Siege on Dasuki’s home: AGF‎ yet to assume office, SGF tells Court

ABUJA -‎The Solicitor-General of the Federation, SGF, Mr. Taiwo Abidogun, yesterday, told the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court that the new Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, is yet to assume office.
‎
‎Consequently, the SGF, yesterday, persuaded Justice Ademola Adeniyi to extend the summon he issued for the AGF to appear in court to ‎explain why the former ‎National Security Adviser, NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd), has remained under house arrest despite a valid court order, till next week Monday.

Former national security adviser of ex-president Goodluck Jonathan, Sambo Dasuki (R), speaks with his lawyer Ahmed Raji, during his trial at the federal high court in Abuja, on September 1, 2015. Nigerian prosecutors on September 1, 2015 slapped a charge of unlawful possession of arms against Dasuki. Dasuki was arraigned on a “one-count charge of being in possession of firearms without licence,” Prosecutor Mohammed Diri told the federal high court in Abuja. AFP PHOTO

Malami, SAN, was among the 36 Ministers that were inaugurated by President Muhammadu Buhari last week Wednesday.

Justice Adeniyi had in a ruling on Friday, held that he must appear in court to explain ‎why ‎an order the court made on November 3, which permitted Dasuki to travel abroad for medical treatment, was violated at the behest of the federal government.

‎The court summon followed ‎complaint by Dasuki’s lawyers, led by Mr. Joseph Daudu, SAN, that armed operatives of the Department of State Service, DSS, had since November 4, barred their client from stepping out of his house.
‎
‎Daudu told the court that the operatives have continued to lay siege at Dasuki’s residence at No 13 John Kadiya Street, Asokoro District, Abuja‎, a development he said made it impossible for him to travel to the United Kingdom to take care of his budding cancer.

A senior government lawyer that appeared before the court at the last adjourned date, ‎Mr. Shuaibu Labaran, had maintained that the former NSA ‎, who is facing a five-count ‎criminal charge, is also ‎being investigated over his alleged complicity in a fresh money laundering scandal.
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‎Dissatisfied with the reason behind the siege on Dasuki’s home, Justice Adeniyi, while accusing the DSS of acting in total disrespect to a valid court order, ordered the AGF to appear before him.‎

Breaking: 17 GTB Staff Members Found with Fake NYSC Ccertificates

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has discovered 17 staff members of the Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) with fake NYSC exemption certificates.

Four of the suspects were handed over to the police by the corps for onward prosecution while others are to be arrested for prosecution.

Speaking with newsmen at the handing over in Abuja, the NYSC Director of Certification, Alhaji Hudu Aliyu Taura, said the arrest was made possible through the cooperation of their employers, who alerted the scheme for verification of their certificates.

Policeman Commits Suicide For Missing Assessment Exam

LAGOS—There was pandemonium, yesterday, at the Police Training School, Ikeja, Lagos, following the discovery of the lifeless body of Corporal Agi Elias inside his car.

It was gathered that the policeman, attached to Safer High Way Patrol, reportedly committed suicide at about 8p.m, Monday, after he missed an assessment exam held at the training school.
Empty cans of pesticide and some tablets, suspected to have been taken by the deceased, were reportedly found inside the car.

Vanguard learned that Elias, who was part of the policemen undergoing a promotional course that ended Monday, was trapped in traffic on his way from Badagry.

He got to the school, only to discover that the assessment exam conducted by a Commissioner of Police was over. Report said passionate pleas to the examiners fell on deaf ears.

The distraught corporal, as gathered called his wife on phone and informed her not to expect him back home again. He was also said to have told her to come and pick his corpse at the training college.
When Vanguard arrived the scene yesterday morning, Elias’ widow, family members, friends and colleagues were seen weeping profusely.
Colleagues’ stories

According to one of his course mates identified simply as Sanni, “we have been here together since Friday on a training course. Yesterday, Elias was coming from his division in Badagry when he got trapped in traffic, which resulted in his missing the assessment exams.

“He begged the officer in charge to help him but they told him it was late and there was nothing they could do because it was the Commissioner of Police, CP Fatia Owoseni, that conducted the assessment exam.”

