Photographs taken during the visit showed Tinubu all smiles and excited.
Among the Lagos House members who visited Tinubu were Hon. Temitope Adewale, chairman of the House committee on Transportation, Hon. Nureni Akinsanya, chairman of the House committee on Physical Planning and Urban Development, as well as Hon. Sylvester Ogunkelu, chairman of the House committee on Overseas Investments and SDG.
According to Speaker of the Lagos House, Obasa, Tinubu was his jovial self and had discussions with the team on issues of national importance.
He added that the visit was necessary considering the position of Asiwaju as a leader in the country, a mentor and benefactor to many Nigerians.
“Asiwaju remains amazingly passionate about Nigeria. He is hale and hearty.
“We had a lengthy discussion about developments in the country; he was in high spirit, cheery, witty as usual and remains optimistic about the progress of the country,” the Speaker said.
Marwa Led NDLEA Seizes 400.37kg Illicit Drugs, Arrests Kingpin Who Ingested 87 Wraps Of Cocaine
A narco trafficker, Ibeh Kenneth Ejike, has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja for ingesting 87 wraps of cocaine.
This is contained in a statement signed by Femi Babafemi, Director, Media & Advocacy an made available to NAOSRE.
According to the statement, the 41-year-old suspect who imports clothes for sale and hails from Owerrizikeala village in Orumba Local Government Area of Anambra state was arrested on Wednesday, 25th August 2021, upon his arrival on board an Ethiopian Airline flight 911 from Kigali via Addis Ababa.
He was taken in for a secondary check during which he tested positive for ingestion of the illicit substances.
While under observation, he excreted 87 pellets of cocaine weighing 1.884 kilograms.
In the same vein, a Lagos-based drug dealer, Eze Celestine Okorie has been arrested following the interception of 4.15kilograms of methamphetamine consignment going to London, the United Kingdom at the NAHCO export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, on 13th August.
The drug was concealed in tins of tomato branded ‘sunripe’ and packaged for the driver of a freight forwarding company to deliver at the airport export shed for onward movement to the UK. Though the freight company’s driver was initially arrested, follow-up investigations and subsequent sting operation led to the arrest of the kingpin behind the consignment, Eze Celestine Okorie, at his Coker, Surulere, Lagos home on Wednesday 25th August 2021.
He hails from Isu village in Onicha LGA, Ebonyi State.
Meanwhile, raids of drug joints continued across the states in the last week. In Cross River state, one Anietie Attauba was arrested at Idundu community with 9.9 grams of cocaine, while 23-year-old Joy Odey was picked at Nassarawa Bakoko Area of Calabar Municipality LGA on Friday 27th August with 500grams of skunk. On the same day, one Ugwuanyi Chukwujekwu Basil was arrested at AK Divine Park, Harbour Road, Calabar with 2.6kg of cannabis; 10.33grams of cocaine and 30ml of swinol.
In Abuja, operatives of the FCT Command of the Agency also intercepted a Hiace bus conveying bags of cannabis, and 30 parcels of skunk, cumulatively weighing 310kilograms along Abaji-Gwagwalada expressway, where another 32kg of Tramadol was equally seized same day.
In Anambra State, operatives also raided the Onitsha main market, Marine Line on Thursday 26th August with the support of soldiers. Recovered during the raid include 50kg of cannabis; 150grams of meth and 27.6grams of cocaine. One of the dealers, Moses Obiahu was arrested.
While commending the resilience of the officers and men of the NAIA, MMIA, Anambra, Cross River and FCT Commands of the Agency as shown by their latest arrests and seizures, Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (Retd) charged them and their colleagues across the country to intensify the ongoing offensive action aimed at cutting off availability and accessibility to illicit drugs in all parts of Nigeria.
Industrialisation Agenda: 100 CSOs Commend President Buhari’s Strides
Ahead of the upcoming National Conference on Ajaokuta Steel Project and President Muhammadu Buhari’s Industrialization Agenda, over 100 CSOs have commended the government of President Muhammadu Buhari for having the political will to actualize what previous governments could not do in the last decade.
