WE LED OUR FATHER INTO THE BUSH, HIT HIM WITH BIG STICK, AND HE DIED – TWO SIBILINGS CONFESS IN COURT
WE LED OUR FATHER INTO THE BUSH, HIT HIM WITH BIG STICK, AND HE DIED – TWO SIBLINGS CONFESS IN COURT Two siblings, identified as Ibrahim Yusuf and Samaila Yusuf, have confessed to the killing of their father, Ibrahim Yusuf-Kwada. While confessing, one of the siblings said they led their father into the bush, and while they were still there, the both of them hit their father with a big stick, and he died. Speaking further, the sibling said that they took that step because their father had used diabolic methods to kill six of his grandchildren and some people in the community. He said that people call their father a witch, speaking badly about their family, so they couldn’t withstand the shame. One of the siblings said, “Truly, we killed our father. We led him into the bush, and while there, we hit his head with a big stick, and he died. “We decided to kill him because he used diabolic methods to kill six of his grandchildren. He also killed some people in our community. “Everyone is speaking poorly of our family. They called him a witch, and we couldn’t stand the shame and hurt he brought upon us.” The case was brought before the court in Yola, where Magistrate Bilikisu Tijani presided. Due to the lack of jurisdiction, the magistrate did not hear the defendants’ pleas. Instead, she ordered that they be remanded and instructed that the case file be duplicated, with a copy sent to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for further guidance.The defendants, residents of Zah village in Michika Local Government Area, face two charges: criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide.
NASS WILL WORK WITH AGF TO ENSURE “REAL ELECTIONS” AT LOCAL GOVT LEVEL – AKPABIO
NASS WILL WORK WITH AGF TO ENSURE “REAL ELECTIONS” AT LOCAL GOVT LEVEL —AKPABIO The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, says the National Assembly will work with the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to address the lack of confidence in elections conducted by the State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIEC). Akpabio spoke to journalists on Thursday after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House. The Supreme Court, in a landmark judgement, affirmed the autonomy of local government and directed that the third tier of government should be paid directly from the federation account. The Supreme Court also ruled that caretaker committees and similar arrangements are illegal. Akpabio, who attended the meeting alongside the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, said opposition parties at the state level are often lethargic about elections at the local level because of a lack of trust. “So, it is a great thing that the Supreme Court has done the needful, and now we have to go back and think—working with the AGF office and the parliament to see how we can ensure that there’s a real election at the LG levels. “I think once that is done, everybody will have confidence, and that is progress for democracy, and that is how it should be,” the senate president said. Akpabio did not provide details on how the elections at the local government level will be improved. He also maintained that the National Assembly will review the judgement and make necessary legislative adjustments to complement the ruling of the Supreme Court on the matter. The level of confidence in the elections conducted by SIECs in almost all states is low because the outcomes of the elections often favour the ruling party at the state level. Many have called for the transfer of the conduct of local government elections to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Mr Fagbemi also recently raised the issue while speaking at a dialogue organised by the House of Representatives on state police. However, the federal government has not officially announced its position on the matter. The transfer of local government elections to INEC will require constitutional alterations because SIEC is a creation of the 1999 Constitution. Akpabio also urged the state governors to respect the verdict of the Supreme Court, noting that the National Assembly will also ensure compliance. “The Supreme Court has spoken, and we have no option other than to abide by the Supreme Court ruling. So, I will just call on all states of the federation to respect what the Supreme Court has done, and then we will go back to the legislature and see where we can dot the ‘i’s and cross the ‘t’s to ensure full implementation,” he said. In his remarks, Mr Tajudeen said the Supreme Court judgement has finally addressed a problem that the parliament tried to address in the past 20 years. He stated that the National Assembly has tried to provide local government autonomy through the constitution alteration route, but it has never worked. He added that members of the House are very happy with the outcome. “The members have been very happy because history has been made. This is an issue that has been before Parliament for the past 20 years. “Of all the constitutional amendments that were so far carried out by the National Assembly, one aspect of it has always been local government autonomy. How do we make the LG work independently?“Today, that impossibility became a reality, everyone is happy, and we are looking forward to LGs that will work functionally, and that will be able to work on their own and extend goodwill to their people undisturbed by the excesses of the state governors.”
