Kaduna: Gunmen attack GSS Unguwar Sarki, steal NECO exam papers

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Matawalle: Buhari has promised to end insecurity and return Nigeria’s lost glory

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I was duped of N1m made from my wife’s fake kidnap – Man laments

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0px0dc1Vq1cubwfIxC9Du9rWlx4Pco8TwFm7HmQ8rs8ZppYLUDYRV-Or1SChWZt8ipDEbu5AbQg48XhLADlmfV1198eK-bRCvbaExIKk53Px91npV9-mhqczK3NN91BqJdKQOiSCyNBY/s414/F2051276-6493-416D-8DE2-199354A787C9.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="276" data-original-width="414" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0px0dc1Vq1cubwfIxC9Du9rWlx4Pco8TwFm7HmQ8rs8ZppYLUDYRV-Or1SChWZt8ipDEbu5AbQg48XhLADlmfV1198eK-bRCvbaExIKk53Px91npV9-mhqczK3NN91BqJdKQOiSCyNBY/w400-h266/F2051276-6493-416D-8DE2-199354A787C9.png" width="400" /></a></div> <p><br /></p> <p>Mohammed Mohammed who arranged the fake kidnap of his wife, Sadiya Ibrahim Umar Mohammed, a school teacher in Minna, Niger State, has lamented his pain at losing the N1 million realized from the deal.</p> <p>Mohammed, an electrician and father of one, told newsmen that the money did not get to him as he was duped by one Abdullahi currently at large.</p> <p>Narrating his pains shortly after being paraded at the state police command, Mohammed along with his wife, said aside the N1m paid by his father-in-law as ransom, he was duped of another N300,000 by the same man.</p> <p>”I went to Abuja to work and at the end of my three weeks stay, I went to the garage to board a vehicle to Minna and there, I met Abdullahi begging the driver that his transport fare was short of N500 he should help him, but the driver refused. He approached me to help and I decided to assist him to complete his fare. We later exchanged phone numbers when we got to Minna. Three days later he called to thank me.</p> <a name='more' id="more"></a> <p>“After a while, he called me again and said that he wants to introduce me to a business that I will be getting money from, Bua Company based in Kano. That he will get loads of between N25m to N50m for me provided I can raise N1.5m deposit with the company. I told him that I don’t have that kind of money as things are really hard for me but I managed to raise N300,000 which I gave to him. I even told my brother-in-law of the idea which he said was good. Later Abdullahi encouraged me to fake the kidnap of my wife whose father is working in Qatar to raise the money,” Mohammed revealed.</p> <p>He said initially, he rejected the idea but later succumbed as the fastest means of getting balance of the N1.5m.</p> <p>According to him, he went home and shared the idea with his wife, who initially also refused but after much persuasion gave in.</p> <p>“So, last Thursday, I told her to meet me at Mobil and from there we boarded a vehicle to Paiko, Paikoro Local Government Area at the Minna City Gate. On reaching there, I told her I am taking her to stay with my friend for some few days in Nugupi village via Paiko to make it look like a kidnap in order to negotiate with her father for the N5m they agreed upon. I left her there after lying to my friend that she is my girlfriend and he should help look after her for me till after Eid-el-Kabir celebration.</p> <p>“I then returned and joined her family in Minna pretending to be searching for her too. She resurfaced on Wednesday after the ransom was paid.”</p> <p>He explained that before leaving the village he collected his wife’s phone and gave it to Abdullahi which he used to contact her family the next day after the supposed kidnap demanding for a ransom of N5m, but after negotiation, N1m was paid.</p> <p>The suspect, however, said when the money was paid, Abdullahi went to Rafin-yashi in Bosso Local Government Area where he asked the family to drop the money and collected it, adding that: “afterward, he came and gave me back my wife’s phone and when I asked for the money, he said he cannot give it to me in the open that he bring it later. Since then I have not seen him.”</p> <p>He further explained that the bubble burst when they were invited for interrogation by the police and they both confessed to the crime.</p> <p>Asked why they decided to embark upon such a course of action, the suspect hinged it on the economic hardship facing him and his family, and the refusal of his father-in-law to help them.</p> <p>“We decided to fake the kidnap of my wife after I pressured her because she didn’t want to do it initially. I told her I will take her somewhere to make it look like a kidnap. My father-in-law has never helped us, the only help we got from him was when he took us to Qatar in 2012 and after two years, we were deported back home. Since then, I have been begging him to help us, but he kept on promising that he will assist and up until now, he hasn’t.”</p> <p>“I am giving this explanation because the issue is now public and I want people to know what really happened. I am not a criminal, nobody can come out and say Mohammed stole from them. I never stole from anyone in my life, I was just duped due to the hardship we are going through and it is really painful for me,” he said.</p> <p>But multiple sources told our reporter that Mohammed, along with his wife, was taken to Qatar and after two years’ stay were deported back to Nigeria for allegedly wasting the opportunities given them.</p> <p>Also when asked to comment on the matter Mrs. Sadiya, 31, who taught in a school said to be owned by her father, Umar Bn khattab International School in Maitumbi, a suburb of Minna simply replied, ” I have nothing to say because all what my husband said is true. I faked my kidnap that’s all I can say.”</p> <p>The suspects both of Limawa area of Minna were paraded yesterday while, according to the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, a search is ongoing for Abdullahi who is still at large.</p> <p>He said the couple both confessed to the crime and would be charged to court at the end of investigations.</p>

Latest-News I was duped of N1m made from my wife’s fake kidnap – Man laments

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COVID-19: Akeredolu fumes over churches’ non-compliance to protocols

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisU64i8WCKS8YKEPtg_PZXZA5q11shNbj1PYQ2w0yLR9LtJUYS6NHEx3xa5qis31MllAj4uS4pLC3eF7g0c6gGScePanwLbhS-6ds1o6JdRUdUjnz6MbZ0kg9r1vUNYjaDEEVaq6sJK20/s414/8306819E-681F-4E0D-9096-134DC4C60519.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="414" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisU64i8WCKS8YKEPtg_PZXZA5q11shNbj1PYQ2w0yLR9LtJUYS6NHEx3xa5qis31MllAj4uS4pLC3eF7g0c6gGScePanwLbhS-6ds1o6JdRUdUjnz6MbZ0kg9r1vUNYjaDEEVaq6sJK20/w400-h288/8306819E-681F-4E0D-9096-134DC4C60519.png" width="400" /></a></div> <p><br /></p> <p>Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has decried the rate at which churches fail to adhere to the COVID-19 protocols in the state.</p> <p>According to Akeredolu, this is the time for everyone, particularly churches, to comply with the necessary protocols due to the deadly Delta variant of the virus.</p> <p>The Governor stated this during the opening of the 3rd session of the 13th Synod of Owo Diocese held in Okeluse in Ose Local Government Area of the state.</p> <p>While declaring the event open, Akeredolu observed with worry as well as disappointment that delegates and clerics at the synod did not comply with the COVID-19 protocols despite the population at the church.</p> <a name='more' id="more"></a> <p>Akeredolu however admonished the people on the need to continue to adhere strictly to COVID-19 protocols in order to prevent the Delta variant of the disease from spreading into the state.</p> <p>He added that the people ought to take the new variant with all seriousness, particularly since the recent vaccination had not covered the larger part of the population.</p> <p>“Don’t take this COVID-19 for granted, particularly when you understand the Delta variant that is just coming which is more dangerous than what we had before.</p> <p>“I have had my two jabs and I still wear my mask because I am not taking it for granted,” he said.</p>

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Ogun LG polls: Residents ignore govt as soldiers, police struggle to enforce restriction order

<p><br /></p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdZO9fc8wBG6Jlcihva5uCYE6FYwlp7BqfC6tjPEBW9ouI3uD5uxK0xbMyZxqdJpWRAjqJ62xGVvzkBZ6XTHeKW9VOpE6mjlCakIZbYedLhC1sN8SjOiH5YWBaxApYpsiJt1JRCh8PcY/s414/E6E7C19A-88E2-4329-ACD7-F5E899B47D9F.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="414" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdZO9fc8wBG6Jlcihva5uCYE6FYwlp7BqfC6tjPEBW9ouI3uD5uxK0xbMyZxqdJpWRAjqJ62xGVvzkBZ6XTHeKW9VOpE6mjlCakIZbYedLhC1sN8SjOiH5YWBaxApYpsiJt1JRCh8PcY/w400-h185/E6E7C19A-88E2-4329-ACD7-F5E899B47D9F.png" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> It appears the people of Ogun State are not ready to obey the restriction in movement ordered by the State Government in respect of today’s local government elections. <p>Recall that the Ogun State Government on Friday directed that there should be no vehicular movements from 7am to 4pm on Saturday.</p> <p>But some residents have defied the order as they currently go about their normal businesses.</p> <p>In Abeokuta, the State capital, motorcyclists and commercial drivers were seen with passengers as at 8 am.</p> <a name='more' id="more"></a> <p>At Lafenwa and Rounder areas, markets were partially opened with traders displaying their wares.</p> <p>Meanwhile, security agents are making frantic efforts to enforce the restriction order.</p> <p>At various roadblocks mounted by soldiers, policemen, and traffic regulatory agents, there were long queues of vehicles stopped for defying the sit-at-home directive.</p> <p>It was reported hat Ogun people will elect new chairmen and councilors today, barely five years after that of 2016.</p>

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PHOTONEWS: Lagos LG elections begin

