N450m fraud: EFCC amends charges against Belgore, joins ex-Petroleum Minister, Allison-Madueke

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There was a twist on Monday in Lagos in the ongoing trial of  Mohammed Belgore (SAN), and a former Minister of National Planning, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman for alleged N450 million money laundering as the former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke, was joined in the suit.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s prosecutor had amended the five-count charge and joined Allison-Madueke, as an accused in the case at a Federal High Court, Lagos.

Allison-Madueke was charged in absentia alongside a one-time governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Belgore and Sulaiman.

Belgore and Sulaiman were first arraigned in February before Justice Mohammed Aikawa on a five-count charge bordering on money laundering.

At the resumed trial of the two accused persons on Monday, the prosecutor, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, informed the court of an amended charge in which the name of Allison-Madueke had been joined as an accused.

Allison-Madueke was, however, described as being “at large” in the new charge.

Oyedepo then urged the court to allow the amended charge to be read over to Belgore and Sulaiman who were present in court for their pleas to be taken afresh.

The application was not opposed by defence counsel as the court ordered the plea of the accused to be taken.

The accused again entered a “not guilty” plea.

Upon their plea, the prosecution called on its first witness, Mr Timothy Olaobaju, a banker.

Led in evidence by Oyedepo, the witness informed the court that sometime in April 2014, a cash lodgement of about 115 million dollars was made lodged into the account of Allison-Madueke.

He said that subsequently on March 27, 2015, the accused issued payment instructions to convert the said sums into Naira, and paid to some beneficiaries including Belgore and Suleiman.

He told the court that the duo received the sum of N450 million and filled the  payment form to acknowledge  receipt.

The prosecutor tendered the form filled by the accused in evidence, urging the court to admit same as exhibit.

Justice Aikawa admitted the form in evidence, and accordingly marked them as Exhibits 1 and 1a.

Furthermore, the witness told the court no cheque was issued in respect of the funds, adding that the the accused signed the form on March 26, 2015, while they received the money on March 27, 2015.

Meanwhile, counsel representing the accused — Mr B. O. Shofunde (SAN), and Chief O Ayanlaja (SAN) — urged the court to grant an adjournment to enable them cross-examine the witness.

Consequently, the court adjourned the case to March 14 for cross-examination of the witness and continuation of trial.

In the five counts, Allison-Madueke was alleged to have conspired with Belgore and Sulaiman on or about March 27, 2015, to directly take possession of the sum of N450 million which they reasonably ought to have known formed part of proceeds of unlawful act.

The accused were also alleged to have taken the said funds in cash which exceeded the amount authorised by law without going through a financial institution.

Belgore and Sulaiman were also alleged to have paid the sum of N50 million to one Sheriff Shagaya without going through any financial institution.

The offences are said to have contravened the provisions of Sections 1(a), 15, 16(d) and 18 (a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012.

 

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Police arrest 3 suspected killers of 2 Fulani herdsmen in Kaduna

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The Police in Kaduna State, on Monday said they have arrested three suspects that allegedly killed two Fulani herdsmen on Saturday.

The Commissioner of Police, Agyole Abeh, told Journalists in Kaduna that the two Fulani herdsmen were grazing their livestock when they were killed on March 11 at Unguwan Luka in Jema’a Local Government Area.

Abeh said the three suspects were arrested after a tip-off by Good Samaritans.

The police commissioner, claimed that the suspects had made confessional statements and would  soon be charged to court.

He declared that peace was gradually returning to southern Kaduna, and urged the general public  to go about their normal businesses.

Abeh assured of the command’s readiness and commitment in providing secure environment to all citizens and solicited for more support from the public to enable police personnel discharge their duties more effectively.

“I want to assure the people of the state of my resolve to flush out all forms of crime and criminality in the area,” he said.

 

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Ex-general forms rebel group to topple South Sudan leader

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AFP Photo/Charles Atiki Lomodong

A former South Sudanese general has announced the formation of a new rebel group aimed at overthrowing the government after more than three years of civil war.

