Juliana Francis Blog: June 2015

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Visa Scam: EFCC Arrests Two VIP Express Tourism Staff

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has rounded up two officials of the VIP Express Tourism Limited, a travel agency that is alleged to have swindled hundreds of Nigerians to the tune of N70million. The two officials, Banabas Magi, Accountant, and Owoseli Samuel, General Manager, were picked up on Monday, June 29, 2015 and are currently being detained by the Commission.

Alanza

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC will on September 15, 2015 re-arraign Julius Ola Peters, Emeka Iloegbunam, Ijeoma David Alanza, Jonathan Wallang and Dinijocs Nigeria Limited before Justice Ishaq U. Bello of Federal Capital Territory High Court Maitama on a twelve count charge bordering on forgery and obtaining money under false pretences to the tune of N207, 000, 000,000 (two hundred and seven billion naira).

Pension Scam: Court Rejects Plea Bargain

Justice Abubakar Talba of the Federal Capital Territory High Court today rejected a plea bargain proposal mooted by persons accused of complicity in stealing pension funds.

The family of a British woman who fled to join Islamic State in Syria have said they are 'sickened' by a poem she wrote praising the massacre in Tunisia and attacks in Kuwait and France.

One of the suspected killers of Prof Albert Ilemobade, former vice-chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Olayemi Bamitale, said they acted on the instruction of a herbalist.

Lagos food vendor kills man over N50 bread

A 28-year-old man, Ajayi Peters, aka Ajana, has been stabbed to death in the Yaba area of Lagos State after a disagreement over N50 loaf of bread.

Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Samuel Adegbuyi

The Edo State Police Command has arrested a police corporal for shooting two women to death during a funeral at Ivhiokhile quarters, Fugar, in the Etsako Central Local Government Area of the state.

A 70-year-old woman, Saratu Rahman, who committed suicide last Wednesday at Offa in Offa Local Government Area of Kwara State, claimed she took the step because God asked her to do so. “God asked me to commit suicide,” the woman, popularly called Iya Ogbomoso, said before she gave up the ghost.

N192m Fraud: EFCC Arraigns Ex-FCT Minister’s Aide, Others

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, June 29, 2015 arraigned Yau Mohammed Gital, Shuaibu Yakubu, Jibiril M. Tahir and Jibmir Ventures Nigeria Limited before Justice Abubakar Talba of the FCT High Court Gudu, Abuja, on a 10-count charge bordering on obtaining money under false pretence, conspiracy and forgery to the tune of N192,000,000.

I'm Liable to be Transferred- Sacked EFCC Staff, Ibekaku Tells Court

Hearing of an alleged case of wrongful dismissal brought against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, by one Juliet Ibekaku, a former assistant director, Legal and Prosecution, before Justice Babatunde A. Adejumo of the National Industrial Court, NIC, continued Monday, June 29, 2015 with Ibekaku telling the court that, the Commission has the power to transfer any of its employees for better performance.

Ikorodu bank robberies: Police to use seized machine guns for confrontation

*OC marine detained

Worried by the growing attacks on banks and determined to forestall further occurrences, the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Kayode Aderanti have teamed up and handed over four machine guns to operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Ikeja.

Davido in NDLEA trouble

We are investigating him, says agency

Multiple award winner and international act, Davido, is in trouble with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency over his new song/video titled ‘Fans mi.’

Jimoh and Kwenume

A Beninoise, Kwenume Ojo, aka Abiodun, has been arrested by men of the Lagos State Police Command for allegedly killing her husband, Jimoh Ojo, 32, in the Yaba area of the state.

Olomofe

A journalist, Otunba Yomi Olomofe, has disclosed that some hoodlums almost killed him at Seme, a border town between Nigeria and Republic of Benin.

One-year-old Opeyemi Yusuf was licking a lollipop, comfortably straddled to her grandma’s back en route to the market, when a bullet pierced through the back of their tricycle.

