Crime Facts

Jonathan’s Romance With Buhari Raises 2023 Permutations

It’s no longer news that the relationship between former President Goodluck Jonathan and President Muhammadu Buhari is more than cordial and rosy, judging from his frequent official visits to his successor in the State House, Abuja, popularly know Aso Rock. Jonathan was a key guest of President Buhari at the Presidential Villa on July 21, August 18, August 26, and September 28 this year to brief his host on the political climate in the crisis-ridden neighbouring West African country as ECOWAS Special Envoy to the Republic of Mali after President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita was forced to resign before the expiration of his tenure. Our correspondent reports that his visit usually comes ahead of the Virtual Summit of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on the Mali political debacle. The president has always showered encomiums on his predecessor for what he described on August 18 “The stamina you have displayed” on the Mali issue. On August 27, ex-President Jonathan attended the Council of State meeting chaired by President Buhari which approved the presidential pardon granted to a former Governor of old Bendel State between 1979 and 1983, late Professor Ambrose Ali, and three others. Similarly, the Bayelsa State-born peace envoy was present on October 23 when President Buhari held a crucial virtual meeting with former Nigerian leaders, including Generals Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd) and Chief Ernest Shonekan. Culled from DailyTrust

Gunmen Kidnap Reverend Father In Abuja Suburb

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a Reverend father, Matthew Dajo, of the St Anthony Catholic Church, in Yangoji village, Kwali Area Council in Abuja suburb. A resident of the area, who simply identified himself as Saleh said the incident happened on Sunday around 9:47:pm when the gunmen with sophisticated weapons invaded the residence of the Reverend father in the area. He said the gunmen scaled through the fence of the victim’s house while others positioned themselves outside, before entering Reverend father’s bedroom whisking him away. “In fact, the entire community was terrified as a result of sporadic gun shot by the Kidnappers. As nobody was able to come outside because some of the Kidnappers have surrounded the house while others entered the house through the fence, ” he said. According to Saleh, the Kidnappers shot into the air to scare neighbors as they matched the Reverend father into the bush at gun point. When contacted, the spokesperson of the FCT police command, ASP Maryam Yusuf, confirmed the abduction of the Reverend father by Kidnappers in Yangoji, Kwali Area council. Yusuf, in a statement, said the FCT police command has since launched an operation to rescue the Catholic Church Reverend father while urging members of the public to remain calm, as the command was intensifying effort to liberate the victim unhurt. According to her, the FCT police commissioner, Bala Ciroma has launched a manhunt to trail and apprehend the suspects. “While the command is calling on residents of the territory to be security conscious and promptly report all suspicious movements police personnel, ” she said.

Anambra 2021: Nigerians drag US based politician, Maduka planning to build 21 universities

