Saraki Presides Over Plenary Session

ABUJA- SENATE President Bukola Saraki is at the moment presiding over today’s Senate plenary session. Senate President Saraki came into the chambers at 10.48am and the session took off immediately with the opening prayer. The Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Danladi Umar at the resumed trial of Senate President Saraki had directed yesterday that his trial would henceforth proceed day to day from yesterday until the conclusion of the case. According to Umar, his decision to conduct the trial day to day was in line with the provisions of section 396(6) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, just as he said that the trial will begin 10am and end 6pm everyday. Saraki yesterday said that his trial would not disturb Senate proceedings. Senate President Bukola Saraki is currently facing trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT following a 13- count charge levelled against him by the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB, bordering on alleged corruption and false declaration of assets.

We’re vindicated, Fayose collected roads refund- APC

Kamarudeen Ogundele, Ado Ekiti
The All Progressives Congress in Ekiti State has said that truth has emerged on its claim that Governor Ayodele Fayose had collected refund on federal roads executed by former Governor Kayode Fayemi.
The party said revelations by a former state Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dr Tope Aluko, on live programme on Adaba FM radio based in Akure last week Wednesday were testimonies to the claim.

Doctors, nurses quarantined, as Lassa fever kills patient ‎at UBTH

Alexander Okere, Benin
A patient at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Edo State, has reportedly died of Lassa fever.
It was learnt that the patient, said to be a male whose identity could not be ascertained, died at the Intensive Care Unit of the hospital, after a surgery.
Our correspondent also gathered that all ‎the doctors, nurses and other auxiliary staff, who had contact with him at the theatre and ICU have been quarantined and closely monitored for symptoms of the hemorrhagic disease in the hospital.

Cct Trial: Efcc Witness Admits Saraki Was Charged Without Petition

A prosecution witness, Micheal Wetkas, a detective from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC),‎ has revealed that the trial of the Senate president, Dr Bukola Saraki, by the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) did not emanate from any petition against the Senate president.

Saraki is being tried before the tribunal by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) over alleged false assets declaration.

During the proceedings of the tribunal yesterday, Mr Wetkas, under cross examination by Saraki’s lead counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN), told the Tribunal that he filed the charge against the Senate president on September 14, 2015, while the witness’ report, which forms part of proof of evidence, was filed on October 30, 2015.

Biodun Olujimi Admits To Buying Votes In Leaked Text Message

•’Fayose’s letter amounts to sabotage’

House of Representatives Majority leader Femi Gbajabiamila has described Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose as a meddlesome interloper following the letter he wrote to Chinese President Xi Jinping on the alleged $6 billion loan sought by Nigeria from China.

In a letter to the Chinese leader yesterday, Gbajabiamila said Fayose ignorantly overreached himself and wilfully breached the constitution by failing to defend the oath he swore to.

NJC Sacks Gbaja-Biamila And Idris Evuti

…orders deduction of their salaries from June 2015

‎By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

ABUJA – The National Judicial Council, NJC, on Tuesday, sacked Justice O. Gbaja-Biamila of the Lagos State High Court and Justice Idris M. J. Evuti of the Niger State High Court.

‎Aside recommending their compulsory retirement, NJC, said it has in exercise of its power under Paragraph 21 Sub-Paragraph (d) of the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, suspended the two Justices  from office with immediate effect. The council which is headed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, said it took the decision at the end of a meeting it held on April 13 and 14.

Boko Haram Ambushes Victor Ezugwu's Convoy - Premium Time

Suspected boko haram insurgents on Tuesday ambushed the convoy of the Acting General Officer Commanding, GOC, 7 Division, the Nigerian Army has said.

The Army spokesperson, Sani Usman, said in a statement that “the leading elements of the Acting General Officer Commanding, GOC, 7 Division Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Victor Ezugwu’s leading convoy was about 8.30am on Tuesday morning ambushed by suspected Boko Haram terrorists enroute to visit troops in Bama, Borno state, north east Nigeria”.

Biodun Olujimi Admits To Buying Votes In Leaked Text Message

Last week, online news medium Sahara Reporters published the numbers of Nigerian senators so that the citizens can socialise with them. Since then, Nigerians have been bombarding the distinguished senators with texts and calls, and in the process interesting revelations are coming to light as citizens interact with them outside the campaign arena. A Nigerian senator has just allegedly admitted that she paid money for the votes that elected her into the National Assembly. Senator Abiodun Olujimi, who was Governor Ayodele Fayose’s deputy from 2003 to October 16, 2006 and is currently representing Ekiti South senatorial district made this admission in a text message the senator sent a tweeter who contacted her. People used a caller ID app to check the number out and confirmed that the number was authentic and genuinely belonged to senator Olujimi. Read the full confession below

