Nigeria will attain greatness under Buhari – Osinbajo

The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has urged Nigerians not to despair following the current economic difficulties as the nation would achieve greatness under President Muhammadu Buhari.

He spoke on Friday in Abuja during a reception in honour of “Quintessential Public Servants in Nigeria’’ organised by the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International (FGBMFI).

“Frankly, I am completely confident that we are in God’s purpose and that these times have been ordained by God and that we will achieve what God has set for us to achieve by His grace alone.

“This is our season, this is our time; It is not a time for us to begin to grumble,’’ he said.

According to the vice president, all Nigerians will benefit and see the new times that God is bringing about in this land.

He said that the success of the Buhari administration would depend on how those working in the administration allowed God to work in their lives.

“Our success will depend on what God wants to do with us and how we bend to His will and how we allow His will to work in our lives.’’

The vice president said he was completely unperturbed by the situation the country was facing “because I know that it is from God.

“Where we are going is a large place, a great place and a place of abundance.

“The most important thing is for us to keep steady, pray, be sure that only God brought this about.

“Neither I nor President Buhari has any business being where we are.

“Neither of us has any money, neither of us put our resources to get into where we are and neither of us I can assure you is in the control of any man.

“If anybody says that President Buhari is being controlled by any man it is a lie,’’ he declared.

Osinbajo said that Christians were meant to be salts of the earth and the lights of the world regardless of whether they held any kind of office or not.

According to him, the gospel of Jesus Christ is meant to transform nations in politics, education and business.

“I have no doubt that God brought me to be an agent of transformation,’’ the vice president said.

He said that when a preacher answers God’s call it was not only meant for him/her to preach the gospel, but to transform the nation in business, politics, education and other spheres.

The vice president noted that the easiest thing to do was to criticise leadership, but added that the Christian is called to “disciple through the nations.’’

“It is our duty to lead our nation in the right direction in every aspect of life; we are called to deal with questions of poverty, deal with question of the economy.

“We are called to do all those things whether we are in leadership or not because the scripture says that you and I have been called.’’

Osinbajo said the greatest hypocrisy that a Christian could possibly lay upon himself was to assume that leadership had been left to those elected into office alone.

Accordingly, he said that Christians and Christian leaders “must stand against corruption in any form beginning with ourselves; it is not enough to point accusing fingers.’’

Earlier, the National President of FGMBFI, Mr Ifeanyi Odedo, said that in spite of the challenges faced by those in public office, God has destined that they should lead and urged that they lead with the fear of God.

He said it was not by accident that they were called to service at this time when governance and public service were bedeviled with multi-dimensional challenges ,with corresponding barrage of criticisms and disillusionment by citizens.

He said that the group had chosen not to join in criticism but to stand with the public officers in counsel and prayer until God’s purpose was fulfilled.

The cleric said: “Your performance shall be rated by the choice that you make today, the problems that you will solve, the values that you will add to the system and how much of divine purpose you will fulfill.

“Nigeria is one of the greatest nations on earth, with unparalleled potential which if properly harnessed and deployed could outclass even the foremost of developed nations of the world to become the envy of our contemporaries.’’

Odedo added that the emancipation of the country lay in the provision of selfless service devoid of greed and corruption by the leaders, adding that the nation looked up to them as God’s ambassadors.

He prayed that God should equip the leaders with the supernatural ability to excel above their contemporaries.

“You will surely become the resource base for the technical, economic, political and spiritual strategies that will re-engineer the real change Nigerian are yearning for,’’ he declared

Air raids kill 21 civilians in Syria’s Aleppo

Air raids on rebel-held districts of Syria’s battleground second city of Aleppo killed at least 21 civilians including children on Saturday, a monitor said

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“Eleven civilians, including four children, were killed by air raids after midnight in the Bab al-Nasr area of Old Aleppo, and seven others were killed in Fardous neighbourhood,” the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

Two people including a young girl were killed in the Maadi district, and another civilian died in bombardment on Bustan al-Qasr, the Britain-based monitor said.The Observatory, which relies on a network of sources across Syria for its information, warned that the toll could rise due to the number of critically wounded.

“At least 20 people are still under the rubble,” said Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman.

An AFP correspondent at the scene said helicopters and fighter jets were still circling rebel-held neighbourhoods, adding that barrel bombs — crude, unguided explosive devices — had been dropped on several areas.

A hospital in the Maadi neighbourhood was hit in the bombing, wounding some of the staff and patients inside.

“All kinds of weapons were used to bomb the hospital, from midnight until about 11:00am. Now it’s unusable,” Mohammad Kheir, one of the doctors there, told AFP.

“There were some injuries among the medical staff but thankfully they are only light wounds.”

A crying woman clad in a black robe desperately grasped the leg of a bloodied young man as doctors treated him on the hospital floor.

Twisted metal frames and damaged medical equipment lay strewn across the room, some next to small pools of blood.

The Observatory said rebel fighters shelled government-controlled western areas of Aleppo, but had no immediate word on any casualties.

Aleppo city is divided roughly between government control in the west and rebel control in the east.

It was once Syria’s commercial powerhouse but has since been ravaged by the country’s five-year war.

– Truce routinely violated –

A ceasefire brokered by Russia and the United States in February between government forces and non-jihadist rebels does not cover Al-Qaeda affiliate Al-Nusra Front which has a strong presence in many rebel-held areas.

The truce has been routinely violated, particularly in and around Aleppo.

On Friday, US Secretary of State Kerry and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov said they had agreed on “concrete steps” to salvage the failing ceasefire.

The top diplomats met for a 12-hour marathon meeting, but would not divulge the details of the deal in order to allow the “quiet business” of peacemaking to continue, Kerry said.

Last week, government forces advanced to within firing range of the last remaining supply route into rebel-held areas of Aleppo, prompting food shortages and spiralling prices.

According to the United Nations, nearly 600,000 people are living under siege across Syria, most of them surrounded by government forces although rebel groups also use the brutal tactic.

More than 280,000 people have been killed and millions have been forced to flee their homes since the Syrian conflict broke out in March 2011.

APC govs, others in Edo for gov campaign flag-of

The official flag-off of the gubernatorial campaign of the All Progressives Congress for the September 10 elections has commenced at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin, the state capital.

