Reports of Fuel Scarcity are False – NNPC

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) yesterday told the public to stay calm and dismissed reports of a looming fuel scarcity.

Omar Ibrahim, NNPC’s General Manager for the Public Affairs Division said in a statement read out in Abuja yesterday that there was enough petroleum in the reserves to last a long time, despite the high incidences of pipeline vandalism and theft.

"What the corporation has in stock is enough to make the country remain wet with petroleum products round the clock," he said.

Ibrahim also warned against panic buying and hoarding of petrol in anticipation of scarcity.

There were fears of a fuel scarcity due to the Federal Government’s inability to pay N220bn owed to oil marketers for 2013.

492 Delegates to Participate in National Conference

The Federal Government has revealed that 492 delegates are to take part in the National Conference billed to hold later this year.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, who made the revelation in Abuja at a press briefing, said that all stakeholders have 21 days to submit the list of their delegates that would eventually make up a body of 492 members.

“The body shall be known as the National Conference and shall sit in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT),” Senator Anyim said. “It shall also have powers to deliberate on every issue concerning the existence of the nation with just one exception, the unity and continued existence of the nation.”

The conference which is expected to last for three months, he said, would begin sitting as soon as the list was ready.

FCTA Cautions Developers on Building Approval

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Department of Development Control, has advised real estate developers to ensure they have genuine land titles before commencing building.

Assistant Director, Monitoring and Enforcement in the department, Mr. Nathaniel Atebije, gave the advice while speaking to newsmen in Abuja recently. He said such approvals would ensure that the building was in consonant with the land use act.

Mr. Atebije noted that building approvals in Abuja was different from what was obtained in other parts of the country, adding that the essence of strict regulation of buildings in the FCT was to make life easier for both developers and residents.

He added that structures that do not meet such approvals risked being demolished. “It is important for illegal buildings to be removed,” he said, “so that the right structures can be put in the right places at the right time by the right people.’’

NNPC Staff Murdered after Taxi Ambush

Mr Emefiele

Nine people have been arrested for the murder of Sylvester Emefiele, who worked at the Transformation Office of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in Abuja.

Mr Emefiele had arrived from Lagos to Abuja on September 23 2012 but was reported missing that evening by his wife, Ngozi, who could no longer reach him after he texted her to say he was in Gwagwalada.

The authorities used the victim’s mobile phone to track down one of suspects, who revealed that he had bought the Blackberry handset from a cab driver who was later arrested along with all the other suspects.

Police discovered that Emefiele had been robbed in a taxi he had entered, his laptop was stolen and N180, 000 withdrawn from his account by the thieves, who used a hammer as a weapon and forced him to disclose the PIN number to his three ATM cards.

A native doctor who had prepared a charm which the robbers used to subdue the victim was also arrested.

According to the Deputy Commissioner of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS), Chris Ezike, the victim died of his injuries and was abandoned in the bush along Idu at Airport Road, just eight kilometres from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport junction.

Forensic experts confirmed that a decomposed corpse that was later found there was the late Emefiele.

FCTA Demolishes 2,000 Shanties in Two Weeks

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) said it has in the last two weeks demolished over 2,000 shanties and illegal structures within the FCT.

The Chief Press Secretary to the FCT Minister, Mr. Muhammad Sule, said in a statement that the FCT Secretariats, Departments and Agencies formed a joint clean up team which dislodged all illegal mechanic colonies from Murtala Muhammed Expressway (Dantata & Sawoe Junction) to Gudu District, Apo.

He added that all road verges and undesirable trees within that axis have also been cleared.

In the statement, the FCT Permanent Secretary, Mr. John Chukwu, also revealed that as a pre-emptive measure, the team had embarked on litter control in that axis covering approximately 11 kilometres.

The permanent secretary noted that the FCTA would sustain the exercise until the Federal Capital City is rid of illegal structures and activities.

FG Buys Nigerian Made SUVs worth N240m for SURE-P Chairmen

The Federal Government has approved the sum of N240.2 million for the purchase of 44 SUVs for the chairmen of the Subsidy Reinvestment Programme (SURE-P) in all 36 states of the federation and the FCT.

