N13bn fraud: EFCC goes after Heritage Bank MD, others

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is after the Managing Director of Heritage Bank Plc, Ifie Sekibo, who has allegedly ignored a series of invitations from the commission.

Impeccable sources at the EFCC told our correspondent that Sekibo was invited for his role in the alleged diversion of N13bn belonging to the Oyo State Government.

The source said the money was lodged in some secret accounts in the bank in connivance with some top state government officials.

However, the state government said it had no knowledge of such allegation.

A top source at the anti-graft agency said, “We recently got information about some suspicious accounts in Heritage Bank. We believe the funds in the accounts are part of the proceeds of crime, particularly money laundering and outright diversion of public funds.

“We received intelligence reports from some concerned citizens that the money, which is about N13bn was diverted from Oyo State between 2014 and 2015 and the money found its way into some secret accounts fraudulently manipulated by top management of Heritage Bank on behalf of some prominent government officials of Oyo State.

“The money was deposited in a secret fixed account with an agreement to share the accrued interest among them.”

The source alleged that about N180m was traced to Sekibo, while another N85m was kept in a fixed deposit account on behalf of some top bank officials.

The source added, “About N1.3bn was paid into a company’s account from which the bank’s managing director, directly benefitted N180m. The sum of N85m was kept in another fixed account in 2015, suspected to be for another top executive of the bank. There are other fixed deposit accounts where money had been lodged since 2015, known to and operated by top management of the bank, without proper documentations.”

The source said letters of invitation sent to the bank for the release of account officers to the said accounts were turned down by the management, while the bank could not provide necessary documents relating to the accounts.

He added that all efforts made by the EFCC to confirm the source and beneficiaries of the accounts proved abortive when officials of the bank would not provide necessary information on the accounts as requested by the investigators.

However, it was learnt that three bank workers including a relationship manager and a compliance officer were arrested by the anti-graft agency.

Detectives of the EFCC were said to have stormed the bank’s head office last week to recover some sensitive documents.

The source added, “Letters of invitation sent to the bank officials were not honoured. Some officials were arrested and have made useful statements to the commission.

“The bank’s MD, who we believe to be deeply involved in the scam, did not honour several invitations sent to him by the commission. There are indications that the MD may have fled the country to one of the European countries as some bank officials claimed he had gone for medical trip abroad.”

The spokesman for the EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed to our correspondent on the telephone that the commission was investigating some accounts at the bank but refused to give more information.

He said, “It is true that some of our people went to the bank but it was a routine investigation. They went to get documents in relation to the investigation. I cannot say more than that for now.”

The Group Head, Corporate Communication, Heritage Bank, Mr. Fela Ibidapo, confirmed that the EFCC was investigating some accounts at the bank.

He, however, said, “There is no management fraud. There is a customer’s account that the EFCC is interested in and the normal thing is to talk to the account officer. They are just investigating an account entry. They have invited the relationship manager. It is still being investigated and for confidential issues I can’t divulge more than that.”

Meanwhile, the Oyo State Commissioner of Finance and Budget Planning, Mr. Abimbola Adekambi, told SUNDAY PUNCH in Ibadan that he was not aware of the said money.

He directed one of our correspondents to get in touch with the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Toye Arulogun.

When contacted, Arulogun said he was not aware of any money lodged into any bank and purportedly diverted from the state coffers.

Five Years Memorial For Oloye Oladotun Okubanjo

Last Tuesday, August, 22, 2017, marked the five years after Oloye Oladotun Okubanjo, one of the Nigerian’s foremost industrialists and business moguls, went to the great beyond.

Oloye Okubanjo was the founder and past Chairman of Intercontinental Distillers Nigeria Limited (IDL), and former director on the board of EcoBank Nigeria Plc.

He was also the longest serving President of Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce among his several business exploits. To herald his remembrance, his family members  was on Tuesday  celebrated him in death  at his Badore, Lekki, Lagos home.

Before the mini  private celebration which was witnessed by  the handful of  family members, there was  a special prayer at his burial site at Awoyaya, Ajah where prayer ushered to repose his soul.  

Reverend Edith Okubanjo, the widow of the late businessman, while speaking with High Society, said: “I missing him a lot because he was my friend and we did a lot of things together.

He was my mentor and counselor, so you can’t just forget a man that you spent 40 years with”. To give him special remembrance yearly, Rev. Okubanjo added:

 “I have done a lot and I’m still going to do more to keep his memory alive and we will not relent in keeping his memory alive as long as we live”.

Oloye Okubanjo was a man whose business ideas knew no limit and his visible talents and abilities always brought him to the notice of companies, both local and international, who sought his active participation and involvement.

OPC Warns Over Eviction Threat to Yorubas, Raises Alarm Over Plot to Gag Media

The Oodua People’s Congress, (OPC) has called on leaders and stakeholders in the Southern part of the country to caution the Niger Delta Agitators (NDA), over threat of eviction of Yorubas resident in the region, warning that the backlash of such move may not be palatable.

A group, the Niger Delta Agitators was widely reported in the media earlier in the week to have threatened to evict Yorubas from the Niger Delta region.

Calling for caution over the threat, the OPC in a statement issued at the weekend with a strong tone of condemnation, submitted that such threat "could deflate the robust relationship being experienced by the Southwest and the Southern counterpart."   

