A 20-year-old man, Ojo Monday, who was accused of housebreaking and theft has been arraigned before an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ekiti State.
The police prosecutor, Inspector Moyosola Adesola, said that the suspect stole some noodles, maggi seasonings, salt, onions, "fufu" and a pot of soup all valued at N300,000 belonging to the complainant.
The incident happened on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at about 12 noon at Falegan, Ilawe Road in Ado-Ekiti, Daily Trust reported.
The defendant, however, denied the charges.
Inspector Adesola noted that the offences contravened Sections 322 and 302(1) (a) of the Criminal Laws of Ekiti State 2021.
Olayinka Opaleke, counsel to the defendant, urged the court to grant the defendant bail.
Meanwhile, the Chief Magistrate, Mrs Taiwo Ajibade, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N50,000 with one surety in like sum and adjourned the case till April 23, for a hearing.
Customs officials at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, Thailand have arrested a Nigerian national for smuggling 69 pellets of cocaine inside his stomach.
The passenger landed on a flight from Doha, Qatar on Monday, March 25, 2024, and was arrested by Customs officers working with the Airport Interdiction Task Force (AITF).
Upon arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport, the suspect exhibited suspicious behaviour and was subsequently subjected to a thorough check.
Sixty-nine cocaine lumps with a total weight of 1,390 grams and a value of 4,170,000 baht were found in his body.
The officers documented the seizure and handed the suspect over to Suvarnabhumi Airport Police Station for further prosecution.
Mr. Thirach Attanawanich, Director General of Customs, stated that in line with the government’s strict anti-drug policy, he has directed officials to step up their vigilance in monitoring all channels for drug smuggling.
A 25-year-old man, Chike Ibezim, was on Monday, March 25, arraigned by the Federal government, for allegedly defaming the immediate past Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola.
Ibezim is one of three individuals who took to social media to accuse Fashola of writing the judgments of the presidential election petition court (PEPC) that dismissed the petitions by the Labour Party (LP) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Ibezim was arraigned before Justice Bolaji Olajuwon of a Federal High Court in Abuja on a six-count charge. The charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/434/2023, borders on criminal conspiracy, cyberstalking, and defamation, among others.
Count one of the charges reads;
“That you Ibezim Chike Victor, male with Jackson Udeh, Nnamdi Emmanuel Ibezim and Reportera.ng (body corporate) now at large on or about 05/08/2023 at Abuja, did commit an illegal Act to wit: criminal conspiracy; when you jointly agreed to publish a defamatory statement of false allegations in your online social media, the reportera.ng news, against His Excellency Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN, CON, without justification, you thereby commit offence punishable under Section 27(1)(b) of the Cyber-crime Prohibition, Prevention Act 2015.”
However, Fashola said the allegation was “baseless and defamatory”. The former minister described those behind the allegations as “agents of destabilisation”.
The matter was adjourned till April 15 for continuation of trial.
A terrorist has been seen on tape flaunting money he collected from his victims as ransom.
The video was uploaded by Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert and security analyst in Lake Chad, in a series of posts on his X handle on Monday.
According to Makama, the user of the account has over 3000 followers, noting that some of them are bandits who openly show off their rifles and are dressed in military or police uniforms.
He further lamented that the Tiktok platform has given space for insurgents to promote their campaign of terror without any form of restrictions.
He wrote: “Audacity: Bandit on Tiktok flaunting and showing off ransom money he collected from his victims.
“The user of the account has 3000 followers, some of them are bandits who openly show off their rifles and are dressed in military or police uniforms.
“Tiktok platform has given room for insurgents to promote their campaign of terror without being restricted.”
Media
Court Grants N5 Million Bail To Fidelity Bank Staff Who Altered Customers’ Accounts To Steal N2.7 Billion
AFOLABIJustice O.O. Abike-Fadipe of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos has slated the commencement of trial of one Christopher Jackson Edeh for May 30, 2024.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on February 28, 2024 arraigned him before Justice Abike-Fadipe on nine- count charges bordering on fraudulent false accounting contrary to Section 337 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, and unauthorised access to computer contrary to Section 387 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.
One of the charges reads: “That you Christopher Jackson Edeh, sometimes in September 2023 in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, whilst in the employment of Fidelity Bank Plc, with intent to defraud, altered the customer account details of Dangote Cement Plc in possession of Fidelity Bank.”
Another charge reads: “Christopher Jackson Edeh, sometimes in September 2023 in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent to facilitate the stealing of the total sum of N2,737,784,800.00 (Two Billion, Seven Hundred and Thirty-seven Million, Seven Hundred and Eighty-four Thousand, Eight Hundred Naira) kept in custody of Fidelity Bank Plc, secured the unauthorised access to Entrust portal of Fidelity Bank Plc.”
