Tompolo Appeals To Niger Delta Avengers To Stop Attacking Pipelines, Insist He Has No Link With Them

Former militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, has appealed to members of the Niger Delta Avengers, to stop their continuous attack on oil installations in the Niger Delta Region. Tompolo who has been declared wanted after failing to appear before a court for corruption charges, made his appeal in a statement he released today June 10th. In the statement, Tompolo insisted he has no link with the militant group. Part of his statement reads;



“I wish to once again write the members of the Niger Delta Avengers to embrace the Federal Government dialogue option as a way out of the brewing crisis in the Niger Delta region. As I have said before now, I do not know you and how to reach you except through the mass media, therefore it is high time you stopped the bombing and destruction of crude oil facilities in the Niger Delta region. One thing you guys may not be aware of is that you have not only succeeded in militarizing the Niger Delta region now, but also succeeded in given birth to so many negotiators and political jobbers within the government circle, who are very serious rumour peddlers in the country now. Presently all communities in Gbaramatu kingdom have been deserted by residents for fear of a repeat of the 2009 military invasion, which still leave the communities in shambles. Even until now, the military has not returned the symbol of authority they took away from the Egbesu Shrine and other valuables in Oporoza community during the May 28, 2016 invasion. It is pertinent to state that I have not heard and seen in any part of Nigeria, even the most volatile North Eastern part of Nigeria,where Boko Haram has been killing innocent people, the way and manner the Military desecrated the traditional worship centres in Gbaramatu Kingdom. This is a clear oppression and intimidation of the peace loving people of Gbaramatu Kingdom Another dangerous dimension my traducers have introduced into this issue is the allegation that some of my closest men are coordinators of the Niger Delta Avengers. In addition, this is currently trending in the social media, specifically in the niaja.com platform, that Benji Ekeremor, Super and Owomor aka VIP are the coordinators of the Avengers. The truth of the matter is that I can no longer endure these blackmails from my traducers, as I have seen that they are not resting in their oars, as they have vowed to implicate me by all means necessary. God forbid! To set the records straight, these are responsible men who had had skilled training under the Presidential Amnesty programme that are currently using their acquired skills to eke out a living. Therefore, the allegation that they are the coordinators of various axes of the Avengers is a malicious and mischievous one. On a final note, I wish to reiterate that you guys must stop the bombing and destruction of oil facilities in the Niger Delta region now and embrace the dialogue option from the Federal Government as it is (dialogue) the only pragmatic means in resolving a crisis no matter huge and complicated such crisis is. In addition, I believe fervently that the Government is serious and willing to end this re-occurring crisis in the Niger Delta region. Enough is enough,”.

Nigerian Army Confirms The Retirement Of Some High Ranking Officers Accused Of Looting

In a statement issued by the acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, the Nigerian army has confirmed the retirement of some officers which include; Major Generals, Brigadier Generals, Colonels, Lieutenant Colonels and a Major. The statement reads,

The Nigerian Army wishes to inform the general public that quite a number of senior officers of the Nigerian Army were retired from service yesterday.

Those retired were mainly some Major Generals, Brigadier Generals, Colonels, Lieutenant Colonels and a Major. Their retirement was based on Service exigencies. It should be recalled that not too long ago some officers were investigated for being partisan during the 2015 General Elections.

Similarly, the investigation by the Presidential Committee investigating Defence Contracts revealed a lot. Some officers have already been arraigned in court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The military must remain apolitical and professional at all times. We must applaud and support this laudable and bold initiative by the government.

Festac Killing: NSCDC Has Not Handed Over Suspected Killer Of Petrol Hawker To Us – Lagos Police

                                       

                                                           Dolapo Badmos

The Lagos State Police Command says investigation into the killing of a petrol hawker on April 6th in Festac Town has not been abandoned.

The command’s spokesperson, Dolapo Badmos, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Saturday that the suspected killer of the hawker has yet to be handed over by the Nigeria Security Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for interrogation.

