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TODAY IN THE NEWSPAPERS, MONDAY 21ST DECEMBER 2020

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JOMOG NEWS NIGERIA BRINGS YOU NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES FOR MONDAY 21ST DECEMBER 2020.

ENJOY;

THE NATION

Presidential liberties’ Why not!

The Kankara abductions

South-south governors tasked on establishment of security network

State emergency in Nigeria

Police, rights group kick as cop kills man in Rivers

HURIWA to Buhari: Blame yourself for spate of kidnappings, killings

COVID-19: Uzodimma orders workers to stay at home

No rift with Oyetola, says Aregbesola

NJC recommends sack of two judges over age falsification

Police arrest five armed robbery suspects in Abuja

Again troops rescue 84 school children in Katsina

Millions of naira lost as fire razes Bayelsa furniture market

FCT in crisis of COVID-19 second wave, says Dr. Okechukwu

Ohanaeze: consensus candidate collapses during meeting

PDP wins all 17 LGA council chairmanship seats

IPOB chides SEast govs over rejection of security outfit

COVID-19: Kaduna directs workers to work from home

JUST IN: DG NIPSS Professor Habu Galadima dies

Four killed in fresh reprisal attacks on Zango-Kataf

Court reinstates 32 sacked Ekiti varsity workers

Ebonyi PDP accuses Umahi of intimidation

Zikist-Buharist Movement carpets Secondus for asking Buhari to resign

SEC disclaims Famzhi Interbiz Limiteds operations

FCTA warns against sale of cars within residential premises

Non-adherance to party manifesto eroding APC electoral viability, PGF DG warns

PSC dismisses Senior officers for smuggling 300,000 live cartridges, others

Niger Assembly Speaker, others test positive for COVID-19

Anambra 2021: Anyaoku, Ezeife, Obi others meet over zoning

Stop shedding blood of innocent Nigerians, Aare-Musulumi charges FG

JUST IN: Police rescue 80 abducted Islamiya students, four others in Katsina

Imo to shut illegal betting operators from January

NiDCOM describes death of US-based Nigerian doctor, wife as shocking

PSC dismisses four senior Police Officers for misconduct

PDP sweeps chairmanship seats in Abia LG poll

UPDATED: Ondo loses another Commissioner

Gunmen kidnap Kogi council boss

Kogi: Gunmen demand N25m for release of former council boss

BREAKING: Ondo State Commissioner for Regional Duties dies

Digital Identity Number is free FG

Kidnappings, killings: Dont blame Buhari alone, says ex-minister

More troubles for Rivers APC as counter suspensions rock party

Seven killed in reprisal attacks on Kaduna villages

I threw my step brother into a well because his mother maltreated me, says teenager

VANGUARD

Petrol price cut: Oil marketers still sell at N170 per litre ‘ Investigation

NIPSS DG, Galadima, was an intellectual colossus’ Buhari

2023: Full text of Pius Anyim’s speech on Igbos political interest

COVID-19 Second Wave: Atiku wants FG to temporarily halt all UK flights

Community Policing: Fayemi makes case for police reform

APC mourns as ex-Lagos commissioner, Ajiboso dies at 68

Dakadda Tower, Nigeria’s most IT-compliant building ‘ Obasanjo

Ex-Lagos commissioner, Ajiboso, dies at 68

Lawmaker advocate youths, women empowerment as panacea to insecurity, poverty

Fireboy, Simi top Boomplay’s 2020 most streamed artists list

AfDB Board of Directors approves borrowing programme for 2021

How Police, Army saved 80 Katsina Islamiya students from kidnappers

Germany to suspend air links with UK from midnight

Ortom commissions N1.2billion road projects in Benue South district

Police foil robbery, arrest suspected cultists

Covid-19: Italy to suspend flights from UK

COVID-19: Kaduna workers to operate from home

England faces lengthy lockdown as new virus strain ‘out of control

Our boarders are more secure now ‘ Aregbesola

Dutch ban UK flights to stop virus ‘mutation

Niger Delta youths rally support for Buhari’s decisions on NDDC

FG orders probe of payment for Digital Identity Number

Again, drunk police officer kills father of three in Rivers

Reps hold special session Monday to pass 2021 budget into law

Anambra 2021: Stakeholders to decide on zoning

Insecurity: Revisit APC Manifesto, PGF DG tells Defence, Police, Interior ministers

