Justice Deinde I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, on Monday, July 15, 2024, ordered the final forfeiture of 20 cars stolen from Canada to Nigeria.
The cars were forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The Judge gave the order following a motion on notice filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The forfeited cars are: Black colour SUV 400, White 4MATIC Mercedez Benz; SUV MDX SH-AWD Acura; Grey colour SUV RS 350L Lexus; Deep Blue SUV RX 350 Lexus, White Toyota 4Runner 2015; White 2020 model Lexus RX 350; White 2019 Lexus RX 350, Black 2020 Model Lexus RX350, and Black Honda Ridgeline 2017 Model.
Others are: White Lexus RX 350 SPORT 2019 Model; Grey Lexus RX 350 2019 Model; Grey Toyota 4Runner 2018 Model; White Lexus RX 350 FS Sport 2019 Model; White Toyota Highlander XLE AWD 2017 Model; Black Toyota Highlander 2020 Model; Black Toyota Highlander 2018 Model; Black Mercedez Benz G550 2019 Model; Red Lexus Rx 350 2016 Model and White Mercedez Benz GLA 250 2018 Model.
Justice Dipeolu had, on May 27, 2024, ordered the interim forfeiture of the cars and also directed the publication of the order in any national newspaper for any interested person to appear before the court and show cause why it should not be finally forfeited.
At the sitting on Monday, the EFCC, through its counsel, R.A. Abdulrasheed, told the court that the Commission had complied with the order of the court regarding the publication.
Moving the motion for the final forfeiture order, Abdulrasheed told the court that the application was supported with a 17-paragraph affidavit deposed to by Olufemi Olukini, an investigator with the EFCC, and a written address.
The EFCC, in the affidavit, stated that “ Sometime in April, 2022, during an official meeting held at 7A Okotie-eboh Street, Ikoyi Lagos between officials of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCM) and Lagos Zonal Command of EFCC, officials passed a credible intelligence to the Commission which alleged: “That over 350 vehicles, which were comprehensively listed out on an excel sheet with their respective vehicle identification Number (VIN), were stolen from various locations in Canada and shipped to Nigeria.
“That these vehicles have been sold and/or being sold on an online website www.ii.com by some online vendors/agents,while others are displayed for sale at various car stands across the country.
“The cars are listed in a comprehensive excel sheet alongside some pictures and information on them. And that some of these vehicles are intercepted at the point of entry into Nigeria at Tincan Island port, Lagos.
READ ALSO:EFCC auctions over 190 cars in Abuja, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Benin, others
“That our team commenced preliminary investigation into the case by identifying the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of each of the said stolen vehicles and subjecting them to analysis using Open Source Intelligence (OSINT).
“That preliminary results from the analysis revealed the vehicles were largely located across Lagos State metropolis, particularly Lekki at different car stands and places and the Nigerian ports pending clearance into the country. And that surveillance was, thereafter, carried out on the identified locations followed by sting operations which led to the physical location and identification of these vehicles. “
Continuing, the Commission further stated in the affidavit “that about 40 of the stolen vehicles were initially located by the intelligence team, who thereafter brought a similar application in suit no. FHC/L/CS/2051/2023 between Economic and Financial Crimes Commission V. WILMON AUTOS NIGERIA LIMITED & 177 ORS wherein a final forfeiture order was granted by Honourable Justice D. I. Dipeolu on 6 March, 2024.
“That soon after the above order was granted, the intelligence team further located the vehicles listed in schedule 1 and 2 of this application,which necessitated this present suite.
“That the 13th to 20th respondents described in schedule 1 and 2 attached to this application were recovered as part of the stolen vehicles and shipped to Nigeria. And that the VIN of the vehicles corresponds with those of the stolen vehicles contained in the intelligence received from RCMP and no person has come forward to claim ownership of these vehicles.
“Investigation carried out revealed that the motor vehicles described aforesaid were stolen from Canada and shipped to Nigeria between March and June, 2022. And that most of these vehicles were insured and the insurance companies involved had indemnified the respective owners of the vehicles.
“That the insurance companies now stand in the position of the owners and delegated their interests to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police liaison officer with the Canadian Embassy in Nigeria to pursue their interests.
