Niger Delta Avengers Deny Arrest Of Its Members, Dares SSS To Parade Suspects

       

The Niger Delta Avengers on Saturday said the announcement by the State Security Services to the effect that some of its members were arrested was laughable. In a statement posted on its website, the Avengers, notorious for its wanton destruction of oil and gas installations across the oil-rich region, said the SSS should grant reporters access to suspects in its custody to substantiate its claims that those arrested were members of the militant group.

The Niger Delta Avengers on Saturday said the announcement by the State Security Services to the effect that some of its members were arrested was laughable.

In a statement posted on its website, the Avengers, notorious for its wanton destruction of oil and gas installations across the oil-rich region, said the SSS should grant reporters access to suspects in its custody to substantiate its claims that those arrested were members of the militant group.

The SSS had said in a statement it distributed on Friday that two members of the Avengers were arrested as a result of intensified surveillance the service recently put in place to forestall criminal activities across the country.

The statement, signed by Tony Opuiyo, also said some members of the separatist Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, as well as other criminal elements in different hideouts across the country, were also arrested in the operation which lasted throughout the month of June.

Christian ‘Sensor’ Oluba and Selky Torughedi were the two individuals with alleged ties to the Avengers who were apprehended while plotting to launch an attack on an oil installation, the SSS said.

But in the statement signed by its spokesman, Mudoch Agbinibo, the Avengers faulted the Director General of the SSS, Lawal Daura, for trying to fool President Muhammadu Buhari by giving him a false sense of comfort over the situation in the region.

Mr. Agbinibo said the individuals arrested were, in fact, SSS moles whom the department only arrested and labeled criminals after they demanded payment for the clandestine operations they had carried out for the country.

“The boys have the right to demand for their money from SSS, why not pay them instead of arresting and labeling them as Niger Delta Avengers members?” Mr. Agbinibo said. “If SSS are (sic) denying this, let them allow the suspects to speak to the press. We (Niger Delta Avengers) don’t have any connection with these boys. We dare the SSS to allow the boys to tell the world their side of the story.”

Mr. Agbinibo admonished security outfits to desist from “feeding” Mr. Buhari a false narrative about activities across the region, saying the war against oil vandals would not be won if they remained economical with the truth.

“SSS and Nigerian Army can’t win the Niger Delta war by feeding their President with false information about situation of things in the Region.

“It’s all good because as it seems the SSS is now having internal crisis with most of their sleeper agents and it’s a sign that God is on our side,” Mr. Agbinibo said.

The Avengers also decried Mr. Daura’s alleged indifference to the truth, saying the security chief should imbibe the teachings of his faith as a Muslim.

“This is to SSS Director Lawal Daura, this the holy month of Ramadan and as a Muslim you hold it to Allah and the Nigeria people to say the truth. Why not come out with the truth?”

Mr. Agbinibo, therefore, urged the authorities to sort out their matter with the informants, adding that Mr. Buhari should focus on more important issues in the Niger Delta.

“The Nigerian Army will never get us (Niger Delta Avengers), let them go and settle with their sleeper agents and stop deceiving the general public and their President.

“There are problem in the Niger Delta region such as underdevelopment, environmental degradation, lack of infrastructure and the issue of self-determination. These are the areas Mr. President should focus on, not arresting their allies and linking them to Niger Delta Avengers,” the Avengers said.

Niger Delta militants

Photos: Bride and groom in their wedding dresses stop on the road to buy roasted corn

This couple, Mr and Mrs Ike C. Ibe, came out in their wedding outfits to buy roasted corn just after their wedding today. The happy groom who shared the photos on IG wrote 

"IKE C. IBE Its not a movie. It's my wedding this morning. And it's a maze of life. Eating corn on the way after wedding --Priceless. This is the way we roll".

More photos after the cut.

