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The Anambra State Police Command said it has identified the officers allegedly fingered in a viral video of telephone theft in a community in Otuocha Local Government Area of the state.
In a video that circulated on social media on Wednesday, a resident of the area narrated how police officers from the Otuocha Police Division invaded their houses and forcefully took away mobile phone sets that people were charging.
The voice, who identified himself as a resident of the community, said the heavily armed police officers invaded the locations in a commando-like style, unplugged the telephones from the sockets, one by one, and carted them away for no reason.
According to the voice in the three-minute video, the police officers invaded their community late on Tuesday and carted an undisclosed number of telephones.
He, therefore begged the police authorities in the state to look into the situation and returned the telephones to the owners.
In the video, the residents blocked a major road in the community and used it to protest the action.
The development generated reactions from different quarters with residents calling for a probe of the police officers’ action.
But while reacting to the development in a statement on Thursday, the Anambra State Police spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the command had identified the officers involved in the act.
Ikenga called on the victims whose telephones were forcefully taken to come forward to help facilitate the necessary action involved in the investigation.
He said, “The Anambra State Police Command has intercepted a video of a protest against police action and wishes to state that the police team and the officers mentioned in the video have been identified.
“The command also invites the victims to come forward to help facilitate the necessary action involved in the investigation.
“To this end, the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, calls for calm and urges citizens to utilise the channels of the complaint against police officers rather than being unruly as seen in the video blocking the express road, thereby infringing on the fundamental rights of others which is the very course citizens want to protect.
“We seek for a police that is civil and professional in discharging their duties. Aggrieved residents should make use of police complaint channels to express any grievances.
“These channels include the CP Monitoring Unit of Command, the Police X-Squad under the State Criminal Investigation Department Police Complaints Bureau or the newly resuscitated Complaint Response Unit under the Police Public Relations Department Awka.
“You can call the Command Control Room at 07039194332 or the Police Public Relations Officer at 08039334002 in the event of any distress. Also download the ‘NPF Rescue Me App’, usable on Android and Apple iOS phones, to make reports. Further details shall be communicated, please.”
Nigerian Afrobeats singer, Divine Ikubor, also known as Rema, has revealed that the Nigerian music industry is filled with ‘fake people’, which helped inspire his song.
The singer made this known while speaking at the listening party for his sophomore album, ‘HeIs,’ in Lagos on Thursday night.
According to Rema, one of the tracks on the album “Now I Know” was inspired by the “fake” nature of the Nigerian music scene.
He said, “There are a lot of fake people in the [music] industry, the industry is fake. So when people come and say ‘Yo, I love this guy,’ nobody should tell them that they’re chasing clout. No, it’s real.
“When somebody comes out, it’s because they’ve seen someone who’s real among everybody in the crazy industry, mixed with both the fake and the real. And that’s what this song [‘Now I Know] is all about. Now I know who dey for me.
“All those I loved turned enemies. Now I know who dey for me. All those I trust turned enemies.”
As Nigerians’ confidence in govt anti-corruption effort drops
A National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, survey report has shown that Nigerians paid N721 billion in cash bribes to public officials in 2023.
The Survey report titled: “Corruption in Nigeria: Patterns and trends”, released yesterday, indicated that more than 95 per cent of all bribes Nigerians paid in 2023 were in monetary form.
Meanwhile, the report also showed that Nigerians’ confidence in the government’s anti-corruption effort declined during the review period.
The report stated: “Overall, it is estimated that a total of roughly N721 billion ($1.26 billion) was paid in cash bribes to public officials in Nigeria in 2023, corresponding to 0.35 per cent of the entire Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Nigeria.
“In 2023, bribes paid in a public official’s office and the street accounted for around 35 and 36 per cent of all paid bribes, respectively.
“11 per cent of bribes were paid in the respondents’ own homes, while 7 per cent were paid in public buildings such as restaurants, malls, or stations.
“In 2023, the largest share of Nigerian citizens that had contact with health care professionals and public utility officers for bribery was at 30 per cent and 24 per cent respectively.
“Police officers came third, with a contact rate of 20 per cent.”
