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- January 20, 2025
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Alleged N12.3bn fraud: Otudeko’s counsel protests in court
Bode Olanipekun, counsel to the Chairman of Honeywell Group, Oba Otudeko, who was charged with N12.3 billion fraud, on Monday, appeared before a Federal High Court in Lagos in protest of the charge. The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that Olanipekun, who is the Counsel to the three defendants charged alongside Otudeko, told the
Alleged N12.3bn fraud: Otudeko’s counsel protests in court
Bode Olanipekun, counsel to the Chairman of Honeywell Group, Oba Otudeko, who was charged with N12.3 billion fraud, on Monday, appeared before a Federal High Court in Lagos in protest of the charge.
The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that Olanipekun, who is the Counsel to the three defendants charged alongside Otudeko, told the court he was protesting the charges because they had not been served on his clients.
The 13-count charge was preferred by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, against Otudeko, a former Managing Director of First Bank Plc, Olabisi Onasanya; and a former board member of Honeywell, Soji Akintayo.
They were charged alongside a firm, Anchorage Leisure Ltd.
The EFCC alleged that the defendants obtained the sum under false pretences.
Alleged N12.3bn fraud: Otudeko’s counsel protests in court
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- January 20, 2025
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Melania Trump unveils cryptocurrency on inauguration eve
On the eve of her husband, Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th President of the United States, Melania Trump announced the launch of her own cryptocurrency, $MELANIA. The initiative follows the earlier introduction of the $TRUMP cryptocurrency, both of which have gained traction. Taking to X late Sunday, Melania shared, “The Official Melania Meme is
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On the eve of her husband, Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th President of the United States, Melania Trump announced the launch of her own cryptocurrency, $MELANIA. The initiative follows the earlier introduction of the $TRUMP cryptocurrency, both of which have gained traction. Taking to X late Sunday, Melania shared, “The Official Melania Meme is
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- January 20, 2025
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Otti reiterates healthcare priority, to begin reconstruction of 200 PHCs
The Abia State Governor, Mr Alex Otti, has reiterated that health care is at the top of his administration’s agenda. Otti stated this on Sunday when he received a delegation from Belgium, the Revive Medical Team, who came for a Medical Mission in Abia State for the second time. He thanked the medical team for
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The Abia State Governor, Mr Alex Otti, has reiterated that health care is at the top of his administration’s agenda. Otti stated this on Sunday when he received a delegation from Belgium, the Revive Medical Team, who came for a Medical Mission in Abia State for the second time. He thanked the medical team for
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- January 20, 2025
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Kidnappers persist afetr Soludo’s threats, abduct one in Anambra community
Kidnappers operating in Anambra State have continued in their trade, despite threats by the state governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo. In a latest development, a man whose name is yet to be ascertained was on Sunday night kidnapped at Aku village, Ezinifitte community in Aguata Local Government Area. According to a cousin of the victim (name
Kidnappers persist afetr Soludo’s threats, abduct one in Anambra community
Kidnappers operating in Anambra State have continued in their trade, despite threats by the state governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo.
In a latest development, a man whose name is yet to be ascertained was on Sunday night kidnapped at Aku village, Ezinifitte community in Aguata Local Government Area.
According to a cousin of the victim (name withheld), who reached out for help, the man was abducted at around 11pm, and was being driven around in his own vehicle while ransom demands were being negotiated.
The man who raised the alarm about about 11:30pm on Sunday, however, revealed on Monday by 7am that his cousin has been released.
He said: “The kidnapped victim has thankfully been released this morning but not without a heavy cost—his entire account was emptied through a POS transaction linked to a MoniePoint account.
“I deeply appreciate all your prayers, messages, and offers of help during this difficult time. Your support means so much.”
Though he failed to reveal the amount collected from the victim, he however, appealed for clues on how to recover funds lost in such circumstances.
Attempts to confirm this incident from the state police command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga was not successful.
