BREAKING!!! EU Lawmakers Berate Buhari Over Human Rights Abuses; Move to Free Nnamdi Kanu

More than a dozen Members of the European Union Parliament has written a joint letter to the Office of the European Union Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, condemning the continuous illegal detention of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra(IPOB), and two other Biafran activists, Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawusi, by the Nigerian government led by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Family Writers had earlier reported a diplomatic meeting between IPOB leadership caucus and Ms Julie Ward, a member of the European Union Parliament representing North West of England, in November, about Nnamdi Kanu’s incarceration and the inhuman treatment being meted out on Biafrans in Nigeria. The Parliamentarian, however, promised that she “will not stop fighting” to ensure that justice prevails for Nnamdi Kanu and Biafrans in general.

Meanwhile, Julie Ward MEP is the brain behind the protest letter to the European Union High Commission, and which has placed the Nigeria seat of power in a state of unbelievable shock.
The letter was addressed to Ms. Federica Mogherini, the  European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Vice President of the European Union Commission, also decried the excessive use of force on “peaceful” Biafra activists by Nigeria’s security agencies, which has resulted in the extrajudicial killings of hundreds of activists, thousands have been subjected to various degrees of incarceration and inhuman treatments.
The EU parliamentarians stated in the letter that, “it is clear that the fundamental human rights of Kanu, Madubugwu and Nwawusi are grossly violated.”

The letter pointed out that, “on several occasions, The Nigerian security forces have used excessive force against pro-Biafran activists who have planned or attended peaceful protest marches.”
Going further, it noted that, “it is clear that the Nigerian authorities are not operating with respect to the Nigerian constitution or the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.”
Conclusively, the letter in a five key demands, called for an urgent action from the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, urging it to, “advocate for the immediate and safe release of Nnamdi Kanu and co-defendants Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi,” and also  condemn in full terms, the tyrannical tendencies of President Muhammadu Buhari and the Department of State Services, DSS, as regards to the continuous incarceration of Nnamdi Kanu and co-defendants, despite court orders that had granted them unconditional release.
It also urged the EU High Commission to call for an uninfluenced investigations on the killings of hundreds of Biafra activists, and mount pressure on the Nigerian government to stop with immediate effect, the continuous clamp down on Biafrans, in accordance with international treaties on human rights, to which the government of Nigeria is signatory to.
A FULL VERSION OF THE LETTER READS BELOW:
JOINT LETTER FROM MEPS TO HR/VP MOGHERINI
Ms Federica Mogherini
High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
European External Action Service
1046 Brussels
Belgium
19th December 2016
Dear Ms Mogherini,
We write in regards to the unlawful detention of Nwannekaenyi “Nnamdi” Kenny Okwu Kanu, a dual British-Nigerian citizen and Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), and the continued violence towards IPOB supporters as perpetrated by the Nigerian Government.
Since 14th October 2015, Kanu has been illegally imprisoned by the Federal Republic of Nigeria, despite being acquitted of all charges brought against him.
The authorities accused Kanu and his two co-defendants, Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi, of trying to overthrow the Nigerian head of state by broadcasting secessionist propaganda on the underground media outlet Radio Biafra, which campaigns for the independence of Biafra from Nigeria.  Kanu, Madubugwu and Nwawuisi deny all charges brought against them.
On 19th October in Abuja, the Chief Magistrate, Honourable Shuaibu, discharged Kanu of all criminal charges including the allegation of managing and belonging to an unlawful society, criminal intimidation and of criminal conspiracy. Shuaibu granted Kanu bail, of which all the conditions were met, but the Department of State Services refused to release him.
The charges of criminal conspiracy, engaging in unlawful society and criminal intimidation were then withdrawn on 16th December 2015, but still Kanu, Madubugwu and Nwawuisi have not been released.

On 17th December 2015, Justice Adeniyi Ademola ordered the unconditional release of Kanu from the custody of the Department of State Security Services, but this was not enacted.
Kanu’s counsel have since appealed to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to help ensure his safe release, but to no avail.  A court case on 5th October 2016 was later adjourned to 8th November, which has now been amended to 9th February 2017, due to the Nigeria Department of State Services failure to bring Kanu to court. The Federal Government of Nigeria had previously warned the ECOWAS community court sitting in Abuja not to intervene in Kanu’s continued detention and trial.
It is clear that the fundamental human rights of Kanu, Madubugwu and Nwawuisi are being grossly violated. Human Rights Watch have reported of the violation of the defendants’ rights, including their right to a fair trial[1].

What is more, the Nigerian Government is also reportedly violating the human rights of Biafran activists. Scores of Biafrans are in detention for attempting to hold or participate in peaceful assemblies. On several occasions, security forces have used excessive force against pro-Biafran activists who have planned or attended peaceful protest marches[2]. Amnesty International has documented cases of arrest, enforced disappearance, torture and often killing of supporters and members of various pro-Biafran groups in the region[3]. Since August 2015, they estimate at least 150 Biafrans have been killed by Nigerian security forces. However, as no official investigations have been carried out, this figure is believed to be much higher[4].
The right to peaceful assembly and association, as well as the right of freedom of expression, is protected by the Nigerian constitution. International human rights standards also require that law enforcement officials must, as far as possible, apply nonviolent means. It is clear that the Nigerian authorities are not operating with respect to the Nigerian constitution or the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
On behalf of the European Union, especially in respect to the EU-Nigeria partnership, the Nigeria EU Joint Way Forward, the developments of the 6th Nigeria-EU ministerial dialogue and the fact that Nigeria is a recipient of EU aid, we call upon you to:
Advocate for the immediate and safe release of Nnamdi Kanu and co-defendants Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi.
Challenge the actions of the President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, and the Nigerian Department of State Services in regards to the detention of Kanu, Madubugwu and Nwawuisi.
Call for an impartial investigation into the arrest, enforced disappearance, torture and killing of supporters and members of various pro-Biafran groups.
Denounce the unacceptable violence against Biafran supporters by Nigerian security forces.
Do more to push the Nigerian government to safeguard human rights in Nigeria by calling for guarantees on the freedom of expression of all Nigerian citizens, including their right to protest without harm, and the termination of violence towards Biafrans.
We look forward to your positive response.
Yours sincerely,
Julie Ward MEP
Ana Gomes MEP
Bart Staes MEP
Beatriz Becerra MEP
Brando Benifei MEP
Catherine Stihler MEP
Ernest Urtasun MEP
Eva Joly MEP
Hilde Vautmans MEP
Jude Kirton-Darling MEP
Kati Piri MEP
Miapetra Kumpula-Natri MEP
Michèle Rivasi MEP
Nessa Childers MEP
Pascal Durand MEP
Philippe Lamberts MEP

[1] Human Rights Watch, ‘Nigeria Should Respect Protesters’ Rights’, 12 October 2016, https://www.hrw.org/news/2016/10/12/nigeria-should-respect-protesters-rights
[2] Amnesty International, ‘Nigeria: Killing of unarmed pro-Biafra supporters by military must be urgently investigated’, 10 June 2016, https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2016/06/nigeria-killing-of-unarmed-pro-biafra-supporters-by-military-must-be-urgently-investigated/
[3] Amnesty International, ‘Nigeria: Crackdown on journalists and assault on protests shrinking civic space’, 28 September 2016, https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2016/09/nigeria-crackdown-and-shrinking-civic-space/
[4] Amnesty International, ‘Nigeria: At least 150 peaceful pro-Biafra activists killed in chilling crackdown’, 24 November 2016, https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2016/11/peaceful-pro-biafra-activists-killed-in-chilling-crackdown/

Trump formally elected U.S. President by Electoral College

he 538-membet Electoral College sealed Republican Donald Trump’s victory on Monday, formalising his Nov. 8 election and making him officially the 45th elected U.S. President.

The Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in the U.S. reports that Trump took to his twitter handle to break the news of his victory to his supporters.

Donald-trump

“We did it! Thank you to all of my great supporters, we just officially won the election (despite all of the distorted and inaccurate media),” Trump said.
“Today marks a historic electoral landslide victory in our nation’s democracy.
“I thank the American people for their overwhelming vote to elect me as their next President of the United States.

“This election represents a movement that millions of hard working men and women all across the country stood behind and made possible.
“With this historic step we can look forward to the bright future ahead.
“I will work hard to unite our country and be the President of all Americans,” Trump also said in a statement.
Vice President-elect Mike Pence also hailed Trump on Twitter as the results came in.
“Congratulations to @realDonaldTrump; officially elected President of the U.S. today by the Electoral College!”

Unofficial reports said Trump received 304 electoral votes to Hillary Clinton’s 224, with six electors said to have voted for other candidates, costing Trump two votes and Clinton four.

However, Hawaii’s electors are reportedly still set to meet later on Monday, with the state’s four votes expected to go to Hillary Clinton, who won the popular votes by almost three million.
NAN reports that the result will be officially announced on Jan. 6, 2017 in a special joint session of Congress.
Vice President Joe Biden, will open the electoral votes before a joint session of the new Congress, where they will be counted and certified.
NAN reports that in the U.S., the Vice President is the President of the Senate.
The Electoral College met in all the 50 U.S. states and Washington, D.C. on Monday.
NAN reports that afterwards, the president-elect will be communicated to officially to arrive at the Capitol Hill on Jan. 20 for his inauguration.
Under U.S. law, electors must formally vote for the president and vice-president before they can lead the country.
NAN recalls that Trump’s victory in various states in the  Nov. 8 election put him in line to get 306 of the 538 electoral college votes as against Clinton’s 232, according to projections.
NAN also reports that Clinton won the popular vote by almost three million votes.(NAN)

OMG!!! Raw Video of Russian Ambassador’s Assassination by Man Shouting “Allahu Akbar” (Graphic: Viewer Discretion)

The Russian Ambassador to Turkey Andrei Karlov was shot while attending the opening of an art gallery exhibition in the capitol. Watch the chilling video from the scene above. Karlov is in critical condition at a Turkish hospital.

The man, reported to be a police officer (or posing as one), fired at the ambassador and shouted “Allahu Akbar,” repeatedly.

Relations between Moscow and Ankara worsened in November 2015 after Turkey shot down a Russian fighter plane near the Syrian border, but have recently become warmer.

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — A gunman opened fire on Russia’s ambassador to Turkey at a photo exhibition on Monday. The Russian foreign ministry confirmed he was shot, but did not immediately say anything about his condition.

The ambassador, Andrei Karlov, was several minutes into a speech at the embassy-sponsored exhibition in the capital, Ankara, when a man wearing a suit and tie shouted “Allahu Akbar” and fired at least eight shots, according to an AP photographer in the audience. The attacker also said some words in Russian and smashed several of the photos hung for the exhibition. There was panic as people ran for cover. NTV said three other people were wounded in the attack.

U.S. State Department spokesman John Kirby said U.S. officials were aware of reports about the shooting.
“We condemn this act of violence, whatever its source,” Kirby said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.”

BREAKING! EFCC In Confusion As Sambo Dasuki Is Declared ‘Missing’.

Retired Col Sambo Dasuki, the former National Security Adviser (NSA) has in the last two days been declared “missing’’, following the inability
of the Federal Government to produce him before an Abuja High Court for trial, in the charges of money laundering, and breach of trust, brought against him since last year.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) who arrested the retired army officer, has lost track of his whereabouts as several security agencies of the Nigerian government that have interest in the case and the person, Dasuki now keeps him in unknown location.

In the last few weeks, there have been any prove to know if Dasuki is alive or what his current health status is after reports of his failing health.

The former NSA boss was charged along with five others before Justice Peter Affen, was granted bail when he was first arraigned, but immediately re- arrested, and had been kept in custody of the Department of the State Service, DSS, since December 2015.

Others who are being prosecuted along with the former NSA with respect to charges of diversion of funds include, a former Director of Finance in the Office of the NSA, Shuaibu Salisu; a former Finance Minister of State, Bashir Yuguda; a former Sokoto Governor, Attahiru Bafarawa; the ex-Governor’s son, Sagir Attahiru; and a firm, Dalhatu Investment.

At the resumed trial, Counsel to the Federal Government, Rotimi Jacob, informed the judge that he was surprised that Dasuki, who was the second defendant in the charge, was not brought to court by his client.

he Counsel, explained that on his part, he notified the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on the trial, and the need to produce Dasuki in court.

President Muhammadu Buhari have special interest in the detention of Dasuki, as the Presidency see this as a pay back to Dasuki who arrested Buhari when his military government was overthrown in 1985.

The President has ensured that all the court decision granting administrative bail to Dasuki was blocked by his government while the former Nigerian security chief languish in prison to the delight of President Buhari.

Massive Anti-Buhari Protest storms Abuja

Nigerians drawn from various civil society groups on Wednesday protested against Buhari’s government  illegal recruitment and nepotism in some government agencies, questioning the anti-corruption effort of the President.
The protesters – including popular activists, Aisha Yesufu; author, Chido Onumah; and members of Citizens of Impact, Enough is Enough, Youthup Africa – marched to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, where they submitted their protest letter for onward transfer to Mr. Buhari.
“All Nigerians must be given equal opportunity in employment,” one of their placards read.
In his address, Daniel Olatunde, convener of Citizens of Impact, said the Central Bank of Nigeria, Federal Inland Revenue Service and Nigeria Prisons Service, embarked on illegal recruitment exercises and that some of the recruits paid huge amounts to get the jobs.
He recalled that one of the 909 persons recruited by the CBN “through backdoor” was a nephew of Mr. Buhari.

He added that FIRS Chairman, Babatunde Fowler, “lied barefaced and was deceiving Nigerians” that the body was going to recruit 1,250 people during a session with the Senate Finance Committee at a time he had already concluded “the recruitment of children of his cronies including that of John Enoh, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance.”
To cover its illegal recruitment exercise, Mr. Olatunde alleged that NPS backdated letters of appointment to 530 people.
“No transparency as these exercises were done under the table,” Mr. Olatunde said.
“It is shocking the government has been loud in its silence. Nobody has investigated or reversed it….President Buhari came to power on thr crest of anti-corruption campaign.”
In her address, Mrs. Yesufu said Mr. Buhari should be reminded that looting constitutes corruption, as well as “nepotism and illegal recruitment of children of who is who”.
The protesters demanded investigation of the exercises and their reversal, while heads of the concerned public bureaucracies be sanctioned.
“If citizens come out to protest peacefully, they should be listened to. It is not only those who carry arms that should be listened to,” Mrs. Yesufu said.

Special Assistant to Mr. Buhari on Policy, Development and Analysis, Ibrahim Bapitel, represented the SGF, Babachir Lawal.
Mr. Bapitel, after listening to the protesters and receving their letter, he said, “I believe in the content of this letter”.
“I assure action could be taken.”
He could not give a definite date for the protesters to get response, saying only the SGF could do so.
But PREMIUM TIMES gathered the protesters resolved to resume demonstration a week from now in case there is no response from government.

HEAVY GUNSHOTS CONTINUE AS RESIDENTS FLEE LAGOS COMMUNITY

Heavy gunshots continue as residents flee Lagos community

By Eugene Agha & Dotun Omisakin, Lagos | Publish Date: Jul 28 2016 5:00AM•Save us from ‘Badoo’, Ikorodu community begs Ambode

Heavy gunshots continued yesterday between displaced pipeline vandals and some security operatives at the Igando Community.

