Greed is pushing people to the extreme! The EFCC, on Thursday, arraigned the trio of Patience Owerema, Nwakoba N.Francisca and Okafor Kingsley before Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, abuse of office, forgery, impersonation and diversion of funds to the tune of N3,766,160.00(Three Million, Seven Hundred and Sixty-six Thousand, One Hundred and Sixty Naira).

These nefarious trio allegedly conspired to divert the terminal benefits of one late Udemba Clement, a former employee of NITEL and father to the petitioner, Emmanuel Udemba.

Luck ran out on the criminals when 
Emmanuel made efforts to collect his late father's final entitlement but all to no avail. After much persistence, it was discovered that the benefits were paid into an account setup by the fraudulent trio.

In spite of the evidence, they still pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them. 

Francisca, the nursing mother, was granted bail on compassionate grounds, while the other two were remanded in Kuje and Suleja prisons. 

The case was adjourned till June 14th for further hearings.

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a resident of Shobowale Street in the Alagbado area of the state, Victoria Alaba, for allegedly killing the wife of her landlord during a scuffle.

The deceased, Mrs. Amosa Ogunyemi, had ordered Alaba and other tenants not to wash dirty clothes at one section on the premises because the compound was being messed up.

It was said that the woman ignored the order and was washing on the premises on Saturday when Mrs Ogunyemi approached her and told her to vacate the spot.



According to Punch, Alaba declined the directive, causing an altercation between the two.

A source close to the family told Punch that Alaba, in her 30s, pounced on the deceased and beat her up, but another resident said they engaged in a scuffle during which Ogunyemi gave up the ghost.

It was learnt that the landlord’s wife, who was said to be in her late 50s, was rushed to a hospital in the area, but was pronounced dead on arrival.

The source, who declined to mention his name, said, “The landlord’s wife had warned on several occasions that tenants should stop washing clothes at the spot, but Victoria (Alaba) did not listen. On Saturday, she chose to wash her dirty clothes at the spot again. The landlord’s wife walked up to her and told her to leave the spot. She refused and they started exchanging words.

“She pounced on Amosa (Ogunyemi) and pushed her to the ground. The woman became unconscious and was rushed to a nearby hospital, but she died. The tenant has been arrested by policemen from the Alagbado division.”

However, a resident of the area, who identified himself simply as Adamu, said the argument between the two women led to a fight.

“I was not there, but I was told that it was a fight and the woman (Ogunyemi) was overpowered by the tenant. She died in the process,” he added.

Other residents approached by our correspondent, who visited the neighbourhood on Wednesday, refused to speak on the issue.

In the deceased’s residence, a one storeyed-building, some sympathisers gathered under a tent outside, while others were with the husband of the late woman in a living room.

The distraught widower and a relative said the matter had been amicably resolved and called one of the deceased’s children, identified as Kazeem, to speak to our correspondent.

The son told Punch that the family members were not interested in taking any legal action against the suspect, adding that his mother had been buried according to Islamic rites.

He said, “We have resolved the matter and the police have released her corpse to us. We don’t have any comment on how the incident happened. All we are going to say is that everything is settled. Thank you.”

Lagos Police PRO, SP Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the incident in a text message, adding that the suspect was transferred to the State Department of Criminal Investigation, Yaba, for further investigation.

She said, “The Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, has ordered the case to be transferred to the SDCI for discreet investigation..."

After weeks of controversy and intriguing battle for the soul of the Peoples Democratic Party, the party’s National Executive Committee meeting on Wednesday finally affirmed the zoning of the chairmanship position to the North-East.

But the atmosphere at the poorly attended NEC meeting painted a picture that all may not be well with the opposition party after all. Most of those who spoke at the opening of the NEC meeting were all calling for truce and for those who may have disagreed with the decisions reached at the NEC meeting to sheathe their sword and remain in the party.

Speaking to journalists on the outcome of the meeting, the National Chairman of the PDP, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff said that the NEC has approved the report of the zoning and convention committees.

Regarding the highly contested chairmanship position, Sheriff said that the seat has been zoned to the North-East by the NEC without any dissenting voice.

