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Four internet fraudsters bag jail terms in Kaduna

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Four internet fraudsters bag jail terms in Kaduna

The Federal High Court and State High Court sitting in Kaduna have convicted and sentenced four persons, Anthony Chukwu, Madaki Ismail, Samson Aliyu, and Christopher Israel to various jail terms for internet fraud.

It was disclosed in a statement released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, obtained by our correspondent on Wednesday.

According to the EFCC Kaduna Zonal Command, they were prosecuted on one-count separate charges, bordering on impersonation, obtaining by pretense, and money laundering.

The statement noted that the courts had decreed that the defendants had committed offences contrary to Section 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention And Prohibition)2022 and Section 308 of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law 2017 and punishable under Section 309 of the same law.

Chukwu’s charge reads, “That you, Anthony Chukwu (a.k.a Carmelita Luna), sometime in December 2023, in Kaduna, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, directly acquired the sum of N520,000.00 from Nelro Balmoria and other unsuspecting persons through false identity, which you knew that the said funds formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, and you thereby committed money laundering, an offence contrary to Section 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention And Prohibition)2022 and punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act.”

That of Aliyu reads, “That you Samson Aliyu (a.k.a John Dunwell), between January and May 2024 at Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, committed an offence, by falsely presenting yourself as John Dunwell, a white man and an investment broker with AZ Finance Investment Company. In that assumed character cheated several persons including one Lhes, the total sum of P2,000.00 Philippines pesos via Instagram and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 308 of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law 2017 and punishable under Section 309 of the same law.”

They pleaded guilty to the charges read to them, upon which the prosecution counsel Matiyak and Argungu urged the courts to convict and sentence them accordingly.

The presiding judge, Justice Aikawa, of the Federal High Court, convicted and sentenced Chukwu to five years imprisonment or a fine of N300,000.00 while Ismail bagged five years imprisonment or a fine of N500,000.00.

It was reported that in addition, both convicts forfeited the sum of N520,000.00 and $310 respectively, being proceeds of their crimes to the federal government as well as an iPhone XR and Samsung S21 mobile phones, being the instruments of their crimes.

Justice Darius Khobo of the State High Court convicted and sentenced Aliyu to three years imprisonment or a fine of N200,000 and sentenced Israel to three years imprisonment or a fine of N250,000.00.

In addition, Aliyu forfeited $50, being the proceeds of his crime to the federal government, while both forfeited their phones, being instruments of their crimes to the federal government.

It was reported that Chukwu, Aliyu, and Israel were arrested in Kaduna, while Ismail was arrested in Jos following credible intelligence on their fraudulent internet activities.

Kalu lauds Tinubu over ‘landmark assent’ to South East Development Commission Bill

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Kalu lauds Tinubu over ‘landmark assent’ to South East Development Commission Bill

Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has expressed his profound gratitude to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu, GCFR, for signing the South East Development Commission (SEDC) bill into law, thereby approving the creation of the commission.
It will be recalled that the bill was sponsored by Kalu and all the lawmakers from the south east region in the House of Representatives.
The bill sought to establish a commission that will be charged with the responsibility to receive and manage fund from allocation of the federation account for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of roads, houses and other infrastructural damage suffered by the region as a result of the effect of the civil war after 54 years.
The commission will as well tackle the ecological problems and any other related environmental or developmental challenges in the Southeast States which include Abia, Imo, Enugu, Anambra and Ebonyi.
Reacting to the news in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Levinus Nwabughiogu, the elated Kalu thanked President Tinubu, his colleagues in the national assembly and indeed, all Nigerians for supporting the bill.
He also conveyed the appreciation of all Ndi Igbo from the South East region, assuring them of “more positive attention from the President.”
Kalu lauds Tinubu over ‘landmark assent’ to South East Development Commission Bill

UniJos VC seeks NASS intervention over electricity disconnection

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UniJos VC seeks NASS intervention over electricity disconnection

