Ex-ABU VC, Bursar Docked for N1bn Fraud

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Ex-ABU VC, Bursar Docked for N1bn Fraud

Professor Ibrahim Garba, and Ibrahim Shehu Usman, former Vice Chancellor and Bursar respectively of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria were today, March 29, 2023, arraigned before Justice R.M Aikawa of the Federal High Court sitting Kaduna, Kaduna State, on a nine count charges bordering on money laundering to the tune of over N1billion by the Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

They are alleged to have diverted the monies from different accounts of the institution meant for the renovation of the popular Kongo Conference Hotel, Zaria.

One of the counts reads, “that you, Prof. Ibrahim Garba and Ibrahim Shehu Usman, sometimes in December, 2013, whilst the Vice Chancellor and Bursar of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria respectively, in Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court conspired amongst yourselves to use the aggregate sum of N998, 000,000.00(Nine Hundred and Ninety Eight Million Naira), which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of your unlawful activity to wit: Criminal Breach of Trust and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(a), 15 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011 (as amended) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act”.

Another count reads, “that you, Prof. Ibrahim Garba and Ibrahim Shehu Usman, between 11th day of January, 2016 and 29th day of June, 2016 whilst the Vice Chancellor and Bursar of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria respectively, in Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court concealed the aggregate sum of N119,923,730.00(One Hundred and Nineteen Million, Nine Hundred and Twenty Three Thousand, Seven Hundred and Thirty Naira) in USIG NIGERIA LIMITED’s account No. 1402548014 domiciled in First City Monument Bank Plc, which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of your unlawful activity to wit: Criminal Breach of Trust and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(2)(a) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011 (as amended) and punishable under Section 15 (3) of the same Act”.

They pleaded ‘not guilty’ when the charges were read to them.

Based on their pleas, the prosecuting counsel, Jamil Musa urged the court to remand the defendants at the Kaduna Correctional Centre and fix a date for the commencement of trial.

The defence counsel, M.S Aatu (SAN) for the 1st defendant and Bello.I.Jahun for the 2nd defendant urged the court to admit their clients to bail.

Justice Aikawa granted bail to the defendants in the sum of five million naira each with one surety each in like sum who must not be below Grade Level 15 in the civil service. The defendants must also deposit their international passports with the registry of the court. They are to further report to EFCC on the first Monday of every month until the court directs otherwise.

The case has adjourned till June 20-21, 2023 for hearing.

Gubernatorial Polls-Gawuna Congratulates Abba Kabir Yusuf

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Gubernatorial Polls-Gawuna Congratulates Abba Kabir Yusuf

 

Kano State Deputy Governor and APC Gubernatorial Candidate in the recent governorship election Dr.Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna has congratulated the candidate of the NNPP Engr.Abba Kabir Yusuf for winning the election in the State.

“I am congratulating him and I pray for him for Allah’s guidance in his administration “.

“Initially we have prayed to Allah to choose what is best for us because he is the Almighty who gives power to whom he wishes”.

“Even though our party has written a petition to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to complain to review the election due to some irregularities but today it has issued the pronounced winner with certificate of return. I have taken it in good faith”.

“I am thanking the President Muhammadu Buhari for coming out to seek for the support of Kano electorates to vote for me”.

“To the President Elect Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Elect Sen.Kashim Shettima and my leader Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje,thank you for your immeasurable contribution”.

“I am therefore expressing my appreciation to the Kano people and the APC supporters for casting their votes to us. Thank you for your unwavering support.

“I am commending All members of our campaign council,party exco and stalwarts for their dedication,loyalty and commitment.”

“My gratitude goes to my family,friends and associates for standing with me all through the electioneering process”.

Gawuna also called on Kano people and APC supporters to continue to be law abiding.

Hassan Musa Fagge
Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Gov

Soludo’s Agency Storms Streets to Enforce Tax Compliance, Arrests More Touts

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Soludo’s Agency Storms Streets to Enforce Tax Compliance, Arrests More Touts

 

By Izunna Okafor, Awka

An agency of the Anambra State Government, Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra, popularly known as OCHA Brigade, took many people by surprise as they stormed the streets of Awka, the State capital on Wednesday to enforce tax compliance by ensuring that the residents of the state and business owners pay their taxes to the appropriate authority as and when due.

