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EFCC quizzes Fayemi over alleged N4bn fraud, money laundering 1 June 2023  The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has quizzed former Governor of Ekiti, Dr Kayode Fayemi, over alleged money laundering and misappropriation of N4 billion. A source close to the anti-graft agency said that  Fayemi arrived at the EFCC facility at about 10.am on Thursday and was drilled by the its operatives. The source said that the ex-governor was at the zonal command of the anti-graft agency located on Oko Close, Off Station Road, Ilorin in Kwara for interrogation over an alleged fraud. According to the source, EFCC is interrogating the former governor over allegations of misappropriation of N4 billion and money laundering. The probe Is said to be connected to the handling of funds during his tenure as governor of Ekiti. Fayemi was governor of the state from 2018 to 2022 and handed over to Gov. Biodun Oyebanji in June 2022. The Anti-graft agency had in a letter dated May 12 invited th...

  U.S. assures NDLEA of more support, collaboration on fight against illicit drugs . Commends Marwa for impressive performance The United States government has assured the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, of more support and collaboration in different areas of its strategic operations to enhance its capabilities against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.  The assurance was given by Dr. Mark Hove of the Africa and Middle East Office, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, US State Department, on Wednesday 1st June when he led another top official of the Bureau, Craig Nixon on a courtesy visit to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) at the Agencys headquarters in Abuja.  This comes on the heels of a recent official letter by the Bureau announcing the U.S. project grant to the NDLEA following requests by Gen. Marwa during series of meetings both in Abuja and in Washington...

PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES GOVERNOR HOPE UZODIMMA ON HIS ELECTION AS CHAIRMAN PROGRESSIVE GOVERNORS' FORUM His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, has congratulated Governor Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman of Kwara State and Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State as they emerged Chairmen of Nigerian Governors' Forum (NGF) and Progressive Governors' Forum (PGF), respectively. The President's felicitation was contained in a statement from the State House on Thursday wherein he said: "I congratulate the Governor of Kwara State, His Excellency Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, on his emergence as the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), and the Governor of Imo State, His Excellency Hope Uzodimma, on his election as the Chairman of the Progressive Governors' Forum (PGF). "In the same vein, I also congratulate His Excellency Seyi Makinde, the Governor of Oyo State and his Kaduna State counterpart, His Excellency Senator Uba Sani, on their elections as Deputy ...

SANWO-OLU, HAMZAT SECOND TERM INAUGURATION SERVICES HOLD FRIDAY, SUNDAY …Cultural Carnival on Saturday  A special Jummat and Interdenominational Church Services will be held to mark the inauguration for a second term of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat.   The two services, which are part of the 11-day inauguration programme, will be held simultaneously in the five divisions of Lagos State – Ikorodu, Badagry, Ikeja, Lagos Island and Epe – on Friday and Sunday.    A cultural display has also been scheduled to hold at the Agege Stadium, on Saturday to celebrate Governor Sanwo-Olu and his deputy who were both sworn in on Monday. The swearing-in was witnessed by thousands of Lagos residents at the historic Tafawa Balewa Square, Onikan. Millions watched live on television and social media.    The post-inauguration Jummat Thanksgiving Service, which is scheduled for Day Nine, will hold simultaneously at the five divisions’ Centr...

FUEL SCARCITY: LASG WARNS MOTORISTS AGAINST INDISCRIMINATE PARKING The Lagos State Government has warned motorists in the State who are in the habit of parking their vehicles indiscriminately on highways and inner roads in a bid to purchase fuel, to desist from hindering traffic flow within the metropolis. Issuing the warning, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Engr. Abdulhafiz Toriola stated that the Ministry has observed with dismay activities of motorists parking and queuing in unauthorised places thereby hindering the free flow of traffic, hence the need for caution. He further stressed that those found queuing for fuel should also ensure that the flow of traffic is not adversely affected, stating there are no excuses for traffic violations. Toriola reiterated that efficient traffic management has remained crucial in the attainment of a seamless multi-modal transportation system of the state, hence, the need for strong collaboration of the motoring public to ensur...

PREROGATIVE OF MERCY: SANWO-OLU APPROVES RELEASE OF 49 INMATES IN COMMEMORATION OF HIS SECOND TERM IN OFFICE Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on the recommendation of the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, has approved the release of 49 inmates from various correctional facilities across the State. The Governor signed the Release Order on the 26th of May, 2023 in cognizance of his inauguration for the second term in office as Governor of Lagos State. The exercise is pursuant to the provisions of Section 212 (1) (2) of the 1999 Constitution of The Federal Republic of Nigeria (As amended). The Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy in reaching its recommendations exercised due diligence in its deliberation of the applications in line with the applicable guidelines, the information provided by the correctional authorities, the nature of the offence, period of incarceration, age, health and also the behavioural conduct of the inmates. The approval for the release of the inmates is...

