Police fraud unit arrests 20 visa racketeers in Lagos

The Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU) says it has arrested over 20 suspects who specialised in counterfeiting entry visas of some foreign countries.

Spokesman for the PSFU, Audi Lawal, said in a statement on Saturday in Lagos that the visa racketeers were arrested at several embassies of the foreign countries in Lagos.

The police spokesmanspokesman said that the suspects specialised in forgery of visa processing documents such as passports, bank statements, company letterheads and immigration stamps of several overseas countries.

Lawal said that all the supects confesssed to have committed the crimes and were charged to court for prosecution to serve as deterrent to others involved in such illegal activities.

“The Polıce Special Fraud Unit in its effort to discourage members of the public from patronising racketeers and false document makers, recently busted a cartel which specialises in counterfeiting.

“This cartel specialised in UK, Canada and Shengen visas, Nigerian passports, bank statements, various countries’ immigration stamps and letter of introduction from corporate organisations,” Lawal said.

The PSFU spokesman advised visa applicants against patronising agents using fake travel documents for processing visa at embassies in Nigeria.

He urged visa applicants to always access embassies and high commissions information through their official websites on visa application procedures.

NAN

American Embassy Catches Travelling Agent With Forge Documents

Court gavel.

Officials of the United States Consulate General office in Victoria Island, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria have apprehended a 34-year old man, Alade Julius, a travelling agent with forged documents with the intent to use it to obtain a visa for one Ifeoma Alabaraonye now at large.

A police source said that following the incident, the embassy officials sent a signal to CP Ibrahim Lamorde in charge of the Police Special Fraud Unit in Ikoyi about the development who dispatched a team led ASP Lawal Audu to the embassy to arrest the suspect.

Julius was charged before a Tinubu Magistrate Court on a two-count charge of felony to wit, forgery and uttering documents to obtain a visa.

Police Counsel, Wewe Adegbayii informed the court in charge No B/07/2018 that the accused committed the offence on 10 October, 2017 at the United States Consulate General Office at 2,Walter Carrington Crescent,Victoria Island, Lagos.

Adegbayi told the count that the accused went to the American Embassy in Lagos to summit documents comprising forged Fidelity Bank statement of account, introduction letter dated 5 October, 2017, PAFTRUST Oil and Gas Limited employment letter dated 20 April, 2015, leave memorandum dated 5 October, 2017 and a United Kingdom visit visa with counterfeit entry and exit stamp to the officials to obtain US non-immigrant Visa for Ifeoma Alabaraonye, knowing full well that all the documents were fake.

Adegbayi said that luck ran against the accused when the officials scanned the documents and discovered that it was fake, arrested him and handed him over to the police.

He said that during investigation, the accused allegedly confessed to the crime that he forged all the documents at Oluwole Market, Lagos Island.

Adegbayi said that the offences the accused commiitted were punishable under sections 409 and 363(1) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2011.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the alleged crime and Chief Magistrate A.A Adefulire granted him bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.

Adefulire adjourned the case till 7 March, 2018 for mention and ordered that the defendant be kept at the Ikoyi Prison till he perfected the bail conditions.

Absence of EFCC’s witnesses stalls Omokore’s trial over $1.6bn crude oil scam

Olajide Omokore

The trial of an ally of the former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke and a businessman, Jide Omokore, and others for alleged diversion of $1.6 billion, being proceeds of sales of Federal Government’s crude oil, could not go on on Thursday before Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court sitting  in Abuja due to the absence of witnesses billed to testify for the prosecution.

Counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), who is prosecuting Omokore and other defendants on behalf of the Federal Government told the court that he regretted the failure of the two witnesses scheduled to give to testify for the prosecution in court yesterday.

The resumed trial of Omokore and his co-defendants commenced on  Wednesday, with the testimony of the fourth prosecution witness who was also cross-examined by the defence, and the matter was adjourned until Thursday for continuation of trial, only Jacobs to inform the court yesterday that the two witnesses, who were to arrive from Lagos, were not available despite earlier their earlier assurances that they would be in court for the proceedings.

He explained that one of the two witnesses was an investigative officer in the case but was recently transferred from Abuja to Lagos.

Justice Dimgba expressed worries for the failure of the witnesses to be in court and then adjourned the matter till March 1 and 2, 2018 for continuation of trial.

Recalled that Omokore, his two companies, Atlantic Energy Brass Development Limited and Atlantic Energy Drilling Concepts Limited, are  facing trial alongside the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), Victor Briggs, former Group Executive Director, Exploration and Production of the NNPC, Abiye Membere, former Manager, Planning and Commercial of the NNPC and David Mbanefo. Two of Omokore’s companies, AtlantiOmokore is facing trial alongside the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, NPDC, Victor Briggs, former Group Executive Director, Exploration and Production of the NNPC, Abiye Membere, former Manager, Planning and Commercial of the NNPC and  David Mbanefo are standing trial on a nine-count charge, bordering on alleged diversion of about $1.6 billion, being  part of proceeds of sales of petroleum products belonging to the Federal Government.

Nigerian banker gives birth inside plane en route New York

Dr. Hemal, Ogundipe and the baby. Mail photo

A 41-year-old Nigerian banker identified as Toyin Ogundipe, aboard an Air France flight, was delivered of a baby boy mid-air about 35,000 feet above sea level and four hours away from the destination.

The mother of two who lives in the UK  had gone into labour a week earlier than her delivery date, and was in childbirth pains and having contractions about 10 minutes apart.

The baby, who was named Jake, was delivered after a 30-minute labour, Mailonline states.

A second-year urology resident, Dr. Sij Hemal, who was also a passenger in the plane, helped with the delivery of the baby half-way through an eight-hour flight from Paris to New York.

Dr. Hemal, who spoke to Mailonline, said he was just glad everything went smoothly — and was relieved it all happened before he’d had any champagne.