According to the OPC in the statement signed by its National Coordinator, Otunba Gani Adams, the recent threat issued by John Duku, leader of the Niger Delta Agitators was the second of such in recent time, hence a call to Southern leaders and stake holders to call the group to order because  " we know that the position of the Militants may not reflect that of their leaders"

The  OPC however said it identified the need for the leaders of Niger Delta to caution the Militants because "there is a need for them to speak out against the move of the group"

Warning against  what it said may be the "ill effect of  further threat against our people in the Niger Delta region" the OPC said though "we see the Southerners as friends but we are not in any way comfortable with the threat to quit "

Stating that the development may also have a bad effect on the solidarity of the Sothern Leaders Forum, the OPC warned the Agitators to realize that there are more indigenes of their region in the Southwest than the South westerners in their region and thus demand that "Yorubas must be safe in Niger Delta"

The OPC explained that it has not said Niger Delta people should leave the Southwest and insisted that Yorubas would refuse to be toss around.

While lauding the Southern Leaders Forum over its position on the state of the nation as stated at a media briefing it held during the week, the OPC said it is in agreement with the Forum's stance that Nigeria had long ceased to be a federation, adding that the only solution to the issues confronting the nation at this time is restructuring of the country along regional line.

The Southwest group also condemn what it called the "emerging systematic war against freedom of speech in the country and an indirect clampdown on the media" by agencies of the Federal government, warning that Nigeria should not be dragged back into the Military era.

"Nigeria of today is different from that of the 80s, people's freedom to speak should not be gagged if we don’t want to relapse into the brutish military era" the group warned.In apparent reference to recent government pronouncement against statements by opinion leaders, ban on feedback comments on radio by the National Broadcasting Corporation under the guise of preventing hate speeches, the OPC submitted that" there are relevant laws in the country to deal with those who may be reckless in their public outburst, but a blanket ban on freedom of speech of the people should not be encouraged" the statement read. 

Tony Elumelu mourns with Sierra Leone. Donates $500,000

Following the August 14 unprecedented disaster, Tony Elumelu, Founder of Tony Elumelu Foundation and Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA), yesterday, Wednesday 23 August, paid a state visit to the people and Government of Sierra Leone to commiserate over the great loss caused by devastating mudslides and floods that have claimed hundreds of innocent lives and left many more still missing.

 

Elumelu in the company of former President of Nigeria Olusegun Obasanjo and Sierra Leonean President Ernest Koroma visited some of the survivors at the Connaught Hospital in Freetown upon arrival in the country. Later on at the Sierra Leonean Statehouse, he made a donation of USD$250,000 on behalf of the Tony Elumelu Foundation and another USD$250,000 on behalf of staff, management and Directors of Unite

Speaking in solidarity with Sierra Leone, Elumelu charged the world and the African private sector to rally around the ongoing rehabilitation and relief efforts. “For me, the little token we are giving is what it is, little, but symbolic. At a time like this, the world must come together to support the victims of this unfortunate disaster. It is not a situation that one prays to be in, but in the event that it does happen, we should all rally to support one another.”

The Sierra Leonean President, moved by this act, commended Elumelu’s unwavering presence in the country’s times of need, stating: “In you we have a brother and someone we can rely on.” He praised the consistency of the Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF). “You have always provided us with support. United Bank for Africa (UBA) was here immediately after the war to provide us with banking services to support our rebuilding efforts. Again, during our fight against Ebola, you were here through the United Bank for Africa (UBA) and the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) and provided us with great support. And now again, you have come to support us.”

 

Elumelu’s donation will support the victims, some of whom are in hospital needing food, clothing and medicine. The much-needed assistance will also go towards the ongoing recovery efforts and the construction of permanent settlements for the affected persons.

 

The Sierra Leonean mudlslides is the third catastrophe to devastate the West African country in the past two decades.

 

Continuing, he urged the rest of the world not to turn a blind eye to Sierra Leone’s plight: “We have on our hands a humanitarian disaster of high proportions. It requires the attention of the entire world. We have buried over 600 lives and many hundreds more are still missing. We must turn the global spotlight on Africa. The world must stand with Africa just as in the past, Africa has stood with the world.”

 

The UBA Chairman reassured Sierra Leoneans of the Bank’s steadfast support. “United Bank for Africa (UBA) will continue to play its role in helping small and medium scale enterprises, and women, especially from the affected areas, to enable them rebuild their economic lives.

 

d Bank for Africa (UBA) as emergency aid grants for victims of the mudslides.

Nissan celebrates 70 years of electric vehicles

Exactly 70 years after the debut of its first electric vehicle (EV), Nissan's most advanced EV ever – the Nissan BladeGlider sports car – took center stage at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK.

The 100% electric prototype spent Goodwood festival weekend in the thick of the action, with electrifying performances on the famous Hillclimb course. The culmination of the weekend was a test session on the historic Goodwood Motor Circuit. Putting the all-electric BladeGlider through its paces was NISMO athlete Lucas Ordóñez, who became the first professional racing driver to take the wheel of the three-seater. Ordóñez, a former winner of Nissan's GT Academy competition to turn computer gamers into racers, was thrilled by the opportunity to test-drive the BladeGlider.

"Driving the BladeGlider round the famous Goodwood Motor Circuit has been a fantastic experience," said Ordóñez. "It's such an exciting car to drive, with so much torque from the moment you start. It's great fun on a fast track like this and so quick through the corners."

Nissan’s EV success story began in 1947 – exactly 70 years ago – with the launch of the Tama. This pioneering four-seat EV was available as a passenger car and a van and offered customers a range of 65 kilometers on a full charge. It was initially developed by the Tokyo Electro Automobile Co. Ltd, which later became part of Nissan.