GOC 2 DIVISION NIGERIAN ARMY AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS TO FOUR OUTSTANDING COMMAND STUDENTS  The General Officer Commanding 2 Division Nigerian Army, Maj Gen Mohammed Usman has awarded four outstanding students of Command Secondary School Mokola Ibadan and Command Secondary School Ede Osun State who performed excellently in the Armed Forces Mathematics Olympiad Competition 2023 organised by Ministry of Defence for Armed Forces Schools recently in Abuja. In his remarks, the GOC stated that the event is to reward the students and their teachers for their hard work as well as encourage them to keep it up. He further stated that he has contracted an Educational Consultant to carry out a 2 days training workshop for the teachers at each of the Command Secondary Schools in 2 Division's Area of Responsibility to help build on their capacity. Maj Gen Usman expressed joy on their performance especially on Mathematics assuring the students of his readiness to rewarded them abundantly.  I...

6pm-6am Curfew Imposed In Keffi Over Cult Activities  ***  A 6pm-6am curfew has been imposed in Keffi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State over the criminal activities of the Yan Shara cult group.  The Council Chairman, Alhaji Muhammad Baba Shehu made this known in a statement issued on Thursday June 01.  According to the council Chairman, the curfew takes effect immediately and until further notice.  He appealed to residents to comply with the directive in order to rid the area of criminal elements and ensure adequate security of lives and property.  

'Never Use It To Promote Occultism': Appeal To NSUK Theatre Arts Students On Induction  *** I enjoyed the show of culture and artistic display, it showcased the passion for the field of study.  I advise that the newly admitted students (NSUK, Theatre Arts), should see the performance as a preamble to the broad experiences and mastery display of art, embedded in their admitted course of study. Never should they use it to promote witchcraft or occultism.  I wish you all heaven's best as you proceed in your academic pursuit.  -Samson Olah Danjuma, Facebook  

Eating Dog Meat Helps You Walk, Run Very Fast Without Stress -Teacher  ***  Dog meat also known as 'dogmacine' in Jos and other parts of Plateau State has been recommended to Nigerians as the effect of oil subsidy removal bites harder.  According to a seasoned school teacher in Nasarawa State, Mr. Honey Aku, eating dog meat helps one to walk and run very fast without stress.  Since the announcement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on fuel subsidy in his inaugural speech on May 29, the cost of public transport have skyrocketed, forcing many Nigerians who had always relied on Okada riders to embrace trekking.  Aku who shared photos of himself at the stand of a popular dog meat seller in Sabon Pegi-Shabu area of Lafia, said dogmacine is the solution to the enigma in this crunch moment of expensive fuel price that has become the concern of citizens.  “Get yourself dogmacine and walk to your destination without difficulty and forget the challenge of fuel,” he advi...

Keffi Council Shuts Primary Schools Over Violent Crimes By Yanshara Group  ***  The Keffi Local Government Council has ordered the closure of public and private primary schools in Keffi town following today's violent crimes unleashed by the Yanshara group.  This was contained in a letter signed by the council Chairman, Alhaji Muhammad Baba Shehu and addressed to the area's Education Secretary.  According to the letter dated Thursday June 01, the closure is with immediate effect and till further notice.  He directed the Education Secretary to close down all primary school activities till further notice.  The council Chairman had earlier announced a 6pm-6am curfew in the town over the 'ongoing breach of law and order' that reportedly claimed lives and destroyed properties worth thousands of naira.  Security operatives have since been deployed to the area to ensure adequate security of lives and property.  

Elon Musk, Reclaims Title As The Richest Person In The World. Elon Musk has overtaken French-born fashion icon, Bernard Arnault to become the world’s richest person on earth, following the end of Wednesday’s trading session. This is according to the Bloomberg Billionaires balance sheet, which estimates that the net worth of Tesla’s Elon Musk is now worth around $192 billion, while LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault has a net worth of $187 billion. The two “centi-billionaires,” as those worth above $100 billion are known, had been competing for the top slot for months.  

Manchester United are set to pay Harry Maguire £10million pay-off to leave the club this summer.   Saturday's FA Cup final is likely to be Maguire's last game as a United player with the 30-year-old captain set for a place on the bench against Manchester City at Wembley.   Manchester United paid £80m for Maguire to sign him from Leicester in 2019, but he is now valued at closer to £30m due to his age and the fact he is two-thirds of the way through a six-year contract.   Maguire has another two years left on the £190,000-a-week deal, and it's anticipated that he would earn only half that amount at a new club - leaving United to foot a £10m wage bill to get him off their books.   England manager Gareth Southgate warned last week that Maguire's lack of first-team football at United cannot 'continue forever' if he wants to hold down an international place.   And Ten Hag spoke about the player's predicament on Monday, admitting 'that no-one would be happy wi...

