IYANDA'SBLOG

A family in Lagos has cried out over the sudden exhumation and disappearance of the corpses of their lives ones.

The family, whose apartment was at number 1 Ilupeju Street, Ile-epo, Oke Odo area of Lagos, sold the house after the death of two of their family members to raise funds for the welfare of the others.

File Photo Google

However, trouble started when Baale of Oke-odo, Saliu Dada, allegedly stormed the house with some thugs and grave-diggers to exhume two corpses belonging to the family in the old house.

The family, who said they were not at the house when the corpses were excavated, stated that neighbours informed them of what happened, testifying that Dada oversaw the exhumation.

A relative of the family said the community head denied involvement in the excavation despite multiple people witnessing the act.

“When we sold the house, the family was making arrangement to dig the corpse before the right owner occupies it.

“While this was on, we heard that the two corpses belonging to us in the house had been dug and the Baale was there.

“There is no way people will come to the house without the Baale knowing about it.

“All our neighbours who were there said they saw the Baale came with people and they were all saying we should go to meet the Baale.

“What we want is for the Baale to give us the corpses and if he does not know, since he was at the scene, he should tell us who exhumed the corpses,” a family member explained.

Another member of the family known as Popoola said the Baale directed the family to one ‘Last born’, who was described as a well-known and influential person in the community.

They said he was at the scene when the excavation was happening.

“When we asked him, he denied knowing about it and said we should get more information from Last born. The people said he was there too when the digging was going on.

“What we are pleading for is the Baale should release the corpses or order anybody holding the corpses to release them for us.

They belong to us and there is no reason or ground that anybody will dig out the bodies and deny us of it,” the Popoola family added.

When a phone calll was put across to the Baale, his aide responded to the call but said the Baale was unavailable to speak at the moment, asking our reporter to call back.

The Baale, however, has failed to respond to subsequent calls and messages to his phone.

 

News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2QbtJGP

Fear of possible violence has gripped many residents of Ondo State ahead of Saturday's local government election. 

At least five separate attacks and clashes had been recorded in the state in the build-up to the election this weekend.

The violence has mostly been between members of the All Progressives Congress and members of opposition parties participating in the election. 

File Photo

The election is expected to hold in all 18 local council areas of the state.

Expressing fear of violence while speaking with SaharaRepoters on Thursday, a resident of Ondo, Mrs Tola Ibidapo, said crisis recorded during past elections may stop many people from coming out to vote.

She said, "The atmosphere is currently tensed and we have this fear that there might be crisis in the state because of the election. 

"The participating political parties are ready for a showdown for the election and it is the electorates that will suffer it and we are scared already."

See Also Breaking News BREAKING: Three Persons Injured As Violence Erupts In Idanre Ahead Of Council Election 0 Comments 1 Day Ago

Another resident, Mr Temitope Obagunwa, said he would stay indoors on Saturday, noting that the police, who suppose to be neutral in the exercise, has begun taking sides with a particular group. 

He said, "I witnessed the violence that occurred a few days ago and was surprised that the police were just busy watching those boys (thugs) attacking people on the road and could not do anything."

The police in the state have said it would deploy 5000 officers for the election in order to provide adequate security during the exercise. 

Meanwhile, the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission said it would on Friday begin the distribution of sensitive materials for the local government election.  

ODIEC Chairman, Prof Yomi Dinakin, who made the disclosure at a briefing in Akure, said 10 political parties would now participate in the exercise.

Dinakin revealed that not less than 41 chairmanship and 425 councillorship candidates draw will contest in the election.

He listed the parties as Accord Party, Action Alliance, African Action Congress, African Democratic Party, Action Democratic Party, All Progressives Congress, All Progressives Grand Alliance, Action Peoples Party, Social Democratic Party, and Young Progressive Party. 

The Peoples Democratic Party had already boycotted the election on the grounds that the electoral umpire might not conduct a transparent poll.