Photos: Ben Murray-Bruce shares photos with his mum as she turns 90

He shared these lovely photos on his twitter handle to celebrate his mother as she turns 90 years old. He posted the photos and wrote . "Celebrating my mom as she turns 90! I love you mum. Forever yours!". Happy birthday to her. 

Photos: Tony Elumelu honors bank security guard who found and returned missing $10,000

Billionaire businessman, Tony Elumelu, shared the photo above showing him shaking a UBA security guard, Mohammed Ibrahim Ogbanago, who found and returned $10,000. While sharing the photo on his IG page, Elumelu wrote 

"Last month, Mohammed Ibrahim Ogbanago, a security guard at the @ubagroup branch in Oba Akran, found $10,000 outside on the ground at his branch. In an unparalleled display of integrity, he decided to return the money.

When I heard about this story, I knew I had to meet the man who despite facing rising petrol & transportation prices and “tomato ebola” returned such a huge sum of money without recourse to himself. It was a pleasant surprise to hear him tell this story and about how he came to be in the board room with us. Even more surprising was hearing him speak about his passion for governance and integrity in leadership. Mohammed Ibrahim Ogbanago is an exemplary ambassador of the UBA spirit and it was fulfilling to meet and reward him for his conduct. The @UBAGroup management is proud to have this caliber of staff at all levels. Congratulations to Mohammed and keep up the good work".

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Member of Oyo state House of Assembly assassinated

A member of the Oyo state House of Assembly, Gideon Aremu, was assassinated by unidentified gunmen at his residence in Alakia, Egbeda Local government area in Oyo state yesterday July 1st at about 11pm. 

According to family sources, three gunmen had trailed the car of the lawmaker and followed him to his house where they opened fire on him as he came down from his vehicle. He was rushed to Toun Hospital along Iwo road where he was confirmed dead. Th spokesperson of the Oyo state police command confirmed the incident and said the police was on the trail of the assassins.

Photo: Governor Wike supervising the demolition of cultists hideout

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike supervising the demolition of cultists hideout at Rumuolumini in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area on Tuesday.

Student makes history at Covenant University

This 21-year-old guy, Winner Deji-Folutile, has been announced as the best graduating student of Covenant University with a 4.972 CGPA in Architecture, the first Architecture student to so emerge in the university's 14 years' history. The worst results he ever got were two Bs. He scored As in all other courses.

Winner is also the university’s student council chairman and his set’s valedictorian. He also had the best result in WASSCE and NECO when he graduated from secondary school (Faith Academy, Ota). He also had the third best result in NECO in Ogun State in 2012.

Kudos to him! Academic excellence is always worthy of celebration.

we-are-too-busy-to-read-jonathans-confab-report-no-matter-how-useful-babachir

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Mr. Babachir Lawal has said in an interview on Vanguard that the report of the 2014 National Conference organised by the Goodluck Jonathan administration was not a priority of the Muhammadu Buhari administration. Saying President Buhari was too busy to study the report of the National Conference, Lawal said “The government has not taken a decision on the 2014 National Conference. I understand that some Nigerians want it implemented but the government has been too busy with key areas of governance to talk about an exercise that we thought was essentially diversionary and a sort of, maybe, a “job for the boys.”

“If you remember, it was reported that almost everybody in the committee got N7 million and we consider it essentially as job for the boys. They probably produced a document that is good and commendable but I mean, this government is too busy with very more vital areas of governance and we are not intending to spend our time reading reports.

“The exercise of governance is not about reading reports. The reports are here, so many volumes that, for example, it would take me like seven days to go through and I wonder what happens to my work while I am reading it; while the economy needs attention, unemployment is there, insecurity is there, people are blowing up pipelines and so on.”

EXCLUSIVE Kim & Kanye Separated! The New Sign It’s Over

Oh, no! Are Kim Kardashian and Kanye West headed for splitsville? A new report claims that there is definitely trouble in paradise, and the couple are even sleeping in different beds.