 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋: 𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐏𝐒𝐆 Leo Messi leaves Paris Saint-Germain as reported last month — Christophe Galtier has just confirmed 🔴🔵🇦🇷 “I had a privilege of coaching the best player in the history of football — this weekend it will be Messi’s last match at PSG at the Parc des Princes against Clermont”, PSG coach says. Fabrizio Romano  

African Vaccination Week, Rotavirus vaccine intensification flagged-off in Anambra    By Nnedinma Okeke/Chukwudi Nwauba    The African Vaccination Week (AVW) and Rotavirus vaccine post introduction intensification has been flagged-off in Anambra State by the Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA), in collaboration of the State Ministry of Health (SMOH) and Partners.  The event was done at Ime-Obi, the Palace of His Royal Majesty (HRM), Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, Obi of Onitsha in Onitsha North Local Government Area (LGA).  The 2023 AVW is themed THE BIG CATCH UP’, an annual event that tends to provide an opportunity to underscore the importance of immunization in saving lives and encouraging families to vaccinate their children against deadly diseases.  Its goal is to strengthen immunization programmes in African Region by increasing awareness on the importance of every person particularly children and women need as well as rig...

 Civil Servants, Military To Experience Delay In May Salaries  Nigerian civil servants under the employment of the Federal Government will experience a delay in the payment of May 2023 salaries.  It was gathered that this was because Ministries, Departments and Agencies were yet to get debit approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria. Earlier, some civil servants in separate interviews with our correspondent noted that their salaries for May 2023 have not been paid. In a memo addressed to workers of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, the authority noted that the delay in the payment of workers was peculiar to all workers including the military and para-military. The memo signed by its acting General Manager, Administration, Oluwasola Awe partly reads, “This is to inform all staff that Management has uploaded salaries and is awaiting debit at the Central Bank of Nigeria. However, FAAN have been advised that the payment of May 2023 salary would be delayed beyond the ...

 Drama in Court earlier today as Judges order Peter Obi’s legal team to go home.  The order was due to the poor scheduling of documents being sought to be tendered by the petitioners. While the legal team appeared not organized, the five-man panel of justices said that Obi’s lawyers underrated the magnitude of the task before them.  BRIEF SUMMARY Of Court Proceedings for Today:  —Court Began Sitting By 9am —LP/Obi Brought a Massive Collection of Evidence to Court  —HE Peter Obi, Dr Datti Ahmed, Julius Abure & DG Campaign, Are Amongst Notable LP Personnel Present Today —HEPO Stood for Himself & LP —LP Counsel Appearance Was Led by Awa Kalu SAN  —Forms EC8A From Benue , Rivers, Cross River, Niger, Osun & Ekiti Were Presented  — All Were Opposed by Respondents (1st- INEC 2nd & 3rd - Tinubu & Shettima, 4th - APC) Aside for Niger State Where they Said they were Still Sorting Out Documents from Suleja  —Proceedings Ended at 1pm and A...

 Labour directs workers to shut operations, begin nationwide strike Monday Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, MWUN, has directed workers to shut down all operations of shipping companies and begin an indefinite nationwide strike from Monday over a lingering dispute with shipping companies concerning the poor pay package and welfare of employees. At a briefing, Thursday, the President-General of MWUN, Prince Adewale Adeyanju, lamented that since 2018 Organised Labour had been battling with the shipping companies on the minimum standard for shipping companies on the welfare of workers to no avail. According to him, despite several ultimatums and interventions of the immediate past Minister of Transportation, Muazu Sambo, the Shipping companies, mostly multinationals, had refused to yield, expressing sadness that the working conditions of the workers in the nation’s shipping industry were nothing short of modern-day slavery.  

TINUBU TO REPAIR ONE REFINERY BEFORE 2023 ENDS President Bola Tinubu has concluded an arrangement to have one of the four refineries repaired and operating at an optimal level before the end of the year. The Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari disclosed this on Thursday when he visited the party secretariat for a meeting with the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu. Kyari explained that following the hike in pump price and the resultant effect on commercial fare, the president is working out some palliative measures to ease the pains of Nigerians. He also added that there is an ongoing process of rehabilitation to ensure one of the refineries is ready this year. According to him, over 38 per cent of the total fuel distributed in this country is consumed by four states namely Lagos, Abuja, Kano and Rivers.  

