Home Blog Page 794

Suspected Killer Of EFCC Operative, Not Our Member – NMA

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
-
0
Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Nigeria Medical Association on Monday January, 20, 2025 strongly dissociated the body from Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu, the suspected killer of an Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC  Operative in Anambra State.

The Source reports that Aminu Sahabi Salisu, an Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, was on Friday, January 17, gunned down in Awka ,Anambra state capital, by Ikechukwu ,a suspected Internet fraudster, according to the EFCC.

But some news report, after the tragic incident  portrayed Ikechukwu not as a fraudster, but a medical practitioner forced by circumstances  to shoot at the invading and intruding EFCC operatives in self defence.

The presentation of the suspected killer as an innocent medical doctor ,and a victim of circumstances ,has since been rejected by the anti-graft agency.

In a Statement issued on

Sunday, January 19,2025 by its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale ,the Commission described such perceived skewed narratives as irresponsible, callous and outrageous.

It also expressed shock and disbelief that some faceless commentators are pitching their tents “with an alleged criminal who unleashed terror on officers of the EFCC in their line of duty.”

The Commission insisted that the suspect Ikechukwu, though engaged in fraudulent online medical supplies and other activities, is not a medical doctor, as the unsuspecting public is meant to believe.

The Awka, Anambra NMA, in a statement by its Secretary, Dr Obiaeli Ifeanyi, informed that  the suspect is neither a medical doctor nor even an academic doctor

“The attention of the leadership of the Nigeria Medical Association NMA, Anambra State, has been drawn to the online and newspaper publications in which it was alleged that a medical doctor shot an official of the EFCC in Awka.

“Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu (the suspected killer) is not  a Medical Doctor (not even an academic doctor ) as widely published by the media, though he deals on medical supplies and has been addressed as a Doctor..

“Joshua  Chukwubueze Ikechukwu is not a staff of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, NAUTH, as has already been debunked by the NAUTH management”,  the NMA stated.

“In the same vein, the Anambra state police authorities, informed that Ikechukwu has since denied being a medical doctor ,as earlier claimed.

“The suspect has recanted. He told the police investigation team that he falsely claimed to be a medical doctor ,and that  people have been addressing him as such” a police source revealed .

The NMA has, therefore, warned against any attempt by any individuals and groups to unnecessarily drag the name of the body into the mud.

“The NMA, also, urged media organizations ,and others who have made the initial mistake of referring to the suspect as a medical doctor to urgently do the needful by way of retracting the reports.”

EFCC Arraigns Former AMCON MD, Ahmed Kuru, Four Others, Over Alleged N76bn Fraud Of Arik Air

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0
Ahmed Kuru - EFCC Arraigns Former AMCON MD

By Akinwale Kasali

Anti graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned Ahmed Kuru, former Managing Director of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON, alongside four others, for allegedly defrauding Arik Airline of N76 billion and $31.5 million.

Arraigned alongside Kuru are four defendants – Kamilu Omokide, the former Receiver Manager of Arik Airline Ltd, Captain Roy Ilegbodu, the Chief Executive Officer of the airline, and Super Bravo Ltd.

The defendants face six counts of theft, abuse of office, and stealing by dishonestly taking the property of another.

All the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges leveled against them.

However, Prof. Taiwo Osipitan (SAN), the defence Counsel for the first and third defendants, informed the Court of a motion for a bail application, requesting that the defendants be granted bail on liberal terms.

Also, Olasupo Shasore (SAN), the counsel for the second defendant, urged the Court to grant bail to his client on self-recognition.

In response, the prosecution opposed the bail applications through counter-affidavits. EFCC Counsel Dr. Wahab Shittu (SAN) expressed concerns that the defendants might be tempted to leave the country.

After hearing arguments from both parties, Justice Mojisola Dada granted bail to each defendant in the sum of N20 million, requiring one surety each in an equal amount.

The Judge stipulated that the sureties must be gainfully employed and provide proof of identification. Additionally, the defendants were ordered to submit their international passports to the court registrar.

The Court directed that the defendants remain in the custody of their respective counsel pending the fulfilment of their bail conditions. The trial is set to commence on March 17.

The Commission also alleged that Kuru, Omokide, and Ilegbodu fraudulently converted N4.9 billion to their use through NG Eagle Ltd in 2022.

Furthermore, the EFCC claimed that the CEO of Arik, Ilegbodu, stole N22.5 million by fraudulently converting it to the benefit of Magashi Ali Mohammed, a property of Arik Airline Ltd.