Nigerians on social media are currently lambasting Dr Godwin Maduka, a United States of America-based medical doctor aspiring to be governor of Anambra State in 2021. Maduka who is aspiring for the top job on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said that if elected governor, said that he plans to build 21 universities in the state if elected. Speaking during a programme he organized for the youths of the state at Umuchukwu country home in Orumba South LGA, said he will establish higher institutions of learning so that Ndi Anambra could have greater access to university education. “If given the opportunity, I will build one university each in all the 21 Local Government Areas of the state. Education is key all over the world. We shouldn’t have a few scattered universities here. It is not that hard to set it up. “In other places of the earth, some towns have up to six universities. It should be as easy as ABC. We will start with only 21; one per local government. Asked how was going to fund them if that were to be, Maduka said a lot of things that come to the governor’s house in terms of funding will be used to take care of the education. “And there are some things that we can bring in. It is a matter of priorities. There should be a new negotiation about funding education. After all, that’s why I am here now.” However, many Nigerians who took to social media to react to the politician’s claim believed that Maduka is not different from “most of our politicians lack the intellectual capacity to occupy sensitive positions”. Some are of the opinion that his plan cannot work in a nation “where most existing universities are not properly funded and lack basic educational facilities.” Someone wants to build 21 universities in a state, in a country where most existing universities are not properly funded and lack basic educational facilities. Someone should make this make this make sense to me! — KANNY🀄 (@o_kanyy) November 23, 2020 The man that said he’ll build 21 universities within 4 years in Anambra is proof that most of our politicians lack the intellectual capacity to occupy sensitive positions. Why not develop the already created university but he’ll rather create 21 new problems for Nigeria. 😴 — Victor Babatunde (@vhic_tore) November 23, 2020 Dr Godwin Maduka, a United States of America-based medical doctor who is aspiring to become Anambra State governor said he’ll build 21 universities in the state if elected. Sometimes, you can be widely travelled and still reason like Yahaya Bello — Tope Akinyode (@TopeAkinyode) November 23, 2020 Someone said he’ll build 21 Universities if elected as Anambra State governor. The guy don already mumu himself with that statement 😂 — Richard (@meettheRichard) November 23, 2020 Anambra 2021: I’ll build 21 universities if elected governor – Maduka Anambra state people avoid this building contractor! pic.twitter.com/1Dfe0J0RRO — 💚BELOVED™ (@beloved9ty) November 23, 2020 How can someone open his mouth to say that He will build 21 Universities in his state within 4 years in office. Where will the money come from? ASUU sef neva collect their money finish. Lol! These politicians think we are toddlers that they can bobo us? — Tunde Ednut (@TundeEddnut) November 23, 2020 How can someone in his right senses promise to build 21 universities in Anmabra if elected as governor next year? Is it because it’s 2021? 😂 — Kaylechi™ 🇳🇬🇨🇦 (@Kaylechi_) November 23, 2020 Someone wants to build 21 universities in a state, in a country where most existing universities are not properly funded and lack basic educational facilities. Someone should make this make this make sense to me! — KANNY🀄 (@o_kanyy) November 23, 2020 After smoking Osogbo weed and colorado Maduka: I’ll build 21 universities if elected governor of Anambra — Safiyanu 🔞 (@_Sufy2) November 23, 2020 Anambra state is one of the educationally advantaged states in Nigeria. They come tops in WAEC, Fed Colleges Exam & JAMB UTME. For a Governorship candidate to promise 21 universities if elected, it’s not only deceitful, its foolhardy. Build 21 Research Institutes, that’s better.. — NEFERTITI (@firstladyship) November 23, 2020 Godwin Maduka NEVER said he will build 21 universities… He said he will make sure the state owned university has an annex in all the 21 LGA of Anambra state so as to bring education closer to the masses and those in rural areas. He should sue sun newspaper — Eze Udene Umunri (@AdannaPapa) November 23, 2020 Just for saying you’ll build 21 universities we won’t vote for you. What do you take us for? — YourFavLawyer (@jagganiyu) November 23, 2020 I will create 21 universities if I’m elected Anambra state governor Twitter NG:Congratulations on your Subcription to Premium dragging. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 — Barsheed 👲🏾 (@Barsheed16) November 23, 2020 Smart people who think we’re dumb for not fanning Bubu are now seeing no sense in their assumed perfect pick Now, someone who can’t keep himself very well wants to see to the completion of 21 Universities in Anambra state Dr Godwin Maduka is simply a younger Rtd Buhari — I Z U 😡 #EndSARS (@heisizumichaels) November 23, 2020 How can someone open his mouth to say that He will build 21 Universities in his state within 4 years in office. Where will the money come from? ASUU sef neva collect their money finish. Lol! These politicians think we are toddlers that they can bobo us? — Tunde Ednut (@TundeEddnut) November 23, 2020

Gunmen abduct medical doctor in Kogi

The Medical Director of Peace Hospital, Ayingba , Dr Azubuike Joel Ihenacho , has been abducted by unidentified gunmen. A statement issued on Monday by the Kogi State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association stated that Dr Ihenacho was abducted on Saturday evening at his residence in Ayingba . The statement signed by the state NMA chairman , Dr Omakoji Oyiguh, and his Secretary , Dr Famotele Tolorunju , and made available to journalists in Lokoja, after an emergency meeting of the Association said that the yet to be identified gunmen stormed Dr Azubuike residence between 9. 00 to 9. 30pm on Saturday , 21st November, and abducted him . The association called on security operatives to help in the search and rescue of the doctor. According to the statement , the abducted Doctor was in a vehicle with another man and his wife at the front of his house when the kidnappers that were armed to the teeth struck and ordered the other two occupants in the car out and left with him . “ Dr Azubuike Joel Iheanacho was kidnapped in front of his house at Anyigba in Dekina Local government area of Kogi State . He was in a vehicle with another man and the wife when the kidnappers ordered the other two out of the car, ” the statement stressed . However, he said the Association had reported the ugly incident to the security agencies and the state government for intervention that will lead to the rescue of their abducted member immediately. It would be recalled that two of their members , Dr Ebiloma Yahaya Aduku of Zonal hospital, Ankpa , and Dr Kelechi Mgbahurike of Christ the king Hospital Anyigba , were abducted on the 6th of October but were later released after the intervention of the security agencies. The state police commissioner , Ayuba Ede, who confirmed the abduction , said that efforts were on to rescue Dr Ihenacho . “ Our men have entered the bush on their trail, we even saw other Victims abandoned by the kidnappers , we are suspecting that it was locally arranged and we will get them in no time , ” he added .

