The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested, Lara, the wife of the immediate past Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Adesola Amosu (rtd), over the arms procurement scandal.
Impeccable sources said that Mrs. Lara Amosu was picked up by the EFCC operatives last week in Abuja.
She has been in the custody of the EFCC in Lagos for the past one week.
It was learnt that her lawyer has been battling without success to get her released.
Mrs. Amosu’s arrest followed the alleged discovery of about N3 billion in her bank accounts. She was allegedly holding the money in trust for her husband.
A source said that other properties traced to the former CAS were also being held by his wife and children.
It was reported that the EFCC discovered N17.5 billion in the accounts of wives of three airforce chiefs. The monies were scattered in various banks accounts.
A source familiar with the investigation said that N13 billion was traced to the bank accounts of a wife of a retired Air Vice Marshal, who held strategic position in the Nigeria Air Force (NAF).
In the bank accounts of another wife of a serving senior officer, N1.5 billion was found.
It was learnt that the officers handled the finance, budget and accounts of NAF.
Amosu was arrested two weeks ago by the EFCC over his involvement in the arms scandal.
“Shortly after Amosu was picked up in Abuja, his wife, Lara, was subsequently arrested. Investigations conducted showed that some of the monies the former Chief of Air Staff made through some contracts and procurements in NAF were traced to his wife’s accounts.
“About N3 billion was traced to the wife’s accounts while some assets acquired by the former service chief was in her name and some others in her company’s name.
“So, Lara is an accessory to a crime. The proceeds with her are from the arms funds. As we prosecute her husband, she must also be held accountable,” the source said.
It was further learnt that the wife of Air Vice Marshal J.B. Adigun, Chief of Account and Budget of NAF, has travelled out of the country two weeks ago, shortly after the arrest of her husband. The hurried trip was said to
Adigun has been indicted by the presidential arms panel. He is in the EFCC custody. Several of his properties in Lagos and Abuja have been seized by the antigraft agency. Billions of naira was said to have been traced to Adigun’s wife’s accounts.
It was also learnt that the EFCC retrieved $1 million cash in Amosu’s residence in his residence in Badagary, Lagos.
A source said that the money, in foreign currency, was retrieved when EFCC operatives carried out a search on Amosu’s residence in Badagry.
updated: TOP NEWS STORIES IN NIGERIA TODAY![12/02/2016]
Hello readers, Inside this post you will find trending important news in Nigeria today, you will find news that are of concern to Politics,Entertainment Economics,Locals and more… We update this page twice daily; morning and evening.
=> ”German President Advised Buhari To Use Illegal Means To Recover Looted Funds”-PremiumTimes
=> Nigeria Warns North Korea Over Ballistic Missile Test & Nigerians React (pics)-Leadership
TOP NEWS IN NIGERIA TODAY(EVENING EDITION)
=>‘Nigeria Will Burn If I Open Up On Arms Deal’ – Jonathan’s Ex-ADC- Sunnews
Former aide-de-camp to former president Goodluck Jonathan, Col. Ojogbane Adegbe has said another Dasukigate may be imminent if he reveals what transpired in that administration.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) picked up Adegbe on Wednesday in Lagos where he was interrogated before he was flown to Abuja yesterday.
It was gathered that ongoing interrogation of the former ADC by operatives of the EFCC could open up a new can of worms, which “could surpass what is now called Dasukigate.”
In December 2015, the Department of State Security (DSS) arrested Jonathan’s National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki and turned him over to the EFCC over his role in the $2.1 billion arms purchase scandal.
The money, meant to purchase arms for the military fighting insurgency in the North-East, was allegedly diverted by the office of the NSA as 2015 campaign funds for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which was the ruling party then.
EFCC sources said the former ADC may soon give details of all he knows with regards to financial transactions and the dramatic personae involved in the last administration.
Preliminary findings, including recovered documents, were said to have hinted of large-scale questionable expenditure with funds sourced from and outside the arms purchase deals.
Another source said “most of the funds were reportedly diverted soon after the election was postponed from the originally scheduled date of February 14, 2015 to March 28, 2015…”
Among the active participants in the alleged sleaze, was a top official of an agency set up to discourage militancy in the South-South, who is currently outside the country.
At the centre of the interrogation of the former ADC, who has been moved to Abuja, Daily Sun gathered, was the “mind-boggling spending” during the two weeks’ extension of the general election, “which runs into several trillions of naira, when converted from foreign currency.”
Sources said many top Nigerians, “including some very close persons” to the former president, may likely be called to explain and defend their roles in the handling of the funds, a chunk of which was sourced from the agency.
