The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has denied receiving a bribe to drop the money laundering charge against controversial crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, better known as Bobrisky.

The EFCC, on Monday, explained that the allegations of money laundering were dropped based on Bobrisky’s confessional statement on naira abuse in court and the disclosure of the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering, SCUML, that Okunenye’s firm, Bob Express, was not a Designated Non Financial Institution, Business and Profession, DNFIBP, and could not be prosecuted for flouting provisions of the Money Laundering Prevention & Prohibition Act, 2022.

 

The representative of the anti-graf agency, Bilikisu Bala, head of the prosecution team that handled the trial of Bobrisky, who made the clarification during an appearance before the House of Representatives investigative committee probing the alleged case of ₦15 million bribery involving Bobrisky and the EFCC, added that it is well within the powers of the agency to amend charges.

Bala denied any insinuation that the EFCC or any of its operatives received a bribe to drop the charges against Bobrisky.

“We initially raised six count charges bordering on Naira Abuse and Money Laundering against Okuneye based on his confessional statement that his firm, Bob Express, was not registered with SCUML and was not rendering returns to it. Counts 1-4 were on Naira Abuse while counts five and six were on money laundering. Okuneye’s confession that he didn’t register his firm, Bob Express with SCUML and not rendering returns to it informed the money laundering charges initially included in the six count charges. However, when we wrote to SCUML on the status of the firm, the Unit responded that it was not a Designated Non-Financial Institution, Business and Profession, DNFIBP. We cannot lawfully sustain the charges in all sincerity. We, therefore dropped them and relied on the four counts on Naira mutilation to which Okuneye had pleaded guilty”, she said.

The prosecutor dismissed claims of financial inducement in dropping charges maintaining that no such thing happened.

“There is simply no basis for that. The Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA, allows amendment of charges. It is a professional practice. It is laughable for anyone to attribute our decision to monetary issues. Why did we write to SCUML if we didn’t want to include the charges? We wrote to be lawfully guided and when the Unit responded that the firm had not breached any law, on what basis should we have retained the money laundering charges?,” she said.

The Chairman of the Committee, Ginger Onwusibe, however, said that at the next meeting, the person who did the audio recording on the alleged bribery should appear before the committee while the meeting was adjourned sine die.

Meanwhile, the lawyer to Bobrisky, Avwerosuoghene Omuvwie, told the investigative committee that his client couldn’t appear physically due to health issues.

The Indigenous People of Biafra has banned the celebration of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day in the South-East region.

In a statement on Monday, the separatist group declared that anyone found participating in any activity marking this year’s Independence Day would be considered an enemy of the land.

It said Igbo should go about their normal business or remain in their houses if they choose to but must refrain from any form of activities to mark Nigeria’s independence.

The group insisted that though Igbo were part of the struggle for Nigeria’s independence, the union had proven injurious to them.

 
 

“The Directorate of State of the global family and movement of the Indigenous People of Biafra wishes to remind Biafrans at home and in the diaspora that the ban on the celebration of the Zoo Nigeria’s annual October 1st Independence Day by Biafrans is still in force. As a Biafran, you are to avoid any Nigeria Independence celebration globally.

 

“IPOB calls on Biafrans worldwide to go about their normal business because we are not part of Nigeria and have nothing to do with their British-flag independence of 1960. We are aware that some prominent Igbo men and women played pivotal roles in securing the flag independence that Nigeria celebrates annually on every October 1st; however, such independence has taken more blood of Ndigbo to maintain than that of any other ethnic group in Nigeria.

“Biafrans have decided to reject the bloody flag independence of Nigeria and work for the restoration of a truly united and prosperous independent State of Biafra. Therefore, every Biafran should reject this Nigerian forced unity as we look forward to celebrating Biafra’s independence soon.

 

“Ndigbo must adhere to this clarion call to halt every activity concerning Nigeria’s Independence tomorrow. There shall be no flying of Nigerian flags in Biafran territory. There shall be no independence activity for students in Biafraland. Everyone should go about their business or use that day for quality family time and rest at home for those who choose not to go to work or engage in business activities.

“IPOB is not joking about the restoration of Biafra’s freedom and sovereignty. Do not make yourself an enemy of the struggle by participating in Nigeria’s flag independence celebrations tomorrow. Parents and guardians must not allow their children to attend any Nigerian independence activities tomorrow. We are monitoring everywhere in Biafraland. As an Igbo parent, do not allow your children to be sacrificed for a country that considers them less than human.”

Legendary boxing promoter Bob Arum believes it’s time for British heavyweight Anthony Joshua to retire from boxing, according to reports on GiveMeSport.

