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Tag: Nigerian Newspapers

  • Facebook closes 23 pages with fake news, pro-govt propaganda

    Facebook has closed 23 Italian pages, including many supporting the country’s populist government parties for spreading fake news and breaking other social network rules.

    The action, coming amid renewed concerns that fake news could poison the campaign for the May 26 European Parliament elections, was taken in response to an investigation by Avaaz, a global campaigning group.

    “We have removed a number of fake and duplicate accounts that were violating our authenticity policies, as well as multiple pages for name change,” a Facebook spokesperson said in a Monday statement.

    “We also took action against some additional pages that repeatedly posted misinformation. We will take further action if we find additional violations,” the spokesperson said.

    The statement thanked Avaaz for flagging up its concerns and said Facebook was “focused on protecting the integrity of elections across the EU and around the world.’’

    In a separate statement, Avaaz said the pages that were closed down had a total of 2.46 million followers and used to spread false or divisive messages against migrants, vaccines and Jews.

    Read Also: It’s time to break up Facebook, says co-founder

    One of them shared a video of migrants smashing a police car, without warning viewers that it was a scene of a film. The video has attracted almost 10 million views, Avaaz said.

    Other groups changed their names surreptitiously to support the far-right League of deputy premier Matteo Salvini or its coalition ally, the anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S).

    One pro-M5S political page, for example, was originally called “Sexy Bombs”, and another one supporting Salvini first attracted followers with the name “The worst of Big Brother 2018”.

  • Workers protest against Ngige

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Monday took to the streets of Abuja to protest against the Minister of Labour, Senator Chris Ngige over the attack on its members by persons suspected to be hired thugs when they picketed the residence of the Minister.

    At a meeting of it’s Central Working Committee on Thursday, the Congress had decided to hold what it called a national day of protest against the Minister, whom they said was no longer fit to head the Ministry having invited thugs to attack them.

    Read Also: Photos: NLC protest against Ngige

    The Minister has since denied knowledge of the thugs, saying he never invited them.

    NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba said the protest has nothing to do with the NSITF board but to protest against the action of the Minister.

    Details shortly…

  • Lagos Speaker, Obasa mourns late Oba Hamzat

    The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Mudashiru Obasa has mourned the demise of Oba Olatunji Hamzat, father of the state Deputy Governor-elect, Dr Obafemi Hamzat.

    Obasa said in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Musbau Rasak, on Monday, that late Hamzat was committed to democracy and justice.

    According to him, the demise of Hamzat came at a time the state and the country at large are still benefiting immensely from his wealth of experience, wisdom and knowledge.

    “Who are we to query Almighty Allah? He alone has decided that this is the best time for Papa to leave us.

    “He was one of the founding fathers of Nigerian democracy, particularly the present democratic dispensation.

    “He was in the forefront of the struggle for the enthronement of democracy during the military era.

    “He lived a life totally dedicated to the development of democracy and democratic values in the country and he was committed to every cause of justice and the Rule of Law,” the speaker said.

    Obasa, who is also Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, said that the state took consolation in the fact that the late Hamzat not only lived a fulfilled life but also left behind offsprings, who were dedicated to continuing the struggle for democracy.

    “On behalf of my colleagues at the Lagos State House of Assembly, I console with the Lagos State Government, our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Hamzat family over this great loss.

    “May Allah grant him al-Janat fridaous,’’ he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Oba Hamzat was until his death on Sunday evening, the traditional ruler of Afowowa Kingdom in Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun.

    Read Also: Justice Forum leader Oba Hamzat dies at 86

    He was 86 years.

    He died, following a brief illness, 17 days to the inauguration of his son, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, as deputy governor of Lagos State.

    The late Hamzat was a member of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), the highest decision-making organ of the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a leader of the famous APC caucus, Justice Forum.

  • EU foreign ministers discuss Iran nuclear deal

    EU foreign ministers are set to discuss efforts to keep Iran in line with its nuclear commitments on Monday.