He said, “We’re trained to stay calm and think clearly in emergency situations. I just tried to think ahead to what might go wrong and come up with a creative solution.”

While talking about his fear, he mentioned that his biggest fear was that the mother could die from bleeding or shock after birth.

But looking back, he insists it all went as well as it could have done.

“I thought I’d just have a drink and fall asleep. As it turned out, I’m glad I didn’t drink anything,” he said.

Dr. Hemal, who had been on vacation in New Dehli, India, was flying coach class via Paris and New York on his way back to Cleveland, Ohio, on December 17.

Coincidentally, when the flight attendants came to ask him for advice, the urologist at Cleveland Clinic’s Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute discovered he was seated next to Dr. Stefanie Ortolan, a pediatrician from France.

The pair were ushered over to Ogundipe, also in coach, who was complaining of chest pains and dizziness.

Ogundipe was in labour and having contractions about 10 minutes apart.

While the flight attendants took care of Ogundipe’s four-year-old daughter, Amy, the doctors used instruments and supplies in the flight’s medical kit to routinely check her blood pressure, oxygen rate, and pulse.

Within an hour, the contractions were coming more frequently, occurring seven, then five and finally two minutes apart.

“My initial plan was to monitor her and her vitals, but we did a cervical exam and that’s when her water broke,” he said.

“That’s when we knew we were going to deliver on the plane,” Dr. Hemal added.

See the photos below:

 

 

Federal Government Wants Supreme Court To Restore All The Charges Against Saraki In The Fresh Corruption Trial Ordered By The Court Of Appeal

The Federal Government has appealed to the Supreme Court to restore all the 18 false assets declaration and other related charges instituted against the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, but which were dismissed by the Code of Conduct Tribunal in June 2017.  In its December 12, 2017 judgment, the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal had restored three out of the 18 counts but affirmed the decision of the CCT with respect to the rest of the 15 counts on the grounds of lack of evidence.

The Federal Government has appealed to the Supreme Court to restore all the 18 false assets declaration and other related charges instituted against the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, but which were dismissed by the Code of Conduct Tribunal in June 2017.

 In its December 12, 2017 judgment, the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal had restored three out of the 18 counts but affirmed the decision of the CCT with respect to the rest of the 15 counts on the grounds of lack of evidence.

 Saraki had since filed a seven-ground notice of appeal against the part of the Court of Appeal’s judgment restoring the three counts.

 But the Federal Government on Tuesday filed a counter-appeal of 15 grounds against the part of the judgment which affirmed the dismissal of the 15 counts.

 The CCT had in its June 14, 2017 ruling on the no-case submission which Saraki filed after the prosecution concluded its case, dismissed the entire 18 counts on the grounds of lack of credible evidence.

 The Federal Government had, through its prosecuting counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), appealed against the CCT ruling.

Delivering a unanimous judgment on December 12, 2017, the three-man panel of the Court of Appeal headed by Justice Tinuade Akomolafe-Wilson restored three out of the 18 dismissed charges and ordered Saraki to enter his defence before the CCT in respect of the three counts.

But the Court of Appeal affirmed the CCT’s ruling affirmed the dismissal of the rest of the 15 counts as ordered by the CCT.

 The Federal Government’s appeal has filed a cross-appeal complaining against part of the Court of Appeal’s judgment in respect of counts 1, 2, 3, 7 to 18.

 In its appeal, the prosecution led by Jacobs urged the Supreme Court to order Saraki to enter his defence in respect of all the 18 counts.

 The government asked the Supreme Court to set aside the part order of the Court of Appeal, upholding the ruling of the CCT in respect of the 15 voided counts.

 It also sought the Supreme Court’s order remitting the entire case back to the CCT for Saraki to enter his defence in respect of the entire 18 counts.

 The government faulted the Court of Appeal’s decision that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case in relation to the voided 15 counts.

 It argued that by the decision, the appellate court failed to give effect to paragraphs 11(2), 11(3) and 13 of Part 1, Fifth Schedule of the Constitution that placed the burden on every defendant answering to such charges to prove their innocence.

 The appellant stated that “the Court of Appeal misinterpreted and misapplied” paragraph 1, Fifth Schedule to the Constitution to the facts of the case when it held that once a statement contained in the Code of Conduct Form filled by a public officer is found to be untrue, he must be prosecuted for any false declaration in the form without any burden of proof on the said public officer”.

It argued that by the provision of the law, the duty of the prosecution was merely to prove that the public officer concerned made a declaration, that the declaration had  been found to be false by the officer who verified it and then, the onus or burden of proof would then shift to the defendant to prove that the declaration was not false.

 It added, “The Court of Appeal, contrary to the settled position of the law, as to what amounts to a prima facie case, wrongly considered the credibility of the witnesses of the prosecution and attached weight to evidence adduced by the prosecution.”

Bukola Saraki caught again in offshore tax haven racket“The Court of Appeal went beyond the consideration of a no-case submission in its judgment by comprehensively evaluating the evidence adduced by the prosecution and attaching weight to them.

“The Court of Appeal, while wrongly affirming the finding os the lower tribunal that the testimony of PW3 amounted to hearsay, also unjustifiably extended the scope of the finding by classifying the testimonies of other prosecution witnesses as hearsay when that was not made an issue having regards to the grounds of appeal.”

The Federal Government’s appeal also faulted the Court of Appeal decision that the evidence by PW1 and PW3, in relation to the voided counts,  amounted to documentary hearsay, and therefore inadmissible

It argued that oral testimony of the two witnesses were based on the documents recovered during the investigation, particularly from public officers and such documents, certified by those public authorities, are presumed genuine until the contrary if proved.

It also faulted the Court of Appeal’s finding that most of the prosecution’s evidence amounted to hearsay and that the necessary witnesses were not called.

 It argued that it was not enough for the appellate court to allege that the prosecution did not call a particular witness, the defence must show the relevance of the evidence of the witness to any of the ingredients of the offences charged.