Another policeman, who spoke to Vanguard on the condition of anonymity, said: “Even if he missed the assessment exams, that is not enough reason for him to take his life. His death is not ordinary.
“Elias was comfortable. He had two cars: an SUV and the Passsat in which he died and two houses in different parts of Lagos. He did not even think of his family, his wife and two children.”

His corpse has been deposited in the morgue at Lagos State Teaching Hospital.

I thought he was
relaxing—VENDOR

A newspaper vendor, Bekky Onabanjo, who claimed to have seen the deceased park his vehicle Monday night, said: “One of his legs was outside while the other was inside the car. He was there till we closed for the day at about 7p.m. I thought he was relaxing.
“It was this morning (yesterday) that we found his lifeless body already stiff inside his vehicle. There was also an empty can of a pesticide inside the car, suggesting he could have committed suicide.”

Police statement

Confirming the incident, the command’s spokesman, Mr. Joe Offor, said: “A policeman was found dead in his car with number plates 489 AY, parked at the entrance gate of High Barracks, Ikeja today (yesterday) at about 7.30a.m.”
Source:Vanguardngr

Fashola, Others Arrive As Ministers-Designate Get Portfolios

After five months without ministers, President Muhammadu Buhari will today inaugurate 36 ministers-designate that were recently screened and cleared by the Senate.

The 36 ministers-designate are expected to be given their portfolios today and they will all be sworn in at the same time.

Governor Wike Sacks Rivers Revenue Chairman

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state has sacked Onene Oshila-Obele Oshoko, the chairman of the Rivers State Internal Revenue Board.

According to Daily Post, there was no reason given for the sacking of the revenue boss.

Pro-biafra Protest Moves To Rivers

Ongoing Pro-Biafra protest against the arrest of Director of London-based Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, by the Federal Government on Tuesday, spread to Rivers, paralysing socio-economic activities in Port Harcourt.

Confirming this to newsmen in Port Harcourt, Spokesman of the Police Command in the state, Mr Ahmad Muhammad, said that the protesters came into the state from Aba on Monday night.

According to him, they spent the night at Oyigbo and commenced the protest from there before moving into Port Harcourt.
The Biafra movement demonstration began early last week in parts of the South-East and spread to Asaba, Delta, on Friday, where no fewer than 20 of the demonstrators were arrested by the police.

In Rivers, the protesters, some riding on motorcycles and flying Biafra flags, marched through Aba Road into Port Harcourt city but where intercepted by the police with a barricade between Rumukrushi and 1st Artillery junction.

At that point, the scene became rowdy and the police used teargas in effort to disperse the protesters. In the stampede that ensued, some of the protesters fell down as they scampered for the safety.

But, some of them, who later converged on a spot in the area, claimed that the people that fell down were shot with live ammunition by the police. One of the protesters, Samuel Elijah, 25, explained that the reason for the demonstration was to make the Federal Government to release Kanu.

Some residents of Aba Road, who were forced to shut their homes and businesses, decried the development, saying it was ill-timed and unnecessary. They also said that the protesters ought to have complied with the procedure for protests to avoid clash with security agents.
On the alleged use of live ammunition on the protesters, the police spokesman declined comment and did not also confirm if arrests had been made
Source: Vanguardngr

7,436 Nigerians crossed European borders illegally in 2015, says EU

Abuja – The European Union on Monday said 7,436 Nigerians crossed into Europe from Nigeria illegally in the second quarter of 2015.

Mr Richard Young, EU Deputy Head of Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, made this known on the side line of a news briefing on migration in Abuja.

Young explained that the figure was the number of irregular migrants that were officially recorded by the EU Border Agency, Frontex.

He said that out of the 7,436 immigrants, 7,124 illegally crossed through the sea borders into Europe during the period.

He said the agency recorded a total of 170,155 migrants that illegally crossed the borders into Europe from various countries in the period.

“In this situation, they are referred to as irregular immigrants in the sense that they crossed the border illegally but may have a right of asylum.

“After all investigations are done and it is found that they do not have the right of asylum, then they are referred to as illegal immigrants,’’ he explained.

The envoy disclosed that EU had earmarked 1.8 billion pounds to set up an emergency trust fund for stability and addressing root causes of irregular migration and displaced persons in Africa.

