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 Alleged N6.9bn Fraud:  Witness Reveals How Ex-NSA, Dasuki Gave Fayose N1.2bn Cash to Disguise Source The 13th prosecution witness, PW 13, Abubakar Madaki, in the ongoing trial of a former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has told Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos how a former National Security Adviser, NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki( rtd.) gave the defendant the sum of N1.2bn cash to disguise the source of the fund. The Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, had, on Tuesday, July 2, 2019, re-arraigned Fayose and  Spotless Investment Limited on an 11-count charge bordering on money laundering and stealing to the tune of N6.9bn ( Six Billion Nine Hundred Thousand Naira). The defendants were first arraigned on October 22, 2018 before Justice Mojisola Olatoregun. Earlier in the proceedings, a former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, had  told the Judge that he was instr...

 Courts Jail Six for Internet Crimes in Kaduna Justices Darius Khobo and A.A Isiaka of the Kaduna State High Court  and Hawau Buhari of the Federal High Court, Kaduna have convicted and sentenced Abubakar Shettima (a.k.a Dennis Hueber), Timileyin Akinsola (a.k.a James Smith), Favour Onoja (a.k.a Dean Leon), Naphtali Bako (a.k.a Benjah), Suleiman Ibrahim  (a.k.aRico_Mod2) and Festus Gabriel (a.k.a Sandra Will) to various jail terms for  internet fraud. The six convicts were prosecuted by the Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on separate one- count charges bordering on cheating and impersonation. Akinsola’s charge reads: “That you Timileyin Akinsola (a.k.a James Smith), male between January and May, 2024 in Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, impersonated one James Smith,  a United States of American citizen on Instagram ( an online Social media application) and in such assumed character cheated one Lar...

 EFCC operative commits suicide in Abuja An operative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken his own life at his residence in Abuja. The deceased, a member of Course 5, was described by colleagues as diligent, efficient, and unassuming. The incident, which occurred on Monday, has been confirmed by the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, who stated that an investigation is currently underway to determine the reasons behind the operative’s decision to end his life. Sources within the Commission revealed that the deceased had been experiencing issues with his immediate superior, a female boss, for some time. However, it is unclear if these issues directly contributed to his decision to commit suicide. The EFCC has not released the name of the operative as the investigation is still ongoing.

 WANTED PERSONS  The named persons in the attached photographs and respective descriptions, have been DECLARED WANTED by the Enugu State Command of the Nigeria Police Force in the case of CONSPIRACY TO WIT: MURDER, TERRORISM, KIDNAPPING, ARMED ROBBERY, ARSON, AND UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF FIREARMS. If any or all of them are seen, arrest and handover to the nearest Police Station, or call 08032003702, or 08086671202. Or email infoenugupolice@gmail.com. A handsome monetary reward will be given for credible information received on each of them. 1. NAME: Emebe, Sunday Gabriel “m” (a.k.a “Chief Priest”). AGE: 41.  HOME ADDRESS: Igga, Uzo-Uwani, LGA, Enugu State. LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: Igga, Uzo-Uwani, LGA, Enugu State. OCCUPATION: Unknown. TRIBE: Igbo. 2. NAME: Ogbonna, Ogechukwu Joseph “m” (a.k.a “1 Man, 1 Bullet”). AGE: 26. HOME ADDRESS: Enugu-Ezike, Igbo-Eze North LGA, Enugu State. LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: Igga, Uzo-Uwani, LGA, Enugu State. OCCUPATION: Unknown. TRIBE: Igbo. 3. NAME: U...

 Benue girls trafficked for prostitution rescued in Cote D’Ivore The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, on Tuesday, confirmed the rescue of five Benue girls trafficked to Cote D’Ivore for prostitution. The NAPTIP Commander, Makurdi Zonal Command, Mrs Gloria Bai, said the girls are still in the Nigeria Embassy in Cote D’Ivore. Recall that a trending video on social media showed five girls whose ages range between 18 and 21 years old, and were speaking the Tiv language mentioning their names and ages. The girls claimed in the video that they were sold to Cote D’Ivore for prostitution by a lady who is based in Jato Aka in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue state. The state coordinator of NAPTIP told journalists in Makurdi on Tuesday that her attention was drawn to the case on Monday,  July 1, 2024, about the girls rescued in Cote D’Ivore. She said “We have seen the girls and the video. The girls are there in Cote D’Ivoire. For now, there are five of...