$2.1bn arms deal fraud: Dasuki loses bid to stop ongoing trial

The Federal High Court, Abuja has dismissed an application by embattled former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, to stop his trial in the $2.1 billion arms deal fraud. Delivering judgement in the suit filed by Dasuki against the Federal government today April 19th, the presiding judge, Justice Ademola Adebiyi, ruled that Dasuki's trial must continue. The judge said Dasuki had not followed the proper process of filing a contempt charge against the federal government. According to Justice Adebiyi, it was out of place for a defendant in a suit to ask that charges against him be dropped for unweighty reasons. He therefore dismissed the former NSA’s application to stop his trial. Dasuki had filed the application to stop his trial on the grounds that the federal government lacked moral and legal rights to continue his trial after it had disobeyed order of bail granted him since Nov 3rd 2015. Meanwhile, an Abuja High Court has fixed May 3rd for Dasuki's trial on charges of diverting funds meant for the purchase of arms for soldiers fighting Boko Haram.

Soldier dies after Boko Haram lays seige on acting General Officer commanding 7 division

One soldier was killed while 2 others were injured after Boko Haram members laid an ambush for the leading elements of the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC), 7 Division Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Victor Ezugwu’s (pictured above) convoy which was enroute Bama for a visit the troops. After a gun battle, the soldiers were able to clear the ambush, killing some of the terrorists and recovered vehicles and weapons from them. The recovered items include a Toyota Hilux vehicle, 2 AK-47 rifles and several ammunitions. The Acting GOC has continued his operational visit to Bama, while the body of the late soldier and the wounded have been evacuated to Maiduguri. The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai has also spoken with the GOC.

Distribution Of Exotic Vehicles Divides Senators

April 18, 2016
Sunday Aborisade, Abuja

The secret distribution of the first batch of the brand new 108 Sport Utility Vehicles to 36 senators last Thursday has started generating tension and ill-feelings among members of the upper chamber.

Investigations by our correspondent revealed that each senator from the 36 states had collected the keys to the Land Cruiser jeeps.

A senator who craved anonymity, confided in our correspondent on Sunday, that only identified members of the pro-Saraki’s Like Minds Senators were favoured in the distribution of the vehicles.

Lawyers To Sue NASS On CCB/CCT Amendment Bill

Some lawyers in Lagos on Monday threatened to sue the Senate on the ongoing moves to amend the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act 2004.

The lawyers said embarking on such an amendment at a time when the Senate President was being tried by the tribunal was in bad faith.

Mr Tope Alabi, a human rights lawyer, said the Upper Chamber has the constitutional duty to legislate for the country, but that the motive for making the law must be right.

“The Senate has the constitutional power to amend any law but the motive must be right and for the good of the country,’’ he said

NNPC Staff Abducted By Gunmen In Kaduna(photo)

A staff of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), identified as Yusuf Abdulkadir has been reportedly abducted by unknown gunmen in Kaduna.
Abdulkadir, who is a staff in the NNPC Abuja office was said to have been abducted on Saturday at his residence in Rigachiku, Igabi local government area of Kaduna State.

It was gathered that the incident occurred at about 10pm on Saturday when he was whisked away to an unknown destination.

Herdsmen, Farmers Clash: Buhari Deploys Troops To Restive Communities

President Muhammadu Buhari, has ordered the deployment of troops to stop frequent clashes in states between Fulani herdsmen and farmers.

For now, the troops have only been to Agatu local government in Benue State.

Fulani herdsmen and farmers’ clash in Agatu has seen some communities completely wiped out while others, who managed to escape, are now living in Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps.

His Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, who spoke ‎on Channels Television’s breakfast programme, Sunrise Daily yesterday, said the deployment was part of measures to end conflicts that had claimed several lives as well as affected farming activities in the states.

EFCC Arraigns American For $2.3m Visa Scam (picture of the American Scammer)

Eniola Akinkuotu, Abuja

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arraigned an American businessman, Marco Ramirez, alongside his companies — Eagle Ford Instalodge Group LP and USA Now LLC — on eight counts bordering on obtaining money by false pretences to the tune of $2.3m.

Ramirez was arraigned before Justice Peter Affen of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, sitting in Maitama on Monday, according to a statement by the EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren.

According to the complainants, Prince Ejikeme Mgbemena and Frank Egbon, the suspect allegedly promised them that he would invest the money under the Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Based Fifth Preference (EB-5).

2016 Budget Row: NASS Softpedals, Reaches Truce With Presidency

ABUJA—After a week long face-off between the Presidency and the National Assembly, indications emerged, last night, that the lawmakers had soft-pedaled on their tough stance by accepting to review the budget.


Vanguard learned that the change of heart by the legislators, who had earlier threatened to veto the President on the matter, followed series of rapprochement between the Presidency and the top echelon of the NASS since the return of President Muhammadu Buhari from China.