According to him, the fund is set up to address the crises in the regions of the Sahel and Lake Chad, the Horn of Africa and North Africa.

In an earlier address with newsmen, a senior EU official said the fund made available by member states was aimed at fostering stability and contributing to better migration management in Africa.

The official, who spoke under condition of anonymity, said that the forthcoming 2015 Valletta Summit on Migration would bring EU and African countries together to enhance partnership and find common solutions to illegal migration.

He said that the meeting would build on existing frameworks of cooperation to address the root causes of migration, establish and organise legal migration channels.

He said that the meeting would also focus on ways to enhance the protection of migrants and asylum seekers as well as tackle exploitation and trafficking of migrants.

The official added that the meeting would also improve on policies on the return and re-admission of illegal migrants.

He also confirmed attendance of the 34 African countries invited to participate in the summit.

“We have invited African countries we have agreements with on migration; half of them would be represented at the levels of Heads of State and Government while the others would be represented at the ministerial levels.

“Out of 28 EU member states, 22 will be represented at the Heads of States and Governments,” he said.

He added that the African Union, ECOWAS and other regional economic communities across Africa would also be represented at the summit.

The official reiterated the commitment of EU to assisting African countries in building stronger migration policies and addressing root causes to migration.

Source : Vanguardngr

Crisis, as Dogara ushers in 96 House committees

Dogara has declared war against Buhari, party, says Pro-Gbajabiamila group

ABUJA — The 96 new standing committees of the House of Representatives were yesterday inaugurated at a session boycotted by the House leader, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila.

Dasuki drags FG to court, says his life is in danger

ABUJA —Former National Security Adviser, NSA, under President Goodluck Jonathan, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd), yesterday, dragged the Federal Government before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, insisting that his life is in danger.

Former national security adviser of ex-president Goodluck Jonathan, Sambo Dasuki (R), speaks with his lawyer Ahmed Raji, during his trial at the federal high court in Abuja, on September 1, 2015.  Nigerian prosecutors on September 1, 2015 slapped a charge of unlawful possession of arms against Dasuki. Dasuki was arraigned on a "one-count charge of being in possession of firearms without licence," Prosecutor Mohammed Diri told the federal high court in Abuja.  AFP PHOTO

Former national security adviser of ex-president Goodluck Jonathan, Sambo Dasuki

Dasuki, who approached the court through his legal team led by Mr. Ahmed Raji, SAN, said he has been kept under house arrest by armed operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS, since November 3.

He lamented that the DSS operatives laid siege to his house and prevented him from travelling abroad for medical treatment despite a subsisting court order that permitted him to go and take care of his budding cancer and return to the country within three weeks to continue his trial.

Dasuki, in a fundamental right enforcement application he filed against the Federal Government, yesterday, pleaded the high court to uphold his rights to dignity and security of life.

He further prayed the court  to issue a mandatory order compelling the Federal Government and its agents, especially the operatives of the DSS, to vacate his house located at 13, John Kadija Street, Asokoro with immediate effect.

His application was predicated on sections 36(5) 37 and 41 of the 1999 constitution, as amended, as well as on sections 1(1) and (2) and 266 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015.

The former NSA equally sought an order of the court extending the leave that was initially granted to him by Justice Ademola Adeniyi on November 3.

Justice Adeniyi had in his ruling, okayed Dasuki for three weeks medical leave abroad owing to his “deteriorating health condition”.

Meantime, decrying that security operatives refused him from enforcing the order of Justice Adeniyi, Dasuki, yesterday, urged the court to stop the siege to his house and order the Federal Government to allow him to seek proper medical attention abroad as he was earlier permitted to do by the court.

His application was premised on five grounds, among which included the fact that the action of the DSS runs contrary to  a valid order of a court of competent jurisdiction.

Electoral offenders must be punished – Buhari

ABUJA—President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, called for punitive measures against perpetrators of electoral malpractices, saying it was not enough to cancel polls and order fresh ones.

Obama says bomb may have caused Egypt plane crash

US President Barack Obama and Britain’s prime minister both believe a bomb may have downed a Russian plane in Egypt, with reports Friday suggesting their theory was based on intercepted communications.

With concerns over security mounting, European airlines readied to bring home thousands of tourists from the Sinai peninsula resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, from where the crashed Russian plane took off last Saturday.