The Top Rank founder, who has managed the careers of boxing icons like Muhammad Ali, Floyd Mayweather, and Manny Pacquiao, says Joshua should retire following a series of tough losses.

Joshua, a two-time world heavyweight champion, has built an impressive resume with victories over top fighters such as Wladimir Klitschko, Joseph Parker, Dillian Whyte, Alexander Povetkin, and even former MMA star Francis Ngannou. However, Arum feels the 34-year-old has little left to prove after a storied career.

 

Despite bouncing back with a four-fight winning streak following consecutive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk, Joshua suffered another shocking defeat on September 14, losing to Daniel Dubois in a highly anticipated IBF heavyweight “Battle of Britain.” fight.

“Klitschko, Andy Ruiz Jr., and now Dubois have all knocked Joshua down in brutal wars or one-sided fights,” said Arum. “Those kinds of battles take a toll on a fighter’s body. At 34, with his legacy already secured, it may be time for him to step away from the sport.”

Arum’s comments echo growing concerns about the physical toll Joshua has endured throughout his career, and the promoter suggests that Joshua should consider retirement to preserve his health and long-term well-being.

[BusinessDay]

Vitalik Buterin, the co-founder of Ethereum and one of the largest holders of the asset has for some time now been suspected to be secretly dumping Ethereum assets.

Series of On chain transitions by Wallets generally believed to be linked to Buterin have fueled these suspicions although the Ethereum Co-Founder has repeatedly said that he has never seemed to profit off Ethereum.

Vitalik Buterin has earlier said that he has not sold ETH for personal profits since 2018 and these recent flurries of transactions are either for the Ethereum ecosystem or to fund philanthropic causes.

 

On Sept. 30, Spot on Chain an onchain analytics tracker reported a transfer of 649 ETH ($1.72 million to cryptic exchange Paxos.

The transaction marked the end of a series of sales by the Wallet in question which was funded by Vitalik Buterin

The Wallet which can be Identified by “0x556,” received 1,300 ETH ($3.21 million) on Sept. 19 from “0xd04”, an Ethereum wallet said to be controlled by Vitalik Buterin. This “0xd04” wallet was funded by Vitalik in 2022 when he transferred 70,000 ETH.

The exchange of transactions between these two wallets didn’t start today. According to on-chain data, “0xd04” had previously sent 2,000 ETH, then valued at $5.265 million on September 2023. This transfer was preceded by a transfer of 999 ETH valued at $2.63 million the same month.

Meanwhile, another transfer of 1701 ETH valued at $4.47 million was made the month before, bringing the total ether received to date to 5,999 ETH.

Sell Pressure Fears  

The speculations on whether Vitalik Buterin is secretly dumping Ethereum all point to the potential effect on the asset if that is true. The selling pressure that could hit the asset should the allegations be confirmed can drive down the price of the asset seriously.

The concerns intensified earlier this month as another wallet which received 3,800 ETH from Buterin in August, was seen offloading the funds across multiple transfers.

However, Vitalik Buterin clarified the transaction saying that they were carried out by a Bio defense group he funds.

What to Know  

  • Besides the speculation on Vitalik Buterin dumping Ethereum, he is also heavily criticized for having too much control over the asset. His grip on the assets has been likened to a dictatorship given how he personally drives the policy direction of the asset.
  • Ethererm is currently exchanging hands for $2,606 down by 46.6% from its all-time high. The asset has performed the worst among the top 5 biggest assets in the crypto industry.

[Nairametrics]

President Bola Tinubu has vowed that his administration will uphold the judiciary’s independence and sanctity.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Tinubu said his government would be mindful of the line demarcating the executive and the judiciary.

He said his administration would not interfere in the matters of the other organs of government.

The event held at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday.

“The judiciary is an important pillar constituting the tripod that holds our constitutional democracy. Indeed, the Nigerian judiciary, at various times in history, has proven to be the moderating force ensuring everyone remains in check.

“Your role as the last hope of the common man serves to sustain our people’s confidence in democracy, knowing well that there is an important arbiter that can always give them redress if they are wronged.

“For this function, it is important that our judiciary remains truly independent. It is my administration’s total commitment to preserve the sanctity of the judiciary.

“While we may have reasons to interface as complementing components of the same government, under my watch, the government will also be mindful of the clear line demarcating the two of us.

 

“We will never interfere or abuse the relationship between us as separate organs of government in our democracy. This is important for sustaining our constitutional democracy.”

He urged Justice Kekere-Ekun to continue upholding the principles of ethical leadership, fearlessness, and honesty which he said defined the CJN’s career.

Tinubu added: “The Nigerian judiciary needs a leader with these qualities at this time, and I have no doubt that you will set the pace for others to follow.

