Author

Folarin Kehinde

Headlines

Bobrisky: We will not spare anybody – Nigerian Govt vows

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Federal Government has vowed that nobody involved in the alleged bribery saga involving a crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, aka Bobrisky, will escape punishment.

Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the vow at a press briefing to mark his one year in office, on Friday in Abuja.

The minister had earlier ordered a comprehensive investigation into allegations of bribery and corruption within the Nigerian Correctional Service, NCoS.

Tunji-Ojo gave the order following reports that Bobrisky, who was sentenced to prison earlier this year, did not serve his jail term inside the correctional centre.

Amid the ongoing investigation, the Nigerian Government, through the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board, on Thursday 26th September, 2024, suspended some senior officers of the country’s prisons service.

Those suspended are Michael Anugwa, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC), in-charge of Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Kiri-kiri, Lagos State; and Sikiru Adekunle, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC), in-charge of Maximum-Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Kiri-kiri, Lagos State.

The Board also suspended ASC II Ogbule Samuel Obinna, serving at the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Afikpo, Ebonyi State, for allegedly accompanying a convicted inmate out of the custodial centre to a location outside the facility.

Another senior officer, Iloafonsi Kevin Ikechukwu, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC), in-charge of Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Kuje, Abuja, was suspended for allegedly receiving money on behalf of an inmate.

Speaking on the bribery and corruption saga that is currently rocking the country’s correctional service, Tunji-Ojo urged Nigerians to be patient, and wait for the conclusion of the investigation.

But he assured that all those involved will face the music.

“We will not spare anybody no matter how highly placed. Let’s be patient. Investigation is on but let’s be assured that nobody will be shielded and nobody will be protected,” the minister stressed.

He added that the investigation will go beyond the allegations involving Bobrisky.

“It is not just about Bobrisky. Of the four people we suspended only two are linked to Bobrisky. The one in Afikpo took somebody out. This will continue. It is not going to stop here.”

Tunji-Ojo described the persons in the investigation committee as people of integrity.

“Look at the integrity of the people that are involved. Let the integrity of the people in the committee give you confidence,” he added.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Headlines

Court finally grants whistleblower, Isaac Bristol ‘PIDOMNigeria’ bail

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted bail to a journalist and whistleblower, Isaac Bristol, identified by the Nigeria police as the face behind the PIDOMNigeria account on X.

Leading reporters reports that the Nigeria Police had arraigned the whistleblower on charges of money laundering, unlawfully obtaining and disseminating classified official secret documents and cybercrime.

His arrest and arraignment by the police had stirred up the internet with Nigerians demanding his immediate release and end to the consistent intimidation of journalists and activists.

About a month later, Justice Emeka Nwite granted Bristol N5 million bail with one surety in like sum.

Justice Nwite gave the ruling in response to a motion on notice submitted by Deji Adeyanju, who led Bristol’s team of lawyers.

The motion on notice is a formal request to the court to take a specific action or make a particular decision.

In this case, Adeyanju’s team filed the motion, and Justice Nwite delivered a ruling, which is a judicial decision made by a judge after considering the arguments and evidence presented.

Nwite also ruled that the defendant must deposit his passport with the court.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Headlines

JUST IN: Tinubu Was Just Joking When He Announced an End to Fuel Subsidy – Dogara Clarifies

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Former House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara has shed light on President Bola Tinubu’s pronouncement on fuel subsidy removal, stating that it was merely a joke.

He made the clarification while speaking on Channels TV on Friday.

According to Dogara, Tinubu wasn’t the one who removed the subsidy, as there was no provision for it in the budget approved by the National Assembly before his election.

Dogara clarified that Tinubu’s declaration that “subsidy is gone” was not backed by any policy action.

“In this case, there was no provision for it, and anybody who told you he (Tinubu) suspended it was just joking because how did he suspend payment that was not budgeted for in the first instance?

“There was no provision for subsidy in that budget and I am not aware of any amendment that took place to accommodate the payment of subsidy. The truth is that he (Tinubu) was not the one who removed the subsidy. But he did make that pronouncement,” Dogara said.

The former speaker explained that although Nigerians are feeling the effects of subsidy removal, it was the right move for the country’s progress. He stressed that real change requires sacrifices and that Nigerians must move beyond discussing problems to finding solutions.

He added, “In addressing this, we must accept whether we like it or not unless we are being disingenuous. Whether the President said the subsidy was gone or he was removing the subsidy, we all know that subsidy had been removed before he was elected. There was no provision for it in the budget and you know the budget is backed by the constitution. If there’s no provision for it in the budget, then how do you pay for it?”

President Tinubu had announced the removal of fuel subsidy during his inaugural address on May 29, 2023, stating that there was no provision for it in the national budget from June 2023.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Headlines

BREAKING: Education Minister’s WhatsApp Line Hacked

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The WhatsApp number of the Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman has been hacked, his office said on Friday.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Director of press and PR in the ministry, Boriowo Folasade.

According to the statement, the number is currently being used by unauthorised individuals.

The statement added that Professor Mamman has reported to relevant authorities.

It called on members of the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity from the number.

The statement read: “The Office of the Honourable Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, wishes to inform the general public that the Minister’s WhatsApp number has been hacked and is currently being used by unauthorised individuals.

“We deeply regret any inconvenience this may cause and urge everyone to disregard any message or request received from the said number until further notice.

“The matter has been reported to the relevant authorities and is under investigation. We advise all members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.”

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Headlines

BREAKING: Akwa Ibom first lady is dead

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Patience Umo Eno has been confirmed dead after a brief illness.

Patience’ death was confirmed in a statement by Commissioner for information, Ini Ememobong, in the early hours of Friday, September 27.

