Crime Facts

Court clears ex-AGF Adoke of money laundering charges

  A Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday discharged and acquitted former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke (SAN) of the money laundering charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. The presiding judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo, while delivering a ruling on a no-case submission filed by the former AGF, held that the EFCC failed to establish a prima facie (sufficient evidence) case against him. “I find that there is no evidence to prove the alleged offences against the first defendant (Adoke),” the judge said. However, Justice Ekwo ruled that Aliyu Abubakar, the second defendant, has to open his defence because he has a case to answer. EFCC had preferred a 14 counts charge against Adoke and an oil mogul, Aliyu Abubakar. In the charge, the anti-graft agency alleged that Adoke sometime in August 2013 in Abuja accepted a cash payment of the dollar equivalent of N300 million from Abubakar and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 16(2)(b) of the money laundering Prohibition Act 2011 as amended. Details later…

Army releases Delta monarch arrested over soldiers killings

  The Nigerian Army has released the traditional ruler, Clement Ikolo, earlier declared wanted and arrested over the gruesome murder of 17 soldiers in Delta State on 14 March 2024. The monarch was declared wanted by the Defence Headquarters alongside seven others for alleged involvement in the act. He was released to Senator Ede Dafianone who stood surety. He was released during a brief at Army Headquarters by the Director, Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu. Details later…

Protests erupt in Plateau after suspected herdsmen kill 12 in fresh attack

  Suspected herdsmen have again attacked the Tilengpat Pushit community in the Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State and killed twelve persons. It was learnt that the attacks leading to the deaths of the victims occurred in the late hours of Thursday. Last week, gunmen killed no fewer than ten persons in Mandung-Mushu and Kopnanle villages, in the Bokkos and Mangu local government areas of the state. They also left several persons injured, with property, including the homes of the villagers, set ablaze. The Chairman of Mangu Local Government Area, Markus Argue confirmed the latest killings to The PUNCH in Jos on Friday. He said, “Yes, it is true that our people have just been attacked again and killed for no reason. It happened last night. As I talk to you, I’m in the affected community in Pushit. I can not give you the figure of victims for now because we are still assessing the situation but what we don’t understand is why some people will just target women and children in their homes and just kill them for no reason. A community leader in Pushit, who gave his name simply as John, however, told our correspondent that twelve dead bodies had so far been recovered at the scene of the attack and the nearby bush from the latest attack. John said, “So far, we have recovered twelve dead bodies of individuals who were brutally murdered during the attack in the Pushit community and their bodies recovered. “The identities of the victims have not yet been disclosed, pending notification of their families. The Law enforcement agencies are also here and have initiated investigations into the matter to ascertain the motive behind these heinous crimes and to apprehend the perpetrators responsible for this reprehensible act” The Spokesman for the Plateau State Police Command, Alabo Alfred could not be immediately reached for comment on the incident but sources at the Command headquarters in Jos said that security operatives had been deployed to the affected community Meanwhile, women in Bokkos Local Government Area have taken to the streets in protests over the renewed violent attacks by gunmen in their communities. Some residents in Bokkos town said that the protesting women were headed to the Council headquarters to register their grievances Details later

For bringing her lover home, man butchers wife to near-death in Owerri

  An unidentified man resident in Nekede, Owerri West local government area of Imo state has allegedly butchered his wife over alleged infidelity. It was gathered that the man was alerted on the 10th day of April by his neighbour that his wife was having extra-materital affair in her matrimonial home. The husband was said to have rushed home quickly and caught his wife with her lover in their bedroom while their 6 year old daughter was left alone in the living room unattended. The enraged husband was said to have used his knife to cut his wife while her lover was allowed to leave unharmed. Photos of the incident below: Reacting to the incident, the Imo State Police Command spokesperson, Henry Okoye appealed to the general public especially residents of Nekede who may have useful information about the incident to report to the nearest police station. He said: “The Imo State Police Command is aware of the above video making the rounds on social media and wishes to state that the alleged incident has not been officially reported to the Police. “However, the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to carry out an in-depth investigation into this infuriating video and ascertain the facts. “The Command is calling on the general public, particularly the residents of Nekede who may have any useful information about the alleged incident to kindly report it to the nearest Police Station or via 08148024755. Let us collaboratively work towards ensuring that justice prevails in this case.”

