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BREAKING: Nobody Can Remove Magu – Osinbajo
Acting President Yemi Osinbajo says nobody can remove Ibrahim Magu, acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).
He said this in Kaduna on Thursday while commissioning a zonal office of the EFCC.
Represented by Nasir el-Rufai, governor of Kaduna, the acting president described Magu as a “nightmare for corrupt people”.
“We have confidence in Magu to fight corruption to a standstill. He will remain the EFCC chairman as long as I remain the acting president and as well as Muhammadu Buhari remains the president,” he said.
“It is our belief that Magu will continue to remain a nightmare for corrupt people for years to come.”
Finally, The Supreme Court Compels Pres. Buhari And Yemi Osinbajo To Do This.
Hon Justice Hadiza Rabiu Shagari was the person who passed the judgement based on the freedom of information suit number, FHC/CS/964/2016 brought by Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP)
This report was filed last year regarding the funds recovered by the Federal Government last year from top personnels in the government and some exclusive individuals in the nation that needs to be addressed.
The precising judge had to comply with the suit SERAP in his words he said;
“The Federal Government has a legally binding obligations to tell Nigerians the names of all suspected looters of the public treasury past and present.”
Minister of Information Alhaji Lai Muhammed and the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture where present in the adjourning of the case as defendants.
The judge even went ahead to grant the following consolation;
A declaration that by virtue of the provisions of Section 4 (a) of the Freedom of Information Act 2011, the Defendants are under a binding legal obligation to provide the Plaintiff with up to date information relating to the following.
To widely disseminate including on a dedicated website information about the names of high ranking public officials from whom public funds were recovered since May 2015 The circumstances under which stolen public funds were returned SERAP is now processing a certified true copy of the judgment.
The deputy director for SERAP Timothy Adewale had something to say to us as well;
“This is a victory for justice, rule of law, transparency and accountability in this country. The judgment shows the way forward in the fight against corruption and impunity of perpetrators. We will do everything within the law to ensure full compliance by President Mohammadu Buhari and Acting President Osinbajo with this landmark judgment.”
Just to refresh you on this it was recalled that the ministry of information recovered some huge amount of money which they published, these are the information they released which showed that the Nigerian government successfully retrieved total cash amount N78,325,354,631.82, $185,119,584.61, £3,508,355.46 and €11, 250 between May 29, 2015 and May 25, 2016.
Also released were recoveries under interim forfeiture, which were a combination of cash and assets, during the same period: N126,563,481,095.43, $9,090,243,920.15, £2,484,447.55 and €303,399.17. Anticipated repatriation from foreign countries totaled: $321,316,726.1, £6,900,000 and €11,826.11. The ministry also announced that 239 non-cash recoveries were made during the one-year period. The non-cash recoveries are – farmlands, plots of land, uncompleted buildings, completed buildings, vehicles and maritime vessels.
Alhaji Lai Muhammed 14 days to disclose the names of all suspected looters, by the serap organisation who issued an FOI request. The request read thus;
“While we believe that suspects generally are entitled to be presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction, SERAP opposes blanket non-disclosure of names of high-ranking public officials from whom some of the funds were recovered.”
“SERAP insists that the public interest to know is greater than any other legitimate interest that the government might wish to protect. The Nigerian government has an obligation to balance whether the risk of harm to the legitimate aim (that is secrecy of ongoing corruption investigation and presumption of innocence) from disclosure of the names of public officials is greater than the public interest in accessing the information.”
“According to public interest test, even if the government demonstrates that the publication of the names of public officials would substantially harm a legitimate interest, it is nevertheless obliged to disclose the requested information if, as it is the case here, the public interest in disclosure is sufficient enough to overweight the harm.”
“SERAP believes that the recoveries, specifically from high-ranking public officials (and not private individuals), are matters of public interest. Publishing the names of those public officials will provide insights relevant to the public debate on the ongoing efforts to prevent and combat a culture of grand corruption and the longstanding impunity of perpetrators in the country.”
