FEATURES
Valentine’s Day, celebrated on February 14 of every year, is just around the corner. February has long been recognised as the month of love as Valentine’s Day is widely observed annually on the 14th of this month. In many countries, people celebrate this occasion to tell their loved ones how they feel through beautiful flowers and gifts.
On the other hand, many Eastern countries choose not to celebrate Valentine’s Day because of different religious beliefs.
Here are the countries that don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day
1. Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan is well known for its long history and diverse culture with Islam as the dominant religion. The country was tolerant of Valentine’s Day celebrations for many years until 2012 when an internal decree that bans the celebration of this holiday was issued by the Ministry of Education’s Department of Enlightenment and the Promotion of Values.
Instead of observing Valentine’s Day, people in Uzbekistan celebrate the birthday of their country’s hero – Babur – a Mughal Emperor. Valentine’s Day is not illegal, but it is strongly discouraged in favour of commemorating Babur.
2. Iran
In recent years, Iranian authorities have aimed to forbid Valentine’s celebrations, calling the holiday a “decadent Western custom” and threatening shops and restaurants with prosecution if they sell Valentine’s Day gifts.
Despite this, numerous restaurants in Tehran have reported been fully booked and many shops have been seen selling teddy bears and chocolates. Because they are defying the law, establishments use lookouts to see if inspectors are on a Valentine’s Day patrol.
3. Malaysia
Malaysia is a federal, constitutional monarchy in Southeast Asia, divided by the South China Sea into two regions. The constitution grants freedom of religion, but it is a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural country, the population of which is approximately 60 percent Muslim. The capital is Kuala Lumpur.
Since 2005, the celebration of Valentine’s Day has been banned. The Malaysian Islamic Development Department blames the holiday for everything from abortion to alcohol and takes the stance that it is a link of negative ills that can invite disaster and moral decay among youth. There is even an annual anti-Valentine’s Day campaign to reinforce the view. Anybody going out and celebrating does so at their own risk, including arrests.
4. Indonesia
No law expressly prohibits the celebration of the day in Indonesia. However, in some areas of the country such as Surabaya and Makassar where people have more radical Muslim views, intimidation tactics or small-scale bans are used while in Bando Aceh, there is an outright ban.
5. Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, conservative officials strictly impose the ban on the holiday. Selling roses, red products and love-themed cards are banned in advance of February 14. The phenomenon has led to the creation of a black market of Valentine’s day products.
6. Pakistan
Pakistan is another country that has mixed feelings about Valentine’s Day. Pakistan has been subject to numerous riots surrounding the celebration of Valentine’s Day. In 2014, two universities in Peshawar and Pakistan clashed with each other’s beliefs over the ideology of Valentine’s Day in the eyes of Islamic Law.
Students threw rocks at one another, which eventually led to gunshots being fired from both sides, injuring three students, according to Wedded Wonderland.
A private citizen petitioned the High Court in Islamabad to have the day banned. Finally, on February 7th, 2018, the Islamabad High Court banned Valentine’s Day celebrations and media coverage, claiming that it was a Western cultural import that contradicted Islamic teachings. Not everyone in Pakistan agrees with this decision, especially university students and flower vendors who did well on Valentine’s Day.
7. India
Owing to its independent revolution from the British empire in 1947, the Indian government refused to advocate Western values and culture.
In 2015, party leader Chandra Prakash Kaushik told The Times of India “We are not against love, but if a couple is in love then they must get married … if they are not certain, they should not belittle love by openly going around together.”
8. Russia
Technically, Russia does celebrate a type of Valentine’s Day, but it is very different from the traditional holiday. On March 8, Russians celebrate International Women’s Day in much the same way that Western cultures celebrate Valentine’s Day.
Gifting each other flowers and chocolate is very common on this day, as is expecting husbands and boyfriends to do all the cooking and cleaning, letting women have a full day of rest.
Instead of celebrating Valentine’s Day because of a saint, Russia chooses to celebrate the love for their women, paying tribute to women across the globe and equal rights, according to Wedded Wonderland’s report.
[TheNation]
Sweezy, the brother of popular Nollywood actress Regina Daniels, has expressed his thoughts on his sister’s latest movie collaboration with her ex-boyfriend, Somadina.
The movie, titled ‘First Love,’ has stirred conversations and raised eyebrows among fans online.
Regina Daniels and Somadina, who were once romantically involved, took to their respective Instagram pages to announce the production of their upcoming film.