The campaign flag-off is led by the National Chairman of the APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, the Deputy National Chairman of the party, Segun Oni, and leaders of the party at the state and national levels.                                                                                                                                      No fewer than 12 APC governors are also present at the venue of the event.                               They include the Imo State Governor and Chairman of th‎e APC, Rochas Okorocha; Adams Oshiomhole (Edo), Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano), Simon Lalung (Plateau), Mallam Nasir el-Rufai (Kaduna) and Mohammed Abubakar (Bauchi).

The governors of Niger, Nasarawa, Jigawa, Bornu, Kwara, Oyo and Kogi were represented by their respective deputy governors.

Also present are the state Deputy Governor, Pius Odubu, and other aspirants who took part in the June 18 primary election and other members of the state executive council

Details later

Two sisters die in Enugu amusement park tragedy

TWO sisters whose parents are currently in South Africa have been confirmed dead and five others hospitalised following a major accident that occurred at the popular Oakland Amusement Park Enugu.

 

Gov Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi

The deceased Onyinyechi Ozumba (5) and Ebubechi Ozumba (8), all natives of Anambra State had joined other children at the park to catch fun before they met their untimely death.

The children, Daily Sun learnt were brought to Nige­ria about a year ago to get ac­climatised while their parents stayed back in South Africa.

Although the cause of the accident has not been con­firmed, the owner of the park, Sir Odega Jideonwu told a government team set up to in­vestigate the accident that the incident occurred while the children were riding on the Tea Cup ride, one of the facili­ties in the park.

Said he; “we had two casu­alties and four other children who sustained injuries. Right now, we cannot say exactly, what caused the accident.

“We have been operating the place for about four years and we had to undergo a lot of training and certification to have that park. We have a trained first aid experts and he was on hand to apply first aid but the injuries were so serious that we had to immediately evacuate the children to the hospital and that was done.

“I know what it means to be a father and I know what it takes to lose a child. It’s an extremely painful thing. I have been very disturbed. The entire management and staff of Oakland have been very disturbed. My children are disturbed, these are children of about the same age, and they are disturbed because it gets back to them. They were once in the same school with these children so it’s been a very tough time.”

Jideonwu however, dis­sociated himself from ear­lier media reports on the incident insisting that the company has not made an official statement on the tragedy.

The committee headed by the Commissioner for Enugu State Capital De­velopment Authority, Hon. Chidi Aroh who visited the five injured children includ­ing the operator of the Tea Cup ride at the Niger Foun­dation Hospital, Enugu expressed happiness over their responses to treatment.

The commissioner de­scribed the incident as un­fortunate and expressed concern that it happened at one of the most resourceful recreation centres in Enugu. He said that the facility had to be sealed up considering the number of children that visit the park on a daily ba­sis.

Aroh noted that his com­mittee had to visit the fa­cility and all those injured and as well commiserate with the family that lost its children as  directed by the governor.

Introducing Nigeria’s first racing driver

For years Nigerians have been obsessed with motorsport, with a growing community of millions of fans from around the country. The most dedicated fans fly out to places like Abu Dhabi to watch the likes of Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton battle out on track, with many more watching tentatively from back home.

There is also a thriving community of enthusiasts who organise and take part in unofficial racing events around Nigeria which is most evident in places like Lagos and Abuja.

Until very recently, there hasn’t been any Nigerian participation in professional motorsport. There are many talented young Nigerians who have achieved impressive results in Go Karting but are left unable to progress due to a lack of infrastructure and funding for motorsport in Nigeria.

However there is an exciting young emerging talent currently racing in the United Kingdom - Ovie Iroro. He started his motorsport journey here in Lagos, where he won the first ever Go Karting championship he entered in at the age of 16. He later moved to the United Kingdom where he studied full time along with pursuing his racing career. He also gained further Go Karting experience by competing in the Rye House club championship and winning the award for the top rookie.

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In 2012 he signed up with a Formula Renault team, where he took part in a successful training program over a few months as his first taste into F1 style single seater racing.

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In 2014, history was made when he signed up to be the first Nigerian to ever compete in the British Formula Ford Championship, which is the same place the likes of Jenson Button and the great Ayrton Senna started their car racing careers. He achieved impressive results in his debut season, including top 10 class finishes and is currently undergoing a training program for a full on assault for the championship next season.

Later on in 2014, he was invited to represent Nigeria in the FIA Young Driver Excellence Programme, competing against drivers from all over Africa.

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Since then, Ovie has been training regularly while completing his Mechanical Engineering degree at University College, London. He has set his sights on a championship challenge next season which he is currently training for.

Over the next few weeks, Ovie will be giving us a valuable insight into the life of a racing driver, including his fitness and training regime. This would include quality advice for young drivers and engineers that would like career in motorsport. We would also be discussing the future plans for motorsport in Nigeria and revealing ongoing plans to organise International motorsport events in Nigeria

90 people dead, 1154 injured and 1563 soldiers arrested during the failed military coup attempt in Turkey

At least 90 people were killed during overnight clashes in capital Ankara following an attempted coup in Turkey. Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said a new acting army chief of staff has been appointed after an attempted coup to topple the democratically elected government.

Turkish President Erdorgan has urged supporters to remain in public squares until situation returns to normal and has informed them that his govt. is still in charge. He added that there is still a small disturbance in Ankara, hopefully it will be overcome soon, says Erdogan.

Defiant Turkish civilians were captured climbing on to tanks and yanking soldiers from their vehicles during the failed coup attempt by the nation's armed forces. People across the capital of Ankara marched onto the streets to rise up against the army after the military intervention was staged earlier this evening.

President Erdogan had encouraged people to fight against the military planning the coup by saying:

‘They can come with their tanks and cannons and try to show what they can do, we can show the tanks who is powerful.’

"Those who are in this illegal act will pay the highest price," he added, saying it would not be correct to describe the move as a "coup".

In a shocking onlone video groups of Erdogan supporters were seen pulling soldiers from the turret of their tank and throwing them onto the ground as they chanted in support of the Premier. In another short clip groups of men were seen chanting at soldiers rolling through the streets of the Turkish capital in tanks.

During the coup attempt, some anti govt people had celebrated military intervention by gathering on the streets and waving Turkish flags. They said they were  unhappy about the way President Erdorgan was leading the country towards an Islamic state and the way he tries to trample on religious freedom in the country. After entering the capital soldiers seized the weapons of police units near the presidential palace and there was shooting near the police HQ. Hostages were apparently being held at the military headquarters in the capital Ankara. Military jets and helicopters circled overhead.

