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Breaking: A well-known Highlife musician die

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Felix Odey, aka ‘Feladey,’ a veteran Highlife musician, has died.

In the early hours of Thursday, July 29, his death was reported.

Before he died, the multi-talented musician who gave Rex Lawson’s hit song “Sawale” and the succeeding single “Band Boys” national popularity in the 1990s suffered a brief illness.

He will be recognized for his excellent achievements and works in the music business, including the popular and original NTA 2 Channel 5 trademark song.

Since then, condolences have poured in for the late music maestro.

Read also: Breaking: In Ondo, police prevent a robbery attempt on a bullion truck

Makinde is being urged by a Muslim group to compensate the families of late lawyers

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Makinde is being urged by a Muslim group to compensate the families of late lawyers who were denied judgeships.

On Thursday, the Political Awareness Group urged the Oyo State Government to honor three Muslim attorneys who were nominated as high court judges but died when Governor Seyi Makinde blocked their confirmation.

Dr. Moruf Yusuf, Vice-Chairman of PAG, an Association of Muslim Professionals and Technocrats for Good Governance, made the appeal during a news conference at Ibadan’s Secretariat, Ososami.

The attorneys’ names were Alhaja Fatima Badirudeen, Mr. Wasiu Adetunji Gbadegesin, and Mr. AbdulRasaq Bolaji Agoro, according to him.
Apart from immortalizing them for depriving them of the prestigious advancement from the bar to the bench, Dr Yusuf believes their families should be appropriately paid, and the Muslim Ummah should be consoled by the Oyo State Government.“It’s terrible to think that the three Judges-denied had finally, and miraculously, given up the ghost. Fatimo passed away in December 2020, Gbadegesin in April 2021, and Bolaji in July 2021. Is being a Muslim a capital offense in Oyo State, Makinde? Now that they’ve all died, it’ll be critical to immortalize them, recompense their families, and offer condolences to the Muslims of Oyo State.”

Dr Yusuf explained that the state had introduced an examination for the first time to fill the three vacant positions of judges of the high court, with a cut-off mark of 70%, and it was agreed that the most qualified applicant in each of the State Judiciary, Ministry of Justice, and Nigeria Bar Association, NBA would be selected.

“Around mid-year 2019, the Government of Oyo State was recommended to nominate three more eligible people to fill the empty position of Judges of the State’s High Courts. As a result, the State Judicial Service Commission sought applications from adequately competent legal practitioners, and 36 lawyers applied. As requested by the then Attorney General of the State, Professor Oyewo, the Commission, chaired by the Chief Judge of the State, conducted a thorough examination for the applicants (first of its kind in the history of the State) in order to meritoriously select the most creditable three of the applicants. The Commission also decided to choose the best competent applicant from each of the State Judiciary, Ministry of Justice, and NBA.”

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He said that out of the 36 candidates, Alhaja Badirudeen, Mr. Wasiu Gbadegesin, and Mr. Agoro were the first to be approved by the State Judiciary, Ministry of Justice, and NBA, and questioned why their confirmation by the National Judicial Council was halted by the state government.

“Alhaja Fatima Badirudeen (of blessed memory) was not only a qualified candidate and lawyer with a score of well over 70%, but she was also the State’s Chief Registrar. As a result, she was chosen as one of the three Judges-nominees from the Judiciary. Mr. Wasiu Adetunji Gbadegesin (of blessed memory) was not only a successful applicant and lawyer with a score of well over 70%, but he was also the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary of the Oyo State Ministry of Justice. As a result, he was chosen as one of the three Judges-nominees from the Ministry. Mr. AbdulRasaq Bolaji Agoro (of blessed memory) has a wide range of abilities. He received a score of well over 80%. He was a wise elder who was also a member of the NBA’s Ibadan Branch. As a result, he was chosen as one of the three Judges who would never be by the Commission from the Nigerian Bar Association. The three successful Judges-nominees were all Muslims, by chance.

Read also: EFCC arrests an ex-governor and his wife on corruption charges

“The Commission forwarded the list of three Judges-nominees to the National Judicial Council for its recommendation to Governor Oluseyi Makinde for appointment as Judges, as provided for in Section 271 (2) of the Constitution. Surprisingly, the then-Attorney General of Oyo State, Prof. Oyewo, petitioned for the list to be removed on the Governor’s orders. Why? The Governor has yet to respond to this query. Prof. Oyewo, on the other hand, justified his behavior by claiming that the duo of Fatimo Badirudeen and Wasiu Gbadegesin, who climbed through the ranks of their cadre to the top, were from the same Oyo community, and that the three Judges-nominee were Muslims. Is it a hardship to be a Muslim?”