Sharing a snippet of the movie, Regina Daniels excitedly wrote, “New movie alert!”
However, it appears that there is skepticism surrounding the project.
Reacting to the announcement, Sweezy took to social media to share his perspective on the matter, hinting at a relationship between his sister and Billonaire senator Ned Nwoko, Regina’s husband.
He wrote; “Remember Ned and gun story o,”
The comment has sparked curiosity among fans and followers, leading to a wave of speculations.
Netizens Reactions…
mrs_basten001 reacted: “Hmmmm wahala ????????????.. na y baba wan make they legalize gun for dis najia .. I see his point of view.”
splendor_mannequins wrote: “Una just wan make money cos una know say we too like aproko ????????????????no be Una fault shaaa.”
adunn_iade2 wrote: “No sleep for me tonight I have for movies to watch including this ????????????thank God am on night duty.”
nickitefia wrote: “Una Dey do things o, Regina Daniel you get luck you marry nice man, not all men will allow their wife to be close to their ex.”
akoh_ella wrote: “No wounder oga Ned Dey struggle make them legalize G*n for Nigeria, e be like na Somadina him wan use that G*n on.”
mzliya wrote: “I don dey wait for this kind movie from d both of them for a very long time????????????..I wan watch Wetin mk her leave him for her husband????????????.”
See below;
Self-acclaimed relationship therapist, Blessing CEO, shared her opinions on the significance of financial backing in romantic relationship.
The controversial therapist expressed her views during a lively conversation with three other participants on Pulse TV.
Blessing CEO emphasized the traditional role of men in society, stating that their primary responsibility is to provide and take on various responsibilities.
Drawing a clear line between boys and men, she argued that any romantic relationship without financial stability is likely to result in frustration.
The therapist encouraged men to date within their financial level, asserting that doing so facilitates smoother provision for their partners.
According to her, aligning financial capacities makes it easier for both parties to contribute to the relationship’s growth and stability.
Blessing CEO boldly claimed that women often bear more financial responsibilities than men, particularly in traditional African households.
While acknowledging that many women are fully capable of providing for themselves, she cautioned against them shouldering the burden excessively.
According to her, when women take on too much financial responsibility, men may become complacent and less inclined to fulfill their traditional roles as providers.
The Federal Government has revealed that over 42,000 nurses departed Nigeria within the past three years, according to Faruk Abubakar, Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.
Expressing concern over this trend, Abubakar underscored the vital role nurses play in the healthcare sector.
This revelation follows a protest by the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) on Monday against the Council’s new certificate verification guidelines.
The guidelines, including a requirement for two years of post-qualification experience for Nigerian nurses and midwives seeking certificate verification with foreign nursing boards or councils, were a focal point of discussion.
Speaking on Channels TV on Tuesday, Abubakar addressed the issue, stating, “Let me clarify today, in the past three years, over 42,000 nurses have left the country, and the country needs them.”
He highlighted the potential impact of governmental policies like the Renewed Hope Agenda on healthcare, emphasizing the need for skilled professionals to handle healthcare services within Nigeria.
“While we support individuals’ right to travel, we must prioritize the provision of quality healthcare services to Nigerians,” Abubakar emphasized. “Our nation must take responsibility for these services.”
Abubakar acknowledged the efforts of the Federal Ministry of Health in addressing nurses’ concerns, assuring that measures are in place to improve their welfare.
“The Federal Ministry of Health is actively working to enhance nurses’ welfare, including better salaries, improved allowances, and conducive working environments,” he assured. “The minister of health is committed to providing the necessary resources and equipment to ensure quality care for Nigerians.”
The departure of over 15,000 nurses last year alone underscores the urgency of addressing the concerns raised by healthcare professionals and ensuring the sustainability of healthcare services within the country.
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced that the West African Senior School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE) for Private Candidates, 2023-Second series, have been released.
WAEC announced the development in a three-page press release on Tuesday evening, stating that candidates who sat for the examination conducted in Nigeria between Friday, October 27, 2023, and Wednesday, December 20, 2023, can now check their results on its portal.
The Head of the Public Affairs unit of the examination body, Moyosola Adesina, congratulated all candidates who sat for the examination and urged them to visit the WAEC official website to check their results with the necessary requirements.
Requirements To Check WAEC Result
- WAEC examination number
- Scratch card pin
- Examination serial number
- Examination year
- Type of Examination
How To Check WAEC Result
Naija News reports that candidates who sat for the 2023 WASSCE private, can check their results through the internet by using the WAEC result-checking portal or through SMS (without the internet).
