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 Kano court reverses Ganduje’s suspension, orders status quo A Federal High Court in Kano has halted the suspension of the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. The ruling came on Wednesday after Ganduje filed an ex parte motion seeking to enforce his fundamental right to fair hearing. The respondents in the application are the Police, Department of State Services, DSS, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, and nine others. On April 16, APC executives in Dawakin Ward, Tofa LGA of Kano State, suspended Ganduje over alleged corruption. However, the State Working Committee, SWC, of the APC in Kano nullified the suspension and punished the ward executives. But a Kano High Court presided by Justice Usman Na’Abba upheld the suspension. In the ex parte order delivered on Wednesday by the Federal High Court and made available to newsmen on Thursday, a Kano High Court presided by Justice A. M Liman ruled that the suspension should not be...

 Immigration places ex-Gov Yahaya Bello on watch list The Nigeria Immigration Service has placed former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello on watch list. The NIS called for Bello‘s arrest at any point of exit or entry into the country by security agencies. In a letter by an Assistant Comptroller of Immigration, D S Umar on behalf of the Comptroller-General, Kemi Nanna Nandap, the Service said Bello was facing trial in the Federal High Court Abuja on money laundering charges. The letter which was addressed to the Director General of DSS, NIA and the Inspector General of Police, urged the security agencies to arrest Bello at any point of entry or exit into the country.

 Kenya's Defence Chief, 9 other top military officers die in air crash President William Ruto on Thursday announced the death Kenya’s defence chief, General Francis Omondi Ogolla and nine other top officers in a military helicopter crash which took place in Elgeyo Marakwet county, about 400 kilometres northwest of the capital Nairobi. “Today at 2:20 pm, our nation suffered a tragic air accident… I am deeply saddened to announce the passing of General Francis Omondi Ogolla,” Ruto told reporters. Ruto added that nine other “gallant military personnel” on board were also killed while two survived. The Kenyan President had convened an urgent meeting of the National Security Council after news of the accident emerged He added the Kenya Air Force has sent an air investigation team to establish the cause of the crash, The helicopter crashed shortly after takeoff from Chesegon, where he and his entourage had been visiting a school, Ruto said. “A distinguished four-kistar general has fallen...

 You have no place to run to, submit yourself to EFCC – Onanuga to Yahaya Bello Bayo Onanuga, spokesperson to President Bola Tinubu, has urged former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, to submit himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. According to Onanuga, Bello has no where to run to. The statement came after EFCC declared Bello wanted for an alleged financial crime to the tune of N80.2 billion. The anti-corruption agency called on those with vital information about the former Kogi governor’s whereabouts to reach the commission or the police. The declaration followed the tussle between Bello and the EFCC. The former governor was absent earlier in the day at the Federal High Court in Abuja for a suit instituted against him by the EFCC. However, in a post on his X handle, Onanuga said Bello should submit himself to the EFCC and get a good lawyer. He said: “Yahaya Bello, where will you run to? It’s better you submit yourself to the EFCC and get a good lawyer...

 Palace raises alarm over plan to install Hausa traditional ruler in Benin The Benin Traditional Council (BTC), has warned against a planned installation and turbaning of an Hausa traditional ruler in Benin city. The BTC in a statement on Thursday by the Iyase (Prime Minister) of Benin Kingdom, Chief Sam Igbe, noted that a certain Alhaji Danjuma Garba Binkola is to be installed as ‘Garkuwan Hausawa Benin’ on Sunday 5 May, 2024. Igbe who frowned seriously at the planned turbaning ceremony, described it as a violation of Benin Traditional and Customary Law. The statement while alerting the Edo State Police Command, other security agencies and the general public on the serious implications of the ceremony, urged organisers of the turbaninig ceremony to refrain from violating the sanctity of the Benin Traditional and Customary Law. “It has come to the notice of the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) that an individual claiming to be known as ‘His Royal Highness Alh. Adamu Isah Adamu’ and ...

 It’s sad to see Nigeria’s value system dying — Foluke Daramola-Salako Popular actress, Foluke Daramola-Salako, is of the opinion that Nigeria has now become a dumping ground, because of its economic issues and loss of values. In an interview with Saturday Beats, she said, “We accommodate a lot of things in Nigeria, and that has its good and bad sides. Many cross dressers have come among us, and we gave them a soft landing. These days, the normal has become abnormal; and vice-versa, just because Nigeria has become a dumping ground for a lot of things. Even when one decides to go one’s own way, one will just find out that one is alone, and people will not relate with one. “It hurts me to see that our value system is dying. People no longer show love genuinely. Now, it is purely based on survival instinct. Many young stars in the country have to struggle to make a difference, because the government is not doing anything. There are many young Nigerians with brilliant ideas, and when t...