The cross-appellant, in further faulting the Court of Appeal decision, contended that it was wrong for the court to hold that the prosecution did not establish a prima facie case in respect of the voided 15 counts.

It contended the prosecution adduced sufficient evidence in proof of the counts to warrant calling on the defendant to enter his defense.

DSS Reveals How Notorious Cultist Don Wanny Was Killed

 Don Wanny and his accomplices after they were killed by soldiers

A top official of the Department of State Security (DSS) on Wednesday revealed how Don Wanny, kidnap kingpin was tracked to his hideout in Enugu.

Wanny allegedly masterminded the killings of 23 worshipers on New Year’s Day, in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers.

The source told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on condition of anonymity on Wednesday that the operation that led to his death was successful and averted further bloodshed in the state.

The informant said the decision to swoop on Wanny was taken after he ordered his men to carry out killings of innocent residents of Omoku town.

“We intercepted Wanny’s phone conversation he had with one of his lieutenants in which he ordered them to attack schools, hospitals, places of worship, marketplaces and other targets.

“The killing and maiming of innocent residents of Omoku, including specific targets were scheduled to take place on January 8.

“When we heard their plan to execute innocent citizens – which to us was the last straw – we decided to inform the Army about a joint operation to avert the killings.

“This eventually led to the joint operation at his hideout in Enugu leading to his death and that of his two gang members.

The DSS operative said that Wanny was under intense DSS surveillance for over a year.

The source said the New Year killings started after Wanny sent some of his members to assassinate his third-in-command; but failed after the target escaped his apartment with gunshot wounds.

According to the source, the killer squad later killed his wife and other close relatives and, thereafter, proceeded to kill five other persons over an existing feud with one of the gang members.

“Some of the people who were killed died from stray bullets during the operation by the murderous gang.

“It was easy to monitor Wanny because we had our agent on a constant watch that gave us in-depth knowledge of his whereabouts and activities.

“Wanny had companies that he used as fronts. He used one of these companies to front for surveillance jobs and leak repairs for a major oil company.

“We know where his family stayed; we know that his boys camped at a forest in Imo state from where they usually launched their operation.

“Wanny was always hiding in Enugu and Ogoja (Cross River). He bought a car in Imo state and took it to Enugu – as part of his plans to change his identity,” the source revealed.

The ash coloured Lexus ES330 salon car is currently parked at DSS premises in Port Harcourt.

The source said that Wanny had more than 30 active fighters and many volunteers who allegedly worked for top politicians in the state.

It said that Wanny’s accounts at First Bank and Unity Bank had been frozen and would be forfeited to the Federal Government at the end of the investigation.

“The banks are fully cooperating with an ongoing investigation which would unravel his financial transactions from the time the accounts were opened,” the source added.

It was learnt that the deceased militant leader had more than N700 million at some undisclosed banks which is currently being monitored.

Wanny and his second-in-command, Ikechukwu Adiele, and another suspected gang member, Lucky Ode were killed by security forces in Enugu and their corpses paraded at 6 Division Nigerian Army Port Harcourt on January 7.

Wanny and his gang members received amnesty from the Rivers Government in 2016 but later reneged on the terms of the amnesty deal.

EFCC Arraigns Justice Yinusa For Corruption

Yinusa Muhammad

The Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC on Wednesday arraigned a Federal High Court Judge, Justice Yinusa Muhammad for corruption.

Also arraigned alongside Yinusa is one Esther Agbo, a staff of Rickey Tarfa chambers.

In the five-count charge brought before Justice S. O Solebo, Justice Yinusa is alleged to have received several sums of money from senior lawyers, Joseph Nwobike and Rickey Tarfa to pervert the course of justice

He was particularly alleged to have received N1.5m from Joseph Nwobike to give a favorable ruling in a matter before him.

Justice Yinusa was also alleged to have on 5 March, 2015, received another N750,000 from Nwobike in order to give a decision in his favour.

The EFCC also alleged that Esther Agbo being a staff of Rickey Tarfa law firm offered Yinusa N1.5m to influence a matter which the chamber has before the him.

Justice Yinusa and Esther Agbo however pleaded not guilty to the charges.

As at the time of filing this report, Yinusa’s defence team are arguing their bail application.

Breaking: Muslim Cleric Arrested With Human Parts In Lagos

Commissioner Of Police, Lagos State, Imohimi Oluwole Edgal
addressing the Press while the Suspect Kayode Abdul-Fatai looks on during his arrest at his shrine in Lagos, on Tuesday.

Officers of the Lagos State Police Command on Tuesday arrested an Islamic cleric, Alfa Kayode Abdul-Fatai in Alakuko area of the State for being in illegal possession of human parts including a female private organ.

The suspect, who was arrested at No. 4, Okedumola Street, Off Obadare area of Alakuko, was said to have also been caught with female heart and a female lap discovered in his room.

While confirming the arrest, Public Relations Officer of the State Police Command, SP Chike Oti, said the Islamic cleric was arrested following a tip off and investigation by the officers in the command.

Oti said the suspect, during interrogation, revealed that the said human parts were given to him by an accomplice who has also been rounded up.

Shrine of the Suspect, Kayode Abdul-Fatai

According to Oti, the suspect and the accomplice would be charged to court at the end of investigation.

He said the Commissioner of Police, Imohimi Edgal, particularly urged members of the public to be conscious of the activities of people living within their vicinity, and report any suspicious movement to law enforcement agencies.

”The CP urges members of the public to embark on ‘Operation Know Your Neighbour’, because the Alfa was staying in a compound without his neighbours knowing what he does for a living,” Oti said

Man Sent To Prison For Eating N173,000 Food Without Money

Prison

A jobless man and ex-convict,Valentine Thomas, 30, has been arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate Court for allegedly eating food and drinking wines with his two girl friends at Victoria Crown Palace Hotel ,VCP, Victoria Island, Lagos without money in his pocket.

