11 of Imo State High Court , presided over by Justice Chukwunyere had revalidated an interim injunction Ohakim had secured against the Nigeria Police Force and Ms Chinyere Amuchienwa-Igwegbe, amongst others, on the subject matter of the arraignment.

The order reads “Upon hearing the oral application of Counsel to the Applicant, Aloy O. Ejimakor, Esq made on the 25th day of September, 2020 praying the Honourable Court for an order granting the application for an extension of the interim injunction granted on the 10th day of September, 2020, pending the hearing of the originating motion in this matter and having carefully read through the pre-existing affidavit deposed to by Dr. Ikedi Ohakim, the written address of Counsel and annexures;

“It is hereby ordered as follows: That the order made by Hon. Justice P.C. Ikpeama on the 7th day of September, 2020 to wit: “That both parties in this suit are hereby ordered to maintain the status quo and should not do anything relating to the subject matter of this suit pending the hearing and determination of this applicant”;

“And that made by Hon. Justice V.I. Onyeka on the 10th day of September, 2020 to wit: “That all parties in this suit are hereby ordered to maintain the status quo and should not do anything in connection with the subject and should stay all action whatsoever pending the determination of the substantive motion in this suit”; are hereby re-emphasized as still subsisting. Parties are to continue to maintain status quo and take no further steps in relation to the subject matter pending the hearing and determination of the originating motion.”.

The application to quash the very charge upon which Ohakim was arraigned was grounded on the pendency of this order. The respondents listed on the application are as follows: Inspector General of Police, Ms Chinyere Amuchienwa-Igwegbe, DCP Margret Ochalla, ACP Ibrahim Yidi, Kolo Yusuf, among others. Even the very Abuja FCT High Court (Court 32) was listed as a “party by reference” in the process seeking to quash the charge.

Buhari Okays Federal Science And Technical College For Imo |The Source

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The Source
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Imo Technical College Approval

President Muhammadu Buhari  has approved  the establishment of a Federal Science and Technical Secondary School in Imo State.

The ground breaking ceremony of the College sited at Umuaka in Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State had already been done.

Briefing newsmen after the weekly session, presided over by Governor Hope Uzodinma, the State Commissioner for Information Declan Emelumba expressed the State Government appreciation to  President Muhammadu Buhari and the Federal Ministry of Education for finding Imo suitable and worthy to site the Federal institution.

In the same vein, Emelumba said that Imo State is seriously considering a date for the soonest resumption of tertiary institutions in the state so that the students who have been at home as a result of the prolonged ASUU strike can “resume and continue with their studies because they are tired.”

Emelumba said that one critical concern to the Government is the noticeable indifference shown by Imo citizens to the Executive Order on the wearing of face masks as a major tool to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 in the State.

Consequently, he said the Exco has directed security agencies to henceforth enforce the order comprehensively in the interest of the health of Imo people.

He reiterated that wearing of face mask, observation of other Covid-19 protocols such as social distancing, regular washing of hands, use of alcohol based sanitizer where there is no water in Imo State to avoid resurgence of Corona virus is still compulsory.

According to the Commissioner, the Covid-19 Community testing is still ongoing and will soon be completed in all the 27 local government areas of Imo State, noting that reports from the exercise indicate that the rate of spread from areas covered is very low, hence the need for the citizens to obey all the protocols.

Anglican Communion Loses Bishop; Egbu Diocese Gets Four New Archdeaconries |The Source

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The Source
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The Rt. Rev Foluso Taiwo

By George Best Okoroh

The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, has lost one of its finest Ministers.

The Bishop of Oke-Osun Diocese, His Lordship, The Rt. Rev Foluso Taiwo is dead. Aged 65 years, he passed-on early Wednesday morning, at the Babcock Hospital, Sagamu, Ogun State.

The Primate of All Nigeria, The Most Rev Henry Ndukuba, announced  his demise in a statement from the office of the General Secretary of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Venerable Dr. Paul Dajur.

Bishop Taiwo was a former  Director of Communications, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion.

His Lordship was consecrated Bishop on September 24, 2019 in Asaba by the immediate past Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, His Grace Nicholas Okoh, and was barely one year in office when he passed-on.

