NURTW Leader Arraigned For Vandalising N1.2m Tinubu, N3m APC Billboards

The leader of the proscribed National Union of Toad Transport Workers (NURTW) in Oyo State Mr. Mukaila Lamidi (aka Auxilliary) has been arraigned for allegedly vandalising campaign billboards of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and some other All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates in the state.Tinubu is the presidential candidate of the APC in the 2023 polls.

According to the charge sheet, Auxilliary was arraigned on a six-count charge bordering on wilful destruction of billboards of APC candidates in Igbo-Ora and Ido areas of Ibadan.

He was dragged to court by the Commissioner of Police.

At the hearing on Thursday, tens of his supporters stormed the Ibadan North East Local Government premises of the Magistrate Court to solidarise with him.

Amotekun personnel were also mobilised to provide security for the court and the council facilities.

While the vandalised Tinubu’s billboard was said to cost N1.2m, that of the party’s candidate for Ido/Ibarapa East Constituency Aderemi Oseni was valued at N3 million.

After pleading ‘Not Guilty,’ to the charges, the magistrate Taiwo Oladiran granted him N500,000 bail and two sureties in like sum.

Hearing was adjourned to February 2, 2023.

Ondomind

Ministry requests $8.92m World Bank loan for stationery, others

The Home Finance Department of the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning has requested about $8.93m from the World Bank to procure 21 items, which included office stationery, office furniture, office supplies, office equipment, and vehicles.The requests were made under the State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability project, which was initiated in 2018.

The SFTAS project was designed to strengthen transparency and accountability at the sub-national level, and will end this year.

A total of $1.5bn was committed to the project in two batches of $750m (December 2018 and December 2020) by the World Bank.

Although the money is a grant to state governments, it is a loan to the Federal Government.

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PDP G-5 Governors Is Plus For APC, Says Oshiomhole

Adams Oshiomhole, former governor of Edo, says the five governors at the centre of the crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will be an advantage for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 elections.Dubbed as G5, the five governors — Nyesom Wike of Rivers, Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Samuel Ortom of Benue, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia, and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu — are among the stakeholders calling for the resignation of Iyorchia Ayu as the party’s chairman.

The call is said to be on the grounds that the party’s presidential candidate and national chairman cannot be from the same region.

Speaking on Friday after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja, Oshiomhole, former APC national chairman, said his party is on course to win in the forthcoming elections.

He criticised Atiku Abubakar, the PDP presidential candidate, for not supporting a southern candidate, as well as the latter’s recent comments on the preference for a northern candidate.

“You now have the G-5 governors who said the understanding we reached in Asaba, voluntarily, both by PDP and APC governors, they stand by that agreement,” he said.

“[They said] that leaders must have character, and that if you are not yet president and you are not obeying agreement, and Nigerians are talking of national unity, you disobeyed the provision of your party constitution, which talks about rotation in order to service that unity, and you can go to some parts of the country and say ‘don’t vote for Igbo, don’t vote for Yoruba’.

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Jonathan Sacrificed Personal Ambition For Country ― Buhari

Former President Goodluck Jonathan sacrifice personal ambition for the greater good of the country and is successfully winning the hearts of Nigerians and the world as a man of peace, by carrying on his legacy of truce and amity to many countries.President Muhammadu Buhari made this assertion in a message, on behalf of the government and Nigerians, to mark the 65th birthday of the former president on Saturday.

According to a statement issued by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), President Buhari noted the unique position of the former President in the growth and development of the nation.

The President expressed the belief that the friendliness, loyalty, and humility of Dr Jonathan continued to open opportunities for service to humanity while defining a path for the former President to invest in people, institutions, and nations.

As Dr Jonathan clocks 65, President Buhari prayed for his well-being and that of his family.

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Defence Ministry Disowns N11 Billion Insertion In 2023 Budget

There was a mild drama at the upper legislative chamber, the Senate when the Ministry of Defence through the minister, Major General Bashir Magashi (rtd) and the Parmanent Secretary, Dr.Ibrahim Kana disowned over N11 billion allegedly inserted into the proposed 2023 budget of the ministry.The drama began when the Senate Committee on Defence uncovered the alleged insertion during the defence of the proposal for spending estimates presented to it by the minister and other officials of the ministry.