He was also alleged to have with intent to defraud altered the bank account details of the Kano State Government – Power Intervention Fund, NNPC Trading Limited, Stallion Vision Ltd, the Lagos State Government-Blue Line, State Contributory Pension Account, and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ujukwu University.
He pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when they were read to him.
Following his plea, counsel to the EFCC, Z.B. Atiku, informed the court that the prosecution was ready to prove its case against the defendant.
However, the defence informed the court of the bail application of the defendant, prompting the court to adjourn till Tuesday, March 19, 2024 for hearing of the application.
At the resumed hearing of the bail application, defence counsel, G.A. Daniel moved the bail application of his client and urged the court to grant bail as the offence was a bailable one.
Ruling on the application, Justice Abike-Fadipe granted him bail in the sum of N5 million, with two sureties in like sum, one of whom must be a blood relation to the defendant.
“The sureties shall depose to affidavit of means, must be gainfully employed and resident within jurisdiction of the court, must show evidence of tax payment for over the last three years to the Lagos State,” the trial judge added.
Justice Abike-Fadipe thereafter adjourned the case till May 30 and June 6, 2024 for commencement of trial.
Paul Akintelure, an aspirant for the upcoming gubernatorial elections in Ondo State has reportedly passed on.
According to Vanguard, prior to his unfortunate demise, Akintelure had voiced his concerns regarding the various threats, both direct and indirect, that he had been facing.
However, despite his optimism that the alleged threats will subside and things will get better, Akuntelure, gave up the ghost as the date for the APC governorship primary election, set for April 25, drew near.
In a statement made available to journalists earlier through his spokesperson, Oladapo Akintelure, Akintelure said: “Initially, I hope these incidents would dissipate over time, yet regrettably, they have escalated to pose a serious threat to my life”
“The threats against me only strengthen my resolve to stand up for what is right and just. I will not allow fear to dictate our path forward.”
The statement dated Thursday, March 21, 2023, added: “Let us embrace peace, progress, and unity. Our collective strength lies in our to stand together as one, regardless of our differences.”
Akintelure, who hails from Igbotako in the Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, previously ran as the deputy governorship candidate for the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) alongside Rotimi Akeredolu, the former governor of Ondo State.
However, they were unsuccessful in their bid as Olusegun Mimiko, the Labour Party flagbearer at the time, emerged as the winner of the election.
Prior to this, Akintelure also contested the senatorial election against the candidate from the Peoples Democratic Party, but unfortunately, he was defeated.
This series of events unfolded during the lead-up to the Ondo governorship election, which was gaining momentum at the time.
Former Minister of Education, Obiageli Ezekwesili has revealed the only way things will change for good in Nigeria.
She said things will change the moment citizens care enough about themselves and pick up the gauntlet against political rascals pretending to be their leaders.
The former Minister made the assertion in a post on her X handle on Monday.
According to her, there’s nothing in the definition of leader that is exhibited by the genre of the Nigerian political class.
She wrote: “Even from now, 2024 up to the next Century starting 2100…nothing will change until Citizens of Nigeria care enough about themselves and pick up the gauntlet against political rascals pretending to be their leaders.
“There’s nothing in the definition of Leader that is exhibited by this genre of the Nigerian Political Class.
“Maybe someday soon our Citizens will embrace this Hard Truth. Maybe”.
The Northern Elders Forum has issued a warning to bandits.
They said enough is enough on the abductions of children in the region.
The forum, according to a statement Sunday by its Director of Publicity and Advocacy/spokesperson, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, said it rejoiced in the safe return of the abducted Kuriga school children.
“This news brings a ray of hope amidst a dark period for the community. As elders, we welcome the children back with open arms, but we must also emphasize the urgent need for proper medical and shock checks as they reintegrate into society.
“This school abduction is another tragic incident that highlights the growing need for improved security measures. The Northern Elders Forum firmly declares that enough is enough. The safety and security of our children should never be compromised or subject to negotiation. It is unacceptable for Nigerians, particularly those in the northern region, to continue living under such insecure conditions.
“Unfortunately, just months into the Tinubu administration, there have already been clear signs of failure in providing the vital aspects of security of life and property to citizens. This situation is deeply concerning and requires immediate attention from our leaders.
“While we celebrate the return of the abducted Kuriga school children, we must also recognize this event as a wake-up call for all of us. We cannot afford to become complacent in the face of such acts of violence and disregard for human life. As elders, it is our duty to protect and nurture the next generation,” the forum said.
