Home Blog Page 2438

Ex Minister, Turaki in court, pleads not guilty to 16 counts charges

-
0
Ex Minister, Turaki in court, pleads not guilty to 16 counts charges

A former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Tanimu Turaki, has pleaded not guilty to the fraud charges preferred against him by the Federal Government.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed 16 counts of unlawful and criminal misappropriation of funds against the former minister, his aide, and two companies.

Others listed as defendants to the charges include one Sampson Okpetu who served as Turaki’s special assistant, as well as Samtee Essentials Limited and Pasco Investment Limited which allegedly belong to Okpetu.

The EFCC arraigned the defendants on Monday before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High court sitting in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Turaki, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, was the Minister for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs from 2013 to 2015.

He also served as the Supervising Minister of Labour under former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Meanwhile, the second defendant, Okpetu, also pleaded not guilty to the fraud charges levelled against him by the Federal Government.

More to follow…

Leah Sharibu’s 17th birthday: FG deeceiving Nigerians, says Parents

-
0
Leah Sharibu’s 17th birthday: FG deeceiving Nigerians, says Parents

Parents of Leah Sharibu, who was abducted two years ago by Boko Haram insurgents, have said the Federal Government has been deceiving Nigerians and the international community with promises of rescuing her from captivity.

The spokesperson for the family and President, Leadership Empowerment Advocacy and Humanitarian (LEAH) Foundation, Dr Gloria Samdi Puldu, explained this in an interview.

She said Nathan and Rebecca Sharibu were still in great pains because Leah is still not home.

“Born on May 14, 2003, Leah Sharibu, the young Christian girl who refused to renounce her Christian faith has had her 15th and 16th birthday while in ISIS-WA captivity, this is a reproachful memory. Will she spend another birthday in captivity?

“It is impossible for any parent to keep hearing different hurtful reports about their daughter and not become heartbroken. It is even more traumatic to hear that she has been forced into motherhood in captivity,” she stated.

According to her, the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd), should rise up to his responsibility of rescuing Leah like he did when he ensured the freedom of all other Muslim girls abducted with Leah just a month after their abduction.

She was responding to enquiries on the update about Leah Sharibu whose 17th birthday would be on May 14.

Leah Sharibu was one of the 110 female students of the Government Girls’ Science and Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe State, who were abducted on February 19, 2018, by Boko Haram terrorists.

While others were released by the terrorists following negotiations, Leah is still being held captive because she refused to renounce her Christian faith.

She said that an aid worker from Plateau State, Jennifer Ukambong, who was released in January, 2020 after staying nearly one month in Boko Haram captivity, had said Leah Sharibu was living somewhere close to Lake Chad.

“Ukambong also said Mrs Alice Ngaddah, Miss Grace Taku and Leah Sharibu who were abducted at various times by the terrorists were all doing fine in the forest. Jennifer said she does not know the specific location but they say it is close to Lake Chad,” she stated.

COVID-19: Lockdown is evil, can lead to depression, suicide – T.B Joshua

-
0
COVID-19: Lockdown is evil, can lead to depression, suicide – T.B Joshua

Prophet T.B Joshua of the Synagogue Church of All Nations, SCAON, has described the lockdown order as an evil spirit, adding the government doesn’t know this.

The cleric said what the government is trying to protect people from (COVID-19) is not as dangerous as they are portraying it.

T. B Joshua warned that lockdown is an evil spirit that could lead to laziness, depression and suicide.

He said the government has succeeded in putting the spirit of fear, addiction and the spirit of violence in the people.

“Our government doesn’t know that lockdown is a spirit, an evil spirit – spirit of laziness, spirit of depression, spirit of suicide,” he said during a live Sunday worship.

“Those who once surrounded themselves with people find themselves surrounded only by four empty walls. This can cause depression and suicidal thoughts.

“Those who never stayed on a spot are now confined to one spot. Our government doesn’t know this. They think they are protecting us from the spirit of COVID19 but what is COVID19 in comparison to the repercussion?

“Our government, our leaders, our presidents, you are doing good for the world but what you are trying to protect us from is not as dangerous as what you are putting us into.