On Nigerians confidence in government anti-corruption efforts, NBS said: “Nigerians’ confidence in the government’s anti-corruption effort has been declining over time and across regions.
“While in 2019, more than half of all citizens thought that the government was effective in fighting corruption, in 2023, the share declined to less than a third of all citizens.”
NBS report also revealed that private sector bribery increased from 6.0 per cent of citizens who had at least one contact with a private sector actor in 2019 to 14 per cent in 2023.
Hon Akinremi Jagaban’s death OyO state city boy ambassador pay tribute to Hon Akinremi Jagaban.
Hon Omotosho Muyiwa (Maury) The National financial Secretary of City Boy Ambassador and leader in Oyo state. On behalf of the group, commensurate with the family, friends, APC Party members, the good people of Ibadan North LG and Oyo state, on the death of Hon Akinremi Muslieu Jagaban.
He described the late Hon.as lover of the people, a dutiful law maker of the national assembly and a philanthropist of great repute.
He then pray that the Lord will grant late Hon Akinremi Jagaban family the fortitude to bear the lost of the great man.
A Ugandan court has sentenced Edward Awebwa, 24, a tiktoker to six years in prison for insulting President Yoweri Museveni, First Lady Janet Museveni, and their son Muhoozi Kainerugaba in a TikTok video.
The charges included hate speech and spreading “misleading and malicious” information against the first family, as reported by BBC.
Awebwa had shared content alleging a rise in taxes under President Museveni’s administration.
Despite pleading guilty and asking for forgiveness, the presiding magistrate, Stella Maris Amabilis, noted Awebwa’s lack of remorse and the vulgar nature of his language.
She emphasized the need for a punitive measure that would teach him to respect the president and his family.
“The accused deserves a punishment which will enable him to learn from his past so that next time he will respect the person of the president, the first lady, and the first son,” said Magistrate Amabilis.
Awebwa received a six-year sentence for each of the four charges, to be served concurrently.
This case has drawn attention from rights groups, who frequently criticize Ugandan authorities for human rights violations and curbing freedom of expression.
In a similar case, award-winning author Kakwenza Rukirabashaija was charged in 2022 with “offensive communication” after making unflattering remarks about the president and his son on Twitter.
Rukirabashaija fled to Germany after a month in jail, claiming he was tortured.
Activist and writer Stella Nyanzi, who is also in exile, faced imprisonment after publishing a critical poem about President Museveni.
President Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, signed a law against hate speech in 2022, which rights groups argue is designed to suppress online freedom of speech.
While the constitutional court later ruled a section of the law penalizing “offensive communication” unconstitutional, Awebwa was charged under the broader law still under challenge.
Ugandan human rights lawyer Michael Aboneka argued that the president and his family should expect criticism from the public.
“Unless they are saying that they are going to arrest every Ugandan for criticizing them at every point,” Aboneka told the BBC Newsday program.
Nollywood actress Joke Silva has celebrated her husband, veteran actor Olu Jacobs, on his 82nd birthday.
In a heartfelt message on her Instagram page, Joke Silva expressed her wishes for the legendary actor.
She said, “82 just like that… Agba ko mi nira l’agbara Jesu… Sir J of life @_olujacobs. Wishing you an amazing year ahead.”
The celebration comes amid recent rumors about Olu Jacobs’ health.
Speculation had surfaced suggesting that the ailing actor had passed away.
These rumors were quickly dispelled by the Jacobs family, reaffirming that the actor is alive.
Joke Silva had previously disclosed that her husband is battling dementia, a revelation that explained his absence from the public eye in recent years.
Despite his health challenges, the couple continues to cherish their moments together, with Silva’s recent tribute highlighting their enduring bond.
Bashir El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, stirred controversy on Thursday after claiming in a series of social media posts that no politician in Nigeria is immune to being voted out of office.
The statement, perceived by many as a veiled criticism of President Bola Tinubu, ignited a heated debate among Nigerians on social media and further revealed deep divisions along political, regional, and ethnic lines, among Nigerians.
Bashir, on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), said: “Nobody is too big to be elected out of office by the people. It will happen & wallahi nothing will happen.”
