The Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, arraigned a couple, Oriyomi Idowu and Ruth Idowu, before Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos.

The couple was arraigned on 20-count charges bordering on obtaining money by false pretence, money laundering, stealing, retention of stolen property, and forgery to the tune of N2,757,188,000.00( Two Billion, Seven Hundred and Fifty-Seven Million, One Hundred and Eighty-Eight Naira Only).

They were arraigned alongside Food Commodity Processing Enterprise, Bonway Food Processing Company Limited, Samee Idowu Company Limited, and Farmex Integrated Companies Limited, which all belong to Ruth Idowu.

One of the counts reads: “Ruth Sameeha Idowu, aka Loiry Ventures, Oriyomi Kabeer Idowu, aka Yocli Ventures, Food Commodity Processing Enterprise, Bonway Food Processing Company Ltd, Samee Idowu Company Limited, Farmex Integrated Companies Limited, sometime in 2023 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court, converted the sum of N10,000,000 to purchase a GLK Benz, purchase sum derived from converting the sum of N500,000,000 belonging to Creditpro Business Support Services with the aim of disguising the illegal origin of the funds.”

Another count reads: “Ruth Sameeha Idowu, aka Loiry Ventures, Oriyomi Kabeer Idowu, aka Yocli Ventures, Food Commodity Processing Enterprise, Bonway Food Processing Company Ltd., Samee Idowu Company Limited, Farmex Integrated Companies Limited, sometime in 2023 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court, dishonestly retained the sum of N936,619,876 (Nine Hundred and Thirty-Six Million, Six Hundred and Nineteen Thousand, Eight Hundred and Seventy-Six Naira only ) in your UBA bank account, property of Creditpro Business Support services knowing same to be funds fraudulently obtained from Creditpro Business Support Services.”

The defendants pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when they were read to them.

In view of their pleas, prosecution counsel, Bilikisu Buhari, prayed the court for a trial date and the remand of the defendants at a Correctional Facility.

Counsel to the first defendant, G. Onwubuya, informed the court of the bail application of his client, which had yet to be served on the prosecution. He prayed the court to remand the defendants in the EFCC custody and also sought a short adjournment for the hearing and determination of the bail application.

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Over the weekend, BBNaija Season 7 winner, Phyna Unusual, was stopped by the police in Lagos for breaking a traffic rule. She took a one  way road and was intercepted by the police. One of the police officers brought out his phone and began to film her after she violated the law. Phyna was angry at the officer for filming her and went on IG live to express her anger and also showed herself tackling the officer for filming her.

Reacting to her outburst, the spokesperson of the state police command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, via his X handle this morning November 7, said Nigerians are never angry when they film a police officer whenever they are stopped but find it as an harassment when a police officer does same to them.

‘’If you were in my shoes, somebody carries phone on your face, you’ll get angry. You’ll get angry! – a Nigerian

 

You guys can’t even take what you dish out. A police officer uses his phone to record you, not randomly, but while you’re breaking a traffic rule and you’re all worked up about it, asking which law empowers him to rightfully get evidence. You’re unusual.

 

But law does not matter when you record police officers in the line of duty, sometimes just to agitate them and quickly scream harassment.”

If you were in my shoes, somebody carries phone on your face, you’ll get angry. You’ll get angry! – a Nigerian

You guys can’t even take what you dish out. A police officer uses his phone to record you, not randomly, but while you’re breaking a traffic rule and you’re all… pic.twitter.com/2urRsEP58K

— SP Benjamin Hundeyin (@BenHundeyin) November 7, 2023

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The Coordinating Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has brought to light a concerning statistic, revealing that an overwhelming 98% of reported diphtheria cases among children in 19 states have affected those who were not vaccinated. This revelation came during an address by the Health Minister, Muhammad Pate, at the Northern Traditional Leaders’ Committee on Primary Health Care Service Delivery (NTLC) Quarterly Review Meeting in Abuja.

The NTLC meeting, organized by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), serves as a vital platform for engaging traditional leaders on their crucial roles in enhancing primary healthcare delivery within their communities.

Minister Pate, in response to the alarming diphtheria statistics, has called for an urgent and comprehensive vaccination campaign. He emphasized the need for collective action among the 19 states to safeguard the lives of vulnerable children and tackle the persisting diphtheria challenge, which has been a cause for concern for several months.

