Crime Facts

Yusuf Buhari, Zahra Bayero pronounced husband, wife

Yusuf Buhari, the son of President Muhammadu Buhari and Zahra Bayero, the daughter of Nasiru Ado Bayero, the Emir of Bichi in Kano State, have been pronounced husband and wife. This happened at the Palace of the Emir of Bichi in Kano where their wedding Fatiha took place on Friday. The ceremony was attended by President Buhari who had earlier dispatched a high-level delegation for the wedding led by his Chief of Staff, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari. Those in the delegation include the Minister of Defence, retired Maj. Gen. Bashir Magashi; Minister of Agriculture, Alhaji Sabo Nanono; Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika; Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Hussein Adamu as well as the Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media and Publicity), Garba Shehu.

IPOB denies involvement in killing of Imo oil workers

Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has denied involvement in the killing of oil workers in Etekuru community and Asa in Ohaji council of Imo State. The group, in a statement from the Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, described the allegations as complete falsehood targeted at tarnishing its image, urging the public to disregard it. It maintained that IPOB remained a well-structured movement and not lawless bandits, warning against associating the group with acts typical of blood-sucking terrorists and herdsmen. The statement reads in part: “The attention of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) ably led by our great leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has been drawn to the fabricated falsehood being peddled by our enemies that IPOB killed oil workers in Etekuru community and Asa in Ohaji council of Imo State. This is complete falsehood to tarnish our global reputation. “We have no hands in such barbarity. We are not bandits or terrorists that spill blood; IPOB is a non-violent and peaceful movement whose agenda is the restoration of Biafra. Killing or maiming of innocent lives is not part of our mandate. “This won’t be the first time enemies of the struggle will be linking us with such atrocity in their desperate but futile attempt to blackmail us but we are innocent of it all. We, therefore, urge members of the public to disregard this unfounded propaganda which is the antics of our enemies. “A further proof that this allegation does not hold water is the fact that even before the purported killings, IPOB had in a well-circulated publications at two different times, announced the cancellation of sit-at-home order on Mondays. So, on what basis will IPOB still go and enforce the same order it had suspended? “We suspended the sit at home order and anybody enforcing sit at home on the day we suspended must have been sponsored by Nigeria government and her security agencies to blackmail IPOB. We have no business with oil companies and its workers in Ohaji or any other place. The oil companies should investigate this attack thoroughly and know who was involved in this act. “IPOB is well structured movement with orderliness and Command-and Control. We are not lawless bandits. Nobody should associate us with barbaric acts typical of blood sucking terrorists and Fulani herdsmen who our men have been risking their lives to stop from taking over our ancestral land. “The world should know that jihadists have been engaged by the wicked security agencies to perpetrate heinous crimes in Biafra land especially Imo State to demonise Eastern Security Network, ESN, and justify the ongoing hunt for the operatives. “We have been raising this alarm a long time ago but many people didn’t believe us. Now it’s happening before us all.”

Insecurity: Buhari receives briefing from service chiefs, IGP

President Muhammadu Buhari has received briefings from the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor, and other security chiefs on the efforts to tame insecurity in the country. It is the first of such a meeting since the president’s return from the United Kingdom last Friday after an 18 days stay during which he attended the Global Education Summit (GES) and as well undertook medical checks. The meeting, which was held at the Conference Hall of the First Lady’s Office at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, was to update him on security developments and formulate plans to bring a decisive end to the challenges. It followed recent successes by the military against bandits and insurgents, many of whom have recently started to surrender to the authorities. Among those who attended the security meeting include Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, National Security Adviser (NSA), Major-General Babagana Monguno (rtd), the three service chiefs and the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, among other top security personnel. More details later…

