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Court Frees 50 IPOB Members

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Detained IPOB Members

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

About 50 suspected Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, members were, on Friday, November 29, 2024, let off the hook by a Federal High Court, Abuja.

The Suspects comprising young and the old, men and women were rounded up in Anambra State, and have been in detention in Abuja  since December 1, 2023.

A statement from the lead counsel to  the IPOB,  Ifeanyi Ejiofor ,said the discharge of the suspects, one year after their incarceration calls for celebration by the people.

Ejiofor noted that all 50 persons were arrested by security agencies in Anambra State while on their way to a burial ceremony on December 1, 2023.

Since then, he stated, they have been in detention in Abuja ,where they were all bundled to and subsequently slammed with terrorism charges.

The IPOB Counsel informed that the court discharged and acquitted the accused ,while delivering judgment in a no-case-submission which they filed.

“The Federal High Court of Nigeria sitting in Abuja has just discharged and acquitted 50 Biafrans, including young and old men and women who had been illegally held since December 1, 2023.

“This calls not only for celebration, but for victory dance . Recall that these innocent citizens were illegally arrested by overzealous Nigerian Security agents in Anambra State on December 1, 2023 while on their way to participating in a burial ceremony.

“They were then bundled, transported to Abuja and charged with frivolous and unfounded allegations of engaging in terrorism activities and meetings in charge No FHC/ABJ/CR/8/2024” Ejiofor noted .

According to him, the matter which was diligently prosecuted by the authorities,with four witnesses presented,was dismissed.

The IPOB legal representative described the ruling delivered by Justice J K Omotosho as incisive, profound and erudite.

“The Court comprehensively,upheld their ( accused) no–case submission and consequently discharged and acquitted these innocent Biafrans on all three counts.

“We will continue to legally intervene to secure the freedom of all innocent Biafrans and oppressed who are being held illegally in various detention facilities across the country.

“We urge all our people to remain law-abiding, as they always have, and to reject any teachings that  promote violence as such ideologies will never prosper in the pursuit of freedom” the IPOB Counsel stated.

Demand For Release Of Investigative Journalist, Fisayo Soyombo Intensifies; Amnesty, Others Join

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Fisayo soyombo

Outrage over the arrest of investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo by the Nigerian Army has intensified.

His arrest has been confirmed by the Army authorities in a statement issued on Friday by Lt.col Danjuma Jonah Acting Deputy Director 6 Division Army Public Relations.

The Army spokesman said the journalist was arrested during an operation by soldiers to arrest oil thieves in the oil rich state state.

Barely few hours after he was arrested in Port Harcourt, Rivers state by officers of the Nigerian Army, local and international rights bodies have demanded his immediate release.

Analysts insist that Soyombo’s arrest  has further highlighted the crack down on the media by the Tinubu’s administration, citing his investigative reports that have exposed corruption in key government agencies.

Reacting to his arrest Media Rights Agenda, MRA, said Fisayo’s arrest illegal  and violates his fundamental human rights, it called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately put an end to media repression by his government.

The group, in a statement issued by its Communications Officer, Idowu Adewale, MRA’s Programme Officer,  John Gbadamosi, said, the Army lacked powers to arrest him.

The statement: “The Nigerian Army lacks the authority to arrest or detain civilians.

“In any event, it is a clear requirement under the Constitution that anyone who is deprived of his personal liberty upon reasonable suspicion of his having committed a criminal offence, must be charged to court within 24 hours.

“Both of these fundamental legal guarantees have been violated in the arrest and detention of Mr. Soyombo by the Nigerian Army.”

The global righst body, Amnesty International, AI, accused the Army of trying to compromise Soyombo’s investigative work, adding that the administration of Tinubu has proved that it has no respect for the media, considering the number of journalist that have been arrested since it came to office last year.

It described his arrest as draconian and utter disregard for the rule of law.

AI said, “Fisayo has been in military detention and out of reach since 26 Nov. — in utter disregard for the rule of law. This draconian trend is sending the wrong signal and can force journalists to live in perpetual fear for daring to investigate and report on issues of public interest.