The displaced vandals had stormed the Obadore, Ewedogbon, Akesan Fatoki, and Egan communities of Igando, and left six persons injured.

 

Although they were later repelled, the gang had successfully carted away money and other valuables, and despite the heavy police presence and the deployment of drones, helicopters and armoured personnel carriers, the gunmen returned yesterday.

The gunmen were said to have bided their time until the Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni and his team who visited the area for an on-the-spot assessment, had left.

The CP had not gone far when they struck back, so the police immediately deployed their personnel and repelled the gunmen again.

The community has been deserted by the inhabitants of the area for fear of being caught in the crossfire between the police and the hoodlums. Few of the inhabitants still lives in their apartment as they said they have no place to go to.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, said the police had regained control of the area.

Meanwhile, the Ibeshe community in Ikorodu, Lagos State, has called on Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to rescue the community from a man widely known as Badoo.

The Chairman, Ibesheland Joint Community Development Association, Pastor Fred Olanipekun, who yesterday led a protest to the Lagos House, cried that the community had been bereft of peace for the past two years because of Badoo’s activities.

Olanipekun alleged that Badoo had caused extensive havoc in the community kidnapping, killing and robbing ruthlessly, and raping both young and old women.

A leader in the Ibeshe community, Mrs Oluwaseun Osundairo, said panic was now the word among women. Even many men, she stated, had fled the area.

Allaying the protesters’ fears, Mr Segun Senuoye from the

SHIITE Leader El-Zakzaky Going Blind In Detention, Group Alleges

The academic forum of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) also known as the Shi’ite group has alleged that the leader of the group Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky who has been in detention since December 2015 is going blind man and slowly crippled contrary to claims by those holding him.
Recalled that Sheikh Zakzaky was arrested and has been in detention with the Department of State Security (DSS) following a clash between members of his group and the Nigerian Army since December 2015.
Addressing a press conference in Kaduna yesterday, leader of the academic forum, Shuaibu Isa Ahmad said they are deeply concerned and worried about the present health condition of their leader who he said needs urgent medical attention.
According to the forum, “constitutionally, it is mandatory for the Nigerian state and those holding him to release him urgently and unconditionally to enable him seek for proper medical care in any place of his choice, since he has not committed any crime. He should be freed from this illegal detention, holding him hostage is unconstitutional, it is a clear violation of his basic rights and therefore unacceptable.
“We are calling on Nigerians and the international community to join us and stand for the truth, justice and fairness. Sheikh Zakzaky, his wife and the rest of the one hundred and ninety one (191) innocent citizens should be released immediately and unconditionally.




“It could be recalled that on July 25th, 2014, officers of the Nigerian Army led by Col. S.O Okuh tortured and murdered in cold blood, 34 of our brothers and sisters including three sons of Sheikh Zakzaky (H)Ahmad, Hamid and Mahmud. Additional three sons of the reverred Sheikh, Hammad, Ali Hydar and Humaid were massacred in his presence. This is indeed gross violation of fundamental human rights of fellow Nigerian citizens.”
The forum also stressed that, it is a fact that murder, massacre, unjust imprisonment or detention, rape and torture are all crimes against humanity.
“Following the massacre, over 472 women are now widows, over 1000 born to widows, 191 are still in prison custody, 2 died in prison and 68 of them are students, and over 300 were hospitalised with various degrees of injuries while many were burnt to death.”

I Never Knew My Husband Was Meant For Me– Tonto Dike Speak Out

(tonto dike and churchill)

 

Nollywood actress, Tonto Dike Churchill at the moment is playing one of the biggest roles of her life. She is playing the role of a wife and a mother.

according to a recently Twitter interview she had with Ynaija  IGBERET that  she revealed how motherhood has changed her, why she doesn’t want to reveal the face of her son among other issues. Hear her:

”My decision to keep my family especially my son from the public remains the same. Motherhood has been awesome. It has been a learning process for me everyday. The story of how I met my husband is too long for twitter. I never knew he was the one God had in mind for me. From the first day I met him, I liked his personality, manners, big head, maturity and his exposure”

The pretty actress who also doubles as a singer, cleared the air about her working relationship with Dbanj : “ D’banj has been a wonderful brother to me, it’s just time for me to move on. My relationship with D’banj has always been the same since we met. We are family born on the same day. We understand each other.”

DSS Arrests Suspect That Planned To Overthrow Buhari, And launch Missile

It named the suspect behind the coup rumour and missile attack threat  as Jones Abiri, aka General Akotebe Darikoro, leader of the Joint Revolutionary Council of the Joint Niger Delta Liberation Force (JNDLF).
He was arrested last Thursday in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital. He is a journalist working for a tabloid in Yenegoa.

The DSS said the JNDLF has “been furthering separatist tendencies in connivance with other criminal gangs in the Niger Delta region.”

Of Darikoro who operates under the nom-de-guerre “General-Kill and Bury”, the security organization said he has  “confessed and owned up to some criminal activities committed by the JNDLF, which include:
*The vandalism of Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) trunk line in Ogboinbiri, Southern Ijaw LGA and bombing of oil pipeline belonging to Shell Development Company (SPDC) at Brass creek on 8th July, 2016, all in Bayelsa State;

*Threat messages to managements of NAOC and SPDC demanding for the payment of five hundred million naira (N500m), and two hundred and fifty million naira (N250m) respectively;

*Threat to launch missile attacks against selected targets in Abuja including the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock.
It accused   Darikoro of also masterminding  the recently circulated hoax of planned overthrow of President Buhari by the military.


Ramat was apprehended at Jabi Motor Park, Utako, Abuja also last Thursday, as he perfected plan to  “attack the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and its environs, in collaboration with other elements of an extremist cell of the Boko Haram group.”

The DSS in the statement signed by Tony Opuiyo said its “on-going tactical operations aimed at degrading the capabilities and hide-outs of criminal syndicates across the federation are now paying off with strategic arrests of top-level underground elements.”

It added: “one Stephen Mamayebo aka Oscar, a suspected militant was arrested at OMPADEC Primary School in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. Mamayebo was arrested in connection with the kidnap of an expatriate staff of Setraco Construction Company and subsequent murder of two soldiers, namely Sgt Garba Umar and Private Bashir Kabiru, along Ogbia-Nembe road on 5th April, 2016.

“Furthermore, on 20th July, 2016, at Travellers’ Mosque, along Kaduna-Zaria Highway in Igabi LGA of Kaduna State, the trio of Ismaila Shuaibu, Kabiru Nasiru and Inusa Abdullahi were arrested during a tactical raid.

“The trio were members of a notorious kidnap gang which has been terrorizing innocent citizens along the Abuja-Kaduna highway, and other environs within Kaduna State.

“On 22nd July, 2016, about 1730 hours, at Total Petrol Station, along Aba road in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, one Chukwunyere Austin Okwaa was apprehended by the Service; he had been issuing death threats against the former Acting-Managing Director, NDDC, Ms Ibim Semenitari.

“Also, suspected handlers of illegal arms and ammunition along wiand ammunition along with a suspected fraudster were arrested by DSS while a kidnapper who was coordinating plans for the hijack of fuel-supply tankers in Oyo State has also been arrested by the DSS.

“On 22nd June, 2016, a raid on suspected criminals/miscreants hide-outs behind Ado Bayero Quarters at Naibawa area of Kumbotso LGA of Kano State resulted in the recovery of one AK-47 rifle with twenty-eight rounds of live ammunition, one Browning model pistol with two rounds of live ammunition and a P5 pistol with ten live rounds.

“Also, on 22nd July, 2016, the Service apprehended one Saidu Yahaya, during the screening of prospective Hajj pilgrims at the Muslim Pilgrims Board in Jos, Plateau State. He had been under the radar of the Service as a black-market and illegal gunrunner who has been supplying arms and ammunitions to criminal and ethnic/religious bigots in Plateau, Taraba, Benue and Nassarawa states.”

