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  • UPDATED: Witness’ absence stalls Akala’s N11.5b fraud trial

    The trial of the former governor of Oyo State, Otunba Christopher Alao-Akala, and two others for alleged fraud was on Wednesday, adjourned to May 2, 2019 due to absence of the prosecution witness who was to give evidence in support of the 11-count charge preferred against the accused by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Justice Olalekan Owolabi of the Oyo State High Court, sitting in Iyaganku, Ibadan, granted the EFCC’s request after its counsel, Dr. Ben Ubi, told the court that the second witness, Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa, who is also the current head operations in the commission’s Port Harcourt zonal office, was unable to make it to the court.

    The former governor is standing trial alongside the commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters during his tenure, Hosea Agboola and an Ibadan-based businessman, Femi Babalola.

    The charge against them borders on conspiracy, awarding a contract without budgetary provision, obtaining by false pretence, acquiring property with money derived from an illegal act and concealing the ownership of such property, among others.

    Among the offences, according to the information on the court papers, was a road contract worth N8.5bn, which Alao-Akala awarded between 2007 and 2009 to Pentagon Engineering Services, Babalola’s company, allegedly without budgetary provision.

    The said contract was executed on behalf of the 33 local governments in the state.

    Also in the charge is the allegation the former governor ordered the supply of drilling machines on behalf of the 33 local governments in the state to the tune of N3.5bn.

    Apart from the allegation of conspiring with Agboola to withdraw N2.9bn from the Oyo State Local Government Joint Account, the anti-graft agency is equally prosecuting the former governor for allegedly illegally acquiring some property on Old Bodija road, off Rotimi Williams road, when he was in office.

    The offences were said to contravene Section 22 (4) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act and Section 1 (18) of the Advanced Fee Fraud Act.

    The case was originally filed in 2011 and has witnessed series of adjournments due to the volume of evidences and witnesses prepared to reinforce the prosecution’s argument.

    Though, the court was to continue with the trial on Wednesday that could not happen since the witness billed for cross-examination was not present.

    Dr. Ubi told the court that the witness was unable to attend the proceeding because he was involved in election duties.

    “My lord the reason our witness is not in court today is because he is involved in the election processes in Rivers State,” he said, praying the court for another date.

    Counsel to the first and third defendants, Hakeem Afolabi (SAN), and his counterpart holding the brief of the second defendant, Richard Ogunwole (SAN), did not oppose the prayer.

    The presiding judge then adjourned the matter to May 2, 2019 for continuation of trial as he ordered the prosecution to make its witnesses available at the next date.

  • Troops neutralise scores of insurgents in Borno, Yobe

    The Nigerian Army said on Wednesday that scores of Boko Haram terrorists have been neutralized between Borno and Yobe axis when they attempted to overrun a military base.

    The Deputy Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Ado Isa said following the feat the Chief of Army staff; Lt Gen Tukur Buratai sent words of encouragement to the troops for their gallantry.

    Colonel Isa explained in a statement that some of the fleeing terrorists escaped with gunshot wounds, while their gun trucks and weapons were destroyed.

    He said: “The dogged troops of 152 Battalion successfully crushed some members of the Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) when they attempted to infiltrate their location Wednesday, 11 March 2019 at about 1900hrs around Bula – Yobe, Banki axis in Borno State.

    “The Terrorists in their futile attempt came in with several Gun Trucks mounted with Anti-Aircraft Guns and Motorcycles.

    “The troops engaged the terrorists with superior fire power and inflicted heavy casualty on the BHTs and their equipment.

    “The fierce gun battle set confusion and disorganisation in the terrorists’ camp, withdrawing in disarray while the troops gave them a hot pursuit.

    “In that process, unconfirmed numbers of terrorists were neutralized while several others fled with gunshot wounds.

    “A Gun Truck mounted with Anti-Aircraft Gun and several Motorcycles belonging to the BHTs were destroyed while one Gun truck mounted with Anti -Aircraft Gun and Mortar Carrier were captured from the terrorists.

    “The Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Benson Akinroluyo through the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 1, Operation Lafiya Dole, Brigadier General Abdulmalik Bulama Biu extolled their effort and sacrifice and also conveyed the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai’s special commendation for their dogged fighting spirit and brilliance. He urged them to maintain the aggressive posture and sustain the offensive.”