“Since President Bola Tinubu took office, at least 11 journalists and bloggers have been targeted for just doing their job. This is unacceptable. The Nigerian authorities must immediately put an end to this hostility towards human rights.”

According to a statement issued by the Army today, Soyombo was arrested during a raid on a “notorious gang of oil thieves noted for bursting pipelines and illegal connections for oil theft in the region.”

Part of the statement read: “Only recently, intelligence revealed the existence of a notorious gang of oil thieves noted for bursting pipelines and illegal connections for oil theft in the region,” said the statement by Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public RelationsDanjuma John Danjuma, a lieutenant colonel.

“In a deliberate operation conducted, troops trailled the criminals to an illegal oil bunkering site. In a subsequent operation carried out, troops swooped on the site, where arrests were made, including one Fisayo Soyombo who was also arrested at the scene.”

The magazine reports that the Nigerian military has been accused of being part of crude oil theft in the nation’s oil rich Niger Delta. They have denied the allegation.

Why Court Of Appeal Freed Olufemi, Sentenced To Life Imprisonment For Rap€

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Olufemi Olaleye

By Akinwale Kasali

Dr. Olufemi Olaleye, Medical Director of Optimal Cancer Care Foundation, who was sentenced to life imprisonment for the alleged defilement of a minor has been set free by the Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos.

The Appeal Court set aside the Dr Olaleye’s life  for an alleged inappropriate conduct involving his wife’s niece whi lived in the same house with them.

In a unanimous decision  the panel of  justices held that the trial court erred in convicting Olaleye based on “tainted” and ‘unreliable’ evidence of his estranged wife, Oluremi and the alleged victim (names withheld).

The Appellate Court said there were material contradictions in the evidence gathered by the prosecution which shouldn’t have been relied on by the lower Court.

Justice Jimi Bada, reading the lead judgment on behalf of the other two Judges also faulted the other evidence of the Prosecution during trial, which were from a child forensic specialist, a medical doctor from the Mirabel centre and the investigating officer, which were found to be “worthless”

In the words of the appellate Court, the trial Judge, Rahman Oshodi, descended in the arena and interfered in the proceedings to bridge the yawning gaps in the prosecution’s case.

It would be recalled that in October 2023, the special offences and domestic violence Court in Lagos convicted Olaleye on a two-count charge of alleged defilement of a minor.

Kate Henshaw, Nollywood Actress protested against Olaleye, calling for Justice to take its cause, alongside other notable Nollywood Actresses.

Rahman Oshodi, the Judge, had sentenced Olaleye to life imprisonment.

Delivering the judgment on Friday, the Court of Appeal also queried the prosecution’s failure to present material witnesses such as two family members who witnessed the appellants alleged confession.

The Court added that a trial within trial ought to have been conducted during trial to verify the voluntariness of the appellant’s confessional statements while in police custody, which he said he made under duress after he had been detained for six days.

The Court of Appeal determined all five issues of appeal against the prosecution and in favour of the appellant.

President Tinubu Congratulates Okonjo-Iweala On Reappointment As DG WTO

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Ngozi-Okonjo-Iweala

By Akinwale Kasali

A proud Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, has congratulated Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on her reappointment as the Director General of the World Trade Organization, WTO.

Okonjo-Iweala made history as the first woman and first African to head the WTO.

She was reappointed on Friday for a second term, in the shadow of the return of Donald Trump to the White House as the President of the United States of America and his disdain for international trade rules.

The organisation’s 166 members “today agreed to give incumbent Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala a second term as Director-General,” the WTO said in a statement.

Her reappointment was approved by consensus during a special meeting of the organisation’s General Council, held behind closed doors, the WTO said.

Her current term ends in August 2025, and the appointment process for the next mandate had initially been scheduled to take months.

Congratulating and celebrating her reappointment, President Tinubu showered encomium on the former Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, on her unanimous re-election as the Director-General of the WTO.