To Check WAEC Results Via SMS, Follow the steps below:
- Type WAEC*ExamNo*PIN*ExamYear on your phone (as a single message).
- Send to 32327.
- You will receive a message instantly containing your WAEC statement of result.
Please note that Telcos charges would be applied.
To Check WAEC Results Online, Follow the instructions below:
- Go to WAEC’s official website – https://www.waecdirect.org/
- Enter your WAEC exam number in the mandatory field.
- Choose your exam year, e.g. 2022
- Choose your exam type, e.g. SCHOOL CANDIDATE RESULT.
- Enter the card serial number.
- Enter the PIN code on the card.
- Click the Submit button, and your WAEC 2022 results will be displayed.
The Abuja Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, February 12 2024 arraigned a former banker with one of the old generation banks: Victor Joseph and Ahmad Muhhammad Aliyu on money laundering charges to the tune of N110,000,000.00 (One Hundred and Ten Million Naira only).
They were arraigned on five-count charges bordering on money laundering before Justice N.E. Maha of the Federal High Court Maitama Abuja.
Count two of the charge reads ‘that you Victor Joseph being a former staff of the United Bank for Africa, Ahmad Muhammad Aliyu and another now at large, between March and April 2023 in Abuja within the Judicial Division of this Honourable Court, did indirectly take control of an aggregate sum of N110,000,000.00 (One Hundred and Ten Million Naira) which you knew or reasonably ought to know represents proceed of an unlawful act to wit; obtaining money by false pretense and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (2)(d) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2002 and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the same Act.
Upon reading their charges to them, both defendants pleaded not guilty, prompting Prosecution counsel, Joshua Saidi to pray for a trial date. Counsels to the first and second defendants, Gbenga Ashowole and Nelem Orji informed the court of applications for bail for their clients.
Justice Maha thereafter remanded the defendants at the Kuje Correctional Centre and adjourned the matter till February 27, 2024, for hearing of bail applications.
The defendants were docked for allegedly transferring N110,000,000.00 (One Hundred and Ten Million Naira) fraudulently from the National Assembly office account between March 27 and April 11 2023, using fictitious transfer instructions. Further investigations showed that the forged instructions were submitted at the UBA National Assembly Business office, Abuja Branch, for processing and the funds were transferred to various beneficiaries in three banks. The money was traced from these three banks to several other beneficiaries who later returned the funds to Joseph that initiated the transactions.
Justice Umaru Fadawu of the Borno State High Court, sitting in Maiduguri, on Monday, February 12, 2024, convicted and sentenced the trio of Aisha Alkali Wakil (a.k.a Mama Boko Haram) Tahiru Saidu Daura and Prince Lawal Soyade to ten years imprisonment.
The defendants were jailed upon being arraigned by the Maiduguri Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, March 5, 2020 on a two count charge bordering on conspiracy and obtaining by false pretence to the tune of N40,000,000.00 (Forty Million Naira) only.
Count two of the charge reads: “That you Aisha Alkali Wakil, Tahiru Alhaji Saidu Daura and Prince Lawal Shoyade whilst being the Chief Executive Officer, Programme Manager and Country Director respectively of Complete Care and Aid Foundation, (a Non-Governmental Organisation) and Saidu Mukhtar (At large) sometime in Maiduguri, Borno State within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did with intent to defraud obtained the sum of Forty Million Naira (N40,000,000.00) from one Bashir Abubakar, the Chief Executive Officer of Duty Free Shop Ltd under the false pretence of executing a purported contract for the supply of Five (5) X-ray Machines 1900 with Solar Energy which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section (1) 1(b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.”
The defendants pleaded “not guilty” when the charges were read to them.
Counsel for the prosecution counsel, A.I Arogha presented four witnesses and tendered seventeen exhibits before the court.
Consequently, Justice Fadawu convicted and sentenced them to ten years imprisonment for the offence of conspiracy. The court further sentenced the defendants to ten years imprisonment for the offence of obtaining by false pretence and ordered them to jointly and severally pay the sum of N40m to Bashir Muhammad.
“The prison term shall run concurrently on the expiration of all prison terms imposed on the convicts by any court”, the Judge said.