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgStXJlsjaWoOZzRtud2dpSaNLL8tYggWxYIwVcXDBHYnZwtCJqj6GtSzFhw-IjccOl26Otmloly0XJaKYCzECVTUWr-glpCYLGRHMiiKVrgADM4mA6BAP3gOk0Y41Y4ALik_VmJkheUTs/s640/53266BD2-27A6-4369-B67F-83DBA92338BC.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="347" data-original-width="640" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgStXJlsjaWoOZzRtud2dpSaNLL8tYggWxYIwVcXDBHYnZwtCJqj6GtSzFhw-IjccOl26Otmloly0XJaKYCzECVTUWr-glpCYLGRHMiiKVrgADM4mA6BAP3gOk0Y41Y4ALik_VmJkheUTs/w400-h217/53266BD2-27A6-4369-B67F-83DBA92338BC.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> <p><br /></p> <p>The Lagos State local government 2021 election has started.</p> <p>While some wards are still grappling with the process of voter accreditation and supply of electoral materials, election has commenced in other wards.</p> <p>See photos below;</p> <a name='more' id="more"></a> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkfePgXGQrXRjJepRERQFeYE4zhQhtOqtS3Dx1ysWCUefuQnuptQTa6sxa5kYFwok-wDYsNU9099uc-7T5lr3TAn4JrKuvkmoE_y3nR9DuFjVfMV7DV2JTJjGQWOK-p8IhPK2cDia9OKM/s640/3D33B08C-83FD-48B8-BC63-BB2AD2E51D38.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="347" data-original-width="640" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkfePgXGQrXRjJepRERQFeYE4zhQhtOqtS3Dx1ysWCUefuQnuptQTa6sxa5kYFwok-wDYsNU9099uc-7T5lr3TAn4JrKuvkmoE_y3nR9DuFjVfMV7DV2JTJjGQWOK-p8IhPK2cDia9OKM/w400-h217/3D33B08C-83FD-48B8-BC63-BB2AD2E51D38.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPmHXCPFs9Ve1b_C2kiDU1iuby6EvzTpxEGLpExttF_JQJckFKBa5yElOgCFUKdr-2Cs743Nwf0xJ1_YHy-5JYGYYo9jfmcGjT1JuHKY5z2o4NGUpPf1SPZy9yKb-7qfe_WWd06xzA3As/s700/88E54E4E-D9BD-4A6F-B4D2-EEFC2F1E8E33.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="700" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPmHXCPFs9Ve1b_C2kiDU1iuby6EvzTpxEGLpExttF_JQJckFKBa5yElOgCFUKdr-2Cs743Nwf0xJ1_YHy-5JYGYYo9jfmcGjT1JuHKY5z2o4NGUpPf1SPZy9yKb-7qfe_WWd06xzA3As/w400-h217/88E54E4E-D9BD-4A6F-B4D2-EEFC2F1E8E33.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGrS4dKvLwaeQZK8A9lEnfFZgXIKpyIWAXH4r76JtZAWqbXLoXSi82pUTmzDGixMVNvtyT1dkIgzqMWtgq3irjMaGArJV48HxgiishstqH2lfiZDpL9dMJIrX1qke_lLsrVgRJ9n4vhTI/s640/A9C5EFA3-FCDA-4E5B-B9FD-6EE69FF6AAB4.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="347" data-original-width="640" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGrS4dKvLwaeQZK8A9lEnfFZgXIKpyIWAXH4r76JtZAWqbXLoXSi82pUTmzDGixMVNvtyT1dkIgzqMWtgq3irjMaGArJV48HxgiishstqH2lfiZDpL9dMJIrX1qke_lLsrVgRJ9n4vhTI/w400-h217/A9C5EFA3-FCDA-4E5B-B9FD-6EE69FF6AAB4.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHStMcCaQZvc317SQTGuFy31h4e48ehddbq9OnanMTtULEeFZLHfJAx_JYviPAQjLJDxvhCGTXpVqSVZgHvzL9Uj_GKrTB5sFxf58VqJj_aIAh1GJ2NGuRX6I0GA0rEJ7Y1SStOPDByUM/s640/AAE1C49A-80BC-4C94-9DA3-223EF35E5CD8.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="347" data-original-width="640" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHStMcCaQZvc317SQTGuFy31h4e48ehddbq9OnanMTtULEeFZLHfJAx_JYviPAQjLJDxvhCGTXpVqSVZgHvzL9Uj_GKrTB5sFxf58VqJj_aIAh1GJ2NGuRX6I0GA0rEJ7Y1SStOPDByUM/w400-h217/AAE1C49A-80BC-4C94-9DA3-223EF35E5CD8.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1i8rwYcdt0xOtufgGQi1eCda4gsdz7zqeDoi79upemgOOVx7yUHORXzYqnYHCC3Wv7qwclOFQjD0l6gjr8FhtfxtEtiETOeoVvSuYpSnYNIcV3INqetbvhv-BOMah-_GRM4Y1JFCjr9A/s640/CAE2CB5B-D7EE-4A69-8ACC-06DC4B000D35.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="347" data-original-width="640" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1i8rwYcdt0xOtufgGQi1eCda4gsdz7zqeDoi79upemgOOVx7yUHORXzYqnYHCC3Wv7qwclOFQjD0l6gjr8FhtfxtEtiETOeoVvSuYpSnYNIcV3INqetbvhv-BOMah-_GRM4Y1JFCjr9A/w400-h217/CAE2CB5B-D7EE-4A69-8ACC-06DC4B000D35.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkYQR57PSYdCDMpGQW-s_uW7yYKRqbyXqSGvmf4d28jUNkOJEH0AwXsoLhprebbFz7eXANtVqayyiAKf9-dR3TFYCRJK8dPXs3n0ul3qFtRpD8izP-oTG90uFlgboL764w9qaqS3wIokw/s640/D8786693-9DAD-4927-9C1F-8CEB7A39438D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="347" data-original-width="640" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkYQR57PSYdCDMpGQW-s_uW7yYKRqbyXqSGvmf4d28jUNkOJEH0AwXsoLhprebbFz7eXANtVqayyiAKf9-dR3TFYCRJK8dPXs3n0ul3qFtRpD8izP-oTG90uFlgboL764w9qaqS3wIokw/w400-h217/D8786693-9DAD-4927-9C1F-8CEB7A39438D.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <p><br /></p>

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Buhari, APC have not failed Nigerians – Sen. Akume

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgznrfWKSGSgzbvcrfV00vYLHtFdo46S4jWO584j4EFq2fQaa4thq_Cp5IU-65Ddo6t-kaMOkfOMprg71cBqA8J8xXJpCX5_FvRWH-wgHyjpNOEOu2dv0O_ncfKujS3oe_MBeF89jfpU-c/s720/A3240D1D-6663-4C17-B25B-CF997D699379.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="720" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgznrfWKSGSgzbvcrfV00vYLHtFdo46S4jWO584j4EFq2fQaa4thq_Cp5IU-65Ddo6t-kaMOkfOMprg71cBqA8J8xXJpCX5_FvRWH-wgHyjpNOEOu2dv0O_ncfKujS3oe_MBeF89jfpU-c/w400-h266/A3240D1D-6663-4C17-B25B-CF997D699379.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> <p><br /></p> <p>The Minister of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs, Sen. George Akume, said President Muhammadu Buhari and All Progressives Congress have not failed Nigerians.</p> <p>According to him, President Buhari has executed 24 development projects in Benue.</p> <p>Akume listed the projects on Friday while addressing Benue APC stakeholders ahead of their forthcoming party congresses in the state in Makurdi.</p> <p>He said Buhari has executed a total of 24 projects across the state, adding that this is not about playing politics but stating the “objective reality”.</p> <a name='more' id="more"></a> <p>According to him, some of the projects are already completed while others were at various stages of completion.</p> <p>He listed the projects to include the N2.08b Zaki Biam Power Sub-station in Ukum LG; Loko-Oweto bridge; Adoka-Naka-Makurdi road; Makurdi-Yadev-Ugbema road; Otukpo-Aliade road, and dualization of Keffi-Lafia-Makurdi road.</p> <p>Others are Makurdi and Katsina-ala bridges; 3.35km Idye flood control project; 8.25MW solar hybrid power plant at JS Tarka University Makurdi; and establishment of Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo.</p> <p>Akume added that the projects also included establishment of Federal Polytechnic Wannue and Federal College of Education Odugbo, award of contract for the rehabilitation of Gboko-Ameladu road, among others.</p> <p>The former governor of Benue and Minority Leader of the Senate further boosted that the APC has not failed Nigerians as the party has advanced the education sector as well as huge investment in infrastructure, among others.</p> <p>He said even though the party inherited an economy that was already heading deep into recession in 2015, yet it still had to bailout states to pay salaries.</p> <p>On the forthcoming party congresses, Akume assured members of free and fair congresses in the state, adding that the people would decide their candidates in the coming 2023 general elections.</p> <p>“In 2023 you people will decide your candidates and I will only be briefed. I have failed you people in the past and I have apologized.</p> <p>“Both in the congresses and 2023 elections, I have no special candidates. APC is one and together we are bigger than one individual,” he said.</p> <p>Earlier in his welcome address, the state Caretaker Chairman, Mr Abba Yaro, assured of free and fair party congresses.</p> <p>Also, Mr Emmanuel Jime, the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers Council, thanked the stakeholders for their sustained support and steadfastness in spite of losing the governorship election in 2019.</p> <p>Jime said that the leaders of the party in the state have resolved to conduct credible congresses that would stand the test of time so as to win the 2023 governorship election in the state.</p> <p>Other major stakeholders who attended the meeting included Chief Barnabas Gemade, Chief Stephen Lawani, Dr Sam Ode, Prof. Terhemba Shija, Chief Akange Audu and Prof. Jonathan Uever.</p>

Latest-News Buhari, APC have not failed Nigerians – Sen. Akume

The Minister of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs, Sen. George Akume, said President Muhammadu Buhari and All Progressives Con...

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Why I left Kano Pillars for Fatih Karagumruk, Ahmed Musa reveals

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwABCva88B-b1UUTOq-oym6uwE-IymDQ7M5sMenkKIycb1U8kgoeXd6zmmizFR7_YUxGDGvPI48Ide5MvF06kFE7dsGaklCXGxZMa8vm1576s8CaSG0EXbs85kMuoszINrClrnxrEj6Z4/s695/7AB9D76B-119F-4CCD-9801-C0CB1E40E3F6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="441" data-original-width="695" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwABCva88B-b1UUTOq-oym6uwE-IymDQ7M5sMenkKIycb1U8kgoeXd6zmmizFR7_YUxGDGvPI48Ide5MvF06kFE7dsGaklCXGxZMa8vm1576s8CaSG0EXbs85kMuoszINrClrnxrEj6Z4/w400-h254/7AB9D76B-119F-4CCD-9801-C0CB1E40E3F6.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> <p><br /></p> <p>Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa, who left Kano Pillars after three months and signed for the Turkish professional football club Fatih Karagumruk has given reasons for his decision.</p> <p>Musa on Thursday, completed a free transfer to the Istanbul club, signing a two-year contract with the option of an additional year.</p> <p>The move ended his brief stay in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), where he penned a short-term deal.</p> <p>Speaking after finalizing the transfer, Musa said he took Fatih Karagumruk’s deal because of their philosophy and ambition.</p> <a name='more' id="more"></a>“I was very impressed with the team’s philosophy, style of play and it’s clearly an ambitious club,” said the former Leicester City forward in an interview with BBC Sport Africa. <p>“I feel wanted and that’s what made all the difference. I want to repay that faith. I can’t wait to link up with my teammates and help the club achieve their ambitions,” he added.</p> <p>Karagumruk were promoted to the Turkish top-flight in the 2019-20 season, ending a 35-year wait for a return to the Super Lig.</p> <p>They will continue their preparation for the 2020-21 campaign with friendly games against league rivals Alanyaspor and Kasimpasa on July 30 and August 5, respectively.</p> <p>Musa’s agent Tony Harris added that the three-time Russian Premier League winner with CSKA Moscow had offers from other Turkish clubs but the Ataturk Olympic Stadium outfit stood out with their approach.</p>

Latest-News Why I left Kano Pillars for Fatih Karagumruk, Ahmed Musa reveals

Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa, who left Kano Pillars after three months and signed for the Turkish professional football club Fatih Kar...

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BBNaija: Erica, Laycon finally reconcile

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJwYr5SNz0XtYXXCeuO3GsOAsXPjCSaiTDdzVZtYsZ8p8IVz_KSvaLU6D-rLti9oAQPAwOoRy6S36OZK5IsZP4ghoGMUibOQcHiWXVPXf0WszjfjxDyI8-aE4_dM9VXJLxc_w28GuEyYw/s414/18A357C2-9EE2-46B3-9CB8-20CF16BAA983.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="232" data-original-width="414" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJwYr5SNz0XtYXXCeuO3GsOAsXPjCSaiTDdzVZtYsZ8p8IVz_KSvaLU6D-rLti9oAQPAwOoRy6S36OZK5IsZP4ghoGMUibOQcHiWXVPXf0WszjfjxDyI8-aE4_dM9VXJLxc_w28GuEyYw/w400-h224/18A357C2-9EE2-46B3-9CB8-20CF16BAA983.png" width="400" /></a></div> <p><br /></p> <p>Former BBNaija housemates, Laycon and Erica have settled their differences.</p> <p>Erica made this known in a new video on her Instagram page.</p> <p>Recall that the duo had the biggest fight of the ‘lockdown’ edition which led to Erica’s disqualification.</p> <p>After the altercation, the hatred between the two ex-housemates lingered even during the reunion show in June.</p> <a name='more' id="more"></a> <p>Although Erica had during the reunion said she doesn’t care about Laycon, the duo have now reconciled.</p> <p>They were spotted in a video hanging out together on Friday.</p> <p>In the video, Erica said she was cool with Laycon.</p> <p>She captioned the video, ‘We are good.”</p> <p>Laycon also hailed Nigerians in the footage.</p> <p>The Singer and actress also followed each other on Instagram.</p> <p>Meanwhile, a new season of Big Brother Naija will be airing on Saturday, July 24th, 2021.</p> <p>The winner of the new season will walk away with N90 million worth of prizes.</p>

Latest-News BBNaija: Erica, Laycon finally reconcile

Former BBNaija housemates, Laycon and Erica have settled their differences. Erica made this known in a new video on her Instagram page. ...