The alleged insertion, which was detected by the vice chairman of the committee, Senator Itsifanus Gyang, comprises N8.6 billion earmarked for procurement of military hardwares/ equipment and N2.25billion for Safe School Initiatives. Commenting on the development, Gyang stated that “Hon Minister, in the proposed 2023 budget of your Ministry N8.6billion is discovered to have been allocated for purchase of military hardwares and N2.25billion for Safe School Initiatives.

“The two items, when critically viewed, were not supposed to be in the Ministry’s budget since hardware procurements are done by the Army, Navy and Air Force and Safe School Initiative by the Federal Ministry of Education. These to us are duplications of budgetary votes which require explanations from you.” Responding to the query, the Minister sought for permission of the Committee for the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, to respond.

Kana told the committee that the sums were inserted into the ministry’s budget by the Minister of Finance and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed. “The two budgetary votes were not initiative of the Ministry. The Ministry of Finance and National Planning put them there,” he said.

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Wike welcomes G.5 PDP Integrity Governors to River's State

LAs the Rivers State chapter of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) flags off its 2023 electioneering campaign with a Grand Rally, to formally unveil the 'New Rivers Vision Consolidation Project 2023' today, the Governor of Rivers State and leader of the PDP in the State, H.E Nyesom Ezenwo Wike on Friday night treated the G-5 integrity Governors to a State banquet, to formally welcome the special guests to the state ahead of the mother of all political gatherings billed to hold at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Igwuruta, Ikwerre LGA, Rivers State.This would be the first time the G-5 integrity Governors of PDP would be making appearance at a political gathering in Rivers State as a group.

The atmosphere in Rivers State is already charged and the 23 LGAs ready to show their followership strength at the ceremony.

The special guest of honour, Gov Nyesom Wike is expected to lead Integrity Governors to the stadium to address his people and the world at large.

It's going to be massive and impressive because Nyesom Wike enjoys great love and followership in Rivers State and across political parties.

Ondomind

Over 2300 APC Members Defect To PDP In Sokoto

The Sokoto State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Saidu Umar, has welcomed over 2, 300 supporters of the All Progressive Congress (APC) into his party.It was gathered that the new PDP members are from Mainiyo area of Sokoto North Local Government Area (LGA).

Umar received the new party members recently at an event to inaugurate the Ubandoma/Sagir Mainiyo Old Market Development Association.

The gubernatorial candidate assured the decampees that they will be carried along in all the activities of the party especially now that the campaigns have started. He charged them to dedicate more energy towards garnering support and promoting the party and its candidates in their area.

Also, he used the avenue to solicit from the people of the state to avail the PDP another chance ‘for the sustenance of good governance in the upcoming elections’.

Furthermore, the governorship flag-bearer said his administration, if elected, will prioritise the youths and women in Sokoto State in areas of empowerment.

Ondomind

Police recruit returns home from nine-month training to find new wife pregnant for his brother

The fate that befell Japhet Aba, a newly recruited policeman in Nasarawa State, is one that no young man would envy. His heart was torn apart, his ego badly bruised after he left home for training in Bauchi State and returned to discover that his newly married wife had been impregnated by his stepbrother.Japhet, a youthful indigene of Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State and only son of his mother, had reported in Bauchi for post- recruitment training about three months after he got married.

The product of Nasarawa State Polytechnic had joined the police about three months after his marriage with Angela Onuh, a graduate of the College of Agriculture Lafia.

Although the couple was said to have dated for about one year before they got married, they were said to have struck an agreement that they would have no intimacy before their marriage in September last year. Unfortunately, the intimacy they had after marriage could not result in pregnancy before the husband departed for training.

In the build-up to his departure for police training in Bauchi, Japhet decided to secure an apartment in Lafia, Nasarawa State capital, in a compound where his stepbrother, Samuel Aba, already living, believing that the primary school teacher would help to look after his wife in his absence.