The Vice Chancellor of University of Jos, Prof. Tanko Ishaya has called on the House of Representatives Committee on University Education to intervene over the disconnection of the school from public light by the Jos Electricity Distribution Plc.
Addressing the Chairman, House Committee on University Education, Abubakar Hassan Fulata and other members of the committee during an oversight visit to the school, Ishaya said the entire University of Jos has been in darkness for over a month due to the hike in electricity tariff.
According to him, prior to the grouping of electricity consuming customers which placed the university in Band A, the electricity tariff of the school was ranging from N20 million to N25 million per month but with the classification, the bill jumped up to about N79 million to N80 million every month.
Praying that the university be removed from Band A, he noted that the university management was finding it difficult to pay the regular bill of about N25 million per month and the situation became worse after the classification of of the electricity users placing the university in Band A.
Fulata, who led members of the committee to the school on an oversight visit, said the lawmakers are determined to do everything within their power to improve the standard of education.
Fulata said the committee is examining how previous allocations from the Federal Government and internally generated revenue were utilised to determine whether there was compliance with Appropriation Act.
UniJos VC seeks NASS intervention over electricity disconnection

Senate Chief Whip: Southern Borno indigenes protest Ndume’s removal

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Senate Chief Whip: Southern Borno indigenes protest Ndume’s removal

Supporters of the removed Chief Whip of the Nigerian Senate, Ali Ndume, have stormed the Unity Fountain in Abuja to register their displeasure over his removal from office.
The protesters said that Ndume was ousted from office for merely drawing the attention of President Bola Tinubu to the sufferings of Nigerians.
Ndume’s supporters, under the aegis of the Southern Borno Development Association, defied the rains to hold the protest.
The leader of the association, Mohammed Ibrahim Biu, in an address during the peaceful demonstration, said, “We are here to register our displeasure over the action of the Senate concerning our Senator, Ali Ndume.
“He was removed from office as Senate Whip based on a complaint by the National Chairman of the APC for saying what others have been saying.
“Nothing he said was new. We believe President Tinubu, being a listening leader, has started implementing some of the advice given by Senator Ndume which is why the new minimum wage bill was recently passed and approved by him.
“We wish to appeal to the Senate President and the Senate to reconsider this decision.
“He was occupying that position as the only position occupied by the Southern Borno Senatorial District in the National Assembly.”
According to Biu, the ousted Senate Chief Whip is a consistent and forthright leader who had always spoken out in favour of his constituents in particular and downtrodden Nigerians in general, adding that he should be supported and not vilified for speaking and standing by the truth always.
Senate Chief Whip: Southern Borno indigenes protest Ndume’s removal

Alphabet set to invest another $5bn in its self-driving subsidiary Waymo

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Alphabet set to invest another $5bn in its self-driving subsidiary Waymo

Alphabet, the parent company of Google is set to invest another $5 billion in its self-driving subsidiary Waymo as it moves to meet up with competition in the autonomous vehicle market.
This much was made known in a statement issued by the company’s chief financial officer Ruth Porat who noted that the money will be spent over the next few years.
During Alphabet’s second-quarter results call on Tuesday, Porat revealed a new “multi-year investment” pledge.
READ ALSO: Alphabet unveils AI-powered natural disaster prediction tool, X Bellwether
“This new round of funding, which is consistent with recent annual investment levels, will enable Waymo to continue to build the world’s leading autonomous driving technology company,” said Porat.
He stated further that Google will prioritize boosting overall efficiencies in its “other bets” division, which includes new ventures separate from the internet giant’s core search and advertising business. Verily, Calico, Google Ventures, and Wing are some other companies in this sector.
“Waymo is an important example of this, with its technical leadership coupled with progress on operational performance,” Porat continued.
The post Alphabet set to invest another $5bn in its self-driving subsidiary Waymo appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

IPCR warns against nationwide protest

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IPCR warns against nationwide protest

The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution has urged Nigerians to shelve the proposed nationwide protest.