READ FULL NEWS
=> Riot In Ekiti Over Fayose’s Destruction Of Olukere’s Billboard- TheNation
The destruction of a billboard bearing the picture of the Olukere of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Ganiyu Ayodele Obasoyin, by Governor Ayodele Fayose on Wednesday has sparked a riot in the town.
The violence, which began at 6pm when Fayose was passing through the town on his way from Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, where he attended the thanksgiving service to mark the electoral victory of Governor Udom Emmanuel, continued yesterday.
Youths blocked major roads leading to the town, condemning Fayose for “descending too low” and vowed to “spill their blood” to defend the Olukere.
They destroyed some billboards which had the pictures of the Ogoga of Ikere, Oba Samuel Adejimi Adu, who is enjoying the governor’s backing.
Commuters passing through the town from Akure, Ita Ogbolu, Iju, Ise, Emure, Ado-Ekiti and other communities were stranded as the irate youths barricaded the highway with logs of wood and other objects.
Bonfires were lit on the road as the police mobilised to prevent the mayhem from escalating.
Businesses were paralysed by the crisis, which sent many residents indoors early.
The contentious billboard was installed at the town centre by the Olukere’s subjects to mark the celebration of last year’s Olosunta Festival.
The Olukere is locked in a rivalry battle with the Ogoga who has since been recognised by Fayose as the “only authentic paramount ruler in the community”.
According to the state‘s website, Ikere-Ekiti has two Obas-the Olukere and the Ogoga-who have existed side-by-side for ages but the government stopped the Olukere’s stipends in 1989.
Tension between the two monarchs heightened on January 23 during the inauguration of the Ogoga’s palace when Fayose, who was represented by his deputy, Kolapo Olusola, an indigene of the town, declared that the only traditional ruler recognised by the government is the Ogoga.
The contentious billboard was installed at Odo-Oja, which is the centre of the town.
Addressing a briefing in Ado Ekiti yesterday where he displayed the pictures of Fayose and his security aides destroying his billboard, Oba Obasoyin called on the Federal Government to intervene because his life is under threat.
READ FULL NEWS
=>$2.1bn arms deal: EFCC Arrests Wife Of Former Airforce Chief Amosu, Recovers $1m In Soakaway Pit- Today.ng
=>NCC To Check Activities Of BBM, Whatsapp, Wechat, Facebook-Guardian
ACTIVITIES of the Over-The-Top (OTT) players in the Nigerian telecommunications market will be coming under checks any time soon.
This is because the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) might soon marshal out a licensing regime through a regulatory framework for their operations in the country.
OTT players are platforms that deliver audio, video, and other media over the Internet without the involvement of a multiple-system operator in the control or distribution of the content.
OTT players include Facebook, Skype, WhatsApp, Viber, Blackberry Messenger (BBM) and WeChat, among others, are prime target in the impending regulation.
These players operate over the networks, delivering value to customers, but without any carrier service provider being involved in planning, selling, provisioning or servicing them; thereby implying that traditional telecommunications operators cannot directly earn revenue from their activities.
Examining the evolution and development of OTT incursion into the telecommunications market, NCC, in a 23 page document titled: ‘An Overview of Provision of Over-The-Top (OTT) Services’ noted that the growing influence of these platforms posed apparent threats to the operation of traditional telephone networks such as MTN, Glo, Airtel, Etisalat and Visafone, among others.
NCC listed OTT services to include services such as Internet Protocol (IP) telephony, live streaming and other social media applications.
Already, the Chairman and Founder Bharti Airtel, Sunnil Bharti-Mittal, has lent his voice to calls for checks on the operations of OTT players.
Speaking to ETTelecoms.com, Bharti-Mittal said OTT companies must be subjected to the same rules governing telecommunications operators.
“If you are subjecting telecoms operators to KYC, licence fees, it should be uniform. Regulators should allow the best technology to compete, and then the fourth industry revolution would have been created. The industry is as it were 10 years back, the OTT has seriously encroached on our services”, Bharti-Mittal stressed.
Indeed, NCC noted that Internet telephony uses a broadband connection to transmit conversations as data packets, saying that “in addition to replacing the traditional Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) system, IP telephony was also competing with mobile phone networks by offering free or lower cost connections via WiFi hotspots.”
READ FULL NEWS
=> Bus Conductor Strips Unclad To Avoid His Vehicle From Being Seized In Lagos(pics)-Trezzyblog
The incident was said to have happened at Leventis, Lagos Island, while some Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officials were attempting to impound a commercial bus.
To avoid his car from being seized,the conductor stripped himself unclad.His strategy really worked as the officials had to leave the scene.
=> ”German President Advised Buhari To Use Illegal Means To Recover Looted Funds”-PremiumTimes
The European Union on Thursday pledged $50million as support for the fight against Boko Haram insurgency and resettlement of the Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, in the country.
