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Kidnappers of UNIABUJA lecturers to be arraigned May 13

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Kidnappers of UNIABUJA lecturers to be arraigned May 13

A Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled May 13 for the arraignment of four suspects arrested in connection with the abduction of the University of Abuja lecturers and their children in 2021.

Gunmen, on November 2, 2021, invaded the Senior Staff Quarters of the University of Abuja at the Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and abducted no fewer than six lecturers.

The gunmen numbering over 20 were said to have shot their way into the compound and whisked away their victims.

The kidnapped victims were Bassey Ubom (including his son and daughter), Prof Joseph Adavani; Dr Ferguson Tobins; Mohammed Sambo; Offiong Ubom; John Obansa and Fidelis Obansa

The kidnappers’ arraignment, which was slated for Monday, could not hold because the court was on vacation.

The matter, which is before Justice Donatus Okorowo, was adjourned till May 13.

The defendants in the matter are Adamu Abubakar; Nura Muhammed Ahmadu; Ismailia Abubakar and Abdulrahman Ado, also known as Yellow.

The Federal Government, through the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, preferred two charges of terrorism against the defendants.

The defendants and others at large were accused of conspiring among themselves to take Profe Joseph Adavani; Dr Ferguson Tobins; Mohammed Sambo; Offiong Ubom; John Obansa and Fidelis Obansa from their homes at the University of Abuja Staff Quarters, Giri, Gwagwalada Area Council, Abuja and took them into captivity in the coercive environment of the forest for three days and demanded ransom of N300m for their release.

They were said to have committed an offence contrary to Section 17 of the Terrorism (Prevention)(Amendment) Act 2013.

The other count read, “That you Adamu Abubakar, male, adult of Adamu Fulani House, behind Abattoir, Gwagwalada Area Council, FCT, Abuja; Nura Muhammed Ahmadu, male, adult of No. 3 Alhaji Rabiu Shop, Minna Main Market, Minna, Niger State; Ismailia Abubakar, male, adult of Adavi Village, Obajana LGA, Kogi State; Abdulrahman Ado (a.k.a YELLOW), male, adult of Dikko, along Kaduna Road, and others now at large on or about November 2, 2021, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court knowingly took hostage of Professor Joseph Sumaila Adavani; Dr Ferguson Tobins; Mohammed Sambo; Offiong Bassey Ubom; John Obansa and Fidelis Obansa from their homes at the University of Abuja Staff Quarters, Giri, Gwagwalada Area Council, Abuja and took them into captivity in the coercive environment of the forest for three days and demanded a ransom of N300m for their release.

“You thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15 of the Terrorism (Prevention)(Amendment) Act 2013.”

APGA faults LP aspirant’s assessment of Soludo

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APGA faults LP aspirant’s assessment of Soludo

The All Progressives Grand Alliance has faulted a chieftain of the Labour Party, Val Ozigbo, over his comments that the performance of Anambra State governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, after two years in office, is “not impressive.”

Ozigbo, who was the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party during the 2021 Anambra governorship election, now a chieftain of the Labour Party and is also eyeing the governorship seat under LP, stated during an interactive session with journalists over the weekend that he was not impressed over Soludo’s performance, hence he has decided to contest the 2025 governorship election in the state.

He said, “We have seen the leadership of Soludo in two years, and some of you may be impressed, but I am not. After the last election in 2021, I called and wished him well and moved on, and we have never spoken again. My decision was to assess him after two years, and having seen it, I am not impressed, and I want to start holding him accountable.

“I am here to share my thoughts with you, what I think, and no matter how you see what he (Soludo) is doing, you will be more proud when I mount the saddle.

“We need to change the narrative and look for a way to survive. We must fight to rescue Anambra. I am a non-transactional politician. I have several things I can do, but my worry is how we can recover the state and put her on the path of development.

“Zoning is a good thing. But it must be combined with competence to make sense. Don’t pick a renegade just because he is from a certain zone, and don’t pick the best, when you know you can pick one that is better.”

Ozigbo said further, “I respect zoning, and I will be making a case for a single term of four years. Anyone who sees what Alex Otti is doing in Abia State will know that four years is enough time to do a lot of work.