INVESTIGATION: In desperate quest to become VC, IMSU employs serving Alvan Ikoku Varsity DVC, promotes her to Professor after six months

  When the Federal Ministry of Education, on the 2nd of June 2023, announced that the hold placed on the University status of Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration had been lifted, a proxy war began. It was a secret scramble for the position of the Vice Chancellor of the new Alvan Ikoku University of Education, Owerri. For most of the actors, it was a race against time, as a substantive Vice Chancellor will inevitably be appointed in due course. On the 20th of October, 2023 when the Federal Government confirmed the official take-off of the Alvan Ikoku University of Education via a press release by the Federal Ministry of Education, the serving Provost of the erstwhile College was appointed the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) of the new University, while other principal officers of the erstwhile College were to continue to discharge their duties in acting capacity until substantive principal officers of the University are appointed. Findings indicate that there are several qualified academics from within and across the country who have already dusted their resumes to apply for the Vice Chancellorship of the new University of Education. While many interested applicants await the advertisement for the vacant Vice Chancellorship position, suspicious activities capable of undermining the new University and eroding the integrity of the state-owned university, the Imo state University, in quick succession, may have been uncovered. While probing the random whispers of discontent from among several academics and even some non-academic staff, this newspaper unveiled suspicious and seemingly irregular move to promote the serving Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor of the new Alvan Ikoku University of Education, Dr. Stella Ngozi Lemchi, to a Professor in the Imo state University, an action allegedly designed to perhaps qualify the DVC for the plum job of the Vice Chancellor.   A number of the academic who spoke to our correspondent strictly on the condition of anonymity, for fear of victimization, expressed their distaste with what some of them described as a plot to qualify Dr. Stella Ngozi Lemchi, who must be a professor to be eligible to contest for the position of the Vice Chancellor of the Alvan Ikoku University of Education, where she currently serves as the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor.   They maintained that there are backlogs of promotion arrears yet to be addressed, yet the University hastened to promote Lemchi to a professor six months after employment. It is not known for certain, when the plot was hatched or who the key actors in the plot are, but what is apparent is that there may be powerful forces behind the move and that the Governing Council of the Imo State University, Owerri, on the 10th of January, 2024, in its 71st regular meeting, ratified Dr. Stella Ngozi Lemchi as professor. Seemingly, it took the Imo state University just six months to ferry Lemchi from her Ph.D level to a professorship in the Imo State University where she is not known to have worked or lectured for one day. While Dr. Stella Lemchi was included in the external assessment report for the promotion of senior academics to the ranks of Professors and Readers, which the Governing Council ratified on the 10th of January 2024, the letter informing her of the endorsement of her professorship by the Council on January 12, 2024 which was signed by the Registrar, Dr. Julius Uzoma Osuagwu partly read as follows: “Further to our letter of 26 July, 2023, offering you regular/full-time appointment, we write to inform you that the Governing Council of the Imo state University… approved your external assessment report that you be made Professor of Home Economics Education with effect from the day you assumed duty on 31 July, 2023 in the Department of Science Education…”  Questions These process throws up many questions? What is the urgency and rationale for the haste in employing Dr. Stella Lemchi, who is a serving head of a federal institution and presently the highest-ranking staff of the Alvan Ikoku University of Education Owerri, as a lecturer in an apparently non-existent department in the Faculty of Education. From our investigations, as at the time of her employment, there was neither a Department of Science Education nor a Department of Home Economics Education in the Faculty of Education, Imo state University. The Departments in the Faculty of Education are as follows: Department of Physical Science Education; Department of Education Foundation and Counselling; Department of Social Sciences Education; Department of Language Education; Department of Library and Information Sciences and the Department of Life Science Education. Was there any urgent need for a Professor in the Faculty of Education? That is also doubtful because the faculty of Education arguably boasts of the highest number of Professors in the University, especially in the light of the fact that Imo state University lacks adequate lecturing staff, what more professors, in key areas of learning in some emerging field of science like robotics. Promotion Cycle Soon after the June 2, 2023 announcement by the Federal Ministry of Education that the Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education’s University status will take effect soon, Dr. Stella Lemchi who was then the Provost of the College, secured employment the next month, July 26, 2023, as a lecturer in the Faculty of Education, Imo state University. In less than six months, without any indication that she lectured any class, supervised any project or even worked anywhere in the faculty within the period, the Imo State University Governing Council promoted her to a Professor. Both academic and non-academic staff of the University who spoke to our correspondent on the condition of anonymity maintain that the university promotion cycle was every three years. A few others added that special promotions can only happen when the beneficiary has posted some exceptionally innovative and academic milestones. They aver that for the instant case, they could not figure out anything exceptional that could have spurred the urgency to make her a professor in record time.