In the veiled attack on the current administration headed by Tinubu, Bashir urged Nigerians to remain patient and disregard intimidation tactics.
The reactions to Bahir’s statement are mixed. While some welcome the comments as a necessary reminder of democratic principles, others perceive them as politically motivated criticism.
One Facebook user, Joe Joe, accused Bahir of hypocrisy, stating, “Just because your father is not part of the government will not make President Tinubu successful. Your father was the worst tyrant leader.”
This sentiment was echoed by Ikenna Nwachukwu, who questioned the motives behind Bashir’s statement and suggested that it might be driven by personal political interests.
The debate also took on regional dimensions, with some commentators viewing Bashir’s statement through the lens of North-South politics.
Kenneth Ekah, a Facebook user, voiced his displeasure with alleged northern political maneuvering: “The north thinks they can remove people anyhow they want whenever they want to put their own person. Tinubu is not like Jonathan ooooo.”
But supporting Bashir’s stance, one Musa Nurul Adnan said “He is right! Even Tinubu, if he did not amend his incompetency Nigerians will [show him the] way out of the presidency.”
While Bashir did not directly mention Tinubu’s name in his posts, his subsequent comments seemed to target the president’s political stronghold.
“Even IMF & World Bank no go save una that time. Political strategist una. That one na for Lagos [State],” he wrote, in what some have interpreted as a direct challenge to Tinubu’s influence in Lagos, where he served two terms as governor.
“Wallahi, none of you will force anyone to support this utter failure of governance disguised as useless, dangerous ethnocentric political strategy,” the former Kaduna governor’s son added.
Bashir’s comments come amid allegations of betrayals within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Recent events have fueled speculation about a deepening divide between President Tinubu and key northern political figures, including Nasir El-Rufai.
Adding to the intrigue, former Governor El-Rufai recently hosted Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the presidential candidate of the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP) in the 2023 elections, at his Abuja residence. The meeting followed El-Rufai’s visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari in Daura, Katsina State, and a meeting in March with the national chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
The events have led to speculation about El-Rufai’s intentions ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Former Senator Shehu Sani had claimed that El-Rufai’s visit to Buhari was part of a plot by prominent northern politicians to unseat President Tinubu in the next election.
Meanwhile, the seeming tension between El-Rufai and the Tinubu administration can be traced back to the former’s failed ministerial nomination. Despite being put forward by President Tinubu, El-Rufai’s appointment was rejected by the Senate under unclear circumstances.
Segun Showunmi, a chieftain of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), recently accused President Tinubu of betraying key APC leaders who supported his 2023 election bid.
Showunmi pointed to the rejection of El-Rufai’s ministerial nomination by the Senate, and ongoing prosecution of former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Amid this, El-Rufai appears to have distanced himself from the Tinubu administration.
In April, he criticized the Tinubu-led Federal Government for allegedly spending more on petrol subsidy than previous administrations despite announcing an end of the subsidy regime.
“Asiwaju ( President Bola Tinubu) announced the withdrawal of fuel subsidy on 29th May , but believe it or not , fuel subsidy is back , we’re spending more now, about N8 trillion on subsidy than before 29th of May,” El-Rufai had said.
“For example, if you appoint a person to a position and he is not performing to expectations, you should have the humility to say look, I need a better person to do the job perfectly. Leadership is a continuous thing and in a term of four years, you can’t assess a government of nine months.”
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) on Thursday said market associations across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory are responsible for the persistent hike in the price of food commodities.
The Acting Executive Vice Chairman (FCCPC) Dr Adamu Abdullahi, stated this in Abuja during a one-day webinar with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Consumer Protection Groups (CPGs) themed “Collaboration for competition and consumer protection.”
Abdullahi said that although insecurity is a major problem in food production, some individuals in the market have become dictators in the supply and distribution chain of food products into the market.
He said, “We are not a price regulatory agency, but there are some sharp practices in the market that we have to ensure they don’t occur. Issues like price gauging and cartel must be addressed.
“Every market now has associations for different products. Farmers who are not members of the association are prevented from entering the market which defeats the essence of a market. These associations have evolved into cartels and they now decide the price of food products.