However, Turkey’s military have claimed in a statement that they had taken ‘full control of government’ in order to protect human rights. They said government leaders had been detained and there were reports that the state broadcaster had been stormed.

‘Turkish armed forces have completely taken over the administration of the country to reinstate constitutional order, human rights and freedoms, the rule of law and the general security that was damaged,’ said the statement.

Turkish state news agency reports a death toll of 90 dead people and 1,154 wounded in Turkey coup attempt . The report further states that nearly 1,563 soldiers at the military Headquarter surrendered and have been arrested by the Turkish Govt.

Investigate May 30 massacre of Biafrans, United Nations urged

Society for Threatened Peo­ples yesterday invited the United Nations (UN) of­fice to investigate the al­leged massacre of 35 members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in South-East on May 30, 2016. The Society wondered why in­nocent, unarmed people should be shot during their anniversary celebration this year at various lo­cations and the world appears to turn a blind eye on it.

The group in a statement made available to The AUTHORITY on Saturday reads in part: “An inde­pendent commission must inves­tigate the escalating violence in Nigeria. After the violent death of at least 35 Biafrans in southeast­ern Nigeria, who died during the repression of IPOB heroes day by the Nigerian Police and the Army on Monday, May 30, the Socie­ty for Threatened Peoples (STP) has called for the establishment of an independent commission of inquiry.

“We must therefore indepen­dently clarify who is responsible for the use of heavy ammunition and why it was decided to shoot at Biafran peaceful and unarmed protesters. If the government of Nigeria is not prepared to carry out investigation, we will ask the High Commissioner for Human Rights of the United Nations to clarify the reasons behind the es­calation of violence by the Buha­ri-led administration. Impuni­ty will only feed more violence in Biafra.

“The mass killing of innocent Biafrans is unjustifiable. Back­ground of the rally was the cele­bration for the 49th anniversary of the declaration of the inde­pendence of Biafra from Nigeria on May 30, 1967.”

The activists called for an in­vestigation into the killing of Bia­frans who had gathered in prayer meetings in churches and public events, even the killing of IPOB members in the National High School, Aba, Abia State on the 9th of February, 2016 and the killing of unarmed civilians dur­ing their evangelism on the 30th August, 2015 at Onitsha. The Ni­gerian security forces also pene­trated the churches, arrested and killed some Biafrans while they were sleeping.

“The most serious incidents occurred in the city of Onit­sha in Anambra State. There, at least 30 people were killed. And to stop the incessant kidnapping and arrest of Biafra agitators and those suspected to be members of the Indigenous People of Bi­afra (IPOB) in their respective homes and detain them in their respective cells in Nigeria, this must stop.”

The statement concluded: “After this new escalation of vi­olence, the perpetrators, the Ni­geria security forces must not re­main unpunished otherwise the entire southeast of Nigeria is likely to fall in violence in 2017, when they will be remembering the 50th anniversary of the start of the genocide in Biafra against the Biafrans’’.

Obanikoro: My wife has high blood pressure

Musiliu Obanikoro, former minister of state for defence, says his wife, Moroophat, who was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS), is suffering from high blood pressure and other heart ailments.

In a statement released to the media on Friday, the politician, who is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the probe of security funds, said his wife knows nothing about the allegations for which she was arrested. He expressed optimism that the judiciary will vindicate her if the government would “obey the rule of law and avoid arbitrariness that we are seeing on daily basis”. The statement read: “We are saddened by the fact that the media was awash with false and conflicting information about the invitation of Senator Obanikoro’s wife.

“Ordinarily, we considered ignoring these concocted lies but for the sake of discerning and right thinking public, hence the need to straighten matters. “First, Alhaja Moroophat has always been in the country managing her businesses as against the lie that she sneaked in last week from the United States. “Second, No documents were found in her possession and the lie that she was arrested while trying to evacuate documents is a fabrication and can only survive in their warped and distorted minds. It should also be noted that the officials only came to invite her for questioning and as against the phrase that she was whisked away, her driver actually drove her in her own car to the office of the DSS.

“Third, it was shamefully reported that the DSS were involved because there were so many armed policemen guiding her. This is another fabricated lie. Even when he was serving as Minister, his family never enjoyed any police protection let alone after leaving office and as a woman who is above board in all her dealings, she does not need one.

“Finally, we are using this medium to call on the officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to resist from persecuting an innocent woman who has no dealings at all with any of the businesses that they are investigating and totally unaware of the alleged transactions.

“For emphasis, the innocent woman has a history of High Blood Pressure and heart related ailments and as such should not be dragged into their biased and politicised investigations.

“We have absolute confidence in the judiciary and we hope to get justice in the course with the proviso that they obey the rule of Law and avoid arbitrariness that we are seeing on daily basis.”.

We want our husbands back – Wives of soldiers fighting Boko Haram

The Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association, NAOWA, 81 Division, on Friday, said they want to feel the physical appearance of their husbands. The Army officers wives appealed to the Brigade Commander to consider redeploying their husbands who have been away in the battle with Islamic sect, Boko Haram, for the past two years.

The women spoke during NAOWA executives visit in commemoration of this year’s Nigerian Army’s Day to 35 Artillery Brigade, Alamala Barracks, Abeokuta, pointing out that the duration of absence has become tiring as families keep longing for them.

The wives said, “It is not as if we don’t call them or they don’t call us but we want to see them physically. We miss them especially in this rainy season.”

They also pleaded with the president to see to the unavailability of drugs at their local hospitals, stating that the NHIS arm has not been receiving necessary fund.

The president of NAOWA, Mrs Emohbon Malia Edet disclosed that the charitable items and services provided for the celebration of the Army Day was in remembrance of fallen officers and their role in the defence of the country.

She urged them not to lag in their supportive role to their families, adding that upkeep fees should not be diverted in pursuit of frivolous things like Aso-Ebi. She said, “We are remembering the sacrifices of your husbands who have fought to keep Nigeria one and are still fighting. “Some of them have died in the process and many are in the north. As part of the celebration, we have come here to see you and encourage you not to stay idle.

“You should use this place as an opportunity to acquire new entrepreneurial skills like fish farming, poultry and other agricultural activities.

“Please engage in them so that you can be financially independent and support your husbands and make them happy where ever they are. Please don’t join the clubs of Aso-Ebi and leave your children wandering.”