Also in the net of the DSS is one Samson Chijioke Nzegwu said to be the  ring-leader of a syndicate which has been using cloned/forged paraphernalia of the Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Lawrence Ugwuanyi, to defraud members of the public.

“During his arrest, the sum of one million naira, three laptops, ten different mobile phones, and other incriminating items were recovered from him.”

Similarly, a suspected kidnapper Esan Abiodun Christopher aka Maiyegun was arrested in Ondo State for belonging to the Reuben Akinbehinje-gang which masterminded the kidnap of two Catholic nuns and their driver in Akure, the state capital.

“The suspect was apprehended while coordinating plans to hijack fuel-supply tankers in Oyo State and he is currently under detention with five other members of his criminal gang, with whom he had masterminded the hijack of several fuel tankers in Ondo, Oyo, Osun, Kwara and Kogi States respectively, the DSS stated.
Last month, the JNDLF issued a statement threatening to attack the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the police headquarters, defence headquarters, NNPC Towers, CBN headquarters, National Assembly, military formations across the country, among others.

It warned occupants of the building to ‘vacate urgently.”

It said: “The followings occupants of these buildings should as a matter of urgency vacate them immediately IN THEIR OWN INTEREST to save their lives because our fight is not for ANY HUMAN BLOOD but to destroy all those infrastructures that were built with our oil and gas monies in this country. We will make federal government and oil companies to suffer as they have made the people of Niger Delta region suffer over the years.

It said it had acquired six missiles which it intended to launch “simultaneously at the night, as this will enable every Nigerian to see the movement of the MISSILES and equally to believe us of our seriousness attached to the final breakup as predicted by the United States of America (USA).

“We equally advise the diplomatic community to be neutral on this issue as wrong comments against us will be seen as saboteurs. Where they are staying presently will not be affected which is not part of our targeted areas of destruction in the country.”

It boasted that the deployment of war arsenal in the region would not stop it from operating, saying: “We shall embarrass the self acclaimed Nigerian Air Force with their recent deployment of fighter aircraft, helicopter gunship and surveillance aircraft when at this digital age, countries are talking about missile development, and they still condescend so low of their present obsolete equipment.”

Had the Boko Haram plot to bomb Abuja not been  foiled as claimed by the DSS it would have been the latest in the series of attacks on the federal capital territory and neighbouring settlements and towns by the sect over the years.

Some of the previous attacks include the 26 August 2011 car bomb attack on the United Nations building in Abuja in which at least 21 people were killed and 60 others wounded and the Christmas day 2011 attack on St. Theresa’s Catholic Church,  Madakka near Suleja, Niger State.
Thirty-five people were killed in the incident.

Two bombs believed to have been planted by Boko Haram also went off an Nyanya near Abuja on April 14, 2014 killing at least 88 people.

Niger Delta Avengers Flay Nigeria Navy, Expresses Readiness To Secede

The Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) has, in no uncertain terms, expressed its desire to secede from the Nigerian union, saying that the ship called Nigeria is sinking and everybody is tired of it.


The NDA also accused President Muhammadu Buhari of lying to his foreign allies, his citizens, as it insisted that even if it were going to dialogue, it would be in the presence of the international community.

The Avengers’ reaction is coming on the heels of a recent arrest of one Prince David and Felix Ebiador, which the Commanding Officer NNS, Commodore Joseph Dzunve claimed to be members of the Avengers.
In a statement titled: “Stop going after soft targets”, NDA claimed it doesn’t know Prince David and Felix Ebiador. “They are not part of us. All NDA operatives are intact. No security operative has arrested any of our members,” the group asserted.

It said what the Commanding officer of NNS Delta is doing was to please his boss (Buhari) and show that he is working. “Must he connect innocent people to us? Very soon the general public will know the truth about Nigeria military, especially the Navy that specialises in illegal oil bunkering,” it said.

The group further urged the government to stop arresting innocent people in the name of looking for NDA operatives, saying it’s obvious that the Navy is incapable of policing the nation’s maritime space.

They also warned people to stop associating Tompolo with them, saying: “He is our enemy, as the Nigerian government and those innocent boys paraded as NDA operatives are not part of us.

“From intelligence gathering by NDA agency, there are other people sent by the Nigerian government to sabotage the genuine struggle of liberating the Niger Delta people. The government knows those people. The so-called saboteurs take part in pipeline bombing by using some members of the defunct MEND.”

On its desire to secede, NDA wrote, “The government should heed our demand of self-determination. Mr. President, everybody is tired of this thing called Nigeria. The ship called Nigeria is grounded right now and you are so confused. You lied to your foreign allies and your citizens on daily basis. Mr. President, you even lie to yourself.”

JUST IN!!! Militants Vow To Declare Niger Delta Republic on August 1

JUST IN!!! Militants Vow To Declare Niger Delta Republic on August 1
A militant group in the Niger Delta, Adaka Boro Avengers (ABA) has said it had concluded arrangements with other militant groups to declare the Niger Delta region an independent republic on August 1.


The militant group also gave the Federal Government an ultimatum to withdraw its personnel and establishment from the region before the date of its declaration of independence.
It also ordered all northerners and people of the South West to vacate its territory.
ABA in a statement issued on Sunday by General Edmos Ayayeibo, its spokesperson, mandated the Federal Government to use the three weeks’ notice to “move out all military personnel and all government agencies out of the Niger Delta,” and warned that “failure will lead to destruction of military barracks and personnel.”
“We, the Adaka Boro Avengers and all the freedom fighters in the Niger Delta region have met and come to a conclusion that we are declaring the Niger Delta Republic three weeks from today July 18, 2016.

So we are by this notice calling on the Nigerian government to move out all military personnel and all government agencies out of the Niger Delta. Failure will lead to destruction of military barracks and personnel.
We are, also, by this notice calling on our fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters living in the northern parts of Nigeria to return home immediately.
“We are also warning northerners and westerners to
leave the Niger Delta region immediately within three weeks from now, for their own good.
“If they refuse to heed to our warning, we will use so many as example in the Niger Delta region on the due date.
“We are telling the Nigerian government that enough is enough and we are taking our independence by force. We have our foreign backers, so we are not afraid of the Nigerian government but ready for total war.

The inhuman treatment given to us by Nigerian government is enough. We can no longer withstand the suffering of our Niger Delta people. They should not take us for fools.

JUST IN :Navy arrests major logistics supplier to Niger Delta Avengers

The Nigerian Navy (NN) has said it had arrested a suspected member of the Niger Delta Avengers.
This is contained in a statement signed by its Director of Information, Commodore Christian Ezekobe, and made available to newsmen in Abuja.





According to Ezekobe, the suspect who was picked up on July 11 at about 11 a.m. is believed to be a major logistics supplier to the group which had claimed responsibility for attacks on NNPC and Chevron pipelines in the region.

'The arrest was made following a confessional statement obtained from an earlier arrested suspect who gave details of the involvement of other collaborators in the attacks.

“Preliminary investigations also revealed that the suspect recently supplied 10 batteries, five large coils of wire and other materials purportedly used for the attacks,” the director said.

We Have No Equipment To Fight Niger Delta Avengers,Millitary Cries Out.

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral, Ibok-Ete Ibas, said shortage of ships and inadequate funding has hampered its efforts to secure Nigeria’s maritime domain from activities of economic saboteurs.
Ibas made this known on Tuesday when he received members of the Senate Committee on Nigeria Navy at the Naval Headquarters in Abuja.