German President Joachim Gauck announced the pledge on Thursday at a joint press conference when he visited the President Muhammadu Buhari at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja on a state visit.
Mr. Gauck stated that the EU was supporting an already initiated approach by the Buhari administration to fight the Boko Haram scourge in collaboration with the neighbouring countries and the African Union.
He added that what Germany wanted to see was a peaceful change, which was being propagated by the president.
“We as Europe will support that initiative with $50 million. We commend your good governance.
“Good governance is not possible without peace, Germany will support Nigeria in the fight against Boko Haram and we would continue to provide support for the displaced people on a humanitarian basis,” Mr. Gauck said.
Responding to questions on the repatriation of funds stashed in European Banks, Mr. Gauck advised Nigeria to adopt a model used by Germany when they were in a similar position. He said they had used illegal means to get the information needed to track the funds.
The president commended the freedom of speech and freedom of the press in Nigeria, adding that “Nigeria is a country full of determination to make a change and Mr President you are determined to make the change”.
READ FULL NEWS
=> FG Seals N2.17bn Electricity Supply Pact With Japan – Punch
The Federal Government on Thursday sealed a pact of $11m (N2.17bn) with the Japanese Government for an emergency improvement of electricity supply facilities in Abuja.
The project to be implemented by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency and the Ministry of Power is aimed at procuring and installing power capacitor banks at the existing two sub-stations in Abuja and neighboring Nasarawa state.
This, according to the agreement, would decrease the transmission loss and assist in stabilizing power supply to approximately 7,000 households within the Federal Capital Territory.
The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udo Udoma, signed the pact on behalf of the Federal Government while the Ambassador of Japan to Nigeria Sadanobu Kusaoke, signed on behalf of his country.
Speaking at the event, Udoma said the pact marks the process for effective implementation of the electricity supply facilities grant project by the Japanese government.
He noted that the project has been designed to support Nigeria in promoting social-economic and infrastructural development.
READ FULL NEWS
=> Nigeria’s Crude Oil Production Up By 252,800bpd-Today.ng
Nigeria’s crude oil output increased by 252,800 barrels per day in January, up from the 1.697 million barrels per day it recorded in December to 1.949 million barrels per day.
This development has also boosted the total production of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in the month under review.
The price of Nigeria’s Bonny light however went down by $7.60 to $30.35 per barrel in January.
Specifically, total OPEC crude oil production in January averaged 32.33mbpd, representing an increase of 131tbpd over the previous month.
The cartel disclosed that crude oil output increased mostly from Nigeria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Iran, while production showed a decrease of from Angola, Venezuela and Algeria.
Besides, crude oil prices fell drastically again yesterday, after recording a slight increase for a few days.
West Texas Intermediate (WTI) declined by 6.26 per cent to $27.94 while Brent crude oil dropped by $30.32 per barrel.
The price of OPEC basket of 13 crudes stood at $28.33 a barrel yesterday, compared with $29.00 the previous day.
It said that the drop in the price of OPEC basket came as oil market oversupply and the slowing Chinese economy continues and has been compounded by an unusual drop of seasonal heating demand amid a continuation of the previous month’s mild weather in key consuming regions.
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It noted that the values of the West and Northern African light sweet Basket components − Saharan Blend, Es Sider, Girassol and Bonny Light − decreased in value by $7.60 to average $30.35 per barrel in January.
OPEC said that despite strong demand for light sweet crudes in Asia over the month amid robust refining margins, a higher supply of light sweet oil put pressure on the Malaysian crude premium, causing the Tapis-Dubai spread to narrow.
=>Ghost Workers: ‘One Civil Servant Found Collecting 20 Salaries’ – Adeosun, Finance Minister- Leadership
The outcry over the menace of ghost worker fraud reverberated in the Senate yesterday when the finance minister, Kemi Adeosun, threw a bombshell by revealing that, with the help of the Biometric Verification Number (BVN) policy, it has been discovered that one civil servant alone collected 20 salaries every month.
She also told the Senate Committee on Finance that the 23,000 ghost workers discovered in the Federal Civil Service would be handed over to EFCC for prosecution.
The adoption of BVN in processing salary payments by the federal government had stunningly thrown up no fewer than 23,000 ghost names on its payroll, a development that raised concerns about the huge amount of monies that may have been stolen from the nation’s coffers through such leakages in the federal civil service.
“What the IPPIS-BVN registration has shown us has been a real revelation. We have identified that there are people who appear on our payroll multiple times. BVN links all the accounts of that person, so we are seeing in our payroll 20 names to one BVN number,” Adeosun said during a budget defence session by the Federal Ministry of Finance before the committee.