His son, Tobi, confirmed his father’s passing.

On a cheery note, in another development, the Bishop of Egbu Diocese, His Lordship, The Rt. Rev. Geoffrey Okoroafor, has created four new Archdeaconries in the Diocese.

Okorafor broke the good news at The First Session of the  Ninth Synod, held at the Anglican Church of Pentecost, New Owerri, Imo State, which ended on Sunday, November 8.

The New Archdeaconries are:

* Umudibia Archdeaconry, created out of Nekede Archdeaconry.

*Eziobodo Archdeaconry, created out of Ihiagwa Archdeaconry.

*Trans-Egbu Archdeaconry, created out of Egbu Archdeaconry.

*Pentecost Archdeaconry, created out of Umualum Archdeaconry.

Seven new Parishes were, also, created.

The announcement of the creation of the new Archdeaconries, and Parishes, was greeted with ovation, as it was rightly seen as a sign that the Diocese, which will celebrate its Silver Jubilee in 2021, is growing in leaps and bounds.

Okorafor is the second Bishop of the Diocese.

The first was His Lordship, the Rt. Rev Professor Emmanuel Iheagwam, who retired at the age of 70 years.

Former President Jonathan Mourns Late Balarabe Musa |The Source

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The Source
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Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan
Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan

Former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has expressed sadness over the death of the Second Republic Governor of Kaduna state, Alhaji Balarabe Musa.

In a condolence message to the Government and people of the state, the former President described Musa as a sincere politician who protected the interest of the people.

Jonathan noted that Musa was a highly principled politician who avoided convenient politics and relentlessly pursued his beliefs, even at the risk of suffering personal losses.

The former President said: “Alhaji Balarabe Musa was a sincere and committed patriot and statesman who held fast to people-oriented progressive ideals throughout his political life.

“As a democrat, Musa avoided convenient politics and was passionate and courageous about his views. He was a highly principled man who relentlessly pursued his beliefs, even at the risk of suffering personal and career setbacks.

“He was a great man who deliberately avoided the companionship of the elite but found solace in the company of the ordinary people.

“The late sage was quite sincere in his beliefs and lived the courage of convictions. He fought for the less privileged and was deeply committed to causes that promoted public good for which he will be remembered as one of the finest politicians of our nation.”

CNPP Mourns National Chairman, Balarabe Musa |The Source

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The Source
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Balarabe Musa

The Conference Of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP), has announced the death of its National Chairman, Alhaji Balarabe Musa who passed away in the early hours of Wednesday at the age of 84

A statement signed by its Secretary General, Chief Willy Ezugwu, described  the death is highly regrettable at this trying times of our nationhood.

CNPP: “He will be highly missed by the ordinary citizens of Nigeria whom he had consistently stood with.
“His exit is very painful as he was a father to all irrespective of tribe or religious affiliation.

“He lived and died with his allegiance to the country unquestionable and his integrity intact.

“We enjoin all political leaders to remember that there is an end, power and wealth will pass away but our deeds will continue to speak for us or against us when we are no more.
“His life of contentment should be emulated by all Nigerian leaders”.

Frozen Accounts: Gov Akeredolu Advises #EndSARS Protesters To Go To Court |The Source

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

The Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Wednesday, said those whose accounts were linked to the $EndSARS  protest, and frozen by the apex bank, (CBN) need not fear. He has advised them to approach the Court and seek redress.

Once there is merit in their case, according to him, the same law court will unfreeze the frozen accounts.

The Governor advised those affected by the action of the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Central Bank (CBN) to challenge the matter in court if they feel their accounts were unlawfully frozen or same were unjustifiably breached.

A statement by the commissioner for information, Mr Donald Ojogo said Akeredolu, made the remarks while speaking on  a  Channels television programme, Sunrise, Wednesday morning.

Akeredolu, who is the Chairman of the South West Governors’ Forum pointed out that, even though the CBN acted in line with the provisions of the law to freeze the accounts, the owners of the account have a right to challenge the decision too in Court.

He noted that those affected by the action of the apex bank have a right to expose the necessity or otherwise and even to repudiate the accusations slammed against them by the CBN as frivolous and unfair.