Japhet, however, got the shock of his life when he returned from Bauchi after nine months and found his wife heavily pregnant. Upon enquiry, Angela told Japhet that she was lured by Samuel into an affair until she became pregnant for him.

She also said that she avoided aborting the pregnancy because her parents, particularly her mother who had died a few years ago, had warned her that she would die if she engaged in any abortion.

While Japhet who returned home to the shocking discovery in July has since reported at his place of primary assignment, matters became worse for him recently as a bullet was said to have hit his manhood during an exchange of gunfire between the police and some daredevil robbers. He is at the moment undergoing treatment in a hospital in Lafia while Angela was recently delivered of a baby boy.

Samuel, on his part, suffered a worse fate as some herdsmen were said to have attacked and shot him dead while he was on inspection of his farm in Doma village. But while Samuel was said to have seen the new baby before his death, Japhet who has been on admission in the hospital, has not had the opportunity of seeing the newborn baby or his wife since July.

Ondomind

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Ibadan-Lagos Express: Oyo Govt Engages Vigilante Groups, Traditional Leaders to Tackle Insecurity

In its bid to put an end to incessant kidnappings along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, the Oyo State Government has resolved to involve traditional leaders and local vigilantes.The vigilantes and other non-state actors will work with regular security agencies in order to arrest perpetrators of heinous crimes along the expressway.

Special Adviser on Security Matters to Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, CP Fatai Owoseni (rtd) made this known while briefing newsmen on the outcome of a stakeholders’ security meeting held at the Oyo State Security Trust Fund Office, Onireke, Ibadan.

Owoseni, who explained that the collaborations of the Oyo and Ogun state governments are already yielding positive results, noted that the governments of the two states have strengthened the security architecture on the Ibadan-Lagos expressway.

He said: "Sadly, we have had three incidents in one week cutting across, that made it to look as if the security agents are sleeping on their obligations but I must correct that impression. Before then, it was not as if measures and strategies were not put in place to curb any incident.

"The perception and the interpretation that has been given is that your community is insecure but it is not possible to have a totally crime-free society.

"Concerning the incidents we recorded about two weeks ago, a whole lot has been put in place by the government to ensure that we give safety to commuters, not just on the Express road but the road that leads to Lagos and Abeokuta and some other parts of Oyo State. 

“And that also was the reason why the governors of Ogun and Oyo States met to form Joint Security Committee. So, in essence, with what has happened, the interpretation of security will be that there must have been a gap. 

"The criminal elements who are on the other side believe it is their profession and would probably must have noticed a gap that they can capitalise on, which would translate to what I can call 'opportunistic crime.'

 “Having said that, we have looked back to see where we got it wrong and looked at the lesson. And that also explains why, for the past one week, jointly with Ogun State security team, we have formed a Technical Working Group. We have been sitting together to see what we can do to remain proactive. 

“For now, we have strengthened visibility and also found out some certain things. We have taken a lesson from that to say that whatever that is put in place now will be something that is workable, practical, sustainable and that is where we are now.

"Is it that with the non-state actors that we are using, we have not been able to tidy up the framework with which we work for them? We have looked at that as well to improve the collaboration with the locals that know the nooks and crannies of the community.

"We have also looked at how we can optimise the use of the traditional institutions, the Baales in our areas including those that do business in the communities. "How much of relationship do they have with the traditional rulers in the said areas. 'Are they doing the necessary Corporate Social Responsibilities CSR? All these things matter. 

"Yesterday, we had an interaction with the corporate Ibadan factories around that area to have a serious dialogue with them to say that what is it that we are doing, which can make people sell out in that area? And how can we also incorporate you properly into the state's security architecture? This is because investigations into the case pointed to the fact that some of the staffers are sell-outs. 

“So, we have to close all the gaps and that is what we have been doing.”

Owoseni added that the governments of both states are working together to secure the axis, saying: "Ogun and Oyo states are working together strongly and fortunately for us, the governors of the two states recognise the need that whatever come out from the interactions we see doing, their own support is necessary.