She added that NAOWA had, on Tuesday, paid a visit to widows of fallen officers to honour and identify with them

Muslim youths attack another Catholic Church in Niger state, says ‘Friday belongs to us’

A group of Muslim youths, on Friday attacked St. Philip’s Catholic Parish, Baki Iku, very close to Zuma Rock in Niger State. According to eyewitnesses, some Catholics, who had gone to the church to pray were attacked by the Muslims on the claim that Friday was their day of prayer and that the Church only had right to worship on Sundays.

Information gathered from eyewitnesses showed that they destroyed the Church properties, including doors and windows. “Although some soldiers managed to get there but a lot of harm had been done to the building, while the Christians ran away in different directions to avoid being killed”, the source hinted.

It should be recalled that Alhaji Kabiru Sokoto had on Christmas day four years ago (December 25, 2011) detonated a bomb that killed over 200 Catholics and passersby at St. Theresa Catholic Church, Madalla, close to St. Philips that was destroyed.

Rev Fr. Luka Sylvester Gopep, the Vicar-General of the Diocese confirmed the incident.

He said, “Sometime around 2pm, some Muslim youths in their hundreds left their Mosque after their Friday Jumat prayer and rushed to the Church premises, climbed the wall and destroyed everything in the Church: the windows, the alter, musical instruments, the chapel.

“The security man in the church premises was beaten to pulp. Some women who were holding a prayer meeting were chased away. The seminarian who is resident in the premises was also beaten up and chased away.”

Just last week, Mrs Eunice Olawale Elisha, a mobile preacher of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) was killed by some fanatical Muslims in Kubwa, FCT.

Real reasons why Ikpeazu was sacked – Federal High Court

The Federal High Court on Friday explained why Justice Okon Abang ordered the sack of Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu. The Court said the judge discovered that Ikpeazu allegedly submitted false tax information to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Chief Registrar, Emmanuel Gakko, said in a statement that the judgement had nothing to do with forgery of tax documents and that there were two different cases against Ikpeazu. He said one of the cases was filed by Sir Friday Nwosu with Dr. Ikpeazu and Dr. Sampson Uche Ogah as defendants. The case was before Justice Ambrose Allagoa.

In the second suit before Justice Abang, Dr. Ogah was the plaintiff, while Dr. Ikpeazu and Sir Nwosu were the defendants. The court said the case before Justice Allagoa bothered on alleged forgery or falsification of tax certificate and receipts for 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 by Dr. Ikpeazu.

The statement reads further: “The court further held that by the affidavit of the Abia State Director of Taxes testifying that the documents are genuine, the court held that there was presumption of genuineness of the assessment and the certificate and/or receipts issued to Dr. Ikpeazu.

“The court further held that the consequential reliefs have become unnecessary for the court’s consideration. “It should be noted that the court did not make any consequential orders with regard to the position of the governor other than the allegation of forgery.”

The Chief Registrar said the case before Justice Abang had a different subject-matter, that Dr. Ikpeazu submitted form CF001 to INEC which were alleged to contain false information.

“The court held that the information in Form CF001 as shown by him (Ikpeazu) in the affidavit accompanied with other documents to INEC are false and has nothing to do with forgery.

“The, court, therefore made consequential orders under the doctrine of ‘lis pendens,’ which disallows any transfer of rights or interest in any subject matter that is being litigated upon during the pendency of litigation in respect of the said subject-matter.

“The court, accordingly, declared Dr. Ogah as the winner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primaries and should be issued with Certificate of Return accordingly.”

The Chief Registrar said the clarification became necessary in view of “misrepresentation of facts as published in some electronic and print media and comments by both legal practitioners and laymen on the correct facts of the cases involving the Abia State Governor and the Judgment of Hon. justice O. E. Abang and Hon. Justice A. L. Allagoa.”

EFCC grills Obanikoro’s daughter over N800m transaction, seizes her passport

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Friday grilled Shalewa Obanikoro, the daughter of a former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, over a transaction of N800m she allegedly made.

Investigators told our correspondent that Shalewa was grilled at the Lagos office of the EFCC for several hours alongside her mother, Moroophat.

An impeccable source at the anti-graft agency said as part of investigations into the N4.7bn allegedly paid into the company account of Obanikoro’s sons – Babajide and Gbolahan – by the Office of the National Security Adviser, the commission started investigating some other members of the family.

The detective said, “Obanikoro’s wife came to our office on Friday morning as part of investigations into the N4.7bn paid into Sylvan McNamara, a company owned by her sons. During investigation, we stumbled on the account of an oil company. We then discovered that Obanikoro’s daughter was a signatory to the account of the oil company and that millions of naira was paid into the account at different times.

“We then invited the daughter and she came to meet us at the office. During investigations, we found out that the daughter gave a standing order to the bank that N800m should be moved into another account. We wondered why such a young girl would have access to such funds so we started quizzing her. “This is a whole new dimension to the case and we will continue to investigate to find out if it is related to the arms probe or not.” Obanikoro and his sons, who are citizens of the United States, have remained in the US for over a year.

However, the EFCC swiftly seized the US passport of Shalewa to prevent her from towing the path of her father and brothers.

The investigator said, “We were told that she was planning on travelling to the US soon so we swiftly seized her passport because she is vital to our investigation. However, we told her to be coming from home.”

Apart from the N4.7bn arms scam rocking the Obanikoro family, it will be recalled that MOB Integrated Services Ltd, a company headed by Obanikoro’s second son, Gbolahan, was implicated by the Aigboje Imokhuede-led Presidential Committee on Verification and Reconciliation in 2012.

The company was said to have made three transactions valued at N5, 393, 592,906.62. However, investigations revealed that the company only made one transaction valued at N3, 261,263,992.52 verified as legitimate. The difference of over N2bn was said to have been embezzled as MOB did not make the needed oil supply.

However, sources at the commission told our correspondent that after Obanikoro was appointed the Minister of State for Defence, the case was mysteriously suspended indefinitely. The latest revelation may be the missing piece of the puzzle, detectives believe.

However, the former minister said in a statement that his wife had high blood pressure and other heart-related ailments and asked security agents not to drag her into the arms probe as she knew nothing about the case.

He said, “We are using this medium to call on the officials of the EFCC to desist from persecuting an innocent woman who has no dealings at all with any of the businesses that they are investigating and totally unaware of the alleged transactions. “For emphasis, the innocent woman has a history of high blood pressure and heart-related ailments and as such should not be dragged into their biased and politicised investigations.”