The awestruck Senate committee agreed with the minister and directed that the attorney-general of the federation, Abubakar Malami, begin the prosecution and sanctioning of all individuals, firms and banks that aided the inclusion of the 23,000 ghost workers on federal government’s payroll.
LEADERSHIP FRIDAY had also reported exclusively that with the help of the ongoing verification of the Niger State workforce, a messenger at the state’s ministry of finance earned N265,000 monthly and a cleaner at General Hospital, Minna, earned N375,000 monthly, while no fewer than three permanent secretaries in the state’s civil service earned over N1.3 million monthly.
The ghost worker syndrome had been a trend which has sapped public funds since the regime of former President Olusegun Obasanjo up to the immediate past administration when former Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala held sway in the ministry.
READ FULL NEWS
=> Shock As Agency Presents 2015 Budget To Reps For 2016-TheNation
The House of Representatives’ Committee on Capital Market, led by Tajudeen Yusuf, was shocked to discover that the Investment and Securities Tribunal (IST) presented same copy of its 2015 budget in 2016.
This discovery put on hold the budget defence session of the agency.
Yusuf said: “We expected this yesterday to take the budget defence of the IST but we realised that the budget for IST in the 2016 budget proposal is just an exact copy of its 2015 appropriation. It is word for word, figure for figure. And Items dealt with and completed in 2015 were repeated.
“We looked into the budget about two weeks ago and, apart from the issue of personnel that the agency treated late in 2015, the 2015 budget for IST was okay.”
IST Chairman Ngozi Chianakwalam refused to speak with reporters on the issue.
The Senate, House of Representatives and the Ministry of Finance are to meet to straighten the inconsistencies in the 2016 budget proposal, the chairman said.
Also, at the same committee yesterday, the MD/CEO of Nigeria Commodities Exchange, Baba-Ari Zaheera, appealed to the committee to assist in an enabling law to make the agency more effective.
The NCE boss said the passage of the bill on Warehouse Receipt System ( e-WRS) would make the Exchange more relevant in the country.
=> Pics: Man Attacked After Catching His Mother Having Sex With Her Lover In Lagos- PremiumTimes
A 27-year old man, Fredrick Nicole has been confined to a hospital bed after he was attacked and seriously injured by a 30-year old lover suspected to be making love to his mom in their home in Lagos State, western Nigeria.
He was brutally wounded by the attacker known as Ismaila Ibrahim and one of his hands got broken during the fracas that ensued between them.
The incident happened at their residence located at Idimu road in Ejigbo at about 4 p.m. on 9 February, 2016.
P.M.NEWS gathered that the victim suffered his fate after he met Ibrahim who he alleged had been sneaking into their house at odd hours.
Following the assault, the police arrested Ibrahim and charged him before a Lagos court for allegedly causing Nicole grievous harm and injury.
According to the police, Ibrahim allegedly attempted to use a pestle to hit Nicole on the head when he was caught and challenged by the victim.
He missed his head and the pestle landed on Nicole’s left hand and broke it. Nicole who is a half caste has been taken to an Orthopaedic hospital where he is being treated.
The matter was reported to the police at Ejigbo division and Ibrahim was arrested and detained at the station.
P.M.NEWS gathered that Nicole’s mom married an expatriate before they separated and since then she had not re-married.
It was gathered that when Ibrahim was detained at the station, he reportedly confessed that Nicole’s mom was his friend.
He also told the police it was the victim that first attacked him before he retaliated and did not mean to inflict severe injury on him.
P.M.NEWS also gathered that the mom confirmed to the police that Ibrahim was her lover and wanted the matter settled out of court but the police refused because of the severity of the assault.
ENTERTAINMENT
=>I was shy to ask Odunlade Adekola for a selfie – Tiwa Savage
Earlier today, Mavin first lady, Tiwa Savage ran into award winning Nollywood actor, Odunlade Adekola at an event in Lagos and she couldn’t help but take a selfie with the talented actor.
The mother of one shared the selfie on Instagram saying she was shy at first.
She wrote, ‘Guess who I met today. My husband is so jealous lol because Boss Odunlade Adekola is one of his favorite actors. I was shy sitting next to him but eventually summed up the courage to ask for a selfie. Such an honor’.
SOURCE
=> In 2 days, Olajumoke ‘The bread-seller’ hits 10k followers on Instagram
Bread-seller-turned-model, Olajumoke Orisaguna has gathered over 10k followers on Instagram, two days after her debut on the photo-sharing platform.
Olajumoke ‘The Bread-Seller’ on Instagram
She became famous days after photo bombing a shoot involving leading Nigerian photographer TY Bello and UK music star Tinie Tempah.