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LaLiga could block Messi from playing for Barcelona until January

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-mTi8KFXvOQL5dnFKQNzTYmOv4LngqEDqrn0tTOQ8dGoGqaQHE3OGBksFG9nTEAn4fFVWVXUZaie_oUEFDNHQAf44wvV7jI2t9immuV9hw2ttFBZ-zcaOjRbRCZTN_HE0oL8ZSSGHoY/s414/0F724DFD-9351-45BD-A338-7073909C4219.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="414" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-mTi8KFXvOQL5dnFKQNzTYmOv4LngqEDqrn0tTOQ8dGoGqaQHE3OGBksFG9nTEAn4fFVWVXUZaie_oUEFDNHQAf44wvV7jI2t9immuV9hw2ttFBZ-zcaOjRbRCZTN_HE0oL8ZSSGHoY/w400-h300/0F724DFD-9351-45BD-A338-7073909C4219.png" width="400" /></a></div> <p><br /></p> <p>Barcelona face the possibility of not being able to register Lionel Messi for play in LaLiga until January 2022, ESPN reports.</p> <p>The Catalans are looking for ways to reduce their wage bill, to align with LaLiga’s financial fair play rules.</p> <p>If they can’t, they risk not being able to register Messi’s new contract or new arrivals, Memphis Depay, Sergio Aguero, Eric Garcia and Emerson Royal.</p> <p>Barca have until the end of the transfer window on August 31 to submit Messi’s deal and their new signings to LaLiga, but internally, the club wants everything resolved before August 15, when they kick off their league campaign at home to Real Sociedad.</p> <a name='more' id="more"></a> <p>The League president, Javier Tebas, is adamant he will not relax the rules for Barcelona.</p> <p>A failure to get their finances in order could see Messi, if he signs the five-year deal he has already agreed, unable to play until at least January, as happened with Getafe midfielder, Pedro Leon in 2014.</p>

Latest-News LaLiga could block Messi from playing for Barcelona until January

Barcelona face the possibility of not being able to register Lionel Messi for play in LaLiga until January 2022, ESPN reports. The Catala...

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Kano: Ganduje provides update on arrest of Islamic cleric, Sheikh Kabara

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE5PIoma_BZEj44eFT-QtE228DOvvgneYnILGsD9RV7yPSZWhT8QBz2nvEE6b-ocOdShpXSGuzuFEivJuyayf4SVxbHv1c3oJNUIeUbWNkEM8ycJgSxs8HOyAGaAN2vItkY42OUxUMvKo/s414/DF27A1DB-7153-409E-9FEB-E4D8E3521A02.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="321" data-original-width="414" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE5PIoma_BZEj44eFT-QtE228DOvvgneYnILGsD9RV7yPSZWhT8QBz2nvEE6b-ocOdShpXSGuzuFEivJuyayf4SVxbHv1c3oJNUIeUbWNkEM8ycJgSxs8HOyAGaAN2vItkY42OUxUMvKo/w400-h310/DF27A1DB-7153-409E-9FEB-E4D8E3521A02.png" width="400" /></a></div> <p><br /></p> <p>Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State has said his administration would follow up the blasphemy case involving Sheikh Abduljabbar Nasiru-Kabara to its logical conclusion.</p> <p>The Governor made this known in a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Malam Abba Anwar, on Friday, NAN reports.</p> <p>He also promised to assist in the completion of Sheikh Nasiru Kabara Islamic Centre at the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.</p> <p>“We are very grateful that we are following the right steps on the situation.</p> <a name='more' id="more"></a> <p>“And the state government will continue to monitor the situation very well, up to its logical conclusion,” Anwar quoted the governor as saying.</p> <p>Recall that Kano State Government dragged Sheikh Abduljabbar to an Upper Sharia Court for alleged blasphemy and incitement.</p> <p>The court adjourned the case till July 28 and ordered that the accused cleric be remanded in Correctional Service custody.</p>

Latest-News Kano: Ganduje provides update on arrest of Islamic cleric, Sheikh Kabara

Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State has said his administration would follow up the blasphemy case involving Sheikh Abduljabbar Nasir...

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Nnamdi Kanu’s trial: Storm court on Monday, don’t be intimidated – Adeyanju urges IPOB supporters

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlYb16eofri5WZUHM7Sd3YGdT7BeBnKFd3YPxxVj3b8GvXw5VVh-_mVHC5c5nd0Axg1cTiTw11qR17a43Psmk2-Yb3ZsmNt3E8JEMqNaotUekCFCtLPcPtpKgIuEbjyrjejcy1jESVTkw/s414/3660D6BA-964B-47CA-A7D0-862E8D6CE85E.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="414" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlYb16eofri5WZUHM7Sd3YGdT7BeBnKFd3YPxxVj3b8GvXw5VVh-_mVHC5c5nd0Axg1cTiTw11qR17a43Psmk2-Yb3ZsmNt3E8JEMqNaotUekCFCtLPcPtpKgIuEbjyrjejcy1jESVTkw/w400-h266/3660D6BA-964B-47CA-A7D0-862E8D6CE85E.png" width="400" /></a></div> <p><br /></p> <p>Abuja-based rights activist, Deji Adeyanju, has urged supporters of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, to flood the Abuja Federal High Court on Monday for the agitator’s trial.</p> <p>Adeyanju explained that such action is the only language President Muhammadu Buhari understands.</p> <p>The activist argued that Nigerians have the right to attend the trial of people they believe in.</p> <p>According to Adeyanju, Kanu’s supporters should not be afraid to storm the court and show solidarity on Monday.</p> <a name='more' id="more"></a> <p>In a tweet, Deji wrote: “I appeal to Nnamdi Kanu’s supporters to flood the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday as they begin his trial.</p> <p>“That is the language Buhari understands. Don’t let anyone scare you. Citizens have the right to protest and also to attend the trial of one of their own.”</p> <p>Kanu will on Monday appear before Justice Binta Nyako-led court for the continuation of his trial.</p> <p>The case of treason involving Kanu was before the judge when the agitator fled the country in 2017.</p> <p>Justice Nyako had granted Kanu bail after which he fled Nigeria to Europe.</p> <p>He was, however, capture and repatriated, a few weeks ago.</p> <p>Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, however, argued that his client never jumped bail, stressing that the Nigerian government made him flee the country.</p> <p>However, his lead counsel, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, yesterday disclosed that Kanu’s trial will continue as scheduled on Monday despite Federal High Court judges going on recess.</p>

Latest-News Nnamdi Kanu’s trial: Storm court on Monday, don’t be intimidated – Adeyanju urges IPOB supporters

Abuja-based rights activist, Deji Adeyanju, has urged supporters of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, to flood...

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Tension as Lagos, Ogun hold Local Govt Elections today

<p> </p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWeyfCHcaWNPSEhQiseOLfPYbUa_3TUWnLkmadw9Z02Nq6XJEtrdPDMmTh7IfH2cMYEzBS96xho9c-sF6JKro_l9PgKzc-V26vCBen-e3FFGMPVLfNWC16dF0X3rhc0DeYntI8taPyLtN8/s450/vote+ballot1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="340" data-original-width="450" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWeyfCHcaWNPSEhQiseOLfPYbUa_3TUWnLkmadw9Z02Nq6XJEtrdPDMmTh7IfH2cMYEzBS96xho9c-sF6JKro_l9PgKzc-V26vCBen-e3FFGMPVLfNWC16dF0X3rhc0DeYntI8taPyLtN8/w445-h337/vote+ballot1.jpg" width="445" /></a></div> <p> After several months of preparations, Lagos and Ogun states will hold local council polls, today.</p> <a name='more' id="more"></a> <p>About 6,570,291 registered voters are expected to exercise their franchise across 13,323 polling units in 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs in Lagos</p> <p>In Ogun, the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has pulled out of the exercise, accusing the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission, OGSIEC, of undermining it and trying to factionalise the party.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, has deployed police personnel and ordered them to ensure that the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission, LASIEC’s facilities, sensitive materials, polling units and collation centres are adequately protected.</p> <p>Also, an international election monitoring group, Yiaga Africa, said it is deploying 13,323 duly-trained observers to monitor the process and urged LASIEC to ensure free, and transparent exercise to boost citizens confidence in LGA election process.</p> <p>The group also feared voters’ apathy may mar the exercise in view of the low sensitization of the electorate by the parties, candidates and LASIEC.</p> <p>Speaking during a pre-election press conference in Lagos, Director of Programmes, Yiaga Africa, Cynthia Mbamalu, said that their roving observers are expected to visit a minimum of three polling units each and report on the conduct of the election.</p> <p>Mbamalu, expressed regret that the absence of periodic, genuine and transparent elections at the local government level in Nigeria remained a major threat to Nigeria’s democracy.</p> <p>“Twenty-two years after democracy, local government areas in Nigeria struggle with poor governance, the absence of periodic, credible elections, and almost non-existent governance structures that promote citizen engagement and accountability.</p> <p>“The worst fate of local government areas in Nigeria remains the overbearing control by state governors and a select few (power brokers) who have perfected a system that both impoverishes the people and denies the people a voice when the elections are rigged.’’</p> <p>She explained that a recent study by Yiaga Africa on the challenges and prospects of Local Government elections in Nigeria taking Oyo and Lagos states as case studies, revealed that there are opportunities for election stakeholders to improve on the process to guarantee the sanctity of ballots and increase citizens participation in the process.</p> <p><b>We’ll ensure credible polls, upload results like INEC – LASIEC Chairman</b></p> <p>Meanwhile, LASIEC Chairman, Justice Ayotunde Philips, yesterday, reiterated the determination of the commission to conduct free and fair polls and uphold the results like the INEC.</p> <p>She said smart card readers would be used for the polls and LASIEC would use polling units it used in 2017.</p> <p>If card readers malfunction, she said incident forms would be used to ensure no voter is disenfranchised.</p> <p><b><br /></b></p> <p><b>We ‘ll enforce restriction of movement – CP</b></p> <p>Addressing the policemen at Lagos Police Command headquarters yesterday, CP Hakeem Odumosu, charged them to work with other security agents deployed for same purpose, to ensure adequate security, and to discharge their duties according to the Standard Operating Procedure of the Nigeria Police and extant electoral laws.</p> <p>He warned politicians and their supporters, stakeholders and Lagosians to play the game according to the rules, saying: “The police and other security agencies deployed for the exercise will not condone any act of thuggery, hooliganism, electoral malpractices and criminality in any part of the state before, during and after the Local Government Councils elections.”</p> <p>In addition, the Command, according to him, had put measures in place to enforce the restriction of movement order across the state between the hours of 8am and 3pm, today.</p> <p>He clarified that “only those on election duty and essential services are exempted.</p> <p><b><br /></b></p> <p><b>No faction in Ogun PDP, despite OGSIEC’s attempt to factionalize it – Sikirulai</b></p> <p><br /></p> <p>The Ogun State chapter of the PDP has declared that there is no faction within the party in the state, saying it has decided to withdraw participation in today’s local government election following the alleged dubious stance of the OGSIEC towards the party.</p> <p>In a statement by the Chairman, Sikirulai Ogundele, the party said that following a Court Judgement on Thursday, July 22, 2021, the PDP backed out of the race, accusing OGSIEC of playing the role of a dubious umpire.</p> <p><br /></p> <p>Ogundele said the Commission decided to create a non-existent faction in PDP, deliberately handing over nomination forms meant for party candidates to an individual, despite the fact that it had an ongoing relationship with the authentic Executive Committee led by him as recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.</p> <p><br /></p> <p>He added that given the fact that the legitimacy of all materials for the election, including voters registers, are derived from INEC, common sense should have pointed OGSIEC to that direction.</p> <p><br /></p> <p>He also alleged that the OGSIEC “induced” factionalization of Ogun PDP was deliberate to forestall participation of the party in the local government polls in Ogun State.</p> <p><br /></p> <p>Ogundele also expressed disappointment that the OGSIEC also disregarded the reconciliation agreement signed by all parties in the Senator Bukola Saraki led Reconciliation Committee despite the fact that this became available as early as March 2021, which was the basis for the Consent Judgement of the Federal High in Abuja delivered on 22nd June, 2021 that affirmed him as State Chairman.</p>

Latest-News Tension as Lagos, Ogun hold Local Govt Elections today

   After several months of preparations, Lagos and Ogun states will hold local council polls, today. About 6,570,291 registered voters a...