Breaking: In Ondo, police prevent a robbery attempt on a bullion truck

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Armed thieves attempted to attack a bank bullion truck in Ondo State, but were unsuccessful.

The robbery was claimed to have occurred in Ondo town, the seat of the Ondo West Local Government, when the thieves attempted to rob an old generation bank’s bullion truck.

Security personnel were stationed in several areas following the unsuccessful attempt, generating alarm among locals.

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“It was a failed attempt on a Bank’s bullion vehicle traveling to Akure,” one of the residents said. One individual was injured and was sent to the hospital. The thieves were unsuccessful, but no arrests have yet been made. “For the time being, the situation is calm.”

DSP Tee-Leo Ikoro, the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the event, saying the thieves’ attempt was thwarted.

This comes only two weeks after thieves held a bank in Ilara-Mokin in the state’s Ifedore Local Government Area, killing three people, including journalist Bunmi Afuye.

NNPC: Mallam Mele Kyari pledged that the current 614-kilometer Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline project will be completed on time

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Mallam Mele Kyari, Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), has pledged that the current 614-kilometer Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline project will be completed on time, generating huge employment opportunities and ensuring the country’s stability.

Dr. Kennie Obateru, the NNPC’s Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, stated this Thursday during the Gas Sector Stakeholders’ Forum in Kano, Kano State, with the theme: “Optimizing the Economic Development Capacity of the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline Project.”

Mallam Kyari claimed in a paper titled “The AKK as an Economic Development Game-Changer – NNPC’s Vision, Contributions, and Plan Forward” that the AKK gas project will assist overhaul 232 industries, resulting in huge job possibilities and wealth for the people.

Upon finished, he added, it will also function as a gas supply connection to other African countries and Europe.
“This project has been in the works for 30 years, with the goal of delivering gas to Europe via the Trans-Sahara route. What we’re witnessing now would initially supply at least 2 billion standard cubic feet of gas to the domestic market, with the potential to grow. This means that the whole country’s gas supply network will be debottled,” Mallam Kyari explained.

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He said that the AKK gas project will also result in the construction of three independent power plants (IPPs) in Abuja, Kaduna, and Kano, which would enhance energy supplies and encourage the growth of small and medium-sized businesses in Nigeria.

“I want to be clear: this meeting would not have been feasible if we didn’t have a clear view of the AKK gas pipeline project’s completion. This is achievable as a result of Mr. President’s clear instruction on the need to increase domestic gas use in order to benefit from the vast gas resources we have as a country. He has provided us with all of the necessary resources and incentives to complete this project,” he said.

Mallam Kyari stated that the AKK gas project will benefit the agricultural, industrial, manufacturing, and power sectors, as well as the nation’s general economic prosperity.

He said that the AKK gas pipeline project was in accordance with the Federal Government’s desire to decrease the country’s carbon footprint as part of the worldwide effort to combat global warming and climate change, as well as the Decade of Gas initiative.

According to him, gas is a key driver of prosperity around the world, and it cannot be any different in Nigeria, pointing out that the extensive industrial layout in the Otta area of Ogun and Lagos States is anchored on the NNPC’s and its partners’ gas supply, which is creating jobs and other opportunities for people.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, said in his keynote address that the Gas Sector Stakeholders Forum would ensure collaboration among stakeholders aimed at kicking-starting the required activities that would ensure full use of the gas to be delivered through the AKK pipeline when it is completed.
Chief Sylva stated, “Today’s ceremony underlines our commitment to realizing the inherent potentials of gas consumption as a national catalyst for attaining economic diversification from crude oil and as a transition fuel from today’s fossil fuels to tomorrow’s renewable energy.”

Major players in the oil and gas value chain, as well as Kano Governor Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, were in person, while the governors of Nasarawa, Niger, and Kaduna, as well as the Hon Minister of Finance and Alhaji Aliko Dangote, participated remotely. A delegation from the Governor of Kogi State was sent.

Bill introduced in the legislature to extend the term of the chairmen of the FCT council to four years

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A bill has been introduced in the legislature to extend the term of the chairmen of the FCT council to four years.

A plan that would extend the term of area council chairmen in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from three to four years could become law before the February 2022 council elections.