“But they go beyond price fixing. Now they decide the rate of food supply into the market to create scarcity and inflate the price of available products.
“These are issues we have found out and have taken action against. We have warned the Abuja Market Management and the Chairman of the Local government on the association practices which are against the law.”
Speaking further Abdullahi noted that a market survey done by the commission in collaboration with the National Consumer Advocacy Group discovered that increase in prices of food was caused by faulty vehicles, and diesel prices amongst others.
He added, “Farmers provide incentives above N100,000 for various payments at checkpoint, local government along the way before their product gets to their destination for sale.
“Most of the Vehicles used for transportation are all dilapidated and along the way, they may have breakdowns. For instance, a faulty vehicle transporting perishables like tomatoes if broken down will lead to waste on the product. A farmer transporting the next batch will increase his price to cover up for the earlier loss encountered.
“The issues of the price of fueling and diesel are affecting products. To make matters worse there, are no standard roads leading to farms or small markets. So, farmers have to use a more expensive product which is petrol to transport the goods in smaller vehicles to the small market.
“When they get to the small market, the foods are then moved to diesel trucks, and trailers to transport the products to the urban markets and beyond.”
Speaking on the federal government’s plans to address the cost of transportation, Abdullahi said through the implementation of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), traders and farmers would save at least 60 per cent of the cost of fueling these vehicles.
Abdullahi assured of the commission’s commitments to control market politics and price gauging.
Spotify, a global music streaming platform, has announced Nigerian music sensations, Ayra Starr and Tems, as the most streamed Nigerian artists globally.
Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music, Sub-Saharan Africa, announced this in Lagos on Wednesday.
Okumu said that the top 30 artists who had gained the biggest global numbers were revealed in Spotify’s music global impact list for 2024.
She said that Rauw Alexandro and Ayra Starr’s Santa came top of the list, and Ayra Starr’s Comma emerged second while Tem’s Love Me Jeje, came third.
According to her, Luciano and Omah Lay’s Another Vibe came fourth; Savage and Burna Boy’s Metro Booming Just Like Me clinched the fifth most streamed while Tyla and Tems’s No.1 came sixth.
“Spotify has unveiled its global Impact List in Nigeria, recognising the top 30 tracks from Nigeria with the biggest global impact on Spotify over the first half of 2024.
“The list recognises Nigerian tracks that have had the most listens from outside Nigeria in the first half of 2024, and were released between January 1 and June 30.
“Usher and Pheelz’s Ruin is the seventh Nigerian most streamed across the globe, Reis B and Tempoe’s Pretty Girl came eighth and TitoM, Yuppe, Burna Boy and S.N.E’s Tshwala Bam, clinched the ninth position.
“Ayra Starr and Giveon’s Last Heartbreak Song is the tenth, Victony’s Everything came 11th, Aya Nakamura and Ayra Starr’s Hype emerged 12th most streamed while Tems and J.Cole’s Free Fall, came 13th.
“Nigerian music, especially Afrobeats, has captivated global audiences with its infectious rhythms, compelling storytelling, and innovative sound fusions.
“Its ability to transcend cultural and geographical boundaries is truly remarkable. At Spotify, we are thrilled to witness and support the continued evolution of this vibrant scene,” she said.
Okumu noted that female artistes, particularly Ayra Starr and Tems, were leading the charge with top-ranking hits following their recent album releases.
She said that the list also underscored the prevalence of international collaborations, with eight of the top ten tracks featuring partnerships with global superstars.
According to her, these collaborations range from Pheelz with Usher to Burna Boy with 21 Savage and Metro Boomin, which demonstrates the cross-cultural appeal and growing global impact of Nigerian music.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other top Nigerian artistes include 14th– Usher, Burna Boy – Coming Home; 15th— Ayra Starr, Seyi Vibez – Bad Vibes, among others.
Actor Saidi Balogun has voiced his support for Toyin Abraham, stressing that celebrities have the same rights to protect their mental well-being as anyone else.
He highlighted the hypocrisy of criticizing celebrities for actions like involving the police in defamation cases, which non-celebrities frequently do.
Balogun argued that celebrities should have the same freedom to express themselves and safeguard their mental space as everyone else.
