Crime Facts

FAKE NEWS ALERT: No files implicating Tinubu, says ICPC

  The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, on Saturday, said no files were incriminating the President, Bola Tinubu, and some of his close aides in any of its offices across the country. The commission was reacting to a report that the Department for State Services stormed one of the commission’s offices and carted away files implicating the president and his close aides. In a statement obtained by The PUNCH, ICPC’s spokesperson, Azuka Ogugua, described the report as unfounded, urging Nigerians to disregard it.   The statement read, “The attention of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has been drawn to a spurious news report by an online media, titled “Secret Police, DSS Carts Away Files Implicating President Buhari, Close Aides from ICPC, CCB”. “The Commission hereby refutes the report and states unequivocally that there were no files implicating President Tinubu or close aides at its headquarters or offices across the states. Therefore, the alleged carting away of such imaginary files is unfounded and should be disregarded by the public. “While the Commission does not dispute the role of the media to inform the public, it is deeply disturbed by irresponsible practice and non-adherence to the tenets of the journalism profession by some media outlets.”

UTME Result: I Support JAMB’s Sanctions On Mmesoma, Says Ezekwesili

  A former Minister of Education, Obiageli Ezekwesili, says she is backing the sanctions imposed on Mmesoma Ejikeme by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for faking her Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) result. This follows the report of the Anambra State Committee of Inquiry which confirmed that the student of Anglican Girls Secondary School, Nnewi admitted that she manipulated her result using her phone. While the controversy over Mmesoma’s result was raging with JAMB insisting that she manipulated her result changing her actual score of 249 to 362, Ezekwesili had insisted that a proper investigation into the matter must be carried out. With the report of the Anambra State panel which was signed by the Commissioner for Information, Paul Nwosu, indicting Mmesoma, the former education minister said she is satisfied with the process which gave the student a fair hearing. JAMB had withdrawn Mmesoma’s result and consequently barred her from writing the examination for the next three years, sanctions Ezekwesili in a Twitter post on Saturday said she is in support of. “I have just read the report of the Committee set up by Anambra State Government to investigate and report their independent findings on the Mmesoma and JAMB Saga. “I am satisfied with the process and findings of their investigation which gave Mmesoma a fair hearing to enable the Committee to gather all facts. “It was necessary to have independent evidence that the result Mmesoma laid claim to publicly was not only fake but that the forgery was personally orchestrated by her. “There are usually syndicates at the center of perpetration of exam malpractices in Nigeria but it appears not to be so in Mmesoma’s case from the facts of the Committee’s report. “Mmesoma’s action has consequences. I therefore support the sanctions imposed by JAMB as a deterrent to all who participate in the systemic exam malpractices within our educational system.” Ezekwesili wrote. She also recommended sustained counselling for Mmesoma by the family, school and church, saying that she hopes that the lessons of this case will help all pupils, students, parents, guardians and the public at large renew a collective commitment to uphold Exam Integrity in Nigeria as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s Values and Reward System for its children and youth. “I wish to thank JAMB for their good work and encourage the Registrar and his team to continue with their critical service to our country and people as we all join them to sustain raising of awareness on Exam Integrity,” she added.