“That based on the facts stated on paragraphs 1-13 above, this Honourable Court on 27th May, 2024 granted an application for interim forfeiture and Order the Publication of the order. “
Abddulrasheed, therefore, prayed for “an order of the Court forfeiting to the Federal Government of Nigeria all the properties mentioned in the attached schedules of this application, which properties are reasonably suspected to have been acquired through stealing and with proceeds from other unlawful economic activities.
“An order of the Court empowering the Canadian Deputy High Commission in Nigeria or any other officer so designated by the office, to dispose off the forfeited properties mentioned in the attached schedules 1-2 of this application either by sale or return to the victims, subject to remittance of the statutory two percent from the proceeds to the EFCC Recovery Account.”
Justice Dipeolu, after listening to the submissions by Abdulrasheed, ordered the final forfeiture of the cars.
The post Court orders final forfeiture of 20 cars stolen from Canada appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Court orders final forfeiture of 20 cars stolen from Canada
Consumers choose Terra Gold for quality
In the competitive market of seasoning cubes, where consumers are on a quest for quality and authenticity, Terra Gold has emerged as a standout choice among consumers thanks to its innovative approach and exceptional quality. This seasoning cube has been setting new standards in the culinary world by offering unmatched versatility, consistent taste, and excellent value for money.
The trust and satisfaction of consumers are evident from the growing popularity of Terra Gold. Users consistently praise the cube for its rich and consistent taste, which elevates the culinary experience of every meal. The campaign “One Cube, Endless Possibilities” reflects the brand’s commitment to providing a superior seasoning solution that meets the diverse needs of Nigerian kitchens.
Osho Glory, a university student shares her positive experience, she noted that as a student who loves to cook, she sometimes couldn’t afford all the ingredients, but with Terra Gold Cube, she gets the flavour, taste, and aroma she desires. It has provided her unmatched convenience, without compromising on taste.
Mrs Aisha Ibrahim says “Terra Gold is like a stone you use to kill two birds. When I cook my family’s local soups and international meals with Terra Gold Cube, the flavour, and aroma blend nicely with the natural ingredients I used for the meal.” She continues very excited, “Regardless of what you are cooking, Terra Gold Cube makes its taste and aroma so much better”. This endorsement underscores Terra Gold’s appeal to a broad consumer base seeking a reliable and flexible seasoning option.
Probal Bhattacharya, Chief Marketing Officer, TGI Group shared, “We understand how dynamic the Nigerian Culinary space is and our role is to empower consumers with the right seasoning for all their dishes, whether local or international. Food is an important part of everyday life, and we aim to ensure flavours are brought to life one dish at a time”.
Terra Gold Cube has redefined the art of seasoning with its innovative approach and commitment to quality. Its ability to enhance a wide range of dishes without dominating their natural flavours makes it a top choice for consumers. As Terra Gold continues to inspire culinary creativity across Nigeria, it solidifies its position as the gold standard in seasoning cubes.
TGI Distri, a subsidiary of TGI Group is a consumer-focused distribution company driven by innovation to meet the evolving market and consumer needs in Nigeria. TGI Distri is vast in the innovation of new products, marketing, managing sales, and distribution of Food & Non-food products ranging from Big Bull Rice, Golden Terra Soya Oil, Terra Seasoning Cube, and Renew Starch.
With a well-structured supply chain infrastructure across Nigeria, TGI Distri is committed to being the distribution company of choice.
Consumers choose Terra Gold for quality
LG autonomy: Govs are emperors, may not obey Supreme Court – Pastor Giwa
The senior pastor of Awaiting The Second Coming Of Christ Ministry, Adewale Giwa, on Wednesday, said state governors may not obey the judgment of the Supreme Court granting financial autonomy to state governors.
Pastor Giwa explained that governors have made themselves emperors over the affairs of local governments, hence may not toe the line of the judgment.
On Thursday, the Supreme Court ruled that the federal government should stop the payment of allocations directly to local government councils.
The seven-member panel of the apex court held that state governors have continued to abuse their powers by retaining and using the funds meant for LGAs.
Reacting, Giwa said governors have taken over the responsibility of council chairmen at the local government level.
He told TVN that, “The Supreme Court judgment on LG autonomy is a welcome development.
“However, I doubt if the state governors would toe the line. Over the years, the governors in Nigeria have mismanaged the funds of the LGs.