He wrote on Instagram, “You use police to arrest your neighbours for the most minor reasons; e reach celebrity turn, you say it’s bullying. Stop the emotional blackmail. Celebrities are humans, just like you. You are free to say what you like, right? Let celebrities be free to take whatever actions they want to protect their mental space. Freedom should not be selective. God bless.”
His post comes amid the controversy surrounding Toyin Abraham’s petition to the police against a social media user who defamed her, which was misreported as an arrest.
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Reggae dancehall singer Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie, popularly known as Patoranking, shared an inspiring story of his journey from poverty to stardom, urging youth to leverage their talents to uplift their communities and Africa as a whole.
Speaking at the launch of the Timbuktoo Fintech Hub in Lagos, where he was unveiled as the UNDP Goodwill Africa Ambassador for Youth Innovation, Enterprise, and the SDGs, Patoranking recalled his humble beginnings in the Ebute Metta urban slum in Lagos.
He spoke of hawking on the streets with his father to make ends meet, yet remaining focused on his goals despite the challenges.
The Afrobeat artist, who has collaborated with musicians from Uganda, Kenya, Ghana, and beyond, highlighted the importance of harnessing talents to drive positive change.
He said: “I hawked on the streets of Lagos with my father. Many years ago, I used to sell on this street [Kings Way road]. It used to be a very hot spot for trading. Many years later, everything that I pictured I wanted to become, the man I wanted to become is who I am now. So when I was driving down to this place it was a little bit of a teary moment for me because I saw myself [on this road].
“That is why I have songs with artists from Uganda, Kenya, Ghana and so on. I accept to be the UNDP Goodwill Africa Ambassador for Youth Innovation, Enterprise, and the SDGs. Today, I am not just an artist, I am a voice for many African youths who desire to make Africa work for themselves and their communities.”
A fresh showdown is imminent in the House of Representatives as over 150 aggrieved first-time members are up in arms against the House leadership over alleged marginalisation and exclusion from legislative business.
Already, the embittered federal lawmakers have formed a pressure group, codenamed “Novelty Group,” as a veritable platform for realising their mission and vision.
The group’s inaugural meeting, initially scheduled for Abuja yesterday evening, was abruptly cancelled following the death of a House member, Hon Olaide Adewale Akinremi.
Until his passage, Hon Akinremi represented Ibadan North Federal Constituency of Oyo State on the platform of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC).
A member of the group told LEADERSHIP last night that a new date for the inaugural meeting would be made public after the mourning period for the departed lawmaker.
An influential APC House member from one of the six states in the country’s South/South geopolitical zone (name withheld) is coordinating the group’s activities.
LEADERSHIP learnt that membership of the dissenting group was growing as of Wednesday night. First-time members constitute about 75 percent of the 360-member House of Representatives.
Findings by LEADERSHIP further revealed that membership of the group cut across eight political parties with membership in the House, and six geopolitical zones of the country.
Information available to LEADERSHIP revealed that members of the splinter group were particularly angered that the House had become an appendage of the Presidency.
One of the lawmakers told LEADERSHIP that his colleagues were aggrieved by the way the House leadership easily buckled to the whims and caprices of the Presidency in passing executive bills and other sundry correspondences from the Presidency.
He said his colleagues were concerned that the leadership had sacrificed their interests, well-being, and welfare due to its romance with the executive arm of government.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas was accused of not acting decisively and assertively enough to guarantee the House’s independence.
LEADERSHIP gathered that members of the group were plotting the impeachment of Abbas, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, House Leader Julius Ihonvbere and Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda.
Reliable sources in the House revealed that the protesting lawmakers were uncomfortable with Kalu’s authoritarian tendencies and arrogant postures, especially when he was chosen to preside in Abbas’ absence.
The first-term lawmakers were reported to be after Ihonvbere and Chinda for alleged failure to protect and sacrifice their interests due to pecuniary gains.
Similarly, chairmen of the various House committees also incurred the wrath of the lawmakers for excluding them from the activities of the committees.
They added that the chairmen willfully sidelined their deputies and other members of their committees in carrying out oversight functions and sharing of accruing benefits.