“I will honour that principle of zoning, and I will not need anyone’s push or prompting to do otherwise. I will be ready to do an agreement and do an undertaking that I will do just one term. I also wish to tell you that Peter Obi has been consistent that a southerner who emerges will only do one term.

“It is a settled matter that I intend to run for just one term. I intend to keep faith with the agreement.”

But reacting to the development in a telephone interview with our correspondent on Monday, APGA’s spokesman, Tony Olisa-Mbeki, dismissed Ozigbo’s utterances, insisting he has nothing to offer people of the state..

Olisa-Mbeki said, “He is a political stooge. What could he possibly bring in? Last I checked, he only managed Transcorp Hotel. Is that a qualification to be a governor in Anambra State? Soludo runs an inclusive government in Anambra; that is why he holds town hall meetings with different sectors. What other approach to governance is Ozigbo talking about?

“Anambra State governance is not for learners like Ozigbo. Ozigbo can’t even give a good lecture; he would be better suited working as a PA to any governor. Ozigbo’s aspirations in the previous gubernatorial contest in Anambra found him trailing in third place under the banner of the PDP, despite the staunch endorsement from former APGA governor, Peter Obi.

“That alone should tell him that APGA is like an apostle’s creed to Ndi Anambra. However, what reforms could Ozigbo propose? Anambra State, under Governor Soludo’s leadership, is a testament to political and socio-economic ingenuity.”

Macron says IS behind Russia attack

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Macron says IS behind Russia attack

France President, Emmanuel Macron, on Monday, said France has information that Islamic State (IS) carried out Friday’s attack in a Moscow concert hall, warning Russia against exploiting the attack by blaming it on Ukraine.

France has intelligence that “it was an entity of Islamic State that planned the attack and carried it out,” Macron told reporters after arriving on a trip to the French South American region of French Guiana.

He added that “this particular group made several attempts (at attacks) on our own soil.”

Macron however warned Russia against any “exploitation” of the attack, saying it would be “cynical and counterproductive for Russia to use this context to try and turn it against Ukraine”.

IS has claimed responsibility for the Friday evening attack in Moscow in which 137 people were killed.

But Moscow has refused to comment on the claim, with security services and President Vladimir Putin suggesting the perpetrators might have been linked to its adversary Kyiv.

Macron said Paris had offered Russian security services “increased cooperation” – adding that there would be contact on a “technical and ministerial level” rather than direct talks with Putin.

The French leader has not spoken with Putin since trying in a series of phone calls in 2022 to talk him down from his invasion of Ukraine.

“We’ll see how the context evolves and whether the coming days or weeks justify” a personal conversation, Macron said.

Meanwhile, Russia on Monday ordered four men accused of killing at least 137 people in a massacre at a Moscow concert hall to be held in custody on “terror” charges, with the death toll expected to climb as more than 100 people were hospitalised.

AFP

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NSA confirms Binance executive’s escape from custody

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NSA confirms Binance executive’s escape from custody

The Office of the National Security Adviser has confirmed that the detained Binance executive, Nadeem Anjarwalla, escaped from custody.

The ONSA on Monday said Anjarwalla, who was a suspect in the probe into the activities of Binance, escaped on Friday.

Earlier, According Online quoted Premium Times as reporting that Anjarwalla escaped from custody on Friday.

Confirming the development in a statement the Head, Strategic Communication, ONSA, Zakari Mijinyawa, said a preliminary investigation showed that Anjarwalla fled Nigeria using a smuggled passport.

He noted that efforts were ongoing to arrest the suspect.

The statement read, “The Office of the National Security Adviser confirms that Nadeem ANJARWALLA, a suspect in the ongoing criminal probe into the activities of Binance in Nigeria has escaped from lawful custody on Friday, March 22, 2024.

“Upon receiving this report, this office took immediate steps, in conjunction with relevant security agencies, MDAs, as well as the international community, to apprehend the suspect. Security agencies are working with Interpol for an international arrest warrant on the suspect.