Kidnappers persist afetr Soludo’s threats, abduct one in Anambra community
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- January 20, 2025
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Imo police command parades suspected kidnapper, arrests man for killing father in-law
The operatives of the Imo State Police Command, Anti-Kidnapping Unit, have paraded one suspected kidnapper, Ozioma Dike and arrested a 40-year-old man, Uchenna Okpara for stabbing his father in-law to death. A press statement issued through the desk of the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, of the command, DSP Henry Okoye, said the operation leading
Imo police command parades suspected kidnapper, arrests man for killing father in-law
The operatives of the Imo State Police Command, Anti-Kidnapping Unit, have paraded one suspected kidnapper, Ozioma Dike and arrested a 40-year-old man, Uchenna Okpara for stabbing his father in-law to death.
A press statement issued through the desk of the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, of the command, DSP Henry Okoye, said the operation leading to the apprehension of the suspected kidnapper, followed an intelligence gathering carried out by the unit, which officially swung into action on January 16, 2025, leading to the dismantling of the kidnapping syndicate in a forest near Agwa, Oguta LGA of the State.
Okoye, informed that, Ozioma Dike was apprehended during an exchange of gunfire between officers of the command and the suspected kidnappers who took to their heels and fled into the bushes.
He revealed that items recovered from the suspect, were a pump-action rifle loaded with seven live rounds of ammunition and an iPhone said to belong to a victim who had been kidnapped on January 8, 2025, in Ubomiri, Mbaitoli LGA of the State.
During interrogation, it was gathered that the suspect confessed to being part of a group responsible for several kidnappings in Ubomiri, Ogbaku, and Ohii communities within Mbaitoli LGA.
DSP Okoye, further informed that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing gang members while Dike remains in police custody as he was expected to be arraigned in court pending on conclusion of investigation.
The command’s spokesperson, is assuring members of the public of the command’s commitment to eradicating kidnapping and other criminal activities in the state.
In another development, the anti-kidnapping Unit also arrested a 40-year-old man, Uchenna Okpara, on January 16, 2025, for allegedly stabbing his in-law, Uchenna Unakalamba, to death.
The incident, according to the police spokesperson, occurred in Ubomiri, Mbaitoli LGA, following a minor dispute involving the children. Okpara, as it was reported, attacked Unakalamba with a broken bottle on a heat of an argument.
“Responding to a distress call, police operatives apprehended the suspect and recovered the weapon. The victim was confirmed dead at the hospital, and the suspect remains in custody pending the conclusion of investigations and subsequent prosecution” the release stated.
Imo police command parades suspected kidnapper, arrests man for killing father in-law
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- January 20, 2025
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Nnamdi Kanu: Bashir Ahmad speaking mind of his benefactors – Sowore
Omoyele Sowore, former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, AAC, has said Bashir Ahmad, an ex-aide to former President Muhammadu Buhari, represents a tendency that assume Nigeria is their private real estate. The Activist said Ahmad was speaking the minds of his benefactors. Sowore’s statement came after Ahmad cautioned those advocating for the release
Nnamdi Kanu: Bashir Ahmad speaking mind of his benefactors – Sowore
Omoyele Sowore, former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, AAC, has said Bashir Ahmad, an ex-aide to former President Muhammadu Buhari, represents a tendency that assume Nigeria is their private real estate.
The Activist said Ahmad was speaking the minds of his benefactors.
Sowore’s statement came after Ahmad cautioned those advocating for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.
Recall that the ex-aide to Buhari had described those advocating for Kanu’s release as enemies of Nigeria.
However, in a post on his X handle on Monday, Sowore said Kanu is being held hostage by feudal characters, adding that he stands no chance of getting “justice” in a court of law.
He said: “This fellow @BashirAhmaad is speaking the mind of his benefactors; when @Mbuhari was in power @MaziNnamdikanu was one of the reasons he would get openly aggressive and upset.