NAN reports that a man allegedly died when operatives believed to be from NSCDC were trying to arrest and seize jerrycans laden with petrol from the hawkers.

The situation was brought under control by the police and other security agents. However, the NSCDC denied involvement in the killing.

“Iinvestigation into the killing is still on, but the suspect has not been handed over to the police. We have requested the Lagos State Command of NSCDC to surrender the suspect for interogation and there is nothing we can do for now,” Badmos said.

Efforts to get the NSCDC spokesman in the state, Chibuzor Mefor, to comment on the development were unsuccessful as he did not responds to calls or SMS sent to him

Funke Akindele’s Flawless Look As IROKO World Celebrates Its Ambassador

Last night saw a red carpet extravaganza at an event hosted by iROKO World and Lebara Play, at the Greenwich ODEON in London, in honour of actress Funke Akindele, who is iROKO World’s Global Brand Ambassador.

Celebrating Funke’s renowned Nollywood character, ‘Jenifa’, the event saw hundreds of Funke’s fans descend for a screening of episodes 1 and 2 of Season 4 of Jenifa’s Diary, as well as a Q&A on stage with Funke and DJ Abass. As a special treat for her fans, Funke also showcased a WORLD-EXCLUSIVE, much anticipated sneak peek of Jenifa’s Diary Season 5.

Funke looked radiant in a stunning orange gown on the red carpet, and she spent much of her time meeting and taking selfies with fans – and they loved every minute!

See Funke Akindele’s fabulou look below.

Suspected Mastermind Of Oil Pipeline Attacks In The Niger Delta Region Paraded By Nigerian Navy

The Nigerian Navy yesterday June 8th, paraded the suspected mastermind of the recent attacks on NNPC, and Chevron oil and gas installations in Delta State. Parading the suspect before newsmen at the Naval Base in Warri, Delta state, the Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS Delta, Commodore Ramie Mohammed disclosed that the suspect was arrested in connection with the attack on SPDC 48-inch export pipeline onshore Forcados.

Speaking to journalist, Commodore Mohammed said
“The Nigerian Navy, in collaboration with other security agencies, has arrested the main coordinator of attacks on NNPC and Chevron oil and gas facilities we have witnessed since May 4 with the attack on Okan Valve Platform offshore Escravos. This arrest came after several weeks of trailing and arrest of several of his foot soldiers. This suspect is also deeply involved in pipeline vandalism to steal crude oil. He steals crude from about 35 abandoned oil well heads and pipelines in Okpoko and Obodo, Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State. Navy believes with his arrest, attacks on Chevron/NNPC oil and gas facilities will abate.”
The Navy commander also paraded one Micheal John, a suspected murderer who partook in the gang killing of a soldier, police officer and a civilian at Batan in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta state on May 29th. Commodore Mohammed explained that the suspects were covered in hoods so as not to compromise ongoing investigations that would lead to the arrest of their accomplices.

Atiku Abubarkar, Peter Okoye, Banky W, Julius Agwu, Sound Sultan, Others Mourn The Death Of Stephen Keshi

Former Super Eagles captain and coach, Stephen Keshi died after a Cardiac arrest in the early hours of today Wednesday June 8th. Former Vice President and many Nigerian celebrities have been sharing tributes and mourning his death on Social Media. See more screenshots of their tributes below...

Veteran Actor Jide Kosoko Mourns Loss Of Wife Henrietta..Says She Is His Third Loss...

In the afternoon of Tuesday, June 7, 2016, Encomium Reporter paid a condolence visit tothe residence of adorable actress, Henrietta Kosoko, 52, who died in the morning of Monday, June 6 and the atmosphere was sober.





The widower, veteran actor Prince Jide Kosoko, 62, was distraught. He was being consoled by actors and marketers, but he appeared lost.


Dressed in white kaftan and slippers, Kosoko was mumbling and talking, in apparent distress.
He told those present, ‘Iyawo Keta; s’e awon aye oni m’aka fun mi?’ ( This is the third wife l have lost; won’t people be counting, keeping records?