“The NEC meeting has adopted the report of the zoning committee 100% without any dissenting voice. It approved the zoning of the post of e National Chairman to the North East,” he said.

Sheriff said that the party’s NEC will meet again on the May 11 to approve proposals for constitutional amendments ahead of the national convention

According to the report of the zoning committee, the South West is to retaining the position of the National Secretary while the National Organizing Secretary and Youth Leader is to be produced by (South East). Similarly the committee zoned the Deputy National Chairman South back to the South-South.

When asked whether he will be contesting for the chairmanship position at the May convention, Sheriff said:”The issue is a personal decision for me and when I make up my mind on it I will let you know”.

Earlier, Sheriff had expressed satisfaction over the recent outing of the party during a rally in Jigawa state, describing it as a sign of things to come.

In line with his commitment to improve the welfare of the state workforce, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has approved the lump sum payment of leave allowance to all staff in the State’s mainstream Civil Service, Local Governments and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) with effect from May, 2016.
The State Head of Service, Mrs. Olabowale Ademola in a circular she issued on Thursday in Alausa, Ikeja, explained that the approval was sequel to agreements reached during a meeting with the Lagos State Public Service Joint Negotiating Council (JNC).

She said, “Consequently, leave allowance which is 10 per cent of Annual Basic Salary would henceforth be payable once annually and no longer on a monthly basis. The payments would be in batches”.

Ademola said that Officers between Grade Levels 1 and 8 would be paid in May, Officers between Grade Levels 9 and 12 would be paid in July; Officers between Grade Levels 13 and 14 would be paid in September while Officers between Grade Levels 15 and 17 would get their annual leave allowances in October.

She said that the gesture was in furtherance of the State Government’s commitment to the welfare of its workforce, just as she tasked the staff to reciprocate Government’s gesture by renewing their dedication and commitment to duty through improved service delivery to the citizenry.
“The above listed Government Functionaries are hereby enjoined to take note of this approval. I implore you to eschew disloyalty, indiscipline, nonchalant attitude and low productivity.” Mrs. Ademola said

SIGNED
JIDE LAWAL
PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER
OFFICE OF THE HEAD OF SERVICE

LAGOS STATE

unilagNational Association of Nigerian Students, NANS has threatened that Nigerian students will visit the University of Lagos with wrath if they go ahead with their plans.
The school was shut down few weeks ago due to students’ protest. The management later directed the resumption of academic activities, but with strict conditions. 
Students are expected to sign a re-absorption oath, and parents to complete an indemnity form before they will be allowed to sit for their exams. The University also directed that all students obtain clearance from their respective departments before coming back to their Halls of residence.
The school management also suspended the University of Lagos Student Union (ULSU).
Reacting to this development, the President of the NANS, Tijani Usman Shehu said, “We at NANS are following everything that is happening at the University of Lagos, and we would like to advise the Rahmon Bello-led administration not to take steps that are seen as repressive. What they are trying to do is very wrong. Nigerian students would resist it vehemently and would definitely visit the school with its wrath.”
According to Today.ng, Shehu also directed the South-West Zonal Coordinator of the Association to monitor the situation and brief him appropriately so that they will plan their next line of action.

Shortly after Tiwa Savage's husband took to Instagram to vent regarding his marriage to Tiwa Savage ,talking about enduring alot ,even threatening suicide, It appears comedian Ali Baba has weighed in on the drama this morning...He wrote
And this my dear friends is what Jesus meant when he said "if your eye (anything) will make you sin...pluck (delete) it put". And as a very obedient child, you know what to do. Don't mind those who say learn to tolerate. If you are somewhere and the air is so foul, do you tolerate? If you are in a place and you are not sure of your safety, will you not extrapolate yourself from there?
So why is it hard for you to understand that people who don't add value and are bent on erasing the little you have should be distanced? And by distanced, I don't mean ignored. I meant cut off totally. Or did Jesus say close your eyes? Na he said pluck it out! It means go to the extreme to protect your sanity. Unhealthy company can make you sick and drive you to seek the things that will eventually kill you. 
So starting with my online platforms, if I catch a whiff of anything that can use its reggae to spoil my blues... I am yanking the communication channel. No time to look time. I am not here on a popularity drive. I am here because I have got friends who would like to contact me and vice Versace. That is a vice versa that is by design not by accident. Yes. That's vice Versace. Anyway, Like I say, I am online to share, interact, learn and be better informed. If you don't flow on this frequency, Bye bye you are the weakest link... And you leave with nothing. Oh! By the way, I know some will say what I am about smacks of arrogance... Can you put that down so I can pluck you out too.  
Seriously, the constitution guarantees each of us freedom of association. Its not by force to relate with everyone. It's not even by force to even Go to church. And that's "a godly thingz" o. Talk less of people who want to drag you to their level of existence that is enveloped in all shades of valueless grand standing of social media tolerance. Abeg, control_shift before I tint you! As we say in warri. Let me thank all who have enriched me by sharing on my online platforms. You have helped to grow my mind. Gracia or something like that

