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Sanwo-Olu, Kogi gov mourn Olubadan

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Sanwo-Olu, Kogi gov mourn Olubadan

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu; and his Kogi State counterpart, Ahmed Ododo, have commiserated with the  Oyo State Government over the passing of the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun.

The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, announced the monarch’s death in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, on Thursday.

He said the monarch died at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.

His remains will be interred according to Islamic rites today, Friday, March 15, 2024, at his Aliiwo ancestral home in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

Sanwo-Olu in a condolence message issued by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, on Friday, described Oba Balogun’s death as a great loss to the people of Ibadan and the traditional institution in Oyo State.

He wrote, “On behalf of the government and people of Lagos, I commiserate with my brother, the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, the people of the ancient city of Ibadan, the traditional council, the deceased family, friends and political associates on the transition of the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, who joined his forebears on Thursday.

“The passing of Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun, is an end to a glorious era and remarkable reign of an outstanding traditional ruler in Oyo State, Yorubaland. His death is a great loss to the people of Ibadan and he will be greatly missed.

“Oba Balogun made lots of positive impact during his lifetime, contributing meaningfully to the growth and development of Ibadan, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.

“I pray that Almighty God be pleased with the soul of the late monarch and grant the royal family and the people of Ibadan the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

Also, Ododo, in a condolence message signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah, also expressed shock over the death of the late Olubadan whom he noted celebrated his second anniversary on the throne during the week.

“The late Olubadan was a progressive traditional ruler whose reign within a period of two years brought about the sustenance of peace and stability in Ibadan land and the Oyo State Traditional Council in general,” Ododo noted.

The governor prayed for the peaceful repose of the soul of the late Olubadan and for the almighty Allah to grant his family and the entire people of Ibadan land the fortitude to deal with the passing of the late monarch.

President Bola Tinubu had earlier expressed his condolences over the death of the monarch.

The Olubadan-in-Council, on Friday, said there was no specific date yet for the coronation of the new Olubadan of Ibadanland.

The Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, is expected to be crowned as the next Olubadan subject to the approval of the state governor.

Ensure transparent use of AI, NCC urges developers

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Ensure transparent use of AI, NCC urges developers

The Nigerian Communications Commission has tasked Artificial Intelligence developers to be transparent about the data, algorithms and models used in systems for fair and responsible deployment of AI to address challenges facing the country.

The commission also called on AI organisations to handle personal data responsibly, following strict privacy regulations, stressing that consumers should understand how AI systems work and have a way to address issues or biases.

The NCC Executive Vice Chairman, Dr Aminu Maida, made the call at the headquarters of the commission in Abuja on Friday while delivering his keynote address at an event held in commemoration of the World Consumer Rights’ Day themed “Fair and Responsible Artificial Intelligence for the Consumer“.

World Consumer Rights Day is observed annually on March 15 to raise awareness about consumer rights and advocate for fair treatment and protection of consumers worldwide.

It serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to protect and empower consumers in an ever-evolving marketplace.

The history of World Consumer Rights Day dates back to 1962 with the introduction of four basic consumer rights by President John F. Kennedy in his speech to the US Congress. These rights included the right to safety, the right to be informed, the right to choose, and the right to be heard.

Since its introduction in 1983 by Consumers International, World Consumer Rights Day has catalysed global action on pressing consumer issues utilising this annual occasion to mobilise efforts to address critical consumer concerns in Nigeria.

Represented by the Executive Commissioner- Designate, Technical Services, Abraham Oshadami, the NCC boss noted that the adoption of Fifth Generation Technology in Nigeria has increased the deployment of AI in various sectors and therefore called for ethical adoption of the innovation.

He said it has also become necessary for consumers of any products/services in the society to be treated fairly with the perversive deployment of Artificial Intelligence, especially in healthcare, financial, and transportation services.

According to him, the use of AI should be done within the ambit of the laws, with respect for citizens’ privacy and rights, transparency and accountability, and without biases.

The NCC boss, assuring of the commission’s alignment with the global trend said, “Artificial Intelligence is a phenomenon that has captured the imagination of scientists, engineers, and thinkers for decades. It represents the culmination of human innovation and the quest to create machines that can mimic human intelligence and problem-solving capabilities.

“AI has already made significant inroads into our lives. From voice assistants that respond to our commands to recommendation algorithms that suggest what we should watch, read, or buy, AI is all around us.

