Television Nigerian

China’s Central Bank increases liquidity via repos

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April 29, 2024

China’s Central Bank increases liquidity via repos

China’s Central Bank on Monday conducted two billion Yuan (about 281.43 million U.S. dollars) of seven-day reverse repos at an interest rate of 1.8 per cent.

The move was aimed at keeping liquidity in the banking system reasonable and ample, the People’s Bank of China said in a statement.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a reverse repos is a process whereby the Central Bank purchases securities from commercial banks through bidding, with an agreement to sell them back in the future. (Xinhua/NAN)

6 Boko Haram terrorists surrender

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April 29, 2024

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Six more Boko Haram fighters have surrendered to troops of Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in Monguno, Borno, in the last one week.

Lt. Col. Abubakar Abdullahi, the Chief Military Public Information Officer of the force, said in a statement on Monday in Maiduguri, that the insurgents surrendered to troops of 403 Amphibious Brigade, Sector 3 in Monguno between April 17 and 27.

Abdullahi said that on April 17, a 19-year-old Boko Haram terrorist who hailed from Masarram on the Lake Chad Island and residing at Duguri, surrendered to the troops and highlighted the growing discontentment within the group for his action.

He added that initial investigations revealed that the suspect had a 3-year affiliation with Boko Haram’s Buduma faction.

The information officer also said that on April 25, two suspected terrorists turned themselves in at Blangua in Cameroon to troops of Sector 1, located at Darak in Southern Lake Chad.

”Investigations reveal their origins from Chad, residing in the localities of Kami-Wari and Kourea, respectively,” he added.

Abdullahi further said that on April 26, another suspect, his wife and two children bearing 36 hand grenades, surrendered to Sector 3 of 403 Amphibious Brigade in Kwatam Turare axis, Baga, Borno.

He said that the suspect, a foot soldier since 2017 in Sharama, cited internal crisis and the influence of MNJTF’s Operation Nashrul Salam as reasons for their defection.

”Similarly, on April 27, a 25-year-old suspected terrorist, surrendered to the troops of 19 Brigade, Sector 3, in Kekeno, within Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno.

”During the initial investigation, the suspect revealed that he had been abducted by Boko Haram militants along the Monguno-Maiduguri road in 2020.

”He said that during his captivity, he was forced to work as a storekeeper in one of the terrorist group’s camps located on the islands of Lake Chad.”

Abdullahi said that the MNJTF welcomes more insurgents to surrender and embrace peace.

”The MNJTF calls on other Boko Haram terrorists hiding in the Lake Chad islands and adjoining communities to cease hostilities and embrace peace.

”We reiterate our commitment to restoring lasting peace and stability to the Lake Chad Basin, encouraging terrorists to follow the path of those who have already surrendered,” he added. (NAN)

By Hamza Suleiman

Kano Commission to review sales, disposal, allocation

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April 29, 2024

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Kano Commission to review sales, disposal, allocation

The Kano State Judicial Commission of Enquiry on the recovery of misappropriated public property and assets, says it plans to review the sales, disposal or allocation of government’s property by the previous administration in the state.
The Chairman of the Commission, Justice Farouk Adamu stated this in his inaugural speech on Monday in Kano.

He said that the commission would review the sales of praying grounds, historical and cultural sites and monuments, houses, workshops, graveyards, and other open lands or spaces within the metropolis belonging to the government.

‘’The commission will determine if any abuses were perpetrated in the process of such sales, disposal or allocations, and identify the officials or persons responsible for such abuses.
“It is also to determine the role of government ministries, departments and agencies or particular government officials involved in the process of such sales, disposal or allocations.
“The commission will make recommendations on the recovery of farmlands belonging to the public, government properties or institutional buildings found to be improperly sold, disposed or allocated to any individual and company among others,” he said.

He said that the commission was not established to witch-hunt or prosecute anybody.
“It is on a fact-finding mission and at the end of our findings we will submit a set of recommendations to the state government for possible implementation,” he said.
He assured that the commission would be just and fair to all parties involved.