“That spirit that has entered your life – spirit of fear, spirit of addiction, spirit of violence – be cast out! Be cast out! In the name of Jesus! “

Presidential Taskforce: COVID-19 responsible for mystery deaths in Kano

-
0
Presidential Taskforce: COVID-19 responsible for mystery deaths in Kano

The Covid 19 Presidential taskforce Committee on COVID-19, has said that the virus was the cause of the mysterious deaths recorded in Kano State in recent days.

Gwarzo, who spoke on Sunday, said the recent deaths from the test carried out established that COVID-19 was the cause.

He said, “Let me inform us that most of the deaths recorded of recent and test carried out showed that Coronavirus was the cause.

“So, before the final report which would be ready in the next one week or few days, it is necessary for people of Kano to wake up from their slumber that this is a serious issue.

“It is not a new thing, countries like America, China, Italy, Spain, England, France and others experienced similar mysterious deaths.”

There have been concerns about the COVID-19 cases and the increasing deaths in the state.

President Muhammadu Buhari had during the week gave a matching order to the Gwarzo-led Presidential Task Force to unravel the cause of the mysterious deaths in Kano and also to contain the spread of the virus in the state.

Buhari’s aides, other attendees of Abba Kyari funeral test negative to COVID-19

-
0
Buhari’s aides, other attendees of Abba Kyari funeral test negative to COVID-19

Some aides of President Muhammadu Buhari and other government officials, who attended the burial of Mallam Abba Kyari, have completed their 14-day isolation and tested negative for COVID-19.

Consequently, they have been reunited with their families.

There had been fears that some of them might have contracted the virus during the funeral of Kyari on April 18 at Gudu Cemetery in Abuja.

Acting Secretary, Health and Human Services Secretariat in the the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Dr Muhammed Kawu, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

He said, “The Health and Human Services Secretariat of the FCT Administration is happy to announce that the individuals exposed during the burial of late Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari, have completed their 14 days of isolation. Tests were conducted on them and they have all tested negative to COVID-19. They have been reunited with their families.”

Some of the Presidential aides, who attended the burial include State House Chief Protocol Officer, Ambassador Lawal Kazaure, Special Assistant to the President, Yusuf Sabiu, a nephew to the President, Musa Haro Daura, and Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the, Garba Shehu.

Others are National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno, Director-General of National Intelligence Agency, Mr Ahmad Rufai, and Personal Assistant on New Media to President Buhari, Bashir Ahmed, among several more persons.

Clarence Peters Arrested Over Kodak’s Death 

-
0
Clarence Peters Arrested Over Kodak’s Death 

Music director and producer Clarence Peters is currently being detained by Lagos police over the death of popular dancer, Love Divines known as Kodak.

This happened after reports emerged that the popular dancer died at Peters’ house on Wednesday while charging her iPhone.

It was reported that the dancer was barefooted and sat near the door of the residence while operating the plugged phone when the incident happened.

According to reports, she suffered chest burns when the phone fell on her body and died before they got to the hospital.

However, Peters is now being detained and questioned at the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID), Yaba.

 

COVID-19: IGP Condemns Attack on Police Officers in Oyo, Lauds Officer for his Uncommon Restraint

-
0
COVID-19: IGP Condemns Attack on Police Officers in Oyo, Lauds Officer for his Uncommon Restraint

*** Warns against unprovoked attack on police personnel

The Inspector General of Police,  Mohammed Adamu, has commended the Divisional Crime Officer II, Eruwa Police Division, ASP Adeyemo Ogunyemi, for his uncommon restraint and professionalism in the face of unprovoked attack as shown in a viral video where a woman identified as Kehinde Afolake was seen assaulting him unchallenged and without retaliation, while he was carrying out the CoVID-19 enforcement duties at Gbolagunte, Okeola area of Eruwa, Ibarapa, Oyo State on 1st May, 2020.

The officer, like a lamb being led to the slaughter, did not fight back but rather, maintained absolute calm, patience and decorum even as the woman rough handled him and slapped him severally.

The said woman also assaulted two female police officers, Inspr. Ojola Abiola and Inspr. Queen Eguaoje and gave one of them human bite on Saturday, 2nd May, 2020 during an attempt to invite her to the Police Station for the earlier incident of serious assault on the DCO.

The Ewura incident thus is a classic example of unprovoked, unwarranted and unnecessary attacks faced by police officers in the course of performing their legitimate duties. The IGP therefore warns that this trend will no longer be tolerated by the Force.

