September 2024 | Trendbrio.com

EFCC arraigns Ex-Taraba Gov Ishaku, Perm Sec for alleged N27b Fraud

Prince Odutola3 months ago3 months ago04 mins

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, September 30, 2024, arraigned former governor of Taraba State, Darius Dickson Ishaku and former permanent secretary, Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in the state, Bello Yero, before Justice S. C. Oriji of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, Abuja for fraud. Both are being prosecuted on a 15-count charge, bordering on criminal breach of trust, conspiracy and conversion of public funds in the state to the tune of N27,000,000,000.00 (Twenty Seven Billion Naira). One of the charges reads: “That you Darius Dickson Ishaku whilst being the governor of Taraba State and Bello Yero whilst being the Permanent Secretary, Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Taraba State between July, 2015 and May, 2019 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, and in such capacity entrusted with dominion over certain property, to wit: an aggregate sum of N1,138,082,097.71 (One Billion, One Hundred and Thirty-Eight Million, Eighty-Two Thousand, Ninety- Seven Naira, Seventy-One Kobo), which sum formed part of the 2.5% contingency fund belonging to Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Taraba State committed criminal breach of trust in respect of the said property, when you dishonestly diverted the said sum to your own use and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 315 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 532, Laws of the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria 2007 and punishable under the same section.” Another reads: “That you Darius Dickson Ishaku whilst being the governor of Taraba State and Bello Yero, whilst being the Permanent Secretary, Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Taraba State between July, 2015 and May, 2019 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, dishonestly misappropriated certain property, to wit: an aggregate sum of N1,138,082,097.71 (One Billion, One Hundred and Thirty-Eight Million, Eighty-Two Thousand, Ninety-Seven Naira, Seventy-One Kobo, which sum formed part of the 2.5% contingency fund belonging to Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Taraba State and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 308 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 532, Laws of the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria 2007 and punishable under Section 309 of the same Act.” They pled “not guilty” when all the charges were read to them, prompting prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN to ask the court for a trial date as well as accelerated hearing on the matter, while Paul Haris Ogbole, SAN and Oluwa Damilola Kayode, counsel to Ishaku and Yero respectively made oral bail applications which Jacobs opposed, insisting on formal applications. Justice Oriji, adjourned the matter till Thursday, October 3, for hearing on bail applications and ordered that the defendants be remanded in EFCC’s custody. Both defendants were arrested on September 27, 2024.

Sam Sodje condemns prevalence of paedophiles among coaches in Nigeria

Prince Odutola3 months ago3 months ago06 mins

…Urges parents to be vigilant Former Super Eagles and English Premier League football star Sam Sodje over the weekend condemned in very strong terms the prevalence of paedophiles among youth coaches in Delta State and other parts of Nigeria. The retired footballer who presently shuttles between London, England, and Delta State where he contributes to youth engagement and empowerment through sports is sad that coaches who are entrusted with young children are abusing them sexually and destroying their tomorrow and the society is not doing enough to arrest the criminal practices. Said Sodje, “Sports is a powerful tool that takes millions out of poverty in Nigeria and elsewhere in the world, the present economic difficulties in Nigeria have led many parents to encourage their children to participate as a get-out-of-poverty vehicle. “In their hurry to ensure their wards participate in sports, they give them out without doing due diligence or proper background checks of the so-called youth coaches. “Majority of the so-called youth coaches are of questionable character and their motive is to sexually abuse these children, not to give them coaching tutorials.” Sodje who has traversed every nook and cranny of Delta State and other parts of Nigeria in the course of promoting his initiative “Life After Sports” revealed that he has heard too many stories of coaches who engage in the act of sexually abusing children in the course of offering coaching services in the different sports across the country, Delta State not being an exception. The former football star isn’t just condemning the act; he’s also demanding urgent action. He’s calling for coaches involved in such immoral acts to be named, shamed, prosecuted, and punished similarly to how pedophiles are treated in Europe, America, and other regions. Sodje also urge parents to do serious background checks about coaches they want to entrust their children with, “I am therefore using the medium to offer strong advice to parents to ensure that they carry out due- diligence from top officials of various sports associations across the country, Delta State inclusive, to ensure that children do not fall prey to the activities of these unscrupulous coaches with their high inclination for immortality and sexual abuses against underage children. “As parents, we have the responsibility and the duty to protect our children from these wicked people that are living amongst us in the society.” He also called on administrators to “I want to also seriously call on all the administrators of the various sports associations to make it a point of duty to carry out proper character venting of individual coaches that are attached to them and ensure that the bad eggs in their midst are disengaged and specifically banned from working with children to protect our innocent boys and girls for the good of the family, the sports sector and the society in general.” Sodje said that instead of romancing the issue, we need to call a spade a spade and stop the shenanigans before it gets out of control. The football star who played for top and iconic English sides like Brentford, Reading, West Bromwich Albion, Sheffield Wednesday, Watford, Charlton Athletic, Notts County, Portsmouth, and Greek club Skoda Xanthi, said he is ready to lead the fight against this ugly practice in sports and the society at large so that our children that practice and excel in their God’s given talents, without their today and tomorrow being destroyed by paedophiles.

