GBOGBO ILU NI YAHOO : Yahoo Yahoo: EFCC arrests seven suspects in Kaduna

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kaduna zone have arrested seven suspected internet fraudsters in a raid carried out in Nasarawa State.

The Head Media and Publicity of the Commission, Mrs Zainab Ahmed listed the suspects as Peter Olu Tsetimi, Ogunbiyi Adekunle A and Emuze Omosigho Emmanuel.

Others are Isaac Daro Obozokhai, Samuel Nana-Kofi Eruese, Edward Yusuf and Peace Manayin who are aged between 20 and 33 years.

One of the suspects, who posed as an engineer working with Exxon Mobil, was apprehended with fake identities he used to defraud people within Nigeria and abroad.

Ahmad said that the arrest along Ihejirika Close, Karu, Nasarawa State was made at around 5a.m. following intelligence reports of shady activities traced to the suspects.

Among items recovered from them include exotic watches, necklaces, expensive phones, ipads, laptops and several fraudulent documents.

She added that further investigation was ongoing while items and documents recovered will be subjected to forensic analysis and the suspects would be charged to court.

- DAILY POST

FG orders schools to resume teaching of history

The federal government has directed that all primary and secondary schools in the country to resume the teaching of history as a standalone subject.

Sonny Echono, permanent secretary, ministry of education, disclosed this on Friday.

According to Echono, the directive has been given and it is automatic that all the schools would implement the directive simultaneously.

“By the next academic calendar, history will be taught as a standalone subject,” Echono said.

“It is with immediate implementation. So, definitely for the next academic year everybody will fall in line because we already articulated the curriculum and the examination should be done along those lines.”

Wole Soyinka, Nobel laureate and Femi Kuti, Afrobeat musician, had advised the federal government not to consider history as just an academic exercise but as a need for the growth and development of Nigeria and the African continent.

- THECABLE

ONE KILLING TOO MANY !! Gunmen on motorcycles massacre 18 in Zamfara

Suspected gunmen have killed 18 persons in some communities in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara, the Emir of Tsafe, Alhaji Muhammad Bawa has disclosed.

The Emir made the disclosure on Friday while receiving a House of Representatives member representing Gusau/Tsafe Federal Constituency , Alhaji Kabir Mai-Palace in Gusau.

Mai-Palace was at the Emir’s palace to condole with him and entire people of the area over the attacks.

The emir said that the attackers invaded Bamamu, Danmale and Sako communities, Thursday evening and killed 18 persons, adding that they came with over 50 motorcycles shot sporadically on the air.

The emir thanked the lawmaker for the visit and his concern for his people.

Earlier, Mai-Palace had described the attack as unfortunate and worrisome.

He said: ”I had earlier visited general hospital, Tsafe to sympathise with the victims who are receiving treatment.”

”Security is the major area I am giving priority to, it is very disheartening the way these bandits are attacking our communities.

“If I go back to Abuja, I am going raise these issues in the House with the aim of finding solutions to the problems.

”As a representative of the people, I don’t have any commitment beyond the interest of my people.

”l am also going to present this incident to the Governor, Muhammad Matawallen-Maradun.”

The lawmaker, however, urged the people of the state to remain calm and continue with prayers to seek Allah’s intervention to end the problem.

NAN reports that the lawmaker donated cash and 20 mattresses to the victims in the hospital and held close door meeting with Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Tsafe Division, Nigeria Police.

- PM NEWS

EFCC re-arraigns American who ‘defrauded 3 Nigerians of $1.2m’

The EFCC on Thursday re-arraigned Marco Ramirez, an American, at an Ikeja special offences court for allegedly defrauding three Nigerians of $1.2 million under the pretext of securing green cards for them.

Ramirez was re-arraigned before Mojisola Dada, a judge, on an amended 12-count charge of conspiracy and obtaining under false pretence.

He was arraigned alongside his companies – USA Now LLC; Eagle Ford Instalodge Group LP and USA Now Capital Group.

The EFCC said Ramirez committed the offences between February, 2013 and August, 2013 in Lagos.

Ramirez is alleged to have defrauded Godson Echejue, Abubakar Umar and Olukayode Sodimu of the money.

The offences contravene section 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, No. 14 of 2006.

The American and his companies were previously arraigned in June 22, 2017, on a 16-count charge of conspiracy and obtaining under false pretence.