Since the debut of the Tama in 1947, Nissan has established a rich heritage in zero-emission technology as the world leader in EVs. It pioneered the EV revolution with the launch of world's first mass-market 100% electric passenger car, the Nissan LEAF, in 2010. The new second-generation LEAF will make its world premiere on September 6.

Elumelu in Jaji, Tasks Leaders on Lasting Legacies for Coming Generation

The Nigerian military has been applauded for their zeal and commitment towards ensuring the protection of Nigeria’s territorial integrity and the fight against insurgency in some parts of the country. The Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Mr. Tony O. Elumelu gave the commendation while delivering a lecture on Tuesday at the Armed  -  -Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, Kaduna, attended by officers of the rank of  Majors across the Nigerian Armed Forces.Delivering a speech with the title "Leadership: the private sector perspective", Elumelu, while acknowledging the pivotal being played by the military said that the military institution has contributed immensely to the unity and peace in the nation. According to him, the development of any nation is assured by the quality of its armed forces among other public institutions. “The Nigerian Military gives us hope in this country. The facilities I see here are comparable to any I have seen in Europe and the US,” Elumelu said.While sharing his thoughts on leadership in the private sector, Elumelu stated that there is no difference between private and public sector leadership, rather, the focus of leaders should be on mapping out a vision and mobilising people to fulfil the vision. “ The public sector leaders, likewise their counterparts in the private sector must understand that to succeed in business or public service, they have to lead well. Leaders who succeed are those who think He further reiterated the responsibility of leaders to galvanise change and development, charging those present to think of leaving a lasting legacy behind for generations to come “to prove to the world that this is not a wasted generation’.

Elumelu's speech affirms his stance of the private sector taking a more proactive role in the development of Africa, embodied in his philosophy called Africapitalism. He encouraged the students to become leaders of purpose as leadership is not by accident, rather, leaders are made. “People do not buy into a vision they do not understand; they buy into a vision and mission that resonate with them,” he said. legacy,” Elumelu affirmed.Responding to the speech, the Commandant of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Air Vice Marshal Suleiman Abubakar Dambo, appreciated Elumelu’s perspective on leadership. “We are delighted to have in our presence an embodiment of knowledge, visionary leadership, and above all, an encyclopaedia of leadership,” he said.

“I agree that leaders are made not born. Otherwise, how do you explain an individual having a conglomerate, multi-national corporations in 20 African countries and doing very well in those countries, in so many sectors ranging from the financial sector, oil and gas, real estate, and so on?” he asked. The Commandant concluded by appreciating Elumelu's generosity in sharing his leadership knowledge with the students of the college. 

Sulaiman Bags Col Bello Sani 'S Schorlarship Award

Memuinat Sulaiman, the best graduating student with nine distinctions from Mustapha Comprehensive  High School, Kontagora, Niger State, has just been offered a scholarship to study a five years course programme at any federal  tertiary institution of her choice in Nigeria. 

Presenting the awards to the successful girl few days back, the billionaire retired top military brass, Col. Sani Bello, whose philanthropic gestures is second to none in the country said that the award was part of his efforts to promote gender equality and empower women across the country in respect of culture and religion. 

Bello urged states and local government to key into the program  in order to give more girls the opportunity to quality education. 

The occasion, which attracted men and women of like minds, was chaired by Hon. Godfrey Ishegbe, and had as chief host, Alhaji Usman Sanni Bello. 

Also in attendance was Col Sanni Bello, the founder; the royal father of the day, His Royal Highness Alh. Saidu Namaska-Sarkin Sudan, Kontagora. 

The visionary, Col. Sanni Bello counted his blessings as he took his guests down memory lane concerning the challenges resulting in the success story of today.

Bello’s prime purpose in life is to help others. 

And if he can’t help you for a reason, he won’t hurt you. 

The birth of Sani Bello Foundation, we were informed, was as a result of an undying love to help others. 

The foundation came at a time that the voice of the ordinary man must be heard.  

Today, we live in a society where the bridge between the ordinary man and the privileged is an unseen distance. 

However, Col. Bello stands out among the privileged on an account of his outstanding sacrifice through youth empowerment and entrepreneurship.

UK Govt Goes After Kicc Pastor, Matthew Ashimolowo, Over Fraud Scandal

 

 

These are trying times for Nigerian Born Naturalized British famous pastor, Matthew Ashimolowo, General Overseer of Kingsway International Christian Centre, a former top pastor in Four Square Church. This smooth-talking pastor and his church are being investigated by City of London police for Fraud.

Source revealed that, officers of the City of London police are investigating an alleged fraud involving a former premier league footballer who lost £3.9 million from Kingsway International Christian Centre, owned by Ashimolowo.

This footballer lost the money to one of Britain’s richest evangelical churches in a “disastrous investment scheme”.

The criminal investigation follows a Charity Commission report into “mismanagement” at Kingsway International Christian Center (KICC) which invested £5 million with Richard Rufus, former Charlton Athletic player.

Rufus was found by a civil court judge in 2015, a civil court judge indicted Rufus for operating a Ponzi-style scheme between 2007 and 2011, losing or spending £8 million from several investors.

Rufus was a leading member of the KICC. Rufus whose “founder, visionary and senior pastor” is Matthew Ashimolowo, a Nigerian evangelist who preaches a “health and wealth” gospel to a congregation of thousands at his “Prayer Palace” in Kent. The largely African and Caribbean churchgoers are urged to give regular tithes and the church collected £5.8m from them in 2015, according to the latest accounts.

