Flowerbud News

Month: April 2024

  • Court gives DSS go-ahead to detain Nigerian link to ISIS for 60 days

    Court gives DSS go-ahead to detain Nigerian link to ISIS for 60 days

    Flowerbudnews

    A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Wednesday, granted an interim order sought by the Department of State Service (DSS) to detain Emmanuel Osase, a Nigerian suspected to be a member of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) for 60 days.

    Justice Inyang Ekwo gave the order after counsel for the DSS, A.A. Ugee, moved the ex-parte motion to the effect.

    When the matter was called, Ugee informed the court of the application.

    He said the motion ex-parte marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/409/2024 was brought pursuant to Section 66(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

    He prayed the court for an order enabling the security outfit to detain Osase for 60 days pending the conclusion of the investigation.

    Justice Ekwo, who granted the application, adjourned until June 3 for report

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Osase, who was arrested on March 11, was accused of propagating the messages of the terrorist group, opposing democratic system of government in Nigeria and calling for terrorists attacks on Nigeria and it symbols of sovereignty.

    In affidavit dated March 27 and deposed to by Ahmad Abubakar, a DSS operative, attached to the Legal Service Department, National Headquarters, Abuja, he averred that the release of the suspect could jeopardise investigation.

    He said that Osase was arrested by a team of DSS “for alleged membership and propagation of Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist messages, including opposition to Democratic System of Government and the call for staging terrorists attacks against Nigeria State and its symbols of sovereignty;”

    Abubakar stated that Osase was jailed five years for terrorism-related offences in France and was deported after the completion of his sentence.

    He said that from the service’s preliminary investigation, Osase, who is an ex-convict, still engaged in terrorist activities which previously led to his conviction in France.

    He said Osase appeared not to have renounced his terrorist ideologies, “as he continues to engage with the proscribed pro-ISIS online media group known as al-Alawn Media Foundation, whose main objectives is the creation and dissemination of terrorist content and the promotion of terrorist attacks against democratic systems of government such as Nigeria and the western governments, including their interests across the globe.”

    He said the suspect, who was born in the Federal Capital Territory, “left Nigeria for France and never returned to Nigeria until his deportation after completion of five years jail term for acts of terrorism and attempt to join the Islamic State (IS) linked terrorist group, Friqat Al-Ghuraba (Group of Foreigners) in Syria.”

    Abubakar said his activities constituted a potent threat to national security and corporate existence of Nigeria.

    He said there was need for a thorough investigation of the suspect to ensure that he did not pose any security threat to Nigeria or the world at large.

    According to him, the respondent is helping with vital Information that will lead to the arrest of other members who are still at large.

    He said it would be in the interest of justice and national security to grant the application.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

  • Love: The Surprising Key Factor That Makes Or Breaks A Relationship

    Love: The Surprising Key Factor That Makes Or Breaks A Relationship

    What makes for a successful (or failed) relationship may not be what you’d expect.

    By Marielisa Reyes

    Photo: Jacob Lund Via Canva

    happy couple

    Everyone wants to know the secret to a lasting relationship, but few do. However, there is one key factor that can help your relationship last a long time.

    Relationship podcaster Jimmy Knowles delves into a research study that exposes the one thing in your relationship that can make or break it.

    The Surprising Key Factor For Relationship Success

    “Research shows that what men do in a relationship is by a large margin the crucial factor that separates a great relationship from a failed one,” says Knowles.

    Now before you yell at me, this doesn’t mean women should give up and stop trying. However, it does mean that men in relationships should be more reflective about their actions.

    Sadly, most men struggle with self-reflection because to be reflective takes vulnerability. And “Men have been taught over and over again that vulnerability and intimacy is a sign of weakness,” says Knowles.

    However, licensed therapist Sam Dekin writes that refusing vulnerability can have damaging consequences for both you and your partner.