Alhaji AlHassan Sokodabo, a member of the House of Representatives representing the FCT’s Abaji/Kwali/Gwagwalada/Kuje Federal Constituency, indicated that the project was developed to give third-tier government workers ample time to execute services.

He also stated that the bill aims to align the period for electing political leaders at the local level with that of the National Assembly elections in order to relieve the Independent National Electoral Commission [INEC] of the burden of planning and conducting area council elections following federal elections.

“At the National Assembly, we are trying to extend the tenure of area council chairmen from three to four years, so that they do not continue to moan about a lack of time to deliver democratic dividends to our people.

“Even the election schedule for the elections that follow other federal elections will be harmonised to coincide with our own election date,” the parliamentarian revealed.
During the recently concluded Eid-el-Kabir holidays, Alhaji AlHassan Sokodabo made the disclosure while chatting with newsmen in Abaji.

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He also praised the Peoples Democratic Party [PDP] parliamentarians’ stance on the contentious electoral bill modification, particularly as it relates to the electronic transmission of results, noting that the party’s position on the issue was adopted by every PDP delegate in the National Assembly.

Sokodabo urged the three levels of government to review the country’s outdated environmental legislation to ensure that culverts are cleared of debris and sand, which prevents water from flowing freely, and that the materials are removed to prevent them from re-entering the gutters.
“Only in Nigeria will people be paid to clean waste matter from culverts, and the materials taken will be left at the mouth or edge of the gutters, where the waste stuff will quickly return to the gutter that was cleared,” he stated.

Abba Kyari replied to claims linking him to infamous fraudster Hushpuppi

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DCP Abba Kyari, a top cop, has replied to claims linking him to infamous fraudster Ramon Olorunwa Abbas, also known as ‘Hushpuppi.’

According to US court filings, Abbas allegedly paid off Kyari to arrest a colleague with whom he had a feud. Kyari, on the other hand, has made a statement in response to the charges.

“Abbas, who we later came to know as Hushpuppi, called our office around two years ago and told us that someone in Nigeria had threatened to kill his family, and he sent us the individual’s phone number, pleading with us to intervene before the person attacked his family.”

“We located and apprehended the Suspect, and after further inquiry, we learned that there was no actual threat to anyone’s life, and that they are long-time friends who are having financial difficulties, therefore we released the Suspect on bail and he was not transferred to any jail.”

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“Abbas Hushpuppi was not asked for a kobo. Our main goal was to save people’s lives who were allegedly in danger.”

“Later, he spotted some of my Native Garments and Caps on my social media profile and said he liked them and that he knew the guy selling the clothes, so he gave roughly N300,000 directly to the person’s account. The Native Clothes and Caps (5 sets) were delivered to our office, and He dispatched someone to collect them.

Nobody asked Abbas Hushpuppi for money, and nobody took anything from him.”

“We responded to a distress call he made about a threat to his family and released the Suspect after determining that the Suspect posed no threat to his life.”

“This is the real deal. Vincent is still alive and may be reached.”

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“Those who are claiming that this is an accusation against us and citing some fictional Big Money will be disappointed once more, as our hands are clean and our record of service for the past two decades is accessible to all to see. They will continue to see us serving our fatherland, and we will continue to respond to ALL distress calls from ALL Nigerians, as long as the situation is life-threatening.”

“For good Nigerians who value our service, please don’t be concerned; our hands are clean, and they should not respond to those who are celebrating and fabricating numerous false narratives without evidence. We’re used to folks like these, as well as fake newsmakers and distributors.”

Lagos will provide online car registration from August 1

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The Lagos State Government has stated that it would begin accepting online car licence renewals on August 1, 2021.

The state administration said the newly launched car registration site https: portal.autoreg.ng would allow residents to renew their licenses from home.

According to MVAA’s General Manager, Mrs Lape Kilanko, the notion is part of the agency’s attempts to improve service delivery in the field of vehicle documentation in Lagos State.

What MVAA’s General Manager says
Kilanko said that the need to visit MVAA stations to renew a vehicle licence would soon be a thing of the past, since just the car owner’s details will be updated on the page.

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According to her, car owners may easily utilize the site by signing up, entering their vehicle license number, logging in, renewing and paying. Awaiting receipt of the personalised Vehicle Licence through authorised logistics/delivery courier.

Alternatively, customers can show their SMS/Email alerts at the nearest MVAA station to print the personalised Vehicle Licence.

