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Alleged 3bn fraud: Ex-Naval Chief, Gen Usman still on wanted list – ICPC

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The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says a former Naval Chief, Vice Adm. Jibrin Usman is still on its wanted list.

Also on its wanted list is retired Brig.-Gen. Ishaya Bauka.

A statement by the ICPC Spokesperson, Demola Bakare, on Friday in Abuja said the duo were wanted over alleged N3bn fraud.

Bakare said that there was still a subsisting arrest warrant against the two ex-military officers and the criminal charges against them were never withdrawn.

He said any claim that the amended charges by ICPC have exonerated the duo of charges concerning embezzlement and abuse of office is fallacious and should be disregarded.

”It should be clearly stated that there is a subsisting arrest warrant against the two ex-military officers, whoever sees them could assist in bringing them to justice.

”For the avoidance of doubt, the charges against them were only amended not withdrawn,” he said.

According to him, ICPC does not clear anybody of a case already in court.

He explained that It was a normal practice for prosecuting agencies to amend charges and proceed against the available defendants in a case pending when those at large or on court bench warrants would be arrested.

”When those at large or court bench warrants are arrested, they would be added to manifest the initial charge.

”It should also be recalled that the ex-Naval chief in particular was charged along with five others in the original charge dated and filed on the 17th day of April, 2023.

”The charges were served on the Defendants by substituted means through their lawyers, yet they failed to submit themselves to the jurisdiction of the Court for arraignment.

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”Prompted by the defendants’ refusal to come to court for their arraignment, the Commission sought and obtained a bench warrant from the trial court for their arrest,” he said.

He said that Mr Adam Yusuf, the second defendant in the original charge was arrested on Feb. 4, in his home in Gwagwalada Area Council of the FCT, Abuja.

According to him, efforts are still underway by the commission to pick them.

”The public is hereby assured that if they are arrested today, the ongoing charges will be amended to accommodate the allegations initially filed against them.(NAN)

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Jubilation in Edo APC as Leaked Tribunal Judgement Shows 2-1 Majority in Favour of Gov. Monday Okpebholo

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April 1, 2025

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A storm of excitement swept through Edo APC circles late Sunday evening after what appeared to be a draft copy of the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal’s judgment surfaced in a WhatsApp group populated by senior party stakeholders.

The document, which seems to mirror an official format, complete with judicial language, cited authorities, and even a breakdown of the votes in contention indicates a 2-1 majority ruling affirming the declaration of Monday Okpebholo as the duly elected Governor of Edo State.

After a rocky weekend where Gov. Okpebholo had his hands full managing a national crisis caused by the killings in Uromi, this must come as sweet music to his ears.

The draft judgment appears to have dismissed the petition filed by PDP’s Asue Ighodalo and his party on grounds of insufficient proof that non-compliance substantially affected the outcome of the election. Citing cases like Oyetola v. Adeleke and Atiku v. INEC, the judgment stated that while there was some evidence of irregularities, it wasn’t enough to overturn the INEC-declared result.

However, the leaked document also includes a fiery dissenting judgment by one of the Justices who found in favour of the PDP candidate, stating that substantial non-compliance had indeed occurred across over 500 polling units and that the recalculated votes clearly put Ighodalo ahead. His minority verdict called for INEC to nullify the current certificate of return and issue a new one to Ighodalo.

This tantalising peek behind the judicial curtain comes after the Tribunal Secretary had, on March 31st, formally notified all parties that judgment would be delivered on Tuesday, April 2nd. While it is uncommon, though not unprecedented, for judgments to leak, the ubiquity of social media apps like WhatsApp and Telegram has made such “accidental” document sharing nearly impossible to police.

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For the APC, however, the mood is nothing short of triumphant. Sources say the party has already issued quiet directives to its acting Local Government Chairmen to mobilize five loyalists each from the state’s 18 LGAs to Abuja ostensibly for a “solidarity visit” but widely believed to be preparation for a full-blown celebration once the judgment is officially read in open court.

Meanwhile, within the PDP camp, the mood is said to be somber, with key figures choosing not to respond to inquiries about the upcoming judgment. One aide to the PDP State Chairman Aziegbemin privately expressed concern over “judicial mathsmagic,” adding cryptically, “We’ll wait for what is read in court, not what is forwarded on WhatsApp. APC are masters of propaganda. We will wait for the court to rule on Wednesday, then take it from there.”

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Eid-el-fitr: PDP governors call for peaceful coexistence

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April 1, 2025

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The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum (PDP-GF) has called on Nigerians to continue to live together in peace and harmony.

The forum Chairman, Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, made the call in his Sallah message, issued by the forum’s Director-General, Emmanuel Agbo, on Monday in Abuja.

Mohammed urged Nigerians not to relent in their prayers and support for the leaders.

He also urged them to continue to pray for the peace, security and unity of the country.

He congratulated the Muslim faithful on the Eid-el-Fitr celebration, which signified the completion of a month-long Ramadan fast.

The governor advised them to continue to reflect on the lessons of tolerance, love and sacrifice that the period represented.

“The forum felicitates with Muslims from across the world on the dawn of another Eid-el-fitr.

“We pray that the Almighty Allah would accept our worship and keep us all alive and healthy to witness many more.

“Though the Ramadan season is over, we urge all Muslim faithful to continue to practice the lessons taught in the Holy Month.

“We must remain pious and close to Allah and deny ourselves in total submission to His will,” he said

Mohammed said that as one of the key pillars of Islam, the Ramadan was important for developing the virtues of self-renunciation in every true Muslim.

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Katsina State, beacon of hope, opportunities, says Radda

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3 hours ago

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April 1, 2025

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Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda has said his administration remains dedicated to fostering security, economic prosperity and infrastructure development to make the state beacon of hope and opportunity for all.

Radda stated this while addressing dignitaries at the “2025 Hawan Bariki” durbar, at the Government House, on Monday in Katsina.

He said that opportunities abound in the state in the area of agriculture, commerce and tourism among others.

“My administration remains dedicated to fostering an environment of security, economic prosperity, and infrastructural development.

“This is to ensure that Katsina State remains a beacon of hope and opportunity for all.

“We are investing in education to empower our youth, strengthening our healthcare system to ensure the well-being of our people, and enhancing security to protect lives and property,” he said.

The governor described this year’s traditional homage, as a historic occasion, marking the first time the state hosted 10 international ambassadors and their families.

“The iconic Sallah Durbar is not merely a festival; it is a testament to our deep-rooted culture, resilience, and unwavering commitment to peace and harmony.

“The magnificent display of horsemanship, the vibrancy of our traditional attire, and the melodies of our folk music all reflect the beauty of our identity and the pride we take in preserving our heritage,” he said

Radda, therefore, urged the guests and investors to explore numerous opportunities that the state offer in agriculture, commerce and tourism among others.

“Our fertile land presents vast opportunities for agribusiness, while our markets serve as hubs of trade and cultural heritage,” he said

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In his remarks, the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir-Usman, commended the governor for the numerous development projects executed across the state.

The Emir also cautioned the people against taking laws into their hands following the unfortunate killing of some travellers in Edo state recently.

He urged them to exercise patience and allow the government to handle the matter.(NAN)

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