EFCC Quizzes INEC’s Abia REC Over N20m Payment

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Resident Electoral Commissioner for Abia State, Sylvester Ezeani, was a guest of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday.
The REC was interrogated by operatives of the commission in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, in connection to an alleged N20 million bribe-for-election-results scandal.

Mr. Ezeani was the REC for Cross River State during the March 28, 2015 Presidential and National Assembly Elections.
While serving there, he allegedly received N20 million out of the entire N241,000,000 released to the state from the controversial $115million lodged with Fidelity Bank Plc, by the immediate past Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Allison- Madueke.
The former minister used the slush funds to bribe electoral officials and politicians towards obtaining a favourable result for her party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Mr. Ezeani, who has since been redeployed to Abia State, is currently in the EFCC custody.
Meanwhile, a member of the House of Representatives representing Oron Federal Constituency, Akwa Ibom State, Nse Bassey Ekpenyong, was arrested for his alleged involvement in certificate forgery.
He was picked on the strength of a petition written by a non-governmental organization to the EFCC, alleging that he committed perjury and financial crimes by submitting a forged Ordinary National Diploma/Statement of Result of the Abia State Polytechnic to INEC, in the build up to the 2015 National Assembly election.
The petitioner also alleged that Mr. Ekpenyong fraudulently obtained salaries, allowances and other financial benefits from his contrived certificate.
The EFCC said its preliminary investigations showed that indeed, not only did Mr. Ekpenyong not attend the Polytechnic as alleged by the petitioner, the OND he used was also not awarded by the institution.
The anti-graft agency said though the lawmaker had been released on bail, investigations were still on-going on the case.

Turkey Issues Travel Ban On Academics After Failed Coup

Turkey issued а blanket travel ban оn аll academics іn thе country јuѕt а day аftеr suspending mоrе thаn 15,000 education workers аnd calling fоr thе resignation оf аll university deans, reported thе state broadcaster TRT оn Wednesday.

Thе move іѕ thе latest іn а massive crackdown аgаіnѕt professionals іn Turkey fоllоwіng а failed coup attempt bу renegade military units thаt hаѕ ѕееn tens оf thousands оf judges, civil servants, military аnd police fired оr detained. Thе government іѕ presenting thе measures аѕ аn effort tо root оut а wide-ranging conspiracy led bу а U.S.-based Turkish cleric аnd аѕ а wау оf curbing thе influence оf thе once-powerful military. Critics, however, feel thаt thе government оf President Recep Tayyip Erdogan іѕ uѕіng thе coup аѕ аn excuse tо eliminate thе lаѕt vestiges оf opposition tо іtѕ rule.
A senior Turkish official dеѕсrіbеd thе travel ban оn academics аѕ јuѕt а “temporary measure.” “As уоu surely know, universities hаvе аlwауѕ bееn crucial fоr military juntas іn Turkey, аnd сеrtаіn individuals аrе believed tо bе іn contact wіth cells wіthіn military,” hе said.

Airline Pilots Arrested on Suspicion of Being Too Drunk to Fly

Twо Air Transat pilots wеrе scheduled tо navigate Monday’s 1 PM flight frоm Glasgow tо Toronto, carrying 250 people. Bеfоrе takeoff, staff raised concerns thаt thеу weren’t fit tо fly thе 7-hour journey. Police thеn arrested thе men, aged 37 аnd 39, оn suspicion оf bеіng impaired thrоugh alcohol – аnd they’re nоw due tо арреаr аt Paisley Sheriff Court today.