 NIS places Yahaya Bello on watchlist as IGP withdraws officers attached to him The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has placed Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi, on a watchlist.  The police headquarters in Abuja has also “ordered the withdrawal of all men attached to his excellency Alhaji Yahaya Bello, former executive governor of Kogi state”. Bello was declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on April 18 after his absence from the federal high court in Abuja stalled his arraignment. The anti-graft agency alleges that Bello, alongside Alli Bello, chief of staff to Usman Ododo, governor of Kogi; and one Daudu Suleiman, diverted about N80.2 billion belonging to the Kogi government. In a statement signed by DS Umar, assistant comptroller of immigration, on behalf of Kemi Nandap, comptroller-general of the NIS, the agency said “the above named person has been placed on watch list”. “The subject is being prosecuted for breach of trust and money l...

 N80.2billion Money Laundering :  Yahaya Bello’s Absence Stalls Arraignment Former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello on Thursday, April 18, 2024 failed to appear before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja to kick off his arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. Bello was slated for arraignment  by the EFCC alongside Ali Bello, Dauda Suleiman and Abdulsalam Hudu on 19-count charges bordering on money laundering to the tune of N80, 246, 470,089.88k (Eight Billion, Two Hundred and Forty-six Million, Four Hundred and Seventy Thousand and Eighty-Nine Naira, Eighty-Eighty Kobo). Count one of the charges reads: That you,  Yahaya Adoza Bello, Ali Bello, Dauda Suliman, and Abdulsalam Hudu (Still at large), sometime, in February, 2016, in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, conspired amongst yourselves to convert the total sum of N80, 246,470, 088.88 (Eighty Billion, Two Hundred and Forty Six Million, F...

 BBC Releases Report Addressing Chris Oyakhilome’s ‘Conspiracy Theories’ On Malaria Vaccine The British Broadcasting Company (BBC) has released a publication addressing the condemnation of the malaria vaccine in Africa by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome of the Christ Embassy. In the report published on Wednesday, April 17, the BBC tagged the clergyman a strong advocate against the vaccine, quoting him as saying “…there was never a proof that vaccines ever worked”. Citing one of Oyakhilome’s YouTube broadcasts, the online media outfit said he believes everyone has been lied to about the vaccine. The Broadcast company stated that some medical practitioners have concerns that the pastor’s sermons against the vaccine might negatively affect Africa in the fight against the disease. As reported by the paper, in August 2023, the pastor had warned in a sermon of “an evil agenda that has been long in the making”, apart from alleging that “malaria was never a problem to those in Africa.” According t...

 FCCPC seals off 4U supermarket, evacuates 97 bags of rice The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC has sealed off a foreign supermarket 4 U located at Wuse 2, for obnoxious practices, information concealing and sale of substandard bags of rice. Sealing off the supermarket in Abuja on Thursday, the Acting Executive Vice Chairman of FCCPC, Adamu Abdullahi, described the situation as unacceptable. Officials of FCCPC were at several supermarkets in the nation’s capital on Thursday to initiate a campaign to enforce price display and quantity compliance. The move was a direct response to concerns raised by some consumers about the rising costs of goods which go against the recent strengthening of the naira against major currencies

Ex- Beauty Queen Regina Askia shared this photo above with the caption:  "Face book family!! Life is so very precious and no one, absolutely NO ONE, has the promise of tomorrow. Psalm 90 v 12 says teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Let us be kind because you never know what battles we each are facing. It is well. A routine doctors check may throw up a curve ball that gives you just a few months to say goodbye. Out of the blue, no rhyme no reason, increased platelets in a routine check led to the need for further investigations. A chest X-ray revealed something of a 5cm mass on the right side of my trachea. What!!!!  Tracheal masses are extremely rare and almost exclusive to smokers. You cannot begin to imagine my anxiety! How? After working so hard and now when it’s finally time to “flenjor”, this??? What happens to my beautiful children? My 92 year old Mom could not survive the loss of another child. I was planning to travel, to write books, so mu...