    This is coming on the heels of Tehran’s plans last week to partially withdraw from a 2015 deal with major powers.

    Iran accepted curbs aimed at preventing it from building a nuclear bomb, in return for relief from crippling economic sanctions.

    But Washington pulled out of the pact in 2018 and reimposed punitive measures, hollowing out Tehran’s benefits.

    European powers said they would “reject any ultimatums,” after Iranian President Hassan Rouhani last week gave them 60 days to ease the impact of sanctions imposed in the oil and banking sector in particular.

    They reiterated their commitment to the deal, while urging Iran to refrain from escalatory steps, in a joint statement by Britain, France and Germany- the three European countries behind the 2015 accord- and EU chief diplomat Federica Mogherini.

    The U.S. announced military reinforcements in the Middle East late last week.

    Tehran and Washington made clear at the weekend that neither side would back down to defuse the situation.

    Read Also: EU foreign ministers signal steadfast support for Iran nuclear deal

    EU diplomats acknowledge that their bloc has little room for manoeuvre.

    Iranian exports to the bloc plummeted in the first two months of 2019 compared to the same period in 2018, according to EU data.

    INSTEX, a tool for companies to do barter trade with Iran while avoiding U.S. sanctions, is struggling to get off the ground, diplomats say on condition of anonymity.

    Other items on the agenda include Libya, Venezuela and a meeting with ministers from six former Soviet states, marking 10 years of closer ties.

  • Troops rescue 54 Kidnapped victims in Borno

    No fewer than 54 kidnapped victims including women and children have been rescued by troops during clearance operations in Borno state, the Nigerian Army announced on Monday.

    According to its spokesman, Col. Sagir Musa, among those rescued were 29 women and 25 children.

    Col Musa said in a statement that troops destroyed two Boko Haram logistic vehicles during the operations.

    He said:”Troops of 22 Brigade, Operation LAFIYA DOLE in collaboration with local vigilantes have continued moving into the hinterland on clearance operation to destroy Boko Haram terrorists.

    “Consequently, on the 11th of May 2019, troops effectively cleared Ma’allasuwa and Yaga – Munye villages in Borno State. No encounter with Boko Haram terrorists was made as they run away before troops’ arrival leaving behind 54 suspected kidnapped victims.

    “Out of the number, 29 are grown up women and 25 are children of various ages and sex. They have all been rescued.

    Read Also; We’ll miss his forthrightness, says Adebule

    “Similarly, at Zari – Kasake and Jumachere villages in Damasak general area of Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State, troops of 145 Battalion Operation LAFIYA DOLE on clearance operation discovered and destroyed two Boko Haram terrorists’ logistics vehicles. Deserted BHTs make up shift accommodation was also destroyed.

    “Additionally, Mopol Sergeant Markus John – Personal Number – PNo 383106 was arrested at Njimtilo check point along Maiduguri – Damaturu road in possession of 2 magazines, 146 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammunition and one round of Anti Aircraft Gun concealed in his bag while on transit to Lagos State.

    “Recall that on the 10th of May 2019, troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE in conjunction with the Nigerian Police, arrested 14NA7113208 Private Paul Ojochegbe and 12NA672586 Lance Corporal Oko Eke in possession of one disassembled AK 47 Rifle at the same N’jimtilo check point.

    “Nigerian Army will remain resolute in ending terrorism and other forms of insecurities across the country, and reiterate its appeal to the public to continue to provide useful information about suspicious movement of terrorists/criminals wherever they are seen hibernating in Nigeria.“

  • Appeal Court faults CCT for ignoring orders stopping Onnoghen’s trial

    The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Thursday faulted the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) for ignoring orders given by four High Court judges to stop the trial of former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen before the tribunal.

    A three-man panel of the court, led by Justice Stephen Adah, held that, rather than closing its eyes to the valid and subsisting orders meant to restrain it, the only option opened to the CCT, when the orders were brought to his attention, was to have appealed.