They vowed to ensure a rejig of the House committees to weed out the uncooperative chairmen.
LEADERSHIP gathered that the forum also resolved “to deal with their oppressive first-time colleagues, who were fortunate to be made committee chairmen.”
One of the lawmakers said, “We have passed executive bills in very unusual ways within hours without serious legislative industry, because we are a mere rubber-stamp of the Presidency. That is the way the House leadership, headed by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas presented us to the Presidency.
“Most of the new members are suffering even though we all contested the same election, spending millions. We are treated with disdain as outcasts in the House by the so-called ranking members and our first-time colleagues who are fortunate to be made chairmen of the various committees.
“Nigerians see us all as unmindful of their plight when, in fact, only a few in the leadership cadre benefit from whatever they accuse us of amassing.”
“The executive, especially some ministers, have cornered the ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), and the CEOs of federal agencies give no damn about us (federal lawmakers),” he stated in a telephone interview with LEADERSHIP.
“Chairmen of committees are now behaving like demi- gods, relegating their deputies and first-timers to the background. And most of these so-called privileged first time and ranking members hardly come to plenary. Some of them supervise and administer as well as confiscate benefits from the federal agencies and parastatals we are supposed to handle together from abroad.
“A particular lady, who is a first-time member and chairperson of House committees of a juicy commission, has been resident in London, from where she solely performs and administers the oversight functions of a committee since our inauguration.
“No member. including her deputy, knows what is happening in the committee and the commission. She occasionally dishes out instructions and gives out nauseating hand-outs from the commission to members of the committee, whom she treats like her aides. We can no longer tolerate this rubbish.
“We now go cap in hand begging colleagues for jobs meant to be allocated to our federal constituencies. We want to show the nation that all is not well and that not all lawmakers are insensitive to their plight.
“The near uprising in the chambers against the retroactive approval of the extension of the 2023 Appropriation Act to December 2024 is a tip of the iceberg.
“We sent back the permanent secretary in the Federal Ministry of Finance when the minister did not honour our invitation to interact with us on the 2024 budget implementation to tell the executive arm of government that we cannot continue to be taken for granted.”
“More decisive actions are to follow because the leadership has shortchanged us. Novelty Group is formed to correct all these.”
“We are 150 members now and counting. We are not at peace with the Speaker (Abbas), who has sold us to the Presidency,” he said, adding that both the deputy speaker and the majority leader and minority leader were on their firing line.
“And a rejig of the committees is another mission of our group,” said the House member who craved that his name be not mentioned in print.
When contacted, the House spokesman and chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Akin Rotimi Jr., claimed ignorance about the formation and existence of the splinter group.
Rotimi, however, added that if such group was ever founded by House members, it would be part of the legislative processes.
“As a member of several first-time parliamentarian groups myself, I can assure you that these groups are formed to advance common interests and facilitate collaboration on legislative issues.
“They are a normal and healthy aspect of our parliamentary process, providing a platform for members to express their views and work together on matters of mutual concern.”
“I must emphasise that I am not aware of any organised effort to “gang up against the House leadership” as you mentioned.
“It’s important to note that approximately 75 percent of the 10th Assembly House of Representatives members are first-time lawmakers, and the Assembly includes representation from eight different political parties.
“The diversity within the House underscores the need for various groups to form and address specific interests and issues collaboratively.
“The House leadership remains committed to inclusive and transparent governance, ensuring that all members, including first-time representatives, are adequately represented and have their voices heard,” Rotimi said in a WhatsApp message to LEADERSHIP.
[Leadership]
- Allegedly paid $665,700 for house•Arraignment likely today in Abuja
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) may arraign a former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, today for allegedly laundering over N33, 804, 830, 593.73.
Mamman, who served under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, is expected to face 12-count charge, based on offences he allegedly committed during his tenure between August 2019 and September 2021.
The offences border on conspiracy to commit money laundering, and possession and use of known proceeds of criminal conduct.
According to some of the charges, Mamman allegedly conspired with other officials of the Ministry of Power and private companies to “indirectly convert the total sum of N33, 804, 830, 593.73, which was part of the proceeds of unlawful activity”.
