EFCC arrests ex-NBA chairman

There was mild drama in Ikeja on Monday as operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested Mr Yinka Farounbi, a former Chairman of the Ikeja branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

The arrest took place at the branch’s secretariat in Ikeja during a monthly meeting of the branch, NAN reports

The arrest followed the former chairman’s alleged refusal to honour an invitation of the anti-graft agency.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Farounbi’s arrest was initiated by a petition written to the EFCC by three members of NBA, Ikeja branch, over alleged misappropriation of N30 million belonging to the branch.

The petititioners alleged that Farounbi, in connivance with Mr Adeshina Ogunlana, another former Chairman of NBA Ikeja branch, diverted the funds alongside Mrs Kappo, a former Treasurer of the branch.

Ogunlana honoured an EFCC invitation in February, during which he allegedly spent 81 hours in the custody of the anti-graft commission.

An EFCC source, who pleaded anonymity said that the EFCC decided to arrest Farounbi at the NBA meeting following his refusal to honour its invitation, adding that intelligence reports revealed that he would be at the meeting.

There was, however, a mild drama when EFCC operatives stormed the meeting venue to effect Farounbi’s arrest, as Mrs Patience Kalu, one of the operatives, alleged that she was assaulted by a lawyer resisting Farounbi’s arrest.

This made the operatives to call for backup to arrest the lawyer who allegedly assaulted Kalu as she insisted she would not leave the NBA secretariat until arrest of the lawyer.

Farounbi was accompanied by three Senior Advocates of Nigeria at 4.27p.m. to a waiting EFCC vehicle and then to the EFCC Ikoyi Office.

Mr Dele Oloke, the Chairman of the branch, apologised to Kalu over the alleged assault, and called for calmness.

A lawyer and an eyewitness who pleaded anonymity, however, disputed Kalu’s assault claim.

”We were having our monthly branch meeting, and four EFCC operatives walked in interrupting the meeting.

”They were a lady (Kalu) and three men; two of the men were visibly armed, one was following the lady with a pistol and the other, who was with a big gun, stood at the door.

”We told them that we were having a meeting; we appealed to them, and as they were leaving, the lady seized the phone of a lawyer who was recording the event.

“In spite of our pleas, they refused to release the phone. I did not see the lady being assaulted,” he said.

NAN reports that the lawyer whose mobile phone was seized, was also arrested by EFCC operatives.

Why we arrested Babalele, Atiku’s son-in-law, finance officer – EFCC

…We picked him in relation to laundering €150 million
…To be released soon….

Many days after raging furore over the arrest of Alhaji Babalele Abdullahi, who is the son-in-law to the defeated presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Monday owned up picking up the man.

The Commission while admitting for the first time that its operatives arrested Babalele, who is also the Finance Director of Atiku’s group of companies, justified the arrest of the man, saying that he was engaged in money laundering to the tune of€150 million.

The anti-graft agency did not however specify how the huge sum was laundered or where it originated and where it terminated. But Vanguard learnt authoritatively that Atiku’s son-in-law was ‘taken away’ by security agents on the suspicion that he could use hard currency to unduly influence the outcome of many polls taking place in the country. Although the EFCC had initially kept mute over the arrest of Babalele, the agency on Monday tried to douse rising tension over the detention of the man, admitting that he was in its custody but did not indicate the exact location where the man was being kept. A source in the commission said: “Yes, he Babalele is being investigated over alleged case of money laundering and the sum involved is €150 million. “Let it be known that investigation into the matter is ongoing and we can confirm that Babalele is in our custody. But he will be released soon,” the source hinted on Monday following enquiry by Vanguard.

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/03/why-we-arrested-babalele-atikus-son-in-law-finance-officer-efcc/

Source: www.vanguardngr.com

Breaking News: CBN Governor Sacked

The Nigerian government has asked the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, to proceed on leave ahead of expiration of his tenure.

Emefiele was said to have received a letter to the effect on Monday.

The financial expert has been Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria since June 3, 2014.

He was Chief Executive officer and Group Managing Director of Zenith Bank Plc and previously the Deputy Managing Director of Zenith Bank Plc.