Various groups and individuals have been organising a nationwide protest scheduled for August 1 to 10 in response to the economic hardships in the country.

But the Institute in a statement on Wednesday by its Director General, Joseph Ochogwu said the hardship experienced in the country is not unique to Nigeria, urging citizens to exercise caution to avoid exacerbating the already precarious situation.

Ochogwu said, “IPCR has issued a timely call for calm and restraint, ahead of the planned protests against the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“The Institute calls on Civil Society Groups, organisers, and other bodies involved in the planned protests to note that, although the nation is facing hard times – a situation not unique to Nigeria, as the world at large is grappling with a global economic crisis – this requires caution to avoid inflaming the already precarious situation in the country.”

He stated that the protest if not shelved could cause disunity and jeopardise the president’s renewed hope agenda.

Ochogwu said, “IPCR urges citizens to avoid fanning the flames of disunity and disrupting the fragile peace currently enjoyed amidst insecurity.

“This wise counsel comes at a critical juncture, as protests at this point could jeopardise the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The Institute’s cautionary statement serves as a reminder that hasty actions can have unintended consequences.

“By urging restraint, the Institute acknowledges the need for measured responses to the current challenges.

Highlighting the delicate nature of the current situation, IPCR notes that any actions that could disrupt this peace would be counterproductive, especially when considered in the context of President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda. This agenda, aimed at revitalising the nation’s prospects, requires a stable environment to succeed.”

Ochogwu stated that the Institute’s warning indicates that protests could disrupt efforts to address the nation’s challenges.

He said, “Protests, while a fundamental right, can sometimes be counterproductive if not carefully considered. In this case, the Institute’s warning suggests that protests could disorganise the efforts aimed at addressing the nation’s challenges. By cautioning against fanning the ember of crisis and disunity, the Institute emphasises the need for unity and collective effort in navigating these difficult times.

“In essence, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution is advocating for a thoughtful and strategic approach to addressing the nation’s challenges. By urging calm and restraint, the Institute encourages citizens to prioritise constructive engagement and collaboration, rather than resorting to actions that could undermine the fragile peace.”

HARDSHIP: Vector tells parents what to tell their children amid calls for protests

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HARDSHIP: Vector tells parents what to tell their children amid calls for protests

Nigerian rapper Olarenwaju Ogunmefun aka Vector has taken to social media to pen a note to parents on what to tell their children amid calls for nationwide protests over hardship in the country.
In a statement on his official Instagram page, the musician claimed that parents should stand alongside their children to address how society is currently impacting their future.
Vector stated that things are currently too difficult in Nigeria for everyone to be simply comfortable, even though all of the leaders in charge are comfortable.
READ ALSO: Rapper Vector says data tariff increase will kill creativity
The rapper wrote; “My words are to the parents, there is understanding that many of you may be afraid and it’s not your fault that your children are struggling with how the society is being run; however, young people are taking their own lives because they can’t make sense about their personal honest everyday living reality.
’’I say all that to say, maybe you should stand with your children on how the present way of society is affecting their future; the same future you somehow wish and pray is bright for them.
’’The way of life we seek is not unreasonable… Things are too hard for everyone to be simply comfortable when all the elders responsible are beyond comfortable.
’’Some of us never sold our souls and nobody will stop the spirit of God”, he added.
 
 
The post HARDSHIP: Vector tells parents what to tell their children amid calls for protests appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Three bag life jail for raping deaf woman in Kebbi

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Three bag life jail for raping deaf woman in Kebbi

Justice Shamsudeen Jafar of the Kebbi High Court, on Tuesday, sentenced to life three men, Amiru Sani, Aliyu Umar, and Bashar Dan-Inno of Wararin Zaromawa village, for raping an 18-year-old deaf woman in the state.