“I would like to call on any person who has any useful information or input that will assist the commission in its assignment to send it in writing for verification.
“After which he or she may be asked to appear before the Commission to testify in person.
“The commission is here to serve and protect the interest of the public,” Adamu said.
The chairman appealed to the general public and the media in particular to give the commission maximum support and cooperation.
“Avoid the temptation to politicise the work of the commission, doing so will be detrimental to the success of the fact-finding mission of this commission,” he said.
Gov. Abba Yusuf had on April 4 inaugurated the commission to investigate suspected cases of misappropriation of public property and asserts in the state from 2015 to 2023.(NAN)

By Ramatu Garba

Israel’s attacks on Gaza are ‘collective punishment’ – Egypt’s PM

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April 29, 2024

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Egyptian Prime Minister said Palestinian civilians living in Gaza were suffering “collective punishment” from Israel’s retaliatory military campaign for the attacks launched by the Islamist Hamas group on Oct. 7.

“What has taken place, all Palestinians in Gaza have to pay for it,” Mostafa Madbouly said.

“It was collective punishment, not punishment for Hamas, but for all Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip.”

Israel’s response to the massacre that left some 1,200 people dead and hundreds more taken hostage “was unbelievable,” he said at a conference organised by the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Riyadh on Monday.

Over 80 per cent of the health facilities in Gaza had been destroyed, he said, while an “estimated 7,000 people remain under the rubble.”

The prime minister said it would take “decades” for Gaza to recover.

On Sunday, the Hamas-controlled health authority put the number of people killed in the Gaza Strip since the start of the war at 34,454.

The figures it publishes make no distinction between civilians and militants and are almost impossible to verify independently.

The WEF conference underway in Saudi Arabia’s capital is focusing on topics including health, the environment, and finance.

Several Western and Arab foreign ministers were due to meet on the fringes of the conference to discuss the Gaza war. (dpa/NAN)

NMDPRA warns marketers against hoarding

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April 29, 2024

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The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) in Osun has warned petroleum marketers in the state against hoarding of the products.

The agency also warned residents of the state against panic buying, hoarding and storing of petroleum products at home.

Mr Adekunle Adeyemo, the State Coordinator of NMDPRA, gave the warning while speaking with journalists on Monday in Osogbo.

Adeyemo said that the surveillance team of the agency would be all out to ensure that no filling stations hoard the product.

He said that any marketers caught hoarding the fuel or engage in any form of sharp practices would be dealt with in accordance with the dictates of the law.

Adeyemo promised that the agency would intensify its monitoring and surveillance of outlets in line with its regulatory mandate to ensure compliance with quality, quantity and safety of operations.

According to him, government is doing everything possible to ensure adequate availability of the product, and it will be unfair for independent marketers who have the product in stock to be hoarding it.

“We want to appeal to independent marketers who have petroleum products in stock to stop hoarding.

“It will be inhuman for those who have the product to be hoarding and inflating the pump price.
“The surveillance team of the agency is already out to ensure that those who have the product are dispensing it to motorists at reasonable price.

“However, any filling station caught hoarding the product with the view of inflicting pains on the masses will not be spared.

“Yes, there might be a little challenge in the supply process, but relevant government agencies are doing everything possible to ensure that the situation is normalise.

“We will not fold our hands while some few individuals will inflicting undue pain on the residents of the state by hoarding the products,’’ he said.

Adeyemo appealed to petroleum marketers to always adhere strictly to standard safety practices in their filling stations.

He warned that any marketer that violates the standard procedure would be dealt with according to the law.

Adeyemo also appealed to consumers to report sharp practices such as under-dispensing, to the agency for appropriate action.

The NMDPRA boss also warned against storing petroleum products at homes, adding that such can cause a fire outbreak.

He said that people needed to be very careful with how they handle petroleum products.

“Storing of petroleum product at home can result in a fire outbreak, which can lead to the destruction of lives and property.

“We have to be wise, there’s no reason for panic buying or hoarding of the product because government is doing everything possible towards adequate supply of the product,’’ he said. (NAN)

By Victor Adeoti

Court slams N10m on EFCC, others for fundamental right violations

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April 29, 2024

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Court slams N10m on EFCC, others for fundamental right violations

A Federal Capital Territory high court, Maitama on Monday slammed N10 million cost on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and three others for fundamental rights violation.

Other respondents were former EFCC boss, Abdulrasheed Bawa, an officer with the agency, Calistus, and Fidelity Bank Plc.

Justice Peter Kekemeke, slammed the cost on the respondents when he delivered judgment in a suit filed by Mr Michael Kundera for enforcement of his fundamental rights.

Kekemeke held that the respondents violated the applicant’s fundamental rights by arresting and detaining him from May 15 to May 16, 2023, without charging him to court or releasing him on bail.