Tanker Explosion: Obi Condoles Families, Wants Stricter Safety Measures In Place

By
The Source
-
0
Peter Obi

The Labour Party Leader and the 2023 Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, has reacted to the tragic petrol tanker explosion that claimed several lives, calling for stricter Safety Measures to avert the persisting accident.

Writing on his X handle, Obi condoled the bereaved families and prayed for quick recovery of the injured.

He wrote:

“The tragic petrol tanker explosion that occurred along Dikko-Maje Road in the Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State is truly heartbreaking. Reports indicate that over 70 lives were lost, while more than 50 people were injured in the incident.

“These accidents, which have sadly become increasingly recurrent in recent times, highlight the urgent need for the implementation of stricter safety measures to address the dangers of tanker explosions and similar incidents, which often result in colossal disasters.

“I sincerely commiserate with the families who lost their loved ones in the tragedy. I also extend my condolences to the Government and people of Niger State over this devastating incident. May God grant them, and all of us, the fortitude to bear this loss, eternal rest to the departed, and a swift recovery to the injured.

Police Arrest School Proprietor, Over Death Of Toddler

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0
Rapheala Ogbodo

By Akinwale Kasali

The death of Rapheala Ogbodo, a two-year old pupil of Smiley Kids Montessori in Sangotedo axis of Lagos State has continued to generate controversy.

It has led to the arrest of Thomas Ayodele, Proprietor of the School, alongside five other staff members of the school by the Lagos State Police Command.

Rapheala drowned inside the swimming pool of the school located at Heritage Place Estate, Sangotedo.

The others apprehended over the toddler’s death are the Head of the Nursery class, Antonia Igbafe, and the deceased pupil’s class teacher, Helen Obhodaghe.

Also in Police custody for further interrogations were the two care-givers, Mohammed Hauwa and Mohammed Habibat, and the Pool Instructor, Udofia Ini-Obong.

Confirming the arrest, the spokesperson for the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Kayode Sutton, promised their arrest on Saturday, would be followed by a thorough investigation on the two-year old’s death.

Also, the father of the deceased toddler, John Ogbodo, added that the suspects were apprehended by policemen attached to the Ogonbo police station in Lekki axis of the state.

He said: “The Police have arrested the proprietor and about five other staff members in the school. But the case would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID), Panti where the investigation is expected to be expanded”.

It was gathered that the parents of the deceased are demanding for justice, saying that the negligence of the School Management led to the death.

It urged the Lagos State Government to do a thorough investigation and get to the root of the matter, with anyone found culpable made to face the wrath of the law.

New Era Begins In US As Trump Takes Office

By
James Orji
-
0
Donald Trump
President Donald Trump

President-elect Donald Trump will be sworn-in on Monday as the President of the United States of America, USA, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the country’s checkered history.

Trump will be sworn-in, and expected to take the oath of office at exactly 6 pm Nigerian. time.

The incoming US leader had arrived the country’s capital, Washington DC on Sunday alongside his wife, Melania and Baron, his youngest child.

Trump, the magazine recalls, defeated US Vice President Kamala Haris in the last November presidential election, in what analysts described as major comeback for the former US leader who lost his quest to return to power for a second term in 2020. Joe Biden, the outgoing president defeated him in the tight election.

Ahead the inauguration, Trump had invited other world leaders including President Xi Ji Ping of China, whose government said would not be attending the August event in Washington DC, the US capital.

Other world leaders have signified their intention to attend the presidential inauguration, which will be marked by tight security, though the US officials in charge of security said no serious  problem is anticipated during the event, which former president of the country and their spouses is expected to attend.

Former First Lady Michelle Obama has however given an indication not to attend Trump inauguration, an action described by political analysts to be a major break in the tradition of the country, where former leaders and their wives usually attend the swearing in ceremony of a new president.

Recall that Michelle recently did not attend, the recent lying in state of a former president of the country, Jimmy Carter even though her husband, Barack attended the event.

The former First Lady, did not give reasosn for her action, but US experts, said her action is not unconnected with her political difference with Trump who contested the November US Presidential election under the banner of the Republican party.

Michelle campaign for Vice President Haris , the Democratic Party candidate.

Today’s inauguration comes after a tumultuous four years out of office that saw assassination attempts and several serious legal cases against the 78-year-old president-elect.

The Capital One Arena in Washington will host a live viewing of the ceremony – due to start at 5pm UK time – as well as the Presidential Parade.

Ahead his inauguration Trump, a former TV personality and billionaire has vowed to issue several executive orders to reverse some of the decisions of President Biden. Not a few said he will do that to undermine Biden who he has described as a failure on several occasions.

