Six Months After Afenifere Spokesman Odumakin's Death, Wife Gives Birth To Twins

Almost seven months after the death of Yinka Odumakin, his wife, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin was on Wednesday delivered of twins – a boy and a girl – at a hospital in the United States of America.

Odumakin, a former spokesperson for pan-Yoruba group, Afenifere died on April 3, 2021 at the COVID-19 Isolation Centre of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital due to complications from COVID-19.

SaharaReporters gathered that both mother and the babies are in excellent health condition.

In a statement by Okei-Odumakin, her late husband had left the names he wanted for the babies. 

The statement read in part, “He had, however, prophetically left words concerning what the baby or babies should be called if his wishes materialised.

“YO, as he is fondly called, was so accurate in his predictions that they could be twins (and their sex) that he gave the names of the babies and told me how he would raise them.

“While many may interpret this to mean that YO had a premonition about his death, it was only a strong desire expressed by him to have babies that he would dot over and who would possibly step into his 'Aluta' shoes. It’s a dream come true!”

The couple who got married in 1997, had their first baby girl in 2000 and the second, a boy, in 2003. The girl was named after Joe, while the boy was named Abraham after the late Afenifere leader, Pa Abraham Adesanya.

However, the twins are coming 18 years after the birth of their last child.

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Nigerian Court Orders Interim Forfeiture Of Convicted Fraudster, Invictus Obi's Abuja Houses, Cars

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has ordered the interim forfeiture of houses and cars linked to convicted internet fraudster, Obinwanne George Okeke, also known as Invictus Obi.

 

Justice Peter Lifu made the order on October 29, 2021 sequel to an ex parte motion filed and argued by the counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Chineye Okezie. 

Invictus Obi is serving a 10-year prison sentence in the US for his involvement in a computer-based intrusion fraud scheme amounting to $11 million.

 

The houses are "All that property lying, being and situate at House 4 Oakville Estate, Kado Kuchi, Abuja.

 

"All that property lying, being and situate at 5 bedroom duplex at Standard Estate, Kabusa, Abuja."

See Also CRIME US Court Rules On International Fraudster, Invictus Okeke's Case Today

The vehicles are a Toyota Corolla with Registration Number: RBC6238N and an unregistered Toyota Corolla Sport.

 

According to the EFCC, the properties will be used to restitute foreign victims of Invictus Obi's fraud through the US Consulate.

 

Justice Lifu said: "I have listened to the submission of the counsel for the applicant vis-a-vis affidavit filed in support. I hold in my considered view that this application is meritorious and ought to be granted 

 

"Consequently this application is hereby granted as prayed."

 

The judge also ordered that the Commission should publish the order in a widely read newspaper in Nigeria within 14 days for any interested party to show cause why the order should not be permanently made.

See Also CyberCrime Cyber Fraud: Court Orders Invictus Obi’s N235m Forfeited

He adjourned till November 30 to make a final decision on the forfeiture motion.

 

The EFCC supported its application with an affidavit sworn by one of its investigators, Usman Abdulhamid.

 

Abdulhamid noted that Obi had already forfeited N280,555,010, N240,250,904.46 and N40,304,106.19 to the Nigerian Government. 

 

He said: "On further investigation by the Commission, two more properties were traced belonging to the convict, along with two vehicles parked in the residence.

 

"This application is pertinent in order to restitute the victims of the fraud through the United States of America Consulate.

 

"This matter is of very urgent public interest and concern as it directly tarnishes the image of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Nigeria among the comity of nations.

 

"The properties sought to be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria by the Applicant were not procured through legitimate earnings of the Respondent but are reasonably suspected to be part of the fraudulent activities which the Respondent has been convicted for."

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Despite Obvious Failures, Ex-Lagos Governor Tinubu Calls Buhari Exceptional Leader During Visit To Aso Villa

Despite failing Nigerians in terms of fulfilling his campaign promises, National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Lagos State Governor, Bola Tinubu on Sunday described President Muhammadu Buhari as an exceptional leader.

Tinubu disclosed this after a meeting with Buhari at the Presidential Villa.

According to the former Lagos State Governor, he was at the villa to thank the President for visiting him in London where he sought medical treatment.

“I came to thank President Muhammadu Buhari for visiting me in London when I had a knee surgery. He demonstrated empathy. He is an exceptional leader,” he said.

During campaign ahead of the 2015 presidential election, Buhari had promised to curb corruption and fix insecurity and unemployment. 

But after over six years in office, Buhari has failed to keep his promises to Nigerians. 

SaharaReporters had reported how Buhari visited Tinubu in London, United Kingdom in August. See Also Politics Buhari Visits Tinubu in London As Ex-Lagos Governor Recuperates With Use Of Walking Stick After Second Surgery

His close aides were however not happy with the pictures released by the Presidency showing the former Lagos State Governor with a walking stick during the visit.

Presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad had posted some photos on Facebook and captioned them, “President Muhammadu Buhari this evening in London, the United Kingdom, visited Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In the photos, Tinubu was seen leaning on a walking stick as he posed for shots with the President.

“Tinubu and his people are not happy that President Buhari brought NTA (Nigerian Television Authority- government-owned station) and others to visit him,” a source had told SaharaReporters.

“When Lagos governor, (Babajide) Sanwo-Olu and (Abiodun) Faleke (federal lawmaker) visited him, nothing revealed he had a surgery or was sick. But the way Buhari had his photo ops handled by the Villa was not what he (Tinubu) bargained for.

“They felt betrayed that such pictures showing him with a walking stick would be released. Note that all the pictures were released by the Presidency.”