Lieutenant-General Thomas Cirillo Swaka quit last month issuing a stinging indictment of President Salva Kiir’s regime, which he accused of carrying out a “tribally engineered war”.

On Monday Swaka declared the creation of his National Salvation Front, abbreviated as NAS, and called on the people of South Sudan “to rise up and topple the Kiir regime”.

“The National Salvation Front is convinced that to restore sanity and normalcy in our country, Kiir must go; he must vacate office without further bloodshed,” his statement said.

Swaka, former deputy chief of the general staff for logistics, said Kiir should be “removed from power by all means necessary.”

The resignation of the influential and respected general was a blow to Kiir’s government and army, which are increasingly dominated by the president’s Dinka tribe.

Swaka is an Equatorian from a previously peaceful part of the country that has come under government attack in recent months.

He has accused Kiir of pursuing “ethnic cleansing”.

The extent of the former general’s political and military support — both in South Sudan and in the wider region — is unclear.

The 17-page letter declaring his rebellion was signed by him alone, raising questions about his ability to launch a broad movement to challenge Kiir.

Alan Boswell, a conflict analyst studying South Sudan, described the letter as “a personal manifesto”, adding that Swaka, who has been in contact with Ethiopian and Sudanese officials among others, “looked more disruptive before he declared his one-man rebellion”.

South Sudan’s civil war began in December 2013 when Kiir accused his deputy, Riek Machar, of plotting a coup. The fighting that followed intially split the country between Kiir’s Dinka and Machar’s Nuer groups, but as the war spread so did the cracks between other ethnic groups.

An August 2015 peace deal failed to end the conflict, and after an outbreak of fighting in Juba, the capital, in July last year, Machar fled into exile in South Africa, leaving the rebels without an active figurehead.

The war has killed tens of thousands of people, uprooted millions and left nearly half the country in need of emergency food aid. In February the UN declared a “man-made” famine in some parts of the country.

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One Lagos Fiesta has swept away December crimes, says Ambode

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Governor Akinwunmi Ambode with flag dancing with the Speaker, House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa at the flag-off of One Lagos Fiesta in Lagos

Lagos was crime-free in December of 2015 and 2016 following the commencement of the annual One Lagos Fiesta, Gov. Akinwumi Ambode said in Ikeja on Sunday.

“We have been able to keep the criminals busy for the five days that the fiesta has held each year and we were able to take their minds off crime for the period.

“We may probably have to increase the duration to 10 days, next time,’’ the governor said.

The maiden edition of the One Lagos Fiesta held in 2015.

The 2016 edition was an eight-day event, spread across five centres — Agege, Ikorodu, Epe, Lagos Island and Bar Beach, Victoria Island — and it attracted a mammoth crowd.

It was capped with a midnight of fireworks and a spectacular lighting of the Lagos skyline.

Ambode also spoke on the state government’s proposal to take over the National Stadium, Surulere.

He said it was time to take over national assets in Lagos and allow the people of Lagos and their economy to thrive and be able to use their talents.

Ambode recalled that the last match at the stadium was hosted 12 years ago, and it was time for the state government to intervene on the issue.

The governor had, on March 1, said that Lagos had plans that would turn the dilapidated National Stadium into an enduring world class facility.

He made the assertion when he spoke with newsmen after a joint inspection tour of the stadium with the Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung.

Ambode, riding on the crest of the approval by the Federal Government to concession some of the national stadia to the resident state governments, had asked for a stake by the state government.

The Federal Government has already given the nod to the Kaduna State Government to manage the Ahmadu Bello Stadium and gave the same approval to Enugu State and Cross River Governments.

Ambode said that if the concession could pull through, the state government would ensure that the stadium was given a facelift.

