BREAKING: EFCC Rejects Ex-Minister Akinjide’s Plea Bargain Offer

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has rejected the plea bargain offer of a former minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Ms Jumoke Akinjide.

According to the anti-graft commission’s lawyer, Nnemeke Omenwa, the agency would instead proceed with the trial.

At the last sitting of the court on February 6, the EFCC had admitted to the court that it had recovered the N650m allegedly laundered by Ms Akinjide and two others.

The Commission had, however, emphasised that the case before the court was not merely about the funds but was rather about the nature of the funds and the manner the defendants handled them.

The case consequently proceeded to trial on Thursday with the first prosecution witness already giving evidence.

More to follow…

Proceeds Of Unlawful Activities

On January 16, the anti-graft agency had arraigned the former minister and two others for allegedly receiving N650m cash from a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke, in the build-up to the 2015 general elections.

The EFCC claimed that the funds were proceeds of unlawful activities, adding that Akinjide and the others handled the N650m cash without going through any financial institution, contrary to the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act.

Those charged along with Akinjide are Senator Ayo Adeseun and Mr Olanrewaju Otiti.

The trio, however, pleaded not guilty to the 24 counts filed against them.

Missing Yobe Schoolgirls: Buhari Orders Military To Take Charge

Yobe State government has confirmed that over 50 schoolgirls are missing from the Government Girls Science Technical College (GGSTC) located in Dapchi, Headquarters of Bursari Local Government area of the state.

         The girls went missing after gunmen suspected to be BOKO HARAM terrorist invaded the school days ago.

Governor Ibrahim Gaidam in a statement made available to Channels Television on Wednesday, February 21 said since the day of invasion by the terrorists over 50 schoolgirls are still missing.

“Out of the 926 students in the school, over 50 are still unaccounted for as of the time of this statement.

“As the public is aware, the students were helped by their teachers to escape through the night to the surrounding bush and villages as the terrorists stormed the town last Monday,” Gaidam said.

The statement which was signed by the Director-General Press Affairs of Gaidam, Abdullahi Bego said information was received about some of the girls being found in the general area to which they escaped.

It added further that the Yobe State Government has no credible information yet as to whether any of the schoolgirls were taken hostage by the terrorists but is currently working with the army and law enforcement to ensure that the missing girls are returned safely.

“The Yobe State Government is working with the Nigerian Army and other security and law enforcement agencies to ensure that all students in the school are fully accounted for,” Gaidam said in the statement.

Governor Gaidam, however, expresses sadness over the incident. He has since directed all relevant personnel and agencies to work closely with the army and other security organisations.

He, therefore, assured parents and the school community that the state government will do everything necessary to ensure that all the missing schoolgirls are found and returned to their school and families and that security is improved in the area.

Dapchi Attack: Army Rescues Missing Yobe Schoolgirls

The Nigerian Army has rescued some of the missing girls at Government Girls Science Technical College (GGSTC) after their school was attacked by Boko Haram terrorists on Monday.

The Yobe State government confirmed this in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Director-General of Press Affairs to the Governor, Mr Abdullahi Bego.

However, the number of girls rescued has not been ascertained but the government asserted that they are in the military custody.

While the state government promised to provide more details about their number and condition in due course, Governor Ibrahim Gaidam said he is monitoring the situation closely.

He also commended the gallantry and hard work of the soldiers involved in the operation.

The girls went missing three days ago after members of the outlawed group invaded their school in Dapchi, the headquarters of Bursari Local Government Area of Yobe State in North-east Nigeria.

Following the attack, the governor confirmed that at least 50 girls were yet to be found out of the 926 students in the school.

“The Yobe State Government is working with the Nigerian Army and other security and law enforcement agencies to ensure that all students in the school are fully accounted for,” Gaidam had said in an earlier statement.

Worried by the incident, President Muhammadu Buhari directed the military and other security agencies to take control at the school.

According to the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, who briefed State House correspondents after the end of the FEC meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, the President also ordered the military to bring the situation under control.

President Buhari had also sent a delegation led by the Minister of Defence, Brigadier General Mansur Dan-Ali (rtd), to Dapchi to ascertain the situation. The delegation is to depart on Thursday.

Chelsea star says he is honoured to win Player of the Year at NFF Awards, FIFA congratulate him

Moses was the biggest winner of the NFF Awards ceremony which on Monday.

Chelsea star Victor Moses has revealed that he is honoured to be named Player of the Year at the NFF Awards and has been congratulated by world football governing body, FIFA.

Moses was the biggest winner of the NFF Awards ceremony which on Monday, February 19 at the Eko Hotels and Suites.

The 27-year-old beat compatriots Wilfred Ndidi of Leicester City and Lobi Stars striker Anthony Okpotu to win the Player of the Year award.

With an important Champions League tie for Chelsea against Barcelona a day after the awards, Moses couldn’t make it the ceremony.

He, however, took out time from training to record a video of his acknowledgement. 

“Hi everyone, it’s Victor Moses here,” the Chelsea wingback says in a video shared on the social media accounts of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

“Thanks for making me Nigerian Player of the Year and thanks to NFF for this award.

“I really appreciate it and it's an honour for me to really win an award like this for Nigeria.

“And also most importantly thanks to all the fans that have supported me and been there for me right from day one. Thank you all and God bless.”

Moses wins the award on the back of winning the 2017 Premier League title with Chelsea. He was an influential part of Antonio Conte’s team that won the title with 22 consecutive league starts, 28 starts and 33 league appearances in total.

He is the Nigerian player with the most Premier League appearances for a title-winning team ever.