The Nigerian leader noted with delight that Dr Okonjo-Iweala’s unanimous appointment for a second four-year term demonstrated the trust and confidence the international community placed in her leadership to advance multilateral trade for sustainable global development.

A statement by the Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, stated that President Tinubu is confident that her continued leadership will strengthen the international economic organisation’s role as a critical pillar of inclusive global economic growth and good governance in the next four years.

According to the statement, “As a committed member of the WTO, ECOWAS, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Nigeria will continue to support the WTO’s mission to foster a fair, inclusive, and equitable multilateral trading system.

“President Tinubu assures Okonjo-Iweala of Nigeria’s steadfast support as she consolidates her bold reforms, dedication to equitable global trade practices, and tireless efforts to promote international cooperation.”

Zenith Bank Opens Paris Branch, Expands Global Footprints

By
James Orji
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Zenith Bank Paris Commissioning

Zenith Bank Plc has expanded its global footprints with the opening of Zenith Bank (UK), Paris Branch. The official commissioning, which took place on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at 21 Rue de la paix, Paris, France was performed by the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun.

The opening of Zenith Bank, Paris, a Third-Country Branch (TCB) of Zenith Bank (UK) Limited, a subsidiary of Zenith Bank Plc, represents a key milestone in the bank’s global growth strategy and underscores its commitment to serving clients in the European region.

Dignitaries at the ceremony include Governor, Kwara State & Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), His Excellency, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; Governor, Lagos State, His Excellency, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-olu; Governor, Ogun State, His Excellency, Adedapo Abiodun, CON; Governor, Enugu State, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Mbah; Chairman, BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, GCON; Honourable Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite; Chief Executive Officer/Executive Secretary, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Aisha Rimi and Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) Nonye Ayeni, who joined Zenith Bank Executives in celebrating this significant milestone. The event highlighted the bank’s commitment to delivering exceptional financial solutions and fostering economic growth across the globe.

In her welcome address, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive of Zenith Bank, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON, thanked the Founder & Chairman, Dr. Jim ovia, CFR, for his inspiration and vision in setting up an award-winning and record-breaking brand. She also highlighted the rationale for the bank’s strategic move to Paris. According to her, “The opening of this Paris branch is part of the broad strategy of the Bank to extend its footprints across the major global financial centres and our efforts at following our customers’ businesses. Paris branch opening underpins the need to serve our customers and bolster trade and finance relationship between our customers in France and other countries. Zenith Bank’s expansion into France is a very strategic move as Nigeria accounts for 20% of France’s trade with Sub-saharan Africa according to the Franco-Nigeria Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Having successfully dominated large parts of Anglophone Africa, we will leverage Zenith Bank Paris operations to lead the Francophone market starting from Ivory Coast and Cameroun where we will be establishing subsidiaries very soon. This will facilitate business and trade flows between the African region and France, which is a major business partner to several African countries.”

Speaking at the ceremony, the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, said, “I feel that one of the dividends of building trust for Nigerian institutions around the world is this event today, the opening of Zenith Bank in Paris. The presence of Zenith here can only but help to engender trust of the French business community. They can learn about the opportunities in Africa, and of course, the entry into Nigeria can be facilitatedWe are happy and we are glad that we are all here to participate in this historic occasion.”
President and Chief Executive of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, congratulated the bank for the milestone achievement. Expressing his optimism for this strategic initiative, he said, “I really want to congratulate Zenith Bank for achieving this feat by opening a branch here in Paris. I can guarantee you, without the likes of Zenith Bank and other Nigerian banks, we as a group, wouldn’t have been where we are today because there is no country that can grow without a very strong banking sector.”

Director General of the Treasury, France, Bertrand Dumont, commented, “This is a crucial asset when it comes to doing business between our two countries, or when it comes to doing business between our two continents. So, I would like to wish you the best in this endeavor, in this creation, and I hope that in the coming months or the coming year, you will invite me again for the integration of larger buildings as a sign of the success that you would have encountered.”