He had pleaded not guilty to the offences and was admitted to a$25,000 bail.

However, midway to the trial, the case file was transferred to the special offences court for speedy conclusion of the matter.

Following his re-arraignment, N. S. Oweize, the EFCC prosecuting counsel requested for a trial date.

The defence counsel, Ademola Adefolaju, did not oppose the prosecutor’s request for a trial date but pleaded with court for Ramirez to continue to enjoy the bail conditions earlier granted to him.

Dada inquired whether the defendant had fully complied with his previous bail conditions, Adefolaju answered in the affirmative, noting that Ramirez had been visiting EFCC office as directed by the court.

Following Adefolaju’s submission, Dada said “having not shown any breach of the bail terms granted by my brother judge, the defendant is hereby allowed to continue with the previous terms”.

The judge adjourned the case until October 7, 8, 9 and 10 for trial.

- THECABLE

EFCC apprehends teenage ‘Yahoo boys’, others in Calabar

Operatives of the special task force, Uyo Zonal Office, of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested eleven suspected internet fraudsters, popularly known as ‘Yahoo Boys’ in an apartment on Parliamentary Extension, Akai Efa, Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

The all male suspects are: Endurance Ahunwan (28), Nohuwan Frank (26), Dominic Chidiebere (28), Idehe Efosa (17), Patrick Edos (27),

Others are Samuel Ukiwe (21) and Michael Edward (25), Destiny Efe (17), Hope Yusuf (19), Harrison Esi (17) and Igbinigun Osamudia (17).

A statement by Tony Orilade, Head, Media & Publicity, said Esi was found hiding in the roof of the apartment along with some of their tools of operation.

According to him, their leader, Ahunwan instructed him to conceal himself and the gadgets in the roof in order to prevent his arrest and confiscation of the tools.

“Our leader ordered me to hide in the ceiling with the gadgets so that I will not be nabbed also,” Esi said.

Upon arrest, Ahunwan the prime suspect, confessed that he recruited the team, saying they were paying back Europeans for stealing from their forefathers.

He also alleged that the parents of the arrested accomplices gave their consent and pleaded with him to help their children secure a means of livelihood.

Items recovered from the suspected fraudsters include: 10 laptops, eight internet modems, several sophisticated telephone handsets, including one iphone, technical devices and scam emails.

- DAILY POST

Transfer: Details of Pogba’s phone call with new Juventus boss Sarri revealed

Manchester United midfielder, Paul Pogba, has spoken over the phone with Maurizio Sarri, in a bid to force through a move to Juventus, Tuttosport reports.

Pogba has made no secret of his wish to quit United this summer, after three years back at Old Trafford.

Juventus remain interested in taking him back, while Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane is also an admirer.

Pogba has already reached out to Sarri in a bid to seal a move back to Turin and is “desperate” to return.

It is claimed that the France midfielder encouraged him to push through with a bid to get him.

United are reluctant to allow Pogba leave, as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer seeks to rebuild his squad ahead of next season.

But there are speculations that the 26-year-old is ready to go on strike to force an exit.

- DAILY POST

PRE-SEASON : Arsenal to play Real Madrid, Barcelona in July

Arsenal will play LaLiga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona, as part of their preseason next month, the club has confirmed.

The Gunners, who finished in fifth place in the Premier League last season, begin their preparations for the new campaign against Boreham Wood on July 6.

Unai Emery’s team then takes on Colorado Rapids 10 days later in Denver.

Arsenal will feature in the International Champions Cup this year, where they will take on Bayern Munich (July 18), Fiorentina (July 20) and Real Madrid (July 24).

They fly back to the UK to face Lyon in the Emirates Cup on July 28.

Preseason ends with a game against Barcelona in the Gamper Trophy at the Nou Camp on Sunday, August 4 (8pm local time).

The Gamper Trophy is an annual match hosted by Barcelona, in honour of Joan Gamper, a founding member, player, and later president of the club.

- DAILY POST

Churches in Israel kick against TB Joshua’s visit, give reasons

Many churches in the Israeli city of Nazareth, have kicked against the planned visit of Nigerian televangelist and founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations, Prophet T.B Joshua.

According to an Israeli publication, Haaretz, Joshua’s planned visit has generated criticisms among residents and stakeholders, including church officials.

