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LNSA, Mushin Command arrest fraudster

Fola Badmus8 months ago8 months ago02 mins

The Mushin Command of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency (LNSA) has arrested a suspected fraudster operating around Fatai Atere Way, and its environs. The female suspect named Toyin Ariyo, aged 48 years, was apprehended as she allegedly attempted to swindle 18-year-old Ayomide around the Cappa area of Agege Motor Road at about 9 am on the 3rd of February 2025. The suspect, who confessed to having been in the fraudulent trade for over 20 years, met her Waterloo when a Corp officer noticed and accosted the victim, Ayomide, who displayed signs of distress and fear. Following the completion of the preliminary investigation, the case was immediately transferred to the Police for further investigation and prosecution. The General Manager of LNSA, Prince Ifalade Oyekan commended the gallant officers who responded to the situation and warned criminals to relocate from Lagos State as the Law enforcement agencies in the State have been encouraged by the commitment of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu to the security and safety of residents and visitors in the State.

Probe missing N26bn in Ministry of Petroleum Resources, PTDF, SERAP tells Tinubu

Fola Badmus8 months ago8 months ago012 mins

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu “to direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and appropriate anti-corruption agencies to promptly probe allegations that over N26 billion of public funds are missing, diverted or stolen from the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) and the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources in 2021.” These damning revelations are documented in the 2021 audited report published on Wednesday 13 November 2024 by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation. SERAP said, “Anyone suspected to be responsible should face prosecution as appropriate, if there is sufficient admissible evidence, and any missing public funds should be fully recovered and remitted to the treasury.” SERAP urged him to “use any recovered stolen funds to fund the deficit in the 2025 budget and to ease Nigeria’s crippling debt crisis.” In the letter dated 1 February 2025 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “There is a legitimate public interest in ensuring justice and accountability for these grave allegations. Tackling corruption in the oil sector would go a long way in addressing the budget deficit and debt problems.” According to SERAP, “The allegations suggest a grave violation of the public trust, the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended), the country’s anticorruption legislation and international anticorruption obligations.” The letter, read in part: “Poor Nigerians have continued to pay the price for the widespread and grand corruption in the oil sector.” “Despite the country’s enormous oil wealth, ordinary Nigerians have derived very little benefit from oil money primarily because of widespread grand corruption, and the entrenched culture of impunity of perpetrators.” “According to the 2021 annual audited report by the Auditor-General of the Federation, the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) in 2021 reportedly paid over N25 billion [N25,607,890,403.11] for ‘contracts without any supporting documents.’” “The Auditor-General fears ‘the money may have been diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.” “The PTDF also reportedly failed to account for over N326 million [N326,065,638.00] deposited in two banks. The Auditor-General fears the money may be missing and wants it recovered and remitted to the treasury.” “The PTDF reportedly failed to account for over N107 million [N107,691,733.93] being money for ‘the supply, installation, and commissioning of Library automation system and RFID at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI).’” “The contract for the library ‘was awarded without the prior approval from the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). The Auditor-General fears ‘the money may have been diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.” READ ALSO CTC of Judgment ordering Buhari’s minister to account for N729bn payment to poor Nigerians“The PTDF reportedly paid over N46 million [N46,974,216.43] to ‘three companies for services without evidence of execution.’ ‘One of the contractors was engaged on 13th April 2021 but was paid for services rendered in March 2021. All the three contractors were paid for periods they had not rendered the services to the PTDF.’” “The Auditor-General fears ‘the money may have been diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.” “The PTDF also reportedly failed to remit over N60 million [N60,355,670.03] of ‘stamp duty from the capital expenditure contracts awarded in 2019 and 2020.’ The PTDF ‘provided no reason why the money was not remitted.’” “The Auditor-General fears ‘the money may have been diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.” “The PTDF also reportedly failed to account for over N64 million [N64,088,158.44] ‘being payment for store items not supplied.” The Auditor-General fears ‘the money may have been diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.” “The PTDF also reportedly paid over N41 million [N41,367,493.50] ‘for services not yet performed or goods not yet supplied.’ The payments were made ‘without relevant supporting documents such as invoices, receipts.’” “The Auditor-General fears ‘the money may have been diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.” “The Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources reportedly spent over N137 million [N137,751,789.85] ‘from the Capital Vote for expenditures which were recurrent in nature without any approval by the National Assembly and the Minister of Finance.’” “The Auditor-General fears the money may be missing. He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury. He also wants sanctions applied ‘for gross misconduct specified in paragraph 3129 of the Financial Regulations 2009.’” “The Ministry reportedly failed to account for over N232 million [N232,509,238.21] ‘being payments to seven companies for consultancy services for stakeholders’ engagement in the Niger Delta in January 2021.’” “According to the Auditor-General, ‘the type of engagements and the reasons for contracting the seven companies were not stated. The venue of the engagement remains unknown. This spending of public funds appeared fictitious.’” “The Auditor-General fears “the money may have been diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.” “The Ministry also reportedly failed to remit over N25 million [N25,516,938.00] of ‘taxes collected from payments of N137,929,394.58] made to contractors.’ The Auditor-General fears ‘the money may have been diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.” READ ALSO Xenophobia: African commission to ‘take appropriate action’ on SERAP’s request to sue South Africa for $10bn“The Ministry also reportedly failed to account for over N43 million [N43,533,036.65] ‘being irregular payments for the replacement of broken ceiling.’ The Auditor-General fears “the money may have been diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.” “The Ministry failed to account for over N74 million [N74,721,625.03] ‘being payments made as cash advances granted to officers between March and December 2021 without retirement.’ The Auditor-General fears ‘the money may have been diverted’, and wants it recovered and remitted to the treasury.” “We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public…