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Trump blasts FBI for not stopping leaks to media

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FBI seal outside the headquarters building in Washington, DC. US President Donald Trump took the unusual step on february 24, 2017, of publicly criticizing the FBI, saying it was failing to stop national security leaks to the media, even from within the agency. The Republican's rebuke, posted on Twitter and Facebook, comes with his administration on the defensive against allegations of improper links to Russia, with several investigations into the matter underway on Capitol Hill and at the FBI. / AFP PHOTO / YURI GRIPAS

President Donald Trump took the unusual step Friday of publicly criticizing the FBI, saying it was failing to stop national security leaks to the media, even from within the agency.

The Republican’s rebuke, posted on Twitter and Facebook, comes with his administration on the defensive against allegations of improper links to Russia, with several investigations into the matter underway on Capitol Hill and at the FBI.

Accusations against Trump and his cohorts have come from news reports based on unnamed government sources.

“The FBI is totally unable to stop the national security ‘leakers’ that have permeated our government for a long time,” Trump said.

“They can’t even find the leakers within the FBI itself. Classified information is being given to media that could have a devastating effect on U.S. FIND NOW.”

The social media posts from Trump, a voracious consumer of cable news, came as CNN was airing a story on how the FBI rejected a recent White House request to publicly deny news reports about alleged communications between Trump associates and potential Russian spies during the 2016 presidential campaign.

CNN’s report was based on “multiple unnamed US officials briefed on the matter.”

A White House official told CNN the request to the FBI came only after the agency indicated the news reports were not accurate.

US intelligence agencies have concluded that Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential campaign to tip the result in Trump’s favor.

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Ribery fit for Bayern bench, says Ancelotti

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(FILES) This file photo taken on July 11, 2016 shows Bayern Munich's French midfielder Franck Ribery during the first training session with new Bayern Munich's head coach Carlo Ancelotti at the club training area in the southern German city of Munich. Bayern Munich's new coach Carlo Ancelotti has defended veteran winger Franck Ribery, who has been dubbed 'a ticking time-bomb' in the German media for a string of on-field tussles.<br />GUENTER SCHIFFMANN / AFP

Franck Ribery is back from a five-week injury lay off and will be on the bench for Bayern Bundesliga game with Hamburg this weekend, coach Carlo Ancelotti said on Friday.

The charismatic 33-year-old French winger tore thigh muscles in training in January.

“He’s ready, I think we’ll start him on the bench,” said Ancelotti, who confirmed that Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso would be unavailable for the game.

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Navy discovers illegal depot with 5.3m litres stolen diesel

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The Nigerian Navy in Port Harcourt says it has discovered a massive illegal bunkering depot which served as a dump site and transit point for illegally refined petroleum products.

The depot is located opposite Liquid Bulk Company and few kilometres away from Saipem Oil and Gas Company, Masters Energy and a naval base in Rumuolumeni area of Port Harcourt.

The Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder, Port Harcourt, Commodore William Kayoda, paraded 32 suspects arrested during the raid on Friday.

Kayoda said that operators of the illegal bunker site carried out their activities under the cover of the companies to deceive unsuspecting security agencies and members of the public.

“During the raid, troops found over 150 Geepee tanks of 20, 000 capacities and over 300 rubber tanks all fully loaded with illegally refined diesel.

“Also, three 33,000 tanker trailers fully loaded with petroleum products believed to be stolen diesel were also impounded on the scene during the raid.

“Similarly, about 10 large wooden boats popularly known as Cotonou boats, laden with product suspected to be illegally refined diesel, were impounded,” he said.

One of the suspects who worked with the illegal depot put the total quantity of the diesel at 5.3 million litres.

Kayoda said the raid was part of a special operation code-named “Operation White Valentine” which targeted financiers and operators of illegal refineries and illegal bunkers.

He expressed optimism that the operation which began on Feb.14 and ends on March 14, would drastically reduce attacks on oil and gas installations in the area.

According to him, the clampdown has reduced illegal refineries which have been identified to be partly responsible for current air pollution in Port Harcourt and environs.

“For a week now, we have been tracking local depots where petroleum products sourced from illegal refineries are kept for onward sale to the public.