He said, "We have also made provision for NCDC recommendations including face masks for our staff. We will enforce two-metre social distancing."

SaharaReporters gathered that a total of 1,822,346 registered voters were expected to show up for Saturday's exercise.

Elections Politics News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2EugblQ

Fear of possible violence has gripped many residents of Ondo State ahead of Saturday's local government election. 

At least five separate attacks and clashes had been recorded in the state in the build-up to the election this weekend.

The violence has mostly been between members of the All Progressives Congress and members of opposition parties participating in the election. 

File Photo

The election is expected to hold in all 18 local council areas of the state.

Expressing fear of violence while speaking with SaharaRepoters on Thursday, a resident of Ondo, Mrs Tola Ibidapo, said crisis recorded during past elections may stop many people from coming out to vote.

She said, "The atmosphere is currently tensed and we have this fear that there might be crisis in the state because of the election. 

"The participating political parties are ready for a showdown for the election and it is the electorates that will suffer it and we are scared already."

See Also Breaking News BREAKING: Three Persons Injured As Violence Erupts In Idanre Ahead Of Council Election 0 Comments 23 Hours Ago

Another resident, Mr Temitope Obagunwa, said he would stay indoors on Saturday, noting that the police, who suppose to be neutral in the exercise, has begun taking sides with a particular group. 

He said, "I witnessed the violence that occurred a few days ago and was surprised that the police were just busy watching those boys (thugs) attacking people on the road and could not do anything."

The police in the state have said it would deploy 5000 officers for the election in order to provide adequate security during the exercise. 

Meanwhile, the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission said it would on Friday begin the distribution of sensitive materials for the local government election.  

ODIEC Chairman, Prof Yomi Dinakin, who made the disclosure at a briefing in Akure, said 10 political parties would now participate in the exercise.

Dinakin revealed that not less than 41 chairmanship and 425 councillorship candidates draw will contest in the election.

He listed the parties as Accord Party, Action Alliance, African Action Congress, African Democratic Party, Action Democratic Party, All Progressives Congress, All Progressives Grand Alliance, Action Peoples Party, Social Democratic Party, and Young Progressive Party. 

The Peoples Democratic Party had already boycotted the election on the grounds that the electoral umpire might not conduct a transparent poll.

He said, "We have also made provision for NCDC recommendations including face masks for our staff. We will enforce two-metre social distancing."

SaharaReporters gathered that a total of 1,822,346 registered voters were expected to show up for Saturday's exercise.

Elections Politics News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2EugblQ

Suspended Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr Ibrahim Magu, has again written to the retired Justice Ayo Salami-led investigative panel, faulting its manner of proceedings.

President Muhammadu Buhari had in a letter dated July 3, 2020 approved the establishment of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the embattled former EFCC boss.

Ibrahim Magu

Magu in a letter dated August 20 written through his counsel, Wahab Shittu, requested access to materials, exhibits, case files, petitions and details of allegations against him ahead of his impending defence in line with the constitution provisions.

“Please refer to section 36 (6) (A) (B) CFRN 1999 which provides as follows; every person who is charged with a criminal offence shall be entitled to: 

“(a) Be informed promptly in the language that he understands and in details of the nature of the offence

“(b) Be given adequate time and facility for the preparation of his defence.

See Also Breaking News BREAKING: Drama As Security Agents Whisk Away Barrister Giwa, Lady During Testimony At Panel Probing Magu 0 Comments 1 Day Ago

“Based in the foregoing, we request ahead of the defence of our client before this judicial commission of Inquiry for the following; copies of all presentations/petitions against our client tendered in these preceedings. 

“Access to all exhibits tendered in these proceedings. Access to relevant case files and documents tendered in these proceedings. Any other materials that will be relevant for purposes of the defence of our client in these proceedings.

“Please note that the foregoing request has become urgent and compelling in view of paragraph five of the instrument establishing this judicial commission of inquiry.