The IGP noted that since the commencement of the COVID-19 enforcement duties, a total of 27 police personnel have suffered series of attacks and assaults from members of the public at different times and different locations.

Many of these officers, he reiterated are still in hospitals receiving treatment from the injuries sustained during such attacks.

These include a female police officer, PC Ngozi Nkem, in Agbor, Delta State who was seriously assaulted when a police team was dispersing a group of persons holding a birthday party in clear disobedience to the social restrictions and distancing orders.

Apart from the attack on the person of police officers, some of these citizens have equally carried out attacks on police assets and facilities. For example, two (2) police stations and police quarters were attacked and burnt down in Katsina and Abia States while fifteen (15) police vehicles/motorcycles were also damaged.

Meanwhile, the IGP has directed the Commissioner of Police, Oyo Command to carry out a discreet investigation into the Ewura attack on the police officer and ensure that justice is done.

The IGP enjoined the citizens to continue to cooperate with the police and other security personnel and voluntarily comply with all COVID-19 prevention orders.

He reiterated that the Force shall continue to hold officers accountable and mete out commensurate punishments on any personnel who violates the rights of the citizens.

He however warned against any unprovoked attack and assault on police officers while in the course of their duties as perpetrators will be made to face the full wrath of the law.

 

Boko Haram: The Voice of Shekau and the Hand of Salkida

-
0
Boko Haram: The Voice of Shekau and the Hand of Salkida

By Ibrahim Kabiru Dallah

The Boko Haram crisis in North-East Nigeria means different things to different people. While to some, it is a war against Nigeria, few others perceive it as propagation of their ideals. For another category, however, it is just a business venture that must not come to an end.

The recent audio purportedly released by the factional and delusional leader of the Boko Haram group, Abubakar Shekau and its rabid interpretation by Ahmad Salkida, leaves a lot to be imagined. For starters, it smacks of a puerile attempt at changing the narrative since the Nigerian troops launched an offensive against the Boko Haram group because of their avid interest in ensuring that blood continues to flow in fulfilment of their evil desire against Nigeria.

I stand to be corrected; Ahmad Salkida needs to tell Nigerians more stories on the fact that the Boko Haram group is not decimated and that they are hinting on dialogue instead of surrender. The sensibilities of some of us conversant with the operations of the Nigerian troops in North-East Nigeria will be insulted if this narrative pushed by Salkida and his gang is allowed to gain traction.

While his actions might not be entirely new, Ahmad Salkida has, in times past and on numerous occasions, acted as the mouthpiece of the Boko Haram group. He has displayed an impeccable sympathy to the group, which is manifest in audios and videos when the chips are usually down.

This time around, Ahmad Salkida again interpreted purported audio with the voice of Abubakar Shekau claiming that the Boko Haram group is in strong spirits and its commanders and fighters are not on the verge of surrender but instead disposed to dialogue.

While it is commendable that they admitted to the dialogue option that in itself indicates that all seems not well in the camp of the Boko Haram group regardless of the propaganda Ahmad Salkida is pushing on their behalf.

There is also no doubt that the offensive launched by the Nigerian troops has indeed left the group in disarray hence this face-saving measure by Ahmad Salkida and those that do not want an end to the Boko Haram insurgency for apparent reasons.

Two things struck me in the treatise by Salkida. He stated thus: “The Boko Haram leader also derided social distancing measures against COVID-19, saying members of his group were observing congregational prayers and engaged in trading in their hideouts.”

I am sure he didn’t think through this strategy before going public. How can a group of people holed-up in their hideouts be engaging in trading? What are they trading in and whom are they trading with? Are they trading with Nigerians, Chadians, Malians or Cameroonians? Your guess is as good as mine.

He also stated that Abubakar Shekau had urged his members to be patient and resilient in the face of trials. I agree with this position because the Boko Haram group is indeed faced with trails of immeasurable proportion since the renewed offensive against it by the Nigerian Army with the active collaboration from the Multinational Joint Task Force consisting of troops from Chad, Mali, Niger, and Cameroon.

It is obvious that they have reached a point of no return as their escape routes have been taken over by troops from the Multinational Joint Task Force and as well as cutting off their supply chain for arms and ammunition as well as other logistics supplies.