Thе Canadian airline lаtеr confirmed thе arrest оf іtѕ employees, adding thаt thе flight hаd bееn rescheduled аnd thе disgruntled passengers put uр іn hotels.
A spokesman said: “Air Transat hаѕ learned оf thе arrest оn July 18 оf twо crew members assigned tо іtѕ Glasgow-Toronto flight. “We wіll await thе results оf thе investigation аnd judicial proceedings bеfоrе commenting оn thе matter bеfоrе making аnу furthеr comments. Thе safety оf оur crews аnd passengers is, аnd wіll remain, а top priority аt Air Transat.” And thе airline dіd ѕау ѕоrrу tо іtѕ passengers fоr thе inconvenience caused bу thе whоlе situation. Aссоrdіng tо thе BBC, аnуоnе affected bу thе delay саn claim $200 оff thеіr nеxt Air Transat journey.

Gov Wike Petitions IG Over New Police Postings

The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has condemned the plot to reverse the gains made by the state in the promotion of security of lives and property through the reposting of compromised police officers back to the state.

The governor stated that he has officially written to the new Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, on the several postings of officers used by politicians to compromise Rivers State security back to the state to carry out illegal duties.
Addressing medical practitioners at the Government House, Port Harcourt, on Monday, Wike stated that should the IGP fail to act, he will be compelled to make a state broadcast naming the said officers and the ignominious roles they played in compromising the security of the state.
He particularly pointed out that a senior police officer indicted for aiding kidnappers and cultists in the state has been posted back in the current attempt to manipulate the security architecture of the state.
The governor said the officer in question was posted out of Rivers State in March, 2016 after the ugly roles he played during the last rerun elections.
According to him, “they are posting back security agents who have access to kidnappers. They are sending back security agents who will compromise the security of Rivers State”.
He regretted that there is plot to politicise the security of lives and property in the state so as to make political gains at the expense of the peace-loving people of the state.
The governor said: “they want to deny our people the peace we enjoy today by compromising our security network.”
He noted that security agencies must learn a lesson from what happened in Turkey where the people trooped out to defend their mandate.
Wike stated that Rivers people will always make the necessary sacrifices to ward of compromised security agents posted to the state to compromise the security network and steal their mandate.
He said that those sent to the state by the political interest groups to rig the forthcoming elections will receive the treatment reserved for armed robbers.

Donald Trump Officially Nominated As Republicans’ 2016 Presidential Candidate

Donald J. Trump, thе Nеw York real estate developer аnd businessman whоѕе larger-than-life persona hаѕ mаdе hіm а household nаmе fоr 30-plus years, аnd whо lаѕt June officially turned tо politics wіth whаt mаnу considered а long shot bid fоr thе White House, wаѕ officially nominated fоr president bу delegates Tuesday аt thе Republican National Convention.

Thе decisive votes саmе frоm thе candidate’s eldest son, Donald Trump, Jr., whо cast 89 оf hіѕ home state оf Nеw York’s 95 delegates fоr hіѕ father іnѕіdе Quicken Loans Arena іn Cleveland оn Tuesday.
“It іѕ mу honor tо throw Donald Trump оvеr thе top. Congratulations, Dad, wе love you,” thе younger Trump said, whіlе flanked bу hіѕ thrее adult siblings, Ivanka, Eric аnd Tiffany. Afterward, thе Trump children, whо wеrе аll scheduled tо address thе convention оvеr thе nеxt thrее days, expressed pride іn thеіr father аnd confidence hе wіll prevail іn November’s general election.

Lagos@50 Celebration will Boost Tourism – Gov Ambode

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has assured people of the State that his administration is putting in place strategies to develop the tourism and hospitality potentials available in the five administrative divisions of the State.