“Truth is that @BashirAhmaad just didn’t wake up to make this egregious statement he represents a tendency in Nigeria and they assume Nigeria is their private real estate, and only they determine what could happen inside it. It is the reason why I have consistently stated that @MaziNnamdiKanu is being held hostage by these feudal characters, he stands no chance of getting “justice” in a court of law, and court cases are just a charade meant to create an impression that he’s in indefinite detention as a result of these bogeys they label as charges. #FreeNnamdiKanuNOW”
Nnamdi Kanu: Bashir Ahmad speaking mind of his benefactors – Sowore
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- January 20, 2025
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China executes man who killed 35 in car rampage
China on Monday executed a man who killed 35 people in a car rampage in the southern city of Zhuhai in November 2024, in the country’s deadliest mass attack in years. On November 11, Fan Weiqiu, 62, deliberately drove a small SUV through crowds of people exercising outside a sports complex, also injuring 45 in
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China on Monday executed a man who killed 35 people in a car rampage in the southern city of Zhuhai in November 2024, in the country’s deadliest mass attack in years. On November 11, Fan Weiqiu, 62, deliberately drove a small SUV through crowds of people exercising outside a sports complex, also injuring 45 in
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- January 20, 2025
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Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway Project: Setting records straight, reinforcing commitment to dialogue
Recent statements attributed to the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, CON, during his visit to the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano (AKR) Highway project site, and a wave of media reports ongoing have raised concerns. While we recognise and respect the Honourable Minister’s commitment to Nigeria’s infrastructure, it is imperative to clarify key facts regarding the AKR
Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway Project: Setting records straight, reinforcing commitment to dialogue
Recent statements attributed to the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, CON, during his visit to the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano (AKR) Highway project site, and a wave of media reports ongoing have raised concerns. While we recognise and respect the Honourable Minister’s commitment to Nigeria’s infrastructure, it is imperative to clarify key facts regarding the AKR project and Julius Berger’s performance.
Project Background and Economic Realities
Julius Berger strives to deliver transformative infrastructure solutions whilst adhering to agreed budgets, timelines and best-in-class sustainability standards. The company has a long-standing track record attesting to the integrity of this commitment.
The AKR Highway project was costed in 2017, before being flagged off in 2018, at which time inflation was approximately 16.5%. Since then, Nigeria has faced significant socio-economic challenges, including but not limited to inflation now exceeding 30% and exchange rate depreciation from ₦320/$ to over ₦1,600/$, which have driven sharp increases in energy and material costs. These factors necessitated adjustments in line with our contract.
Over the course of the project Julius Berger introduced innovative solutions to bring unmatched progress considering scope and requirements, including the pioneering of an asphalt recycling methodology, according to international best practice, enabling a significant reduction of construction time and costs.
AKR Highway Project Status
The AKR Highway project was 65% completed before the contract’s wrongful termination in December 2024. Progress across its sections was as follows:
Section 1 (Abuja-Kaduna): 30% completed. Work was suspended on 15th October 2024 due to unmet assurances. Furthermore, its status reflects the unprecedented security challenges faced along the route as well as consistent delays in payments by the client.
Section 2 (Kaduna-Zaria): 100% completed.
Section 3 (Zaria-Kano): 90% completed.
It is also crucial to emphasise the following indisputable facts:
Adherence to Contractual Obligations: All costs submitted by Julius Berger, including those addressing outstanding payments and cost adjustments, fully comply with the contractual terms and are supported by detailed documentation shared with the Federal Ministry of Works.
Unilateral Contract Termination: The AKR contract termination was unilateral, and Julius Berger continues to seek an equitable resolution that upholds the principles of fairness and contractual compliance.
Commitment to Dialogue and Facts: Julius Berger remains committed to constructive engagement with the Federal Ministry of Works to resolve outstanding issues amicably and in the spirit of collaboration. Contrary to recent claims:
– Julius Berger offered to complete the project within 14 months, leveraging its unrivalled operational infrastructure, as demonstrated across multiple projects.