 

The joint team of the Agency, during the operation, also arrested some suspected touts and miscreants allegedly terrorizing the residents, especially the motorists, at the different locations across the capital city.

According to a statement issued through the social media handle of the of the agency, also arrested during the operation were illegal park operators. The agency further said it combed Our line, Eke Awka Markeyy, through Zik’s Avenue, and the then a detour at Aroma Junction, and UNIZIK Junction, through Okpuno axis.

“The operatives of Ocha Brigade also made arrest of illegal park operators along the enugu-onitsha express way,” the agency said.

“This is among series of arrest made so far to help stop multiple taxation, and touting, and to encourage tax compliance in the State. Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo-led Administration is focused on making sure that our taxes are put to work; and Ndi Anambra are advised to pay their taxes and adhere to policies that will improve the overall wellbeing of the people of the State,” it added.

Revealed: Why Ihedioha Quit Imo PDP Guber Primary

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Revealed: Why Ihedioha Quit Imo PDP Guber Primary

By Joshua Chibuzo Andrew, Owerri

A very reliable source has revealed why former Governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha, announced his decision to quit the governorship primary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Imo State.

Ihedioha, had in a letter to the National Chairman of the party cited personal sacrifice and having aligned “myself with the request made by our state chapter to the National Working Committee, NWC, for a consensus choice of candidate regarding the 2023 governorship primaries in the interest of harmony and unity of the party”

Our correspondent learnt that the former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, choose to withdraw from the governorship primary because of the failure of the national leadership of the party to address his concerns over the party’s guber primary.

It was gathered that the out-gone National Chairman of the party, Iyorchia Ayu, had failed to listen to complains of the former governor over the posture of the National Secretary and a fellow aspirant, Senator Samuel Anyanwu to supervise the Primary in which he is a contestant.

Ihedioha and Anyanwu were last week cleared by the PDP Screening Committee ahead of the April 14 Imo PDP governorship primary.

The duo have been described as political cat and mouse over simmering and irreconcilable political differences which began at the 2015 Imo PDP governorship primary.

Anyanwu had challenged Ihedioha’s victory at the 2015 Imo PDP guber Primary up to the Supreme Court. The apex court later upheld Ihedioha’s victory at the exercise.

The rift continued unabated despite the dummy sold to the media by the camps of both politicians that all is well.

However, Ihedioha seems to have capitulated, choosing to quit the governorship primary this time over lack of level playing ground.

A source told our correspondent that the former governor kicked against “Anyanwu’s seeming edge or undue advantage conferred on him by some forces in the party before the guber primary”

A political pressure group sympathetic to Ihedioha, PDP Action 2023, in a statement seen by this newspaper stated that “As a sitting National Secretary, it is only proper that he (Anyanwu) should not supervise the primaries for which he is a contestant.

“It is shocking that as the National Secretary, Senator Anyanwu screened himself as an aspirant and later on signed the clearance certificate of the “successful” aspirants including himself” part of the statement read.

Ihedioha was alleged to have taken his grievances to notable leaders of the party to complain that his co- contestant should not be a judge in his own cause by allowing Anyanwu supervise his primaries in which he is a partaker.

Another source said Ihedioha had strongly pushed for the resignation of Anyanwu from the contest, citing provisions of section 47 (5), of the Constitution of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as amended.

“Ayu and others simply refused to activate the provision of the party constitution and wanted to confer undue advantage to any National Officer of the party to sit tight in office and preside over primaries for which they will be candidates.

“The party is aware that S.36 of the PDP Constitution confers the National Secretary with the powers of supervisory role and implementation of most of it’s activities.

“The National Secretary is a critical player in the preparation towards the selection of delegates and other processes for the Imo State PDP guber primary which he is involved in.

“Infact, as we speak, the National Secretary has chosen the panel that will conduct the Imo PDP Primary 3 man delegates election. He will also appoint the panel that will conduct the primary proper.