“Security is expensive and funding is key to whatever we want to do. If you want to bring in the non-state actors, local hunters, if we are bringing them in, how much of motivation are we giving them? So, a these areas have been identified.

"We have reinvigorated our visibility on the road, deny the criminal elements the space to operate freely. We are going after the ones that have operated and bring them to justice. Philosophy in security is 'don't let it happen'. If it happens, let the people that do it know that you can get them and make them face the law'. So, we are approaching both ways.

“All the security agencies and commanders are working together and we have also used this to strengthen the synergy that all the agencies have. Anyone plying the road now will see static and mobile deployments. 

"All the agencies are there; you have the Air Force, Army, Amotekun, Police, Civil Defence and elements of the covert operation on ground as well and they have the resources they can use in terms of logistics. 

“So, we have just carried on from the interactions that the Technical Teams of the both states had last week and strengthening it. And in order to get the input of the locals, we met with the business entity and, today, we have also met with the traditional institutions and explored the areas where technology will be deployed. 

"The eyes of the people are stronger than the CCTV and the drones because the technology may show you this is the place but will it also show you how you will navigate to the place; the topography, terrain? Those things are very important. Apart from the technology, we are also trying to leverage on what we have on ground and we hope that everyone recognises the fact that they must support the efforts of government on this."

In his contribution, the chairman, Oluyole Local Government, Hon. Settle Olaide, said that the government has actually put a lot of security strategies in place to make sure Oluyole LG and its environs, is policed effectively..

Speaking on behalf of the traditional leaders in Oluyole Local Government, Baale Omi Aboderin Village, Baale Olukunmi Egbelade, said that the meeting was organised to discuss how the security will be tightened in Oluyole Local Government. 

"We are here to discuss how security can be tightened in Oluyole Local Government. This baffles our mind. With this meeting, we expect that there will be progress very soon. 

"We are also happy about the recent development, bringing together the two states involved - Oyo and Ogun. We cannot do this in isolation because we are very close to each other."

Ondomind 

We Are Set To Sweep Polls In 36 States - Labour Party

The Obi-Datti Media Office has said the Labour Party is preparing to for an outright victory in the 36 states of the federation including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, in the 2023 general elections.The Media Office said this in a statement in Abuja, on Friday.

It said it was responding to a clearly unsubstantiated view expressed by a former Governor of Ekiti state, Ayo Fayose that he does not see Labour Party winning 25% in 24 states of the federation.

The Labour Party Campaign said, “Ordinarily, we would not have bordered to react to such subjective view not supported empirically but we feel such view is capable of sending the wrong message to the public if unexplained.

“LP presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi and his Running mate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmad are not targeting 24 states for victory but the entire country meaning the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

“We are well aware that making 25% of the votes cast in 24 states is the minimum requirement to win the Presidency, but LP is looking at the entire country since it’s flag bearer is a national person to be limited to any region.

“Ex-Governor Fayose is certainly living in the past by refusing to capture the political mood of the country which is beyond geopolitical, ethnic, regional, state and my turn interests.“

The Media Office further noted that Nigerian youths who are driving the Obidient Movement are spread and active in every state of the federation and their target is overwhelming and outright victory across board.

Ondomind

I Shut Down National Assembly To Stop Buhari's Impeachment - Omo-agege

The Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, has revealed how he stopped the 8th Senate led by Bukola Saraki from impeaching President Muhammadu Buhari, saying he does not regret his actions.On April 18, 2018, armed thugs stormed the Senate to allegedly reinstate the then-suspended senator, Ovie Omo-Agege. They overpowered the security men and forcibly took away the mace around 11:30 a.m.

Omo-Agege who is APC guber Delta candidate said, “I will never regret my action to shut down the 8th Senate to stop the impeachment of President Buhari.

“Then, I was the de facto chairman of the Electoral Act, and after concluding our report, Saraki and his cohorts decided to change what we passed and sent to the House of Representatives for concurrent consideration just because they wanted to impeach President Buhari.

“So, I protested and stopped them, and the Saraki group said they had suspended me. According to my understanding of the law, they do not have the authority to suspend me.