The arrest of the accused was ordered by the Divional Police Officer, DPO in charge of Bar Beach Division,CSP Olusegun Ajamolaya following a complaint by the management of Victoria Crown Palace Hotel represented by by Daniel Eyirisan.

The police also accused the suspect from Tiv town, Benue State, North Central Nigeria of stealing a Techno Canon C9 model valued at N56,000 belonging to his lawyer, Henry Orarotimi in Yaba.

Police alleged that the lawyer lost his phone to the accused when he begged him at Yaba bus stop as his lawyer to give him the phone to call the person who would bring money for him to perfect his bail when he was arrested on 8 August, 2017 for eating food and drinking beer worth N22,500 at Penisula Hotel, Lekki and escaped.

The accused, a resident of Pako GRA, Ogudu, was arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrate Court on a three-count charge of felony to wit, obtaining food and assorted drinks valued at N173,450 and failed to pay knowing fully well that there was no money and stealing.

Police prosecutor, Cyriacus Osuji informed the court in charge No L/3/2018 that the accused, an ex-convict committed the offence at Victoria Crown Hotel, Victoria Island.

Osuji told the court that the accused went to Victoria Crown Hotel with two girl friends to eat food with chicken, snail, fish and drink bailey and Hennessy all valued at N173,450.

He said that when the hotel workers demanded for the payment of the food and drinks from the accused, he told them that he had no money on him because he was jobless, while the hotel workers invited the police to arrest him while his two girl friends managed to escape.

Osuji said that the accused also tricked his lawyer and collected a Techno phone valued N56,000 from him to call someone and escaped with the phone to sell it.

Osuji said that the offences the accused committed were punishable under sections 411, 314 and 287 of the criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the alleged crime and Senior Magistrate A.T Omoyele granted him bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.

Omoyele adjourned the case till 22 February, 2018 for mention and ordered that the defendant be kept at Ikoyi Prison till he perfected the bail conditions.

Pictures From Omawumi’s Traditional Wedding

Omawumi ties the knot

Delta state born singer and songwriter, Omawumi Megbele today traditionally tied the knot with her darling Tosin Yusuf and we are super excited.

The 35 year old mother of 2 legally married her hubby in January 2015. See lovely pictures from the event that took place in Warri today.

Suspects Who Allegedly Killed Jumia Dispatch Rider Docked

The suspects

The two suspected killers of Eleje Chukwuma, a dispatch rider whose body was found in a septic tank last year, have pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge of conspiracy, murder and armed-robbery filed against them.

The suspects appeared in court in continuation of the murder trial that started last year. A magistrate court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, last year remanded them in prison.

The accused persons, Sodienye Mbatumukeke (aka Jelly) and Excel Divine Naabe (aka Joker) committed the offence on March 25, 2017, at No. 1 Ada-Ede Street, Shell Location, Mgbuoba, Port Harcourt.

The charge stated that the accused persons carried offensive weapons, including a pestle, and hit the victim on the head and robbed of him an Infinix Note 3 handset valued at N67,000.

Also, they robbed him of one Gionee M6 phone valued N105,000 and IM-10 Desktop GSM dual sims phone valued N9,500; all totaling N181,000.

The trial Chief Magistrate, Andrew O. Amadi-Nna, after the case was mentioned, said the court lacked the jurisdiction to hear the matter due to the gravity of the offences committed.

He said the case file would be transferred to the Court Registrar for onward transmission to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice.
He said that the accused persons could seek bail at the State High Court.

There was no defense counsel for the accused persons. The third accused person, a female, Joy Eluwa, was not brought to court for arraignment.

Ozubulu church killings: Bishop’s father buried amidst tight security

 St Philip’s Catholic Church, Ozubulu in Anambra.

SIR Ikegwuonu Cyprian, Father of the alleged target of August 6th attack on worshippers at St Philip’s Catholic Church, Ozubulu, Ekwusigo local government area of Anambra, High Chief Aloysius Ikegwuonu was on Friday buried at the parish’s cemetery amidst tight security.

Pa Cyprian was one of the 13 victims of the attack in the church, who were killed while worshipping at the church in a morning mass.

Officiating priest at the Requiem Mass, Rev Father Don Chidolue, Episcopal Vicar of Ozubulu region who delivered the sermon said that the church decided to bury the deceased in the church, along with other victims at the church’s cemetery as martyrs.

Chidolue said Pa Ikegwuonu by virtue of the nature of his death, which occurred right inside the church was a martyr. He said 12 others who also died in the attack have also been proclaimed martyrs.

“We buried them together so that the church will not easily forget them.

“Burying them together will serve as a memorial, and anytime someone looks in there, he would remember that such an incident had happened, and some people paid the ultimate price,”‎ he said.

Chidolue said out of the 13 peoplethat were killed in the attack, nine were buried in the church’s cemetery, while four deceased persons were taken away by their relatives who insisted that their remains be interred in their ancestral home.

The priest described Pa Ikegwuonu as a very charitable personality, who like his son, Aloysius impacted in the lives of people of the community.

He described giving as one of the ways people can also attract the mercy of God but called on all present to live a worthy lifestyle that would guarantee them eternity.

The burial was conducted amidst tight security as the police command in Awka had earlier hinted that it was deploying security to the area to forestall any attack, especially as those behind the attack had sent a further threat to the community if their financial demands were not met.

Those buried alongside Pa Cyprian at the cemetery are Mrs Cecilia Ewim, Chief Hyacinth Oramadike, Mrs Geraldine Obunadike and her daughter; Miss Uchenna Obunadike.

Others are; Mrs Pauline Obetta, Mrs Rose Nwabia and little Miss Mary Cynthia Ughelu who is said to be just a year old.

Unknown gunmen had in August invaded the church, after allegedly seeking the whereabouts of Aloysius Ikegwuonu in his home, but decided to even their unhappiness on the worshippers who were beneficiaries of Ikegwuonu philanthropy, through the construction of the church.