The Economic and Financial Crimes C o m m i s s i o n (EFCC) is set to invite some former governors for interrogation for alleged money laundering, embezzlement of public funds and abuse of public office, investigation has revealed.

The late Ilemobade

Domestic aides of former Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Prof Albert Ilemobade, have told the police how they sneaked into his bedroom at night and took his life.

DSS officials barred from ‘close protection’ of Buhari

Authorities of the Presidential Villa, Abuja have formally removed officials of the Department of State Services from spots where they can perform “close protection roles” for President Muhammadu Buhari.

Extradition: Court of Appeal Refuses Ex-MINT Boss, Okoyomon’s Bail

The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, on Friday, June 26, 2015 turned down the bail application of Emmanuel Okoyomon, a former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company, NSPM, whose extradition is being sought by the United Kingdom government over his alleged role in the bribery allegation involving officials of Central Bank of Nigeria , CBN, the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company, NSPM and Securency International Pty of Australia between 2006 and 2008.

‘Maggots crawled out from suspects’ injuries’

Nwankwo

Decked out in a black top and trouser, with a low cut hairstyle and tears cascading down her lovely, chubby cheeks, Mrs. Rita Okoro was the epitome of a woman in mourning. She wailed: “I weep every time I recall my family’s experience in the hands of operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Ikeja, Lagos State Police Command. This is exactly six months that my younger brother was arrested by SARS men. We don’t know whether he’s alive or dead! We just want an opportunity to speak with him. My heart bleeds for this country. I weep for the way cases are handled in this country.”

Fresh facts yesterday emerged about the Wednesday robbery attack on four banks at Ipakodo, Ebute-Ogolonto in Ikorodu area of Lagos State by a 19-man-gang. This came as the banks yesterday commenced repair works on the doors, walls and other sections destroyed by the robbers. Also yesterday, there was heavy presence of policemen around the affected banks.

Ex-Gov Sylva Faces Fresh Corruption Charges

The case involving a former governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva, who is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a fresh 50 count charge bordering on stealing and money laundering, came up for mention Thursday, June 25, 2015 before Justice A. F. Adeniyi of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

NDLEA arrests man for sponsoring drug couriers overseas

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), today said it has arrested a suspected drug baron who specializes in sponsoring drug couriers to China, Malaysia, Turkey, Italy and other foreign countries.

Onoja

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, today June 24, 2015 arraigned one Joseph Onoja Gabriel before Justice Lawal Akapo of the Lagos State High Court Ikeja on a 4-count charge bordering on conspiracy to defraud, personation, forgery and using false document.

The accused

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned Alhaji Yerima Suleiman and Mr. Uwem Essien Antia before Justice Lawal Akapo of a Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence and forgery.

Teenage girl leads four bank robberies, operates near police station for 2 hrs

*Police offer N5m reward for information on gang

A young lady today headed the robbery of four banks at the Ipakodo Ebute-Ogolonto area of Ikorodu, Lagos State, carting away millions of naira and inflicting gunshot injuries on many civilians. The banks are; Zenith bank, First bank and two Skye banks.

Police hunt killers of Lords Chosen Pastor

Homicide detectives attached to the Lagos State Police Command have started hunting for unknown gunmen who attacked and killed one of the pastors of the Lords Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministries Ijesha, Lagos.

Female teenagers arrested for pilfering gold

Three female teenagers have been arrested in Lagos for allegedly pilfering gold necklace valued at thousands of naira at the Ijanikin area of Lagos State.

Corporal killed as bandits kidnap expatriate

The police yesterday said it has arrested a member of the bandits that kidnapped an expatriate and killed a police corporal.

IGP 'de-mobs' 56 squadron commanders over corruption allegations

The Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase has de-mobbed no fewer than 56 squadron commanders of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) over corruption allegations.