 Ex Gov Yahaya Bello Wanted By the EFCC  Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, is wanted by the EFCC for offences relating to economic and financial crimes to the tune of N80.2 Billion. Anybody with information as to his whereabout should report immediately to the Commission or the nearest Police Station.  #EFCCNigeria  #YahayaBello

 TROOPS RESCUE ANOTHER CHIBOK GIRL, CHILDREN  FROM TERRORISTS' CAPTIVITY, NEUTRALIZE THREE IN AMBUSH  Nigerian Army troops deployed in the North East have continued to make significant stride in the fight against terrorism and insurgency with the recent  rescue of  Lydia Simon, a Chibok girl who had been held captive by Boko Haram terrorists for several years.  Lydia, who was on serial number 68 among the abducted missing Chibok Secondary School  girls, was rescued along with her three children by troops conducting Operation Desert Sanity III, around Ngoshe in  Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.  Lydia was five months pregnant at the time of her rescue and claimed to be from Pemi Town in Chibok.  Meanwhile, Nigerian Army troops deployed for Counter- terrorism  Counter- insurgency operations in the North Central on Tuesday 16 April 2024 successfully ambushed and neutralized 3 terrorists, who were on a mission to wreak havoc....

 At about 5am, anti-crime patrol officers from Maroko Division noticed a minibus do a quick u-turn upon sighting them on Hakeem Dickson Street.  The officers went in pursuit. Six persons jumped out of the vehicle running in different directions. The officers caught up with the vehicle and arrested the only person left in the vehicle, the driver, Azeez Babatunde.  A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of two locally-made pistols, two unexpended cartridges and a knife. Investigation is ongoing. More photos below. 

 Nurudeen Hassan aged 18 was arrested at about 5:45am by patrol officers from Alausa Division around Otedola Bridge after a traveler raised the alarm that the suspect had dispossessed him of all his belongings. Recovered from the suspect was one dagger. Investigation is ongoing.

 Press Release  GOVERNOR ENO CONDOLES LATE SYLVANUS UKPONG’S FAMILY   …says no hiding place for criminals in Akwa Ibom …offers scholarship to deceased daughter and automatic employment to widow Still playing his role as a compassionate leader, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, yesterday, paid a condolence visit to the family of late Sylvanus Ukpong, the Chief Executive Officer of Emem Farms Limited and Emem & Sons Limited, who lost his life, two weeks ago, while returning from his farm. Governor Eno was  deeply touched as he consoled the bereaved family.  “Honestly, this is not the kind of visit I will like to be doing. This is the second time within one week that I am doing ths, and I am heartbroken.  “I have come here today, on behalf of the Government and people of our dear State, to show our compassion and to console the family.  “I want to assure them, government will rally round the family at this time of their bereavement. “ I am mad...

 Labour Union Pickets Heritage Bank Over Sack Of 1,000 Support Workers Labour union on Thursday, picketed the headquarters of the Heritage Bank at Victoria Island, Lagos, over the sack of 1, 000 support workers. The National President of the National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees, Comrade Anthony Abakpa, during the protest, said the leadership of the bank did not follow due process before taking action. According to him, the union would intensify its demands for justice, calling on the bank’s management to do the needful. Effort to speak with the bank’s management proved abortive as they declined to speak.

 FA Cup scraps replays over expanded UEFA fixtures FA Cup replays will be scrapped from the first round onwards from next season as part of an agreement with the Premier League, the Football Association announced on Thursday. The FA had already dropped replays from the fifth round onwards and said the move to ditch them altogether had been agreed “in light of changes to the calendar driven by the expanded UEFA (European) competitions”. From next season the Champions League will feature an extra 64 games, creating increased pressure on the domestic calendar. The FA said all rounds of the FA Cup would now be played at weekends including the fifth round, which has been played in midweek for the past five seasons. There will be no Premier League matches on weekends set aside for the fourth and fifth rounds as well as the quarter-finals. Teams from the third and fourth tiers of English football enter the FA Cup in the first round, with Premier League and Championship clubs joining from ...

 UEFA Fines Barcelona For Fans’ Racist Behaviour UEFA announced on Thursday it had fined Barcelona 25,000 euros ($26,680) for racist behaviour by their fans after two supporters were questioned by police following their Champions League quarter-final first leg with Paris Saint-Germain. Barcelona were also banned from selling tickets to their supporters for their next away European game, although that punishment is suspended for a year. Barca lost the tie 6-4 on aggregate after PSG won Tuesday’s second leg 4-1. On April 10, Paris police said they had questioned two people after videos were published on social media of a supporter making monkey noises and another making Nazi salutes at the Parc des Princes. “The UEFA Appeals Body has decided to fine FC Barcelona 25,000 euros and to ban the FC Barcelona from selling tickets to its away supporters for its next UEFA competition match, for the racist behaviour of its supporters,” UEFA said. “Said ban from selling tickets to its away supp...