“Speaking very honestly, I don’t see anything wrong in it. If for instance, my account was frozen, what would I do? All I would do is go back to court to explain. The #EndSARS promoters should do that.

“Even politicians, their accounts are sometimes frozen. You have to go to court and explain. And at the end of the day, the court will say, ‘Leave the account. The account should be de-frozen’ and you take your money back.

“If your account is frozen, you justify why the money was there. You come to explain to what use you have put this money.

“If it is that okay, we used this money to pay this caterer to give food to these boys when they were there, it will be explained, people will know and the accounts will be de-frozen.

“It is just that we (CBN) suspected this account then the owner of the account will explain; it is not a conclusion that those accounts were used for acts of treason.” the governor said.

The CBN surprisingly got the nod of the Court to freeze the accounts of some youths connected to the #EndSARS protests,  and shockingly alleging terrorism against such persons. A few of the Youths are still in detention. The action of the CBN has earned not a few criticisms nationwide.

The Youths had embarked on a nationwide protest against Police brutality, especially, the SARS. The protest sadly turned violent when it was hijacked by hoodlums. The consequence resulted in deaths and monumental destruction and arson of both private and public properties.

Nigeria Lost N5 Trillion To #EndSARS Protests, Says NECA |The Source

By
Uche Mbah
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NECA

By Uche Mbah

The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA)  said that its members lost over N5 trillion to the aftermath of the #EndSARS  protests across the country.

The #EndSARS  protests turned violent when hoodlums hijacked the protests, burning and looting both public and private properties. Even Media houses were burnt down in an unprecedented destruction spree.

NECA is the umbrella association of private-sector employers.

According to NECA President, Taiwo Adeniyi , the Government should come to the aid of fledgling businesses that has been negatively impacted by the mayhem, noting that many of their members have been kept at home.

“While the Lagos State Government estimated a loss of about oneTrillion Naira, and Plateau State Government estimated over N700 Billion, the  total value of the economic loss to the organized businesses nationwide could be in the region of over N5 Trillion”, he said.

“From looted machinery, consumables, livestock, raw-materials, pharmaceutical products, luxury goods, and cash to actual and wicked vandalism and destruction of walls smashed and mutilated doors, glasses, damaged critical electricity infrastructures, burnt buildings and properties and looted stocks.

“The list is endless. The actual value in terms of the financial, emotional, and psychological loss suffered as a result of the arson and looting experienced by these businesses can only be imagined and the impact will linger for a long time”.

He commended measures taken by the federal and state governments, especially Lagos, adding that  “it is critical that further initiatives need to be urgently put in place to ensure a quick return to economic normalcy across the country.

“We, therefore, urge the Federal Government to, without delay; make public details of its planned support for the businesses that were affected: we recommend that deliberate bail-out funds for verified businesses affected by the crisis as well as other programs and interventions aimed at supporting these businesses to get back to production and remain sustainable and competitive in the long run, be urgently initiated.”

“Prior to the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, the Nigerian economy had witnessed tepid domestic growth, constrained fiscal space, low foreign and domestic investments, declining foreign reserves, which made the economy disproportionately vulnerable to the twin shocks of crude oil price/production collapse and a health crisis.

“The GDP was projected to grow at 2.93 percent in 2020; however, this was reversed to -4.3 percent by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and its rapid twist into a global pandemic in Q1 2020, which has had corresponding economic consequences.”

Suspended UNILAG VC, Ogundipe, Reinstated |The Source

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe

By Akinwale Kasali

Suspended University of Lagos, UNILAG, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe has been reinstated. He received his letter of reinstatement  Tuesday night after being cleared of any wrongdoings. The news was greeted with wild jubilation in the University community.

Professor Ogundipe who was enmeshed in crisis with the Wale Babalakin, SAN, led Governing Council of the Citadel in August, was suspended for insubordination, alleged fraud, high handedness and disrespect to the Board of the institution.

The heat of the crisis ignited by what a source described as “more of financial tussle than any other”, was finally brought to a halt when the President Muhammadu Buhari administration suspended  the Babalakin led Governing Council and set-up  a Visitation Panel.