 Thanks “We humbly request you to note that in view of the timeline stipulated above and the need to clarify the duration of the sittings and whether the appointing authority has extended the period, It is of utmost importance that access to the requested documents is granted to our client and his counsel to ensure seamless proceedings and the guarantee of fair hearing as enshrined in the 1999 constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria. 

“In view of the foregoing and the status of His Lordship as a retired judicial officer heading this judicial commission of inquiry, we draw attention to this constitutional provision so that same can be taken on board by the honorable members as reflections on the legality of these proceedings and the determination on how to further proceed in the circumstances,” part of the letter reads.
 

Corruption Politics Scandal News AddThis :  Original Author :  Saharareporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2WpbKjJ

Suspended Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr Ibrahim Magu, has again written to the retired Justice Ayo Salami-led investigative panel, faulting its manner of proceedings.

President Muhammadu Buhari had in a letter dated July 3, 2020 approved the establishment of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the embattled former EFCC boss.

Ibrahim Magu

Magu in a letter dated August 20 written through his counsel, Wahab Shittu, requested access to materials, exhibits, case files, petitions and details of allegations against him ahead of his impending defence in line with the constitution provisions.

“Please refer to section 36 (6) (A) (B) CFRN 1999 which provides as follows; every person who is charged with a criminal offence shall be entitled to: 

“(a) Be informed promptly in the language that he understands and in details of the nature of the offence

“(b) Be given adequate time and facility for the preparation of his defence.

See Also Breaking News BREAKING: Drama As Security Agents Whisk Away Barrister Giwa, Lady During Testimony At Panel Probing Magu 0 Comments 1 Day Ago

“Based in the foregoing, we request ahead of the defence of our client before this judicial commission of Inquiry for the following; copies of all presentations/petitions against our client tendered in these preceedings. 

“Access to all exhibits tendered in these proceedings. Access to relevant case files and documents tendered in these proceedings. Any other materials that will be relevant for purposes of the defence of our client in these proceedings.

“Please note that the foregoing request has become urgent and compelling in view of paragraph five of the instrument establishing this judicial commission of inquiry.

 Thanks “We humbly request you to note that in view of the timeline stipulated above and the need to clarify the duration of the sittings and whether the appointing authority has extended the period, It is of utmost importance that access to the requested documents is granted to our client and his counsel to ensure seamless proceedings and the guarantee of fair hearing as enshrined in the 1999 constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria. 

“In view of the foregoing and the status of His Lordship as a retired judicial officer heading this judicial commission of inquiry, we draw attention to this constitutional provision so that same can be taken on board by the honorable members as reflections on the legality of these proceedings and the determination on how to further proceed in the circumstances,” part of the letter reads.
 

Corruption Politics Scandal News AddThis :  Original Author :  Saharareporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2WpbKjJ

Suspended Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr Ibrahim Magu, has again written to the retired Justice Ayo Salami-led investigative panel, faulting its manner of proceedings.

President Muhammadu Buhari had in a letter dated July 3, 2020 approved the establishment of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the embattled former EFCC boss.

Ibrahim Magu

Magu in a letter dated August 20 written through his counsel, Wahab Shittu, requested access to materials, exhibits, case files, petitions and details of allegations against him ahead of his impending defence in line with the constitution provisions.

“Please refer to section 36 (6) (A) (B) CFRN 1999 which provides as follows; every person who is charged with a criminal offence shall be entitled to: 

“(a) Be informed promptly in the language that he understands and in details of the nature of the offence

“(b) Be given adequate time and facility for the preparation of his defence.

See Also Breaking News BREAKING: Drama As Security Agents Whisk Away Barrister Giwa, Lady During Testimony At Panel Probing Magu 0 Comments 1 Day Ago

“Based in the foregoing, we request ahead of the defence of our client before this judicial commission of Inquiry for the following; copies of all presentations/petitions against our client tendered in these preceedings. 

