Showing posts with label Crime. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Crime. Show all posts

Yahaya Bello: Kogi iIndigenes To EFCC: Don’t Allow Embittered, Ethnic Jingoists Lead You Astray


From Our Correspondent 


Indigenes of Kogi State have cautioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, against those they described as embittered and desperate ethnic jingoists who are strengthening the public opinion that the Commission is collaborating with certain opposition figures to persecute the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.
The indigenes said since the allegation of corruption by the EFCC against the former Governor became a national discourse, "some persons who are afraid of chasing their dreams at the polls have hidden under the veneer of activism to sponsor their tribesmen to impugn on the character of ex Governor Yahaya Bello maliciously".
Addressing a press conference yesterday, chairman of the forum, Benjamin Oguche noted that those still calling for the arrest of Bello even in the face of an ongoing court process, were either uninformed or out to rubbish the image of EFCC while pursuing their prolonged vendetta mission.
The Kogi youth leaders said this particular group had consistently pursued a "we against them" agenda, causing division and hate among the ethnic groups in Kogi, spreading falsehood and propaganda to the public on the matter.
"It is sad and regrettable that the so-called corruption allegation against Bello, which remains an allegation until established in the court of law, has become an opportunity for chronic political failures to unleash their intolerance and deep-rooted frustration on a state that our founding fathers have laboured so hard to unite. 
"Without credible reasons, they have been said to have mobilised resources to fight him for daring to govern a state he hails from and for overseeing a free and fair election which produced another governor, not from their fold," they stated.
According to them, the polarisation, ethnic and religious colouration that have been introduced in recent times into the EFCC trial of the immediate past Governor calls for worry, especially among every Kogi indigene who has a firm belief in the peaceful co-existence of the state as an indivisible entity.
"Suffice to say that what we see playing out today is a microcosm of what our country represents, where the so called minority is discriminated against, sidelined and treated like a lesser citizen in a country he has made equal, if not greater, contributions to building. The so called minority has been made to believe his voice does not count and his fundamental right to pursue social, economic and political interest taken away.
"Since through divine providence that former Governor Yahaya Bello became governor in 2016, several arrow of ethnic bitterness, needless attacks and corruption profiling have been targetted at him and his government for no offence other than for the simple reason that the responsibility to lead our dear state at that time fell on his shoulder.
"While God saw him through his four years in office, the people of our dear state equally and overwhelmingly renewed their mandate for him, sending him to go again, amidst hate campaign, violence attacks and ethnic war by some ethnic driven elites who have sworn never to allow certain ethnic groups have a taste of leading the state. While this gathering is not about catalogue of exploits he achieved and the records he broke within these eight years, it is important to note that since he left office, same known tribal jingoists and ethnic champions have been having sleepless nights plotting the downfall of the man.
"The anti-Bello protests in the UK last week, Lagos last week and Abuja today highlight the glaring danger those they regard as minority ethnic groups face in the hands of those who feel that their population is for the purpose of suppressing the fundamental rights of others to seek political interest. One continues to wonder where the protesters gathered the money to go on a protest spray, if some people are not bankrolling them, which suggest a sinister plan different from genuine fight against corruption as the public is made to understand.
"We understand that the case for which these hate-induced protests are going on is in the court and the court is a place of orderliness where every party will push their stands without necessarily drawing dagger to murder our peace. We are, however, surprised that dimension of sustained protests have been added to their inglorious mission.
"We have often expressed our confidence in the judiciary and irrespective of how long it could take, the wheel of justice must grind to a logical end. We, however, frown at the seeming open hands the EFCC has been showing to the protesters which is fuelling an unfortunate suspicion that must be immediately corrected.
"While we welcome in its entirety the probe of the former Governor, we, however, reject the deliberate image smearing against him. We call on the EFCC to disregard the propaganda of ethnic agents and face the task of diligent prosecution," the youth leaders advised.

Group demands Immediate suspension of EFCC Chairman Bawa over alleged crime

By Blessing Bature 


A group under the aegis of North Central Citizens Council, NCCC, has called for the immediate suspension of the chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Abdulrasheed Bawa over alleged financial crimes.