Police begin enforcement of 3rd Party Insurance on Motorists

Fola Badmus8 months ago8 months ago02 mins

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has ordered the enforcement of the Mandatory Third Party Insurance which will commence on February 1st, 2025. In a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi on Friday, the initiative is aimed to reinforce road safety measures and ensure that all vehicle owners comply with the stipulated insurance requirements to protect themselves and others on the road. The Nigeria Police Force cautioned vehicle owners and operators against non-compliance with this essential regulation. Failure to possess valid Third Party Insurance will result in strict enforcement actions, including fines or penalties or both, as mandated by relevant extant laws. The staement reads in parts; “Effective February 1st, all vehicle owners nationwide are required to possess valid Third Party Insurance as they move about, and those without the Insurance, are advised to be insured quickly to avoid any sort of embarrassment. “The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has directed all State Commissioners of Police to ensure due enforcement, as Police officers will be empowered to conduct checks and enforce penalties for non-compliance in line with relevant extant laws. “The Nigeria Police Force remains dedicated to enhancing road safety and protecting the lives of all citizens through the enforcement of traffic laws and regulations. Cooperation from members of the public in this crucial endeavor is much appreciated.”

Soldier dies, others suffer injuries in Lagos autocrash

Fola Badmus8 months ago8 months ago03 mins

A private car driver on Friday recklessly ran into troops, killing a solider and injuring several others in Lagos. The tragic incident, according to a statement signed by Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 81 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel, Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, occured during the Bi-Annual Route March near Myhoung Barracks in Yaba, Lagos State. The Division’s image maker disclosed that tragically, a driver in a private vehicle recklessly ran into the participating troops resulting in the death of a soldier with others sustaining various degrees of injuries. He also informed that the deceased has been deposited in the mortuary while the injured are currently receiving medical care at 68 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital Yaba, Lagos, assuring that the 81 Division Military Police in conjunction with other relevant security agencies are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to this incident. “The route march, which is an NA training exercise designed to enhance operational readiness, involved NA formations across Lagos State. The exercise had earlier been announced on various media platforms to create public awareness,” he pointed out. Meanwhile, the General Officer Commanding 81 Division NA, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, has expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased soldier while praying for the speedy recovery of the wounded. He has also called for calm among the public as investigation into the sad occurrence has commenced. He added that the Division remains steadfast in its commitment to training and readiness to discharge its duties despite this devastating event. Furthermore, this tragic loss will not deter the Division’s dedication to safeguarding the lives and properties within its Area of Operations in accordance with the NA’s constitutional mandate.

PSC approves retirement of Senior Police Officers above 60 years

Fola Badmus8 months ago8 months ago02 mins

The Police Service Commission has approved the immediate retirement of Senior Police Officers who have spent more than 35 years in service and those above 60 years of age. The Commission at its 24th plenary meeting of 27th and 28th September 2017 had approved that the Force entrants should have their date of appointment in the Force against the date of their enlistment. The Commission has passionately revisted their decision and has come to the conclusion that the said decision in its intent and purpose contradicted the principle of merger of service in the Public service and it is in violation of Public Service Rule No 020908 ( i & ii) which provides for retirement on attainment of 35 years in service or 60 years of age. Accordingly, the Commission at its 1st extra ordinary meeting of the 6th Management Board held today, Friday, 31st January 2025, approved the immediate retirement of those officers who have spent more than 35 years in service and those above 60 years of age. The Commission Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu, rtd, mni, presided over the extraordinary Meeting and had Justice Adamu Paul Galumje, retired Justice of the Supreme Court and Hon Commissioner representing the Judiciary; DIG Taiwo Lakanu rtd, fdc, Honourable Commissioner representing the Police and Chief Onyemuchi Nnamani, Secretary to the Commission in attendance. The Commission’s decision has been conveyed to the Inspector General of Police for implementation.