“Access to all exhibits tendered in these proceedings. Access to relevant case files and documents tendered in these proceedings. Any other materials that will be relevant for purposes of the defence of our client in these proceedings.

“Please note that the foregoing request has become urgent and compelling in view of paragraph five of the instrument establishing this judicial commission of inquiry.

 Thanks “We humbly request you to note that in view of the timeline stipulated above and the need to clarify the duration of the sittings and whether the appointing authority has extended the period, It is of utmost importance that access to the requested documents is granted to our client and his counsel to ensure seamless proceedings and the guarantee of fair hearing as enshrined in the 1999 constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria. 

“In view of the foregoing and the status of His Lordship as a retired judicial officer heading this judicial commission of inquiry, we draw attention to this constitutional provision so that same can be taken on board by the honorable members as reflections on the legality of these proceedings and the determination on how to further proceed in the circumstances,” part of the letter reads.
 

Corruption Politics Scandal News AddThis :  Original Author :  Saharareporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2WpbKjJ

There was a mild drama and confusion at a high court in Yola, the Adamawa State capital, on Thursday as a convicted inmate was rejected by officials of Nigeria Correctional Center due to COVID-19 related issues.

A midle-age lady, Mercy Elder, was convicted for impersonating the Department of State Services and obtaining money from the public through false pretence.

She was accordingly sentenced to seven years imprisonment without the option of a fine. 

However, officials of the correction center in Yola rejected her.

An officer attached to the Yola Correctional Center, who doesn't want to be named, told our correspondent that they wouldn't admit any more inmates not certified to be Coronavirus free.

He said, "The state COVID-19 Containment Committee should be held response for this mess."

However, spokesperson for Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Humwashi Wonosikou, rejected the claim, saying, "Both the DSS and Nigeria Correction Center are federal agencies, how possible is it for either of them to have blamed the state government for their own failure?"

The convict was arrested eight months ago after she was reported to have defrauded some unsuspecting persons on the grounds that she was a director with the DSS detailed to investigate them.

She obtained monies through false pretence, claiming to help her victims evade justice.

Delivering judgment on Thursday, Justice Nathan Musa sentenced her to seven years imprisonment without the option of a fine.

The woman has not been admitted to any correctional center as the DSS has also refused to take her into custody.

 

Legal PUBLIC HEALTH News AddThis :  Original Author :  Saharareporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2WLIDWF

There was a mild drama and confusion at a high court in Yola, the Adamawa State capital, on Thursday as a convicted inmate was rejected by officials of Nigeria Correctional Center due to COVID-19 related issues.

A midle-age lady, Mercy Elder, was convicted for impersonating the Department of State Services and obtaining money from the public through false pretence.

She was accordingly sentenced to seven years imprisonment without the option of a fine. 

However, officials of the correction center in Yola rejected her.

An officer attached to the Yola Correctional Center, who doesn't want to be named, told our correspondent that they wouldn't admit any more inmates not certified to be Coronavirus free.

He said, "The state COVID-19 Containment Committee should be held response for this mess."

However, spokesperson for Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Humwashi Wonosikou, rejected the claim, saying, "Both the DSS and Nigeria Correction Center are federal agencies, how possible is it for either of them to have blamed the state government for their own failure?"

The convict was arrested eight months ago after she was reported to have defrauded some unsuspecting persons on the grounds that she was a director with the DSS detailed to investigate them.

She obtained monies through false pretence, claiming to help her victims evade justice.

Delivering judgment on Thursday, Justice Nathan Musa sentenced her to seven years imprisonment without the option of a fine.

The woman has not been admitted to any correctional center as the DSS has also refused to take her into custody.

 

Legal PUBLIC HEALTH News AddThis :  Original Author :  Saharareporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2WLIDWF

No fewer than seven persons were on Wednesday night shot dead in Oluasiri community of Nembe-Bassambiri in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State during a gun battle among rival armed groups in the area over control of illegal bunkering and kidnapping businesses. 

