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EFCC PROBE AMAECHI, AKPABIO…. *EX-TRANSPORT MINISTER “BUYING TIME”

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has begun probing allegations of graft levelled against two former South-south ministers who are interested in succeeding President Muhammadu Buhari next year.

According to EFCC sources,, top on the list of those under probe is the immediate past Minister of Transport, Hon. Chibuike Amaechi. Also being probed is the immediate past Minister if Niger Delta Affairs. Senator Godswill Akpabio.
Dropping the hint last night, a top Presidency official disclosed that, conscious of the EFCC probe. Amaechi has been soliciting the help of top Presidency officials to stop the agency from inviting and embarrassing him.
He, however, added that the best deal Amaechi was able to get from the numerous appeals for intervention was to be allowed to visit EFCC interrogators under the cover of darkness. This isorder to keep his interrogation away from the media.
According to one the sources, also earmarked for grilling is Amaechi’s former colleague, Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, the embattled Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, as well as a former presidential adviser, Kingsley Kuku.
Aside Kuku and Emefiele, the duo of Amaechi and Akpabio were governors of oil-rich Rivers and Akwà Ibom states respectively, and are currently in the race to succeed Buhari on the platform of their party All Progressives Congress (APC).
On his part, Emefiele recently caused a stir in the banking circles when he made a never-before-seen move to run for the office of the President of Nigeria.
The agency source stated that EFCC officers are hot on the heels of Amaechi. Following the intervention of top presidency officials, he stated, the EFCC chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa was able to direct his agents to “interview” Amaechi on Tuesday night. He, however added that the top investigators of the EFCC stayed backed in their offices Tuesday night, but that the former minister failed to appear.
“Top officials of the Commission, including our chairman, stayed back up till 10 pm on Tuesday. They left when it became clear that Amaechi wouldn’t show up. The former minister later called up his contacts to help apologize for not appearing. He promised to come on Wednesday night,” he stated
EFCC officers, he stressed, stayed back through Wednesday night. Again. Amaechi failed to show up, he said.
An associate of the former Transport Minister later disclosed that his friend’s refusal to show up as agreed may not be unconnected with the EFCC raid on the house of another former governor and presidential aspirant, Sen. Rochas Okorocha.
“My brother, the EFCC raid on Okorochas’s house really shocked some of us. The thinking was, if EFCC could so easily embarrass Rochas who is very close to Baba, what is going to be our fate with them? ” he explained.
EFCC sources told Pointblanknews.com that the move to “interview” Amaechi came on the heels of several petitions against the former minister. Most of the petitions, it was gathered, centred on awards of contracts in the Ministry of Transport when he was Minister.
“Some of the petitions couldn’t be substantiated. Some of the petitioners simply failed to show up. The dates and figures they bandied didn’t add up. Some of the addresses they even gave in the petitions were fictitious.
“However, we had cases where the petitioners followed up diligently. They cooperated with our investigators. They supplied us facts and figures. In some cases, the figures ran into billions of Naira.
“Some were in millions of US Dollars. That was why we invited him (former minister) to hear from him,” explained the officer, adding, “unfortunately, he’s been avoiding us”
Contacted, Amaechi’s political associate dismissed insinuations that his friend was avoiding officers of the anti-graft agency. He accused the EFCC of lending itself to be a tool of witch hunt.
“With the APC and PDP presidential primaries at hand, nothing is impossible. Amaechi was appointed minister in 2015. Why are they inviting him now that it is a few days to the presidential convention? They are doing the bidding of their paymaster, but we are not perturbed,” he declared.

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ENHANCING PUBLIC SAFETY AND SECURITY: THE HALO TRUST AND US GOVERNMENT PARTNER TO PROVIDE AMMUNITION HANDLING AND ACCOUNTING TRAINING AT IKEJA LAGOS.

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The Nigeria Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal – Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (NPF EOD-CBRN) has successfully completed the first batch of training for 19 personnel on Ammunition Handling and Accounting Course. The training, held in Ikeja, Lagos, from December 3-20, 2024, was organized by The HALO Trust and sponsored by the United States Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.

According to The HALO Trust’s Country Director for Nigeria, Prince Ganiyu Otunba, this training is part of aholistic NPF-HALO developed project aimed at supporting personnel capacity building, addressing equipment needs, and enhancing the operational readiness of the NPF EOD-CBRN Command to mitigate explosive ordnance threats in Nigeria. A second batch of 22 personnel is scheduled to undergo the same training in January.

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun PhD, NPM, through the CP EOD–CBRN CP Patrick Atayeroexpressed gratitude to the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs andThe Trust HALO for their support.

The training aimed to equip NPF EOD-CBRN personnel with the knowledge, skills, and best practices necessary to handle and account for ammunition and explosives safely and securely. The course also focused on ensuring proper accounting and record-keeping, preventing theft and diversion, reducing the risk of unplanned explosions at munitions sites, and promoting international best practices.