He added that a 75-year-old man should not be subjected to such treatment.

“I hereby declare that the arrest and detention of the applicant from May 15 to May 16, 2023, was unlawful and violated the applicant’s fundamental rights.

“The harassment of the applicant in a matter already decided by the court is a violation of his right, and the 1st to 3rd respondents exceeded their bounds.

“The case of the applicant succeeds, and the respondents are ordered to pay the sum of N10 million severally or jointly to the applicant for violation of his fundamental rights, ” he held.

The judge also ordered the respondents to pay the sum of N2 million as cost for the action.

Kundera through his counsel, Dr O. Orji in suit no CV/6258/23 told the court that the applicant was invited, detained, and refused administrative bail in a matter decided already by an FCT high court.

He said that the subject matter was a plot of land at the foreign affairs quarters which lawfully belonged to the applicant.

According to the applicant’s counsel, the matter is also pending at the court of appeal marked CA/ABJ/CV/533/2021 against the principle of pendente lite.

Orji told the court that the applicant was 75 years of age and did not find it funny being dragged about even when the judgment of the court was shown to the respondents.

The applicant therefore prayed for the order of the court to declare that the arrest and detention of the applicant from May 15 and May 16 was unlawful.

He added that it was unconstitutional and a gross violation of the applicant’s fundamental rights as guaranteed under sections 35 (4)(5) and 36 (1) and (5) of the 1999 constitution as amended.

“A declaration that the respondents have exceeded their bounds by their continued invitation and threats on the applicant.

“Order restraining the respondents from continued invitation, threat to re-arrest and detain the applicant.

”Payment of the sum of N500 million as exemplary or aggravated damages is unconstitutional, inexplicable, unjust, uncouth, and barbaric contravention of the applicant’s fundamental rights.” (NAN)

By Edith Nwapi

Court permits EFCC to freeze 1, 146 individuals, coys

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April 29, 2024

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Court permits EFCC to freeze 1, 146 individuals, coys

A Federal High Court, Abuja has granted an interim order sought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to freeze at least 1, 146 bank accounts belonging to individuals and companies over allegations bordering on unauthorised dealing in foreign exchange, among others.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other offences being investigated by the EFCC bordered on money laundering and terrorism financing.

Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling on the ex-parte motion moved by counsel for the anti-graft agency, Ekele Iheanacho, also granted the commission’s application to conclude the investigation within 90 days.

Justice Nwite said: “It is hereby ordered as follows:

“That the applicant’s application is hereby granted as prayed.

“That an order of this honourable court is hereby made freezing the bank accounts stated in the schedule below which accounts are owned by various individuals who are currently being investigated in a case involving the offences of unauthorised dealing in foreign exchange, money laundering and terrorism financing to the extant that the investigation will be for a period of 90 (Ninety) days.”

NAN reports that though the ruling was delivered on April 24, its certified true copy was sighted on Monday.

The EFCC, in the motion ex-parte marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/543/2024 dated and filed April 24 by Iheanacho, was heard by the judge same day in the interest of national interest.

The motion was brought pursuant to Section 44(2) and (K) of the 1999 Constitution; Section 34 of the EFCC Establishment Act 2004; Section 7(8) of the Money Laundering Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022 and under the inherent juruduxtion of the court.

The agency had sought the order freezing the bank accounts stated in the schedule attached to the motion pending the conclusion of the investigation.

Giving three grounds upon which the reliefs were sought, it said: “The bank accounts in respect of which the reliefs are sought are subject matters of investigation by the EFCC in relation to money laundering and terrorism financing.

“That preliminary investigation conducted thus far reveals that the bank accounts are linked to persons who take advantage of the virtual crypto currency exchange platforms to illegal manipulate the value of Naira and laundering proceeds of unlawful activities.

“That there is need to preserve the funds in the identified bank accounts pending the conclusion of investigation and possible prosecution.”

Justice Nwite consequently adjourned the matter until July 23 for mention.

Some of the account names mentioned in the attached schedule are Akitoye Adeyemi Ayomide with GTBank account number; 0165110025; Clyp Trading Ltd, Titan Trust Bank account number: 0000331101; Clyp Consulting Ltd, Providous account number: 9401374554; and Toyetech Platforms Ltd, Titan Trust Bank account number: 0000134962.