“Our group called the parliamentary group for support of Buhari in the Senate, then made efforts to stop them, and I showed up unexpectedly and shut down the sitting to stop the impeachment of President Buhari. I’m not regretting the role I played.”

On the governance of the state, Omo-Agege said, “If you make an objective assessment of every village, town, city, and local government area in Delta State, including the riverine areas, you will come to the sad conclusion that the state is lagging behind in every index of socio-economic development and economic prosperity.

“Ifeanyi Okowa’s government alone has swallowed up well over N2.8trn in seven years.

“There is poverty and profound infrastructural dilapidation from Asaba to Warri and environs, Ughelli to Udu, Sapele to Effurun, Koko to Oghara, Agbor to Ukwani, Ndokwa to Abraka, and other areas of the state.”

Ondomind

17 Heads Of Security Agencies Are Northerners,' Atiku Slams Lopsided Appointments

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, on Wednesday, condemned what he described as the lopsided appointment of heads of security agencies by President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.“PDP will form a government of national unity. We will bring members of the opposition who would have lost and then, of course, we will move on from there. This is when only the ways to unify this country and we will now begin to move,” Atiku said during an interactive session with members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors.

“Today, we have 17 heads of various security agencies. All of them come from the North; I will not do that. I will make sure that every geopolitical zone is represented in these security outfits. This is also another way you can unify this country and give every part of this country a sense of belonging.

Ondomind

President Buhari commends Wike’s Benevolent support for Legal education in Nigeria

President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari has described the Dr. Nabo Graham Douglas Campus of the Nigerian Law School, built, furnished and handed over by the Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike's administration as a grand wonder, structured to be self-sustaining.The president noted that the project, among several others, is no doubt an abiding testament to the commitment of governor Wike to the promotion of law and development in Rivers State and beyond.

President Buhari spoke while inaugurating the Dr. Nabo Graham Douglas Campus of the Nigerian Law School, Port Harcourt on Friday. He was represented by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN.

"I need not engage in poetic verbosity to properly describe the grand wonder that is being commissioned today. The icing on the cake is the fact that this edifice and its state-of-the-art facilities are structured to be self-sustaining through, associated revenue earners, as designed by a man of higher vision who is now fondly referred to as Mr Project."

President Buhari said he was aware that governor Wike extended development initiatives to the neighbouring Bayelsa State, by executing multi-billion-naira projects that included a 900-bed space hostel and 1,500-capacity auditorium, in the Yenagoa Campus of the Nigerian Law School.This, he noted, is in addition to the provision of critical infrastructure support extended to federal courts in Rivers State, over the years.

"These are indeed pace-setting and unparalleled contributions by a State Government to what is ordinarily under the remit of the Federal Government.

"Governor Wike’s dedication to these projects is better appreciated from the viewpoint of his being an unrelenting advocate of true federalism in Nigeria."President Buhari said the resultant effects of governors sterling efforts has continued to strengthen the rule of law and national development.

The Nigerian president commended the good heart and Statesmanship of governor Wike, on behalf of the entire justice family and lovers of justice in Nigeria for his unifying efforts and commitment to national harmony.

"Governor Nyesom Wike has executed numerous landmark infrastructural projects which have transformed the human and economic development of Rivers State, while also forging socio-political alliances and promoting national harmony."Indeed, our dear nation needs more of such unifying efforts. It is in recognition of the foregoing that my administration discarded political considerations and acknowledged excellence, by conferring Governor Wike with the Nigerian Excellence Award in Public Service, in October 2022, for his unprecedented leadership role in the delivery of legacy infrastructural projects in Rivers State and beyond. Your Excellency, you have indeed immortalized yourself and history will be kind to you."

President Buhari reiterated that the ceremony served as an avenue for them to be reminded of the need to promote cooperation and understanding between the Federal and State Governments in the overall national interest and the welfare of all Nigerians.In his speech, Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike said that sequel to his request for approval to build a law campus in Port Harcourt and subsequent approval given, he is today most delighted to have delivered the facility, completed within 10 months.

He stated that the contract for the project was awarded to indigenous contractors, who handled each of the structures under strict supervision, costing the State government about N17 billion.