“The National Chairman turned a blind eye to all these protestations for a fair process and Ihedioha decided not to dignify the skewed process with his participation” the source stated.

However, Senator Anyanwu’s campaign team, Divine Mandate Movement, in a statement in Owerri, commended Ihedioha for his withdrawal from the Imo State PDP Governorship Primary.

“His decision to throw in the towel is not a sign of weakness but a move geared towards ensuring that our great party, PDP reclaims the seat of power come November 11, 2023 Guber election” part of the statement signed by Sunny Ndukwu, a Director in Senator Anyanwu’s Divine Mandate Movement stated.

INEC set aside N3bn to fight electoral cases in Nigeria

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INEC set aside N3bn to fight electoral cases in Nigeria

BY SULE TAHIR.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has earmarked over N3bn to defend the results of the February 25 presidential and national assembly election and the March 18 governorship and state assembly polls.

So far, over 100 election petitions have been filed by aggrieved candidates and their parties across the country.

Recall that several candidates who lost in the elections have filed petitions at the presidential and state election petition tribunals to challenge the outcome of the polls.

The presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar; the Labour Party, Peter Obi; the Action Alliance, Solomon Okangbuan; Allied People’s Movement, Chichi Ojei, have also filed petitions for the nullification of the presidential election results.

INEC had on March 1 declared the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, as the winner of the February 25 presidential election, but the five candidates filed petitions seeking the nullification of the poll.

China rejects Nigerian’s loan request of N10.1 Trillion ($22bn)

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China rejects Nigerian’s loan request of N10.1 Trillion ($22bn)

BY SULE TAHIR

The China-Exim Bank has rejected Nigeria’s N10.12trn ($22,798,446,773) loan request earlier approved by the National Assembly.

The rejected loan was intended to fund the Nigerian Railway Modernisation Project’s Kaduna-Kano segment.

However, due to concerns about Nigeria’s ability to repay the loan and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the project, China Exim Bank withdrew its support.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives, at its plenary on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, has approved the request by the Federal Government to borrow $973,474,971.38 from China Development Bank.

The Chairman House Committee on Rules and Business, Abubakar Fulata, moved a motion for the legislative chamber to amend its resolution granting approval for the failed loan deal.

Be a Jinx Breaker, Conduct LG Election in Anambra —Group Challenges Soludo

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Be a Jinx Breaker, Conduct LG Election in Anambra —Group Challenges Soludo

 

By Izunna Okafor, Awka

A group of citizens and non-state actors in Anambra State, the Anambra Civil Society Network (ACSONET), has called on the State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo to be a jinx breaker by conducting local government election in the state anytime soon.

The group made the call in its congratulatory message to the Governor on his one year anniversary in office.

In the letter, signed by the leader of the group, Prince Chris Azor, ACSONET recalled that last local government election conducted in Anambra State was in 2014, after which there hasn’t been any democratically elected leadership in any of the local government areas in the state till date. They, therefore, noted that the Governor would be a jinx breaker and trailblazer if he conducts local government election in the state, which, they said, is a necessity and would bring about healthy competition and fast-track the developmental pace of the local government areas in the state.

Congratulating the Governor on his one year so far in office, ACSONET showered panegyrics on him for his giant developmental strides and his feats in the key areas of security and road infrastructure in the state.

They said, “You are no doubt making inroads in security architecture by taking the “war” to the miscreants, through kinetic and non-kinetic approaches. However, we dare say that real non-kinetic approach should be exemplified in Social Security (Social Protection)

“There’s imperative need for a Social Protection Policy in the State, to collectively tackle abject poverty, reinvigorate wellness and wellbeing.

“You promised to prioritize open governance. This requires intentional and conscious partnership with the Civil Society and Non State actors (NGOs etc).

“President Obasanjo alluded to this in his comments at the Anniversary event. Partnership and synergy with organized civil society are key to the envisaged growth and development.

“There’s also need to institutionalize improved Service Delivery in the system. SERVICOM, a service delivery compact with Nigerians operational at the federal level needs to be domesticated in our MDAs. It was recently cascaded, through the office of the Head of Service, but yet to be activated.