Ibas’ revelation is coming months after a Report claimed that the Federal government had deployed five warships, 100 gunboats and fighter jets to the creeks in combating Niger Delta Avengers.
He explained that the present number and mix of platforms in the Nigeria Navy inventory is grossly inadequate to effectively cover the vast maritime environment and support sister Services during joint operations.

He added that many old navy capital ships are not operational and require a lot of resources to maintain and the deployment of the few operational ones is also becoming financially challenging.

He listed the challenges facing the navy to also include; limited maritime domain awareness capability, inadequate and dilapidated jetties, dilapidated logistics support facilities, weak hydrographic survey capability, shortage of barracks accommodation and inadequate funding.

Ibas explained that the challenges have persisted because of inadequate funding of the Nigeria Navy over the years, noting that the trend indicates that while the proposed over head is increasing annually, the amounts appropriated and released are decreasing.

He said: “This has impinged on Nigeria Navy’s ability to optimally maintain her fleet for sustained presence at sea among others,” adding that, the same situation applies for capital expenditure.

“Such that the Nigeria Navy ability to acquire adequate platforms and other hardware necessary to optimally police Nigeria’s maritime environment has been severely restricted,” he said.

In his remarks, IGBERETV gathered that the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Isah Misau said efforts are being made to ensure the Navy is assisted through enhanced budgetary provisions, pointing out that only the sum of N25, 646,409,841 was appropriated as capital expenditure in the 2016 budget for the Navy.
He also said the meager sum of N3, 479,967,632 were appropriated as overhead expenditure, noting that: “We are aware that the provisions are inadequate to enable you perform your duties satisfactorily.”

SEE The Photo Of The Female Preacher Moments After She Was Murdered

A photo of Mrs Eunice Elisha moments after she was killed has surfaced. Mrs Eunice a female Pastor at one of The Redeemed Christian Church Of God parishes and a mother of seven was murdered early hours of Saturday morning while she went about preaching.

6 people have been arrested in connection to her death, while her 15-year old first daughter says, her mother was killed just like a chicken despite she is innocent.

British Activist Found Dead In Istanbul Killed Herself, Inquest Finds

A former BBC journalist who was found dead in toilets at Istanbul airport killed herself in an “impulsive act” after missing a flight, a coroner at her inquest has said.


Recording a verdict of suicide at north London coroner’s court, Andrew Walker said there was no “explanation or reason” for Jacky Sutton’s actions but he was satisfied she had acted alone.
Sutton, 50, was in transit from London to Irbil, Iraq, where she was working, when she died in October last year. Her flight from London landed shortly after 10pm on 17 October, and her onward flight was due to leave at 12.15am.

The findings of an investigation into Sutton’s death, partially read out by Walker, said she had gone to wait in a cafe where she sat alone and drank two cans of beer. CCTV showed that just before 12.30am she went to the boarding desk “without displaying any signs of hurry”, only to be told that her flight had taken off.
“She [said] she had no money and began crying, but the officer on the desk told her there was nothing that could be done,” the coroner said.
At 1am she went to the toilets, and three Russian travellers later raised the alarm. Airport staff found her body in a cubicle and a first-aid team tried to resuscitate her, but without success.
CCTV showed at least seven women had entered and left the toilets before Sutton’s body was found, and no men, the coroner said. He was satisfied that nobody else was involved in her death.

President Buhari Set To Probe The Killing Of Nigerian Citizens Abroad

The recent wave of deaths of Nigerian citizens in foreign countries has attracted the attention of the presidency.


Speaking on Channels TV last night, the senior special assistant to the president on foreign affairs and diaspora, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa said the presidency is already looking into the issue.

According to Dabiri-Erewa, President Buhari had already instructed her team to look into the issues and ensure that justice is done.

According to her, the president will not condone the killings of Nigerians anywhere in the world.
“This (killing of Nigerians abroad) will not be tolerated by this administration,” she said.
She also reiterated the president’s commitment to citizen’s diplomacy and protection of Nigerians wherever they may be.
Dabiri-Erewa’s remarks came as a result of the the killing of a Nigerian asylum seeker, who was attacked and beaten to death by a racist football fan in Italy.
At the same period, a young Nigerian student in the UK, Folajimi Orebiyi was stabbed to death by youths on bicycles after being pursued.

Families Of Palestinian Attack Victims Sue Facebook

Israeli and American victims of Palestinian attacks sued Facebook Monday, claiming that the internet giant enables the militant Hamas group to use its platform and demanding $1bn in damages.


The civil action was filed in New York by Israeli legal NGO Shurat Hadin in the name of family members of four Israeli-Americans and one US citizen killed since June 2014.



The plaintiffs say Facebook has knowingly provided its “social media platform and communication services” to Hamas in violation of the US Anti-Terrorism Act which prohibits US businesses from “providing any material support, including services, to designated terrorist groups and their leaders”.

Nitsana Darshan-Leitner, head of Shurat Hadin and one of the lawyers representing the families, said Hamas members had either perpetrated or endorsed the attacks against the victims at hand.

She said the lawsuit’s goal was to force Facebook to tighten its regulation of Palestinian “incitement”.
Facebook did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Israel’s internal security minister recently said Facebook bore “some responsibility” for the wave of violence, and said he would advance legislation making it illegal to publish “offensive content” that encourages attacks.

But Darshan-Leitner said such a measure, which would necessitate reporting offensive posts that would eventually be removed, would be ineffective because of the sheer volume of Facebook activity.
The only efficient way to deal with Palestinian “incitement” on Facebook is if the measures “come from Facebook itself”, she said.

“They have to be convinced that it is not in their interest to act otherwise,” she said of the internet giant.
“No amount of money can bring a dead person back, but an organisation barricaded in its Palo Alto ivory tower while people are murdered here and cares only about its money, will awaken only if it’s hit back through its money,” she said.

Her group had in October filed a lawsuit against Facebook, demanding that it remove more than 1,000 inflammatory pages and improve its monitoring mechanisms, but did not seek monetary damages. Darshan-Leitner said that case was still ongoing.

A wave of violence that began in October last year has killed at least 214 Palestinians, 34 Israelis, two Americans, an Eritrean and a Sudanese.

Most of the Palestinians killed were carrying out knife, gun or car-ramming attacks, according to Israeli authorities.

Others were shot dead during protests and clashes, while some were killed by Israeli air strikes in the Gaza Strip.

Most of the attackers are believed to have acted on their own, without the organisation of any group.

We Will Continue To Destroy Oil Installations Until Buhari Addresses South-South Problems – Niger Delta Avengers

Separatist group, Niger Delta Avengers, has declared that it will continue to carry out its activities until President Muhammadu Buhari is ready to genuinely address the problems of the region.


The group which has claimed responsibility for several pipeline attacks in the Niger Delta warned that it will continue to impede all avenues to export crude oil from the region.

NDA claimed that contrary to reports, it was not approached by anybody from the Federal Government when a ceasefire was declared, adding that the government did not create any platform to address the problems of the region, Vanguard reports.

The report quoted a source from the ranks of the militant group as saying, “This phase of our struggle encapsulates our determination to ensure that the petro-dollar from the Niger Delta is not used to develop the 97 per cent (95 per cent ) of those President.

“In the first instance, we suspended hostilities in good faith to see if the government of the day was sincerely speaking when it announced its dialogue initiative. That was why for strategic reasons we did not make open declaration of our cessation of hostilities. We wanted to watch and to show Nigerians and the world the insincerity of the government’s dialogue plans.




“Until we resumed operations, nobody reached out to us and government did not establish any genuine platform to address our grievances.

“Until President Buhari takes our demands seriously and set up a genuine framework to address the Niger Delta question, we will continue to obstruct all avenues to export our crude oil to develop his 97 per cent (95 per cent). In fact, whenever we have any contact to establish a genuine negotiation and dialogue, we will not hesitate to let the world know that we are in dialogue with the government and her representatives.