Olajumoke Orisaguna and Tinie Tempah 0
Going Global: Olajumoke Orisaguna makes Buzzfeed, Huffpost, Star NG and more
Yesterday, February 11, Olajumoke took NTA on a tour to Liberty bakery, where she worked and lived with her 14-months-old baby, Grace.
Scroll down to see photos …
SOURCE
TOP NEWS IN NIGERIA TODAY(MORNING EDITION)
=>PDP wins APC again as Supreme Court declares Darius Ishaku winner of Taraba election-Dailypost
The election of Taraba state governor, Darius Ishaku of the People Democratic Party (PDP), has been upheld by the Supreme Court.
The appeal lodged by Senator Aisha Jumai Alhassan, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was unanimous dismissed by a seven-man panel of Justices of the apex court, Vanguard reports.
Darius Ishaku and Mama Taraba
Delivering the judgment, Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour said: “I am of the firm view that there is no merit in this appeal and it is hereby dismissed. The Judgment of the Court of Appeal is affirmed and the election of governor Darius Ishaku is hereby upheld.”
The apex court fixed February 22, 2016 as the date when it would adduce reasons that informed the judgment.
The Taraba state governorship election petition tribunal led by Justice Danladi Abubakar had on November 7, nullified Ishaku’s election and declared Alhassan the winner of the election. The three-member tribunal held that Ishaku was not validly nominated as candidate of the PDP and therefore did not qualify, from start, to contest the governorship election.
Governor Ishaku filed an appeal asking the court to set it the judgement of the state tribunal aside.
The Court of Appeal had on December 31, 2015, reversed the judgment of the Abubakar-led tribunal which nullified Ishaku’s election.
Alhassan who is currently the Minister of Women affairs, had proceeded to the apex court, asking it to set aside the verdict of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal.
READ FULL NEWS
=> President Buhari makes another appointment
President Muhammadu Buhari has reportedly appointed Bashir Ahmad as his personal assistant on New Media.
This appointment which was confirmed by the appointee via his (Ahmad’s) official twitter handle, showed that the appointment took place some hours ago.
Ahmad Bashir, the newly appointed personal assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on New Media.
He tweeted:
As at the time of filing this report, there was no official confirmation from the presidency on the latest appointment by President Buhari.
But Ahmad had been on the president’s media team prior to the time he announced the appointment on twitter.
SOURCE
=>Female Suicide Bomber Refuses To Strike In Borno (pictured)- Thenation
A teenage girl packed with explosives by Boko Haram ripped off her vest to avoid taking part in the attack on Borno Internally Displaced Persons camp (IDPs) in Dikwa, Borno State on Tuesday.
Two others with her, however, walked into the middle of hundreds of people lining up for food before they blew themselves up in the attack that killed 58 and injured 78.
It was the most lethal attack launched by the sect in recent months.
A Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) fighter Modu Awami said yesterday that the third would-be bomber, looking about 14, has confessed.
Awami, who helped question the girl, said she was scared because she knew she would kill people.
A rescue official who confirmed it, said the girl has given officials information about other planned bombings
The United States (U.S.) Embassy in Nigeria yesterday condemned the attacks on Dikwa.
The US Diplomatic Mission in Abuja, in a statement, restated the U.S. government’s continued support for the Nigerian government in fighting terrorism.
“The US Embassy condemns the reported suicide attacks on internally displaced persons in Dikwa town, Borno State,that occurred on Feb. 9.
“The US remains committed to assisting internally displaced populations in North-Eastern Nigeria through humanitarian relief efforts.
“We will also continue to support the Nigerian government in its fight against terrorism,’’ it said.
Two others with her, however, walked into the middle of hundreds of people lining up for food before they blew themselves up in the attack that killed 58 and injured 78.
It was the most lethal attack launched by the sect in recent months.
A Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) fighter Modu Awami said yesterday that the third would-be bomber, looking about 14, has confessed.
Awami, who helped question the girl, said she was scared because she knew she would kill people.
A rescue official who confirmed it, said the girl has given officials information about other planned bombings
The United States (U.S.) Embassy in Nigeria yesterday condemned the attacks on Dikwa.
The US Diplomatic Mission in Abuja, in a statement, restated the U.S. government’s continued support for the Nigerian government in fighting terrorism.
“The US Embassy condemns the reported suicide attacks on internally displaced persons in Dikwa town, Borno State,that occurred on Feb. 9.
“The US remains committed to assisting internally displaced populations in North-Eastern Nigeria through humanitarian relief efforts.
“We will also continue to support the Nigerian government in its fight against terrorism,’’ it said.