Coordinator, North Central Citizens Council (NCCC), Comrade Mohammed Eneji disclosed this on Sunday in a press briefing demanding that the federal government begin a thorough investigation into several allegations against him, especially for the fact that the commission have suffered a lot of set backs as it relates to corruption on previous leadership of Magu, saying this shouldn't be swept under the carpet.


The NCCC noted that the main purpose of the establishment of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission as a law enforcement agency that investigates financial crimes, has been eroded under the inept leadership of Abdulrasheed Bawa. 


According to the coordinator, the flamboyant lifestyle of Abdulrasheed Bawa have always raised suspicion as to the income of the embattled Chairman. Several credible media houses within and outside the country have reported stories about an alleged embezzlement of public funds by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission boss.


He hinted that one of the allegations is that the Chairman recently expended a large amount money to the tune of $300,000 for hotels and other activities, which is far and beyond his income as civil servant, during a visit to Mecca with his family on a lesser Hajj. Equally, the incident of Abel Isah, an EFCC cadet in Sokoto who was allegedly beaten to death by superior officers for refusing to sign off on incomplete exhibits is still fresh in the minds of Nigerians, Several calls were for the Commission to initiate a thorough investigation into his death, but up to this point, there has been no clear indication by the powers-that -be at the Commission that a probe has begun. It stands to reason that there are ulterior motives why the Commission is reluctant to commence an investigation in this most heinous crime. What is the Commission hiding?


He said, North Central Citizens Council, representing the voice for the masses from the North Central geopolitical zone is calling for, It is for these reasons that we are calling on the relevant authorities to initiate a proper investigation into Bawa’s spending spree in Saudi Arabia and also his involvement in concealing and/or obstructing the investigation into the death of Abel Isah". 

"We are also calling on the Senate Presidency to halt any plans for the confirmation of Bawa as a substantive EFCC Chairman until the conclusion of the investigation, as doing so will send the wrong signal to Nigerians".

NDYC Calls On Senate To investigate EFCC Chairman Over alleged Financial Crimes




Blessing Otobong-Gabriel 

The Niger Delta Youth Congress, NYDC has called on the Nigerian Senate to conduct an independent and thorough investigation into the series of allegations levelled against  Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa the EFCC Chairman in order to restore public confidence in the EFCC and reaffirm its commitment to the fight against corruption.

The National Coordinator NDYC, Comrade Israel Uwejeyan, made the call in a statement, on Saturday in Abuja saying that the recent  allegations leveled against the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Abdulrasheed Bawa, if proven true, have the potential to severely undermine the credibility and effectiveness of the commission. It is therefore essential that a thorough investigation is conducted into these allegations

The group asked that the EFCC Chairman  step aside for a thorough investigation into the series of allegations levelled against him and called upon the chairman of the  EFCC to provide a comprehensive explanation regarding the sources of funds that facilitated his accommodation during the lesser Hajj in Saudi Arabia. Reports indicate that he secured six opulent rooms at the Hilton Hotel in Mecca, and similarly resided in Sheraton in Jeddah, incurring a staggering expenditure nearing $300,000. In the spirit of transparency and accountability, Mr. Bawa owes the Nigerian public and the Senate a detailed account of the origin of these substantial funds.

He should step aside to ensure that the investigations are not influenced or compromised in any way, allowing for an impartial examination of the allegations brought against him.

And  called on all relevant stakeholders, civil society organizations, and the Nigerian public to support this call for Mr. Bawa to step aside  for a thorough investigation into these series of allegations. We must all work together to ensure that the EFCC remains an effective institution in the fight against corruption, upholding the principles of justice and accountability, the statement reads. 

The group further maintained that the Senate as custodians of our democracy, holds the power to make crucial decisions that directly impact the well-being and future of our country especially as it concerns key institutions like the EFCC, and so should demonstrate their commitment to upholding the principles of justice, fairness, and accountability and it will also reaffirm the trust of the Nigerian citizens in the legislative process, showing that their concerns are heard and addressed with sincerity. We implore you to prioritize the greater good of the Nigerian people over any undue influence or personal agenda that may compromise the pivotal role of the EFCC in combating corruption.