Kim Kardashian, 35, could be preparing to divorce for a third time. After her husband, Kanye West, 38, had a number of different outbursts on social media, a new report says that Kim — and her family — have had enough and are ready to cut the cord. Yikes!

“Kim is at a loss,” a family insider shared with OK! Magazine inside their March 21 issue. Of course, the insider is talking about Kim’s relationship with Kanye, and how it’s allegedly falling apart at the seams due to his reckless behavior on social media and at Saturday Night Live. “She’s questioning the relationship for the first time.” So sad. To hear more about Kanye West, head over to iTunes and download the latest HollywoodLife podcast for free!

Unfortunately, the report claims that there is more to the story than just Kanye’s incessant Twitter rants. Apparently, the couple are “in a rut” that has caused them to lose “the spark” they once shared. “He let himself go while he was working on his album and clothing line, so he’s flabby and irritable. Meanwhile, she’s struggling to lose the baby weight and find her confidence again too.” The insider says these issues have led them to sleeping in different rooms when they are together.

Ever since Kanye started going off on everyone from Taylor Swift to Wiz Khalifa on social media, there seem to be a lot of concerns about the state of his relationship with Kim. Even worse? It’s previously been reported that Kim’s momager, Kris Jenner, is extremely concerned that he could potentially destroy the Kardashian/Jenner empire she’s built. Eek.

Kim Kardashian Slams Nude Selfie Haters In Kanye West Style Rant

 

GOD THAT TOOK BRITAIN OUT OF EU WILL TAKE BIAFRA OUT OF A USELESS UNION”- PASTOR TUNDE BAKARE Read more

                                  

“I do not care if Buhari fills all positions with Fulani men.All I know is that the God that took Britain out of EU will take Nigeria out of a useless union”-Pastor Tunde Bakare (26/06/16) ———

Stop witch hunting and face governance, Monarch tells Buhari ernance,

An Enugu state traditional ruler, Igwe Hafford Agana, has accused President Muhammadu Buhari of failing to tackle the real problems facing the country.

He stated that the president is merely engaged in witch hunting the opposition and perceived enemies.

Igwe Halford said this on Sunday while addressing journalists in Enugu over alleged forgery of Senate Standing Rule by Senate President, Bukola Saraki and his Deputy, Ike Ekweremadu.

According to the monarch, Buhari instead of concentrating on the diverse problems facing the country, was engaging in witch-hunting

He added that the silence of the President on the attempt on the life of Ekweremadu on November 17, 2015, was a further proof to the fact that the President is hell bent on removing the senator at all cost.

The monarch also said the actions of President Buhari have continued to put the country’s democracy under serious threat.

Saraki and Ekweremadu will be arraigned in court today Monday June 27.

In a related development, a coalition of Ethnic Nationalities Youth Organizations in the country has also condemned the planned prosecution of Saraki and Ekweremadu saying that it is a “threat to democracy”.

The group in a statement issued in Umuahia, after visiting the President of Ohaneze Ndigbo Youth Council, said the issue in contention was “an internal affair of the senate and should be resolved by the senators themselves based on the principle of separation of powers.

Buhari Is No Longer President, Cabals Have Seized Executive Powers From Him - Saraki

The Senate President, Bukola Saraki Monday said that cabals have seized apparatus of the Executive from President Muhammadu Buhari.Saraki, who made the statement after appearing at a federal high Court alongside his Deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, outgoing Clerk to the National Assembly, Alhaji Salisu Maikasuwa and the Deputy Clerk, Ben Efeturi, said there is now a government within government of President Buhari.

"However, what has become clear is that there is now a government within the government of President Buhari who have seized the apparatus of Executive powers to pursue their nefarious agenda, " he said in a statement he personally signed.

