RRS NABS LAGOS FRAUD KINGPIN, SYNDICATE MEMBERS, Recovers fake dollars

Men of Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Lagos State Police Command, over the weekend, arrested he alleged one Segun Akuntola, who is alleged to be the kingpin of a syndicate that specializes in defrauding innocent citizens within the State.

The suspect, popularly known as Okadigbo, was apprehended by the Decoy Team of the squad in his shrine at Ijora over his involvement in fraud perpetrated by the 4 - man gang under him.

The fraud, which was perpetrated in Ikorodu about a year ago was supervised by accomplice Christian Odokor, 43. The syndicate had duped a lady known as Joy (not real name) while in transit from Ikorodu towards Mile 12, where the victim had planned to buy some goods.

Preliminary investigation conducted by the Decoy Team of RRS revealed that Okadigbo is the arrow head of several syndicates of fraudsters operating in different parts of Lagos State and some parts of Ogun State.

The members of his syndicate, it was learnt report to his shrine regularly where their nefarious activities were always planned.

Until his arrest over the weekend, four of his accomplices earlier arrested by the operatives of RRS had given him out as their ring – leader.

The operatives were reported to have been on the look out for him but he has remained evasive through 2016.

Okadigbo while confessing to being a fraudster who operated by pretending to be herb seller in parts of the metropolis denied being the leader of the syndicate traced to him.

According to him, “it is true they used my shrine and office. They bring their victims there but everybody operated on their own. They all assemble there but everybody managed their group.

Although, the fake dollar they use is mine but I don’t know anything about this job for which they have been arrested”.

“I operated by selling herbs but I market quick money rituals to people as well as herbs for people looking for children. I do spiritual bath for clients and that is how I defraud people and make my money”, he disclosed.

Christain Odokor, the leader of the Ikorodu fraudsters, in his confessional statement said, "we robbed her (Joy) about a year ago.

We took all she had from him including the sum of N300,000:00 and recharge cards of all networks worth N120,000:00 Okadigbo is our master whom most of us report to at least thrice in a week.

All of us, about nine groups that I know report to him. We operated in different parts of the metropolis”, he added.

"He is so powerful and fiery that no police dare to arrest him. Now, I was shocked seeing him here with us in your custody", Odokor said.

Another member of the team, Toyin Idebi, 25, said that greed made her join the gang two years ago. "I was a stylist and doing well before I joined them. When I saw how they were spending money on ladies like me, then I moved closer to them to know their secret.

Initially, they were reluctant to tell me their job as they just told me they were into export and import business. I pressed on till one of them asked me if I can keep a secret. He opened up and I joined them".

She continued, "my main job was to act as someone who was carrying foreign currencies who didn't know her destination. Though, those currencies were fake but I didn't how Okadigbo got them.

While recounting her ordeal, the victim said," It was on Wednesday afternoon, January 13th 2016 on my way to market. The lady amongst them flagged me down by calling Sabo passengers from Ikorodu garage .

When I saw the lady sitting and calling for prospective passengers I never thought otherwise. Immediately I hopped in and sat down beside her. I saw three other men inside the car.

Suddenly as we were progressing, the lady begged me to help her with my phone to make phone calls giving excuse that she had no call card on hers.

"As a lady, I handed over my phone to her and she made two separate calls with my phone. As we moved a bit far more, the driver detoured the journey to unknown destination.

I queried the driver where he was taken me to, he refused to respond. Suddenly, they pulled over in the middle of the way, the driver pointed gun at me and the lady showed me knife to cooperate.

They ransacked my bag and removed the whole money with the recharge cards, and they sped off", she added.

Confirming the incident, the State's Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Police, Dolapo Badmus, said that the Command will not rest on its oars until it rids the state of bad elements and reduce the criminal activities in the state to the bearest minimum.

She added that the kingpin and his gang members would be charged to court upon completion of investigation.

The suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.