“The operation is based on three cardinal pillars; firstly, to arrest the big wigs (financiers), behind illegal refineries and bunker sites because the sites are not run by foot soldiers (labourers).

“The second pillar is to arrest manufacturers of the wooden boats which are used to move the illegally refined products from illegal refineries to local bunkering depots and vessels.

“As we speak, there are both covert and overt operations currently ongoing to arrest the big wigs of illegal refineries and manufacturers of Cotonou boats,” he said.

Kayoda assured that the navy would do everything within its mandate to stop all forms of illegalities in the nation’s maritime domain.

He said the petroleum product and suspects would be handed over to the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and relevant security agencies for further investigation and prosecution.

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Fake news more dangerous Boko Haram, says Lai Mohammed (Read full details)

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Nigeria's minister of Information Lai Mohammed AFP PHOTO / PIUS UTOMI EKPEI

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, says the phenomenon of fake news if left unchecked, poses more threat to the nation than insurgency and militancy.

The minister reiterated this position on Tuesday in Abuja at the seventh edition of the National Security Seminar with the theme “Consolidating on the Gains of Counter-Terrorism Operations in Nigeria.”

The seminar was jointly organised by the National Defence College of Nigeria, the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Alumni Association of National Defence College.

Mohammed said that the phenomenon of fake news propagated majorly by the social media “is so serious that it threatened to break the country rapidly even more than insurgency.” He noted that to consolidate on the defeat of the Boko Haram insurgent, the armed forces should give special attention to its communication and information dissemination strategy.

“We must pay adequate attention to communication strategy and have our people who will be very active also on the social media.

“It is a front that has been largely neglected which we must now pay special and adequate attention to,” he said.

According to him, fake news phenomenon is a situation where someone or some persons will fabricate stories capable of setting one group or religion against the other and send them out through the social media.

“Regrettably, fake news is circulated worldwide through the means of the social media and it travels faster.

“Only recently, we have to refute the fake news that Nigeria today is the most difficult place for Christians to live.

“There was also the fake report that the armed forces of Nigeria armed the Fulani herdsmen and instigate them to carry out attacks.

“All these news are unfounded, fake and has the capacity to set one religion or group against the other,’’ he said.
The minister said the most recent of such disinformation was the news of the alleged killing of some members of a pro-Biafra group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Mohammed said that the allegation was false, malicious and intended to set the country on fire.

He also recalled the recent visit by two leaders of All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu and Bisi Akande to President Muhammadu Buhari in London which the champions of disinformation claimed it never happened.

He said similarly, it took the intervention of the US government to set the record straight through a release that its President, Donald Trump truly had a telephone conversation with President Buhari.

Earlier in a welcome address, the Commandant of National Defence College, Rear Adm. Ilesanmi Alade said the annual seminar provided opportunities for discussion of the topical issue of national security. Alade said the theme of the seminar was apt because having technically defeated Boko Haram, there was the need to build upon the gains and guide against relapse or outbreak of any other crisis.

On his part, the Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali commended the armed forces for winning the insurgency war in the North East within a short period of the administration of President Buhari.

The minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Danjuma Shedi, said that the isolated attacks being witnessed were expected but assured that there would be an end to them soon.

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Train derails in Belgium, leaving casualties

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Police officers and officials stand next to a train after it derailed in Kessel-Lo, Leuven, on February 18, 2017. One person died and 19 people were injured in the accident.<br />NICOLAS MAETERLINCK / BELGA / AFP

A train derailed Saturday near the Belgian city of Louvain, leaving several casualties, officials said.

A spokesman for the SNCB rail authorities said it was too early to confirm news reports that one person died and 25 people were injured in the derailment about 25 kilometres (15 miles) east of the capital Brussels.

Interior Minister Jan Jambon tweeted: “My thoughts go to the families and loved ones of the victims of the derailment in Louvain.”

In neighbouring Luxembourg on Tuesday, the driver of a passenger train was killed after he ran a red light and collided with a freight train, officials said.