Internet sensation,Vic Ohas declared he wants to pay runs girls the sum of N600,000 each to spend time with him this weekend as he looks to perform in Abuja.The eccentric rapper wrote on Twitter, “I will be in Abuja this Sat. formy friends bachelor eve. I need 3 runsgirls for the weekend. N600K per girl. If interested DM ME. pls RT“. He went on to write, “I meant everything I said” He confirmed he had started getting requests on Twitter as well. He concluded writing, “My DM is popping tho! Different shapes and sizes.. And I thought I have seen it all before, smh..”



Teebill's former associate Sauce kid has reacted too...read his epistle below:

"It saddens me to see someone i had love for going thru it and keepin my mouth shut. I dont do this social media bullshit. I mind my own business and handle my own business. So many things happen behind closed doors, so many secrets will come out to the open, so many disappointments will happen even with the ones you truly love. 

What brings true happiness is finding yourself, being true to urself and worrying less about how others feel about u. To say the least, being selfless is the key. I havent talked to my bro @teebillz323 In over 4 yrs nor have i seen him or cared to see him. But i must admit it saddens me to see him in such state. I coulda got ur fone number, email or whatever thru many means but id rather do it this way. This is the only time i will use social media to express myself on this issue. None of these rants come as news to me. A lotta people will try to put dirt on your name and make u look bad at this tough time, do not break, All i have to say is whatever demons u fighting my G, come out on top. Wish u the best." 

Tunji Balogun is spilling more dirty secrets about his wife, Tiwa Savage... even Banky W is trying to calm him down, but Tunji is not listening!
 
Within what period of time did you Fuck jazzy and Dr Sid. And I dint care because the love I have for you. I looked at it that we all have a past even when at this same fucking time you were fucking with 2face...

Tosin Yosuf aka Omawunmi's husband. I wish I met you earlier when I just moved to Nigeria. You have been a great friend and brother to me in throne month. I should have done this 2weeks a ago but the joy of being around dint let me. You have wife that he not let the music business take the best of her. I know how Mrs Yusuf treats us when we at your house. I feel very at home and praying that I wish my wife can get a life and be like this. All she cares about is next single, her make and hair, her brand and all that BS. Pls tell the world have you asked your husband in the last 3yrs if he has eaten. Thank you to Ani Idibia and Anita my Neigbor that provides home cooked meal for me when I needed. That! Yes you became the bread winner when I decided I'm not in business with you again take everything I just want my wife. Tiwa. You will never have peace except my spirits forgives you. Tell your mother to confess what she mounted in the house for you shine with my star. It's deeper than what you think.

Lord knows I tried. I have been mentally tortured by my the woman I gave everything to. I'm not perfect but I'm far away from being the best husband. Because when I dint have you paid bills and you took my man hood away. You have thrown my clothes out of the house more than 5 times because of the love I have for you I still take it and because of Jamil. I don't want to go through divorce like my father that has been Married 4times. Your mother humiliated so much that I dint care.