“To make matters worse, the governors have turned themselves to emperors by unilaterally appointing caretaker committees instead of allowing the electorate to elect their representatives through statutory local government elections.
“Governors now execute projects that ought to have been implemented by the council chairmen. Can you see the level of corruption by the state governors?
“You hardly find meaningful projects in most of the local governments chaired by the appointees of the governors. With this judgment, I hope the affected governors will now put their houses in order and allow the elected Council Chairmen to perform their responsibilities.
“Before the governors hijacked the power of the LG Chairmen, the nation’s LGs were doing well in terms of developments.
“This is because they are closer to the people at the grassroots than the governors. People could easily visit their council areas to see their representatives.”
Giwa charged council chairmen to carry out positive projects, adding that the Federal Government should give local governments what was due to them.
He added: “Nigerians have refused to direct their anger towards the governors in their respective states.
“Instead, they focus more on the presidency, forgetting that charity begins from home. Nigerian governors should be held responsible also.
“Let me also advise politicians who want to be LG chairmen to use this opportunity to execute positive projects in their respective areas. Don’t let your people down; do what is right to ensure you bring good governance to your people.
“The federal government also needs to be sincere while giving the respective LGs what is due for them. Those who are in charge must not use this avenue to enrich their pockets.”
LG autonomy: Govs are emperors, may not obey Supreme Court – Pastor Giwa
Bandits abduct 150 locals in Zamfara community
About one hundred and fifty (150) locals, including newborn babies in Dan Isa community of Kauran Namoda local government area of Zamfara State, were kidnapped by bandits over the weekend.
Over 30 others were also abducted by hoodlums in Maradun Local Government Area of the state.
According to BBC Hausa, the community has been deserted following the incident.
According to a survivor, the hoodlums invaded the community, killed three locals and rustled all the cows and other animals in the community.
The spokesperson of the Zamfara State Police Command, Mr Yazid Abubakar, when contacted, explained that they were yet to receive the news of the kidnap incident.
Bandits abduct 150 locals in Zamfara community
Kano gov reinstates Gaya Emir, names two others for Karaye, Rano
Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has approved the appointment of three second-class Emirs of Rano, Gaya, and Karaye with immediate effect.
According to a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Tofa, a copy of which was made available to According Online on Wednesday, the new emirates are to serve as second with Kano as first-class emirate.
Yusuf named the newly appointed Alhaji Muhammad Karaye as the Emir of Karaye. He was the District Head of Rogo before his latest appointment.
Alhaji Muhammad Umar was named the Emir of Rano. He was the District Head of Bunkure before the latest appointment.
The governor also named Alhaji Aliyu Abdulkadir Gaya as the Emir of Gaya. He was the emir of the defunct Gaya emirate, who was dethroned among others recently.
The statement added, “While congratulating the newly appointed Emirs, Governor Abba Yusuf enjoined them to be custodians of culture, peace, and unity of the people in their respective emirates.”
Yusuf had on Tuesday signed into law three second-class emirates in the state, with Rano covering only Rano, Kibiya, and Bunkure Local Government areas.
Gaya covers only Gaya, Ajingi, and Albasu Local Government Areas, while Karaye covers only Karaye and Rogo Local Government Areas.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.
Contact: [email protected]
South-East won’t join protest against Tinubu govt – Ohanaeze
Factional Secretary-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Okechukwu lsiguzoro, has said that the people of South-East zone will not join in the proposed nationwide protests against President Bola.
The protest is slated to hold on August 1st-10th, 2024, over the economic hardship facing Nigerians.
In a statement in Abakaliki on Tuesday, Isiguzoro said that Igbos will not be used again, citing that the South-East have been used as sacrificial lambs in previous riots.
He noted that previous riots have resulted in immense losses of Igbo lives and properties.
He stressed that what matters most to the South-East was the release of Nnamdi Kanu, not participating in the nationwide protests.
The statement reads, “As Nigerians prepare for nationwide protests against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to express their frustrations over the harsh economic conditions and rising prices of essential commodities and petroleum products, OHANAEZE NDIGBO, the apex igbo socio-cultural organization, has taken a firm stance on the upcoming protests scheduled from August 1st-10th, 2024.
