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Redeemed Church dismisses Pastor trying to ‘sleep” with member’s wife
The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has dismissed one of its pastors in Akure, Ondo state, Gideon Bakere.
Pastor Bakare was a few days ago, caught and videotaped naked trying to sleep with one of his church member’s wife.
On the video, the pastor was seen crawling and begging the family of the woman not to let the video out to the public, saying he was sorry for the act as such would ruin his life and career.
However, RCCG has released a statement through its spokesperson, Olaitan Olubiyi, saying Pastor Bakare has been excommunicated for attempting adultery and soiling the name of the church.
July 10, 2020
Nigeria Army kill 92 Boko Haram terrorists, rescue 35 captives
Our reporter
Troops of the Nigeria Army have killed 92 Boko Haram fighters, rescued 32 captives and arrested some spies working for the terrorist group.
Major-General John Enenche, spokesperson of Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters who disclosed this during a media briefing on Thursday, said troops had at least 17 recorded encounters with Boko Haram in recent times.
Enenche said that troops of 25 Task Force Brigade killed 17 terrorists while on clearance operations along Damboa-Maiduguri Road, Borno State on Tuesday, July 7.
According to him, four terrorists also surrendered to troops while ‘some criminal elements and spies’ were arrested.
He said a total of 35 people who had been kidnapped by Boko Haram terrorists were also rescued by troops, during operations, adding that large arms and ammunition as well as vehicles and equipment were confiscated
He disclosed that massive air strikes also destroyed Boko Haram structures used as a meeting venue at Mainyakare Village on the fringes of Sambisa Forest.
“Deducing from these results within the period, it is clear that troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria are resolute in their endeavor to end the BHT/ISWAP menace in the North East,” Enenche said.
July 10, 2020
CISLAC calls for enactment of Crime, Legal Assistance Bills
…calls fair investigation on Magu
By Joyce Remi- Babayeju
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has called for an enactment of the Proceeds of Crime Bill and the Mutual Legal Assistance Bill, which would go a long way in strengthening the anti-corruption fight in Nigeria.
In a statement signed by CISLAC Executive Director, Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani)Executive Director, enactment of the Bills would take the war against corruption to the doorstep of treasury looters and ensure that repatriated assets are utilized for the benefits of Nigerians and also clarify the roles of ACAs and put an end to inter-agency rivalry and bring more transparency in the utilization of recovered assets.
The CSO noted that the repeated failure to enact the legal framework, which would once and for all clarify mandates in recoveries of assets, is an ample evidence of political interference in the fight against corruption, where Nigerian politicians seek personal advantages at the expense of the Nigerian public.
Meanwhile CISLAC has also called on the National Assembly and the Executive work towards amending the EFCC Act, adding that the board of the EFCC has been dormant and non-inclusive of Non-State Actors.
“ We ask for the arm of government responsible for the oversight of the EFCC, and other ACAs, to ensure that the board is active and that Non-State Actors are included in the board in the amendment of the Act to ensure accountability in the fight against corruption, which is consciously lacking.”
“In this pandemic era where the utilization of funds repatriated and funds donated to fight COVID-19 are opaque and questioned, it is important that the attention of Nigerians are not just being diverted to cover up sharp practices over the management of donated and recovered funds.”
Furthermore CISLAC has called for a transparent investigation into the allegation of corruption and insubordination levied against the former Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu made by the Attorney – General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami.
A Presidential Panel has been set up to carry out a transparent and fair investigation into the allegations of corruption and insubordination leveled against Magu.
The embattled Magu has since being removed from office and is being investigated by a Presidential Panel headed by the former president of the Court of Appeal, Justice Ayo Salami (Rtd).
CISLAC has urged the panel to make the results of the investigation public in the interest of the president and in order not to rubbish the progress made in the fight against corruption and undermine the efforts of stakeholders, adding that this incidence if not handled in a transparent manner may hamper the nation’s efforts to fight transnational financial crimes and national scams, which has plunged Nigerians into poverty and deprivation.
We also ask that sanctions be meted out where necessary to serve as a deterrent for officers saddled with the fight against corruption and political office holders, the Rasanjani said.
