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How Okorocha lay on floor, begged for help amid EFCC invasion

Published

2 years ago

May 25, 2022

Rochas Okorocha

Senator Rochas Okorocha lay on the floor and begged for help during the invasion of his Abuja residence by security operatives on Tuesday.

Daily Trust had reported how officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) laid siege to the former governor’s residence on Tuesday afternoon.

After a standoff that lasted for over five hours, the armed security operatives broke into Okorocha’s apartment and whisked him away.

Sounds of gunshots rent the air as the operatives forced their way into Okorocha’s expansive sitting room where he and his family members all laid on the floor to apparently escape being hit by stray bullets.

“Please help! Call for my rescue. Come and help me, my Lord, My God. Come and rescue me,” Okorocha said in trembling voice.

Okorocha was later seen in a video where he said it was his last appearance for the night.

“EFCC is here with some gunmen; they have broken all my bullet proof doors. This is my last appearance. They are coming in to shoot,” the senator said briefly before taking cover.

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After Okorocha was arrested, a shouting march ensued between some persons suspected to be his aides and some EFCC officials.

The cause of the argument was unknown but the white Toyota Hiace bus the senator was forced into wait for at least three minutes before it joined the convoy of security operatives that raided the residence.

According to an official of the anti-graft agency, Okorocha would be detained at headquarters of the commission till May 30 when he would be arraigned.

While addressing journalists before his arrest, Okorocha wondered why the security agents would hold him hostage.

But EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, said the move followed the alleged refusal of the former governor to honour several invitations extended to him after jumping the administrative bail earlier granted him by the commission.

Uwujaren recalled that the EFCC had on January 24, 2022, filed a 17-count charge bordering on diversion of public funds and properties to the tune of N2.9billion against Okorocha.

He said the case was assigned to Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja but attempts to arraign Okorocha was twice stalled owing to the absence of the ex-governor who evaded service of processes.

Related Topics:EFCC Featured floor invasion Okorocha

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Soldier, four others killed in Benue during suspected cultists clash

Published

18 mins ago

November 17, 2024

Trends Admin

Soldier, four others killed in Benue during suspected cultists clash

Four people, including a soldier, were reportedly killed by suspected cultists in the North Bank area of Makurdi, Benue State, on Thursday and Friday.

Local sources revealed that the victims, including two young men and a soldier, were attacked late Friday night.

Another individual, believed to be a cultist, was killed in his home on Thursday.

Chairman of the vigilance group Operation Shara, Nura Umar, stated, “The soldier and two boys were innocent victims attacked by suspected cultists. The incidents occurred near the BIPC area.”

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However, police spokesperson Catherine Anene confirmed only one civilian death, adding, “Operatives have been deployed to address the situation.”

The area has seen a surge in rival cult clashes in recent weeks, raising concerns over public safety.

Soldier, four others killed in Benue during suspected cultists clash

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Ndume tells Bwala to beg Shettima for forgiveness over Muslim-Muslim ticket outburst

Published

35 mins ago

November 17, 2024

Trends Admin

Senator Ali Ndume and Daniel Bwala

Ndume tells Bwala to beg Shettima for forgiveness over Muslim-Muslim ticket outburst

Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South under the All Progressives Congress (APC), has called on Daniel Bwala, the newly appointed Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications to President Bola Tinubu, to apologize to Vice President Kashim Shettima.

In a statement, Ndume attributed his plea to Bwala’s earlier criticism of Shettima’s selection as Tinubu’s running mate, a decision that led to Bwala’s exit from the APC over concerns about the party’s Muslim-Muslim ticket.

It should be recalled that Bwala, previously a spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar’s presidential campaign, recently joined Tinubu’s team after being a vocal critic of the ruling party’s decision to present two Muslim candidates for the 2023 presidential election.

Bwala resigned from the APC in July 2022, condemning the party’s choice of Shettima as insensitive to Nigeria’s secular principles. At the time, he publicly opposed the Muslim-Muslim ticket, sparking significant debate.

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In his statement, Ndume said, “I wish to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Daniel Bwala as his Special Adviser on Public Communication and Media. This gesture deserves serious applause, particularly in view of the roles played by Bwala in the recent past.”

Ndume praised Tinubu’s appointment as a move towards inclusivity and reconciliation, urging Bwala to work closely with Vice President Shettima. “You should work with the Vice President closely as your second principal to promote the renewed hope agenda of Mr. President,” Ndume advised.

He also encouraged Bwala to follow the example of key Tinubu allies such as Sunday Dare, Hadiza Bala Usman, and Bayo Onanuga, emphasizing the need for constructive advocacy. “These individuals defend and market Tinubu’s policies backed by facts and figures without being abusive or offensive. Bwala should adopt a similar approach,” Ndume stated.

Highlighting the importance of grassroots connection, Ndume added, “Charity begins at home. You must connect with the grassroots to ensure the administration’s message resonates with the people. I wish you success in your new assignment.”

Ndume tells Bwala to beg Shettima for forgiveness over Muslim-Muslim ticket outburst

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Supreme Court sacks Remo monarch in Ogun State

Published

1 hour ago

November 17, 2024

Trends Admin

Supreme Court sacks Remo monarch in Ogun State

The Supreme Court in Abuja has affirmed Oba Olatunji Kalejaiye’s removal from the throne, the Nloku of Iraye in Remo North Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The Apex court’s decision affirmed an earlier order of the Appeal Court asking Kalejaiye to stop parading himself as the Nloku of Iraye.

In the Supreme Court ruling delivered by Justice Uwani Musa Aba Aji, the Apex Court granted the application to strike out Kalejaiye’s appeal for lack of diligent prosecution, as prayed.

“Appeal number SC/CV11112022 is at this moment struck out for lack of diligent prosecution,”’ the Supreme Court ruled to end the embattled monarch’s troubled reign as Nloku of Iraye.

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Justices Habeeb Adewale Abiru, M.M. Saulawa, Chioma Egondu Nwosu-Iheme, and Obande Festus Ogbuinya were with Justice Musa on the case.

The Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State had in September 2022, halted the reign of the deposed Nloku of Iraye, Oba Kalejaiye, while ruling on the case (Appeal No: CA/1B/255/2015 Suit No: HCS/65/2019, an appeal filed by Kalejaiye against his deposition in 2015 by a State High Court sitting in Sagamu.

The Justices of the Appeal Court, led by Hon. Justice Moore A. A. Adumein, ruled that “the appeal lacked merit and is hereby dismissed. The Judgment of Hon. Justice Olugbenga Ogunfowora is hereby affirmed.”

Speaking on the Supreme Court judgment, Pa Olu Salau, head of the Sugbada royal family appreciated the Justices for doing justice to the matter brought before them in a brilliant, comprehensive, and incisive manner. He urged all parties in the dispute to accept the judgment as the will of God and the wishes of the good people of Iraye.