The Nation Newspaper

Tag: wife

  • Kidnappers release Bayelsa monarch’s wife, principal after collecting ransom

    Kidnappers release Bayelsa monarch’s wife, principal after collecting ransom

    Mrs Tina Inegbagha wife of the Paramount Ruler Of Ayakoro Community in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa  and Mr Egbele Jack, a school principal have been released by their captors, 25 days after they were kidnapped.

    They were abducted by gunmen in Ayakoro on Dec. 16, 2017.

    Mr Majesty Inegbagha, a member of the monarch’s family who confirmed the development to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday said the duo were set free on Thursday.

    The paramount leader said that an undisclosed amount of ransom was paid to secure their releas.

    The kidnappers had demanded N100 Million and reduced to N30 and N5 Million as ransome.

    Also, confirming his wife’s release, the paramount Ruler, Mr Righteous Inegbagha expressed deep appreciation to God and the people who contributed in prayers, cash and kind to facilitate the freedom of the two victims.

    He also appealed to the kidnappers to repent from their nefarious act.

    Narrating their experience both the wife of the ruler, Tina, and Jack expressed happiness and thanked God for their release.

    According to them the kidnappers treated them well.

    NAN reports that on Dec. 18, 2017, the police said that it was investigation the incident.

    Police Commissioner  Asuquo Amba, told newsmen that following the recent upsurge  of violent crimes in Bayelsa, the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, had sent a special squad to compliment the efforts of the command to combat crimes. (NAN)

  • APC chief’s wife donates clothes to 500 widows

    The wife of an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Mrs. Caroline Enuha, at the weekend donated clothes, valued at N3 million to over 500 widows in Aniocha South Local Government of Delta State.

    She urged governments to address economic challenges facing widows.

    Mrs. Enuha was accompanied to the event in Ogwashi-Uku by her husband, Mr. Hyacinth Enuha, chairman, Delta APC Elders Forum.

    She was the governorship candidate in 2011 general election on the platform of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

    The woman said she gave the gifts “because most widows do not have the means of clothing themselves at a special period like the Christmas.”

    She said she had plans for an empowerment scheme to train widows in skills to make them self -reliant.

    On what informed her philanthropic gesture, she said: “My husband, Chief Enuha and I have been giving succour to the hopeless for a long time. But on individual basis, I feel it will be better to expand it and touch more people at a time like this.

    “Considering the economic situation in the country, coupled with the unhealthy culture that exposes widows to forms of deprivation, I feel they need assistance.”

    Mrs. Enuha urged governments to implement programmes that will address challenges facing widows.

    A 70-year-old beneficiary, Mrs. Caroline Otogbodor, thanked the donor and her husband for their magnanimity.

  • Buhari’s wife to women: go back to school

    Buhari’s wife to women: go back to school

    Wife of the President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, has urged northern women to go back to school to better their lot.

    She spoke at the graduation ceremony of 1,000 women trained under a skill acquisition programme funded by her pet project, The Future Assured, at the multi-purpose indoor sports hall in Bauchi State.

    Her words: “Any woman who is not educated will lose  opportunities in the modern world. If you cannot read, many opportunities will pass you by.”

    The First Lady, who was accompanied by wives of the Adamawa and Nasarawa states governors, as well as top government officials, said the Federal Government set aside N500,000 billion to support women and youths. She added that he NGO was working to ensure they are empowered in education, health and skills.

    She appealed to corporate organisations, politicians, community and traditional leaders to support the graduates to stand on their own.

    Wife of the Bauchi State Governor, Hajiya Hadiza Mohammed, who founded the Bauchi Sustainable Women Economic Initiative and Peace (B-SWEEP), thanked the First Lady for the gesture to better the lives of the women.

    She said Mrs. Buhari, on her last visit to the state, brought foodstuff “which we shared to all the women in the 20 local government areas”.

    Chairman of the Bauchi State Commission for Youth and Women Rehabilitation And Development (BACYWORD) Ahmed Farouk said the 1,000 trainees were carefully selected for the programme, adding that the commission has gotten Governor Mohammed Abubakar’s approval to source and rehabilitate about 1,000 women and youths involved drug abuse and other related behaviours at the Citizens and Leadership Training Centre, Shere Hill, Plateau State.

    According to him, at the end of the rehabilitation, 500 of them would be trained on the repair of smart phones and other sophisticated electronic gadgets, while the other 500 would receive specialised training in the design and creation of software applications.

    Already, 2000 youths have been recruited to provide security and social services by ensuring orderliness in public places and government facilities in all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), and in the 20 local government areas in the state. Each of them gets between N15,000 to N18,000 monthly.