Anambra Panel’s Report On Mmesoma Has Vindicated Us – JAMB

  The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) says it has been “vindicated” over its result manipulation allegations levelled against a candidate in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), Mmesoma Ejikeme.   This came less than 24 hours after a Committee of Inquiry set up by the Anambra State Government to investigate the claims released its report on Friday. The report signed by the Commissioner for Information in Anambra State, Paul Nwosu, and made available to Channels Television, confirmed that Mmesoma admitted to using her phone to inflate her score from 249 to 362. The Board stated that this had further reinforced its position that its system was not and cannot be compromised. Having initially come under fire from some quarters for declaring Mmesoma a fraud, JAMB in a statement on Saturday, said it “will not despair in spite of the painful realisation that some Nigerians would do anything to cast aspersions on the good name of the Board.” “The report of the Commission of Inquiry set up by the Anambra State Government, an independent and unbiased body, as demanded by some Nigerians to look into the Mmesoma saga, has vindicated the Board,” the statement said. “This has further reinforced the position of the Board that its system was not and cannot be compromised. It is to be noted that the Board has built a reputation in terms of the conduct of credible examinations over the years and cannot afford to fail the nation at this critical juncture of its development. “Therefore, we will not despair in spite of the painful realisation that some Nigerians would do anything to cast aspersions on the good name of the Board. However, in spite of all the posturing of its detractors, the Board remains resolute and uncompromising in its commitment to give Nigeria the best as far as credible and fair assessment is concerned. “In fact, the Board is, more than ever, determined to continue to forge ahead unmindful of the shenanigan of those who desire its fall.” JAMB appealed to well-meaning Nigerians, who may wish to support and encourage healthy competition by awarding scholarships and other honours to deserving candidates not to be discouraged but should always endeavour to verify from the Board any claim, no matter how innocuous, put forward by candidates. It also warned candidates to stay away from fraudulent apps that promise to enhance their scores, arguing that the end result would always be anguish and misery. The Board added that Mmesoma’s case should serve as an eye-opener, especially to those who hold the view that anything goes in Nigeria. See full statement below: JAMB WILL NOT RELENT IN ITS EFFORTS TO SANITIZE THE NATION’S PUBLIC EXAMINATION SECTOR The report of the Commission of Inquiry set up by the Anambra State Government, an independent and unbiased body, as demanded by some Nigerians to look into the Mmesoma saga, has vindicated the Board. This has further reinforced the position of the Board that its system was not and cannot be compromised. It is to be noted that the Board has built a reputation in terms of the conduct of credible examinations over the years and cannot afford to fail the nation at this critical juncture of its development. Therefore, we will not despair in spite of the painful realisation that some Nigerians would do anything to cast aspersions on the good name of the Board. However, in spite of all the posturing of its detractors, the Board remains resolute and uncompromising in its commitment to give Nigeria the best as far as credible and fair assessment is concerned. In fact, the Board is, more than ever, determined to continue to forge ahead unmindful of the shenanigan of those who desire its fall. For the benefit of those who are still doubting the capacity of Ms. Mmesoma to commit this egregious crime and those who are pushing the narrative that the girl is just 16 years old even against all available data that indicate her age as an adult of 19 years, Ms. Mmesoma has owned up to committing the heinous infraction, which was carefully crafted to destroy the very foundation of one of the nation’s agencies charged with the critical role of apportioning the limited educational resource of the nation based on fairness equity and integrity. It is, therefore, highly regrettable that some Nigerians, who do not believe in the strength and resourcefulness of their nation’s institutions, would latch on to any opportunity to pull the Board down to their level of perfidy. One vital lesson that Nigerians should learn from the imbroglio, is to learn to appreciate the genuine efforts of their critical national institutions to chart the course of national rebirth. Hence, this attitude of attacking everything that makes the nation proud even by people who should know better, is disheartening. The flip side of this is to infer that some ethnic jingoists had perhaps been elevated to public office and recognition beyond their mental and emotional capacity. The Board would continue to be guided by the principles of inclusiveness and fairness as demonstrated by its seamless and unprompted deployment of a dedicated software called the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS), which not only eliminates human interference in the admission process, but also engenders equity, fairness, transparency to all as we do not know tribe or religion. The public is assured of our unwavering commitment to upholding sanctity of the fabric of the nation’s educational system hence our resolve to always deliver credible and fair assessment remains unshaken. We appeal to all those well-meaning Nigerians, who may wish to support and encourage healthy competition by awarding scholarships and other honours to deserving candidates not to be discouraged but should always endeavour to verify from us any claim, no matter how innocuous, put forward by candidates. Candidates, on their part, are warned to stay away from fraudulent Apps that promise to enhance their scores as the end result would always be anguish and misery. The Mmesoma case should