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Leicester’s owners back under-fire Ranieri

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Leicester City's Italian manager Claudio Ranieri watches from the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Leicester City and Everton at King Power Stadium in Leicester, central England on December 26, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / Paul ELLIS /

Claudio Ranieri was told he is safe from the sack on Tuesday as the Thai owners of struggling champions Leicester pledged their “unwavering support” to the under-fire manager.

Ranieri’s side are just one point above the relegation zone after Sunday’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester United and speculation had mounted that the Italian was on the brink of being dismissed.

But amid reports Ranieri has lost his players’ backing due to his confusing tactics and selections, Leicester’s owners have tried to ease the crisis by making it clear they still believe in the man who led the Foxes to an against-the-odds Premier League title triumph last season.

“In light of recent speculation, Leicester City Football Club would like to make absolutely clear its unwavering support for its first-team manager Claudio Ranieri,” a statement on the club’s website read.

“While there is a collective appreciation from everyone at the club that recent form needs to improve, the unprecedented success achieved in recent seasons has been based firmly on stability, togetherness and determination to overcome even the greatest of challenges.

“The entire club is and will remain united behind its manager and behind its players, collectively and firmly focused on the challenges ahead.”

With an FA Cup fourth-round replay against second-tier Derby at the King Power Stadium looming on Wednesday, Ranieri will welcome the vote of confidence.

But an embarrassing defeat to their local rivals would put the pressure back on Ranieri, whose team have lost their last four league matches and face a crucial clash at fellow strugglers Swansea on Sunday.

“I know the views of the chairman. Maybe he wanted to stop all the speculation. I didn’t ask them to do this. I knew what the chairman was thinking” Ranieri said at a press conference that took place soon after the statement was released.

“I understand football. You have to do your job and I have to do my job. When you win three matches you are ‘God’, when you lose three you are not.

“This is not a crisis. When you aren’t winning you lose confidence, it is normal.”

Asked about a report that Ranieri had replaced chicken burgers with pasta in the Leicester players’ training ground canteen as punishment for their poor form, the 65-year-old laughed off the story and insisted he retained the squad’s support.

“Never have I seen a chicken burger, only deep fried chicken. It’s fantastic. I don’t like pasta,” he said.

“The dressing room is fantastic. We try to do our best, but this season everything is wrong. The relationship is the same as last season. I speak the same English and they understand me.”

Leicester have won only once in their last nine league games, have yet to score a league goal in 2017 and have mustered just five league victories all season.

It is a remarkable fall from grace for the club that captivated fans around the world with their title heroics.

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FG approves $1.2bn for Kano-Kaduna rail project

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Passengers board a light rail train of Nigerian Railway Corporation at Oshodi Terminal in Lagos, AFP PHOTO / PIUS UTOMI EKPEI

The Federal Government has approved 1.2 billion US dollars for the construction of the Kano-Kaduna standard gauge railway project.‎ Minister of Transport, Mr Rotimi Amechi, disclosed this in Kano on Saturday when he visited Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje at the Government House, Kano.

He said that the Federal Government was negotiating with China EXIM bank to finance the project.‎ “We are negotiating with China EXIM bank and we are convince that this negotiation will end by June,” he said.

The minister said that the Federal Government would provide about 100 locomotives for narrow gauge rail that would run through Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt, Funtua and Gombe to improve the economy.

“Before the end of June Lagos-Kano narrow gauge rail would have more locomotives that would run through Lagos, Port Harcourt, Funtua, Kano and Gombe states in order to boost the economy,” he said.
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Amechi, however, thanked the governor for his efforts and the role he played during the last National Assembly election in Rivers where the party won one senatorial seat and four House of representative seats.

Responding, Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje, expressed his happiness and commended the president for fulfilling campaign promise.‎ He said that Kano-Kaduna standard rail project would save the road from total collapse.
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Ganduje said that the state government recently signed a $1.8 billion Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a Chinese firm to construct light rail in the state capital. He said that the light rail project would give a mega city outlook similar to other cities across the world.

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