Police To Enforce Ban On Pro-Biafra Demonstrations

Following speculation that pro-Biafra activists will stage a protest in Rivers state on Friday, November 6, the Nigerian police command in the state has warned that it will not condone any act which threatens the peace of residents.


The Nigerian police has said it will not tolerate any form of protest which will disrupt the peace of Rivers state.

Customs To Return To Areas Recaptured From Boko Haram

According to the Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd), the officers are ready to return to areas in the North East such, specifically Gamboru and Ngala posts, Leadership reports.

Virgin Atlantic lays off all their Nigerian cabin crew

According to multiple emails I have received from affected former staff, Richard Branson's Virgin Atlantic Aiwars has laid off all their Nigerian cabin crew. They were allegedly only given three weeks notice and no severance package regardless of their length of service.

N2bn pension scam: EFCC declares Maina wanted

ABUJA — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, yesterday, declared Mr. Abdulrsheed Maina, former Chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team, wanted.

The commission, in a statement by its spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, said Maina  was wanted for his role in the fraudulent biometric contracts through which himself and former Head of Service,

Rivers Guber: PDP Slams APC For Activating Campaign Rallies

The Rivers state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has reacted to allegations that the federal government was behind the recent verdicts at the Election Petition Tribunal in favour of the party.

In a statement, yesterday, November 1, Dr. Davies Ikanya, the state chairman of the APC, dismissed the claims by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), adding that it was necessary to put the record straight, This Day reports.

War against curruption:Nigeria Customs To Retire 400 Officers

There has been speculation that 400 officers of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) will soon leave the service for reasons bordering  corruption, insubordination, indiscipline and absenteeism, Vanguard reports.

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This action is coming following the retirement of 34 officers on Friday,

Obama gets personal in criminal justice push

In this Oct. 27, 2015 photo, President Barack Obama waves after speaking at the 122nd International Association of Chiefs of Police Annual Conference in Chicago. In the national conversation about crime and punishment, Obama hasn’t been afraid to identify with the people being policed, as well as with the police. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

NDLEA arrests man with 108 ATM cards

NDLEA arrests man with 108 ATM cards

An attempt by a 34 year old man to smuggle 108 ATM debit  cards out of Nigeria has been thwarted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Akpabio: EFCC goes after Akwa Ibom, bank officials

Akpabio: EFCC goes after  Akwa Ibom, bank officials

•Ex-gov grilled again for eight hours

Photos: ISIS forces a man to dig his own grave before being shot. linda ikeji posted

 Why do these people even agree to this knowing they want to kill them? See more photos after the cut

AKURE — Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae, who was kidnapped Identify some of the culprits

AKURE — Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae, who was kidnapped by Fulani herdsmen on his 77th birthday and released after paying N5m ransom four days after, has identified his abductors who were paraded before him by the police. Falae on Tuesday, identified three of the suspects as those who kidnapped him and threatened to kill him if he failed to pay the ransom. Chief Falae, according to a police source, also identified one of the kidnappers who was kind to him.

This came as the Police, Wednesday evening, recovered N137m from robbers who raided a new generation bank on Trans-Amadi Road in Port Harcourt.


Suspected kidnappers of Chief Falae with their leader Abubakar Auta holding N823,900 of the ransom in Akure
Falae’s abductors

Five of Falae’s kidnappers were arraigned, yesterday, before an Akure High Court, Ondo and Chief Falae will be a star witness when the trial commences November 10.

The suspects, who were docked for kidnapping, conspiracy and armed robbery 24 days after abduction were Abubakar Auta, Bello Jannu, Umaru Ibrahim, Masahudu Muhammed and Idris Lawal.

Three of the kidnappers admitted that their share from the N5m ransom collected was N100,000 each. The accused persons could not speak English and were ordered to be remanded in prison custody by the high court judge, Justice Rotimi Olamide till November 10 when the case would be heard.

The service of an interpreter, Bassey Victor who is a security operative was sought by the court.

Another leader of the gang, Abubakar Auta was also arrested in Niger State with N823,900 cash, part of the ransom money by Police Special Intelligence Response team put up by the Inspector-General of Police.