They also include Winx International Platforms Ltd, Titan Trust Bank account number: 0000135055; Shutterscore Trading Platforms Ltd, Access Bank account number: 1532363954; Tradecillion Trading Ltd, Stanbic IBTC account number: 0045672922; and Nsofor Donald Nmamdi, GTBank account number: 0449088666

They equally include Kora Payments Network Ltd-Operations, UBA account number: 1022242089; Renderstack Technologies Ltd, Zenith Bank account number: 1210355120; Korex Payments Ltd, Globus account number: 5000007837; and Awe Microfinance Bank Ltd, Providous account number: 5400760781; and Victor Samuel Asuquo, Opay Digital Services Ltd account number: 9020132068.

Others are Akingbade Sabit Juwon, ECONANK account number: 3442053006; Nsofor Donald Nmamdi, Union Bank account number: 0140460572; Asuquo Victor Samuel, First Bank account number: 3153199542; Oty Ugochukwu Stanley, FCMB account number: 4039304011; Oty & Sons Global Concepts, Fidelity Bank account number: 6060410145; and Pelumi Ayandoye, Wema Bank account number: 0234852277; and David George Ajala, Fidelity Bank account number: 5090680780, among others.

NAN had, on March 18, reported that Justice Nwite equally ordered Binance Holdings Limited to provide EFCC with the comprehensive data or information of all persons from Nigeria trading on its platform.

The judge granted the interim order on Feb. 29 to enable the anti-graft agency unravel the alleged money laundering and terrorism financing on Binance, a crypto currency exchange platform.

The commission had told the judge that its investigation team uncovered users who had been using the platform for price discovery, confirmation and market manipulation which had caused tremendous distortions in the market, resulting in the Naira losing its values against other currencies.

It said that from the information afforded to the team by Binance showed that the total trading volume from Nigeria in 2023 alone stood at $21.6 billion.

NAN reports that while EFCC is currently prosecuting Binance and two of its executives on alleged money laundering charge, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) is prosecuting the company on alleged tax evasion offences.(NAN)

By Taiye Agbaje

Come out of hiding – Ortom urges ex Kogi Governor, Bello

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April 29, 2024

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Come out of hiding – Ortom urges ex Kogi Governor, Bello

Former Benue Governor, Chief Samuel Ortom, has asked the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Mr Yahaya Bello, to come out of hiding and answer his case with the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).

Ortom stated this on Sunday at the Redeemed Church in Makurdi during the thanksgiving service organized by his aides to mark his 63rd birthday anniversary.

He urged Bello to come out and defend his administration adding that his continuous hiding would bring disgrace to former governors across the country.

The ex Benue governor also urged his former appointees to always come forward and give account of their stewardship when called upon saying that they could only run when they had something to hide.

“I want to use this opportunity to advise my younger brother and friend, Governor Yahaya Bello, not to disgrace former governors. You don’t need to hide, you don’t need to resist arrest or anything. Go there and respond.

“EFCC are human beings. If they are making enquiries, the laws are there. I have tried to get him on phone, I could not, I have tried those around him, I could not so I want this to be noted.

“So wherever he is, if he can hear me, thank God the press are here, he should come out,” Ortom said.

The former governor appreciated the Benue people for their support throughout his eight years tenure and for celebrating him on his birthday.

He said that being at the top for eight years was not an easy task and called on the people to always pray for their leaders.

Ortom urged Benue youths to stop insulting the elders on social media and take advantage of the internet to add value to their lives and bring development to the state.

“Do not insult the leaders or elders on social media. We all must be part of the process to bring peace so that progress, prosperity and development will come.

“The youth must take advantage of the social media to bring development to themselves and to the state.

“The whole world is in your palm, in your tablets and in your phone. Look at the essence of the internet.

“Now that you cannot go to the farms, go to the website and see what people are doing in other to be parts of the world and to add value and bring wealth to yourselves,” he said.

Ortom expressed gratitude to God for his mercies over his life and family saying he left government house a better christian and that he would continue to be and worship in the house of God.

In their remarks, the Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Michael Aondakaa, Chairman, Benue PDP, Mr John Ngbede, Sen Abba Moro, all appreciated Chief Ortom for his dogged fight for the security of the people.