The convicts’ journey to the Correctional Centre began when a petitioner alleged that they swindled him through a purported contract for the supply of five (5) X-ray Machines 1900 with Solar Energy to a Non-Governmental Organisation, NGO, Complete Care and Aid Foundation, worth N40m. They neither supplied the machines nor returned the contract sum to the petitioner.
LASTMA To Arraign Impersonators Accused Of Extorting Motorists, Earning N250K Weekly From Impounded Vehicles
AdminThe Lagos State Traffic Management Authority has said it will arraign an alleged serial impersonator for collecting N140,000 from owners of vehicles impounded for traffic infractions.
The suspect was also said to be making about N250,000 weekly from illegal deals.
This is according to LASTMA spokesperson, Adebayo Taofiq, who, in a Tuesday statement, noted the suspect was apprehended by the monitoring and surveillance team of the agency at Oshodi.
He added that the suspect, Femi Adegbemi, 56, was apprehended after the agency received complaints of extortions from owners of inter-state commercial buses, impounded and ticketed for traffic infractions around Moshalasi by Alaka area of Surulere.
“The arrested suspect collected N140,000 from owners/drivers by promising to help them get their impounded vehicles released from the agency’s custody.
“It is disheartening getting complaints from road users, particularly owners of impounded vehicles on activities of these unscrupulous elements impersonating and extorting money from them.
“He (the suspect) confessed that he collected N140,000 from owners of the impounded inter-state commercial vehicles.
“Adegbemi, who also confirmed to be living at 9, Anifowose Street, Somolu, confessed further to be making an average of N250,000 every week from the illegal deal with his other colleagues,” the statement added.
Mid-January, LASTMA in an enforcement operation impounded 30 vehicles for illegal parking at Apongbon and Glover Road, Ikoyi area of Lagos.
Adebayo noted that the enforcement actions were conducted following the directive of the state governor’s Special Adviser on Transportation, Sola Giwa.
US NTSB Releases Images From Scene Of Fatal California Helicopter Crash, Claiming Lives Of Wigwe, Wife, Son & Ogunbanjo
AdminThe US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released photos of its investigators combing through wreckage at the site of the February 9th helicopter crash that killed four people, including leading Nigerian banker Herbert Wigwe.
The Airbus EC130 helicopter went down close to the California-Nevada border near Halloran Springs, killing Access Bank CEO Wigwe, his wife Doreen, their son Chizi Wigwe and former Nigerian Exchange Group Chairman Abimbola Ogunbanjo.
Recall that Michael Graham, a board member with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), provided an update on Sunday when he said they had visited the site and outlined the activities conducted on the first full day of investigation at the accident site. These included aerial drone mapping, site documentation, and a detailed examination of the debris field by the airworthiness group.
The debris field, approximately 100 yards in length, had contained all major components of the helicopter, including rotor blades, transmission, engine, tail rotor, landing gear skids, and various avionics components.
Analysis of flight track data revealed that the helicopter had been traveling along Interstate 15 at an altitude of 1,000 to 1,500 feet above ground level before initiating a slight right turn south of the interstate. Subsequently, the data had indicated a gradual descent and increasing ground speed, with the flight track ending approximately 4 miles from the wreckage location.
The wreckage site had indicated that the helicopter had impacted the terrain in a nose-low and right bank angle. Various electronic devices and onboard equipment had been recovered for further examination and analysis. The NTSB had planned to coordinate the movement of the wreckage to a secure location on Tuesday for further investigation.
As part of the investigative process, a preliminary report on the accident had been expected within 30 days, with a full NTSB investigation lasting 12 to 24 months before a final report is issued. Further updates on the investigation will be provided by the NTSB headquarters in Washington, DC.
Court Sentences Two For Murdering Music Manager Odunlami Over £125,000 Patek Philippe Watch — Which Turned Out To Be Fake
AdminEmmanuel Odunlami attended an exclusive event in London to celebrate his 32nd birthday, donning an imitation Patek Philippe Nautilus watch. The gathering was adorned with luxury, as Odunlami sported a Dior jacket and a Goyard bag, while other attendees showcased Rolex timepieces.
However, tragedy struck when a security guard at the high-end event, Kavindu Hettiarachchi, noticed Odunlami’s watch and alerted a group of robbers. Louis Vandrose, Quincy Ffrench, and Jordell Menzies swiftly acted on the tip-off. Menzies aggressively approached Odunlami, fatally stabbing him in the heart with a lock knife as the victim attempted to retreat.
Amid the chaos, Ffrench swiftly seized the watch, confirming “got it” before the group fled the scene in a Mercedes, leaving Odunlami’s prized possession unrecovered.