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Sunday Igboho fights back, sues DSS, Malami for N500 Billion

<p> </p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMyIfY4eIU-tvXZzyCAO5zNu6_7C_EIHk_jeVWmn46NumyGNEmdhPuoNrKE4m6YlucPtHTAXf0nfAbZSMe39b0QwGHePWe_FZwoZV_gb0MDJYqeIK5Ts2bkyCV5EdaK_fKRzZoXoRAahi8/s1140/sunday+igboho.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="620" data-original-width="1140" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMyIfY4eIU-tvXZzyCAO5zNu6_7C_EIHk_jeVWmn46NumyGNEmdhPuoNrKE4m6YlucPtHTAXf0nfAbZSMe39b0QwGHePWe_FZwoZV_gb0MDJYqeIK5Ts2bkyCV5EdaK_fKRzZoXoRAahi8/w504-h274/sunday+igboho.jpeg" width="504" /></a></div> <p>The embattled Yoruba nation campaigner, Sunday Adeyemo a.k.a. Igboho yesterday made good his threat to sue the federal authorities over the July 2 raid of his Sooka, Ibadan residence by operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS).</p> <a name='more' id="more"></a> <p>Igboho filed a suit at the Oyo State High Court, Ibadan, against the DSS and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami (SAN), seeking N500 billion damages.</p> <p>He is praying the court for an order for the enforcement of his fundamental human right.</p> <p>The suit was filed on a day one of his counsel dismissed as untrue speculations that a Beninese passport was found on the activist.</p> <p>Besides, a Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday ordered the Department of State Services (DSS) to produce before it on Thursday, July 29, 2021, 12 associates of Igboho who were arrested during the July 2 raid of his Ibadan residence.</p> <p>Igboho’s suit, according to his lawyers, derived from the fundamental human rights (Enforcement Procedure Rules 2009) and under the inherent jurisdiction of the court as preserved by Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution.</p> <p>During the security raid of the plaintiff’s residence, two of his aides were shot dead while14 others were arrested. The DSS has paraded the suspects and ammunition which they allegedly recovered from the house.</p> <p>But the embattled campaigner, who is currently standing trial in Cotonou, Benin Republic, denied that he kept ammunition in his house, saying the armed law enforcers must have come with the said ammunition.</p> <p>In the suit, Igboho, through his lawyer Chief Yomi Aliu (SAN), is seeking orders declaring the invasion as a violation of his fundamental human right, and destruction of his property as a violation of his fundamental right to peacefully own property and wealth.</p> <p>He wants N500 billion as compensation.</p> <p>The sum was described as “exemplary and/or aggravated damages for breaching the applicant’s fundamental rights in the course of illegal and/or malicious invasion of his residence situate, lying and being at Igboho Villa. No.1, Dalag Street, Off Soka Bus Stop, Soka Area, Off Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ibadan.”</p> <p>Igboho is also asking the court for a declaration that it was “oppressive, malicious, arbitrary and grossly unconstitutional for the 2nd & 3rd respondents to invade” his residence lying and being at Igboho Villa, 1, Dalag Street, Off Soka Bus Stop, Soka Area, Off Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ibadan “without announcing who they were and ask the applicant to open his gate but rather shot their way through killing two people including an elderly Imam doing Tahjud (night vigil), shooting at cars thereby destroying them and not sparing animals like cats and dogs in total violation of the intendments of the Fundamental Human Rights’ provision in CFRN, 1999 and African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Ratification and Enforcement), Act, LFN 2010 protecting the-dignity of human person, sanctity of human life and privacy of citizens and their homes.”</p> <p>The plaintiff urged the court to declare that the respondents’ resolve in preventing him from “propagating his belief in association with other like minds in creating a Yoruba Nation and/or Oduduwa Republic for his Indigenous Yoruba People and hunting him with gun with a view to arresting him dead or alive when he has not called for war in achieving same is against his fundamental rights to freedom of thought, conscience and association since campaign for self-determination is recognised by Nigerian Law and international treaties of organisations to which Nigeria belongs.”</p> <p>He prayed the court for an injunction restraining the respondents from arresting, harassing or disturbing him in any way that can violate his fundamental human rights.</p> <p>Igboho had, soon after the raid, demanded an apology from the DSS and payment of N500 million as damages for destroying his Ibadan residence during the midnight raid.</p> <p><br /></p> <p>His lawyer had, in a statement entitled ‘Illegal and Grossly Unconstitutional Invasion’ declared that his client has “always preached peace and warned his followers never to have recourse to violence, saying that ‘it is God and alale (ancestors) that will fight for Yoruba Nation.”</p> <p><br /></p> <p>He said: “There is nowhere in the civilised world that a citizen who had no prior invitation by security agent or had resisted arrest will be so invaded with his rights to dignity of human persons, ownership of property and sanctity of life trampled upon during the invasion.</p> <p><br /></p> <p>“No demand to enter was made but rather they shot their way into the house allegedly killing seven people, though a DSS spokesman admitted killing two people.”</p> <p>One of Igboho’s counsel, Ibrahim David Salami, yesterday dismissed as untrue speculations that a Beninese passport was found on the activist.</p> <p>Salami told BBC Yoruba in Cotonou that only Nigerian and German passports were found in his possession at the time of his arrest last Monday while on his way to Frankfurt.</p> <p>Earlier reports had suggested that Igboho was being quizzed by the Beninese authorities partly on account of that country’s passport he carried at the time of his arrest.</p> <p>“No Beninese passport was found on Sunday Igboho when he was arrested,” Salami said.</p> <p>He added: “What was found on him were Nigerian and German passports.</p> <p>“His wife had her German passport at the point of arrest.”</p> <p>Following the bloody raid on Igboho’s Sooka residence, the Department of State Services arrested and detained 13 of Igboho’s associates, adding that during a “gun duel,” it had killed two of Igboho’s supporters later identified as Adogan and Alfa.</p> <p>DSS had presented seven AK-47 rifles allegedly recovered during the raid on Igboho’s house on July 1, as well as three pump-action guns, 30 fully charged AK-47 magazines, 5,000 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, five cutlasses, one jack-knife, one pen knife, two pistol holsters, a pair of binoculars, a wallet containing $5, local and international driving licences in his name, ATM cards, a German residence permit No. YO2N6K1NY bearing his name, two whistles, 50 cartridges and 18 walkie-talkies.</p> <p>Others were three charm jackets/traditional body armour, two laptops, one Toshiba and one Compaq laptop, Igboho’s passport and those of his aides.</p> <p>Hearing in Igboho’s case in Cotonou is scheduled to resume on Monday.</p> <p>The Court on Thursday evening ordered that he be remanded in the custody of Brigade Criminelle in Cotonou pending the submission of charges by the Nigerian government.</p> <p>The activist and his wife, Ropo, were arrested at the Cardinal Bernardin International Airport, Cotonou on Monday while trying to catch a flight to Germany.</p> <p>Spokesman for  the Yoruba self-determination groups’ umbrella body, Ilana Omo Oodua (IOO) Mr. Maxwell Adeleye, quoting Igboho’s lawyers, said the activist could not be extradited to Nigeria for two principal reasons: Nigeria and Benin have no Extradition Agreement; and Nigeria has not been able to come up with charges that could lead the court to order lgboho’s extradition to Nigeria.”</p> <p>“What Nigerian government came up with were mere allegations against Igboho such as trafficking in arms and inciting violence that could result in the social disturbance without evidence…” he said.</p> <p>Igboho has been remanded in the custody of Brigade Criminelle while his wife was released.</p>

Latest-News Sunday Igboho fights back, sues DSS, Malami for N500 Billion

  The embattled Yoruba nation campaigner, Sunday Adeyemo a.k.a. Igboho yesterday made good his threat to sue the federal authorities over ...

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FG replaces controversial RUGA with new scheme to cater for Fulani herdsmen

<p> </p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMlHYzXyvz7_t3FCmALFkyobyMOkD7HvxglWJZZZ8cJJZ1N1Lub1I1kx_ZQ_6Zwlm2246SdD3SvKl7TeFhU8hY72WwURZchqqeoqVo3fZ2KrCp9gwjof8gdQB2jZB1Ey8VgoTDhp816h4f/s500/fulani+herdsmen+4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="371" data-original-width="500" height="359" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMlHYzXyvz7_t3FCmALFkyobyMOkD7HvxglWJZZZ8cJJZ1N1Lub1I1kx_ZQ_6Zwlm2246SdD3SvKl7TeFhU8hY72WwURZchqqeoqVo3fZ2KrCp9gwjof8gdQB2jZB1Ey8VgoTDhp816h4f/w485-h359/fulani+herdsmen+4.png" width="485" /></a></div> <p>Two years after the suspension of the controversial Rural Grazing Area scheme in July 2019, the Federal Government has introduced a replacement scheme called the Livestock Intervention Programme to address the lingering farmer-herder crisis across the country.</p> <p>This comes amid the Federal Government’s intensified efforts to revive colonial-era grazing routes in many states across the country as per the directive by the President Muhammadu Buhari.</p> <a name='more' id="more"></a> <p><br /></p> <p>According to documents from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development sighted by one of our correspondents, the LIP scheme will see the Federal Government establishing eight large herders’ settlements in each of the six pilot states, namely Adamawa, Kwara, Niger, Bauchi, Kaduna and Gombe.</p> <p>The scheme is expected to be extended to other states, following a successful outing in the pilot states.</p> <p>The documents as well as interviews with some officials of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development showed that the LIP is already being implemented in the six pilot states.</p> <p>The officials confirmed that the six states accepted the establishment of the large herders’ settlements and had already provided land for the purpose.</p> <p>Unlike the controversial RUGA settlements, which started with 12 pilot states, the ministry officials said the government chose to start the LIP settlements with six pilot states, pending the extension to other states.</p> <p>They said eight large LIP settlements would be built for herders in each of the states.</p> <p>Asked if the Federal Government would reactivate the suspended RUGA programme since the clashes between herders and farmers had yet to abate, the acting Director, Animal Husbandry Department, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Winnie Lai-Solarin, replied, “What we have now is the Livestock Intervention Project. And this intervention will take place in the settlements. It might also interest you to know that right now, the intervention has been reduced to six states.”</p> <p>According to the director, the six pilot states for the LIP are in the North because the region has large settlements and land to grow pasture.</p> <p>“The states are Adamawa, Kwara, Niger, Bauchi, Kaduna and Gombe,” she noted.</p> <p>Lai-Solarin confirmed that the Federal Government was establishing the livestock settlement in eight locations in each of the six states.</p> <p>On why the government reduced the intervention to six pilot states, unlike the RUGA settlements that started with 12 states, the FMARD official explained that the outcry against plans to establish RUGA settlements led to the cutdown.</p> <p>She, however, noted that some states were still showing interest, despite the initial widespread outcry in many parts of Nigeria.</p> <p>Lai-Solarin said, “When we started, the states were 12 in number. They included Taraba, Adamawa, Plateau, Niger, Nasarawa, Katsina, Zamfara, Kaduna, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Kogi. They were 12 originally.</p> <p>“And all the states are in the North. The speculation and media reports made people start saying the government wanted to take people’s lands in the South-West, South-East and others.”</p> <p>She added, “There was never a time that we included states in the South. Rather, speculation and miscommunication gave rise to the concerns by the people that the government was coming to take their land.</p> <p>“The wrong information went out. Once they heard RUGA, they kicked against it. However, the concept of RUGA was to meet pastoralists where they are in their settlements and provide infrastructure for them there.</p> <p>“But when that information went out, and because you have settlements in the South and other regions too, it was easy for people to turn it around and say, ‘They (herders) are coming to our states to take our land.’</p> <p>“But this was when there was no such plan ab initio. Never was such a plan made by the Federal Government.”</p> <p>Lai-Solarin added that the ministry had been carrying out diverse other interventions to mitigate the clashes between herders and farmers nationwide.</p> <p>The immediate past Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, had in May 2019 announced that Buhari approved the RUGA initiative to address the farmer-herder crisis.</p> <p>A month later, a former Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mohammed Umar, announced that the Federal Government was to commence the pilot phase of the RUGA project in 11 states for a start, including Sokoto, Adamawa, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Kogi, Taraba, Katsina, Plateau, Kebbi, Zamfara and Niger.</p> <p>“The RUGA settlement will attract a lot of investments to Nigeria and it is our belief that in the next five years, each RUGA settlement will provide nothing less than 2,000 employment opportunities. We are collaborating with the cattle breeders associations in Nigeria,” Umar said at the time.</p> <p>The scheme, however, met with stiff opposition by southern states whose people saw the move as a land-grabbing move by the Federal Government for Fulani herders.</p> <p>The Benue State House of Assembly, for instance, called for the removal of the signboards erected in the communities earmarked for RUGA settlements.</p> <p>Many southern states called for ranching, saying since cattle rearing was a private business, herders ought to buy land and graze their cattle on it, adding that the measure would stop the frequent clashes between herders and farmers.</p> <p>Also, many lawyers, including a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, kicked against the plan to establish RUGA settlements in parts of the country, describing it as “illegal.”</p> <p>Falana argued that the Supreme Court had held that the entire land in each state was vested in the governor.</p> <p>Amid the outcry that trailed the RUGA scheme, the Federal Government suspended the initiative in July 2019.</p> <p>The government said the reason RUGA was suspended was because it was inconsistent with the National Livestock Transformation Plan, an initiative to establish ranches across the states.</p> <p>The NLTP was approved by the National Council of Agriculture in conjunction with the National Economic Council.</p> <p>States that keyed into the NLTP are to receive 49 per cent funding from the Federal Government, while the remaining 51 per cent funding is to be sourced by the state, private sector and development partners.</p> <p>In February 2021, the Federal Government said it had mapped out 30 grazing reserves across the country for the NLTP implementation.</p> <p>Meanwhile, as of June 2021, of the over 20 states said to have assented to the NLTP, only four states – Nasarawa, Plateau, Adamawa, and Kaduna – were said to be ready for the scheme’s take-off, according to the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Agriculture, Dr Andrew Kwasari.</p> <p>While the scheme is awaiting full take-off, in a new twist recently, Buhari, in a move believed to challenge the ban on open grazing by southern governors, said in an interview with Arise News that the grazing routes across the country would be revived.</p> <p>Buhari said he had directed the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), to produce a gazette which delineated grazing routes in all parts of the country in the First Republic.</p> <p>The President stated, “What I did was to ask him (Malami) to go and dig out the gazette of the First Republic when people were obeying laws.</p> <p>“There were cattle routes and grazing areas. Cattle routes were for when they (herdsmen) were moving up-country, north to south or east to west. They had to go through there.”</p> <p>The President’s statement followed Malami’s criticism of southern governors for banning open grazing, saying their action was like banning the sale of spare parts in the North.</p> <p>However, several southern states and institutions like the Nigerian Bar Association and the Pan-Niger Delta Forum faulted the President for the revival of old grazing routes.</p> <p>Southern states, including Ondo, Delta, Cross River, Enugu, Benue, Akwa Ibom, and Oyo, said there was no existence of a gazette that marked out grazing routes for cattle across the country.</p> <p>The state governments also insisted on the ban on open grazing, despite the President’s opposition to it.</p> <p>Also, many lawyers, including the Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Ajibola Basiru, insisted that there was no law on grazing routes in any part of Nigeria.</p>