They prayed God to give him more opportunities to continue to contribute to the peace and development of the state. (NAN)

By Emmanuel Antswen

Defeating Lobi Stars was for pride, says Gombe United coach

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April 29, 2024

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Defeating Lobi Stars was for pride, says Gombe United coach

Haruna Abdullahi, coach of Gombe United, says his team played for pride against Lobi Stars of Makurdi, defeating the visitors 3-2.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Gombe United staged a comeback after conceding a goal in the first minute of play.

The Match Day 32 fixture of the 2023/2024 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) was played on Sunday at the Pantami Township Stadium in Gombe.

Reacting to the match in an interview with NAN, Abdullahi said teams visiting Gombe United often underrated his team because of their position on the NPFL log, hence the need to prove them wrong.

He said his team would continue to stun any team visiting Gombe in spite of the fact that they are currently in relegation zone.

“We won to protect our integrity whether we will be relegated or not.

“The last match we played, some were of the opinion that we sold the match.

“Today, we played for the pride of the club.

“Notwithstanding being in relegation zone or not, we are team Gombe and we will continue to play for the pride of the club,” he said.

Abdullahi said although his team had some challenges, but noted that the team was good and always battle-ready to take on any team in the NPFL.

On how they defeated their visitors, he said: “It is all about determination; our players were determined to win the game for the pride of the team and they did.”

Abdullahi urged fans of the club to continue to support Gombe United, and in no distant time, the team would return to NPFL.

NAN reports that Emmanuel Michael equalised for Gombe United in the 23rd minute of play while a brace from Anayor Ogbonna in the 74th and 82nd minute respectively completed the three goals for the hosts.

Lobi Stars’ goals were scored by Christian Aniche in the first minute and Stanley Oganbor in the 90th minute. (NAN)

By Peter Uwumarogie

We’re investing in technology for transparency, accountability

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April 29, 2024

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We’re investing in technology for transparency, accountability

President Bola Tinubu says his administration is investing in technology tailored towards ensuring transparency and accountability in government.

Tinubu said this would also accelerate public-sector performance and service delivery to the Nigerian people.

He stated this during a meeting with Microsoft Founder and Philanthropist, Mr Bill Gates, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Special Meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday.

The President said technology was a potent weapon against corruption and financial impropriety in public service.

He expressed his unwavering commitment to delivering reliable technology that would support a national consumer credit system and other new critical government interventions for Nigerians.

The President said resistance was often expected when efforts were made to strengthen systems and forestall malfeasance.

“Technology is the enemy of fraud, corruption, and irregularity. We have been working hard on improving technology.

“There is always the initial resistance. Corruption, self-interest, and fraudulent activity will always be an enemy, but when you bend that curve, you will receive the benefit,” Tinubu said.

Recounting how he deployed technology to enhance the revenue base of Lagos State as governor, Tinubu said he ensured the collection and utilisation of essential data, creating an efficient tax system for the state.

“When I was governor of Lagos State, I faced challenges. I started with N600 million and ended up with over N8 billion. And right now, they are targeting a trillion Naira with the use of technology in the state.

“There is no other shortcut. We must invest in technology. We must focus, be diligent, and work hard,” the President said.

In his remarks, Gates informed the President of a one-identity technological platform that could integrate variegated data, while explaining the centrality of data harmonisation to planning, security and tax efficiency.

“We are working with Mr Wale Edun, the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, on digitisation.

“Before you came into office, there were a few things attempted in identity management. But they have been very scattered. There have been multiple identification systems.

“Now, there is a plan to take that technology called MOSIP and use it for this identification platform so that people can get digital benefits.

“We are providing support for that, and we can provide more support,” he said.

According to him, MOSIP ID helps with payment efficiency and bank accounts, and eventually, when everyone is using that, it makes tax collection easier.

“That benefit will take a few years. However, there will be more bank accounts, more financial inclusion, and effective government payment programmes,” he said.

Gates believes that Nigeria has the capacity to manage this system and related-technological systems as the nation brims with talented youths.

“The last time I went to the Microsoft office in Lagos, I saw the amazing work that they were doing and how they were growing their operations.

“So, you have a lot of Nigerian talents to manage these systems,” he said.

The businessman also spoke about some high-yield seeds and a variety of crops with the potential for improved productivity and nutrition in all regions of the country.

He said countries like the United States and Brazil had been using these seeds and that they had been tested and certified as safe.

“There is no safety issue with these seeds. Supporting the Minister of Agriculture’s effort in this regard is something that we feel is important and worth supporting,” Gates added. (NAN)

By Ismail Abdulaziz