These are critical questions that must be asked by discerning minds when the likes of Ahmad Salkida attempt to push forward a misleading narrative. However, the beauty of it all is that indeed times have changed as far as the war against terrorism in Nigeria is concerned. The tide has turned and the end of the Boko Haram group is around the corner, and this much the likes of Ahmad Salkida must come to terms with.

This is not the time for propaganda as the only option left for the Boko Haram group is to surrender in this circumstance. It also behoves of Ahmad Salkida to take this message to Abubakar Shekau that there is a need for him to surrender as it is evident that all his commanders are disillusioned and not willing to fight anymore.

This much has been in the public domain and an indication that indeed the Boko Haram war is about to end. So, this feeble attempt by Shekau through Salkida cannot fly as the rational thing to do is to surrender in the interest of all and sundry.

It is indeed a situation of the voice of Shekau and the hand of Salkida and indeed the cry of a drowning man whose only rope he has to hold unto is to attempt to use proxies to paint a picture a fighting force, but in truth, a group that is holed up in hiding with nowhere to run to as troops have surrounded them with no escape route spells doomsday.

The efforts of the Nigerian Army in this renewed onslaught against the Boko Haram group are indeed commendable. They have somewhat put pains in the hearts of those that do not wish the country well by seeking an elongation of the war that has rendered millions homeless and hundreds of thousands dead.

That the Boko Haram group has been rendered ineffective in recent times spells doom for this category of people that sees their nefarious activities as the propagation of their ideals, as well as those that see it as a business venture that must not come to an end. Whatever the case may be however, a special commendation must be extended to the leadership of the Nigerian Army that has been relentless over the years.

The recent news emanating from the theatre of operations indeed corroborates the fact that indeed top Boko Haram commanders are seeking a truce with the federal government. If this is not the case, I wonder why Abubakar Shekau himself is muting the option of dialogue as a way out as propagated by Ahmad Salkida in his recent outing.

The Boko Haram group has been placed on the edge regardless of the feeble attempt by Salkida to change the narrative for whatever it is worth. It is indeed time for all and sundry to rally support for the Nigerian Army in this final push as we are all in one way or the other victims of the nefarious activities of Boko Haram.

Ahmad Salkida should also do well to understand that the Boko Haram war is coming to an end, and there is no need to push further narratives that they cannot sustain. He should do the needful by advising his friend to toe the line of his commanders and surrender. This war has ended. Business too.

Dallah is a patriotic citizen and wrote from Lafia

Covid-19/ Boko Haram: Inter-faith congregation forecasts divine victory over pandemic, terrorists

-
0
Covid-19/ Boko Haram: Inter-faith congregation forecasts divine victory over pandemic, terrorists

The National Inter-Faith and Religious Organizations for Peace (NIFROP) has prophesized that an end to the Boko Haram insurgency and COVID-19 pandemic is in sight.

NIFROP made this declaration on Saturday, the seventh-day of its Joint Prayer and Fasting for divine intervention and solution to Covid-19 and Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorism.

In his speech, NIFROP’s president, Bishop Sunday Garuba said “God has given us a song of victory” over the terrorists, noting that Abubakar Shekau’s days are numbered.

Despite meeting virtually, the cleric reckoned that its sessions have garnered over 500,000 views, a testament of the firm followership across religious lines.

With its numbers and intercessory prayers, Bishop Garuba said the fleeing Shekau and whatever is left of his group would soon be a forgotten issue.

NIFROP, however, urged Nigerians to continue to show support for President Muhammadu Buhari and the gallant troops of Operation Lafiya Dole led by Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai.

Read full statement below:

Dearly beloved of God,

I welcome you all once again to the 7th day of our simultaneous joint Prayer and Fasting programme put together in prayers and supplication to God Almighty for divine intervention in halting the spread of the coronavirus pandemic in Nigeria and across the world, as well as the end of the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorism in Nigeria.

As we all know, this prayer session is being held online because we have been advised to observe social distancing as a precaution. We consequently developed this online platform, which started about six days ago.

I must commend those of us that have been consistent with the prayers and fasting even though it’s been done virtually; I also want to encourage some of us that have not been able to connect with us online in this critical national assignment do endeavor to do so. The pages are National Inter- Faith and Religious Organisations for Peace on both YouTube and Facebook and The Unity Church/ Unity Masjid.