“To this effect, AI Developers need to be transparent about the data, algorithms, and models used in AI systems. This ensures that decisions made by AI can be explained and mistakes can be fixed to ensure everyone is treated fairly, regardless of their background. This helps prevent biased decisions or discrimination thereby promoting inclusivity and equality.

“Protecting citizens’ privacy is extremely important when using AI. Organizations should handle personal data responsibly, following strict privacy regulations. Respecting privacy builds trust in AI systems. Responsible AI requires mechanisms for holding systems accountable and explaining their decisions. Consumers should understand how AI systems work and have a way to address issues or biases.”

He further urged AI developers in Nigeria to be transparent about the data, billing systems in services, and models used in AI systems.

“This ensures that decisions made by AI can be explained and mistakes can be fixed to ensure everyone is treated fairly, regardless of their background. This helps prevent biased decisions or discrimination thereby promoting inclusivity and equality,” Maida added.

The highlight of the event was a roadshow showcasing the rights of consumers to good and durable telecommunications services.

Tracing Russian leader’s 25-year reign

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Tracing Russian leader's 25-year reign

The voting process in Russia is ongoing, with incumbent President Vladimir Putin widely anticipated to secure his fifth term as the country’s leader.

Putin is running as an independent candidate.

According to Al Jazeera, other candidates are perceived as “figureheads” and included in the process solely to show Putin’s popularity.

The three-day voting started on Friday, March 15, 2024.

However, based on the 2020 constitutional amendment that invalidated his previous terms, the upcoming March 15–17 election will be considered his first one.

112 million people aged 18 and above in Russia are eligible to vote.

People in annexed Crimea and occupied parts of Ukraine will also vote.

Putin has served four terms.

If he wins, the 71-year-old is anticipated to hold power for an additional six years, courtesy of the 2020 constitutional amendment.

Putin, born on October 7, 1952 in Leningrad, Russia, is a Russian intelligence officer and politician.

He held the position of President of Russia from 1999 to 2008 and again from 2012 onwards.

Additionally, he has also served as the country’s prime minister in 1999 and from 2008 to 2012.

Below is a timeline of Putin’s 25 years as a leader of the Eastern Europe federation:

  • Putin has an extensive background in foreign intelligence, having spent 15 years working for the KGB (Committee for State Security).
  • Shortly after, Putin began working as an advisor to Anatoly Sobchak, who was the first democratically elected mayor of St. Petersburg.
  • By 1994, he had ascended to the position of first deputy mayor.
  • In 1996, Putin relocated to Moscow and became a part of the presidential staff, serving as the deputy to Pavel Borodin, the chief administrator of the Kremlin (The Kremlin is a fortified complex located in Moscow, Russia. It serves as the official residence and workplace of the President of Russia. It is located at the heart of Russian political power and government).
  • In July 1998, President Boris Yeltsin appointed Putin as the director of the Federal Security Service
  • Shortly after, Putin assumed the role of secretary of the influential Security Council.
  • Yeltsin, in his quest for a successor to carry on his legacy, selected Putin as prime minister in 1999.

As reported by Voice of America, Yeltsin said in a televised speech on August 9, 1999, “I have decided to now name the person who is, in my opinion, able to consolidate society and, drawing support from the broadest political forces, to ensure the continuation of reforms in Russia.

“He will be able to unite around himself those who are to renew Great Russia in the new 21st century.”