July 9, 2020
Lebanese ambassador walks out on Reps
The Ambassador of Lebanon to Nigeria, Mr. Houssam Diab, on Thursday, walked out on the House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora Affairs.
Mr Diab was summoned by the House Committee headed by Rep. Tolu Akande-Shadipe, to respond to questions on the maltreatment of Nigerians in Lebanon.
But as the hearing was about to commence, at about 10: 52am, the Lebanese envoy, walked out of the room and shut the House’ hearing room 348 door, behind him.
July 9, 2020
N81bn financial recklessness allegation in NDDC unacceptable -Lawan
Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, says financial recklessness allegation and misappropriation of N81 billion leveled against the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) are unacceptable.
Lawan, who was represented by Deputy Senate Leader, Ajayi Boroffice, stated this on Thursday, while declaring open an investigative Public Hearing by the Senate Ad Hoc Committee on the Investigation of the Alleged Financial Recklessness in the NDDC.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the senate on May 5, set up the ad hoc committee to investigate the IMC of the NDDC over alleged misappropriation of N81 billion.
Lawan said that the NDDC was an important statutory agency that was supposed to improve the lot of the Niger Delta community.
“It is therefore unacceptable to hear about inappropriate use of resources or outright financial recklessness,” he said.
The president of the senate who underscored the need for prudent application of public funds by Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government (MDAs) emphasised that same had become imperative in view of scarce income at the disposal of the Federal Government.
“Financial recklessness is not an attribute that anyone can afford, whether rich or poor. It is even worse with the poor, or for the organisation or a country with limited resources.
“This is the reason we have always highlighted the need for prudence in the application of public resources.
“The time when public resources is seen as nobody’s resources is long gone. We are in trying times, when we all have to be concerned about judicious use of scarce incomes.
“The NDDC is an important statutory agency that is supposed to improve the lot of the Niger Delta community.
“It is therefore unacceptable to hear about inappropriate use of resources, or outright financial recklessness,” Lawan said.
According to him, the weighty allegations of misappropriation of public funds to the tune of N81 billion by the IMC of the NDDC prompted the upper chamber to investigate the commission.
While urging stakeholders present at the hearing to cooperate with the ad-hoc committee, Lawan assured the public of the senate’s commitment to fairness and transparency in the discharge of its constitutional responsibility.
“This senate is a responsive Senate, and it is partly the reason we made up this all-important committee in our sitting on Tuesday, May 5, to investigate the alleged financial recklessness at the NDDC.
“I am happy the ad hoc committee has made excellent progress by requesting and receiving vital information from identified stakeholders.
“This public hearing should further help the committee get more information, to enable them come to a pleasant conclusion on the facts on ground, before reporting back to the senate.
“I have trust in the ability of this committee to do the right thing, but I add that you all have to cooperate with them and be open-minded and frank with your submissions.
“The senate will be fair to all. Our aim is to get all evidence, to make excellent decisions, to benefit the citizens. Your cooperation is therefore very important,” Lawan said.
Chairman of the Committee, Sen. Olubunmi Adetumbi said that the panel in line with its mandate, sought “to holistically investigate all financially related allegations, mismanagement and misappropriation and the breach of the extant procurement processes as enshrined in the public procurement Act 2007.”
The lawmaker added that, “the exercise is not aimed at witch-hunting any individual, groups, persons or institutions, but to rather get at the root of the matter, that will aid in repositioning the NDDC to effectively deliver on the mandate on which it was established.
“It is also to block leakages of financial mismanagement as well as promote the effective utilisation of its resources for the overall development of the people of the Niger Delta region,” he added. (NAN)
July 9, 2020
PDP urges FG to prosecute Magu
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has demanded for the prosecution of suspended acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC), Mr Ibrahim Magu if found wanting.
PDP National Publicity Secretary, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, said the demand became necessary after reviewing the reported circumstances surrounding the investigation of Magu.
Ologbondiyan said that PDP observed that the revelations of alleged corruption detailed in the memo by the Attorney General and Minister of justice, as well as the report of the Department of State Services (DSS) on Magu’s activities, had exposed the racket under his watch.