“Drawing from the painful history of past riots and protests in Nigeria, such as the 17th April 1978 ALI MUST GO Protests, the 24th May 1989 ANTI-SAP RIOTS, the 1993 June 12 protests, the 2nd-14th January 2012 OCCUPY NIGERIA protests, and the 20th October 2020 END SARS protests, which resulted in immense losses of Igbo lives and properties, OHANAEZE NDIGBO highlights the fact that Igbos have often been used as sacrificial lambs in the course of these protests.
“In the interest of protecting the lives and properties of Igbos across the country, OHANAEZE NDIGBO has made the decision to direct Igbos at home and in diaspora to refrain from participating in the Nationwide Protests scheduled for August 1st-10th, 2024, for the following reasons.
“Firstly, the security challenges in the Southeast region make it imprudent to allow any form of protest or riot to occur. Any attempt to enforce protests in the Southeast will only exacerbate the already precarious security situation in the region.
“Extremists and criminals may take advantage of such protests to instigate violence, loot properties, and cause chaos. Therefore, it is not advisable for any protests to take place in the Southeast.
“Secondly, with the fear of Igbos being used as sacrificial lambs in the upcoming protests nationwide, OHANAEZE NDIGBO advises Igbo residents in the 19 Northern States and Southwest to boycott the protests for their own safety and security. Staying away from the protests is crucial to safeguarding their well-being.
“Lastly, OHANAEZE NDIGBO emphasizes that the release of Nnamdi Kanu is of utmost importance to the Southeast region. The organization believes that engaging in protests against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not bring about the desired outcome, but rather, the release of Nnamdi Kanu will demonstrate good faith on the part of the President towards the Igbo people.”
South-East won’t join protest against Tinubu govt – Ohanaeze
Reinstated HYPREP Coordinator, Zabbey vows to expedite Ogoni clean-up project
The Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, HYPREP, Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, has assured that his administration will expedite the completion of over 130 ongoing projects in Ogoniland.
Professor Zabbey made this statement while addressing youths who visited the HYPREP office in Port Harcourt on Tuesday to demonstrate their support for his reappointment as the Project Coordinator.
President Bola Tinubu on Monday reinstated Zabbey as the Project Coordinator of HYPREP, after rescinding his appointment of Olufemi Adekanmbi last Saturday.
The President cited Zabbey’s good performance as the reason for his reinstatement.
His decision to replace Zabbey with a non-Ogoni generated negative reactions from Ogoni people and groups in the Niger Delta (who felt stakeholders were not consulted).
Speaking, Zabbey revealed that the projects have created direct employment opportunities for over 7,000 youths.
He said, “We have 130 ongoing projects in the area of remediation, water positioning, strengthening of hospitals or health systems, and a lot of livelihood
“And under remediation alone, we have remediation of contaminated land, we have shore line cleanup and we have a mangrove restoration project going on concurrently.
“These have created a lot of jobs for Ogoni youths. Our estimate is over 7,000 youths.”
He stated that HYPREP would train traditional rulers in conflict resolution to ensure the smooth progress of the cleanup project in Ogoniland.
HYPREP is the agency under the Federal Ministry of Environment responsible for handling the Ogoni Clean-up project on oil spill sites.
Reinstated HYPREP Coordinator, Zabbey vows to expedite Ogoni clean-up project
Sanwo-Olu hosts dinner to celebrate Soyinka at 90
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, hosted a dinner at the State House on Tuesday to honour Noble Laurette, Prof Wole Soyinka, on his 90th birthday.
During the birthday dinner, Sanwo-Olu also unveiled a “special portrait” of the renowned playwright and novelist.
Sharing photos from the event on X.com, Sanwo-Olu wrote, “This evening, we had the honour of celebrating the 90th birthday of our esteemed Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka.
“It was a night of joy, memories, and inspiration as we celebrated his many contributions to literature and touched on how his humanity continues to inspire us all.
“The highlight of the evening was unveiling a special portrait of Prof., a true reflection of his enduring legacy.”
Sanwo-Olu further thanked Soyinka, saying, “We celebrate not just his 90 years of life but the countless lives he has inspired and continues to inspire.”
He added, “His Nobel Prize win many years ago opened the door for many to dream and believe that greatness is achievable. His works transcend time, touching hearts and minds across the globe.