Latest-News FG replaces controversial RUGA with new scheme to cater for Fulani herdsmen

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No bombing, killing during Sallah, insecurity ending soon – Presidency

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrM7Y7J8SmMJXBucqEvwVmfN2mnihdN6KK99eVKi2MEwjEP8lWBSHX8J1whTlHuiX6W7aPPUhtbhWaEQe33arJBmJAGmX9fDOmpjy3pvTVupaHh2RkZBM_9eOW9lp4SLZ7qkUTzmwXLkg/s414/CCF57505-BEAC-45D7-A4D8-3F11F63C8EEA.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="414" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrM7Y7J8SmMJXBucqEvwVmfN2mnihdN6KK99eVKi2MEwjEP8lWBSHX8J1whTlHuiX6W7aPPUhtbhWaEQe33arJBmJAGmX9fDOmpjy3pvTVupaHh2RkZBM_9eOW9lp4SLZ7qkUTzmwXLkg/w400-h300/CCF57505-BEAC-45D7-A4D8-3F11F63C8EEA.png" width="400" /></a></div> <p><br /></p> <p>The Presidency has claimed that there was no killing and bombing by terrorists or bandits during the just concluded 2021 Eid-el-Kabir celebration.</p> <p>Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina made the claim in a statement titled “MAY GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS”.</p> <p>According to the statement, Adesina expressed optimism that the current security challenges ravaging the entire country would soon be a thing of the past.</p> <p>“Nigeria will see the end of banditry. Of insurgency. Of murders, mayhem, kidnappings. Peace like a river will return to this country.</p> <a name='more' id="more"></a> <p>“And very soon, too. Did you hear of any bombing and killing that used to attend festive periods this Sallah? No.</p> <p>“We are sure making progress. We will soon get there. God will keep us, and protect our troops. Amen, somebody”.</p> <p>Adesina urged Nigerians to pray for the military who are in battle against bandits, terrorists and other criminal elements across the country.</p>

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Tokyo 2020: Esther Toko opens Nigeria’s account, takes 5th spot

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcKryjkD8TGZBdALFBXnItQCkSEOsaLpvNSdxrbX41Lcy07rhi5Np7WRQyvJQb6-yj5lziTXQjqhcHX5Ro6ONQW7ljX2cuheRtmIwdhbtVboiSYBiUXyJU0ACpGWMcb_ngVbS-QQGwhdQ/s674/6773F8FA-AAC2-4822-902F-814F417D2CA9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="674" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcKryjkD8TGZBdALFBXnItQCkSEOsaLpvNSdxrbX41Lcy07rhi5Np7WRQyvJQb6-yj5lziTXQjqhcHX5Ro6ONQW7ljX2cuheRtmIwdhbtVboiSYBiUXyJU0ACpGWMcb_ngVbS-QQGwhdQ/w400-h233/6773F8FA-AAC2-4822-902F-814F417D2CA9.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> <p>Esther Toko became the first Nigerian athlete to compete at the ongoing Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, taking to the water at the Sea Forest Waterway early on Friday morning in the women’s Singles Sculls of the Rowing event.</p> <p>However, Toko finished 5th in heat 1 of her event, clocking a time of 8:58.49 as she settled for a place in the Repechage, finishing outside the top three positions that would have granted automatic qualifications.</p> <p>The 21-year-old was 1:08.78 behind fourth-placed Alejandra Alonso of Paraguay (8:11.88) and 2:28.56 ahead of Esraa Khogali of Sudan (10:18.27).</p> <p>But all three rowers could only qualify for the classification series after the first three rowers in the heat had clinched the tickets to the quarter-finals from their heat.</p> <a name='more' id="more"></a> <p>Kara Kohler of the U.S won the heat in a time of 7:49.71.</p> <p>Tatsiana Klimovich of Belarus (7:51.86) and Nazanin Malaei (7:59.01) of Iran joined her in heading to the last eight.</p> <p>Toko will now take part in Saturday’s Repechage 2 at the same venue.</p>

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One shot as Gov Abiodun leads APC campaign in Ogun

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0GYcF96Is4cxL1bWz2Vq3GQ7q7QhvntmWD_w7WoRuw8JJwYOpLW9zpGzFzkUmlTZ3hQ47Appx-6EAnXnEvV7s5-cjLw-lDKMs5Zrzwt4X3p9WE-n7EETXf55mr84bGVImQM4MMzIlVOQ/s414/434D20A3-3641-4C39-ACB7-CE94C353F350.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="232" data-original-width="414" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0GYcF96Is4cxL1bWz2Vq3GQ7q7QhvntmWD_w7WoRuw8JJwYOpLW9zpGzFzkUmlTZ3hQ47Appx-6EAnXnEvV7s5-cjLw-lDKMs5Zrzwt4X3p9WE-n7EETXf55mr84bGVImQM4MMzIlVOQ/w400-h224/434D20A3-3641-4C39-ACB7-CE94C353F350.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> <p><br /></p> <p>One person was reportedly shot on Thursday as Governor Dapo Abiodun led the All Progressives Congress (APC) on a campaign tour to Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State.</p> <p>It was learnt that sporadic gunshots fired by rival cult groups led to the incident, causing tension in the area.</p> <p>It was gathered that the ugly incident brought the event to an abrupt end, as rumours spread that two persons were killed by cultists.</p> <p>But, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, said nobody was killed in the incident.</p> <a name='more' id="more"></a> <p>Oyeyemi, who confirmed that one person was shot by cultists, said the supremacy battle did not happen when Gov Abiodun was still in the area for the local government election campaign.</p> <p>He explained that some hoodlums only took advantage of the gathering to unleash terror on each other after Abiodun had left.</p> <p>Speaking with newsmen correspondent in a telephone interview on Friday, Oyeyemi said, “It is not true that anybody died in Odeda when the governor went on campaign. It is complete misinformation.</p> <p>“1#The governor went on campaign to Odeda, but he had even left before the fracas broke out between two rival cult groups. One person was shot, but he didn’t die. Nobody died. If anybody says the campaign team was attacked, it is complete misinformation. The governor had even left, almost 30 to 40 minutes before the incident.”</p> <p>“You know when there is a gathering like that, some of these hoodlums will always take advantage of it to launch attack on each other. One person was shot and the person did not die. As I am talking to you, he’s in a very stable condition. He didn’t die, nobody died,” Oyeyemi empasised.</p> <p>Asked if any arrest had been made regarding the incident, Oyeyemi retorted, “We are on it. Investigation has commenced and we are on the trail of the perpetrators of that crime. I am very sure, very soon we are going to get the person arrested.”</p>

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“We are watching, will get you anywhere, anytime” – EFCC warns shady Nigerians

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWUUodGhJjt6olauXQ1dI5rvwIwpJz2kSpjysJ8-2HtJFkECyaX3GEQEvmdYt_9NN9UMEGK2CljZNLT3roCPGf2YevrE4EMMwTcgNUuTn-y6aSPN17JEtbJNeEJHjnHSUIGHbkfJp8SS0/s414/F864E9DA-99C0-4566-9499-BBC44A2A4188.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="232" data-original-width="414" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWUUodGhJjt6olauXQ1dI5rvwIwpJz2kSpjysJ8-2HtJFkECyaX3GEQEvmdYt_9NN9UMEGK2CljZNLT3roCPGf2YevrE4EMMwTcgNUuTn-y6aSPN17JEtbJNeEJHjnHSUIGHbkfJp8SS0/w400-h224/F864E9DA-99C0-4566-9499-BBC44A2A4188.png" width="400" /></a></div> <p><br /></p> <p>The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has warned shady Nigerian politicians, Yahoo boys and those involved in financial crimes to retrace their steps as the eagle eyes are on them.</p> <p>The anti-graft agency gave the warning in a statement posted via its official social media accounts on Friday.</p> <p>“This is for the shady leaders that embezzle the Nigeria’s money to other countries.</p> <p>“This is for the Yahoo boys that are bent on spoiling the Country’s name Overseas all for living a flamboyant life.</p> <a name='more' id="more"></a> <p>“We just want you all to know that there is an eye watching you.</p> <p>“It’s only a stubborn fly that follows a corpse to the grave. Anyone that has ears should use it and desist from fraudulent activities.</p> <p>“The Eagle is watching, EFCC is watching you and soon we will get you anywhere, anytime! Shun financial crimes and corruption,” the post read.</p>

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EFCC must probe Rotimi Amaechi, PDP writes Buhari

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1esxk6LuF20cpIqxlLEwuJ-TbWysQdGcUnqUOkA6xUJXmPD5G7kJasmSJzW-32AKs5r425eqdzI32j7RqowbKqAzLJPwtR8qVBmzLujw_2PG0C_BSIshhtWCE5w5SXUAY_n7C89Tad8k/s720/1996F055-742E-4FFF-BB4A-ADCD4E6896D4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1esxk6LuF20cpIqxlLEwuJ-TbWysQdGcUnqUOkA6xUJXmPD5G7kJasmSJzW-32AKs5r425eqdzI32j7RqowbKqAzLJPwtR8qVBmzLujw_2PG0C_BSIshhtWCE5w5SXUAY_n7C89Tad8k/w400-h266/1996F055-742E-4FFF-BB4A-ADCD4E6896D4.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> <p><br /></p> <p>The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has demanded that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) extends its searchlight on Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.</p> <p>The party, in a statement to President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday, said this became necessary after Hadiza Bala Usman was removed from the office of Managing Director of the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) over alleged looting of over N165 billion.</p> <p>The office of the Auditor-General also unearthed the alleged stealing of unremitted deductions to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) amounting to N3,667,750,470. $148,845,745.04, Euro 4,891,449.50 and £252,682.14 during her watch at NPA.</p> <p>However, the PDP said that “the fact that it took the minister a clear six years (2016 to 2021) to query the NPA Managing Director, over the looting of N165 billion unremitted operational surplus of the agency, raises public apprehensions of an afterthought, which only came after indicting audit documents had already been exposed.”</p> <a name='more' id="more"></a> <p>The PDP also said President Buhari should not just “ease-out” Bala Usman, but must go-ahead to prosecute her.</p> <p>The PDP charged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately take in Bala Usman for questioning and prosecution over the alleged fraud which also includes the reported stealing of N15.18 billion through alleged shady Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects by the NPA.</p> <p>The PDP added that “standing with Nigerians, we will continue to closely monitor the actions of the Buhari administration and resist attempts by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to sweep the matter under the carpet in the desperation to shield many of its leaders involved in the reckless looting in the NPA, particularly, finances relating to the 2019 elections sleaze funds.”</p>