 Nigeria no longer interested in airline partnership — Ethiopian Airlines Ethiopian Airlines has announced that the Nigerian government is no longer interested in partnership aimed at establishing the proposed Nigeria Air project. The Airlines’ Group Chief Executive Officer, Mesfin Tasew, made the announcement in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, according to Ethiopian Tribune. “The Nigerian government has lost interest in partnering with a foreign airline,” Tasew was quoted as saying. This announcement comes barely two months after the Federal Government indefinitely suspended the Nigeria Air project. Recall that the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, had on May 27, announced the indefinite suspension of the Nigeria Air project during the ministerial briefing marking the first year of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Keyamo criticized the deal with Ethiopian Airlines, saying that the ownership structure of the suspended airline is not beneficial t...

Bill To Create Etiti State Passes First Reading In House Of Representatives A bill seeking to create a new state, Etiti, out of the existing Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states in the South East region has passed its first reading in the House of Representatives.  Sponsored by Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah and four other lawmakers from the affected communities, the proposed state will have 11 local government areas with Lokpanta as its headquarters.  The bill aims to alter sections 3, 4, and 5 of the 1999 Constitution to accommodate the new state, renaming the 36 states to 37 and inserting Etiti after Enugu in the list of states. The affected local government areas are Isuikwuato, Umu-Nneochi (Abia), Orumba North, Orumba South (Anambra), Ivo, Ohaozara (Ebonyi), Aninri, Agwu, Oji River (Enugu), and Okigwe, Onuimo (Imo). The bill’s passage marks a significant step towards the creation of Etiti state, pending further readings and approvals.

 Yahoo Yahoo: ‘EFCC cracking down on internet fraudsters because of their lifestyles’ – Portable Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has claimed that the extravagant lifestyles of internet fraudsters are the main reason the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is cracking down on them. He explained that the internet fraudsters abandoned their parents in poverty to live luxurious lifestyles with fraud proceeds, which attracted the attention of the anti-graft agency. Speaking in a video message shared via his Instagram account, Portable said, “Why won’t EFCC arrest the youths when they are doing Yahoo, using iPhone 15 and lodging in hotels, but their mothers are selling akara [bean cake] and their fathers are suffering.” He, however, urged the anti-graft agency to properly investigate before making arrests, stressing that not everyone living a luxurious lifestyle is into internet fraud.

 Dangote Rejects CBN’s Interest Rate, Asks FG To Protect Existing Businesses Chairman of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has criticised the hike of interest rate to almost 30 per cent by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Speaking at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja, during the opening session of a three-day summit organised by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), on Tuesday, he said with the present interest rate regime, it will be difficult to create jobs. He added that it would also be tough for the manufacturing industry to grow and compete favorably. Dangote, who also called for new policies that will protect domestic industries, said, “Nobody can create jobs with an interest rate of 30%. No growth will happen.” He also called on the government to protect existing businesses in the country, especially manufacturers, by providing an enabling environment for them to thrive. According to him, “We must look to leading countries in the West and the East who a...

Constitutionally, Sultan Has No Power To Appoint Anyone – Sokoto Govt The Sokoto State government has said constitutionally, the Sultan of Sokoto has no power to appoint anyone. Speaking at the public hearing on the Sokoto Local Government and Chieftaincy Law 2008, on Tuesday, Commissioner of Justice, Barrister Nasiru Binji, said the existing Chieftaincy law in the state contravenes the constitution of Nigeria. He said section 76(2) of the law is inconsistent with section 5(2) of the 1999 Constitution as amended. “Section 5(2) of the constitution stipulates that the executive power to appoint in the state is vested on the Governor directly or through his deputy, commissioners or any government agent assigned by the Governor. “So, there is no power given to the sultanate council to appoint. Section 76(2) of the Sokoto Local government and Chieftancy Law give the sultanate council the power to appoint district and village heads in the state but with the approval of the sitting Governor. ...

 Bandits kill varsity lecturer, abduct two children, others in Katsina Bandits have killed Dr Tiri Gyang, a lecturer at the Federal University Dutsinma, Katsina State. Two of his children and two other women were also abducted during the midnight onslaught in the school neighbourhood. The deceased, Dr Gyang, was the Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at the University. Sources said the bandits invaded his residence at Low-cost Quarters, behind Comprehensive Hospital in Dutsinma at about 1:00 am firing gunshots. ”We started hearing gunshots a little after 1:00 am. The bandits seemed to be much. We later learnt that Dr Tiri was killed and his two children abducted. His remains have been taken to a mortuary in Katsina,” a source said The FUDMA Public Relations Officer is yet to respond to phone calls put through to him, however, some staff of the university confirmed the incident. Some shared the incident on their social media handles. Several students also took to social media...