In sentencing, Judge Field described the crime as a meticulously planned and sophisticated operation, in which the culprits played significant roles. Vandrose and Ffrench were convicted of manslaughter and robbery, while Menzies received a life sentence with a minimum of 31 years for Odunlami’s murder.
Hettiarachchi was also found guilty of manslaughter and robbery and received a 13-year sentence, while Vandrose and Ffrench were handed 15-year terms.
The loss of Emmanuel Odunlami deeply affected his loved ones. His fiancée, Rajbir Kaur, spoke of her devastation, emphasizing the profound impact on their children and the dreams they would never share. Odunlami’s mother, Christiana, expressed her ongoing anguish, describing the void left in her life since her son’s untimely death.
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The Nigerian Police High Command has confirmed the arrest of a former officer of the Nigerian Air Force who was allegedly supplying military uniforms to popular notorious terrorist Bello Turji.
While parading the suspect and other criminal elements at the headquarters of the Special Tactical Squad-Intelligence Response Team in Abuja on Tuesday, Assistant Commissioner of Police and police spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, said the dismissed officer, Ahmed Mohammed, had served in the Air Force for a brief period of five years before being court-martialled for an undisclosed offence.
According to Awojobi, Mohammed had been involved in supplying military camouflage and other equipment to bandits operating in Zamfara State.
The police mouthpiece explained that the suspect introduced the sales of military camouflage and other equipment to one Mushiri Abubakar, who in turn supplied these items to various criminal gangs.
Notably, they had previously supplied military camouflage to the notorious bandit, Bello Turji, and his gang members, who have been causing havoc in the state.
The police said 10 sets of military camouflage uniforms and 10 pieces of camel pack were recovered from both Mohammed and Abubakar during their arrest.
Other items recovered from them include 2 military hats, 3 cardigans, 3 T-shirts, 2 belts and 3 anklets, adding that they were intercepted when they were transporting the items from Kaduna to Zamfara for bandits.
Items recovered from the suspects
The senior police officer said, “On 20/12/2023 at about 1230hrs, the operatives of the FID-STS intercepted the movement of military accoutrements from Kaduna to Zamfara state, precisely Shinkafi LGA.
“In the process, a spot search was conducted, and the following items were recovered: 10 sets of military camouflage uniforms, 10 pieces of camel pack, 12 military hats, 3 cardigans, 3 t-shirts, 2 belts, and 3 anklets.
“The two suspects were arrested. The Mushiri Abubakar is a childhood friend of one Air Force personnel attached to the Air Force base in Kaduna state who served for only five years before being court marshalled and introduced the idea of selling military accoutrements to Mushiri Abubakar.
“Further investigation revealed that same Mushiri Abubakar had supplied military materials to the Notorious Bello Turji.”
Furthermore, the police spokesperson informed reporters that the law enforcement agents had made the decision to dismantle the criminal organization, specifically targeting those individuals who were providing weapons and ammunition to the bandits.
The spokesperson emphasized that the bandits would be rendered powerless without access to firearms and other ammunition, and highlighted the importance of dismantling the network responsible for supplying them with sophisticated weapons in order to instill fear in innocent citizens.
Alleged Memo From APC Asking Police To Arrest, Silence 16 Notable Individuals In Kano Surfaces
AdminAn alleged memo from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State has shown how the party tried to use the Nigeria Police Force to arrest and silence 16 notable persons in the state.
The culprits were reportedly inciting people against the APC via social media posts.
According to SaharaReporters, the letter was dated 5th of January, 2024, and signed by State Secretary of APC, Ibrahim Zakari.
In the letter, Zakari allegedly asked the Nigerian Police Force to arrest the sixteen individuals and charge them to court according to terms provided by the party.
The letter reads: “On behalf of the Kano State APC Chairman, we request that the individuals listed in the table below be traced and arrested immediately after the Supreme Court’s verdict on Friday, January, 12” 2024, which will declare Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna as winner.
“We also request that your department should, as a matter of urgency, file charges and accuse them of using the social media in uttering unguarded statements capable of promoting violence and inciting people against the APC government. We have enough record of such posts. The name of the court you should convey their cases will be sent to you in due time. Please let us know what it will take.