Governor Wike revealed that one of the reasons why his administration has been able to embark on several projects is because President Buhari had graciously approved the payment and release of unpaid 13 percent derivation deductions since 1999 to all States in the Niger Delta.

The governor insisted that the financial support given by the Rivers State government to the Nigerian Law School should be expended on the Dr. Nabo Graham Douglas Campus and no where else.

The governor said it will be unfair for the Rivers State government to have spent so much on providing the campus and not have an admission quota exclusive to the State.

In his good will message, President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, said governor Wike is a true leader who has shown excellence in governance and deliberately invested in the legal profession that will serve the course of justice to the people.

Speaking for the Benchers, Chief Wole Olanipekun noted that there is no legal professional who has contributed as much as governor Wike has done to the promotion of legal practice in Nigeria.

In his speech, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, who described the day as epochal for the legal profession, decried the inability of the National Assembly and other stakeholders to enact a new Legal Practitioners' Act that should make the legal practice of international standard in the country.

Also speaking, the Chairman, Council of Legal Education, Chief Nnaemeka Ngige conveyed the appreciation of the council over the enthusiasm and cooperation of the government and people of Rivers State in the delivery of a landmark project that will serve to benefit the development of Nigeria.

On his part, the Director General of Nigerian Law School, Prof. Issa Hayatu Ciroma commended governor Wike for keeping to his promise of building a self -sustaining brand new campus for the Nigerian Law School in Port Harcourt.He assured that legal education activities will now commence at the law campus fully, which is now a model to use by any person or government when establishing law campuses in the county.

On his part, Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Dr. George -Kelly Dakorinima Alabo said the site, once occupied by the State's School of nursing, overtime became swampy, which was the situation when the civil work on the law school campus started.

According to him, with 21metere hight of sand-filling of the land, 15 buildings had been built, which include a 700 capacity cafeteria, a moot court, and a 1638 capacity three-storey classroom block. There are five hostels to house about 1,350 plus 1,638 students, library, 1,500 capacity auditorium and standby power plant.

In his address, the Rivers State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Zacchaeus Adangor recalled that on the 4th of June 2021, during the flag of the construction of modern facilities at the Yanagoa law school in Bayelsa State, governor Wike requested for a law campus in Port Harcourt.

He noted that the request was eventually granted with approval from the Federal government and council of legal education which necessitated the laying of the foundation stone on the 17th June 2021.

Prof. Adangor said, today, after 10 months, a brand new facility has been built, furnished, equipped and handover as a Dr. Nabo Graham Douglas Nigerian Law School in Port Harcourt.

Ondomind 

US returns another $20m Abacha loot to Nigeria

The United States Department of Justice said it had transferred over $20.6m to the Federal Government in accordance with an August 23 agreement between the governments to repatriate assets stolen by late dictator General Sani Abacha and his co-conspirators.According to a statement published on the DoJ website on Thursday, the repatriation brings the total amount forfeited and returned by the US in this case to approximately $332.4m.

In 2020, the department repatriated over $311.7m of the forfeited assets that had been located in the Bailiwick of Jersey.

Last year, the United Kingdom enforced the US judgment against the additional $20.6m.

In 2014, a judgment was entered in the District of Columbia ordering the forfeiture of approximately $500m located in accounts around the world, as the result of a civil forfeiture complaint for more than $625m traceable to money laundering involving the proceeds of Abacha’s corruption.

The forfeited assets represent corrupt monies laundered during and after the military regime of Abacha, who became Head of State through a military coup on November 17, 1993, and held that position until his death on June 8, 1998.

The complaint filed in the case alleged that Abacha, his son Mohammed, their associate, Abubakar Bagudu, now Kebbi State Governor, and others, embezzled, misappropriated, and extorted billions of dollars from the government coffers and others, and then laundered their criminal proceeds through US financial institutions and transactions.

The statement read, ‘’The United Kingdom’s cooperation in the investigation, restraint, and enforcement of the US judgment, along with the valuable contributions of Nigeria and other law enforcement partners around the world, including the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency, as well as those of the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, have been instrumental to the recovery of these funds.