Citing the recent Financial Reports of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company, NNPC that have not seen the light in the last 44 years, the recent signing into law of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) that was pending before previous governments in the last 20 years and others as exemplary, progressive and developmental by nature.
The group noted that though security challenges is the major hindrance to accelerated human, environmental and economic development, the ongoing infrastructural developments across the country and the promise by the government to do more before the end of the administration is worthy of commendation.
The group, through it’s national coordinator, Mohammed Bougei Attah maintained that the role of CSOs is not only to monitor the activities of the public sector, but also to report the outcome of such activities and reports for posterity. The recent actions by the Buhari administration they believe deserves commendation.
Further he said, with the release of a financial report of the 2020 Audit on the NNPC that stood opaque for over 44 years and the PIA for 20 years, they are confident the same story will also be told about the Ajaokuta Steel Company Revival before the end of the Buhari’s administration as promised and revealed by the Minister of Mines and Steel Development recently.
The CSOs which are made up of NGOs, unionists, media practitioners, professionals and activists further reassures Nigerians that the last and most important economic survival and Nigeria’s industrialization strategy is the Ajaokuta Steel Company revival and confident that this is part of President Buhari’s agenda.
Our Leader Is Hail And Hearty, Lagos Assembly Speaks After visiting Tinubu
The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, is hail and hearty, members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have said.
Led by its Speaker, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Obasa, the lawmakers said they had lengthy discussions with their host.
Photographs taken during the visit showed Tinubu all smiles and excited.
Among the members who visited Tinubu were Hon. Temitope Adewale, chairman of the House committee on Transportation, Hon. Nureni Akinsanya, chairman of the House committee on Physical Planning and Urban Development, as well as Hon. Sylvester Ogunkelu, chairman of the House committee on Overseas Investments and SDG.
According to Speaker Obasa, Tinubu was his jovial self and had discussions with the team on issues of national importance.
He added that the visit was necessary considering the position of Asiwaju as a leader in the country, a mentor and benefactor to many Nigerians.
“Asiwaju remains amazingly passionate about Nigeria. He is hale and hearty.
“We had a lengthy discussion about developments in the country; he was in high spirit, cheery, witty as usual and remains optimistic about the progress of the country,” the Speaker said.
Amidst Tears, the funeral service for the late Nollywood veteran actress, Rachel Oniga was held on Friday, 27th August, 2021 in Lagos State.
Born on 23 May 1957 in Ebutte Metta, Lagos State, the screen goddess died on Friday 30th July, 2021 at the age of 64 from complications involving a heart disease problem.
After her death, the family of the late award-winning Nigerian actress announced her burial plans.
Tunji Oniga, her son who spoke on behalf of the family of the deceased, fixed her burial for August 26 and 27, 2021.
Just In: Embattled PDP Chairman Uche Secondus, Supporters Storm Party Headquarters
The embattled National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Uche Secondus and his supporters have stormed the headquarter of the party.
It was gathered that Secondus who has lost the support of governors elected on the platform party entered his office at 9.51 am ahead of the National Working Committee meeting.
This is coming after a Kebbi High Court reinstated Secondus as chairman of the party on Thursday.
Recall that a Rivers State High Court last week restrained Secondus from parading himself as National Chairman until the determination of the substantive suit.
The main opposition party thereafter named its Deputy National Chairman (South), Yemi Akinwonmi, as the acting National Chairman.
The spokesman of the party, Kola Ologbondiyan, disclosed this on Thursday after the closed-door meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party in Abuja.
Unknown Fighter Helicopter Shoots Passenger Boat In Rivers
A fighter helicopter has reportedly shot a wooden passenger boat travelling from Port Harcourt to Bonny in Rivers State.
It was gathered that many occupants who were severely injured have been rushed to the hospital for treatment.
An eye witnesses at the Bonny-Nembe waterside where the boat took off from in Port Harcourt, disclosed that there were casualties.
The witness stated that the wooden boat conveyed passengers and foodstuff, PUNCH reports.