He had however denied having any business dealings with anyone, that went awry, to warrant being killed.

Red Squad carried out Omoku massacre over Don Waney’s mother’s arrest —Suspect

One of the suspects in the New Year killing of worshippers at Omoku, Rivers State, disclosed, yesterday, that they carried out the killings to avenge the arrest and humiliation of the mother of their leader, Don Waney, coupled with the destruction of Waney’s mansion.

The suspect, Desmond Okotubo, a 32-year-old father of three and a native of Egbenma in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni (ONELGA) Local Government Area of Rivers State, who made the disclosure at the Police Force Headquarters, Abuja, said Omoku vigilante group members were their original targets and not church worshipers.

Desmond Okotubo

He added that they decided to vent their anger on the worshipers when they could not track down the vigilante group members, who, he said, were instrumental to the arrest of Don Waney’s mother and tracing of his mansion for destruction by the government.

Desmond Okotubo, who disclosed that their plan to invade Omoku was hatched in Awara town, Imo State, confessed his membership of the gang that killed the worshippers, but denied participating in the killings, saying he merely accompanied the gang to the scene without handling a gun.

He begged the Police to allow him help in fishing out all the members of the dreaded gang, who he said were up to 20.

Confession

His words: “I followed them during the killing. When Don Waney got back, he stopped at Awara, Imo State, and it was there everybody assembled before going to Omoku. I followed them to Omoku, but they did not give me a gun.

“It was Don Waney that did it. He has the “Red Squad” that do the killings. The squad’s members are from Imo and Rivers states. I know those that shot and killed those people. I know many people that belong to the gang.”

On why they carried out the act on innocent worshipers, Okotubo said: “Don Waney had a problem with the vigilante group because they arrested his mother and also destroyed his house. That is why he came back to revenge and kill those people at Omoku.”

How we got him—Police

Parading the suspect before newsmen, Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Jimoh Moshood, said Okotubo was arrested at Mpape, a suburb of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, by the IGP-Intelligence Response Team, where he had escaped to on January 3, after the New Year massacre.

Moshood said: “The Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim Idris, set-up special Police joint investigation team, comprising the IGP-Intelligence Response Team, the Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department, Force Department of Operations and the Rivers State Police Command to immediately unravel those behind the killings and bring them to justice.

“The IGP-Intelligence Response Team attached to the Joint Police Special Investigation Team engaged some of the suspects in their hideouts in Awara Forest, a boundary between Imo and Rivers states.

“The shootout, which lasted several hours, resulted in the death of six of the suspects, while others escaped with gunshot injuries to other locations in Rivers, Delta, Imo and Bayelsa states. The Police teams are currently on their trail.

“The IGP-Intelligence Response Team further identified Desmond Okotubo, who escaped on January 3 to Abuja. He was trailed to Mpape in Abuja, where he was arrested after serious resistance on January 9.

“He revealed to the Police how their gang leader, Don Waney, gathered them and briefed them on the night of January 31, 2017 on the mission to attack and kill the residents of Omoku town.

“Thirty of them, armed with over 20 AK-47 rifles, crossed the river from Awara to Omoku Forest and proceeded to Omoku town.”

SoundcityMVP Awards Festival Full Winners List Wizkid, Runtown, Olamide Win Big

We bring to you a complete list of winners at the #SoundcityMVP Awards Festival held at the prestigious Eko Convention Center.

Davido was the biggest winner of the night as the ‘FIA’ crooner carted away three major awards at the event including ‘African Artiste of the Year’. Maleek Berry grabbed two awards too.

Check out the full list of winners 

BEST MALE MVP
DAVIDO (NG)
RUNTOWN (NG)
DIAMOND PLATNUMZ (TZ) – WINNER
SARKODIE (GH)
NAVIO (UG)
2FACE IDIBIA (NG)
WIZKID (NG)
SHATTA WALE (GH)
OLAMIDE (NG)

BEST FEMALE MVP
TIWA SAVAGE (NG) – WINNER
NINIOLA (NG)
BABES WODUMO (SA)
SIMI (NG)
BECCA (GH)
SEYI SHAY (NG)
YEMI ALADE (NG)
BUCIE (SA)
VANESSA MDEE (TZ)

BEST HIP HOP
M.I ABAGA (NIGERIA)
SARKODIE (GHANA)
CASSPER NYOVEST (SOUTH AFRICA) – WINNER
OLAMIDE (NG)
NASTY C (SOUTH AFRICA)
FALZ (NIGERIA)
KWESTA (SOUTH AFRICA)
AKA (SA)

BEST POP
KISS DANIEL (NG)
TIWA SAVAGE (NG)
SIMI (NG)
DAVIDO (NG)
MALEEK BERRY (NG) – WINNER
NINIOLA (NG)
WANDE COAL (NG)
REEKADO BANKS (NG)

BEST COLLABORATION
PARTICULA – MAJOR LAZER & DJ MAPHORISA FT. ICE PRINCE, JIDENNA, NASTY C
(SA)
MA LO – TIWA SAVAGE FT WIZKID
TONIGHT – R2BEES FT WIZKID
MA GIRL – TOOFAN FT. PATORANKING
AKANAMALI – SUN EL MUSICIAN FT. SAMTHING SOWETO
TELLI PERSON – TIMAYA FT. PHYNO & OLAMIDE
PAIN KILLER – SARKODIE FT RUNTOWN – WINNER
BOOTY LANGUAGE – SKALES FT SARKODIE
JUICE – YCEE FT MALEEKBERRY
DON’T FORGET TO PRAY – AKA & ANATII
NA WASH – BECCA FT PATORANKING
ISKABA – WANDE COAL / DJ TUNEZ
LOVE AGAIN – C4 PEDRO FT SAUTI SOL

DIGITAL ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
DAVIDO (NG) – WINNER
WIZKID (NG)
CASSPER NYOVEST (SA)
AKA (SA)
VANESSA MDEE (KQ)
YEMI ALADE (NG)
SHATTA WALE (GH)