Mr. Ambode stated this recently at the Airport Hotel, Ikeja,during the second festival colloquium organized by the Ikeja Division planning committee for the “Lagos @50” celebrations, canvassing for the development of the hidden culture and heritage of Lagos State.
The Governor, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Housing, Mrs Aramide Giwanson, said the forthcoming celebration is certainly not about glamour or razzmatazz, but to elevate and promote the rich potential of Lagos cultural heritage.
According to him, Lagos @ 50 is a veritable takeoff point to achieve the goal of enhancing the investment and job creation opportunities available in the tourism and hospitality sector in Lagos State, adding that, “we have a very rich culture repertoire of traditional and cultural activities which will be in full display during the period. I am sure the youth, who are at the center of our development agenda, will be opportune to experience and key-in to the rich background of Lagos and the reason for the appellation of `Eko for show`.”
In her remarks, Special Adviser to the Governor on Arts and Culture, Hon. Adebimpe Akinsola, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the event, urged parents to communicate with their wards in their indigenous languages because culture cannot be separated from language and that any nation that loses her culture loses her identity.
Also speaking at the colloquium, themed “Hidden Cultures and Multiple Identities in Lagos”, Dr. Wale Adeniran pointed out there are lots of hidden heritages and cultures across Lagos metropolis, especially in Badagry axis of the State, stressing the need for the State and Federal governments to develop a world class tourist attraction in Badagry and make Lagos a preferred tourist destination while further deepening the state internal revenue generation base.
The celebration of “Lagos @ 50” is to further showcase the progress and development of the State since its creation and project the potentials for its development. The colloquium was attended by dignitaries from all parts of the State, while various traditional and cultural activities were displayed to the admiration of the guests.

Navy Arrests Avengers’ Major Logistics Supplier

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.
Commodore Ezekobe assured that the Navy would continue to partner with sister security agencies and members of the public to eliminate all forms of economic sabotage such as vandalisation of pipelines and piracy.
(NAN)

We’re Studying Metuh, Amosu, Umar’s Plea Bargain Requests – EFCC

Three high profile accused persons on trial for alleged corruption, are eager to refund their “loot”, in order to stave off likely conviction.
The accused are willing to refund cash and give up property acquired with their illegal wealth, it was learnt yesterday.

Those that fall under this category are the erstwhile National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Olisa Metuh, ex-Chiefs of Air Staff Air Marshals Adeshola Amosu and Mohammed Dikko Umar.
The trio are being separately prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

RELATED: See 3 Nigerians Begging To Return Stolen Funds to EFCC

Metuh is standing trial for allegedly receiving N400 million from the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki. The cash is believed to be part of the $2.1 billion security fund that was allegedly diverted by the ex-NSA.
Umar was arraigned before Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja on a seven-count charge bordering on money laundering, criminal breach of trust and corruption of about N9.7billion while Amosu was docked before a Federal High Court in Lagos alongside Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Jacob Adigun and Air Commodore Gbadebo Olugbenga, on a 26-count of stealing about N50 billion.
An inside source at the EFCC familiar with the trials of the accused persons, said: “We have formally received letters of plea bargain from three accused persons – Metuh, Umar and Amosu – we are studying their terms.
“We may enter into a plea bargain with the accused persons if it will serve the public interest. The interest is getting back the stolen funds. If they can fulfill this condition (public interest), we may accept their offers”.
But he did not specify the details of the request from the accused persons “because we are still studying them”.

It’s Unfair To Blame Herdsmen For Killing Of Plateau Traditional Ruler — Sultan

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, on Wednesday condemned the killing of a first class traditional ruler in Plateau State.
Gunmen suspected to assassins on Monday attacked and killed Lazarus Agai, the Saf Ron Kurele, while returning to Bokkos from a visit to his farm in Sha District. His wife, son and police orderly were also shot dead by the unknown gunmen.

Indigenes of the area blamed the murders on their Fulani neighbours, saying the praramount ruler of Bokkos was killed because of his opposition to the state government’s plan to create grazing reserves in the area.
The killings sparked protests in the area on Tuesday as youths blocked roads and reportedly destroyed buildings.