“Preliminary investigation shows that Mr Anjarwalla fled Nigeria using a smuggled passport. ”

Mijinyawa noted that those responsible for the custody of Anjarwalla had been arrested.

He noted that the investigation was ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding his escape.

“The personnel responsible for the custody of the suspect have been arrested, and a thorough investigation is ongoing to unravel the circumstances that led to his escape from lawful detention.

“Recall that the Federal Government of Nigeria, like other governments around the world, has been investigating money laundering and terrorism financing transactions perpetrated on the Binance currency exchange platform.

“Until his escape, Nadeem Anjarwalla, who holds British and Kenyan nationalities and serving as Binance’s Africa regional manager, was being tried by Nigerian courts. The suspect escaped while under a 14-day remand order by a court in Nigeria. He was scheduled to appear before the court again on 4 April 2024” the statement added.

He urged Nigerians and the international community to help with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspect.

Mijinyawa said, “We urge the Nigerian public and the international community to provide whatever information they have that can assist law enforcement agencies to apprehend the suspect.”

Financial Times had on February 28 reported that two executives of the company were arrested and detained after they flew into the country as a result of a ban on their website.

On March 12, 2024, the FT reported that the EFCC asked Binance to share data on its 100 top users in Nigeria as well as all transaction history for the past six months.

According to the report, the request is at the centre of negotiations between Binance and Nigeria.

Edo CJ reviews panel probing Shaibu, replaces two members

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Edo CJ reviews panel probing Shaibu, replaces two members

The Edo State Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, has reviewed the panel constituted to investigate the allegations levelled against the state deputy governor, Philip Shaibu.

This is part of the processes initiated by the assembly to impeach the deputy governor.

In the new list made available to According Online in a letter signed by the court’s chief registrar, B.O Osawaru, two members Prof Violet Aigbokhaebo and Prof Boniface Edegbai, were dropped on Monday.

The list was earlier released on Friday, and with the review, the panel is expected to begin sitting in the coming days.

The panel will still be chaired by Hon. Justice S.A. Omonua (retd.).

Other members are Prof Theresa Akpoghome, Oghogho Oviasu, Dr. Andrew Oliha, Idris Abdulkareen, President Aigbokhian, and Mariam Ilavbare.

The letter reads, “This is to bring to the notice of the general public that in line with Section 188(5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the Honourable the Chief Judge of Edo State, Honourable Justice D.I. Okungbowa has constituted the panel of seven persons to investigate the allegations contained in the impeachment notice against the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu.

“This is sequel to the resolution of the Edo State House of Assembly on the 19th March 2024, which was sent to The Honourable the Chief Judge of Edo State.

“The said panel of seven persons is comprised of the following persons: Hon. Justice S.A. Omonua (retd.) – Chairman, Professor Theresa Akpoghome (member), Oghogho Ayodele Oviasu (member), Dr. Andrew Oliha Member, Idris Abdulkareen (member), President Aigbokhian (member), and Mariam Erakhoba Ilavbare (member).”

Our executive, Anjarwalla no longer in Nigerian custody

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Our executive, Anjarwalla no longer in Nigerian custody

Binance, the global cryptocurrency exchange, has confirmed that its executive, Nadeem Anjarwalla, is no longer in Nigerian custody.

The spokesperson for Binance, Samantha Fuller, disclosed this information to According Online via email on Monday.

The crypto exchange said its concern continues to be the safety and well-being of its employees, and it is actively collaborating with Nigerian authorities to swiftly resolve the matter.

“We were made aware that Nadeem is no longer in Nigerian custody. Our primary focus remains on the safety of our employees, and we are working collaboratively with Nigerian authorities to quickly resolve this issue,” said Fuller.

However, the spokesperson did not provide details on how the executive left Nigerian custody.

According Online reported that the 38-year-old British-Kenyan citizen fled on March 22 from the Abuja guest house where he and his colleague were being held.

The detention of Anjarwalla and his colleague, Tigran Gambaryan, unfolded after they arrived in Nigeria on February 26, 2024.