Enemies of Nigeria behind Magu’s ordeal, ex- EFCC boss’ classmates tell Buhari

Police arrest two for gang raping 19-yr-old in Ogun

NIPSS DG, Professor Habu Galadima, is dead

Release of Kankara school children, cheering news ‘ CAN

E.X.P.O.S.E.D: Nigeria jihadists kill five soldiers, kidnap 35 civilians in two attacks

Kidnappers of Edo HoS yet to open communication, orderly still missing

Four killed in Southern Kaduna reprisal attacks

Ngige’s community rejects reinstated monarch

Police Service Commission dismisses 4 senior officers, demotes 2 others over misconduct

NIN: Telecom workers reject 2 weeks deadline for subscribers

Breaking: Niger state Speaker, Clerk test positive for covid-19

Just in: Gunmen kidnap Ex-LG Chairman in Kogi

How COVID-19 disrupted marriages in Lagos

Imo: Uzodimma orders workers to stay home over spike in COVID -19

HappeningNow: 4 senior Police Officers dismissed for misconduct

Insecurity: Nigeria must remain indivisible, indissoluble, APC Govs declare

Repengages constituents on tomatoes, Ugu production in Delta

Akwa Ibom deep-sea port project to generate 300,000 jobs ‘ Okon

NGF pledges to provide functional education system in Nigeria

Insecurity: Ignore Nnamdi Kanu’s security outfit ‘ South East Governors

Apapa rail line: Amaechi tasks APM terminals to cooperate with contractor on project delivery

Dana Air offers free tickets to passengers after flight cancellation

APC hails Reps for dumping PDP, APGA SDP

Restructure Nigeria before 2023, Anglican Bishop tells FG

Igbo Presidency: 1914 amalgamation, a great mistake ‘ GLOMIP

SERAP asks Buhari to stop NIN registration, withdraw threat to block SIM cards

Police nab suspected cultists, foils robbery on Otedola Bridge

PDP sweeps chairmanship seats in Abia LG poll

2023: Time for Igbo presidency is now, says Pius Anyim

BBNaija’s Gifty threatens to arrest singer, Mr 2Kay over daughter

Mr. Macaroni, Uchemba grace Chiji14Xchange’s dinner party

Police, vigilante rescue 84 Katsina students kidnapped by bandits

Why a consensus candidate is bad for Ohanaeze

THISDAY

Recipe for Economy-transforming PIB

The NCC Directives on SIM Registration and Synchronisation with NIN

Report: Tax evasion, Stealing, Pillars of Corruption in Nigerias Oil Industry

First Banks New TVC: Of Historical Renaissance and Innovative Validation

Confronting Global Oil Market Headwinds

Will Ogoni, Shell Oil Spill Dispute Ever Be Resolved

UMAR IBRAHIM: NDIC Examining Framework for Granting Banks Financial Assistance

Japaul Oil Changes Name to Japaul Gold & Ventures

Local restaurants are receiving boost from online food delivery companies

This Animal Farm!

Unlike Chibok, Kankara Ends Well

COVID-19: Be Responsible This Yuletide!