 

The Minister of Labour, Mr. Emeka Wogu, made this known to newsmen in Abuja recently at the end of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.

He said that to effectively implement the SURE-P project, “it becomes important that utility vehicles are procured which will enhance monitoring and supervision of the community services, women and youths employment activities at the states and local government levels nationwide.”

The Council will buy the vehicles from Innoson Vehicle Manufacturer Company Limited based in Nnewi, Anambra State.

The development, according to the minister is in line with the Federal Government’s policy to patronise locally manufactured vehicles through direct procurement method.

The cost of the purchase is inclusive of Value Added Tax (VAT), and that the transaction would be carried out within one week.

Kano Commissioner Charged with N17m Asokoro Land Fraud

A serving commissioner of the Kano State Civil Service Commission was on Wednesday charged by The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of illegally acquiring N17 million .

Aminu Gaya, 61, is standing trial at an Abuja High Court on a 15-count charge which include forgery and obtaining money on false pretext.

The EFCC said in 2006 Gaya, whilst working for the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) in Abuja and before his appointment in Kano, forged a land title document and sold the land – Plot 2794 at Cadastral Zone C in Asokoro – to Mr Uche Okoli.

 

The accused, who pleaded not guilty, has since been removed from his commissioner post in Kano.

EFCC’s Counsel, Mr Andrew Akojah stated that the accused is planning to relocate to the United Arab Emirates and should not be granted bail, but Judge Olasumbo Goodluck set the bail at N5 million with two sureties in like sum, and adjourned the case to March.

FG to Ban Pure Water Sachets

The Federal Ministry of Environment is making plans to phase out the use of lightweight non-biodegradable plastics like pure water sachets in Nigeria.

 

A top official of the ministry who wished to remain anonymous, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Abuja that the ministry had been working with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) since December 2013 to raise awareness of the initiative, and a draft of the action plan had already been instituted.

 

"The next step is to source funds from UNIDO to implement the plan,” he said. “Once we have funds, we will continue the process of phasing out heavy non-biodegradable plastics."

The official admitted that it was impossible to completely ban the use of non-biodegradable plastics like plastic chairs because of its importance to society, but he said the ministry will start by phasing out the use of light weight plastics like pure water sachets and polythene bags, which have been banned in many countries because of the damage they cause the environment.

 

"Countries like China and South Africa have placed an outright ban on light weight plastic bags, while some other countries have placed tax levies on the manufacturers, retailers and buyers of light weight bags.”

 

The official added that Nigerian manufacturers will soon be required to introduce an ‘addictive’ to their products that would reduce the non-biodegradable component.

 

The phasing out process will be gradual and environmentally friendly alternatives will be used instead.

Police Disrupt Pro-Amaechi Rally in Abuja

Police on Tuesday disrupted a rally led by Dino Melaye, the Executive Secretary of Anti Corruption Network (ACN) and former member of the House of Representatives, who was protesting against what they described as “impunity in Rivers State and abuse of office by the state Commissioner of Police.”

A group of 200 riot policemen dispersed the rally with tear gas, resulting in a stampede and in the process, causing some of the protesters to faint in the process. 

Policemen had earlier condoned off the area around the Federal Secretariat, Abuja, where the protest was billed to hold. 

However, the protesters, in their determination to hold the rally, decided to march from ACN’s office to the secretariat, but met an unyielding police blockade.

ACN are demanding the removal of Joseph Mbu as the Rivers State Commissioner of Police in order to restore peace to the state.

FG, MTN Agree on 170 Base Stations for FCT

As a result of connectivity problems experienced by consumers, the Federal Government has agreed with telecommunications firm, MTN to a 170 base transceiver stations rollout and expansion project in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The minister of Environment, Mr. Darius Ishaku, represented by the Director of Environmental Impact Assessment, Mr. Taiwo Odusanya, made this known recently at panel review meeting. 

“Despite the laudable positive benefits of the proposed project,” the minister noted, “it is pertinent to note that activities involved in the construction and operation of the project will trigger some negative impacts on the environment, health and natural resources.”

General Manager, Regulatory Affairs, MTN, Ms. Oyeronke Oyetunde, assured that the additional base stations would fortify the existing ones, provide cost-effective operation through good service delivery, and improve communications.

