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UPDATE: Unity Bank N7 Billion Scandal

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Fresh facts have emerged on Unity Bank N7billion scandal as the Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property on Tuesday, May 21st, 2019 faulted the denial by the bank of the alleged N7billion indebtedness to some ministries, departments and agencies of the Federal Government.
The panel in a statement by its Head, Media & Communication¸ Lucie-Ann Laha, renewed its threat to “visit full force of the law upon the bank” if it failed to desist from its denial.

Faulting the bank’s claim, the panel, in its statement on Tuesday presented what it referred to as “the handwritten resolution reached at the reconciliation meeting, duly signed by representatives of the panel and the bank.”

“The attention of the Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property has been drawn to the statement by Unity Bank refuting the Panel‘s assertion that the bank is to refund over N7bn to the Federation Account in respect of excess and arbitrary charges on Federal Government accounts that were domiciled therein before the advent of TSA.”

“Below is the handwritten resolution reached at the reconciliation meeting, duly signed by representatives of the panel and the bank. Unity Bank will do well to desist from its denial and honour its agreement, pay its debts to the Federal Government; otherwise, the panel will be constrained to visit the full force of the law upon the bank.”

It is interesting to know that the SPIPRPP, led by Mr Okoi Obono-Obla, had on Monday, May 20th, 2019 said it might charge the bank with economic sabotage should it continue to fail to remit the money to the Federal Government’s Treasury Single Account.

In a statement by Laha, the SPIPRPP, said the N7bn “represents the sum of $15,561,769.99 and N1,488,455,810.90), being excess and arbitrary charges on accounts of some agencies of government by the bank before the institution of Treasury Single Account.”

The statement said the agencies from whose accounts the “excess and arbitrary charges” had been deducted by the bank were the Nigerian Ports Authority, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, the Nigeria Customs Service, the Kaduna Refinery and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency.

It stated that the bank had agreed on the amount earlier in February, this year but “has neither proffered a payment plan nor demonstrated good faith by actually initiating payments.”

The bank, through its Head, Corporate Communications, Mr Matthew Obiazikwor, denied any indebtedness to MDAs or any agreement to return money to the TSA.

“The bank therefore maintains that the allegations of the SPIPRPP are superfluous, frivolous, ill-motivated and unfounded, as falsely presented in a press statement purportedly sent to the public.”

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Lagos Celebrates Africa’s First AI Radio and Robotic Brilliance

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In a dazzling display of digital innovation, Tingo AI Radio—Africa’s first AI radio—hosted a meet and greet that brought together indigenous communities and tech enthusiasts in Lagos. The event showcased an array of mind-blowing robotic automations and AI-driven innovations designed to transform local industries. Live demonstrations featured robots assisting in tasks such as precision agriculture and digital storytelling that captured the cultural heritage of the community. “This event has opened our eyes to a new era of possibilities,” exclaimed community elder Mr. Babatunde. Engaging panel discussions provided insights into how AI can revolutionize education, commerce, and traditional crafts. Interactive booths allowed participants to experiment with digital technologies, while experts emphasized the importance of ethical innovation. Tingo AI Radio’s status as the first AI radio in Africa lent a visionary edge to the proceedings, underlining its role as a trailblazer in merging advanced media with indigenous traditions. The day concluded with a shared sense of optimism and determination to embrace future opportunities that will bridge the gap between heritage and technology. This landmark event has set the stage for ongoing initiatives aimed at empowering local communities through digital transformation.

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Police kill abductors of former AIG Hakeem Odumosu’s wife, recover ransom

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Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have killed the abductors of Folashade Odumosu, the wife of former Assistant Inspector General of Police, Hakeem Odumosu.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who disclosed this to Channels TV on Thursday morning, said the victim also regained her freedom on Wednesday.

The retired AIG’s wife was kidnapped last Thursday at the entrance of her residence in Arepo, Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Society Reporters learned that the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, led the operation that rescued the retired AIG’s wife.

The kidnappers whisked the victim through a swampy area to an unknown destination after dragging her out of her SUV.

Giving an update on the matter, Adejobi said the operatives also recovered the ransom paid to the kidnappers as bait.

However, he refused to disclose the amount paid to the kidnappers or where exactly the victim was rescued.

 

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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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