Bobrisky saga: VeryDarkMan arrives N’Assembly to testify

Prince Odutola3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has arrived at the national assembly. VeryDarkMan will testify before the house of representatives joint committee on financial crimes and reformatory institutions, over bribery allegations against officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and Haliru Nababa, controller-general of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS). Dressed in a flowing traditional attire, VDM as he is also known, sauntered into the green chamber with Deji Adeyanju, his lawyer, in tow. Ola Olukoyode, chairman of the EFCC, is represented at the hearing by Michael Nzekwe, his chief of staff. Haliru Nababa, controller-general of the NCoS, is also in the building. Idris Okuneye, aka Bobrisky, is yet to arrive, but Avwerosuoghene Omuvwie, his lawyer, is in the chamber. VeryDarkMan had shared an audio of Bobrisky claiming she bribed some EFCC officials with N15 million to drop the money laundering charge against her. On Thursday, the lower legislative chamber resolved to probe the allegations against the anti-graft agency and the NCoS. Bobrisky was released on August 5, after she was sentenced to six months in prison on April 12 for abusing the naira. In the purported recording, the crossdresser also claimed that her “godfather”, alongside Nababa, ensured she served the six-month sentence in a private apartment and not in prison.

Tinubu swears in Kekere-Ekun as 23rd CJN

Prince Odutola3 months ago3 months ago05 mins

Justice Kudirat Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun took the oath of office as the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) on Monday, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reaffirming his administration’s commitment to upholding the judiciary’s independence and sanctity. Justice Kekere-Ekun, the second female CJN in Nigeria’s history, was sworn in following her confirmation by the Senate. The ceremony occurred at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja. Four former chief justices of the Federation, including the first female Justice, Aloma Mukhtar, the President of the Court of Appeal, and other heads of the judiciary divisions, witnessed it. President Tinubu underscored the pivotal role of the judiciary in safeguarding Nigeria’s constitutional democracy. ”The judiciary is an important pillar constituting the tripod that holds our constitutional democracy. Indeed, the Nigerian judiciary, at various times in history, has proven to be the moderating force ensuring everyone remains in check. ”Your role as the last hope of the common man serves to sustain our people’s confidence in democracy, knowing well that there is an important arbiter that can always give them redress if they are wronged. ”For this function, it is important that our judiciary remains truly independent. It is my administration’s total commitment to preserve the sanctity of the judiciary. ”While we may have reasons to interface as complementing components of the same government, under my watch, the government will also be mindful of the clear line demarcating the two of us. ”We will never interfere or abuse the relationship between us as separate organs of government in our democracy. This is important for sustaining our constitutional democracy, ” the President said. President Tinubu reiterated his government’s dedication to improving judicial officers’ welfare and working conditions, noting recent decisions to enhance their effectiveness in administering justice. He urged Justice Kekere-Ekun to continue upholding the principles of ethical leadership, fearlessness, and honesty that have defined her career. ”The Nigerian judiciary needs a leader with these qualities at this time, and I have no doubt that you will set the pace for others to follow,” he said. The President lauded Justice Kekere-Ekun’s rise as a testament to hard work and an inspiration to women, particularly young girls, in a male-dominated profession. ”This day has also cemented the judiciary as a self-evolving and progressive institution. I specifically congratulate the Nigerian women. Any girl child can dream big and have her dreams come true. It is worth celebrating, ” he said. President Tinubu also acknowledged the presence of Justice Kekere-Ekun’s 89-year-old mother, Mama Wilfred Layiwola Ogundimu (Nee Savage), and other family members led by Akin Kekere-Ekun, Justice Kekere-Ekun’s husband. The President commended the Senate for expediting the confirmation of the new CJN and thanked members of the judiciary for their continued support. Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, former Chief Justices of Nigeria, justices of the Supreme Court, senior judicial officers, and members of the Federal Executive Council attended the event.