In October 1992 and November 1993, he lost two wives in about 13 months, and described the episodes in an interview with Encomium Weekly when he turned 60 in June 2014 as a very sad period.


And now in 2016, another wife, his most popular better half died from diabetes complications at home in Bariga.

Indian Politician Asks His Government To Ban Nigerians From Entering India, Says Nigerians Cause Problems Everywhere

A former Minister in India, Ravi Naik, has asked the Indian Central government to "ban" Nigerians from entering India, saying his country does not need Nigerian tourists. According to Times of India, Naik said this while speaking to some reporters recently.

Referring to Nigerians as "Negroes", Naik who is also a senior Congress leader, told the reporters that Nigerians have been causing "problems" in Goa, a western state in India as well other places.


"They create problems everywhere... We do not want Nigerian tourists. The Central government should ban Nigerians,"
Naik said he demanded for a probe into the activities of Nigerians in Goa who he alleged masquerade as students.
“Nigerians come here and do ‘dadagiri’ in Delhi, Bengaluru and the entire country. We should move Nigerians out of here… Have they come here to study? Are they really studying? Are they really going to college, schools? This has to be probed. It is very important,” he said

Attacks On Oil Installations: FG, Niger Delta Govts Evolving Common Strategy To End Economic Sabotage

In a meeting summoned on the instruction of President Muhammadu Buhari, the federal government and Niger Delta states have started developing a common and united strategy to deal with the recent resurgent militant attacks on the nation's oil installations.

According to the Senior Special Assistant-Media & Publicity In the Office of the Vice President, Laolu Akande,at a meeting held yesterday at the Presidential Villa, and presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, governors from Niger Delta states, three ministers and military service chiefs met behind closed doors to discuss the situation, and forge a common strategy to halt what is considered by both federal and state governments as acts of economic sabotage by the militants.

At the end of the meeting, which lasted over two hours, it was made known that the federal government is proceeding on a collaborative strategy with the governments, communities in the Niger Delta region and other relevant stakeholders towards tackling the situation holistically.

Disclosing this at the end of the meeting, Delta State Ifeanyi Okowa who briefed State House Correspondents said the meeting identified the need for synergy between the federal and the state governments as a very important step going forward. Elaborating on the collaboration, Governor Okowa said “one thing that we have identified is the synergy between the federal government and states is very important and this meeting has actually revealed a lot of issues and we believe that the collaboration between the Federal Government and States would help us to tackle the issues in the Niger Delta” Governor Okowa disclosed that a lot of decisions were taken at the meeting after they were briefed by Service Chiefs.

He said “we have taken a lot of decisions which we think will help us to mitigate what is going on currently in the states particularly in Delta and Bayelsa”, reiterating the belief that “we are going to find a solution very soon”.

Still on the outcome of the meeting, he added that it was decided that military presence in the region should be de-escalated, though it was agreed that the forces should be kept to provide security and presence while government begins immediate engagement process with the communities in the affected areas.

Asked by press about the fate of the amnesty programme, Governor Okowa noted that the Presidential Adviser on the Amnesty Programme briefed the meeting and stated that the programme was actually still on-going.

He added that“we have a Special Adviser in charge of Amnesty and he is doing a lot of work.” Those at the meeting were Governors from the Niger Delta states which include Governors of Edo, Ondo, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, Abia, and the Deputy Governor of Cross River. On the side of the federal government were the Minister of Defense, Rtd. Major General Mohammed Dan Ali, Niger Delta Affairs Minister, Pastor Usani Uguru Usani and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Dr. Ibe Kachikwu.

Military service chiefs were also in attendance led by the Chief of Defence Staff, Lt.Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin and all the Service Chiefs who briefed the meeting on the security situation in the region.

Former Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi Passes Away At 54

Early this morning, former Nigerian Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi passed away.

According to reports by The Cable, Keshi’s death was announced by members of his family, and we are yet to confirm the official cause of death.

Our hearts go out to the family and friends of this great footballer who has represented Nigeria so gallantly at home and abroad.

Rest in peace, Stephen Keshi.

'I've Met All My Bail Conditions, Charge Me To Court' Femi Fani-Kayode

Femi Fani-Kayode said yesterday that he has met all his bail conditions, that the EFCC should release him or charge him to court. A statement signed yesterday by his media assistant, Jude Ndukwe reads;
This is to refute the false information being peddled by a section of the media that former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, who has remained illegally detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) since May 9, 2016, has not met his bail conditions as set by EFCC. Chief Fani-Kayode has since fulfilled the conditions for his bail but rather than take the honourable path of releasing him pending any charge brought against him, the anti-graft agency moved him from Abuja to Lagos where they obtained a questionable warrant to further detain him illegally for another three weeks.
This is all in a bid to forcefully extract statements from him that would implicate his principal, former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and other PDP leaders including serving governors whom he served as Director of Media and Publicity of the PDP Campaign Organisation. It is obvious that the EFCC have other opposition leaders whom they have referred to as “big fish” in their radar and see Fani-Kayode as the only avenue through which they can “nail” such leaders, hence, the anti-graft agency’s puerile attempt to keep him in their custody beyond the legally required length of time in order to break him, his family, and force him to implicate innocent people just to achieve a more sinister motive of further silencing the opposition.

It is even more worrisome that the activities of the anti-graft agency has reached an all-time low as they are insisting that the former Minister of Culture and Tourism should name publishers, editors, journalists and bloggers he allegedly gave money to during the election campaigns. What has journalists who covered the PDP campaign as much as that of APC got to do with this? This is the height of it all!

The further insistence by EFCC that Chief Fani-Kayode should deposit a sum of $1m before he could be let go shows how desperate the agency is to keep him in their custody and deny him his fundamental rights as guaranteed under Sections 33,34,35,37 and 41 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended) and Articles 4, 5, 6 and 12 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act Cap 10 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990.

This further confirms our position that even though he has met his bail conditions, the EFCC have no intention of letting him enjoy his bail nor do they have any intention of playing by the rules. While we have copiously acknowledged in the past and still do that EFCC have a constitutional and mandatory duty to carry out their statutory function as empowered by our laws, it is also our sincerest belief that these functions can be carried out within the ambit of the law and without being tainted with vendetta, vindictiveness and politics.

These are what discredit the agency and cast doubts in the minds of Nigerians about the sincerity of the fight against corruption. In other climes where the fight against corruption has been largely successful, suspects are thoroughly investigated discretely, arrested after investigation has been concluded, charged to court and punished if found guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction. But here, we declare our targets guilty in the media, arrest them before commencing investigation and use the courts to obtain contentious orders to keep the suspects in custody indefinitely in lieu of a court-imposed post-prosecution sanction.

The EFCC should allow Femi Fani-Kayode his freedom especially after having met their set bail conditions or charge him before a court of competent jurisdiction forthwith. He is not afraid to defend himself! - Jude Ndukwe SA Media to Chief Femi Fani-Kayode

#JusticeForBridget# - Nigerians React To The Murder Of The Woman Over Alleged Blasphemy

Nigerians on Twitter are demanding for Justice for Bridget Patience - the woman murdered by thugs in Kano state for allegedly insulting Prophet Mohammed. Senate President Bukola Saraki, his Deputy Ike Ekweremadu, Former Minister/Activist, Oby Ezekwesili, Former Chairman of INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega and others have reacted. See more tweets below

Nigeria Publishes Details Of Recovered Assets, Withholds Names Of Looters

The Nigerian government through the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed today Saturday June 4th partially released list of funds recovered from corrupt former government officials as part of the government's war against corruption. Although names of the people the assets were recovered from were left out of the list. Read the official statement below...

The Federal Government made cash recoveries totaling:

N78,325,354,631.82 (Seventy eight billion, three hundred and twenty-five million, three hundred and fifty-four thousand, six hundred and thirty one Naira and eighty two kobo);

$185,119,584.61 (One hundred and eight five million, one hundred and nineteen thousand, five hundred and eighty four US dollars, sixty one cents);

3,508,355.46 Pounds Sterling (Three million, five hundred and eight thousand, three hundred and fifty-five Pounds and 46 Pence) and 11, 250 Euros (Eleven thousand, two hundred and fifty Euros) from 29 May 2015 to 25 May 2016.

Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, also disclosed that Recoveries Under Interim Forfeiture (cash and assets) during the period totaled
N126,563,481,095.43 (One hundred and twenty six billion, five hundred and sixty three million, four hundred and eighty one thousand, and ninety five Naira, forty three Kobo;

$9,090,243,920.15 (Nine billion, ninety million, two hundred and forty three thousand, nine hundred and twenty Dollars, fifteen cents; 2,484,447.55 Pounds Sterling (Two million, four hundred and eighty four thousand, four hundred and forty seven Pounds, fifty five Pence) and

303,399.17 Euros (Three hundred and three thousand, three hundred and ninety-nine Euros, 17 cents)

According to the statement, which is based on the interim report on the financial and assets recoveries made by the various government agencies from 29 May 2015 to 25 May 2016, the Funds Awaiting Return From Foreign Jurisdictions total $321,316,726.1 (Three hundred and twenty one million, three hundred and sixteen thousand, seven hundred and twenty six Dollars, one cent); 6,900,000 Pounds (Six million, nine hundred thousand Pounds) and 11,826.11 Euros (Eleven thousand, eight hundred and twenty six Euros, 11 cents).

It showed that Non-Cash Recoveries (Farmlands, Plots of Land, Uncompleted Buildings, Completed Buildings, Vehicles and Maritime Vessels) during the period total 239.

INTERIM REPORT ON FINANCIAL AND ASSET RECOVERIES MADE BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA FROM 29 MAY 2015 TO 25 MAY 2016...


Cash Recoveries
Serial Items Naira US Dollar GB Pounds Euro
1 EFCC Cash at hand 39,169,911,023.00 128,494,076.66 2,355 11,250
2 Royalty/tax/payment to FGN account in JP Morgan account New York 4,642,958,711.48 40,727,253.65

3 ONSA Funds Recovery Account in CBN 5,665,305,527.41 8,000,000.00

4 VAT recovered from companies by ONSA 529,588,293.47


5 EFCC Recovered Funds Account in CBN 19,267,730,359.36 455,253.80

6 ICPC Revenue Collection Recovery in CBN 869,957,444.89


7 Office of the Attorney General 5,500,000,000 5,500,000

8 DSS Recoveries 47,707,000.5 1,943,000.5 3,506,000.46
9 ICPC Cash Asset Recovery 2,632,196,271.71



Total 78,325,354,631.82 185,119,584.61 3,508,355.46 11,250Recoveries Under Interim Forfeiture
Serial Items Naira US Dollar GB Pounds Euro
1 Cash in bank under interim forfeiture 8,281,577,243.92 1,819,866,364.73 3,800.00 113,399.17
2 Amount frozen in bank 48,159,179,518.90 7,131,369,498.49 605,647.55
3 Value of properties under interim forfeiture 41,534,605,998.00 77,844,600.00 1,875,000.00 190,000.00
4 Value of cars under interim forfeiture 52,500,000.00


5 ONSA Funds under interim forfeiture 27,001,464,125.20 43,771,433.73

6 Value of Assets Recovered by ONSA 512,000,000.00


7 ONSA Assets under interim forfeiture 260,000,000.00


8 DSS Recoveries Frozen in Banks 658,929,000.00 226,476.20

9 EFCC Cash in Bank under final forfeiture 103,225,209.41 17,165,547.00




Total 126,563,481,095.43 9,090,243,920.15 2,484,447.55 303,399.17

Grand Total 204,888,835,727.25 9,275,363,504.76 5,992,803.01 314,649.17Funds Awaiting Return From Foreign Jurisdictions

Jurisdiction US Dollar GB Pounds Euro
1 Switzerland 321000000

2 UK
6900000
3 UAE 310501
11826.11
4 USA 6225.1







Total 321,316,726.1 6,900,000 11,826.11Non Cash Recoveries      
Serial Items Quantity
ICPC EFCC ONSA
1 Farmland 22
2 Plot of Land 4
3 Uncompleted Building 1
4 Completed Building 33 145 4
5 Vehicles 22 3
6 Maritime Vessels 5

Total 82 153 4Segun Adeyemi
SA to Hon Minister of Information and Culture
Lagos
4 June 2016

Police Arrest Woman Captured By CCTV With Stolen Child

A woman, Zainab Salisu, who allegedly disguised as a customer to abduct a one-year-old girl, Fehintola L., in the Abule Egba area of Lagos State has been arrested by the police, PUNCH reports.

She was arrested on Wednesday by policemen attached to the State Department of Criminal Investigation, SDCI Yaba, Idimu area of Lagos state.

Another toddler was rescued with the one-year old Fehintola, the report said.

Zainab was said to have abducted with the child when her and the child’s mother were on their way to the market in Agege.

It was also reported that Zainab and the child’s mother, were on their way to the market to get items that Zainab had requested for the previous week.

The abduction was said to have taken place at Olaniyi Street in Oko Oba area after Zainab offered to strap Fehintola to her back when the girl fell asleep while she handed over her bag to the girl’s mother as they proceeded to Agege.

Prior to a arrest, a Closed Circuit Television Camera at a supermarket in the Abule Egba area captured the suspect with the one-year-old girl on her back before allegedly escaping with her.

Lola Oseni, the aunt to the abducted child confirmed the arrest in a telephone conversation with PUNCH’s correspondent saying:

The woman was arrested on Koleade Street, Council bus stop in the Idimu area. She was arrested around 1 PM on Wednesday. She has confessed to the abduction. She told the police that she wanted to make  Fehintola her own child.

Another child was found in her apartment. Some other suspects were picked up along with the woman. The police did a good job. The family members are happy.

Lagos Police Command’s spokesperson SP Dolapo Badmus also confirmed the arrest. “I confirm that the abductor has been arrested. The girl has also been rescued and she is with the family members. Other details will follow later,” she said.

FG Scraps Post UTME As JAMB Pegs Cut-Off Mark For 2016 Admissions At 180

Minister of Education – Mallam Adamu Adamu

The Federal Government Thursday scrapped the conduct of Post Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME) for candidates seeking admission into higher institution, The Nation reports.

This was announced on Thursday in Abuja by the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, after declaring open the 2016 Combined Policy Meeting on Admissions to Universities, Polytechnics and other higher institutions in Nigeria.

“As far as I am concerned the nation has confidence in what JAMB (Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board) is doing. The universities should not be holding another examination and if the universities have any complain against JAMB let them bring it and then we address it.

If JAMB is qualified enough to conduct tests and they have conducted test then there will be no need to conduct another test for students to gain admission,” Adamu said.

The Minister also asked JAMB to stop extra charges on several categories of changes on admissions such as the change of course, change of school and others.

Meanwhile, JAMB has put the cut-off mark for the 2016 admissions at 180 into all universities and higher institutions in the country, including polytechnics, colleges of education, and others.

Professor Dibu Ojerinde, JAMB’s Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, after a long debate with delegates from various institutions, told journalists that no institution would go below the 180 cut-off set by the board.

He said: “180 is given, no institution will go below 180 this year, And some universities can go above it, I know University of Ife will not go below 200 and University of Lagos will not go below 200 and also UI. All these ones stand but 180 as bench mark for others.

“This year we have more than enough candidates, we have over 1.5 million candidates so we will get enough candidates to take in all the schools if they are serious. Re-distribution is already ongoing, because it is embedded in the registration procedure,” he said