Senate: New Twists Place PDP In Driving Seat

By Fred Itua, Abuja

AT last, the trial of the Senate president, Dr. Bukola Saraki by the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), over his alleged under-declaration of assets when he held sway as governor of Kwara State between 2003 and 2011, has commenced. Although it is still too early to predict where the pendulum will shift to at the end of the trial, interest groups are already aligning and plotting on how to succeed the embattled Senate President in the event that he is convicted by the tribunal.

Lagos To Eradicate Motorcycles, Danfo –investigation

Lagos State government may soon phase out commercial motorcycles popularly known as okada the ‘yellow’ buses otherwise called as ‘Danfo,’ according to investigation. The move, impeccable sources in the state Governor’s Office said, was meant to bring sanity into the transportation sector, beginning from eradication of the operation of the commercial motorcycles in every nook and cranny of Lagos.

Nigerian Army Demotes Enitan Ransome-Kuti, Late Fela’s Nephew

Quashes prison sentence
Senator Iroegbu in Abuja
The Army Council has commuted the dismissal of Brig-Gen. Enitan Ransome-Kuti to a demotion to the rank of colonel with four years seniority.

It also quashed his six months imprisonment with immediate effect from October 15, 2015.
This decision was contained in a circular obtained by THISDAY wednesday dated March 1, 2016 and signed by Col. O. N. Taiwo on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

Nigeria Has At Least 770 Billionaires.

Despite the fall of the naira and plunge in crude oil prices, Nigeria still boasts least 770 naira-billionaires whose wealth is valued above $10 million (N1.98 billion) each.
The economy of the nation, though, has taken a toll on the number of billionaires, with about 50 billionaires dropping off the list in 2015.
According to the revered Knight Frank wealth report 2015 obtained by TheCable on Wednesday – with contributions from Nigerian billionaire, Tony Elumelu – Nigeria’s billionaires are expected to rise to 1,080 by 2025.
The report says over 15,400 dollar-millionaires were from Africa’s largest economy in 2015, falling by 16,400 people in 2014 and 5,500 in 2005.

Ambode Reacts To The Kidnap Of Babington Macaulay Students, Ikorodu

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has said his administration will spare no effort to ensure the safe release of the three female students of Babington Macaulay Junior Seminary School in Ikorodu area of the state, who were kidnapped by a group of armed gang on Monday evening. Ambode, in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, condemned the unfortunate incident, just as he assured that the Police and other security operatives have swung into action, with useful leads and with an unwavering determination to track down the perpetrators of the act and ensure the safe return of the girls.

EFCC seeks court's order to seize all Tompolo's properties until he appears

IN THE FEDERAL HIGH COURT

IN THE LAGOS JUDICIAL DIVISION

HOLDEN AT LAGOS

CHARGE NO: FHC/L/553C/2015

BETWEEN:

THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA               ……COMPLAINANT/APPLICANT

AND

Arms Deal Trial: Dasuki Gave PDP N10b For Presidential Convention –Witness

…Gives details on how Metuh shared money to Anenih, Kema Chikwe, others
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja was yesterday told how former National Security Adviser (NSA) Col. Sambo Dasuki withdrew the sum of N10 billion from the Central Bank of Nigeria and shared same to chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the purpose of the party’s presidential convention.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) also told the court how the sum of N766million, representing N400million and N366million paid into the party’s National Publicity, Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh’s Destra company was shared.

Metuh Kept N50m Of Dasuki’s N400m For Himself, Says Witness

Olisa Metuh, spokesman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), took N50m out of the N400m given to him by Sambo Dasuki, former national security adviser (NSA) , diverting the money, which was meant for “security services”to personal use. Junaid Sa’id, a detective at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), made the claim on Tuesday at the resumed court trial of the PDP spokesman.

Gated Streets: Lagos State Government Reads Riot Act To Residents’ Associations

…Issues 7-Day Ultimatum To Defaulting Streets

…Says Barricades Only Allowed Between 12 Mid-night And 5am

Worried by the disturbing trend of closure of street gates across the State, the Lagos State Government on Monday ordered immediate re-opening of all street gates and barricades in the nook and cranny of the State between 5am and 12 mid-night daily, just as it warned that defaulting streets would have their gates pulled down within the next seven days.

The State Government also ordered that all street gates and barricades are now only permitted to be locked between 12 mid-night and 5am, besides such locked gates must be manned by security guards within the period under lock and key in case of emergencies.

$2.1 Billion Arms Scandal: Angry Olisa Metuh Tears Statement He Made To EFCC

The embattled spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party on Tuesday tore a statement he voluntarily made to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission regarding his alleged involvement in the $2.1billion arms fraud being investigated by the anti-graft agency.
Those familiar with the matter told PREMIUM TIMES Mr. Metuh tore the statement after it was presented to him by the investigating officer for endorsement, as part of preparations for his prosecution.

Oshodi Market Demolition - Traders Reject Alternative - VANGUARD

January 08, 2016

By Monsur Olowoopejo

Lagos—

Traders from the demolished Owonifari electronic Market, Oshodi yesterday rejected the Lagos State Government’s plans to relocate them to Oshodi Resettlement Market (former Isopakodowo market), citing structural instability and several spiritual activities associated with the structure as their reason for the rejection.

They added that the available space in the market cannot accommodate them.