Gambaryan, a U.S. citizen overseeing financial crime compliance at Binance, and Anjarwalla, hailing from a British-Kenyan background and serving as Binance’s Africa regional manager, encountered detainment upon their arrival in Nigeria on February 26.

The circumstances surrounding Anjarwalla’s escape remain unclear, as he allegedly took advantage of a visit to a nearby mosque for prayers during Ramadan to evade authorities.

Despite his British passport being in Nigerian custody upon entry, Anjarwalla reportedly fled using a Kenyan passport, raising questions about how he obtained it while in custody.

Earlier, According Online reached out to JNPR, the public relations agency that works for Binance executives, for confirmation on the matter.

The communications consultant at JNPR, Jessica Gois, stated, “I am currently seeking feedback from my clients. Unfortunately, I can’t share any information at the moment. As soon as I receive any updates, I will let you know.”

Authorities are now scrambling to ascertain Anjarwalla’s whereabouts and the specifics of his escape, with investigations underway to determine his intended destination.

Last week, the families of the executives said they would remain in detention for at least two more weeks in Nigeria.

The duo appeared in court for the first time on Wednesday, even though they were not charged with a crime.

This detention follows Nigeria’s recent crackdown on various cryptocurrency trading platforms.

On March 8, the exchange announced its decision to cease its naira-to-dollar exchange services in Nigeria due to a dispute with Nigerian authorities, who accused the platform of manipulating the country’s foreign exchange rate.

The Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Yemi Cardoso, said that over $26bn in illicit funds had transited through the platform in the previous year.

NiMet partners firm to train TV weather presenters

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NiMet partners firm to train TV weather presenters

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency said it is partnering with an American-based weather content firm, HellerWeather, to train the agency’s television weather presenters in communication skills.

This development is coming barely two months after the agency promised to improve its service delivery.

The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet and the permanent representative of Nigeria with the World Meteorological Organisation, Charles Anosike disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday.

The training programme is said to last for a year.

According to the statement, the agency making plans to present its daily weather forecasts on national television.

The statement reads, “The 12-month training is to improve the communication skills of the agency’s weather presenters. We are currently signing up national television stations to start airing our 1-minute daily weather forecasts to complement what we are already doing across our social media platforms.

“With the training, the presenters will be able to establish a stronger connection with the audience in weather reporting and meteorology broadcasting by efficiently delivering weather forecasts that are informative, engaging, and reliable.”

A staff of the agency who is also a weather presenter, Wasiu Ibrahim, thanked the new management for prioritising staff training.

Ibrahim stated, “The training will help the weather presenters to improve their on-camera presence, and overall effectiveness in delivering weather information to the public. NiMet is keen on refining our presentation skills, including tone, pace, and body language, to captivate and retain our audience’s attention. Also, to reinvigorate NiMet’s weather coverage on-air, online, and on social media.”

The course modules include fundamentals of effective weather communication, forecasting the weather, producing the weather, and delivering the weather.

The training will be delivered by Tim Heller, an American Meteorological Society, Certified Broadcast Meteorologist, Talent Coach, and Weather Content Consultant, according to the statement.

Tinubu presides over FEC meeting

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Tinubu presides over FEC meeting

President Bola Tinubu is currently presiding over the Federal Executive Council meeting at the Aso Chamber of the State House, Abuja.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; Head of Service, Dr Folashade Yemi Esan and at least 45 ministers are seated for the 10th FEC meeting of the administration.

At today’s meeting, the council will consider a memorandum for the approval of the “revamping of the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund,” According Online observed.

This came as the SGF, before the President’s arrival, drew the attention of council members to a change in item #3 on the agenda which was replaced by ‘Approval for the revamping of the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund.’

Tinubu inaugurated the FEC on August 28, 2023, officially moving meetings from the customary Wednesdays to Mondays.

Article 144 (5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) recognises the “Executive Council of the Federation” (the Federal Executive Council) as the “body of Ministers of the Government of the Federation, howsoever called, established by the President and charged with such responsibilities for the functions of government as the President may direct.”

The council’s purpose is to formulate policies, execute government projects, and, more broadly, aid the President in discharging his executive functions.