The Chairman, France-Nigeria Business Council (FNBC), Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR, during his remark said, “15 years ago, Dr. Jim Ovia, then as the CEO of Zenith Bank welcomed me as CEO Access Bank into the UK to join him and other banks that had blazed the trail in opening banking businesses in the UK. 15 years later, to the glory of God, your young brother in banking welcomes you to Paris with pride on the significance of this occasion. Such intentional leadership, such partnership and collaboration speaks to the nature of endeavor that we at the France-Nigeria Business Council are trying to drive. So, on behalf of the French people, I simply say to Zenith – Bonne Arrivee!”

The opening of Zenith Bank, Paris followed the granting of the final approval by France’s banking regulator, the Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution (ACPR), in September 2024, allowing the branch to commence operations. Earlier in November 2023, Zenith Bank strengthened ties with France by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the French Government to establish a subsidiary in France. The MoU was signed in Lagos by the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, CFR, and the French Minister for Trade, Attractiveness and French Nationals Abroad, Mr. Olivier Becht during the French envoy’s visit to Nigeria.

Zenith Bank, Paris is positioned as a global financial hub for strengthening trade, accelerating trade flows and facilitating connectivity between Europe and Africa. The branch will provide a wide range of services currently being offered by the UK home-office including corporate banking, trade finance and treasury services to individuals and corporate clients in France and the wider European market. The branch will also leverage the bank’s strong global network and expertise to provide tailored solutions to its clients.

UBA To Commence Full Banking Operations In France

By
James Orji
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Oliver Alawuba

 

As part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to France, the Chairman of UBA Group, in the presence of President Tinubu and the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, signed a landmark business cooperation agreement with the French Finance Minister, Antoine Armand. The agreement is a significant indication of support by the French Government for the development of UBA’s full banking operations in France.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Tony Elumelu, the Chairman of UBA Group commented:
”This partnership reinforces our commitment to seamless international banking services for our customers, not just across the 11 Francophone African countries we serve, but Africa as a whole; and French and European customers transacting with Africa. Expanding into France is a natural progression, with Paris serving as our European Union hub, as we continue to bring Africa and the world together, through innovative financial solutions. Paris will join London, New York and Dubai, as a critical component of our unique global network.”

United Bank for Africa is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group wide and serving over 45 million customers globally. Operating in twenty African countries and the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting edge technology.

Obi Delivers Convocation Speech At Atiku’s American University, Yola

By
The Source
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Peter Obi

The leader of the Labour Party and the 2023 Presidential flag bearer, Peter Obi, will be delivering this year’s Convocation lecture at the American University of Nigeria, AUN, Yola, Adamawa state, on, Saturday, November 30, 2024.

The keynote speech at the 16th Founder’s Day/20th Convocation of the University, falls in line with Obi’s public speeches in notable educational institutions globally, including Harvard University, Yale University, Wharton University, Pennsylvania, USA, and Peace University all this year.

A statement from the University’s annual Founder’s Day honors the Founder of the University, who is also the former Nigeria Vice President, His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, GCON, Wazirin Adamawa, for his numerous contributions to society and especially his advancement of education and human development.

The 16th Founders Day lecture will be the highlight of activities marking the 20th anniversary of the founding of the American-style Development University where students are educated to direct their learning and research outcomes towards addressing the socioeconomic challenges of the African Continent.

In the 20 years since its establishment, the numerous community service and outreach projects executed by students, alums, faculty, and staff have earned the Development University a spot among the top three Nigerian universities in Times Higher Education (THE’s) 2024 global impact ranking.

Since its establishment in 2003, AUN has significantly expanded its academic programs and affiliations with foreign institutions. AUN presently hosts the American Window in the northeast region where students and members of the public can access relevant information about scholarship and research opportunities in the United States.

President of AUN, Professor DeWayne Preston Frazier, heartily welcomed Mr. Peter Obi as Keynote Speaker and conveyed to him the appreciation of the AUN Community for his acceptance of the invitation.