‘’Under the agreement signed in August, the US agreed to transfer 100 per cent of the net forfeited assets to Nigeria to support three critical infrastructure projects in Nigeria that were previously authorised by Nigerian President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) and the Nigerian legislature.

‘’The $20,637,622.27 marks a slight reduction from the $23m announced in August due primarily to exchange rate fluctuations between British pounds sterling and US dollars. The funds governed by this agreement will help finance the Second Niger Bridge, the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, and the Abuja-Kano road – investments that will benefit the citizens.

The department appreciated the extensive assistance provided by the governments of the United Kingdom, Nigeria, Jersey, and France in this investigation.

It added that the case was brought under the Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative by a team of dedicated prosecutors in the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section working in partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The US encouraged individuals with information about possible proceeds of foreign corruption located in or laundered through the US to contact federal law enforcement or send an email to [email protected].

Students body dissociate Self From Ipinsagba Bursary Scheme, warns Impostors

The Leadership of NATIONAL CONGRESS OF ÀKÓKÓ STUDENTS (NACAS) NATIONAL BODY, Which is the conglomeration of all the students of Akoko Origin from Primary to Tertiary institution schooling across the Globe under the capable leadership of Comr. KEMISOLA BABATUNDE (KHEMISTRY) and Sen. Comr. Adedoyin Oluwasegun, the Senate President write to dissociate the Respected Association from any "Student Bursary Scheme" by PASTOR JIDE IPINSAGBA.

Pastor jide Ipinsagba is The All Progressive Congress (APC) Senatorial Candidate for Ondo North. 

In a  press statement sent to Ondomind by the National body sign by the National President and Senate President reads;

This disclaimer is necessary as some rumour mongers Who are hell bent on soiling the image of this Association, are already spreading unscrupulous words that NACAS, is participating in the scheme.

To set the record straight, at no point was any students body in Àkókó Land contacted for any BURSARY SCHEME by Pastor JIDE IPINSAGBA.

As an Association with high reputation among comitty of Indigenous Associations, it will be image denting for us to get Involved in a faceless bursary scheme whose beneficiaries are alien to Akoko and our Association

We hereby warn sternly, that on no account should anyone under any guise represent Akoko students at that event or give any speech on our behalf. 

Sen Comr. Adedoyin Oluwasegun, the Senate President of the Association as well distance self from the said Busary by pastor Jide Ipinsagba 

Anyone who does this must be ready to face every legal battle with the Association. 

He added 

We like to state without any equivocation that such Era where and when some unknown persons impersonate NACAS at any functions have gone, it's a new era, a redefining and repackaging moment for the Association and we won't watch and allow some agents of destruction stampede our rebuild process.

The leadership of NACAS remains committed to the welfare of the members and we shall continue to make that a priority.

Akoko tán, Ọmọ Onílé Obi

Ọmọ Onílé Obi, Ajumose wá ni

E_SIGNED

Kemisola Babatunde (Khemistry )

National President, NACAS

09033997847

Sen. Adedoyin Oluwasegun

Senate President

08107779835

Babaleye Jeremiah

National General Secretary, NACAS

09071243744. 

AGOi Ayomide (Tripple_A)

National Public Relations Officer, NACAS

07045292152

2023: Why Tinubu is Nigeria's best option – Akinfolarin

It's less than 100 days to the 2023 general elections, and the major focus of majority of the populace is centered on who replaces the outgoing president Muhammadu Buhari.Hon. Mayowa Samuel Akinfolarin, honourable member representing Ile-oluji/Okeigbo and Odigbo Federal Constituency has described Tinubu as the best candidate among all other aspirant. 

In a telephone chat with OndoMind, Hon. Mayowa have this to say;

Going by the recent socio-political cum economic realities of our nation, if we must truthfully and objectively agree with the true state of our nation, then we would without shreds of sentiments agree that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, is the right candidate to steer the affairs of the nation come 2023.