The cash with the wrappers of a commercial bank in Akure, the Ondo State capital paid as ransom for the release of the former Finance Minister was discovered in the booth of the vehicle being driven by the suspect before his arrest.

The accused person, who spoke with newsmen before his arraignment, confessed that they kidnapped the septuagenarian politician.

They were arraigned on a five-count charge of procuring or counseling another for the purpose of kidnapping and abducting, aiding and abetting, contrary to Section 2 of Anti-kidnapping and Anti-Abduction Law of Ondo State, 2010.

The charges

However, when the charge was read to the suspects in court, they all pleaded not guilty.

The charge reads: “That you, Abubakar Auta, Bello Jannu, Umaru Ibarahim, Masahudu Muhammed, Idris Lawal and others now at large, on or about Monday, September 21, 2015 at Kajola/Eyinala Community in Akure Judicial Division did give information for the purpose of kidnapping and abducting Chief Samuel Oluyemi Falae.

“Abubakar Auta, Bello Jannu, Umaru Ibarahim, Masahudu Muhammed and Idris Lawal, and others now at large, on or about Monday, September 21, 2015 at Kajola/Eyinala Community in Akure Judicial Division did aid the kidnapping and abduction of Chief Samuel Oluyemi Falae.

“Abubakar Auta, Bello Jannu, Umaru Ibarahim, Masahudu Muhammed and Idris Lawal, and others now at large, on or about Monday, September 21, 2015 at Kajola/Eyinala Community in Akure Judicial Division did Kidnapped Chief Oluyemi Falae, the Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and did not release him until N5,000,000 ransom was paid.

“Abubakar Auta, Bello Jannu, Umaru Ibarahim, Masahudu Muhammed and Idris Lawal, and others now at large, on or about Monday, September 21, 2015 at Kajola/Eyinala Community in Akure Judicial Division did conspire to commit a felony to wit armed robbery.

“Abubakar Auta, Bello Jannu, Umaru Ibarahim, Masahudu Muhammed and Idris Lawal, and others now at large, on or about Monday, September 21, 2015 at Kajola/Eyinala Community in Akure Judicial Division did rob Chief Olu Falae of N15, 000 and his handset while armed with guns, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons”.

The offence, according to the prosecution, is contrary to Section 2 of Anti-Kidnapping and Anti-Abduction Law, 5(1)(a) of the Anti-Kidnapping and Anti-Abduction Laws, Section3(11)(b) of the Anti-Kidnapping and Abduction Law, Section 6(b) of the Robbery and Firearms(Special Provision) Act,Cap R11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Section 1(2)(a) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act,Cap R11, Vol. 14, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Vanguard was informed by a top police source that Abubakar Auta was arrested in Niger State; Idris Lawan, Masahudu Muhammed and Bello Jannu were arrested in Ekiti, while Umar Ibrahim was picked up in Ondo State.

Two other suspects, Usman Kato and Babawuro are already in the custody of the Directorate of State Service,DSS. Babawuro was arrested in Lokoja, while two other members of the kidnap gang are still on the run.

The exhibits

Exhibits recovered from the gang leader Abubakar Auta include cash of N823,990:00, 12 SIM cards, a phone used for negotiating the ransom of Chief Falae and a Red Bajaj Motorcycle with Reg No; KER 385 QA which was used to convey Chief Olu Falae to their camp when he got tired of walking in the bush.

During interview, Umaru Ibrahim said they have a boss called Baba Uro who they have not met but who sent the N100,000 to them after the ransom was paid by Chief Falae’s family.

He said that their boss lives in Abuja and that he has only spoken with him once.

Ibrahim told newsmen that he paid a debt of N60,000 from his own share of the ransom.

Also, Idris Lawal confirmed that he received N100,000. He said that they spent five days in the bush and that they are eight in number. He confessed that he hails from Katsina State and he is a herdsman.

The fourth suspect, Masahudu Muhammed declined to tell newsmen how much his share of the ransom was.

It will be recalled that Chief Falae was abducted by Fulani herdsmen on Monday, September 21, 2015, the day he clocked 77 at his farm in Ilado, Akure North council area of Ondo State.