Court Orders Senator Ndume To Be Remanded In Prison After Failing To Produce Maina

A Federal High Court has ordered Senator Ali Ndume to be remanded at Kuje at Kuje Correctional Centre for failing to produce the former Chairman of the defunct Pension Task Team, Abdulrasheed Maina. Ndume, who is representing Borno south, stood as surety for Maina’s bail, who is standing trial on alleged money laundering charges. However, Maina has repeatedly failed to appear in court for the continuation of his trial. In a bench ruling delivered by Justice Okon Abang, the court ordered his remand pending the fulfillment of his bail bond, which is a forfeiture of N500 million to the federal government. The court also empowered the federal government to sell Senator Ndume’s property at Asokoro in order to recover the N500 million bond. Justice Abang added that Ndume will be released from Kuje once he is able to pay the N500 million or if the prosector is able to dispose of the property and payment made to the federal government. Ndume’s lawyer, Marcel Oru, vowed to appeal the court’s ruling. Maina’s trial-in-absentia was adjourned to November 24.

Troops arrest 11 illegal miners, kill bandits in Zamfara – Army

The Defence Headquarters says troops of Operation Accord have arrested 11 illegal miners and eliminated scores of bandits on Saturday , November 21 in parts of Zamfara and Katsina States . The Coordinator , Defence Media Operations , Maj . -Gen . John Enenche, in a statement on Monday , said the troops continued to record successes in the fight against banditry and other criminal acts in the zone . Enenche said the troops apprehended the illegal miners following credible intelligence on their activities at Kadauri in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State . He disclosed that the suspects had been handed over to the appropriate prosecuting authority for further action. The Coordinator said the troops also eliminated two bandits and recovered two AK 47 rifles while on covert Operation at Galadi village in Shinkafi Local Government Area of the state on Nov . 21. According to him , troops also neutralised several bandits and rescued three kidnapped victims during clearance operation at Sabon Tunga and Tamuske villages . “ The gallant troops supported by Nigerian Air Force helicopter gunships bombarded bandit ’ s enclaves at Dutsen Emai in Zamfara . “ On same the date , troops while on routine patrol at Gobirawa village killed six bandits while four AK47 rifles , three Dane guns and two motorcycles were recovered, ” he said . Enenche further disclosed that troops arrested a wanted bandits’ informant known as Shafiu Suleman , who masterminded the recent kidnapping of some people within the Kwatarkwashi district of Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara . He said that the troops also neutralised one bandit and arrested two in an encounter at Gidan Ruwa along Rukudawa axis of Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara on Sunday following a distress call from locals . He said that one AK 47 rifle and one magazine loaded with 29 rounds of 7. 62mm special ammunition were recovered . According to him , troops also Sunday, arrested a suspected kidnap kingpin in Kurfi Local Government Area of Katsina State following credible intelligence. “ The suspect who has been on the wanted list is presently in custody for further action. “ The Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies will not relent until all enemies of the Nation are neutralised and normalcy is restored to all troubled zones , ” he said . ( NAN)

ASUU strike: I have three children in public universities – Ngige

Minister of Labour and Employment , Chris Ngige, has restated the commitment of Federal Government to end the eight-month strike embarked on by members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities. He described as untrue , comments that government officials have been foot -draggers in the ongoing negotiations with the university lecturers because their children school abroad . Ngige said , “ I have three biological children in public schools. They are in public schools; they are not in private universities. Unlike ASUU members who have most of their children in private universities, three of mine are here . So , I am a very big stakeholder in the public tertiary school system . ” The minister , who spoke on an Arise TV interview monitored by The PUNCH , added , “ So , when ASUU says politicians don’ t care because they have taken their children abroad , Chris Ngige cares because my children are not abroad even though they have dual nationality – two of them have American citizenship ; they can be in America but I choose them to be here with me . “ So , ASUU cannot accuse me of not being nationalistic enough . Anything that will help the university system here , I am in the forefront. ” Speaking further , Ngige expressed optimism that the lecturers will accept the new offer by the government . He urged ASUU to hasten consultations with its members so as to return to the negotiation table and conclude talks before Friday. The breakthrough in negotiations is expected to end the eight -month strike embarked on by the university lecturers as parents and students wait on ASUU to call off the strike.