Heritage Bank moves to deepen support to agric value chain

Heritage Bank Plc has disclosed plans to revolutionise the agricultural value-chain field, particularly the rice farming that will enhance agribusiness and aid economic development through its direct participation in the much lauded Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP) of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Group Head, Agriculture Finance, Heritage Bank, Olugbenga Awe, in a speech delivered at 3rd edition of Rice Investment Summit in Abuja in collaboration with New Partnership for Africa Development (NEPAD), said the bank’s drive to support rice production was borne out of the conviction that agribusiness is profitable and act of patriotism to achieve food security and sufficiency in the country.
He, however, noted that the challenges facing rice production were subset of myriads of constraints facing agriculture in general, as most farmlands are located in the rural areas with poor road network and electricity supply, majority are financially excluded with no access to banking services.
He hinted that Heritage Bank is effectively tackling the bottlenecks, since it has long identified the opportunities in agribusiness before the collapse of crude oil prices through its various programmes, which will contribute to the projection for year 2020 in the production of 7.7million metric tons of milled rice or 10.8million metric tons of paddy rice at milling recovery ratio of 62per cent.
On the Heritage Bank’s involvement in ABP, Awe noted that the bank has strategically put in place measures to ensure fidelity to contract agreements and adherence to fair trade in making sure that farmers earn decent profit for their efforts, which is critical to the sustainability of the programmes.
According to him, the bank’s participation in the programme has paid off as we currently have a rich pool of farmers’ data to support grains production.
“The registered farmers in our database can easily be identified and trained with the support of extension services to plant any grains as the season demands. This flexibility provides continuous cash flows to the famers and ensure that more farmers are enlisted to join the programme,” he said.
The group head, further disclosed, “In our quest to participate in the rice value-chain through the ABP, we supported hundreds of small holder farmers in various communities in Kaduna and Zamfara State.”
Awe stressed that the prospect for rice production and agriculture was very bright, according to him, “the sector is driving the next set of entrepreneurs and we are committed to the development of the sector using appropriate technology and modern farm practices. We walk the talk in Heritage Bank as demonstrated in our portfolio allocation to agribusiness.”
He affirmed that Heritage Bank would continuously create opportunities for people to see agriculture as a business that can lift them out of poverty into a prosperous future.
According to him, the youth are encouraged through the bank’s partnership with CBN under the Youth Innovative Entrepreneurship Development Programme (YIEDP) to start young and create wealth, from available statistics, 80per cent of applicants under the youth empowerment programme choose agriculture as the preferred sector.
He noted that the large scale operators are enabled to expand existing capacities and industrialize for local consumption and export.
Also, in furtherance of its commitment to creating jobs and wealth, the bank launched a N500 million Young Entrepreneurs and Students (YES) Grant in Lagos. The initiative, which is in partnership with the Nigerian Youth Professional Forum (NYPF), will, according to the bank, support students and young entrepreneurs toward socio-economic freedom.

Court Order: Amnesty Urges Nigeria to Release El-Zakzaky

Nigeria: Comply with court order to release Sheik Ibraheem El-Zakzaky

The Nigerian authorities must immediately comply with a High Court order and release the leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) Ibraheem El-Zakzaky and his wife from detention, said Amnesty International.

El-Zakzaky, and his wife Malama Zeenah Ibraheem, have been in detention without charge for more than a year following a clash between his supporters and the Nigerian military in which soldiers slaughtered hundreds of men, women and children. The authorities claim he is being held in “protective custody”.

“The 45 day deadline given for their release expires today. If the government deliberately disregards the orders of its own courts, it will demonstrate a flagrant – and dangerous – contempt for the rule of law,” said Makmid Kamara, Interim Director of Amnesty International Nigeria.

“El-Zakzaky is being unlawfully detained. This might be part of a wider effort to cover up the gruesome crimes committed by members of the security forces in Zaria in December 2015 that left hundreds dead.”

On 2 December 2016 the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that El Zakzaky and Malama Zeenah Ibraheem should be released within 45 days. The court described their detention, which began in December 2015, as illegal and unconstitutional. The deadline for the court order expires on Monday 16 January.

Amnesty International is also calling on the authorities to release other IMN supporters arrested at the same time as El Zakzaky and his wife, who likewise remain in detention without charge.

Background
According to Amnesty International’s research, more than 350 IMN members were killed by security forces between 12 and 14 December 2015 in Zaria, Kaduna State.

The IMN is a shit’ite religious and political organization whose leader, Ibraheem Yaqub Al-Zakzaky, has been a proponent of Shi’a Islam in Nigeria since the 1980s.

Processions, demonstrations and other activities organized by the IMN, usually without obtaining the necessary permits and at times blocking public roads, have resulted in confrontation with the Nigerian authorities and strained relations with other communities.