    Avoiding emotional vulnerability can lead to an increase in depression and anxiety — and depression is no joke. Dekin writes, “In 2018, men died by suicide about 3.56 times more often than women did.”

    So, when men have no outlet for their emotions what else can happen? According to Dekin, it can lead men to express aggression over small mishaps.

    But when we embrace emotional vulnerability we are much more likely to process our emotions better. Expressing your feelings can reduce the impact of your emotions and help you recover from them more quickly.

    Along with improving your relationship, vulnerability benefits men in many ways. So, how can men learn to be more vulnerable in their relationships?

    RELATED: A Marriage Scientist Shares How He Predicts Relationship Success With 94% Accuracy

    How To Be Vulnerable In Your Relationship

    If you want to become more vulnerable you need to know yourself better. As licensed therapist Keir Brady writes, “Everyone has a past and early experiences that help shape current responses and reactions.”

    Knowing your past and how it shaped your triggers, is the first step to improving vulnerability. If you struggle with pinpointing your triggers ask your partner for help. During heated moments your partner will be more likely to identify what causes you to tick.

    Next, sit down with your partner and discuss your past. “Discussing your experiences can help your partner understand who you are,” writes Brady.

    key factor for relationship successPhoto: JackF / Getty Images via Canva

    Be sure to discuss your emotions throughout the day. If something happened at work that made you upset don’t be afraid to share it with your partner, advises Brady.

    When it comes to your partner, don’t hesitate to address things that bother you at the moment. Take a deep breath and use “I” statements to express your emotions.

    Say, “I felt upset when I noticed you forgot to clean the dishes.” If you feel overwhelmed during the moment take a twenty-minute break.

    Tell your partner, “I feel overwhelmed and I need a twenty-minute break before we resume.” Just be sure to go back and talk through the problem with your partner.

    Share your fears with your partner and speak up about your needs. Your partner is there to love and support you!

    Be open about your struggles and through this, you can feel better understood and connected to your partner, says Brady.

    Being vulnerable isn’t always easy. But guys, opening up can deepen your connection with your partner and make your relationship stronger in the long run. As Knowles puts it, vulnerability doesn’t revoke your man card, it helps you earn it.

    Marielisa Reyes is a writer with a bachelor’s degree in psychology who covers self-help, relationships, career, and family topics.

     

  • Gov Adeleke Announces New Retirement Age For Teachers In Osun

    Gov Adeleke Announces New Retirement Age For Teachers In Osun

    Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has reiterated enforcement of approved guidelines as a condition to enjoy the new retirement age of 65 years old and length of service of 40 years for teachers in Osun public schools.

     

    This is contained in a circular issued by Mr Ayanleye Aina, the Osun State Head of Service, on Tuesday in Osogbo.

     

    also said that the eligible officer would be required to apply six months before he or she attains the age of 60 years or 35 years of service, whichever was earlier.

    Among others, the guidelines also state that the application must be endorsed by the head teacher or principal of the eligible officer and addressed to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education.

    It, however, states that the period of extension is not pensionable, and directs the Ministry of Finance and the State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, to stop the payment of salaries to those already enjoying the new retirement age without fulfilling the conditions.

    The circular reads: “I wish to refer to our Circulars Ref. Nos. SMD.61/VOL.III/36 dated 31st May 2022 and SMD.61/Vol.IV/52 dated 20th October 2023 on the above subject. I reiterate that the conditions stated in the aforementioned circulars still subsist.

    “Consequently, all those already enjoying the new retirement age and length of service without fulfilling the necessary prerequisites have, by this circular, ceased to enjoy such benefits until compliance with the Circulars.

    “For the purpose of emphasis, for any officer to enjoy the new retirement age and length of service, the concerned officer is requested to ensure that the guidelines are strictly adhered to.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, a copy of the guidelines under reference is hereby attached. Relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government are requested to ensure wide circulation of this Circular and strict compliance.”