“The local boat that just left here to Bonny, within the Treasure Island area, a chopper or I will call it a flight helicopter, just came behind, went very low and started shooting at the wooden boat.
“From the information we got from a boat driver, there were passengers in the boat. The boat also contained foodstuff such as garri, rice and other items.
“Everyone knows that is the route transporting foodstuff to Bonny. Some people died in the boat,” he claimed.
Various security agents however failed to confirm the incident.
The state Police Command spokesperson, Nnamdi Omoni, denied knowledge of the attack, while the spokesman of the Army and his counterpart in the Nigerian Air Force, Port Harcourt, did not respond to calls.
Gunmen Dressed in police uniform destroy ATMs, steal N20m in Rivers University
Gunmen dressed in police uniform on Wednesday stormed the Rivers State University and broke several Automated Teller Machines belonging to a new generation bank, carting away over N20m.
A witness said the five-man gang ordered the varsity security guards on duty to open the gate, as they headed straight for the bank, which was near a park in the institution.
According to the witness, the hoodlums tied up shuttle drivers who slept at the park as well as the security men guarding the facility.
He said the robbers destroyed four ATMs and stole the money in the machines before driving off.
A spokesman for the state police command, Nnamdi Omoni, who confirmed the incident, said the security guards had been invited for questioning.
Cyber crime: 70% of Nigerian Youths May Soon Become Ex-convicts – EFCC Reveals
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has said more than 70 per cent of Nigerian youth might soon become ex-convicts if the present high rate of their involvement in cybercrime was not stopped.
This is as the Benin Zonal Command of the agency, yesterday, secured the conviction of three cyber criminals before Justice A. T. Mohammed of the Federal High Court sitting Port Harcourt, Rivers State, bringing to 33 the number of internet fraud convictions recorded by the zone within 24 hours.
The Ilorin zonal commander of the EFCC, Mr. Usman Muktar, while speaking with journalists on the state of the nation, decried the high rate of cybercrime among youths and enjoined every stakeholder in the country to discourage the youths from internet fraud.
Muktar, who said the EFCC had witnessed an increasing number of arrest of Nigerian youths in cybercrime in recent time, charged parents to ask their children questions about sources of their wealth.
“When your children, who are in schools stopped asking you for money for upkeep or driving expensive cars, parents should ask questions. Unfortunately, some parents support these youth in internet fraud. They say it’s oyinbo money. How does that turn to be your money?”, he asked.
He lamented that free money from cybercrimes led to the use and sales of hard drugs and drug abuse, saying all hands must be on deck to save the situation.
Muktar added: “Corruption among elected political office holders is also a cause for concern. People should ask questions about projects and quality of work/projects. It would make them sit up. Such programmes like TV/radio documentaries, write ups, whistle blowing etc should be encouraged as we call on media to join in the anti-corruption fight.”
The commander warned fraudsters to desist from engaging in acts of corruption and steer clear of the three states under his command, saying, the “eagle eyes” of the Commission was widely open and ready to catch any corrupt individual, anytime, anywhere.
He described the media as a crucial partner in preventing corruption, economic and financial crimes in Nigeria.
“The task of fighting economic and financial crimes is painstaking and broad-based and should be embraced by all strata of the society with the media serving as channel of communication and enlightenment.
“Commission depends greatly on the media to achieve success in the anti-graft campaign, especially, as it affects the prevention mandate, which is hinged on Section 6 of the EFCC Establishment Act.
“Without a doubt, the media is a critical stakeholder in the anti-graft war. With your pen, you could make or mar the fight against corruption. The media’s potential to inform and educate the people is crucial for us.
“We believe that on our own, we cannot win the war against corruption without a buy-in by the people. This is where the support of the media comes in. We need the media to help sensitise the people on the ills of corruption and economic crimes”.