“The gravity of the crime of grand corruption, the devastating effects on the socially and economically vulnerable sectors of the population, and the fact that recovery of huge funds from high-ranking public officials entrusted with the public treasury raise a prima-facie case and therefore amount to exceptional circumstances that justify naming those high-ranking officials in the public interest.”
“SERAP also argues that Nigerians are entitled to the right to truth derived from the obligations of the government to carry out an investigation of violations of human rights and crime of corruption committed within its jurisdiction; to identify, prosecute and punish those responsible; and to ensure that victims have the simple and prompt recourse for protection against violation of fundamental rights, as well as to ensure transparency in public administration.”
“SERAP believes that the right to truth allows Nigerians to gain access to information essential to the fight against corruption and in turn development of democratic institutions as well as provides a form of reparation to victims of grand corruption in the country.”
“Publishing the names of public officials involved could go a long way in preventing senior public officials from turning the public treasury into a private cashbox. SERAP argues that the public interest in publishing the names of the high-ranking government officials from whom funds were received outweighs any considerations to withhold the information, as there would be no prejudice against those whose names are published as long as the information is appropriately framed and truthful.”
“There is a general public interest in promoting transparency, accountability, public understanding and involvement in the democratic process. While the government in some limited cases can legitimately place restrictions on the public’s right to access certain information, attempts of the Nigerian authorities to justify the total closure of information related to the names of public officials from whom funds were recovered on the basis of “ongoing criminal investigation” and “presumption of innocence goes far beyond the limitations allowed under international law, and would promote secret recoveries.”
“The information being requested is not related to detailed investigatory activities of anti corruption agencies regarding the recoveries so far made. Similarly, the mere fact that the information being requested is related to ongoing investigation does not necessarily mean that the information could not be disclosed. In addition, governmental agency has the obligation to prove that the disclosure of the names of public officials would disrupt, impede, or otherwise harm the ongoing or pending investigations or presumption of innocence.”
Just In!! Magu Using EFCC To Blackmail State Governors – Fayose
Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State, on Wednesday said the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,
Ibrahim Magu was using the Paris Club refund to “blackmail” state governors.
Fayose made the claim while lamenting the incessant harassment of serving governors in the country, especially the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Governor of Zamfara State, Abudulazeez Yari
In a statement by by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka , Fayose said “The EFCC is obviously blackmailing State Governors on the Paris Club refunds.”
Fayose, who said that Governor Yari, as the leader of all the State Governors in Nigeria deserved some level of respect from “Magu and his gangs in the EFCC,” added that “Rushing to court to seek forfeiture of properties on which no one had been convicted and maligning the NGF chairman is to say the least, irresponsible.”
The governor described the “onslaught on Governor Yari as a direct attack on all the governors of the 36 States” of Nigeria, adding that all the “governors to rise and protect the NGF.”
He pointed out that the Paris Club refunds was occasioned by the Federal Government’s illegal conversion of funds belonging to the States and Local Governments, adding that it was absurd that the Federal Government, which illegally used money belonging to the States and Local Governments for its own purpose was the one giving conditions as to how the refund must be spent.
“It is like a man stealing your money and now coming back to give you conditions to refund the money he stole and also telling you how to spend the money,” he said.
The governor said it was the height of rascality for the EFCC to keep feeding the public with falsehood and maligning the hard-earned integrity of Nigerians, especially former and serving governors.
“This persistent media trial is the reason EFCC has lost most of the high-profile corruption cases at the law courts.
“For instance, EFCC was the one that investigated and it was the one that went to court to file ex-parte application, seeking interim forfeiture of N500m and $500,000 it claimed was looted from the Paris Club refunds. No defence from any of the accused.
“Yet, Governor Yari is already being presented to the public as a thief by the EFCC. This irresponsibility must stop because these attacks on the person of NGF chairman by Magu and by extension the entire governors in Nigeria must stop,” he said.
Kidnappers Demand N70m To Release Pharmacist’s Son In Cross River
He was reportedly kidnapped Monday night, when he went to collect the day’s sales from his father’s pharmacy, Karmel Pharmacy, located along Goldie Street, Calabar.