Gumi Gives Condition To Lead Dialogue With Bandits

  Renowned Islamic Scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi expressed willingness to volunteer negotiations with bandits in order to restore peace in the country. During an interview with Trust TV, Sheikh Gumi said he would join the process if President Bola Tinubu requests him to do so. While he stated that he doesn’t necessarily have to lead the negotiations, he said he would gladly be part of any government-approved group tasked with handling the talks. He emphasized the need for a holistic approach that involves scholars, emirs, and professors working together to bring peace back to affected areas. Police foil attempt to steal from NNPC Pipeline in Lagos – Spokesman Nigerian pilgrim ‘returns lost $80,000’ in Saudi “I don’t have to lead it, but I would volunteer myself to be part of it. It’s not about leadership; it’s about a holistic package that addresses the issue. “We need the involvement of emirs, scholars, and university professors who have conducted extensive research on these matters. Let’s all sit down together so that we can achieve peace and enable people to return to their farms,” Sheikh Gumi expressed. He welcomed the recent call by former Zamfara state governor Senator Sani Yarima for negotiations with bandits, suggesting that they deserve amnesty just like former Niger Delta militants. Sheikh Gumi also commended the appointment of Nuhu Ribadu as National Security Adviser, but expressed hope that Ribadu would not be a mere figurehead. Sheikh Gumi highlighted the lack of synergy among security agencies, which he said has hindered the fight against insecurity in the country. He also expressed disappointment over the retirement of over 100 Army Generals, considering the resources invested in their training. He urged politicians to refrain from politicizing the military and judiciary, recognizing their critical importance.

Mmesoma’s Father Apologizes To JAMB, Nigerians

  Mr Romanus Ejikeme, the father of Mmesoma Ejikeme-the 2023 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) candidate who falsified her result, has tendered an unreserved apology to JAMB and Nigerians at large saying his daughter lied to him initially. Recall that Mr Ejikeme had earlier accused JAMB of pulling his daughter down. He admitted that he didn’t know where his daughter registered for the examination but he gave her the money for the registration. The Committee set up by the Anambra state governor, Prof. Charles Soludo to investigate the circumstances surrounding the trending result saga indicted the suspect of manipulating her examination score result. JAMB warned candidates to stay away from fraudulent Apps that promise to enhance their scores as the end result would always be anguish and misery.

BREAKING: Innoson withdraws scholarship from Mmesoma following fake UTME score

  Innoson Vehicles Group have withdrawn the scholarship awarded to Miss Mmesoma Ejikeme after discovering she faked her UTME results. This was contained in a statement by Cornel Osigwe, the Head of Corporate Communications & Affairs  Innoson Group on Saturday. The statement bellow, In recent days, we have been involved in the process of investigating allegations surrounding the 2023 UTME examination results of one of our scholarship recipients, Miss Joy Mmesoma Ejikeme. It was reported initially that Miss Joy scored exceptionally high on the exam, a feat that led to her being awarded a scholarship by our company. However, subsequent reports of discrepancies in her UTME score led us to seek clarification from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and to allow her to voice her stance, we engaged in direct dialogue with Miss Joy. Further to this, a committee set up by the Anambra State Governor, Dr. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, carried out a thorough independent investigation into this matter. The findings from this rigorous investigation have now confirmed that Miss Joy Mmesoma Ejikeme did manipulate her UTME results. This conclusion is deeply disappointing and stands in direct contravention of the values we hold dear at Innoson Vehicles, particularly those that underscore our scholarship program. In line with these principles and response to the confirmed findings, we have made the difficult decision to withdraw the scholarship awarded to Miss Joy Mmesoma Ejikeme. This action is a testament to our unyielding commitment to honesty, integrity, and merit-based recognition. We acknowledge that this development is regrettable, and it has undoubtedly caused dismay among those who stood by Miss Joy, including her school principal and other well-meaning supporters. However, it is crucial to maintain the integrity of our scholarship program and the values it represents. Innoson Vehicles remains steadfast in its mission to support deserving students, invest in the future of our education sector, and uphold the highest ethical standards. We have always been deeply committed to advancing educational excellence and upholding academic integrity through our scholarship program. We believe in rewarding exceptional students who display not just academic prowess but also embody the values of honesty, transparency, and respect for the processes that govern our educational system. We extend our appreciation to the public, JAMB, the Anambra State Governor’s committee, and all those who have shown understanding and support during this challenging situation. We remain committed to fostering educational excellence in Nigeria. Thank you. Cornel Osigwe Head of Corporate Communications & Affairs Innoson Group.

