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- January 17, 2025
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Biden sets record, grants clemency to 2,500 people
President Joe Biden on Friday commuted the sentences of nearly 2,500 people convicted of non-violent drug offences in what the White House called the largest single-day act of clemency in US history. Those whose sentences were commuted were serving “disproportionately long sentences” compared to what they would receive today, Biden said in a statement. He
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President Joe Biden on Friday commuted the sentences of nearly 2,500 people convicted of non-violent drug offences in what the White House called the largest single-day act of clemency in US history. Those whose sentences were commuted were serving “disproportionately long sentences” compared to what they would receive today, Biden said in a statement. He
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- January 17, 2025
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Man stabs elder brother to death in Kebbi
The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested two suspects in connection with separate murder cases in the Shanga and Zuru Local Government Areas. These incidents, described as “unfortunate” by Commissioner of Police Bello Sani, have prompted calls for community members to seek peaceful conflict resolution instead of resorting to violence. A statement made available to
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The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested two suspects in connection with separate murder cases in the Shanga and Zuru Local Government Areas. These incidents, described as “unfortunate” by Commissioner of Police Bello Sani, have prompted calls for community members to seek peaceful conflict resolution instead of resorting to violence. A statement made available to
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- January 17, 2025
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Nigerian pleads guilty in US to $6m inheritance scam
A 36-year-old Nigerian, Okezie Bonaventure Ogbata, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud in connection with a transnational inheritance scam that defrauded over 400 victims, primarily elderly and vulnerable individuals, of more than $6 million. Ogbata entered the guilty plea in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.
Nigerian pleads guilty in US to $6m inheritance scam
A 36-year-old Nigerian, Okezie Bonaventure Ogbata, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud in connection with a transnational inheritance scam that defrauded over 400 victims, primarily elderly and vulnerable individuals, of more than $6 million.
Ogbata entered the guilty plea in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Sentencing is scheduled for April 14, 2025, before Judge Roy K. Altman. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the elaborate fraud operation spanned several years and involved personalised letters purporting to represent a Spanish bank. The letters falsely claimed recipients were entitled to multimillion-dollar inheritances from deceased relatives overseas. Victims were tricked into sending payments for supposed delivery fees, taxes, and other charges required to release their “inheritance funds.” However, no funds existed, and the entire operation was a scam.
Ogbata and his network used U.S.-based accomplices, many of whom were former victims, to collect and transfer the stolen money. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division, pointed out the significance of international cooperation in combating such crimes.
“This case is a testament to the critical role of international collaboration in tackling transnational crime,” Boynton said, thanking U.S. and international agencies for their contributions to the case.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida stated the commitment to protecting vulnerable populations: “The long arm of the American justice system has no limits when it comes to reaching fraudsters who prey on our nation’s most vulnerable populations, including the elderly. Individuals who defraud American consumers will be brought to justice, no matter where they are located.”
This is the second high-profile case involving the international fraud ring. Several co-conspirators have already been convicted and sentenced, including Ezennia Peter Neboh, extradited from Spain and sentenced to 128 months in prison; Kennedy Ikponmwosa, also extradited from Spain and sentenced to 97 months; Emmanuel Samuel, Jerry Chucks Ozor, and Iheanyichukwu Jonathan Abraham extradited from the UK and sentenced to 82, 87, and 90 months, respectively; and Prince Amos Okey Ezemma, extradited from Nigeria and sentenced to 90 months in prison.
Nigerian pleads guilty in US to $6m inheritance scam
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- January 17, 2025
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Insecurity: Niger Gov Bago announces plans to build 3,000 houses for IDPs in Shiroro
Niger State Governor Muhammad Umaru Bago has announced plans to construct 1,000 modern houses each in Alawa, Kuribi, and Erena for internally displaced persons, IDPs, in Shiroro Local Government Area of the state. Bago made this disclosure during his visit to Gwada in Shiroro Local Council, where he inspected ongoing projects in the area. The
Insecurity: Niger Gov Bago announces plans to build 3,000 houses for IDPs in Shiroro
Niger State Governor Muhammad Umaru Bago has announced plans to construct 1,000 modern houses each in Alawa, Kuribi, and Erena for internally displaced persons, IDPs, in Shiroro Local Government Area of the state.
Bago made this disclosure during his visit to Gwada in Shiroro Local Council, where he inspected ongoing projects in the area.
The governor explained that the new homes will serve as temporary accommodation for IDPs until security improves in their villages.
To make this project a reality, he disclosed that the government has already spoken with the Emir of Minna to allocate free land for construction, and equipment from South Africa has been ordered to mould blocks for the homes.
Bago emphasised that the IDP camps in the state will soon be closed down.
In addition to providing new homes, the governor revealed that the government plans to rehabilitate and equip public schools in the area with teaching and learning facilities.
The governor also promised to construct new roads, a modern market in Gwada, and a new general hospital.
Senator Mohammed Sani Musa and Prof. James Galadima, Chairman of Shiroro Local Council, expressed their appreciation for Governor Bago’s efforts to improve the living standards of rural communities.