Tunji Balogun has just set instagram on fire with these revelations about his marriage to singer Tiwa Savage ...read below:


Please just take care of JamJam. I sacrificed my life for you and put in work and my money to your success. You are Tiwa Savage the super star now right. You will never have peace with that fame. Your mother wants to turn me to what she turned your DAD to? I will rather Die. Ask her to confess what's she's done to me! All I did was look out for your success and forgeries g who I am

I'm sorry Olabisi, Gaetano. Onah and jamil. All daddy wanted to do is be a good father and take care all of you but they won't let me. I have been fighting this spiritual battle since I was a kid my mother and father can testify. Went from family battle to mother inlaws battle. @tiwasavage ask your mother to confess what she's done to me

Lord knows I tried. I can't take it anymore. I decided that I wanted to take time out from music business so you and me will not be in the same basket of the music industry. You never supported me for day one every move I made and every project I layer my hands one was going all bad. Thanks to your mum witchcraft! Tell her to confess to you

Lord knows I tried. I have been mentally tortured by my the woman I gave everything to. I'm not perfect but I'm far away from being the best husband. Because when I dint have you paid bills and you took my man hood away. You have thrown my clothes out of the house more than 5 times because of the love I have for you I still take it and because of Jamil. I don't want to go through divorce like my father that has been Married 4times. Your mother humiliated so much that I dint care.

Nigerian academic, Prof. Abiodun Alao, will today deliver an inaugural lecture at King’s College, University of London. This would make him the first ever black African scholar to deliver such lecture since the institution was established back in 1829.
A professor of African Studies, Abiodun Alao was conferred with a professorial title about two years ago alongside his Nigerian counterpart in the institution’s African Leadership Centre - Prof. Funmi Olonisakin. This was another milestone that made them both the first black Africans to attain the professorial cadre in King’s College since its establishment.

Abiodun Alao’s lecture titled, "Africa: A Voice to be Heard, Not a Problem to be Solved" will be delivered at the Edward Safra Lecture Theatre at the college’s main campus & will be attended by people from different parts of the world including Nigeria, Australia, Kenya, USA and South Africa.

The people of Ukpabi Nimbo, a community in the Uzo-Uwani area of Enugu State, which was attacked by Fulani herdsmen on Monday, have blamed security agencies for failing to act on “credible” information they provided before the attack.

The villagers, who said this when the Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, visited the community on Tuesday, stated that they were abandoned even after they alerted security agencies to the plan to attack them.

The General Officer Commanding, 82 Division, Enugu, Major General Attahiru Ibrahim, and the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State, Nwodibo Ekechukwu, were also in the village on Tuesday.

Security was beefed up in the community during the visit, with heavily armed military and police personnel positioned at strategic locations.

A community leader, Dr. George Ajogu, who spoke on behalf of the people of Ukpabi Nimbo at the village square, said the villagers were not taken unawares by the attack.

A corpse of one of the victims of the herdsmen’s attack, which was uncovered in the bush on Tuesday morning, was displayed in a police Toyota Hilux van at the event.

The corpse was said to be that of a secondary school teacher, who was reportedly abducted from his home and killed in the bush by the herdsmen.

Our correspondent observed deep machete cuts on the corpse.

Ajogu added that more corpses were being uncovered in the bush after more than 20 dead bodies were recovered on Monday.

He noted that the attack would have been prevented had the security agencies acted on information made available to them by the villagers.

In an emotion-laden voice, Ajogu stated, “Had it been that security agencies responded appropriately, this would not have happened.

“They (Fulani herdsmen) did not take us unawares, we knew they were coming.

“We are not happy; we have been crying for more than two weeks that our community is under threat. Now, over 20 people are dead.

“We are still discovering corpses; we discovered one corpse this morning and so many corpses are still in the bush.

“We have been shouting and crying but the security agencies did not come to our aid; only one police patrol van comes to this community.

“Because we lack security, the Fulani come here and tell us the land is theirs. They tell the farmers to kneel down and they rape the women in front of their husbands.”

Ajogu noted that due to the location of the village on the border between Enugu and Kogi states, residents of Ukpani Nimbo community were always under attacks from herdsmen, whom he stated sought to turn the villagers’ farmlands into grazing fields for their cattle.

Urging the federal and state governments to come to the assistance of the community, the spokesman said security should be beefed up in the village to forestall future attacks.

He also urged the security agents, who were deployed in the village to restore normalcy after Monday’s attacks, to remain in the community.

“Please don’t leave, if you leave now, they will return to attack us again.