EX-KOGI GOVERNOR, YAHAYA BELLO, STILL ON WANTED LIST, SECURITY AGENCIES ON HIS TRAIL – EFCC
EX-KOGI GOVERNOR, YAHAYA BELLO, STILL ON WANTED LIST, SECURITY AGENCIES ON HIS TRAIL – EFCC The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says former Governor Yahaya Bello remains wanted, and his arrest is a collective responsibility of all security agencies in Nigeria. “We have declared him wanted, and he is still wanted,” Dele Oyewale, spokesperson for the anti-graft agency, said on Thursday. When asked why the fugitive former governor had not been arrested since he was declared wanted months ago, Mr Oyewale said, “When a suspected is declared wanted in law enforcement, the responsibility of his arrest is on all the security agencies.” According to the EFCC official, there are other suspects that the agency has launched a manhunt. “It is not Yahaya Bello alone. There are so many suspects declared wanted by the EFCC, and we ate on their trail. Until we are done with them, they remain declared wanted,” said the EFCC spokesman. Mr Oyewale added, “So it is not about him alone. Go to our website, you’ll see so many suspects declared wanted, and they remain in that status until they are arrested.” In April, the EFCC declared the ex-governor wanted for alleged crimes of stealing N80 billion from Kogi’s treasury.The declaration came after the agency faced considerable resistance from Mr Bello’s security detail during a previous attempt to arrest him for prosecution.
US LAWYMAKERS URGE STATE DEPT TO SECURE RELEASE OF BINANCE HEAD, TAG DETENTION ‘HOSTAGE TAKING’
US LAWYMAKERS URGE STATE DEPT TO SECURE RELEASE OF BINANCE HEAD, TAG DETENTION ‘HOSTAGE TAKING’ United States lawmakers have urged the U.S State Department to secure the release of Tigran Gambaryan, Binance’s head of financial crime compliance and a former IRS agent, who has been detained in Nigeria since February. Gambaryan was arrested on allegations of money laundering and tax evasion, alongside his colleague, Nadeem Anjarwalla, but Nigerian authorities dropped the tax evasion charges in June. The money laundering case is still ongoing. The U.S lawmakers are now claiming that Gambaryan’s detention has become a hostage situation, citing concerns over his deteriorating health and human rights violations. According to family and colleagues, Gambaryan has contracted malaria and pneumonia, and his condition is worsening. Representatives Rich McCormick and French Hill introduced a resolution to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, calling on the United States government to classify the detention of Gambaryan as a hostage situation. Rep. Hill, who visited Gambaryan in prison last month, expressed concern about the executive’s status saying: “After visiting Tigran at Kuje Prison in Nigeria, I noted that his health is deteriorating. I am proud to join my friend and Mr. Gambaryan’s Congressman, Rep. Rich McCormick, in leading this resolution and sending a signal to the Nigerian government that he must be immediately granted a release, the remaining charges dropped, and return home to America where he belongs.” The resolution demands the immediate release of Gambaryan, a U.S. citizen, and urges the U.S. government to declare him as “wrongfully detained by a foreign government.” The congressmen warn that if Gambaryan’s case isn’t resolved by mid-July, his detention could be prolonged due to the court’s typical recess until September. Over 100 federal prosecutors and agents have joined the call for Gambaryan’s release, and a petition launched by his wife is nearing 5,000 signatures. The US government has yet to comment on the matter.Binance has denied any wrongdoing and is working to secure Gambaryan’s release.