According Metro gathered that the convicts faced two counts of criminal conspiracy and rape, offences punishable under sections 259 and 60 of the Kebbi State Penal Code Law, 2021.

The court heard that the acts were perpetrated at Wararin Zaromawa village in Gwandu Local Government Area of the state.

According to the prosecution counsel, Faridah Muhammad, the three defendants raped the victim while she was asleep.

“The defendants broke into the victim’s house while she was asleep and forcefully had carnal knowledge of her. They choked her with a thick piece of cloth and tied her hands with a rope before having carnal knowledge of her one by one,” she said.

The judge stated that the prosecution had proved all the elements of carnal knowledge of the victim.

“I am of the firm view that all the defendants conspired in perpetrating the act. Meanwhile, the convicts conspired and raped the victim, who is an 18-year-old deaf woman, at her husband’s residence.

“All ingredients needed to establish a criminal conspiracy to commit rape were established beyond reasonable doubt by the prosecution. The court has no option but to act upon the evidence before it,” he said.

Delivering his judgment, the judge court held the defendants were guilty as charged.

“Having found you guilty of the charge, you Amiru Sani, Aliyu Umar, and Bashar Dan-Inno are hereby sentenced to life imprisonment for finding all of you guilty under sections 259 and 60 of Kebbi State Penal Code Law, 2021,” he declared.

Lawmakers grill UK PM, Starmer, for suspending seven MPs

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Lawmakers grill UK PM, Starmer, for suspending seven MPs

The United Kingdom Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, faces first House of Commons grilling, on Wednesday, sequel to his suspension of seven of his own Labour members of parliament for rebelling over a controversial welfare policy.
Starmer suspended the Labour rebels late Tuesday after they supported a motion which demanded the removal of the contentious two-child limit on benefits introduced by the previous Conservative government.
Their votes supporting ending the cap — introduced in 2015 and which restricts payments to the first two children born to most families — is an early test of Starmer’s authority.
The new UK leader has warned there is “no silver bullet” to ending child poverty but acknowledged the “passion” of MPs who oppose maintaining the policy.
Starmer’s decision to suspend the whip from the group of left-wingers, which included former finance spokesman John McDonnell, was seen as a show of ruthlessness from his new administration.
READ ALSO: King Charles formally appoints Keir Starmer as UK Prime Minister
Recall that the Prime Minister took power a few weeks ago after his party, in opposition for 14 years from 2010, won a landslide in the July 4 general election.
The victory followed a four-year struggle since he became party leader to shift Labour back to the political centre ground from the hard-left regime of former leader Jeremy Corbyn.
The party in 2019 experienced its worst election result in nearly a century under Corbyn.
Starmer will be on his feet in the Commons at 1100 GMT for his first weekly Prime Minister’s Questions session, when the politically charged two-child cap could feature.
The post Lawmakers grill UK PM, Starmer, for suspending seven MPs appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

NDLEA seizes 305 blocks of cannabis, arrests suspect in Yobe

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NDLEA seizes 305 blocks of cannabis, arrests suspect in Yobe

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Yobe State Command, has confiscated 305 blocks of cannabis weighing 152.5kg enroute to Niger Republic.
The Command’s spokesperson, Ramatu Badamasi, disclosed this to newsmen in Damaturu.
She said that the 305 blocks of the substances were confiscated in Geidam local government area of the state.
According to the spokesperson, a 39-year-old suspect, identified as Bukar, was arrested in connection with the seized illicit drugs at Geidam on 14th July, while taking the illicit consignment to Diffa, in Niger Republic.
Chairman of NDLEA, Brig.Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) had over the weekend commended operatives of the command for the seizure and arrest, noting that their operational successes and those of their compatriots across the country are well appreciated.
He urged them not to rest on their oars, but continue to intensify ongoing drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts.
NDLEA seizes 305 blocks of cannabis, arrests suspect in Yobe

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