Oluwasegun Adesuyi, Author at SocietyGazette.com

ICPC Raids Buratai’s Abuja Home, Recovers Billions Of Naira, 50 Luxury Watches

Operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have reportedly raided the home of a former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai.

According to the report, the ICPC operative recovered over a billion naira from Buratai, who is now Nigeria’s Ambassador to Benin Republic.

The anti-graft agency was said to have also recovered over 50 luxury watches, including at least two Rolex varieties, from the former army boss.

According to sources, the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) had alerted the ICPC when it commenced a probe of an alleged military contractor named Salisu.

An ICPC source said: “NFIU discovered that N500 million was paid into Salisu’s account at once and quickly flagged it.

“When Salisu was queried he said he was a military contractor, but he was unable to show any evidence of carrying out any contract for the military.”

The NFIU later transferred the case to the ICPC who proceeded to carry out more investigation and the raid, which occurred last week.

Sahara Reporters had first reported the raid on Thursday night, which put the recovered funds at about N1.85 billion.

The ICPC had conducted a raid on Salisu’s home, recovering “hundreds of millions of naira, all in new notes,” a source told Peoples Gazette.

One of the source said: “We discovered that the place is owned by Buratai and he has been working with the man to loot military funds for many years.

“It is unfortunate that Nigerian soldiers are suffering at the war front due to lack of equipment.”

Speaking to the publication, Buratai said no warrant was obtained to search his house.

“Nobody obtained any warrants to search my place,” he said.

Buratai however disconnected the call when quizzed on whether or not he was confirming the raid and cash recovery from his property.

Osun 2022: Oyetola Tackles Adeleke Says Governance Is Not Dancing Competition

The Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola has slammed the governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic party Ademola Adeleke.

Speaking at his re-election campaign held at Ibokun and Oriade constituency on Wednesday, the All Progressives Congress candidate, said Ademola Adeleke lacks the capacity to govern the state.

While making a mockery of the senator, Oyetola said governance is a serious business for serious-minded people and not a dancing competition or child’s play.

The governor claims that, given the numerous difficulties the state is currently facing, it takes divine wisdom and a person with a solid understanding of the art of governance to govern the state.

Oyetola concluded that he is endowed with the quality and wisdom of how to govern Osun State.

Naija News earlier reported that Nigerian legendary singer 2face Idibia on Wednesday met with candidates of the three major political parties participating in the July 16th election.

2face during the meeting urged the candidates to advise their supporters on the need to shun violence during the election.

Idibia persuaded Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of the APC, Senator Ademola Adeleke of the PDP, and Akin Ogunbiyi of the Accord Party to sign a peace pact, pledging their commitment to a peaceful election, during separate meetings.

FG Move To Enforce NIN Linking On Sports Betting AccountsSports Betting in Nigeria

Online sports betting customers in Nigeria may henceforth have an additional hurdle to cross as the House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to ensure gamers link their accounts with their National Identity Numbers.
Naija News understands that the resolution was reached on Thursday, June 23 after the lower chamber of the National Assembly read and assented to a motion by the member representing Ifo/Ewekoro constituency in the 9th National Assembly, Ibrahim Isiaka.

The Ogun State lawmaker explained in the motion that the global gaming market is undoubtedly a huge one estimated to generate between $400 to $500 billion yearly and with the consistency of the current trends, by 2022.

He observed that the platform is set to be worth around $565 billion with increasing amounts of revenues coming from online gaming in its many forms.

Isiaka expressed concerns that the customers are mostly anonymous, noting that with the level of transactions, it is risky to have poor data.

“Mindful that with age-restricted businesses like casinos and online gaming platforms, the critical barrier to entry for customers is age and identity verification, therefore there is an increased need for such verifications in virtual situations in order to secure both the customers and the operators.

“Imperative for regulators to place a premium on data security of gamers and gaming operators and one readily available way to achieve this is to integrate the National identity Numbers (NIN) into the data collection of both new and existing customers,” the lawmaker was quoted as saying during a plenary.

Naija News understands that Isiaka’s motion was received by his colleagues without hesitation.

The House has since directed the National Lottery Regulatory Commission to ensure that all gaming operators in Nigeria integrate the National Identity (NIN) in their data collection.

The House also mandated the Committee on Governmental Affairs to ensure compliance.

Naija News recalls that the Federal Government had sometimes in May through the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), vowed to weed out some Sports betting companies in the country.

The decision was taken following the discovery of some sports betting companies operating in Lagos State with forged permits.

NLRC Director-General, Lanre Gbajabiamila, in a statement made available to newsmen through the commission’s spokesperson, Magnus Ekechukwu, said some officials of the defaulting companies have been arrested and would be made a scapegoat to their likes still ghosting around.