The incident occurred on Wednesday at Isiah-Ama area of Oluasiri.

The Guardian Nigeria

It was gathered that the violence was ignited among three armed gangs when one of the gangs was accused of allegedly withholding high caliber guns being used by all gangs during illegal operations on the high sea.

A community source said that the three gangs involved are located in Izakiri, Ben-Ama and Isiah-Ama communities. 

These areas, according to the source, had become a den for armed militias operating along the borders of Bayelsa and Rivers states.

The armed groups from Ben-Ama and Isiah-Ama suffered the most casualties during the violence, which last over 10 hours.

Paramount ruler of Isiah-Ama, HRH. Iyerite Chiefson Awululu, confirmed that the gun battle was among militant factions in the area.

Mr Alalibo West, Chairman of Nembe Local Government Area, who also confirmed the incident, said relevant security agencies had been briefed.

Spokesperson for the police in the state, Asinim Butswat, said the command had launched an investigation into the incident.
 

News AddThis :  Original Author :  Saharareporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2Yx19W0

No fewer than seven persons were on Wednesday night shot dead in Oluasiri community of Nembe-Bassambiri in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State during a gun battle among rival armed groups in the area over control of illegal bunkering and kidnapping businesses. 

The incident occurred on Wednesday at Isiah-Ama area of Oluasiri.

The Guardian Nigeria

It was gathered that the violence was ignited among three armed gangs when one of the gangs was accused of allegedly withholding high caliber guns being used by all gangs during illegal operations on the high sea.

A community source said that the three gangs involved are located in Izakiri, Ben-Ama and Isiah-Ama communities. 

These areas, according to the source, had become a den for armed militias operating along the borders of Bayelsa and Rivers states.

The armed groups from Ben-Ama and Isiah-Ama suffered the most casualties during the violence, which last over 10 hours.

Paramount ruler of Isiah-Ama, HRH. Iyerite Chiefson Awululu, confirmed that the gun battle was among militant factions in the area.

Mr Alalibo West, Chairman of Nembe Local Government Area, who also confirmed the incident, said relevant security agencies had been briefed.

Spokesperson for the police in the state, Asinim Butswat, said the command had launched an investigation into the incident.
 

News AddThis :  Original Author :  Saharareporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2Yx19W0

Murtala Muhammad, a 55-year-old man, has been rescued by the police in Kano after being locked up in a room by his father for 30 years.

Muhammad, a resident of Kofar Fada in Rogo Local Government Area of ​​Kano State, was rescued by the police and Human Rights Network on Thursday.

The victim was said to have been chained due to his mental illness.

Muhammad said he was happy to be freed.

See Also CRIME Kano Police Rescue 32-year-old Man Locked Up For Seven Years By Father, Stepmother 0 Comments 6 Days Ago

Comrade AA Haruna Ayagi, Executive Director of Human Rights Network, said Muhammad was 25 years old when he was locked up in the house.

The development comes four days after the police rescued Ibrahim Lawan, a man held captive by his father for 15 years in the same city.

 

See Also CRIME Another Man Chained By Father In Kano Rescued 0 Comments 4 Days Ago

News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/3gdbWJP

Murtala Muhammad, a 55-year-old man, has been rescued by the police in Kano after being locked up in a room by his father for 30 years.

Muhammad, a resident of Kofar Fada in Rogo Local Government Area of ​​Kano State, was rescued by the police and Human Rights Network on Thursday.

The victim was said to have been chained due to his mental illness.

Muhammad said he was happy to be freed.

See Also CRIME Kano Police Rescue 32-year-old Man Locked Up For Seven Years By Father, Stepmother 0 Comments 6 Days Ago

Comrade AA Haruna Ayagi, Executive Director of Human Rights Network, said Muhammad was 25 years old when he was locked up in the house.

