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FG releases names of Nigerians killed in Northern Cyprus as Turkey reacts
The Federal Government has released the names of some Nigerians, especially students, who have been killed in Northern Cyprus.
This followed a letter circulating on the social media on Thursday allegedly authored by the Turkish Government.
The letter comes days after the Federal Government issued a warning to Nigerians, especially would-be students, on travelling to Northern Cyprus.
According to a statement on Thursday by the Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocols of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the warning issued by the Federal Government was only advisory and not enforceable.
The statement said: “The attention of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has been drawn to a letter purportedly written to our Chairman/CEO, Hon. (Dr) Abike Dabiri-Erewa by His Excellency, Hidayet BAYRAKTAR, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye, on the welfare of Nigerians living in Northern Cyprus.
“Firstly, no official letter was received till date in our office except the unsigned one being circulated in the media. However, we thank the Ambassador and glad that our recent media briefing has elicited his response pertaining to the unfortunate incidents in Northern Cyprus.
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“It will be recalled that Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa and a team from NIDCOM had been to the Turkish Embassy twice to discuss issues related to Nigerians welfare in Turkey and Northern Cyprus, but got no response from the Ambassador.
“It is on record that we received petitions on regular basis from Nigerians, especially parents whose children had been victims in one way or the other in Northern Cyprus.
“Some of the deaths recorded in Northern Cyprus without any resolution from 2016 till date include:
i. Mr. Ibrahim Khaleel Bello (25), son of Justice Amina Ahmad Bello of Kaduna State High Court, 2020.
ii. Kennedy Taomwabwa Dede, 28, student of Eastern Mediterranean University and was killed on February 1, 2018.
iii. Walshak Augustine Ngok, a student of Marine Engineering at Near East University, murdered on April 19, 2019.
iv. Gabriel Soriwei, a first year student of Electrical Electronics of Cyprus International University, Nicosia.
v. Osabanjo Adeola Owoyale, 33, went missing and found dead on July 1, 2019.
vi. Augustine Wallies killed on April 19, 2019.
vii. Stanley Eteimo (28).
viii. Hassan Babatunde (28).
ix. Temitayo Adigun.
x. Kubiat Abasi.
xi. Abraham Okon.
xii. Oziegbe Godspower Airekugose.
xiii. Olasubomi Ope.
“However, we still appeal to the Turkish Embassy to do all they can to protect Nigerians in Northern Cyprus, particularly students, and we are optimistic that the reaction to our recent statement would elicit a positive and pro active reaction from the Embassy.
“While we pray for the repose of the souls of many students who have died in mysterious circumstances in Northern Cyprus, we also pray and hope that only good stories would henceforth emanate from Northern Cyprus.
“Above all, what we have given is advisory in line with our citizens diplomacy. One has option to either key into it or ignore. It should not be misconstrued as exaggeration or an attempt to scare away potential travelers to Northern Cyprus
“Whether it is Nigerians killing Nigerians or drug related crimes, there is some form of danger emanating from Northern Cyprus as alluded to in the Ambassador’s letter thus: ‘I do not dispute that some unfortunate criminal incidents took place in the TRNC, as it happens in any part of the world. However, the occurrence of such incidents is certainly not a daily routine and all these cases are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly by the TRNC authorities. Moreover, since in many cases, Nigerian citizens are not only victims, but also perpetrators of crimes committed in the TRNC, necessary measure will be taken by the relevant agencies in order to prevent young Nigerians and every other student from falling victims.’
“This is our concern as a responsible Commission whose mandate is to oversee the welfare and well being of Nigerians, and we are glad that the Ambassador has promised to take ‘necessary measures’.
“Inasmuch as we do advise our citizens to always be law abiding wherever they find themselves and be good ambassadors of the country, Nigeria will not fold its arms and allow her citizens to be molested or killed in any unjustifiable manner while seeking for knowledge in a foreign land
“May we continue to witness peace, love and mutual respect across the land.”
Eagle
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BREAKING: Court acquits Ex-AGF Adoke
BREAKING: Court acquits Ex-AGF Adoke
A former Attorney-General of the Federation, Mohammed Bello Adoke, has been acquitted of money laundering charges by an Abuja Federal High Court.
Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, upheld Adoke’s “no case” submission against the money laundering charges.
In 2017, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) charged Adoke and Abubakar Aliyu, a property developer, with laundering about N300 million.
While the EFCC acknowledged before Ekwo that it was a mortgage taken by Adoke from Unity Bank, it alleged before Justice Kutigi that the money constituted a bribe from the sale of an oil block by Malabu Oil & Gas Ltd in 2011.
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On March 28, 2024, Kutigi dismissed the charges against Adoke and others, citing contradictions and criticizing the EFCC for a four-year trial.
Justice Ekwo, on Friday, ruled that the EFCC failed to provide evidence to prove the essential elements of the offence against Adoke, acquitting him of the charges.
However, Ekwo mandated Aliyu, the second defendant, to open his defence, stating that he has a case to answer.
BREAKING: Court acquits Ex-AGF Adoke
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Army releases Delta traditional ruler detained over slain 17 soldiers
Army releases Delta traditional ruler detained over slain 17 soldiers
The Nigerian Army has released a Delta State traditional ruler, Clement Ikolo, arrested over the murder of 17 soldiers in Okuama community.
He was released on Friday during a briefing by the Director of the Army Public Relations, Onyema Nwachukwu.
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BREAKING: Tension in Benue as riot police take over APC secretariat
BREAKING: Tension in Benue as riot police take over APC secretariat
Anti-riot Police forces have assumed control of the All Progressive Congress (APC) Secretariat led by Comrade Austin Agade in Makurdi, the capital of Benue state.
This marks the second instance within a month. It’s noteworthy that Makurdi hosts two separate APC secretariats, with Agada heading one and Benjamin Omakolo overseeing the other.
The Agada-led APC State Working Committee (SWC) had scheduled the inauguration of members of the zoning committee for the upcoming council elections at their Secretariat on Friday the 19th.
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In a pre-emptive move, anti-riot police trucks arrived as early as 6 a.m., barricading all routes leading to the Secretariat.
At present, the situation is chaotic, with motorcycle riders, suspected to be aligned with the Benjamin Omakolo-led APC State Working Committee, occupying the area. Chief Of Staff Paul Biam has characterized this faction as the authentic APC.
Governor Hyacient Alia previously issued a ban on all political activities and public gatherings in Benue State, and it appears this directive remains in force.
BREAKING: Tension in Benue as riot police take over APC secretariat
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