13-year-old ‘cultist’ paraded by police in Delta state

A boy was yesterday paraded alongside suspected secret cult members by the Delta State Police Command in Asaba.

Police commissioner in Delta, Muhammed Mustafa, said the boy and 30 other suspects, including a young lady, were allegedly involved in various criminal activities in different parts of the state.

Precious Agofure, a Junior Secondary School Three (JS3) student of Uriapele Mixed Secondary School in Sapele, was arrested at his Sapele residence two weeks ago.

Soldiers from the military base in Koko in Warri North Local Government Area had stormed the house where the boy lived with his elder half brother, in search of suspected secret cult members, using the area as hideout.

The boy told newsmen that he spent 10 days in custody of the army in Koko together with two other young men, before they were handed over to the police.

He denied being a cultist but admitted that four boys in his school had actually attempted to introduce him to a certain cult group called, “Cage Bird” in December.

He disclosed that they stopped disturbing him after his mother, who lives in another town but pays his school fees, threatened to expose the boys by reporting to the police.

The police boss expressed his determination to work with all stakeholders to effectively tackle all forms of criminality in the state, including armed robbery, kidnapping, oil facility vandalism and herdsmen attacks. 

Slogan since 70s !!! ‘Things will soon get better’ – six points FG raised in response to OBJ

The federal government says former President Olusegun Obasanjo may have been too busy to keep track of the development recorded by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.

It said this in reply to a special statement issued by Obasanjo, down-scoring the government.

Obasanjo had advised Buhari against seeking re-election in 2019, while accusing him of nepotism, blame-game and poor governance.

Replying via a statement, Lai Mohammed, minister of information, disagreed with Obasanjo’s position.

Below are the highlights of the federal government’s reply to Obasanjo’s “letter-bomb”.

OBASANJO MEANS WELL

Mohammed said he believes that Obasanjo meant well for the nation by drafting the letter.

He described the former president as a patriot, who has not failed to prove it.

“We have read the press statement by former President Olusegun Obasanjo on the State of the Nation,” Mohammed said.

“For the record, Chief Obasanjo is a patriot, and he has proven this time and time again.

“We have no reason to believe that former President Obasanjo has any motive beyond the well-being of the nation in issuing his Special Press Statement.”

TOO BUSY TO KEEP TRACK OF DEVELOPMENT

Mohammed however said owing to Obasanjo’s busy schedule, he might have missed out on the development and achievements of the administration.

“Chief Obasanjo, because of his very busy schedule, may not have been fully availed of developments in the government’s efforts to revamp the economy, which was battered by the consequences of over-dependence on a commodity as well as unprecedented pillaging of the treasury,” he said.

“Today, most of the indices by which an economy is measured are looking up.

“Permit me to say, however, that Nigeria would not have exited recession through a mere order or if the Administration had not made use of ”good Nigerians” who could help.”

LIST OF BUHARI’S ACHIEVEMENTS

In case Obasanjo missed out on the track records of the administration, Mohammed took time to list them.

Muhammed said the efforts of the federal government to revamp the economy is evident in increase in foreign reserve, drop in inflation, elimination of ghost workers, Nigeria’s improvement in ease of doing business.

He further listed the achievements to include daily feeding of 5.2 million children, empowerment of 200,000 unemployed graduates, pulling the country out of recession, boosting of the agricultural sector.

“This Administration is making steady progress in its determined effort to revamp the economy, and the results are showing,” he said.

“Foreign Reserves have peaked at $40b, the highest level in about four years.

“The nation is being saved 24.7 billion Naira monthly with the full implementation of the TSA.

“Nigeria rose 24 places on the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business ranking, and earned a place on the List of Top 10 Reformers in the
world.

“Power Generation at an all-time high of 7,000mw and all can be transmitted.

“RAIL: Lagos-Kano Standard Gauge is on. Lagos-Ibadan sector ready 2019, Kano-Kaduna ready 2019; The entire stretch ready 2021; Negotiations on for Coastal Rail covering 15 cities from Lagos to Calabar.

“ROAD: 25 major highways being funded with the N100b Sukuk Bond, and all geo-political zones are benefitting equally.

“This Administration is not unaware of the enormity of the challenges facing the nation, but we are up to the task.

“We have taken the bull by the horns, and long-suffering Nigerians will begin to experience a new lease of life as our efforts yield fruits. We will not go into a state of funk for whatever reason.

‘DISTRACTING BUHARI’

According to Mohammed, discussions on whether Buhari should seek re-election or not is distracting the president, whom he said “spends every waking hours tackling the enormous challenges facing the nation.”

Mohammed said some people have called on Buhari to run for presidency in 2019, while others, like Obasanjo, felt otherwise.

He said, however, Buhari is more interested in fulfilling the mandate given to him by Nigerians.

“On whether or not President Muhammadu Buhari should run for another term, it is true that many Nigerians have been calling on the President to run again, while others are opposed to his return.

“However, we believe this issue is a distraction for the President at this time.

“This is because Mr. President spends every waking hours tackling the enormous challenges facing the nation, most of which were bequeathed to his Administration by successive past Administrations.

“He is committed to fulfilling the mandate given to him by Nigerians in 2015. And that’s where we are right now!”

NIGERIANS TO GET BETTER LIFE SOON

After listing the achievements of the administration, Mohammed said Nigerians “will definitely get a new lease of life” soon.

“These positive indices may not have immediately impacted positively on Nigerians, but Nigerians will definitely get a new lease of life a short while from now,” he said.

“This is because the good news from the agricultural sector, which is recording a bumper harvest, will bring down the cost of foodstuffs, especially such staple as rice, and our massive Social Investment Programme will ease the pain of the most vulnerable in the society.”

‘SUCH LONG STATEMENT’ RECEIVED IN GOOD FAITH

Having noted that Obasanjo wrote the letter in good will, the presidency says it received the letter in good faith.

“We have also taken his admonition in good faith, and we thank him most sincerely for taking time off his busy schedule to pen such a long statement,” Mohammed said. - Cable Nigeria

Abacha Loot: Cable Foundation sues AGF over noncompliance with FoI act

The Cable Newspaper Journalism Foundation (CNJF) has sued the attorney-general of the federation (AGF) over his failure to respond to a freedom of information (FoI) request on the engagement of lawyers for the recovery of stolen funds.

The case, with suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/27/2018, was filed by Kusamotu & Kusamotu law chambers at a federal high court in Abuja, on January 10, 2018.

The Cable Foundation had written to the office of the AGF in respect of  a report on the repatriation of $321 million stolen by Sani Abacha, former military ruler.

The foundation sought to know the reason behind the engagement of another set of lawyers to do a job that had already been completed by Erico Mofreni, a Swiss lawyer engaged by Nigeria since 2000.

It also requested a copy of the 2014 agreement that led to the withdrawal of the prosecution of Mohammed Abacha.

Nigerian lawyers, Oladipo Okpeseyi, a senior advocate, and Temitope Isaac Adebayo, were engaged in 2016 apparently to duplicate the job of the Swiss lawyer and get their own cut from the already done deal.

Incidentally, Okpeseyi and Adebayo were lawyers to the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), the legacy party of President Muhammadu Buhari. Malami was legal adviser to CPC.

The FoI request was sent on December 7, 2017 and the AGF’s office acknowledged receipt on December 8, 2017. The request made via the FoI portal on the website of the ministry of justice was received and electronically acknowledged. Both acknowledgments have been marked “Exhibit B” and “Exhibit C” respectively in the court papers.

Kusamotu & Kusamotu, counsel to CNJF, is seeking an order of mandamus compelling the AGF to make available to CNJF the information and documents requested from its office pursuant to the FoI act, 2011.

“Till the date of bringing this application, the respondent (AGF) has refused to comply with the provisions of the FoIA by his refusal and failure to make available to the applicant (CNJF) the information and documents requested, and/or denial of access to the request for records and information within a time limit allowed by the law,” Kusamotu & Kusamotu stated in the court papers.

The counsel added that there is no justification for the refusal and failure to make available to CNJF the information and documents requested as required by section 7 of the act.

“The applicant (CNJF) is entitled to the right to be granted access to public records and documents in the custody of or possession of any public official, agency or institution,” the counsel maintained.

The FoI act, enacted 2011, allows the right of any person to access or request information, whether or not contained in any written form, which is in the custody or possession of any public official, agency or institution.

Sections 4 and 5 of the act provide that a public official or institution should grant access to a request for records or information within a time limit of seven days. The institution is given three days within which it should transfer the request to another institution if it finds that another institution is in possession of the information under request.

CNJF is waiting for a date for court hearing. - Cable Nigeria

Shocking !!! 19-year-old strangled, dumped in septic tank in Rivers

A nineteen year old girl, Chiburuoma Boms has been killed and her body dumped in a septic tank in Elekahia Community, Port Harcourt, the Rivers state capital.

DAILY POST reports that on getting wind of the incident youths of Elekahia went on rampage in violent search of those they suspect to have committed the crime.

The Rivers State Police Command in a statement said preliminary investigations revealed that the teenage girl was strangled to death.

Spokesman of the Command, Nnamdi Omoni stated that six people had been arrested already and were helping the Police with investigation.

Omoni, a Deputy Superintendent of Police said the matter had been transferred to the State CID for further actions.

“Men of the Elekahia Police Station acting on credible information, stormed Ibe Street in Elekahia, PHALGA, where one Chiburuoma Boms 19yrs was allegedly strangled to death and forced into a Septic Tank by persons said to be her relations.

“On arrival the place was deserted but six persons were arrested and are helping us.

“Her Corpse was evacuated from the Pit and taken to the Mortuary for autopsy.

“The CP has ordered for the transfer of the matter to State CID, while efforts are on to arrest other suspects at large.

“Our Men were able to contain some rampaging youths and immediately restored normalcy.

“The Commissioner of Police, Zaki M Ahmed wishes to appeal to the residents of Elekahia to remain calm as the Police is poised to bring the perpetrators of this dastardly act to justice,” he said. - Daily Post

Terrorism : Again Fulani herdsmen strike in Benue, kill four

Four persons have been reportedly killed in Benue State, after some suspected Fulani herdsmen launched attack on Uvir Council Ward in Guma LGA of the State.

DAILY POST gathered that among tbe victim was a community leader, whose name was given as Alex Mtsor.

According to a native of the area, James, the heavily armed gunmen invaded the village late Wednesday night.

Meanwhile, DAILY POST could not reach the Police PRO in the state, Moses Yamuh for comment at the time of this report.

The incident came barely one month after Guma was attacked by the herdsmen where over 80 persons were killed. - Daily Post

Lassa Fever: Stop Drinking Garri, Okorocha Warns As Death Toll Rises

The Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha, has warned residents to stop drinking ‘raw garri’ as three persons were confirmed dead in the state as a result of Lassa fever.

The killer disease is rapidly spreading across many parts of the country.

Seven cases of Lassa fever patients were also confirmed in the state.

Mr. Okorocha, who gave the confirmation in a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES through his Chief Press Secretary, Sam Onwuemeodo, advised indigenes of the state to stop drinking raw garri (cassava flakes) as well as avoid crowded areas.

“This is not the period for people to drink raw garri because you know garri is not cooked and people just pour water on garri and drink when a rat has urinated on the garri. So people are advised as much as possible to ensure that their food is properly cooked,” the governor said.

He said the cases were recorded in some hospitals, “somewhere in Orlu and some other parts of the state.”

The first Lassa fever case this year was confirmed in Ebonyi state more than a week ago.

Four people including three health workers died from the infection in the state.

The disease has further spread to Kogi, Ondo and some other parts of the country leaving death tolls.

According to Mr. Okorocha, the speed at which the disease is spreading is worrisome.

“This morning we woke up to hear that Lassa fever has killed three persons and we also have seven cases of Lassa fever patients and this number is too large for a state. And we are concerned about the speed of spread."

“These cases were recorded in some hospitals, somewhere in Orlu and some other parts of the state. For this reason, we kindly advise that people should avoid overcrowded areas, lessen the shaking of hands, and body contacts at this period,” the governor said.

“The state is on it. The Ministry of Health has been adequately informed to take all necessary steps to curtail the spread.

“We will do everything humanly possible to make sure that this spread is curtailed. While the government is taking this action, people should keep a clean and healthy environment at this time, avoid so many children staying in one place while government should handle the burial of those that died of Lassa fever. As you know, Lassa fever is deadly but if any discovery is made, lives can be saved,” he added.

Mr. Okorocha said all the confirmed cases have been put in isolation.

“All the identified cases especially in Orlu, have been isolated and we have told the doctors not to take any more patients and even those in the hospital would be quarantined until such a time we have confirmed they are now positive in any form or shape.”

Lassa fever is a viral infection carried by the multimammate rat (Mastomys natalensis), one of the most common mice in equatorial Africa found across much of sub-Saharan Africa. - Premium Times

The disease is commonly caused by contact with food or household items contaminated with rodent urine or feces.

NIS Recruitment Scam: EFCC Seeks Forfeiture of Properties Acquired with Proceeds

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on January 24, 2018, asked Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja, to order the interim forfeiture of properties purchased by Drexel Tech Nig. Ltd with proceeds of the recruitment exercise into the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS.

It would be recalled that the recruitment exercise resulted in the death of about 20 applicants in various recruitment centers across the country.

Drexel Tech Nigeria Limited is the firm that was given the recruitment contract into the NIS, held on March 17, 2013, when Abba Moro (the first defendant in the suit) was interior minister. 

The motion on notice, dated November 6, 2017, moved by counsel to the EFCC, Aliyu M. Yusuf,  was brought pursuant to Sections 6(d), 7(2), 24, 26(1) & (3), 28 and 34(1) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Act No; 1 of 2004, Sections 329, 330 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 and Sections 46(2) (k), 251(3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999.

Among other reliefs, the EFCC is seeking “an order stopping the disposal, conveyance, mortgage, lease, sale or alienation or otherwise tampering with the properties/assets’ which are located at No 1, Lahn Crescent, Maitama, Abuja and No. 2, Sigure Close, Off Monrovia Street, Wuse II, Abuja”.

S. I. Ameh, SAN, representing Drexel Tech Nigeria Limited, strongly opposed the motion describing it as “overwhelming and prejudicial.”

According to him, “The money that was collected is traceable, as to what amount went to whom. We have earlier written to the EFCC that we can return the money to EFCC and the applicants, but they have not replied.”

Ameh, while urging the court not grant the motion said, “instead, the defense will prepare a written undertaking that the property in question will not be tampered with in terms of sale and transfer of title until the matter is concluded in court”. 

He requested that the court takes into consideration that the EFCC had already placed a caveat on the properties.

In response, Yusuf countered Ameh’s submission saying, “Information reaching us suggests that the defendant (the alter ego of Drexel Tech Nigeria Limited) who is at large is currently making efforts to dispose of the property." 

He urged the court to hear the application on merit.

Justice Dimgba, thereafter, fixed Wednesday, February 28, 2018, for hearing on the motion.

Earlier in the proceedings, the prosecution presented a further amended 11-count charge against the defendants.

The judge, despite objections by the defense, who argued that the defendants did not have sufficient time to ‘look at the charge properly’ and that the process is titled ‘further amended charge’ instead of ‘amended charge, admitted the charge.

“Sufficient time has been given to make a plea on this charge, whether a plea of guilty or not,” he said.

He, however, ordered the prosecution to make the requested changes to the charge and the defendants to take their pleas.

Thereafter, the charges were read to the defendants, who all pleaded not guilty to the counts.

Count 11 of the further amended charge reads: 

“That you, Abba Moro Patrick and Anastasia Daniel Nwobia and F. O. Alaiyebami on or about the 17th of March, 2013 at Abuja within the Jurisdiction of this Honorable Court being employed in the public service, did abuse your office when you arbitrarily conducted recruitment exercise into the Nigeria Immigration Service in which 675,675 (six hundred and seventy five thousand, Six Hundred and Seventy Five) applicants were each made to pay the sum of N1000 (One Thousand Naira ) to Drexel Tech Nigeria Limited without following the required procurement procedure and without adequate preparation and security safe guards for the exercise resulting into the stampede, injury and death of applicants, an act which was prejudicial to the rights of the said applicants contrary to and punishable under Section 104 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap C39 LFN 2004.”

Samin Amaddin

Acting Head, Media & Publicity

January 24, 2018