He said the 100 Executive Orders he would sign in his first day in office will transform the country after four years of ‘American decline’ under President Biden.

He said, “We’re going to give them the best first day, the biggest first week and the most extraordinary first 100 days of any presidency in American history.”

SERAP Begs Trump To Return Nigerian Stolen Funds In US

By
James Orji
-
0
SERAP

Ahead the inauguration of Donald Trump as the President of the United states, US, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP has appealed to him to repatriate Nigeria’s stole funds stashed in various banks in his country.

Trump is set to take office today as US 47th President.

SERAP made the appeal in a statement issued by Kolawole Oludare, its Deputy Directing, noting that at least $500 billion has been stolen by past Nigerians leaders and other government officials and kept in safe haven in the US.

The rights body stressed that the recent $50 million repatriated to Nigeria, being alleged stoled funds by a former Petroleum Minister, Dieziani Madueke is a paltry of what corrupt government officials had stolen form the country, and kept abroad.

Oludare urged President Trump to publish the names of the thieving officials as a way of shaming them, and also ban them from coming to the US, adding that those found to have committed the offence should be prosecuted by the US Department Of Justice, to serve as dereference to others.

He cited some legal constraints as one of the reasons why such funds have not been returned to the country, however, hoping that the Trump administration will “address the legal impediments”  so that the stolen funds cant be returned to the country.

According to SERAP, the stolen funds is the reason for the poverty and other economic problems the country is facing today, saying their return will bring succcor to the public, adding that freezing such stolen funds and returning them is in line with relevant International conventions.

SERAP said, “Our requests are brought in the public interest, and in keeping with the requirements of the United Nations Convention against Corruption to which both the US and Nigeria are state parties.

“Proceeds of corruption from Nigeria continue to be deposited in US banks or in other locations subject to US jurisdictions.

“We hope you and your incoming government address the legal impediments that have continued to allow corrupt Nigerian government officials to deposit and conceal their ill-gotten assets in the US and other locations subject to US jurisdiction.

“Returning proceeds of corruption to Nigeria is a development imperative. By returning proceeds of corruption to Nigeria, the US would be contributing to the efforts to address the growing poverty in the country and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.”

Several billions of dollars stolen from the country by corrupt Nigerian officials have been returned to the country form Europe and US since the last few year. The highest of such returned funds were those stolen by the late Nigerian maximum rule, Gen Sanni Abacha.

Petrol Price Hike: Tinubu Playing ‘Games’ With Nigerians- NLC Declares

By
James Orji
-
0
Joe Ajaero - NLC President

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has described the recent hike in the price of petrol as insensitive on the part of the federal government, saying the action will further exacerbate the economic problem and sufferings  in the country.

The Deputy President of the NLC, Prof. Theophilus Ndubuaku said the authority’s claim that the price hike is due to the rising crude oil price in the international market is untenable.

The NLC Deputy President, The Punch reports, also blamed the marketers for the price increase, saying their complaints that they took the action due to the rising crude oil price is unacceptable, since they buy finished products, the Punch reports.

Last week, the major petroleum marketers in the country jerked up the price of petrol also known as PMS,  to between N1,050  and N1,10 per litre amidst serious complaints from Nigerians.

Recall that Dangote Refinery has earlier announced that it was jerking up the PMS price for marketers loading from its multi-billion refinery in Lagos citing the rise in the price of crude oil.

Reacting to the hike, the federal government said it was not part of the decision to hike the price of petrol, citing the full deregulation of the sector.

Ndubuaka said the government is playing ‘games’ with Nigerians, who are already suffering from the hard economic situation imposed on the country by the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.

He cited the implications of the recent hike to include, the rise in the cost of food, unstable naira, transportation cost, frustration of the citizens wondering why the government has chosen not to dialogue with relevant stakeholders in the country before removing fuel subsidy.

He stressed that the country is being run by President Tinubu like his personal property, urging him to take a clue from former leaders in the country who ensured that major stakeholders were consulted in the decision-making process.

Governments in other countries, he explained, subsidize essential commodities like petrol because of the benefits to the masses.

President Tinubu had announced the removal of petrol subsidy on May 29, 2023 saying the government was broke.

According to the NLC leader, “This pump price hike will not only affect foodstuff and fare. There is the problem of inflation and the value of naira to contend with. Instead, what we are seeing is a situation we call Tinubunomics. It is something that has not been tested.

“When you talk about subsidies, is there a country that doesn’t have it? It’s all over the world. Even most of the goods you see in this country from China are subsidised. You are refusing to subsidise fuel and also refusing to even facilitate the so-called CNG buses. How many years does it take to do something like this?