Quoting documents it obtained, the newspaper said the church, which is populated by Africans and Caribbeans, collected £5.8 million from its members in 2015.

In 2009 and 2010, the trustees reportedly agreed to give Rufus £5 million to invest after he promised them returns of 55 percent a year at a time when interest rate were less than 1 percent.  

Source: The Cable

As well as millions in donations from churchgoers – which were boosted by gift aid tax relief – it had recently received £10 million from the London Development Agency, a public body that needed to demolish the church’s then home in east London to build the Olympic Park.

“Detectives from City of London police’s fraud teams are investigating,” a police spokesman confirmed. There have been no arrests.

In a damning set of conclusions published in December, the Charity Commission said the trustees “did not exercise sufficient care” when they gave Rufus the church’s money.

The regulator said they failed to check if Rufus had any investment qualifications or experience and gave little thought to the extraordinarily high rate of return Rufus was promising.

The church’s senior management team concluded his “personal guarantee makes this as safe an investment as any” and produced a report on the investment that included no checks on Rufus’s past investment performance or any references from clients. For the records, it is the second time the Charity Commission has had to investigate the church.

In 2005, when it was known as the King’s Ministries Trust, the regulator ordered Ashimolowo to repay £200,000 after it emerged he used church assets to buy a £13,000 FLORIDA TIMESHARE and spent £120,000 on his birthday celebrations, including £80,000 on a car.

New trustees were appointed and Ashimolowo was removed from his role as chief executive. Recently, KICC issued a statement of Ashimolowo in the deal.

The statement signed by Dipo Oluyomi, chief executive officer and James McGlashan, chief operating officer for the church said the investment was made seven and a half years ago.

KICC admitted that its trustees made the decision to invest in the scheme, but said Ashimolowo had nothing to do with it.

104 days after, Buhari returns home

Exactly one week after declaring that there has been a tremendous improvement in his health, to the point that he wished to return home, and 104 days after he jetted off to London to treat a mystery ailment, President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, returned to the country.
The presidential carrier, a Nigerian Air Force plane 001, which carried Buhari and his team, landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at exactly 4.36 p.m. Nigerian time.
Nine minutes after the craft touched down, Buhari at 4. 45 pm emerged, donning a flowing traditional attire with a cap, into the warm embrace of a battery of state officials, led by Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo.
Some government officials, who were on hand to welcome the recuperating president were Chairman of Nigeria Gobvernor’s Forum, Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara State, governors of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, and his Bauchi State counterpart, Muhammed Abubakar. Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State, Abubakar Bello of Niger State, and Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Barnabas Bala, were also on hand.
Also at the airport were National Assembly members, service chiefs, Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, National Security Adviser to the President (NSA), Babagana Monguno; Director-General, State Security Service (SSS), Lawal Daura as well as, chieftains of the ruling All Progressives Congress, among others.
Buhari’s return hours after some Nigerians living in London stormed the precinct of Abuja House, and asked him to resign or return home, many say, gives the impression that he was stampeded out of London, by his aggrieved compatriots.
The #ResumeorResign protesters on Friday night gathered outside the facility, after obtaining permit to protest overnight. They chanted “Buhari go home,” and made other such remarks telling him he has overstayed his welcome.
Back home after exchange of pleasantries from dignitaries, the president proceeded to take the national salute, after which he waved and shook hands with the dignitaries who were provided sanitizers by airport officials.
He was thereafter immediately led into a waiting official car, a Mercedes Benz S 550, with which he was driven in a motorcade to the Presidential Villa.Jubilant youths and residents ‎lined the route up along the Federal Secretariat in the Central Area, waving at the returning president as his motorcade drove past.
At Aso Villa, Buhari, again took the National salute and thereafter shook hands with the dignitaries who were on hand to receive him.Fielding questions at the airport, Imo State Governor, and Chairman of APC Governors’ Forum, , said Buhari’s return would lead to a rejuvenation of the polity and the economy.
“It is good news for Nigerians and for everyone here (at the airport) for the president to arrive and resume his duties. This has put paid to the various views that have been expressed. He has had enough time to ponder on several issues and review them.”
APC national stalwart, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said President Buhari had always been a man of moral fortitude, discipline, strength and dedication.
According to him, the attributes had helped him battle medical challenges. “These same attributes will lead him to success in surmounting our national challenges.”
On his part, President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki thanked God for the safe return and recovery of the President, and reaffirmed the commitment of the National Assembly to continue working alongside the President in achieving objectives aimed at improving the standard of living of Nigerians and overall development of the country. 
Bauchi State Governor, Abubakar, on his part said, “The impact of his return is huge. If you look at the stock exchange, you will see the impact. Not that Prof. Osinbajo did not do a good job while the President was away, but now that he has returned, you will see the impact on the economy.”The Senior Special Assistant on Diaspora Matters, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, on her part said the Acting President has done marvelously well in Buhari’s absence, it shows that when you talk about institutions working, this administration is strengthening institutions.
Governor Yari said: “This is the moment that Nigerians have been waiting for over 90 days. We as governors that paid him a visit reported what we saw the first time to Nigerians, who have now seen for themselves. We pray to God to give the President good health and for him to continue to manage the economy. A visibly excited Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, claimed his principal’s return had nothing to do with the protest in Abuja by the group led by popular musician, Charly Boy.
“It is about continuing with the work he started. Some of us knew about his return some days back. Remember that the Acting President held on effectively and they will continue the work together. We left the work of announcement with the managers of the Acting President.‎”Shortly after arrival at the Villa, both Buhari and Osinbajo immediately went into a closed-door meeting.
Osinbajo, who spoke to newsmen in his residence said: “The recovery and recuperation of the President is in some sense symbolic of the recovery of Nigeria. Nigeria is going to recover. We are on the path of strong economic recovery and this is an excellent sign that the country is on the right side. There is great hope, there is great excitement and we are going to make it as a nation,” he said.

Suntai’s body arrives from U.S

 
The body of late former Governor of Taraba State, Danbaba Suntai, arrived at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja, on Friday morning.

The body was brought in by British Airways Airbus 777. 600 series with flight number G- VIIN, at about 6:00 a.m., and was received by one Jeji Williams.

The late former governor will be buried on Saturday in Jalingo, Taraba State capital.

Suntai's body was said to have arrived the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja enroute Jalingo, Taraba state's capital city at about 5 am.

He was later received by a delegation of the Taraba state government.

Suntai's wife Hauwa was also sighted leaving the airport terminal at about 7.07 am on Friday.

She was accompanied by some of her aides and security men.

Kwara Assembly bans strip clubs in hotels

The Kwara State House of Assembly has banned strip clubs or nude parties in all government and private-owned hotels in the state.

This order followed a motion, “Banning Nude Parties in Hotels in Kwara”, moved by the House Leader, Hassan Oyeleke (APC, Esa Sawo).

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Assembly had drilled the management of state-owned Kwara Hotel and operators of eight others over allegations of operating strip clubs.

The Speaker, Ali Ahmad, while reading the resolution of the House, directed hoteliers in the state to desist from organising such clubs.

Ahmad advised hoteliers to acquire Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) sets to monitor activities in their hotels and report any individual or group perpetrating such evil acts.

He directed the state Hospitality and Tourism Development Board to implement its operation “Show Your Identification Cards” by hoteliers and lodgers as a way of ensuring sanity.

The Speaker urged the government to empower relevant agencies to carry out periodic supervision of activities in hotels to checkmate the unholy acts.

Billionaire kidnapper, Evans, knows fate August 29

                             

A Lagos Federal High Court will on August 29 deliver judgment in a N300million suit filed by suspected kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike a.k.a. Evans, against the police. Evans in praying the court to declare his detention illegal.

Justice Abdulazeez Anka fixed the date yesterday after taking arguments from Evans’ counsel Olukoya Ogungbeje and lawyers for the police.

The judge dismissed the police claim that the suit was not ripe for hearing. He also rejected the N300,000 “punitive costs” sought against Ogungbeje for alleged wrongful service.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Commissioner of Police (CP) Lagos State and Lagos Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) are the respondents in the case.

Counsel for both the IGP and the NPF, Henry Obiazi, urged the court to dismiss the suit for want of merit.

He said the case had to do with murder, armed robbery and kidnapping, which were all capital offences.

Citing Section 35 (7) of the Constitution, Obiazi argued that Evans’ fundamental rights were not absolute, adding that the ‘billionaire kidnapper’ would soon be arraigned by the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP).

“Though the Constitution guarantees the fundamental rights of every Nigerian citizen, these rights are not absolute, particularly, when they have to do with capital offences. I urge the court to hold that the application is unmeritorious and dismiss it”, Obiazi said.

The CP’s and SARS’, Counsel Emmanuel Eze, argued that Evans had not shown any cause of action against his clients.

He claimed that Evans was arrested by the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) set up by the IGP and not by his clients.

Eze faulted claims that the applicant was subjected to media trial, saying no material fact was placed before the court in that regard.

According to him, the nature of the offences allegedly committed by Evans was conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnappingand murder.

Besides, he alleged that before his arrest, Evans was involved in many robberies, including series of attacks on bullion vans and many policemen were killed.

“My Lord, it is not up to 90 days that the applicant was arrested. Besides, there is an order of the court for his remand. The applicant is an international kidnapper terrorising states across the country.

“I urge the court to dismiss this application with punitive costs so as to serve as a deterrent to others who may want to file such frivolous applications in future”, Eze said.

But, Ogungbeje urged the court to hold that the respondents had run foul of the law by detaining Evans since last June 10.

He faulted the respondents’ arguments that a suspect accused of committing a capital offence can be detained without a court’s order.

According to him, the assertion may be applicable only at the point where the suspect is seeking bail after his arraignment.

“The proper thing for the respondents to do is to have the applicant arraigned and then inform the court about the capital nature of the offence upon which he may then be remanded in their custody”, he said.

Evans is seeking an order that the police charge him to court or release him on bail and pay him N300million damages for his alleged unlawful detention.

Police uncover human parts in church, arrest pastor in Ogun

The Police in Ogun on Wednesday arrested a 77-year-old pastor, Samuel Babatunde and two other suspects in connection with the discovery of suspected human parts buried inside a church.
Babatunde is the founder of Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Itedo Isinmi Ayo Parish, Egan Road in Iyana-Iyesi area of Ota in Ado-Odo Ota LGA of Ogun.
The state Police Commissioner, Ahmed Iliyasu, who paraded the pastor in Ota, told reporters that the discovery followed the arrest on Saturday of a suspected serial kidnapper, Jeremiah Adeola
He said that Adeola, 32, who specialised in kidnapping children, confessed that the pastor of the white garment church was the receiver of the abducted children.