"If yielding to the nefarious agenda of a few individuals who are bent in undermining our democracy and destabilising the Federal government to satisfy their selfish interests is the alternative to losing my personal freedom, let the doors of jails be thrown open and I shall be a happy guest" he added

Source: DailyTrust

FIRS Seals Ifeanyi Ubah’s Capital Oil Company In Efforts To Curb Tax Evasion

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) on Monday shut down tax defaulting companies in Lagos State and Imo State. In Lagos, the premises of Capital Oil Plc, owned by business mogul and politician Ifeanyi Ubah, was sealed by the FIRS enforcement team, led by Mrs. Anita Erinne. The staff of the company, which reportedly owes N30 million, were also evicted from the premises.

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) on Monday shut down tax defaulting companies in Lagos State and Imo State. In Lagos, the premises of Capital Oil Plc, owned by business mogul and politician Ifeanyi Ubah, was sealed by the FIRS enforcement team, led by Mrs. Anita Erinne. The staff of the company, which reportedly owes N30 million, were also evicted from the premises.

Capital Oil management told FIRS officials that they were ready to pay its tax liabilities. However, FIRS officials said it was not possible because normal banking hours had ended and that they now had to shutter the gates.

Also in Apapa, the FIRS visited the offices of Folawiyo Energy Trading Company along Creek Road. But the company, which the FIRS says owes N450 million in tax since 2013, maintained that it is only owing for last year. The FIRS team did not seal the company, but advised its management to clear the matter up at the FIRS office in Ikoyi.                                

Also in Lagos, the FIRS enforcement team visited the offices of Makon Engineering and Technical Services Limited, located on 11 Babatunde Anjos Street, Lekki Phase 1.                       

However, the enforcement team, which was prepared to lock up the company, changed its mind after the company's Chief Financial Officer, Lanre Anafi, agreed to the immediate commencement of the payment process of its N26 million tax debt.

The enforcement team led by Emeka Obiagwu, FIRS Director of Enforcement, departed the premises after reaching a firm understanding with the company that the debt would be defrayed before the close of work on Monday.

In Owerri, capital of Imo State, the FIRS enforcement team sealed the premises of two eateries and hotel. According to the enforcement team, the three outfits were shut after concerted efforts by the FIRS to get them to defray their tax liabilities but failed.‎ The affected outfits are City Chef Restaurant, De Mange Eatery House, and Comet Hotels and Conference Hall.

Speaking to the media after the exercise, FIRS enforcement team leader, Mr. Chinazo Udeh, explained that all due processes laid down by law were exhausted before the businesses were sealed.

"We assessed and gave them notice of what they owe as tax. They did not respond to our communication. This was followed up with two separate reminders. Thereafter, a demand notice was sent to them with all these largely ignored. After the expiration of the one month window following the final notice, we were left with no option but to enforce the law."

De Mange eatery has a tax liability of N20 million, while City Chef and Comet Hotel and Conference Hall owe N2.1 million and N2.3 million respectively.

At the point of sealing Comet Hotel & Conference, the company lawyer rushed to the bank and paid N70,000. But that, according to the enforcement team, was inadequate to unseal the hotel.

"They just decided to pay N70,000 out of a tax liability of N2.3m. That does not show seriousness. As a matter of fact, the money they just paid is a penalty for an earlier contravention for late registration. They have paid nothing on the Value Added Tax obligations. In any case, the order to deal this place came from our head office,  the order to unseal will also come from there," said Udeh.

The team also moved to Disney Hotels and Oasis Communications to serve reminders.

Ifeanyi Ubah

Express NG

Afenifere, Falana Others Demand Buratai’s Probe Over Dubai Homes

Prominent Nigerians and groups on Monday urged the Federal Government, particularly the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, to investigate the Chief of Army Staff,  Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, over the purchase of $1.5m properties in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. The Chief Of Army Staff and his two wives were reported last  week by an online medium, Sahara Reporters, to have owned   $1.5m  properties in Dubai.

Prominent Nigerians and groups on Monday urged the Federal Government, particularly the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, to investigate the Chief of Army Staff,  Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, over the purchase of $1.5m properties in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.