VIDEO OF THE YEAR
MA LO  – TIWA SAVAGE FT WIZKID (NG)
YOU RAPPERS SHOULD FIX UP YOUR LIFE – MI (NG)
CLOSER – WIZKID (NG)
UoK – NASTY C (SA)
10 FINGERS – AKA & ANATII (SA)
WHOLE THING – FRANK CASINO & RIKY RICK (SA)
BEEN CALLING – MALEEKBERRY (NG)
KOLOLO – BANKY W (NG)
ALL HAIL – KHULI CHANA (SA)
IF – DAVIDO (NG) – WINNER

BEST GROUP OR DUO
SAUTI SOL (KQ)
TOOFAN (TG)
MAFIKIZOLO (SA)
MICASA (SA)
DISTRUCTION BOYZ (SA) – WINNER
VVIP (GH)
R2Bees (GH)
NAVY KENZO (TZ)

SONG OF THE YEAR 
PENALTY – SMALL DOCTOR (NG)
WO – OLAMIDE (NG)
SEDUCE ME – ALIKIBA
QOBISIQOLO – BHIZER FT BUSISWA, SC GORNA, BHEPEPE (SA)
GAGA SHUFFLE – 2FACE IDIBIA (NG)
IF – DAVIDO (NG) – WINNER
AKANAMALI – SUN EL MUSICIAN FT. SAMTHING SOWETO (SA)
MAD OVER YOU – RUNTOWN (NG)
CLOSER – WIZKID (NG)
JOROMI – SIMI (NG)
LEG OVER – MR EAZI (NG)

BEST NEW ARTISTE 
MALEEKBERRY (NG) – WINNER
MAYORKUN (NG)
DICE AILES (NG)
SMALL DOCTOR (NG)
NADIA NAKAI (SA)
ASLAY (TZ)

VIEWERS CHOICE 
WO – OLAMIDE  (NG)
IF – DAVIDO (NG)
MAD OVER YOU – RUNTOWN (NG) – WINNER
LIVING THINGS – 9ICE (NG)
YEBA – KISS DANIEL (NG)
ISKABA – WANDE COAL, DJ TUNEZ (NG)
TONIGHT – NONSO AMADI (NG)
GAGA SHUFFLE – 2FACE IDIBIA

LISTENERS CHOICE 
WO – OLAMIDE  (NG) – WINNER
GAGA SHUFFLE – 2FACE IDIBIA (NG)
NASTY C –UOK (SA)
GOBISIQOLO – BHISER (SA)
MAD OVER YOU – RUNTOWN (NG)
MARADONA – NINIOLA (NG)
YOLO YOLO – SEYI SHAY (NG)
IF – DAVIDO

AFRICAN PRODUCER OF THE YEAR 
MALEEKBERRY (NG).
KIDOMINANT (NG)
DJ MAPHORISA (SA)
MASTERKRAFT (NG)
JULZ (GH)
YOUNG JOHN (NG) – WNNER

AFRICAN ARTISTE OF THE YEAR 
SARKODIE (GH)
CASSPER NYOVEST (SA)
DAVIDO (NG) – WINNER
WIZKID (NG)
TIWA SAVAGE (NG)
SHATTA WALE (GH)

Ritual murderer docked, collapses in court

Alleged ritual murderer, Ifeanyi Dike (Left)

SUSPECTED ritual murderer and kidnapper, Ifeanyi Dike, was Friday commenced on Friday arraigned before a Rivers State High Court Number 9 presided over by Justice Adolphus Enebeli.

Dike allegedly murdered the late 8-year old girl, Chikamso Favour, his niece in August 2017, after raping her and harvesting her genitals.

Also arraigned before Justice Adolphus Enebeli is: Ogochukwu Nnamiro who is the second accused person and Sergeant Johnbosco Okoroeze, third accused person. They were arraigned as accessories after the fact of murder.

A mild drama ensued in court as Ifeanyi Dike, gave a loud shout after his case was mentioned and thereafter he refused to take his plea.

His counsel, Lizinna Ameegua urged the court to order that a mental examination is carried out on him to ascertain his mental status.

Presiding judge, Justice Enebeli declined the request.

Thereafter, Ifeanyi Dike collapsed in court. The court entered a plea of not guilty for him, while the second and third accused persons also pleaded not guilty.

The matter was adjourned to January 16, 26 and 29, 2018 for a definite hearing with Justice Enebeli saying that the matter would be heard on a day to day basis.

Earlier in the court, Counsel to Ifeanyi Dike, Lizinna Ameegua raised an objection to the trial on the ground that the information filed by the prosecution was incomplete.  He urged the court to discharge the first accused person. The court dismissed the objection.

Addressing journalists after the adjournment, Rivers State Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Emmanuel Aguma (SAN) said he expects the case to be heard expeditiously.

He said that no party in the case is entitled to more than three adjournments in the course of the hearing.

He said one of the reasons for the adjournment on Friday was for Ifeanyi Dike to get medical attention.

Secretary of the International Federation of Female Lawyers, FIDA, Barrister Nnenna Igbokwe expressed confidence that justice will be achieved on the matter now that trial has commenced.

Abiola’s Youngest Son Challenges Brothers Over Father’s Properties

The late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, MKO.

The youngest son of the late MKO Abiola, Abdul Mumuni Abiola, has accused his elder brothers, especially Kola Abiola, of playing God over their father’s properties.

In a statement, Mumuni also accused his seniors of allowing their father’s houses and investments to rot without doing anything about them.

“I want my brothers, Kola, Deji, and Agboola to stop playing god with our father’s properties and abandoned projects and investments,” Mumuni said.

“I, my brothers and sisters totalling 40 children of Abiola are not fighting with them. We don’t have a bone to pick with them. But we need to step out of the past and of our father’s shadow.

