Forgery: FG searches for more evidence to convict Saraki, Ekweremadu

The Federal Government has started searching for more facts that can further prove the involvement of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, and his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, in the alleged forgery of Senate Standing Rules, 2015.

 Saturday PUNCH learnt on Friday that the Police Special Investigation Panel had written the Clerk of the National Assembly, Mohammed Sani-Omolori, to demand for the records of the proceedings where the Senate rules were amended.

Following the realisation that the evidence against the men was not enough to secure their conviction in court, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, had directed the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, to dig further and get more evidence against the two senators.

Apart from Saraki and Ekweremadu, others facing trial over their alleged involvement in the forgery of the senate rules, include the former Clerk of the National Assembly, Alhaji Salisu Maikasuwa, and his deputy, Mr. Benedict Efeturi.

The trial judge on June 27, 2016, admitted the defendants to bail and adjourned the matter for trial.

The accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them.

Saturday PUNCH learnt on Friday that the IGP had directed the SIP handling the investigation to get more evidence that could sustain the conviction of the accused persons for forgery.

 It was learnt that the panel, led by Ali Amodu, a retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, wrote a letter to  the National Assembly Clerk in August, 2016 and demanded the record of proceedings of the last Senate.

 The police also requested the clerk to clarify if the 7th Senate at any time amended the Senate Standing Orders 2011 and the extent of the amendment, if any.

 Sources stated that the panel also requested for copies of the Senate Standing Orders, 2015, as well as the Hansard (official record of debates) of June 9 and 24, 2015 to know what transpired on the floor of the Senate.

It was learnt that the panel, had in its letter, asked that the information should be dispatched before September 7.

 A source, who was familiar with the investigation, said that the clerk had yet to respond to the request, prompting the SIP to send a reminder about two weeks ago.

 The source said, “The SIP was expecting the clerk to send the copies of the senate standing rules, 2011 and 2015 to know if there was an amendment and the extent of such amendment. The police also demanded the record of the last proceeding of the 7th senate, but up till now, the clerk has not responded.

“The SIP has again sent a reminder to the clerk to fast-track its request. All these records are needed by the police to carry out a thorough probe into the case and ensure that the probe is rested once and for all.”

 Efforts made to get the Clerk to the National Assembly proved abortive as calls to his telephone did not go through. He also did not reply a text message sent to him as of the time of filing this report on Friday evening.

In June, when the case was first filed in court before Saraki and other co-accused persons were arraigned, the Federal Government had deposed to an affidavit, attesting that investigations into the matter had been concluded.

In the charge sheet dated June 10, 2016 and signed by D.E Kaswe Esq., Principal State Counsel on behalf of the AGF, which was supported by an Affidavit of Completion of Investigation deposed to at the Federal High Court Registry, Abuja, on the same date by Okara Neji Jonah, a litigation officer in the Federal Ministry of Justice, Abuja, attested that the police had concluded its investigations.

Saturday PUNCH learnt that the police failed to carry out a thorough investigation into the forgery case because the leadership of the Force was in a hurry to conclude the probe to please the Presidency.

The inconclusive investigation was carried out by detectives from the Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department.

 Renewed investigation abuse of judicial process—Saraki

Saraki, in his reaction, described the renewal of the investigation as an abuse of judicial process when the prosecutor had already dragged the suspects to court.

The Special Adviser to the Senate President on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, told one of our correspondents on Friday that only Saraki’s lawyers would continue to speak for him on the matter.

He said, “I would have preferred that our lawyers speak on the matter; they would have been able to spell out the legal implication of going to court, swearing to an affidavit that the investigation had been concluded, which is the fulcrum of taking the matter to court. To now say there will be a fresh investigation is like leaving the case in court, while looking for an evidence to justify your position. That will be a clear abuse of court process, just like our lawyers submitted on Wednesday. It is a clear case of abuse of court process.”

Ekweremadu, who spoke through his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Uche Anichukwu, said his lawyers would speak on the matter.

He referred our correspondent to a statement by the Civil Liberties Organisation, which, according to him, strongly criticised how court processes were being abused in the forgery case.

 The Special Adviser to the Attorney-General of the Federation on Media and Publicity, Mr. Salisu Isah, could not be reached through his telephone on Friday as repeated calls made to the telephone line indicated that it was not available.