The Chief Of Army Staff and his two wives were reported last  week by an online medium, Sahara Reporters, to have owned   $1.5m  properties in Dubai.

The National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Yinka Odumakin, in an interview with The PUNCH, said Buratai  should be probed over the allegation of the Dubai property scandal.

He stated, “The defence the army put up for him is so silly to be believed outside the barracks. All the earnings of Buratai since he joined the army, if all were saved, cannot buy a house in Dubai, let alone two.

“The army also exposed itself as a lying institution when it said Buratai was never in charge of procurement in writing. The investigation should make Buratai to let the country know that he did other businesses to buy the property in question so that the integrity of the anti-corruption war can be intact.

“The house could only come legitimately through other businesses outside his pay. The savings from the salaries of any army officer in Nigeria cannot buy a house in Dubai.”

Also, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project said it was the duty of the EFCC and the ICPC to investigate Buratai’s claim that the houses purchased in Dubai were done with his personal savings.

Speaking in an interview with one of our correspondents on Monday, SERAP’s Executive Director,  Adetokunbo Mumuni,  said for the anti-corruption war to be seen as fair, the anti-graft agencies must consider whether Buratai could afford the properties based on his financial records as a civil servant.

He said, “The bulk stops at the table of the EFCC and the ICPC to investigate the COAS. Did Buratai and his two wives acquired the property in Dubai and paid for it in a single transaction? As a civil servant, how much has he received in salaries and emoluments? Are these big enough to acquire the properties? For the anti-corruption war to be seen as fair and not selective, the anti-graft agencies must investigate Buratai. It is their duty.”

Reacting, the President of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, Mr. Malachy Ugwummadu, told one of our correspondents that Buratai should be probed in as much as he could not justify the purchase of the Dubai property with his legitimate earnings.

Ugwummadu, a lawyer, said, “The main thrust of the two major legal regimes designed to deal with anti-corruption regime is to ensure that by no means persons allowed to live in excess of their legitimate  means.

“If Buratai’s years of entry into the military are known and his salary ascertainable and it is not enough to satisfy a full-time soldier who is also excluded from other endeavours apart from farming and agriculture, he should be probed.

“This is painful to me, because Buratai has shown commendable capacity to fight against insurgency in Nigeria.”

He however warned that “we must be circumspect because that could be this antics of the fifth columnist.”

The Ministry of Defence had earlier on Monday dismissed the controversy generated by an online media report over the ownership of two properties by Buratai’s family in Dubai.

The Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, said that the media report was an attempt by some persons to distract the leadership of the Armed Forces from the successful prosecution of the intensified campaign against terrorism in the North -East.

The minister’s comments were contained in a statement signed on his behalf by his Principal General Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Ahmed, on Monday.

But a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has slammed the Nigeria Army for defending Buratai over the Dubai properties.

Falana said it was not the business of the Army to speak for Buratai on the allegations.

According to him, since public offices require public trust, Buratai should submit himself to the Code of Conduct Bureau and the anti-graft agencies to clear his name.

He said, “Buratai should willingly invite the CCB, the EFCC, the ICPC to look into the matter. If Buratai was alleged to have unjustly purchased the houses, he has to come out to defend himself. He must show how the money used to purchase the houses was transferred.”

Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Yusufu Buratai

Photos: Woman engulfed by flames as she was using mobile phone while filling up her car at petrol station

A young woman sustained burns on 60% of her body when she was engulfed by flames as she was using her phone while filling petrol in the car at a petrol station in Setapak Indah, Kualar Lumpur, Malaysia today, June 28.

"A spark ignited from the pump and triggered a reaction with her handphone," said Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department operations chief Samsol Maarif Saibani.

Firemen were alerted to the incident at 1.25pm and deployed five personnel from the Wangsa Maju Fire and Rescue Department.

Numerous signs are posted at petrol stations warning customers against using their phone there, especially when filling up petrol as it could trigger a fire. However, these signs are often ignored.

Source: NST