AKURE — Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae, who was kidnapped Identify some of the culprits

AKURE — Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae, who was kidnapped by Fulani herdsmen on his 77th birthday and released after paying N5m ransom four days after, has identified his abductors who were paraded before him by the police. Falae on Tuesday, identified three of the suspects as those who kidnapped him and threatened to kill him if he failed to pay the ransom. Chief Falae, according to a police source, also identified one of the kidnappers who was kind to him.

This came as the Police, Wednesday evening, recovered N137m from robbers who raided a new generation bank on Trans-Amadi Road in Port Harcourt.


Suspected kidnappers of Chief Falae with their leader Abubakar Auta holding N823,900 of the ransom in Akure
Falae’s abductors

Five of Falae’s kidnappers were arraigned, yesterday, before an Akure High Court, Ondo and Chief Falae will be a star witness when the trial commences November 10.

The suspects, who were docked for kidnapping, conspiracy and armed robbery 24 days after abduction were Abubakar Auta, Bello Jannu, Umaru Ibrahim, Masahudu Muhammed and Idris Lawal.

Three of the kidnappers admitted that their share from the N5m ransom collected was N100,000 each. The accused persons could not speak English and were ordered to be remanded in prison custody by the high court judge, Justice Rotimi Olamide till November 10 when the case would be heard.

The service of an interpreter, Bassey Victor who is a security operative was sought by the court.

Another leader of the gang, Abubakar Auta was also arrested in Niger State with N823,900 cash, part of the ransom money by Police Special Intelligence Response team put up by the Inspector-General of Police.

The cash with the wrappers of a commercial bank in Akure, the Ondo State capital paid as ransom for the release of the former Finance Minister was discovered in the booth of the vehicle being driven by the suspect before his arrest.

The accused person, who spoke with newsmen before his arraignment, confessed that they kidnapped the septuagenarian politician.

They were arraigned on a five-count charge of procuring or counseling another for the purpose of kidnapping and abducting, aiding and abetting, contrary to Section 2 of Anti-kidnapping and Anti-Abduction Law of Ondo State, 2010.

The charges

However, when the charge was read to the suspects in court, they all pleaded not guilty.

The charge reads: “That you, Abubakar Auta, Bello Jannu, Umaru Ibarahim, Masahudu Muhammed, Idris Lawal and others now at large, on or about Monday, September 21, 2015 at Kajola/Eyinala Community in Akure Judicial Division did give information for the purpose of kidnapping and abducting Chief Samuel Oluyemi Falae.

“Abubakar Auta, Bello Jannu, Umaru Ibarahim, Masahudu Muhammed and Idris Lawal, and others now at large, on or about Monday, September 21, 2015 at Kajola/Eyinala Community in Akure Judicial Division did aid the kidnapping and abduction of Chief Samuel Oluyemi Falae.

“Abubakar Auta, Bello Jannu, Umaru Ibarahim, Masahudu Muhammed and Idris Lawal, and others now at large, on or about Monday, September 21, 2015 at Kajola/Eyinala Community in Akure Judicial Division did Kidnapped Chief Oluyemi Falae, the Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and did not release him until N5,000,000 ransom was paid.

“Abubakar Auta, Bello Jannu, Umaru Ibarahim, Masahudu Muhammed and Idris Lawal, and others now at large, on or about Monday, September 21, 2015 at Kajola/Eyinala Community in Akure Judicial Division did conspire to commit a felony to wit armed robbery.

“Abubakar Auta, Bello Jannu, Umaru Ibarahim, Masahudu Muhammed and Idris Lawal, and others now at large, on or about Monday, September 21, 2015 at Kajola/Eyinala Community in Akure Judicial Division did rob Chief Olu Falae of N15, 000 and his handset while armed with guns, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons”.

The offence, according to the prosecution, is contrary to Section 2 of Anti-Kidnapping and Anti-Abduction Law, 5(1)(a) of the Anti-Kidnapping and Anti-Abduction Laws, Section3(11)(b) of the Anti-Kidnapping and Abduction Law, Section 6(b) of the Robbery and Firearms(Special Provision) Act,Cap R11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Section 1(2)(a) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act,Cap R11, Vol. 14, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Vanguard was informed by a top police source that Abubakar Auta was arrested in Niger State; Idris Lawan, Masahudu Muhammed and Bello Jannu were arrested in Ekiti, while Umar Ibrahim was picked up in Ondo State.