Censors Board Seizes Porn Worth N2.5m in Abuja

The National Film and Video Censors Board (NCVCB) said it has seized pirated and uncensored pornographic films worth about N2.5 million from various retail shops in Abuja.

 

Banex Plaza, Sheriff Plaza, Wuse II, and Dutse Alhaji market in the FCT were some of the commercial outlets that were raided and the films confiscated.

The Acting Head of Corporate Affairs for the NCVCB, Mr. Caesar Kagho said the confiscated films were illegal and were contributing negatively to the attitudes of the youths in the society.

He said the exercise was in line with the board’s commitment to rid the Nigerian markets of unwholesome films.

The NCVCB is responsible for censoring and classifying films and video, and also has the mandate of the registration and licensing of persons and premises for the distribution of films and videos in the country.

Irresponsible Pilgrimage Agents will be Blacklisted – Anyim

The Government has threatened to blacklist irresponsible agents charged with organizing pilgrimages to Israel and the holy lands.

Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), said this after reading a report released by the Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC) in Abuja on Tuesday, and warned that irresponsible agents will be removed and replaced.

“If an agent is not able to perform creditably, that agent should not only be suspended but should be blacklisted,” he said. “Any agent who shows no sign of capacity or competence should not be tolerated at the expense of the pilgrims.”

Anyim stated that last year’s pilgrimage report showed that no pilgrim absconded whilst abroad, and urged the commission to maintain that record.

He also advised pilgrims to return with the group and to refrain from using the trip as an opportunity to go shopping or engage in any other activity that is not related to prayers and religious duty. 

 “The event is mainly for prayers,” he said.

 The Chairman of the commission, the Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, commended the Government for signing a bilateral air services agreement with Israel during last year’s pilgrimage.

El-Rufai to Report to SSS Headquarters Today

Former FCT Minister, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, who is being hunted by the State Security Service (SSS) will today willingly surrender himself to the agency.

The former minister, who is now the Deputy National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) will be accompanied by some chieftains of the party and was due to arrive at the SSS headquarters in Asokoro, Abuja by 9am today.

It was further reported that members of the party planned to converge at the former minister's home in the Maitama District of Abuja. The group, to be joined by Mr. El-Rufai's lawyers, will then drive in a convoy to the SSS office and wait for him to be interrogated.

Mr. El-Rufai went underground on Friday after the SSS launched a manhunt for him, following his remarks at a conference in Abuja on Wednesday that there might be violence if the 2015 general elections were not credible.

APC had earlier condemned what it called the harassment of El-rufai by the Department of State Security (DSS) – whose officers had stormed two properties believed to belong to Mr. El-Rufai on Friday looking for him.

The party, speaking through its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, wondered why the DSS found his statements unsavory yet ignored people like Chief Edwin Clark, Asari Dokubo and Chukwuemeka Ezeife who issued a direct threat to Nigeria’s continued existence if President Goodluck Jonathan didn’t run for a second term.

“The DSS is free to join the police in becoming a partisan and compromised national institution, but it should weigh the consequences of such actions on its long-term credibility,” APC said

Abdullahi offers Super Eagles $100,000 to Beat Ghana

The Minister of Sports Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi has promised to pay out $100,000 (N16m) to the home-based Super Eagles if they progress to the finals of the African Nations Championship.

The national team’s stunning comeback in last Saturday’s match against Morocco – where they valiantly fought back from being 3-0 down to win 4-3 in extra time – was partly attributed to Abdullahi’s earlier offer of $100,000 if they win.

The minister said the team would get the money for that win before they play Ghana , who yesterday defeated DR Congo 1-0 to book their place at Wednesday’s semi final clash against Nigeria.

Abdullahi said that the incentives are the Nigerian government’s way of motivating the players to give their best. He praised the Eagles performance in the competition so far, which is being held in South Africa, especially in their match against Morocco.

“With the kind of overwhelming joy that followed the victory across our country, one cannot but feel that perhaps, these players are destined to win the trophy,” he noted.

“If the boys qualify for the final and go ahead to win the trophy, they can be confident that a grateful nation will remember for a long time to come that they, with typical Nigerian grits and determination, have extended our dominance of African football.”