  • Block magnate crush wife to death with Jeep

    Block magnate crush wife to death with Jeep

    •Police arrest suspect

    A Block magnate,  Taibu Ogunbajo,  has  reportedly killed his wife in Ikorodu. He was said to have crushed her with his Toyota Highlander Sports Utility Vehicle  (SUV) marked AKD666EW.

    Ogunbajo was arrested over the weekend at Akudo in Ikorodu, Lagos State, after neighbours reported the incident to the police.

    It was gathered that the suspect and his wife, Rotimi,  had an disagreement, following which she destroyed some blocks.

    Their marriage was said to be troubled, with Ogunbanjo reportedly asking for a divorce.

    They were said to be  married for three years with no child, though the deceased was said to have had five children from other men.

    Ogunbanjo was said to have crushed his wife with his SUV after  she broke the  blocks.

    A source said: “They have been having issues. They have been married for only three years. For some months now, the man has been saying he’s tired of the marriage. He claimed that his wife was troublesome and that he was sick of the marriage.

    “They were always fighting. On Thursday morning, they started having their issues at the block industry. In the course of their disagreement, the woman broke some blocks and was walking away.

    “That was how the man entered his car and chased her in top speed and hit her. She died on the spot. The police were notified and they took the body to Epe General Hospital.”

    Police spokesman Chike Oti, a Superintendent (SP), said the suspect had been arrested.  The case, he added, has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID), Panti.

    Oti said: “Preliminary findings indicated that the couple had a quarrel before the incident. The woman was killed within the suspect’s block industry, which means the man might have been on top speed. Investigations would not be limited to fatal motor accident. We would go beyond that to find out the motive.”

     

  • Ambode’s wife opens LTV Xmas fair

    Ambode’s wife opens LTV Xmas fair

    Wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode has declared open the Lagos Television (LTV) Christmas fair.

    She called on all Lagosians, especially fun lovers and school children to be a part of the various entertainment events slated for the Christmas season and end of the year celebration by the State Government.

    Ambode, represented by the wife of the Permanent Secretary, Office of Civic Engagement, Mrs. Joke Odeyemi made the call on Saturday while declaring open the 33rd edition of the LTV annual Christmas Fair at De Blue Roof, LTV premises, Ikeja.

    She assured Lagosians that the state government had concluded plans to make the yuletide season and beyond a time of endless fun and entertainment for all fun lovers.

    She noted that all the events and many more that would be holding this yuletide season further confirms the status of Lagos as the entertainment hub of Africa.

    Ambode advised that the main Christmas message should not be trivialized in the name of fun and merry making, stressing that Christ is the reason for the season.

    She urged all to emulate the meekness, simplicity and holiness of Jesus Christ, who rose from a very humble birth in a manger, to become the savior of the world.

    The General Manager, LTV,  Mrs. Funke Moore described the 2017 edition of the Fair as a special one, coinciding with the Golden Jubilee celebration of Lagos State created in 1967.

    She said the celebration would witness quiz competition among school children with focus on Lagos State.

    She said the rationale behind the competition is to test the knowledge of the children about the information they have about Lagos State.

  • Achudume, wife renew vows 25 years after

    Not much seems to have changed. They still hold hands like love-birds and kiss so passionately. There is still the giggle that lovers experience on first sight.

    In a manner reminiscent of the good old days, General Overseer of Victory Life Bible Church (VLBC) Abeokuta, Ogun State, Apostle Lawrence Achudume, and his wife, Pastor (Mrs.) Oluwafolakemi, renewed their marital vows last week.

    Before well-wishers and members of the church, they vowed to remain faithful and committed to each other 25 years after they were joined in holy matrimony.

    Wife of national president of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Rev Biola Omobude, commended the couple for deeming it fit to go through the marital vows again.

    Supervising the heart-touching, hand-written vows on the couple, she praised them for remaining true to their marital commitment and service to God.

    She, however, said there were still mountains to climb and lands to possess for the couple, urging them not to rest on their oars.

    “This is just the beginning. The first 25 years have been good but there are better days ahead.

    “God has not started with you. You have gone through a lot in the past but it’s nothing compared to what lies ahead,” Omobude declared.

    The ‘groom’, Achudume, thanked his wife for “managing me and bearing with me in these 25 years.”

    He added: “To marry me for 25 years is not a joke and I must say that you have tried indeed.”

    His wife said she married the cleric with faith and determination to make the union work.

    “All I saw in him was passion and love for God. He’s so much in love with His works. He didn’t have anything in terms of material possessions because the sitting room had nothing, not even furniture, but he had vision.

    “That was enough for me. It was all I was looking for. I knew we would make it big in a matter of time,” she stated.

    She said the testimony is that God has not failed the family in any aspect, saying the journey has been challenging but worthwhile.