The EFCC said the unlawful conversion was a “criminal breach of trust in relation to the funds released for Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant Projects by the Federal Government of Nigeria”.
Also, he was alleged to have contravened Section 18(a), 15(2)(b) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 as Amended), and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.
Out of the sum, the EFCC said the former minister allegedly made a cash payment of $665,700(then worth about N200 million) for the purchase and acquisition of a landed property at No. 12A & B Lungi Street, Off Cairo Street, in Wuse II part of Abuja.
The cash was paid to MOHIBA INVESTMENT LTD (acting through Mohammed Asheik Jidda), without going through a financial institution.
The EFCC said Mamman therefore, allegedly committed an offence contrary to Sections 1 and 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as Amended), and punishable under Section 16(2)(b) of the same Act,
He was also alleged to have violated Sections 30(1Xf) and 22(a) of the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, and punishable under Section 30(2)(a) of the same Act.
The EFCC said between the 21 day of August 2019 and the 1st day of September 2021, in Abuja, the Ex-Minister indirectly took possession of Houses 93A & B, Ahmed Joda Crescent, Kado, Abuja, which property he reasonably ought to know was derived from the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: criminal breach of trust in relation to the funds released for the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant Projects by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The agency said Mamman committed an offence contrary to Section 15(2)d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as Amended) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.
He was accused of spending N20million of the project funds to rent a One-Bedroom Apartment in Sammy Court Resort, which sum he reasonably ought to know formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act contrary to Section 15(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as Amended) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.
He was alleged to have between January 20, 2020 and the 31st day of December 2020, in Abuja, through MISBAHU IDRIS, his Personal Assistant as Minister of Power, used the aggregate sum of N130,778,000:00 from the power plants’ votes, contrary to Section 15(2\d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as Amended) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.
The charges were filed and signed by Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika(SAN) ; Rotimi Oyedepo Iseoluwa(SAN); Bikikisu Bala; Suleiman I. Suleiman; Chineye C. Okezie; and Abbas O. Muhammed.
Bearing any change in plan, the ex-minister will be arraigned at the Federal High Court, Abuja presided over by Justice James Omotosho.
[TheNation]
The Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Wednesday, said his administration has started the process of preparing the 2025 budget.
The governor also dismissed the threat by the Martin Amaewhule-led faction of the state House of Assembly that he should present the 2024 budget again, saying that having defected to the All Progressives Congress from the Peoples Democratic Party platform on which they got election, their seats remained vacant.
Fubara said this when he received on a solidarity visit, the leadership structure, critical stakeholders, opinion leaders, women and youths of Etche and Omuma Local Government Areas, led by Ogbakor Etche, the apex socio-cultural organisation of Etche Ethnic Nationality Worldwide, at the Government House, Port Harcourt.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Nelson Chukwudi, and sent to newsmen, the governor described the recent ranting of the Amaewhule faction as noise-making from delusional folks.
He urged the “25 former lawmakers” to wake up from their slumber, adding that the ship of governance in the state was sailing smoothly.
The lawmakers loyal to the former governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, had been having issues with Fubara over the political control of the state.
After an unsuccessful attempt to oust the governor, resulting in the demolition of the Assembly quarters, the lawmakers announced their defection to the APC, a move the state PDP latched on to declare their seats vacant.
A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, the state capital, granted an interim injunction restraining the pro-Wike lawmakers from parading themselves as legislators in the state.
However, the Court of Appeal in Abuja, on July 4, affirmed Amaewhule and 24 other lawmakers as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Holding a session at the state Legislative Quarters on Monday, the court-reinstated lawmakers asked Fubara to re-present the 2024 budget to the Assembly and gave him a one-week ultimatum.
The government, in a swift move, approached the court to restrain the state Chief Judge and others from recognising the Amaewhule-led Assembly, while it also appealed the judgment of the Appeal Court at the Supreme Court.
Foreclosing the idea of presenting the 2024 budget again, Fubara said his administration had commenced preparing details of the 2025 Appropriation Bill, with priority placed on education, healthcare and agriculture.
