Senators in making !!! One jailed, 21 others nabbed for vandalizing EEDC facilities

A 29-year-old young man, identified as Calistus Iwuagwu has been sentenced to two years imprisonment, without option of fine, by Chief Magistrate E. U. Chinaka Esq., at the Ihitte-Uboma Magisterial District, Holden at Isinkwe, Imo State, for vandalizing armoured cables, property of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC).

Calistus, who pleaded guilty as charged, has been sent to Okigwe Prison, where he is expected to serve his term. He was arraigned and charged under section 390(9) of the criminal code cap 30 vol. II laws of Eastern Nigeria, 1963, as applicable in Imo State.

EEDC head of communications, who confirmed the jail term, also told DAILY POST that a total of twenty one suspects were nabbed in the month of July, 2018, for vandalizing properties of EEDC across the South East.

“In Anambra State, the trio of Chigozie Okonkwo, Odinaka Iwuchukwu and Chineme Eke-Kalu were arrested for vandalising 300KVA Gabson II substation, located at MCC Road, Onitsha and the 500KVA substation located at Bishop Onyeabor Street, Onitsha.

“In Ebonyi State, Ogbo Samuel Onyema, Ugwu Igboke and Sunday Nwigwe were arrested for destroying Mgbom II 200KVA transformer located at Mgbom, Ugwulangwu in Ohaozara Local Government Area of the state, while at Amana Village, Onueke in Ezza South Local Government Area, Nwankwo Chukwu and Nwaorie Chukwudo were arrested for vandalizing Onueke 300KVA substation. They equally admitted to being responsible for vandalizing Ameke village substation in the course of interrogation.

“Also at Umunaga village, Ohaozara, Abakaliki, Izuchukwu Okoro was arrested for vandalizing EEDC transformer; and Anthony Amadi, Oko Okechukwu and David Ibiam, were arrested for vandalising Ekoli Edda 300KVA, 33/0.415KV Substation; while John Uka was arrested for attempting to remove a 100KVA transformer at Mbukobe Ntezi Aba, Ebonyi State.

“In Enugu State, youths of Amaukwo community in Awgu Local Government Area, apprehended Chidera Nweke and Ozoemena Okeke for vandalizing a newly installed transformer which was awaiting commissioning; while Ifeanyi A. Onwuegbunam, in company of others currently at large, was arrested for vandalizing Umurah Ndeaboh Aninri 300KVA Substation. Also, Chizoba Akam, a native of Igbeagu Town, Izzi Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, was arrested for vandalising the intermediate cables from Mrs. Obiekwe Substation, Ugbene.

“In Imo State, Freedom Nboh, Joseph Naphas and Abel Ayuba, who hail from Plateau State were arrested for vandalizing Umugankwo 500KVA Substation at Uratta Owerri; while Atiku Adamu, who claimed to be from Adamawa State was arrested by some civil guards for vandalizing 11KV HT pole near MacDonald Akano substation, New Owerri,” Eze said.

He further stated that “these apprehended vandals were all handed over to the Police in the respective states for proper investigation and possible prosecution.”

The EEDC head of communications said it was worrisome that while the company “is striving to improve on its service delivery, some individuals that ordinarily should have been engaging in more productive activities resort to frustrating both the company and its customers.

“This singular act costs EEDC a lot financially, and end up subjecting our customers to a lot of inconveniences.

“We appreciate the various security agencies, vigilante groups and the Judiciary, for their support in apprehending these vandals and prosecuting them accordingly.

“We will not relent in this fight, and hope that this serves as deterrent to many others that are engaging in such activity.” - Daily Post

60 properties !! Sick fraudster !!! Ekweremadu falls ill during EFCC grilling

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu fell ill on Tuesday during interrogation by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), it was learnt yesterday.

He was being grilled over his numerous assets in Nigeria, United Kingdom, United States and United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Specifically, Ekweremadu was asked to account for how he came about over 60 assets.

When it appeared that he was getting weak, the Deputy Senate President was permitted by the EFCC to seek medical attention in the hospital.

The resumption of the investigation on Ekweremadu’s assets will now be determined by his fitness and the medical report from the hospital, it was learnt.

A top EFCC source said:  “We were able to highlight additional 38 assets, added to the initial 22 on which he ought to give explanation.

“The grilling started smoothly until he complained of discomfort and he was unable to continue to answer our questions. His sudden illness might have arise from high blood pressure.