According to the Ememobong’s statement, the Governor’s wife died in a hospital following an illness on Thursday in the presence of her family members.

The statement reads: “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of the Wife of the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Her Excellency, Pastor Mrs. Patience Umo Eno, following an illness. She passed away peacefully at the hospital, on 26th September, 2024, in the presence of her family.

“The family submits to the will of the Almighty and asks for the prayers and support of kind-hearted individuals during this difficult time. Further details will be provided by the family as necessary. In the meantime, the family kindly requests privacy as they mourn their beloved wife, mother and grandmother.

“His Excellency, the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno appreciates all who have stood by the first family in this period and assures all the citizens that despite this huge personal loss, his commitment to the service of the state is unwavering.”

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Entertainment

Bobrisky deletes all Instagram posts

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Nigerian cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, aka Bobrisky, has deleted all pictures and videos on his Instagram page.

Checks by The Nation on the embattled cross-dresser’s Instagram page reveal that all posts on his page have been deleted.

This comes just 48 hours after popular activist and social media influencer, Martins Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, released an audio recording allegedly revealing Bobrisky offering ₦15 million to Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) operatives to drop money laundering charges against him, supposedly helping him evade imprisonment at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos.

In response, Bobrisky denied the allegations on social media on Wednesday, September 25, 2024.

He claimed that he had served his jail term and did not bribe EFCC officers and dismissed the recording, purportedly linked to the bribery allegations, calling it fake.

Meanwhile, Bobrisky had in a Facebook post on Thursday, September 26, said he is considering suicide due to attempts to belittle him.

He wrote: “I have never in my life thought about suicide in my life but now is coming to my head seeing what human beings are doing to their fellow human just in the name you want to bring them down by force or because you don’t like them.

“I don’t need sympathy from anyone. People I might have needed sympathy from are my late parent. But who will fight for you? Friends? Haters you won.”

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Headlines

BREAKING: FG suspends Top Correctional Service Officers Over Bobrisky’s Bribery Allegation

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

In response to allegations of misconduct involving the handling of cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, the Nigerian government has directed the suspension of several officers overseeing the Maximum and Minimum Custodial Centres in Kirikiri, Lagos State.

This follows an audio leak suggesting that Bobrisky, who was sentenced to six months in prison, was granted unauthorised access to an apartment outside the custodial centre.

Ja’afaru Ahmed, Secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), announced the suspensions in a statement issued Thursday in Abuja.

On Wednesday, Interior Minister Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo had initiated a probe into the allegations against the correctional officers.

He identified the suspended officers as Michael Anugwa, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC), in charge of the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC) in Kirikiri; and Sikiru Adekunle, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC), in charge of the Maximum Security Custodial Centre (MSCC) in Kirikiri.

Additionally, the Board has suspended ASC II Ogbule Samuel Obinna, who served at the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC) in Afikpo, Ebonyi State, for allegedly escorting a convicted inmate outside the facility.

Furthermore, another senior officer, Iloafonsi Kevin Ikechukwu, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC), in charge of the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC) in Kuje, Abuja, has been suspended for allegedly accepting bribes on behalf of an inmate.

Ahmed assured the public that the investigation’s findings would be made public once completed.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Headlines

VIDEO: Pastor who prayed, fasted for Nigeria found dead on the mountain

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Report has emerged of a popular pastor in South east Nigeria who had reportedly prayed and fasted for a better Nigeria but found dead on the mountain.

A X user, who shared the video, however call on the public to notify his family members.

Watch video below:

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Headlines

VIDEO: Moment Edo governor-elect Okpebholo, deputy kneel to thank Tinubu in Aso Rock

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Edo State Governor-elect, Monday Okpebholo, and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, were seen kneeling before President Bola Tinubu during a visit to Aso Rock on Thursday.

The moment, captured on video, showed the duo expressing their appreciation to the president for his support during their successful campaign.

The visit took place just days after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officially declared Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the winner of the Edo governorship election.

The visit took place just days after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officially declared Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the winner of the Edo governorship election.

Okpebholo secured 291,667 votes, defeating his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 247,274 votes. The Labour Party’s candidate, Olumide Akpata, came in third with 22,761 votes.

Accompanied by other top APC members, Okpebholo and Idahosa expressed their profound gratitude for the confidence reposed in them by both the party and the president.

Okpebholo pledged to live up to the expectations of Edo people by delivering on his promises and working towards the development of the state.

In his remarks, President Tinubu congratulated the newly elected leaders and urged them to prioritize the welfare of Edo people.

He encouraged them to focus on unity, development, and good governance as they prepare to take over the reins of power in the state.

The video of the kneeling gesture has sparked conversations on social media, with some interpreting it as a sign of humility, while others raised concerns about the implications of such acts in Nigerian politics.

Okpebholo is set to succeed Governor Godwin Obaseki, whose tenure will end in November 2024.

Watch the video below:

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Headlines

FG begins new minimum wage payment to civil servants

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Civil servants under the federal government payroll will start receiving the new minimum wage payment from Thursday, the 26th of September.

The Spokesperson of the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, Bawa Mokwa disclosed this in an exclusive interview with daily post on Thursday.

He assured that workers will begin to get alert of their new minimum wage salary payment starting from Thursday.

However, Mokwa did not state if the minimum wage would be paid alongside its arrears.

He told our correspondent, “Federal Government civil servants will start getting the new minimum wage from today(Thursday) this September 2024. What I can tell you is that the minimum wage salary payment is today I am not sure of the arrears”, he told daily post.

His comment comes after the Chairman of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, Ekpo Nta, on Tuesday confirmed that the government has approved the upward review of consolidated public service salary structure, CONPSS in line with the minimum wage(Amendment) Act, 2024.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Newer Posts
Older Posts