Corruption: FIFA Suspends CAF President For Five Years

The head of African football Ahmad Ahmad has been suspended by FIFA for five years for corruption, the global governing body announced on Monday. Ahmad, from Madagascar, has been president of the African Football Confederation (CAF) since March 2017 and was standing for re-election when FIFA banned him for “governance issues”. In their statement, FIFA said Ahmad had “breached his duty of loyalty, offered gifts and other benefits, mismanaged funds and abused his position as the CAF President”. Ahmad has also been fined 200,000 Swiss francs ($220,000) by FIFA for the misdeeds, which related to “the organisation and financing of an Umrah pilgrimage to Mecca” and his involvement in CAF’s dealings with a sports equipment company. The 60-year-old, who last week stood down from his post for 20 days after testing positive for coronavirus, can appeal the ban “from all football-related activity” at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). In April 2019 he was accused of a series of offences by former CAF official Amr Fahmy, who informed FIFA in a letter that Ahmad had paid bribes to directors, made personal use of CAF funds, and sexually harassed a number of employees. Two months later he was arrested in Paris while at the FIFA Congress ahead of that year’s women’s World Cup as part of a probe into corruption, but was released a day later without charge. Ahmad’s bid to remain head of CAF was being challenged by Augustin Senghor, the president of the Senegalese Football Federation. Mauritania’s Ahmed Yahya, Ivory Coast’s Jacques Anouma and South African billionaire Patrice Motsepe have also thrown their hats in the ring. Last month former CAF senior vice-president Kwesi Nyantakyi had his lifetime ban from football for breaking FIFA bribery and corruption rules reduced to 15 years. Nyantakyi quit his positions as Ahmad’s number two and president of Ghana’s football association two years ago after being secretly filmed accepting a $65,000 bribe from journalists posing as businessmen who wanted to invest in Ghanaian football. The official also agreed to a fictional sponsorship deal created by the reporters, which they told Nyantakyi would have funnelled millions of dollars designed for Ghanaian football to a company he runs. AFP

Nigeria Will Exit Recession By First Quarter Of 2021 – Finance Minister

Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed, on Monday, said the country will exit recession by the first quarter of 2021. Ahmed spoke about the current recession in the country at the ongoing 26th Nigerian Economic Summit organised by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group and the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget, and National Planning. Nigeria, on Saturday, entered its second recession in five years in the third quarter of this year as the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) fell for the second consecutive quarter. According to figures released by the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS) cumulative Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the first nine months of 2020, therefore, stood at -2.48 percent just as it recorded a -6.10 percent in the second quarter. The finance minister said the COVID-19-induced recession followed the pattern across the world where many countries had entered an economic recession. “Nigeria is not alone in this, but I will say that Nigeria has outperformed all of these economies in terms of the record of a negative growth,” Ahmed said. Also at the Economic Summit, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo made the emphasis that the government is committed to working in synergy with the private sector to foster equitable growth and underpin national development. The 26th Nigerian Economic Summit focuses on building partnership for resilience for Nigeria’s households, businesses, and the general economy.

Oxford University’s COVID-19 vaccine is 70% effective — but cheapest so far

The University of Oxford and AstraZeneca say their COVID-19 vaccine gives 70 percent protection against the disease. Oxford’s announcement comes less than a month after Pfizer and BioNTech said that they had developed a vaccine that is 95 percent effective in preventing COVID-19. Unlike the Pfizer vaccine which needs to be stored at 70 degrees celsius, the Oxford vaccine can be stored at 2-8 °C, making distribution and storage easier. The efficacy of the vaccine was determined after a large-scale trial involving 20,000 volunteers. The researchers said the vaccine can be up to 90 percent effective when subjects are given a low dose followed by a high one. A total of 2,741 people were on the course that proved 90 percent effective, while 8,895 were given two full doses. Andrew Pollard, director of the Oxford vaccine group and chief investigator of the Oxford vaccine trial, said: “These findings show that we have an effective vaccine that will save many lives. Excitingly, we’ve found that one of our dosing regimens may b