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COVID-19: Nigeria records 184 fresh cases

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_L8V0GOo56HHfcuR5_D7U4SWMRDtXFhlls_YPw-RJPmZVJPistElndbGkorkSWg73rGo5GRnnMNxbhsW50WXx_GvP0KzvygikqLTG1nQ70QHDFVNsVY8NyRQLlVnW2r1dSHo9uFbG29s/s414/045BBA9E-FF21-47E6-AE55-EBEBC1BC1640.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="232" data-original-width="414" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_L8V0GOo56HHfcuR5_D7U4SWMRDtXFhlls_YPw-RJPmZVJPistElndbGkorkSWg73rGo5GRnnMNxbhsW50WXx_GvP0KzvygikqLTG1nQ70QHDFVNsVY8NyRQLlVnW2r1dSHo9uFbG29s/w400-h224/045BBA9E-FF21-47E6-AE55-EBEBC1BC1640.png" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <p>The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) said the country recorded additional 184 COVID-19 infections as of July 22.</p> <p>The NCDC made this known on its website on Friday morning.</p> <p>The new infections indicate a decrease from the 238 cases announced a day earlier.</p> <p>It stated that the 184 additional new cases were reported from seven states and the Federal Capital Territory(FCT).</p> <a name='more' id="more"></a> <p>“Lagos State where a majority of the cases were picked on Thursday reported 124, Rivers registered 27, Sokoto announced 9; while the FCT and Oyo recorded 8 and 6 each.</p> <p>“Amongst others were; Ekiti announced 5, Delta reported 4, while Plateau recorded 1,” the NCDC said.</p> <p>It noted that Wednesday’s report included zero cases from Rivers, Osun, Ondo, Sokoto, Kaduna, Kano, and Nasarawa States.</p> <p>The NCDC noted that the country’s confirmed COVID-19 cases were now 170,306 as of July 22.</p> <p>The public health agency said the country’s active cases stood at over 3000, as of July 22.</p> <p>It stated that 31 people who had recovered from the disease had been discharged from isolation centres across the country.</p> <p>The public health agency added that, till date, 164,772 recoveries had been recorded nationwide in 36 states and the FCT.</p> <p>The agency said the country had also tested more than 2.4 million samples for the virus out of its 200 million population.</p> <p>It added that a multi-sectoral national emergency operations centre (EOC), activated at Level 2 continued to coordinate the national response activities.</p>

Latest-News COVID-19: Nigeria records 184 fresh cases

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) said the country recorded additional 184 COVID-19 infections as of July 22. The NCDC made t...

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Boss Mustapha’s message to NEITI board members

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2HxfrLoeXHfy-9zLXc5U4rYcHCBlGwuaJzUNl3-Jif23Em7YxJQUGb8rSFXeKhNMBuMKlpMam9W0jMrQ_eITz5ISzLapoRKyOki7o00B0aGFHneVXudssDVviY-fElRG5ygyVkbW4UY/s2048/B2AF6952-8C69-435A-9FB9-E32FC83648B8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1578" data-original-width="2048" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2HxfrLoeXHfy-9zLXc5U4rYcHCBlGwuaJzUNl3-Jif23Em7YxJQUGb8rSFXeKhNMBuMKlpMam9W0jMrQ_eITz5ISzLapoRKyOki7o00B0aGFHneVXudssDVviY-fElRG5ygyVkbW4UY/w400-h309/B2AF6952-8C69-435A-9FB9-E32FC83648B8.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> <p><br /></p> <p>The Federal Government has inaugurated the governing board of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) to enhance the smooth running of its administration.</p> <p>Mr Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), who performed the inauguration on Thursday in Abuja, congratulated the members, saying their appointment as NEITI board members was based on individual merits and track records.</p> <p>Members of the board are Bashir Bature Gafai (North-West), Iliya Gashinbaki (north-east), Godwin Akor Ogwuche (north-central), Nze Joe Ibeh (south-east), Awowo Christian (south-south) and Damilola Olawuyi (south-west). </p> <p>Other members are the permanent secretary, ministry of mines and steel development; executive chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS); and the group managing director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).</p> <a name='more' id="more"></a> <p>The board also has a representative of the international oil companies (IOCs).</p> <p>The civil society organisations are represented by Peter Egbule while the presidents of Nigeria Mining & Geosciences Society (NMGS) and Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) are representing extractive industries professional unions on the Board</p> <p>Mustapha told the new board members: “Your appointment and inauguration, which is taking place here today is another practical demonstration of President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the management of our economic resources”.</p> <p>Mustapha said that the present administration was passionate about the NEITI process because it served two key agenda of the administration.</p> <p>He said that the extractive industry was very strategic to Nigeria’s economy, hence central to the administration’s economic agenda.</p> <p>According to Mustapha, the transparency and accountability in the management of nation’s resources is equally central to the anti-corruption agenda of Nigeria.</p> <p>He said it was therefore, irrevocably committed to the implementation of NEITI in the oil, gas, and mining industries.</p> <p>The SGF, therefore, tasked NEITI board members to ensure that the agency continued to preserve the virtues for the benefit of the present and for future generations of Nigeria.</p> <p>“In order to achieve this, I must remind you that your assignment is non-partisan because NEITT itself is non-political and has maintained dignified neutrality all through almost two decades of existence.</p> <p>“It is also necessary for me to stress that your appointment is a part-time one. You are therefore advised to conduct yourselves in accordance with this requirement, ” he said.</p> <p>Responding, Mr Olusegun Adekunle, a retired Permanent Secretary, office of the SGF, thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for considering them worthy for the appointment.</p> <p>Adekunle assured that the board would not disappoint the president in the course of carrying out its assigned duties.</p> <p>The retired permanent secretary said his appointment alongside other board members was another opportunity to serve Nigeria in another capacity.</p> <p>“Let me also congratulate my colleagues on the board for this wonderful opportunity to serve our nation in a different capacity.</p> <p>“I must say that the confidence reposed in us is huge but our commitment to this assignment is also strong; we shall therefore, work as a team with focus and with integrity, ” Adekunle said.</p>

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Why Obi Cubana will be placed on watchlist when travelling abroad – Adeyanju

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYW_Bsrp4xA__X3A6UHAJNGKzwBuRfdBJmEPbZTYWMYfJI9Rmp4B2HqnhvRVzUoeURzemd8GibjyUi7f_b91Kw6n0ySkgTrbIX0WeCC1GjrQ72dIF2sq5naGfSCwQKzIML9BHS8o85COA/s414/6485E4B5-D250-4743-B0A3-791F24C8976A.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="414" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYW_Bsrp4xA__X3A6UHAJNGKzwBuRfdBJmEPbZTYWMYfJI9Rmp4B2HqnhvRVzUoeURzemd8GibjyUi7f_b91Kw6n0ySkgTrbIX0WeCC1GjrQ72dIF2sq5naGfSCwQKzIML9BHS8o85COA/w400-h266/6485E4B5-D250-4743-B0A3-791F24C8976A.png" width="400" /></a></div> <p><br /></p> <p>Abuja-based activist, Deji Adeyanju, has hinted that billionaire businessman, Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly called Obi Cubana, may be placed on watch list whenever he travels abroad.</p> <p>Adeyanju disclosed that Obi Cubana would be watched as a “person of interest” whenever he travels abroad.</p> <p>The convener of Concerned Nigerian explained that the businessman made himself susceptible to such routine due to the lavish burial of his mother in Oba, Anambra State, last weekend.</p> <p>The talk of the town burial saw allies of the hospitality and nightlife king spraying money lavishly.</p> <a name='more' id="more"></a> <p>Their action led to insinuations that the billionaire businessman and his friends made their money through rituals.</p> <p>However, Obi Cubana dismissed such insinuations, stressing that his friends are hard working businessmen.</p> <p>However, Adeyanju in a series of tweets, wrote: “If Obi Cubana had acted responsibly last week, he wouldn’t need all these explanations now. Every time he’s traveling abroad, he will be watched as a “Person of Interest”. The financial and security world exchange intel. He didn’t need to draw so much attention to himself.</p> <p>“You know someone that truly loves God when they have money and everything in life but still depend on God for everything. Anyone in need can rely on God. Some people, small money and comfort; they are atheist already. But guy, I used to know you as a believer when you were broke.”</p>

Latest-News Why Obi Cubana will be placed on watchlist when travelling abroad – Adeyanju

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Transfer: Man City target Cristiano Ronaldo

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6nTwu92sQd0UGVN9yzdUYkQBD6wjHtENTwJzmN4PXMWsJ__VG60ap1OUXoaDVoZUUknh6B3a5q6C3Ey-NgDjl8MVkbzwWVVPh65dJiRKH8GBK_wHotVe-c3GKKfgPDp_Ae5YAMFDV57A/s414/A659E42A-7983-49CF-8D3E-8BB4C4E96460.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="232" data-original-width="414" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6nTwu92sQd0UGVN9yzdUYkQBD6wjHtENTwJzmN4PXMWsJ__VG60ap1OUXoaDVoZUUknh6B3a5q6C3Ey-NgDjl8MVkbzwWVVPh65dJiRKH8GBK_wHotVe-c3GKKfgPDp_Ae5YAMFDV57A/w400-h224/A659E42A-7983-49CF-8D3E-8BB4C4E96460.png" width="400" /></a></div> <p><br /></p> <p>Juventus forward, Cristiano Ronaldo, has emerged as a surprise target for Manchester City, according to the UK Mirror.</p> <p>Ronaldo has one year left on his current contract with the Italian giants. But he is being linked with a move away this summer, after they failed to defend their league title.</p> <p>Manchester United were also linked with the Portugal captain, but are about to confirm the £73million signing of Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund.</p> <p>Manchester City could afford Ronaldo, and in the past, Pep Guardiola has spoken positively about the idea of having a player like the five-time Ballon d’Or winner in his squad.</p> <a name='more' id="more"></a> <p>“We don’t have a single player who can win a game, we don’t have a Cristiano, a (Lionel) Messi, a Neymar.</p> <p>“We don’t have these types of players who can win games by themselves. I told the players many times, you have to play as a team.</p> <p>“I will be honest. I’d like to have a player to score, every single game, four goals and run like these players can run. I would love it,” he said.</p>

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VIDEO: Why s3x before marriage is not a sin, Nigerian pastor reveals

<p> </p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigpc1_ykBi5m9afTyWeZBC074dkh2AyGMH8Kr3-ClgpBuQZcTBM6RkLIKNzZA1-wTKciZZGmIGmPXAOkb-8bnPKkAb1mH2EPj9uki1-gH2JaQz-OB3FJmutXURQcBN7q1CUGQeKFGyKX4/s414/5AD9B008-1FC5-40B1-9A9F-30B93C234DFF.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="232" data-original-width="414" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigpc1_ykBi5m9afTyWeZBC074dkh2AyGMH8Kr3-ClgpBuQZcTBM6RkLIKNzZA1-wTKciZZGmIGmPXAOkb-8bnPKkAb1mH2EPj9uki1-gH2JaQz-OB3FJmutXURQcBN7q1CUGQeKFGyKX4/w400-h224/5AD9B008-1FC5-40B1-9A9F-30B93C234DFF.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> <p><br /></p> <p>The founder of End-Time Revival Evangelical Ministry, Pastor Olakunle Beloved Jesukale, has faulted those saying s3x before marriage is a sin.</p> <p>Pastor Jesukale disclosed that s3x before marriage is no longer a sin.</p> <p>In a video circulating online, Jesukale said those who said s3x before marriage was a sin do not believe in the finished works of God.</p> <p>He insisted that Jesus Christ destroyed sin; hence he does not believe it exists.</p> <a name='more' id="more"></a> <p>The clergyman stressed that he believes in extreme grace.</p> <p>He said: “S3x, whether it is before marriage, after marriage or during marriage is no longer a sin.</p> <p>“S3x, whether it is done before, after or within the marriage, is no longer a sin.</p> <p>“Any preacher that says it is a sin is an enemy of the finished work, and it is not real.</p> <p>“If you are just holding yourself, saying that it is when you get married that you want to have s3x, you are just discomforting yourself for nothing.</p> <p>“It has nothing to do with righteousness or purity because Jesus has already renewed our mind to the understanding of what Jesus has done.</p> <p>“This sin has been destroyed.</p> <p>“This sin that people call sin is no longer a sin because of what Jesus has done on the cross.</p> <p>“Sin has died and so there is no sin anymore because before God, Jesus has become that lamb of God that taketh the sins of the world completely so that people can live a life of liberty and peace.</p> <p>“That is whenever you have s3x with someone, you enter into a covenant binding you are that person.</p> <p>“So because of that religious mentality in those days, they felt that since it is a covenant, you must definitely have it with somebody you have a covenant with.</p> <p>“If you are just holding yourself, saying that it is when you get married you want to have s3x, you are just holding yourself for nothing.</p> <p>“It has nothing to do with holiness, righteousness or purity because Jesus already nullified sin on the cross.</p> <p>“He already removed it once and for all and that is his truth about grace.”</p> <p>Watch video below:</p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/t5V9LBr4ZlU" width="320" youtube-src-id="t5V9LBr4ZlU"></iframe></div> <br /> <p><br /></p>

Latest-News VIDEO: Why s3x before marriage is not a sin, Nigerian pastor reveals

  The founder of End-Time Revival Evangelical Ministry, Pastor Olakunle Beloved Jesukale, has faulted those saying s3x before marriage is...