Emefiele served as Executive Director in charge of Corporate Banking, Treasury, Financial Control and Strategic Planning of Zenith Bank Plc and has been on the Management team since inception.

Emefiele was one time a director at Zenith Bank Plc and Zenith Bank (Gambia) Limited.

Before commencing his banking career, he lectured Finance and Insurance at the University of Nigeria Nsukka, and University of Port Harcourt, respectively.

He is an alumnus of Executive Education at Stanford University, Harvard University (2004) and Wharton School of Business (2005).

Emefiele holds a B.Sc. degree in Finance in 1984 and an MBA Degree in Finance in 1986, both from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

NYSC releases registration instructions for 2019 Batch A corps members

The management of the National Youth Service Corps, (NYSC), has announced registration guidelines for 2019 prospective Batch A corps members.

The guidelines, as contained in a statement, was released on the official Facebook page of NYSC.

The statement reads in Full: “Online Registration for 2019 Batch “A” Prospective Corps Memberscommences Monday 4th to Tuesday 19th, March 2019.

Tips to guide PCMs during NYSC Online Registration.

1. NYSC Online Registration Portal address portal.nysc.org.ng

2. If you are registering for the first time, click on “Mobilization Batch A, 2019”

3. If you have registered previously and did not complete your Registration or Submit, do not create a new account instead click on “Login Here” to continue your registration with your previous Username and Password.

4. The Revalidation link is only for those mobilized in 2018 Batch “C” and previous Batches but did not go to the Orientation Camp.

5. Do not thumbprint by proxy.

6. Apply for Name Correction on your dashboard.

7. Make sure the passport photograph uploaded is very clear.

8. Do not forget the Username and Password used during your Online Registration

9. Cross- check your records before submission to avoid wrong details.

10. Connect with us at our Social Media platforms for latest updates.

Keith Flint, The Prodigy vocalist, dead at 49

Keith Flint, singer in the British electronic group The Prodigy, has died, the band said in a statement Monday. He was 49.

"It is with deepest shock and sadness that we can confirm the death of our brother and best friend Keith Flint," said a statement on the band's Facebook page. "A true pioneer, innovator and legend. He will be forever missed."

The Prodigy was founded in Braintree, Essex, in 1990 by Liam Howlett.

The group, comprised of Howlett, Maxim (whose real name is Keith Palmer), and Flint released an album in November and was due to go on tour with stops in New Orleans, Chicago and New York in May.

Flint was the vocalist for the band's two number one singles on UK charts, "Firestarter" and "Breathe."

The band has been nominated for two Grammys, and seven MTV Video Music Awards, four of which they won.

Flint was also an avid motorcyclist.

APC women threaten Oshiomhole - ‘Don’t enter Imo’

Women leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State have protested against the suspension of Rochas Okorocha, Governor of Imo State, from the party by the APC National Working Committee (NWC)

The women led by Theresa Ohanuha warned National Chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomhole against visiting the state, going forward.

This was disclosed in a communiqué issued after their protest on a Sunday.

The women stated that Oshiomhole’s actions were among reasons President Buhari recorded low votes in Imo State during the recent presidential election.

They insisted that the National Chairman does not have moral justification to remain the party chairman after failing to deliver APC in his council.

The communique read: “These actions of Oshiomhole negatively affected the outcome of the recent presidential election in Imo.

“The suspension of the Imo West senator-elect, Governor Rochas Okorocha, on the basis of anti-party activities is unacceptable.

“We are sure that Mr. President is not aware of these events.

“We, the APC women in Imo State, respectfully appeal to Mr. President to call Oshiomhole to order.

Women leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State have protested against the suspension of Rochas Okorocha, Governor of Imo State, from the party by the APC National Working Committee (NWC)

The women led by Theresa Ohanuha warned National Chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomhole against visiting the state, going forward.

This was disclosed in a communiqué issued after their protest on a Sunday.

The women stated that Oshiomhole’s actions were among reasons President Buhari recorded low votes in Imo State during the recent presidential election.

They insisted that the National Chairman does not have moral justification to remain the party chairman after failing to deliver APC in his council.

The communique read: “These actions of Oshiomhole negatively affected the outcome of the recent presidential election in Imo.