Tambuwals Different Kind of Revolution

Beyond Metuhs Victory

At the National Assembly, Its Defection Parties

From Chibok Girls to Kankara Boys

The Pied Piper of Kankara

Messi Equals Peles Record with 643rd Goal for Barcelona

Liverpool Crush Crystal Palace with Sledgehammer

Liverpool Seek Firm Grip of Top Spot with Visit to Selhurst Park

Ebeguowen Otasowie: Delighted by Premier League Debut

Ola Aina Names the Player He Gets Along Most

PUNCH

European countries ban UK flights over new COVID-19 strain

Border reopening: Poultry, rice importation remain banned, says FG

McTominay scores twice in three minutes as Man United thrash Leeds 6-2

Insecurity: Edo APC demands Obasekis resignation

Celtic beat Hearts on penalties to win Scottish Cup

Presidency says military rescued Kankara schoolboys

Buhari, Lalong mourn NIPSS DG, Galadima

EPL: Leicester beat Tottenham to go second after Ndidis return

COVID-19: Italy to suspend flights from UK, says official

AC Milans Leao scores fastest goal in Serie A history

[BREAKING] Age falsification: NJC recommends two judges for retirement
BREAKING: NIPSS boss, Galadima, is dead

Insecurity: APC govs seek bi-partisan approach to restore peace

Nigerian doctor, wife found dead in US home

Brightons Welbeck denies Sheffield first EPL win

Many Nigerians dont trust police, says Fayemi

Niger Assembly speaker, clerk test positive for COVID-19

Lot of things going wrong for Arsenal, says goalkeeper Leno

Police dismiss four senior officers for misconduct

Ex-LG chairman Ekpa kidnapped in Kogi

Second wave: Kaduna imposes new restrictions on churches, mosques, others

UK says new COVID-19 strain out of control

UPDATED: 80 abducted Kastina students rescued Police

SIM cards: SERAP asks Buhari to stop NIN registration

Prominent sportsmen who died in 2020

FRSC promotes 2, 880 officers

Car bomb kills eight in Kabul

Biden to continue Trumps US-China policy

Watford coach Ivic sacked after four months

COVID-19: Lagos shuts Cubana nightclub

Fire razes Zamfara College of Education hostel

Policeman said his colleague shouldve finished me and taken my body to morgue with others Gunshot victim

Osun pastor who stabbed co-tenant to death mentally unstable Neighbour

Why my 89-year-old father, son and I joined #EndSARS protests Alero Roberts

I regret not being a billionaire like my contemporaries 80-year-old retired accountant

We got N400,000 as payoff after working for over 20 years

Buharis visit to his ranch instead of Kankara insensitive Olajengbesi

Contest 2023 Presidency, Ekiti APC tells Fayemi

Makinde, deputys rift deepens South-West PDPs crisis

Im pained losing two of my quintuplets Mother

Without devolution of power, Nigeria going nowhere Agbakoba

Relations mocked us when we didnt have a child Pastor whose wife had quintuplets after 23 years of marriage