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ISIS Releases Video Of 12-year-old Terrorist Executing Two Nigerian Soldiers

The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), also known as Daesh (Arabic) has released a video showing a 12-year-old member of ISWAP (Islamic State's West Africa Province), the breakaway Boko Haram faction executing two Nigerian soldiers.

In the 17-minute long video, the soldiers were shot dead by the insurgent with his AK-47. 

The video which was called "Makers of Epic Battles" also covered other attacks from ISWAP's spring campaign in Borno and Yobe states in 2021.

Analysing the footage, Tomasz Rolbiecki, a researcher on Islamic State’s attacks worldwide described the execution as “awful.”

“There are no words to describe how awful it is,” Rolbiecki posted on Twitter.

He continued, “In general, the video is mainly covering the attacks from ISWAP's spring campaign in northern Borno and Yobe, although there are also clips from southeastern and southwestern parts of Borno state.

“Most of the footage had been published in photo reports long before this video was released. Daesh has been doing it for years. However, there is also some new material.

“ISWAP confirms the militants are using an APC (seems like a Mowag Piranha variant) for the first time in a long time, if not ever. News of them using APCs and MRAPs have been circulating for a while now, but we have not seen a confirmation until now.

“The attack on Gajiram is next. It is difficult to say which one is it since there were several in the last year, and the footage was not released previously in any form.

“Then ISWAP shows an IED attack which must have happened in Mallam Fatori (I do not have the exact date). A video shot by one of the soldiers attacked by that IED is used by the militants to show the aftermath. That is a technique sometimes used by Daesh.

“After that, a clip from Geidam, in Yobe State, is shown. This was the attack from 23 April, in which ISWAP briefly established control over the town. We have seen most of that footage previously as well.”

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Malabu Scandal: Anti-graft Campaigner, Suraju Files Preliminary Objections To Nigerian Government’s Charges Of Cyberstalking Ex-Minister Adoke

 

The Chairman of Human and Environmental Development Agenda, (HEDA Resource Centre), Olanrewaju Suraju, has filed a Notice of Preliminary Objections at the Federal High Court, Abuja, seeking to quash charges of cyberstalking preferred against him by the Attorney-General of Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN). 

Former Minister of Justice, Bello Adoke, one of those accused of and charged with fraud in the OPL245 scam, also referred to as the Malabu scandal, had petitioned the police, accusing those behind petitions resulting in his prosecution for corruption and money laundering of circulating fabricated evidence against him to unduly incriminate him in the multi-million dollar scandal.

The subject of Adoke’s petition was forgery of an email in which Nigeria, as a sovereign state was short-changed to the tune of $1.1 billion (one hundred and one billion US dollars) and HEDA and its international partners, has been involved in the advocacy for the recovery of this money and prosecution of principal actors behind the alleged fraud

However, HEDA and Suraju, have denied any wrongdoing in a series of statements issued on the matter, stating that the items they were accused of fabricating featured as exhibits in the Malabu Oil scam trials in London, UK and Milan, Italy.

The Nigerian government, through the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, Malami recently filed four counts in a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/370/2021, accusing Suraju of using his social media handles as well as emails and audio interviews to circulate false information on Adoke. See Also Scandal How Buhari's Attorney General, Malami Conspired With Adoke Against Nigeria’s Interest In Over $1billion Malabu Oil Scam

But in a preliminary objection to the suit against him, Suraju, through his counsel, M.A. Banire & Associates led by Dr. Muiz Banire (SAN), sought the dismissal of the suit, stating that the court lacks jurisdiction to entertain the charge against him.

Among other reliefs sought by the HEDA chairman is an “Order quashing the Charge for prior engagement in trial by the media before service of the Charge on the defendant on the ground that such action is prejudicial to the right of the Defendant/Applicant to fair hearing”. 

Also, the grounds for objections to the suit include, “No court has jurisdiction to embark on trial for, and no person can be charged with or tried for an offence not contained in written law or that does not otherwise constitute an offence at the time of its commission; See Also News Malabu Oil: Group Writes Buhari'’s Attorney-General Malami Over Its Chairman, Suraju’s Alleged Cyberstalking Case

“The charges filed against the Defendant/Applicant do not disclose any offence contained in a written law; by the provisions of Section 36(8) & (12) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court to arraign a defendant over a charge is activated by disclosure of an offence known to written law.

“Section 36(12) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (As Amended) (hereafter simply referred to as the Constitution) protects the Applicant from being prosecuted or convicted for an offence not set out in a written law.”

The objection also stated that, “This Charge brought pursuant to Section 24 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 violates the 1999 Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and disregards the decision of the ECOWAS Court in mandatory imperatives as set out in Suit No: ECW/CCJ/APP/53/2018;

“Engagement in media trial before service of the Charge on the Defendant/Applicant is an act prejudicial to fair trial contrary to Section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended); this action is an abuse of court process.”

The objection, which was to be served on the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice and the Federal Ministry of Justice, also submitted that to arraign the Defendant under the present counts contained in the Charge Sheet in this matter is to charge him with an offence which is not provided for by law. See Also Scandal How Nigerian Police Misrepresented Facts On Mohammed Adoke’s Email Requesting To Transfer $1billion From Government Account

It queried, “How does one expect a person to plead to an offence not contained in a written law? How does someone even plead to an offence already declared invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction?

“If a defendant can only be charged with an offence provided by law, which he needs to understand in order to appropriately be arraigned, it is not possible to achieve that under a law that has been declared invalid.

“On or about the 8th to 11th days of October 2021, the Applicant woke up to a barrage of media reports alleging that the Complainant had filed charges against the Applicant. Although the purported charges are reportedly directed at the Applicant, at no time before or after the publication of the charges which the Respondent filed did the Respondent serve the charges on the Applicant.