Gbajabiamila said that the Commission will deploy every available legal instrument to weed out all criminal elements operating within the Nigerian gaming industry.

He reiterated that the arrested criminals are being prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others who could be nursing similar ideas.

BREAKING: UK Arrests Ike Ekweremadu, Wife For Conspiracy To ‘Harvest Organs’

The London’s Metropolitan Police Service charged one Beatrice Nwanneka Ekweremadu(55) and Ike Ekweremadu, with conspiracy offences linked to allegations of organ harvesting.

The UK website reads : “A woman and a man were charged today with conspiring to arrange the travel of a child into the UK in order to harvest organs.

“The charges follow an investigation by the Metropolitan Police’s Specialist Crime team.

“[A] Beatrice Nwanneka Ekweremadu, 55 (10.9.66) of Nigeria is charged with conspiracy to arrange/facilitate travel of another person with a view to exploitation, namely organ harvesting.

“[B] Ike Ekweremadu, 60 (12.05.62) of Nigeria is charged with conspiracy to arrange/facilitate travel of another person with a view to exploitation, namely organ harvesting.

“They have both been remanded in custody and will appear at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court later today.

“The investigation was launched after detectives were alerted to potential offences under modern slavery legislation in May 2022.

“A child has been safeguarded and we are working closely with partners on continued support.

“As criminal proceedings are now under way we will not be providing further details.

It is uncertain if the Ekweremadu mentioned in the UK police website is the same as former Nigeria deputy senate president.

But checks by THE WHISTLER showed that the date of birth of the suspect and the name of the wife match that of the former deputy Senate president.

BREAKING: Suspected Kllers Of Owo Church Woshippers Arrested

The suspected killers of worshippers of St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, have been arrested by the Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps.

According to a local radio station in Akure, Crest Fm, Amotekun operatives also recovered some weapons and vehicles used to perpetrate the terror attack on the church on June 5.

Recall that gunmen stormed the Catholic church located on Owa-Iuwa Street and killed over 40 persons and injured 70 others injured during a Sunday mass.

The terrorists also used some explosives during the attack before they opened fire on the worshippers. The perpetrators then fled the scene immediately after they carried out the attack.

Days after the sad incident, the Federal Government linked the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) to the terror attack in the ancient town.

The Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, revealed this while addressing State House correspondents after a meeting of the National Security Council presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari.

According to the former Governor of Osun State, the federal government has located the terrorists responsible for the killing of worshippers in Owo.

In a swift reaction, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State refuted the claim that ISWAP was being the terror attack, saying that there is no evidence that points to the terror group.

Also, the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, disagreed with the federal government’s assertion.

Tragedy As Flood Sweeps Student into river In Ikare, Ondo State

A student of Mount Carmel Girls’ Secondary School in Ikare-Akoko, Ondo State, Motunrayo John, has been swept away by flood at a location close to a river called Dada.

The incident happened after the victim, who is in Junior Secondary School 3, had left the school premises after closing hours. She was said to have dipped her legs into the heavy flood in an attempt to know the depth.

According to an eyewitness account, the victim had lost balance and was already carried away by the flood into the river before help could reach her.

Read Also: President Buhari Sends Ministerial List To Senate For Screening

The spokesperson of Ondo State Police Command, SP Funmilayo Odunlami, confirmed the incident in a telephone conversation with Channels Television.

Odunlami described the incident as very unfortunate, noting that parents and guardians should always caution their children and wards from taking such dangerous acts.

She, however, disclosed that a search and rescue operation for the student has commenced, expressing hope that she would be found.

Finally, Mane Bows Out Of Liverpool After Winning Six Trophies

Sadio Mane’s spell at Liverpool FC was confirmed to have ended after reaching a deal with German side, Bayern Munich.

The Senegal International won six major trophies – the Premier League, Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, FA Cup, Carabao Cup and UEFA Super Cup during his six-year spell.

He joined Liverpool from Southampton in 2016 as he immediately propelled Jürgen Klopp’s team to victory.

During his Liverpool years, he played 268 games, scored 120 goals and 38 assists in all competitions.

In an interview with Liverpool FC, he revealed that he had planned to exit the club on a good note.

He said, “After when both clubs agreed [the transfer], I sent a long text to say goodbye to everybody, which is normal. They were sad, as I was, but it is part of life. We just have to accept it.

“That was the plan from the beginning because for me, to leave Liverpool in a very good way, that is me because how I have been there.”

He revealed that his favourite moment at Liverpool was when they beat Barcelona 4-0 at Anfield after losing 3-0 at Nou Camp.

” I will go first of all for 2019 when we beat Barcelona at home, that was incredible, and as well when we won the Champions League. For me, so far that is the best, best moment, or the moment that will stay forever in my head, for sure,” Mani said.