“This collaborative effort is aimed at improving local governance and enhancing the delivery of essential services. It involves the active participation of leaders at all levels, including traditional leaders and representatives from the private sector, to address the pressing diphtheria issue affecting our people,” Minister Pate stated.

While asserting that the focus is on differentiating between good and evil rather than religious affiliations, the minister assured that efforts were underway to ensure that the diphtheria challenge does not persist.

Minister Pate also shared a significant milestone in the upcoming launch of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in Nigeria scheduled for later in October. He highlighted that the vaccine aims not only to prevent cervical cancer but also underscores the importance of engaging traditional leaders and strengthening the health system for efficient vaccine delivery.

“The collaborative approach taken by state governments and other stakeholders sets an example, not only within the sub-region but also on a wider scale. This united front signifies a significant step forward in addressing the ongoing health challenge and paves the way for a more coordinated and effective response,” Minister Pate expressed optimistically.

Expressing gratitude to traditional leaders for their longstanding support of public health initiatives, Minister Pate credited them with the successful fight against the wild poliovirus in Nigeria. He acknowledged their crucial role, stating, “The fact that we don’t have children paralyzed by the wild poliovirus now is thanks to your leadership and the commitment of more than 100,000 traditional leaders.”

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, used the platform to appeal for peace and unity among Nigerians. He also called on the global community to pray for Palestinians, emphasizing the importance of worldwide harmony for purposeful development.

In his remarks, the Chairman of NTLC, Sama’ila Mera, highlighted the significance of the meeting as an opportunity to assess progress, identify areas for improvement, and chart a course for the future. He acknowledged the complex challenges faced by the healthcare sector but expressed confidence that with collective efforts and strategic partnerships, these challenges could be overcome, leading to a healthier and more prosperous nation.

Mr. Mera anticipated that the discussions and deliberations of the meeting would be fruitful, resulting in concrete actions to further enhance the delivery of services by primary health centers in the northern region.

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The 2023 MTV Europe Music Awards are set to make history with the introduction of a thrilling new category, ‘Best Afrobeats.’ In a move that celebrates the vibrant and ever-evolving Afrobeats genre, organizers have unveiled a stellar lineup of nominees for this groundbreaking category. The official nomination list was unveiled on a dazzling Wednesday, September 4th reveal.

Leading the pack in this inaugural Afrobeats category are some of the biggest names in the music industry, promising a fierce competition for the coveted title. The star-studded list includes none other than the megastars: Davido, Rema, Burna Boy, Asake, Ayra Starr, and the French sensation Aya Nakamura. Each nominee brings their unique flair and musical prowess to the table, making this category a tough one to call.

Rema, whose infectious hit track ‘Calm Down’ featuring American pop sensation Selena Gomez has been a global sensation, finds himself in contention not only for ‘Best Afrobeats’ but also for ‘Best Song’ and ‘Best Collaboration.’ It’s a testament to the young artist’s rising star power.

Burna Boy, Asake, Tanzanian sensation Diamond Platnumz, Cameroonian diva Libianca, and South Africa’s very own Tyler ICU are all vying for glory in the ‘Best African Act’ category, showcasing the remarkable diversity of talent from across the continent.

But Burna Boy doesn’t stop there; he’s also competing for the title of ‘Best Live Performer’ alongside music icons like Beyoncé, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, and The Weeknd (formerly known as Abel Tesfaye). This recognition further cements Burna Boy’s reputation as an electrifying performer on the global stage.

In an unsurprising turn of events, American superstar Taylor Swift leads the pack with a staggering seven nominations for the 2023 MTV EMAs. Swift is up for prestigious awards including ‘Best Artist,’ ‘Best Song,’ and ‘Best Video’ for her mesmerizing single ‘Anti-Hero.’

Mark your calendars because the 2023 MTV EMAs promise to be a night to remember. Scheduled for November 5, 2023, in the enchanting city of Paris, France, this star-studded event will be broadcasted live to more than 150 countries worldwide. The world will be watching as Afrobeats takes its well-deserved place in the spotlight, and music enthusiasts can hardly wait to see which artist will emerge victorious in the inaugural ‘Best Afrobeats’ category.