“I am highly pleased and honored to announce that the former Executive Governor of Anambra state, His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi, CON, will be our Keynote Speaker. Mr. Obi is an accomplished public servant and politician who has spent most of his life providing quality leadership and service to Nigerians. He is a champion of education and will be an excellent speaker to celebrate our 20 years”, Dr. Frazier said in a message to the Community.

Mr. Peter Obi joins an elite cast of global personalities who have delivered the AUN Founders Day lecture, which includes Dr. Paul Vita (2019), Professor Ibrahim Gambari (2009), Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah (2011), former Ugandan Vice President Dr. Gilbert Bukenya (2013), Professor Charles Soludo (2012), Tulane University Professor Dr. William Bertrand (2014), and President Emeritus of Iowa Wesleyan, University, Professor Steven Titus (2023).

Dangote Behind Media Attacks On NNPCL, Rehabilitated P’Harcourt Refinery — Fani Kayode

By
James Orji
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Dangote Refinery

Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has allegedly accused Dangote Refinery of sponsoring media attacks against the rehabilitated Port Harcourt Refinery.

In a veiled reference to the billionaire, Fani-Kayode claimed on his X post on Thursday, that the private sector elements new to the oil business are trying to undermine the achievement of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) in resurrecting the Port Harcourt refinery.

According to Fani-Kayode, the rehabilitation of the refinery is a significant victory for Nigeria, and credit should go to the President and the NNPC’s Managing Director, Mele Kyari.

While saying that oil business is different from other commodities, Fani-Kayode noted that “no matter how hard you (Dangote) try, you cannot muscle your way and create a monopoly on the sale of refined products as you did for other commodities over the years.”

He urged Nigerians to support both the NNPC refineries and the new private sector players, promoting healthy competition and progress for Nigeria.

In his words: “The resurrection of the Port Harcourt refinery is one of the most encouraging things that has happened in the petroleum sector for many years and the credit for this must go to the President and the Group Managing Director of the NNPC Ltd.

“It is a pity that some elements in the private sector, who are new in the field, are doing all they can to undermine and understate this great victory for Nigeria.

“The oil business is not the same as selling sugar, spaghetti, cement, or rice.

“NNPC will go from strength to strength, and once its other refineries are working as well, Nigerians will have cause to smile again. Let the new kid on the block flourish, but let the NNPC refineries flourish, too. That should be our goal and not a squalid attempt to discredit NNPC and its leadership.

“Every optimistic and true lover of Nigeria’s progress and President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda must be proud of the GMD Mele Kyari. His tenacity, bravery, ingenuity, and forthrightness have been rewarded with this great feat. Surely, this is hope renewed for Nigerians.”

Industry analysts and watchers have argued that Dangote Refinery does not want any other refinery to come on stream so that it could enjoy the benefit of massive crude feed stock.

A source close to the development explained that Dangote Refinery could diversify its feed stock sources instead of its bid to grab all the available being supplied to the refineries by the NNPC Ltd, explaining that the US does produces 13.5m litres of PMS on a daily basis.

THE CONCLAVE reports that some local players in the refining subsector of the oil and gas sector of the economy had been working round the clock to ensure that government-owned refineries in Nigeria did not work so that they could maximize the situation to their advantage.

There has, however, been excitement in the Presidency and other quarters over the breaking of the age-long jinx that had bedeviled the government refineries, when on Tuesday, this week, the old Port Harcourt Refinery commenced production.

— END-

Jubilation As Rivers Begins Payment Of N85,000 Minimum Wage

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Siminalayi Fubara
Governor Siminalayi Fubara

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Rivers State Government on Thursday November  28, 2024 commenced the payment of N85,000 as  monthly minimum wage.

This comes on the heels of the uncertainty surrounding its monthly allocation from the Federation Account.

The Source reports that Governor Siminalayi Fubara had earlier agreed to pay the State workforce a minimum wage of N85,000 monthly.

This followed the agreement reached in August  between the leadership of the organized labour and the Federal Government whuch fixed the new national minimum wage at N70,000.