Dons Eze
- Entertainment
- July 13, 2024
- 305 views
NOLLYWOOD ACTOR BY DAY, KIDNAPPER BY NIGHT: SAD END OF A BILLIONAIRE MOVIE MAKER
NOLLYWOOD ACTOR BY DAY, KIDNAPPER BY NIGHT: SAD END OF A BILLIONAIRE MOVIE MAKER This is based on the true life story of a movie producer wey live double life – actor by day, kidnapper by night. This story go show us the dangers of living a life of deceit and how greed fit lead to a tragic end. Sit down well well, relax, and listen to this gripping true-life story. The Rise of Henry Odenigbo For the ever busy state of Lagos, dey one man wey everybody know as Henry Odenigbo. Henry na well-known film producer and the CEO of Ason-Rich Movie Production. Him dey produce blockbuster Nollywood films and him name dey ring bell for the industry. From Asaba to Lagos, people dey hail him as a billionaire movie maker. Henry rise to fame na like something from fairy tale. He start from humble beginnings, working hard to build his production company. Him dey always for red carpet events, taking pictures with top actors and actresses. But behind this glamorous life, Henry dey hide one dark secret. The Double Life Unknown to many, Henry dey live double life. By day, he be successful movie producer, but by night, he dey lead one notorious kidnap gang. The gang dey target wealthy individuals for Lagos, collecting huge ransoms to fund their lavish lifestyle. Henry use him position for Nollywood to cover his tracks and avoid suspicion. For him house, he get room wey him don turn to armory, filled with guns and other weapons. He get walkie-talkies to communicate with his gang members and POS machines to withdraw ransom money. Henry believe say he fit live this double life without getting caught. But as dem talk, “every day for the thief, one day for the owner.” The Plan to Kidnap a Wealthy Lagosian The Lagos State Police Command don dey gather intelligence on one dangerous and well-known kidnap gang wey dey operate for the city. The police don monitor the gang for weeks, tracking their movements and plans. SP Benjamin Hundeyin, the spokesman for the Lagos State Command, announce say dem get credible information say the gang go strike for Ladipo area of Lagos State. Henry and him gang plan to kidnap one wealthy Lagosian. Dem no know say police don lay ambush for them. Henry confident say their plan go succeed. He tell him gang members, “This one go be our biggest hit. We go collect plenty money.” But as the day of the operation approach, tension begin dey high. The Day of Reckoning On Thursday, July 4, the day of the planned kidnapping, Henry and his gang arrive Ladipo Market for Oshodi Lagos. Dem no know say police tactical team don dey wait for them. As dem enter the market, the police surround them. The kidnappers no wan give up easily, dem engage the police in fierce gunfight. The gunshots dey loud, people for the market dey run helter-skelter. Henry dey shout orders to his gang members, but the police firepower too much. Nine of the kidnappers, including Henry, fall to the superior firepower of the police. Two members of the gang manage escape with gunshot wounds. The Aftermath The news of the shootout and the death of Henry Odenigbo spread like wildfire. Nollywood actor, Stanley Nwoke Ontop, post photos of Henry on his Instagram page, expressing shock say the popular movie producer na the ringleader of the kidnap gang. People dey disbelief. How person wey dey produce films go also dey lead kidnap gang? SP Benjamin Hundeyin for the news briefing, talk say the police recover four AK-47 rifles, four locally-made semi-automatic pistols, nine AK-47 magazines, three walkie-talkies, and one POS machine from the kidnappers. He commend the police team…
LG AUTONOMY: SUPREME COURT HAS RELIEVED US OF A BURDEN – GOVS
LG AUTONOMY: SUPREME COURT HAS RELIEVED US OF A BURDEN – GOVS Governors from the 36 States of the Federation under the aegis of the Nigerian Governors Forum have scheduled a crucial meeting next week to review the judgment of the Supreme Court that granted autonomy to local government councils in the country. Addressing State House Correspondents after a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), and Governor of Kwara, AbdulRazaq AbdulRahman, said governor who have been using their resources to bail out local governments have been relieve of a burden. The NGF Chairman also affirmed that the state chief executives were comfortable with the Supreme Court judgment. “We welcome the ruling of the Supreme and our Attorney Generals have applied for the enrollment order, which we’ll study carefully.” “But by and large, governors are happy with the devolution of power in respect to local government autonomy. It relieves the burden on governors. Our people really don’t know how much states spend in bailing out local governments, and that’s the issue there.” The Kwara governor affirmed that the NGF had requested for the enrollment of the judgment and would be reviewing it to decide the way forward. “The forum will meet next Wednesday, to look at the issue wholly and then come up with a resolution on that.” “Like I said, we haven’t seen the enrollment of the court order and so we really don’t know what is in there,” he stated. As for Kwara State in particular, AbdulRahman said the judgment would not negatively affect it as the state has not been tampering with council funds. “It’s not going to affect the state we’ve never tampered with local government funds. So it’s going to continue. What the local governments have to do is to manage themselves, especially with the oncoming minimum wage, to manage their affairs and make sure salaries are paid, traditional rulers get their 5% and those are the main issues,” he said.The NGF boss, who was flanked by his Imo State counterpart, Hope Uzodimma, and Bauchi, Bala Mohammed, said they were at the Presidential Villa to see the president on various issues, adding: “We’ve seen the President on various issues from minimum wage, which he met with labour yesterday, the Supreme Court ruling and other national issues that concern states as well. It’s omnibus.”