The CP added that a 43-year-old herbalist, Haruna Afolabi, was among the suspects, who allegedly buried the human parts at the entrance of the church.
According to the police boss, operatives attached to the police Area Command in Ota on Sunday received intelligence about Adeola and arrested him.
Iliyasu said: “On the strength of the intelligence, detectives from Ota Area Command were detailed to effect the arrest of the suspect.
“At about 10.20 a.m. of the date, their efforts paid off when the said Jeremiah Adeola was arrested.
.
“On interrogation, Adeola confessed being a serial kidnapper and mentioned a prophet of a white garment church as the receiver of the kidnapped children.
“Upon interrogation, Adeola was taken to the house/church the said prophet at Iyana-Iyesi Ota, where one Prophet Samuel Babatunde, 77 years, the pastor in charge of the church and one Haruna Afolabi, 42 years, a traditional worshiper, were arrested.

“The floor of the church was dug as described by the first suspect and parts suspected strongly to be human parts were dug out,” Iliyasu said.
The commissioner said the police command would conduct forensic investigation into the case.
He assured that all those found guilty of the crime would be brought to justice, adding that Ogun State would never be a safe haven for criminals.
Speaking in an interview with newsmen, the pastor denied the allegation levelled against him.
Babatunde explained that a pig was buried alive inside the church contrary to claims that human parts were buried there.
He said that he carried out the act in order to bring good fortune, prosperity and comfort to his congregation.
Babatunde said though he met Adeola at a prayer mountain in Ibadan, he never had any dealing with the alleged serial kidnapper, whom he accused of being mentally unstable.
However, Adeola insisted that the pastor was the receiver of some kidnapped children.
He said the cleric paid him N50, 000 each for the two children he supplied to him.

Volkswagen becomes new UEFA national team football competitions partner

Volkswagen has become UEFA’s latest national team football competitions partner, which will see the German carmaker involved in events such as UEFA EURO 2020.

UEFA has announced that Volkswagen has signed an agreement to become a partner with European football’s governing body for all UEFA national team football competitions running from 2018 until 2022, including UEFA EURO 2020. To mark its 60th anniversary, UEFA EURO 2020 will take place across 13 European countries, allowing more fans than ever to experience top quality national team football across the continent.

"We are proud to have such a great European brand with such a genuine passion for football at our side," said Guy-Laurent Epstein, Marketing Director of UEFA Events SA.

"That holds especially true given the tasks that lie ahead of us: UEFA EURO 2020 will place the most rigorous demands on mobility. There is a grand idea and an innovative concept behind this tournament and we are very happy to have the support of Volkswagen on this exciting journey."

Volkswagen are also delighted to be entering into an agreement with UEFA, with the CEO of the Volkswagen brand, Dr. Herbert Diess, saying that one of the German carmaker’s aims is to help football fans as much as possible.

"No other sport is as powerful as football or unites so many people. Furthermore, UEFA EURO 2020, which is being played across the entire continent, is a fantastic project. Our wish is to contribute towards building bridges between all countries and for football fans with our mobility and creativity."

Volkswagen will also sponsor other UEFA national team football competitions from 2018 until 2022. This will include the newly created UEFA Nations League Finals in 2019 and 2021; the European Qualifiers for UEFA EURO 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup; the 2019 and 2021 UEFA European Under-21 Championships; UEFA Women’s EURO 2021; and UEFA Futsal EURO 2018 and 2022. 

Gani Adams to FG: Enough of politicking, fix Lagos-Ibadan Expressway now

The National Coordinator of the Oodua Peoplesv Congress (OPC), Otunba Gani Adams, has urged the Federal Government to work with the National Assembly “and ensure the completion of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway immediately”.

Adams, who lamented the lackadaisical attitude of some members of the Executive and Legislature “to the urgency that should be attached to fixing this important road”, declared that “the lack of seriousness is a reflectionof why things are not working in Nigeria”.

Adams, who just returned from Sweden where he presided over the third Summit of Oodua Progressives Union (OPU), said it was unfortunate that while leaders in other countries see infrastructure as an avenue of alleviating the suffering of the masses, “leaders in Nigeria play politics with everything. In fact, the only thing they don't play politics with is the air we breathe and that is because it is beyond their power”.

Describing the expressway as “the major artery that carries the lifeblood of Nigeria's economy”, Adams said “the fact that many administrations have not been able to fix this road is an embarrassment”.

“This is a road that leads Lagos to the West, East and North. Completed in 1978 as a four-lane highway, it is the busiest highway in West Africa and one of the busiest in

Africa. About 300,000 vehicles ply this road every day and it is a shame that successive administrations did not show signs of seriousness about fixing the road.

“In Sweden and other western countries, you cannot differentiate Day from Night because of the smoothness of their roads and effective lighting but reverse is the case in Nigeria.

“Recently, Power, Works and Housing Minister, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, raised the alarm on how budget for this expressway was cut and lawmakers, instead of addressing the problem, started playing politics with it. Hundreds of thousands of Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba and other ethnic nationalities ply this road every day. So, the road is not for Yoruba but for Nigerians.

“Any serious government would have fixed the road a long time ago. This is 2017 and we are still playing politics with this reconstruction. Now, the two contractors, Julius Berger and Reynolds Construction Company (RCC), have threatened to abandon the road due to delay in the payment of agreed contract fees on work already done. How did we get to this level of apathy in matters bordering on development?

“We in the OPC are of the opinion that if some principal officers in the government are suffering from short-sightedness, millions of Nigerians can clearly see how the lack of seriousness in government is squeezing the economy and inflicting agony on businesses. The neglect of this road is an example in this regard.

“The apparent neglect of this road for decades is not without grave consequences. No serious country jokes with the welfare of its citizens. The reconstruction of this road should be a priority because of its importance to the economic growth of our country.