Boko Haram: MURIC Seeks Support For Zulum To Rehabilitate Repentant Insurgents

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has urged the Federal Government, individuals and groups to help the Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, in efforts to rehabilitate repentant Boko Haram fighters and their families. The Director of MURIC, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, made the plea on Thursday in a statement. According to him, the North East war zone has witnessed a dramatic change with Boko Haram insurgents and ISWAP fighters laying down their arms in large number. This, he said, has exerted pressure on the finances of the state government, therefore, the need for help from the federal government and Nigerian Army. The statement said, “The state governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, yesterday (Wednesday) appealed to both the Federal Government and the Nigerian Army to assist the state in resettling the surrendering fighters. “A governor who spends most of the day with troops at the war front and most of the night walking around the city, visiting hospitals and teaching in classrooms to ensure that all sectors are working needs to be supported. “Peace-making is cheaper than fighting wars while meaningful development and growth can only occur in a peaceful environment. Federal government should therefore go all out in ensuring that its de-radicalising process is accompanied by stomach infrastructure and economic resettlement. “Boko Haram insurgents and ISWAP fighters, who are surrendering, should be resettled and trained in vocations that can enable them to cater for themselves and their families in future. Quick and meaningful resettlement will encourage the remaining insurgents and fighters to embrace peace,” Akintola said. He also urged the civilians in Borno to accommodate and support the integration of the remorseful insurgents and fighters. He warned against stigmatization of any sort and that returning fighters should be treated like brothers newly found, adding that what they need is understanding, cooperation and kindness.

2021 WASSCE: Shun exam malpractice, WAEC tells candidates

The Head of the National Office of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Mr Patrick Areghan has cautioned candidates who are sitting the ongoing school-based West African Senior School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE) nationwide to shun all forms of malpractice. A total of 1, 576,789 candidates comprising 792,620 males (50.36 per cent) and 781,169 females (49.64 per cent), are sitting the exam across 19,425 recognised secondary schools, comprising 8.052 public and 11,373) private schools nationwide. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Nigerian Tribune, Mr Areghan said the council would not in any way give room for malpractice let alone condone the practice from both the students and the exam officials. ‌ He said it is unfortunate that some candidates and their parents would be looking for what he called “expo” particularly from those he called ‘rogue’ website operators and in the process get defrauded. According to him, the rogue website operators know that some students instead of burning night candles and preparing very well for the exams would certainly be looking for ‘expo’ that does not even exist anywhere as far as WASSCE is concerned and at the end lose on both sides. He said any candidate or exam official who is caught cheating or attempting to cheat or aiding malpractice as the case may be during the conduct of the exam anywhere in the country would certainly face the full wrath of the law. While noting that WAEC had a way of detecting malpractice that escapes from exam halls including in objective tests during the marking, he urged every student to go into the hall and do their exams independently. He said malpractice is detrimental to the cheater, education sector and the economy as a whole.

IOCs owe NDDC over $4 billion, NDDC owes N3 trillion ― Akpabio

International Oil Companies (IOCs) operating in the Niger Delta have defaulted to the tune of over $4 billion in their statutory remittance to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). The IOCs are required to provide 3 per cent of their annual budgets to the commission, but according to the Minister of the Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, none of the IOCs has paid so far. The minister featured in the ministerial press briefing organised by the Presidential Communication Team at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Thursday. ‌ He said the commission on its part owes contractors about N3 trillion, noting however that not all contracts awarded with costs can be regarded as debt. According to him, the over N600 billion of emergency contracts that had been awarded had not been implemented and cannot, therefore, be regarded as NDDC debt. Giving updates on the progress in the commission, he said about 109 have been implemented in states in the Niger Delta. Akpabio also remarked that the NDDC diverted the sum of N10 billion from other projects to execute the East-West road in view of its critical importance to the people of the region. He revealed that he had written to President Muhammadu Buhari to include the project in Sukuk Fund so that it can be ready for commissioning during the lifespan of the present administration. According to him, about N45 billion is needed to complete the road project. More details to come later.