“Let me assure you that agriculture is an area that we have promised the very special and peace-loving people of Rivers State that our 2025 budget, which we have already started preparing, will address.
“Don’t bother about those people that are delusional. They think we are still sleeping. Let me tell you people so that they can hear anywhere they are.
“I wanted to help them, sincerely because I know them. And I have said it before, these are people that I have helped. I paid their children’s school fees. I paid their house rent. So, I wanted to help them.
“We all knew what happened when they crossed (defected), and how did they cross? Because of our God, for them to make that mistake, they crossed. They are gone, and they are gone. Now, let me tell you: when I wanted to help them, I accepted to help them because we are all one. We disagree to agree as it is said,” he said.
He added, “They thought they were smart. What is holding them is the declaration of their seats vacant as done on December 13, 2023. We are not doing any budget to nullify that decision. It is what will send them to their villages.
“As I am talking to you, I have started preparing my budget for 2025, which I am going to present very soon. And, in that budget, my key areas will be education, healthcare and agriculture.”
Fubara said the three priority areas would ensure that even if more roads were constructed, emphasis would be placed on quality healthcare services for the people of the state.
“Our children need to go to quality schools. Even if they can’t go to private schools, let them go to the public ones that have standards. We need to go to good health facilities owned by the government and get standard healthcare services.
“Even if we cannot afford those private hospitals, when you go to the public ones, you can get the same services with qualified professionals. That is our thinking.
“And when we get to the issue of agriculture, it will address the issue of unemployment. When we start engaging our youths, they won’t have time to be involved in crime. So, our thinking is to secure and protect our state,” he added.
He reiterated that he was fighting nobody as insinuated, adding that being loyal did not mean losing one’s liberty, sense of discretion and doing what was right.
“I want to assure you of one thing: we are not fighting anybody. We appreciate what God has used people to also do in our lives. But, we are not going to rule (govern) this state on our bent knees. We will rule standing this way I am standing.
“If it is only being on our knees to rule that is the way that they will see us as being loyal, then, I will pack my few things that I have here, and go and relax in my house comfortably, because it will be a disaster, not just to me but to everyone in the state and even my generation.
“So, I will continue to stand tall and stand on the side of the truth. Let me thank the President General (of Ogbakor Etche) for bringing your people, the great people of Etche and Omuma together to come and pay us a solidarity visit,” he said.
Fubara urged the people of Etche Nation to sustain their support for his administration because its vision was clear and encompassing to advance the well-being of all Rivers people.
He promised to work with the Nigeria Police to resolve the issue of herdsmen attacks on farmlands and farmers in the area, including the issue of illegal dredging activities.
The Oyeisi Etche, Eze Emmanuel Opurum, promised the support of the Etche and Omuma people to Fubara to ensure his administration succeeded.
President-General of Ogbakor Etche Worldwide, Sir Charles Nwonuala, said the Etche people came to pledge their support, confidence and faith in Fubara and his administration.
The Head of Rivers State Civil Service, Dr George Nwaeke, said the Oyeisi Etche, the entire leadership structure, including the 70 academic professors from Etche Nation came together with the women and youths in solidarity with Fubara and his administration.
Meanwhile, the PDP has cautioned the Amaewhule faction of Rivers Assembly to refrain from actions and statements that could disrupt peace and governance in the state.
The party also urged the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to safeguard democracy, peace, and security in the state.
The National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, insisted on Wednesday that according to the self-executory provision of Section 109(1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, the lawmakers were no longer part of the state House of Assembly.
“The national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for the umpteenth time, cautions the former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who lost their seats upon defection from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) to desist from actions and utterances that are capable of disrupting peace and governance in the state.
“The party counsels the former lawmakers to wake up to the reality that they are no longer members of the Rivers State House of Assembly by the self-executory provision of Section 109(1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and as such cannot gather or issue any notice to the state governor in the capacity of members of Rivers State House of Assembly,” the statement read.
It said their action seeking to assume the powers of the state House of Assembly was to cause a crisis, undermine and disrupt the democratic and constitutional order in the state.
The party urged the residents to stay vigilant, adhere to the law, and collaborate to ensure ongoing stability, peace, and the delivery of democratic benefits.
[Punch]