#EndSARS: Govt cant protect lives without caring for citizensDonald Duke

THE SUN

Gov Bellos giant strides in tackling security challenges in Kogi state

Rivers APC crisis deepens, as Amaechi camp suspends Abe’s

Doc, what causes cancer

There is life after 2020 Yuletide

A vote for free press

In Ogbulu, Gov. Ikpeazu scores maximally

Restructuring will kill Nigeria ‘ Isa Yuguda

Anambra 2021: Nobody can intimidate me in the guber race’ Hon. Azubogu

2020 is year we have never seen before ‘Senator Arise

Southeast has bright chances to produce president in 2023 ‘ Chekwas Okorie

Rivers APC crisis deepens, as Amaechi’s camp suspends Abe’s faction

Lagos APC chieftain Odunmbaku loses mum at 95

Apathy mars Abia LG polls as APC calls for cancellation

Insecurity: Resign now, Secondus tells Buhari

Cash crunch hits Senate

Rohr’s $2m compensation clause: Amokachi blasts NFF

LMC confirms Dec 27 as start date for NPFL 2020/21 season

CAF Champions League: Enyimba departs for Sudan today

NFF pays 50% FIFA palliative funds to clubs ‘Moses Etu

We are developing other sports beyond football ‘Minister

Edo Queens target Champions League ‘CEO

StarTimes to beam NBA matches on ESPN

Governor Ugwuanyi’s football competition kicks-off in Nsukka

COVID-19: Nigeria records 6 deaths in 24 hours, confirms 920 new infections

A son is given

Atiku mourns killing of Emir of Kaura Namodas aides, others

Insecurity: Ijaw elders harp on community defence

Obi shares path to success with students

Reappraise security architecture, Anglican bishop tells FG

Rotational presidency key to national unity Anyim

Tinubu lauds Buhari, Masari over abducted Kankara schoolboys rescue

Boko Haram suicide bomber kills 3 in Borno

Southern Kaduna: Again, gunmen kill 7, 5 missing

Why divorce is rampant in entertainment industry Etim-Effiong

Anxiety, fear as second wave of COVID-19 hits Nigeria

Inside story of police massacre of 6 in Port Harcourt

NPHCDA boss recipe for Universal Health Coverage through PHC

Onitsha hot as crime worsens

Ebonyi church in turmoil

Serah Abiarah:Nigerias first female train driver opens up on her experiences

State of insecurity alarming in Nigeria

Mahmood Yakubu: New tasks before a returnee INEC helmsman

The new solar initiative

GUARDIAN

EU commends Buhari on release of abducted students

Man United thrash Leeds 6-2 as rivalry renews in style

Leicester dent Tottenham’s Premier League challenge

AC Milan’s Leao scores fastest-ever Serie A goal after six seconds

How Not To Go Broke This Christmas

Sane warned by Rummenigge to shape up fast at Bayern

Putin hails Russia’s spies, visits intelligence HQ

Sweet Potato Pies Recipe

Gladbach fine Thuram month’s wages after spitting red card

Boko Haram kill five soldiers, kidnap 35 civilians in two attacks

All You Need To Know About Eyelash Serums

Troops raid Gana militia gang’s camp, kill 2 in Benue

Arsenal ‘don’t have time’ to feel sorry for themselves, says Leno

Rare Christmas sales in Saudi Arabia

How To Make Barbecue Fish

Ex-LG Chairman kidnapped in Kogi

PSC dismisses 4 senior Police Officers for misconduct

Styling Bright Colours This Christmas Season

Britain says new virus strain ‘out of control

Germany mulls ban of UK, SAfrica flights over virus fears

Security operatives rescue 80 pupils of Islamic school in Katsina

PDP sweeps chairmanship seats in Abia LG poll

Ondo State Commissioner for Regional Duties dies

Eight killed as car bomb rocks Afghan capital

Dutch ban UK flights to stop virus ‘mutation

Here’s How To Have The Best Pandemic Christmas

Atheists to save historic wooden German church plank by plank

All You Need To Know About Bipolar Disorder

COVID-19: Nigeria records 6 deaths in 24 hours, confirms 920 new infections

Reminiscing 90s Kids Christmas Traditions

Gunmen abduct Islamic school students in Katsina

A Covid Christmas

The Week

Biden and Mexico leader discuss migration

Why there is leadership vacuum in Igbo land

The Amina Abdullahi Umar Ganduje people don’t know

Adhere to COVID-19 protocols, Enugu government advises residents

Amotekun accused of killing two in Ibadan

Tinubu lauds Buhari, Masari over rescue of Kankara Schoolboys

13m children get seasonal malaria chemoprevention

Kankara pupilswant schools protected

Amaechi wants urgent solution to gridlock, port congestion at Tin-Can Port

Cross River: Women lawyers seek legislation against gender-based violence

TRIBUNE

Buhari mourns late NIPSS DG, Galadima

Kankara students’ abduction: Reinforce your capacity to secure Nigerians, APC governors tell IGP, Service Chiefs

Success of community policing will depend on people’s trust in police ‘ Fayemi

Amotekun corps must bear arms, Ekiti elders tell South-West governors

Omi-Apata LCDA empowers farmers, launches local rice

Multiple piracy attacks rock Bonny waters, threaten NLNG vessel

NEPC to make Nigeria destination of quality cocoa ‘ Awolowo

Security: North Central Govs to meet in Makurdi Monday

FG seeks cooperation between APM, CCECC on Apapa rail extension to meet deadline

Scarcity: Maize farmers target about 400,000 hectares for dry season cultivation

Insecurity: Troops neutralize 2 members of Gana’s gang in Benue ‘DHQ

JUST IN: PDP cancels Jigawa State congress as members leave venue in anger

Gombe LG poll: Gov Inuwa Yahaya congratulates newly elected Chairmen, Councillors