    Friends, well-wishers and clerics at the vow renewal service attested to the bliss in the union, urging them to remain steadfast and shinning lights for upcoming ministers.

  • Ambode’s wife seeks end to women discrimination

    Life of the Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, has called for the eradication of discrimination and violence against women and girls.

    Mrs. Ambode spoke at her office in Alausa, Ikeja, on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

    She noted that violence against women and girls remained one of the most devastating human rights violence in the world, saying achieving gender parity would require more vigorous efforts and legal frameworks, to tackle established anti-female practices.

    Her words: “Everyone has the right to live their life without the threat of violence. This holds for everyone irrespective of age, gender, religion or any other characteristics of human identity.

    ‘’We must unite to end these acts by supporting the passing and implementation of laws to protect girls and women from child marriage, female genital mutilation, domestic violence, sexual assault and harassment. We must also agitate for proper monitoring and evaluation.

    The First Lady added that prevention of violence against women and girls must begin early, stressing that children and young ones must learn the principles of equality, respect and non-violence for future generations.

    She urged women and girls to speak up and report discrimination and abuse to appropriate government agencies for immediate action.

  • Wife seeks dissolution of marriage

    A 35-year-old housewife, Rasheedat Zubairu, has prayed an Ilorin Area Court, Kwara State to dissolve her 17-year-old marriage to Kehinde Zubairu, over barrenness.

    She said the union did not produce any child, adding that efforts to conceive proved abortive.

    “I want this marriage to be dissolved. I am fed up. There is no love between us again.

    “I have advised my husband to marry another woman, but he refused. He believes I can still conceive; he has been faithful to me.

    “My husband’s twin sister has been giving me problems. I cannot bear it again,’’ the petitioner said.

    The judge, Abdulkadir Ibrahim, advised her to allow peace reign.

    He directed the bailiff to serve the respondent again with summons, “since he has refused to appear in court” and adjourned the case till today for hearing.

  • Centenary project: Anyim, wife to account for N13.1b

    Centenary project: Anyim, wife to account for N13.1b

    Where is the over N13b cash raised for the Centenary Project?

    This is part of the questions detectives are asking former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Anyim Pius Anyim and his wife.

    Anyim, his wife, 20 firms and others are being probed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged fraud in the massive project.

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan is said to have disregarded the opinions of former Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Bala Mohammed and  former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN) on the project.

    According to a document, which  our correspondent stumbled on, 37 investors subscribed to the project, which was floated to mark the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern protectorates in 1914 by the late Sir Frederick Lord Lugard, the first Governor-General of Nigeria.

    In all,  $80, 750,000 (N13, 162, 250,000 then) was paid by investors.

    Precious Integrated Company Limited owned by Mrs. Anyim was given 5% equity worth N815m for rendering services in kind, according to a document The Nation stumbled on.

    The land acquired for the project was 1, 264, 78 hectares and N1, 410, 178, 599.59 earmarked as compensation for 3,868  land owners, who got N1, 234, 747, 076, 000 paid as compensation; N697, 015, 863 is yet to be paid to land owners

    The document said: “Anyim was the SGF and the coordinator of the Centenary City Project, which was meant to be  privately owned. Any interested investor was asked to pay $5million equity.

    “Former President Goodluck Jonathan, through the then FCT Minister, approved the allocation of  1, 264, 78 hectares for the city. But the FCT used the allocation to acquire 5% equity in the city and the premium of the land was put at about N8billion.

    “Investigation however revealed that the wife of the ex-SGF was allocated 5% equity(worth N815million) in the Centenary City Plc. Anyim’s wife owns Precious Integrated Limited, which is managing the shares.

    “This company didn’t contribute in monetary terms but it was given 5% equity. When we invited Anyim’s wife and others, they said the company ran some services during the Centenary Celebration and these services were quantified and converted to $5million, which represents 5% equity.”

    Anyim’s wife’s company  could not ascertain the services rendered. Besides, there was no agreement that the ‘so-called services’ would be converted to equity in the Centenary City Plc. The EFCC invited Anyim’s wife butshe could not explain the services offered the Federal Government. She was, however, granted bail.

    “Some other firms that paid contributions for the Centenary City were firms that enjoyed contracts from the N58, 146,983,677.85 Ecological Funds in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation during Anyim’s tenure,” the document said.

    One of the 20  key firms was Foundation Years Limited, which alone received a net payment of N10,308,017,838.85 from the Ecological Funds between 2014 and 2015. The account opening  for the project had the address of the Office of the SGF.

    “There are evidence of suspected fraud, money laundering and abuse of office which the former SGF, wife,  20 firms and  others should be investigated for,” according to the document.