1. Salisu Yahaya Hotoro
2. Aliyu Dahiru Aliyu
3. Kabiru Sa’idu Dakata
4. Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa
5. Nasiru Zango
6. Sufyan Safjamil Kabo
7. Hajiya A’in Jafaru
Darmanawa
8. Alhajiji Nagoda
Hon, Ibrahim Zakari,
9. Ibrahim Zakari Zawaciki
10. Sani Musa Danja
11. Hon. Auwalu Lawan Aranposu
12. Sunusi Osca
13. Kwankwason Dakata
14. Ishak Abdul
15. Aminu Abdullahi Kima
16. Habu Tabule
“Home and office addresses of the listed persons will be sent to you alongside another list, thank you.”
The Gombe State Police Command, on Tuesday, arrested 32-year-old David Ochuko, and 27-year-old Jibril Sani, for impersonating Assistant Superintendent of Police.
Naija News reports that the state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mahid Abubakar, while parading the suspects at the command headquarters, said Ochuko and Sani were arrested alongside 22 others for impersonation, conspiracy and owning substances suspected to be Indian hemp.
He said, “On the 7th of February, 2024, the suspects were arrested with six blocks of dry leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.
“They were arrested along Dasa village of Dadin-kowa. They were arrested with an ASP identity card with an Army operational cap.”
Other suspects arrested and paraded for criminal conspiracy, and armed robbery, include, Yahaya Abdulkadir, Shuaibu Ahmadu, Musa Hussaini, Usman Haruna, Adamu Munkaila, Abdulmalik Mohammed, Dangunde Abba, Abdulsalam Shehu, Abdulmalik Garba, Ibrahim Yunusa, and Babangida Idris,
The PPRO said one Yahaya Garba had reported that an unknown person robbed him of his Bajaj motorcycle and injured him, while one Yahaya Abdulkadir conspired with one Shuaibu Ahmadu and robbed him.
He added that men of the Force responded, which led to the recovery of stolen property, including three Bajaj motorcycles, from the suspects’ residences.
The trio of Odoh Eric Ocheme, Adamu Abubakar and Imam Abubakar reportedly conspired to forge former President Muhammadu Buhari‘s signature to siphon over six million US Dollars from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Naija News understands that the team of specialized investigators assigned to the extensive fraud case within the CBN has sent a formal letter to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) requesting the placement of the three Nigerian individuals on the Interpol Red Notice.
The letter, signed by DCP Eloho Okpoziakpo, Head of Operations at the Office of the Special Investigator, highlights the involvement of Ocheme, a CBN employee who is currently evading authorities, along with two accomplices named Adamu Abubakar and Imam Abubakar, who are also on the run.
These individuals are suspected of fabricating documents using the name of the former Nigerian leader in order to embezzle an estimated amount of US$6,230,000 from the CBN’s funds.
The letter read: “The Special Investigator, appointed by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to investigate the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Related Entities, and other Key Government Business Entities kindly requests you to place the above-named individuals on INTERPOL RED NOTICE.
“In the course of the Special Investigator’s assignment, Mr Odoh Eric Ocheme, (staff of the CBN), now at large and the other two accomplices, also now at large, were discovered to have conspired and forged documents in the name of the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria with which they stole about US$6,230,000 (Six Million, Two Hundred and Thirty Thousand Dollars, in cash, from the coffers of the CBN.
“Consequent upon the above, a charge was filed, and warrants of arrest have been issued by the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Abuja Division, presided over by Hon. Justice ILE. Ekwo in Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/19/2024 B/w: Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Adamu Abubakar & 2 Ors for the arrest and production of the Defendants named above for their arraignment.
“The data page of Odoh Eric Ocheme’s Nigerian International Passport No. B50082800, duly certified true copies of the warrants and the Order of the Court to that effect are hereby attached,” a copy of the letter seen on Vanguards reads.
The trio had been slammed with six count charges at the Federal High Court, Abuja.
Count six of the charges read: “That Adamu Abubakar (now at large), Imam Abubakar (now at large), Odoh Eric Ocheme (now at large), Bashirudeen Maishanu and others also now at large, on or about the 23rd day of January 2023, at the Central Bank of Nigeria, Abuja Branch, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, by false pretence that one man who held out himself as Jibril Abubakar is a Staff from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and had the approval of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to source money from the Central Bank of Nigeria for foreign Election Observers, and with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of six million, two hundred and thirty thousand United States Dollars ($ 6,230,000.00) from the Central Bank of Nigeria, Abuja Branch and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1)[a] and punishable under Section 1(3) & Section 10 of the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, Cap. A6 laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2010.”