“This is another phase of the Niger Delta struggle to reclaim our resources for prosperity. Some mischief-makers can tag it Ijaw struggle, but our set short, medium and long-term plans are for us the people of the Niger Delta to control our resources and develop our land and pay tax to the central government.

“We have stated our objectives, which are in three categories. It is President Buhari’s responsibility to show political will to address them, we do not want ‘peace of our time,’ we want ‘peace with honour.’ There are no new demands on the table, what every past government has given the people of Niger Delta is graveyard peace.”

BREAKING! Operation Zero Crude Export: Avengers Strikes Again (See What they Bombed this Time)

According update on Niger Delta Avengers website:
At about 7:30pm the Niger Delta Avengers blow up ExxonMobile Qua Iboe 48″ crude oil export pipeline. When will these International Oil companies (IOC) learn to listen. We (Niger Delta Avengers) said no export.
Brig.Gen Mudoch Agbinibo
Spokesperson.

BOMBSHELL!!! Buhari is a Religious Bigot – CAN

Christians Association of Nigeria, CAN, in the 19 Northern states and Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has accused the Federal Government of marginalization of Northern Christians in its appointments.
Chairman of the group, Rev. Yakubu Pam, urged President Muhammadu Buhari, to be fair in the sharing of political appointments in the country.

In a statement weekend in Jos, the group decried the exclusion of qualified Christians in the appointment into strategic positions by the Federal Government even with the numerous competent Christians from all states in the north.


According to Northern CAN, while there were allegations from the South that the appointment made so far were in favour of the north, facts on ground revealed that these appointments were lopsided in favour of Muslim core north to the detriment of northern Christian community.

Pam advocated for fairness and equity in the appointment of qualified Nigerians into positions of government, insisting that the appointments made so far in the last one year by President Buhari had generated concern among northern Christian community, with the appointment of security Chiefs as typical example.

It advised President Buhari to carry out a review of appointments so far to ensure that all sections of Nigeria were given a sense of belonging.

The group called on President Buhari to act as father of all and not allow the few elements around him to push him into taking actions that would not move the country forward.

Tension: Sen. Akpabio Reacts to Killing Of RCCG Evangelist in Abuja by Islamic Fanatics

The Senate Minority leader reacted to the unfortunate incident on his Facebook wall last night.
Read him below:

“I want to strongly condemn the killing of Mrs Eunice Olawale by unknown Assailants and demand along with all well meaning Nigerians that this killings has to stop. Let us learn to tolerate each other’s religion and shun violence.

I also hope that her killers are apprehended and charged for her murder as quickly as possible . Nobody deserves to die like that. My Sincerest condolences to her family. May her soul rest in peace. Amen.”

Brother Of Redeemed Church Pastor’s Wife Murdered In Abuja Protests Alone (Photo)

It’s sad that a harmless woman could be so gruesomely murdered.

Pictured above is a man on a sole protest at the premises of Oyo State broadcasting corporation Ibadan over the murder of Mrs Mojisola Unice, killed while preaching in Abuja.
The protester, Apata Emmanuel, is the late woman’s brother.

BREAKING NEWS!!! Avengers: Shell Shuts Down Crude Export

LONDON, July 11 (Reuters) – Nigeria’s Trans Niger Pipeline, one of two major pipelines that carries the Bonny Light crude grade for export, was shut down on Monday, an industry source familiar with the matter said.

The cause for the shutdown or impact on production was not known.
Oil major Shell (LSE: RDSB.L – news) , which manages exports of Bonny Light, could not immediately be reached for comment. (Reporting By Julia Payne; Editing by David Goodman)

Omisore’s Arrest: EFCC Persecuting Our Members, PDP Cries Out

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has condemned the arrest of Otunba Iyiola Omisore by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Sunday and accused the anti-graft agency of being biased.

The commission arrested Mr. Omisore, a one-time deputy governor and candidate of the PDP in the 2014 governorship election in Osun State at his Abuja residence after three months of hide and seek.
The spokesperson of the anti-graft agency, Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed the arrest of the PDP chieftain yesterday, saying it was part of investigation into a case of receiving and misappropriating N700 million from the Office of the National Security Adviser, between June and November, 2014.

Sambo Dasuki, who was the National Security Adviser during the period, is currently being prosecuted by the EFCC for allegedly spearheading the $2.1 billion arms deal scandal.

Condemning the arrest of Mr. Omisore, the Osun PDP spokesman, Diran Odeyemi, said the ex-deputy governor had a valid court injunction restraining the EFCC from arresting him.

“There’s a court injunction by senator Omisore against the EFCC not to be arrested”, he said.
“We’re never aware that that judgment has been vacated especially on Sunday. It’s very unfortunate that the EFCC is carrying out its assignment in a way that suggests its persecuting the opposition”.

Mr. Odeyemi, however, pointed out that the party would approach the court for Mr. Omisore’s bail on Monday.

“Today is Sunday, by tomorrow, everything would be more clearer (sic) and we’ll have to go to court to enforce his fundamental human right”, he added.

 

 

Kelechi Iheanacho Meets Pep Guardiola His Club’s New Coach For The First Time (Photos)

Super Eagle striker, Kelechi Iheanacho meets up with his club new coach Pep Guardiola at the latter’s unveiling today.
Pep Guardiola will be the coach of Manchester city for the next season campaign.

My Father Deflowered Me And Told Me To Shut Up – 15-Year-Old Girl Tells Shocking Story

A man identified as one Timothy Idowu, has been found out to have r*ped his own 15-year-old daughter.

He has however been arrested by the Lagos State Police Command for commiting the act.
According to Punch Metro, the man committed the crime at the Aradagun, Badagry area of Lagos.
It was learnt that the matter got to the attention of the police after the victim, Victoria (pseudonym), packed from her father’s apartment to put up with a family friend in the Ikotun area.
The suspect was said to have travelled for a prayer meeting on the day his daughter fled home.
Punch Metro reports that Idowu was arrested on Thursday, June 23, by the Badagry Police Division.
It was learnt that Victoria, who had been kept in government’s custody, was r*ped while her mother was bedridden.
A social worker, identified only as Ibrahim, who reported the matter to the police, said the victim fled to her aunt in the Ikotun area.
He said, “The victim fled to a relative, who is her aunt in the Ikotun area. The aunt thereafter contacted our organisation. The case got to my attention last week. I reported the case at the police station in Badagry immediately and the man was arrested.

“The victim said she could not bear it anymore as her father had raped her several times in the year. She said anytime the family slept at night, the father would sneak into her room and rape her. He would thereafter warn her not to tell anyone. She claimed the father started from the beginning of the year.”
Speaking with Punch Metro, a neighbour, who did not want his name in print, said the victim had also reported to her while fleeing the house.



She said, “The girl came to me on the day she was fleeing home and said her father had been raping her. I thought she was mentally unstable, until the man was arrested some days ago.”
Punch Metro learnt that Victoria told the police in her statement that her father deflowered her.
She said, “I am 15 years old. I am in Senior Secondary Class 2. My father deflowered me several months ago, and he had been raping me since then. Whenever he did it, he would clean up the mess and warn me not to tell anybody.”
A police source said the suspect also allegedly raped Victoria’s elder sister, who attended a college of education in Lagos State.
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dolapo Badmos, confirmed Idowu’s arrest.
“Investigation is still ongoing,” she added.