“They (herdsmen) have been killing and raping our people for some time now,” the community leader added.

The Caretaker Chairman, Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, Mr. Cornel Onwubuya, said he personally alerted the governor, the commissioner of police and heads of other security agencies after he received a confirmation from some Fulani leaders in the area that the herdsmen were going to attack the community.

Onwubuya disclosed that acting on the report, Ugwuanyi convened a state security council meeting on Sunday night.

According to Onwubuya, the said security council meeting lasted till the early hours of Monday, shortly before the herdsmen struck.

He added, “We had a security report that this was going to happen and I convened a meeting with Fulani stakeholders in Enugu State.

“Some Fulani leaders told us that the herdsmen were camped very close to our community. I informed the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State, who assured us that the attack would be stopped.

“He (Commissioner of Police, Enugu) said he would get in touch with the Commissioner of Police in Kogi State to prevent the attack.

“The information we got was credible but unfortunately, they still attacked us.”

On his part, Ugwuanyi, who said heads of the various security agencies in the state assured him that the attack would be failed, described the incident as a sad moment for Enugu State.

Ugwuanyi noted that even as the governor, he was not in control of the security agencies.

He said, “At the emergency security council meeting, which I convened, we were given all the assurances that the attack would not happen.”

He also disclosed that information available to the government revealed that the attack was initiated from Kogi State.

Two lorry loads of herdsmen landed in parts of Kogi State before the attack, he added.

The governor urged the Federal Government to address the menace posed by the herdsmen.

“The Federal Government should do the needful, but as the governor, I call for peace and prayers.

“Until the Federal Government decides to address this situation, this will continue to happen,” he said.

The governor also disclosed that his administration had to restrain restive youths, who wanted to carry out reprisal on northerners in the state.

Ugwuanyi announced a donation of N5m to the community, adding that the government would foot the medical bills of the injured.

He urged the people to embark on two days of fast and prayers, assuring that necessary measures would be taken to beef up security in the area and other parts of the state.

The governor visited the injured in various hospitals where they were receiving treatment.

Injured villagers recount ordeals

One of the injured victims, Patrick Eze, just finished his National Youth Service Corps programme.

Eze sustained severe cuts on his ankles and other parts of his body.

Another victim, Mr. Kingsley Ezeugo, a former local government councillor, said he only survived because the herdsmen left him for dead after inflicting severe machete cuts on him.

Several victims in critical conditions were observed in various hospitals in the Nsukka area.

A youth, who spoke with one of our correspondents, said the herdsmen stampeded the villagers out of their homes by shooting at houses.

“Those who were caught were taken into the bush and slaughtered with machetes,” the youth said.

Our correspondent observed that the community appeared deserted with several villagers leaving the area with their luggage.

Meanwhile, the Enugu State Police Command said it was investigating the incident.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Ebere Amaraizu, who said this on Tuesday, however, said six persons died in the attack.

NLC, Afenifere, MASSOB warn of dangerous consequences

Organised labour has, however, warned that the incessant attacks on communities by Fulani herdsmen across the country have the capacity to plunge the country into a worse security situation than the raging insurgency in the North-East if not tackled immediately.

The labour movement also berated security agencies for not living up to standard in securing the lives and property of Nigerians.

The General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Dr. Peter Ozo-Eson, and the President of the Trade Union Congress, Mr. Bala Kaigama, made the comments in different telephone interviews with The PUNCH on Tuesday.

Ozo-Eson, who described the reported clashes between the Fulani herdsmen and their host communities as worrisome, urged the Federal Government to address, without delay, the factors responsible for the current migratory crisis.

Ozo-Eson believed that if land needed for grazing cattle was the issue, the Federal Government should address it quickly to stop such killings and destruction which were not recorded even in countries reputed to be major exporters of meat.

He said, “It is worrisome, we think whatever the push factors are that are leading to this situation need to be dealt with very quickly because we are trying to get out of a major security situation, the insurgency in the North-East.

“And if we allow a situation, in which these clashes allegedly between Fulani herdsmen and various communities and farmers to continue this way, we could actually have a more serious security threat on our hands than even the North-East situation because this is becoming a reoccurring issue across the country.