Isa Sanusi
Media Manager
Amnesty International Nigeria

PHOTO: Kwara Gets Acting Grand Kadi

Kwara State Governor, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed (left) Congratulating newly Sworn-in Acting Grand Kadi,Kwara State Sharia Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Mohammed Ola Abdulkadir at Government House, Ilorin...Monday

Owerri Customs Seizes 307 Contraband, Worth N4.7bn

FOU ZONE C CUSTOMS RECORDS 307 SEIZURES WORTH OVER #4.7 BILLION IN THE YEAR 2016

The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘C’ Owerri in the year 2016 recorded a giant stride in its anti-smuggling activities with the seizures of a total of three hundred and seven (307) contraband worth four billion, seven hundred and fifty-six million, two hundred and seventy-seven thousand, eight hundred and eighty-five naira, twenty-one kobo (#4, 756, 277,885.21).

Contained in the press statement signed by the Public Relations Officer, Onuigbo Ifeoma, the above figure is a combination of both the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of #3,985,931,643.00 and an underpayment recovered as revenue of seven hundred and seventy million, three hundred and forty-six thousand, two hundred and forty-two naira (#770,346,242.00)

The Controller of the Federal Operations Unit, Comptroller Mohammed, Uba G. who made this known while giving an annual report for the year 2016 said that the unit which has since driven many smugglers out of their illicit businesses consequent upon its sustained aggressive onslaught against smuggling; arrested a total of two hundred and thirty-four (234) suspects while twenty-four (24) cases are still pending in court in connection with the seizures.

A breakdown of the prohibited items seized include:
169 motor vehicles with a DPV of #1,013,005,101.21;
2,725 cartons of narcotics (Indian hemp/hard drugs) with a DPV of #366,835,000.00 and 1,759 pairs, 85 cartons and 68 sacks/bales of foot wears with a DPV of #28,234,060.00.

Others are: 7,795 soap/detergents/toiletries with a DPV of #58,889,181;
107,006 cartons of imported frozen poultry products with a DPV of #1,402,086,836.00; 1,018 pieces and 561 bales of bags/suitcases which had a DPV of #134,964,320.00 in addition to 5,794 rethread and used pneumatic tyres bearing a DPV of #97,597,620.00.

The rest are: 50 cartons and 147 pieces of beverages/confectionary/juices with a DPV of #3,248,570.00; 14,006 bags of rice which has a DPV of #447,850,240.00; 2,333 cartons and 1,598 pieces of furniture and parts thereof with a DPV of #173,048,334.00 and 273 cartons of 2 litres of vegetable oil with a DPV of #9,801,000.00.

The unit also seized 1,089 pieces of machinery/mechanical appliances/parts which had a DPV of #7,837,498.00 as well as 2,484 electrical/electronics/parts whose DPV stood at #3,886,600 and 951 bales, 470 cartons and 18 sacks of other goods with DPV of #239,441,283.00 as among other seizures made within the year.

This, the unit said was in contrast to the total seizure made in the preceding year (2015) which recorded a total sum of #2,839,404,837 comprising a DPV of #2,709,807,437.00 and an underpayment recovered of #129,597,400.00.

Comptroller Mohammed Uba said that the FOU zone ‘C’ would continue to strategize and re-strategize to bring smugglers, their agents and collaborators to their knees. He regretted that the federal government had continued to lose huge revenue as a result of the unpatriotic activities of smugglers who are poised to acquire wealth through the short cut, and warned such individuals to desist forthwith in their own interest.

He also advised Nigerians not to use the global economic down turn as an excuse to ruin themselves and their families as the NCS would not entertain any sacred cow in its determination to make smuggling a thing of the past in the country.

Mohammed advised the youth to always preoccupy themselves with ideas and visions that could assist them realize their potentials as leaders of tomorrow instead of indulging in acts and conducts capable of impeding their success in life.

He however advised Nigerians who are into genuine and legitimate business of buying and selling not to entertain any fear as the NCS would continue to be guided by the cardinal principle of justice, equity and fairness devoid of victimization or oppression in the discharge of her duties.

LAGOS ALLAYS FEARS ON BOMB SCARE IN AGEGE

…Says Arrested Killers Of LASTMA Commander To Aid Investigation

The Lagos State Government on Monday allayed fears of residents on suspected explosive substance which was allegedly dropped in a manhole in one of the Streets in Agege area of the State, saying that the development was nothing to worry about.