“We submit that the decision of the Complainant to publicise the Charges against the Applicant rather than serve it on the Applicant as required by law was calculated to do several things, notably: to prejudice the mind of the court against the Applicant so that the Court, which is not insulated from media reports in the public space will form an opinion about the charges even before the Applicant appears before Your Lordship. 

“This constitutional stipulation creates a presumption of innocence in favour of every person who is charged with a criminal offence and that such a person is innocent until he is convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction. We submit that the malicious publication of the charges in this action by the prosecuting Complainant has violated the provision of section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution by negatively prejudicing this court and the pool of witnesses to be called in this case against the Applicant

“We respectfully urge Your Lordship to resolve this issue in favour of the Applicant and hold that the publication of the charges without serving same on the Applicant breached the Applicant’s right to a fair hearing, is an attempt at prejudicing the mind of the court, available counsel and the pool of witnesses in this case. We urge Your Lordship to quash the charge.

“Accordingly, we urge this honourable Court to decline jurisdiction in this case and hold that, based on Suit No: ECW/CCJ/APP/53/2018, that Section 24 of the Cybercrimes Act which is the fulcrum of this action violates the provision of Article 9(2) of the African Charter on Peoples and Human Rights.”

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EXCLUSIVE: Real Reason Why Buhari Presidency Cabal Ordered Raid On Home Of Ex-Rivers Governor Odili's Wife, Justice Mary Odili

Less than three years after assuming office as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Tanko Ibrahim Muhammad may be removed.

Meanwhile, the plot by some Presidency cabal members who are dissatisfied with Muhammad's style of leadership in the judiciary is connected to the current travails of Justice Mary Odili, wife of a former Governor of Rivers State, Peter Odili, sources told SaharaReporters. 

It was also learnt that the plot to remove Muhammad and harass Justice Odili or also remove her, if necessary, is gathering steam by the day, sources told SaharaReporters.

Justice Odili, a Supreme Court judge, is being haunted to ensure she does not replace Muhammad when he is removed, as the one who is next in line to the Chief Justice. 

Muhammad was appointed as acting CJN on January 25, 2019, following the suspension of Justice Walter Onnoghen.

Onnoghen, who was appointed in 2016, was removed after corruption allegations were levelled against him.

But in March, Onnoghen, speaking at a book launch ceremony he attended with his wife, disclosed that was removed from office over a false allegation that he held a secret meeting with former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, before the 2019 general elections. 

Muhammad was sworn in as a substantial CJN on July 24, 2019, with expectations.

SaharaReporters, however, gathered that the grouse of members of the Aso Rock cabal who are also angling for the removal of Onnoghen's replacement, Muhammad, is that he has been too slow to do their bidding.

“They are planning on removing the current CJN. He is expected to retire in 2023 but they are not happy with him. They said he’s too slow to do their biddings,” a top source told SaharaReporters.

The source said since Onnoghen was removed for him, clearly the cabal behind his good fortune had expectations of him which they think he is not delivering as anticipated. 

SaharaReporters gathered that the recent illegal raid of the Abuja residence of Justice Odili of the Supreme Court is connected with the plot to remove Muhammad. See Also Legal Security Operatives Raid Supreme Court Judge, Odili’s Residence In Abuja

Security operatives had on Friday night invaded the house of the Supreme Court Justice based on information that “illegal activities” were going on there.

Odili is next in line to Nigeria’s Chief Justice and stands to benefit from his removal should that happen before her retirement on May 12, 2022.

Sources said the raid, approved by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN) was to let her know she would not be allowed to succeed Muhammad as the head of the nation’s judiciary. See Also Legal How Attorney-General, Malami’s Ministry Misled Me To Sign Warrant To Raid Supreme Court Judge, Odili’s Residence – Chief Magistrate

Odili, who was appointed a Justice of the Supreme Court on June 23, 2011, was born on May 12, 1952. This means she will be due for retirement by May 12, 2022, on turning 70.

But Muhammad, who was appointed a supreme court judge in 2006 and sworn in on January 8, 2007, was born on December 31, 1953 — meaning he is younger than Justice Odili and will not retire until 2023 when he turns 70.

Another source said, “Regarding the raid on Odili's House, it was planned because they don’t want her to become the next CJN. Though she’s retiring in about six months, that is like six years to the cabal. They are planning to remove Tanko Muhammad before then and don’t want the woman to even act as CJN for one day.

“The most senior Justice after Odili is Olukayode Ariwoola but they claim he’s got a terminal illness. He is expected to retire soon on health grounds. The fourth most senior of the Justices who could take over as CJN is Musa Dattijo Muhammad, another Northerner from Niger State. He is also expected to retire in 2023.

“They accused Odili of being a PDP (opposition party - Peoples Democratic Party) judge and that her husband helps to fix lots of judgements at their home in Abuja. That was why the husband was also embarrassed recently.

“Forget also about Malami’s denials, he was directly in charge of the raid. He chose the day President Muhammadu Buhari arrived from Saudi Arabia to do it because he needed to impress Buhari that he is still loyal as efforts are being intensified to remove him as Minister.

“They want to force Tanko out soon and don’t want the woman to replace him. They considered her too close to the PDP, so they have to embarrass her to ensure she doesn't get to replace him at all.”

Indeed, the passport of the former Rivers State Governor, Odili was in June seized by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). 

However, on October 18, the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja ordered the immediate release of former governor Odili's passport. 

The court said there was no legal justification for the action the NIS took against the former governor.

Odili, who was Rivers State governor from 1999 to 2007, had approached the court to challenge the seizure of his passport by the NIS.