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EPL: Timo Werner ready to dump Chelsea if new striker comes

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCgbU1cXv-pOQJzGSUHJKIzTJpuvaO-KMF4AXWy0n71pN22yEmVBxp7bNTiRkNZf0I8MnpWbaUFnxZlBZIauUHIG4DaHh3xEd1zYtbyEz8_rpsegrEmkClyyqPZnjAd_IyUfYLVN3thxw/s414/85148C7E-0CA4-45AA-AB70-C15EE344F247.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="276" data-original-width="414" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCgbU1cXv-pOQJzGSUHJKIzTJpuvaO-KMF4AXWy0n71pN22yEmVBxp7bNTiRkNZf0I8MnpWbaUFnxZlBZIauUHIG4DaHh3xEd1zYtbyEz8_rpsegrEmkClyyqPZnjAd_IyUfYLVN3thxw/w400-h266/85148C7E-0CA4-45AA-AB70-C15EE344F247.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> <p><br /></p> <p>Chelsea striker, Timo Werner, is looking to quit the club after only one season at Stamford Bridge, 90min reports.</p> <p>Werner joined from RB Leipzig last summer for £53m, but finished his debut Premier League campaign with just six goals.</p> <p>Despite playing a key role as the Blues lift the Champions League trophy in May, the 25-year-old would be happy to move on if Chelsea bring in another striker this summer.</p> <p>This summer could see the Blues revamp their striker options before their first full season under head coach Thomas Tuchel.</p> <a name='more' id="more"></a> <p>Olivier Giroud has already left to join AC Milan for £1m, while Tammy Abraham is not fancied by Tuchel.</p> <p>Abraham has virtually been exiled by the club since February, with the young forward linked with a move to Arsenal. He was also reportedly offered in a player-plus-cash offer in an opening bid for Dortmund star Haaland, along with Callum Hudson-Odoi.</p>

Latest-News EPL: Timo Werner ready to dump Chelsea if new striker comes

Chelsea striker, Timo Werner, is looking to quit the club after only one season at Stamford Bridge, 90min reports. Werner joined from RB ...

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BREAKING: Anxiety as Sunday Igboho’s extradition hearing holds today

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJAKfepmN1lUaa90kpvBzFcctol3Eq0ywBedVOB8Y467lGd_o5bQMuNYzzW4foW17hpo0D81lhWobhi8EylFbajZF51dHDYobiA7uNiL_MQMji6Z5adG5P9KWg-8zWSPOlfPpweI-GUWM/s640/57E4F1CA-1C24-48A0-8E33-954817CFBF1B.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJAKfepmN1lUaa90kpvBzFcctol3Eq0ywBedVOB8Y467lGd_o5bQMuNYzzW4foW17hpo0D81lhWobhi8EylFbajZF51dHDYobiA7uNiL_MQMji6Z5adG5P9KWg-8zWSPOlfPpweI-GUWM/w400-h225/57E4F1CA-1C24-48A0-8E33-954817CFBF1B.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> <p><br /></p> <p>Court hearing on the extradition of the Yoruba nation freedom fighter, Sunday Adeyemo also known as Sunday Igboho would hold on Thursday (today) in Benin Republic.</p> <p>This was disclosed on Thursday morning by the activist’s spokesperson, Olayomi Koiki during a live update.</p> <p>According to him, “The sitting will be held at 10am in the morning at the Benin Republic court.</p> <p>“The court will determine the fate of the extradition and we’ll also have the opportunity to present our case especially on the personality of Igboho.</p> <a name='more' id="more"></a> <p>“We know the magnitude of what the Nigerian government is trying to do if they try to get hold of Igboho but they will fail, by God’s grace.</p> <p>“Their intention was to capture him (Igboho), but God fought for him”.</p> <p>Recall that Sunday Igboho was arrested by the International Criminal Police Organisation in Cotonou, Benin Republic shortly after the Federal Government raised alarm that the activist was making moves to fly out of the country.</p> <p>The Oduduwa Republic agitator was declared wanted by the Department of State Services, DSS after raiding his house in Ibadan the Oyo State capital over alleged activities threatening the cooperate existence of the country.</p> <p>He is currently at the custody of the operatives of Brigade criminelle in Cotonou.</p>

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Biafra: I will stand surety for Nnamdi Kanu again – Abaribe

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ooAdd4pYeFWO99FcCMteeaj22ZfN6ct4v21LZ0BKB41blm_q78CoH36g9MywkAbkGKVGtnJhOB17XvtfQK1DuciEk0n51tSPQ1zwYYLk0pvivPJUpsLX8OFZKNkUDqNKxc6A09Ut8JU/s414/FD384A0E-DD00-469F-8594-72DD28BBD10D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="414" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ooAdd4pYeFWO99FcCMteeaj22ZfN6ct4v21LZ0BKB41blm_q78CoH36g9MywkAbkGKVGtnJhOB17XvtfQK1DuciEk0n51tSPQ1zwYYLk0pvivPJUpsLX8OFZKNkUDqNKxc6A09Ut8JU/w400-h300/FD384A0E-DD00-469F-8594-72DD28BBD10D.png" width="400" /></a></div> <p><br /></p> <p>Senate Minority Leader, Enyinaya Abaribe, has insisted he would stand surety again for the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, given the same circumstances.</p> <p>Abaribe stated this on Wednesday during an interview on TVC’s Journalists Hangout.</p> <p>The lawmaker explained that he stood surety for Kanu, because it was a condition imposed by the court.</p> <p>According to Abaribe, the court ordered that one of the sureties must be a Senator, and as the Chairman of the Southeast Senators Caucus then, he had to offer himself.</p> <a name='more' id="more"></a> <p>When asked whether Senator Ike Ekweremadu, who is now the Chairman of Southeast Caucus, would agree to stand as sure for Kanu should the need arise, Abaribe said he would not know.</p> <p>Abaribe said: “There is a difference between jumping bail and escaping for your life. I went back to court and deposed that on the basis of the principle of ‘last seen’, that the last people seen with him were soldiers of the Nigerian army who were invading his father’s residence.</p> <p>“The judge ultimately ruled that she was revoking bail and issued a warrant of arrest, thereby removing us from the responsibility of providing him.”</p> <p>Abaribe was then asked if he would be willing to stand surety for Kanu again, if the IPOB leader was offered bail.</p> <p>He replied: “If the circumstances are the same, then why not?</p> <p>“The first time, the judge said they needed a Senator to be part of his sureties. So if a judge says that again that they need a Senator, I don’t see why I won’t. I am a Senator and I come from the South East.</p> <p>“We can’t run away from our responsibility. He’s our son. He’s from our state (Abia).”</p>

Latest-News Biafra: I will stand surety for Nnamdi Kanu again – Abaribe

Senate Minority Leader, Enyinaya Abaribe, has insisted he would stand surety again for the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Bia...

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Sunday Igboho won’t be safe in Nigeria, don’t extradite him – Joe Odumakin begs Benin

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5MdGXZycuRy3aIhCUYCrmt-T0DKxs-XZXZtkxnEACUZFs5qCSX1HmF0mcGfJP-yYwyO8IZHGekj1mp0FHMhd9vbcOGnZd5c_we0RnrXRn5jpFNkug1MyrHnlPKr2a0wQE8_SIBi9dNjE/s2048/E4E1A977-F3F6-4BDA-B2A6-0F61E42D3670.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5MdGXZycuRy3aIhCUYCrmt-T0DKxs-XZXZtkxnEACUZFs5qCSX1HmF0mcGfJP-yYwyO8IZHGekj1mp0FHMhd9vbcOGnZd5c_we0RnrXRn5jpFNkug1MyrHnlPKr2a0wQE8_SIBi9dNjE/w400-h300/E4E1A977-F3F6-4BDA-B2A6-0F61E42D3670.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> <p><br /></p> <p>Joe Okei-Odumakin, President, Women Arise and Centre for Change, has appealed to Benin Republic not to extradite Sunday Igboho to Nigeria.</p> <p>“Igboho will come to grief if he is extradited to Nigeria under the prevailing circumstances,” she said in a statement on Wednesday.</p> <p>It was reported that the process of repatriation started immediately after Igboho was detained.</p> <p>The secessionist, arrested on Monday, is being held by the authorities of Benin at an undisclosed location.</p> <a name='more' id="more"></a> <p>Okei-Odumakin expressed anger about the claim by some people that Igboho was no longer in the neighboring country.</p> <p>She lamented that the speculation, confirmed to be false, is injurious to the separatist’s ongoing request for asylum.</p> <p>The activist told those peddling the rumour to desist, adding that such is “an ill-wind that blows no one any good.”</p> <p>Okei-Odumakin urged the Beninoise government “to speedily process and grant Igboho’s asylum application.”</p> <p>She accused the President Muhammadu Buhari administration of treating Boko Haram, herdsmen and bandits ravaging Northern Nigeria with leniency.</p> <p>Okei-Odumakin said the way officials “romance” outlaws while victimising and oppressing others “leave a sour taste in the mouth”.</p> <p>The fiery advocate concluded that with the way and manner Nnamdi Kanu was whisked into Nigeria in circumstances yet to be fully explained, fascism is creeping upon Nigerians.</p> <p>“Igboho cannot be assured safety or justice if extradited to Nigeria. He should be released from detention unconditionally and his safety and liberty guaranteed by the Republic of Benin authorities under extant international law.”</p> <p>Okei-Odumakin advised the federal government to stop chasing shadows and address the patent dangers posed to the nation by “the despicable elements it is treating with kid gloves”.</p>

Latest-News Sunday Igboho won’t be safe in Nigeria, don’t extradite him – Joe Odumakin begs Benin

Joe Okei-Odumakin, President, Women Arise and Centre for Change, has appealed to Benin Republic not to extradite Sunday Igboho to Nigeria....