“Since he needed urgent medical attention, we allowed him to go to the hospital of his choice for treatment.”

The Federal Government, through the Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property, had traced 22 assets to Ekweremadu.

The said assets were suspected to have been acquired through illicit funds.

The properties are at No. 11, Evans Enwerem Street, Apo Legislative Quarters, Apo, Abuja;   Plot 2633 Kyami, Abuja; Housing Estate (Plot 1106 CRD, Cadastral Zone 07-07, Lugbe, Abuja; Plot 2782 Asokoro Extension, Abuja, and     Houses at Citi Park Estate, Gwagwalada, Abuja.

Others are at Plot 1474 Cadastral Zone BD6, Mabushi, Abuja;   Congress Court, Abuja; Flat 1, Block D25, Athletics Street (24th Street) Games Village, Abuja;  and Plot 66, 64 Crescent, Gwarimpa Estate, Abuja.

Traceable assets of Ekweremadu in the United State, include   4507 Stella Street, Bellavida Estate Kissime, Florida, USA; 2747 Club Cortile Circle, Kissime, Florida, USA and 2763 Club Cortile Circle, Kissime, Florida, USA.

The properties abroad in London include Flat 4 Varsity Court, Harmer Street, WIH 4NW, London; and 52 Ayleston Avenue, NW6 7AB, London.

Those in Dubai are Room 1903, The Address Hotel, Downtown Dubai; The Address Boulevard, 3901, Dubai; 2 Flats of Burij Side Boulevard (the signature), Dubai; Emirate Gardens Apartment No. EGG1/1/114, Dubai; Emirate Gardens Apartment No. EGG1/115, Dubai;  Apartment No. DFB/12/B 1204, Park Towers, Dubai; Flat 3604, MAG214, Dubai; and Villa No 148, Maeen 1, The Lakes Emirates Hills, Dubai.- The Nation

One of the 36 vultures !!! Ortom asks EFCC: Why am I the only gov being investigated over security vote spending?

Samuel Ortom, governor of Benue state, says the probe of his security vote spending by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is a case of persecution.

The EFCC had accused Ortom of misappropriating about N19 billion meant for security agencies deployed to Benue to tackle the clashes between farmers and herdsmen.

Ortom, while speaking with journalists on Wednesday, said he has a clean record and does not understand why the anti-graft agency is after him.

The governor said he’s bemused that none of his colleagues is being investigated for the same reason.

“The security vote spending being investigated spans from 2015 to 2018, a period of grave security challenges in the state. I reiterate that the investigation is a clear case of persecution,” he said, adding that he has not misappropriated, diverted or stolen any money,” Ortom said.

“I have nothing to hide. I assure that the investigators can find nothing incriminating against me.

“If their focus was on Benue State, they should have started from 1999. But this is not the case. With the enormous security challenges in the state since my assumption of office, it is surprising that any one would expect me to do nothing but keep the security vote in the safe.

“How can you single me out of 36 (governors) for investigation?  It (security vote) is not something that any government will begin to disclose.  Why should Benue’s case be different if not persecution? If the EFCC wanted a genuine investigation of security vote spending, they should have started from the Presidency and across the 36 states.” - TheCable

Customs: We seized military camouflage that could serve four battalions of soldiers

The Nigeria customs service, federal operations unit, zone “C” Owerri, Imo state, says it seized “a container carrying 11 bales, each containing 400 pairs of new set of military camouflage uniform totaling 4,400 sets”.

Umar Sanusi, zonal coordinator for south-south and south-east, disclosed this on Wednesday.

Speaking on behalf of Hameed Ali, customs comptroller-general, Sanusi said the container, numbered MRSU 3040298 also had in it 15 cartons containing Altama combat boots, with each carton containing 20 pairs, totaling 300 pairs.

“The seized camouflage uniforms I am showcasing today can comfortably serve a full-fledged four battalions of 1,000 persons each and still have an excess of 400 sets”, he said.

“Other items in the container which were used to carefully conceal the military camouflage were seven wooden furniture kitchen cabinet, 337 packs of new foreign tiles, 27 medical equipment, 34 rolls of water hose and sacks containing household items, among others.”

Sanusi said three suspects have been arrested in connection with the illegal importation and clearance of the container, listing one Godwin Kalu, Emeka Omaliko and Udokachi Igba as the suspects.