According to one of the staff at the pharmacy, Uzodinma had gone to the place at 7.30p.m., with the hope of collecting the day’s proceeds when the hoodlums, who trailed him, swooped on him as he stepped out of his car and bundled him into their vehicle before speeding off.
The source said: “He usually comes here every day at about 8.30p.m. to collect the days sales. But following the current security situation in Calabar, he decided to be coming here at 7.30p.m. and by 8p.m. we will hand him the money and shut down. But yesterday (Monday) as he came out of his car, some people forced him into their car and drove off.”
She said those who took him away later called his father at about midnight to announce that he was with them and that they will only release him after he gives them 70 million naira.
Ms Irene Ugbo, spokesman of Cross River Police Command, con-firmed the incident, adding that policemen were on the hoodlums’ trail.
Alleged N180m bribe: Court to commence hearing on ex-Rivers REC, Khan
A Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, has fixed October 11 to begin hearing on the matter between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, the former Rivers state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Gesila Khan and her alleged accomplice, Peter Popnin.
Khan is being tried by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC for allegedly obtaining a gratification to the tune of over N180 million from yet to be named person (s), while serving as the state REC, during the 2015 general elections.
Justice Sailu Saidu adjourned the matter after listening to both counsels in the matter over permission to extend date for hearing.
Earlier, Barr J. T kpakol, Counsel to the 2nd defendant in the matter, Peter Popnin, an ex-staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), who was arrested with Khan for allegedly assisting her in receiving the said gratification, asked the court for adjournment, saying that he was just briefed and needed time to prepare for the matter.
The EFCC lawyer, Ahmed Aruga, who told the court that the 2nd defence counsel had briefed him about his position, said they are ready for hearing in the court with their witness
Aruga urged the defence counsel not to use the excuse as a ploy to delay the matter that started a month ago, stressing that EFCC was ready to ensure that the matter is not delayed.
The End Is Near!! Police, OPC Raid Badoo Hideouts In Ikorodu, Arrest Over 100 (Photos)
The raid, DAILY POST learnt, was a follow up to series of meetings the police authority had with different local vigilante in the area.
Members of OPC and other vigilante groups who were versed with the terrain had led heavily harmed police officers to some locations suspected to be the den of the group, where over 100 of them were rounded up.
It was gathered that the unabated activities of the cult group had compelled the Lagos State police authority to approach members of the Odua People’s Congress (OPC), led by its leader, Otunba Gani Adams last week, for possible collaboration and assistance.
According to the source, the recent attacks by the Badoo group, in which some lives were lost, compelled the police authority in the state to meet with Adams and his men.
“The serial attacks by those boys in Ikorodu are becoming a thing of worry for the police in the state; the police considered it imperative and expedient to seek for partnership of vigilante groups in Ikorodu, led by the OPC.
“Sincerely, the activities of those Badoo boys must be stopped; this massacre must not be allowed to go on unabated; it is seriously threatening the serenity of that town,” the source had disclosed.
Breaking News! Another Suspected Badoo Cult Member Set Ablaze In Ogun (See Photos)
No fewer than three suspected Badoo gang members were allegedly set ablaze by irate mob at Ikorodu axis of Lagos over the weekend.
The suspect was allegedly accused of being in possession of the severed head of an infant.
The state Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu, whose convoy was headed to Ogijo for a surveillance, ran into the burnt suspect.
But on sighting the police convoy, the crowd that had gathered at the scene dispersed for fear of being arrested for the mob action.
Policemen on the CP’s convoy immediately disembarked from their vehicles and evacuated the remains of the suspected cultist.
Focus On Restructuring Rather Than Secession – Mbanefo Tells Biafra Agitators
A former Nigerian Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), Arthur Mbanefo, has urged Biafra agitators to focus more on restructuring of the country rather than secession.
Mbanefo also claimed that Igbos are afraid of the quit notice issued to them by a coalition of Northern youths because they love wealth.
He made this remark at his residence in Onitsha, Anambra state.
“The Northerners had just made a simple statement and Igboland is shaking because we are interested in wealth. We get worried over anything that affects our wealth.”