Cultists snap man’s neck for asking lady for a dance

Two members of a gang of suspected cultists have been arrested for snapping a man’s neck and dumping his body inside a swimming pool after he asked one of their girlfriends for a dance.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday June 22, 2015 arraigned one Ifeanyi Ozoh before Justice B. O Quadri of the Federal High Court, Port-Harcourt, Rivers State on a two count charge bordering on fraud.

Police Pension Scam: Case Adjourned To July 24

The ongoing trial of the seven persons complicit in the N24billion fraud in the police pension office could not proceed today owing to various excuses by counsel representing some of the accused persons.

‘I prayed as the robber placed his gun against my cheek’

A mother of four has narrated how petrified she was when she woke up around 5am and discovered three gunmen in her one room apartment at Odunfa Street, Ebute-Meta, Lagos State.

Police officer held for shooting Road Safety officer

A policeman attached to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Ikeja, Lagos State Police Command has been arrested for shooting an official of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

The Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase has been urged to draft a team to investigate the shooting of a man by policemen attached to the Okigwe Police Station.

This request was made by the Network on Police Reforms in Nigeria (NOPRIN).

‘Obasanjo to be poisoned through drink’

The Media Aide to Senator Buruji Kashamu, Mr. Austin Oniyokor, yesterday insisted that the story flying about that a lady, posing as the daughter of former president Olusegun Obasanjo, approached Kashamu with the aim of getting payment to kill the ex-president, was not the true picture of what transpired.

Amuda

For allegedly committing adultery, a 25-year-old housewife in Lagos, Mrs Opeyemi Amuda, was subjected to a harrowing experience by her husband, Mr Solomon Ajisafe.

Sagay

The long delay in the prosecution of these former governors accused of corruption is certainly not the fault of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Osita shielding his face from camera

Justice Lawal Akapo of the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja on Monday June 22, 2015, convicted and sentenced one Emmanuel Osita (a.k.a Chuks) to three years imprisonment on a two count charge of obtaining money by false pretence.

‘Why I abandoned tiles business for cocaine trafficking in Brazil’

One of the ways for a businessman in Nigeria to grow and expand his enterprise is usually to travel overseas. Many of them usually come back with good fortune, but a good number has sorry tales to tell.

A man who has been convicted by two judges for dealing in cannabis, otherwise known as Indian hemp, has begged that he should be forgiven because of his wife and kids.

POLICE BEGIN PROMOTION EXERCISE FOR JUNIOR POLICE OFFICERS WITH HIGHER QUALIFICATIONS

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Solomon Arase has constituted a high-powered Committee to screen all junior police officers who have obtained higher educational qualifications for appointment into the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) and Inspectorate cadres.

Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, has told 14 foreigners, arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for illegal oil bunkering, that they have a case to answer and should be ready to face trial.

The vessel was intercepted by Nigerian Navy March 26 when its officers observed it was drifting on the ships radar with her Automatic identification System switched off, which is against the International Maritime Organization Regulation.

KASHAMU HAS A CASE TO ANSWER-POLICE

The attention of the Nigeria Police Force has been drawn to a publication on page 4 of the Leadership Newspaper of June 18, 2015, concerning the extradition battles of Prince Buruji Kashamu with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The police in Ogun State have uncovered a dreaded shrine at Ode-Remo in Remo North Local Government Area where human flesh is allegedly sold, eaten and used for rituals.

Justice Rita Ofili Ajumogobia of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos State, has deferred judgment in the case of a former Minister of Aviation, Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode, till July 1, 2015.

The white gunman who allegedly shot dead nine people during a bible study meeting at an African-American church in South Carolina last night has been caught in North Carolina.

Detectives attached to Zone II Police Headquarters, Onikan, Lagos State, said they arrested a lady who posed as the daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, demanding money from Senator Buruji Kashamu to poison her supposed ‘father’.

My mum cut my hands after I ate at a party, says 10-yr-old boy

Abdullahi

Nine-year-old Abdullahi Taoreed has never known any other mother except Ronke Olayinka. He was just a year old when his biological mother abandoned him and ran away.