A look at the psychology of Nigerian secondary school teachers

By:Ebo E.C Chukwuma The job of a secondary school teacher is a very sensitive one, they play the role of instilling sound morale values into adolescents going through a very turbulent age, not everyone is psychological mature to handle such job. Research shows 70-80% Nigerian students go through puberty stage during their secondary school level, what this implies is, mostly during their secondary school level they go through a stage of physical, emotional and psychological change that demands for one whom is learned and exposed to guide and mentor them appropriately in the right direction, at this stage when the kids aren’t given right mentorship, it poses the threat of making the minors go contrary to the norms guiding our society. Secondary school teachers aren’t just paid for class lessons, they are expected to be moral and psychological support to students, they are expected to be sensitive and interrogative while in the midst of students, secondary school students are still minors hence should be monitored ardently especially in the midst of the opposite sex, they crave for certain pleasure that if allowed could be detrimental to them, they are engulfed by exuberance at the peak of puberty stage, been lenient with them when found wanting is not just dangerous but wicked. some unisex boarding schools in Nigeria are like brothels at night when the supposed teachers and boarding masters leaves the students in the care of senior prefects, they do the unthinkable at night when no teacher is around to monitor them, at the end, some female students get pregnant out of wedlock, this hits on the fact that the supposed teachers and boarding masters aren’t logical enough to man their duties. The job of a secondary school teacher is weigh more than that of a university lecturer, majority of nigerian secondary school teachers aren’t psychologically sound to man their jobs, most of them socialize students into canal ways even. School managements should be very logical while interviewing her prospective teachers, to ascertain those worthy of been given the platform to impact knowledge to students and all round moral upbringing. Written by: Ebo E.C Chukwuma A Sociopolitical enthusiast, Writer and activist.

DAILIES TOP STORIES: Tinubu’s government has not borrowed from CBN — Edun

  Friday 19 April 2024 N80bn money laundering: FG places Yahaya Bello on watchlist, immigration alerts DSS Ondo: Aiyedatiwa, other APC aspirants battle for 171, 922 votes Bobrisky didn’t commit capital offence, still in Ikoyi prison – Officials N7.3tn remitted to Federation Account in six months – RMAFC EFCC Declares Yahaya Bello Wanted Over Alleged N80.2b Fraud PDP Asks FG To Review Electricity Tariff Hike, Other Economic Reforms Kenya Military Helicopter Crash Kills Defence Chief, Senior Officers FCCPC Seals 4U Supermarket In Abuja Over Unfair Practices Federal High Court Halts Ganduje’s Purported Suspension Yahaya Bello Absent As Court Adjourns, EFCC Mulls Military Option To Fish Him Out CBN Not Using Foreign Reserves To Defend Naira — Cardoso PDP Caucus Backs Damagum To Continue As Acting National Chair Ganduje: APC Petitions NJC Over Kano Judge Whitney Adeniran: Court Fixes May 2 To Rule On Admissibility Of Agege Stadium Payment Receipts Dapo Abiodun Donates 25 Patrol Vehicles To Police Three Killed, 20 Injured In Russian Strikes On Southern Ukraine Indonesia On Alert For More Eruptions At Remote Volcano Agitation for Yoruba Nation laughable — DHQ FG using Nnamdi Kanu as pawn against Igbo —Methodist Archbishop IMF calls for building of fiscal buffers to boost growth Edo commissioner stripped of chieftaincy title for disrespecting throne UTME: JAMB to arrest parents seen at CBT centres Bandits Kill 23 Villagers In Kaduna Community Deliberate Litigations Hindering Solutions To PDP Leadership Crisis – BoT Tinubu Deliberately Put Northerners In Key Places – Ribadu Wike’s ally Damagum remains acting chair as PDP asks members to work for party’s success 24 million Nigerian children in forced labour — NBS APC asks police to arrest impostors who suspended Ganduje Shippers Council to clampdown on unregistered port service providers Visit a newspaper stand this morning, buy and read a copy for yourself…

Immigration places Yahaya Bello on watchlist

  The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has placed former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, on its watchlist. This came following his absence from court during his arraignment over an alleged case of money laundering to the tune of N80.2bn. Tribune Online reports on Thursday that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declared the former Kogi State Governor wanted after unsuccessful efforts to arrest him at his Abuja residence on Wednesday. The commission urged the public to assist it with necessary information that could lead to his arrest. However, in an internal circular sighted by our correspondent, which has the name and passport number (B50083321) of the former Governor Yahaya Bello, the NIS directed all its zonal headquarters and Commands to arrest him if seen. The circular, dated April 18, 2024 was signed by Assistant Comptroller of Immigration, DS Umar, for the Comptroller-General, Kemi Nandap. “I am directed to request you to place the above named subject on watch list. “Suffice to mention that the subject is being prosecuted before the Federal High Court Abuja for conspiracy, breach of trust, and money laundering vide letter Ref; CR; 3000/EFCC/LS/EGCS.1/ TE/Vide/1/279 dated April 18, 2024. “If seen at any entry or exit point, he should be arrested and referred to the Director of Investigation or contact 08036226329/07039617304 for further action,” the circular reads.