The allegations, according to him, included diversion of recovered funds and fraudulent sales of assets seized by the EFCC among others.
He advised President Muhammadu Buhari not to allow the matter to be swept under the carpet or allow Magu to be shield from prosecution.
“What Nigerians expect at this moment is for Buhari to enforce the law by directing relevant agencies to commence actions that would lead to Magu’s prosecution at the court.
“Anything short of this will not be acceptable to Nigerians,” he said.
The embattled acting chairman was said to be under interrogation by a presidential panel set up to probe allegations of gross misconduct against him. (NAN)
July 9, 2020
Military eliminates 92 terrorists, 104 bandits in a week – DHQ
The military says it has eliminated 92 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and 104 bandits in its ongoing counter -insurgency and anti-banditry operations across the North East and North West in the last one week.
The Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. John Enenche, disclosed this while giving an update on the Armed Forces of Nigeria operations between July 2 and 9 at a news conference Thursday in Abuja.
Enenche disclosed that in the North East, both the land and air components of Operation Lafiya Dole had continued to unleash massive onslaught against the terrorists from all fronts and recorded huge successes.
He said that troops’ encounters with the criminal elements resulted in the destruction of their structures and equipment, as well as the capture of arms and ammunition during the period.
According to him, the troops also captured some criminal elements and spies as well as the rescue of 35 captives, while four terrorists surrendered to them.
“Between July 2 and 3, the Air Task Force conducted comprehensive precision strikes, to mark the launching of its subsidiary Operation LONG REACH II on the fringes of the Sambisa Forest in Borno.
“The massive airstrikes resulted in the obliteration of BHT structures used as a meeting venue at Mainyakare Village leading to the killing of several of their fighters.
“More of these criminal elements were also killed and their logistics facilities destroyed in devastating air strikes executed at Mina on Gulumba Gana-Kumshe Axis in the Northern part of Borno.
“A total recorded number of 92 enemies of our country were deleted in the North East Zone within the period under review,” he said.
In the North West, Enenche said the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji killed 58 armed bandits in Katsina and Zamfara States with others escaping with gunshot wounds during the period.
He said that three repentant bandits embraced peace and surrendered to the troops with their arms and ammunition.
According to him, 367 cows and 184 sheep rustled, were recovered during the period.
“Interestingly, a total of 104 bandits were deleted from this zone of the country for the period under review.
“In the North-Central Zone, peace is gradually returning to the troubled locations while the confidence of the local populace is being enhanced.
“Furthermore, farmers are gradually returning to their farms as a result of troops’ patrols in the hinterlands to deny armed herdsmen, rustlers and other criminals, freedom of action,” he added.
In the South-South Zone, Enenche said the Maritime Component of Operation Delta Safe impounded 565,000 litres of suspected illegally refined AGO in Delta and Rivers States during the period.
He added that the troops of Sector 1 in conjunction with Forward Operating Base ESCRAVOS also deactivated all illegal refining sites identified within Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) pipeline general area.
“A total of 17 illegal refining sites were deactivated at Agor-Illa Warri Southwest Local Government Area while 30,000 litres of illegally refined AGO and 125.7 barrels of stolen crude oil were impounded during the operation.
“In another development, on July 2, Forward Operating Base ESCRAVOS took custody of TUG GULF EAGLE with 10 crew from Nigerian Navy Ship BOMADI.
“The vessel was arrested by Nigerian Navy Ship BOMADI off Ramos River Entrance for operating without her Automatic Identification System.
“At the time of arrest, the vessel had 125,000 litres of AGO.
“The vessel was subsequently moved to NNS DELTA for further investigation,” he said.
Enenche said the Military High Command commended the troops and personnel of other security agencies involved in various operations across the country for their commitment and professionalism.
According to him, troops are further encouraged to remain resolute and decisive in curtailing the activities of terrorists, armed bandits and other criminals across the country.
“The High Command of the Armed Forces, also reassures the general public of its commitment to securing the country for all human activities to strive.
“Members of the general public are always enjoined to continue providing timely information on the activities of criminals in their various localities to the nearest military and other security agencies for prompt action,” he said.