"The EFCC, as an institution charged with the responsibility of combating economic and financial crimes, plays a crucial role in our society. It is imperative that the commission operates with the highest standards of professionalism, credibility, and trustworthiness." And  any allegations of misconduct or impropriety involving its leadership must be treated with utmost seriousness, the statement said. 



Why Bawa didn't obey committal order -EFCC


The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday justified the refusal of its Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, to present himself and be committed to Kuje prison, as ordered by a court in Kogi State. 

Explaining that Bawa did not obey the court order because the commission has appealed the ruling, the Head, Media and Publicity, EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, who spoke with reporters in Abuja, said the EFCC boss was denied fair hearing and as a law abiding institution, the EFCC has approached the Appeal Court, for a stay of execution. 

He however failed to mention whether the stay of execution had been granted or not, as reporters tried to find out whether the appeal stopped the arrest of Bawa by the Inspector-General of Police. 

The spokesman of the anti-graft body also alleged that the protests by over 100 anti-corruption Civil Society Organisations (CSO), which entered it's fourth day on Tuesday, is being sponsored against the EFCC chairman to discredit his person. 

He said: "The group, through press conferences and staged street protests, have been calling for the sack of the EFCC Chairman for alleged disobedience of court orders. They claim they are motivated by the need to strengthen the fight against corruption. 

"Contrary to these claims, the EFCC wishes to alert the public that this group have no interest in the fight against Corruption and their allusion to disobedience of court orders by the EFCC chairman is an alibi to manipulate facts around judicial pronouncements and processes to pitch the public against the Commission," he said. 

He alleged that the CSOs are being sponsored by people under investigation by the Commission and had been mobilised and mandated by their paymaster to embarrass the EFCC chairman through choreographed street protests across the country, until he is removed from office. 

Uwajaren appealed to the public to disregard the campaign by this group as they do not represent the genuine interest of millions of Nigerians who are desirous of seeing progress in the fight against Corruption. 

"It is also important to reassure Nigerians and all stakeholders that the Commission has never, and will not take any steps to undermine the judiciary. As a law abiding institution, EFCC has conducted all its activities within the ambit of the law. Where judicial decisions were made against it, it has never resorted to self-help but availed itself of remedies under the law as it did in the instant case of committal orders of court," the EFCC stated.

I begged Rapist To Use Condom, Insisted He Must Do It - Nurse Cries Out




A Nurse and a married woman, Name withheld, has told Ikeja Special Offences Court, Lagos State, how she was allegedly raped by a security guard, Ibuchi Emmanuel, at a school where she worked as a nurse.

she said that she was on night duty on the day the incident happened, while Emmanuel was also on duty that night while she was on her way to inspect the school’s clinic before retiring to her desk, the defendant approached her and demanded to see her later that night.
She said around 9pm while she was at her desk, which had a bed beside it, the defendant knocked on the door to the room, but she hesitated to let him in and the defendant came in after he requested vitamin C from her.

After giving him the drug, the 35-year-old said she offered Emmanuel a seat when he said he had been wanting to say something to her.

According to her, during their discussion, he professed love to her and she replied that she was married with kids.

She said he then proceeded to force himself on her and told her not to bother screaming for help because no one would hear her voice.

“I then told him that I know you are a man but I’m going to fight you so you won’t be able to have your way. While we were dragging each other, he got tired and was like even if he was going to have sex with me, he had no strength left. I then told him to take himself away because I’m not a cheap woman; he should go and look for single girls.”

She said Emmanuel agreed to leave the room but changed his mind and began making moves to kiss, touch and take off her pants, which she resisted.

“He came back and pushed me. After he did, I tried to kick him but he grabbed my legs. By then, I was already laying on my back while he was using his security boots to march my legs. I started begging him not to do what he wanted to do, but he insisted that he must do it.

“I asked him if he knew about the place I came from. I reminded him that I’m from Delta and women from that state don’t meet other men once married. I continued to beg him and told him that his action would cost me my marriage. 

He said anything that would happen should happen. I told him to hold on and that I had a condom in my bag. He said no and that was when he finished having his way with me,” she added.

During cross-examination, she said the reason she told the defendant to get a condom was that she thought it would give her the chance to escape.

The case was adjourned by Justice Ramon Oshodi till March 22, 2023, for continuation of trial, while the defendant was remanded in the Ikoyi Custodial Centre.