Two other suspects, Usman Kato and Babawuro are already in the custody of the Directorate of State Service,DSS. Babawuro was arrested in Lokoja, while two other members of the kidnap gang are still on the run.

The exhibits

Exhibits recovered from the gang leader Abubakar Auta include cash of N823,990:00, 12 SIM cards, a phone used for negotiating the ransom of Chief Falae and a Red Bajaj Motorcycle with Reg No; KER 385 QA which was used to convey Chief Olu Falae to their camp when he got tired of walking in the bush.

During interview, Umaru Ibrahim said they have a boss called Baba Uro who they have not met but who sent the N100,000 to them after the ransom was paid by Chief Falae’s family.

He said that their boss lives in Abuja and that he has only spoken with him once.

Ibrahim told newsmen that he paid a debt of N60,000 from his own share of the ransom.

Also, Idris Lawal confirmed that he received N100,000. He said that they spent five days in the bush and that they are eight in number. He confessed that he hails from Katsina State and he is a herdsman.

The fourth suspect, Masahudu Muhammed declined to tell newsmen how much his share of the ransom was.

It will be recalled that Chief Falae was abducted by Fulani herdsmen on Monday, September 21, 2015, the day he clocked 77 at his farm in Ilado, Akure North council area of Ondo State.

AKURE — Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae, who was kidnapped Identify some of the culprits

AKURE — Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae, who was kidnapped by Fulani herdsmen on his 77th birthday and released after paying N5m ransom four days after, has identified his abductors who were paraded before him by the police. Falae on Tuesday, identified three of the suspects as those who kidnapped him and threatened to kill him if he failed to pay the ransom. Chief Falae, according to a police source, also identified one of the kidnappers who was kind to him.

This came as the Police, Wednesday evening, recovered N137m from robbers who raided a new generation bank on Trans-Amadi Road in Port Harcourt.


Suspected kidnappers of Chief Falae with their leader Abubakar Auta holding N823,900 of the ransom in Akure
Falae’s abductors

Five of Falae’s kidnappers were arraigned, yesterday, before an Akure High Court, Ondo and Chief Falae will be a star witness when the trial commences November 10.

The suspects, who were docked for kidnapping, conspiracy and armed robbery 24 days after abduction were Abubakar Auta, Bello Jannu, Umaru Ibrahim, Masahudu Muhammed and Idris Lawal.

Three of the kidnappers admitted that their share from the N5m ransom collected was N100,000 each. The accused persons could not speak English and were ordered to be remanded in prison custody by the high court judge, Justice Rotimi Olamide till November 10 when the case would be heard.

The service of an interpreter, Bassey Victor who is a security operative was sought by the court.

Another leader of the gang, Abubakar Auta was also arrested in Niger State with N823,900 cash, part of the ransom money by Police Special Intelligence Response team put up by the Inspector-General of Police.

The cash with the wrappers of a commercial bank in Akure, the Ondo State capital paid as ransom for the release of the former Finance Minister was discovered in the booth of the vehicle being driven by the suspect before his arrest.

The accused person, who spoke with newsmen before his arraignment, confessed that they kidnapped the septuagenarian politician.

They were arraigned on a five-count charge of procuring or counseling another for the purpose of kidnapping and abducting, aiding and abetting, contrary to Section 2 of Anti-kidnapping and Anti-Abduction Law of Ondo State, 2010.

The charges

However, when the charge was read to the suspects in court, they all pleaded not guilty.

The charge reads: “That you, Abubakar Auta, Bello Jannu, Umaru Ibarahim, Masahudu Muhammed, Idris Lawal and others now at large, on or about Monday, September 21, 2015 at Kajola/Eyinala Community in Akure Judicial Division did give information for the purpose of kidnapping and abducting Chief Samuel Oluyemi Falae.

“Abubakar Auta, Bello Jannu, Umaru Ibarahim, Masahudu Muhammed and Idris Lawal, and others now at large, on or about Monday, September 21, 2015 at Kajola/Eyinala Community in Akure Judicial Division did aid the kidnapping and abduction of Chief Samuel Oluyemi Falae.