IGP’s continuous stay in office legal, lawful -AGF

Fola Badmus8 months ago8 months ago02 mins

The continuous stay in office of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, is legal and lawful. The appointment of Egbetokun, according to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) took effect from 31st day of October, 2023 would have come to an end on his attainment of 60 years of age on 4th day of September, 2024. “However, before his retirement age, the Police Act was amended to allow the occupant of the office to remain and complete the original four year term granted under Section 7 (6) of the Act, notwithstanding the fact that he has attained the age of 60 years. This has, therefore, statutorily extended the tenure of office of Egbetokun to and including 31st day of October, 2027 in order to complete the four year tenure granted to him. “For the avoidance of doubt, Egbetokun’s continuous stay in office is in line with the provisions of the Police Act amended in 2024 which allow the occupant of the office to enjoy a term of four years effective from the date of his appointment as IGP, in this case, 31st day of October 2023. “This advisory is necessary for the guidance of the general public,”Fagbemi stated.

Alleged N110b fraud: Why Yahaya Bello’s accomplice sought refund on property – Witness

Fola Badmus8 months ago8 months ago05 mins

The trial of a former Kogi State governor, Yahya Adoza Bello, alongside Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu continued on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, before Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court with the First Prosecution Witness, (PW1), Fabian Nwaora informing the court, that Yahaya Bello’s accomplice, Shehu Bello, opted for a refund from EFAB Property Limited, the sum of N550 million (Five Hundred and Fifty Million Naira) he paid for a property when he learned that the said property has come under the investigation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC and linked to Yahaya Bello. The witness, Chairman of EFAB Property Limited, further disclosed that the property Shehu Bello bought was located at No.1 Ikogosi Street, Maitama, Abuja. Led in evidence by prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, he narrated that “We put up a property for sale with a signboard of EFAB Property. That was in 2020. Shehu Bello came to my office and asked for the property. We discussed the price and we agreed on N550 million. He said he was going to come back the next day, I told him I was not going to be around on that day, then I introduced him to my General Manager (GM), Segun Adeleke. They both exchanged phone numbers. When I came back after one week, the GM reported to me that Shehu Bello had purchased the property. He brought the document for me to see on behalf of EFAB. The name on the agreement was Dr. Bello Ohiani not Shehu Bello. We signed and gave them back to sign and return a copy to us, no copy was returned. “After three years, Shehu Bello came back to me and said that the property was under investigation from the EFCC, he returned all the documents that I gave to him and said he would like to get his money back. I discussed it with my lawyer and he said since it was under investigation, they know that the EFCC will invite us,” he said. The witness further informed the court that they were invited by the EFCC to make statements and that his company, EFAB Property Limited was told by the Commission to pay in the money it received for the property to the EFCC’s account since the property was under investigation. “After writing the statement, the EFCC said the house was under investigation and that we should return the entire money to the EFCC account. They gave us the account number, we returned N400million, then the second batch we returned N150million. The house was marked, but when we returned the money, the EFCC said we can take over the house, since we have returned the money to them,” he said.

Max Air suspends domestic operations for 90 days

Fola Badmus8 months ago8 months ago02 mins

The management of Max Air has suspended its operations for 90 days following one of the airline’s aircrafts that crash-landed on Tuesday night at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA). The plane with registration number 5N-MBD (B733), carrying 53 passengers and six crew members, was arriving from Lagos when the incident occurred at approximately 10:45 PM. The Max Air stated this in a statement on its official X handle formerly Twitter on Wednesday. The statement reads; “This is to inform the general public that Max Air is suspending its domestic flight operations for 90 days effective midnight 31st January 2025. This is to enable us to carry out internal operational evaluation. “The proactive measure demonstrates our unwavering commitment to passenger safety and service excellence. The safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority and we believe this voluntary suspension will allow us to exceed industry standards and restore public confidence in our operations. “All affected booked passengers during the suspension period are enjoined to receive full refunds. Our customer service team will be available to assist all the affected passengers. “We are actively working with the aviation authorities during this period to ensure that every statutory requirements are met in view of the foregoing, therefore, we deeply regret the temporary inconvenience this will cause our valued domestic customers. However, we believe this investment in safety and reliability will significantly enhance our service quality delivery for years to come. “Regular updates will be provided through our website and verified social media channels.”