     

     

  • EFCC to arraign 2 top officials of Binance Ltd on Thursday

    EFCC to arraign 2 top officials of Binance Ltd on Thursday

    Flowerbudnews

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will, on Thursday, arraign Tigran Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla, two top officials of Binance Holdings Ltd on five counts of money laundering charge.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reliably gathered on Tuesday that Binance, Gambaryan and Anjarwalla, who escaped from lawful custody on March 22 and fled Nigeria, will be arraigned before Justice Emeka Nwite of a Federal High Court (FHC), Abuja.

    Although the crypto exchange firm, Gambaryan and Anjarwalla are listed as 1st to 3rd defendants respectively, Anjarwalla, who is described to be “at large” by the EFCC in the counts, is expected to be arraigned in absentia.

    In the charge dated and filed on March 28 by the anti-graft agency, the trio is being accused of money laundering to the tune of $35,400,000.

    Count one accused the defendants between January 2023 and January 2024 in Abuja of carrying on specialised business of other financial institution without valid licence.

    The offence is said to be contrary to Section 57(1) and (2) of the Banks and Other Financial, Institutions Act, 2020 and punishable under Section 57(5) of the same Act.

    NAN had, on March 28, also reported that the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) will, on April 4, arraigned Binance Holdings Limited, Gambaryan and fleeing Anjarwalla, on allegations bordering on tax evasion.

    In the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/115/2024, the three defendants will equally be arraigned before Justice Nwite on four counts.

    NAN reports that though the FHC’s Easter vacation, which began on March 22, will come to an end on April 8, the Chief Judge of FHC, Justice John Tsoho, directed the transfer of Binance case file to Justice Nwite, even though he is not a vacation judge.

    The chief judge granted the fiat for the judge to handle the case during vacation being a matter that concerns dire national interest.

    In the charge dated and filed March 22 by the FIRS, the defendants were alleged to have committed the offence on or about Feb. 1.

    Count one alleged that while involved in carrying and offering services to subscribers on their platform, known as Binance, failed to register with the FIRS, for the purpose of paying all relevant taxes administered by the service.

    The offences are said to be punishable under Sections 8 and 29 of the VAT Act of 1993 (as Amended), Section 40 of the FIRS Establishment Act, 2007 (as amended) and under provisions of Section 94 of the Companies Income Tax Act (as amended) respectively.

    The two cases were fixed for Thursday to allow for accelerated hearing.

    NAN had, on March 18, reported that Justice Nwite ordered Binance Holdings Limited to provide the EFCC with the comprehensive data or information of all persons from Nigeria trading on its platform.

    The judge granted the interim order after ruling on the ex-parte motion moved by the EFCC’s lawyer, Ekele Iheanacho.

    The interim order was granted to enable the anti-graft agency unravel the alleged money laundering and terrorism financing on Binance platform.

    The commission said it uncovered users who had been using the platform for price discovery, confirmation and market manipulation which had caused tremendous distortions in the market, resulting in the Naira losing its values against other currencies.

    The EFCC said that from the information afforded to its team of Investigators by Binance showed that the total trading volume from Nigeria in 2023 alone stood at 21.6 billion dollars .(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

  • Youths caution politicians against ethnic crises in Kogi

    Youths caution politicians against ethnic crises in Kogi

     

    Flowerbudnews
    Some youths from Kogi on Tuesday cautioned those they called “embittered politicians” against turning the state into an enclave of crisis.

    The youths, from the three senatorial districts under the aegis of the Kogi Independent Youths Association, (KIYA), made this known after an emergency meeting in Abuja.

    Mr Mohammed Abdulrazaq, who hails from Igalamela Local Government Area of Kogi, spoke on behalf of the group.

    Abdulrazaq said as critical stakeholders in the state, they had decided not to keep quiet but to caution against the plan to portray the image of the state in a bad light before the whole world.

    He said the youths would also employ every legal means to protect the integrity of the state.

    “We believe we must use every means at our disposal to speak up, defend the truth, expose the real enemies of Kogi and caution them to change their ways,” he said.