“Kola, Deji and Agboola have been peddling lies in the media about my efforts to bring about changes to the dwindling fortunes of the Abiola family.

“I am ashamed just like my other brothers and sister to see that after MKO Abiola’s death, many of his legacies appear to be in shambles. No, it shouldn’t be like that. That is not what MKO Abiola stood for while he was alive.”

He pleaded with Nigerians to caution Kola against harassing him with the police.

He said his decision to renovate his father’s property is not for personal gains, but to restore the lost glory of the family’s name.

He added that he had waited patiently for 18 years, saying he had had enough.

“I want the good people of Nigeria to prevail on Kola and his cohorts to stop using the police to harass me or those who are working with me to restore the lost glory of the Abiola family,” he said.

“Every effort I have been making to renovate my father’s properties is not self-driven. It is for all my siblings and for the name of Chief MKO Abiola not to be dragged through the mud.

“Why should some people be sending thugs and miscreants after me and those working with me to renovate MKO Abiola’s properties?

“Why should that be? Do we have to wash our dirty linen in the public? Why should only a select few of Abiola’s children sit on our father’s properties? I am not even asking them to give me and my other siblings a share of the money-spinning companies of my father that they sit on.

“Our humble request is that they should allow me and my other siblings who are interested in renovating Abiola’s derelict properties. I have been painstakingly patient for 18 years. Enough is enough.I am also informing the public that my life is in danger. I don’t feel safe any longer. If anything should happen to me or my siblings, Kola and his cohorts should be held responsible. I love life but I will not sit down cowardly.”

Kemi Olunloyo Regains Freedom

Kemi Olunloyo

Nigeria’s controversial journalist, Kemi Olunloyo who has been behind bars and locked up in Port-Harcourt Maximum Prison, has regained freedom.

Kemi was set free after spending 90 days in the holding facility. Read her post:

“#BREAKING I have been released from Port Harcourt maximum prison for the third time in 12 months. To the Federal government of Nigeria, pls decongest #PHMax. Our young #Igbo #Ogoni #Ikwere#Calabar #AkwaIbom males are all LOCKED UP and not fed adequately. Many wasting away with skin and health problems. The Federal Ministry of Interior needs to intervene FAST! Special thanks to @areafada1 and #ourmumudondomovement which I helped launch @tvcconnect Dec 13th 2016.

Details in my upcoming book #StraightOuttaPHMax
Blogging my prison experience begins soon”

Davido’s Crew Members Attack Customs, Baggage Check Officials At Lagos Airport

Activities were temporarily halted this evening at the arrival section of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, following the unruly behaviour of some aides of the Nigerian musician, David Adeleke aka Davido.

Activities were temporarily halted this evening at the arrival section of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, following the unruly behaviour of some aides of the Nigerian musician, David Adeleke aka Davido.

One of the aides of Davido whose name was simply given as "Kayode" a became upset and beat up an official at the airport who asked him to produce his baggage tags at the airport today, later beat up officials of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Aviation Security (AVSEC), a department under the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and a staff of Checkport over an attempt to check the tags on the checked luggage of Davido on an Emirates flight.

It was gathered that Davido who had arrived the country through an Emirates flight around 5 pm, had 17 checked luggage, which the aides refused to allow the officials of the Checkport verify with the attached tags.

DavidoCrisis broke out when a Checkport staff at the airport attempted to verify some of the checked luggage with the attached tags, but, rather than allow the staff to carry out his official duty, the aide (Kayode) insisted that he would not allow him to verify the luggage, which after much arguments and insistence, led to fisticuffs.

Kayode punched the Checkport staff on the face, which attracted other security officials at the terminal who immediately attempted to arrest the aide.

But, rather than obey, he resisted arrest and pummelled another airport staff at the baggage claim area.

When he seemed uncontrollable, the security officials mobilized and forced him to a restricted area within the terminal known as "tango city." Tango City is a place where touts and unruly persons are detained within the terminal before being transferred to a police station for further a possible interrogation and possible prosecution.

At Tango City, the aide allegedly continued his attacks on security officials by hitting a female AVSEC official who was taking notes of the incident in the tummy and later pushed another Customs personnel who landed awkwardly and cut his wrist in the industrial fan in the area.

As all these were going on, Davido was aware of the on-going crisis inside the terminal ran to hide in a car outside the terminal where he awaited the release of his aides and luggage in vain having mobilized some officials with cash to take care of the problem. 

An eyewitness told our correspondent that the entire 17 luggage belonging to Davido are yet to be released to him and information gathered indicated that one of the luggage might contain a huge sum of cash in foreign currencies.

As at the time of filing in this report, it was not clear if the aide had been transferred to the State CID as threatened by the security officials, but it can be established that the luggage are still being withheld by  airport security officials.

The eyewitness said: “Whenever Davido arrives the airport, he usually leave his check-in luggage for his aides to clear. Immediately he arrives on a flight, he goes out and will start doling out money outside the terminal.

“Today, he arrived as usual with several luggage and about 17 in all. The rule is that whenever you arrive, you are expected to release your tags to the Checkport staff for confirmation and verification, but rather than comply with the simple rule, one of his aides insisted he won’t allow them to check the tags.

“He rebuffed everyone who were carrying out their lawful duties and resorted to attack the officials. No fewer than four officials were beaten by the person in question with at least two of them soaked in blood.

“When he was uncontrollable, he was bundled into the cell and he insisted that he must be taken to a police station. This however, attracted Davido’s attention who was already out of the terminal. He had to return, but the security officials refused to hand over the luggage to him. One of the luggage we even gathered contained some money in foreign currencies.” 

Edo Police Rescue 3 Abducted Reverend Sisters, Others

One of the Reverend Sisters

The State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Johnson Kokumo, who made the disclosure in Benin, disclosed that the Sisters were rescued during an operation by policemen from the Command.

Kokumo said that while the abductors fled on sighting the security operatives, the victims were taken to a secure health facility for medical attention.

