Court blocks 24 bank accounts linked to terrorism financing – Newstrends
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Court blocks 24 bank accounts linked to terrorism financing

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Court blocks 24 bank accounts linked to terrorism financing

A Federal High Court in Abuja has okayed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC’s application to freeze 24 bank accounts domiciled in different banks over allegations bordering on terrorism financing.

Justice Emeka Nwite, who granted the application after EFCC’s lawyer, Martha Babatunde, moved an ex-parte motion to the effect, gave the commission the go-ahead to freeze the accounts for 90 days pending the conclusion of investigations.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the motion ex-parte, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1897/V/2024, was filed by Ekele Iheanacho, SAN.

Iheanacho sought an order freezing the bank accounts stated in the schedule which accounts are owned by Lawrence Lucky Eromosele who is currently being investigated in a case involving kidnapping pending the conclusion of the investigation.

He said the bank accounts in respect of which the reliefs were sought are subject to matters of investigation by the EFCC about money laundering and terrorism financing.

The senior lawyer said preliminary investigations conducted thus far revealed that the bank accounts are linked to persons who take advantage of the virtual cryptocurrency exchange platforms to illegally manipulate the value of naira and laundering proceeds of unlawful activities.

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He said there is need to preserve the funds in the identified bank accounts pending the conclusion of investigation and possible prosecution.

In the affidavit deposed to by Mohammed Khalil, an investigator attached to the Special Investigation Team of the EFCC domiciled in the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, he said he was a member of the team assigned to investigate the matter.

He said the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, directed the team to investigate a serious threat by a syndicate threatening the lives of senior operatives of the NSA by making demands for payments of ransom.

He said on receipt of the directive, the team began investigation by conducting surveillance of the activities on these syndicates, requesting bank instruments.

Kalil said investigation revealed Lawrence Lucky Eromosele as one of the perpetrators of the crime.
According to him, the operatives received a direct threat involving their families, with the perpetrators providing the homes addresses, family locations and specific movements with a threat to kidnap following failure to remit redemption payments.

He alleged that “one unknown individual contacted an operative, demanding some monies in exchange for their freedom and that of their families.”

“Attached and marked as Exhibit EFCC 1 is the printout of the chat between one of the perpetrators and the operative.”

The officer said in a bid to mitigate some of the threats, the team had identified bank accounts linked to the individuals making the threats.

“Attached and marked as Exhibit EFCC 2 are the bank statements of one of the suspects.
“Further intelligence has revealed that proceeds of crimes and funds for terrorist activities are covertly exchanged through these platforms,” he said.

Kalil said the order of the court is necessary to freeze the said accounts clearly described in Schedule 1 to the motion paper for which investigation is ongoing.

Upon resumed hearing, Babatunde, who appeared for EFCC, informed the court that the motion was dated and filed on December 17.

She said the motion prayed for an order freezing the bank accounts in the schedule attached to the application.

The lawyer urged the court to grant the relief.

When Justice Nwite asked her for how long the investigation would be conducted, Babatunde said within 90 days.

The judge, who granted the prayer, adjourned the matter until March 24, 2025, for mention

 

Court blocks 24 bank accounts linked to terrorism financing

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You saved Nigeria’s democracy by defeating third term agenda, Tinubu tells Nnamani

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President Bola Tinubu and former Senate President, Ken Nnamani

You saved Nigeria’s democracy by defeating third term agenda, Tinubu tells Nnamani

In a dramatic move, President Bola Tinubu has subtly taken aim at former President Olusegun Obasanjo as he praised former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, for his decisive role in thwarting the infamous third-term agenda.

Though Tinubu never directly named Obasanjo, the insinuation was clear. Obasanjo, who had been the mastermind behind the controversial attempt to amend the constitution and secure a third term in office, faced an unambiguous rebuke from the President during his visit to Enugu.

Acknowledging Nnamani’s pivotal role, Tinubu stated that Nnamani and his colleagues’ intervention saved Nigeria’s democracy from those who sought to derail it with the third-term agenda.

The meeting in Enugu on Saturday was part of Tinubu’s official visit, where he met with South East leaders to discuss critical issues concerning the region’s development.

In the same breath, the President reiterated his administration’s commitment to completing the Eastern Rail line, connecting Port Harcourt to Maiduguri, a project that remains a key priority.

Tinubu also expressed firm support for the development of the Anambra Basin, an area believed to hold substantial energy reserves, including an estimated 1 billion barrels of oil and 30 billion cubic feet of gas.

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This move, he assured, would drive Nigeria’s energy future forward.

The President responded to calls from various leaders, including former Minister of Power, Professor Chinedu Nebo, and Enugu State’ Chris Ugoh.