EXPLAINER: What you should know about National Single Window Initiative

  President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated the National Single Window initiative, marking a significant step towards enhancing revenue generation and streamlining the import/export trade process for ease of doing business. This transformative project reflects the President’s dedication to overcoming longstanding developmental barriers and fostering progress, prosperity, and well-being for all Nigerians. At the launch event held at the State House on Tuesday, President Tinubu emphasized that the National Single Window is poised to revolutionize trade in Nigeria. With the Office of the President overseeing the steering committee driving the reform process, the initiative aims to simplify government trade compliance through a digital platform, paving the way for economic prosperity. According to President Tinubu, the initiative stands as “a bold testament to breaking long-standing developmental barriers in advancing the progress, prosperity, and well-being of every Nigerian.” At the heart of the National Single Window lies a transformative vision to streamline trade operations across Nigeria. President Tinubu emphasizes its potential to “revolutionize the way trade is conducted in the country,” with the Office of the President overseeing the steering committee to drive the reform process forward. President Tinubu during the launch underscores the estimated annual economic benefit of $2.7 billion through paperless trade, stating that the initiative will “link our ports, government agencies, and key stakeholders, creating a seamless and efficient system that will facilitate trade like never before.” President Tinubu confronts the challenges of red tape, delays, and corruption head-on, acknowledging the staggering annual loss of $4 billion due to these inefficiencies at Nigerian ports. He asserts, “The National Single Window will address these issues head-on, preventing revenue leakage and facilitating effective trade.” He assures Nigerians that “the implementation of the National Single Window would not be an overnight process,” highlighting the importance of dedication and collaboration. President Tinubu believes that “by linking our system with those of other African nations, we will expedite cargo movement and optimize intra-Africa trade.” Explainer It is a single portal (website) for trade-related services which streamlines processes and reduces bureaucratic hurdles, saving time and resources for businesses. It enables accessibility to resources and services for Nigerian and international trade actors from different Nigerian agencies in one place. It aims to propel the nation’s economy to new heights by facilitating trade and creating a more transparent, secure, and business-friendly environment. Revenue leakage will be prevented and by bringing the informal e-commerce sector into the fold, the project will increase the tax base, contributing to government revenue. An ambitious $2.7bn is expected annually as economic benefits from the implementation of the project Small enterprises have the chance to expand their opportunities and can potentially reach global markets more easily while contributing to economic development. The National Single Window promises to create a more transparent and secure trade environment, which could enhance trust and confidence among trade actors and investors.

Bandits Kill 23 Villagers In Kaduna Community

  Bandits on Wednesday night attacked Anguwar Danko village under the Kakangi constituency of Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna and killed 23 persons. Daily Trust had reported how a large number of bandits invaded the community on Wednesday, fired gunshots sporadically, and abducted dozens of residents. Conquering the clouds on a journey to Ta Xua with the team – Road Trip Vietnam Team – Nếm TV Residents said the bandits operated freely in the community, located about 10 kilometres from Dogon Dawa village in the same LGA. Yahaya Musa Dan Salio, the representative for Kakangi Ward in the State House of Assembly, confirmed the attack, stating that 23 residents were killed, with five others injured. He said some abducted villagers managed to escape into the bush during the chaos. “There were casualties following Wednesday’s invasion in my constituency because so far 23 people were confirmed killed by the bandits. 19 at Anguwar Danko while 4 were killed at Kanawa village. They were buried this morning (Thursday),” he said. He said cows were also rustled from the community during the attack. The Chief Press Secretary to the Interim Local Government Chairman of Birnin Gwari LGA, Alhassan Ibrahim Saulawa also confirmed over 20 casualties. He mentioned that the Interim Chairman, Salisu Isah, visited the community to offer condolences and support to the affected villagers and the injured. According to him, the exact number of people abducted remains unknown as many are still missing, having fled into the bush during the attack. The state Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansur Hassan, promised to provide further details upon reaching out to the area for information when our correspondent contacted him with the update on the casualties following the Wednesday incident.