He noted that improper importation of military camouflage and Altama combat boots contravenes schedule 4 (13) of ECOWAS common external tariff which means absolute prohibition. - TheCable

PL news : Chelsea wonderkid Hudson-Odoi is ready for first-team role, says Sarri

Chelsea head coach Maurizio Sarri has confirmed 17-year-old winger Callum Hudson-Odoi is set for a first-team role this season following his impressive display against Arsenal in the International Champions Cup on Wednesday.

Hudson-Odoi made his Premier League debut in January and went on to feature once more last term, having previously played an important role in England's victorious Under-17 World Cup campaign.

Although Chelsea ultimately lost 6-5 on penalties after a 1-1 draw with the Gunners, Hudson-Odoi was again excellent out wide, causing Hector Bellerin no end of problems and winning a penalty from him, which Alvaro Morata ultimately wasted.

And now the attacker, who does not turn 18 until November, is set to be fast-tracked to Chelsea's first-team squad for the new season.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Sarri said: "Hudson-Odoi is a very young player. We have to wait.

"In the future he will be a very, very strong player for sure. He will stay with us [in the first team] for the season."

Morata's Chelsea career to date has not been easy and Wednesday's match was another difficult one, as his profligacy effectively cost the Blues a win.

But Sarri was not about to pile on, adamant he is not worried about the Spain international.

 ''I don't know if he is low on confidence," Sarri added. "Maybe it was hard for the last three days, intense, so maybe this match he was a bit tired. I am not worried about Morata." - Goal

Transfer news : Arsenal target Rabiot can leave PSG if they sign Kante

Arsenal target Adrien Rabiot can leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer if they sign N’Golo Kante from Chelsea.

According to Mundo Deportivo, as cited on Calciomercato, the Arsenal and Barcelona target has been told he will be able to move on.
Rabiot has been heavily linked with a move away from Paris this summer as he looks to nail down a regular starting place this season.
Barcelona have been very keen to bring him to the Nou Camp, but PSG want to ensure that a replacement is readied before any deal is sanctioned.

Arsenal have been long-term admirers of Rabiot and were heavily linked with a move for him during Arsene Wenger’s time at the club.

Chelsea are desperate to keep hold of Kante this summer, with a bumper new contract being offered to the player.

The Ligue 1 champions have been keen to bring the player back to France after he impressed at the World Cup in Russia. - Read Sport

Minus one political liability !! Wife of Lagos commissioner posts suicidal message

Hadiza Abdullateef, the wife of Lagos commissioner for Home Affairs Archives, Dr. Abdul-Hakeem Abdul-Lateef, has left Nigerians in shock with a suicidal message.

The third wife of the Lagos State Commissioner shared the suicidal message in the early hours of Tuesday on her Instagram page.

The mother of two, who recently bagged a Masters degree from the Coventry University, U.K, however, did not state the reason for the suicidal message.

The message reads: “I’m just tired of everything and I wish it was not a sin to take your life. I just want to leave this world.”

It will be recalled that the duo got married on July 9, 2014, few months before the Commissioner married his fourth wife who is also Hadiza’s friend.

It has been reported that it was Hadiza who pleaded with her husband to marry her and her friend, Rekihat, so that she would have a mate. - Daily Post

22,600 Nigerians extra-judicially killed three years under Buhari – Intersociety

A human rights organisation, International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law (Intersociety) has stated that over 22,600 persons have been extra-judicially killed since 2015 when President Muhammadu Buhari took over the reins of government.

The group said the killings were mainly by Boko Haram terror group, Fulani herdsmen, security agents and those it described as Zamfara bandits.

The Chairman, Board of Trustees of Intersociety, Mr Emeka Umeagbalasi stated this on Wednesday at a press conference commemorating the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the group.

In an anniversary press statement released to DAILY POST in Onitsha, Intersociety announced that it was dedicating its 10th anniversary to victims of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

It tabulated the killings embarked upon by the various groups, saying that Christians were the worse hit in the spate of killings in Nigeria.

Part of the statement reads, “In the list of those mourned and remembered today by Intersociety are unarmed and defenseless citizens massacred since June 2015 by the trio of Boko Haram, ‘Zamfara Bandits’ and Jihadists operating under the color of Fulani Herdsmen.

“They include 8,920 Christians massacred by Fulani Jihadists and Boko Haram, 4,470 Muslims massacred by fellow violent Muslim groups; Boko Haram and ‘Zamfara Bandits’, 5,400 Christians massacred by Fulani Jihadists since June 2015 and 1,870 others since January 2018 as well as 411 children killed by Boko Haram in 2017.”