    The panel, which delivered judgments in four interlocutory appeals filed by the ex-CJN, equally faulted the ex-parte order issued by the CCT, and on which President Buhari acted in suspending Onnoghen.

    The court noted that, since Onnoghen was not yet arraigned as at January 23, 2019 when the ex-parte order was issued, it was wrong for the prosecution to have stealthily gone behind him and his lawyers to obtain an order for his removal from office.

    Despite its observation, however, the court declined to set aside the order, noting that the ex-parte order was no longer of any use since the substantive trial has been concluded.

    It advised parties in the case to pursue the appeal in relation to the judgment in the substantive trial.

    The court also rejected the objections raised by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and held that the appeals were validly filed.

    It held that, as against the AGF’s contention, anyone dissatisfied with any decision of the CCT, whether interlocutory or substantive, is not required to first, obtain the tribunal’s leave before filing an appeal.

    Read Also: Breaking: Appeal Court strikes out Onnoghen’s suit against CCT

    The three issues were mainly those the court resolved in favour of Onnoghen among the many issues he raised in the four appeals.

    The court noted that events have overtaken most of the reliefs sought in the appeals, and proceeded to dismissed them.

    Justice Adah read the lead judgment in the first appeal, marked CA/A/76C/2019, which challenged the competence of the ex-parte order granted the prosecution on January 23, 2019 and prayed that it be set aside.
    Justice Adah said it was wrong for the prosecution, to have gone back to the tribunal on January 23 to secretly obtain the order, having agreed with the other parties on the previous hearing date, for an adjournment to January 25.

    He noted that; “The mode of securing the ex-parte order has raised some question.” He further noted that the respondent (prosecution) went behind the appellants to obtain the ex-parte order after parties had joined issues in respect of a motion on notice earlier filed by the prosecution for the same purpose.

    “Justice must not be shrouded in secrecy. The prosecution is expected to be transparent in carrying out its prosecutorial duties,” Adah said.

    In declining the appellant’s prayer that the ex-parte order be set aside, Adah noted that “the ex-parte order is spent having overtaken by events. Since the appeal cannot remain in court, it is hereby struck out.”

    He advised any party in the case, who is dissatisfied with the final judgment of the CCT, to pursue his appeal in respect of the substantive case, since the trial has been concluded.

    Other members of the panel, Justice Tinuade Akomolafe-Wilson and Peter Ige agreed with the lead judgment.
    Justice Adah, who equally read the lead judgment in the second appeal marked: CA/A/114C/2019, dismissed it for not being improperly filed and therefore, incompetent.
    Continue on page 2

  • APC governors award to Buhari endorsement of failure – PDP

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the presentation of award by the All Progressives Congress (APC) governors to President Muhammadu Buhari as a shameful endorsement of failure.

    The main opposition party also said the award was the height of deception and a spat on the graves of victims of unrestrained killings and bloodletting in various parts of our nation.

    A statement on Friday by the spokesman for the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, said the award was solicited and was another failed image-laundering and botched endorsement by the Buhari Presidency.

    According to the PDP, the award came at a time the administration was being confronted by the weight of public rejection for its failures and the alleged rigging of the February 23, presidential elections.

    The party added that it is totally disgraceful that Mr. President’s handlers could conjure such scandalous whitewashing project to gloat on Nigerians at a time they (Nigerians) are extremely hurting over the prevalent economic hardship, hunger, disappointments, failures and humongous corruption that have become the hallmark of the Buhari administration.

    The PDP said the APC governors exhibited their party’s unpardonable insensitivity and disdain for Nigerians by allowing themselves to be used for such image laundering for President Buhari in the face of his failures to find solution to the killings and kidnappings in Zamfara, Borno, Yobe, Taraba, Adamawa, Kaduna, Katsina and other states of the federation.

    Read Also: Buhari reappoints CBN Governor Emefiele for second term

    “It is disturbing that at a time genuine leaders are exerting themselves for solutions to the myriads of crisis plaguing our nation, those elected on the platform of the APC are busy playing to gallery and acting scripts while our nation continues to slide; the very reason Nigerians voted for Atiku Abubakar on February 23, as their preferred presidential candidate.

    “The Buhari Presidency and the APC have chosen to engage in endless unprofitable celebrations in the safety of Aso Villa while Nigerians are left at the mercies of bandits, kidnappers, marauders and insurgents in their homes and workplaces.

    “The PDP counsels President Buhari to end the circus at the Presidency and face the stark reality of the dejection, despondency and misery Nigerians have been subjected to due to his incompetence as well as insensitivity to the plight of the citizens”, the party said.

  • Windstorm kills 3, destroys 200 houses in Bauchi

    Three people have died and 200 houses destroyed, following a rainstorm in Misau Town in Bauchi State.

    The Information Officer of the Misau Local Government Council, Mr Usman Yerima, confirmed the development on Friday in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

    Yerima disclosed that the victims included two men and a teenage girl while 200 houses were destroyed during the fierce windstorm that was proceeded by heavy downpour.

    He said that most of the affected houses had their roofs blown off during the rain which lasted for over four hours.

    Read Also: Bauchi Govt House deserted as governor’s associates’ seek new alignment

    When contacted, the Director of Relief and Rehabilitation, Bauchi State Emergency Management Agency, Alhaji Kabiru Yusuf-Kobi, said that he was yet to get official reports from authorities of the council.

    “We have heard of it and seen it on social media but we are yet to receive official report on the magnitude of the disaster.

    “I will give you the exact situation reports by Tuesday when I might have returned from my official trip because we want to have the reports first,” Yusuf-Kobi said.

  • Dasuki authorised N2.2b payment from ONSA’s CBN account to Fayose- Witness

    The Federal High Court in Lagos Friday heard that a former National Security Adviser (NSA) Col Sambo Dasuki (rtd) authorised the transfer of N2.2billion from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro.

    Fayose is on trial for allegedly receiving and keeping N1.2billion and $5million allegedly stolen from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) through Obanikoro.

    A CBN senior official, Aliyu Mohammed, confirmed that payment mandates tendered before the court emanated from the CBN’s payment section.

    According to him, they were with instructions to pay N200million and N2billion on different days in June 2014 into the Diamond Bank account of Sylvan McNamara from the ONSA.

    Obanikoro had admitted during his evidence when he testified for the EFCC that he controlled the account and that he was instructed to move the money to Fayose.

    Mohammed said the money was co-authorised by Dasuki and an NSA director S.A. Salisu, who were signatories to ONSA’s CBN account.

    The witness said the payments followed the due process as done with accounts of government ministries and agencies.

    Under cross examination, the witness said the due diligence did not include ascertaining the purpose of payment or the legal status of the entity being paid.

    A stir was caused when a prosecution witness, Mr Adewale Aladegbola, who was led in evidence by prosecuting counsel Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), said he did not move cash to Afao-Ekiti, Fayose’s hometown.

    Aladegbola, a bullion van driver with Zenith Bank, Ado-Ekiti Branch till 2015, said he was asked to lie by the bank’s cash officer, Okemute Oputu.

    The witness said he drove two bullion vans, but that both were broken down the day it was alleged that a bullion van transported huge amounts of money to Fayose’s residence.

    He said on April 16, 2015, the Zenith Bank bullion vans were grounded and there was no operation.

    Read Also: Ekiti reviews Fayose’s last minute recruitment of 2,000 workers

    Midway into the trial, Jacobs told Justice Mojisola Olatoregun that the witness was showing signs of being hostile from responses given so far.

    He said he would, therefore, need an adjournment to determine his next line of action.

    “My Lord, from indications I am getting from responses from this witness, it looks as if this witness might become hostile as he is making statements absent from his extra-judicial statement in the proof of evidence,” he said.

    Jacobs said he needed time to consider the nature of application to be made in the circumstance.

    “I had no prior indication that the witness was going to change his mind. I want your lordship to adjourn this matter for me to make appropriate applications because he has cast aspersions on his cash officer,” the SAN said.

    Jacobs said he would have declared the witness hostile immediately, but he had no necessary documents to prove that the witness was making contrary statements.

    He said he needed previous statements made by the witness to prove that he has turned hostile and to declare him as such.

    But, Fayose’s lawyer Ola Olanipekun (SAN) said he was surprised the prosecuting counsel was making such a prayer.

    “Witnesses are meant to say the truth and the fact that a witness is casting aspersions is no ground to seek adjournment.

    Continue on page 2

  • Photos: Naira Marley, four others arrested for alleged Internet fraud – EFCC

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Friday said it arrested and quizzed two fast-rising Nigerian musicians – Afeez Fashola (aka Naira Marley), Omoniyi Temidayo Raphael (aka Zlatan) and three others over alleged Internet fraud.

    It said the suspects have allegedly volunteered useful information.

    The commission however said it has secured a six-month jail term for Uchenna Samuel Nwosu (a.ka. Jackson Mendez) for defrauding an American.

    The EFCC made the clarifications in a statement by its Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Tony Orilade against the backdrop of the arrest of the five suspects.

    The statement said: “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Lagos Zonal office, arrested two fast-rising Nigerian musicians – Afeez Fashola (aka Naira Marley) and Omoniyi Temidayo Raphael (aka Zlatan), in connection with alleged case of internet fraud and money laundering. Intelligence report had also linked them to cybercrime offences.


    “They were arrested along with: Tiamiyu Abdulrahman Kayode, Adewunmi Adeyanju Moses and Abubakar Musa.

    “Their arrest followed an early morning raid on Friday, May 10, 2019 at 9, Gbangbola Street, Ikate, Lekki, Lagos.

    “At the point of arrest, the commission found and recovered a number of items, including laptops, from the suspects.

    “They have so far volunteered useful information about their involvement in the alleged criminal activities, even as investigations continue.”

    Meanwhile, the EFCC said it has secured a six-month jail term for Uchenna Samuel Nwosu (a.ka. Jackson Mendez) for defrauding an American.

    A separate statement said: “Justice I. M Sani of the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State has convicted and sentenced Uchenna Samuel Nwosu (a.ka. Jackson Mendez) to six months imprisonment for internet fraud, impersonation and obtaining the sum of $500 (Five Hundred American Dollars) from an American, Carmen Alvarez, under false pretence.

    Read Also: Naira gains against dollar at parallel market

    Nwosu was arraigned by the Economic And Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Port Harcourt’s Zonal Office on April 11, 2019 on three-count charges bordering on internet fraud, impersonation and obtaining under false pretences contrary to Section 6 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under section 1(3) of the same Act.

    One of the counts was: “That you UCHENMNA SAMUEL NWOSU (alias Jackson Mendez) on or about February 2019, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court had in your possession (your email address: jacksonmendez180@gmail.com) documents containing false pretence which you knew or ought to know contains false pretence and thereby committed an offence or an attempt to commit an offence contrary to section 6 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act 2006 and punishable under section 1 (3) of the same Act”.

    “Nwosu originally pleaded “not guilty” to the charges but later changed his plea to “guilty”.

    “Based on his changed plea, Prosecuting counsel, Barrister Samuel Chime prayed the court to convict him accordingly.

    “Justice Sani convicted and sentenced him to six months imprisonment on each of the three – count charges. The sentence however runs concurrently.

    “The court also ordered Nwosu to restitute the $500 he collected from his victim. Also, the court ruled that a laptop, Lenovo T410, recovered from him should be forfeited to the Federal Government.

    “Nwosu’s journey to prison began when he was arrested along Liberty Drive, Woji, Port Harcourt, for his involvement in online dating scam. Specifically, he impersonated an American soldier in Syria to defraud Carmen Alvarez, an American lady of $500, being a part-payment of $2,350 he requested from her in an online chat.”