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Seun Kuti’s show-stopping debut at the Casablanca ‘Day of Victory’ event during Paris Fashion Week.

the seventh day of Paris Fashion Week, the crème de la crème of the fashion world gathered, and in struts Seun Kuti, oozing charisma and style. The man confidently owned the runway, flaunting an avant-garde ensemble called “Stuntman on Set.” And let me tell you, it was a sight to behold!

The outfit itself was a masterpiece—a fusion of white and green, with a flag-inspired stripe in mesmerizing shades of blue and green. It wasn’t just fashion; it was a statement. Seun didn’t just walk; he left an indelible imprint on the event, proving that Nigerian talent is a force to be reckoned with on the global stage.

I caught up with Charaf Tajer, the brains behind Casablanca, in an exclusive post-show interview with Hypebae. He spilled the beans on the collection’s inspiration—Nigeria’s vibrant youth culture, revolutionary design talent, and unparalleled potential. It’s amazing to see the world taking notice of the rich tapestry of African influence in the fashion scene.

Seun Kuti’s strut down the runway was more than a fashion moment; it was a celebration of the global allure of African talent. It’s a reminder that when it comes to style, Africa is not just on the map—it’s defining the map.

But hold on, because the fashion frenzy doesn’t stop there. Let’s talk about another heavyweight in the music and fashion scene—Davido. In 2021, he stepped into the spotlight as a prominent Puma ambassador and brand representative, cementing his status as a fashion icon.

Big Bird

Seun Kuti repping Casablanca at Paris Fashion Week. pic.twitter.com/VsQoH0IFZB

— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) October 1, 2023

Davido took the runway by storm at Puma’s “Futrograde” show, sporting a killer matching tracksuit ensemble. The cherry on top? Eye-catching maroon PUMA hand gloves and a chic black fur bucket hat. Now, that’s how you turn a fashion show into a fashion moment!

These two icons, Seun Kuti and Davido, are rewriting the narrative and proving that Africa is not just a source of inspiration; it’s a force shaping the future of fashion. So, here’s to breaking boundaries, setting trends, and making Nigeria proud on the global stage. Nigeria to the world, indeed! #FashionRevolution #AfricanTalent #NigeriaToTheWorld #TheNigerianReporter

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The Chicago State University has spilled the academic beans on President Bola Tinubu, and former Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili isn’t holding back on the criticism.

Ezekwesili thinks Tinubu could’ve spared Nigeria the cringe-worthy moment by simply letting CSU air out his academic records voluntarily. In her words, it would have been a smoother, less dramatic move—one that sets a good example.

In a blog post on X, Ezekwesili expressed her frustration with the lack of transparency among Nigerian leaders. She pointed out that it wouldn’t have been rocket science for Tinubu to step up and say, “Hey, let’s put my academic credentials out there for everyone to see.”

The former minister emphasized how such a straightforward move could have saved Nigerians from the awkwardness of dealing with questions about the integrity of their leaders from outsiders.

Ezekwesili didn’t mince words about the disdain some leaders have for transparency. She sees it as the remedy to avoiding disasters like the CSU court case.

Looking ahead to the 2023 electoral process and the decisions of the Nigerian Supreme Court, Ezekwesili called on citizens to demand a thorough overhaul of the Electoral and Judicial Systems. It’s time to shake things up and ensure transparency becomes the norm, not the exception.

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The Nigerian Air Force has successfully conducted airstrikes to eliminate several terrorists on the fringes of Lake Chad in Borno State. This significant achievement was confirmed by Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the Director of Public Relations and Information for the NAF.

The airstrikes were specifically aimed at countering the presence of Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists. These extremists had established hideouts and logistic bases in the region, posing a threat to both military installations and the peace-loving residents of the area.

The NAF’s precise and targeted operations led to the complete destruction of these hideouts and logistical structures, ensuring the safety and security of the region. Notably, the operations took place in Tumbun Fulani and Tumbun Shitu between September 27 and September 30.

Air Commodore Gabkwet emphasized that the decision to carry out these airstrikes was guided by intelligence indicating a clear threat from the terrorists. They were observed loading jerrycans onto two concealed gun trucks in Tumbun Fulani, further underscoring the necessity of the mission.

The aftermath of these operations revealed the successful neutralization of several terrorists and the destruction of their vehicles. The NAF’s commitment to safeguarding military installations and the well-being of law-abiding citizens within the area remains unwavering.