Mounting security, economic challenges eroding APC electoral viability, DG APC Governors’ forum raises the alarm

Gunmen abduct former council boss in Kogi, demand N25m ransom

Ogun govt goes tough on mobile advertisement defaulters

Ondo Commissioner, Bayonle Ademodi, dies at 68

Katsina again: 80 Islamic school students abducted, rescued by security forces

Fear as many young Nigerians contract Covid-19

7 DAYS TO CHRISTMAS: Terrorists strike again in Borno

COVID-19 spike: Delta says no cause for alarm, issues public health advisory ahead Yuletide

JUST IN: APC sweeps Gombe LGAs election

Insecurity: Troops kill bandit, arrest two others in Zamfara ‘ DHQ

COVID-19: Always monitor your children to wear face masks in public place, Osun governor’s wife charges parents

NCDC confirms 920 new COVID-19 cases as total rises to 77,933

FRSC confirms 11 injured in Otedola Bridge tanker explosion

UPDATE: Gunmen kidnap Edo State Head of Service, kill driver

UPDATE: Tanker conveying diesel explodes on Otedola Bridge, razes Camry, truck carrying container

BREAKING: Edo State Head of Service kidnapped

BREAKING: Fuel tanker explosion on Otedola Bridge again (VIDEO)

COVID-19: Lagos bans carnivals, concerts

Northern governors at war over sponsorship of bandits

Celebrating a COVID-19 Christmas

Why insecurity persists ‘Yarima

Nigeria and its kidnapping crisis

Institute of Strategic Management inducts new fellows

Why deposits in closed banks remain unclaimed’NDIC

Equities market sustains positive trend as investors gain N390.2bn

SEC Nigeria, FSD Africa begin master plan review

Stakeholders laud FG’s bid to audit existing free trade zones

SPORTS

2020-21 College Football Playoff Odds: Early Lines for Semifinal Matchups – Bleacher Report

3 reasons Chelsea released Frank Lampard transfer, target Declan Rice – Daily Times

49ers Rumors: Injured Jimmy Garoppolo Unlikely to Return; George Kittle Possible – Bleacher Report

5 occasions when top-flight reputations were proven to count for nothing – Yahoo

Aaron Rodgers, Packers Beat Panthers 24-16 Behind Aaron Jones’ 145 Rushing Yards – Bleacher Report

Aaron Rodgers: ‘I Have a Sour Taste in My Mouth’ After Packers’ Win vs. Panthers – Bleacher Report

Aboubakar’s brace and Bernard Mensah’s assist inspire Besiktas to victory – Goal

Adarabioyo Dissappointed With Fulham Draw Vs Newcastle United – Complete Sports

Akono: Azam FC sell striker to Negeri Sembilan of Malaysia – Goal

Alabama’s Mac Jones to Tim Tebow: ‘I Loved You Growing Up and Still Do Now – Bleacher Report

Alan Shearer says he ‘wouldn’t be so sure’ that Arsenal will avoid relegation – Yahoo

Alan Shearer would ‘not be so sure’ about Arsenal staying in Premier League – BBC

Alderweireld own goal helps Leicester leap above Spurs with decisive victory – Yahoo

Alexander Albon hurt at being replaced by Sergio Perez at Red Bull – BBC

America’s Cup: Sir Ben Ainslie says Ineos Team UK must improve before challenger series – BBC

Amway College Football Poll 2020: Top 25 Rankings After Championship Games – Bleacher Report

Andy Murray edges out Dan Evans in ‘Battle of the Brits’ clash – Yahoo

AP College Football Poll 2020: Top 25 Rankings After Championship Games – Bleacher Report