Obanikoro also denied media reports that his wife was arrested with incriminating evidence.

BREAKING: 90 dead, 1,154 wounded in Turkey coup attempt

The number of dead from a coup attempt in Turkey has risen to 90, the state-run news agency Anadolu reported on Saturday, adding that 1,154 people were wounded.

Nearly 200 unarmed soldiers at the Turkish military headquarters have meanwhile surrendered, an official said, adding that special troops were currently securing the complex.

Details later.

AFP.

37 Soldiers Injured in Kano Accident

At least 37 soldiers were injured when a military truck conveying the soldiers was involved in an accident along Kano- Gaya road on Friday.The State sector Commander of Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC), Mr. Aminu Umar, confirmed the accident to reporters.

He said the mishap occurred around 9am when the military truck which was conveying 36 soldiers led by Maj. R. O. Alieze had brake failure in Gaya town of Gaya local government area of the state.

He said the injured soldiers had since been taken to General Hospital Dutse in for medical treatment.

“It was our rescue team in Widil that conveyed the victims to General Hospital, Gaya, where they are now receiving medical attention,” he said.

The sector Commander also dismissed the rumour being peddled that some of the soldiers died in the crash.

It was also learned from an eyewitness that the military truck with registration number NA1716 BO5, was travelling to Dutse in Jigawa State when the accident occurred .          

Group to Ikpeazu: Vacate office in seven days

An Igbo pressure group, under the aegis of Ndigbo Buotu Union, has given Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, seven days to vacate his seat over tax return controversy involving the governor. The group vowed to occupy the Abia State Government House if the governor refused to heed the call.

Okezie Ikpeazu

A Federal High Court in Abuja had sacked Ikpeazu for tax default.

The court had ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw the governor’s certificate of return and issue same to his rival, Mr. Uche Ogah. But Ikpeazu has continued to seek legal reprieve in the various courts to overturn the ruling. The National president of Ndigbo Buotu, Igwekala Ugomaduefule, said in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja on Friday that Governor Ikpeazu lacked the moral right to continue in office because of the severity of the allegations against him. Ugomaduefule declared that the entire Igbo nation is scandalized that the governor is using all sorts or subterfuge to hang on to office.

The statement said, “Since the issue of tax evasion by the outgoing governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, became public knowledge, the people of Abia State, the Igbo nation and indeed all Nigerians have been keenly following the development in court because of the severity of the alleged offence.

“At every point and turn, the governor engaged all manners of delay tactics and subterfuge to stop the case, including going to the Supreme Court to ensure the case does not see the light of the day.

“However, all the rigmarole on the tax evasion case instituted against outgoing Governor Ikpeazu came to a halt on Monday, June 27, 2016 following the ruling by the Federal High Court, Abuja, presided over by Justice Okon Abang, which found him culpable of tax evasion and consequently kicked him out of office.

“The court also ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue a certificate of return to Dr. Uche Samson Ogah, who came second in the PDP primary. “We members of Ndigbo Buofuobi , like other Nigerians, had expected the governor to take the path of honour, apologize for his misdeed and immediately quit office for Dr. Uche Samson Ogah as ordered by the High Court. “Rather than do the honourable thing, Governor Ikpeazu has been brazenly talking tough and refusing to quit office. “We find this very irritating, morally questionable and politically incorrect for a man that should cover his face in shame is all over the media boasting that he will not respect the court ruling. “We want to use this opportunity to call on the national leadership of the PDP to call Governor Ikpeazu to order and prevail on him to respect the ruling of the court instead of exposing the party to more public ridicule after the damage he did to the image of the party by tax evasion.

“PDP leaders should also learn from this sad incident and ensure that in future all aspirants for every position are scrupulously screened before the primaries to ensure this ugly development does not repeat itself in future.”

Fani-Kayode released after two months in detention

A former Minister of Aviation, Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode, has been released from detention after meeting his bail conditions. Fani-Kayode was released in Lagos, two months after his arrest, detention and arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The former minister, who was the spokesman for the Goodluck Jonathan Campaign Organisation, was arrested on May 9, 2016 for allegedly receiving N840m during the build-up to the 2015 presidential election.

He was arraigned along with the ex-Minister of Finance, Nenadi Usman, and Danjuma Yusuf, on June 28, 2016 before Justice Hassan on 17 counts of conspiracy, unlawful retention of proceeds of theft and money laundering.He was, however, granted bail in the sum of N250m on July 4. As part of his bail, he was ordered to deposit his passport in the custody of the court pending the outcome of the case.

Fani-Kayode was also asked to present two sureties who own of landed properties within the court’s jurisdiction  and had evidence of tax clearance in the state.

It was gathered the the ex-minister did not immediately meet his bail condition, hence his continued detention for days after the ruling.

Police Arrests 48 Suspected Cultists In Delta

Forty-eight suspected cultists have been apprehended by the police in Delta State while trying to initiate and make merry of their anniversary in Warri. Thirty-six of the arrested cultists are male while the remaining are females, a major achievement the new Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Mohammed Zanna have recorded under a month.

 The apprehended cultists are said to be members of the Neo Black Movement, otherwise known as Black Axe at Freshville hotel, Okuokoko, an outskirt of Agbaroh.

In a press statement signed and made available to journalists by the Commands Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Superintendent of Police (SP) Celestina Kalu, said “on Tuesday about 9:00 pm, while acting on a tip off that members of Neo Black Movement (a.k.a Black Axe) confraternity were holding their annual initiation and anniversary ceremonies at a location in Warri, Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) deployed surveillance men to the identified location at Freshville hotel Okuokoko and arrested 36 male and 12 female suspects”.

According to her, items recovered from the suspects included NBM hand bands, some weeds suspected to be Indian hemp, black head gears and neck chains, all bearing the logo of NBM, adding that investigation is on top gear.

Meanwhile, the police has alerted the general public on a missing person, one Miss Elizabeth Aluka, who has been reported missing.

SP Kalu said, “The victim left her home at No. 3 Andiyama Street, Agbor on 3/7/2016 at about 1630hrs to unknown destination and has not been seen since then. The said Elizabeth Aluka is aged 30 years, fair in complexion, speaks English and Ika languages fluently, and of average height”.

She called on any person with useful information about the where about of the victim to contact the Nigeria Police, Agbor Division in Delta state or the nearest Police station.