  • According to Britannica, Putin’s public approval ratings experienced a significant boost when he successfully executed a highly organised military operation against secessionist rebels in Chechnya, despite his previous lack of recognition.
  • Tired of Yeltsin’s unpredictable actions, the Russian public admired Putin’s calmness and resolute nature in challenging situations, as per Britannica.
  • Putin’s backing of the new electoral bloc, Unity, played a crucial role in securing its triumph in the December parliamentary elections.
  • Yeltsin made the unexpected decision to step down on December 31, 1999, appointing Putin as the acting president.
  • Putin secured a decisive victory in the March 2000 elections, garnering approximately 53 per cent of the vote.
  • Putin was reelected in March 2004 after overseeing an economy that experienced growth following a prolonged recession in the 1990s.
  • In the December 2007 parliamentary elections, United Russia, Putin’s party, secured a significant majority of seats.
  • In 2008, Putin selected Dmitry Medvedev as his successor due to a constitutional provision that required him to step down.
  • Shortly after Medvedev’s victory in the March 2008 presidential election, Putin announced that he would be assuming the role of chairman of the United Russia party.
  • As anticipated, Medvedev wasted no time in nominating Putin as the country’s Prime Minister shortly after assuming office on May 7, 2008. The appointment was confirmed by Russia’s parliament the next day.
  • In September 2011, Medvedev announced that he and Putin would switch positions.
  • This decision put an end to speculation about Medvedev running for a second term.
  • On March 4, 2012, Putin was elected to a third term as Russia’s president.
  • Prior to his inauguration, Putin stepped down as United Russia chairman, transferring control of the party to Medvedev.
  • On May 7, 2012, he took office as president and nominated Medvedev as Prime Minister.
  • On March 18, 2018, Putin secured a significant majority of the vote in an election that marked the beginning of his fourth term.
  • In January 2020, Putin announced his intention to bring about modifications that would eliminate term limits for presidents.
  • Medvedev promptly resigned as prime minister.
  • Putin signed the law that could extend his time in office until 2036, allowing him to run for the presidency twice more in his lifetime.
  • According to The Guardian UK, officially, the new law limits Russian citizens to two presidential terms in their lifetime.
  • It also outlawed the shuffling between the presidency and the role of prime minister that Putin employed earlier in his career.
  • However, according to the law, terms served before it entered into force are not counted. This means that Putin’s previous four terms, including the current one, are not considered, allowing him to potentially serve two more terms.
  • If he holds onto power until 2036, his time in office will exceed even that of Joseph Stalin, who governed the Soviet Union for 29 years.
  • This would make Putin the longest-serving leader in Moscow since the days of the Russian empire.

Man arrested posing as woman in Kano varsity female hostel

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Man arrested posing as woman in Kano varsity female hostel

Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Kano State have arrested one Muhammad Munzali of Kaura Gidan Damo, Shanono Local Government Area of the state.

The NSCDC operatives were attached to the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Department in the state.

The arrest of the suspect was confirmed in a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, Ibrahim Abdullahi, a copy of which was made available to According Online on Friday.

The suspect was apprehended around 10pm on Wednesday night by vigilant officers of the corps while sneaking into the female hostel of Skyline University Nigeria, situated along Sardauna Crescent, Nassarawa GRA, Kano State.

“The suspect was said to have disguised and dressed in women’s garb and was found with local charms around his body,” the PRO said.

According to Abdullahi, investigation is still ongoing to unravel the motive for his intrusion into the private university’s women’s hostel.

“The State Commandant, NSCDC Kano Command, Mohammed Falala, had recently, in a strategic meeting with management, charged officers and men of the command to be extra vigilant.

“He had stressed the need to intensify surveillance in and around public and private educational institutions in the state to safeguard them against criminally-minded elements,” the statement said.

An unidentified man, who disguised and sneaked into a female hostel of the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, was caught and stripped by students in 2021, According Online reported.

Kogi faults EFCC, says no money missing

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Kogi faults EFCC, says no money missing

The Kogi State Government has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to come clean on its prosecution of the immediate past governor of the state, Yahaya Bello, insisting that the funds of the state are not missing.

The anti-graft agency on Thursday named Bello in an amended charge filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja.

The commission is accusing the former governor, alongside his nephew and current Chief of Staff, Alli Bello, and one Dauda Sulaiman of diverting N100 billion belonging to the state in September 2015.

Reacting to the charge in a statement on Friday, the state Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, described the amended charges as the handwork of some “political actors around the presidency” who are determined to tarnish the image of the former governor.

“We believe that this ignoble agenda is unknown to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who trusted those people with power with the hope that they will use it judiciously for the greatness of our nation. Unfortunately, they have decided to use the privileges given to them as tools for political vendetta

“The amended charges in which the name of the former governor was mentioned are false, frivolous, fictitious and far from the truth. They are cooked-up charges that signpost their desperation to call a dog a bad name in order to hang it. The intention was to sensationalise the whole scenario and promote a media war against the former governor and other officials of government.

“We have seen how low EFCC and its paymasters can go in order to pander to the political agenda of those afraid of the rising profile of Alh. Yahaya Bello,” the statement read in part.

The state government, meanwhile, called on President Bola Tinubu to order a special probe into the commission’s activities in the state, maintaining that the state believes in transparency, accountability and probity in line with the trend from 2016.