Youths: Jonathan Must Run in 2015 or we will Make Nigeria Ungovernable

The youth wing of the National Coalition for Jonathan/Sambo Presidency, NACOJP, have given President Goodluck Jonathan 45 days to declare his intentions to run in the 2015 Presidential elections or millions of youths will storm Abuja and Nigeria will become ungovernable.

Speaking at a ceremony in Abuja, NACOJP’s President, Comrade Godspower Denema, stated that Jonathan must contest in 2015 otherwise they will resort to drastic actions that might threaten the existence of the country.

“On behalf of the entire youths of Nigeria, I want to sincerely warn that if Mr. President refuses to contest the 2015 presidential election, the youths of Nigeria from the six geopolitical zones of the country will be forced to take some drastic actions,” he said.

“Some of the action may include but not limited to the shutdown of the entire country. More than 40 million Nigerian youths will storm Abuja in early February. We shall conscript Mr. President. We shall make sure that no Jonathan, no election in 2015 and most Nigerian youths shall change their national tags.”

He said that Jonathan deserved re-election in view of his “sterling performance” in his first term.

“Those fanning the embers of disunity and beating the drums of war should not flee the country when trouble starts. They should not attempt to ferry their own children out of the country when the trouble they are trying to promote starts.

“In fact, they should be advised to bring their own children who they are keeping abroad to come home to fight. Nigeria at centenary is at a cross-road. The pendulum of activity is oscillating between peace and impending war. President Jonathan represents peace and his detractors, who are crisis promoting agents, represent war. So the choice is now left for Nigerians. I am very convinced that they will make the right choice, which is the path of peace,” he said.

The NACOJP ceremony also celebrated the launch of a pamphlet titled ‘100 Reasons Why Nigerian Youths Should Support President Jonathan.’

NTDC Begins Inspection of Hotels in Abuja

The Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) has begun an inspection of hotels and other tourism enterprises in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and its environs.

The Director General of NTDC, Mrs. Sally Mbanefo, made this known to newsmen at weekend in Abuja. She said the exercise, which will eventually be carried out across the country, was informed by the need to assess the standards and quality of hospitality outfits in terms of service delivery.

Mrs. Mbanefo said the NTDC, as the apex hospitality agency in the country, is charged with the responsibility of ensuring efficient and effective services for all tourists, both domestic and foreign.

The exercise, she added, will avail the federal government the opportunity to ensure that facilities and operations of hospitality and other tourism establishments conform to international best standards.

UN Office Bombing: FG to Reopen Case

The Federal Government has applied to the Federal High Court in Abuja for permission to reopen the case in the trial of four suspected Boko Haram members being held over alleged involvement in the 2011 bombing of the United Nations building in Abuja.

The Prosecution counsel, Barr. O. E. Ohakwe told the court the she had filed two motions, one to reopen the case, and two for permission to amend the four-count charge levelled against the accused.

The trial judge, Justice Gladys Olotu, therefore ordered the defence counsel to open its case, but the defence filed an application for a no-case submission.

Justice Olotu, had on November 22, 2013 closed the prosecution’s case on the ground that it failed to handle it diligently. In a ruling, the judge had expressed dismay that the prosecution, who had applied for and got the court’s permission for accelerated trial, failed to produce its witnesses months after its first witness testified.

SSS to Question El-Rufai over Newspaper Comment

Mallam Nasir El-rufai, the Interim Deputy National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was asked by the State Security Service (SSS) to explain comments he allegedly made in a national newspaper yesterday.

El-Rufai reportedly told the publication that: “The next election is likely to be violent and many people are likely going to die. And the only alternative left to get power is to take it by force; this is the reality on the ground.”

The SSS summoned the former FCT Minister to its Abuja headquarters today in order for him to clarify his statements.

Engineer Wanted by EFCC for Stealing N63m from His Employers

THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has called for the arrest of Sylvester Osondu Okereke, a former employee of St Ives Bottling Company, for allegedly obtaining N63 million under false pretences.