Ekhomu

Private security expert and Chief Executive of Transworld Security, Dr. Ona Ekhomu says that the administration of General Muhammadu Buhari needs new security architecture in Nigeria. In this interview with JULIANA FRANCIS, Ekhomu insists that whatsoever kind of security design is on ground presently, is not working, stressing that the media and populace should be incorporated into the security mainframe.

What’s President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration greatest security achievement?

Babalakin

Chairman of Bi-Courtney Ltd, Dr Wale Babalakin has been cleared of involvement in a money laundering case investigated by the London police, says a report.

Corruption: Surety Bags Two Years

…Another Jailed Two Years for Oil Theft

Justice U. N Agomoh, of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Wednesday, June 16, 2015 sentenced Anthony Ideozuto to two years imprisonment with an option of fine in the sum of N500, 000 for failing to produce an accused person.

Eric Omoefe

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, June 10, 2015 re-arraigned Dr. Sani Shuaibu Teidi, former director of Pension Accounts, Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation before Justice Gabriel Kolawole of the Federal High Court, Abuja .

N5bn Corruption Trial: Enugu State Government Tampered With Seized Properties of Companies Associated with Nnamani - EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, today complained to a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos that the Enugu state government had tampered with the assets of companies associated with the former governor of the state, Chimaroke Nnmana.

Money Laundering: Esu-Nte Loses Bid to Stop Trial

Justice E. S. Chukwu of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja on Wednesday, June 10, 2015 dismissed the application seeking to quash the 11- count charge of money laundering, conspiracy, forgery and abuse of office brought against Imaobong Akon Esu-Nte, an accountant with the Nigeria Prisons Service, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, today June 10, arraigned 14 foreigners alleged to be involved in illegal oil bunkering and three companies before Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court, Lagos on a 4-count charge bordering on conspiracy and illegal dealing in petroleum products.

EFCC Did Not Torture Suleiman Yerima And Uwen Antia

The attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has been drawn to a public letter to President Muhammadu Buhari, by the law firm of Salawu, Akingbolu & Co, captioned, Torture and Abuse of Office, By Director of Operations, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Lagos, AIG Zone 2 Lagos, which appeared in the Vanguard Newspaper of Wednesday June 10, 2015, and which contained allegations of torture and mistreatment of two suspects, Alhaji Suleiman Yerima and Mr. Uwen Antia, in a case of fraud and obtaining under false pretence being investigated by the Commission.

N19.2 bn Fraud: EFCC Faults Dismissal of Sylva’s Case

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has faulted the decision of the Federal High Court Abuja, which today dismissed the 42-count charge of stealing bought against a former governor of Bayelsa state, Timipre Sylva on the grounds of abuse of court process.

N8bn Scam: CBN Executives, Others To Remain In Prison Till June 15

Six executives of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Patience Okoro Eye; Afolabi Olufemi Johnson; Ilori Adekunle Sunday; Kolawole Babalola, Olaniran Muniru Adeola and Fatai Adedokun Yusuf, and others being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC over N8billion mutilated currency recycling fraud, are to remain in prison custody until June 15, 2015.

The yet to be completed police post

To provide adequate security and check incessant raids on homes, the residents of Aboru community in Lagos State seek assistance from the police, report TAIWO JIMOH and KEMI OLORUNTOLA
Provision of security, it is often said, is everybody’s business. This maxim probably explains why the residents of Genesis Estate at Aboru, a community on the outskirts of Lagos metropolis, have decided to partner with Oke-Odo Police Station to reduce crime rate in their immediate environment.

EFCC Re-Arraigns Suspected Fraudster For $127, 000 Scam

…Docks Another for Forgery

A suspected fraudster, Emeofa Michael Ikechukwu, alias Michael Briggs, was on Thursday, June 11, 2015, re-arraigned before Justice I.E Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, Rivers State by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Umar

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on June 11, 2015, secured the conviction of Usman Salisu Umar, who was brought before Justice Dije Aboki of the Kano State High Court, on three count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust and forgery.