    On the Centenary City Project, the document indicated that 37 investors, including foreigners and overseas companies,  subscribed by paying $80, 750,000 (N13, 162, 250,000 then). The total land acquired for the project was 1, 264, 78 hectares and N1, 410, 178, 599.59 earmarked as compensation for 3,868  land owners.

    “So far, N1, 234, 747, 076, 000 was paid as compensation, leaving a balance of N697, 015, 863 yet to be paid. We have been able to interact with some of the beneficiaries.

    “Investigation showed that two-thirds of the companies/ individuals  paid cash of $5million each. But our team discovered that weeds have taken over the Centenary City.  We have invited top officials of Centenary City Plc for interaction on the whereabouts of the payments made by local and foreign investors and why the project has not taken off.

    “The city was also granted the status of  a Free Trade Zone by Nigeria Export Processing Zone Authority ( NEPZA). A former Managing Director of NEPZA was invited for questioning on how he came about the status, especially the criteria used. He said he acted on the directive of a former Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment. At the appropriate time, we might interact with the ex-minister.

    But EFCC detectives also discovered that the opinions of a former Minister of FCT, Sen. Bala Mohammed and a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke(SAN) were ignored by ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.

    They also detected that many people in  Jonathan government had personal interest in the project rather than national interest.

    The document added:  “The ex-President (Jonathan) acting in complete disregard of the advisory opinions  of the former FCT Minister and ex-AGF approved the request for some components of the the project by Executive Fiat. There is a clear case of people in government  having personal interest and not national interest.

    “To support this opinion, the government office became the identified  business address of the centenary with all the paraphernalia of official involvement for a purely private project.”

    As at the time of filing this report, the former SGF, Anyim Pius Anyim has been released on bail by the EFCC. There are two sureties, but his passport has been seized and he is expected to report at the EFCC whenever he is invited.

  • Wife stabs son of ex-PDP chair Bello to death over text messages

    Wife stabs son of ex-PDP chair Bello to death over text messages

    The police are probing the stabbing to death of Bilyamin Muhammed Bello by his wife, Maryam, in Abuja.

    Bilyamin is a son of a former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and one-time minister, Dr. Haliru Bello.

    His wife, who is the suspect, is a daughter of former Aso Savings boss Hajia Maimuna Aliyu.

    Hajia Aliyu was recently nominated into the board of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

    The couple before the weekend tragic incident had a one-year old daughter.

    “The FCT Police Command has commenced investigation into the matter.

    “The case has been transferred to the Homicide Section for discreet investigation,” spokesman Anjuguri Manzah stated in a text message on Sunday.

    The suspect is being detained by the police while the deceased was buried yesterday after the Janazar prayer at the Central Mosque in Abuja.

    Maryam was taken to her residence by homicide detectives for a search, fingerprints and forensic investigation.

    She was saved from being mobbed by angry siblings and relatives of the deceased husband.

    Clinging to her seven-month old baby girl, Maryam, who looked remorseful, burst into tears after being led into the flat where she allegedly killed her husband.

    According to sources, the jealous wife was uncomfortable with the text messages her late husband had been receiving from some women.

    It was gathered that a particular message from a banker made the wife to attack her husband.

    The source added: “They were at home when the wife became berserk over some text messages, including one allegedly suspected to be from a female banker.

    “After engaging in a shouting match, the wife was embroiled in fighting with her husband before heading to the kitchen where she picked a knife to stab Bilyamin three times, including on his private parts.

    “Drenched with blood, Bilyamin fought hard by crawling out of the couple’s flat to ask for help from neighbours.

    “Upon hearing his distress call, neighbours, who had heard the exchange of words and banging of doors at the flat, ferried Bilyamin to a hospital.

    “Unfortunately, the husband died in the hospital. The incident was reported to the police and Maryam was arrested by homicide detectives.”

    Maryam is a graduate with two degrees from British university.

    In a Whatsapp message on Sunday afternoon, her mother Hajia Aliyu expressed shock and feeling of loss over the sad development.

    “It is with a heavy heart but with total submission to the will of Allah that I announce the death of my son in-law, Bilyamin Bello Haliru, which sad event took place in the early hours of today.

    “Prayers will be held at the Central Mosque…

    “May Allah grant his soul Aljannah Firdaus as his permanent place of abode,” the grieving mother in-law stated.

    There had been whispers of a rocky relationship in a marriage meant to bring two prominent families together but allegations of infidelity and plans to marry another wife might have caused the insecurity in Bilyamin’s Maitama home.

    The patriarch of the family, Bello, is said to be away in the United States for medical attention.

    “We were all sad, it was just too heavy for us to break the news to our father,” a family source added.