The development had led to residents scampering for safety following the bomb scare, but rising from the Monthly Security Council Meeting chaired by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, the government urged the people to go about their normal businesses as the situation had been put under control.

The State’s Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, who briefed journalists at the end of the meeting alongside service commanders of security formations and top government functionaries in the State, said security agencies responded swiftly to the development and found out that contrary to rumour the substance was just pieces of thrash dropped in the manhole.

He said: “Early this morning, we were alerted to a situation where it was reported that some passersby dropped something on the manholes in one of the streets at Agege which led to a bomb scare.

“The security operatives quickly responded; the bomb disposal unit also went there; those manholes were checked and it was found out that it was just thrash that were thrown into those manholes.

“We also seized the opportunity to do what is called sweeping of the environment to reassure members of the public that security operatives in the State are more alive to their responsibilities, and that once we get information on a timely basis, response will also be done in a swift manner to ensure that nothing untoward happen in Lagos.”

He said the meeting, being the first for the year, was used to appraise the performance of security outfits in the State last year, and strategize for the New Year.

“We have done an appraisal of what happened last year in terms of our challenges and the modest achievements that were recorded last year and use that to prepare for the year and improve on what we have been doing and to position ourselves very well for the new challenges that could emerge in the year with the view to making the people of Lagos and their properties safer and more secured,” Owoseni said.

While assuring the people that security outfits and the State Government were more poised, repositioned and more willing to ensure smooth security operations in the State, the Commissioner urged residents not to hesitate to supply necessary security information as at when due.

Speaking on the arrest of two persons in connection with the gruesome murder of a Zonal Commander of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) Surajudeen Olatunji Bakare in Apapa late last year, Owoseni said investigation into the case was still ongoing, but that those arrested would help in arresting others who were part of the mob action that led to the incident.

He said: “It is an ongoing investigation. You know there was a video recording which we have considered and it is based on some of the faces that we saw that we picked those people that were arrested.

“It was a mob action and we don’t want to rush to court without doing a good clinical finishing of forensic analysis of the faces to match them with what we have seen in the video and for those fellows that have been arrested to be able to say oh yes these are the other people that were there.

“As investigation is going on, we would be unveiling the development to the people of Lagos, but what we just want to do is to ensure that all such impunities are stopped in Lagos State.”

Besides, the CP recalled the arrest of some Boko Haram suspects in Lagos recently, saying that the collaborative effort and synergy that had always existed among security agencies in the State led to the arrests.

He said henceforth, government and security agencies have resolved to further put their ears more on ground and open their eyes more widely to ensure that those elements were not allowed any space to operate in Lagos.

Former President, Minister And Popular Monarch Will Pass Out In 2017-Dr. Chris Okafor

*MMM is Satanic
*Popular Man Of God May Pass On
*Famous Opposition Leader May Pass On
The Senior Pastor of Mountain of Liberation And Miracle Ministry (aka) Liberation Ministry, Dr. Chris Okafor has called on Nigerians to pray for a former military president and minister against death. He gave this while unveiling his prophecies for 2017. Here is the breakdown of his prophecies for 2017.

* Death Of Former Military Head Of State.
* Major fire disaster in homes and market places.
* Death in family of the president.
* Osinbajo will not be impeached but will likely not be Buhari's running mate.
* The church will be seriously persecuted all over the world beyond what it is currently going through but will have upper hand.
* Another major party would be formed that will wrestle power from the present government.
*Buhari Is Not The Messiah But To Prepare The Way For The Messiah.
* MMM Is Not Of God But A Design For Mark 666.
* Ifeanyi Uba Will Take Over From The Present Governor Obiano Of Anambra State After His Second(2nd) Term But He Must Pray Against Conspiracy.
* God Will Use Tinubu To Restore Nigeria But He Must Be Prayerful Against Conspiracy Against His Life Spiritually And Physically.
* The football and entertainment industry should pray against death on some major faces.
*Death of present and former minister(s) to be averted through prayers.
* A Former Leader Of PDP To Die.
* A Popular Man Behind The Pulpit To Die.
*A Major Leader In Africa To Die (In The Mode Of A President.
* The Economic Situation Will Improve In Nigeria Through Divine Intervention.
* There Will Be A Serious Attempt To Islamize Nigeria But The Lord Says It Will Not Come To Pass.
*Boko Haram Is Going To Regroup And Will Become Deadlier But They Will Be Stopped.
*There Will Be Major Restoration To A Lot Of People That Have Given Up And Families Will Be Liberated From Their Strong Enemies.
*A Former Governor Of Akwa Ibom Waving Goodbye But Will Be Averted Through Prayers.
*A Major Country In Europe Should Pray Against The Death Of A Powerful Leader.
*Nigeria's Glory Days In Sports Will Return, Especially In Football.
*An opposition party will likely take over power in South Africa. There is going to be a lot of political crises.
*A lot of finance houses/banks and their directors will go through a lot of crises and humiliations.
*Major oil dealers will face a lot of persecution.
*I See A Major Monarch Waving Goodbye.
*We Have To Pray Against The Outbreak Of Major Airborne Disease.
*There Will Be A Major Shake Up In The Military And The Police.
*There Would Be Great Improvement And Discoveries In The Power Sector