It’s all drama—Afenifere

 But the National Publicity Secretary of the Yoruba socio-political group, Yinka Odumakin, described the suit as a drama.

He stated, “I think it is all drama and we have better things to face. We have had enough of these shows. Our anti-corruption war has yet to secure one conviction in 16 months now and I don’t think Saraki would be the first causality.

“What we want to see is concrete actions to halt the dangerous slide that we are in as a country.”

On his part, the Executive Director of a faction of the Civil Liberties Organisation, Ohabuenyi Ezike, described the issue as a rude shock.

According to him, the  reopening of investigation by the AGF and IGP appears to corroborate “the position of the Senate that the names of the accused persons were politically generated as names of the Senate President, Dr. Olusola Saraki, and Senator Ike Ekweremadu could not in any way be related to the Proof of Evidence.”

The President of the Nigeria Voters’ Assembly, Mashood Erubami, said that the matter should be thoroughly investigated.

Erubami stated that sweeping the matter under the carpet would not conform with the spirit of the moment. This is the time that the President should send a strong signal to the world that he and his government believe in the fight against anything unethical.

“It is a pity that the police have been reluctant to let Nigerians know what their findings are on the alleged forgery case and nobody is sure of whose doorsteps the guilt over the matter is to be laid.

“It is not enough to make an allegation against a person; what is important is being able to prove the case against the person to secure conviction.”

Read more at: The Punch

Why I raped my 15 years old Daughter

A 49 year old man, yesterday, gave a graphic description of how he had been sleeping with his 15 year old daughter in their Oko-Oba home in Abule-Egba area of Lagos State.

The suspect, Tony Ehumadu, who hails from Mbaise area of Imo State, was caught in the act by his wife, a Customs officer.
Ehumadu, a businessman, was arrested after one of his brothers-in-law reported the case to the police.

He admitted to have slept with his Junior Secondary School 1 daughter twice, adding that the first instance was under the influence of alcohol.

According to him, “I did the abominable act with my eldest daughter. But I only raped her twice. I don’t know what came over me. I am convinced that forces beyond me led me into committing the crime.

“Both incidents happened on Fridays. One Friday night, one of my friends invited me to a naming ceremony around Power Line, New Oko-Oba. I came back home drunk but my wife was not around. All my children, except the eldest, were asleep.

“Immediately, I rushed in and raped her. I did not meet her as a virgin. But the second time, my wife was at home.

“That Friday night, we were all watching a movie, when I suddenly stood up and went straight into my daughter’s room and started raping her. It was at that point that my wife caught me and started shouting.

“My wife did not want to go to the police because of the embarrassment it would bring to the family and because of her reputation as a Customs officer. But her brother did.”

The suspect, according to the Lagos State Police Command boss, Fatai Owoseni, would be charged to court.

Read more at: Vanguard News

Kidnappers Demand Huge Amount For The Release Of CBN Governor Emefiele’s Wife

CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele

SaharaReporters can authoritatively report that the kidnappers who abducted Margaret Emefiele, wife to sitting Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele, are demanding N1.5 billion for her release. SaharaReporters learned of these developments from a source with an intimate understanding of the delicate situation.

Mrs. Emefiele was abducted yesterday along the Benin-Agbor Road and her captors have been in communication with Mr. Emefiele. SaharaReporters has learned that in addition to Mrs. Emefiele, four other people were abducted including two other females, a male, and her driver.

It has also been learned that Mrs. Emefiele had a four-man police detail attached to her. However, when the police were confronted with the superior firepower of the kidnappers they ran away, leaving her and the other victims in the hands of the criminals.

Since her abduction, the kidnappers have been in constant communication with Mr. Emefiele, his representatives, and police negotiators. They are reportedly discussing the N1.5 billion ransom demand.
SaharaReporters also learned that the CNB is attempting to keep details of Mr. Emefiele wife’s abduction hidden from the media because it may scare off investors in Nigeria.

Read more at: SaharaReporters

21 persons in court for burning 80 houses in Benue

No fewer than 21 persons from Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State were on Wednesday docked at a Makurdi Magistrates’ Court for allegedly burning 80 houses in Tarka Local Government Area.
The accused include Jimeshio Kur, Ioryue Aondufa, Ugi Terseer, Iorhem Akande, Mchia Azungu, Tyowase Aba, Apar Terhember and Mzungwe Ieren.