Two Bag Two Years for Internet Fraud in Kaduna Justice Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court sitting in Kaduna, on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, convicted and sentenced the duo of Sabastine Yohanna and John Joseph Ojima to two years imprisonment on separate one count charges bordering on cybercrime. The convicts were arrested by the Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in Kakuri and Trikania axes of Kaduna, based on intelligence on their alleged internet fraud-related activities. Upon investigation, Sabastine confessed to investment and bitcoins fraud, and identity theft, including using the names of celebrities such as actors Jason Momoa, David Borenaz, and Johnny Depp to chat and defraud unsuspecting victims. In the case of John, he opened a Facebook account with the name, Sean Ambriz Tobias and use same to defraud unsuspecting victims. The defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges. Justice Darius, convicted and sentenced Sabastine ...

Gay’ Yahoo Boy Bags Two Years Jail Term in Kaduna The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Kaduna Zonal Command on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 secured the conviction of one Joseph Victor Ndubuka before Justice Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court sitting in Kaduna, on a one count amended charge bordering on impersonation. Victor was arrested by military personnel along with one other on suspicion of involvement in internet fraud activities and handed over to EFCC for further investigation. Investigation revealed that he operated a Telegram account where he posed as a white gay to lure victims into romantic relationships as pretext to defraud them. He benefitted to the tune of N1, 000,000.00. The one count amended charge reads: “that you, Joseph Victor Ndubuka(aka Joonk) sometime in March, 2023 in Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court committed an offence to wit; falsely presented yourself as Joonak (a citizen of the United States of America) which pretence you...

52 Biafra Agitators Remanded Over Failed Attempt To Hoist Flag In Enugu Govt House June 1, 2023 Fifty two members of a pro Biafra group; the Biafra Zionist Front, BZF, led by Benjamin Onwuka who were arrested in Enugu May 30, have been remanded in the Enugu Correctional facility. The group were allegedly picked up on their way to hoist the Biafra flag inside the Enugu Government House. Reports say the Pro-Biafra agitators had concluded procession near the Okpara Square, and were marching to the Government House when they were arrested They were arraigned at the Enugu Magistrate Court Wednesday and remanded in prison alongside their leader Benjamin Onwuka. Tuesday, May 30 was declared sit-at-home day by Pro-Biafra agitators in remembrance of the day the defunct Biafra Republic was declared, a development that forced businesses, schools, markets and offices to shut down in Enugu and other Southeast States. It was learnt that the men who took off from Michael Okpara Square at Independence...

  PROTEST ROCKS EDO OVER PETROL PRICE HIKE  Some residents of Edo state have blocked the Benin-Lagos highway and other areas in Benin metropolis following the increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). The protesters who are mainly members of the Edo State Civil Society Organisation (EDOCSO), called for urgent reversal of the fuel pump price. Wielding placards with inscriptions such as “Nigerians can’t buy petrol at N520”; “We can’t buy petrol at N520 but N210”; “Petrol must be N210 till July end”, the protesters said Nigerians awere already confronted with numerous challenges.. The development, however, caused gridlock, forcing commuters to trek to their destinations. Addressing journalists, former coordinator general, EDOCSO, Omobude Agho, said the protest was to get the attention of President Bola Tinubu so that he could look into the fuel pump price.

OYO ASSEMBLY REMOVES IREPO LG CHAIRMAN OVER ALLEGED MISAPPROPRIATION OF FUNDS The Oyo state house of Assembly has removed the Chairman of Irepo Local Government, Kisi, Mr. Lateef Adediran having been found culpable of diverting public funds. BCOS house of Assembly Correspondent, Bode Akinjola reports that the removal was sequel to the investigations conducted on the allegation levelled against him via the Auditor-General for Local Government. Presenting the joint committee report on the floor of the house on Thursday, Hon. Akeem Mustapha stated that  Mr. Lateef  Adediran having been found culpable of the offence on the allegation of diverting public funds meant for the purchase of Toyota Camry 2016 model to purchase Lexus for his office without approval and purchasing of substandard Toyota corolla for the Office of the Head of Local Government Administration (HLGA),  his action has betrayed public trust, hence he should be removed from office as the Executive Chairman, Ir...

BUHARI HOSTS GOVERNORS, EX-GOVERNORS IN DAURA Former President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday hosted Governors and former Governors who paid him visit at his home in Daura, Katsina State following his hand over power to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as President of Nigeria. The serving and former Governors under the auspices of the Nigeria Governors' Forum, praised his efforts in national development and wishing him a good rest.    Buhari thanked the visitors for coming to him in Daura, reminding them that a big responsibility rests on their shoulders.  He also urged them to get together to serve the country and its people, describing democracy as one of the nation’s greatest strengths.  Governors on the visit were Dapo Abiodun, Ogun State who represented Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazak, the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors' Forum; the Chairman of Progressive Governors and Governor Of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, the Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, Gombe State’s Inuwa Y...