Former President Jonathan Summoned By Reps Over Malabu Oil Deal Scam
The committee noted however that it had conducted an extensive investigation into the OPL 245 saga and that it was drawing to a close.
It then stated that in the interest of thoroughness, natural justice and fair play, it was imperative that evidence should be taken from the former President.
In arriving at this decision, a statement by the committee noted that it took account of the following facts:
(i) Mr Jonathan was the President at the material time the Ministers brokered the deal that lead to the allegation of $1bn diversion of funds;
(ii) Mr Jonathan’s name features in the proceedings initiated by the Public Prosecutor of Milan in Italy;
(iii) A U.K. Court Judgment in relation to an application to return part of the money being restrained, castigated the Jonathan Administration as not having acted in the best interest of Nigeria in relation to the ‘deal’;
(iv) The Attorney-General of the Federation at the material time, Mohammed Bello Adoke, has recently instituted proceedings in court wherein he pleads that all his actions were as instructed by former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Accordingly, pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution, the Committee has decided to request that former President Goodluck Jonathan give evidence as to his role in the matter.
The statement sent by the House, said the Secretariat will write to him asking for his response and submissions.
Man Commits Suicide After His Wife Left Him After Losing Job (Graphic Photo)
The deceased, identified as Kwadwo Asiedu, who was deserted by his wife after he lost his job, reportedly committed suicide by hanging.
The body of deceased was found hanging on the ceiling in his room by the landlord and other neighbours on Monday morning.
According to reports, his wife (name withheld) and their two children were said to have relocated to Asamankesse in the Eastern Region two months ago after a misunderstanding ensued between the couple, according to residents.
Reports said that the woman left her husband immediately he lost his job and he took to drinking alcohol excessively.
ASP Efia Tenge, Accra Regional Police Public Relations Officer (PRO), told DAILY GUIDE that Weija Police received information about the death from the landlord of the deceased on July 3, 2017 around 10am.
When the police got to the scene, they found Kwadwo Asiedu hanging on the ceiling with a bathing sponge.
The body was taken to the police hospital morgue pending autopsy.
Meanwhile, some neighbors have told the paper that the deceased drunk alcohol excessively on daily basis.
While some attributed his action to the conduct of the wife, others said he started drinking after he lost his job out of frustration.
The deceased was last seen on Friday, June 30, 2017 returning from town, according to neighbors.
He was never seen again until some foul scent emanated from the room on Sunday morning.
I Hear A Cry In Aso Rock…Nigerian Flag Is Burning In The Spirit World – Mbaka
Controversial cleric, Rev Fr Ejike Mbaka has voiced out again on the health of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Mbaka, who was speaking during a weekly programme entitled ‘E No Dey Again’ held on Wednesday, said he heard a cry like pattering of the rain from the Aso Rock chamber.
The cleric said he got a vision to rush to Aso Rock but on reaching there, nobody was ready to take him to where Buhari is in the UK.
The cleric during the programme said he had a vision where he was at a meeting in Aso Rock, which had Ibrahim Babaginda in attendance.
“I asked him (IBB) a question about Buhari but he told me to forget it. There is cry like rain in Aso Rock and in the north. In the spirit world, Nigerian flag is burning. Within a short time what is hidden will be revealed,” he said.
He also revealed that Holy Spirit had told him to forget trying to help the situation, adding that he had tried his best but people in Aso Rock did not listen to him.
“People/the elites already have their visas on hand, when the problem starts, it is the poor that will perish”, he added.
He also recalled that there was a time he told Buhari that people were planning to kill him but nobody listened to him.
He recalled that before Buhari travelled, he was in a vision where God told him to go and pray for him but the same Aso Rock people did not allow him in.
Drama as Police Officers Raid Popular Market in Onitsha…What They Uncovered There Will Surprise You
Police officers have made a stunning discovery after staging a raid at a popular market in Onitsha. Checkout what they found.
A market in Onitsha has been raided by the police in Anambra State on Wednesday.