Imo state first lady gifts orphan boy a 2-bedroom furnished bungalow

The first lady of Imo state, Nneoma Rochas-Okorocha, last weekend, commissioned and handed over a modern two bedroom furnished bungalow to the only surviving child of one Mr & Mrs Akubaa after the recent demise of the widow -Mrs Akubaa. The very elated boy said he wished his mother was alive to see the building.

"I wish my mum was here to witness this day. But I'm sure she's smiling from heaven." he said

80 dead in France attack after truck driver shoots into crowd and plows them down

An attacker killed up to 80 people and injured scores when he drove a heavy truck at high speed into a crowd watching Bastille Day fireworks in the French Riviera city of Nice late on Thursday, officials said. Counter-terrorist investigators were seeking to identify the driver, who a local government official said opened fire before police shot him dead. The official said weapons and grenades were found inside the 25-tonne, unmarked truck.

The attack, which came eight months and a day after Islamic State gunmen and suicide bombers killed 130 people in Paris, appeared so far to be the work of a lone assailant.

Newspaper Nice-Matin quoted unidentified sources as saying the driver was a 31-year-old local of Tunisian origin.

The truck careered for hundreds of metres (yards) along the famed Promenade des Anglais seafront, slamming into spectators watching the fireworks, listening to an orchestra or strolling above the beach towards the grand, century-old Hotel Negresco.

"It's a scene of horror," a local member of parliament, Eric Ciotti, told France Info radio, saying the truck had "mown down several hundred people." Local government leader Christian Estrosi put the death toll at 77, while BFM TV later put it at 80. An Interior Ministry spokesman said "several dozen" had died.

Nice-Matin said 42 people were in critical condition and many others injured.

"People went down like ninepins," Jacques, who runs Le Queenie restaurant on the seafront, told France Info.

"I saw people go down," bystander Franck Sidoli, who was visibly shocked, told Reuters at the scene. "Then the truck stopped, we were just five metres away. A woman was there, she lost her son. Her son was on the ground, bleeding,"

Nice-Matin posted photographs of the truck, its windshield starred by a score of bullets and its radiator grille destroyed.

Since the Islamic State attacks last year, major public events in France have been guarded by troops and armed police, but it appeared to have taken some minutes to halt the progress of the deadly truck as it tore along pavements and a pedestrian zone.

Police told residents of the city, located 30 km (20 miles) from the Italian border, to stay indoors as they conducted further operations, though there was no sign of any other attack.

President Francois Hollande, who raced back to Paris from the south of France after the attack, was due to address a sleepless nation on television at 3:30 a.m. (0130 GMT). Hours earlier, in a traditional Bastille Day interview, he had said an eight-month state of emergency might end in two weeks time.

Islamic State militants killed 130 people in Paris on Nov. 13, the bloodiest in a number of attacks in France and Belgium in the past two years. On Sunday, a weary nation had breathed a collective sigh of relief as the month-long Euro 2016 soccer tournament across France ended without a feared attack.

Four months ago, Belgian Islamists linked to the Paris attackers killed 32 people in Brussels.

Police denied rumours on social media of a subsequent hostage-taking in Nice. Vehicle attacks have been used by isolated members of militant groups in recent years, notably in Israel, as well as in Europe, though never to such devastating effect.

U.S. President Barack Obama said in a statement: "On behalf of the American people, I condemn in the strongest terms what appears to be a horrific terrorist attack in Nice, France, which killed and wounded dozens of innocent civilians."

"I reacted because Tinubu's wife called me a dog," Senator claims

Controversial Senator, Dino Melaye has reportedly revealed that his colleague, Senator Oluremi Tinubu provoked him by calling him a dog and a thug.

Dino Melaye

In a recent report by Daily Post, the Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District claimed that after the Executive session on alleged plot to impeach President Muhammadu Buhari, went awry, Senator Tinubu took on the floor and called him a dog and a thug in her contribution.

“At the Executive session, an issue generated controversy and while contributing, Senator Remi suddenly stood up and called me a dog and a thug, of course, I had to react. How could I have said I will beat & impregnate her at the same time,” he said.

Speaking further, Melaye said, “You can recall that I am no coward. I have always been like this and I do not speak my mind through proxies and that was the reason I took to streets whenever the need arose, particular in defense of democracy.”

The Senator further denied using insolent, abusive, degrading & unmannerless language against any Senator.

He reportedly stated this at a press briefing after plenary on Thursday, July 14, 2016, to clear the air on his alleged altercation with the wife of the APC’s National leader, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Melaye's account is contrary to earlier reports that after she was recognized to speak, Senator Tinubu had simply said the Senate should not be reduced to a kindergarten where Senators could just issue childish threats, and called on Senators to close ranks and seek reconciliation amongst its members.

Two sisters arrested for selling their babies

The Cross River State Police Command has arrested two sisters, Gift Etim Ikono and her sister, Esther Ikono and one woman, Florence Victor Ekpo, for child trafficking. Commissioner of Police, Jimoh Ozi-Obeh, said the two girls gave birth to two different babies and the babies were allegedly sold out by Ekpo to an unknown buyer.

He said investigation was still ongoing to get to the root of the matter.

Also arrested were Monday Edet Akpan and Etim Okon Etim who allegedly connived with a native doctor, Felix Edet Umoh, to murder two men who they accused of killing their children through witchcraft.

The police also paraded 14 suspected armed robbers.Also arrested were 14 armed robbers.

 Ozi-Obeh further disclosed that a Lexus Jeep, with registration number LSD 281 CY, which was snatched in Calabar, was trailed to Gwarimpa, Abuja where it was recovered. He said the suspects were helping the police with investigations.

The Police Commissioner said, “In the light of the above, it will be pertinent to reassure members of the general public that the command has the capacity, capability and the wherewithal to deal with any miscreant who may dare to harass, intimidate and instill fears in the mind of Cross Riverians.”

He charged Calabar residents to maintain peace, be vigilant and to report all suspicious characters and movement to security agents for prompt action.

Igbo are co-owners of Nigeria, say Southeast governors, leaders

Igbo leaders yesterday restated their commitment to Nigeria’s unity and insisted that the third largest ethnic group is a co-owner of this country and cannot be put down by any other ethnic group. They called on Igbo who have invested in other parts of the country to replicate such investments in Igbo land to create employment and develop the zone.