EDO APC GUBER CANDIDATE ENROLS IN ADULT EDUCATION CLASSES TWO MONTHS TO ELECTION
EDO APC GUBER CANDIDATE ENROLS IN ADULT EDUCATION CLASSES TWO MONTHS TO ELECTION Ahead of the September 21 election, Edo State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Monday Okpebholo, has reportedly enrolled in an adult education class to learn basic subjects. The enrollment form which was shared by Twitter influencer, Harry Chidi has now gone viral on social media. Okpebholo enrolled in classes for Mathematics, English, and Social Studies at Ladewin Adult Education, Jabi, Abuja. In the document titled “Application for Admission into the Adult Education Programme,” the applicant, identified as Monday Okpebholo, born on August 29, 1972, enrolled on June 10, 2024. Okpebholo indicated that he possesses a Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) and listed Liberty Comprehensive College, Jos, Plateau State, as the last school he attended. The move by the APC candidate may be in response to recent criticism over his alleged inability to express himself well in public forums and his refusal to speak with the media. Many people have expressed surprise and concern about how a governorship candidate does not know basic subjects and how he plans to govern a state if he wins. The adult education classes are expected to help improve his speaking skills and expand his knowledge base in preparation for the governorship debate scheduled for later next month. See Reactions Below: Osagie wrote: “Wahala, na so so people wen nor go school na em APC dey bring come from top to bottom. People with questionable education backgrounds” Rejoice Today alleged: “I think that something more sinister is going on. Tinubu and his gang are trying to rig Edo State election” Gospel Collins wrote: “That’s why the dude can hardly speak to the media…”Chuka tweeted: “You no go school and you wan become governor,how you wan take invest in education”.
JUDGES TOP LIST OF BRIBE RECIPIENTS, POLICE LEAD IN BRIBE REQUESTS – NBS REPORT
JUDGES TOP LIST OF BRIBE RECIPIENTS, POLICE LEAD IN BRIBE REQUESTS, NBS REPORT A report published on the National Bureau of Statistics website has shown that a total of N721 billion ($1.26 billion) was paid in cash bribes to public officials in 2023. The report followed the findings of the United Nations office on Drugs and Crimes survey in partnership with the National Bureau of Statistics. The report titled “Corruption in Nigeria; Patterns and Trends” noted that an average cash bribe paid was N8,284. This represents an increase from the 2019 nominal figure out at N5,754. In total it was estimated that $1.26 billion was paid in bribes to public officials in 2023. In terms of amount, judges received the highest average amount per bribe in the year with a figure of N31,000, Customs and Immigration service received N17,800, members of the armed forces received N16,600, land registry officials received N11,700, police officials N10,400. Findings of the report also noted that 46% of public officials under government employment offered one form of bribe or the other to get employed and facilitate their recruitment. This development was said to be 1.5 times the share found in a survey held in 2019. The report further stated that six out of 10 successful candidates in the public sector admitted to using nepotism, bribery or both to improve their chances of recruitment. While bribery was said to be widespread in the country, the police were accused of more prevalence in terms of bribery. The report noted that 9% of persons who had contact with police officials were asked for some form of bribe. Four percent of those who came in contact with nurses and doctors were asked for bribes, 3% of teachers/lecturers, 6% of persons who came in contact with public utility officials were also said to have been asked for some form of bribe or the other. Three percent of persons who came in contact with teachers and lecturers were asked for one form of bribe or the other, 4% of those who came in contact with Federal Road Safety Corps officials, and 2% of people who came in contact with vehicle inspection officials were asked for bribes. It was further reported that highly educated persons were more likely to pay bribes than people with no formal education.Nigerian institutions are widely regarded as being among the most corrupt globally, with a pervasive culture of corruption and impunity hindering effective governance and undermining public trust.