The Super Eagles star also played a pivotal part in Nigeria’s successful 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign. Nigeria qualified from a tough group with one game to play.

Ice Prince, Seyi Law, others receive Peace Achievers Awards

Popular Hip-hop singer Ice Prince and a veteran comedian Seyi Law, have been honoured with the “Peace Achievers Awards” by the Peace Ambassador Agency , an organisation that promotes national peace.

The duo received the awards at the 6th anniversary of the annual Miss Peace Achievers Awards held on Sunday in Abuja.

The Plateau state born artiste received the “Musician of the Year /Peace Builder”award, while Seyi Law got the “Comedian of the Year/Peace Builder”award.

Other celebrities that were honoured at the event include fast- rising Nollywood actress, Regina Daniels and singer Praize.

According to Mr Kinsley Amafibe, the Project Director of the organisation, the artistes are recognised for contributing to the growth of the Nigerian entertainment industry which has empowered many youths, thereby promoting peaceful coexistence.

He added that some of the recipients had also been involved in humanitarian gestures over the years, which had promoted social peace and harmony, which was in consonance with the objectives of the organisation.

“These veterans have contributed a lot in building social harmony and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria, using the entertainment industry.

“They entertain and bring happiness to Nigerians, which are crucial keys to peace, in spite of tribal and religious differences.”

In his remark, Ice Prince expressed delight that the award was an indication that the society was interested in what celebrities do.

He, therefore, pledged his continuous commitment towards growing the entertainment industry.

“I hope to strive to continue to put in my best both as a professional and a patriotic citizen of this great nation,’’ he said.

The 2017 edition of the prestigious awards cuts across over 20 categories with recipients picked from various field of human endeavours.

Other recipients of the Peace Achievers awards include the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Tukur Buratai ,who was honoured with the ‘Award for Excellence in Peacekeeping” and the Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr Ibe Kachikwu.

Mr Kenneth Emejuru was honoured with the a ‘Young Entrepreneur of the Year’,and the Chairmanof the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr Tunde Fowler was also honoured.

Amb. Louis LuLu Mnguni, The South African High Commissioner to Nigeria, also received the Peace Builder awards, and Raymond Dokpesi of DAAR Communication got the “The Peace Builder of the Year Award.

NAN reports that the Peace Achievers Award is a flagship initiative of the Peace Ambassador Agency.

The organisation promotes tolerance and peaceful coexistence by organizing beauty pageants, peace education and campaigns.

Its peace education campaign, which is targeted mainly at the youths, trains and empowers students of higher institutions and other youth communities, irrespective of their religious and cultural backgrounds.(NAN)

Wakanda Fever’

The week, however, ended on a more cheery note in the movie industry with Marvel’s Black Panther hitting Nigerian cinemas, just in time for the Valentines celebration.

Celebrities, movie lovers and supporters of the “black movement” applauded all those whose efforts contributed to making the movie a success and the hashtag #Wakandaforever quickly became a thing.

Channels Television’s Entertainment News caught up with Nigerian Singer and Actor, Ayoola Ayobami at the Lagos screening of the movie on February 13 and he shared his thoughts on the movie, including the fact that he wished he was also a part of the cast.“I envy everyone who has been a part of this project, it’s a healthy envy though (he laughed). For the rest of their lives, this goes on, on their resume that “I was part of the team that brought African Superheroes to the forefront”.

“I wish I was part of it but I’m sure there are other histories that we can be part of,” he said. 

The highly anticipated movie which tells the tales of an African country from the perspective of affluence, light age development and technology was welcomed with unconditional approval.

More exciting for some fans was the fact that Nigerian actors Sope Akuko (Female) and, Femi Olagoke (Male) and others were among the cast.

The movie which has been described as the world’s biggest black superhero film, also came in time for the celebration of the Black History Month and many are optimistic that things can only get better from here, as blacks work towards reaching more milestones.

Zamfara Massacre

While Nigerians have built a reputation of being able to see the ray of hope in every situation by making light of it, one issue that has remained a source of increased pain is the mass massacre of citizens by Fulani herdsmen, a menace that some say is fast growing into full-blown terrorism.

From the start of the year, it has been from one attack to the other and many families have been thrown into mourning, with the most recent case being that of Zamfara state in which at least 18 residents were killed.

Nigerians including Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State and Senator Shehu Sani in the wake of the attack took to their Twitter handle to lament the spate of killings in various parts of the country birthing a trend #ZamfaraMassacre.

In reaction to the killings, President Muhammadu Buhari directed the Minister of Defence, Brigadier-General Mansur Dan Ali (Rtd), to proceed immediately to the state to undertake an on-the-spot assessment of the situation and report back.

He also ordered the security agencies to immediately mobilise and deploy their members to the vulnerable areas of the state, and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to face the full wrath of the law.

The opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has, however, continued to throw criticisms at the leadership of the APC even as the 2019 elections draw closer.

In a statement issued on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary Kola Ologbondiyan, the PDP once again accused the Federal Government of failing to live up to the responsibility of securing the lives of the people.

This also comes amidst agitations over the anti-open grazing law and the Federal Government’s proposed plan to establish colonies in different parts of the country to prevent cattle from straying.

Some have blamed the rising massacre on the implementation of the anti-open grazing law but on the other hand, the Federal Government’s proposed policy of establishing grazing locations to curb the menace; (what some have termed as colonies), has received major criticism.

While the anti-open grazing law remains enforced in some states like Ekiti and Benue, the common hope of many Nigerians is that whatever decision the Federal Government eventually comes to, is one that is able to bring a stop to the mass killings.