Arsenal go second in WSL after four-goal rout of lacklustre Everton – Yahoo

Arsenal Legend, Hartson: Willian Has Done Nothing Since Joining Gunners – Complete Sports

Arteta ‘understands’ questions over his future after latest Arsenal defeat – Goal

Asike: Tusker FC defender explains impact of Gor Mahia win ahead of game vs Vihiga United – Goal

ATK Mohun Bagan coach Antonio Habas: Sunil Chhetri is the best Indian player for the last 15 years – Goal

Babangida laments Ajaxs sale of key players – Punch

Babangida: Nigeria has lost its football culture under Rohr – African Football

Barca Presidential Candidate Pledges To Make Bellerin Top Transfer Target – Complete Sports

Barcelona interim president backs embattled manager Koeman – Goal

Battle of the Brits: Andy Murray beats Dan Evans in Roehampton – BBC

Bayern Munich give Coman injury update after winger limped off against Leverkusen – Goal

Bielsa is a coach with all the details’ – Leeds are the ‘fittest team’ in the Premier League, says Man Utd boss Solskjaer – Goal

Big Bash League: Dan Christian stars in Sydney Sixers win over Adelaide Strikers – BBC

Bills Are a Problem and Josh Allen Has Made NFL MVP a 3-Man Race. – Bleacher Report

Bowl Games 2020-21: Complete Schedule of Matchups – Bleacher Report

Bowl Projections 2020: Predictions for Top Teams Ahead of Final CFP Poll Reveal – Bleacher Report

Bradley Beal, Davis Bertans Talk Russell Westbrook’s Impact in Wizards Debut – Bleacher Report

Brandun Lee Remains Undefeated with Third-Round TKO over Dakota Linger – Bleacher Report

Brian Kelly: Notre Dame ‘Without Question’ 1 of 4 Best Teams After Clemson Loss – Bleacher Report

Brighton & Hove Albion 1-1 Sheffield United: Danny Welbeck saves late point against 10 men – BBC

Brighton vs Sheffield United live stream: How to watch Premier League fixture online and on TV – Yahoo

Brighton vs Sheffield United LIVE: Team news, line-ups and more ahead of Premier League fixture today – Yahoo

Brighton’s Danny Welbeck denies 10-man Sheffield United precious win – Yahoo
Caf Champions League: Broke Gor Mahia risk Caf sanctions as Algeria trip hangs in balance – Goal
CAF Champions League: Enyimba departs for Sudan today – The Sun

Compiled by:
Citynewsng.com

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I Delivered $15m Agency Cash To Ex-NIMASA DG Akpobolokemi, EFCC Witness Tells Court

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A prosecution witness, Captain Ezekiel Bala-Agaba, testified in a Lagos Federal High Court on Thursday, that he personally delivered $15 million in cash to former NIMASA DG, Patrick Akpobolokemi.

The witness, Bala-Agaba, a former Executive Director of Maritime Safety, Shipping Development and Marine Operations at NIMASA, made the disclosure while testifying before Justice Ayokunle Faji of the Federal High Court in Lagos.

Captain Agaba, who appeared as the 15th prosecution witness, told the court that funds meant for pipeline surveillance were withdrawn from NIMASA’s accounts, converted into dollars, and handed over to Dr Akpobolokemi.

According to him, the money was taken to a Bureau de Change, which converted it into $15 million before the cash was delivered to the NIMASA office on Burma Road, Apapa, Lagos.

He said he subsequently took the money to the office of the then Director-General.

“The money was sent to a Bureau de Change, which later brought the dollar equivalent to our office at Burma Road, Apapa, Lagos. I asked my Personal Assistant, Ekene Nwakuche, to carry the bag and follow me to the Director-General’s office,” he told the court.

The witness explained that he collected the bag from his aide before entering the office.

“When we got to the door of the Director-General’s office, I collected the bag from him and asked him to wait outside. I then personally delivered the sum of $15 million to the Director-General.”

The witness was initially a defendant in the case but later opted to testify for the prosecution.