“There are clashes in Benue, the South-West, South-East, Enugu now, and various other places that are not even reported.

“So, I think that government needs to take this very seriously and do something quickly either by promoting a culture of ranches or whatever other interventions so that these clashes can be avoided.”

He challenged security agencies to ensure that those behind the killings and destruction of property were brought to book in a transparent manner as that remained the only way to earn the confidence of the people.

The TUC boss said, “The performance of the security agencies is below our satisfaction because the security agencies are supposed to wake up to their responsibilities and provide security for Nigerians.

“We cannot go into jungle justice. That is why we are holding the government responsible so that it will not degenerate. We cannot tolerate a situation where innocent souls are being killed like fowls. Government should know that life and property are its duty to protect.”

In a similar vein, the Afenifere has faulted the silence of President Muhammadu Buhari and the state governors on the attacks of Fulani herdsmen on farmers across the country in the recent time.

This was contained in the communique issued at the end of the monthly meeting of the association, held at the home of its leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, in Akure, the Ondo State capital, on Tuesday.

In the communiqué, read by the Publicity Secretary of the association, Mr. Yinka Odumakin, Afenifere said the Federal Government had a duty to protect the lives and property of the citizens of the country.

The association added, “We are worried that Federal Government seems to have maintained indifference to the wanton killings going on across the country against the provisions of the constitution.

“We call on President Muhammadu Buhari to speak up on this matter and take urgent action to restore the security of the people of Nigeria, especially in the South and Middle Belt.”

The group also asked the state governments and members of the National Assembly to speak out on the matter before it got out control.

“We also reject the statement of the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Muhammed, that the Federal Government is working silently on this matter. Several killings cannot be going on and the Federal Government working silently.

“It is unfortunate that that statement is coming from the Federal Government of Nigeria. There can’t be any silent working over these killings and the action of the Federal Government must be open,” Afenifere stated.

In its reaction, the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra warned that the herdsmen would no longer be allowed to get away with the destruction of lives and property in the South-East.

MASSOB National Director of Information, Mr. Samuel Edeson, who spoke to one of our correspondents, said, “We condemn the attack on helpless villagers by heavily armed Fulani herdsmen.

“The destruction of lives and property by herdsmen has got out of hand even though we are peace loving people, we cannot allow this to continue in Igboland.”

In the same vein, the Enugu State Chapter of the Social Democratic Party said the Federal Government must speak out to condemn the activities of the herdsmen.

“We call on the Federal Government to speak out against the brazen and atrocious killing of innocent villagers by herdsmen; the Presidency has been silent on this matter for a long time now. The silence seems to be given impetus to the herdsmen.

“We urge the government to condemn the murderous invasion of communities in the strongest terms, and as interim measures, halt the movement of herdsmen from the North to the South until a permanent solution is worked out,” the state chairman of the SDP, Mr. John Nwobodo, said.

Meanwhile, the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 11, Mrs. Kalafite Adeyemi, has advised farmers to always report the destruction of their farms and other atrocities of herdsmen to the police.

The AIG said this while speaking in an interview with journalists during her visit to Kunnike International School, Osogbo, Osun State, on Tuesday.

Adeyemi, who expressed surprise at the facilities in the private school, said the police had ensured that compensation was paid to some farmers, whose farms were destroyed by herdsmen, saying resorting to self-help would worsen the crisis.

The AIG added, “We can reduce the attacks. Those whose farms are destroyed should report to the police. Some of the herdsmen were made to pay damages in the past.”

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has uncovered $12.9billion more arms deals fraud during the administration of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, it was learnt yesterday.


The development has brought arms funds, which were diverted to other uses, to $15billion as the initial probe covered only $2.1billion.

As part of the ongoing investigation of the arms deals, the EFCC yesterday froze an account with $500million. The owner of the account was not immediately known.

The anti-graft commission has seized houses from a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke.

Besides, a wrist watch worth £600,000 and jewelry in gold and diamond have been confiscated from Mrs Alison-Madueke, a source said.

These details are contained in an update on the ongoing investigation of the arms deals by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) under the former NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd).

There are indications that many military officers may be questioned.