DEVELOPING STORY: One dead in sporadic shootings in Owerri town

  Gunmen in their numbers with Siena and Highlander vehicles stormed the popular and ever-busy Akwakuma Junction, Owerri in Imo on Saturday afternoon.and engaged in sporadic shootings which upturned the junction to a chaotic place in a split of seconds. Our correspondent gathered that market (Old)women, passengers scampered for safety during the shooting. Sources said that a tricycle (keke driver) died after he was hit by a stray bullet while many others sustained injuries. Currently, the whole place is deserted as people continue to live in fear. When contacted Henry Okoye, the Imo State police spokesperson did not respond to calls. More to follow….

Sit-at-home enforcers set market ablaze in Imo, warn traders

  Sit-at-home enforcers on Friday night burnt part of Amaraku market located in the Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo state. Apart from burning the market, the gunmen also razed vehicles and goods and services belonging to the traders who are mostly women. The fleeing gunmen also burnt vehicles at Obolo community in the same Isiala Mbano LGA. While razing the vehicles and the market, the gunmen were said to be furious with the traders and transporters for flouting the on going sit-at-home order. The eyewitnesses said that the attackers warned them to close and never to flout the on going sit-at-home order in the south East. One of the eyewitnesses said ” on arrival, they said that the traders had the guts to disobey the sit-at-home order. They said if the traders had courage they should come out tomorrow( today). They went on to raze part of the markets and the commercial vehicles around. “On their way going they shot indiscriminately and burnt vehicles at Obolo community in the same Isiala Mbano LGA of Imo state. This is very unfortunate. Millions of Naira belonging to poor business women and low income earners, have been destroyed. This thing is getting out of hand. Henry Okoye, the police spokesperson in Imo State confirmed the incident. But Okoye said he is yet to receive to the full details of the incident from the Divisional Police Officer of that area as at press time. The PPRO vowed the command will hunt and arrest the hoodlums to face the full wrath of the law.

Four sit-at-home enforcers’ killed in gun duel with police in Enugu

  The Enugu police command says its operatives have dislodged a group of hoodlums enforcing the sit-at-home order in the state. Daniel Ndukwe, police spokesperson, in a statement on Friday, said the hoodlums were intercepted while they were trying to snatch an ENTRACO branded minivan. Ndukwe said the operatives engaged the hoodlums in a gun duel but they escaped with varying degrees of “fatal gunshot wounds”. He said a manhunt was launched and four lifeless bodies of the hoodlums were discovered in a forest behind a filling station. “A combined team of tactical Police Operatives of the Command have further discovered and recovered the lifeless bodies of four of the male hoodlums, in a forest behind G. Ede Filling Station/7-Up, at Awkunanaw, Enugu, where they escaped into,” he said. “A thorough search conducted on the vehicle led to the recovery of one (1) AK-47 rifle with a magazine loaded with nineteen (19) live ammunition of 7.62 calibres, two (2) bottles of petrol bomb and other incriminating exhibits.” The spokesperson said the commissioner of police reassured that the force will not relent in its efforts to maintain maximum security in the state. He also asked for the continued support of residents.

REPORT: Tinubu set to become ECOWAS chairman

  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to become the next chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), TheCable understands. Tinubu, who leaves Abuja on Saturday ahead of the Sunday meeting of the heads of state of the regional political and economic bloc, is expected to take over from President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau, diplomatic sources told TheCable. The 63rd ordinary session of the authority of heads of state and government will take place in Bissau, capital city of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau. Former President Muhammadu Buhari previously held the position in 2018.   Tinubu, who succeeded Buhari as Nigerian president in May 2023, will be making his first international outing on the African continent at the ECOWAS meeting. He attended the summit for ‘A New Global Financing Pact’ hosted by French president, Emmanuel Macron, in Paris, France, in June. The summit of the ECOWAS heads of state is expected to address memoranda on pressing sub-regional issues, including a report of the 50th ordinary session of the mediation and security council covering security challenges faced by the member countries, report of the 90th ordinary session of ECOWAS council of ministers on the financial situation of the body, the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), as well as a report on the status of transition in Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea. ECOWAS was formed in 1975 and currently has 15 member states with a combined population of 387 million and nominal GDP of $816 billion. The member states are: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo. (TheCable)