  • Updated: Senate resolves to debate conduct of 2019 elections

    The Senate on Wednesday resolved to debate the conduct of the controversial 2019 general elections.

    The resolution followed a Point of Order (Order 42) by Senator Dino Melaye, which gives Senators the privilege to raise issues for consideration as they deem necessary.

    Melaye prayed the Upper Chamber to debate the way and manner the 2019 general elections were conducted across the country with a view to identifying shortcomings.

    The Kogi West Senator said the conduct of the elections were below expectation and should be debated with a view to making provisions that would aid the correction of observed anomalies.

    For him, the debate will afford Senators the opportunity to tell their stories about how the elections were conducted in the constituencies.

    He said the debate would also place the Senate in a better position to advise the President appropriately as well as to urge him to sign the amended Electoral Act for smoother elections in future.

    Melaye concluded the debate would assist the country to prepare a seamless election process in future.

    He sought to bring a substantive motion on the issue on the next legislative day.

    The proposed motion appeared not to have gone down well with some Senators especially those of the All Progressives Congress (APC) extraction.

    Senate President, Bukola Saraki, sought the leave of the Senate to allow Melaye to present his motion on the next legislative day.

    A Senator on the floor was over heard shouting that the voice vote should be declared inconclusive by Saraki.

    Those opposed to the motion appeared to be louder in their shout of “nay”

    Saraki ruled that what was needed to allow the motion was 1/5 of the leave of the Senate.

    Senate Leader, Ahmed Lawan, took the floor to remind Saraki that his ruling on whether to allow the motion or not was not clear.

    Lawan said, “A non- partisan motion was on the floor. We didn’t hear your ruling. What was your ruling on the motion? We did not hear your ruling.”

    Saraki reiterated what was needed to approve the motion to be debated was 1/5 of the leave of the Senate.

    He said that 1/5 leave of the Senate was secured.

    “My ruling is that the motion will be listed on the Order Paper for the next legislative day.

    Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Bala Ibn Na’ Alla made a futile attempt to shoot down the motion by informing his colleagues that there was no motion on the floor in the first place.

    Na’Alla said Melaye introduced himself as Senator-elect instead of introducing himself as a Senator.

    Saraki reminded him that Melaye first introduced himself as a Senator representing Kogi West before adding that he is also a Senator-elect.

    Senator Jibrin Barau (APC Kano North) raised another Point of Order and attempted to call for division of the House to determine the position of Senators on the motion.

    Saraki cut him short.

    The Senate President insisted that what was required to allow the motion was 1/5 leave of the Senate.

    The Senate President further assured that the motion would first be screened at the leadership level before presentation and debate in the chamber.

    He noted specifically that the motion would be considered as a Pan Nigerian motion by ensuring that the debate is not partisan.

    Saraki also assured that issues in court will not be allowed as part of the motion.

  • NAF conducts surveillance in Kaduna/Abuja highway

    The Nigerian Air Force ( NAF ) on Wednesday said it has intensified its aerial surveillance and patrol on flashpoints within Kaduna and Abuja highway to frustrate the activities of kidnappers and armed robbers.

    Its spokesman, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola said in a statement that the patrol was a follow up to the exercise “Show of Force” conducted by the NAF in February to send warnings to the criminals that the military is ready for them.

    Air Commodore Daramola said :”In continuation of efforts to enhance security in Kaduna State and its environs, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), working with other security agencies, has intensified aerial surveillance over identified hotspots and flashpoints in the State while sustaining its air patrol along the Abuja-Kaduna Highway.

    “Some of the areas covered in the surveillance missions include Gonin Gora, Kajuru, Kujama, Kasuwar Maganin and surrounding settlements.

    “The air patrols, on the other hand, are focused on portions of Abuja-Kaduna Highway, which had hitherto been susceptible to the activities of armed robbers and kidnappers.

    “It may be recalled that the NAF conducted a “Show of Force” Exercise in Katari village, one of the identified criminal hotspots along the Abuja-Kaduna Highway, on 9 February 2019.