 These are the key contenders in the UK's fast-approaching national election Millions of voters in Britain are going to the polls Thursday to choose a new House of Commons and a new government. Voters will elect 650 lawmakers representing as many constituencies, or local areas, and the leader of the party that returns the most lawmakers will become prime minister. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Conservatives are widely expected to lose to the main opposition party, the left-of-center Labour, after 14 years in power under five different prime ministers. The Conservatives and Labour traditionally dominate British politics under the U.K.’s "first past the post" electoral system, which makes it difficult for smaller parties to win representation in Parliament. But also in the running are the Liberal Democrats, Reform UK, the Scottish National Party and the Greens, among others. Here's a look at the parties, who's leading them and what they are promising: Prime Minister ...

 Gang violence in Haiti has displaced more than 300,000 children, UN says Gang violence in Haiti has displaced more than 300,000 children since March, the U.N. children's agency said Tuesday as the Caribbean country struggles to curb killings and kidnappings. Children are more than half of the nearly 580,000 people who have become homeless in the last four months. The spike in violence began in late February after a series of coordinated attacks on key government infrastructure eventually led Prime Minister Ariel Henry to resign in April. "The humanitarian catastrophe unfolding before our eyes is taking a devastating toll on children," Catherine Russell, UNICEF's executive director, said in a statement. "Displaced children are in desperate need of a safe and protective environment, and increased support and funding from the international community." Gangs now control at least 80% of the capital Port-au-Prince and the key roads leading in and out of it, with ...

 20 Disneyland park goers stuck at top of roller coaster when ride malfunctions Riders on the Incredicoaster at Disneyland's California Adventure Park were left waiting for over an hour Sunday when the ride got stuck.  Twenty park goers needed rescuing after the coaster stopped mid-ride around 1:30 p.m. The outside temperature in Anaheim, California, at the time was about 83 degrees, according to the website Time and Date.  Local reports say Disneyland staffers handed out umbrellas to riders to shield them from the sun. Eventually, workers wearing safety harnesses were able to get riders on the 120-foot-tall attraction down to ground level, OC Hawk reported.   California Adventure is part of the Disneyland Resort. A park guest told KNBC-TV he thought the ride was having issues Saturday, as well. "I thought maybe the ride was closed," Vince Crandon said. "I was really concerned for the heat and obviously for the people ... it was not moving and was on top of the ...

 Suspected cop killer drank 18 beers before nail salon crash killed 4, wounded 9: prosecutors The 64-year-old New York man accused of drunkenly slamming his Chevy SUV into a nail salon, killing four people and wounding nine more, drank 18 beers the morning before the crash, prosecutors said at his arraignment Monday, according to local reports. Officers arrived at the Hawaii Nail Salon and Spa in Deer Park to find Steven Schwally, of Dix Hills, with "bloodshot and glassy eyes," slurring his speech and mumbling, Suffolk County police alleged. Schwally allegedly had "constricted pupils," and the responding officer wrote that his breath reeked of booze.  Witnesses told police they heard a "violent explosion," Newsday reported, citing Assistant District Attorney Alexander Bopp. "It looked like a bomb had gone off," Bopp said in court. "Bodies were everywhere. Several individuals, including two of the deceased, had to be removed from under [Schwa...

 Iran vows to back Hezbollah in fight with Israel as IRGC general renews threat of imminent missile strike Iran vowed on Tuesday to back the terrorist organization Hezbollah "by all means" against Israel if Jerusalem launches an offensive in neighboring Lebanon. Kamal Kharrazi, Iranian foreign minister and top advisor to Iran’s supreme leader, issued a stark warning that a conflict in Lebanon could result in a regional war involving all Arab nations.  "All Lebanese people, Arab countries and members of the Axis of Resistance will support Lebanon against Israel," he said in an interview with the Financial Times. "There would be a chance of expansion of the war to the whole region, in which all countries including Iran would become engaged." "In that situation, we would have no choice, but to support Hezbollah by all means," he added.  Kharrazi noted that "the expansion of war is not in the interest of anyone – not Iran or the U.S.," but ...