Imo govt awards scholarship to mini aircraft manufacturer

The Imo State government has announced the award of scholarship up to the University level to a talented Imo youth, Akobundu Kenneth. Governor Hope Uzodimma declared government preparedness to assist any youths of the state origin with remarkable talents, creativity and ingenuity in order to realise their full potentials. The governor stated this while receiving an acclaimed youthful automobile technology wizard, Akobundu Kenneth, who recently manufactured a mini-aircraft and displayed the same to journalists in Owerri. ‌ The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Mbadiwe Emelumb, noted that the state is endowed with a number of talented youths, whose potentials, if adequately harnessed, would promote the development of indigenous technology in the country. He announced an immediate university scholarship for the teenager in any institution of his choice in the country, while he promised to take steps to assist him to gain admission for the next academic session. The governor enjoined little Akobundu to remain focused and resolute to enable him to excel in his career. Responding, Akobundu, who hails from Umuezeala Owere, in the Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of the state, said that he achieved the feat out of instinct and intuition that occurred to him at infancy and pledged to actualise the project to an international standard. He recalled that he had the vision to pursue his educational carrier at an early age even to the tertiary level but was frustrated by the non-availability of funds. Akobundu said that his target as a growing youth was to gain admission into tertiary institutions to study an engineering course that would equip him with wider knowledge on technology.

Kanu: Crisis hits IPOB over sit-at-home suspension

The suspension of the weekly sit-at-home order in South-East by the Indigenous People of Biafra has led to a crisis among its members. This is as some of the members accused the leadership of the IPOB of sabotage. It was learnt that some aggrieved members of expressed disbelief that their leader Nnamdi Kanu knew about the suspension of the order. The PUNCH had reported that there was confusion over the recent sit-at-home ordered by the IPOB. Contrary to an earlier statement by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, that its sit-at-home directive to the people of South East and South-South states was sacrosanct, another statement by the IPOB leader’s younger brother, Kanunta Kanu, said the planned sit-at-home order had been suspended. Later, Ejiofor issued a statement confirming that Kanu approved the suspension of the sit-at-home. On his part, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, the counsel to the Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra Nnamdi Kanu alleged that the confusion among some IPOB members was caused because of the presence of some “marauder” in IPOB, who are not loyalists of Nnamdi Kanu. He regretted the confusion among the members, saying that “In this critical moment, peace and discipline should be the ultimate guide. What we crave is your prayers only.” The IPOB in a statement on Thursday reiterated that Kanu was aware of the sit-at-home suspension. It also warned against attacks on the legal team, saying that Kanu was not misrepresented. The IPOB statement read in part, “The Indigenous People of Biafra ably led by our great leader Nnamdi Kanu, has told those criticising and insulting the lead counsel of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, to stop and see reason with us for suspending the Monday weekly sit-at-home. “Some uninformed fellows and mischief makers have been insulting, criticizing and attacking Ifeanyi Ejiofor for giving his nod to the suspension of the Monday weekly sit-at-home. IPOB is also disappointed that despite our earlier explanations on the rationale behind our decision to suspend the Monday sit-At-home order, some fellows are still disparaging our lead counsel and our leadership over the decisions. “We therefore, wish to advise all those playing the devil’s advocate to desist in their own interest and stop giving our enemies room to mock us. IPOB is a well structured and organised movement with clear cut hierarchical structure as well. “Henceforth, IPOB will no longer take lightly any act of insubordination from anybody or from any quarter irrespective of ones status on our leader’s lawyers. They have not taken any action inimical to the struggle to warrant the embarrassing and undeserved insults from some uninformed folks. “All the decisions so far taken were in the best interest of the struggle and in accordance with direct directive from our Leader who is very impressed with the actions and solidarity so far given and implemented by the leadership since his incarceration. “Ifeanyi Ejiofor, remains IPOB’s lead counsel and our leader’s lead legal representative and our leader reposes strong confidence in his ability and capacity. As a trusted counsel, he has not betrayed or misrepresented his clients IPOB and Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. “There is no reason therefore, for anyone especially IPOB family members to reciprocate Ejiofor’s sacrifices with insults. The facts in the public domain evidences multiple attempts by the Nigeria security agencies to eliminate Ejiofor at all costs because they have failed to get him compromised. “Instead of appreciating him for defending our leader at the risk of his own life, some mischief makers are trying to accuse him of sabotage. This is not only ridiculous but stupidity taken too far. “We also wish to clarify that in IPOB, we have nothing or nobody known as autopilot. Anybody going by such title is not IPOB, and is flouting our rules. Anybody claiming to be such should immediately disengage before he is embarrassed.”