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Enugu: Police confirm deadly attack on checkpoint, many officers killed

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCKSGfj14lMgzkg7VRaWwyV51QZLanoh3LIkhcOHZdG5sQDRpsLdRs8X2h7BcxavXJK9GIlR2Ok3GZXcAGN_2IIvC_S5Eaj89hN4S1jI3LBecdr551WscQUJ8p_fa8NuAh-mBvlcOevZ4/s414/0D820EC5-FFB8-4CDB-9E81-F296F04D4A8F.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="217" data-original-width="414" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCKSGfj14lMgzkg7VRaWwyV51QZLanoh3LIkhcOHZdG5sQDRpsLdRs8X2h7BcxavXJK9GIlR2Ok3GZXcAGN_2IIvC_S5Eaj89hN4S1jI3LBecdr551WscQUJ8p_fa8NuAh-mBvlcOevZ4/w400-h210/0D820EC5-FFB8-4CDB-9E81-F296F04D4A8F.png" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <p>The Police in Enugu State have confirmed the deadly attack on its officers at a checkpoint in Obeagu-Amechi Community in Enugu South Local Government Area.</p> <p>It was gathered that the community is one of the outskirts in the Enugu metropolitan area.</p> <p>Bodies of at least four policemen were seen after the attack, with some passersby, including a pastor also said to have fallen victim of the deadly incident.</p> <p>It is unclear the number of casualties on the side of the unknown gunmen behind the incident.</p> <a name='more' id="more"></a> <p>A police patrol van was set ablaze by the gunmen during the attack.</p> <p>Spokesman of the Police in the State, ASP Daniel Ndukwe, who confirmed the incident, said “Information surrounding the shooting incidents in the evening hours of today, 21/07/2021, where Police Operatives were allegedly attacked by yet-to-be-identified gunmen at checkpoints in Obeagu-Amechi in Enugu South LGA and Amagunze in Nkanu East LGA are still sketchy.”</p> <p>He said that preliminary investigations have commenced assuring that further development will be communicated.</p> <p>Sources hinted that the attack which started at about 5:30 pm on Wednesday at a busy spot at Mmiri Ocha Amodu lasted till 7pm.</p> <p>A source said he identified four policemen, one pastor and a neighborhood watch officer among the dead who were taken to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku – Ozalla mortuary.</p> <p>According to the source, “the gun battle was so fierce, it happened along Obeagu – Amechi Road to Agbani Nkanu a few kilometers from Enugu State capital.</p> <p>“There was confusion and tension while it lasted, people were running in different directions. I think the policemen were totally caught unawares,” he said.</p> <p>Another source disclosed that an ambush was laid for the fleeling gunmen by operatives of Amagunze police division, adding that some of them were killed.</p>

Latest-News Enugu: Police confirm deadly attack on checkpoint, many officers killed

The Police in Enugu State have confirmed the deadly attack on its officers at a checkpoint in Obeagu-Amechi Community in Enugu South Local...

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Again, Benin Republic rejects Igboho’s hasty extradition to Nigeria

<p> </p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFX-XXpFXsuTZVl3TDm0qp-Vck5JMtMR4PWGmB6iISFFNOeeNPxdiD1VIKDZq66uD81n-H80FKKLe_muKxDVhsDEyGal-oMKR6ozPOOe3W5GeimratzX9n2I9nVYAy0QxnaCA05hfDMxhs/s750/Sunday-Igboho-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="518" data-original-width="750" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFX-XXpFXsuTZVl3TDm0qp-Vck5JMtMR4PWGmB6iISFFNOeeNPxdiD1VIKDZq66uD81n-H80FKKLe_muKxDVhsDEyGal-oMKR6ozPOOe3W5GeimratzX9n2I9nVYAy0QxnaCA05hfDMxhs/w478-h330/Sunday-Igboho-1.jpg" width="478" /></a></div> <br /> <p><br /></p> <p>The Republic of Benin has resisted Nigeria’s attempts to hastily extradite the Yoruba nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, also known as Sunday Igboho, to the headquarters of the Department of State Services in Abuja.</p> <a name='more' id="more"></a> <p>It was gathered that the Federal Government planned to extradite the activist on Wednesday (yesterday), but Benin Republic insisted that it would not be part of any process that was against due process.</p> <p>A security source in the West African country revealed “The Nigerian government planned to extradite him on Wednesday,  but our government said the rule of law must be followed as the world is watching us.”</p> <p>One of the lawyers of Igboho, Pelumi Olajengbesi, in an interview with one of our correspondents, said Benin Republic had shown itself to be a country that respects the rule of law and due process.</p> <p>The lawyer said Igboho’s legal team in Benin Republic were in talks with the Beninise government.</p> <p><b>Benin insists on repatriation hearing to determine whether Igboho is guilty or not –Lawyer</b></p> <p>He noted that despite pressure from the Nigerian government, the government of Benin had insisted on following due process including a repatriation hearing to determine whether or not Igboho was guilty as accused by the Nigerian secret police.</p> <p>It can be recalled that the DSS on February 26, 2021, attempted to arrest Igboho along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway when the activist and his supporters were on their way to meet with the 93-year-old Afenifere chieftain, Ayo Adebanjo, but pandemonium broke out and the DSS was unable to arrest him.</p> <p>However, the secret police raided Igboho’s residence in the Soka area of Ibadan on July 1, 2021, arrested at least 12 of his associates and killed two others during the bloody raid.</p> <p>Igboho escaped the raid and the secret police subsequently declared him wanted for allegedly stockpiling arms to destabilise Nigeria under the pretext of the Yoruba nation agitation, but Igboho denied the allegation.</p> <p>The activist, who went underground, was, however, apprehended by Interpol at the Cadjèhoun Airport in Cotonou, Benin Republic on Monday night.</p> <p>Igboho and his wife, Ropo, were arrested while trying to catch a flight to Germany.</p> <p>It can be recalled that the government beefed up security at Iwajowa, Saki West and Ibarapa local government areas of Oyo State which were adjoining areas to  Benin Republic.</p> <p>According to the report, the Nigerian government foresaw the possibility of Igboho flying to Europe through Benin Republic and planted a landmine for him in the country through its Ambassador to Benin Republic, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.).</p> <p>It was also reported that Buratai, the immediate past Chief of Army Staff, had also been pushing for the extradition of Igboho to Abuja but Igboho’s lead counsel, Yomi Aliyyu (SAN), noted that his client could not be extradited because the 1984 Extradition Treaty between Nigeria, Benin and two others excluded political refugees like Igboho and his wife.</p> <p>A member of Igboho’s legal team, Olajengbesi revealed that Igboho and his wife, a German citizen, were still in police custody in Cotonou and his lawyers were meeting with the government to argue their case.</p> <p>He said, “The disposition of Benin Republic is that it is a country that respects the rule of law. We are making efforts that he is not repatriated wrongly to Nigeria. We are ensuring that everything is done in accordance with the law and we are very hopeful that we would succeed because we expect that there should be a repatriation hearing before they can extradite him if at all they would do that.”</p> <p>A source familiar with the matter,  who spoke on condition of anonymity, also said, “The Nigerian government has made attempts to get him (Igboho) but Benin Republic didn’t release him. The Nigerian government has asked him but the Beninise government has not released him because the latter has not even identified him as a Nigerian. The only instrument they can use to identify him as a Nigerian is the passport but that is not what was found with him.</p> <p>“The Nigerian government is still quiet two days after the arrest because it does not have control over the situation. There is a procedure that the law establishes including a repatriation hearing to determine whether the person in question has committed the offence and why he or she should be repatriated or not.”</p> <p><b>I told Igboho to stay away day Benin police searched my house – Associate</b></p> <p>Meanwhile, a long-time associate of Igboho has narrated how he told the activist to stop visiting his residence in Cotonou, Benin Republic, the day policemen came to survey his house.</p> <p>The activist’s associate, who spoke on condition of anonymity, because of the nature of the matter, said before Igboho’s ordeal with the Nigerian government began in January 2021, the activist usually lodged in his house each time he came to Benin Republic.</p> <p>However, the source said he told the activist not to visit his place when the police in Benin Republic came to survey his house earlier in the year.</p> <p>Recall that presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, had said in January that the then Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, had ordered the arrest of Igboho, who rose to prominence when he issued and enforced an ultimatum to ‘killer herders’ in the Ibarapa area of Oyo State.</p> <p>The source said everything happened so fast and the Nigerian government had been on the lookout for Igboho long ago. He also said the Nigerian government had written the government of Benin Republic to hunt Igboho.</p> <p>The source said, “Before now, whenever Sunday wanted to come to Benin Republic, I was always aware.  He would call me on the phone that he was coming. But since policemen came to my house to check my house, I told Sunday that ‘please you can’t stay here any longer’. May be because of that Sunday didn’t inform me.</p> <p>“On Monday, I heard Sunday was at the airport. I tried to call him that he was not supposed to be at the airport because Nigeria already wrote a letter to Interpol.</p> <p>“Immediately, I tried to call someone at the airport to tell him to leave the place, five minutes later, I was notified by my sources in the criminal police that they arrested one Nigerian. I asked what the name was and my source told me; Sunday Adeyemo. I shouted. I asked why they did that and they said it was an order from above.”</p> <p><b>Igboho’s lawyers in Benin write German govt, seek Berlin’s help in stopping extradition</b></p> <p>Meanwhile, the Beninese lawyers representing  Igboho have sought the intervention of the German government to halt the planned extradition of the Yoruba nation activist.</p> <p>This, it was gathered, was meant to put diplomatic pressure on Cotonou and foil the moves by the Federal Government to influence the Beninese government.</p> <p>A member of Igboho’s legal team, Olajengbesi, disclosed this to newsmen on Wednesday.</p> <p>He said Yoruba activist’s lawyers in Nigeria would also dispatch a similar letter to the German Embassy in Abuja on Thursday (today).</p> <p>He stated, “We have written to the German government to intervene and stop the illegal extradition of Igboho and we are expecting a due response from the German government. The wife is German and that made it convenient for us.</p> <p>“The lawyers in Benin have formally written to the German government and so we expect them to intervene. We (Igboho’s lawyers in Nigeria) have not written to the German embassy in Nigeria because it is a public holiday but by tomorrow (today), steps will be taken in that regard.”</p> <p>Olajengbesi said the Beninese government would not succumb to pressure from the Federal Government to extradite Igboho to Nigeria, noting that “Benin Republic has a certain level of decency in terms of respect for the rule of law which is encouraging.”</p> <p>He attributed the reported maltreatment of Igboho by security agencies in Benin to letters allegedly written by Buratai, who asked the government to arrest Igboho whom he accused of being a hardened criminal.</p> <p>The lawyer added, “The government is treating Igboho like a criminal because of the letters written by retired Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai to the government in Benin describing Igboho as a hardcore criminal.</p> <p>“We have communicated to the government in Benin that he is not a criminal but an advocate for justice in Nigeria and so, he must be given such due.”</p>

Latest-News Again, Benin Republic rejects Igboho’s hasty extradition to Nigeria

  The Republic of Benin has resisted Nigeria’s attempts to hastily extradite the Yoruba nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, also known as S...

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Gold prices buoyed as US interest rate rhetoric is dialled down

Latest-News Gold prices buoyed as US interest rate rhetoric is dialled down

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Wanted motorcycle thief caught inside supermarket in Ilorin

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOEQLVpvYJMd7CQISVWD7_R-hRypC3B3Qv5VytyN-uNwyFgEW-HtiJMDcTfDVTgWEKubT6JzuH_JMk5AG11elDbDEBzvqbHg0MyC6eH5_Ali4G590fJN22o7vPt2NdvIcYgjW4JfxJG1o/s414/FA5F5265-627C-445F-AD32-AC01B977FB2D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="232" data-original-width="414" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOEQLVpvYJMd7CQISVWD7_R-hRypC3B3Qv5VytyN-uNwyFgEW-HtiJMDcTfDVTgWEKubT6JzuH_JMk5AG11elDbDEBzvqbHg0MyC6eH5_Ali4G590fJN22o7vPt2NdvIcYgjW4JfxJG1o/w400-h224/FA5F5265-627C-445F-AD32-AC01B977FB2D.png" width="400" /></a></div> <p><br /></p> <p>Saliu Raofeek who was declared wanted over alleged theft of a motorcycle was arrested on Tuesday in a popular supermarket in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.</p> <p>The Kwara State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, had declared Raofeek wanted for the alleged offence since May 2021.</p> <p>Spokesman of the defence corps, Babawale Zaid Afolabi, disclosed this in a statement in Ilorin on Wednesday.</p> <p>He recalled that the middle-aged suspect was accused of stealing a motorcycle sometime in May 2021, but evaded arrest and disappeared into the thin air with the alleged stolen motorcycle.</p> <a name='more' id="more"></a> <p>“All efforts to apprehend him since then proved abortive until he was picked up at a supermarket along Taiwo road in Ilorin on Tuesday.</p> <p>”Around 11.13 hours, on Tuesday, two operatives from Akerebiata Division of the civil defence corps who were on surveillance around Taiwo road in Ilorin sighted a suspect who had been on the wanted list for a while.</p> <p>“The suspect was accused of stealing a motorcycle and had since been on the run,” he stated.</p> <p>According to Afolabi, the suspect is in custody at the corps command headquarters in Ilorin.</p> <p>He would be charged to court after the completion of investigations.</p>

Latest-News Wanted motorcycle thief caught inside supermarket in Ilorin

Saliu Raofeek who was declared wanted over alleged theft of a motorcycle was arrested on Tuesday in a popular supermarket in Ilorin, the K...

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