    ” The exercise, which combined aerial and ground operations by NAF Special Forces (SF) and Regiment personnel, sent a stern warning signal to criminal elements, that the NAF and other security agencies are ready to engage them both from the air and on ground to frustrate their nefarious activities.

    “The NAF will sustain its aerial surveillance, coupled with armed vehicular patrols, along the Highway, Rail Line and other areas in the State to ensure security of citizens as well as safe travels for law-abiding commuters.”

  • MASSOB commences Biafran varsity in Anambra

    Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) said it has commenced the construction of a Biafran university in Anambra state.

    Chief Ralph Uwazuruike-led group, otherwise called Biafran Independent Movement (BIM), said the university known as Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Standard University, is located at Anaku, Ayamelum local government area of the state.

    Anambra North Zonal Leader of the group, Damian Nzekwe, who made the disclosure in Onitsha during the celebration of his one year in office, said the institution has over 200 plots of land at the site.

    He said the group’s decision to build a university was targeted at boosting education in Biafra land.

    According to him: “We conceived to build this university some years back when our Leader, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike advised us on the need to bequeath Biafrans a legacy for posterity.

    “The edifice, when completed, will boost education in the land as our target is to have zero tolerance for illiteracy.

    “It may also interest you to know that this zone has embarked on construction of its secretariat and the building has gotten up to lintel level here in Anaku.

    “The secretariat is expected to be completed this year and we hope it will also be commissioned this year by our leader, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike.”

    Read Also; Nnamdi Kanu meets MASSOB leaders

    Appreciating the leadership of the body for finding him worthy to head the zone, Nzekwe promised to leave the zone better than he met it.

    “I commend members of the zone and people of the area for the massive support given to MASSOB-BIM and I want to say that without you people, we will not have gone this far,” he added.

    He urged Biafrans not to relent in their sacrifices to realise a Biafran state.

    Highlight of the celebration was a prayer session for the repose of souls of those who died in the struggle for a Biafran state.

  • EFCC arraigns suspected internet fraudster in Kwara

    Economic and Financial Crime Commission ( EFCC ) Wednesday arraigned one Ajayi Temitope Charles in a Kwara state High Court sitting in Ilorin, the state capital for alleged internet fraud.

    EFCC arraigned the suspect on a five count charge.

    The accused person, who pleaded not guilty to all the charges preferred against him, was allegedly caught with document in his possession with intent to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.

    In the first count against the accused person, who is also known as Teresa Simon, it was said that, on February 28, 2019 in Ilorin, he had in his possession document in his gmail account containing false
    pretence in his gmail account, with intent to defraud, and thereby committed an offence contrary to sections 6, and 8 (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other related offences.

    It was also said that the accused person in the second and third count had in his possession document titled, Hangout with Rodney Dean, and Hangout with Paul Thompson, respectively, adding that he printed out the document from his gmail account.

    Temitope Charles said in his statement that the male adult finder site on his system was meant to appear as woman to find friends and nothing more.

    The presiding judge, Justice M. Abdulgafar refused to grant the accused person bail, directing that he should be remanded in prison custody.

    He then adjourned the matter till March 21, 2019 for further hearing.

  • Photos/video: Ongoing rescue operations in Lagos school collapse

    Following the collapse of a three storey building at Ita-faji,  Lagos Island, where over 100 pupils were reportedly feared dead, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency have mobilised officials to the scene.

  • Court hears evidence on final forfeiture suit against Patience Jonathan April 12

    A Federal High Court Lagos, Wednesday, fixed April 12, to hear oral evidence in a suit by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), seeking final forfeiture of about 8.4 million dollars, and N7.4 billion linked to former first Lady, Patience Jonathan.

    Justice Mojisola Olatoregun had in a ruling delivered on Feb.28, on the motion for final forfeiture, held that there were conflicting affidavit evidences, which could be best resolved if respective parties were called upon to give oral evidence.

    The case was consequently, adjourned until March 13 (today) for oral evidences.

    On Wednesday, the case could not proceed as earlier scheduled , while April 12 has been fixed as return date

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the EFCC had secured an interim order for forfeiture of the sums on April 20, 2018, before Olatoregun, following a motion exparte.