“If you know the kind of game we (the NLC) and them are playing on this CNG thing. Now, they are not even involving the people in the so-called CNG conversion. If you promise to run an inclusive government, It’s not just you that should be doing the talking. Yet, when somebody talks, they send attack dogs to attack and label him a member of the Obidient movement.”

“Such discussions were held in the Villa. Every month people would be invited and issues would be discussed. We’re not saying you shouldn’t do it. But please, carry people along. Let us know why you want to do these things so people will be prepared.

“But you can’t just keep changing the prices without any regard for us? This is what is causing all this frustration. They are not carrying the masses along. They have virtually made it difficult for the NLC to be involved in anything they are doing. Nigeria is not the personal property of anybody,” he declared.

Horror In Ogun State: Gunmen Storm Church, Shoot And Behead Prophet

By
Adesina Soyooye
-
0
Yomi Adetula - Prophet killed inside church

By Adesina Soyooye

To describe what happened in a Church in Ogun State as horror, is an under-statement.

It was worse.

In broad day light, in the morning of Sunday, January 19, gunmen, numbering three, stormed a Celestial Church of Christ, CCC, while Church Service was ongoing, shot the Prophet who was conducting the Service, and went ahead to decapitate his head and body right inside the Church as benumbed and horrified worshippers looked on, and finally took to their heels in shock. The trauma will live with them forever.

The gruesomely murdered Prophet was identified as Yomi Adetula, 54, and the horror unfolded at the CCC Eagle Parish, Baggage Road Idiroko, Odo Eran Ipokia Local Government Area, Ogun State.

Reports said the murderers stormed the Church while  Service was ongoing at about 10.30am. They were three in number. On arrival, they made for the Prophet in a ferocious attack described as a vicious, brutal attack. They opened fire on him. And when he fell down, they used an axe and cut his head into pieces. His body was also gruesomely mutilated. The action left him in a pool of his blood and his white Church garment, soaked in blood.

The Ogun State Police Command confirmed the harrowing incident in a statement.

Omolola Odutola,  the Command Spokesperson in the statement she issued said” On January 19, 2025, around 10.30am, the Divisional Police Officer of Idiroko received a report that someone had been killed at a Celestial Church located along Old Baggage Road, Odo Eran, Idiroko.

“Police Officers raced to the scene and saw one Yomi  Adetula, ‘M’, aged 54 years, lifeless  in the pool of blood which stained his white Celestial garment lying face up.

“On careful examination, his body was riddled with bullets, and his head was not spared. To ensure the victim was really dead, it was mangled with axe.

“On Police inquiry, information further gathered that three men came  into the Church, brought out a long double-barrel gun, aimed at their target, and fired a shot that brought the deceased down.

“Normalcy has been restored while possible clues will be revealed in the coming days as investigation has been launched into the very sad occurrence.”

The suspects, she added, escaped towards the border area after carrying out their grissly act.

Meanwhile, Prophet Odutola’s mutilated body has been deposited at the mortuary of General Hospital, Ilaro.

Gov Oyebanji Visits Ekiti Fire Officer Injured While On Duty

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Gov Oyebanji Visits Ekiti Fire Officer Injured While On Duty

By Ayodele Oni

As a morale booster and encouragement, Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji on Sunday commended the selfless and heroic acts of a State firefighter, Osho Oluwasola, and his team for their swift response in extinguishing a raging fire at a filling station in Ado Ekiti, the State capital, last week.

Governor Oyebanji gave the commendation when he paid an unscheduled visit to Osho, who was injured during the operation, at his residence in Ado Ekiti.

The fire incident occured when a gas station within a filling station was engulfed by fire while a Tanker was discharging its contents

The firefighter and his wife were overwhelmed with emotions on sighting the Governor at their residence in Dalimore area of the state capital Sunday afternoon.

Governor Oyebanji, who said he came to express the gratitude of the Government and people of the state to Osho, said he also wanted to follow up on his recovery, having been hospitalized over the injury he sustained during the operation .

The Governor commended the firefighter and engaged him on aspects of their job during the visit which lasted about 20 minutes.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the visit, Governor Oyebanji who hailed the firefighter and his team for their gallantry, noted that their effectiveness in curtaining the fire was a reflection of the dedication of public servants in the state to their duties.

The Governor said the swift response of the State Fire Service officials was instrumental to timely quenching of what could have been a major fire disaster in the state.

He attributed the effectiveness of the state fire service to emergencies to his administration’s huge investment in fire fighting equipment as well as Government ‘s efforts at revamping the agency.