These are part of the decisions of the meeting of the leaders organised by the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohaneze Ndigbo. It was tagged Igbo Unity Forum. Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha hosted the meeting held at the Imo International Convention Centre.

Governors, former governors, prominent citizens, including former Chief of General Staff in the Gen. Ibrahim Babangida military regime, commodore Ebitu Ukiwe Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, Okorocha, Enugu State Deputy Governor Cicilia Ezeilo, former governors of old Anambra State Jim Nwobodo and Chukwuemeka Ezeife – Imo State Deputy Governor  Eze Madumere and industrialist  Pascal Dozie attended the session. Also there was former Chief of Naval Staff Rear Admiral Alison Madueke (retd.).

The leaders said the Igbo have what it takes to solve any problem that might arise in the region.

Ohaneze President-General Gary Enwo Igariwe, described the meeting as critical to the rebuilding of Igbo land.

He said: “We should come together and solve our problems. We are known for our resilience and industry. Thirty per cent of investments in Lagos and Abuja is owned by Ndigbo but now we are calling on our people to think home and build another Abuja in Igbo land.

“We should invest at home to create jobs for our people. So, today is a special day because we have decided as a people to close ranks and proffer solutions to our problems.”

Guest speaker Prof. Anya O Anya, called for a reorientation among Ndigbo. “The solutions to our problems can only be found within and not outside. We are the only ones that can solve our own problems,” he admonished.

He added: “We are preparing to rebuild Igbo land to meet with the Nigeria of the 21st Century. We have gathered because the time is critical so that we can chart a new course for our people. There has never been a time we are faced with a barrage of problems like now so we need our past to find solutions to our problems.”

Commodore Ukiwe urged the Igbo to forget the past and look forward, “We should forget about the past; there is nothing to regret about and we cannot be intimidated by anyone”

The meeting was still ongoing as at 9pm when this report was filed. A communique was being expected.

Alleged N4.745b fraud: DSS arrests Obanikoro’s wife

Security agents yesterday arrested Hajiya Morufat Obanikoro, former Minister of Defence Musiliu Obanikoro’s wife. Her arrest followed intelligence sharing by the Department of State Service (DSS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Mrs. Obanikoro was picked up over the ongoing investigation of her husband, who is wanted for questioning over the N4.745billion slush funds from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). The funds were reportedly traced to Obanikoro, Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, former Osun State Deputy Governor Iyiola Omisore and three companies with links to Omisore.

Mrs. Obanikoro, who was transffered by the DSS to the EFCC, was later released by the anti-graft agency after a bail. Her international passport was impounded. Sources said her bail is with the condition of surety support of a landed property owner in Lagos. She was requested to return on Monday for interrogation.

According to sources, Mrs. Obanikoro allegedly arrived in the country last weekend from the United States.Obanikoro’s wife It was learnt that she was arrested by the DSS in Lagos while sorting out some documents relating to the ongoing investigation of her  husband.

A source said: “We got a report that Mrs. Obanikoro had sneaked into the country from the United States. After the confirmation of her travel log, an alert was issued to all security agencies. “Following intelligence sharing with the EFCC, the operatives of the DSS arrested her in Lagos with some documents relating to the probe of the N4.745billion slush funds from ONSA.

Another source spoke of excitement about Mrs. Obanikoro’s arrest because “some of the funds under investigation were wired into her company, which is called MOB.  “She needs to explain to this commission what job she did to deserve such remittance into her account,” the source said.

Responding to a question, the source added: “Mrs. Obanikoro had sued the EFCC for the enforcement of fundamental human rights for allegedly harassing her tenants and in-laws during the course of investigating her husband.”

The N4.745billion cash was sourced from the SAS Imprest Account of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) under ex-NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.) prior to the conduct of Ekiti State governorship poll on June 21, 2014.

Others linked to the sharing of the slush funds include Fayose’s associate, Abiodun Agbele(alias Abbey); Mrs. Helen Olayemi Fayose; Gbolahan Obanikoro; Babajide Obanikoro; Sylvan Mcnamara Limited(a phoney company allegedly  ran by the Obanikoros); Spotless Hotel; and De Privateer Limited, which is owned by Fayose’s  associate Abiodun Agbele.

Some Bureaux de change firms have also been fingered as having some roles in changing N759, 384, 300 (out of the N4.745billion) into dollars. A curious aspect of the landmark findings by the EFCC was how Obanikoro, as a minister, flew N1.219billion to Akure for Fayose a few days before the governorship poll.

According to documents obtained by our correspondent, EFCC crack detectives discovered that a firm, Sylvan Mcnamara Limited, allegedly owned by Obanikoro and his sons,   was used to launder the N4.745billion.

There is no plan to impeach Buhari –Nigerian Senate

The Senate, yesterday, denied speculations of a plot to impeach President Muhammadu Buhari, saying that it was only a rumour. Members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday, refused to speak on the alleged impeachment threats with its National chairman Senator Ahmed Makarfi, saying it was a situation embedded within the legislature.

Muhammadu Buhari

The United Peoples Party, UPP, led by Chief Chekwas Okorie described any impeachment plot as satanic and subversive. The Senate in a statement by its spokesperson, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi read:

”We expected the party to, at least, explore all the options open to it to verify that piece of fabrication which is only the figment of the imagination of the writers and their sponsors.

“It should be clear to the APC leadership that if there is any truth to that story, it should have been credited to a particular senator who was at the executive session.

“It is evident from our proceedings of yesterday (Wednesday) that the Senate itself was shocked that such a fabrication, which constitutes a breach of the privileges of the senators, was published and that was why we mandated our Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions to investigate the source and circumstances leading to the emergence of such a fabrication.

“We will like to assure the party that the Senate, as an institution, values the present democracy in our country and will not do anything that will undermine or weaken the system.”

South West APC bars Dino Melaye from zone, says he should see the zone as a no-go-area

The All Progressives Congress, South West Zone, has released a statement banning Dino Melaye from coming to the zone following his recent attack on Senator Remi Tinubu where he threatened to beat her up and ‘impregnate’ her.

The Southwest APC youth in their statement released yesterday July 14th, warned Melaye to regard the South West Zone as a no go area until he tenders a public apology to Mrs Tinubu. The statement reads;

”All Progressives Congress members (South West Zone) feel scandalized and traumatized that we are in the same political party with the likes of Senator Dino Melaye who was credited with using the sovereignty of the floor of the Senate Chambers to address Senator Oluremi Tinubu a Very Distinguished Senator and wife of our Leader Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu in very rude, indecent and uncouched language.