“The public is hereby notified that Sylvester Osondu Okereke, alias Emmanuel Kelechi, an Electrical Engineer formerly with St Ives Bottling Company Limited, Gosa Village, Airport Road Abuja, is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with a case of Criminal Conspiracy, and Obtaining Money under False Pretences totalling N63 million,” the EFCC stated in its appeal for help.

Okereke is 38 years old and from the Arochukwu local government area of Abia State, and is described as dark in complexion and 1.68m tall.

His last known address is No. 22, King of Kings Road, FHA, Lugbe FCT, Abuja, and he was last seen in Aba in Abia State.

“Anyone with useful information as to his whereabouts should contact the Commission in its Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Gombe, Port Harcourt and Abuja offices or the nearest Police Station,” the EFCC said.

Council Pledges to Maintain FCT Master Plan

The Development Control Department of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) has promised to maintain the master plan of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

AMMC Coordinator, Mr.  Reuben Okoya, made the pledge recently during a clean -up exercise jointly carried out by AMMC, the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), and the Parks and Recreation Department of the FCT administration.

“We decided to embark on cleaning up of the city to ensure that the city is clean and safe for the citizens,” Mr. Okoya said. “Abuja was built as a capital city for the federation and we intend to retain it that way.”

He warned all residents who have their structures marked for demolition to be alert as all illegal buildings will be removed as planned.

The outspoken politician had earlier stated that the 2015 general polls would be characterised by violence unless INEC hold credible polls.

FG Approves N28bn for Wasa District Development

The Federal Executive Council has approved the sum of N28.11bn for the provision of engineering infrastructure in Wasa, a new district in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, and the Minister of State, FCT, Mrs. Olajumoke Akinjide, made this known to newsmen on Wednesday at the end of the Federal Executive Council meeting.

“After deliberations,” Mrs. Akinjide said, “council approved the award of the contract for the provision of engineering infrastructure to Wasa Affordable Housing Site in favour of Messrs Gilmor Engineering Nigeria Limited in the sum of N28,117,904,027 only, with a completion period of 48 months.”

The contract, she added, covers areas such as site clearing, road works, culvert, drainage, sewage, water supply, electrical power supply and street lighting for the 367 hectares of land.

She said that the project upon completion will generate employment for at least 30 professionals, 50 technicians and 100 unskilled labourers.

Fire Destroys Union Bank Building in Garki Area 10

The three-story building housing Union Bank and the Hadar Situare furniture store in UTC, Area 10 in Garki was destroyed by fire last night.

Federal Fire fighters and the Airforce fire fighters used 17 trucks of water to fight the flames, as onlookers gathered to watch.

The ground floor of the building was completely razed to the ground, with witnesses stating that a spark on the second floor could have started the fire.

No fatalities have yet been reported, and the cause of the fire remains unknown.

Cubana Club Manager Attacked Days after Resignation

Uyi Ogbebor, the popular manager of Cubana Club in Abuja, was attacked at Wuse 2 on Friday morning, days after he resigned from the club.

 

Unknown gunmen in two Range Rover cars reportedly fired shots at Mr Ogbebor’s BMW, but upon noting that the car was bullet-proofed, the shooters sped off, leaving confused motorists in their wake.

The ex-club manager, who has business interests in other clubs around the capital including Grotto and Klub Vaniti, had quit from Cubana days earlier following disagreements with his business partner.

But he told journalists that the drive-by shooting was unconnected to his resignation. 

“They could be some people trying to snatch my car or something,” he said

FG to Sell Abuja Commodity Exchange

The Federal Government plans to sell its ownership of the Abuja Securities and Commodities Exchange by the middle of the year.

 

The Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms. Arunma Oteh, who made this known to Bloomberg Businessweek, said the government was committed to privatising its only commodity exchange.

 

“We have a number of both domestic players and international players who are very interested,” Ms. Oteh said.

 

“They’d rather acquire the privatised exchange,” she added, “so they’re trying to see how far the government is going with this initiative and if not they’re prepared to seek a registration for a new commodity exchange.”

 

Heirs Holdings Ltd, a Lagos-based company with interests across Africa in banking, energy, real estate and agriculture is one of the companies that have indicated interest in acquiring the state-owned Abuja-based exchange upon privatisation.