“This day has also cemented the judiciary as a self-evolving and progressive institution. I specifically congratulate the Nigerian women. Any girl child can dream big and have her dreams come true. It is worth celebrating.”

Justice Kekere-Ekun is the second female CJN in Nigeria’s history.

[DailyTrust]

The U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs has released the list of countries with highest U.S. visa rejection rates.

The list shows that Nigeria has 29% rejection rate, while North Korea and Micronesia have 100% rejection rate respectively.

While countries like Monaco and Liechtenstein boast of 0% rejection rate, Israel, UAE and Saudi Arabia have 3%, 4% and 5% respectively.

The list places Nigeria in the upper tier of nations with significant challenges in obtaining U.S. visas, alongside countries like Ukraine (34%), Russia (39%), and Pakistan (41%).

For Nigerian applicants, the 29% rejection rate indicates that nearly one in three visa requests is turned down, reflecting the difficulties faced by many Nigerians seeking entry into the United States for business, tourism, or educational purposes.

 

Other countries with higher rejection rates include Canada (52%), Liberia (78%), and North Korea, which, alongside Micronesia, faces a 100% rejection rate.

Here is a list of countries with highest U.S. visa rejection rate

1. Monaco: 0%

2. Liechtenstein: 0%

3. Israel: 3%

4. UAE: 4%

5. Saudi Arabia: 5%

6. Japan: 6%

7. Czechia: 8%

8. Argentina: 8%

9. France: 10%

10. Mexico: 10%

11. Italy: 10%

12. Denmark: 10%

13. Germany: 11%

14. Indonesia: 11%

 

15. India: 11%

16. Brazil: 12%

17. Vatican: 14%

 
 

’18. South Korea: 14%

19. UK: 15%

20. Spain: 16%

21. South Africa: 16%

22. Australia: 17%

23,. Norway: 18%

24. Ireland: 19%

25. Turkey: 21%

26. Sweden: 21%

27. Finland: 23%

28. Egypt: 26%

29. China: 27%

30. Nigeria: 29%

31. Ukraine: 34%

32. Iraq: 37%

33. Russia: 39%

34. Pakistan: 41%

35. Afghanistan: 49%

36. Canada: 52%

37. Iran: 53%

38. Liberia: 78%

39. North Korea: 100%

40. Micronesia: 100%

[TheNation]

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed the implementation of enhanced security measures nationwide to ensure a safe and conducive atmosphere for the 64th Independence anniversary.

The IG also ordered the deployment of adequate human and tactical resources to ensure maximum security for the celebration.

The Force Spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, stated on Monday that the police, in synergy with other security agencies, would fortify various designated event venues and major highways across the country to forestall any threats to lives, property, and the celebration.

The statement, titled, “IG orders water-tight security felicitates with Nigerians on 64th anniversary, orders clampdown on miscreants,” read, “As we celebrate our nation’s 64th Independence, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has ordered water-tight security across the country to create a safe and conducive environment for citizens of our great nation to celebrate this landmark occasion.

 

“As part of the IGP’s comprehensive plan to ensure a seamless celebration, the IGP has ordered the deployment of adequate human and tactical resources to enable a maximum level of security for the independence celebration.

 

“The police, in synergy with other security agencies, will fortify various designated event venues and the major highways across the country, to forestall any threats to lives and property and the celebration.”

Egbetokun also urged police officers deployed for various operations to be professional in their conduct.

The statement continued, “Additionally, the IGP has directed all personnel deployed for various operations during the celebrations to be courteous and firm in their engagements with members of the public.”

“The Inspector-General of Police also felicitates with Nigerians as we commemorate our independence anniversary, noting that Nigerians are urged to reflect on the journey, triumphs and challenges that have shaped our nation, honouring the sacrifices of our founding fathers and the generations that have contributed to our nation’s growth, unity and progress.

“IGP Egbetokun reiterates that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to safeguarding our nation’s security, ensuring peaceful coexistence, and upholding the rule of law. We are dedicated to serving our communities with integrity, compassion, and professionalism. As we move forward, let us rekindle our sense of national pride, foster unity, and work together towards a brighter future for all Nigerians.”

[Punch]

The Federal Government has inaugurated an independent investigative panel to probe allegations of corruption and gross violations of standard operating procedures within the Nigeria Correctional Service NCoS.

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, inaugurated the committee on Monday in Abuja.

 

He said the committee must also look at the recent allegation that some correctional service personnel had provided an alternative accommodation for convicted cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky.

The panel, according to the minister, became necessary to sanitize the Service towards attaining transparency and accountability.

Recall that the Minister, who is also the Chairman of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board, CDCFIB, had suspended several officers overseeing the Maximum and Minimum Custodial Centres in Kirikiri, Lagos State, following allegations of misconduct involving Bobrisky.