“After every game! After every one of my games in Munich I will come to the dressing room and I will watch Liverpool, for sure, because I am going to be Liverpool’s No.1 fan forever.”

Primate Ayodele Releases Fresh Prophecies On Telecommunication, Sports, Others

The Leader Of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele has released fresh prophecies on the telecommunication, sports and railway sectors in Nigeria and the African continent.

In a statement signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, Primate Ayodele warned the Nigerian communication commission (NCC) against taking steps that will run the telecommunication sector into serious crisis.

He revealed that he foresees another indigenous telecommunication company coming up from the northern region of the country but stated that Glo will always stay afloat among others.

Speaking on Glo, Primate Ayodele made it known that the company has God’s backing and that no amount of scandals will be able to bring it down. He however advised them to stay focused and courageous as he foresees the company taking over several states in the country and the African continent.

‘’The Nigerian communication commission must not take a step that will run telecommunication into crisis or troubles, they should be mindful against increment of VAT on telecommunication, It will not be suitable.’’

‘’I am seeing another indigenous telecommunication company from a northerner but among all, Glo will still be a leading telecommunication company in Nigeria and Africa. It will have an unusually perfect network service despite the fact that there will be scandals against the company. They should stay focused and firm because God is behind them. Glo will employ more workers. Through Glo, the economy of Nigeria will be transformed. Glo will take over so many states in the country, I see the talking drum symbol everywhere. God has promised the chairman of Glo his protection, no matter the attacks of the enemies, I see Glo soaring.’’

On other telecommunication companies, Primate Ayodele warned MTN against taking wrong steps, Airtel against getting new device that won’t be favourable and 9mobile against indictment.

‘’MTN must be watchful against steps that will back fire against the company. I see mass retention and inferno, the company should pray.’’

‘’9mobile will have problems in September and October, and they must pray not to be bereaved. Some of their staffers will be indicted’’

‘’Airtel is working on a new device, i don’t see it becoming favourable for them.’’

On Sports, Primate Ayodele warned the current NFF president, Amaju Pinnick not to be tempted to contest for a third term in office because it will kill the Nigerian football. He went ahead to mention that God has ordained Alh Ibrahim Gusau to become the next NFF president and that during his tenure, Nigeria will lift the African cup of nations.

Continuing, He asked Nigerians to pray against the death of a Nigerian footballer and death in the glass house.

‘’Amaju Pinnick should not go for a third term, if he goes, Nigerian football will die. The only person God has ordained to lead the NFF is Alh Ibrahim Gusau, he is the best man for the job that can take Nigerian football to glory. If we have Gusau as the NFF president, Nigeria will lift the Nations cup in 2023. ‘’

‘’Let’s pray not to lose a Nigerian footballer in the field of playing. Let us pray so there won’t be death in Glass house, a former player will die.’’

Furthermore, the man of God warned the Nigeria railway corporation that he foresees a railway derailment and protest, asking them to be watchful and prayerful.

‘’I see another railway derailment and there will be protest by railway workers in Nigeria, NRC should be watchful and prayerful.’’

Akeredolu begs International Bodies For Help – Says terrorists lurking in Nigeria forests

The Governor of Ondo state, Rotimi Akeredolu has said that terrorists have taken over the forest in Nigeria.
Akeredolu, while receiving members of the Council of All Saints Church, Jericho, Ibadan, who came on a condolence visit, called on the international community to come to the aid of the country.

The governor said: “We have terrorists in Nigeria. We need the world to assist Nigeria.

“If Nigeria doesn’t want it, Ondo State wants it. They still attacked somewhere in Ogun State recently. There are terrorists lurking in our forests.”

Akeredolu tabled his complaint on the same day President Muhammadu Buhari directed increased kinetic and non-kinetic efforts to trace and bring back the 51 or more kidnapped railway passengers still being held by terrorists.

Families of the released victims have also complained that their loved ones are mentally unstable, sick, traumatized and hospitalized due to harsh conditions faced while captured.

JUST IN: Wike in closed door meeting with Peter Obi

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi met with Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike behind closed-doors on Wednesday in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State.

Wike who is widely rumoured to be plotting an exit from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP following his loss at the Party primaries and not emerging the running mate to Atiku Abubakar, the party’s 2023 presidential flag-bearer.

This meeting is coming amidst reports that Obi and his party are in talks with NNPP Presidential Candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso over a possible merger. Political Analysts reveal that if the merger succeeds, it will create big problems for the Ruling All Progressives Congress, APC and the main opposition, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

It’s currently unclear the outcome of the meeting but it’s largely connected to the 2023 Presidential Elections.