Idahor

Justice S. S. Ogunsanya of the Lagos State High Court on Thursday June 11, 2015, sentenced one Osarenwinda Idahor (a.k.a Ösas Idahor) to two years imprisonment on each of the two count charge bordering on possession of document containing false pretence.

The trial of Tahir Abdullahi Garba, a chief accountant in the Pension Office of the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation whose company, Charo Bureau De Change Limited was allegedly used to siphon stolen pension funds continued on Thursday June 11, 2015 before Justice Gabriel Kolawole of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja.

EFCC Files Fresh Corruption Charges Against Ex-Gov Sylva

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, today, June 12, 2015 filed fresh corruption charges against a former governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva, at the Federal High Court, Abuja.

Adekunle

There are indications that the kidnappers of the Senior Resident Pastor of the Winners Chapel located along IBB Way in Calabar, Mr. Seyi Adekunle, have demanded a ransom of N60m for his release.

Akingbade

After a week in captivity, a priest in the Catholic Diocese of Ekiti, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Akingbade, was yesterday freed by his abductors.
He was kidnapped by three gunmen about 8pm on June 9 in the Mission House of St. Benedict’s Catholic Church, Ido-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

Amusu and Hounkpe

Two cooks, who are nationals of the Benin Republic, Victor Hounkpe and David Amusu, have been arrested by the police in Lagos for allegedly poisoning their employers’ meal in the Lekki area of the state.

Justice J.T. Tsoho of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos State, on Monday June 15, 2015, vacated the restraining order issued on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, preventing it from arresting and prosecuting Chairman of Bi- Courtney Highways Services, Mr. Wale Babalakin.

Ebiechina Chikeluba

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday June 15, 2015, arraigned Ebiechina Chikeluba ( aka Lisa T. Jackson) before Justice O. A Ipaye of the High Court of Lagos State, Ikeja on a 17-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence, personation, forgery and using false document.

Currency Scam: Court Denies CBN Staff, Others Bail

Justice Nathaniel Ayo Emmanuel of the Federal High Court, sitting in Ibadan, today 15 June, 2015 dismissed the bail application brought by six former staff of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN.

IGP DESCENDS HEAVILY ON ZONE 6 POLICE COMMAND

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Solomon Arase is miffed that despite several directives on anti-crime activities, there are reports of increasing trend of kidnapping and violent crimes in Zone Six (6) Police Command.

IGP INAUGURATES BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF NPF PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

· Re-affirms robust welfare package for Police Officers

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Solomon Arase reaffirmed his commitment to ensure that Police Officers especially members of Inspectorate and rank and file of the Force are given their well deserved welfare.

IGP ORDERS ADEQUATE SECURITY FOR HAJJ EXERCISE

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Solomon Arase has ordered a water tight security for National Hajj Commission of Nigeria during the airlifting of pilgrims for this year’s Hajj operation.

Idowu

A prosecutor of the Kwara State Police Command, Mr. Matthew Ologbon, has informed an Ilorin Magistrate’s Court, presided over by Mr. K.A.Yahyah, that a female National Youth Service Corps member, Miss Yetunde Idowu was raped to death by a 51-year-old man, Abdullahi Tanko, and his gang members.

It’s a lie, says aide

“Chief Bode George bought our operational bus for us and stocked the vehicle with arms and ammunition whenever we were going on operation to confront our opponents.”

Police threaten to shoot 5yr old unless father gives ATM PIN

Onyinye and kids

Victor Anamelechi

Many suspected armed robbers had been taken to the office of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Ikeja, Lagos State for questioning, but nobody had heard of a woman and her two kids being taken there.

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Monday, June 29, 2015

We are investigating him, says agency

Friday, June 26, 2015

‘Maggots crawled out from suspects’ injuries’

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Monday, June 22, 2015

Thursday, June 18, 2015

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

It’s a lie, says aide

Monday, June 8, 2015