Insecurity: Niger Gov Bago announces plans to build 3,000 houses for IDPs in Shiroro
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- January 17, 2025
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Gold prices surge in Pakistan, hit record high
Gold prices in Pakistan surged further on Thursday, aligning with a rise in international rates. According to the All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association, the price of gold per tola increased by Rs1,400, reaching Rs282,200. Similarly, the price of 10-gram gold rose by Rs1,200 to settle at Rs241,941. This marks the second consecutive day of
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Gold prices in Pakistan surged further on Thursday, aligning with a rise in international rates. According to the All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association, the price of gold per tola increased by Rs1,400, reaching Rs282,200. Similarly, the price of 10-gram gold rose by Rs1,200 to settle at Rs241,941. This marks the second consecutive day of
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- January 17, 2025
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Petrol going back to N1,200 – Primate Ayodele warns
The leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, on Friday, warned President Bola Tinubu to address the issue of hardship in Nigeria because gloomy days are fast approaching. Primate Ayodele said petrol, which has now dropped to N945 per litre, will return to N1,200 per litre if President Tinubu fails to address the
Petrol going back to N1,200 – Primate Ayodele warns
The leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, on Friday, warned President Bola Tinubu to address the issue of hardship in Nigeria because gloomy days are fast approaching.
Primate Ayodele said petrol, which has now dropped to N945 per litre, will return to N1,200 per litre if President Tinubu fails to address the issue of hardship as soon as possible.
The prophet mentioned some commodities that would become unaffordable for the common man while urging the president to create a lasting solution.
A statement by his media aide, Oluwatosin Osho, said among the solutions he suggested are the opening of borders and the enhancement of agriculture in the country.
He said: “Nigerians shouldn’t be deceived; we will still face economic hardship this year because the government is yet to do what they are supposed to do. For instance, our borders are not officially open and due to this, things are getting tougher. Let’s not deceive ourselves.
“Petrol will still come down, but not now. Let’s prepare to buy petrol for N1,200 soon. Local rice will be sold for N100,000, while imported rice will go for N140,000. Other food commodities like yam, beans, and vegetable oil will continue to rise. Even spiritual items like anointing oil will become unaffordable for Christians.”
Furthermore, he chastised President Tinubu for the rice palliatives shared through politicians, explaining that it won’t alleviate poverty or hardship.
“The rice palliative is only encouraging corruption; it is not alleviating any hardship; rather, it’s adding to it. Hardship isn’t from heaven but the handiwork of men who are in charge of power. I don’t see this hunger going away anytime soon because there will be hardship in every sector.
“Just like I have said before, if the government isn’t careful, people will start stoning them. Let them create committees to fight against these hardships on all fronts because it will be something else,” he added.
Petrol going back to N1,200 – Primate Ayodele warns
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- January 17, 2025
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Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway ready in 14 months – FG
The Federal Government has assured that the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano dual carriageway will be ready for use in 14 months. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the assurance during the inauguration of the rehabilitation of the rigid pavement of Section 1 of the road (Abuja to Kaduna) on Thursday. DAILY POST reports that
Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway ready in 14 months – FG
The Federal Government has assured that the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano dual carriageway will be ready for use in 14 months.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the assurance during the inauguration of the rehabilitation of the rigid pavement of Section 1 of the road (Abuja to Kaduna) on Thursday.
DAILY POST reports that while Section 1 of the road is from Abuja to Kaduna, Section 2 is from Kaduna to Zaria, and Section 3 is from Zaria to Kano.
The description and scope of works include scarification and pulverisation of the existing bituminous surface as sub-base material and filling of embankments. Other works include the provision of approved crushed rock material (wet or dry) to 100mm thickness with three per cent stabilisation in shoulders and carriageway, reinforced concrete-lined drains, and other hydraulic structures where necessary.
Additionally, the scope includes the provision of median barriers and median drains where necessary, as well as the provision of CRCP 200mm thick on the carriageway and shoulders.
The Information Minister said that his colleague, Dave Umahi, the Minister of Works, had explained extensively and put the politics of the road to rest.
“President Bola Tinubu is very committed and determined to ensure that this road from Abuja to Kano is completed in a record time of 14 months. This is the reason the government cancelled the road contract with the former contractor who said it would complete the road in three years. The government refused and insisted on 14 months. That is also why it was broken into three segments for ease of construction. Nigerians, especially those plying this road, are anxious to see that the road is completed,” he said.
According to him, any delay would not be accepted.
“The President has given a matching order, and the National Assembly has also given them the necessary cooperation and there will be no issues. Within 14 months, we are going to have a brand-new road from the Abuja end to Kano,” Idris said.
Meanwhile, Umahi explained that there was an extension of the road to Aminu Kano International Airport and another five-kilometre extension on the Abuja-Lokoja end of the road.
He added that Section 1 of the road starts at Zuba Junction, Zuba Interchange, and terminates at Kaduna Western Bypass in Kaduna, reiterating that the road, which will have solar lights, would last between 50 and 100 years.