Meanwhile, the Concerned Senior Advocates of Nigeria, South-East chapter, has condemned the Friday raid on Justice Odili's residence by security operatives, describing it as another frontal attack on the independence and integrity of the Judiciary.

The SANs said the consistent and systematic attacks on the Judiciary by the Executive arm of government is clearly in breach of the constitutional protection of judges and the Judiciary. 

They alleged that such attacks are aimed at emasculating the Judiciary

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday and signed by Professor Ilochi Okafor (SAN). Mr. Etigwe Uwa (SAN), and Mr. Chijioke Okoli (SAN).

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PDP Party Convention: How Governors Humiliated Ex-Vice-President Atiku's Candidate, Oyinlola

The politics, intrigues and betrayals that characterised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) 2021 elective National Convention at Eagle Square, Abuja have been described by some Nigerians as a sign of things to come in the 2023 general elections.

 

The convention has shown the direction which the governors of the party will likely toe during the 2022 convention of the party where its presidential candidate will be picked.

The former Governor of Osun State, Olagunsoye Oyinlola who had refused to step down for his major contender, Taofeek Arapaja for the position of Deputy National Chairman (South) despite appeals and interventions from PDP governors and other stakeholders, was defeated. 

 

He had 705 votes, compared to the winner, who had 2,004.

 

Oyinlola was said to have been backed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and a former Senate President, Bukola Saraki while Arapaja was supported by the governors following a gang-up against Atiku and Saraki.

 

At the end of the convention, the former Senate President, Iyorcha Ayu was declared as the party's National Chairman after 3,426 delegates affirmed his unopposed position with eighteen (18) out of the 21 National Working Committee (NWC) offices.

 

Also, Senator Samuel Anyanwu from the South-East emerged winner as the National Secretary of the party unopposed.

 

Other officers elected through the party’s unopposed contests were Ahmed Yayari Mohammed, National Treasurer and Kamaldeen Adeyemi Ajibade, National Legal Adviser.

 

While Umar Bature is the new National Organising Secretary; Daniel Woyegikuro emerged as National Financial Secretary; Stella Effah-Attoe, National Woman Leader and Okechukwu Obiechina Daniel, National Auditor.

 

Meanwhile, Atiku's supporters were seen with posters with different inscriptions, saying, "2023 Atiku is the answer," "I stand with Atiku," " 2023 Support Atiku," among others.

Other politicians who turned the venue of the convention into a campaign ground include former Kano State Governor, Musa Rabiu Kwakwanso, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed and Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal as supporters their displayed banners pushing them for President. 

 

Atiku, while speaking at the event, called on the PDP to ensure that it rescues the country from “mismanagement, bad governance, insecurity and disunity”. 

 

He also said Nigeria has been badly run by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) since it took over power in 2015.

 

The former Vice President who said the “mission to rescue Nigeria is a collective thing,” added that the PDP must position itself to “rescue and restore the dignity, security and economic growth of Nigeria.”

 

This is as he asserted that the decision taken at the party’s national elective convention would determine the country’s future.

 

On his part, Tambuwal said it is not easy to keep a party like PDP united, adding that it is tough because "we are a big party that has members from across the country and with various interests and desires.

 

He said, "Diverse as we are, it is however clear to me that we are at our best when we remember that we must remain focused and disciplined for the sake of our country and the benefit of our fellow Nigerians across the world.

 

"In Nigeria, it is tough to remain an item, focused and disciplined when being an opposition party. The temptation and allure of power can be overwhelming. Some have fallen along the way."

 

In his appreciation speech, Ayu boasted that the PDP is back to rescue Nigeria from the terrible mess it has been in for the past six years, adding that the success of the convention can be described as a quit notice to the ruling APC.

 

He said, "Those who have lost hope should know that Nigeria is not a divided country. A small group of people decided to divide Nigeria. PDP will come back to unite our people, put them together, North and South, East and West.

 

"We will move ahead to develop this country. We did it before. We are going to do it again. I want to thank the governors. I want to thank the delegates. I want to thank our supporters and every single person who has made this event such a huge success.

 

"I believe the other party can never hold a convention because even state congress, they cannot hold. They have produced 92 state chairmen for 36 states, how can they hold a successful convention which the PDP has done? We are waiting for them. This is a challenge to them. Let them come and hold a successful convention which the PDP has done. This is a quit notice. PDP is back and is taking back the country to develop it."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Nigerian Students Kick As Army Hands Over Illegally Arrested Ogun Varsity Students To Anti-graft Agency, EFCC

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has berated the Nigerian Army for handing over students of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) illegally arrested, to the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Ibadan, capital of Oyo State.

SaharaReporters gathered that the students were arrested on Thursday by soldiers attached to Ilese Barracks.

“Uniformed men of Nigerian Military invaded the students' community of our dear University and meted absolute injustice, extortion and assaults on peace-loving students. 

“TASUEDITES who are going by their legitimate and calm businesses were cornered at CONOIL Filling Station, the Express Road that leads to the University's second gate. They were arrested and assaulted for no reason. See Also Education How Tai Solarin University Vice Chancellor Ordered Soldiers To Arrest Students After Dean Sexually Assaulted Female Student – Source

“To make things worse, the soldiers asked students to bail themselves with N50,000 and those who could not do that were detained and taken away (most likely to the barracks),” a students’ leader had said.

NANS President, Sunday Asefon in a statement sent to SaharaReporters on Sunday said the Students’ Union President of the school, Sodiq Ridwan and four of his executives have been released by the army.