“We, in OPC, call on Acting President Yemi Osinbajo to do the needful immediately. Enough of politicking and irresponsibility on the part of government officials. We demand that this road is fixed TODAY”.

Obat Oil Veers Into Liguefied Petroleum Gas

 

 

Obat Oil and Petroleum Ltd, one of the leading Oil Marketers in Nigeria has joined the league of Oil players exploring other areas of business in other to survive the economic situation in the country. 

 

In a bid not to restrict the company to only oil marketing they have recently ventured into Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) also majorly known as cooking gas and also expanding the capacity of the depot and growing in the aviation business. 

 

The company also has a vast land at the Lekki free trade zone where the company is proposing a multi-million naira Gas plant investment.

The company is sourcing for Capital Investment Company who may which to invest in the diversified business.

 

A lot of opinion has been said and predicted about the future of gas in Nigeria, but the industry and the use of the product has so much potentials. It is not only used for cooking but can also serve as power generation and auto gas.

Investors who have keen interest in this area of business can partner with Obat Oil to unravel the untapped industry.

Breaking: Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi’s Marriage Hits The Brick Wall.

*Why Olori Wuraola Ran To Obasanjo For Quick Intervention.

Other miseries only speak but heartbreak shrieks out. Yet each couple extinguishes the flames of their love, as it pleases them. Some do it with a bitter look, some with a flattering word. Some do it with a kiss and others by infidelity. Ask Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi and Olori Wuraola; the estranged couple would definitely have their pick from the pack.
Yes, until their separation, not a few people believed that all was well with the powerful and well-respected monarch and his wife. Their wedding ceremony last year was undeniably one of the most glamorous at the period it was held; the planning and guest list distinguished it from hordes of other wedding ceremonies.
Thereafter, the couple criss-crossed the world for their honeymoon playfully running after each other and picking pebbles on the sandy esplanade of holiday resorts while retiring under the moonlight of Europe’s scenic cities among other idyllic vacation spots. It was a wedding that was supposed to be made in heaven. Alas, one year down the line, the marriage has crashed irretrievably. The well-celebrated marriage has run its full course. While it lasted, they had no child.
Inside sources described the marriage as a sham, plagued by suspicion, hatred and devoid of love; they accused Olori of many unpublishable things and lack of commitment to her marital vows. Even as you read she is not on talking terms with her in-laws. The allegations are as wide as they are wild.
Back then when Olori Wuraola held sway, she had the world at her feet; she got her wishes at the snap of a finger and she literally ruled the royal household. Wherever he went, she was constantly by his side. She basked in the stratospheric adulation that came with being the apple of the Ooni’s eyes. Pray, who wouldn’t?
Unfortunately, things have changed and many within the palace now snigger and sneer at her for losing her position as the queen to one of the most powerful kings in Africa.
Curiously, however, on arrival from a trip last week, Olori Wuraola scurried to the home of former President Olusegun Obasanjo to intervene and probably advise her husband not to be influenced to dump her like a bad habit and get another wife. Yet no dice! Obasanjo could not do anything.
Sadly, they have since gone their separate ways perhaps ruing what was and what could have been.
 Source-The Capital

Hyundai Sonata named one of the ‘10 Most Awarded Cars of 2017’ by Kelley Blue Book

Capping off a successful award season, the all new Hyundai Sonata has earned a spot on Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com “10 Most Awarded Cars of 2017” list. In addition, Hyundai was one of the “10 Most Awarded Brands of 2017,” with vehicles throughout its lineup being honored for their design, engineering, technology and value. In a crowded midsize-sedan market, the Sonata shines with its powerful, engines, handsome styling, comfortable and quiet driving environment and wide array of standard features.

“Even in one of the industry’s most competitive classes, the Sonata continues to distinguish itself with dynamic style and luxury features at a best-in-class value,” said Brandon Ramirez, senior group manager, product planning, Hyundai Motor America. “We strive to provide our customers with ‘better’ and Sonata delivers on this commitment by innovating and exciting drivers with each new release and customers are seeing that today”

With multiple recognitions, the Sonata and Hyundai have impressed in a wide range of categories.

 

The Eagle Online’s Publisher, Dotun Oladipo, Becomes GOCOP President

Dotun Oladipo, the publisher of The Eagle Online is the new president of Guild of Corporate Online Publishers.
Oladipo takes over from muskilu Mojeed via an election conductedon Thursday,August 9 2017.

The exercise declared free and fair held at Adna Hotel, GRA, Ikeja Lagos.
Mr Oladipo comes into office along with other newly elected National Executives of the Guild.

They are the Publisher, Real News, Maureen Chigbo, as Deputy President; Publisher, Newsdiaryonline, Danlami Nmodu, Secretary General; and Publisher, Metro Watch, Collins Edomaruse, Deputy Secretary General.

Others are the Publisher, World Stage, Segun Adeleye, Financial Secretary; Publisher, The Scroll, Janet Mba-Afolabi, Treasurer; and Publisher, Qed.ng, Olumide Iyanda, Publicity Secretary.

Union Bank Customer Wins A Brand New Car In 100th Anniversary Promo

Union Bank recently emerged the lucky winner of a brand new MG3 car in the bank’s ongoing 100th anniversary data enrichment promo.
Alu, a customer from Minna becomes the first customer to win one of three cars up for grabs in the centenary anniversary promotion.

Selection of winners in the promo is conducted using a transparent, automated draw process supervised by the Consumer Protection Council.