Dear brethren, I am joyed in the Lord to inform you all that the first-day virtual meeting also witnessed the distribution of food to brethren across all creed and faith across the country. This is indeed phenomenal in the sense that we were able to put smiles on the faces of families regardless of their religious or ethnic affiliations.

I also wish to inform us that so far, we have had over 50,000 viewers who have followed our prayers and fasting programme online. This is indeed phenomenal, and it is our earnest prayer that the figures should continue to increase to the glory of God.

My dearly beloved in the Lord’s vineyard, this is a great assignment that God has bestowed on our shoulders on behalf of our great country and let me announce to you all that by the special grace of God we shall emerge victorious at the end of the 21-day prayer and fasting programme.

In the book of Hebrews 4:16, the bible says, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

Let me announce to all us that we shall receive mercy and find the grace to help us in our time of need by the special grace of God because God is not a man that he should lie, and his words are yes and amen.
The book of Psalms 90: 17 states that “May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us;
Establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands.” This is reassuring because we are carrying out an important assignment, and God, in His infinite mercies shall establish the works of our hands.

The Holy Koran also confirms this in (Quran 42:26) “And He (God) answers those who believe and do good works, and gives them more out of His Grace.”

My dear beloved, as we all know, the National Inter-Faith and Religious Organizations for Peace has been in the vanguard of uniting Nigerians across both faiths praying for the peace and progress of Nigeria, and this has seen us hold several programmes that has had a significant effect on our polity over the years.

I want to use this occasion to commend all of us from the pastors and imams that have been committed to our activities over the years. It is our earnest desire that Nigeria shall continue to experience peace and progress now and the years ahead.

I also want to use this medium to inform all of us that God is indeed merciful to Nigeria through the gift of President Muhammadu Buhari, whose commitment to the overall wellbeing of every Nigerian takes center stage.

President Muhammadu Buhari has, over the years, strived to keep the country as one. For that, we are grateful to God for his benevolence and His grace over the life of our president. We pray that God in His infinite mercies continue to grant him a sound mind and sound health in the discharge of his duties.

Dearly beloved in Christ, this body, which is also known as the Unity Church and Unity Masjid has been supporting vulnerable families with food items and direct cash transfer to those who have fallen on hard times within the period.

Our intervention was initially projected for 5 000 families. However, today we can tell you that the Lord is making more provisions and supporting brethren with more than expected. We shall continue to render this valuable assistance for as long as we can.

We will continue to do the little that we can and pray the Almighty God to heal the land and deliver us from the Boko Haram/ISWAP evil. I want to inform all of us that indeed our victory over COVID-19 and the evil deeds of Boko Haram is certain.

In the book of Deuteronomy 20:4 “…for the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.” Dear beloved, our victory over COVID-19 and Boko Haram shall be indeed sweet to the Glory of God.

I want to use this medium to declare that the days of Abubakar Shekau are indeed numbered. I am convinced that by the special grace of God, he shall be captured, and the end of Boko Haram would come very soon.

Our dear father shall not lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Our pride often tricks us into thinking we can deal with evil on our own. We can’t, and if we try, we will fail. We pray to our Heavenly Father and ask for deliverance.

Dear Lord, do not remember the iniquities of our forefathers against us; Let Your compassion come quickly to meet us in Jesus name.

I thank you all and encourage us not to relent until we receive redemption in Nigeria. God has given us a song of victory.

Kano relaxes lockdown amidst rising cases of covid 19 deaths

-
0
Kano relaxes lockdown amidst rising cases of covid 19 deaths

Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, has announced the relaxation of the lockdown order imposed on the state by President Muhammadu Buhari.

According to Ganduje, Mondays and Thursdays would be lockdown-free days from 10am to 4pm.

The governor noted that no markets will be allowed to open unless supermarkets.

He said, the list of the supermarkets would be announced on local radio stations.

Ganduje added that only Yankaba Market where perishable items are sold and Yan Lemo Market would be allowed to operate on Mondays and Thursdays 10am to 4pm.

There have been a significant rise in cases of covid 19 related deaths in the state in the last few days

1...2,4372,4382,439...2,815Page 2,438 of 2,815
© Newspaper WordPress Theme by TagDiv