There is palpable tension at the main campus of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State, as suspected bandits attacked the institution on Wednesday night.
Several students of the institution confirmed to THE WHISTLER that they heard gunshots in front of the school gate at about 11:30 PM on Wednesday.
Students who attempted to return to their lodges from the campus were turned back by the university’s security operatives
Several other sources claimed that one of the trading stalls in front of the school was also robbed and at least one person kidnapped, a claim THE WHISTLER could not independently verify as at the time of filing this report.
The institution’s Student Union President, Shuaib Isiaka Yahaya, confirmed the incident.
“There is a security challenge at the FUT Minna Gidan Kwano campus, we urge all our students to be in their respective lodges and stay calm,” he said in a voice note obtained by our correspondent.
The attack came after suspected bandits attacked and abducted six persons at the senior staff quarters of the University of Abuja on November 2, 2021.
They were later rescued on the 5th of November through a joint operation coordinated by the FCT Command of the Nigeria Police Force
Pastor Chris Simon Amadi of Shalom Mercy Ministry in Aluu, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State has been arrested by the police for allegedly strangling his wife to death.
It was gathered that the ugly incident happened in their home at Mbodo Community after a disagreement over school fees payment in his wife’s school.
Speaking with IGBERE TV correspondent, a relative to the wife who craved anonymity said trouble started when the deceased confronted her husband for chasing some of her pupils away from school for failing to pay on time, without first checking with her.
“When the wife confronted him, the pastor strangled her to death and wrapped her with clothes so that nobody will know”.
“It was when we started calling her number but she wasn’t picking that we decided to go to the house to know if everything is fine.”
“When we got there, her phone kept ringing inside her room but we didn’t see her. We asked her husband the wife’s whereabouts, he said she went out.”
“We were shocked when we saw my sister wrapped inside clothes. The husband has been beating the wife from time to time but we didn’t it will get to the extent of him killing her”.
It was gathered that the pastor has been married to the deceased since 2012 and the marriage is blessed with four children, two boys and two girls.
The Senate on Wednesday approved President Muhammadu Buhari’s External Borrowing (Rolling) plan for the Federal Government to the tune of $16,230,077,718, €1,020,000,000.
The Senate also approved a grant component of $125,000,000.00 under the 2018-2020 External Borrowing (Rolling) plan for the Federal Government.
The approval was sequel to the consideration of the report of the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts.
The report was presented by the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Clifford Ordia, PDP, Edo Central during the plenary.
The recommendation of the Committee reads, “That the Senate does approve the underlisted ongoing negotiation of external borrowing in the sum of $16,230,077,718, €1,020,000,000.00 and a grant component of $125,000,000.00 under the 2018-2020 External Borrowing (Rolling) Plan.”
The recommendation was approved by Senators when it was put to a voice vote by Senate President Ahmad Lawan at plenary.
President Buhari and the Minister of Finance, Mrs Zainab Ahmed had at various times been criticize on the country’s rising debt levels which the Debt Management Office said is N87.2trn or $33.1bn as of March 2021.
In the N16.39trn 2022 budget appropriation presented by the President, the deficit was put at N6.26trn and it’s to be financed through borrowing of N5.01 trn.
Nigeria’s debt service to GDP ratio had hit 73 per cent based on figures released by the Finance Minister earlier last month.
Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on Wednesday protested the refusal of the Department of State Services, DSS, to allow some lawyers access into the Abuja Federal High Court.
DSS brought Kanu into the court at about 9:52 am.
The secret police had barred lawyers, journalists, and traditional rulers from entering the court building as his trial resumed.
The Oniraniken of Iranike (Elewu Oku), Oba Adewale Adeniji invaded a community in Simawa area of Ogun state today with the dreaded ‘1 Million Boys’ led by popular land grabber, Sir K Oluwo to forcefully take over a 4,000 acres of land that doesn’t legally belongs to him.