“The suspension of the Imo West senator-elect, Governor Rochas Okorocha, on the basis of anti-party activities is unacceptable.

“We are sure that Mr. President is not aware of these events.

“We, the APC women in Imo State, respectfully appeal to Mr. President to call Oshiomhole to order.

“Oshiomhole is unnecessarily attacking Okorocha because of the jealousy that he single-handedly “built the party” in the South East.”

Kenya helicopter crash: 4 Americans, local pilot die in helicopter crash

Four Americans and a local pilot were killed in Kenya when their helicopter crashed on an island in Lake Turkana in the north, police said Monday. The crash occurred Sunday night in Central Island National Park as two helicopters took off after a visit to the Lobolo tented camp, according to an internal police report seen by The Associated Press.

The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi confirmed to CBS News the deaths of the four Americans but was only able to identify three of the victims; Anders Asher Jesiah Burke, Brandon Howe Stapper and Kyle John Forti.

One helicopter lost contact and crashed soon after takeoff around 8:30 p.m., Kenya's Civil Aviation Authority said in a statement. It said a search and rescue mission found the wreckage shortly after 3 a.m.

It said an investigation was under way into the cause of the crash.

Lake Turkana is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is considered by anthropologists one of the most likely places from which humanity originally evolved, along with the wider Rift Valley area.

Last month two Americans were among five people killedwhen their plane crashed as they were traveling to Lodwar near Lake Turkana. Kenyan police had reported three Americans killed but the U.S. Embassy confirmed two.

Kenya has a vibrant airline industry, with national airline Kenya Airways operating internationally and locally alongside successful low-cost airlines and many charter companies that fly planes and helicopters. 

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in 2014, some 130,000 planes land and take off from Kenya each year, and the country has 35 operating airlines.

Buhari ahead of President’s visit to Delta

Ahead of the governorship election to be conducted nationwide this Saturday, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Delta State, Monday described President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to Effurun in Uvwie Local Government Area of the State as a trick to rig the election for the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Buhari is billed to meet with stakeholders of the people of Delta State at the PTI Conference in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area Monday.

But the PDP in Delta State has reacted to the scheduled visit in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza.

It reads, “As President Muhammadu Buhari visits Warri today, the second visit in about two months, it is not a surprise that tongues are wagging within the circles of the All Progressive Congress,APC in Delta State that the trip is in bad taste, as the party supporters and Deltans, in general, are wondering why the president has always limited his visits to a microscopic Warri and ignoring the larger areas of the State.”

The PDP urged the President not to get involved in sinister contrivance by using his office as President, to scheme and manipulate the electoral process.

“We say this because of the March 9, 2019 Governorship and State House of Assembly elections, as we have it on good authority that Buhari’s trip is not altruistic, and has nothing to do with the good and progress of Delta State.

“Already, the entire Delta State is abuzz with claims and insinuations and it is being openly said that the President and indeed the whole gamut of well known election manipulators and hatchet men in the national APC leadership, are visiting Delta State ostensibly to perfect an APC rigging plan and subvert the electoral process and the ultimate democratic decisions of Deltans who have sworn to return Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for a well deserved second term and vote for all the PDP candidates in the March 9, 2019 State Assembly elections.

“It is indeed a thing of shame that President Buhari will ignore other very important and urgent State matters to come to Warri to be at the head of a despicable scheme to manipulate and swing votes in favour of the unpopular APC and its candidates.

“We condemn the president’s insensitivity to the sensibilities of the people of Delta State who have taken PDP as their party. We also decry the shameful, slimy drive of Buhari and his detestable mission to use the power of State to secretly get the various agencies of the Federal Government, namely, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the police, the military and other security agencies to intimidate and harass PDP supporters, voters and subvert their democratic will and foist on the State an unpopular APC and its candidate.

“While the foregoing is to seriously inform and educate the general public of Delta State, Nigerians and the world at large of the President’s tricks and treacherous game plan being schemed to thwart and by subterfuge subvert the already known will of Deltans who are poised to vote for Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and other PDP candidates, we warn that President Muhammadu Buhari must be held responsible for any complications that may develop from his inglorious interference in the voting process in Delta State.