He added that other students arrested were however transferred to EFCC custody in Ibadan for alleged internet frauds. See Also ACTIVISM BREAKING: Protest Rocks Nigerian University As Soldiers Brutalise, Abduct Students’ Union President, Others

The statement read, “Recall I condemned in the strongest possible terms the unjust arrest, harassment and intimidations of some TASUED students, including the SUG President and some Union Executives by troops of the Nigerian Army attached to the Ilese Barracks in Ogun State. 

“Also, recall that I earlier on Friday announced a 24-hour ultimatum for the unconditional release of the affected students. I travelled with my team 16 hours before the expiration of the ultimatum to give prompt actions to my words. The SUG President and four other SUG Executives arrested were released before the expiration of our ultimatum. The rest of the students arrested have been transferred to EFCC custody in Ibadan for alleged internet frauds.

“While I do not support internet frauds, I am of the firm belief that the Nigerian Army has no business arresting internet fraudsters. Transferring them to the EFCC is an afterthought because of the dimensions the case has taken. The Nigerian Army should be too busy fighting insecurity across the country than pursuing petty criminals and causing unrest in our campuses by creating avoidable and unnecessary drama through an excessive show of force.

“I have directed an internal individualised enquiry into the allegations and evidence against the students transferred to the EFCC custody and NANS under my watch will ensure their prompt release if our internal investigation suggests lack of evidence against them and if the evidence against them is questionable or obtained illegally. 

“We must protect our students from unnecessary and avoidable aggressions. The sensitivity of Campus Security shall also be discussed during our forthcoming Students Security Summit slated to hold on 4th November, 2021 in Abuja.”

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Leadership Tussle: Chevron’s Host Communities Sanction Six Members Over Alleged Contempt Of Court, Others

The leadership of eight host communities affected by Chevron Nigeria Limited's exploration activities in Southern Ijaw and Brass local government areas of Bayelsa State under the KEFEES Rural Development Foundation (KRDF) have suspended six persons. 

 

The sanctioned persons were allegedly involved in the lingering crisis within the organisation. 

They were accused of interpreting an order of the State High Court wrongly and attempting to change the leadership through the back door. 

 

KEFEES is a foundation representing the eight Chevron Nigeria Limited host communities in Bayelsa, comprising Koluama 1 & 2, Ezetu 1 & 2, Foropa, Fish Town, Ekeni and Sangana, located along the Atlantic Ocean coastline within Bayelsa State.

 

Tibiebi Woinemi Amadein had in a suit challenged the chairmanship position of Matthew Sele-epri at the state high court, Oporoma Division. 

 

The court ordered KEFEES Rural Development Foundation to conduct another election and a stay of execution motion was filed before the Court of Appeal sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

 

It was gathered that the High Court in its ruling did not declare the claimant, Amadein as Chairman of the KRDF. 

 

And he had allegedly in defiance of the ruling of the court written a letter to Chevron Oil Limited, claiming victory and setting up a parallel executive of the foundation.

 

But some members of the foundation, after an emergency meeting in Yenagoa on Saturday, described the action of Amadein, Kofa Murphy Daniel, Noel Ikonikomo, Christopher Longlife, Mrs Amina James and Ebitare Joseph as gross misconduct. 

 

They said their action had caused serious disaffection and negative publicity for the body. They, therefore, suspended their membership of the KEFEES Foundation indefinitely without benefit.  

 

An emergency meeting, which had in attendance, 26 out of the 32 members of the foundation, was presided over by the Chairman, Sele-epri. 

 

At the end of the meeting, the members of the foundation resolved unanimously that the court judgement on the suit filed by the claimant was clear and specific to the office of the chairman. 

 

They said the "judgment is a decision of the first court of instance which is subject to an appeal and therefore cannot be enforced since the defendant has already filed an appeal and a stay of execution of the judgment of the lower court". 

 

A statement issued by the foundation, signed by its Secretary, Ngozi Amakiri and read by an ex-officio member, Chief Christopher Tudu, said: "That the said three members of KEFEES who openly apologised to the house and asked for forgiveness be pardoned accordingly. That the house by way of a motion after deliberating on the evil and unpatriotic actions of Messrs Tibiebi made, Kofa Murphy Daniel, Noel Ikonikomo, Christopher Longlife, Amina James and Ebitare Joseph has resolved that given the impunity of their action which has caused serious disaffection and negative publicity on the body, be accordingly suspended from the membership of Keffes Foundation without benefit indefinitely.

 

"That the house unanimously passed a VOTE OF CONFIDENCE on the Sele-epri -led government and assured them of their absolute unflinching support."

 

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Police Arrest 'IPOB’s Eastern Security Network Commander' In Anambra, Recover Six Rifles

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a man who is allegedly a top member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and also commands its militant wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

The commander identified as Udebuan Sage Chubueze was arrested in Ekwukobia in the Aguata Local Government Area of the state on Saturday, October 30.

Chubueze was arrested in his house following a tip-off and was said to have sustained bullet wounds. 

Recall that there was a gun battle between security agents and some gunmen in Ekwulobia on Friday, October 29, with many of the gunmen escaping with bullet wounds.

IPOB, a pro-Biafra group, has been accused of being responsible for some of the attacks against the police in the South-East, but the group has denied any involvement.

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the group in December 2020 launched ESN to protect the people of the region from terrorists and bandits allegedly trooping in from the North.

The IPOB leader described the outfit as a replica of the Western Nigeria Security Network, also known as Amotekun, earlier launched by the South-West governors to curb insecurity in the region.

"The sole aim and objective of this newly formed security outfit known as Eastern Security Network are to halt every criminal activity and the terrorist attack on Biafraland," Kanu had said.

"This outfit, which is a vigilante group like the Amotekun in the South-West and the Miyetti Allah security outfit, will ensure the safety of our forests and farmland, which terrorists have converted into slaughter grounds and raping fields."