=>‘FG To Handover 23,000 Ghost Workers And Banks To Efcc’-finance Minister,adeosun
Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun this afternoon told Senate Committee on Finance that the 23,000 ghost workers unravelled in the Federal Civil Service would be handed over to Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Speaking when she appeared before the committee, the Minister said banks that connived with the workers to pad the Federal government payroll are going to be prosecuted too.
“We will not only sack them, we will ensure the recovery of the money they have been collecting over the years from the Federal government, ” she said.SOURCE
=> Photo Of Senior Yoruba Obas In 1937 Surfaces Online
The incident was said to have happened at Leventis, Lagos Island, while some Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officials were attempting to impound a commercial bus.
To avoid his car from being seized,the conductor stripped himself unclad.His strategy really worked as the officials had to leave the scene.Naija I hail una!
=> Nigeria Warns North Korea Over Ballistic Missile Test & Nigerians React (pics)-Leadership
Missile Test: Nigeria Warns North Korea Not To Threaten World Peace
The Federal Government has warned the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea not to do anything that can jeopardise peace in the Korean Peninsula and the world.
The federal government was reacting for the first time to last Sunday’s Ballistic Missile fired by the Northern Korea, which has drawn global condemnation and threats from world powers.
In a statement made available in Abuja yesterday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned the North Korean Government to abide by the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1718 which requires it to suspends all activities related to its ballistic missile programme.
The statement added that it would like the DPRK to fully comply with that UN resolution and desist from any act capable of jeopardising world peace.
The statement reads in part, “Nigeria supports the commitment of the United Nations Security Council in working towards a diplomatic and political solution leading to the full de-militarisation of the Korean Peninsula.
“While we reaffirm our support for the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and strong commitment to nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament, the Federal Government encourages DPRK to return to the 6-party talks.”
READ FULL NEWS
=> “How GEJ’s Ex ADC Transported N10billion In 17 Suitcases To PDP Chiefs” – Today.ng
Detectives are questioning former President Goodluck Jonathan’s ex-Aide-De-Camp (ADC) on the disbursement of more than N10 billion oil proceeds to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) nomination convention delegates.
Col. Ojogbane Adegbe is being detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which is on the trail of another key aide to the former President – Waripamowei Dudafa, former Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs.
Adegbe and Dudafa collected the cash — $47m and some Euros from the Office of the National Security Adviser(ONSA), it was learnt.
The money was diverted by ONSA from a Signature Bonus Account in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
The N10billion is believed to have been diverted from oil receipts as follows: USD5.0M(November 14,2014); $47m( November 27, 2014); Euro 4.0M (December 3, 2014) and Euro 1.6M(December 24, 2014)
It was learnt that the former ADC was yesterday relocated from Mogadishu Cantonment for quizzing by the EFCC on the disbursement of the cash.
A source said: “We spent hours to grill the ADC on how he got and disbursed the $47million which was delivered to him in about 17 suitcases.
“The money was diverted from the CBN to bribe or settle PDP delegates to adopt ex-President Goodluck Jonathan for second term.
“We have asked him in the last 12 hours to account for how he came about the cash.
“He is also expected to provide the list of beneficiaries of the largesse. All the beneficiaries will be unveiled by the EFCC and they have to refund public funds.”
On Dudafa, the top source said: “We are tracking him down. We are trying to locate his whereabouts in Dubai and some Caribbean Islands.
“What is certain is that Dudafa has moved out of the country to avoid being arrested by the anti-graft agency.”
The N10billion was taken from the Signature Bonus Account( oil block account ) with the CBN.READ FULL NEWS
=> Naira falls to 325 on dollar shortage-Punch
The naira hit a record low of 325 to the dollar at the parallel market on Thursday as desperate importers scrambled for dollars to meet their obligations overseas.
The local currency had closed at 318 against the greenback on Wednesday, after hitting 313.5 and 310 on Tuesday and Monday, respectively.
“The dollar is falling because importers need forex to bring in their goods. They cannot keep on folding their arms because there is scarcity; they must keep buying; the only thing is that the quantity may reduce,” a forex dealer told our correspondent under condition of anonymity.
The CBN has left the official exchange rate unchanged at N197 to the dollar on its official interbank window.
“We see the naira falling further in coming days if the central bank fails to lift the dollar restriction,” the Acting President, Association of Bureau De Change Operators, Aminu Gwadabe, said.
Tumbling global oil prices have battered Nigeria’s oil-dependent economy, with external reserves down to an 11-year low at $27.89bn on February 9, Reuters reported.
President Muhammadu Buhari is concerned that further depreciation will hurt poor Nigerians, but the CBN’s refusal to revise the pegged exchange rate has widened a chasm between official rate and the parallel market.