Nebo urged Tinubu to prioritize completing the remaining sections of the Eastern Rail line, emphasizing the link’s potential to significantly boost Nigeria’s non-oil exports and economic growth.

Ugoh, in his plea, pointed to the untapped energy potential of the Anambra Basin, calling on the federal government to harness this resource not only for the Southeast but also for the Middle Belt and the North.

Security also featured prominently in discussions, with Onyemauche Nnamani, National Commissioner for the Police Service Commission, recommending modern security strategies for the region, similar to the advanced CCTV systems and surveillance patrol vehicles already implemented in Enugu.

Nnamani urged the government to reduce reliance on checkpoints and roadblocks, citing their inefficiency and the heightened risks to security personnel.

Responding to the calls, Tinubu assured that efforts were already underway to address these issues. “This is a work in progress,” he affirmed. “I inherited these critical problems, but I am committed to solving them.”

On the issue of energy infrastructure, Tinubu stressed that gas would be key in Nigeria’s transition from petrol. “We will invest in it, and we’ll do it together. I’m fortunate to have strong governors by my side,” he declared confidently.

With his leadership, Tinubu is charting a new path for Nigeria’s development, one where security, infrastructure, and energy resources are central to the country’s growth.

 

You saved Nigeria’s democracy by defeating third term agenda, Tinubu tells Nnamani

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Air Force schools increase feeding fees by 200%

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Air Force schools increase feeding fees by 200%

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced a 200% increase in feeding fees for students in its schools, raising the cost from N500 to N1,500 per meal.

The move, aimed at improving the overall well-being of students, was disclosed by the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Abubakar Hasan, during a gathering with veterans at the Logistics Command in Lagos State.

Speaking on the development, NAF Secretary, AVM Ahmed Bakari, said, “The CAS has graciously increased the feeding fees.” He emphasized that the adjustment would ensure that students in NAF schools receive adequate nutrition to support their growth and learning.

Bakari also revealed a shift in admission policies, noting that priority will now be given to NAF personnel and veterans over civilians. “Some of us have been complaining about the number of civilians in our schools, but henceforth, personnel and veterans will be considered first,” he stated.

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In addition to the changes in feeding fees, the Air Force has introduced an accident policy for injured personnel, providing financial support of up to N5 million for injuries sustained during service. Bakari explained, “This policy ensures some form of immediate intervention, offering succour to injured personnel.”

The CAS also highlighted ongoing upgrades to NAF airfields, ensuring 24-hour operational capacity. For instance, Kaduna’s airfield now boasts an Integrated Management System (IMS) and functioning runway lights. Bakari remarked, “The CAS believes there should be no excuses for non-operational airfields at any time of day.”

NAF has further strengthened its combat capabilities by acquiring 12 new platforms in the past 18 months and expects 50 more, including fighter planes and helicopters, between 2025 and 2026. This expansion is anticipated to enhance the fight against terrorism, insurgency, and other criminal activities.

The service has also introduced predictive maintenance for its aircraft and established the Air Power Centre of Excellence. Bakari described the centre as a hub for serving and retired officers to share expertise and advance airpower strategies.

These developments underscore NAF’s commitment to improving the welfare of its personnel and students while enhancing operational efficiency.

 

Air Force schools increase feeding fees by 200%

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Iyabo Ojo reveals harrowing experience of being raped 5 times

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Iyabo Ojo

Iyabo Ojo reveals harrowing experience of being raped 5 times

Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo, widely known as Queen Mother, has candidly shared deeply personal and traumatic moments from her past. During a conversation with fellow actress Biola Bayo on the talk show Talk to B, aired on Friday, Ojo disclosed that she had been raped five times.

Addressing the troubling issue of rape and societal attitudes toward it, the actress criticized the prevalence of rape apologists and vowed to hold anyone accountable for such actions, regardless of their relationship to her.

“I was raped five times in my life. I discovered we have a lot of rape apologists. I don’t care who the person is; if that person is my son, I am going to come for him unapologetically,” she stated.

Ojo also opened up about her family struggles, recounting how her father disowned her when she decided to marry her late husband against his wishes.

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“The only time I lacked was when I insisted this was the man I was going to get married to because, at that time, my dad and I disowned each other,” she revealed.

The actress further described the challenges her father faced with substance abuse, which ultimately led to his death at just 40 years old.

“My dad did everything, alcohol and drugs, so it messed him up at a young age. He died at 40,” Ojo shared.

Reflecting on her upbringing, the actress noted that she was raised by her grandmother and only met her mother when she was about seven years old.

“I grew up with my grandmother, who is half Delta and half Igbo. I think I was seven before I knew my mother,” she said.

Through these revelations, Iyabo Ojo continues to inspire conversations about resilience, accountability, and societal change.

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Iyabo Ojo reveals harrowing experience of being raped 5 times

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