“Thank you, Professor Wole Soyinka, for showing us that through resilience, creativity, and dedication, we can achieve greatness.”
The Nobel Laureate, who turned 90 years old on Saturday, July 13, was described as a shining light and national treasure by President Bola Tinubu.
See more photos below
Top 10 stories from across Nigerian Newspapers, Wednesday, July 17, 2024
Here are the top 10 stories making headlines across the country.
1. Tinubu to meet labour leaders again on Thursday to finalize new minimum wage
President Bola Tinubu is to convene a follow-up meeting with labour leaders on Thursday to reach a consensus on a new minimum wage, according to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.Read more
2. Kogi sets October 19 for local government elections
Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission has announced October 19 as the date for local government elections across the state, following a recent Supreme Court ruling that deemed caretaker committees managing local government affairs nationwide illegal.Read more
3. Pro-Fubara lawmakers reject move to stop Rivers govt’s spending
The faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to Governor Siminalaye Fubara has rejected the move by a rival group to stop the governor from spending the state’s revenue.Read more
4. Binance executive’s health worsens, appears in court in wheelchair
The executive director of the cryptocurrency platform, Binance, Tigran Gambaryan, arrived at the Federal High Court, Abuja, in a wheelchair for his trial for alleged money laundering on Tuesday.Read more
5. Nigerian govt rules out handover of varsities to private investors
The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, said on Tuesday the Federal Government has no plan to hand over public universities in the country to private investors.Read more
READ ALSO:Top 10 stories from across Nigerian Newspapers, Sunday, July 14, 2024
6. Renewed tension as Sunday Igboho gives Fulani herders ultimatum to vacate South-West forests
Yoruba nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, widely known as Sunday Igboho, has renewed his call for Fulani herders to leave forests anreas across the South-West region of Nigeria.Read more
7. FG, states, LGAs share N1.35tr as revenue allocation for June
The three tiers of government on Tuesday shared the sum of N1.35 trillion as revenue allocation for June.Read more
8. FRC, MOFI reveal how Nigeria can achieve $1tr economy
The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) and the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) identified how President Bola Tinubu can achieve its $1 trillion economic projection.Read more
9. Navy rescues eight victims of human trafficking, 2 drowning fishermen
The Nigerian Navy has rescued eight female victims of human trafficking in the country.Read more
10. Nigeria absent at Africa Youth Champs over scarcity of funds
Nigeria is conspicuously absent from the 2024 ITTF Africa Youth Championships, which are currently underway in Gaborone, the capital of Botswana.Read more
The post Top 10 stories from across Nigerian Newspapers, Wednesday, July 17, 2024 appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Hardship: Kebbi Govt tackles food crisis with 210 trucks of fertilizer, agricultural inputs
In a concerted effort to arrest the food crisis rocking the country, especially the Northern Region, Kebbi State government has procured 210 trucks of fertilizer to aid farming this rainy season.
The effort is part of concerns to curb food insufficiency and general hardships being experienced by the citizens.
Governor Nasir Idris, who announced the new move in Birnin-Kebbi, the capital of Kebbi State, said that the 210 trucks of fertilizer would be made available to peasant farmers in the rural areas at no cost.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ahmed Idris, Governor Idris said that no fewer than 48,000 peasant farmers have been targeted to have the fertilizer to aid their farming capacities.
According to the statement, the fertilizer would be transmitted to the local farmers in their respective villages and communities along with other agricultural inputs.
The move to combat the food crisis headlong was said to have been made public by the governor at the launching of agricultural inputs by the State COVID 19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus, Kebbi State Cares Coordinating Unit.
The exercise is said to be under the State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fadama III Implementing Unit
Gov. Idris pointed out that the effort was part of his decision not to leave any farmer or group of farmers behind in their farming work.
According to the statement, 100 trucks of assorted fertiliser would be distributed to the people of the state free, while another 110 trucks of fertiliser would also be channeled to Local Government Areas in the state also free-of-charge.
The governor charged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the inputs for mass food production to ensure food sufficiency at the end of the rainy season of the year.
The State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Abba Sani-Kalgo was said to have highlighted the importance of the programme and commended the governor for the support and assistance to the ministry and generality of farmers in the state.
Hardship: Kebbi Govt tackles food crisis with 210 trucks of fertilizer, agricultural inputs