The NPF appreciates the support provided by the United States government, which will have a profoundly positive impact on the society.

CP Patrick Atayero emphasized the importance of responsible ammunition management in preventing the proliferation of illicit weapons and reducing the risk of unplanned explosions at munitions sites. He urged all stakeholders to collaborate with the Police in efforts to prevent the diversion, misuse, and unauthorized handling of explosive and other hazardous materials.

About HALO

The HALO Trust is the world’s largest humanitarian organization engaged in the field of Mine Action and weapons and ammunition management. With over 35 years’ experience, The HALO Trust is the most experienced organization in the field of Weapons and Ammunition Management, rehabilitating and constructing armouries and ammunition stores to international standards, disposing of unsafe and unserviceable weapons and ammunition, and building national capacity to allow for the safe, accountable and secure management and control of weapons and ammunition.

The HALO Trust presently implements Mine Action and weapons and ammunition management projects in 30 countries and territories. In 2024, HALO trained a total of 106 Nigeria security forces personnel in weapons and ammunition management.

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Aliu Gafar delivers stellar performance as Esusu in Femi Adebayo’s Seven Doors

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By Rtn. Victor Ojelabi

The much-anticipated movie series Seven Doors by Femi Adebayo has finally premiered, currently showing on Netflix, captivating audiences with its intricate storytelling and compelling characters.

The movie begins with a haunting scene of seven women under a mysterious spell leaping to their deaths from a waterfall, setting the tone for a gripping tale that unravels in Ilara Kingdom.

The series explores various societal issues, including corruption, greed, gluttony, family values, malicious conspiracies, and the delicate balance of law and order.

Central to its plot is the calamitous fate of Oba Adedunjoye, the Onilara of Ilara, whose failure to perform traditional rites—symbolised by knocking on seven doors—unleashes devastating consequences on his kingdom.

At the heart of this chaos is Esusu, a malevolent and exiled villain whose return wreaks havoc.

Esusu, a ni ohun t’Eledumare o ni.
Eledumare o ni ika, ika ni Esusu

The character of Esusu, pivotal to the story’s depth, is masterfully brought to life by Aliu Gafar.

Gafar’s first appearance, late in Episode 2, immediately shifts the narrative, introducing a chilling force that spares no one, not even the royal family. His commanding portrayal encapsulates the essence of Esusu, a man whose wickedness defies comprehension.

The backstory reveals Esusu’s sinister pact with Ọba Adejuwọn, an ancestor of Adedunjoye.

Desperation led Adejuwon to seek Esusu’s help to evade death—a move that came at an unthinkable cost, forgetting that bi alọ ba lọ, abọ nbọ (a pendulum that swings to is still coming to swing fro).

Esusu’s return demanded not only royal treatment but the freedom to live as he pleased, challenging the very fabric of the kingdom.

Gafar embodies this complex character with remarkable precision, delivering a performance that is both chilling and unforgettable.

With almost two decades in Nollywood, Aliu Gafar has solidified his reputation as a versatile and dedicated actor.

His extensive filmography includes acclaimed productions such as Jagun Jagun, Anikulapo, Iyalode, Eefin, and Omo Ajele.

His role in Seven Doors further cements his legacy as a master of his craft, showcasing his ability to seamlessly portray multifaceted characters.

The Yoruba actor has also garnered accolades for his work, including the Best Actor award at the Dallas International Yoruba Movies Awards for his role in Peregun.

His commitment to the industry and his talent for captivating performances continue to make him a force to be reckoned with in Nollywood.

In Seven Doors, Gafar’s nuanced performance as Esusu elevates the series, demonstrating his ability to command attention and bring depth to a complex narrative.

His contribution to the Nigerian film industry remains invaluable, and his portrayal of Esusu is a testament to his enduring excellence.

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Ogun State Prominent Monarchs, Business Tycoons, Others Honor Olusho Agba At The Confession 2024

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The Olusho Agba’s confession 2024 attracted more dignitaries as three respected monarchs in Ogun honour the event by physical appearance, alongside side most prominent CEOs in Ogun.

 

The royal fathers present at the laudable event held at Continental Suits in Abeokuta include HRM Oba Oyabanji Adetunji (Oloja Of Oja Odan) HRM Oba Buhari Makinde (Oniwoye of Iwoye Land) HRM. Oba Lukmon Kuoye (Olu of Imasayi).

 

Also Chief Executive Officer of IBD Foundation, Dr. Mrs. Lara Dende, the Chief Executive Officer of Pelican Valley Nigeria Limited Amb. Dr Tunde Adeyemo and CEO of Zolakaz Oil and Gas Alh. Sanni Azeez was also present at the event.

 

The Confession 2024 features a series of content creators, comedians, singers and dancers, and artists of different fields such as Dr Smile, Hafeez Oyetoro (Simply Saka), Woli 3310, Chukwuka Jude, Babalegba

Biola Adekunle, Femi Obimodede, Ishau Abidemi, and many more.

 

Below are some pictures from the event…

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