So far, Rivers, Lagos ,Delta and Akwa Ibom are among  the States  paying the highest negotiated minimum wage in the country.

Expectedly, the development has precipitated wild jubilation among the workers.

Confirming the commencement of payment, the Chairman  of the Rivers Chapter of the Nigeria Civil Service Union, Chukwuma Osunna, in an interactive session with the media informed that the workers are exceedingly happy.

“The Governor has fulfilled his promise. As of today, I can confirm that he has paid the N85 ,000 new minimum wage to workers and they are happy.

We met under the Joint Council, sat with the Head of Service, saw the salary chart and confirmed that the N85,000 was well computed and implemented  in the November salary of workers.

“So payments started today, and by tomorrow, other banks will start to pay too”, Osunna stated .

However, before now, fears have been rife that the state might not be  able to keep its promise as well as other statutory obligations amidst the  court ruling that halted its Federation Allocation.

It will be recalled that a month ago , an Abuja Federal High Court presided over by Justice Peter Lifu had ordered the withholding of Rivers monthly allocation.

Ruling in a motion on notice brought before it by the 27  state law makers loyal to the Minister for the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, challenging the legality of the state’s 2024 appropriation Act, as passed by the Victor Oko-Jumbo led four members of the State House of Assembly loyal to Governor Fubara , Justice Lifu     held that  the budget was not properly passed .

He, consequently, ordered the stoppage of the state’s monthly Federal accruals pending when the Governor will re- submit the fiscal estimate for consideration and passage by the Speaker Martins Amaefwule-led pro-Wike 27 legislators .

Although, the office of the Accountant General of the Federation had, penultimate week insisted that the State will continue to receive its allocations  owing to the appeal filed by the State  authorities against the High Court earlier ruling ,as well as the granting of a stay of execution order, it was not yet clear if it had received its October share as at the time of  paying the Minimum wage .

However, Rivers State is believed to have enough Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, to carry on without the Federation Allocation.

From a monthly IGR of between N12 billion and N 13 billion before May 2023, the state’s internally generated revenue profile now  hovers between N 27 billon and N30 billion.

Kidnappers Of Four Kaduna Siblings Demand N 300 Million

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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0
Gunmen - Kidnappers

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

“They are threatening to kill the two-year old because he cries often”

The abductors of four siblings in Kaduna, on Thursday, November 28, 2024 said the freedom of the children will cost N300 Million.

The price for non compliance within a  reasonable time will be  death for the children aged 2 ,9 12,and 15.

Meanwhile,for  incessantly crying and disturbing,  obviously for missing his parents ,the  kidnappers have threatened to  kill the youngest one .

The Source reports that the children’ on Tuesday November 26  went missing with no one  actually accounting for their whereabouts.

They disappeared from their Millennium City Estate residence in Chukun Local Council of Kaduna, following their father’s visit to their ailing twin siblings at the hospital where they were being taken care of by their mother.

Yunusa Sarkin Samarin Keke , their distraught father explained that the incident occurred at about 9.00pm when he was away on a visit to his hospitalized newly born twins .

According to him, he came back  to discover that his three daughters and a two year old boy, were no where to be found.

“I was not at home when the incident occurred because I was visiting my wife who is taking care of our sick newly born twins at the hospital.

“I left the children at home including the two year old boy and the sisters that night only to return home and discover they were missing

“I am suspecting that it was  kidnappers that took them away . But I have not been contacted by any body” Keke stated.

However, he was finally contacted on Thursday by the suspected abductors.

The kidnappers have threatened to eliminate all four siblings in the event their father fails to meet their price tag of N300 million.

Speaking on the latest development, the visibly disturbed Adamu Keke  informed that he has been contacted by the abductors.

“They have called me demanding N300 millon and when I pleaded, I could hear them beating the children.They said they will kill the youngest one because he is always crying. I need prayers” he pleaded.

Curiously,  as at the time of  reporting, both the police authorities and  Kaduna State Government were yet to react to the unfortunate incident.

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