Secondary school funding withdrawal threatens education sector- NUT

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Secondary school funding withdrawal threatens education sector- NUT

The Nigeria Union of Teachers has raised the alarm over the Federal Government’s plan to stop funding the National Senior Secondary Education Commission.

The NUT said withdrawing the fund would pose a huge threat to the education sector.

The NUT Secretary-General, Dr Mike Ike-Ene, made this known at a press briefing on Wednesday in Abuja.

He said, “The withdrawal will pose a huge threat to the education sector.

“Education stands as a cornerstone for national development. In Nigeria, NSSEC plays a pivotal role in shaping the secondary education space.

“The NSSEC, being a creation of the National Assembly, must be funded by the Federal Government. We want the NASS to intervene and prevent the NSSEC from being financially strangled.

“NSSEC is a legal entity created by an Act of the National Assembly of Nigeria which makes it imperative to be funded by the Federal Government.

“There is no executive power or office that can abrogate the existence of an Act of NASS without first of all returning to it for legislative proceedings.”

He expressed fears of dire consequences for Nigeria’s educational system if the funding was halted, pointing out that federal funding was crucial for educational standards, teachers’ training and updating of curricula.

He said, “Without federal support, the NSSEC may struggle to bridge educational disparities between states, leading to a decline in the quality of education.

He also spoke of challenges in the areas of infrastructure development, teacher motivation, curriculum development, educational research and innovation.

Ike-Ene called for careful consideration of the implications of excluding the NSSEC from federal funding, urging policymakers to prioritise the nation’s educational development and future stability.

“As Nigeria navigates through her educational course, diligent discrete consideration of the implications of such decisions is compelling.

“This is to ensure that the nation’s educational space is sustained, stabilised, reinforced, made robust, equitable and conducive for national building and in furtherance of the Renewed Hope of the Federal Government.”

In 2023, the Executive Secretary National Senior Secondary Education Commission appealed to the Federal Government to include the NSSEC Gazette Act 23, (two per cent consolidated revenue fund) in the 2024 Budget.

The commission said the two percent consolidated revenue fund was to enable access to the funds required for the repositioning of senior secondary education in the country.

NAN

FG begins distribution of 42,000MT of grains in Northwest

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FG begins distribution of 42,000MT of grains in Northwest

The Federal Government, on Wednesday, said it had started distributing 42,000 metric tons of assorted grains as part of its relief package to Nigerians.

The announcement comes nearly two weeks after the Presidency revealed that the grains were being bagged for distribution.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, said, “Distribution has commenced” when he briefed State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council meeting at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja on Wednesday.

As a temporal response to the nation’s growing food crisis and the rising price of commodities, President Bola Tinubu, on February 8, ordered the immediate release of 102,000 metric tons of various grain types from the Strategic Reserve and the Rice Millers Association of Nigeria.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, revealed this to State House correspondents after the final leg of a three-day meeting of the Special Presidential Committee on Emergency Food Intervention at the Villa.

Deliberations began in earnest after angry youths and women took to the streets of Minna, the Niger State capital and Kano to protest what they described as the rising cost of living in the country.

Similar protests also erupted in Ondo State.

Giving updates on Wednesday, Kyari, who said he could not provide details of his office’s activities with regard to distribution for security reasons, said he was working with the Office of the National Security Adviser and other security outfits to address the risk of transportation to prevent pillage en route.

“We are distributing to state capitals in the first instance as you all are aware of the risk involved in the vandalisation of foodstuff, so we are working with the office of the National Security Adviser and other national security agencies.

“Distribution has commenced however, I will not want to comment on the security aspect of the distribution.

“I can assure you that we have started distributing in the northwestern states, and we are distributing out of seven points,” he said.

Kyari also promised to implement a robust distribution mechanism for the 2.15 million bags of fertiliser, which the Central Bank of Nigeria handed to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture on the directives of the President.

The CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, handed the N100m worth of fertilisers to Kyari earlier in the day (on Wednesday).

Cardoso explained, “We will also make sure that that fertiliser gets to the intended farmer to the last mile. We’ve been complaining about portfolio farmers, a list that is not verifiable. But for the rice season, we are able to as much as possible, clean up that data and work with the subnationals and the local governments to come up with a list.

“What we did was initially, we identified the land because the land must be there for you to become a farmer. So you don’t identify a farmer without a land. You identify the land and then identify the farmers that are on that land. We were able to do this as much as possible.