“Let the president be reassured that the people of Delta State are resolute in their decision to vote for the PDP candidates and keeping the party in Delta State.

“Certainly, he should understand that no amount of intimidation and other ill-conceived and devious ideas to thwart the peoples’ will shall thrive because Delta State is PDP and PDP is Delta State.

“We totally condemn Mr. President’s moves and schemes and say that they are mean and uncomplimentary. It is curious why the President has chosen to visit Warri at a time like this in the heat of preparations for, and almost on the eve of the State elections in which his party and the APC is the major opposition party. We warn that he should not do anything that would be seen as his interference in the process that will make Saturday’s election not to be free, fair and credible.

“On this note, we call on PDP faithful, leaders, supporters and faithful not to be intimidated, but should come out in large numbers to vote the PDP, ensure that their votes count.

“We urge them to remain steadfast in standing by and for Governor Okowa’s re-election and all the PDP candidates,” the statement read.

Atiku speaks on EFCC’s arrest of his son in-law, lawyer

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate in the just-concluded presidential election, Atiku Abubakar has reacted to the arrest of his son-in-law and family’s financial adviser, Babalele Abdullahi.

The Economic Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, had on Saturday arrested Abdullahi.

Abdullahi is a son-in-law and Finance Director of companies owned by Abubakar.

Reacting to the arrest, Abubakar said his family and associates were paying the price of supporting him.

In a tweet, the former Vice President urged those allegedly persecuting his family members and associates to remember that government was meant to pursue peace and justice.

“My son in law and lawyer have been detained, one for 3 weeks and the other recently.

“They are paying the price for supporting me. I urge those now persecuting them to remember that a government’s mandate is to pursue peace and justice for all, and not just those who support them,” he tweeted.

Resurrection Scandal: South African pastor apologises for misleading public

A South African pastor, Alph Lukau, who claimed to have resurrected a man from the dead has said he regrets the incident.

His viral resurrection stunt led to several lawsuits with some critics challenging him to raise the late South African leader, Nelson Mandela, from the dead.

Mr Lakau, who runs the popular Alleluia Ministries, has now also claimed that the man was already alive when he arrived at his church.

The controversial preacher said this during an interview with Power FM’s Power Drive host, Thabiso Tema, in South Africa on Wednesday.

Explaining how it all happened, he said he was busy with a sermon on Sunday when he was interrupted and told that a person in a coffin had been brought to the church.

“Before entering the premises of the church, the coffin began to shake, meaning the person was alive. I am really sorry for the misrepresentation of facts, the man was not dead and has never been in the mortuary as we earlier said,” Mr Lukau explained.

When asked by the host why the man had been brought to the church in the first place, Mr Lukau said, “I am not sure if I can make a statement that he was brought to me.

“We are the house of God and I’m just a pastor serving in the house of the Lord. But I am sorry that we didn’t tell people the truth in the first place,” he added.

Mr Lukau noted that the man was brought to the church by his family, who believed that something would happen if he was prayed for.

He added that further questions about why the man was brought to the church would be better answered by the man’s family.

“I think that they brought the person to church because they believed that God had the ability to resurrect the person, but still our brother was alive even before they brought him to church and we really apologise for not telling the truth in the first place,” he said.

During the interview, Mr Lukau claimed the only time he restored life was to an unborn child whose mother had alleged that she had been told the child had died in the womb.

“The heartbeat could not be detected before but after the prayer, they [were] told the child is fine,” said Mr Lukau.

The pastor, who found himself in the middle of mass criticism from the public, also added that he had no power to resurrect a person from the dead “except if God used him as an instrument.”

Meanwhile, a lawyer representing Mr Lakau’s church, Alleluia Ministries, has denied allegations that the “resurrected” Brighton Moyo had been paid before to participate in “miracles”.

This is according to a report by a South African news portal, Timeslive.

He was responding to several colleagues and friends of Moyo’s who said that he had told them it was not the first time he had played a starring role in showcasing miracles.

Initially dubbed “Elliot”, the man who was apparently resurrected by the controversial pastor had on a previous occasion been “healed” from being confined to a wheelchair, a colleague of his told TimesLIVE.