Joshua is scheduled to visit Nazareth ahead of his church’s event tagged the “Nazareth Meeting with TB Joshua,” holding on June 23 and June 24.

Some of the church leaders were quoted as saying the upcoming event is an “affront in the principles of Christianity”, asking residents to shun it.

“We beg you to not play in the hands of those organising this type of festival which is an affront to the principles of Christianity, and our national identity.

“We beg you not to play in the hands of those organizing this type of festival which is an affront to the principles of Christianity, and our national identity, and deals a blow to the social fabric of a city like Nazareth,” they wrote.

Church officials quoted passages from the New Testament, warning against false prophets, who seek to deceive with miracles.

The Hadash and Youth for Change parties in Nazareth were said to have also cited Joshua’s source of wealth as part of their concerns.

“We have asked to take an in-depth look at this issue, at why a city like Nazareth would receive such a person who is denied entry to many countries on grounds of criminal suspicions and given his links to the extreme right in Israel.

“What’s more, the man is known to have grown wealthy in a way that has raised many questions and therefore we view such a visit as an illegitimate step which contaminates the city and its historic heritage.

“And we absolutely reject the mayor’s claims that such an event would bring $1 million to the city and would see such a sum were it to actually materialise as an illegitimate contribution that would contaminate the city,” they reportedly said.

- DAILY POST

EFCC speaks on protecting Nigeria’s image, warns those living above their income

The Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, has assured Nigerians that the anti-corruption agency will continue to protect the image of the country.

He made the pledge in Ibadan on Friday, while featuring on a live radio programme, Security Guide, at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Ibadan National Station.

Magu, was represented by the Zonal Head of the Commission’s Ibadan zonal office, Friday Ebelo.

He, however, reiterated the agency’s commitment to deploying all available resources to ensure that the corrupt elements in the country do not soil her name before the international community.

According to him, the law establishing the EFCC gives it sufficient power to achieve the objective.

He said, “The EFCC Establishment Act of 2004 as amended gives the Commission the power to investigate people living above their known sources of income. This is designed to ensure that people don’t hide under fictitious means of livelihood to engage in acts that portray us as dubious people.

“We are very keen on protecting the image of this country, and this we will do within the ambit of the law

“We advocate a crime-free society. If anybody is given an opportunity to serve, he should make good use of the opportunity because service is a privilege. It is not an avenue to loot the nation’s economy,” he affirmed.

He also tasked the youths to ensure that they use their energy and intellect to pursue lawful activities that will enhance their lives and help promote the name of their country of birth.

While receiving the EFCC team to the premises of the radio station, the Deputy Director, Programmes, Mrs. Janet Bolatito Joseph, commended the Commission on its dogged fight against corruption in the country.

Earlier, the anchor of the programme, Morakinyo Alabi, told the visitors that the station will be willing to create space for the Commission to share its successes with its listeners, especially the aspect of combating economic and financial crimes.

- DAILY POST

Malabu oil scandal: Italy protests Swiss delay in handing over documents in seized briefcase

Italian prosecutors have complained to Switzerland about lengthy delays in obtaining evidence they have requested on Malabu oil bribery scandal, involving oil firms Shell and Eni, a source familiar with the matter said.

Milan prosecutors wrote in April to the Geneva prosecutors’ office in a previously undisclosed letter, describing their three-year wait for documents to be handed over by Swiss authorities as “unprecedented”, the source said.

Swiss police found the documents in a briefcase they seized in April 2016 in an inquiry unrelated to the corruption case, and the source said Milan prosecutors believed the documents could be vital to their prosecution of Eni and Shell.

But Italy’s request for the documents to be handed over has been blocked by Swiss courts after repeated legal challenges by the owner of the briefcase, Nigerian lawyer Emeka Obi, who was charged alongside Eni and Shell executives in the graft case.

In September 2018, Obi was convicted of corruption and sentenced to four years in jail by a Milan judge in a fast-track trial, though he has appealed, remains outside Italy and his lawyer continues to pursue legal action in Switzerland to block Italy’s request.

Obi’s Italian lawyer, Roberto Pisano, did not reply to an email requesting a comment.

Also read: https://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2018/12/22/1-1b-malabu-oil-bribes-swiss-to-reveal-nigerian-beneficiaries/

A separate trial continues in Milan against Eni, Shell and executives of both firms on charges they paid $1.1 billion in bribes to secure the purchase of a Nigerian oil field in 2011. All defendants deny wrongdoing.