The development comes four days after the police rescued Ibrahim Lawan, a man held captive by his father for 15 years in the same city.

 

See Also CRIME Another Man Chained By Father In Kano Rescued 0 Comments 4 Days Ago

News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/3gdbWJP

The British High Commission in Abuja has said that it has reopened its Visa Application Centres across the country.

It said any individual whose 30-day visa to travel to the UK for work, study or visitation had expired can request for a replacement free of charge, albeit with revised validity dates.

The free replacements will continue until the end of 2020.

According to the Commission in a statement on Thursday, the decision was taken in view of the disruptions to business activities and travels caused by the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic, which has led to an increase in the demand for a 30-day visa replacements for those wanting to travel to the UK for work, study or to join their families.

It said, “As a result of the disruptions to travel caused by COVID-19, we are experiencing high demand for replacement vignettes for 30-day visas to travel to the UK for work, study or to join family.

“If an individual’s 30-day visa to travel to the UK for work, study or to join family has expired, or is about to expire, they can request a replacement visa with revised validity dates free of charge until the end of this year. This does not apply to other types of visas. This process will be in place until the end of 2020. The replacement visa will be valid for 90 days.

“To request a replacement visa, individuals can arrange to return their passport to their Visa Application Centre in Nigeria without an appointment.”

Travel News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2Q8HIxb

The British High Commission in Abuja has said that it has reopened its Visa Application Centres across the country.

It said any individual whose 30-day visa to travel to the UK for work, study or visitation had expired can request for a replacement free of charge, albeit with revised validity dates.

The free replacements will continue until the end of 2020.

According to the Commission in a statement on Thursday, the decision was taken in view of the disruptions to business activities and travels caused by the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic, which has led to an increase in the demand for a 30-day visa replacements for those wanting to travel to the UK for work, study or to join their families.

It said, “As a result of the disruptions to travel caused by COVID-19, we are experiencing high demand for replacement vignettes for 30-day visas to travel to the UK for work, study or to join family.

“If an individual’s 30-day visa to travel to the UK for work, study or to join family has expired, or is about to expire, they can request a replacement visa with revised validity dates free of charge until the end of this year. This does not apply to other types of visas. This process will be in place until the end of 2020. The replacement visa will be valid for 90 days.

“To request a replacement visa, individuals can arrange to return their passport to their Visa Application Centre in Nigeria without an appointment.”

Travel News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2Q8HIxb

wo Lebanese have been convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment respectively by Justice I. M. Sani of the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The convicts, Chamseddine Waell Mohammed and Dina Jihad Khali l, were arrested at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, while attempting to smuggle $890,000 out of the country.

The offences run contrary to Section 2 (3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 (as amended) and punishable under Section 2 (5) of the same Act.

Chamseddine Waell Mohammed and Dina Jihad Khali l.

The first charge read, “That you Chamseddine Waell Mohammed on the 1st July, 2020 at Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, Port Harcourt within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did fail to make a declaration of the sum of $220,000.00 (Two Hundred and Twenty Thousand US dollars) hid in your luggage on board a chartered flight with registration number 9HVFF to Lebanon and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 2 (3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 (as Amended) and punishable under section 2 (5) of the same Act.”

The second charge read, “That you Dina Jihad Khali on the 1st July, 2020 at Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, Port Harcourt within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did fail to make a declaration to the Nigeria Custom Service as required by law cash transportation of the  sum of $670,000.00 (Six Hundred and Seventy Thousand US Dollars) hid in your Luggage on board a chartered flight with registration number 9HVFF to Lebanon and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 2 (3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 (as Amended) and punishable under Section 2 (5) of the same Act.”

The defendants pleaded guilty to the charges.

While reviewing  facts of the case, prosecuting counsel, Aso Larrys Peters, tendered some documents, which included letter of invitation from customs and statements of the defendants, as exhibits. 

