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Polaris Bank in N19 Million Criminal Deduction Mess

Innocent Chike, Polaris Bank Managing Director

A Magistrate Court sitting in Surulere area of Lagos has ordered Polaris Bank to refund the illegal deductions made on domiciliary and Naira accounts of three businesswomen with the bank to the tune of $30,769 (USD) N18,676,783.

The businesswomen – Mrs. Adebomi Orogun, Mrs. Kehinde Banjo, and Mrs. Oluwatoyin Ode had filed an originating application before the court against the bank over unjustifiable freezing of their accounts and subsequent illegal deductions on the said accounts.

In an application brought pursuant to Order 1 Rule 2 of the Magistrates’ Courts Civil Procedure Rules of Lagos State (2009), the businesswomen narrated how their USD (US Dollar), Euro, and Naira accounts were frozen by the bank without a valid court order.

They said the bank proceeded to make unauthorized deductions from their accounts without any justification whatsoever as there was no time they were accused of engaging in fraudulent activities with the said accounts.

In her affidavit in support of the application, the first applicant (Orogun) who maintained USD, Euro, and Naira accounts with Polaris Bank, said the bank usually deducts the requisite commission after every transaction she made.

According to her, “I regularly transact on my Euro account with the bank. I recently wanted to transfer money with my Euro account, only to discover that I no longer have access to make any transaction.

“I also discovered that there was no available balance left in my USD account. I was confused and had to make an inquiry with the bank to know the reason why I no longer have access to my Euro account and why my USD account was cleared out. However, I was informed by the Bank that they had not been deducting the proper commission per transaction on my account which they only commence later and ultimately led to my USD account being cleared out.

“This action carried out by the Bank was done entirely without recourse to me, who believed that all due commissions had been deducted and I had enough balance to plan my life with. On the 4th of March, 2022, I was shocked to discover that all my accounts (USD, EURO, and Naira) with the respondent (Polaris Bank) had been frozen and a post no debit order was placed on them.”

Orogun said she was neither informed nor given a satisfactory reason for the cruel act by the respondent, adding: “I did not engage in any fraudulent activity nor have I been officially accused of same by the bank. Hence, the freezing and placing of a post no debit on my accounts was totally unnecessary.”

She said the actions of the respondent greatly disrupted her business activities and also subjected her to financial cruelty with no hope as to when her accounts would be unfrozen.

“The actions of the respondent have also caused financial distress due to my inability to complete pending transactions,” she averred.

The other applicants also deposed to affidavits containing similar facts.

The bank failed to neither show up nor present any evidence to counter the claim of the applicants, while after reviewing the facts of the case, Magistrate Oluwatoyin Otitoju held that the action of the bank was illegal and void.

“An order of this Honourable Court is hereby made declaring the “post no debit” order placed on the 1st applicant USD, Euro, and Naira accounts and 2nd applicant’s USD and Naira accounts, and 3rd applicant’s USD and Naira accounts by the respondent (Polaris Bank) as illegal.

“An order of this Honourable Court is hereby made declaring the unauthorized deductions from the 1st applicant’s USD account, 2nd applicant’s USD account, and 3rd applicant’s USD account as illegal and void.

“An order of this Honourable Court is hereby made directing the respondent to revert the applicants’ accounts back to status quo as of 17th January 2022,” the court held.

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.

Nigerian Army releases statement on Major who committed suicide

The Nigerian Army (NA) has said that late Major Udiandeye Jeremiah Udiadenye who recently committed suicide had “an unblemished career” and was “never court-martialed” before his demise.

In a statement on Tuesday evening by Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director Army Public Relations, obtained by POLITICS NIGERIA, authorities said the late officer who sadly terminated his life in Kaduna State, never needed to face any disciplinary process.

“The Nigerian Army (NA) has observed an obnoxious insinuation making the rounds on social media, alleging that late Major Udiandeye Jeremiah Udiadenye, terminated his life through suicide, because he was being interrogated or investigated by a military court martial in 1 Division, Kaduna,” the statement reads.

“Having lost one of its finest officers, the authorities of the Nigerian Army feel deeply concerned that unscrupulous persons under whatever guise would employ such sad occurrence to malign their own Army. Nevertheless, for the sake of posterity, it needs be mentioned that the late senior officer had an unblemished career in the military and never needed to face any disciplinary process.

“Until his demise, he was the Commanding Officer of 167 Special Forces Battalion at Giri in the FCT from where he led special operations to various commands including 1 Division.

“An appropriate Board of Inquiry has been instituted to ascertain what led to the tragic incident and its report will guide the NA on subsequent actions and measures to take to forestall a recurrence.

“The NA belongs to the Nigerian people and remains obligated to work along established guidelines as a responsible corporate entity. The general public is urged to disregard the ignorant piece making the rounds please.”

Outrage As Anambra Education Commissioner Calls Jobseeker ‘Idiot’, Government Reacts (Audio)

Government of Anambra has disclosed that an insulting statement made by Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, the commissioner for education, was provoked by an applicant’s “uncouth” language.

TRIXX NG recalls that there were reports over the weekend that there was chaos in Nnewi, one of the venues for the second phase of the teacher recruitment exercise examination, which held on Saturday.

A voice recording, which has now gone viral, is said to be that of the commissioner speaking to an applicant for the teaching position on the exercise.

“Madam, you’re an idiot. You mean the computers are doing what? I received a report by 12 noon that you people refused to stand in line; you refused to be identified; you mobbed and you were all trying to get into the hall at the same time,” the voice said.

“You refused to be disciplined, up till this moment. And you have the effrontery, you stupid woman, to call me on the phone to talk rubbish. Will you get out of my phone, you filthy thing?

“You really want to be a teacher? How will you tell your students to conform to instructions when you cannot stand in line and move into the hall? You came for a test that will make you a teacher and you’re behaving like hooligans.”

Listen to the audio here.

Reacting, the governor’s spokesperson identified as Christian Aburime via a statement said Udeh’s remarks were provoked by the language of the said applicant.

“While the applicants at the Nsugbe Center sat for and ended their own examination at about 4:00 pm, those at the Unizik Center ended theirs by 3:30 pm, with some candidates joining them from the IDK learning Center, Awka,” the statement reads.

“Nnewi candidates did not commence their examination at the appropriate time owing to all manner of inappropriate conduct exhibited by some of the applicants. Not withstanding, they were eventually allowed to write the examination late in the evening.

“In respect to the video making the rounds on the social media space, members of the public need to be aware that it was an edited excerpt from a private phone conversation by an applicant who obviously failed the examination and out of frustration resorted to cursing and abusing the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, and the Commissioner for Education.

“The Commissioner’s comments were as a result of the uncouth language used by the applicant against the person of the Governor of Anambra State and other unprintable words hurled at the Commissioner.

“As public officers operating in the public space, the Commissioner has apologised for her inappropriate choice of words used in the said voice note.

“However, it is pertinent to reiterate that Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo remains committed to the well being of Ndi Anambra and will not be distracted in availing deserving qualified teachers the opportunity to serve Anambra State and contribute in shaping the future of our children.

Fred Chukwuelobe wrote

Still on the audio tapes of Anambra State Commissioner for Education…

We always expect so much from our public officers, but we are willing to give less.