While being led in evidence by prosecuting counsel, Suleiman Suleiman, he explained the chain of command within NIMASA and how financial approvals were processed in the agency.

According to him, the Director-General is the overall head of the agency and issues instructions to directors, who then implement policies in line with the NIMASA Act.

He told the court that he chaired the agency’s Intelligence Committee, which was responsible for certain security-related operations.

“As chairman of the committee, I oversaw its activities and reported directly to the Director-General, Dr. Patrick Akpobolokemi,” he said.

During the proceedings, the witness was also shown a document containing a letter from Access Bank to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) detailing transactions in NIMASA’s accounts between 2013 and 2015.

When asked how much money he took to the former Director-General, Agaba replied: “$15 million.”

After listening to the testimony, Justice Faji adjourned the matter until April 22 and 23 for cross-examination of the witness.

The EFCC had in December 2015 arraigned Dr. Akpobolokemi and seven others before the court on a 30-count charge bordering on conspiracy, fraudulent conversion of funds and money laundering.

Those charged alongside the former NIMASA boss include, Warredi Enisuoh, Governor Juan, Ugo Frederick, Timi Alari, as well as Alkenzo Limited and Penniel Engineering Services Limited.

They pleaded not guilty to the offences.

The anti-graft agency alleged that the defendants conspired to divert funds running into over N1.15 billion under the guise of providing security intelligence in Nigeria’s maritime domain.

According to the EFCC, the NIMASA Intelligence Committee allegedly received N1,153,000,000 between December 2013 and July 2015.

Investigations further revealed that several companies contracted to execute the intelligence operations were either unregistered or lacked the capacity to perform the services, while some were allegedly linked to the defendants.

The prosecution also alleged that the defendants nominated or owned many of the companies used to execute the contracts.

One of the charges stated that the defendants conspired to commit offences punishable under the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2012.

 

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CBN Bars Chronic Loan Defaulters from Accessing New Banking Services

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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued a directive to all financial institutions to immediately restrict certain banking services for large-ticket borrowers with non-performing loans (NPLs).

This move is aimed at strengthening credit discipline and protecting the stability of the Nigerian financial system following a rise in the industry’s NPL ratio to approximately 7%, exceeding the regulatory 5% threshold.

This order is specifically targeted at large-ticket obligors.

The CBN issued the directive in a circular to banks on Monday.

The latest instruction comes almost a week after the CBN asked financial institutions to stress test.

It is uncertain if the two directives are connected or what may have triggered the loan-related instruction, but the apex bank said it furthers its mandate to protect Nigeria’s financial system.

“In furtherance of its mandate to promote a sound financial system, protect depositors, and enhance prudential compliance within the banking sector, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) hereby directs all banks to restrict non-performing large ticket obligors, whose activities pose systemic risk to the financial system, from accessing specified banking services,” the circular reads in part.

“Any large-ticket obligor with a non-performing facility recorded in the CRMS and/or any licensed private credit bureau shall not be granted additional credit facilities. For the purpose of this restriction, credit facilities include loans and other forms of direct credit.

“In addition, such obligors shall not be granted banking facilities or contingent liabilities such as bankers’ confirmations, letters of credit, performance bonds, or advance payment guarantees.”

 

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Makinde Only In PDP Because He’s Not Seeking Re-election – Otitoju

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Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, the Director of News at TVC News, recently stated that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde would likely have defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) if he was still serving his first term.

Otitoju stated this on Friday on TVC’s ‘Breakfast Show’.

He described the National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ibadan last November as a mere waste of time.

“People must show good judgment at a critical phase. What was the point of having that convention? Two courts told you not to go ahead but you went ahead.

“I may not be a fan of former Senate President Bukola Saraki but if he says something that makes sense, I will be the first to admit it. He made sense when he said let’s go for caretaker. What’s the point of not listening to him?

“Later you will be shouting that the ruling party is behind your crisis, meanwhile you are the architect of your own misfortunes. You created this problem.

“If Makinde were in his first term, he would have fled like the dancing governor because his second term would have been in danger,” Otitoju said.

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