According to Punch Metro, the officers, at the market, uncovered an underground warehouse where adulterated shoe polish estimated at N30m was stocked.
Addressing newsmen after the exploit, the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Garba Umar, said the raid followed a complaint lodged by a holder of the franchise for Kiwi polish.
He said the development was an eye opener for the command on the illegalities going on in some markets in the state.
He said the adulterated products might have been brought in through the River Niger.
“This has brought to the fore, the need for the Police to beef up its Marine arm and partner better with the Nigerian Navy to improve security on the waterways”, Umar said.
He appealed to the public to support the war against fake products by volunteering credible information to relevant authorities while assuring of investigations on the matter to ensure that the perpetrators were brought to book.
The owner of the franchise for the product, Chief Sam Anyanwutaku, decried the huge damage the activities of such illegal manufacturers had caused genuine businessmen.
Expressing gratitude to the State Police Command for its prompt response, Anyanwutaku said he reported the matter to the Police as soon as he received a report about the development.
The Chairman of the Market, Mr. Louis Onyeabo, absolved the market union of any complicity in the issue, statingthat thee market dealt only in clothing materials.
He said, “we have a standing policy against adulterated products.”
The confiscated products were later taken to the State Police Headquarters in Awka.
The warehouse located on a 3-storey Plaza on Marine modern market, Onitsha on the bank of River Niger, is allegedly owned by one Mr. Ebube who the Police said was at large
Senate Advice Fashola To Resign
Speaking on the floor of the Senate on Wednesday, Goje said, the National Assembly would not be intimidated by Fashola’s “blackmail and propaganda.”
The comments credited to Fashola infuriated the lawmakers, Which led to a point of order, raised by Senator Goje.
Goje said;
“Fashola should know that he is dealing with the National Assembly of Nigeria and not Lagos State House of Assembly,”
“This Assembly is composed of very patriotic and experienced Nigerians. Many have done this job before him. Many were Governors before him. If the job is too much for him, the ministry is too big. The ministry comprises Works, Housing and Power.“If the job is to much for him, if he cannot adjust, then he should do the honoruable and needful thing. No amount of blackmail or propaganda by him will stop this National Assembly from doing it duties in accordance with the provision of the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria.
In his remarks, the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, advised the lawmakers to await the recommendations of the House of Representatives, adding that, the Reps had commenced a legislative action on the matter.“We have sworn to uphold and protect this constitution and this we would do to end of the life of this assembly. we would watch how the house would handle him. If he is well handled there, then we would treat him well. If they are not satisfied, then we would take it over,”
“I think Senator Aliyu Sabi and the Chairman of Appropriation have spoken on this matter and happy that the House of Representatives has taken up this issue,” Saraki said.
“It is a matter that we must be responsible especially those at the position of cabinet to look at issues from the national point of view and the interest of all Nigerians. We would definitely wait for his appearance at the House of Representatives before further contribution,”
See The Moment Doctors Rescued Dog Brutalized By Its Owner's Neighbor In Delta State
JUST IN: Aisha Buhari Arrives London To See Ailing Husband…BUT THERE’S BAD NEWS! [Photo]
Unfortunately, the first lady is yet to see the President.
This is the second time, Mrs. Buhari will be visiting London for her husband in a space of one month.
Aisha Buhari before heading to London attended the 15th General Assembly of Organisation of African First Ladies against HIV/AIDS in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
President Muhammadu Buhari has been out of seat for over 50 days and his absence keep generating controversies and power tussle between the Presidency headed by acting President, Yemi Osinbajo and the legislative arm under the leadership of Bukola Saraki.
Inciting Audio Calls On Northerners To Slaughter Ndigbo On October 1st [LISTEN]
Recall that the country has been in turmoil ever since a coalition of northern youths called Arewa Youths, made a threat to Ndigbo after issuing them a quit notice to vacate all northern states, 19 in number, before October 1st or face physical attacks.
Recall also that the Acting President Professor Yemi Osinbajo, the Kaduna state Governor, El-Rufai and every well-meaning Nigerians had and still continue to condemn the hate speech from the northern group against Ndigbo.