“Police operatives closed in on the dare-devil kidnappers and they had no other option than to release the Reverend Sisters,” Kokumo said.

It was gathered that one of the victims, Veronica Ajayi, was released at about 6pm on Saturday, while the other five were released before 12 am on Sunday.

Confirming the release of the Reverend Sisters, the Superior-General of the Catholic Convent, Sister Agatha Osarekhoe, said that the sisters returned unhurt.

Osarekhoe stated, “We are happy; to God be the glory! One (Ajayi) was released Saturday 6th January and the others were also released.

“They are fine are fine. They are receiving some medical checkup in a hospital.”

Recall that the unknown gunmen stormed the residence of the sisters in Iguoriakhi, Ovia South-West Local Government Area of the state on November 13, and took them away in a waiting speedboat.

The kidnappers were said to have later demanded a ransom of N20 million.

But the Superior-General disclosed that no ransom was paid, even as she said that the police did their best to ensure that the sisters regained their freedom.

She said “No ransom was paid. Well, we know that they (police) did their best because they are aware.

“They had to do their work, so the police were aware. The most important thing is that our sisters are out.”

She further said that the three females would be reunited with their families later.

Osarekhoe said, “Certainly, they are supposed to be reunited with their families after some period of time. But with this experience, we will just get them settled down and then know what to.

“Their families have been anxious. So, we will get the sisters to speak with them (families).”

Championship Side Eliminate FA Cup Holders Arsenal

Dejected Wenger

English FA Cup holders Arsenal were stunned 4-2 by second-tier Nottingham Forest in the third round on Sunday.

Eric Lichaj scored twice for the hosts either side of a Per Mertesacker equaliser to give Forest a 2-1 half-time lead.

Ben Brereton, one of seven players aged 23 or under in the Forest side, made it 3-1 from the penalty spot in the 64th minute.

Danny Welbeck took advantage of an error to pull a goal back for Arsenal with 12 minutes left but Forest were awarded another penalty kick which Kieran Dowell converted.

It is the first time Arsenal have lost in the third round since 1996 and the first time since Arsene Wenger took over.

Wenger, serving the first of a three-match touchline ban, was forced to watch from the stands as Forest tore through his four-man Arsenal defence from the off.

Mertesacker’s last appearance in the FA Cup had seen him snuff out Diego Costa as Arsenal won the 2016/2017 final in May.

But this time he was being left hopeless by 18-year-old Brereton.

Wenger, in his post-match reaction, noted that his team’s performance was not good enough.

“We played a very good Forest team who were sharp and focused. The challenges were decisive. Overall, our performance wasn’t good enough.

“We have many players on the edge and we play again on Wednesday. When you don’t win, the selection is always questioned.

“I believe we had an experienced team — eight or nine internationals. It would be easy to think that was the problem.

“When you’re against a team like that, they’re very difficult to beat. Defensively you cannot afford the mistakes we made,” he said.

On being banned from the touchline Wenger said: “It was very frustrating and unfortunately it was a case on top of that of seeing the team lose.”

Gary Brazil, Nottingham Forest’s caretaker manager, in his post-match reaction said his team deserved to beat the Cup holders.

He added that the club’s goal was to strive to be in the English Premier League.

“This has got to be something we build on. This football club should be playing against the Arsenals of this world, and they should be beating them.

“These fans deserve to be watching Premier League teams and that’s what we’ve got to drive towards,” he said.

In other FA Cup matches played earlier, Harry Kane scored twice in two second-half minutes as Tottenham broke AFC Wimbledon’s resistance to beat the League One side 3-0.

Defender Jan Vertonghen made it 3-0 in the 71st minute with a deflected long-range strike for his first goal since October 2013, and for his team to reach the fourth round.

Also, Shrewsbury Town held Premier League side West Ham to a goalless draw at Montgomery Waters Meadow.

The hosts, who are second in League One, dominated for large parts of the game but were unable to find the winner, while West Ham could only register two shots on target.

Federal Govt. Reveals Plan To Empower Libya Returnees

: Nigerian returnees from Libya

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama, on Sunday in Port Harcourt said that the Federal Government would rehabilitate and empower 490 Nigerians evacuated from Libya.

The minister gave the assurance on the arrival of the returnees at Port Harcourt Airport in Rivers.

He said that President Muhammadu Buhari had made resources available to ensure that returnees were evacuated as quickly as possible and enable them fit back into the society.

“The president had made provisions for every logistics to make sure that we bring you back from Libya,” he said.

He said he was accompanied by officials from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Director General, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

Onyeama said officials who accompanied him included the Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service and Senior Special Adviser to the President On Diaspora to ensure the evacuation of the returnees.

He said: “We negotiated with Libyan Government to make sure that you are here; we know that many of you were trafficked and passed through humiliation.

“We are proud of you, you maintained your dignity despite all odds, we hope that  one thing that you have learnt is that your life matters to Mr President and all Nigerians.

“You have come home; you will not be abandoned; there is a place and provision for you to be rehabilitated and be educated; we will also train you on skills to be empowered in your country.”

Also speaking, the Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service, Mr Muhammad Babandede, said that Nigerians have the right to travel to any part of the world.

Babandede also stated that there were citizens of Nigeria who had good jobs and papers in Libya.

“There are Nigerians who have genuine papers in Libya. Not all Nigerians were in detention or in the camp.

“So many of them have good jobs, so let Nigerians not think that Nigerians are committing crimes in Libya,” he said.

According to Babandede, the Libyan Government renewed the passports of Nigerians doing good jobs in that country after negotiating with the Nigerian Government.

He also urged Nigerians to travel through legal means to any country of their choice.

Mr Kenneth Kobani, the Secretary to the River State Government, also commended President Buhari for his effort to ensure that the suffering of Nigerians in Libya would come to an end.

Kobani, who represented Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers, said that the State Government would collaborate with the Federal Government to rehabilitate and empower the returnees.