Others are Igba Teryima, Terngu Tyolumun, Ahua Terzungwe, Adi Terkaa, Acha Mbajiga, Aondongu Damsa, Nyitar Aondona and Terhemen Terso.

The suspects also include Sughter Kumagagh, Tarkaha Achia, Iorhen Kyah, Sev Aondoyavga, Tyongi Ibieh.
They were charged with criminal conspiracy, public disturbance and mischief by fire, punishable under sections 97, 116 and 338 of the Penal Code of Benue State, 2004.

The Prosecutor, Inspector Gabriel Ebonyi, told the court that the Area Commander in Gboko, ACP Olukayode Sunday, brought the accused persons to the State CID, Makurdi on September 19.

Ebonyi said that the ACP received information through the Divisional Police Officer of Tarka Division, CSP Vincent Ukpetu, on that same date that crisis broke out in Tarka and people were burning houses.
He said that the command swung into action and arrested the suspects allegedly in connection with the offences.

The prosecutor said that when the case came up for mention, pleas were not taken for lack of jurisdiction by the magistrates’ court.
The Magistrate, Cyril Enyi, ordered that the accused persons be remanded in prison custody and adjourned the matter till October 10, 2016 for mention.

Read more at: The Eagle

Lawmaker condemns murder of Benue monarch

The lawmaker representing Katsina/Ala, Ukum and Logo in the House of Representatives, Udende Jika Tor-Dwem, has condemned the murder of Chief Awuhe Alev, the kindred head of Mbayongo, who was killed on Monday.

Udende lamented that such acts were being perpetrated at a time the government was ready to give youths a new lease of life, as exemplified by the amnesty programme of Governor Samuel Ortom.

The lawmaker, who is the deputy chair of the House Committee on Police Affairs, spoke through his media aide, Jerry Iorngaem.

He said rather than key into the government’s empowerment programme, some youths chose to continue in their old ways of crime.

Condoling the relations of victims, Udende urged his constituents to continue their faith in the administration at the state and federal level, stressing that efforts were on to ensure that life and property are secured.

Read more at: The Nation

Suspected cultists kill university graduate, one other in Benue State

Two young boys were yesterday gunned down by suspected cultists in Ugbokolo area of Benue State.

The victims, believed to be in their 20s, were killed around 8pm opposite the entrance to the Benue State Polytechnic.

DAILY POST gathered that one of the victims, identified as Stephen, famously known as Keshi recently graduated from the Benue State University and was waiting for his National Youth Service before the sad incident.



The second victim was identified as Adah, otherwise known as Nature.

A source hinted our reporter in Ugbokolo that on that fateful night, the victims were with their friends when the gunmen stormed the area, shot them at close range and disappeared.

Stephen, is said to have a barbing saloon in the area which is being operated by the second deceased, Adah.




The development sparked fear among residents of the area, who fled for safety.

The incident is coming barely 24 hours after a suspected armed robber was caught and stripped naked, after a foiled attempt to snatch a motorcycle from a woman in the area.

When this reporter contacted the Benue State PPRO for comment, he simply returned his call with an sms thus, ‘can’t talk now.”

Read more at: Daily Post

Ogun-Cleric-Stuck-in-Shrine Saga: Idol worshippers beat me with charms – Pastor

Pastor Wale Fagbire (Ogun-Cleric-Stuck-in-Shrine Saga)

The pastor who allegedly got stuck in a shrine in Ketu community, Ayetoro, in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Prince Wale Fagbire, has denied being struck by idols while destroying their shrines. Pastor Fagbire, who presides over Christ Apostolic Church, Ona-Iye, Ayetoro, said he was instructed not to utter a word after he destroyed the shrines.

The embattled pastor spoke at a briefing organised by Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Ogun State chapter, yesterday, in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Pastor Fagbire had told his congregation that he had been directed by God to destroy all the shrines in Ketu community.

However, while carrying out the mission, he allegedly got stuck, looking like a statue. This prompted the people in the area to raise alarm.