 'Game of Thrones' star Sophie Turner hints at steamy romance: 'Sun, sex and suspicious parents'' Sophie Turner hinted at her boyfriend, Peregrine Pearson, on Instagram after her divorce from Joe Jonas. The 28-year-old actress gave fans a glimpse into her summer, including a picnic date she shared with the British aristocrat. "Sun, sex and suspicious parents," Turner captioned the set of photos. The last photo included was a shot of Turner on a picnic blanket and Pearson was tagged, seemingly implying he had taken the photo. The "Game of Thrones" star was first linked to Pearson in November, according to People magazine. The new romance came two months after Jonas filed for divorce. Turner and Pearson were spotted sharing a kiss in Paris and then arrived together at the Rugby World Cup finals. Turner and Jonas first met in 2016 after the Jonas Brothers singer reached out to the actress via Instagram. They got engaged in 2017 and tied the knot in ...

 Man executed two Connecticut police officers likely over prior traffic stop: officials A Connecticut man fatally shot two police officers in a horrific 2022 ambush while in the grip of a spiral fueled by personal failures and drug and alcohol abuse, according to a report released by the state's Inspector General. Nicholas Brutcher shot Bristol police Sgt. Dustin DeMonte and Officer Alex Hamzy dead in the driveway of his home after luring them there by placing a 911 call.   He was angered over a traffic stop that occurred hours earlier and a subsequent dressing down at the hands of his mother over the police encounter.  A third officer who fatally shot Brutcher at the scene was also struck in the hail of bullets. Inspector General Robert Devlin's report – required in deadly force cases – found that Brutcher was plagued by personal problems at the time of the incident, including the impregnation of his ex-wife by a former friend. "It must be emphasized that Brutcher i...

 Dubai Police honours Honest Taxi Driver for Returning Precious Lost Item   The Dubai Police, represented by the General Department of Criminal Investigation, has honoured Mr. Sultan Iskandar Mohammed, an Uber taxi driver, for handing over a valuable item to the Tourist Police Department.   Brigadier Hareb Mohammed Al Shamsi, Director of the General Department of Criminal Investigations, said the honorary recognition of the driver was a commendation of his honesty and embodiment of the noble values that the community greatly values. He noted that the Dubai Police is committed to honouring members of the public for their trustworthiness and dedication to returning found items, which helps reunite the recovered property with its rightful owners and projects a positive image of security and safety within the UAE society.   Brig. Al Shamsi urged community members to see the young man, Sultan Iskandar Mohammed, as a role model of honesty and trustworthiness. He highlighte...

 India-bound drug trafficker bags 25 years imprisonment . Marwa commends judiciary, says no hiding place for barons, traffickers Three months after vomiting and excreting eighty (80) wraps of cocaine following his arrest by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, at the screening point of terminal 2 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA Ikeja Lagos, a Delhi, India-bound passenger, Freeman Charles Ogbonna, has been sentenced to twenty-five (25) years imprisonment by a Federal High Court. Ogbonna was arrested on Sunday 31st March while attempting to board his flight to Delhi, India via Doha on Qatar Airways, with a Liberian international passport, bearing the name: Carr Bismark. He was taken for body scan, which tested positive for ingestion of illicit drugs. Preliminary checks revealed his real identity as Freeman Charles Ogbonna and was subsequently placed under observation in NDLEA custody where he started to manifest signs of discomfort. Obvio...

Nick Cannon insured his testicles. The father of 12 explained that he insured his reproductive parts for $10 million because he considers them to be his “most valuable assets.” “You hear about like all these different celebrities insuring their legs … so I was like, ‘Hey, well, I got to insure my most valuable body part,’” he told Entertainment Tonight in an interview published Monday, July 1. Nick confirmed to ET that the policy is 100 percent real and clarified that the safety net does not signify plans to expand his already large family. “[I’m] just making sure nothing goes wrong,” he said of his decision to insure his testicles. Cannon’s announcement, however, suggested that he may look to have more children down the road. “Haters say it’s time for me to stop having kids and put this super sperm to rest, but I’m doubling down on these valuable balls and my future kids,” he said in a statement. Nick isn’t the only celebrity who has insured a body part. Rihanna reportedly had her leg...

 CAS CHAIRS NAF SAFETY REVIEW BOARD, CALLS FOR APPROPRIATE ACTIONS TO BREAK ACCIDENT CHAIN The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has stated that the actions or inactions of all Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel will help to either propel or break the accident chain sometimes experienced in the course of NAF activities or operations. He also called for the emplacement of appropriate actions to break the accident chain so as to enshrine a good safety culture that transcends all levels in the NAF. He made this known earlier today, 2 July 2024, as he chaired the 2024 NAF Safety Review Board (SRB) meeting held at NAF Headquarters, Abuja. According to the CAS, “As members of the Safety Review Board, it is vital that we thoroughly examine all the safety issues arising from this meeting and come up with objective and innovative ideas that would enhance safety in the NAF.  While we all know that safety is a collective responsibility, this Board is primarily acc...