  Yahaya Bello was in Kogi when EFCC besieged his Abuja residence, lawyer alleges     Abdulwahab Muhammed, counsel to Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi, says his client was in his state when operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) besieged his Abuja residence on Wednesday. Bello’s counsel said this at the federal high court in Abuja, during the hearing of the alleged money laundering case against Alli Bello, chief of staff to Usman Ododo, governor of Kogi; Yahaya Bello, and one Daudu Suleiman. The ex-governor of Kogi was absent from the courtroom. Muhammed said Bello was awaiting the judgment of a high court in the state, which restrained the anti-graft agency from arresting him, when he learnt that his Abuja residence had been invaded. On Wednesday morning, operatives of the EFCC laid siege on the residence and cordoned off the street. They also restricted movement in and around the house situated on Benghazi street, Wuse Zone 4. Muhammed de...

 Justice Minister warns against obstruction of EFCC from lawful duty The Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN has warned against obstructing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from carrying out its lawful duty . Fagbemi gave the warning Thursday  in a statement released in  Abuja. The warning came a day after former governor of Kogi state, Yahya Bello was aided from being arrested by the EFCC by Governor Usman Ododo, Bello's successor. “This is a matter of very grave concern. It is now beyond doubt that the EFCC is given power by the law to invite any person of interest to interact with them in the course of their investigations into any matter, regardless of status. “Therefore, the least that we can all do when invited, is not to put any obstruction in the way of EFCC, but to honourably answer their invitation. “A situation where public officials who are themselves subject of protection by law enforcement agents...

 Court Orders Mohbad’s Wife To Do DNA Test A Magistrate Court sitting in the Ikorodu area of Lagos has ordered that singer late Mohbad’s wife, Wunmi, be served notice of a pending DNA test application, by substituted means. A statement signed by a member of the legal team to the Aloba family, Monisola Odumosu, disclosed this on Wednesday, April 17. Mohbad’s father, Joseph Aloba, in the application filed by the legal team to the family sought an order to serve Wunmi by posting all the originating processes and other processes in the suit on the last-known address of the respondent. The statement revealed that the legal team led by Emmanuel Oroko had argued that the sheriff had attempted twice to serve Wunmi the court process but failed. “If the process were served on the last-known address of the respondent by Order of the Court, it would constitute good service and she would be aware of the pending suit.  The Chief Magistrate granted the order and ordered that the respondent b...

 ENUGU STATE POLICE COMMAND PRESS RELEASE OF WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 2024 Re: Suspects in the Case of “One-Chance Robbery, Abduction, and Fraud, and Rescue of Female Victim,” Arraigned in Court and Sentenced to Three Years Imprisonment Refer to the Enugu State Police Command press release of Sunday, April 14, 2024, on the quoted title and be informed that the duo of Ejike Okorie “m”, aged 26, and Christopher Kindness “m”, aged 25, both of Ameke Ngwo in Udi LGA, have been arraigned in court and sentenced to three (3) years imprisonment, without an option of fine. They were arraigned in the Enugu North Chief Magistrate Court of Enugu State, Nigeria, and found guilty of the offenses of conspiracy and abduction.  Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, psc (+), has applauded the Court's swift judgment on the case. He, however, re-emphasized the need for citizens to remain law-abiding and support the police by arresting and handing over criminal suspects for statutor...

 *Enugu Gov’t embarks on inspection of smart schools, healthcare projects across state* _…insists on quality, integrity, and timely delivery_ Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has charged contractors and the site engineers handling construction of  the 260 smart schools and 260 Type-2 Primary Health facilities in the 260 wards of the state on the delivery of world-class projects that would stand the test of time. Mbah enjoined them to deploy quality materials and build according to  specifications, warning that any sharp practices would attract stiff sanctions and rejection by the government.  He equally underscored the need for contractors to deliver their projects on schedule as stipulated in their terms of contract.  The governor spoke through the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Chidiebere Onyia, during an inspection tour of ongoing projects in Ezeagu LGA on Wednesday. He said the purpose of the inspection by the projects monitoring team, which...