NLC To Senators: Return Exotic Cars Or Face The Wrath Of Nigerians

The Nigeria Labour Congress has called on senators who benefited from a recent purchase of 108 brand new Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles by the Senate to immediately return same or face the wrath of the Nigerian people.

The union described the purchase, coming at a time the country is enduring excruciating financial crisis, as a crime against the people.
Reports said senators have started taking delivery of the new Sports Utility Vehicles, SUVs, since last week at the rate of N35.1 million per unit.

Senate Committee Summons Danladi Umar

Panel: you must appear on Thurs

I won’t come, says Judge

‘My trial won’t disturb Senate’

Senators may have set the stage for a major confrontation between them and the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) over Senate President Bukola Saraki’s trial for alleged falsification of assets.

The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions yesterday summoned CCT Chairman Justice Danladi Umar over allegations of corruption against him.

The invitation, coming on a day Justice Umar said Saraki’s trial will run daily,  appeared a new twist to the matter.

Ikpeazu Borrowed N24bn In 11 Months

UMUAHIA— GOVERNOR Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State has borrowed a total of N24 billion since he assumed office 11 months ago.


Ikpeazu
This was made up of a N14.1 billion bail-out fund and another N10 billion which government sources said was for infrastructural development.

Meanwhile, the Abia State Government has said that its debt profile was not up to N78 billion as reported by the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, which also placed the state as the 5th highest indebted states in the country.

Saraki Desperate To Return – PDP

The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Kwara State Chapter, Iyiola Oyedepo has alleged that the Senate President, Bukola Saraki is desperate to return to his former party where he served as a governor for eight years.
Oyedepo while speaking with some party leaders from the 16 local government areas of the state in Ilorin, the state capital on Monday said the All Progressives Congress, APC, was out to render Saraki “politically Unclad.”

He said, “The senate president is about to be made Unclad by the APC. APC is in disarray and he is about to be made politically Unclad.

A Housemaster Injures SS3 Student In Ogun State(graphic Photos)

Read what a Trezzy Blog reader sent below.....
Hello, my name Adebola and I am writing this story on behalf of my brother who is a SS3 student at APOSTOLIC FAITH SECONDARY SCHOOL, ADATAN, ABEOKUTA. This incident happened on the 15th of April, 2016 at about 11pm. The normal time for light out in the school is 10pm but due to the ongoing WAEC exams the school authorizes that light out be moved to 11pm to unable the students read for an extra hour.

Pregnant Woman Dies In An Accident On Zamfara Road ( Graphic Photos)

According to Rariya, An Hausa News page, Actually it was written in hausa but translated to english Captioned "A pregnant woman and a driver died after their car, a Honda Civic with registration number AH 836 FTA was involved in a fatal crash. A little girl who was also in the car survived the crash See graphic photo below

Fulani Herdsmen Kidnap Ogbobe Stephen, Enugu Auditor, Demand N5m Ransom

By Chinenyeh Ozor

Tension has pervaded Uzo-Uwani local government area of Enugu state, following the abduction of an Enugu state auditor over the weekend by Fulani herdsmen along Nsukka-Adani express road. The abductors have demanded N5 million as ransom for his release.

Vanguard gathered that the state auditor identified simply as Ogbobe Stephen who hailed from Ukpabi Nimbo in Uzo-Uwani LGA, had gone home in company of six others for a town hall meeting of the community, only to be kidnapped by herdsmen on his way back to Nsukka after the meeting.

Oshodi Thugs Beat Lagos KAI Officials Blue Black (photos)

 Uneasy uproar surfaced in the Oshodi part of Lagos few mins ago when notorious oshodi thugs and bus conductors unleashed terror on the Lagos State KAI (Kick Against Indiscipline) Officials Naijanewsrave.com correspondent asked one of the touts who pleaded anonymous what ensued between the motor park clan and the KAI officials He said; I was sitting on my own when I heard noise, when I got there, I saw one of the KAI officials grabbing one of our boys by the neck. He didn't like it so he retaliated. When our boss got there, he told the KAI official to leave him but he ignored him that was why we unleashed terror on them However, before we left the place, the two parties were able to reach a reluctant concord before the KAI officials left angrily Will they be back with more armed police officers? We promise to keep you abreast as our correspondent will be updating us live from the park

EFCC Arraigns Tompolo In Absentia

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Monday arraigned a former Niger Delta militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, in absentia on 22 counts of fraud amounting to N47.6bn.

Also arraigned in absentia in relation to the alleged fraud were six brothers of a former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime and Safety Agency, Patrick Akpobolokemi – Igo, Julius, Victor, Norbert, Emmanuel and Clement.

Tompolo, Igo, Julius, Victor, Norbert, Emmanuel and Clement were declared as being “now at large” when the charges were read before a Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday.