Michael Chudi Ejekam, Ikeja City Mall Developer Wanted in US For Fraud.

Michael Chudi Ejekam, a real estate developer, previously entwined in at least one other real estate fraud case, finds himself in the middle of another similar action. In this case, Ejekam has been tied to former NBA star Tate George and his real estate Ponzi scheme. George recently received a 9-year prison sentence for his part in the scam and Ejekam may face similar action. 

According to Premium Herald, George and Ejekam worked on several deals together while Ejekam was employed with the Bayrock Group, headquartered in New York City but with deals in other parts of the country as well. Together, Ejekam and George pushed several fraudulent real estate deals, bilking unsuspecting investment victims of amounts numbering in the millions. In this process, they utilized Donald Trump’s name and brand in order to squeeze out higher payouts from investors.

In the midst of the George controversy, Chudi Ejekam also finds himself in another, more high-profile legal battle. In this, he sides with Jody Kriss, the former CFO of the Bayrock Group. Ejekam is believed to have fled New York and the United States for Nigeria in an attempt to escape the career and legal consequences of this lawsuit. He relocated to Lagos, Nigeria, where he worked as the West Africa Director of Real Estate for Actis. 

Actis is the developer of many of Nigeria’s largest malls and shopping complexes, and also manages several large investments in Africa. Once Actis was given word of Ejekam’s legal troubles, the trail of paperwork, and all that those entailed, he was quickly removed from employment with the company.

Ejekam’s connections to business in New York City goes back to his college days. He and Kriss were roommates at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. By all reports, Kriss and Ejekam were very close associates during their time at Wharton. Soon after Kriss was promoted to his position as chief financial officer, Ejekam came to be employed by the Bayrock Group to assist with several real estate development projects.

Bayrock Group, a successful New York City real estate development company, has partnered with Donald Trump and the Trump Organization on several high-profile real estate development and management projects. Some of those projects include the Trump SoHo and the Conrad Fort Lauderdale. 

However, some of the top Bayrock executives have driven the company into the heart of multiple scandals, even though most of the Bayrock people operated legitimately and had productive deals with investors.

Michael Chudi Ejekam and Jody Kriss are deeply entrenched in the Bayrock legal mess. For the past three years, they have been central players in a $1 billion extortion scheme against Bayrock themselves, as well as Donald and Ivanka Trump, and several dozen other high-profile individuals, law firms, politicians, and real estate companies. 

One of the law firms named in the complaint brought forth by Kriss and Ejekam is Akerman Senterfitt. This firm had employed Kriss’ father (Ronald), a former Bayrock legal advisor acting as General Counsel prior to the suit. Upon noting their name in the billion dollar suit, he was directly released from the firm.

The two attorneys representing Kriss and Ejekam in the extortion suit, Frederick Oberlander and Richard Lerner, have been referred multiple times for criminal prosecution in the case. Issues arose regarding their unethical and illegal practices in obtaining and using sealed government documents as evidence in the suit, putting several defendants’ lives in danger. 

Lerner, recently removed from his firm, Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker, and Oberlander, recently cited for animal abuse in Manhattan, are challenging the criminal investigation referrals, which were brought down by U.S. Federal Judge, Brian M. Cogan. With charges eminent, the U.S. Attorney’s office in New York’s Northern District is investigating and waiting for the appropriate time to make it official.

Real estate fraud and Ponzi schemes do not seem to be the limit of questionable business practices for Michael Chudi Ejekam and Jody Kriss. It is widely believed that Kriss has deep-seeded connections with the Persico Mafia crime family. . Allegations have also been made that Kriss has engaged in participating in money laundering for kingpins in the Russian mob while working at Bayrock and possibly beyond.

Nigeriaireporter.blogspot.com.ng  put a call across to him to get his side of the story, he was not available to pick his call and we left a message on his voice mail machine but he is yet to return our call. 

Stop Calling The 'Predator' Amina Ali's "Boko Haram Husband- Oba Ezekwesili

A former Minister of Education and #BringBackOurGirls activist, Obiageli Ezekwesili, has warned the media to stop referring to the ‘predator’ that violated abducted Chibok girl, Amina Ali, as her ‘Boko Haram husband’.
The former minister disclosed this in a post on her Twitter handle where she rhetorically asked if the media did not know that ‘Amina Ali’s parents’ did not give her out for marriage’.
Her tweets: “From now I shall call out any media house that says or writes ‘her Boko Haram husband’ for that ‘predator’ that violated Amina Ali. Get ready.
“Does the media not know that #AminaAli’s parents did not give her out for marriage? She’s a victim of abduction and sexual violence.”
The rescued girl and her parents met President Muhammadu Buhari at the presidential villa in Abuja on Thursday.
Details of the meeting is sketchy at this time.

Excellence In Life With Pastor Femi Paul Holds This Saturday

Due to his passion for eradicating mediocrity and extolling the spirit of Excellence, Pastor Femi Paul Senior Pastor, Grace Assembly, Lagos has made The Excellence in Life Series a Bi- Monthly event featuring world class speakers. 

The next one holds this Saturday the 21st of May 2016 and speakers like Ibukun Awosika, the Chairman of First Bank PLC and Mrs Bukky George of the Health Plus Pharmacy chains will be imparting knowledge at the forum.

The Excellence  In  Life  Series is the tool by which the visionary, Dr. Femi Paul hopes to eradicate the prevalent Culture of Mediocrity and propagate in its place, the much needed Culture of Excellence.  This initiative promises to transform mindsets and inevitably optimize the potential of individuals, institutions and the nation alike.

It is not another certification course because when it comes to Excellence, you don’t tender certificates.  Excellence is simply about doing things well, and it is WAR AGAINST MEDIOCRITY!

The  major syndrome that has eaten deep into the fabric of our society is MEDIOCRITY and it is responsible for most of the pains we suffer today. We did not get to where we are in one day. It was a gradual process of letting mediocrity get the better of us and today it has become gangrenous thus becoming an uphill task to mitigate against. 

Mediocrity is clearly a negative trait we should avoid like a plague. If you do not actively REJECT mediocrity, you are unwittingly choosing it over EXCELLENCE and will be running life’s relay littered with broken dreams and failed expectations and at the end of the finishing line you will be crowned with frustrations and unhappiness. 

Thankfully many Nigerians have taken the bull by the horn and have gone all out on the fight against mediocrity. One of such Nigerian is Pastor Olufemi Paul. 

Pastor Femi Paul, a Lawyer by profession, is the Senior Pastor of Grace Assembly Churches, Lagos. He attended the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, where he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Law. He later went on to the University of London for two Masters Degrees in Shipping Law and Intellectual Property. He is also a certified graduate of the Oxford Princeton School of Petroleum Studies.  He practiced law in Lagos for many years, before moving into the Shipping & Maritime Industry.  His last foray in secular business was into the Oil & Gas Industry, after which he settled into full time ministry in 2001.

Dr. Femi Paul has delivered various papers, keynotes and workshops on Excellence In Life at several organizations, institutions and conferences around the world.  In 2015, he was honored with a Doctorate Degree by Northwestern Christian University for his excellent contribution towards Christian Education. He is also a pastor and the founder of Grace Assembly Church, a ministry committed to inspiring people and transforming lives.  

Pastor Femi Paul is mostly known for his exceptional “Spirit and Lifestyle of Excellence”. This has earned him many accolades and also inspired him to birth the vision “Life Class with Femi Paul”, and also the Excellence-In-Life Series where he shares Life Transforming Principles that shaped his life. 

Dr. Femi Paul is the Convener of the EXCELLENCE-IN-LIFE SERIES, a National Transformation Initiative aimed at eradicating the prevalent culture of mediocrity in our society. According to Pastor Femi Paul, "It is in my patriotic quest to salvage our country, build a culture of excellence and leave a lasting legacy for future generations that I present to you, THE EXCELLENCE IN LIFE SERIES!"

BEWARE! KILLER TOMATO PASTE IN NIGERIAN MARKET

The House of Representatives on Wednesday alerted Nigerians on the alleged existence of cancer-causing tomato pastes imported into the country by some unscrupulous people with a promised to unmask those behind the dastardly act.

It has therefore mandated its Committee on Health Services and Drug and Narcotics to investigate the alleged importation of the said fake, substandard and cancerous products into the country with a view to identifying them, their importers as well as promoters and distributors said to have circulated the nation's market with the products at very cheap prices.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion under matters of urgent public importance moved on the floor of the House yesterday by Hon Ossai Nicholas Ossai (PDP, Delta State).

Hon Osai while referring to a publication in a national newspaper of May 9, 2016, alleged that there was a cabal who had boasted that nothing could stop them from importing the fake and substandard tomato paste into the country.

According to him, "this ugly development of importation of cancer infested tomato paste is killing a lot of Nigerians and it is reported that this mafia group is collaborating with few indigenous manufacturers in Nigeria who are being used as a cover up to distribute the killer products."

Hon Ossai expressed worries that the "fake, substandard and cancer-causing tomato paste" has flooded the Nigerian markets with low prices, which had compelled the closing down of ingenious tomato companies in Nigeria and had led to the laying off of over 50 per cent of their workforce.

INNOSON BOSS ACCUSES GTB OF BLACKMAIL

In a swift reaction to news making the rounds accusing Innocent Chukwuma of Innoson Limited, leading indigenous automobile manufacturing company of fraud,  a press statement signed by Cornel Osigwe ANIPR, Public Relations and Media Consultant, Innoson Group has cleared him of any wrong doing as alleged by GT Bank.

"Our attention has been drawn to a news report published by various online media that the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has authorised the Attorney-General of Federation (AGF) to commence the prosecution of a Lagos businessman, Innocent Chukwuma, his company, Innoson Nigeria Limited, and four others for alleged forgery.
Ordinarily, we would not have dignified this news report with a response but in a nation where silence may be seen as an admission of guilt, we therefore come out to state the true position of things.
Although there is a charge pending against Innoson Nigeria Ltd, the charge is a trump up. To this end, the police have through its letter of 17th February 2016 discontinued the charge in order to further investigate the matter. Also, Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation through paragraph 10 of its opinion referenced DPPF 30/03/2016 contained in the policy file of the Ministry of Justice directed that the charge be discontinued and the file sent back to the police to further investigate the matter.
The court never ordered or directed the Attorney General of the Federation to take over the case since and more importantly no court in Nigeria has such power over the AGF.
Already Innoson has over N15billion judgment in its favour against Guaranty Trust Bank (who is sponsoring the charge) in suit no Fhc/AWK/CS/139/2012, suit no Fhc/L/CS/603/2006 and Appeal no CA/I/258/2011 and Appeal no CA/E/288/2014. The charge is to blackmail Innoson and to force it to forgo the judgments sums of over N15Billion.
The futility of the charge and the fact that it is a trump is demonstrated by the following:
a) GTB kept and continues to keep a register where all its customers sign for every bill of lading it collected from it. Innoson signed for all the bills of lading it collected from GTB including the ones in dispute in GTB's register. During the investigation and till date GTB failed and refused to produce the register on the ground that it was destroyed by fire that gutted its office;
b) in suit no Fhc/AWK/CS/139/2012 which was on excess and unlawful charges GTB imposed on Innoson's current account with it, GTB raised the issue of forged Bills of lading but could not establish that and Innoson got a judgment in excess of N4.7Billion against GTB therein;
c) the bills of lading which GTB is parading as forged is not more than five and the goods imported with them is not up to N100Million. The question therefore is, how did the sum become N2.4Billion?; what are contained in the containers evidenced by the Bills of lading in issue that is worth N2.4Billion.
We therefore urge the general public to disregard the news publication as this is a smear campaign to undermine the integrity of Dr Innocent Chukwuma OFR."

Arms Deal: Witness Reveals How Ex-PDP Chairman, Haliru Bello Was Paid N300m

A witness in the ongoing trial of a former national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Haliru Bello, Yazidu Ibrahim, a Staff Officer, Accounts, Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA , has told the Federal High Court, Abuja, how he was instructed to pay the sum of N300 million to a company, BAM Projects and Properties Limited, owned by Bello.

Bello alongside his son, Bello Abba Mohammed, and their company, Bam Project and Properties Limited, are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for allegedly receiving the sum of N300 million from the office of the former National Security Adviser (NSA) Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.). 

At the resumed hearing on Wednesday, May 18, 2016, Ibrahim told Justice A. R. Mohammed that he received a written instruction on a piece of paper to prepare a payment mandate for BAM in the sum of N300m.

Led in evidence by Adebisi Adeniyi who stood in for Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, Ibrahim further stated that the piece of paper had the account name, account number, amount and reason for payment (Payment for Safe Houses).

According to him, there were two signatories on the payment mandate: Muhammed Sambo Dazuki, a former National Security Adviser, and S.A. Salisu, Director, Finance and Administration.

 ‘‘After they have signed the paper, I would also sign before taking it to the bank (Central Bank of Nigeria),’’ he said.

Prior to giving this revelation, he had told the court that there were procedures of making payments, which included presentation of documents, approval of the documents and instructions from the Director of Finance, among others.

He stated: ‘‘Documents to be presented included are: contract documents, contract agreements, signature of the contractor and voucher.

‘‘After the documents had been presented, I would prepare the payment mandate ,which would be passed to the NSA and DFA for signing before taking it to the bank for payment.

During cross-examination by counsel to the first defendant, Solomon Umoh, SAN, the witness told the court that he did not know if there was any contract between the defendants and Office of the National Security Adviser, adding that he was not in the position to know why payments were made.

‘‘No documents for payments were made available apart from the piece of paper sent to him,’’ he added.

The case has been adjourned to June 1, 2016 for further cross- examination of the witness by counsels to the second and third defendants.

BREAKING: EgyptAir Flight With 69 On Board Disappears

One of the aircrafts in the fleet of EgyptAir has disappeared from the radar.

The flight, MS804, was operating from Paris in France to Cairo, Egypt when it disappeared from radar.

This was confirmed by the Airline.

The airline also tweeted that 69 persons were on board the missing aircraft.

African Union to unveil AFRIMA 2016 calendar in The Gambia …Holds AUC-AFRIMA Conference

The African Union Commission (AUC) will unveil this year’s programs and calendar of the annual continental awards, All Africa Music Awards tagged “AFRIMA 3.0” at an AUC-AFRIMA music/cultural and media conference scheduled to hold on May 21-25 during the commemoration of the 10th African Union Youth Charter in Banjul, Gambia.

At the event, the AUC and the international Committee will reveal the dates and timelines for submission of entry and Guidelines, adjudication process, public voting and nominees’ announcement for the 2016 edition of the awards as well as dates for this year’s main AFRIMA Award ceremonies.

In a letter of invitation addressed to AFRIMA delegates from the African Union Commission (AUC) signed by Dr Marie-Goretii Harakeye, the Acting Director of Social Affairs, it states that the conference will bring together award winning music stars, creative/entertainment industry stakeholders, cultural enthusiasts government officials, corporate sponsors, and media practitioners among others.

There will also be a robust and intellectual session on the theme: “Using Music, Culture and Entertainment as Tools for a New Africa”. It will be a forum for discussion on how to engage the values and spirit of Pan-Africanism for greater collaborations in culture and music for sustainable development, in line with the African Union cultural agenda for peace, integration, democracy, economic advancement and social development.

The 10th African Union Youth Charter Conference featuring a high level roundtable and intergenerational dialogue and cultural presentations will witness a convergence of participants including President, Islamic Republic of Gambia, His Excellency, Sheikh (Dr.) Yahya Jammeh Babili Mansa; Vice President Dr. Isatou NjieSaidy; Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Alieu K. Jammeh; Commissioner for Social Affairs, Africa Union Commission, Dr. Mustapha Sidiki Kaloko; and President, Pan African Youth Union, Ms. Francine Muyumba.

Others include Director, Culture Division, Africa Union Commission, Ms Angela Martins, Chief Brand Strategist, PRM Africa and President/Executive Producer, AFRIMA, Mr. Mike Dada; members of the International Committee of AFRIMA; Africa Union Commission executives, AFRIMA 2015 award winners representatives that include Award Winner in the Best Collaboration category in 2015, AKA (South Africa); Revelation of the African Continent, Adekunle Gold (Nigeria); Best African Rock, M'vula (Angola); Best Artiste in African Reggae, Ragga and Dancehall, Stoneboy (Ghana); Best Female Artiste in Eastern Africa, Tsedenia (Ethiopia); Best Artiste in North Africa, Ahmed Sultan (Morocco), and Best Artiste in Central Africa, Stanley Enow (Cameroon) among others.

Speaking on the event, Mike Dada said: “The cultural and media conference organized by the African Union Commission and AFRIMA holding during the 10th African Youth Charter in Banjul is to provide a platform for music practitioners, recording artistes, cultural experts, policy makers, corporate sponsors and media practitioners working in the creative and culture sectors to interface within Africa’s rapidly evolving music scene and contribute to its transformation narratives."

He said further: “Creative economy is still at its infancy in Africa, as the continent's economies remain heavily dependent on agriculture and natural resources. However, the creative industries are providing Africa with real economic traction, a hub of cultural heritage with the opportunity to diversify while at the same time stimulating social, cultural and political development.”
The event will be wrapped up with a meeting and courtesy visit to the president of The Gambia, president Yahyah Jammeh and AFRIMA ‘Turn Up’ Party that will take place at the prestigious Senegambia Resort in Banjul, the capital of Gambia.

Confusion as Army, Ezekwesili, Youth leader, Principal Give Different Names to Found Chibok Girl

Following reports, Wednesday, that one of the 276 Chibok School girls abducted on April 14, 2014 by the Islamist group, Boko Haram has been found, controversy however emanated as to the real name of the girl. While the activist who found the girl gave her name as Amina Ali, the Nigerian army, in a confirmatory statement issued on Wednesday gave her name as Falmata Mbalala.

“This is to confirm that one of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls… was among rescued persons by our troops,” army spokesman Colonel Sani Usman said in a statement. Usman gave the girl’s name as Falmata Mbalala and said she was found in Baale, near the town of Damboa, which is 90 kilometres (56 miles) southwest of the Borno state capital, Maiduguri.
However, a youth Leader in Chibok town said the girl was presented to the community leader as Amina Ali but when she was later taken to her school, the vice principal recognized her name in the school’s register as Aisha Ali.

“She was presented to community leaders as Amina Ali but her name as it appears in the school register is Aisha Ali. “It is common for children in Chibok to be called with one name in school and another at home. “She met her parents, who recognised their daughter before she was taken to the military base in Damboa,” Ayuba Alamson Chibok, a community leader in Chibok, told AFP. “Her father’s name is Ali and the girl’s name is Amina. I know the family very well because I have worked with them, being a spokesman for the families of the Chibok girls.” Yakubu Nkeki, head of the Abducted Chibok Girls Parents’ group, also confirmed her name and said she was 17 when she was abducted. He added: “She’s the daughter of my neighbour… They brought her to my house.” Tsambido Hosea Abana, a Chibok community leader in the capital, Abuja, from the BringBackOurGirls pressure group, also gave an identical account.

Weapons Found in My House Belong to NSA Office- Dasuki

The Federal High Court in Abuja today was told that the weapons found in the Asokoro residence of the former National Security Adviser, Colonel Muhammadu Sambo Dasuki retired barely 48 hours after he left Office in 2015 belong to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

The weapons were said to be for the use of the Security Details attached to him as the National Security Adviser (NSA) for protection purposes.

These were contained in Dasuki’s statement made to the operatives of the Department of State Security Service (DSS) tendered and admitted as exhibit by Justice Adeniyi Ademola in the ongoing trial of Dasuki on charges of unlawful possession of arms.

A prosecution witness, Mr. Samuel Ogbu who is an operative of DSS indicated this when he was asked to read in the open court the statement made by Dasuki during his interrogation by DSS before he was charged to court.

Under cross examination by counsel to Dasuki Mr. Ahmed Raji (SAN), the witness said that Dasuki in his statement confirmed that weapons where for the ONSA and for the protection of the NSA.

The witness also said that Dasuki claimed in his written statement that the weapons were to be returned to the ONSA by the security details at the end of the day.

Ogwu who was asked by Dasuki’s lawyer to read a portion of the statement of the defendant to the open court admitted that Dasuki in the first paragraph of his statement made it clear that the weapons belong to the ONSA and not his personal belonging.

The witness further said he could not remember the date Dasuki left office as NSA but however insisted that the interrogation was conducted after he had left office.

Answering another question, the witness, who claimed to have spent 34 years in the service admitted that the NSA is entitled to security details as the coordinator of activities for all security agencies in the country.

The operative claimed that the DSS did not issued the weapon to the former NSA but admitted he would not know whether the weapons were issued to Dasuki by the military authority.

Also under cross examination, the witness admitted that he had never being to the armory of the Nigerian Army, Airforce, Navy, Police, National Intelligence Agency and DMI and would not know whether the weapons found in Dasuki’s house were issued to him by any of the agencies.

“I am aware that the Office of the NSA coordinates the activities of all security agencies in this country comprising Police, Army, Airforce, Navy, DSS, and DMI among others and my evidence in this trial relates only to what happens in the DSS.”

Earlier in his evidence in Chief, the witness had claimed that the house of Dasuki was searched based on intelligence report and that some weapons including powerful rifles were recovered.

He said that as a follow-up to the recovery, he was invited to participate in the interrogation of  Dasuki to know the ownership of the weapons and for what purposes they were meant in the house.

The witness claimed that the interrogation was freely conducted and fully recorded with electronic gadgets and that Dasuki’s statement was also recorded when it was being made voluntarily.

Led in evidence by the counsel to the Federal, Government, Chief Dipo Okpeseyi (SAN), the witness said that the DSS decided to interrogate the ex-NSA on the weapons because of their sophistication.

The witness added that ordinarily such weapons were not usually issued to ordinary individuals because of their capacities and that licence were not usually issued to individuals to purchase or carry them.

Ogwu told the court that parts of the guns, Tavor Assault Rifles were imported into the country by the Federal Government following the crises of the insurgency, especially Boko Haram so as to enable the country’s security personnel to have an edge over terrorists.

Further hearing is expected to continue

... KAt ECOWAS Court Today

My continued detention arbitrary, illegal and unjustified -Dasuki

Former National Security Adviser NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki has told the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice sitting in Abuja that the federal government has no legal or moral justification for his continued incarceration.

Dasuki who spoke through his counsel, Robert Emukperuo on Wednesday while making his final address predicated his stance on Sections 293-296 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act ACJA 2015 which outlines the procedure for keeping a suspect in detention for not more than two weeks.

"To accentuate the illegality of the arrest and detention of the applicant, the ACJA 2015, S.293 to 296 thereof, set out the procedure for the detention of any person pending trial or investigation. And in summary, that procedure requires judicial intervention by a magistrate for it to be carried out and the maximum detention time-frame is two weeks," he submitted.

Emukperuo had earlier filed an application to amend the originating application by including additional reliefs, a request the court granted, ordering the defendant to respond, if any, within 15 days to the issues raised in the amendment.

He prayed the court to order the release of his client and as well order the government to pay N500 million as compensation to Mr Dasuki.

He recalled how several courts had granted Dasuki bail and how President Muhammadu Buhari had stated in a media chat that the ex-NSA cannot just be released.

He said his client's arrest and detention by the defendant is without any legal justification.

"The critical issue that needs to be resolved is whether there is any legal justification for the detention of the applicant by the defendant", he said, adding that the only justification in the amended statement of defence adduced by the defendant for detaining the applicant is the recourse to national security.

"They have not adduced before this court any judicial procedure that they have relied on in incarcerating the applicant.

"They have equally not relayed to the court any domestic legislation whatsoever to justify the detention of the applicant.

"My lord I submit that this is a classic case of arbitrary and illegal arrest", he added.

The counsel further submitted that the government has defied all known legal instruments or legislation by not following its own laws.

He said apart from its complete disdain for the laws of the land, government has also not followed judicial orders given by courts of competent jurisdiction.

Emukperuo said on the issue of being in possession of arms, Dasuki was granted bail on self-recognition and the Ministry of Justice did not oppose the application for bail, wondering why they had to still keep him in detention having not opposed the bail application if they knew he was a security risk. "It is a spurious defence conceived in bad faith, and I urge the court to dismiss it", he pleaded

The defendant is expected to present his statement of defence tomorrow following which a date for judgment would be fixed.

Presiding Judge, Justice Friday Nwoke ordered the defendant to ensure that his two witnesses are in court tomorrow for oral evidence.

FUEL PRICE HIKE: ASUU MOBILIZES MEMBERS FOR NATIONWIDE STRIKE

National President of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Professor Biodun Ogunyemi has mobilized members of the union for strike and mass action commencing Wednesday to force the Federal Government to revert the pump price from N145 to N86.50.

In a letter sent to members of the congress nationwide and read at the University of Ibadan Chapter where the Chairman, Dr Deji Omole mobilized members to get ready for mass resistance to what he called the obnoxious and callous policy of fuel price increment.

According to Omole, the policy of subsidy removal was the most criminal ambush from the Mohammadu Buhari-led federal government to empower the rich and cripple the poor.

The ASUU boss who said that the common denominator to all Nigerians is poverty added that the same APC government that failed to pay civil servants for months is now celebrating budget signing with the legalization of black market.

Omole who noted that many state governors who now align with the removal of subsidy ran their states aground through wasteful spending added that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission should beam search lights on state governors.

ASUU boss noted that the coup against the masses adding that since Nigeria runs motorized economy, Nigerians cannot be forced to carry the problems created by the rich and friends of government.

ASUU president in the letter entitled “Increase in Pump price of Premium Motor Spirit to N145 perlitre: Proposal for Joint Action with NLC stated that ASUU members are called upon to according to our Union’s principles, fully respect Article 2 of the Constitution of ASUU; that our Union and members shall work for the protection and advancement of the socio-economic interests of the nation. Branch Chairpersons are to conduct emergency congress meetings on Tuesday 17 May 2016 to mobilise our members for the action commencing on Wednesday. All branches of ASUU nationwide are to comply”

Ogunyemi anchored the position on “delayed, partially paid and in most cases unpaid salaries for a number of months by state, federal and local governments, disguised retrenchment of workers, especially by State Governments, in the name of verification exercise and endless hunt for ghost workers and heavy taxation”.

PICTURES FROM NLC SUBSIDY REMOVAL PROTEST IN ABUJA, LAGOS, OGUN WARRI

Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) members led by their chairman -Comrade Ayuba Philibus Wabba have staged a protest in Abuja to register their displeasure with the recent increase in the fuel price...The protesters also gathered in their numbers -were seen in their uniforms in Lagos, Ogun  and Delta States  with their flags as they moved around the metropolis.

Hoodlums have reportedly taken advantage of the confusion surrounding a proposed labour strike to unleash violence on Lagos residents.

Suspected hoodlums this morning, created a blockade at the Fadeyi axis of the popular Ikorodu expressway.

It is not clear if the blockade was initially created by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) which says it would embark on an indefinite strike over the federal government’s decision to increase the pump price of petrol from N86.50 to N145.

Those going to work, Wednesday, said hoodlums were hurling stones and other dangerous objects at vehicles.

They were smashing windscreens thereby forcing buses, cars, and other vehicles from turning back from the axis.

They also were not sparing BRT buses. Twitter @eBubaY said almost got hurt trying to jump off a BRT buses.

Images from the scene looks like those from a war zone. The images also show that security personnel have taken control of Fadeyi to shut the violence down.

MAN WHO KILLED HIS FATHER, MOTHER, TWO SISTERS IS A DRUG ADDICT

A 28-year-old man, Adamu Mai Bisco, on Monday night allegedly killed his parents and two sisters in Potiskum, Yobe State.

Police spokesman Toyin Gbadegesin said the suspect used a shovel to kill the victims while they were asleep.
“He was not provoked before carrying out the dastardly act.”

The police attributed the suspect’s action to hard drugs.

Gbadegesin said: “Bisco acted under the influence of hard drugs.

“Culpable homicide contrary to Penal Code Section 221. Offence committed by Adamu Mai Bisco, 28, of Bataiya, Potiskum in Yobe State.

“Apparently under the influence of hard drugs (Marijuana and Tramol capsules), the suspect, without any provocation, as the victims were fast asleep, picked up a shovel and killed his father, mother and two sisters. The incident occurred about 1am.

“Upon receipt of a distress call, police moved in and arrested the suspect. They recovered the exhibits and the suspect is still being interrogated.

“Investigation shows that the suspect is a drug addict, as he confessed to have consumed illicit drugs.
“The bodies were taken to hospital for medical examination. Suspect to be arraigned.”

A source, however, alleged that the suspect may have killed his parents and siblings because they (parents) threatened to report him to security agents for allegedly being a member of the Boko Haram

ECOWAS Court Orders FG To Justify Dasuki’s Detention In One Day

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court has ordered the Federal Government to justify the detention of former National Security Adviser (NSA) Colonel Mohammed Sambo Dasuki (rtd) in one day.

 

The court also ordered the detained retired army officer to make out his case against government challenging his detention since December last year in one day.

 

Presiding jJdge of the regional court, Justice Friday Chijioke Nwoke, gave the order in Abuja today at the resumed hearing in a legal action instituted by Dasuki to challenge his alleged unlawful detention, unlawful seizure of properties and infringement on his fundamental rights to freedom of liberty.

 

Justice Nwoke, while ruling in a motion by Federal Government seeking to lead oral evidence against Dasuki to justify his detention, said that the regional court having granted expeditious hearing in the case of alleged abuse of fundamental rights, would not do anything to defeat the accelerated hearing order.

 

In the ruling, the presiding judge granted the request of the Federal Government to call two witnesses who are security operatives to lead oral evidence against Dasuki but ordered that the defense by government must be done within one day.

 

He subsequently ordered Dasuki to make out his case of the abuse of fundamental rights against government on Wednesday (May 18, 2016) while the Federal Government must put its defense at the disposal of the court on Thursday, May 19, 2016.

 

He said: “Having listened to parties in this matter and the parties having filed and put all necessary documents and exhibits at the disposal of this court and having granted accelerated hearing in this matter, it is in the interest of justice that this case must be expeditiously dealt with.

 

“In this regard, the plaintiff is hereby ordered to make out his case on Wednesday, May 18 and the defendant to ventilate its defense the following day, May 19 after which we will adjourn for judgment”.

 

Dasuki had dragged the Federal Government before the ECOWAS Court praying the regional court to intervene in his detention without trial since December last year.

 

The ex-NSA asked the court to void the detention, the seizure of his properties and to bar government from further detaining him without a lawful court order.

 

In the court action instituted by his counsel Mr. Robert Emukpoeruo, Dasuki asked the court to award in his favor a sum of N500 million as compensatory damages for his alleged unlawful invasion of his house, detention, seizure of properties and infringement on his rights.

 

He claimed that government had put him on trial in three different high courts on corruption charges where he was granted bail and that after meeting all the bail conditions, he was re-arrested on December 29, 2015 and has since been held incommunicado without lawful court order.

 

The Federal Government through its counsel, Mr. Tijani Gazali, had argued a preliminary objection against Dasuki on the ground that he ought to have filed a contempt charge against the government for alleged disobedience to court order on the bail granted him but the ECOWAS Court ruled that the case of the Plaintiff was on his fundamental rights and has nothing to do with the domestic court.

 

At today’s hearing, a motion by government seeking to call oral evidence by Federal Government against Dasuki was granted by the court.

 

Justice Nwoke however lambasted the Federal Government for filing the motion on notice today adding that the action of government was a ploy to impede accelerated hearing already granted but however said that the request was granted in the interest of justice.

 

SENATE BACKS FUEL SUBSIDY REMOVAL... Drops Social Media Bill

Great The Senate on Tuesday after a closed-door session supported the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government.
The House Representatives at its special session on Monday had asked the Nigerian Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress to shelve its planned strike schedule ‎to start on Wednesday.
The Senate however urged the Federal Government to start the implementation of the palliative measures contained ‎in the 2016 Budget to ease the hardship of the subsidy removal on Nigerians.

In another development, the Senate has thrown out the frivolous petition bill 2015 (SB. 143), otherwise known as anti- social media bill.

The bill sponsored by Senator Bala Ibn Na'Allah (APC, Kebbi South) set the Senate against the public when it passed through second reading late last year.

The Senators took the decision following the report of the committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters on the bill.

Delivering the report, Chairman of the Committee, Senator David Umaru (APC, Niger East) said the bill was opposed by almost all stakeholders during the Public Hearing on it. Therefore, he said, his committee recommended its withdrawal.

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, who presided over the plenary, also backed the withdrawal.

COURT STOPS NLC/TUC STRIKES ACTION

The National Industrial Court, Abuja presided over by Hon. Justice Babatunde Adeniran Ademjumo, OFR, President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria in Suit No.NICN/ABJ/179/2016 between Federal Government of Nigeria and the Attorney-General of the Federation versus Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress (T.U.C) this morning granted an Interim Order of Injunction restraining the Defendants/Respondents, their agents, privies, employees, workmen, or servants from embarking on industrial action, demonstrating or engaging in any action that may disrupt the economic activities of the country pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

The Federal Government was represented by the Hon. Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN; Chief O. O. Obono-Obla, Special Assistant to the President (Prosecution), Office of the Hon. Attorney General of the Federation and Dayo Apata, Director, Civil Litigation, Federal Ministry of Justice.

The Hon. Attorney General of the Federation submitted that if the reliefs sought in the motion paper is refused, irreparable damage will be occasioned to the country's national economy, security and corporate existence. He further submitted that the Defendants having threatened to shut down the country have to be restrained otherwise there will be a breakdown of law and order.

In his ruling, Hon. Justice Adejumo held that he has jurisdiction to hear the application and that having read through the affidavits in support of the application, he is satisfied that a case of urgency has been established by the Federal Government of Nigeria to warrant the grant of an interim order of injunction.

He said the threats of the Defendants as contained in the communique issued by the Defendants on the 29th May to shut down all banks; airports, seaports, government offices, markets nationwide has proven that there is need to be protected.

EXCITING PICTURES OF SHINA PELLER'S GRAND 40TH BIRTHDAY

POLICE BROKERS PEACE BETWEEN TOYIN AIMAKHU, EX-BOYFRIEND

Seun Egbegbe businessman and ex boyfriend of controversial actress Toyin Aimakhu was arrested two weeks ago, detained and later released on bail in respect of his threat message to Toyin Aimakhu.

He was allegedly told to report when Toyin Aimakhu arrived Nigeria and was summoned by the police in Lagos. 
She was  at the station in company of her lawyer, Bosun Osinowo.

Aimakhu stated that Seun Egbegbe's threat has affected her business and colleagues and producers are afraid to engage her for movie shoots to  avoid violence.

While at the Commissioner of Police’ office, Seun recounted his position, apologized and signed an undertaking never to hurt or disturb Toyin whether privately or in company of people. He also undertook to make a new video to that effect with Goldmyne TV where the initial threat video which went viral was broadcast.
He is also to report fortnightly at the CP's office in Ikeja and he has been placed under watch. Toyin Aimakhu who is back in the country is set to officially start a new reality show and an NGO on domestic violence against women.

To show remorse, he has appealed to movie makers to engage her services  and emphatically regretted his actions that may have embarrassed the actress.

FUEL SUBSIDY REMOVAL : FG ANNOUNCES PALLIATIVES

To assuage the anger of Nigerians over the increase in the price of premium motor spirit to N145 a litre, the Muhammadu Buhari administration has rolled out palliative measures running into half a trillion naira.

Over eight million Nigerians will benefit from the programmes scheduled to begin in a matter of weeks.

Highlights of the palliatives are:

*5.5 million school children to be fed for 200 school days in first phase of homegrown school feeding programme
*Over 1.6 million Nigerian traders, market women, men, artisans to receive loans.
*1 million extremely poor and vulnerable Nigerians to receive N60,000 this year in 12 months payments of N5000 each.

All together the federal government would be directly impacting the lives of more than 8 million Nigerians in different social investment 2016 budget spending that would provide succor and be a ready-made palliative to ordinary Nigerians.

This disclosure was made last night by the Senior Special Assistant for Media & Publicity to the President, Mr. Laolu Akande, in an interaction with the press in Abuja.

He gave new details and a breakdown of the interventions and palliatives, some of which he said would be starting in a matter of weeks thus:

1.*the direct payment of N5000 monthly to one million extremely poor Nigerians for 12 months as provided for in the 2016 budget for which N$68.7B has been appropriated.
2*the direct provision of very soft loan -cash for market women, men and traders, including artisans and Agric workers. This would be for a total of 1.76m Nigerians, without the requirement for conventional collateral. Some of the traders will likely get about N60,000. A total sum of N140.3B has already been appropriated for this in the budget,
3*payment of between N23,000 to N30,000 per month to 500,000 unemployed graduates who would be trained, paid and deployed to work as volunteer teachers, public health officers and extension service workers among other responsibilities.
-They would also be given electronic devices to empower them technologically both for their assignments and beyond
-similarly 100,000 artisans would also be trained and paid
N191.5B has been set aside for this in the passed budget.
4. At least 5.5 million Nigerian primary school children -ie starting first in 18 states-three per geopolitical zones-would be fed for 200 school days under the free Homegrown School Feeding Programme. N93.1B has been appropriated for this in the 2016 budget.
5. 100,000 tertiary students in Science Technology Engineering & Maths-STEM, plus Education will partake in the N5.8B already provided for this education grant in the budget. This payment would also be paid directly to the students.

When added together this year alone, more than 8 million Nigerians would be benefiting from the Social Investment budget.

Akande who works from the Office of the Vice President said the N500B social investement programmes of the Buhari administration is a ready made palliative to lift Nigerians from poverty and economic hardship.

“Long before now the Presidency has made adequate arrangements in the 2016 budget to ensure that Nigerians are lifted from poverty and hardship,” the spokesperson stated.

This will not only assuage the current pains arising from the new fuel pricing regime, but will provide ongoing social safety nets for over 8 million Nigerians this year alone, according to Akande.

He added that this is beside the jobs that would be created by the infrastructural projects that would be restored and the new ones that would soon be taking off.

Said he: “the Buhari presidency is keen to ensure that Nigerians are lifted and that if necessary on an ongoing basis palliatives measures would always been considered to address the conditions of the people.”

When I Touch The Wall, Occupants Sleep Off - Burglar

A suspected burglar simply identified as Dasuki shocked the police in Ogun State over the weekend when he led detectives to recover two truckloads of assorted goods he allegedly stole from various shops and houses in Mowe area on the Lagos Ibadan Expressway.

The suspect, a native of Badagry in Lagos State, was initially apprehended by a vigilance group employed by a Community Development Association at Gbegira, in Mowe, in Ogun State when he dropped the second of his two Ghana -Must -Go bags full of handsets and bales of clothes at about 3:00am. He was temporarily detained by the vigilance men to enable them arrest other suspects, but he bolted away, and was given a hot chase until he got stuck in a swamp.

He was rearrested and handed over to the police at the Redeemed Camp Division. Explaining his method of operation, a source said when he touches every building with a charm, all occupants goes to slumber, and become insensitive to anything happening in the house. He bores a whole on the wall, steals every valu- able thing, defecates on the floor and leaves a knife on the spot before disappearing into thin air.

According to an official of the Development Association, detectives moved to the suspect’s house where his wife and mother in-law were sighted. But police watched in utter amazement several stolen items which were on the verge of being sold off to receivers of stolen goods.

“During the raid of his house, the police discovered over 56 assorted handsets, about 10 plasma television sets, desk and lap top computers, bales of clothing materials stolen from various shops and homes in the area,” the CDA official who pleaded anonymity said. One of the victims, a mother was said to have been burgled a day after she took delivery in her shops of bales of lace and Ankara materials. She allegedly wept uncontrollably upon discovery of the theft the following morning.

The items were moved to the station in two patrol vehicles while the police continued their investigations into the matter. During interrogation, the suspect confessed to stealing the items, usually at night and on Sunday when homeowners must have gone to church. “I normally bore holes on the wall to enable me enter into the houses and defecate there after each operation,” he said in pidgin. “I act alone, because I do not belong to a gang.

When get the items, I keep them and sell them off,” he said. The suspect was believed to have perfected his crime with the assistance of a charm said to have been given to him by herbalist who made him invincible.

But the charm allegedly failed, thereby making him vulnerable to arrest. Interestingly, the suspect has been assisting owners of the stolen items who thronged the division to claim them. On one occasion, he told the police that he stole 12 bales of clothes stolen from the shop when their owners arrived. In another instance when the owner of 36 of the entire handsets visited the station, he explained to him while he produced 34. “When I burgled the shop, I actually stole 36 handsets.

I kept 34 in a bag and two others in my pocket, but the two fell off when I was trying to escape in the cover of darkness,” he said. According to a source close to the Divisional Police Officer, SP Martins Olaiya, the suspect has been helping the police with investigation and will soon be charged to court. Ogun State Police Spokesman, Mr. Muyiwa Adejobi said he was yet to be briefed on the arrest.

MOVIE MARKETER REMDEL BOSS DIES

the management of REMDEL OPTIMUM COMMUNICATIONS LTD. announces the death of its managing director, pastor Mrs Biodun Ibitola(nee Agboola),who died in the early hours of Sunday the 15th, of MAY. 2016,at the obafemi Awolowo university teaching hospital after a brief illness.she was a seasoned broadcaster music and film producer.she was the press secretary to the wife of the former Ekiti state governor, Erelu Angela Adebayo, btw 1999-2003. under her leadership, REMDEL OPTIMUM COMMUNICATIONS,promoted musical &video works of artists such as, evangelist Bisi Alawiye, Evang. Dunno olanrewaju, Evang. Tope Alabi, Evang. Daniel Aregbesola. she also the company into movie productions with successful titles as "Afonja", " Owo eje",etc. she was until her death, the MD,of REMDEL TV broadcasting channel 171 on startimes. she was also a Pastor with covenant of peace family fellowship. she is survived by her aged mother, husband and two children.           at tgman...our thoughts are with the family and we pray that God grants them the fortitude to bear the loss.            ADIEU!!! ma'am              PRO TGMAN DELE FAGBOYO

Signed
Dr Ajibola Basiru
For the Management

Isiaka, PDP demand probe of Ogun building collapse

The Ogun State Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) governorship candidate in 2015 elections, Prince Gboyega Isiaka, has called for an investigation into the collapse of Itoku market building in Abeokuta.

He said such incident was rare in a government project, adding that the state government should not overlook any complicity or possible compromise in the standard of the project construction.

One of the state government’s projects, a four-storey market building under construction, had, on Friday collapsed, leaving two persons dead and several others injured. Isiaka, who commiserated with the families of the victims of the disaster, said in a statement issued in Abeokuta that a thorough probe of the cause of the col-lapse was imperative.

He said, “I have heard about some private projects suffering this type of unfortunate fate but with capacity put in place, it is rare in government projects.

It is in line with the above that I enjoin the government not to overlook any complicity around a possible compromise in the standard of the construction of this project, both by the contractor and the supervising authority, which to me cannot be in conformity with the much flaunted ‘Ogun Standard.” Meanwhile, the state chapter of PDP has urged the state government to compensate the families of the dead and injured.

The PDP, in the statement by its Publicity Secretary also sympathised with the victims of the incident.