– Despite widely publicised commitments by the Federal Ministry of Works, including a promised NGN 20 billion monthly payment, Julius Berger has not received any payments for works executed to date, since November 2023. While we returned to the site in good faith, escalating costs and uncertainty over past-due payments forced us to halt work.
– Contrary to the Honourable Minister’s statement, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc was not invited to participate in the re-tender process for the AKR Highway project and, therefore, could not have declined such an invitation.
We are a Partner for Progress
For over 50 years, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has remained a trusted partner in Nigeria’s development, delivering transformative infrastructure and building works with professionalism, transparency, and adherence to the highest standards of excellence. Over the course of our history, at no time have the Federal Government, or any client for that matter, had reason to terminate any contract with Julius Berger. Collaboration, mutual respect and shared goals have guided the successful delivery of projects, no matter the challenge.
Through pre-financing works, advancing projects amidst adversity, and delivering critical national infrastructure reliably, we have demonstrated unwavering dedication and resilience. We remain confident that, through transparent dialogue, current matters can be resolved to further support the nation’s infrastructure goals.
We assure our clients, partners, shareholders and communities of our resolute commitment to progress and of our enduring values.
We would like to express our deepest appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his visionary leadership and commitment to advancing Nigeria’s goals under the Renewed Hope Agenda. His Excellency’s focus on reform, economic growth, and infrastructure development lays a solid foundation for transformative national progress. We stand ready to support this vision for the benefit of every citizen of Nigeria.
Signed:
For: Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.
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- January 20, 2025
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Fire kills eight at Serbia retirement home
A fire broke out early Monday at a retirement home on the outskirts of the Serbian capital, Belgrade, killing eight people and injuring seven. Luka Causic, a police officer overseeing the emergency response, said there were around 30 people inside when the fire broke out at 3:30 am (02:30 GMT). “Unfortunately, eight individuals lost their
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A fire broke out early Monday at a retirement home on the outskirts of the Serbian capital, Belgrade, killing eight people and injuring seven. Luka Causic, a police officer overseeing the emergency response, said there were around 30 people inside when the fire broke out at 3:30 am (02:30 GMT). “Unfortunately, eight individuals lost their
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- January 20, 2025
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Nigerian govt appoints Okonna acting Rector Maritime Academy
The Federal Government has appointed Dr Kevin Okonna as the acting Rector of Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) Oron in Akwa Ibom. The appointment takes immediate effect, following the resignation of the former rector, Commodore Duja Effedua (rtd) from the academy. This is contained in a statement issued by the Head of Public Affairs of
Nigerian govt appoints Okonna acting Rector Maritime Academy
The Federal Government has appointed Dr Kevin Okonna as the acting Rector of Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) Oron in Akwa Ibom.
The appointment takes immediate effect, following the resignation of the former rector, Commodore Duja Effedua (rtd) from the academy.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Head of Public Affairs of the Academy, Mrs Domo Umoekpe, in Uyo on Monday.
Umoekpe said the appointment was conveyed in a letter issued by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, on behalf of the Federal Government.
She said the minister urged Okonna to bring his extensive wealth of experience in the maritime sector to bear on his new role.
She added that with the appointment of the acting rector, the academy would continue to contribute effectively to the realisation of the ministry’s vision and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
“Okonna is a distinguished maritime scholar with about three decades of dedicated service to the Academy.
“He holds impressive educational and professional credentials from recognised national and international institutions, including world maritime university, Malmo Sweden.
“Having risen through the ranks, he has served the Academy in various capacities.
“These include being pioneer Head of Maritime Safety Department, pioneer Director of the defunct MAN Consultancy Services, pioneer Director of Strategy and Research and Development Directorate.
“Also, as a distinguished member of the Nautical Institute (NI), UK, and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT),” she said.
She added that Okonna had contributed immensely to the development of the Academy
Nigerian govt appoints Okonna acting Rector Maritime Academy