Governor Oyebanji said the state fire service under his administration had undergone significant transformation, adding that the agency has been revamped, with staff undergoing rigorous training programmes on different aspects of emergency response in order to enhance their capacity.

This, according to him, is in addition to the deployment of fire trucks across senatorial districts in the state thereby ensuring swift response and effectiveness during emergencies.

The Governor, who also used the opportunity to interact with residents who had trooped out in their large numbers, upon sighting him in the neighborhood, assured the people that his government would continue to prioritize the safety and security of lives , properties and investments in the state.

He emphasized that his administration’s investment in emergency response such as fire service and others were part of a broader strategy to create a safe and thriving environment for all.

“I came here for two reasons, to thank one of our gallant firefighters, who is a staff of Ekiti State Fire Service, Higher Superintendent Osho, who got injured while responding to an emergency fire incident at a filling station. With that singular act, they saved many lives, investments and a lot of properties.

“But in the course of that, he was injured, and was rushed to the hospital. I was out of the state then, but I was monitoring his recovery.

“So I just came here today to confirm the report I got that he is responding to treatment and I am happy he’s recuperating well. I am here to also thank him on behalf of the government and people of Ekiti State for making us proud.”

“How Our Officer Was Shot Dead By Suspected Internet Fraudster” – EFCC

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
EFCC Officials on Duty

By Ayodele Oni

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) has explained circumstances surrounding the death of one of its officers while on line of duty in Anambra State.

The Commission, in a statement on Sunday, flayed reactions of some Nigerians to the incident, describing it as callous, irresponsible and inhuman.

The statement signed by its spokesman, Dele Oyewale, “expresses grief on the loss of one of its officers, Assistant Superintendent  of the EFCC,  ASE11 Aminu Sahabi Salisu who was killed in cold blood while on a legitimate duty  on January 17, 2025 by a suspected internet fraudster,  Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu.

“Additionally, the Commission views with great concern the irresponsible,  callous,  inhuman and outrageous narratives being circulated on social media on the whys and wherefores of the fatal accident.

“It is heinous to reduce the death of a gallant officer who was carrying out patriotic and official duties to social media razzmatazz.

“More worrisome is the fact that some faceless commentators are pitching their tents with an alleged criminal who unleashed terror on officers of the EFCC in their line of duty.

“There is no justification whatsoever to rationalise a murderous act. The milk of human kindness demands that a grieving family, Commission and Nation should be spared the shenanigans of false narratives and conjectures on the death of the slain officer.

“Salisu,  alongside other investigators of the EFCC, were at Dr. J.O. Ukwutinife Close, Ifite, Awka, Anambra State, to arrest some suspected internet fraudsters in the early hours of January 17.

“The operation was duly documented at the Anambra State Command Headquarters and Area Command  of the  Nigeria Police in line with operational protocols.

“The operation was initially smooth sailing with 37 suspected internet fraudsters already arrested at a two-storey building housing Ikechukwu and other occupants of the house.

“However, Ikechukwu, who sighted the investigators through a CCTV Camera mounted at his doorpost and who also confessed sighting them,  declined to open his door for the investigators who politely demanded entrance to his apartment.

“Defying all the introduction and physical sighting of the investigators, he resorted to firing shots at them and killed Salisu in the process and wounded another officer detailed to conduct a search in his apartment.

“Preliminary investigations showed that Ikechukwu was involved in coding and online medical supplies of doubtful legitimacy.  Two laptops, ipads, several recording devices were recovered from his apartment and his involvement in internet fraud is already established.

“Though currently in police custody owing to the murderous dimension of his case, the Commission will surely bring him to trial.

“The EFCC also wishes to alert the public that the activities of internet fraudsters are becoming patently hazardous to public safety and security.

“Intelligence has shown that these criminals are carrying arms, involved in kidnapping, banditry, ritual killings and other deadly acts. The public should not fold its arms or allow itself to be deceived that they are mere ‘Yahoo boys and girls’.

“As for the EFCC,  every subsequent attack on any of its officers will be met with the force of the law. The Commission will not fold its arms and allow any of its officers to be killed again in cold blood.

“As a law enforcement agency of repute, the EFCC is unrelenting in ridding the Nation of  internet fraud and other acts of corruption.

“While mourning the loss of its officer who paid the supreme price in the service of the Nation,  the Commission appreciates the invaluable support,  condolences and prompt response of sister-agencies and well-meaning individuals standing shoulder with shoulder with it at this trying times.”

The slain officer has been flown to his home State, Sokoto, and buried according to Islsmic rites.

1...793794795...2,966Page 794 of 2,966