This allegation was laid against the traditional ruler by eyewitnesses who ran for their lives upon seeing the land grabbers with heavy ammunitions terrorizing residents of the community. At the moment, some of the residents are yet to return to their homes over fear for their lives and properties.
Investigations revealed that Oba Adewale Adeniji has been parading himself as the owner of the 4,000 acres of land whereas, the court declared only 1,325 Acres as his own according to plan no AAT/OG/03/94 dated 23rd March 1994 made by Surveyor Tunji Adewole. The act of grabbing land from rightful owners by the king is said to have been happening for many years. It was reported that he had at a time gone to Emzor, Nestle to claim ownership of their landed properties with gun wielding hoodlums. Some of the communities he has gone to forcefully claim ownership of landed properties include Okerala Odofin, Okelara Apena Seriki village, Okerala Tarogun village, Ipa Village, Ososa Village, Simawa.
Due to his many atrocities in the land, his family members disowned him and described him as a thief who uses his office as a traditional ruler to take over properties of innocent populace illegally. Also, there are claims that a high ranking security operatives are supporting the actions of Oba Adewale Adeniji Oniraniken for personal gains
Earlier this year in January, the Ogun state house of assembly invited Oba Adewale Adeniji to appear before the house in order to present a proof that he owns the 4,000 acres of land but unfortunately couldn’t provide any.
Furthermore, The National deputy chairman of the Police Community Relation Committee (PCRC), Alh Ibrahim Olaniyan written to the ministry of local government and chieftaincy affairs to immediately suspend Oba Adewale Adeniji from his position, while presenting a five-point solution to the menace of the traditional ruler.
‘’This is a Clarion call to you and your ministry to without delay suspend the chief land grabber (Oba Adewale Adeniji ONIRANIKEN of IRANIKE) in Simawa and environment.
Secondly, set up a committee of enquiry to investigate the activities of this Oba.
Thirdly, it may interest you to know that the social media is agog with the dangerous events happening in Simawa and environment right now.
Fourthly, the governor himself at various times acknowledge the vital roles in security of lives and properties played by PCRC in the state, even recently when the Inspector General of Police visited Ogun State.
Fifthly, a stitch in time saves nine says that popular adage. Relevant agencies and institutions are been contacted and informed to stem the crisis brewing in Simawa before the community turn to war zone.’’
Also, members of the residents have called on President Muhammadu Buhari, The inspector general of police, Alkali Baba, the governor of Ogun state, Dapo Abiodun to wade into the crisis as it continues to threaten the security of lives and properties in the state.
Some gunmen on Tuesday morning, at 2 am, stormed the residence of retired Air Vice-Marshal Mohammed Maisaka at Makarfi Road, Rigasa in Rivers State.
When DAILYPOST visited the residence around 1.00 pm on Tuesday, everywhere remained calm, as few people were seeing discussing in groups.
A source told DAILYPOST that: “How they gained entrance into the compound, went straight to the boys quarter remain a mystery.
“They didn’t break the gate, as it remained closed. They went to the boys’ quarter where they first picked his physiotherapist, who is also a Nigerian Airforce Personnel.”
He said the gunmen believed that as a physiotherapist to Maisaka, who was paralyzed from a medical condition for about three years and in rehabilitation, he should know where he is being kept.
Due to fear, he led them to the room, where they shot both of them dead.
The sister pleaded with gunmen to also kill her, but they responded, “we did not come for you.”
The Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Muhammad Jalige, confirmed the incident, adding that the deceased’s gateman suffered injuries in the attack.
With the current story making the round about seasoned businesswoman Princess Toyin Kolade, Iyalaje Oodua, the head honcho of Fisolak Global Resource over an alleged fraud case relating to her client, the business woman has distanced herself from the said case, claiming she has been exonerated in the past but the Police Special Fraud Unit, SFU over the years.
The report claimed that she and her company is currently enmeshed in some fraudulent act but to set the records straight, she averred that; she was contacted by the said foreign national to clear some goods for them which she did and got paid for the services her company rendered.