PLATEAU SCHOOL BUILDING COLLAPSE: 22 DEAD, 132 INJURED
PLATEAU SCHOOL BUILDING COLLAPSE: 22 DIE, 132 INJURED The Plateau State Government says 22 persons have died and one hundred and thirty-two persons injured after a school collapsed in the Busa Buji, Jos North Local Government Area of the state. The Plateau State Commissioner for Information and Communication Musa Ashoms said this in a Friday evening statement. “As of 6:00 pm, 154 people have been rescued from the debris. Sadly, 22 individuals have been confirmed deceased,” the statement read. “Injured students and staff are receiving medical treatment at various hospitals across Jos.” Ashoms had earlier visited the scene of the building collapse and said while the school had a population of 400 students, the section that was affected had about 200 persons. He said emergency workers took the survivors to hospital. “To ensure prompt medical attention, the government has directed all major hospitals in Jos to prioritize treatment of the victims, regardless of documentation or payment,” the commissioner said. “Governor Barrister Mutfwang has specifically instructed these hospitals to accommodate all those affected by the collapse.”
FG INAUGURATES COMMITTEE TO TACKLE FOOD CRISIS
FG INAUGURATES COMMITTEE TO TACKLE FOOD CRISIS The Federal Government has inaugurated the Presidential Food Systems Coordination Unit (PFSCU) as part of its efforts to tackle the prevailing hardship in the land. While inaugurating the unit at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, on Friday, Vice President Kashim Shettima said it was part of the present administration’s ongoing plan to tackle hunger. The presidency has also engaged the states, development partners and other critical stakeholders in the efforts to address the soaring prices of commodities and general food insecurity in the country. Addressing members comprising governors, cabinet ministers and representatives of development partners, Shettima said, “the nation is facing a rare food security crisis and the sooner we come to terms with the reality, the better. “Food insecurity endangers the very basis of our democratic experiment and this is why all hands have to be on deck. We are in a food security crisis but it also provides us the opportunity to re-engineer and reposition the nation on a firmer footing”. Outlining the mandate of the PFSCU, the Vice President said the unit was not created to usurp the functions of the Ministry of Agriculture, noting that the urgency and seriousness of the matter at hand requires the ideas and resources of all stakeholders. Shettima also made reference to the Green Imperative Programme, a government-catalyzed, private sector-driven, agricultural industrialization programme, as one initiative which the PFSCU must work assiduously to activate and operationalize. He stated that with improved farming practices, improved seeds, use of fertilizers, Nigeria’s agricultural productivity could be turned around for the better. Speaking earlier, governors on the committee outlined plans to modernise farming practices, increase crop yields, and transform Nigeria into a self-sufficient food producer. Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River said his state is looking to feed the country, adding that his government must modernize agriculture to feed the population. “We are an agrarian state, and we have stepped up our game,” Governor Otu noted. On his part, Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, emphasised the need for a coordinated approach, citing low productivity and population growth as a major challenge to the nation’s food security drive. He called for investment in commercial agriculture, improved funding, and enhanced security for farmers. Also, Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, highlighted the state’s potential to achieve food security. “All that is needed is the political will to drive the process. Our lands are very fertile. In Jigawa, there are places where we are yielding ten tonnes per hectare of rice. There are so many places like that. As of today, our average in Jigawa State is about 12.56 per hectare. We are on the right course. What we need is sustained political will,” the governor explained. On his part, Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, proposed his state as a pilot for the President’s food security initiative.He claimed that Niger has invested over N100 billion in agricultural mechanization, with 5,000 tractors and twenty pilot irrigation systems available.