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 Intercept 11 Jerrycans of Suspected Smuggled Fuel in Adamawa
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have intercepted 11 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, suspected to be smuggled to terrorist elements in Maiha Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the seizure was made at about 12:27 p.m. on June 26 by troops of the 247 Reconnaissance Battalion during a strangulation operation along the Maiha–Maiha Gari Road.
The sources said the smugglers abandoned the products and fled on sighting the troops, escaping into nearby bushes before they could be apprehended.
A total of 11 jerrycans containing Premium Motor Spirit were recovered from the scene.
The recovered petroleum products have been taken into military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
Military sources said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts by Operation Hadin Kai to disrupt the supply of logistics to terrorist groups operating in the North-East by denying them access to essential commodities, including fuel.
The sources added that troops have continued to sustain intelligence-driven strangulation operations across the theatre to block terrorist supply routes and dismantle their support networks.
Troops Intercept 11 Jerrycans of Suspected Smuggled Fuel in Adamawa
Troops Neutralise 2 Terrorists, Recover Rifles, Ammunition in Kebbi Operations
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) have neutralised 2 suspected terrorists and recovered arms, ammunition and motorcycles during separate offensive operations in Kebbi State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that troops of Sector 2 established contact with terrorists at Sabarumawa on Friday during an offensive operation.
During the encounter, the troops nutrialised two terrorists and recovered two AK-47 rifles, 143 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, nine AK-47 magazines and one motorcycle.
Military sources said the operations formed part of the sustained offensive campaign aimed at dismantling terrorist enclaves and denying criminal elements freedom of action across the North-West.
The sources added that troops have continued to maintain aggressive offensive operations across the theatre to sustain pressure on the fleeing terrorists and consolidate recent operational gains.
Troops Neutralise 2 Terrorists, Recover Rifles, Ammunition in Kebbi Operations
Troops Arrest Four Suspected Drug Peddlers, Recover Cannabis in Plateau Raid
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have arrested four suspected illicit drug peddlers during a raid on a criminal hideout in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 10:30 p.m. on June 25 at the Congo Russia area of Jos North as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks and curb drug-related activities in the state.
During the raid, troops arrested four suspects identified as Isah Mohammed, 20; Nura Kabil, 19; Hamisu Rabiu, 21; and Yakubu Mohammed, 35.
The troops also recovered quantities of substances suspected to be cannabis sativa from the suspects during the operation.
Sources said the suspects have been profiled and are currently in custody for further necessary action, while investigations are ongoing to uncover other members of the illicit drug network.
The operation forms part of sustained security efforts by Operation Enduring Peace to rid Plateau State of criminal elements and deny drug traffickers safe havens within the state.
Troops Arrest Four Suspected Drug Peddlers, Recover Cannabis in Plateau Raid
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