“Note that the existing pavement between Abuja and Kaduna has undergone different levels of deterioration over the years. This has caused failure due to alligator cracks, corrugation, shoving, underground pumping, rutting, ravelling, potholes, and poor drainage. The ministry quickly intervened by commencing emergency repairs on this stretch in order to ameliorate the suffering of the road users. The maintenance work is in progress in four different stretches simultaneously in order to fast-track the repair works,” Umahi said.
Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway ready in 14 months – FG
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- January 17, 2025
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CSOs seek Rivers, FG’s action on oil spill
A Coalition of Civil Society Organisations of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom State has called on the Rivers State Government and the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency and other relevant agencies to tackle the environmental issues posed by the prolonged oil spill in Bukuma waterways in Port Harcourt, Rivers
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A Coalition of Civil Society Organisations of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom State has called on the Rivers State Government and the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency and other relevant agencies to tackle the environmental issues posed by the prolonged oil spill in Bukuma waterways in Port Harcourt, Rivers
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- January 17, 2025
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Award-winning British actress Joan Plowright dies at 95
Award-winning actress Joan Plowright, widow of Laurence Olivier, has died. Plowright, who was one of Britain’s most acclaimed stage and screen stars, passed away at the age of 95, as confirmed in a statement by her family. Her career spanned 60 years and included an Oscar nomination for the 1991 film Enchanted April. She married
Award-winning British actress Joan Plowright dies at 95
Award-winning actress Joan Plowright, widow of Laurence Olivier, has died.
Plowright, who was one of Britain’s most acclaimed stage and screen stars, passed away at the age of 95, as confirmed in a statement by her family.
Her career spanned 60 years and included an Oscar nomination for the 1991 film Enchanted April.
She married Olivier in 1961 after starring opposite him as his daughter in The Entertainer and became a leading member of the National Theatre, which he set up.
In 2014, she retired from the stage after losing her eyesight and being registered as blind.
The statement from her family reads: “It is with great sadness that the family of Dame Joan Plowright, the Lady Olivier, inform you that she passed away peacefully on January 16, 2025, surrounded by her family at Denville Hall, aged 95.
“She enjoyed a long and illustrious career across theatre, film, and TV over seven decades until blindness made her retire.
“She cherished her last 10 years in Sussex with constant visits from friends and family, filled with much laughter and fond memories.
“The family are deeply grateful to Jean Wilson and all those involved in her personal care over many years.
“Joan is survived by her loving family: Tamsin and Wilf, Julie-Kate and Dan, Richard, Shelley, Troy, Ali, Jeremy, step-granddaughter and great-granddaughter Kaya and Sophia, and a great-granddaughter soon to arrive.
“The family ask you to please respect their request for privacy at this time.
“We are so proud of all Joan did and who she was as a loving and deeply inclusive human being.
“She survived her many challenges with Plowright grit and courageous determination to make the best of them, and that she certainly did.
“Rest in peace, Joan…”
Award-winning British actress Joan Plowright dies at 95
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- January 17, 2025
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Gov Okpebholo recruits 360 cleaners into Edo civil service
The Edo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo, has employed over 360 cleaners. Anthony Okungbowa, the State Head of Service, who disclosed this to newsmen in Benin City, said the workers were employed from the three senatorial districts of the state. Okungbowa also said that the workers have been deployed to various
Gov Okpebholo recruits 360 cleaners into Edo civil service
The Edo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo, has employed over 360 cleaners.
Anthony Okungbowa, the State Head of Service, who disclosed this to newsmen in Benin City, said the workers were employed from the three senatorial districts of the state.
Okungbowa also said that the workers have been deployed to various government ministries and parastatals to boost the workforce.
He added that the employment was part of the steps taken by the Governor Okpebholo-led administration to embark on people-centred initiatives.
“Recently, the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, directed that cleaners should be employed into the state civil service as opposed to using consultants and contractors.
“These consultants and contractors were in business and contract with the government. They were paid to employ cleaners to clean government offices, and their take-home pay then was not encouraging and couldn’t support them.
“Gov Okpebholo was not pleased with the arrangement of the Obaseki administration, and as such, instructed that direct employment should be embarked upon to ensure Edo people were recruited into the state civil and public service and received the N70,000 minimum wage.
“Those employed by this present administration are to receive the N70,000 minimum wage paid to all Edo State workers, showing the Okpebholo administration’s commitment to delivering good governance in all sectors.
“Before now, cleaners in the state were receiving N20,000 to N30,000. They were paid less because consultants are businessmen trading to make gains, but the Okpebholo administration decided to change the narrative by giving direct employment to enhance the lives of the people and ensure they enjoy good and practical governance.
“These cleaners, under the previous administration, were not government workers but employees of different contractors and consultants. Job security was not guaranteed, as workers under consultancy services could be sacked unceremoniously,” he said.
He added that appointment letters have since been given to the new staff.
He added that another batch would soon be hired.
“We want to bring in the number of cleaners required to clean government offices; 360 have been employed now and assigned to their various government ministries and parastatals,” he added.
Gov Okpebholo recruits 360 cleaners into Edo civil service