The Geneva prosecutors’ office said in a statement to Reuters that it had spared no effort to cooperate with Italy over its request, adding the Swiss judicial process was long and involved delays that it admitted could cost precious time.

Milan prosecutors have an understanding of the contents of the documents and believe they would strengthen their case against defendants in the Nigeria graft trial, the source said.

They hope their letter will be passed onto the Swiss Federal Penal Tribunal in Bellinzona which is considering which documents can be passed to Milan prosecutors.

The tribunal’s eventual ruling is also subject to appeal.

- PM NEWS

Female Viagra ‘Vyleesi’ gets US agency’s approval

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the drug regulator has approved Vyleesi, Palatin Technologies and Amag Pharmaceuticals’ drug to restore sexual desire in premenopausal women.

The drug is the latest attempt to come up with a therapy that some have dubbed as “female Viagra”.

Vyleesi, will compete in a market which has seen previous attempts fail. Analysts have said that a drug that safely and effectively treats loss of sexual desire in women could eventually reach annual sales of about $1 billion.

Palatin’s shares jumped 44% to $1.93, while Amag shares rose 11.5% after market.

Vyleesi, chemically known as bremelanotide, activates pathways in the brain involved in sexual desire, helping premenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD).

The drug will compete with Sprout Pharmaceuticals’ Addyi, a once-daily pill that was approved for HSDD in 2015 with a warning restricting alcohol use when on the medication. It will be available from September through select pharmacies.

Addyi was approved under intense pressure from advocacy groups despite a review by scientists at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that deemed it minimally effective and possibly unsafe.

Vyleesi, which does not restrict alcohol use, is seen as having several advantages over Addyi, including tolerable side effects, rapid-acting nature and not having to take it every day, according to analysts.

Side effects reported during clinical trials included mild to moderate nausea lasting no more than two hours and mostly occurred over the first three doses, Amag said. About 40% of patients in clinical trials experienced nausea.

The drug is administered as a shot into the abdomen or thigh using an auto-injector at least 45 minutes before anticipated sexual activity, with the FDA recommending patients not to take more than one dose within 24 hours or more than eight doses per month.

The drug was developed by Palatin and Amag holds exclusive North America sales rights. Palatin will get $60 million from Amag for the approval plus additional payments for certain sales milestones and royalties.

HSDD affects about 6 million women in the U.S., but few seek or receive treatment.

SVB Leerink analyst Ami Fadia said there will be a need for more direct-to-consumer advertising through social media, which could help in building awareness about HSDD.

- PM NEWS

Confession: How I beheaded 4 children

A head hunter, Mustapha Aliyu, arrested in Abuja by the police has confessed to have beheaded four children after being paid N170,000 for each head.

The police arrested Aliyu with a freshly severed head of a three-year-old boy, identified as Usman Awalu.

In his confession, Aliyu, 22, confessed that he was paid N170,000 for every male head and N160,000 for the female head he supplied to his boss who is at large.

The suspect reportedly informed detectives during interrogation that he had so far supplied four human heads to his master.

Commissioner of Police in charge of the Federal Capital Territory, Bala Ciroma, who paraded the suspect in Friday stated that Aliyu admitted that his victims were taken from Sheda, Kwali, Kilankwa, Gwako and Leleyi villages, in Kwali Area Council of the FCT.

“On May 19, 2019, about 14:30hrs, following a distress call, police operatives arrested Aliyu in possession of a freshly severed head of a three-year-old boy who was later identified as Usman Awalu of Rugan Fulani close to Leleyi village in Kwali Area Council.

“The suspect confessed that prior to his arrest, he had beheaded four children and gave their heads to his master who is now at large.

According to him, he was paid N170,000 for every male and N160,000 for every female victim.

“He said his victims were taken from Sheda, Kwali, Kilankwa, Gwako and Leleyi villages. Effort is being intensified to arrest his master who is currently at large.”

Ciroma said that his command recovered a locally fabricated Sub-Machine gun with two live ammunition from one Jacob Augustine, a.k.a. J. Boy, at his apartment in Keffi, Nasarawa State.

Upon his arrest, the suspect gave useful information that led to the arrest of one Tahiru Sule, 29 and Zephaniah Israel, 28, who are members of his gang, Punch reports.

- PM NEWS