However, as the deadline approaches especially with the Police not making any single arrest even till this moment, some have berated the force of double-standards and alleged that the police is not sincere in her duty of securing lives and property.
Although several Igbo groups living in the north and the region’s apex body, Ohaneze Ndigbo, have maintained that the Igbos will not leave the north as threatened by the Arewa youths, rumour have continued to fly of the possibility of the northern youths keeping to their words, hence, the audio tape alleging incitement on northerners to slaughter the Igbos come October 1st.
A transcript of the audio which is in Hausa language goes thus: “My name is Ibrahim Muhammad Jajere I want to use this medium to tell Northerners, especially the youth that the Igbo are not your brothers therefore let no one deceive you because enough of the deceit.
[LISTEN] HERE
“We need to arise and drive them out.Imagine you accommodated this person gave him a shop and secured his property then he insults you and calls you an animal. In their region you cannot even own land or property “Go to the Aba and Onitsha markets and you won’t find even one Hausa man who owns a shop or even a house they would not allow that to happen. But come to the North we have accommodated you (Igbos) this is enough.
“The quit notice issued for 1st October is still in place the Igbos must leave the North or else we the Northerners especially the youth should just arise we do not need AK47 or explosives the thing needed is a match stick and a litre of petrol which is very cheap.
“Then anywhere you see the property of the Igbos just burn it and burn them too if they refuse to leave by 1st October. They have corrupted our society and our youths because they are the ones that provide intoxicants in the north. They also bring arms. What do we need the Igbos for?
“I call on all Northern youth, to arise, who is afraid of the Igbos.If not for our useless nothern leaders,in fact we need to rise up against them because even in my state Kaduna and the 19 northern states you find Igbos executing contracts supplies and the rest.
“Are there no northerners to execute these contracts? Our state allocations are returned to the Igbos, are northerners awarded contracts in the South? No northerner can get a contract in Imo, Anambra, Abia, Enugu. They would not allow it this we know. And one bastard governor called [Nasir] El Rufai will say our youth should be arrested, let him go and fuck his father.
“I swear they must leave the North, let them go and do the restructuring. If not rascality 80% of their Investment is not in Igboland. I swear and call on our youth to arise and destroy their properties and kill them. “No one will arrest you, anyone that wants to arrest you should first arrest Apostle [Johnson] Suleman who asked for the killing of Fulanis.
“Nnamdi Kanu threatened everyone in this country and was walking around freely and he should not be arrested? Let them try to arrest the Arewa youth and then the war will start. I call on the people of the North, this is your last chance.
“If you do not take advantage of it and deal with the Igbos once and for all you will regret it. I charge all Northerners not to touch the Yorubas because they are peace loving, just allow them enjoy their ceremonious lifestyle do not touch them but the Igbos we must burn and destroy them.
“I leave you in peace.”
– Vanguard
Breaking: Again, Badoo strikes CHURCH near IKORODU, kills three
Suspected members of the Badoo group have wreaked yet another havoc on a community in Lagos, killing at least three people.
According to PUNCH, the group attacked Crystal Church of Christ (C&S) Aladura located at 4, Victor Anibaba street, Owode Weighbridge, along Ikorodu road.
Wife of the church’s founder simply identified as Ajidara, her two-year-old daughter and another woman who lived in the church, were said to have been killed.
Details of the attack are still sketchy.
Olarinde Famous-Cole, spokesman of the Lagos state police command, could not be reached for comments as he had not responded to a text message sent to his telephone as of the time the report was filed.
The Badoo group has killed at least 26 residents, particularly in Ikorodu, in the last one year.
There is currently a manhunt for members of the group in Ikorodu and this has resulted in the deaths of some innocent persons.
The latest being one Chinedu Paul, an entertainer who was known as Think 2ice.
Angry residents reportedly burnt him to death on Saturday after suspecting that he was a member of the Badoo group.
Paul was killed three days after the group wiped out a family of five at Odogunyan in Ikorodu.
The police have advised residents of Ikorodu to always have a valid form of identification on them.
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