“Improved Service Delivery is the sure way to attract investments and boost ease of doing business in the state.”

Boko Haram bomb maker dies after stepping on explosive

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Boko Haram bomb maker dies after stepping on explosive

BY SULE TAHIR

A Boko Haram bomb maker, Awana Gaidam has reportedly died after “stepping on a self-made improvised explosive device” planted for Nigerian troops in Borno state.

Awana was believed to be responsible for plotting many IEDs attacks troops of Operation Hadin Kai during fighting patrols, along major highways between Maiduguri to Damboa, Bama to Pulka and Bita as well as Banki to Darajamal general area.

The sources disclosed that Awana had planted bombs in strategic positions to fortify his camp within the Sambisa forest but little did he know that his evil plot to kill soldiers and derail military operations in the general area, would only come back to claim his life as the explosive device and shattered his body into several pieces.

Intelligence Sources disclosed that the bomb struck his vehicle along Njumia and Arra in the Sambisa forest general area on March 27, killing him instantly.

The 39-year-old bomb maker, apart from his high status in the command structure of the Boko Haram terrorists, was one of their capable hands involved in making Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

–

Source: http://network.zagazola.org

A 31 yr Nigerian bags four years in prison over $1m fraud

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A 31 yr Nigerian bags four years in prison over $1m fraud

BY SULE TAHIR

A 31-year-old Nigerian man, Solomon Ekunke Okpe, has been sentenced to four years imprisonment for taking part in online scams that targeted US citizens and banks, leading to N460m ($1 million) in losses to victims.

The 31-year-old was handed the prison term after being extradited from Malaysia, where he was arrested, to the US to stand trial.

The US Department of Justice, while announcing the sentence said Okpe and his accomplices “devised and executed business email compromise (BEC), work-from-home, check-cashing, romance, and credit card scams” between 2011 and 2017.

According to Infosecurity magazine, targeted victims included individuals, banks, and businesses in the US and other countries, who were subjected to email phishing attacks aimed at stealing login credentials and “other sensitive information.”

The DoJ described the scams as “intended to cause more than $1 million in losses to US victims” although it is not clear if the cyber-fraud gang achieved this nefarious goal.

Zimbabwe seeks technical assistance from Nigerian Air Force

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Zimbabwe seeks technical assistance from Nigerian Air Force

The Commander, Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ), Air Marshal Elson Moyo, has expressed his country’s desire to explore technical assistance from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

Moyo made the request when he visited the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, at NAF headquarters in Abuja.

The Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ayodele Famuyiwa, made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

The Zimbabwe air chief requested for technical support in the areas of research and development, unmanned aerial vehicle technology as well as operation and maintenance of F7 and Mi-35 aircraft.

Moyo said the identified areas for collaboration were of common and peculiar aviation interests to Zimbabwe and Nigeria, whose air forces operate some similar aircraft.

He said NAF, within a short time, had recorded remarkable feats in its transformation effort to develop indigenous capacity.

This, according to him, provides a motivation for the AFZ to look inward as part of efforts to address the technical challenges arising from sanctions imposed on his country, which have limited the ability of AFZ to acquire basic aircraft parts and other technical aids necessary for operational efficiency.

Moyo also commended the NAF for its support to AFZ in the past, acknowledging the high quality training given to the first batch of Zimbabwean pilots trained in the 1980s by the NAF.

This, according to him, informs the decision by AFZ to seek improved synergy and collaboration with the NAF, with respect to capacity development.

In his remarks, the Nigerian air chief, Amao, said the NAF was ready to forge mutually benefitting partnership with the AFZ.

Amao said NAF was currently in partnership with many countries in Africa and beyond, adding that it was willing to partner with others who would seek collaboration with the Service.

According to him, improved synergy among African countries is the solution to many of the challenges, including security, facing the continent.

Amao added that collaboration in the areas of training, technical assistance and technology transfer would boost the capacity of African countries to be self-reliant and independent in driving progress and development on the continent.

The Zimbabwean air chief is on a week-long visit to Nigeria, during which he will be visiting some NAF units, including the North East.

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