Principal Detective Superintendent, Macaulay Olayinka, while being led in evidence by prosecution counsel, told the court that, the two convicts were arrested for attempting to smuggle a total sum of $890,000 USD( Eight Hundred and Ninety Thousand United States US Dollars) out of Nigeria,  through the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa.

“The said amount was found inside their Luggage on board a chartered flight with registration number 9HVFF to Lebanon.

“They were apprehended by the Nigeria Custom Service, Area One Command, Port Harcourt, and handed over to the Port Harcourt Zonal office of the EFCC on August 12, 2020 for further investigation.

“The convicts, Khali with passport number LR152975 (Republic of Lebanon) was arrested with  $670,000USD (Six Hundred and Seventy Thousand Dollars ) while Mohammed with Passport Number LR0356598 (Republic of Lebanon) had in his possession the sum of $220,000USD (Two Hundred and Twenty Thousand Dollars),” he said.

He further disclosed that the money recovered from the suspects had been deposited with the Central Bank of Nigeria, Rivers State branch, for safe keeping by the arresting agency.

In view of the reviewed facts, the prosecution prayed the court to convict and sentence the defendants as charged.

However, counsel to the defendants, Paul Ejiga, urged the court to temper justice with mercy as the defendants were first time offenders, who have no previous criminal record.

Justice Sani consequently convicted and sentenced the defendants to two years imprisonment with an option of fine of N1m each. 

The undeclared amount was ordered forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Corruption CRIME Legal News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/325qAxO

wo Lebanese have been convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment respectively by Justice I. M. Sani of the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The convicts, Chamseddine Waell Mohammed and Dina Jihad Khali l, were arrested at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, while attempting to smuggle $890,000 out of the country.

The offences run contrary to Section 2 (3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 (as amended) and punishable under Section 2 (5) of the same Act.

Chamseddine Waell Mohammed and Dina Jihad Khali l.

The first charge read, “That you Chamseddine Waell Mohammed on the 1st July, 2020 at Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, Port Harcourt within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did fail to make a declaration of the sum of $220,000.00 (Two Hundred and Twenty Thousand US dollars) hid in your luggage on board a chartered flight with registration number 9HVFF to Lebanon and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 2 (3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 (as Amended) and punishable under section 2 (5) of the same Act.”

The second charge read, “That you Dina Jihad Khali on the 1st July, 2020 at Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, Port Harcourt within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did fail to make a declaration to the Nigeria Custom Service as required by law cash transportation of the  sum of $670,000.00 (Six Hundred and Seventy Thousand US Dollars) hid in your Luggage on board a chartered flight with registration number 9HVFF to Lebanon and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 2 (3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 (as Amended) and punishable under Section 2 (5) of the same Act.”

The defendants pleaded guilty to the charges.

While reviewing  facts of the case, prosecuting counsel, Aso Larrys Peters, tendered some documents, which included letter of invitation from customs and statements of the defendants, as exhibits. 

Principal Detective Superintendent, Macaulay Olayinka, while being led in evidence by prosecution counsel, told the court that, the two convicts were arrested for attempting to smuggle a total sum of $890,000 USD( Eight Hundred and Ninety Thousand United States US Dollars) out of Nigeria,  through the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa.

“The said amount was found inside their Luggage on board a chartered flight with registration number 9HVFF to Lebanon.

“They were apprehended by the Nigeria Custom Service, Area One Command, Port Harcourt, and handed over to the Port Harcourt Zonal office of the EFCC on August 12, 2020 for further investigation.

“The convicts, Khali with passport number LR152975 (Republic of Lebanon) was arrested with  $670,000USD (Six Hundred and Seventy Thousand Dollars ) while Mohammed with Passport Number LR0356598 (Republic of Lebanon) had in his possession the sum of $220,000USD (Two Hundred and Twenty Thousand Dollars),” he said.

He further disclosed that the money recovered from the suspects had been deposited with the Central Bank of Nigeria, Rivers State branch, for safe keeping by the arresting agency.