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BREAKING: Group Sues Buhari, Seeks Recovery Of ‘Missing N881Billion In 367 Ministries, Departments, Agencies’

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against President Muhammadu Buhari over his failure to probe the alleged disappearance of N881 billion from ministries, departments and agencies among others. 

The group is seeking the probe of "allegations that over ₦880 billion of public funds are missing from 367 ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), to ensure the prosecution of those suspected to be responsible, and the recovery of any missing or diverted public funds".

The suit followed the grim allegations contained in part 2 of the 2018 annual audited report by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation that ₦880,894,733,084.811 was spent by 367 MDAs without any appropriation.

In the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1281/2021 filed last week at the Federal High Court, Abuja, SERAP is seeking: “an order of mandamus to direct and compel President Buhari to promptly investigate the alleged missing N881 billion of public funds and to ensure the prosecution of those suspected to be responsible, and the full recovery of any missing, mismanaged or diverted public funds". 

In the suit, SERAP argues that: “Complying with constitutional requirements and international standards on spending of public funds would ensure effective and efficient management of public resources, and put the country’s wealth and resources to work for the common good of all Nigerians.”

This is contained in a statement by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare on Sunday. 

SERAP said: “It is in the interest of justice to grant this application, as it would improve respect for the rights of Nigerians, and improve their access to essential public goods and services, which ought to be provided by the indicted MDAs.”

“President Buhari has a constitutional duty to ensure the investigation and prosecution of allegations of corruption, as well as recovery of any missing public funds. Section 15[5] of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution [as amended], requires the Buhari administration to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power,” it also noted.

SERAP further argues that, “The alleged missing public funds have hampered the ability of the indicted MDAs to meet the needs of average citizens, as the missing funds could have helped the government to invest in key public goods and services, and to improve access of Nigerians to these goods and services.”

Joined in the suit as Respondents are the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN; and the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed.

The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyer, Kolawole Oluwadare, read in part: “The failure to investigate the allegations of grand corruption contained in part 2 of the 2018 annual audited report constitutes a grave violation of the duty placed on the Nigerian government to take appropriate measures to promote transparency and accountability in the management of public finances.

“Mandamus is a high prerogative writ which lies to secure the performance of public duty. It gives command that a duty of a public nature which normally, though not necessarily is imposed by statute but is neglected or refused to be done after due demand, be done.

“If there is a discretion to perform the duty, the court has the power to examine whether the discretion to refuse to act has been properly exercised.”

“Recovering the alleged missing public funds would reduce the pressure on the Federal Government to borrow more money to fund the budget, enable the authorities to meet the country’s constitutional and international obligations, and reduce the growing level of public debts.

“These damning revelations suggest a grave violation of the public trust, the Nigerian Constitution of 1999, and international human rights and anti-corruption standards. Spending of public funds without appropriation will create opportunities for corruption.”

“Corruption thrives in contexts that provide opportunities to engage in illicit conduct, widespread motives to take advantage of such opportunities and weak controls," it also noted. 

It continued, “Section 80(2) of the Nigerian Constitution provides that no money shall be withdrawn from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation except to meet expenditure that is charged upon the fund by the Constitution or where the issue of the money has been authorized by an Appropriation Act, Supplementary Appropriation Act or an Act passed in pursuance of section 81 of the Constitution.

“Similarly, articles 5 and 9 of the UN Convention against Corruption to which Nigeria is a state party impose legal obligations on the Buhari administration to ensure proper management of public affairs and public funds, and to promote sound and transparent administration of public affairs and public property.”

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

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Buhari Government Must Probe Illegal Invasion Of Supreme Court Judge, Odili's Residence – Concerned Nigerians Group

A human rights’ group, Concerned Nigerians for the Protection of Human Rights and Rule of Law Initiative, has condemned the raid on the residence of Supreme Court Justice, Mary Odili, by security operatives, saying it is yet another frontal attack on the independence and integrity of the judiciary.

Security operatives had on Friday night invaded the house of the Supreme Court Justice based on information that “illegal activities” were going on there.

The spokesperson of the group, Theophilus Abuh Agada, in a statement asked the Muhammadu Buhari-led government to apologise to Justice Odili over the incident.

The statement read, “We condemn in strong terms, the invasion of the apartment of Nigeria’s Supreme Court judge, Justice Mary Odili, by security operatives on Friday night.

 “You will recall on October 29, 2021, a team of security operatives reported to be a combination of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Nigerian police and the Department of State Services’ agents, stormed the Hon Justice Odili's official apartment in Maitama, Abuja, in an attempt to execute a search warrant issued by a Chief Magistrate, Emmanuel Iyanna, in the FCT judiciary. See Also Legal Nigerian Bar Association Demands Punishment For 'Rogue Security Operatives' Who Raided Supreme Court Judge, Odili’s Residence

“Concerned Nigerians join the rest of Nigerians in condemning this heinous abuse of power against Justice Odili, the Supreme Court's second most senior justice behind the present Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad.

“It is ironic to note that on a day the Nigerian Bar Association drew the curtain on its annual conference, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where the rule of law was a reoccurring theme, state agents, posing as security officers, invaded the home of a Nigerian Supreme Court Justice, on the basis of a worthless affidavit deposed to by a whistle blower and an unidentified police officer.  See Also Legal Security Operatives Raid Supreme Court Judge, Odili’s Residence In Abuja

“We note with concern that the EFCC and the office of the Attorney General of the Federation have denied been involved in the raid, while the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian police have refused to issue any statement on the raid. We must categorically state that this is an attempt to intimate Justice Odili and the entire judiciary in general. The Buhari administration must recognise that the foundation of a democratic government lies in the unwavering adherence to the principles of the rule of law and respect for fundamental human rights.