The group also put at 9,000, victims of police custodial and extra-judicial killings in Nigeria in the past three years. It put at 3,000, the annual rate of extra-judicial killings by security forces.

“The decision to dedicate the 10th birthday of our Organization is in strong recognition of the fact that international crimes not only grievously violate individual victims’ rights and annihilate their properties but also touch humanity in all of us.

“Our quest for justice for victims of crimes against humanity and war crimes can never be overturned. We call on apostles of justice and lovers of human rights across Nigeria and around the globe including the authorities of Civitas Maxima, Geneva, Switzerland to pay special attention to Nigeria and adopt it as one of their focus areas.” - Daily Post

Brexit key dates: When is the UK leaving the EU?

As Britain prepares to leave the EU on 29 March 2019, much uncertainty hangs in the air. Will that fixed date be extended to allow for further negotiations? What kind of deal will we leave with, and what scenarios will we face if we don't strike a deal? Will there be a second referendum, to give the people a Final Say?

This will all become clearer in the months ahead, across a number of crucial votes, summits and negotiations. We'll be keeping track of all the key dates to keep an eye out for, as one of the biggest political changes in British history approaches.

4 September 2018: House of Commons returns

MPs will return from their summer recess, and the parliamentary diary will start to fill up with any remaining votes on Brexit related issues.

15-18 September 2018: Liberal Democrat conference

The party will kick off the conference season with their gathering in Brighton. Leader Sir Vince Cable, who is backing The Independent's campaign for a Final Say on the Brexit deal, will give the key note speech.

23-26 September 2018: Labour conference

The Labour party will gather in Liverpool for their autumn conference, attended by over 13,000 people and featuring a key note speech from Jeremy Corbyn.

30 September - 3 October 2018: Conservative conference

The government will gather in Birmingham where Theresa May will deliver the key note speech just two weeks before the autumn's crucial EU summit.

18-19 October 2018: EU summit

This gathering of the 28 EU member states will be held in Austria, and it is the point at which all sides hope to agree the terms of the UK's withdrawal agreement. This will include the key issues of the Irish border, and any potential trade deal between the two sides after Brexit.

November 2018: Emergency EU summit?

If terms cannot be agreed for a withdrawal agreement at the October summit, an emergency reconvening is expected in November.

13-14 December 2018: EU summit

The 28 EU member states will meet in Austria. This would be the final chance to agree any deal, if both sides are still willing to strike one.

November 2018 - January 2019: UK could vote on Brexit deal

If Theresa May has secured a deal with EU leaders in October, it will be during this session of parliament that MPs will vote on whether or not to accept it. Parliament will also pass an Implementation and Withdrawal Bill that sets out the full details of Brexit.

March 2019: EU summit to ratify Brexit deal

The 28 EU member states will meet in Brussels for the last time before Brexit, where they are expected to ratify the withdrawal agreement, if it has been passed by the UK parliament.

29 March 2019: Brexit Day

At 11pm on Friday 29 March next year, the UK will officially cease to be a member of the EU, although a transition period will remain in place until the end of 2020. - ndependent

25-year-old man kills girlfriend in Anambra

A 25-year old woman was allegedly shot dead by her boy friend, Chika Modili in Oranto village Ukpo in Dunukofia local government area of Anambra state.

The deceased, Uchenna Onyeama, was said have been shot dead inside the room of the suspect’s friend, identified as Nonso Nwabueze.

The cause of dastardly act could not be ascertained as at press time.

Confirming the incident, the Police public relations Officer in the state, Haruna Mohammed, said the suspects escaped to unknown destination after committing the murder.

“On the 29/7/2018 at about 1830hrs, One Uchenna Onyeama, female aged 25 of Orofia village, Abagana was shot and killed by one Chika Modili male of Oranto ukpo inside his friend’s room at oranto village ukpo.

“Police detectives attached to Dunokofia division led by the DPO visited the scene of crime and discovered that the room occupied by one Nonso Nwabueze was locked and the suspects escaped to unknown destination.

“Power of Ingress was used to gain entrance into the room and victim was rushed to Odumegwu Ojukwu university teaching hospital where she was confirmed dead by a medical doctor.

He said the corpse had been deposited at the mortuary for autopsy, while efforts are on to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

“One single barrel gun and one expanded cartridge suspected to be used in perpetrating the dastardly act was also recovered inside the room,” he added.