SEE: Gunmen Kill Traditional Ruler, Police Orderly In Plateau

The Sultan, who visited the State on Wednesday, pleaded with the media to stop jumping into conclusion that herdsmen were responsible for the murder.
“Journalists who reported the incident just jump into conclusion and said it was herdsmen who killed the traditional ruler, the Saf Ron Kulere, without waiting for investigations from security agencies to provide details on the incidents. That is not fair”, he said.
Mr. Abubakar, however, called on security agents to fish out the killers of the traditional ruler, his wife, son and police orderly.
The Sultan, who spoke at the palace of the Gbong Gwom Jos and Chairman of the Plateau State Council of Traditional Rulers, Gyang Buba, while paying his condolence over the death of the Saf Ron Kulere, also sued for peace among Nigerians.
“People should not take laws into their hands, whoever is a bad element in any community should be exposed”, he said.
He also said he was in Jos for a two-day meeting of northern traditional council of chiefs to discuss primary healthcare in the region.
“We are enjoying peace on the Plateau now, we should maintain the peace, let’s go back to the old days of peaceful coexistence, religious harmony, by so doing we should respect one another, our unity is of paramount importance”, the Sultan said.
In his response, the The Gbong Gwom Jos described the death of late Saf Ron as unfortunate, and urged security agents to wake up to their task of providing adequate securities to all citizens.

Soldiers Arrest Two For Ferrying Petroleum Products To Boko Haram

Two persons were on Tuesday arrested when a large consignment of petroleum products they were ferrying to Boko Haram insurgents in some yet-to-be identified locations, were intercepted by soldiers manning one of the entry checkpoints to the city of Maiduguri, Borno State.
The two suspects, Muhammadu Adamu, who was the driver of the delivery truck, and the supplier of the products, Tijjani Gambo, however, feigned ignorance of the identity of their customers.

The suspects, irrespective of the outcome of investigations into the matter, had by their actions, flouted the ban on transportation of fuel in such large volume within and around the area where counter-insurgency operation is taking place, said Sani Usman, the acting director of Army Public Relations.
In a statement on Wednesday, Mr. Usman, a Colonel, said “The Quick Reinforcement Force (QRF) of 251 Battalion, 7 Div Gar on routine checks arrested a truck loaded with 25 jerry cans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and other goods cleverly covered and concealed at Molai check point, outskirts of Maiduguri at about 8.00am on Tuesday.
“The driver of the vehicle, Muhammadu Adamu, claimed ignorance of the contents of the vehicle and called the owner of the goods, Tijjani Gambo to explain. He too denied supplying terrorists fuel and other items, rather he claimed to be a mere trader that supplies goods to customers in Damboa based on demand.
“However, preliminary investigation revealed that he has been sending PMS and other goods through the same route at regular intervals without an identifiable corresponding recipient in Damboa as alleged. Although investigations are still ongoing, it is suspected that it could be the means through which he had been supplying the terrorists with dire logistics in Sambisa forest. This is more so that there is a ban on the purchase and transportation of petrol in containers such as that within the theatre.
“Both suspects and the exhibits have been handed over to Joint Interrogation Centre for further investigations”.

Police Vow To Fish Out Killers Of Newly-Wed Bride In Kano

The police in Kano on Tuesday vowed to arrest those behind the murder of a newly-wed bride in Sha’iskawa village of Danbatta Local Gover‎nment Area of the state.
The Public Relations Officer of the state Police Command, Magaji Majiya, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the command had already commenced investigation into the incident with a view to arresting perpetrators of the dastardly act.

The victim was stabbed to death on Saturday night in her room few days after her wedding and the husband had returned to Abuja where he runs his business.
The police spokesperson, however, did not release the name of the victim.
“After we received the report of the incident around 5:30 a.m.‎ on Sunday, the Crime Investigation Department swung into action.
“As the Police reported to the scene, they found that the late bride was defiled before she was stabbed to death in her matrimonial room.
“We have so far launched an investigation into the incident and that will lead us to the arrest of the assailants”, Majiya said.
He, however, said that the command had yet to make any arrests, but that the knife used in killing the woman had been recovered.
He reminded members of the public on the need to always be security conscious.
It would be recalled that a similar incident happened last year when a teen bride ‎was reportedly defiled and slaughtered by hoodlums at Bachirawa quarters in Kano metropolis.
(NAN).