“Abubakar Auta, Bello Jannu, Umaru Ibarahim, Masahudu Muhammed and Idris Lawal, and others now at large, on or about Monday, September 21, 2015 at Kajola/Eyinala Community in Akure Judicial Division did Kidnapped Chief Oluyemi Falae, the Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and did not release him until N5,000,000 ransom was paid.

“Abubakar Auta, Bello Jannu, Umaru Ibarahim, Masahudu Muhammed and Idris Lawal, and others now at large, on or about Monday, September 21, 2015 at Kajola/Eyinala Community in Akure Judicial Division did conspire to commit a felony to wit armed robbery.

“Abubakar Auta, Bello Jannu, Umaru Ibarahim, Masahudu Muhammed and Idris Lawal, and others now at large, on or about Monday, September 21, 2015 at Kajola/Eyinala Community in Akure Judicial Division did rob Chief Olu Falae of N15, 000 and his handset while armed with guns, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons”.

The offence, according to the prosecution, is contrary to Section 2 of Anti-Kidnapping and Anti-Abduction Law, 5(1)(a) of the Anti-Kidnapping and Anti-Abduction Laws, Section3(11)(b) of the Anti-Kidnapping and Abduction Law, Section 6(b) of the Robbery and Firearms(Special Provision) Act,Cap R11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Section 1(2)(a) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act,Cap R11, Vol. 14, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Vanguard was informed by a top police source that Abubakar Auta was arrested in Niger State; Idris Lawan, Masahudu Muhammed and Bello Jannu were arrested in Ekiti, while Umar Ibrahim was picked up in Ondo State.

Two other suspects, Usman Kato and Babawuro are already in the custody of the Directorate of State Service,DSS. Babawuro was arrested in Lokoja, while two other members of the kidnap gang are still on the run.

The exhibits

Exhibits recovered from the gang leader Abubakar Auta include cash of N823,990:00, 12 SIM cards, a phone used for negotiating the ransom of Chief Falae and a Red Bajaj Motorcycle with Reg No; KER 385 QA which was used to convey Chief Olu Falae to their camp when he got tired of walking in the bush.

During interview, Umaru Ibrahim said they have a boss called Baba Uro who they have not met but who sent the N100,000 to them after the ransom was paid by Chief Falae’s family.

He said that their boss lives in Abuja and that he has only spoken with him once.

Ibrahim told newsmen that he paid a debt of N60,000 from his own share of the ransom.

Also, Idris Lawal confirmed that he received N100,000. He said that they spent five days in the bush and that they are eight in number. He confessed that he hails from Katsina State and he is a herdsman.

The fourth suspect, Masahudu Muhammed declined to tell newsmen how much his share of the ransom was.

It will be recalled that Chief Falae was abducted by Fulani herdsmen on Monday, September 21, 2015, the day he clocked 77 at his farm in Ilado, Akure North council area of Ondo State.

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Lagos state:Policeman shoots woman to death, injures husband in Lagos

Policeman shoots woman to death, injures husband in Lagos

As CP queries DPO, orders arrest of team members; Killer cop charged for murder

By Evelyn Usman & Ebere Aham

LAGOS—A police corporal attached to Isheri-Oshun Division in Lagos, Wednesday night, fired a shot at a moving tricycle along Isheri/ Ijegun road, killing the wife of the operator, Idongesit Ekpo, on the spot.

Doctors at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, are however, battling to save the life of the operator, Godwin Ekpo, who was reportedly also hit by a bullet.

Consequently, visibly angry Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Owoseni, has ordered the immediate arrest of members of the team on duty that night.

The arrested team members include Sergeant Benson Ahambo, Corporal Augustine Telenundu, Corporal Onu Samuel and Corporal Musefun Aremu.

DPO queried
Owoseni has also queried the Divisional Police Officer in-charge of the division for allowing his men to operate without a properly labelled Police vehicle.

Information at Vanguard’s disposal had it that the tricycle operator was returning from church with his wife and four children between the ages of 1 and 12 in the tricycle, popularly known as Keke Marwa, when the police corporal flagged him down.

PROTEST: Tricycle operators protesting alleged killing of wife of their colleegue by a policeman in Isheri-Oshun area of Lagos.

It was also gathered that tricycle operators usually gave the policemen between N50 and N100 in the morning and also at night.