Stella Oduah Cries Out Over Alleged N2.5bn in Her Housemaid’s Bank Account

Here’s a press release from Senator Stella Oduah on the issue:

The attention of Senator Stella Oduah representing Anambra North Senatorial District has been drawn to another malicious and fictitious rumour by online tabloid Sahara Reporters that a non existent source in Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have discovered the sum of N2.5 Billion Naira in an account opened in the name of unnamed housemaid of Senator Stella Oduah.
We will like to state unequivocally that
this report is totally false, baseless and at best the imagination of the platform who is only set out to extort and blackmail leaders in its continuous attempt by their paymasters to break the rank of Senators of the 8th Assembly.
Over the past few months, the once respected online platform, Sahara Reporters has continued to surpass itself by continuously sinking to an all time low of posting uncorroborated reports to mislead Nigerians to promote the agenda of certain elements who’s fight against corruption can only been seen on pages of newspaper and pockets of their media spinners while millions of Nigerians remain unemployed and hundreds of thousands of kids go to bed hungry day in day out.
The online platform claimed their sources in EFCC said a whopping 5.6 billion must have been stolen, then went further to contradict itself that the agency had determined it was 3.6 Billion then again reduced it to 2.5 billion in the same publication. The distinguish Senator laments the despicable low that Sahara Reporters has drawn the reputable profession of journalism too which unfortunately unsuspecting platforms will copy and paste on theirs without even lifting a pen to confirm the story. Senator further went to challenge if truly such account exists as claimed by the online platform and it is still operational and she not the so called housemaid have not been called in for questioning when the agency is freezing accounts and going after opposition governors who enjoy same level of immunity as the president.
Senator Stella Oduah who made a name for herself during her tenure as a minister instituting serious reforms in the aviation sector and in last one year as a Distinguish Senator has raised series of important Bills and Motions to help strengthen the Nigerian Economy and our institutions reiterated that at no time did she ask or try to meet with the EFCC Chairman.

Senator Stella Oduah who is currently in her constituency thanked her supporters and well wishers who have reached out to vent their frustrations at the unethical behavior of the tabloid assured them that there is nothing to worry about, restating that no such accounts exist and challenged Sahara reporters to present details of their funding and how the platform is able to afford a property in choice area of Maitama in Abuja
Recast: Senator further went to challenge if truly such an account exists as claimed by the online platform and it is still operational and she not the so called housemaid have not been called in for questioning when the agency is freezing accounts and going after opposition governors who enjoy same level of immunity as the president.



We also want to state that…this is a…calculated attempt to taint the enviable record and achievements of the distinguished Senator who had made a mark in Oil/Gas and Agricultural businesses before joining politics, we therefore challenge Sahara Reporters to produce evidence of the imaginary account of the supposed housemaid to members of the public.
Senator Stella Oduah who made a name for herself during her tenure as a minister instituting serious reforms in the aviation sector and in last one year as a Distinguish Senator has raised series of important Bills and Motions to help strengthen the Nigerian Economy and our institutions reiterated that at no time did she ask or try to meet with the EFCC Chairman
Senator Stella Oduah who is currently in her constituency thanked her supporters and well wishers who have reached out to vent their frustrations at the unethical behavior of the tabloid assured them that there is nothing to worry about, restating that no such account exist and challenged Sahara reporters to present details of their funding and how the platform is able to afford a property in choice area of Maitama in Abuja‎.
Signed: Francisca Onyeisi
(Davoboy915@gmail.com)
Head of a Communications
office of Senate Stella Oduah

President Buhari Orders The Probe Of The New Arms Deal

President Muhammadu Buhari has reportedly given anti-graft agency, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) orders to arrest everyone indicted in arms procurement probe.

According to a report by Punch, the presidential panel set up to probe arms procurement between 2007 and 2015 submitted another report to the President, making it the third report so far submitted to the President by the committee.
“Yes, I can confirm to you that the President received the report during the week (last week) and he has since approved it,” an unnamed source was quoted.
With the approval, EFCC had been empowered to go after those indicted in the fresh report. Another informed source revealed that; “The fraud uncovered in this fresh report is massive.
All things being equal, the government will be looking at the possibility of making highlights of the report public this week, probably during the Sallah break.”
“The President has directed that we explore the option of prosecuting indicted persons immediately instead of first publicising their names thereby giving some of them the leeway to escape justice.”


The report said efforts were already ongoing by the committee at that time to get across to the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), to discuss the prosecution of the freshly indicted persons.
Recall that a member of the House of Representatives during the Second Republic, Dr. Junaid Mohammed, challenged Buhari to make public the contents of the interim report of the arms probe panel.
He alleged that a “cabal” within the Presidency had convinced the President not to make the report public because some of his trusted aides were indicted.
Meanwhile, EFCC says it has seized at least 29 properties from ex-Air Force chiefs in the on-going anti-corruption war.
While 11 properties were seized from Amosu; 12 were seized from Adigun and six from Gbadebo.

Fayose Properties In Abuja & Victoria Island Discovered By EFCC – Sahara Reporters

The embattled governor of ekiti Mr Peter Ayodele Fayose is on the spotlight again.

Sahara reporters confirmed that @officialefcc has uncovered properties he b

ought in Abuja since he became governor in 2014.

Buhari Sacks Kachikwu as GMD; Approves New Board of Directors For NNPC

President Muhammadu Buhari has sacked Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu as the group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and replaced him with Maikanti Baru. In a press statement issued today in Abuja, the president office stated that Kachikwu as the minister for State for Petroleum will now be the chairman of the Board of the NNPC.
See full statement below:

PRESIDENT BUHARI APPROVES NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR NNPC


President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the composition of the Board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), as provided for under Section 1(2) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Act of 1997, as amended.
The new board is composed of the following:
A. Chairman-Dr Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum;
B. Group Managing Director- Dr Maikanti Kacalla Baru;
C. The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance; and
D. The following six persons:
1. Mallam Abba Kyari
2. Dr Thomas M.A John
3. Dr Pius O. Akinyelure
4. Dr Tajuddeen Umar
5. Mallam Mohammed Lawal, and
6. Mallam Yusuf Lawal.
President Buhari urges the new board to ensure the successful delivery of the mandate of the NNPC, ” and serve the nation by upholding the public trust placed on them in managing this critical national asset.”


FEMI ADESINA
Special Adviser
(Media and Publicity)
July 4, 2016

Finally, Court Grants Fani-kayode Bail

A Federal High Court in Lagos has granted bail in the sum of N250m to a former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, who is being tried by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for an alleged fraud of N4.9bn.
Justice Muslim Hassan granted the bail with two sureties in like sum and ordered Fani-Kayode to deposit his passport in the custody of the court pending the outcome of the case.
The sureties, the court said, must be owners of landed properties within the court’s jurisdiction.
They were also to present evidence of tax clearance in the state.

Also admitted to bail in the same conditions were a former Minister of State for Finance, Nemandi Usman, and one Danjuma Yusuf, who were standing trial along with Fani-Kayode.

Joined as the 4th defendant in the charge was a company,  Joint Trust Dimension Nigeria Limited.
The accused were on June 28, 2016 arraigned before Justice Hassan on 17 counts bordering on conspiracy, unlawful retention of proceeds of theft and money laundering.

Fani-Kayode, who was the spokesperson for former President Goodluck Jonathan’s campaign organisation in the 2015 general elections, was accused of conspiring with the others to directly and indirectly retain various sums which the EFCC claimed they ought to have reasonably known were proceeds of theft.
The accused persons were said to have allegedly committed the offences between January 8, 2015 and March 25, 2015 in the build-up to the general elections.

In one of the counts, the EFCC alleged that Fani-Kayode, who it listed as the 2nd defendant in the charge sheet, and his co-defendants conspired among themselves to “indirectly  retain the sum of N1,500, 000,000.00, which sum you reasonably ought to have known formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act to wit: stealing.”

The EFCC prosecutor, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, had told the court that the said conspiracy and indirect retention of the N1.5bn constituted an offence under Section 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012, punishable  under Section 15(3)( 4) of the same Act.

