Hoodlums attack TCN substation under construction in Kogi

Bandits on two motorcycles have shot dead a man identified as Garba Aliyu at the Rijana community in Kachia LGA of Kaduna State.

 A community leader from the area, who confirmed to our reporter through telephone on Wednesday, said the incident happened around 11:46pm on Tuesday.

He said the bandits came to the community on two motorcycles and went straight to his house and opened fire on him.

 He said the deceased, who is a renowned farmer that cultivate large hectares of land in the community, had escaped attacks twice when some bandits invaded his house two weeks ago.

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According to him, the bandits saw the deceased as a threat to them for giving useful information to soldiers and security agencies leading to the killing of some bandits at the neighbouring Mai -Iddo village.

He said, “Reliably, one of the security agents even confirmed that the reason why they killed the man was because he had been giving security agencies clues about the movement of bandits.”

 He said the bandits fled the scene with their motorcycles immediately after killing the man, saying his remains have been buried according to Islamic rites.

The spokesman for the Kaduna State Police Command, ASP Hassan Mansur, could not be reached for comments on the incident.

Hoodlums attack TCN substation under construction in Kogi

NNPCL sacks CFO, announces three new appointments

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Umar Ajiya has been replaced.

The company’s spokesman Olufemi Soneye announced Adedapo A. Segun as Umar’s replacement in a statement.

Soneye also announced the appointment of Mr. Isiyaku Abdullahi as Executive Vice President (EVP), Downstream and Mr. Udobong Ntia as Executive Vice President (EVP), Upstream.

Abdullahi replaces Adedapo.

The statement reads in part: “The Board of Directors of NNPC Limited is pleased to announce a series of strategic leadership appointments.

“These changes reflect our continued dedication to enhancing corporate governance, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring long-term success in Nigeria’s energy sector.

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“The following key appointments have been made: Mr. Adedapo A. Segun has been appointed as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Mr. Segun previously served as the Executive Vice President, Downstream, where he made significant contributions to the company’s downstream operations.

“Mr. Isiyaku Abdullahi has been named Executive Vice President (EVP), Downstream. 3. Mr. Udobong Ntia has been appointed Executive Vice President (EVP), Upstream.

“These appointments align with NNPC Limited’s commitment to building a unified and competent leadership team to drive operational excellence and support the organization’s strategic objectives.

“The Board and Management also extend their deepest appreciation to Mr. Umar Ajiya and Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa A. Eyesan for their outstanding dedication and service to NNPC Limited.

“NNPC Limited remains committed to achieving operational excellence, enhancing global competitiveness, and ensuring financial sustainability, while prioritising the interests of the Nigerian public in the petroleum industry.”

NNPCL sacks CFO, announces three new appointments

EFCC arraigns syndicate impersonating anti-graft chairman Olukoyede

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, arraigned two members of an alleged syndicate, Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim, for impersonating and attempting to blackmail the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede.

They were arraigned on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, before Justice Jude Onwuebuzie of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, sitting in Apo, Abuja.

The suspects allegedly contacted Mohammed Bello-Koko, former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, claiming to have access to a phoney investigation involving him by the EFCC. They demanded $1 million, promising that Olukoyede would ensure a “soft landing” for them. They also threatened him with arrest and prosecution should he fail to play along with them.

The EFCC filed a four-count charge against the duo for impersonation and attempted fraud.

Count two of the charge reads: “That you, Ojobo Joshua (aka PA to chairman EFCC) and Aliyu Hashim, on or about September 28, 2024, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, attempted to obtain the sum of $700,000 (seven hundred thousand United States dollars) by false pretence from Mohammed Bello-Koko. You falsely represented to him that there was a pending EFCC petition against him, which you could influence the Executive Chairman to halt. This act is contrary to Section 8(b) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act No. 14, 2006.”

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The defendants pleaded not guilty to all the charges when they were read to them.

Following their pleas, EFCC’s counsel, Elizabeth Alabi, requested the court to remand the defendants in a correctional facility pending the commencement of the trial. She said, “Having pleaded not guilty, my Lord, we ask for a date to begin calling our witnesses and request the defendants be remanded in custody.”

Obinna S. Nwosu, counsel to the first defendant, applied for his client’s release on liberal bail terms, while counsel for the second defendant, Peter Oriobe, made an oral request for bail. Justice Onwuebuzie, however, directed Oriobe to formally submit the bail application in writing.

Alabi opposed the bail applications, referencing a 22-paragraph counter-affidavit and Exhibit EFCC 1 and urging the court to deny the defendant bail and grant an accelerated hearing.

After reviewing the applications, Justice Onwuebuzie granted bail to the first defendant in the sum of N100 million with two sureties in like sum. The sureties must not be less than level 16 officers in the civil service. The sureties are also required to submit their appointment and promotion letters, valid identification, and a written undertaking to bring the defendant to every court sitting. The first defendant must also surrender his international passport to the court.

The court ordered that the first and second defendants be remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre until bail conditions are met and adjourned the matter till November 18, 2024, for the hearing of the second defendant’s bail application.

Joshua and Hashim are members of an alleged four-man syndicate impersonating Olukoyede. They were arrested on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at Gimbiya Street, Garki, and Apo legislative quarters.

EFCC arraigns syndicate impersonating anti-graft chairman Olukoyede