Domiciled in the Cabinet Affairs Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the council primarily comprises the President, Vice President, and the appointed ministers.

As Article 148 (2) of the Constitution states, the President is required to seek advice or act on the recommendations of other constitutionally mandated advisory bodies such as the Council of State, the National Security Council, and the Nigeria Police Council, among others, each of which meets occasionally to offer such advice and recommendations.

According to the CAO, “the FEC meets weekly to discuss scheduled items and take decisions.”

However, the Tinubu-led cabinet has only met 10 times within the past 31 weeks of its inauguration.

On October 16, 2023, the Information Minister, Mohammed Idris, explained that the council will meet only when there are memoranda to consider.

“The President has approved that Federal Executive Council meeting will now be happening on Mondays as against the traditional Wednesdays that we are used to.

“So FEC meetings have been moved to Mondays. Of course that does not mean that it has to happen every week.

“If there are no issues to discuss, it will be skipped to the next week,” Idris had explained.

Group faults APC elders over Aiyedatiwa’s endorsement

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Group faults APC elders over Aiyedatiwa’s endorsement

A group within the Ondo State All Progressives Congress, the Ondo Progressive Front, had rejected the party elders’ decision to screen Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and two other governorship aspirants for endorsement.

According Online reports the APC elders also known as Ondo APC Aborigines last Thursday said they had penned down three out of the over 15 governorship aspirants of the party to support ahead of the party primary coming up on April 25, 2024.

Aiyedatiwa is one of the three aspirants chosen by the committee set up by the group. The leader of the group and former Nigerian Ambassador to Togo, Sola Iji, said one of the three chosen aspirants would be announced on Tuesday.

However, condemning the action of the elders, the  Ondo Progressive Front, in a statement made available to our correspondent on Monday by its Coordinator and former member of the House of Representatives, Mr Afe Olowookere, said members of the APC Aborigines were biased in their selection, saying some of them had earlier declared support for Aiyedatiwa openly.

Olowookere also blamed the elders for identifying themselves as aborigines of the APC as he insisted that the party was owned by all members and not a few elders.

He said, “Recently, a group of individuals emerged in the Ondo state chapter of the APC and called themselves ‘the Aborigines’ of the party in the state. We recognise the fact that it is a normal development to have tendencies within a large political organisation. But we find it worrisome to see a few individuals arrogating to themselves the absolute right of ownership of the APC in the state.

“Members of this group, in their self-conceitedness, have decided to impose a governorship candidate on the APC in Ondo State even before the conduct of the party’s shadow election which has been slated for April 25, 2024. Media reports said they had set up a committee to screen aspirants for the ticket of the party and that the committee had shortlisted three among the contenders. The reports added that the group would make its report public and announce its preferred aspirant this week.

“What gave rise to this intervention is the gusto with which members of this divisive group advertise their ‘aboriginal’ right and the putrid smell of discrimination in their language and disposition. We see it as an insult to the sensibilities of other members of the APC in Ondo State for members of this group to claim membership superiority arrogantly. If we may ask, what exactly does the group mean by the ‘APC aborigines?’ It needs to explain its concept of the term,” he said.

Olowookere also called on the leadership of the party to warn the elders’ group not to cause division in the party, saying they were being selfish in their choice of aspirants.

“The APC national leadership and the people of Ondo State should beware of their antics. Their selfish choice cannot be imposed on all of us, “he declared.

Alves pays bail, can leave Spanish jail

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Alves pays bail, can leave Spanish jail

Former Brazil international footballer, Dani Alves, convicted of rape in Spain in February, has paid his bail of one million euros and can leave jail pending his appeal, a court said Monday.

“We hereby inform you that the deposit of Daniel Alves’ bail has been registered in the accounts of the 21st section of the Barcelona Court,” said a statement.

Alves is to be released from jail pending an appeal against his rape conviction in exchange for posting bail of one million euros ($1.08 million), a Barcelona court said last Wednesday.

A Spanish court on February 22 found the ex-Barcelona star, Alves guilty of raping a woman in a Barcelona nightclub, BBC reported.

Details later

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