Court refuses to join Buni in suit against Andy Uba’s candidacy

A Federal High Court in Abuja has declined the request to include the Caretaker Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governor Mai Mala Buni as a defendant in a suit challenging the emergence of Andy Uba as the party’s candidate in the November 6 governorship election in Anambra State. A governorship aspirant, Chief (Dr.) George Moghalu, had made the request in the suit he filed marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/648/2021, in which he is contending that the APC did not comply with the relevant provisions of the Electoral Act 2010 and the party’s regulations and guidelines in the conduct of its governorship primary in Anambra State on June 26, 2021 Latest Nigeria News, Nigerian Newspapers, Politics JUST IN: Court refuses to join Buni in suit against Andy Uba’s candidacy by Eric Ikhilae, Abuja August 19, 2021 JUST IN: Court refuses to join Buni in suit against Andy Uba’s candidacy FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedInWhatsAppEmail RELATEDPOSTS Police confirm two DSS operatives, four others dead in clash with IPOB IPOB denies involvement in killing of Imo oil workers AUGUST 19, 2021 achievers-varsity-shut-over-students-protest Achievers varsity shut over students’ protest AUGUST 19, 2021 NDDC headquarters to be ready in three months, says Akpabio JUST IN: IOCs owe NDDC more than $4bn – Akpabio AUGUST 19, 2021 Panic as gunmen kill 400 level student AUGUST 19, 2021 A Federal High Court in Abuja has declined the request to include the Caretaker Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governor Mai Mala Buni as a defendant in a suit challenging the emergence of Andy Uba as the party’s candidate in the November 6 governorship election in Anambra State. A governorship aspirant, Chief (Dr.) George Moghalu, had made the request in the suit he filed marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/648/2021, in which he is contending that the APC did not comply with the relevant provisions of the Electoral Act 2010 and the party’s regulations and guidelines in the conduct of its governorship primary in Anambra State on June 26, 2021. Read Also: PDP plans new plaintiffs in suit seeking Buni’s sack In a ruling on Thursday, Justice Ahmed Mohammed held that the plaintiff’ request to join Buni as a party to the suit was without merit because the APC acting Chairman is not a necessary party. Justice Mohammed, who noted that the plaintiff made no complaint against Buni in the suit, held the case could be effectively determined without him being joined as a party. More to follow….

Naira weakens further to 517 against dollar

The naira fell further against the dollar at the parallel market on Wednesday after staying steady at 515/$ in recent days. The local currency fell to 517 against the US currency at the parallel market on Wednesday. At the Investors and Exporters’ window, the naira weakened by 0.06 per cent to close at 411.75/$ on Wednesday, according to FMDQ Group. The naira had strengthened to 506/$ on August 4 after plunging to 525/$ at the parallel market on July 28, a day after the Central Bank of Nigeria stopped foreign exchange sales to Bureaux de Change. It had been hovering around 508/$ and 510/$ in recent days. The CBN Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele, had on July 27, at the end of the Monetary Policy Committee meeting, announced the stoppage of forex sale to the BDCs, saying they had turned themselves into ‘agents that facilitate graft and corrupt activities of people who seek illicit fund flow and money laundering in Nigeria’. He said the CBN would channel a significant portion of its weekly allocation currently meant for BDCs to commercial banks to meet legitimate forex demand for ordinary Nigerians and businesses. The PUNCH had reported on Monday that the total forex transactions on FMDQ Securities Exchange rose by about 2.24 per cent last week. The Exchange said in the forex spot and derivatives markets, the total turnover for the week ended August 13, 2021 was $692.60m, up from $677.44m reported for the previous week. It said the week-on-week increase in turnover was driven by the 12.31 per cent increase in the forex spot, despite the 24.06 per cent decrease in forex derivatives turnover. The total value of transactions in the Investors’ & Exporters’ window was $550.14m, representing an increase of 12.31 per cent from $489.85m in the previous week. According to the Exchange, the average Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Fixing rate was N411.17/$, compared to N411.16/$ recorded in the previous week, representing a depreciation of the naira against the dollar by 0.003 per cent. The naira, however, appreciated against the dollar by 0.04 per cent at the parallel market as it averaged 510.60/$, compared to 510.80/$ in the previous week.