=> Germany to support Nigeria on terrorism, anti-corruption-TheNation
The German government has said it will support Nigeria’s efforts in counter-terrorism and anti-corruption.
It made the commitment yesterday when the German President, Joachim Gauck, led investors on a visit to the leadership of the National Assembly.
“We believe that terror would not be defeated with military might alone. The Nigerian government needs to further foster good governance and ensure the prospect of a better future for its citizens”, Gauck said.
Mr. Gauck also said Nigeria, with over two million IDPs in the Northeast, should reintegration the IDPs into society.
He said the problem could schools and health care facilities.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Senate President, Mr. Sani Onogu, said such infrastructure would give hope to the displaced persons.
The Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, earlier pleaded with the German leader and the European Union (EU) to assist Nigeria in counter-terrorism and resettlement of the IDPs.
“Our country is experiencing the challenges of global terrorism. Notwithstanding the victories we have recorded, Boko Haram has continued to pose colossal a national and regional security challenge.
“We have much to learn from Germany and to gain from stronger Nigeria-Germany relation. So we call on the German government and the EU to support us to eliminate terrorism from the sub-region.
READ FULL NEWS
=> YABATECH: Students defy institution’s order to vacate campus-Naij.com
– Mourning students say they cannot go home and get pregnant before exam commences
– Hail Charity as one who could not conquer after fighting to get that far
Students of the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) have reportedly defied the institution’s order to vacate the institution’s Yaba, Lagos campus over the death of their final year colleague on Wednesday, February 10.
Naij.com had reported that hell was let loose on Wednesday when a graduating student of the institution was confirmed dead just two weeks before her final examination.
The lady identified as Dezani Charity, a final year student of the Office Technology and Management (OTM) department, was said to have begged not to die when she took ill and was taken to the institution’s medical centre for care, but was turned down by the medical workers who insisted that she paid certain amount of money before being attended to.
– Mourning students say they cannot go home and get pregnant before exam commences
– Hail Charity as one who could not conquer after fighting to get that far
Students of the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) have reportedly defied the institution’s order to vacate the institution’s Yaba, Lagos campus over the death of their final year colleague on Wednesday, February 10.
Naij.com had reported that hell was let loose on Wednesday when a graduating student of the institution was confirmed dead just two weeks before her final examination.
The lady identified as Dezani Charity, a final year student of the Office Technology and Management (OTM) department, was said to have begged not to die when she took ill and was taken to the institution’s medical centre for care, but was turned down by the medical workers who insisted that she paid certain amount of money before being attended to.
The order asking the students to vacate the institution.
Naij.com gathered that the 27-year-old suffered the relapse at about 12 midnight, and since the medical staff refused to give her proper medical attention, she was reported to have given up the ghost at exactly 4.00am same day.
This incident led the students to ground activities in the institution as they believe every facility on campus has been substandard for years and in spite of their cries and clamour for adjustments, replacements and rehabilitation have fallen on deaf ears.
=> Nigerians have immunity against Zika virus – Health minster-Nigerianeye
Previous studies conducted by researchers demonstrated that some Nigerians were immuned to the Zika virus infection, Minister of Health Prof. Isaac Adewole said yesterday.
Adewole, who spoke in Abuja on his ministry’s efforts to contain Lassa fever and ZIka virus, claimed that as far back as 1954, some Nigerian scientists working in Western part of the country discovered Zika virus.
He said: “Further studies in the years 1975 to 1979 showed that 40 per cent of Nigerian adults and 25 per cent of Nigerian children have antibodies to Zika virus, meaning they are protected against this virus.
“It is important however, to state categorically, that until now in Africa and Nigeria inclusive, this virus does not cause any serious illness and those so far infected individually recover fully with no serious complications.”
The minister noted that although two African countries, Cape Verde and Gabon, had reported transmission in between 2015 and 2016, causal relationship between Zika virus infection, birth defects and neurological syndromes has not been established in the continent.
Adewole warned that despite the fact that some Nigerians are immune to the infection as demonstrated by previous studies, it was important and advisable that Nigerians should be careful and protect themselves from mosquito bites.
The minister said that he would not advise against Nigerian contingent attending the 2016 Rio Olympic Games in Brazil over the Zika outbreak in South America.
=>Bishop Peller speaks on fraud in TB Joshua, Oyakhilome’s operations- Naij.com
– Yet another shocking revelation has been made regarding the powers of Prophet T.B Joshua and Pastor Chris Oyakhilome
– Bishop Kayode Peller has claimed that both clergymen are magicians
The General Overseer (GO) of the Fingers of God Church, Alagbado Lagos state, Bishop Kayode Joseph Abiola Peller,has cast aspersions on Senior Pastor of The Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), T.B Joshua, and Chris Oyakhilome, founder of Christ Embassy.