“However, Mr President has also given us his assurance that we’ll come up with a more robust data gathering system after our harvest of the wheat that is coming up within the next couple of weeks.”

Student loan scheme not forgotten, says Presidency

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FG postpones students loan launch indefinitely

The Presidency, on Wednesday, said it will announce a later date for the commencement of the student loan scheme.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this when he briefed State House correspondents after Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council meeting at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

“There will be a new date to launch the student loan scheme. It’s not forgotten,” Onanuga said.

Onanuga was responding to the postponement of the planned launch of the Fund, which was initially scheduled for Thursday, March 14, explaining that the programme had not been forgotten.

Giving reasons for the delay, he said, “There are some things that need to be rearranged so that it can be launched properly. That’s what’s happening.

“So the President is committed to it. You know it’s one of his flagship programmes and he wants to get it done as quickly as possible.”

Speaking on TVC’s Politics on Sunday, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, announced that Tinubu will launch the Student Loan Scheme on Thursday, March 14, 2024.

Villa Sources also confirmed that the President had been scheduled to launch the programme on Thursday.

However, Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Education Loan Fund, Dr Akintunde Sawyerr, announced in an Arise News interview that the Thursday launch is no longer feasible.

On June 12, 2023, Tinubu signed the Access to Higher Education Act, 2023 into law to enable indigent students to access interest-free loans for their educational pursuits in any Nigerian tertiary institution.

The move was in “fulfilment of one of his campaign promises to liberalise funding of education,” a member of the then Presidential Strategy Team, Dele Alake, said.

The Act, popularly known as the Students Loan Law, also established the Nigerian Education Loan Fund to process all loan requests, grants, disbursement, and recovery.

The government initially said the scheme would kick off in September, but it did not.

Afterwards, Tinubu insisted on January 2024. Declaring the 29th session of the annual Nigeria Economic Summit in Abuja open on October 23, 2023, the President said, “By January 2024, the new Students Loan Programme must commence. To the future of our children and students, we’re saying no more strikes!”

He proposed N50bn for its take-off in the 2024 budget he presented to the National Assembly last November.

On February 7, Sawyerr exclusively confirmed to our correspondent that the much-awaited scheme would go live on February 21, when President Tinubu launched it at the State House, Abuja.

However, the launch was delayed, with Sawyerr, alongside Presidency sources, explaining that the lag time is to enable the Fund to expand its mandate to include students seeking loans for skills development, as directed by the President.

After receiving a briefing from the NELFUND team led by the Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu, on January 22, the President directed the Fund to extend interest-free loans to Nigerian students interested in skill-development programmes.

Tinubu based his decision on the need for the scheme to accommodate those who may not want to pursue a university education, noting that skill acquisition is as essential as obtaining undergraduate and graduate academic qualifications.

“This is not an exclusive programme. It is catering to all of our young people. Young Nigerians are gifted in different areas. This is not only for those who want to be doctors, lawyers, and accountants. It is also for those who aspire to use their skilled and trained hands to build our nation.

“In accordance with this, I have instructed NELFUND to explore all opportunities to inculcate skill-development programmes because not everybody wants to go through a full university education,” he said.

On Saturday, March 9, Sawyerr also told our correspondent that the delay is “basically to enable the agency to put all necessary measures in place as the scheme is entirely technologically driven.”

Providing additional insight, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris asserted that President Tinubu had planned out other welfare initiatives, such as the introduction of social security and consumer credit programmes, all waiting to be launched.

He explained that the various programmes “are being taken together,” adding that “Mr President is not stopping or suspending the students’ loan. Indeed, he’s ensuring that it comes about strongly so that Nigerians and especially the families of the less privileged take advantage of it so that they can get an education.”

Meanwhile, Sawyerr has since clarified that the postponement is not indefinite.

A statement signed by his media aide, Nasir Ayitogo, read, “While there has been a postponement, we wish to state that it is not indefinite, as alluded to in the reports.

“For the avoidance of doubt, NELFUND is 100 per cent set for the launch. The loan application portal is ready, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has since approved the funds for the smooth take-off.

“Students are advised to seize the opportunity and apply for the loans as soon as it is launched at a date to be determined by the President.”

Osun APC, PDP trade words over Adeleke’s security alarm

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Osun APC, PDP trade words over Adeleke's security alarm

The Osun State chapters of the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party, on Wednesday, traded accusations over the security alarm raised by the governor of the state, Ademola Adeleke, on the alleged plans of hoodlums to attack schools and farm settlements in the state.