How I Will Solve Power, Roads, Housing Problems – Fashola

Babatunde Fashola, Minister of Power, Works and Housing has outlined how he intends to tackle the problem of power, roads and housing in Nigeria.
The former Lagos governor, who recognised the Permanent Secretaries under his ministry as key players to the success of his plans, urged Nigerians to support him in achieving his goals.
Read his full statement below:

“SETTING THE AGENDA FOR DELIVERING CHANGE” BEING TEXT OF THE INAUGURAL MEDIA BRIEFING OF THE FEDERAL MINISTRY OF POWER, WORKS AND HOUSING.

It is no longer news that the Federal Executive Council, the highest executive decision making organ of the Federal Government of Nigeria has now been inaugurated.

AFTER ONITSHA MAYHEM: Pro-Biafra Activists In Fresh Mobilisation Leaders bitterly divided

Protesters threaten national security — Defence Headquarters
THE business community of Onitsha, Anambra State has started recovering from the effect of last week’s pro-Biafra violent protests that left nine people dead and property worth millions of naira destroyed. After the Wednesday’s mayhem in the city and the subsequent dismantling of the barricade used by the protesters to block the Bridge Head and other entry points in Onitsha,indication emerged that members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, were regrouping on Thursday to begin another round of violent demonstration.

NIMASA Ex-Boss, Others Granted Stringent Bail Conditions

LAGOS—The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, yesterday, arraigned former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Patrick Akpobolokemi, alongside nine others before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos over allegation of theft of N3.4billion.
Akpobolokemi was arraigned alongside Captain Ezekiel Agaba, Ekene Nwakuche, Felix Bob-Nabena, Captain Warredi Enisuoh, Governor Juan, Ugo Fredrick, Timi Alari and two companies, Al-Kenzo Limited and Peniel Engineering Services Limited.

SSS Disobeys Court Order, Ejects Ex-DG, Kayode Are, From Lagos Home

Operatives of the State Security Service on Wednesday stormed the Lagos residence of one of its former Director Generals, Kayode Are, ejecting his family and throwing out his properties.
“They are right here in my house,” a distraught Mr. Are told PREMIUM TIMES on telephone. “They have pulled down the doors, chased my family away and are throwing out our properties. They are not even giving us time to remove our things.”
The secret police took the action despite a court injunction served on it Tuesday barring it from ejecting Mr. Are from his Ikoyi home.

BIAFRA: Ohanaeze To Meet With Protesting Youths

South-East govs to meet in Enugu, Friday Protests continue in Port Harcourt, cause gridlock
Opportunity to restructure Nigeria –Ohanaeze youths ….Igbo leaders agree —Ikokwu
WORRIED by the increasing and dangerous dimension that the pro-Republic of Biafra protests are assuming, the umbrella body of Igbo socio-cultural organizations, Ohanaeze Ndigbo will meet with leaders of the protesting groups soon.

Dele Giwa’s Murder: Soyinka Replies Ex-Police DIG, Omeben

A former London Bureau chief of Newswatch, Kayode Soyinka, who was present when Dele Giwa, the co-founder of the magazine was bombed to death in 1986, has reacted to recent claims by a retired police investigator that Mr. Soyinka fled after the attack and was never questioned.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, published Monday, Chris Omeben, a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, who was in charge of investigating the murder, said Mr. Soyinka was shielded from being quizzed.

Mr. Giwa was killed through a letter bomb while having breakfast with Mr. Soyinka in Lagos.
Mr. Omeben, now 80, said Mr. Soyinka was the principal suspect in the attack, and wondered how he survived the powerful blast when he was in the same room.
He said Mr. Soyinka apparently left the scene shortly before the explosion. Mr. Omeben subtly faulted widespread accusations against the then military regime of Ibrahim Babangida, which many blame for the killing.

One stabbed as armed robbers rob motorists in Lagos traffic

One man was stabbed during an armed robbery incident along the Costain-Eko bridge yesterday night. Motorists who were in traffic as they returned from work were robbed of their valuables by robbers who were armed with pistols, hammers, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons. The robbers smashed the glasses of motorists and demanded for their phones, bags and other valuables. In some cases, the motorists were the ones who had to wind down their car windows and hand over their belongings so that there cars will not destroyed. Also at Oshodi yesterday night, a lady was robbed of her belongings by some hoodlums. The spate of armed robbers attacking motorist in Lagos has increased in recent times. Please the government needs to work on the security of our lives and property.

Photos: EFCC arraigns former Adamawa Commissioner for N20m Land Fraud

A former Adamawa State Commissioner for Finance and Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, John Elias, was yesterday October 22nd arraigned before Justice B.B Aliyu of Federal High Court Yola, Adamawa State over a N20 million fraud. A statement from EFCC states that Elias allegedly sold and appropriated some properties, which are under interim forfeiture to the Federal Government.
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EXCLUSIVE: Inside The Code Of Conduct Bureau’s Investigative Report That Nailed Saraki

A verification report prepared by the Code of Conduct Bureau in July 2006 is key to the ongoing prosecution of the President of the Nigerian Senate, Bukola Saraki, for corruption and false declaration of assets, PREMIUM TIMES can authoritatively report today.
The report, which was a product of a detailed verification of the assets he declared when he assumed duties as governor of Kwara State in 2003, specifically accused him of giving the Bureau false information on the status of some of his properties in Lagos and Abuja.