Similarly, a 34-year old man, James Nwogha, allegedly killed his 30-year old wife in Nkpor, Idemili North local government area of the state.

The suspect, reportedly hit the deceased, Jennifer Nwogha with a mortar piston following a sharp disagreement that ensued between them.

The Police spokesperson, Haruna Mohammed, who also confirmed the incident, said the suspect has been arrested and detained.

“On 31/7/2018 at about 0012hrs, one James Nwogha male aged 34 years of NO.2 Umudioka Street Nkpor used mortar piston and hit his wife one Jennifer Nwogha female aged 30 years of the same address on the head during altercation that ensued between them, as a result of which she died instantly.

“Scene of crime was visited by police detectives attached to Ogidi division, corpse photographed and deposited at Iyienu Mortuary for autopsy after it was certified dead by a medical doctor.

“The mortar piston used in perpetrating the crime was recovered and Case is under investigation after which suspect would be charged to Court for prosecution,” he said. - The Nation

More than 100 education leaders call on Home secretary to cut ‘costly’ child citizenship fees

More than 100 education leaders have signed a letter urging home secretary Sajid Javid to reduce sky high child citizenship fees to ensure families do not have to go to “upsetting” lengths to save.

Parents are working multiple jobs, getting into debt and going without food to ensure they can pay for their child to obtain citizenship – which costs more than £1,000, school staff have said.

UK citizenship fees are almost 10 times the cost of France, Sweden, Belgium and Spain and five times more than the “EU 15” nations on average, research from charity Citizens UK has found.

The charity is calling for the Home Office to reduce the “unaffordable fees” – which currently stand at £1,012 per child – to around £350 to ensure these children are given equal opportunities.

They say some school pupils – who were born in the UK – are being priced out of citizenship, while stretched families are seeking food vouchers and taking out loans to save up enough for the fees.

The letter, which has been signed by headteachers and senior academics, says: “Schools who have multiple pupils in this situation have noticed a real and significant detrimental impact from the cost of this application, including an increase in food insecurity and lack of basic needs being met.

“This often leads to schools having to step in to fill the gap by providing clothing, food and emotional support as well as subsidising additional extra-curricular activities.”

It adds: “Without citizenship young people are ineligible for student loans and home fees and are effectively blocked from going to university. If we are serious about social mobility, then this barrier to education must be removed.”

An estimated 120,000 children in the UK – many who have been living in Britain for most of their lives – are being charged these high fees to register their citizenship rights, the charity highlights.

Recent analysis calculated that the Home Office has made almost £100m in profit from children registering as British citizens over the last five years.

It came after The Independent revealed that the government had been accused of using UK-born children of immigrants as “cash cows” by charging extortionate sums for citizenship.

Nicola Noble, head teacher at Surrey Square School, said: “Most of the children affected have lived in Britain their entire lives and now their parents – the majority of which are in low paid jobs – are forced to go to upsetting lengths to save for costly citizenship fees.

“We see the impact of the Home Office’s fees on a daily basis. The need for food vouchers at our school has increased because parents are going without to save up extra money and some parents are working multiple jobs to scrape together enough funds for the citizenship application.”

She added: “Many parents have been forced to take out loans and are getting into debt because they are so determined to secure citizenship for their children, to give them the possibility of going to university without paying huge foreign student fees.

“It is deeply worrying that the Home Office is making a profit on the back of hard working families.”

Sarah Holtam, co-chair of Citizens UK Council, said: “Not only are these fees are incredibly high, but that they are also much more expensive than anywhere else in the EU-15. We simply don’t understand why the Home Office is charging so much for citizenship given the harm it is doing to communities proudly living and working in Britain.”

Daniel, a 15-year-old who has been in the UK since the age of three, was prevented from going on school trips and risks missing out on college because his mother could not afford to apply for citizenship.

He previously told The Independent: “It’s stopped me doing a lot of things. I felt like I was different from everyone else. You’d think me being British would be something that would come naturally as I’ve been here as long as I can remember. It’s been really limiting.”

A Home Office spokesperson said: “Fees legislation allows the Home Office to take into account the wider costs involved in running our border, immigration and citizenship system, so that those who directly benefit from it contribute to its funding.

"Fees are kept under review, and when setting new fee levels, we consider a number of factors including the cost of processing the application, likely benefits of a successful application, and the wider cost of running the border, immigration and citizenship system.

“The principle of charging at above cost for immigration and nationality fees was first approved by Parliament in 2004.” - Independent