Dr Tunji-Ojo noted the need for a holistic approach to unravel the issues being investigated, through empirical and fact-finding processes that will proffer lasting solutions to the challenges.

“We want to reform the correctional service. Your core responsibility is to investigate specific allegations of corruption, torture, and mistreatment of inmates by correctional officers, especially the immediate one on Bobrisky which I expect to be out in two weeks,” he said.

Headed by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani, the Minister charged the committee to uphold justice without fear or favour to any party.

The minister said: “We will rely on your legal guidance to be sure that whatever we do is in line with the law of the land.

“We will rely on you to be able to come up with a way forward, as well as facts that would be made public to Nigerians.

“I want to say this very clearly, nobody will be shielded. Nobody, no matter how highly placed, will be shielded.”

While proposing medium and long-term solutions to prevent future occurrences, the minister further charged the committee to identify systemic issues contributing to violations within the service and recommend concrete actions for immediate redress and policy reforms.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, who is also the Chairperson of the Investigation Panel, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, stated that the committee would do their best to deliver on the mandate.

Members

The committee comprises Omotese Eva (Mrs.), Director Legal; Nasir Usman, Director, Joint Services; Dr. Uju Agomoh, President, Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action, PRAWA, who is a former Board Member of the International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA); and Dr. Ikechukwu Ezeugo, Human Rights Radio consultant, a Forensic Researcher and Social Impact Expert with over 27 years experience in corporate leadership.

 

Vanguard News

Solomon Buchi, the life coach and relationship expert, has opened up on losing his mother to an illness 11 years ago.

 

In a lengthy X post on Monday, Buchi shared his thoughts on the Christian perspective on healing, emphasizing that faith should not be idolized.

He questioned the implication that lack of faith is to blame when healing doesn’t occur.

He said the way healing is spoken about sometimes promotes “idolatry of faith”, adding that a Christian can pray for healing and “not receive it”.

 

Buchi recounted praying and fasting for his mother’s healing, only to receive news of her passing while in church.

“I lost my loving mother 11 years ago to a ruthless unnamed illness. I prayed and fasted for her healing. In fact, I was in church when my dad called me to break the news that I was now motherless. But some Christians feel that I didn’t have enough faith or she didn’t?” he wrote.

“So it’s our fault that we lost her. The way you guys teach healing promotes idolatry of faith. Saying that God heals every time is a problematic rhetoric because why are there millions of faithful Christian bedridden and frail? Why haven’t you gone into hospitals to heal everyone?

 

“Faith is total belief in what God can do, but our faith is still subject to a sovereign God. A faithful Christian can pray for healing and not receive it. Why? Only God knows. When I lost my mother, I rested in the knowledge that God is good regardless of what happens.

“Sometimes God’s healing isn’t the immediate clearance of sickness; sometimes it’s the grace to live with it and function properly. God’s grace is always present even when we’re in pain. It’s not always the instant healing we seek. Sometimes, it’s grace to go through hard times.”

[TheCable]

Nigerian-born British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua has been banned from boxing for at least 28 days.

This is coming after Anthony Joshua was defeated by a lowly rated Briton heavyweight boxer, Daniel Dubois on September 21.

Recall that on the said date, Dubois knocked out Anthony Joshua in the fifth round after the 27-year-old Briton had knocked down AJ four times in front of a massive crowd of 96,000 at Wembley Stadium in London.

As a result of this victory, Dubois successfully defended his IBF heavyweight title, while Anthony Joshua’s future was subjected to uncertainty.

By standard procedure, the British Boxing Board of Control has enforced a 28-day suspension for Joshua, preventing him from entering the ring in the said period.

This action is in line with the regulations of the Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports, which require fighters to be issued medical suspensions following knockouts (KO) and technical knockouts (TKO).

This means that Anthony Joshua can be permitted to box from November 2024 as he had insisted that he is not thinking of retiring from the sport despite suffering four defeats in the last three years.

After his humiliating defeat to Dubois, Anthony Joshua said, “You’re probably asking if I still want to consider fighting. Of course, I want to continue fighting.

“We took a shot at success and we came up short. What does that mean now? That we’re going to run away? We’re going to live to fight another day. And that’s what I am – I’m a warrior. Always walk with your head high. We rolled the dice for the third time. There have been 13 world title fights; not every one of them has been successful, but everyone has been fun.

“There were a few mistakes in there but that’s the name of the game. Fine margins will cost you at the top level. Also, before I finish, we have to give credit to our opponent, Daniel. When I sign up to fight opponents, I don’t really like them in my head any more. But now that it’s done, I take my hat off to him and say well done.”

Last modified on Monday, 30 September 2024 16:11