In another count, the EFCC alleged that Fani-Kayode “directly retained the sum of N350m,” which the anti-graft agency claimed that he ought to have “reasonably known formed part of proceeds of an unlawful act to wit: stealing.”

Fani-Kayode was accused of directly using parts of the money at various times, including between March 20 and 25, 2015, when he allegedly used N250,650,000.00 out of the money.

Fani-Kayode was also accused of making a cash transaction of N24m with one Olubode Oke, said to still be at large, on February 12, 2015 “to Paste Poster Co  of 125, Lewis Street, Lagos Island.”

The duo were said to have made the transaction without going through any financial institution, an act the EFCC claimed was contrary to sections 1(a) and 16(d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and punishable  under Section 16(2)(b) of the same Act.

But the four defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The EFCC has, however, listed 17 witnesses it intends to call during trial to substantiate its allegations.
Justice Hassan adjourned till October 19, 2016 for the prosecution to open its case.

HAPPENING NOW!!! Thousands Storm P/Harcourt Streets in Mass Protest (See Photos)

Thousands of civil society protesters this morning staged a protest in front of the Port Harcourt prisons over issues concerning the health, safety and security of an ardent opponent of the Rivers state government, Mr.Ojukaye Flag Amachree.
Mr Amachree,a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress(APC) in Rivers state is facing murder trial before a Rivers state High Court.The trial judge,Mrs.Meg Opara,wife of a prominent PDP chieftain and Wike loyalist,Chief Austin Opara,had denied the politician bail on health grounds.Mr.Ojukaye who had earlier been arraigned before a Port Harcourt magistrate has remained in incarceration for over 5 months.
Surprisingly,in what obviously appeared like a political witch-hunt and persecution,the Rivers state government again slammed another two-count charge on Mr.Ojukaye who’s health has deplorably deteriorated in recent past.The interesting thing about the new charges is that the police whose responsibility is to investigate and subsequently charge an accused to court has said that it has not received any petition against the politician neither has it investigated the politician over the new charges.
It is understood that it was the Attorney-general of the state,Barr.Emma Aguma and officials of his ministry and colleagues in government that contrived the new charges as a means of punishing the said Mr.Amachree who is seen as a torn on the flesh of the Wike administration.
More worrisome is the role of the Rivers state judiciary in the whole saga.The state Chief Judge,Iyayi Laminkara has shown deeper-than-necessary interest in the matter.The state Chief judge,against all known judicial procedures,ordered the accused to appear in her court to take his plea today,Monday 4th July despite the absence of a police report or investigation tying the accused to the charges,this is notwithstanding the fact that the Court of Appeal is due to deliver judgment on his bail application same today.

The role of the Rivers state judiciary has come under heavy public criticisms in recent times,as some of its officials appear falling-over-themselves to please the Rivers governor .Critics have tied the seeming pocketing of the state judiciary as a sign of appreciation to Gov.Wike who recently disbursed cash and car gifts to the state judicial officials.

The protesters are calling for rule of law,fairness and equity in line with known criminal procedures.They are demanding the resignation of the Rivers Chief judge who they say is a ‘loyal legal Adviser to the PDP and Gov.Wike.

They are also calling on the National judicial council(NJC)to probe the activities of Rivers state judicial officers as well as the immediate resignation of Justice Iyayi Laminkara as the state Chief judge for attempting to arraign an accused without a police investigation or report.
The protest is still ongoing as at the time of this report.





Image Credit: Sir Ikenda

ABIA GUBER CRISIS: Nig’s Attorney General Finally Breaks Silence; Read What He Said

Mr. Abubakar Malami, Nigeria’s federal attorney- general and justice minister has denied media reports that he is behind the legal stalemate over the Abia State governorship seat, saying “those canvassing the position have no basis to do so”. While insisting that so far, nobody has approached him to proffer any legal opinion to the Abia State crisis, Malami urged the parties involved to await the decision of the courts.

According to him, the insinuations are a figment of the imagination of those “pushin g the irredeemable lies into public space which only translates to partisanship on the side of its purveyors.” The statement, e-mailed to IGBERE TV and signed by a spokesperson for the AGF, Dr. Othman Salihu Isah on Sunday, July 3, 2016 was in reaction to a story on the front page of a national newspaper with the headline, Abia: Buhari Awaits AGF’s advice on Stalemate. The full statement is below:

“The attention of the Office of the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice has been drawn to the insinuations and crass lies being peddled and disseminated by a cross-section of Nigerians and the various media platforms that the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation is behind the legal logjam over the Abia state governorship seat and wish to clarify that those canvassing this position have no basis to do so.

“Of particular concern are those who have peddled ill-natured rumours with a view to misinform our discerning populace that the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and by extension, the Federal Government of Nigeria that gave directives to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue Certificate of Return to Dr. Uchechukwu Ogah declaring him Governor-Elect. He has definitely not taken any action either by spoken words or body language as far as this Abia governorship crisis is concerned.

“I wish to therefore, on behalf of my principal declare that these rumours are untrue and a figment of the imagination of those pushing these selfish, shameless and irredeemable lies into public space which only translates to partisanship on the side of its purveyors. “As far as the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation is concerned, the constitutional powers for the legal opinion of his office have not been invoked on this issue.

So far, nobody has approached him to proffer any legal opinion to it. As a strong believer in the rule of law, it is his belief that the law should naturally take its cause. The Honourable Attorney General of the Federation will not be dragged into this controversy and mind-games being played out by the various legal minds and spin doctors of both camps at this point. “The parties involved should await the decision of the courts. In fact, we wish to by this statement advise those in the habit of dragging the highly esteemed Office of the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice into knotty issue of this kind even when it is yet to take a position. They should desist from these unwarranted presumptions henceforth.”

How Can FG Spend N64b On Foreign Trips But N18b On Road Construction? – Angry Nigerian

How can Federal Government spend N64B on foreign trips, but N18B on road construction?

Nigeria is such a downcasted country, how can the country develop hastenly when more money isn’t spend on the masses and other relevant social amenities but rather spend on unending foreign trips, In my own little understanding it’s abysmal and egregious in essence.
According to my researches this year, 55 percent of Nigeria is currently affected with cancer while 45 percent is struggling with High Blood pressure, this is causing high death rate in Nigeria.
Federal Government need to provide more functioning free health care for the masses.

What happened to our free education too? Oh My God!
Am so depressed right now because Nigeria needs a coherent adviser and experienced enonomist to help the situation..

To the masses now and as a concerned citizen, how do Federal Government curb the current inflation and appalling economy in Nigeria???

By GIDEON ABOWHA From Kwara State.

BREAKING!!! Abia Crisis: Court Refuses To Vacate Order on Ikpeazu’s Sack

A Federal High Court in Abuja has refused to vacate the order for the removal of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State.
Justice Okon Abang today ruled that the enrolled order, which was served on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), was properly signed by the court after the staff worked long hours to produce it three days earlier than the seven days provided by law.


The judge had on June 27 removed Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for including false tax certificate information in his Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Form for the December 8, 2014 primary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The judge had ordered INEC to issue fresh certificate of return to Uchechukwu Ogah, who came second in the primary.
The suit has been adjourned to July 7.

Ahmed Musa Leaves CSKA Moscow To Join Leicester

Super Eagles International footballer, Ahmed Musa is saying goodbye to CSKA Moscow, his coach Leonid Slutsky confirmed. Musa is to be moving to Premier League, possibly with champions Leicester.

Leicester were linked with a move for the speedy Nigeria winger in January but he has since also been rumoured to be on his way to West Ham and Southampton.




Musa has been playing in Moscow since 2012 and he enjoyed his most prolific season in front of goal in 2015-16, scoring 13 goals in 29 Russian Premier League outings.

“He’ll be leaving Tuesday, ” Slutsky told Russian media on Sunday