Flowerbud News

Category: Security and Crimes

  • EFCC Arrests 46 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Awka

    EFCC Arrests 46 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Awka

     

     

    By Biola Lawal

    Flowerbudnews:  Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) has arrested Forty-six (46) suspected internet fraudsters, in Awka metropolis, Anambra State.

    The suspects were arrested during a sting operation, in the early hours of Friday, by EFCC Enugu Command following credible intelligence linking them to cybercrimes activities in the state.

    This was disclosed in a statement by Dele Oyewale, Head, Media and Publicity, EFCC.

    Oyewale said that Items recovered from them include mobile phones, six laptops and six exotic cars.

    ”The suspects are currently tendering confessional statements and will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.” he said. (Flowerbudnews)

  • EFCC Arraigns Hadi Sirika,  Brother,  Firms  for N5.8billion Fraud

    EFCC Arraigns Hadi Sirika,  Brother,  Firms  for N5.8billion Fraud

    By Biola Lawal

    Abuja (Flowerbudnews): Former Minister of Aviation,  Mr. Hadi Abubakar Sirika,  his brother Ahmad Abubakar Sirika and two companies Enginos Nigeria Limited and Samahah Integrated Investment Limited have been arraigned by the EFCC for contract fraud.

    They were arraigned on Thursday,  before Justice S.B. Belgore of the Federal Capital Territory,  FCT,  High Court Garki , EFCC Spokesman, Dele Oyewale disclosed in a statement.

    Oyewale stated:

    They were arraigned on an amended 10-count charge bordering on contract fraud to the tune of N5,802,254,573.55( Five Billion Eight Hundred and Two Million,  Two Hundred and Fifty Four Thousand, Five Hundred and Seventy Three Naira,  Fifty Five Kobo).

     

    Count one reads :‘that you Hadi Abubakar Sirika, while being the Minister of Aviation, on or about 18th August 2022, in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did use your position to confer unfair advantage upon Enginos Nigeria Limited whose alter ego, Ahmad Abubakar Sirika is your biological brother by using your position to influence the award to them, the contract for the construction of a Terminal Building at Katsina Airport for the sum of N1,345,586,500.00 (One Billion, Three Hundred and Forty Five Million, Five Hundred and Eighty Six Thousand Five Hundred Naira Only) and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 and punishable under the same Section”.

    Count two reads ‘that you Hadi Abubakar Sirika, while being the Minister of Aviation, on or about 3rd November 2022, in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did use your position to confer unfair advantage upon Enginos Nigeria Limited whose alter ego, Ahmad Abubakar Sirika is your blood brother by using your position to influence the award to them, the contract for the establishment of Fire Truck Maintenance and Refurbishment Centre at Katsina Airport for the sum of N3,811,497,685.00 (Three Billion, Eight Hundred and Eleven Million, Four Hundred and Ninety Seven Thousand, Six Hundred and Eight Five Naira Only) and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 and punishable under the same Section.’

    Count eight reads: “that you Hadi Abubakar Sirika, while being the Minister of Aviation and Ahmad Abubakar Sirika while being a public servant and an employee of Federal Ministry of Water Resources Aug 2022 and May 2023 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did knowingly hold indirectly private interests in three aviation contracts in the aggregate sum of N5,772,279,460.00 (Five Billion Seven Hundred and Seventy Two Million, Two Hundred and Seventy Nine Thousand Four Hundred and Sixty Naira Only)awarded to Enginos Nigeria Limited whose alter ego is Ahmad Abubakar Sirika, your biological brother which contract was awarded on account of public service and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 12 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 and punishable under the same Section”.

    Count nine reads: ‘that you Ahmad Abubakar Sirika and Samahah Intergrated Investment Limited between June 2022 and October 2023 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, had an aggregate sum of N29,975,113.55 (Twenty Nine Million, Nine Hundred and Seventy Five Thousand, One Hundred and Thirteen Naira, Fifty-five Kobo) which sum you received from Tianaero Nigeria Limited and you knew indirectly represented the proceeds of criminal conducts of Hadi Abubakar Sirika, your biological brother who was Minister of Aviation (to wit: use of office or position for gratification in respect of said amount) and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 17(b) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act 2004 and punishable under same section.

    All the defendants pleaded not guilty to all ten charges when they were read to them.

    Following their pleas,  counsel to the 1st defendant,  M.J. Numa SAN prayed the court to grant his client bail in the same conditions as had been earlier granted in Justice S.C. Oriji’s court when the defendant was arraigned before him on May 9, 2024.