The General Manager urged Lagosians, especially drivers and vehicle owners, not to wait until they are caught by law enforcement authorities before renewing their papers.

What to know
The Motor Vehicle Administration Agency was established by the Lagos State Government to harness the enormous potentials of updated vehicle licensing and registration systems for socio-economic development and personal safety.

The MVAA was created in April 2007 by the Lagos State House of Assembly enabling bill No. 20. The MVAA’s principal mandate is to develop a sustainable policy direction on vehicle documentation and related issues.

EFCC arrests an ex-governor and his wife on corruption charges

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Tanko Al-Makura, a former governor of Nasarawa State and a serving senator, and his wife have been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

According to sources at the anti-graft agency, the pair is now being interrogated by operatives at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.

Although the details of the allegation against the ex-governor and his wife were vague at press time, sources claimed their detention is related to alleged breach of trust and theft of funds committed during the former governor’s eight-year tenure as governor of Nasarawa State.

Read also: CBN releases $200 million to all commercial banks in the country to meet legitimate end-user demand

Before being elected to the National Assembly as a senator for Nasarawa South Senatorial District, Mr Al-Makura served as Governor of Nasarawa State from 2011 to 2019.

Wilson Uwujaren, a spokesman for the EFCC, said he had not yet been told on the situation when called.

Danjuma Joseph, the ex-spokeswoman, governor’s claimed he was unaware of the arrest when reached for comment.

“This morning, His Excellency left Lafia (the capital of Nasarawa State) for Abuja. Mr Joseph stated, “I am not aware of such an arrest.”

Until Wednesday, the former governor had never been linked to an EFCC investigation.

When a suspected phony investigator allegedly tried to scam the then-sitting governor in 2018, the EFCC aided the ex-family. governor’s
While acting as a “private investigator from the villa,” the suspect, Mohammed Momoh, addressed Mr Al-wife, Makura’s Mairo, with a proposal to help stop an alleged probe of two accounts belonging to the governor.

Mr Momoh, who was hauled before an FCT High Court, allegedly said that he discovered information about the two accounts that had been under investigation since 2011, as well as intercepted letters from the EFCC’s investigation report purportedly delivered to First Bank.

Breaking: NSCDC captures a notorious bandit named Bello Galadima

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The Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps has captured a notorious bandit named Bello Galadima (NSCDC).

The 40-year-old bandit has been on security authorities’ wanted list for more than two years.

The Corps’ Commandant-General Ahmed Audi commended the Sokoto state command for the arrest, according to a statement signed Wednesday in Abuja by the NSCDC director of public relations, DCC Olusola Odumosu.

The arrest was made possible, according to Audi, because of actionable intelligence acquired by officers and men of the NSCDC, Sokoto state command, who “reacted swiftly and lay siege in the Aliyu Jodi region of Sokoto state, where he went to buy drugs and also to satisfy his sexual want.” During this period, the gallant officers wasted no time in putting an end to his banditry.

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“NSCDC officers have Bello Galaduma in custody, and he is currently being interrogated and providing helpful information to catch other criminals. The NSCDC’s CG took advantage of the opportunity to appeal to other criminals’ consciences to have a change of heart before their time runs out, because the law of the land will take its course at that point.

“The NSCDC has captured and detained a sought infamous bandit in Sokoto State, thanks to the determination of the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ahmed Audi, PhD,mni, to have zero tolerance for all sorts of criminal behavior in the society.

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“Galaduma specializes in communicating with kidnappers and providing them with information on those who are about to be kidnapped. He also helps kidnappers purchase drugs and other stuff for their criminal activities. According to trustworthy intelligence, the arrested bandit was previously active in Niger State before shifting to Sokoto State, where his luck ran out, resulting in his detention and imprisonment by NSCDC operatives.”

The head of the NSCDC, on the other hand, stated that the Corps will constantly strive for a better society in which all Nigerian lives and property are safe.

Court releases El Zakzaky’s wife the head of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria

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Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, the head of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), and his wife have been released by a Kaduna State High Court.
In a judgement issued on Wednesday, the presiding court, Justice Gideon Kurada, supported El-Zakzaky and his wife’s no-case submission and ordered their release.

The two have been detained since December 2015, after conflicts between IMN members and soldiers in Zaria, Kaduna state.

The Kaduna state government was prosecuting them for alleged culpable homicide, among other things.

More information will be provided shortly….