“We, therefore, demand that everyone remotely involved in this show of shame must be held accountable and sanctioned, beginning with the Magistrate who issued the search warrant without satisfying himself that the minimum requirement has been met. See Also Legal How Attorney-General, Malami’s Ministry Misled Me To Sign Warrant To Raid Supreme Court Judge, Odili’s Residence – Chief Magistrate

“We also demand that the Federal Government should, as a matter of urgency, issue an apology to the Hon Justice Mary Peter-Odili for the unwarranted invasion of her apartment and flagrant breach of her constitutionally guaranteed right to privacy.

“Finally, we call on the authorities to launch an investigation into this needless and unfortunate attack on the judiciary.”

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Police Lied, Zamfara Bandits Overpowered, Killed Security Operatives – Nigerian Civil Defence Corps

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has disputed the Zamfara State Police Command’s claim that its joint security team overpowered some bandits who attacked security operatives in the state.

The spokesperson for the police command, Muhammad Shehu, had said that on October 28, a joint police and civil defence team deployed along Kaura Namoda–Shinkafi Road were ambushed by suspected bandits who came in a large number.

NSCDC CG, Ahmed Audi.

According to the police, which had sought to downplay the bandits’ attack, after several hours of engaging the bandits in a gun duel, “some of the assailants were neutralised while others escaped with possible gunshot injuries.”

However, narrating what happened, the NSCDC said the bandits, numbering about 150 and with “heavy weaponry”, had “engaged operatives in exchange of fire.”

NSCDC spokesperson, Ikhor Oche, noted in the statement that the team of the joint security forces was overpowered even after it got reinforcement.

“All the same, one of the NSCDC personnel, a driver, was killed while other officers had to run for cover. The bandits set the vehicle ablaze along with corpse of the personnel, and while returning to Shinkafi, one personnel also got missing.

“During NSCDC’s search, the missing person was found dead and right now his corpse is on its way to Maru, his hometown. This brings to two, the number of NSCDC personnel that died in the attack. I cannot ascertain the extent of what happened to men of the other security agency, but it equally recorded losses,” the spokesperson stated.

SaharaReporters had on Friday reported that bandits killed at least 20 operatives of the Nigerian security agencies in the Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State after which the bandits set their corpses on fire.

The security operatives had been sent to a village where bandits had been ravaging for a long time without any security stoppage.

The bandits had reportedly ambushed the security operatives, killed a score of them and set the corpses on fire in the early hours of Friday.

Among the victims was Alhaji Shehu Mallami, a resident of the community.

When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Aminu Mary, had confirmed the attack, saying that the state commandant of the corps already left to the scene to ascertain what really happened.

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#EndSARS: Nigeria’s Central Bank, Governor Emefiele Retain Ex-Attorney-General, Aondoakaa, Others In Suit Over Harassment Of Protesters, Incompetence In Office

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and its governor, Godwin Emefiele, have retained a former Attorney-Attorney-General of the Federation, Mike Aondoakaa (SAN) to lead the legal team of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) in the defence of the suit against him and the bank.

The suit borders on Emefiele’s incompetence in office, and harassment of the #EndSARS protesters.

Michael Aondoakaa

An Abuja-based activist, Sesugh Akume, had filed a suit before a Federal High Court in the nation’s capital, asking it to determine whether or not Emefiele, had not been grossly incompetent by failing to provide price control, a strong Naira and a stable exchange rate.

Akume also asked the court to stop Emefiele and the CBN from further lending to the Nigerian government until the trillions of Naira allegedly owed are refunded in full.

He also wants the court to also compel the CBN never to lend beyond the prescribed 5% of the previous year’s revenues.

The activist said the apex bank under Emefiele had been engaged in the illegality of lending to the Nigerian government more than the prescribed 5% of the revenues of the previous year.

SaharaReporters gathered that Aondoakaa was briefed by the CBN to represent the apex bank in the matter.

Akume in a statement on Saturday said the senior lawyer had been retained to lead others in the matter before the court.

The case would be heard on Tuesday, November 9.

He said, “The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele, have retained former Attorney-Attorney-General of the Federation, Mike Aondoakaa, SAN to lead the legal team of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) and other counsel in the matter of _Sesugh Akume v CBN_ (FHC/ABJ/CS/1051/2021).

“It would be recalled, in that matter, I ask the court to declare both the CBN and governor, Mr Emefiele, incompetent for failing their number one job which is price control, as they have rather caused the skyrocketing of prices in the market through their bad polices and incompetence.

“To declare that they (as well as other public institutions and officers) can be held liable for their incompetence especially when it negatively affects the public; to declare illegal their lending above 5% the previous year revenues of the country to the federal government, and doing so even when past loans are not repaid (leading to the country owing CBN alone N15.51 trillion) all of which affect the country adversely; and to stop them from further doing so, among other things.

“Former AG Aondoakaa SAN, and the legal team, entered appearance as defence counsel to CBN and Emefiele, and have filed their defence. The matter commences at the Federal High Court, Abuja before Justice A R Mohammed (Court 4) on Tuesday 9 November 2021, from 9am.”

Aondoakaa is not new to controversies – during his time as Nigeria’s AGF and Minister of Justice, he showed a high disregard for the law of the country.

He got into trouble in 2010 when the Legal Privileges Committee in 2010 suspended him from using the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria for two years following a petition by the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights and a ruling by a Calabar Federal High Court on June 1, 2010, that he was unfit to hold the office of the Attorney-General or any public office in Nigeria.