    He also submitted that the defendant was “not a flight risk, a man of high esteem in the society and has an aged 90year-old mother and family to cater for”.

    Counsel to 2nd defendant,  M.A. Magaji SAN also pleaded with the court to grant bail in the same conditions as Justice Oriji,  also claiming that the 2nd defendant had a family to look after.

    Prosecution counsel,  Oluwaleke Atolagbe did not object to both applications while also informing the court that the defendants were already on administrative bail granted by the EFCC.

    In granting bail, Justice Belgore said he considered that the 1st defendant had never been convicted before.  He also said both defendants are not likely to jump bail, commit further offences or tamper with evidence relating to their trial.  He therefore, while also relying on Justice Oriji’s bail terms, granted them bail in the sum of N100, 000,000.00 (One Hundred Million Naira) each with two sureties in like sum. One of the sureties must have a landed property in the Federal Capital Territory  and defendants are not to travel outside the country without the court’s  permission.

    The matter is adjourned till May 28 and 29 for commencement of trial. (Flowerbudnews)

     

  • Court Convicts  Varsity Student for Internet Fraud in Port Harcourt

    Court Convicts  Varsity Student for Internet Fraud in Port Harcourt

     

    By Biola Lawal

    (Flowerbudnews):  A student of the University of Port Harcourt, Felix Emmanuel Dornubari has been convicted for internet fraud.

    Justice P. M. Ayua of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, Rivers State   convicted Dornubari, EFCC Spokesman, Dele Oyewale disclosed in a statement.

    Dornubari was prosecuted by the Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a one-count charge of impersonation in a cybercrime.

    The charge reads: “That you, Felix Emmanuel Dornubari, on or about 21st February, 2024, at Port Harcourt, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did fraudulently impersonate Robinson Felix Michael, a white male military officer with intent to gain advantage for yourself and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (2) (b) (i) of the Cybercrime  (Prohibition, Prevention) Act, 2015 and punishable under the same section of the Act.”

    He pleaded guilty to the charge when it was read to him, upon which prosecution counsel, I. Agwu, tendered some documents with the court and further presented a witness, IE 1, Abdulazeez Jafar, an EFCC operative who testified that the defendant was arrested in February, 2024 via intelligence at Cornerstone area of Choba axis by the operatives of the Commission for alleged internet fraud activities.

    Documents tendered by the prosecution included, the statement of the defendant, an iPhone 11 Pro and Tecno Camon mobile devices, and one HP laptop computer, all containing fraudulent documents, a consent to search the devices and incriminating printouts from the devices.

    In view of the exhibits tendered and the testimonies of the witness, Agu prayed the court to convict and sentence the defendant as charged, while

    defence counsel,  Paula Abudu prayed the court to temper justice with mercy, stating that the convict was a first-time offender, who had become remorseful and with no previous criminal records.

    He further urged the court to grant the defendant an option of fine in lieu of imprisonment to enable him continue his education.

    Justice Ayua thereafter convicted the defendant without any sentence. He ordered the forfeiture of his Tecno Camon to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, but held that the convict’s iPhone 11 Pro mobile and HP laptop computer be returned to him.

    Investigation revealed that the defendant is involved in a dating scam under false identities in Facebook and Gmail. (Flowerbudnews)

     

     

     

  • Naira Abuse:  EFCC Arrests Woman in Gombe

    Naira Abuse:  EFCC Arrests Woman in Gombe

     

     

    By Biola Lawal

    Flowerbudnews:  The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission , EFCC,  has arrested a lady, Janty Emmanuel for allegedly abusing the  Nigerian currency in Gombe.

    Janty was arrested by investigators of EFCC Gombe Zonal on Monday, following intelligence that spotted her spraying  Naira notes at a social event .

    This was disclosed by EFCC Spokesman, Dele Oyewale in a statement, a copy of which was made available to Flowerbudnews.

    Upon arrest, the suspect was shown the video where she was dancing at G-Connect , Tumfure, Gombe State and spraying Naira notes of N1000 denomination.

    She admitted committing the crime and would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. (Flowerbudnews)

  • Over 40 killed in central Nigeria gunmen attack

    Over 40 killed in central Nigeria gunmen attack

     

    O

    Xinhua

    ABUJA, (Xinhua) /Flowerbudnews: – More than 40 people were killed by a group of gunmen who attacked a village in central Nigeria’s Plateau State late Monday, local officials and media said on Tuesday.