GOV. GAIDAM GRANTS AMNESTY TO 3 PRISONERS

..........As Reps Garbu paid fine of 13 prisoners.

In exercising his constitutional powers, Alhaji Ibrahim Gaidam, the Executive Governor of Yobe State granted an amnesty to three prisoners to mark the new year celebration.

Two prisoners who were on death row had their sentence commuted to life imprisonment while one prisoner who has less than one third of his sentence and found to be of good conduct and character was pardoned and released as well as given a transport fare and amount of money to start up a new life in the larger society.

The gesture, according to the order is in the exercise of the governor's power under section 212 (1) and (2) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) "to pardon, free,grant respite or substitute a severe punishment with lesser one as a form of amnesty for the convicts"

Gaidam said this is to encourage good conduct from prisoners while serving their terms in prisons.

The State Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice Barrister Mustapha Ahmed Goniri said the two inmates whose sentences were commuted to life imprisonment were qualified because they have shown remorse and exhibited good conduct during their stay in prison for more than ten years.

In a related development, Alhaji Sabo Garbu,member representing Potiskum/Nangere constituency has processed the release of 13 prisoners after paying their fine and compensation. He said this will help decongest the prison.

The state Controller of Prisons, Isa Sabo Kashuri while responding on behalf of the benefitting prisoners commend the Governor and the Member House of Representative for bringing succour to the prisoners. He urged other philanthropists and organisations to come to the aids of prisoners.

Unimaid Mosque: A Professor Killed in Bomb-Blast ...See Pictures

Emergency workers have evacuated body of a Professor and others to mortuary after Twin Bomb-Blast from suicide bombers in the University of Maiduguri, Borno State.

PRNigeria gathered that the incident occured in a mosque near Gate 1, not the main Central Mosque, while the other explosion occured around Gate 5 of the same university.

The incident occurred during early morning Islamic Prayers, Subhi around 5am.

Rescue and security officials have cordoned the areas while triage and casualty evacuation have been concluded.

Official from National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and that of Borno State (BOSEMA) confirmed the evacuation of bodies of the Professor, a child and two bombers.

While doctors confirmed the dead of four people including the two bombers, 17 other victims who sustained injuries are being treated by medical personnel.

OPC hails DSS over arrest of Boko Haram suspects in Lagos, warns saboteurs

The Oodua People’s Congress has hailed the Department of State Services for its vigilance, which led to the arrest of suspected Boko Haram members in Lagos State.

The commendation was contained in a statement on Sunday by the National Coordinator of the OPC, Otunba Gani Adams.

The DSS had on Tuesday said it arrested four Boko Haram members in Lagos.

The secret service said the Boko Haram members, who fled from Borno State, were arrested in Oko Oba area of Lagos State.

Commenting on the development, Adams praised the DSS and sent out further warnings to criminal elements in the South West and other States with OPC presence that they would not be allowed to fester.

Adams said his group was on the alert to combat any untoward development or atrocity by Boko Haram members, adding: “This is also to warn those who are out to cause division within the rank of the Yoruba speaking people of the South West and North Central States that their antics would be resisted.

“We as a group are out to ensure the unity of the Yoruba race as this is the only way to maintain the cohesiveness that exists at present.

“As such, dissidents who feel they can use the opportunity of the dialogue platform being created among the Yoruba race, especially for and by our revered monarchs, to cause disunity will not only have their moves truncated but disgraced and exposed for who they are.”

Adams called for vigilance among Yoruba speaking people so as not to allow “the enemy infiltrate to wreck havoc”.