The forum urged the government and relevant authorities to work closely with it in ensuring that “our children can go to school without fear. The safety and well-being of our children must always be a top priority. We also call for accountability and swift action from our leaders to address the security challenges our communities are facing.
“The return of the Kuriga school children stands as a testament to the resilience and strength of our community. Let us use this moment to unite and actively work towards safer conditions for our children and our communities.”
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has announced the date for the physical verification of foreign trained graduates who registered online for the 2024 Batch ‘A’ Stream II service year.
NYSC, in a statement on its official Facebook page on Monday, said foreign trained graduates whose credentials and travel documents are yet to be physically verified can have the exercise done from 2nd to 5th April, 2024.
According to the Scheme, foreign-trained Corps Members are expected to appear for the verification exercise in their chosen centres.
The centres are the NYSC Secretariat, 2 Abakaliki Road, G.R.A, Enugu State; Shadawanka Military Barracks, Bauchi, Bauchi State and NYSC Orientation Camp, Kubwa, Abuja.
Others are Bukavu Military Barracks, Fagge, Airport Road, Kano; NYSC Orientation Camp, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos and NYSC Secretariat, New Ikirun Road, Osogbo, Osun State.
A nurse in Oke-Owa in the Ijebu Ode area of Ogun State has fled after she allegedly carried out an ab*rtion on one Deborah Sokoya.
The said termination failed, leading to serious bleeding and the subsequent hospitalisation of the victim.
Punch correspondent further gathered that Sokoya had earlier informed her partner, identified as Peter Balogun, that she would be paying a visit to her elder sister, known as Mutiat Sokoya.
After reaching Mutiat’s house located in the Iperin area of Ijebu-Ode, Deborah was lured by her elder sister to the location where the alleged ab*rtion was carried out.
This, according to the police, led to uncontrolled bleeding, and the victim was subsequently taken to a hospital for medical treatment.
Meanwhile, when contacted about the incident on Saturday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, said a preliminary investigation showed that the boyfriend who reported the matter had also financed a separate ab*rtion on the same girlfriend as far back as 2023.
She added that both Mutiat and the boyfriend of the victim, Balogun, had been detained for interrogation.
“However, efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing nurse and others who participated in the abortion.”
More...
From prison to palace: This is the incredible story of the rise of 44-year old Faye to Senegal's presidency
AFOLABIJust a few months ago, the man set to be Senegal's next president, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, was sitting in a prison cell, a relatively unknown figure outside his opposition party Pastef.
Everything changed for him when the party's firebrand leader, Ousmane Sonko, who was also detained, was charged with insurrection in July and barred from running in elections to succeed President Macky Sall.
That cleared the way for Faye to emerge from the shadow of his former boss and eventually from prison, take over the race and on Monday - the day of his 44th birthday - emerge as victor after his opponent conceded defeat.
It was an unlikely climb to the top for an unlikely national figurehead. Faye was a tax inspector before he became Sonko's trusted lieutenant and Pastef's secretary general.
Where Sonko is charismatic, with a verve that has attracted thousands of country's jobless youths to his anti-establishment movement, Faye cuts an austere figure.
Sonko's endorsement of his former deputy in the run-up to Sunday's delayed election was crucial, but a little short on rabble-rousing emotion.
"My choice of Diomaye is not a choice from the heart, but from reason. I chose him because he meets the criteria that I have defined. He is competent and has attended the most prestigious school in Senegal," Sonko said in a video message.
'HE IS MORE HONEST THAN ME'
"No one can say he is not honest. I would even say that he is more honest than me. I entrust the project into his hands," Sonko said.
According to Faye's biography on his campaign website, he was often the top of his class growing up. He graduated from high school on Senegal's southern coast in 2000, then studied law and got a master's degree from Dakar's Cheikh Anta Diop University.
In 2004, the devout Muslim passed the competitive entrance exam to Senegal's National School of Administration which trains the former French colony's top civil servants, where he specialised as a tax inspector.
He was arrested in April 2023, a few months before Sonko was also held, and charged with contempt of court and defaming magistrates, charges Faye had denied. Crucially, unlike Sonko, he was not barred from running in elections.
Convinced that Sonko's detention and the banning of Pastef were part of a ploy by Sall's government to eliminate strong rivals from the election - all accusations rejected by the government - several party members including Faye put their names forward.
Faye eventually made the cut while still in prison, despite a late challenge from ruling coalition candidate Amadou Ba to have his candidacy rejected by the Constitutional Council.
A coalition of more than 100 parties, and some political heavyweights including former prime minister Aminata Toure, joined Faye's campaign under the banner "Doimaye mooy Sonko", which in the local wolof language means "Diomaye is Sonko."