21 Flamingos listed for U-17 FIFA Women World Cup

Prince Odutola3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

Head Coach Bankole Olowookere has listed Captain Taiwo Afolabi and forwards Harmony Chidi and Peace Effiong in his 21-woman Flamingos’ roster for this year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals in the Dominican Republic. The clinical Chidi scored 13 of the team’s record-setting 25 goals in the qualifying series, as the bronze medallists from the last edition of the championship in India barnstormed their way past Central African Republic, Burkina Faso and Liberia in the continental campaign. Petite midfielder Afolabi will lead the midfield, alongside Faridat Abdulwahab, Shakirat Moshood and Ayomide Rotimi, while first-choice goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma will have Sylvia Echefu and Elizabeth Boniface pushing her to her best all the time. Taiwo Adegoke leads six other defenders, with Harmony Chidi leading six other forwards including Peace Effiong. Nigeria will compete in Group A of the 16-nation finals alongside host nation Dominican Republic, Ecuador and New Zealand. The delegation of Flamingos will depart the shores of Nigeria aboard a Turkish Airlines flight on Tuesday, 1st October for a two-week training tour in Santo Domingo, capital city of the Dominican Republic, ahead of the commencement of the tournament. FLAMINGOS FOR FIFA U17 WORLD CUP DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 2024 Goalkeepers: Christiana Uzoma (Edo Queens); Elizabeth Boniface (Sunshine Queens); Sylvia Echefu (Confluence Queens) Defenders: Prisca Nwachukwu (Imo Strikers); Jumai Adebayo (Naija Ratels); Taiwo Adegoke (Remo Stars Ladies); Rokibat Azeez (New Generation Academy); Hannah Ibrahim (Remo Stars Ladies); Vivian Ekezie (Heartland Queens); Ololade Isiaka (Abia Angels) Midfielders: Taiwo Afolabi (Delta Queens); Faridat Abdulwahab (Nasarawa Amazons); Shakirat Moshood (Bayelsa Queens); Muinat Rotimi (Nakamura Football Academy) Forwards: Oghenemairo Obruthe (City Sports); Harmony Chidi (Imo Strikers); Kudirat Arogundade (Green Foot); Ramotalahi Kareem (Honey Badgers); Aishat Animashaun (Naija Ratels); Peace Effiong (Rivers Angels); Blessing Ifitezue (Delta Queens) FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Dominican Republic 2024 Group A: Dominican Republic, Ecuador, New Zealand, Nigeria Group B: Spain, USA, Korea Republic, Colombia Group C: Korea DPR, Mexico, Kenya, England Group D: Japan, Poland, Brazil, Zambia

World Bank approves $1.57bn loan for Nigeria

Prince Odutola3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

The World Bank has approved a $1.57 billion financing package for Nigeria under a new programme to support its health and education sectors and help provide sustainable power, the bank said on Monday. The World Bank is the largest lender to Nigeria, with more than $15 billion in loans at the end of March, data from the Debt Management Office showed. The bank said in a statement that the money would help increase availability and effectiveness of financing for basic education and primary healthcare service delivery. “The new financing includes $500 million for addressing governance issues that constrain the delivery of education and health, $570 million for the Primary Healthcare Provision Strengthening Program and $500 million for the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria Project,” the bank said. Nigeria is among countries with the highest number of out of school children mainly due to insecurity, especially in the north of the country where a long-running Islamist insurgency and armed kidnapping gangs have caused havoc. The World Bank said part of the money would be used to improve dam safety to protect people from floods. Nigeria faces frequent flooding and this year up to a million people were affected after a dam in northeastern Borno state burst. More floods are expected in Nigeria after authorities in Cameroon started releasing water from a large dam to prevent it from overflowing.