In view of the reviewed facts, the prosecution prayed the court to convict and sentence the defendants as charged.

However, counsel to the defendants, Paul Ejiga, urged the court to temper justice with mercy as the defendants were first time offenders, who have no previous criminal record.

Justice Sani consequently convicted and sentenced the defendants to two years imprisonment with an option of fine of N1m each. 

The undeclared amount was ordered forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Corruption CRIME Legal News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/325qAxO

President Muhammadu Buhari has named former Super Eagles striker, Daniel Amokachi, as his Special Adviser on Sports.

This was announced in a press statement by the Media Office of the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, on Thursday.

Daniel Amokachi

The statement noted that Amokachi’s letter of appointment was issued on August 17, 2020 and signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha.

The statement quoted the appointment letter as reading, “I am pleased to inform you that Mohammadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has approved your appointment as Special Assistant on Sports. The appointment takes effect from the 11th of August, 2020.”

As Special Assistant on Sports, Amokachi is expected to advise the President on all sports matters.

The former Everton of England player was earlier in the year named Nigeria’s Football Ambassador. 

Although a ceremonial role, as ambassador he is expected to mentor youngsters.

Amokachi a.k.a ‘Da Bull’, began his career in Kaduna with Ranchers Bees, played for Club Brugge of Belgium, Besiktas of Turkey, Everton of England and Colorado Rapids of United States before retirement.

Sports News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/3ggMuDk

President Muhammadu Buhari has named former Super Eagles striker, Daniel Amokachi, as his Special Adviser on Sports.

This was announced in a press statement by the Media Office of the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, on Thursday.

Daniel Amokachi

The statement noted that Amokachi’s letter of appointment was issued on August 17, 2020 and signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha.

The statement quoted the appointment letter as reading, “I am pleased to inform you that Mohammadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has approved your appointment as Special Assistant on Sports. The appointment takes effect from the 11th of August, 2020.”

As Special Assistant on Sports, Amokachi is expected to advise the President on all sports matters.

The former Everton of England player was earlier in the year named Nigeria’s Football Ambassador. 

Although a ceremonial role, as ambassador he is expected to mentor youngsters.

Amokachi a.k.a ‘Da Bull’, began his career in Kaduna with Ranchers Bees, played for Club Brugge of Belgium, Besiktas of Turkey, Everton of England and Colorado Rapids of United States before retirement.

Sports News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/3ggMuDk

The Nigerian Bar Association has withdrawn its invitation to Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State to speak at the association’s annual general conference.

The association took the decision at its just concluded National Executive Committee meeting.

NBA said it took the decision so that the governor can have more time to focus on the killings in Southern part of Kaduna State.

Several Nigerian lawyers had in the past days registered their discontent over the decision of the leadership of the NBA to include Governor el-Rufai as a guest speaker in the conference.

The conference holds from August 26-29.

See Also News Lawyers Berate NBA President, Paul Usoro, For Including Governor El-Rufai In Association's Upcoming Annual Conference 0 Comments 2 Days Ago

Others billed to speak at the session include Nyesom Wike, governor of Rivers State; Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State and Vice Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party at the 2019 election; Tunde Bakare, a cleric and Chairman, African Advisory Council of the Royal Commonwealth Society; Oby Ezekwesili, an activist and former minister; and Salamatu Suleiman, immediate-past ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security.

Other speakers at the conference include Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker of the House of Representatives; and Tanko Muhammad, Chief Justice of Nigeria; Olusegun Obasanjo, a former President; Ike Ekweremadu, former Deputy Senate President; and Abubakar Malami, Attorney-General of the Federation.

 

See Also Exclusive EXCLUSIVE: Police In Kaduna Allegedly Assault, Evict 85-year-old Retired Army Officer, Family Members On Orders Of Governor El-Rufai 0 Comments 21 Hours Ago

Legal Politics Breaking News News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2YyrRhQ