 Reacting to the report, the state Chairman of CAN, Bishop Tunde Akin-Akinsanya, described the reports as exaggerated, adding that the body intended to change the misconception about the incident.

While sharing his ordeal with newsmen, the embattled pastor, who said he comes from a ruling house, said he waited deliberately for the idol worshippers to see him. ‘I obeyed God’s instruction’ He said:

“It was from God and direction by the Holy Spirit for the deliverance of Ayetoro from darkness. God told me that I should go to the shrine and bring out those things for the liberation of Ayetoro.

 “He told me to do three things in the shrine: evacuate the idols, step aside and watch the film and not say anything, when people come out to see me. I got there around 5a.m., and did as God asked me to.

“It was not their gods that held me, it was the idol worshippers that struck me with their charms. “When I was taken to the palace, I told them that all my actions were directed by God and not anybody or the church.

Although they tried many charms on me, none was effective. I am healthy.” Regional Coordinator of Yewa/Awori for Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Apostle Lola Dada, explained that the idol worshippers asked the pastor’s family to bring N300,000, while CAN was asked to pay N200,000 to appease the gods.

Dada, who spoke for CAN Chairman, said: “He was handed over to the police and the police charged the case to court. The idol worshippers withdrew the case from the court, saying they cannot take the son of their late oba to court and the case was withdrawn the same day.

 “The idol worshippers went to Jesus Triumphant Army Church at Ayetoro, which is headed by Pastor Wale Olojede.

The church, which had hosted Prince Fagbire, is close to the shrine. “The worshippers said it was the church that encouraged him to do what he did. So, the idol worshippers’ transferred their aggression to the church.

They went there and barricaded the church with sacrifice and palm fronds, but the Christian youths removed them. “They demanded for things they want to use for sacrifice and asked the pastor’s family to pay N300,000, while CAN should bring N200,000, making it N500,000, for the sacrifice to appease their gods. But no money was given to them and peace has returned to the town.”

Read more at: Vanguard News

Budget Padding Scandal: Reps seal off Jibrin’s office

The office of the suspended former chairman of the House of Representatives committee on appropriation, Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin, has been sealed by the leadership.

Jibrin was suspended on Wednesday after the ethics and privileges committee found him guilty of breach of members’ privileges and misconduct in the manner he carried out with his allegations of budget padding against Speaker Yakubu Dogara and other principal officers. But yesterday, some members of the National Assembly security (sergeant- at-arms) sealed off his office, Room 1.05 located in the New Building wing of the House of Representatives.

New Telegraph gathered that before sealing the office, the Sergeant-at-arms in company with Jibrin’s aide took inventory of the documents and equipment in the office. Also, Jibrin’s staff moved out some of the personal belongings of the former chairman from the office. Meanwhile, chairman of the House committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Abdulrazaq Namdas, has said the House had nothing to do with the court over Jibrin’s suspension.

Reacting to the declaration by Jibrin that he would challenge his suspension in court, the spokesman said based on the principle of separation of powers, the judiciary cannot interfere in the internal affairs of the legislature. He said Jibrin was free to go anywhere but the House had taken its decision to punish him for what he did in line with the provisions of its Standing Orders and Rules.

Meanwhile, the House yesterday ordered investigation into the alleged debt of about N500 billion owed the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company( PPMC) by major oil marketers. The decision was taken following the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Agom Jarigbe, alleging that it was a sabotage by some of the oil marketers.

The companies include: Oando, Forte oil, NIPCO, Total oil, Conoil, Mobil oil, Masters Energy oil, and gas Ltd;, MRS oil and Gas and Heyden Petroleum. Others are Rahamaniyya Petroleum, Amicable Petroleum, Aiteo Petroleum, Honeywell oil, Capital Oil, Felande Petroleum, Sharon oil, and Zamson Petroleum. In adopting the motion, the House resolved to raise a special Ad hoc Committee to investigate the alleged “huge debts and criminal act of sabotage by oil marketers in connivance with the management of PPMC.”

Leading debate on the motion, Jarigbe called on the House to resist the act of criminality being perpetuated within the sub-sector. He said:”There is a connivance and compromise by functionaries of PPMC to leave government funds in the hands of these marketers, thereby putting the country in dire financial straits”.

Read more at: New Telegraph