Other fantastic prizes which have been won include: microwaves, flat screen TVs and generator sets.peaking at the car presentation ceremony which held in Abuja recently, the bank’s Head of Retail Segments, Paul Aseme, reinstated that the promo is in line with the theme of the 100th anniversary celebration which is ‘Celebrate, Impact, Lead’.
Aseme said: “It is our culture to celebrate our customers; they are a very important part of our history and the success story which we have created together. Considering how important this year is to us, we set up this promo as an opportunity for us to give back to our customers and show our appreciation for their loyalty through the years.
“The unique promo rewards new and existing customers who simply provide their up-to-date information – which in turn helps us offer them suitable products and services. The promo does not require any minimum balances or relationship period, and anyone can qualify by updating their details at our branches or digital channels.”
Expressing his gratitude, Alu praised the bank’s generous gesture, commending its top-notch banking services and the recent upgrade of the branches and facilities across the country.
He said: “I have been a Union Bank customer for several years and it has been a wonderful experience.  I thank Union Bank for putting a smile on my face. My family and I are happy and grateful to Union Bank.”Union Bank’s 100th anniversary promotion is open to new and existing customers. To qualify to win, existing customers are required to update their details at any of the bank’s branches nationwide or reactivate a dormant account. New customers are eligible to win once their accounts are opened.
The bank also recently launched a bouquet of digital banking platforms in a bid to provide its customers with cutting edge digital banking services.

Union Bank remains committed to leveraging on its rich, 100 year old heritage and wealth of experience to deliver simpler and smarter banking services to its esteemed customers.

All The Investments That Put Bayo Adelabu In Trouble (details of his encounter with the EFCC+political ambition in jeopardy)

One of the Deputy-Governors of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Chief Bayo Adelabu is at the moment fighting the biggest battle of his life.
Adelabu was invited and interrogated some days ago by the EFCC in Lagos for abuse of office and role in the alleged siphoning of shareholder funds via phoney loans at First Bank Plc, where he previously served as Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer.
Sources with knowledge of the development told us that investigators believe that Adelabu, who is presently serving as one of the Deputy Governors at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), allegedly connived with former GMD of the bank, Olabisi Onasanya and Chief Oba Otudeko who is a former chairman of the bank to arbitrarily approve loans running into several billions of naira which have since gone bad.
The recklessness of the bank bosses prompted the CBN to introduce stiffer corporate governance rules to protect shareholder funds from being abused by insiders.n Adelabu’s case, many other accidental deep pockets have probably learnt few had lessons on the dos and don’ts of executive banking, morality and citizenship. This are certainly the worst of times for him. Adelabu, who is believed to have amassed a huge war chest, is preparing a bid for the governorship of Oyo State in 2019.
In his bid to win the Governorship election in Oyo State come 2019, the banker has invested hugely in his hometown, Ibadan to drum the support of the people.
With reckless abandon unusual with people in public office Bayo Adelabu has solely financed and owned an ultramodern Shopping Centre on Ring Road, Ibadan, a 34-flats serviced bedroom apartments at Oni and Sons street, Ibadan, the highbrow Bayseone Hotel in Jericho, Ibadan and his recent investment being the most expensive hotel in the city, Best Western Hotel tucked inside the Iyaganku GRA, IBADAN.
All these investments were said to have been traced and would likely be answered for as the anti=fraud commission has beamed its searchlight on the activities of the billionaire, a grandchild of late Ibadan popular politician, Chief Adegoke Adelabu.
The recent occurrence is said to have had a dent on his political career as his handlers in Oyo State are working hard to distract the people from the incident.
He was interrogated for hours on Monday at the Ikoyi, Lagos office of the EFCC and subsequently released on administrative bail. EFCC sources say he is expected to return to the agency for further questioning and may be charged to court for fraud and insider abuse when investigations are concluded.
Source-CapitalNg.com

Yahoo Boys scam Lagos Speaker,Mudashiru Obasa of N9.2m

The State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, SCIID, Panti, Yaba, of the Lagos State Police Command has arraigned three men before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, for allegedly defrauding the Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr. Mudashiru Obasa, of N9.188 million.
Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa The three men, Frank Nwokobia, 27; Ezeoke Kanayochukwu, 25, and Godwin Essien, 28, were arraigned before Justice Chuka Obiozor, on a five-count charges of conspiracy, impersonation, identity theft and fraud.

The defendants, who were arrested at different locations in Delta State, according to the prosecutor, William Ologun, had sometimes in May hacked the Facebook account of the Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, and retrieved several information which they used in withdrawing N9.188 million from his account. Arrested in Delta

The prosecutor informed the court that the defendants were arrested in Delta State, after the complainant, Obasa, petitioned the Police that his Facebook account had been hacked and that N9.188 million had been withdrawn from his account by unknown individuals. The offences, according to the prosecutor, are contrary to Sections 27(1)(b) and 22(2)(b)(ii) of Cybercrimes Prohibition and Prevention Act, 2015.

‘Not guilty’ The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges, after which their lawyer, Mr. Ali Abba, prayed the court to admit his clients bail in liberal terms. Ruling in the bail application, trial judge, Justice Obiozor, admitted the defendants to N5 million bail with one surety each. The judge ordered that the sureties, who must be recommended by the defendants’ lawyer, must be residents of Lagos State, with landed property and three year tax.

The judge also stated that the landed property title documents and tax must be verified by the court’s Deputy Chief Registrar. The court also ordered that the three defendants be remanded at the Ikoyi facility of Nigerian Prison Service, pending the perfection of the bail conditions
Source. – Vanguard