Aondoakaa was also notorious for his brash support of the government and his defence of corrupt former governor of Delta State, James Ibori.

As Nigeria's AGF, he did everything to block the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission from prosecuting Ibori and other corrupt officials.

He also declined the request by the London Metropolitan Police to allow officials of the EFCC to stand as prosecuting witness against Ibori.

The 58-year-old was in 2010 barred from entering the United States over links to massive corruption during his two and half years in office.

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Nigerian Bar Association Demands Punishment For 'Rogue Security Operatives' Who Raided Supreme Court Judge, Odili’s Residence

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the raid of the Abuja residence of the former Rivers Governor, Peter Odili and his wife, Justice Mary Odili of the Supreme Court.

Security operatives had on Friday night invaded the house of the Supreme Court justice based on information that “illegal activities” were going on there.

Documents seen by journalists showed that the search warrant was obtained after one Aliyu Ibrahim, a whistleblower, deposed to an affidavit on October 13, stating that he “observed some illegal activities” within the area.

The search warrant was granted to one Lawrence Ajodo, identified as a chief superintendent of police and a member of the investigation team under the asset tax recovery panel of the ministry of justice.

The panel comprises the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and the Federal Ministry of Justice.

The warrant, which was granted by Emmanuel Iyanna, a Chief Magistrate at Wuse Zone 6 magistrate court, did not bear the address or name of the judge.

While Odili’s address is 7, Imo river street, Maitama, the address on the warrant was 9, Imo Street, Maitama.

Reacting in a statement issued on Saturday, NBA President, Olumide Akpata demanded that those responsible for the act must be brought to book.

Akpata noted that the security team which carried out the raid was linked by some to the Minister of Justice’s office, but that the minister had denounced the operatives.

He said he would convene an emergency meeting of the NBA National Executive Committee solely to discuss the issue and take a definitive stand on behalf of the NBA.

The statement read, “The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) received with grave concern the news of the unlawful siege on the Abuja residence of a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Honourable Justice Mary Ukaego Peter-Odili, last night by officers of one or more of the Nigerian security agencies.

"Almost 24 hours later, information concerning the basis of the siege remains hazy and the subject of speculation, apart from reports that the invasion was pursuant to a search warrant issued by a Magistrate Court in Abuja, which search warrant has now been revoked.

"The Honourable AGF under whose office the team that purportedly carried out the raid is allegedly domiciled has also reportedly denounced the team, which implies that the residence of the second most senior judicial officer in Nigeria was raided by rogue security agencies. The grave implications of this possibility leave a lot to be desired.”

He said when viewed in the context of a similar raid on the premises of Supreme Court Justices in 2016, the NBA interpreted last night's incident as part of an orchestrated affront on the Judiciary, designed to intimidate and ridicule the Judiciary.

The NBA, he vowed, "will no longer allow this to continue."

Akpata added, “In case the law enforcement agencies have not learnt their lessons, events like this do nothing but erode the independence of sacred democratic institutions like the Judiciary, undermine the rule of law in Nigeria and set the country back in the quest to instil confidence in citizens of Nigeria, Nigerian businesses, and foreign investors that Nigeria operates a democracy with an independent judiciary.

"I have spoken with My Lord, Peter-Odili JSC and I am happy to report that she is alive and well. Beyond that however, it is my pledge to Nigerians that the NBA will get to the root of this matter.

"In line with the aims and objectives of the NBA to protect and defend the independence of the Judiciary and the Rule of Law, we will convene an emergency meeting of the NBA National Executive Committee solely to discuss this issue and take a definitive stand on behalf of the NBA.

"I will also lead a delegation to the Honourable AGF Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN and the relevant heads of security agencies to seek further clarification on the circumstances of this incident.

"The NBA will ensure that all those responsible for this unfortunate incident are brought to book. We must do all that is required to safeguard the independence of our Judiciary and indeed protect our hard-won democracy.”

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IPOB Condemns, Disowns Biafra National Guard Over ‘Nefarious, Criminal Activities’

The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, on Saturday distanced itself from the Biafra National Guard, BNG.

IPOB said it had nothing to do with any group involved in criminality.

In a statement by its spokesman, Emma Powerful, IPOB noted that its leader, Nnamdi Kanu does not encourage criminality.

File photo used to illustrate story.

Powerful disclosed that anybody caught in the act of criminality would be dealt with.

According to Powerful: “We the global movement and family of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) wish to alert IPOB families worldwide and the international community that we do not know of a group called Biafra National Guard (BNG) and should not be linked in a shape or form with this group whose activities do not correspond with IPOB’S fundamental objectives.

“We have observed the unpatriotic and nefarious activities of this group and we hereby unequivocally dissociate ourselves from the group and its activities. This group has no link whatsoever with IPOB and doesn’t work for IPOB. IPOB has nothing to do with any group associated with criminality. Our mandate is the peaceful restoration of Biafra, anything other than this will have nothing to do with us.

“Our leader does not encourage criminality or any action injurious to the people of Biafra. We don’t encourage extortion or forceful collection of fuel and other lubricants from any petrol station in Biafraland. This is criminality that cannot be condoned in Biafra land.

“IPOB also abhors hostage-taking and demand for ransom which is a common characteristic of Fulani terrorists and Fulani Herdsmen and any group associated with such criminality in Biafraland will be resisted by IPOB.

“Anybody or group caught in such barbaric act will be seriously dealt with. Some evil politicians are using crimially minded elements to foment trouble in our land.”

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Don’t Shield Dowen College Management, Students If Involved In Oromoni's Death – Women Lawyers, FIDA Warn Nigerian Government

The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria has demanded the overhaul of the educational system in the country to erad...