The Nigerian Air Force, through its dedicated efforts, continues to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of the region, offering reassurance to the general public.

The post NAF Airstrikes Eliminates Terrorists in Lake Chad Region appeared first on The Nigerian Reporter.

In an exclusive discussion earlier this week, Dr. Faisal Shuaib, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of NPHCDA, unveiled an encouraging development from the Federal Government. There’s a strong anticipation that Nigeria will receive the recently endorsed R21/Matrix-M vaccine recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for preventing malaria in children by mid-2024.

The WHO, following guidance from the WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization and the Malaria Policy Advisory Group, officially recommended the R21 malaria vaccine on Monday. Dr. Shuaib underscored the importance of this milestone, emphasizing that Nigeria, grappling with a significant malaria burden among children, is poised to be prioritized by the WHO.

“Given Nigeria’s population of children affected by malaria, WHO has to prioritize our country. They focus on regions with a high burden of malaria and give them precedence. So, there’s certainly hope that Nigeria will receive it in mid-2024,” he conveyed.

In tandem with their partner, Gavi, Dr. Shuaib expressed that securing the R21 vaccine is a paramount objective for Nigeria. While the precise date of delivery is yet to be disclosed, he reassured the public that the WHO’s endorsement is uplifting news for the nation.

Keep an eye out for the imminent announcement, and let’s anticipate a significant step forward in safeguarding Nigerian children from malaria.

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Kebbi state-   In a heartbreaking incident that unfolded on Monday, a boat carrying more than 50 passengers capsized in Yauri Local Government Area of Kebbi State, resulting in the presumed loss of at least 30 lives. Bala Yauri, the Chairman of Yauri LGA, confirmed the devastating event to Voice of America via phone, expressing deep sorrow on behalf of the local community.

Local divers have been swiftly mobilized to search for the bodies of the passengers who tragically drowned in the river. Bala Yauri shared, “Efforts are in top gear by local divers to locate the corpses of the passengers who drowned in the river.” He added that the passengers on the ill-fated boat were primarily traders from Niger State or Kebbi State, transporting foodstuffs for sale before the unfortunate incident occurred.

An eyewitness, Alhaji Sani Yauri, attributed the accident to a heavy wind that caused the boat’s driver to lose control.

Kebbi State Governor Ahmed Idris, through his Chief Press Secretary, expressed heartfelt condolences to the affected community. He called upon the grieving families to accept the tragedy as the will of God and prayed for the departed souls to find peace in Jannatul Firdaus (Paradise).

Governor Idris also wished a speedy recovery to those who sustained injuries and fervently prayed for an end to such tragic occurrences in the future.

As of now, seven survivors have been rescued, while 23 individuals remain missing, prompting ongoing rescue efforts. (NAN)

The post Tragic Boat Incident Claims Lives of 30 Passengers in Kebbi State. appeared first on The Nigerian Reporter.

Kemi shared details on her Instagram, countering claims made by Tonto Dikeh and Iyabo Ojo. She insisted that the Lagos State government should be held responsible for Mohbad’s situation, alleging that the actress exaggerated the compensation amount.

According to Kemi Olunloyo, the autopsy conducted by the Lagos State government is a key factor in Mohbad’s case. She urged for his immediate burial and accused Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh of capitalizing on Mohbad’s death to gain influence.

In a post, Kemi expressed concern about the prolonged storage of Mohbad’s body, stating that in the United States, where she spent 32 years, corpses are typically buried within seven days due to daily mortuary fees. She questioned the need for ongoing transactions related to the preparations for his burial, emphasizing the financial burden on the deceased’s family.

Kemi also raised questions about the current status of Mohbad’s body and why the family is paying morgue fees instead of the state. She highlighted the customary practice in Nigeria of delaying the burial of elderly individuals to organize elaborate ceremonies and suggested that such families have the financial means to cover mortuary expenses.

Regarding the autopsy, Kemi mentioned that the police have completed the procedure and are awaiting toxicology test results. She anticipated updates from the police, as they had indicated addressing the press after questioning Sam Larry. Kemi advised Tonto and Iyabo to keep the funeral expenses private, suggesting that announcing the breakdown of costs could be perceived as seeking attention rather than a genuine act of kindness.

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