 *Book on the 2004/2005 Banking Consolidation to be Unveiled in Lagos* _The Power of One Man: How the Soludo-Engineered Consolidation Transformed Nigerian Banks to Global Players_ will be unveiled in Lagos at 11am on July 6, 2024, exactly 20 years after the revolutionary banking reforms that culminated in the emergence of 25 banks that had beefed up their capital base to a minimum of N25 billion. The book will be unveiled at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria. Written by Dr. Ray Echebiri, a seasoned journalist and economist, the book captures lucidly the chain of events in the Nigerian economy, and the banking industry in particular, that led to the banking consolidation of 2004/2005, and what transpired during and immediately after the exercise. It also captures in unmistakable terms how the banking consolidation transformed the Nigerian banking industry and placed it on the same pedestal with the banking industry of such regions as the Americas, Europe and Asi...

 We need to do more, content creation industry dying - Sydney Talker tells colleagues Nigerian content creator, Sydney Talker has urged new and aspiring content creators to take charge and revitalise the industry. He made this known in a post via his Instagram story on Monday, where he stated that the old guards have done their part and are now exploring other opportunities like movies, music, and businesses. Sydney Talker further stressed that the new generation of creators needs to innovate and own the social media space, which is now being dominated by bloggers and activists. However, he encouraged them to think beyond traditional stand-up comedy while emphasising that the world needs content creators now more than ever, as everyone seeks visibility through content. He wrote, "Content creators wake up!! Especially the new ones or the aspiring ones. The content creator industry is dying! We need the new ones to do more because this content creation industry is in your hands now!...

 25 Persons Killed In Kano-Kaduna Highway Accident The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says at least 25 persons died in an accident that occurred along the Kano-Kaduna highway on Monday. In a statement, Olusegun Ogungbemide, the corps’ public education officer, said the accident occurred around 3:15am and involved a trailer conveying about 90 persons.  “However, FRSC emergency and rescue team was able to rescue 12 persons without injury from the crash,” the statement reads. “The rescued victims have been taken to the Murtala Muhammad Specialist hospital in Kano for proper medical attention.” He added that the truck driver has been arrested and handed over to the police for investigation and possible prosecution. Shehu Mohammed, FRSC corps marshal, urged traditional and religious leaders to support the corps in the campaign against conveying humans, goods and animals together in articulated vehicles. 

  Imo HOA members suspended over impeachment plot against speaker Four members of the Imo state House of Assembly have been suspended for plotting to impeach the Speaker, Chike Olemgbe. They include members for Ahiazu-Mbaise, Samuel Otuibe, Ezinihitte-Mbaise, Henry Agbasonu, Okigwe state Constituency, Chidiebere Ogbunikpa and Oru-West, Dominic Ezerioha. Announcing the suspension during plenary, the Speaker, Olemgbe said the decision was taken at the Executive Section. The Speaker also announced that all standing Committees belonging to the suspended members had been retrieved from them. The Speaker, however, made minor reshuffling of the standing Committees.

 FG Exempts Farmers, Manufacturers, SMEs From Paying Withholding Tax The Federal Government has exempted farmers, small businesses, and manufacturers from withholding tax.  This is according to the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele. He said in a post on his X handle that, “As part of the ongoing fiscal policy and tax reforms, a new withholding tax regime has been approved. “The key changes introduced are to address the identified challenges and specifically include the exemption of small businesses from withholding tax compliance; reduced rates for businesses with low margins; exemptions for manufacturers and producers such as farmers; measures to curb evasion and minimise tax avoidance and the ease of obtaining credit and utilisation of tax deducted at source.” Others are, “Changes to reflect emerging issues and adopt global best practices and clarity on the timing of deduction and definition of key terms. The approved regu...

 Suicide Bombers Were Imported — Reps Allege The House of Representatives on Tuesday alleged that the female suicide bombers responsible for the killing of scores in Borno State on Saturday were imported. The lawmaker said this in a resolution after considering a motion of urgent national importance by Ahmed Jaha. While condemning the attack, Jaha stated that findings showed that bombers were “recruited, brainwashed, and imported from outside the state” to carry out the suicide act in Gwoza. The attack had claimed over 30 lives. He further argued that the bombings underscored the ongoing threat of terrorism in the country. The lawmaker informed the house that more than 180 people were critically injured, and currently receiving treatment in various hospitals in the state. The House then urged security agencies to intensify efforts to prevent a recurrence.