We are surprised that any person elected into the Nigerian Senate could remind us of the often repeated lyrics “Vagabond in Power” by Fela Anikulapo Kuti at the Berlin festival performance. On the other hand, going by the antecedents of the undistinguished Senator Melaye, his current conduct in the Senate is predictable, he had “married” and divorced three women who all had stories of violence visited on them by him.

We wonder if Dino thought Mrs. Tinubu was in the class of his slave ladies. Dino we know was rejected in 2011 by his constituency at the polls, only for him to clandestinely contest the senate seat riding on the popularity of the All Progressives Congress to climb to the hallowed chambers of the Senate. But the leopard never shed its skin. Melaye is nothing but a disgrace to the Nigerian Senate.

We at the All Progressives Congress (South West Zone) call on the undistinguished Senator to publicly withdraw his tantrums and apologize not only to our own Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu but also to the entire Tinubu Family, Womanhood and the All Progressives Congress in the South West Zone. We invite all our women society organizations to see this as a fight against the denigration of the Nigerian woman.

We call on the National Leadership and indeed the National Chairman of our Great Party, His Excellency Chief John Odigie Oyegun, to call the disgrace of a person in Senator Melaye, a wolf in a sheep’s skin to order. From reports of his performance and activities in the Senate, this incident is typical of Dino’s record. We wonder if Dino will not one of these days carry out his treat of beating up a Senate colleague.

We call on the Ag. Inspector General of Police Ibrahim Kpotun Idris to note the threat issued by Dino Melaye, that he will kill anybody who testifies against the accused persons in the Senate forgery case. We think Dino threat is not just running his usual verbal diarrhoea, but his outburst was a demonstration of the hatred he harbors for our Distinguished Senator Oluremi Tinubu. Meanwhile Senator Melaye should regard the South West Zone as a no go area if he refused to tender a public apology and desist from such unruly behaviours on any colleague from any party of this country in the future. A word is enough for the wise. Signed: Ayo Afolabi, Zonal National Secretary, South West.

Gospel artist, Joel Benson of 6Team, kidnapped in Ogun, abductors demand N50m ransom

Gospel artist and cinematographer, Joel Benson of the Acapella gospel group, 6Team, was robbed and kidnapped at his home in Ibafo Mowe in Ogun state on Sunday July 10th. After robbing him in the presence of his wife and children, the gunmen took him with them.

The kidnappers later that day made him call his phone which was at his home and in uncontrollable tears, he informed his wife that his kidnappers were demanding a N50 million ransom before they can release him or they will kill him. Anyone with useful info is advised to go to the nearest police station

Federal High Court in Abuja dismisses bail application filed by Iyiola Omisore

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday dismissed the bail application filed by former Osun state deputy governor, Iyiola Omisore. EFCC operatives arrested him in Abuja on July 3rd and he has been in their custody since then. Omisore who is being prosecuted over N1.3billion he allegedly got from the office of the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, had filed an application for bail but it was dismissed by a Federal High Court Judge for lack of competence.

Vanguard publisher’s guard gave us a hint – Chadian robbers

Three suspected robbers, who attacked the Publisher of Vanguard Newspapers, Sam Amuka-Pemu, in the Anthony Village area of Lagos State, have said they got inside information from one of his security guards.

The robbers, who are nationals of Republic of Chad, were identified as Umar Hussein, 46; Atim Abukakar, 31; and 35-year-old Abdulrazak Hassan.

They claimed to have made away with N200,000, phones and valuables kept in Amuka-Pemu’s wardrobe.PUNCH Metro had reported that a four-man gang invaded the publisher’s residence at about 1am on Sunday, June 5, 2016.

The robbers, who injured 81-year-old Amuka-Pemu, reportedly carted away his phones and money (local and foreign currencies), before escaping in a car they brought for the operation.

It was reported that the police thereafter arrested Amuka-Pemu’s two security guards, identified only as Jude and Francis, after which members of the robbery gang were apprehended.

Our correspondents gathered that through some tracking devices, security operatives were able to arrest two members of the gang in June, while the third member was picked up on Monday, July 10.

The fourth member, identified only as Muhammed, was said to be at large.

While being paraded on Thursday at the command headquarters, Ikeja, Hussein said a security guard at the publisher’s house opened the gate for them, adding that the guard did not reveal his identity.

He said, “There were two security men at the house; one was Igbo and the other Hausa. One of the guards called Gambo, our informant, to tell him about the operation. Gambo, who lived in the FESTAC Town area, informed Muhammed.

“We were four that went to the house and Muhammed invited us. The unknown guard opened the gate through which we all entered. We saw N200,000 in the man’s wardrobe and took it.

“I am from Chad, but I have been staying in Lagos State since 2001. I live in the Satellite Town area, where I work in a private school as a gardener. After leaving the man’s house, we went to a nearby hotel, where we shared the money inside our car.”

Abubakar, the second Chadian, added that he packed some pound notes from the publisher’s wardrobe and N100,000 cash, saying they met Amuka-Pemu sleeping.

 He said, “I stay in Sango Ota, Ogun State. I was called by Muhammed that there was a job he would want me to participate in. I was asked to go to the Anthony Village area. When I got there, a car was waiting and we drove into the close where the man lives; we met him sleeping.

“When I opened his wardrobe, I found newspapers and some pound notes. I quickly packed the pounds. I searched again and found N100,000 and took it. That was all I made from the robbery.

“We did not intend to beat the publisher. When he saw us, he was frightened and he tried to run during which he fell and hurt his finger. I had not worked with Muhammed before that day. When we came in, we tied the two security guards at the gate and escaped in our car after the operation.”

Hassan, the third suspect, told our correspondent that he drove the car used by the gang.

The state Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, who paraded the suspects, said a Mitsubishi salon car, one sledgehammer and an iron cutter were recovered from them, adding that the police were closing in on the fleeing gang member.

He said, “Operatives are still interrogating the three of them to be able to arrest the last member of the gang. They have confessed to the crime, and the vehicle which they used for the robbery has been recovered.

“One sledgehammer and an iron cutter were also recovered from them. The three of them are from the Republic of Chad. They are cross-country criminals and at the end of investigation, they will be charged to court.”