The said Indian nationals who supposedly got loans from the bank at no point involved Princess Toyin in their dealings and whatever transpired between the Indian nationals and the bank is not in anyway her concern. As we speak, the Indians forfeited their properties and other valuables which the bank sold to recover their debt they have also left the country.
The philanthropist also disclosed that; “I am never a fraudulent nor dubious person and those who know me well can attest to the fact. I have been audited and exonerated by the Police Special Fraud Unit whom after thorough investigation found out that the issue had nothing to do with me. They wrote to me and my company in person and pleaded. The case ended more than 5 years ago. It was recently revisited and they are still attaching me and my company to the legal process which should originally not be so. I am just clearing agent who only worked for the accused and got paid. I keep records and I have the documents still intact till date for records purpose. So the unnecessary clamor for my detractors to exploit this avenue to make disparaging comments and unfound assertions about me is uncalled for. The said story is being syndicated by an individual with questionable character who feels intimidated by my numerous achievements ever since I was conferred with the title as Iyalaje Oodua by the Ooni Of Ife.”
“The more they throw their punches it won’t still get to me. I know the person behind it and I pray they heal very fast and come to bear in mind that who God has blessed no man can curse. I am a moving train and I am not intimidated nor perturbed by the lingering rumors. They are all lies from the pit of hell. I am not a fraudster. I work hard for my money. I have instructed my lawyer to take a legal action against those responsible for the inclusion of my name in this issue when the court finally exonerate me.”
Thorough findings further confirmed that the mischievous report flying about town was just concocted based on the unavoidable absence of her lawyer, Barr. Olapade Awowole, who couldn’t make it to the court on Thursday, 4th of November.
However, the legal counsel, Awowole had reiterated his determination to attend the court proceeding tomorrow, 9th of November to get his client’s name off the mess.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has given a close view into the crimes committed by Ex-Pensions boss, Abdulrasheed Maina.
The anti-graft commission, in a statement made available to POLITICS NIGERIA on Monday evening, disclosed that huge sums of Money were discovered in accounts linked to Maina coupled with several choice properties scattered all over Abuja and Dubai.
Below is a list of these assets believed to have been acquired with stolen funds;
Cash deposits of N300million, N500million and N1.5billion in Two Nigerian Banks accounts
Property in Abuja paid for with $1.4 million Cash
50 cars in Dubai
Plush Villa in Dubai
$2 million property in Jabi, Abuja
Colster Logistics, belonging to Maina received inflow of $400,000 in Cash
Kangolo Dynamic, another company belonging to Maina with over N500 million found in its account. The company has never carried out any service or contract.
Several Choice Properties in America and the United Arab Emirates
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has sentenced ex-pension boss, Abdulrasheed Maina, to eight years imprisonment having convicted him of stealing monies belonging to pensioners.
Justice Okong Abang sentenced Maina on all the 12-count charge instituted against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission but noted that the jail terms would run concurrently.
“The fact of this case portrays the national decadence of the society we live in. It is unpleasant, immoral and dirty.
“Over 2.1 billion naira of pensioners funds was stolen; it is a clear case that the convict is inhumane. Some have suffered and died while waiting for their rewards on earth.
“Whereas the convict was feeding fat on their sweat, buying choice properties, driving bullet proof cars and living in affluence beyond his legitimate earnings.
“Dishonesty is an endemic disease in this country that requires urgent treatment to get at its roots,” he said.
The judge also observed that the financial institutions that Maina used to commit the fraud ought to have been arraigned in court as well.
“This is case where Fidelity Bank and UBA should have been arraigned. The license of Fidelity Bank and UBA ought to have been withdrawn, they have benefitted from the defendants illegal transaction.
“UBA and Fidelity Banks provided the channel in which the defendant defrauded pensioners fund worth 2.1 billion just to shore up deposits.
“It is inhumane that the defendant used family members as a shield to defraud pensioners, some who have died,” he said.
Justice Abang held that the failure of the respective banks to probe the validity of the accounts left much to be desired.