Jonathan selects 12 New Ministers for Appointment

President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday in Abuja forwarded the names of 12 ministerial nominees and the new service chiefs appointed on January 16 to the Senate for approval.

On their return from the Christmas holidays yesterday, the Senate President David Mark read out the letters sent by the President for the confirmation of the ministers and the service chiefs.

The names on the list include Dr T.W. Danagogo from Rivers, Hon. Mohammed Wakil of Borno, Ambassador Aminu Wali and Hajia Jamila Salik who are both from Kano, Niger State’s Asabe Ahmed and Mrs Akon Eyakenyi from Akwa Ibom.

Former governor of Adamawa Mr Boni Haruna and Senator Musiliu Obanikoro from Lagos were also on the list along with Alhaji Abduljelili Adesiyan from Osun, Lawrencia Mallam from Kaduna,  General Aliu Gusau of Zamfara, and Sokoto’s Dr Khaliru Alhassan.

The President said he will forward the names of the service chiefs to the Senate in compliance with Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act.

The service chiefs include Air Marshal Alex Badeh (Chief of Defence Staff), Maj.-Gen. Kenneth Minimah (Chief of Army Staff), Rear Admiral Usman Jibrin (Chief of Naval Staff) and Air Vice Marshal Adesola Amosu as Chief of Air Staff.

Governor Akpabio’s convoy arrested for driving dangerously in Abuja

Security officers arrested the convoy belonging to Akwa Ibom State’s Governor Godswill Akpabio on Monday afternoon for driving against traffic in Abuja.

The official motorcade was heading towards the Three Arms Zone when they met a traffic jam close to the Nigeria Police Headquarters, which was caused by President Goodluck Jonathan’s security, who had blocked the road to allow his convoy to pass.

The President had left Aso Rock Villa and was on his way to a PDP meeting at the National Secretariat.

Motorists had stopped to let the President through, but Akpabio’s convoy refused to wait and instead drove against traffic at high-speeds, swerving dangerously and blaring their sirens.

Armed soldiers and police officers rushed to detain the convoy and ordered the occupants out, accusing them of insubordination and dangerous driving. It is unclear whether Akpabio was in the convoy at the time.

After a heated exchange of words and an intervention by the governor’s security, the vehicles were cautioned and released.

Agency Chief Suspended for Poor Performance

The Managing Director of the National Rural Electrification Agency (NREA), Mr. Kenneth Achugbu was yesterday suspended over allegations of poor performance.

 

The Chairman of the Supervisory Board of NREA, Senator Jonathan Zwingina told journalists in Abuja yesterday that the board’s decision followed the alleged poor implementation of the 2012 and 2013 budgets under Achugbu.

 

He explained that they arrived at the decision after seven of its members voted in favour of the managing director’s suspension while two others voted against it. The decision, he said, was to enable the management to implement the board’s programmes effectively.

 

He further revealed that Mr. Mohammed Abubakar Wasara has been appointed as the acting Managing Director of the agency. Mr. Wasara’s appointment, he said, was as a result of his position as the most senior director in the agency.

Man Uses Fake Facebook Accounts of Okonjo-Iweala to Make Money

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested Mr. Anthony Ezechukwu, 34, for allegedly cloning the Facebook accounts of some prominent Nigerian women, including the Minister of Finance Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

According to the EFCC, the suspect, who is an Abuja-based graduate of Lagos State University, had also successfully used fake Facebook accounts of the FCT Minister’s wife, Mrs. Aisha Mohammed, the Director of the Abuja Geographical Information Systems, AGIS, Mrs. Jamilah Tangaza and the wife of Lagos State Governor, Dame Abimbola Fashola to engage in illegal businesses and defraud unsuspecting members of the public.

Ezechukwu’s operation involved opening the fake accounts and send out messages, after which he would receive numerous friend requests. He then claimed to be able to offer jobs, land and connections to influential people and demanded money in return, often posing as the ‘Schedule Officer’ or ‘Personal Assistant’ of the high profile women.

 

One victim, Mr Usman Ahmed, paid N100, 000 into the fraudster’s bank account.

 

Ezechukwu was arrested following a complaint by Mrs. Tangaza, who is an ICT expert and had served as a media director to the FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed.