Asides the fact that Tinubu has raised various prominent individuals who have in the last two decades become the poster boy of progressiveness, it can be objectively said that Tinubu is more than just a name, he is an institution, a brand which is characterized by democratic elements, his trajectory into the state of the nation has seen him become an indefatigable individual who have always supported and pursued proper governance and quality representation.

His achievements while serving as a governor in Lagos State was instrumental to helping Lagos attained the admirable position which it has attained today.

If there's anything that can be largely said of him, he understands governance and politics, he understands the needs of the people and how they can be viably addressed. He is no politician with no tangible achievements, around him are inexhaustible lists of achievements of the Jagaban of Borgu.

A master strategist, he has horned his personality as a key figure who knows how to bring the best of our persons and institutions.

There is no better time than now for all Nigerians to come together to elect for itself an experienced candidate, one basked with the brilliance of harnessing our huge human resources to building a nation we all can be proud of.

His manifesto which was released few weeks ago, showed the readiness of a presidential candidate who is committed to the job he is vying for.

He has built for himself a name across the Niger, his person is one which is also generally accepted by all and Sundry and if we must make this highly needed change come 2022, it's high time we elect a man who is capable, who has proven his mettle and who have solidified his place as a true progressives .

Ondomind

Tricycle Rider kidnap by gunmen For Filming Abduction Operation

Some gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have reportedly abducted a tricycle operator allegedly videoing their kidnap operation at Onugwu Market Square, Ibeagwa in the Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State.SaharaReporters gathered that the incident happened on Thursday, at about 6pm.

The gunmen also kidnapped two other people including one Pele who was said to be an in-law to the immediate past Chairman of Enugu East Council Area, Chief Alex Ugwu.

Pele, according to sources from the community, was trailed to the market where he was blocked and whisked away by the gunmen.

Also, a shop owner at the market square and a tricycle rider, who reportedly videoed the abduction incident, were picked up.

The hoodlums also, while they were making their escape, stopped over on the Ugwogo/Opi express road and robbed a fuel station, shooting the manager in the process.

The former Council Chairman, Chief Ugwu, confirmed the incident.

The traditional ruler of the Ibeagwa community, His Royal Majesty Igwe Emmanuel Ugwu also condemned the act, describing it as grave threat to the peace in the community.

SaharaReporters’ efforts to speak with the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, were unsuccessful as he could not answer his calls.

Singer B. Smyth Dies From Respiratory Disease

American R&B singer, Brandon Smith popularly known as B. Smyth has died from Pulmonary fibrosis.His older brother, Denzil, made this known in a video post via Smith’s Instagram account on Thursday.

Captioning the clip, Denzil said, “Hello I’m Denzil #BSmyth brother and today regretfully I have to announce that my brother has passed away this morning from respiratory failure after a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis.”

“My brother was very excited to see a lot of you create challenges for his latest released single #Twerkoholic part 2 while he was in the ICU, it really brought him a big smile to his face. So on behalf of my brother and my family we want to say thank you to all of you for all of your love & support throughout the years. We ask for privacy during these difficult times. We also want to say thank you for all of your prayers. #RIPBSMYTH Love you bro! 🙏🏾☁️ #1trekk”

Ondomind

Nigerian Soldier, Kills Colleague, Female Aid Worker, Injures Pilot, Other UN Staff In Borno

A Nigerian Army soldier attached to the Special Forces of the 25 Task Force (TF) Brigade in the remote town of Damboa, Borno State has been reportedly gunned down after he went wild, killing an unarmed civilian, his fellow soldier and injuring many others.It was learnt that the soldier opened fire, resulting in the killing of at least one female humanitarian aid worker and also injured a United Nations pilot.

The soldier was said to have walked off his base at about 3pm Thursday and went on a shooting rampage using an AK-47 rifle.

The situation forced the international non-governmental organisation passengers waiting to board a helicopter back to Maiduguri to scamper for safety, a source in the United Nations told Zagazola Makama, a Counter-Insurgency expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad.

According to the report, after the soldier exhausted his bullet, he brought out a jack knife and stabbed a female staff of Medecins du Monde (France) on Nigeria Mission, four times killing her before injuring the helicopter pilot.

Ondomind