    Abdulrazaq, however, said the group was confident that the current leadership of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) would not fall for the antics of the enemies of the state and not allow itself to be used as a tool to achieve selfish interests.

    He, equally, commended the immediate-past Governor of the state, Yahaya Bello, on his achievements during his eight-year period.

    KIYA is made up of about 500 registered members, mainly graduates, with thousands of nominal members and supporters across all the 21 local government areas of the state.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

  • BREAKING: Bandits Disrupt Prayer At Zamfara Mosque, Abduct Worshipers

    BREAKING: Bandits Disrupt Prayer At Zamfara Mosque, Abduct Worshipers

    Bandits, on Tuesday, attacked a mosque in Gusau, capital of Zamfara state, and abducted scores of worshippers.

     

    According to Daily Trust, the kidnappers stormed the Mosque when Muslim faithful were observing the famous congregational prayer, Tahajjud

     

    Tahajjud is special prayer being observed by Muslims in every last 10 days of the Holy Month of Ramadan.

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  • Deputy commissioner of police commits sucide

    Deputy commissioner of police commits sucide

    A Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of special investigation, in Panti, Lagos State, Gbolahan Olugbemi has reportedly committed suicide.

     

     

     

    The deceased who was an aide de camp of late Adebayo Alao Akala, a former governor of Oyo State, was said to have returned home for Easter when he committed suicide, The Street Journal reports.

     

    His death was discovered in the house on Monday afternoon; however, it is still unknown who found the body.

     

    His death was discovered in the house on Monday afternoon; however, it is still unknown who found the body

     

  • Cleric urges colleagues to prioritise salvation over prosperity

    Cleric urges colleagues to prioritise salvation over prosperity

    By Taiye Olayemi

    Pastor Lawrence Oji, popularly known as “Pastor Solution”, on Monday urged clerics in Nigeria to focus more on salvation rather than prosperity, in their sermons.
    The cleric, who was a drug addict and an ex-habitual offender, made the call during a news conference in Lagos.
    Oji is a minister with the New Covenant Church, London and Coordinator of Saving Hands for Alcoholic and Drug End-Users (SHADE).
    He said that increased cases of depression, drug abuse, urge to rape and commit all forms of atrocities among Nigerians, result from limited access to messages of salvation.
    He noted that majority of the clerics preach prosperity, neglecting the challenges people were confronted with.
    He advised clerics to deliberately focus on the gospel of salvation rather than prosperity.
    “Clerics must begin to priotise preaching on the theme of salvation and minimise that of prosperity because many people have not received salvation and are confronted with serious challenges that cannot be compared to material possession.
    “The ministry of every Christian is to look out for those in bondage and ensure they are released.
    “Many are in the ministry for self interest. Pastors should begin to teach people the word of God in line with salvation so that they can have personal encounter with God,” he said.
    Speaking on his journey to salvation, Oji said he wasted over 30 years of his life engaging in hard drugs and later got depressed as a result of his quest to leave the habit.
    “I was always giving out drugs to people who desired to have them but were not financially bouyant to get. That made me acquire the nick name ‘Mr Solution’, then,” he recalled.
    According to him, while being addicted to drugs in Italy, he was imprisoned countless times.
    He said his horrible sojourn in drugs neccesitated his taking up evangelism, “to put those suffering from drug abuse and depression on the right path of God”.
    “Peer group influence led me into hard drugs. I also led many people to drugs in Nigeria. My addiction was so bad that I tried going to the hospital to be rescued, but to no avail.
    “My mother went to different places to take me out of drugs and she was told my destiny was spiritually tied to drug.
    “I am sharing my story so that people in similar situations can be hopeful. Through this, I got depressed and, at a point, stabbed myself so as to die. Within a year I destroyed five cars because I just wanted to end it all. I deliberately bashed those cars.
    “But, on March 21, 2001, the desire to smoke left me after being prayed for by one of the prison ministers at the highest prison in Italy. At this point, the authorities were already tired of me, my name was among those to be deported after serving my sentence.
    “But, somehow, God intervened and I was not deported as planned. People should not give up on their loved ones. They should rather pray for them and preach to them to be free from every bondage.
    “Now, I go to prisons across the world to preach salvation. I also go to places that are abodes of drug addicts. I make sure they are delivered. So, clerics should do more,” he said.
    Oji said he was from an affluent family and joined the Nigerian Police at a point in time.
    “I later moved to the banking industry and was a pioneer member of the Institute of Bankers.”
    Oji said he was disposed to golden opportunities but never took advantage of them due to drug addiction.
    “My utmost desire now is to establish a rehabilitation centre that will cater for victims of drug abuse and depression without financial commitment from beneficiaries,” he said.
    The cleric also spoke of his love for late Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
    “While in the Nigerian Police Force, I was assigned to guard Fela after his house was burnt and he was hospitalised at the then Creek Hospital in Lagos,” he said.
    The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that Lawrence Oji is from Abia State and holds a first degree in Economics and a Masters degree in Theology and Religious Studies.
    He has published seven books in his bid to relay his life experiences to encourage and inspire others.
    The books are – From Prison to Pulpit; Soul Winning Made Simple; Not Without a Scar; Depression: The Silent Killer, causes, consequences and cure; Positioned by Grace; Stubborn Faith and Power of Hope. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