Bishop Peller who is son of the late renowned magician, Professor Peller, called out clergymen, accusing them of being magicians.
The renowned magician, said the duo, his colleagues in the ministry, use their eyes with demonic powers in them to superimpose their thoughts into people.
In a recent interview with Flip TV, Peller said: “What I see Temitope Joshua do from my own magic experience is what we call mesmerism. It is also called hypnotism.”
He claimed that while T.B Joshua uses Kabballah magic to hypnotize his congregation and the general public over his miracles, Chris Oyakhilome’s association with Joshua makes him a suspect.
Taking on Oyakhilome, Peller said: “I used to believe Oyakhilome before. That ended the day I saw him and Joshua doing miracles and castigating our pastors, Ayo and Okonkwo.
“When you castigate these great men of God, you are no more for God. They do miracles but don’t know what they teach.
“I would say they use magic on their followers since I was a former magician. I see in their actions hypnotism and seduction. I mean the way we used to seduce our congregation; those that come to watch our magic those days.
“I see mesmerism, hypnotism and occult display in what they do. How can people jubilate over atmosphere of miracles and before they get to the bus stop, the miracles have gone. Miracles are not limited to atmosphere. God is in charge of everywhere,” he added.
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ENTERTAINMENT
=>Lesbians make passes at me – Dayo Amusa
Which movie gave you prominence?
That was the first I produced, Ajegbodo. It was an all-female cast movie. It was about lesbianism.
Was that how the rumor that you are a lesbian started?
Don’t mind them. How can I be a lesbian and write a story to preach against it? They said I’m a lesbian while another blogger said I’m a serial lover. Which one should we believe?
Have you ever been approached by a lesbian?
Yes. It was after the movie came out. When they made their passes, I made them understand that I’m not into lesbianism. Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa lesbians made passes at me. They usually started by being friendly. You will get the message when they do odd things, and would come out clearly when they know you are suspicious or aware.
=> “I Thought He was a bit Rude & Arrogant” Tiwa Savage on meeting Tee Billz for the First Time
Tiwa Savage and Tee Billz have one of the cutest love stories. Before he became her husband, he helped her build and manage her career.
In this interview with Pulse TV however, Tiwa Savage reveals that her very first impression of Tee Billz was that he was rude and a bit arrogant.
According to her, she had emailed him her music and he didn’t respond to her mails and one day during a Timaya Concert in Los Angeles she walked up to him to confront him about it. Tee Billz, who was managing Sauce Kid at the time, requested they meet the next day.
The following, after listening to her CD, Tee Billz told Tiwa Savage to move to Nigeria but first she’d have to lose weight, start wearing makeup, start wearing weaves and basically have a make-over.
Speaking to Pulse TV about Tee Billz telling her to change her image, Tiwa Savage says “I thought he was a bit rude. Like, this guy is arrogant and I didn’t talk to him for a long time”.
=>One day we will sleep and never wake up – Actress Ronke Oshodi Oke
Famous busty actress Ronke Oshodi Oke has joined her colleagues in mourning late Yoruba actor Sikiru Adeshina popularly known as, Arakangudu.
The light skinned actress on Wednesday night took to her Instagram account to eulogize the late actor and seized the opportunity to tell her fans to always be good and remember that one day we will all go to a land of no return.
Ronke Oshodi Oke posted a picture of late Arakangudu dressed in a white suit with the caption: “This man was on my movie set (Osun Sengese), strong and healthy but today he’s late. We should always have it at the back of our minds that one day we will sleep and never wake up so we should try to be good to people, always go to the hospitals for check-ups and do what makes you happy and know God because life is too short. Sun re ooo (Sleep well) Sikiru Adeshina.”
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=>Adewale Ayuba talks about his fear after conversion To Christianity
What could have Adewale Ayuba done for his life to be at stake?
Every first Sunday of the month is called thanksgiving Sunday in all Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) worldwide. So it was not different in RCCG City of David parish, Lagos where newly converted Christian, veteran Fuji musician Adewale Ayuba worships. He was one of the testifiers during testimony time.
In his testimony Ayuba talked about how the fear for his dear life did not allow him to come out as a Christian even when he had become born again since 2010 but had the courage to come out in 2015.
He said his main fear is the genre of music he plays which is seen more as a song done by Muslims. Aside that he narrated how he keeps Muslim clerics in his house to pray for him. Before his conversion, Ayuba was turbaned as the Asupa Adinni in Lagos, a Muslim title in the 90s therefore his fear that he might be killed.
The fuji singer also testifies to the goodness of God in his life since his conversion and also sang gospel song in a Fuji tone.
See video below:
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