A source, who spoke in confidence on the investigation, said: “From our findings so far, the amount involved in the arms deals was over $15billion. The $2.1billion which you have written so much about is just one transaction into an account in the First Bank of Nigeria in New York.

“They moved the money into the FBN account from where they were disbursing and re-routing the cash. Our priority is to recover these funds but we will still prosecute the individuals and companies involved.

“Most of these companies were incorporated by serving military officers and these officers were the sole signatories into the accounts of these companies.

“All these suspects are not showing remorse, they think that they can go away with the fraud but we won’t allow them.

“Yet when we interrogate them, you see them wearing pampers and cannot stand or walk in public for a long time. Then, you are tempted to ask why they have to steal all these funds meant for public projects.

“The Trauma Centre at the National Hospital with a helipad was built with N1.8billion; you can imagine how many of such centres and schools these looted funds can provide.”

The source also explained that the EFCC yesterday intercepted about $500million in an account and blocked it.

The source added: “Just some few hours ago, our investigators today (Tuesday) blocked an account with about $500million. We are already looking at all clues on how the cash was wired.

“What we have recovered in just one year is more than the total recovery by the EFCC since inception. There was huge looting which will affect the coming generation if the funds are not recovered.”

The source gave insights into the probe of a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke and businessman Jide Omokore.

”We have seized many houses belonging to Diezani and Omokore on Banana Island and other places. Also, a wristwatch of about £1.4million was seized from Omokore’s wife.

“From the former minister, we have retrieved a choice wrist watch worth £600,000 and jewelry in gold and diamond. We will soon show Nigerians all these items for them to appreciate what we have done and to learn some lessons.”

He explained that at the time the wrist watches were seized, the price tags were there.

EFCC seizes N2.6b MRI machine from ex-Chief of Air Staff Amosu
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has seized a N2.6billion Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine from the Diagnostic Centre owned by a former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu.

The anti-graft agency discovered that the MRI machine was bought with some of the funds meant for arms purchase.

The investigators claimed that while Amosu’s Diagnostic Centre has MRI equipment, none of the Air Force clinics nationwide could boast of such a state-of-the-art equipment.

Also, there were indications last night that a former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh may automatically forfeit the controversial $1million(N318m) found in his house to the Federal Government.

Badeh, through his lawyer, Samuel O. Zibri (SAN) disowned ownership of the money.

According to EFCC investigation, some of the arms funds allegedly diverted by Amosu, were used to buy the MRI machine for the Diagnostic Centre.

MRI is a non-invasive medical test that physicians use to diagnose and treat medical conditions.

It was learnt that the centre might be confiscated by the government.

A top source in the EFCC said: “After thorough investigations, we have seized a MRI equipment of about N2.6billion from Amosu’s Diagnostic Centre. We were able to trace the purchase of the machine to some of the diverted funds meant for procurement of arms.

“We may also place the centre under temporary asset forfeiture pending the conclusion of the trial of the suspect.

“All these assets are apart from the N2.3billion, houses, $140,000 and N381m recovered from Amosu’s wife.”

Responding to a question, the source added: “The ex-Chief of Air Staff is still under investigation along with some military officers. We have not cleared him.”

Former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Badeh may automatically forfeit the controversial $1million(N318m) found in his house to the Federal Government.

The EFCC source said: “We retrieved the cash from Badeh’s residence in Maitama District of Abuja and the operation was witnessed by his neighbours.

“Now that he has denied having such, the cash will be automatically forfeited to the Federal Government.”

Badeh, through his lawyer, Samuel O. Zibri (SAN) disowned claims that the money was recovered from his home.

Zibri said: “Our attention has been drawn to a publication of March 7th 2016 to the effect that the sum of $1,000,000(One Million US Dollars) cash was recovered in the house of Air Chief Marshal A.S Badeh (Rtd). The said publication is not only malicious but wicked.

“It is totally false and smacks of media campaign of calumny against the person of Air Marshal Alex. Badeh (Rtd) The ten (10) count charge against our client along with the proof of evidence in the Federal High Court are public documents and can be accessed by the general public.

“There is no such allegation and we challenge the faceless EFCC official to substantiate his claim. The Trial has commenced and as a law abiding citizen our client will defend himself in accordance with the law.”
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