  • Our Anti-Corruption Fight Will Spare No One- Olukoyede

    Our Anti-Corruption Fight Will Spare No One- Olukoyede

     

    By Biola Lawal

    Abuja (Flowerbudnews): The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has assured that EFCC anti-graft war under his leadership would remain broad-based, holistic and unsparing of anyone linked with any  economic and financial crimes.

    He gave the assurance in Abuja on Sunday,  at an Anti-Corruption Concert organized to create greater awareness and public involvement in the fight against internet crimes, Dele Oyewale EFCC Spokesman disclosed in a statement.

    Olukoyede pointed to the strides being made since he assumed office a couple of months ago and reaffirmed his commitment to an all-embracing, fully-integrated war against corrupt practices.

    ‘’We will not spare anyone.  We will not spare the mega thieves.  As we are doing the mega, we will also do those at the lower end.  In the last two months, we have arranged two former governors.  So, it is not true that we are only focused on internet fraudsters. Of course, internet fraud is bad enough but our focus is on every form of economic and financial crimes”,  he said.

    He cautioned youths against indulgence in internet-related offences,  pointing out that the consequences of being convicted for such crimes are grave.  “Youths need to know that being ex-convicts has career limitations.  Ex-convicts can’t run for public offices,  the stigma alone is even terrible.  So,  I urge you to avoid internet crimes by all means.  Your future is more important than any immediate gains from such crimes”, he said.

    Olukoyede says that the EFCC under his watch is deeply interested in giving youths a glorious and sustainable future and to this effect,  “ a Cyber Crime Research Centre is being planned in the New Academy of the EFCC.  The Centre will involve youths in in-depth research about the issue of cyber crime.  Their energies will be deployed towards profitable engagements”

    He further charged the youths to embrace hard work and diligence,  stressing that “ the path of success is the path of hard work and dignity.  There is dignity in labour.  Let’s come together. All of us must come together and agree that corruption is evil. Don’t’ leave the fight to EFCC alone”

    In his charge to the youths at the concert,  Minister of State for Youth Development,  Ayodele Olawande enjoined youths across the country to support the EFCC in its crusade against economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption.  “Nigeria is supposed to have progressed more than this. We will not allow corrupt people to destroy our future, that is why we need to come together and fight this evil in our society, that is why we need to continuously run this campaign because I am convinced that everyone of us have a part to play, without you, there is little or nothing EFCC can do.  Let’s show the world that Nigeria young people are determined to change the narrative”, he said (Flowerbudnews)