'ONLY ONE PERSON IS ELECTED'
Thanks to a general amnesty law passed shortly before the vote to ease political tensions, Sonko and Faye left their prison cells in Dakar earlier this month, accompanied by thousands of supporters who danced and chanted through the night.
Both hit the campaign trail, crisscrossing the country and drawing thousands to their rallies and caravans.
Sidy Lamine Badji, a 36-year-old part-time driver who voted for Faye on Sunday, rejected criticism that the candidate who lost a municipal election in his home town in 2022 was inexperienced in government affairs.
"This is false. He has dignity. I believe in his promise and that he will not betray us," Badji said, his voice choking.
Faye has declined to say what role Sonko might play in any future government, and has insisted he will be his own man.
"Why do we want to focus on just one person in a government when I have a coalition that includes more than 120 people?" he said, brushing off concerns held by some voters that if he won, the country would end up with two men who believe they are president.
"In a presidential election, only one person is elected in the end, and it's he who is the president of the republic," Faye said.
Reuters
“I’m not 70 years old, I’m not his mother” – American Woman Says As She Defends Her Marriage To Her Nigerian Man Amidst Backlash (VIDEO)
AdminAn American woman who recently tied the knot with a young Nigerian man, has broken her silence in response to the negative responses surrounding their union.
Following the viral video of their wedding, which sparked a wave of reactions criticizing their significant age difference, she addressed the misconceptions and defended their relationship.
Contrary to claims that she is 70 years old and that her partner is her son, she firmly refuted these allegations.
In a bold statement, she expressed her gratitude for both the positive and negative comments, asserting:
“70 years old? Never! His mother? Never! But keep it coming, I’m enjoying it.”
When questioned about allowing her own child to marry someone of her age, she responded confidently
“Please tell me my age since you think you know? And my child can marry whoever makes them happy.”
The video of her response has since gone viral, igniting a lot of reactions online from netizens and viewers alike.
Netizens have flooded the comments section with a mix of funny and sarcastic remarks, expressing surprise at her appearance and the nature of their relationship.
As the online discussion continues, The viral video has undeniably sparked conversations about love, acceptance, and individual choices.
Watch the videos below:
VIDEO: "You should have created crossdressers category" - Actress Dayo Amusa Reacts As Bobrisky Wins ‘Best Dressed Female’ Award
AFOLABINollywood actress Dayo Amusa has slammed crossdresser, Bobrisky after he won the award for the ‘Best Dressed Female’ at a recent movie premiere.
Bobrisky took home the award and a cash prize of N1 million at the movie premiere in Lagos over the weekend.
However, reacting via a video message shared on her Instagram account, Amusa said it was a mockery of the women present at the event.
She said, “I was at a colleague of mine premiere yesterday, they said the best dressers are to be picked; one female and one male best dresser. Don’t get me wrong, the winner could be anyone but definitely not a crossdresser. I mean, what’s wrong with us? I don’t understand it.
“I cannot imagine the judges disrespecting every woman that was there. You had to pick a winner, a female best dressed and a male best dressed and you watered the efforts of all the women at the event by giving the best dressed female to a crossdresser. I don’t understand, what is wrong with us?
“If you feel you want to honour crossdressers, you should have created their own category instead of disrespecting women by giving a crossdresser the best dressed female award.”
Media
Dayo Amusa reacts to Bobrisky winning Best Dressed Female award. pic.twitter.com/l16xINvLpw
— Dami’ Adenuga (@DAMIADENUGA) March 25, 2024
Binance, a cryptocurrency platform, has reacted to the report that one of its detained employees, Nadeem Anjarwalla, escaped from custody in Nigeria.
The spokesperson for Binance confirmed Anjarwalla’s escape in a statement sent to the DAILY POST on Monday.
DAILY POST reports that Anjarwalla, Binance’s Africa regional manager, escaped from custody on March 22, 2024, from an Abuja guest house, where he and his colleague, Tigran Gambaryan, were detained for alleged tax evasion.
Reacting to the development, Binance said the safety of Anjarwalla remains their top priority.
The firm stressed that it is working with the Nigerian authorities to resolve the issue quickly.
“We were made aware that Nadeem is no longer in Nigerian custody. Our primary focus remains on the safety of our employees, and we are working collaboratively with Nigerian authorities to resolve this issue quickly”.
The two Binance executives were detained by the office of the National Security Adviser from last February 2024.
Recall that trouble started for Binance when it was restricted from operating in Nigerian cyberspace from February 21, 2024.
The development led to Binance discontinuing its services on Naira from March 8.