His removal had stirred massive protests by the University Senate, staff unions and other members of the community who had unanimously backed the embattled VC

A source very close to the now victorious Ogundipe confirmed that Ogundipe was expected to return to Lagos on Wednesday.

The source also said the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu will make the official announcements in that regards. It has already been made.

The magazine gathered that the embattled  VC was exonerated by the presidential panel that investigated the crisis which engulfed the institution due to the disagreement between him and popular businessman, Wale Babalakin, who was, until he voluntarily resigned , the Pro Chancellor/ Council Chairman.

As the drama unfolded, President Muhammadu Buhari, as Visitor to the University, had removed Prof. Theophilus Soyombo, the Acting Vice Chancellor appointed by Babalakin to replace Ogundipe and appointed Prof Folashade Ogunsola to act as the VC pending the report of the visitation committee.

Also confirming this on his Facebook book page, renowned broadcast journalist, Babajide Kolade-Otitoju wrote,”Unilag VC reinstated! The truth prevails. We said it that Babalakin was wrong.”

However, Prof. Ogundipe has withdrawn its legal suit against Babalakin for defamation and other charges.

#EndSARS Protest: Pastor Adeyemi,Tuface, Chuckle At Criminal Suit Against Them |The Source

By
Akinwale Kasali
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EndSARS Portest at Lekki

By Akinwale Kasali

“Who sent this guy to file this frivolous case?”, was how Pastor Sam Adeyemi, Senior Pastor of the Daily Star Ministries reacted to the criminal suit filed against him 49 others over their alleged role in the recent #EndSARS nationwide protest.

Mr Kenechukwu Okeke, dragged him, several Nigerian celebrities, including Tu Face Idibia, and other prominent personalities before a Chief Magistrate’s court in Abuja for their alleged roles in the #EndSARS protests which rocked the nation

Okeke alleged that during the protest which was hijacked by hoodlums, his properties were destroyed and the defendants who promoted the #EndSARS protests must be brought to justice for engineering the protest.

The Complainant listed a long list  of defendants that includes: Damini Ogulu aka Burna Boy, David Adeleke otherwise known as Davido, Folarin Falana popularly known as Falz; and social media comedians, Debo Adebayo aka Mr Macaroni, and Maryam Apaokagi aka Taoma.

Other musicians sued include Peter and Paul Okoye, Innocent Idibia aka Tuface, Bankole Wellington popularly known as Banky W, Tiwa Savage, Michael Ajereh aka Don Jazzy and Yemi Alade.

Apart from musicians, others listed as defendants include Senior Pastor, Daystar Christian Centre, Pastor Sam Adeyemi; activist, Aisha Yesufu; ex-Super Eagles of Nigeria Football legend, Kanu Nwankwo; a former Director General, Bureau for Public Sector Reform, Dr. Joe Abah; journalist, Kiki Mordi, and actors, Yul Edochie and Uche Jombo.

Others are social media influencers – Feyikemi Abudu, Olorunrinu Oduala, Pamilerin Adegoke, Japhet Omojuwa, Ayo Sogunro and Deji Adeyanju were also joined in the suit.

The case was instituted on Monday pursuant to sections 88, 109(a), 110(1)(c) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.

In his supporting affidavit, Okeke said the defendants played active roles in the #EndSARS protest which later became violent.

It read in part, “That the 1st to 50th accused persons between the 3rd day of October 2020 and the 28th day of October 2020, using Twitter, an Internet web source with URL https://www.twitter.com within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did conspire amongst themselves to commit misdemeanour, to wit, promoting and acting in such a manner, with intent to assist in the promotion of #EndSARS and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 97(2) of the Penal Code Act, C53 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

“That the 1st to 50th accused persons with intent to carry out some common purpose, assemble in such a manner or being assembled under the composition of #EndSARS as to cause persons in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, to fear on reasonable grounds that such assembly needlessly and without any reasonable occasion may provoke other persons tumultuously to disturb the peace.

“Properties belonging to the complaint were egregiously destroyed by some riotous and tumultuous persons instigated and incited by the 1st to 50th accused persons.”

Tuface dismissed the case as a non-issue as nobody has served him with any summons.

Many Nigerians have also dismissed the case as nonsense, saying: Let the masquerades behind the plaintiff show their faces.

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