Still on cybercrime, the Zonal Commander stated that, “The Command, which covers Kwara, Ekiti and Kogi States is engaging relevant stakeholders including religious and traditional leaders, Civil Society Organisations, CSOs and the youths with a view to sensitising them on the inherent dangers of corruption. My Command is certainly not going to be a safe haven for cyber criminals,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Benin zone had on Wednesday August 25, 2021 secured 30 convictions before Justice A. T. Mohammed of the Federal High Court sitting Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The convicted internet fraudsters were arraigned separately on one count charge bordering on impersonation and obtaining by false pretences.
They are Okei Morrison Onome, Ejiro Nwaju, Oki Alex Efe, Omoghene Gift, Collins Odinaka, Onyue Martins Ifeanyi, Azubuike Christian, Achiever Effiong, Adeniyi Michael Femi, Eze John Paul, Akinayomide James, Adejube Isaac Oluwadunsin, Isaac Phillip, Ibrahim Olalekan Olagoke and Paul Obinna Thomas.
Others are Damilola Michael, Umoru Mosuru, Dotun Ogunboye Olaleye, Adekunle Joshua, Elliot Igunbor, Ezomo Junior, David Oluwatobi, Ereoman Emmanuel, Oyetunde Victor Temitope, Nurudeen Abiodun Imole and Adeboye Victor.
The charge against one of them read: “That you Adebuje Isaac Oluwadunsin on the 5th day of August, 2021 at Ondo State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did fraudulently impersonate the identity of one Michelle Orton a white woman and citizen of the United States of America in your Samsung S8 and email address cryptohackweb@gmail.com to gain advantage for yourself and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22(2)(b)(i) and (ii) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act 2015 and punishable under Section 22(2)(iv) of the same Act.”
Three sureties who were arraigned for perversion of justice were Lewis Ogenkhene, Ughoshe Adolphus and Osazuwa Efosa Robertson.
The charge against Ogenkhene read: “That you Lewis Ogenkhene (m) on or about the 15th day of September, 2020 in Benin City, Edo State within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court did knowingly make a false statement to Detective Ajisafe Wasiu, an officer of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in the course of the exercise of the duties of his office, which statement is untrue in any material particular and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 39(2)(a) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act 2004 and punishable under Section 39(2)(b)of the same Act.”
All the defendants pleaded guilty to the charges, when they were read to them.
The prosecution counsel, Francis Jirbo, Austin Ozigbu and Ibrahim Mohammed, prayed the court to convict and sentence the defendants accordingly.
Justice Mohammed convicted and sentenced the quartet of Imole, Olagoke Ibrahim, Odinaka, John Paul, Adekunle Joshua to three years imprisonment with the option of N500, 000 fine each.
The duo of Damilola Michael and David Oluwatobi were sentenced to two years imprisonment or N300, 000 fine each. Others bagged two years imprisonment or a fine of N200, 000 each, while the three sureties bagged two years imprisonment with option of N100, 000 fine each.
In another ruling yesterday, Justice Mohammed convicted Oladepo Olawale, Victor Benjamin and Adeboyega Muritala Idowu for impersonating foreign nationals in their attempt to defraud unsuspecting victims.
Adeboyega Muritala Idowu was discovered to have falsely presented himself as Bendik Phillip, John Micepl to defraud an American citizen of $19,650.
The charge against Idowu read: “that you Adeboyega Muritala Idowu, aka Bendik Phillips, (John Micepl ) between 2019 and 2021 at Alagbaka area of Ondo State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did with intent to defraud, send messages which materially represented your identity to Mellisa, an American lady upon which she relied and suffered financial loss in the sum of $19, 650 (Nineteen Thousand, Six Hundred and Fifty Dollars) and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22(2)(b)(i) and (ii) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act 2015 and punishable under Section 22(2)(iv) of the same Act.”
The defendants pleaded guilty to the charge.
In view of their plea, prosecution counsel, Francis Jibro prayed the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.
Justice Mohammed convicted and sentenced Idowu to five years imprisonment or a fine of N300, 000. The duo of Benjamin and Olawale bagged two years term with the option fine of N200, 000 each.
The court also ordered the forfeiture of the sum of N6.4 million recovered from the bank account of Adeboyega Muritala Idowu to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
