Crime
N700 Million Diezani Cash: EFCC re-arraigns Yero, others
N700 Million Diezani Cash: EFCC re-arraigns Yero, others
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on November 21, 2022 re-arraigned a former governor of Kaduna State, Mukhtar Ramalan Yero before Justice R.M Aikawa of the Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna on an eight count amended charges bordering on money laundering. The re-arraignment is sequel to the transfer of the former trial judge, Justice M.G Umar, from the State.
Yero is being prosecuted by the EFCC alongside Nuhu Somo Wya (a former minister), Ishaq Hamsa (a former Secretary to Kaduna State Government) and Abubakar Gaiya Haruna (a former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state) for their alleged involvement in the receipt and disbursement of the sum of N700 million paid to them by a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke to influence the outcome of the 2015 presidential election.
At today’s sitting, the prosecution counsel, Nasiru Salele, told the Court that the case was for re-arraignment of the defendants and urged the court to ask them to take their pleas.
The charges were read to the defendants and they all pleaded ‘not guilty’.
One of the amended counts reads: “That you, Muktar Ramalan Yero (while being the Executive Governor of Kaduna state), Nuhu Somo Wya (whilst being a former minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria) and Abubakar Gaiya Haruna ( whilst being the chairman people’s Democratic Party (PDP), Kaduna State Chapter, sometimes in 2015 in Kaduna within the jurisdiction of the Honourable Court (Federal High Court) did conspire among yourselves to commit a felony to wit: indirectly taking possession of the sum of N700,000,000.00 ( Seven Hundred Million Naira) which you ought to have known forms part of unlawful activity to wit; bribery and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(a) of the Money Laundering ( Prohibition Act 2011 (as amended) in 2012 and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act”.
Another count reads: “That you Mukhtar Ramalan Yero ( whilst being the Executive Governor of Kaduna state), Nuhu Somo Wya (whilst being a former minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria), Ishaq Hamza (whilst being the secretary to the Kaduna state government), and Abubakar Gaiya Haruna (whilst being the chairman people’s Democratic Party (PDP), Kaduna State Chapter, sometimes in 2015 in Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court (Federal High Court) did indirectly take possession of the aggregate sum of N700,000,000.00 ( Seven Hundred Million Naira),which you reasonably ought to have known forms parts of the proceeds of unlawful activity to wit: bribery and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011( as amended) in 2012 and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act”.
Following their pleas, the defence counsel, Yunus Ustaz Usman urged the court to extend to the defendants, the terms of the bail earlier granted them by the former judge.
The prosecution counsel, Nasiru Salele, appearing with M.E Eimonye and P.C Onyeneho, did not object to the application.
Justice Umar granted bail to the defendants on the same terms earlier offered them by the court.
The case was adjourned till 16th, 17th and 18th January, 2023, for trial.
N700 Million Diezani Cash: EFCC re-arraigns Yero, others
Troops Neutralise Five Terrorists in Ambush Operation in North-East
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North-East), Operation HADIN KAI, have neutralised five suspected terrorists during a successful ambush operation conducted in Borno State.
Security sources disclosed that the operation was carried out on April 29 by troops deployed at a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in the Mayanti area, as part of ongoing offensive operations under Operation Desert Sanity.
According to the sources, the troops had laid an ambush at a strategic location based on credible intelligence before coming into contact with a group of insurgents later in the evening.
“The troops engaged the terrorists effectively upon contact, resulting in the neutralisation of five of them,” the source said.
Items recovered from the scene include two bicycles, fabric materials and food supplies, believed to have been used for logistics by the fleeing insurgents.
The troops have since redeployed to another tactical position to continue offensive operations and deny the terrorists freedom of movement within the area.
Military authorities said the morale and fighting efficiency of the troops remain high, as operations continue to sustain pressure on insurgent elements across the North-East theatre.
Operation HADIN KAI has in recent months intensified clearance and ambush operations aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities and restoring normalcy to affected communities in the region.
Troops Neutralise Five Terrorists in Ambush Operation in North-East
Troops Neutralise Four Terrorists, Recover Arms in Sambisa Axis
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have neutralised four suspected terrorists and recovered arms and logistics items during an ambush operation in the Sambisa forest axis of Borno.
Security sources said the operation was conducted in the early hours of April 30 by troops of 21 Special Armoured Brigade in conjunction with local vigilante forces.
The sources disclosed that the troops mobilised to a suspected terrorist crossing point in the general area of “Charlie Five” following credible intelligence on insurgent movement.
“Contact was made with the terrorists advancing from the Yale axis towards the Sambisa Forest, and the troops immediately engaged them with superior firepower,” the source said.
During exploitation of the area, four terrorists were neutralised, while troops recovered one AK-47 rifle with 12 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
Other items recovered include two bags of ground maize and a pack of spaghetti, believed to be part of the terrorists’ food supplies.
The ambush team subsequently returned safely to base without casualties, while monitoring and clearance operations continue in the area.
Military authorities said the general security situation in the axis remains calm, with troops maintaining high morale and operational efficiency.
Operation HADIN KAI continues to sustain offensive operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks and restoring peace across the North-East region.
Troops Neutralise Four Terrorists, Recover Arms in Sambisa Axis
Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Four Victims in Bauchi
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 8, Sub-Sector 82, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have foiled a kidnap attempt in Jigi village, Lere District of Bauchi Local Government Area, Bauchi State, rescuing four abducted persons.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 1:05 p.m. on April 28 when troops deployed at Bafawa Balewa responded to intelligence on a kidnapping incident in the area.
The sources disclosed that on sighting advancing troops, the kidnappers abandoned their victims and fled into nearby bushes.
According to the sources, the four rescued victims were immediately secured and later handed over to the Chairman of Miyetti Allah, Lere District, for identification and further necessary action.
They added that troops have intensified patrols in the area to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent further criminal activity along the axis
Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Four Victims in Bauchi
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