Adeleke had earlier said intelligence reports indicated plans by hoodlums to attack schools and carry out abductions, as well as attack farm settlements.

The governor also noted that he had summoned a security council meeting to address the situation.

Reacting to Adeleke’s alarm, the APC in a statement by its chairman in Osun, Tajudeen Lawal, accused the governor of raising a false panic regarding security in the state.

Lawal stated that it was disheartening that a governor would descend into pettiness by planting hoaxes in the media in order to divert the attention of the public.

Lawal said, “Governor Adeleke should sit up for once and give the people of the state the quality governance he promised the people during his campaign instead of engaging in the creation of another phony agenda meant to have a diversionary motive.

“We are not politically inexperienced not to have an understanding that the Adeleke-invented security threat against the state is a ploy to shift their attention from discussing his ill-thought out N100 billion white elephant projects when hunger is working on four legs in all the streets in the nooks and crannies of the state.

“There is nothing wrong in a government being proactive on security issues, but it is criminal and an express admission of failure for any government to use same as a weapon of deceit to confuse the governed.”

Reacting, Osun PDP chairman, Mr Sunday Bisi, described Osun APC as inhumane, unpatriotic and delusional for denying reports of threats to peace and security in the state.

The statement reads, “We find it reprehensible and condemnable for the state APC to deny reports that have been confirmed by virtually all the security agencies in the state. Must the APC play politics with everything?

“A patriotic governor raised the alarm on security threats and he summoned the state security council meeting. The council meeting attended by top security and service commanders reviewed the situation in the light of their field reports and mapped out preemptive measures.

“The resolution of the state security meeting was made public including a list of steps the state is to take to stop the threats from materialising. Instead of commending the Governor for his foresight, the opposition has chosen to play bad, sore loser again, leveling unfounded allegations and playing games with the lives and properties of our people.

“As a party, the PDP government is too well focussed on delivering on its infra and social programmes designed to restore the state from the depth of under-development the state was plunged into for 12 years.”

EFCC arrests 45 suspected internet fraudsters in Lagos

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EFCC raises charges, re-arraigns Fayose’s ally

 

Operatives of the Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have arrested 45 persons suspected to be internet fraudsters.

The suspects were arrested on Monday, following intelligence on the activities of an organised crime syndicate operating in the area.

Similarly, Justices M.S Abubakar and R.J Egbe of the Federal High Court sitting in Markurdi Benue State, convicted and sentenced five internet fraudsters to various jail terms, following their arraignment by the Markurdi Zonal Command of the EFCC.

These were according to separate statements issued by the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, on Wednesday.

 

According to the statement, items recovered from the suspects arrested in Lagos included exotic vehicles, sophisticated mobile devices, and laptops, adding that the suspects will be arraigned upon the conclusion of investigations.

“Operatives of the Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 45 suspected internet fraudsters. They were arrested on Monday, March 11, 2024, at Ikorodu, Lagos, following intelligence on the activities of an Organised Cybercrime Syndicate Network, OCSN, operating in that axis of the state.

“Items recovered from them at the point of arrest include exotic vehicles, sophisticated mobile devices, and laptops. They will soon be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations”, the statement read.

Meanwhile, the convicted internet fraudsters namely Ibi Suurshter, Onazi Oche, Innocent Ochola, Teseer Mnenge, and Agbo Lawrence were jailed after pleading guilty to one-count separate charges of internet fraud.

The statement also reads “After listening to all counsels, Justice Abubakar convicted and sentenced Suurshater to one-year imprisonment with an option of N400,000.00 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira) as fine. Oche was convicted and sentenced to one-year imprisonment with an option of N600,000.00 (Six Hundred Thousand Naira) as fine.

Also, the judge convicted and sentenced Ochola to two years imprisonment with an option of a fine of N1,000,000,00 (One Million Naira). Terseer Mnenge was also convicted and sentenced to one-year imprisonment with an option of a N200,000 fine. The fifth convict, Agbo was convicted and sentenced by Justice Egbe. He bagged one year imprisonment with an option of N200,000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) as a fine. The two judges further ordered them to forfeit all their phones, being proceeds of crime, to the government.

All the convicts started their journey to the Correctional Centre when they were arrested for internet-related offences. They were investigated individually and prosecuted.

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