The suspect will appear in court after the Investigation is concluded.

New Defence Chief Promises to End Boko Haram Attacks by April

The newly appointed Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Air Marshal Alex Badeh, has promised to end the Boko Haram insurgency before April this year. 

He made the pledge at the ceremony to take over from the former CDS, Vice Admiral Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim at the Defence headquarters in Abuja yesterday. 

He said the military will not go back to the Senate to beg and lobby for the extension of the state of emergency currently on in certain states in the North.

He argued that if the military did its work cohesively, the insurgency can be finished off in no time.

He promised to do his best to guide the armed forces of Nigeria toward achieving the desired successes, arguing that unity of command is the preferred method of achieving unity of effect and effort by our military forces.

Nigeria will soon start exporting cars - Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan has stated that Nigeria will soon begin to export cars to other countries, as a result of the new National Automotive Industry Policy introduced by his administration.

Speaking yesterday at his Presidential Villa in Abuja during a visit by Anambra State business owners led by the state’s governor, Peter Obi, he added that his administration will continue to encourage industrialists in the country.

“In the next few years, Nigeria will begin to export cars to other countries. We are encouraging the government to support local manufacturers. If Nigeria must be a great country, we must industrialise,” he said.

In agreement, Governor Obi said, "You have excess credit in your political account that these people (members of the delegation) are ready to pay you when you need it.”

The governor also thanked the President for including Nnewi in the government’s National Automotive Industry Policy, stating that it would attract many ancillary industries.

Minister Declares Abuja Most Investment-Friendly City in Africa

The minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Bala Mohammed, has stated that Abuja remains the most attractive city in Africa for investors.

The minister made the remark at the Nigeria-Singapore Business and Investment Forum in Singapore. He said Abuja has the comparative advantage of being the capital of the most populous nation in Africa.

Investment opportunities in Abuja, the minister said, include waste management, city management and provision of infrastructure. He therefore urged Singaporean investors to take advantage of the limitless opportunities with the aim of taking Abuja to the next level while at the same time reaping benefits from their investment.

He added that the FCT could leverage on the experiences and successes of Singapore in order to make Abuja a world-class city.

Abuja’s Supreme Court FC Sign 25 Players

The just promoted Nigeria National League (NNL) club, the Supreme Court Football Club of Abuja, have signed 25 players in time for the start of the 2014 league season.

The club’s General Manager, Mr. Tolu Oguntimehin told journalists in Abuja on Monday that 11 were rookies added to the 14 players that were part of team last year, and all have been in camp preparing for matches.

“We started our pre-season from January 6th but we are now taking it higher as the start of the season draws closer. Our focus is to get into the Premier League at the end of the season," he said.

The team will play Premier League club Nasarawa United in a pre-season friendly today at the Lafia Stadium, a game Mr. Oguntimehin believes will test his team’s capabilities ahead of their NNL opener.

Supreme Court FC will then travel to Minna to face Niger Tornadoes on Saturday, 25th of January.

Nigerian Gays Plan to Protest in Abuja

Homosexuals in Nigeria are planning a protest in Abuja against the anti-gay law signed by President Goodluck Jonathan on 7 January.

In a statement signed by members of ‘The Right Defence’ group, and accompanied by masked pictures of the gay men, they said they were speaking out against the unlawful discrimination of gays, lesbians and transgendered people in the country.

“The planning for the non-violent rally is to avert the continuous attacking of the unarmed citizens and the unlawful and arbitrary arrest of wanted individuals,” the group said.

“This is not an ideological protest movement. This is about people making some very democratic demands about the government’s need to respect freedom of assembly and freedom of association, as it is channelled in the United Nations universal declaration of Human Rights.”

The group also accused the Nigeria human rights body and the National Human Rights Commission of a lack of integrity in their refusal to stand up against the new law.

They revealed that many in their community have increasingly become victims of persecution which often goes unreported due to fear of reprisals, and thanked the European Union countries and the Canadian government for supporting their plight and urged the Nigerian government to reverse the law banning same-sex unions.

The new law has been criticised by western countries who see it as an infringement on the rights of gays and lesbians.