National
Alex Kadiri Burial: Prioritize Travellers’ Safety, Okai Urges Ododo
By Abubakar Yunusa
As people from far and near are set to bid farewell to the late Sen. Dr. Alex Kadiri, the House of Representatives candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency in the 2023 elections, Austin Okai, urged Governor Usman Ododo to prioritize the safety of all who will be traveling to pay their last respects.
Senator Kadiri, who represented Kogi East Senatorial District from 1999 to 2007, passed away on June 27, 2024, at the age of 82.
Okai, who gave the advice in a statement shared on his social media handle on Tuesday morning, said that “The road between Itobe and Anyigba has become a hotspot for kidnappings, with incidents occurring daily and going unreported.”
“I call on Governor Ododo to take immediate action to secure the road and ensure the safety of travelers.
“The presence of kidnappers along this route has created a sense of fear and insecurity, making the journey to Igala land as risky as entering a war zone.”
He emphasized that the Governor should deploy security personnel to patrol the Itobe to Anyigba road and implement measures to prevent further kidnappings.
“The safety of our people should be a top priority, especially during this time of mourning.
“I urge Governor Ododo to listen to the concerns of the people and take decisive action to address this issue. Let us come together to demand a safer and more secure environment for all who wish to pay their respects to Sen. Dr. Alex Kadiri.
“Our voices must be heard, and action must be taken to protect our community.”
In other news, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) visited the grieving family of the late Senator Alex Kadiri last week.
She emphasized the pride he brought to Kogi through their selfless contributions.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Jude Okoye, the elder brother and former manager of Paul and Peter Okoye of the defunct music group, P-Square, on charges of laundering ₦1.38billion, $ 1 million and £34,537.59.
Jude was arraigned alongside his company, Northside Music Ltd, before Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court, Lagos, on a seven-count charge
One of the counts read: “That you, Jude Okoye Chigozie and Northside Music Ltd sometime in 2022, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did directly acquire a landed property known as No 5, Tony Eromosele Street Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos worth ₦850,000,000.00 (Eight hundred and fifty million naira) only, which money you knew or reasonably ought to have known forms part of proceeds of unlawful act and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (2) (d) and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”
Another count read: “That you, Jude Okoye Chigozie and Northside Music Ltd sometime in 2022, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did indirectly using bureau de change convert the sum of $1,019,762.87 (One million nineteen thousand, seven hundred and six-two dollars eighty-seven cents), domiciled in Access Bank Plc operated by Northside Music Lid to the naira equivalent and remitted into various bank accounts with the intention of concealing that the said fund form part of the proceeds of an unlawful act and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (2)(a) and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”
He pleaded “not guilty” to the charges.
In view of his plea, the prosecution counsel, Larry Peters Aso, applied for a date for hearing as well as for the remand of the defendant in the correctional facility pending trial.
The defendant’s counsel, Inibehe Effiong, informed the court of a pending bail application. He asked for a short date for the hearing. Effiong also asked that the defendant be remanded in the EFCC’s custody pending the hearing of the application.
Aso objected to the request for the defendant to be remanded in the EFCC custody. He argued that the EFCC custody was already congested with suspects awaiting arraignment. He urged the court to remand the defendant to the correctional facility since he had taken his plea.
Justice Owoeye adjourned the matter till February 28 for bail hearing and April 14 for trial.
He also ordered that the defendant be remanded in the Ikoyi correctional facility.
The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested Kogi-born political activist and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Austin Okai, in Abuja.
The arrest, which took place on Wednesday morning, was reportedly carried out on the directive of Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
Video footage obtained by Elanza shows heavily armed security operatives storming Okai’s residence in the Federal Capital Territory before taking him away.
While no official reason has been given for his arrest, sources suggest it may be connected to his outspoken criticism of the Kogi State government.
Okai, a well-known opposition figure, has frequently condemned the administration’s policies and governance.
His wife, speaking to reporters, claimed that the DSS operatives did not present an arrest warrant before detaining him.
“They came to arrest him at our home in Abuja without a warrant,” she said.
“They ransacked our house, forced their way inside, and took him away. I asked for a warrant, but they had none.”
She further alleged that Okai’s personal gadgets were confiscated during the operation.
As of the time of this report, the DSS has not issued any official statement regarding Okai’s detention.
By Abubakar Yunusa
A The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has elected new executives, with Rev. Joseph Habap emerging as Chairman.
The new leadership will oversee the association’s affairs for the next five years.
In his acceptance speech during the unopposed election in Abuja, Rev. Habap reaffirmed his commitment to integrity, unity, and transparency.
He emphasised that his administration would not be driven by greed but by service to the Christian community and Nigeria as a whole.
“We will not allow greed to take over our conscience. We will always be proud of you, and we will make you proud. I want my children to grow up and be proud of their father, son, and son-in-law with integrity,” he said.
He stressed that CAN is an organisation for Christians, believers, Nigerian unity, and progress. He assured members that his leadership would foster dialogue and cooperation with churches across different denominations.
Rev. Habap acknowledged the contributions of the outgoing leadership and called on them to support the new administration. He urged Christian leaders to respect leadership transitions and avoid conflicts during handovers.
“This was not a coup. It was simply a day for them to leave. If we start respecting leadership transitions, we will set a good example for others. Unlike the political class that seeks tenure elongation, we will serve our term and leave,” he stated.
He also underscored the role of the church in promoting truth, peace, and unity, assuring that CAN would engage constructively with the government without hostility.
“We will speak truth to power, but we are not enemies of the government. We want every administration to succeed, and we will contribute to that success by offering honest counsel,” he added.
Bishop Stephen Adegbite, the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), congratulated the new CAN leadership and reiterated the importance of religious harmony.
He highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting both Christian and Muslim communities.
“Mr. President is not a religious bigot. What he promised Muslims, he has also done for Christians. We have ensured that chairmen from all states can participate in pilgrimages free of charge. Nigeria remains one indivisible entity, and we must stay together,” he said.
He further urged prayers for the country’s leadership, adding that his office would continue to promote interfaith relations in line with the president’s vision.
Some of the newly elected officials include:Chairman: Rev. Joseph John Habap,Vice Chairman: Rev. Dr. Jonah Samson TEKAN (ECWA, FCT),Secretary: Bishop Mohammed Naga (PFN/CPFN, Borno State),Assistant Secretary: Ven. Tajudeen Azeeze Afolabi (OAIC Bloc, Zamfara State),
Treasurer: Rev. Fr. Polycarp Lubo (CSN Bloc, Plateau State), and Director, National Issues: Pastor Dr. Simon A.S Dolly (CCN Bloc, Nasarawa State)
The new leadership has pledged to strengthen CAN’s presence in Abuja, ensuring that Northern CAN is more visible at the national level.