July 9, 2020
Senate Carpets NDDC for Financial Recklessness
By Lawrence Ekwonu
Ahmad Lawan, President of the Senate has decried allegations of financial recklessness and misappropriation of funds leveled against the Interim Management Committee of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). Lawan described them as unacceptable noting that the situation necessitated the ongoing investigation of the NDDC.
Lawan stated this in a speech delivered on Thursday to declare open an investigative public hearing by the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee on the Investigation of the Alleged Financial Recklessness in the Niger Delta Development Commission.
The Senate President who underscored the need for the prudent application of public funds by Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government (MDAs), emphasised that same had become imperative in view of scarce income at the disposal of the Federal Government.
“Financial recklessness is not an attribute that anyone can afford, whether rich or poor. It is even worse with the poor, or for the organisation or a country with limited resources.
“This is the reason we have always highlighted the need for prudence in the application of public resources. The time when public resources is seen as nobody’s resources is long gone. We are in trying times, when we all have to be concerned about judicious use of scarce incomes.
“The NDDC is an important statutory agency that is supposed to improve the lot of the Niger Delta community. It is therefore unacceptable to hear about inappropriate use of resources, or outright financial recklessness,” Lawan said.
According to the Senate President, the weighty allegations of misappropriation of public funds to the tune of N80 billion by the Interim Management Committee of the NDDC prompted the upper chamber to investigate the Commission.
While urging stakeholders present at the hearing to cooperate with the Ad-Hoc Committee, Lawan assured the public of the Senate’s commitment to fairness and transparency in the discharge of its constitutional responsibility.
“This Senate is a responsive Senate, and it was partly the reason we made up this all-important committee in our sitting on Tuesday, 5th May 2020 to investigate the Alleged Financial Recklessness at the NDDC.
“I am happy the ad hoc committee has made excellent progress by requesting and receiving vital information from identified stakeholders.
“This public hearing should further help the committee get more information, to enable them to come to a pleasant conclusion on the facts on ground, before reporting back to the Senate.
“I have trust in the ability of this committee to do the right thing, but I add that you all have to cooperate with them and be open-minded and frank with your submissions.
“The Senate will be fair to all. Our aim is to get all evidence, to make excellent decisions, to benefit the citizens. Your cooperation is therefore very important”, the Senate President added.
Chairman of the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee investigating financial recklessness in the NDDC, Senator Olubunmi Adetumbi (APC – Ekiti North), in his welcome address said the panel in line with its mandate, seeks “to holistically investigate all financially related allegations, mismanagement and misappropriation and the breach of the extant procurement processes as enshrined in the public procurement Act 2007.”
The lawmaker added that, “the exercise is not aimed at witch-hunting any individual, groups, persons or institutions, but to rather get at the root of the matter, that will aid in repositioning the NDDC to effectively deliver on the mandate on which it was established, to block leakages of financial mismanagement as well as promote the effective utilization of its resources for the overall development of the people of the Niger Delta region.”
July 9, 2020
Police parade 100 suspected criminals in Ogun
Ogun state Police has paraded more than 100 criminal suspects, including fake drug manufacturers, cultists, armed robbers and rapists.
Briefing journalists at the Command’s headquarters in Abeokuta, the Commissioner of Police, Kenneth Ebrimson noted that he is determined to make the state hot for the criminal suspects and most of them were caught in the act.
He added that some of the arrested suspects were trailed to the border towns of Oyo State and to Ile-Ogbo in Osun state where they were arrested.
The Command also arrested some suspected cultists on July 7 where they were caught in the act of initiating and celebrating the 7-7 cultists anniversary
July 9, 2020
Ugwuanyi inaugurates 17-man Community Policing Advisory Committee
Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, has inaugurated a 17-man Community Policing Advisory Committee headed by the state police commissioner CP Ahmed Abdul-rahman and co-chaired by the chairman, Enugu state traditional rulers council, Lawrence Agubuzu.
The inauguration was witnessed by the Inspector General of Police, represented by the Deputy Inspector General of Police in-charge of ICT, DIG Celestine Okoye and the new AIG Zone 13, AIG Dan-Mallam Mohammed.
July 9, 2020