EFCC: Why Bobrisky slams N1bn suit on VeryDarkMan

Prince Odutola3 months ago3 months ago04 mins

Fresh facts have emerged on Nigerian cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, for filling a lawsuit against internet activist and influencer, VeryDarkMan. The legal battle stems from VDM sharing a voice recording, which he alleged was that of Bobrisky claiming to have bribed officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, with N15 million to drop the money laundering charge against him. Bobrisky, however, has denied the claims, stating that the voice recordings purportedly implicating him in any wrongdoing were artificially generated using AI technology. Sharing a letter from her lawyers via his social media account, Bobrisky sued VDM for N1 billion as damages and gave him 24 hours to publish a written and video recording apology. The House of Representatives has launched an investigation into bribery allegations against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS). The allegations, made by VeryDarkMan, claimed that the EFCC dropped money laundering charges against Idris Okuneye, aka Bobrisky, after receiving N15 million. Rep Patrick Umoh, representing Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot Akara Federal Constituency, Akwa Ibom State, sponsored the motion during Thursday’s plenary, expressing concern over the damaging allegations. He emphasized the negative image of Nigeria as a corrupt nation and the need for urgent action. Addressing his colleagues, Umoh expressed concern over the widely circulated publication by VeryDarkMan against the EFCC and the NCS. He said, “The publication alleges that the EFCC dropped money laundering charges against Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky upon collection of the sum of N15,000, 000. “The publication alleges that Idris Okuneye, upon conviction for abuse and defacing of the Naira, by the court, did not serve his time at the Nigeria Correctional Service, but was lodged outside the confines of the service. “We are disturbed about the damning allegations against Nigerian critical law enforcement agencies-the EFCC and the NCS established by this hallowed chambers to fight correction and incarcerate persons convicted of a crime for correctional purposes respectively.” He also added that the negative image and portrayal of Nigeria as a corrupt nation in the publication should not be swept under the carpet. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas who presided over the plenary session, referred it to the Committees on Financial Crimes and Reformatory Institutions.

Breaking: Davido, Chioma set for white wedding

Prince Odutola3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

Nigerian musician David Adeleke aka Davido and his heart rob Chioma have revealed plans for their white wedding. Chioma in a post on her X handle on Monday wrote; “Are you ready for Round 2? “The Chivido2024 white wedding.” The couple held their traditional wedding in Nigeria’s commercial city, Lagos, on Tuesday, June 25th. The wedding was attended by notable people, including former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Davido’s uncle Ademola Adeleke, who is also the governor of Osun State. Two other governors also attended the ceremony. The other prominent guests were musicians Don Jazzy and Patoranking, football star Victor Osimhen, and Seyi Tinubu, the son of Nigerian President Bola Tinubu. The ceremony was filled with bright smiles, hearty laughter, dance, networking and gifts. During the wedding rites, Davido assured Chioma’s parents that he would respect and protect her. The wedding was a culmination of colourful activities including the release of pre-wedding photos and videos on Davido’s Instagram page, where he has nearly 30 million followers. In a past interview, 31-year-old Davido said he met 29-year-old Chioma before the musician became widely famous. The two met at Babcock University in Nigeria’s southwestern state of Ogun in 2013. Davido was pursuing a bachelor’s degree course in music, while Chioma was pursuing a bachelor’s degree course in economics at the institution. She later developed an interest in becoming a professional chef. When Davido and Chioma first met, Davido’s song “Dami Duro” was ruling the airwaves, and his music career was taking off. In a recent interview, Davido said one of his close friends often teased him that he had everything in life except a wife. The artiste added he was grateful that he met Chioma before becoming famous. In his words, Davido said: “If I was single today, and I met a lady, I would feel she is probably talking to me because I am Davido, the celebrity who has money.”