    It joined as respondents: Patience Jonathan, Globus Integrated Services Ltd, Finchley Top Homes Ltd., Am-Pm Global Network Ltd, Pagmat Oil and Gas Ltd and Magel Resort Ltd and Esther Oba.

    NAN reports that on Oct. 29, 2018, EFCC counsel, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, had moved his motion for final forfeiture of the sums, urging that same be finally forfeited to the Federal Government.

    Meanwhile, defence counsel, Messrs Ifedayo Adedipe (SAN), Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), and Mr Ige Asemudara had respectively moved their processes in opposition to the motion for final forfeiture.

    On Jan. 15, the court had admitted electronic evidences presented by respondent counsel, which depicted video exhibits showing various business outfits of the third and sixth respondents

    The court had then adjourned for judgment.

    In a ruling on Feb.28, the judge had first dismissed an application by counsel to the respondents, seeking to set aside the interim forfeiture orders made on April 20, 2018.

    The court had held that it was satisfied that the requirement for the grant of the interim orders was met by the EFCC, adding that it was clear that at the time the interim order was made, there was no pending suit elsewhere.

    Meanwhile, giving its ratio on the motion for final forfeiture, the court held that it finds the affidavit evidences conflicting, adding that same can only be resolved, if the parties concerned were called upon to give oral evidences.

    The court had held :

    “The applicant relied on two grounds (1) That the court has the statutory power under section 17, to grant the reliefs sought and (2) That the monies are suspected to be proceeds of an unlawful activity or unlawful activities, diverted from the Federal Government of Nigeria,”

    The court had asked if having regards to the provisions of sections 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, as well as the available facts before the court, the applicant has made out a case for final forfeiture of the sums.

    The judge noted the various processes filed by parties to the suit which includes, affidavits, counter affidavits, further affidavits, reply affidavits written addresses, as well as exhibits .

    The court had then held :

    “I have examined the issues raised on both sides and i came to the conclusion after exhaustively going through the affidavits filed by parties, and i found the affidavits conflicting on material facts.

    “I believe in the circumstance, that the court cannot rely on its own opinion alone; the conflict must only be determined or resolved by the evidences of parties themselves, particularly as it relates to the source of the funds.

    “I believe parties should be heard and cross examined on this issue.

    “Parties are accordingly called upon to give oral testimonies in support of the case presented, ” The court had held.

  • Ethiopian Airlines: victims’ families to visit crash site

    Family members of the victims of the Ethiopian Airlines crash that killed 157 people were to visit the site of the accident on Wednesday, an official said.

    Asrat Begashaw, Head of Public Relations at Ethiopian Airlines, said embassy officials from various nations would
    accompany the families on the grim trip to the scene where human remains are still being gathered.

    “What we have collected so far is stored in freezers but there are plans to move them to hospitals. DNA work has not started yet,” Begashaw said.

    Meanwhile, officials have yet to decide where to send the retrieved black box for investigation into why the Boeing 737 MAX 8 went down on Sunday shortly after take-off for Nairobi.

    “There is no decision made yet on where to send it. What we can say is we don’t have the capability to probe it here in Ethiopia,’’ Begashaw said.

    Read Also: Investigators recover flight recorders of Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737-8 Max

    The crash, which was the second deadly accident involving that model of Boeing in several months, hit the U.S.
    manufacturer hard – with its share price dropping and much of the world grounding those aircraft or banning it from their skies.

    Boeing has said it is still safe to fly, and the U.S. remains one of few countries that has not temporarily banned the model from its airspace.

    U.S. officials arrived in Ethiopia on Tuesday to help with investigations into the crash, which killed 157 on board.

  • Update: 18 dead, 38 injured in Lagos school collapse

    A three storey building that occupies Ohen Nursery / Primary School Lagos Island collapsed in the early hours of Wednesday and some pupils and staff of the school were trapped in the rubbles.
    No fewer than 18 persons have been confirmed dead, while 38 injured.

    The school situated at Itafaji Street, near Adeniji Adele was said to have caved in around 10:20am on Wednesday.

    The cause of the collapse was yet to be ascertained but The Nation gathered emergency responders have moved to the scene and were evacuating trapped victims.