“The bank failed to carry due diligence to carry out investigation on the real owner of the account,” he said.
He observed that without conducting requisite customer due diligence, the banks aided Maina to contravene the Money Laundering Act.
“I find the first defendant guilty in Count 1, 5, 8 and accordingly convicted.
He also convicted Maina on Count 2, 6, 9 which stated that he opened about 5 anonymous accounts with UBA and Fidelity Banks, thereby violating the money laundering Act.
The judge said that about N171,099,000 was paid in cash to a UBA account and the source of the funds was unknown.
“It is my view that the it is the pensioners funds that the defendant stole,” he said.
The term of imprisonment for the counts is not less than 2 years or not more than 3 years.
On Count 3, 7, 10, Maina was accused of taking about N1.5 billion from the accounts when he knew that they formed part of the proceeds of unlawful acts.
“Defendant is guilty and according convicted in count 3,7,10,” he said adding that jail term ranges from 7 to 14 years.
“It is clear that the first defendant is the buyer and the payment was made above the statutory threshold of 5 million naira and this has not been challenged by the first defendant counsel,” the judge held.
“In conclusion and the evidence left, it is my firm view that the prosecution has proved their case beyond reasonable doubt.
A federal high court in Lagos has summoned a lawyer Mr.O. Awowole to show cause why he should not be Sanctioned for failing to present a defendant, Princess Oluwatoyin Kolade,that he allegedly undertook to produce in court.
Justice peter Lifu ordered Awowole to appear on Tuesday, November 9, following Kolade’s failure to honour a hearing notice for his arraignment last Thursday on an alleged $32 million fraud charge.
The lawyer was also absent when the matter marked: FHC/L/407C/2019 was called.
Kolade, a top society lady is one of 11 people facing a 10 count charge of $32 million fraud referred against them by the office of the attorney general of the federation (OAGF)
The defendants include four Indian men – Prem Garg, Devashish Garg, Bhagwan Singh Rawat and mukul Tyagi and two britons – Marcus Wade and Andrew fairies, said to be at large.
The others apart from Kolade are metal Africa steel products LTD, wilben trade LTD, Fisolak Global resources Ltd and Kannu Aditya India Ltd.
At the commencement of proceedings, a deputy director from the federal ministry of Justice,Mr Akutah Pius,reminded the court that when he applied for a bench warrant for the defendant’s arrest, Awowole Undertook to produce Kolade in court.
He said the counsel not only failed to dos o, neither he nor Kolade were present in court.
Pius prayed for an adjournment to enable the defendants to appear arguing that Awowole should face the consequences of his action.
He further prayed the court to renew a bench warrant issued for the defendants by justice Oluremi Oguntoyinbo who handled the case before her transfer to the Court’s Abeokuta Division.
Responding to the judge’s query as to why the prosecution failed to produce the other defendants, despite an arrest warrant and an extradition order, Pius explained the Federal Government was collaborating with Interpol on that, adding that extradition was challenging and takes time.
He stated that his intention was to arraign the defendants that resides in Lagos while the extradition process was ongoing for those abroad.
Pius also applied that since counsel to the 3rd, 4th and 9th defendants, Mr Dele Belgore, SAN, was present the court should appoint him as a special bailiff to serve the charge on his clients.
Belgore countered that his instruction was only to file a motion challenging the jurisdiction of the court from entertaining the charge and to discharge the warrant of arrest earlier issued by the court.
Justice Lifu disagreed with the silk, adding “if they briefed you, where are they? Did they brief you from the sky?”
The judge In a short ruling, ordered that Awowole should appear on Tuesday to explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against him
The judge also set the two motions filed by Belgore down for hearing.
![Drama As Nnamdi Kanu Confronts DSS Officials For Denying Lawyers Access Into Abuja Court [Video]](https://www.societygazetteng.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/images-5-3.jpeg)
![“50 cars, Dubai Villa”: Properties, Money owned by Maina uncovered by EFCC [FULL LIST]](https://www.societygazetteng.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/images-5-2.jpeg)