    Dozens of gunmen riding on motorbikes stormed the Zurak village in the Wase Local Government Area on Monday night to wreak havoc, killing “as many as 40 people,” Musa Ibrahim Ashoms, commissioner of information for Plateau State, told reporters in the state capital of Jos.

    Many others were injured in the attack, as the gunmen fired indiscriminately at residents, The Nation Newspaper reported, citing local sources.

    The gunmen also set fire to houses during their rampage, according to local media reports.

    Armed attacks have been a major security threat in Nigeria’s northern and central regions, resulting in deaths and kidnappings.

  • COAS PAYS CONDOLENCE VISIT TO LATE LIEUTENANT GENERAL GARBA DUBA’s WIDOW

    COAS PAYS CONDOLENCE VISIT TO LATE LIEUTENANT GENERAL GARBA DUBA’s WIDOW

     

    By Biola Lawal

    Abuja (Flowerbudnews):  The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has paid a condolence visit to Hajiya Rabi Garba Duba, widow of the late Lt.-Gen. Garba Duba, who recently passed on.

    Late Lt.-Gen Duba died on May 17 at his Abuja residence in the Federal Capital Territory, a statement by Maj. -Gen. ONYEMA NWACHUKWU, Director Army Public Relations disclosed.

    General Lagbaja was accompanied by some top brass of the Nigerian Army  and paid the visit on Monday to commiserate with the widow of the deceased, as well as other members of the family.

    Speaking during the visit, the COAS described the demise of General Duba as shocking and a colossal loss, not only to the NA, but also to the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria and the nation at large. He extolled the virtues of the late General.

    He described him as a torch bearer, a disciplinarian, a mentor and a leader, who brought up most of the top brass of the NA, when he was the Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy.

    The Army Chief further asserted that his contributions to the development of the NA and the defence of the nation will remain indelible in the institutional memory of the NA. General Lagbaja assured the family of the deceased General of the NA’s support at all times whenever the need arises.

    Responding on behalf of the family of the Late Lieutenant General Duba, the first son, Mohammed Sani Duba expressed appreciation to the COAS and the entire NA for the timely condolence visit and show of love observing that the ‘NA stood by their Dad throughout his life time and at his demise’.

    Recall that Lieutenant General Garba Duba passed on 17 May 2024, after a brief illness.

    During his active service, he held numerous appointments notably, General Officer Commanding 3 Division, Commandant Nigerian Defence Academy and Chief of Training and Operations Defence Headquarters.

    He was also one time Governor of Bauchi State from 1978 – 1979 during the regime of General Olusegun Obasanjo and the Administrator of Sokoto State from January 1984 – August 1985 during the military regime of Major General Muhammadu Buhari (Flowerbudnews)

  • Army Apprehends 6 Kidnappers, Decline 2 Million Naira Bribe in Taraba

    Army Apprehends 6 Kidnappers, Decline 2 Million Naira Bribe in Taraba

     

    By Biola Lawal

    Flowerbudnews:  The Nigerian Army has captured six suspected kidnappers in separate operations executed within Tara a state.

    The Army announced in a statement that the operation was conducted on 19 May by troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sub Sector 3 OPERATION WHIRL STROKE (OPWS).

    It stated:

    Acting on a tip-off, troops from the 93 Battalion Sub-Sector 3B OPWS, stationed at Forward Operating Base Wukari, carried out a well-planned raid in Chinkai Village of Wukari Local Government Area.

    This raid led to the apprehension of two individuals identified as Usman Gide Ali, aged 25 and Abdulrahaman Amadu, aged 28.

    The suspects have been on wanted list of the security agencies for their involvement in multiple kidnappings in Wukari and its surroundings.

    Upon their arrest, the suspects attempted to bribe the troops with 2 million Naira for their release. However, the soldiers staunchly refused the bribe, underscoring their dedication to justice and integrity.

    The suspects were also overheard stating that if money failed to secure their freedom, their associates would resort to armed means to rescue them from custody.

    In a parallel operation in Ibi Local Government Area, troops stationed at Sarikin Kudu acting on credible intelligence apprehended four more suspected kidnappers: Jafaru Banyi, aged 28, Mohammad Ardo, aged 25, Amadu Lawal Shatta, aged 20 and Biyu Ardu, aged 25.

    These captured suspects have been linked to numerous high-profile abductions in the region, targeting both locals and foreigners for ransom and have long been under the surveillance of security agencies.

    The Commander 6 Brigade/ Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidebere Uwa, has since commended the troops for their courage and unwavering commitment to ethical standards.

    He emphasized that the successful apprehension of these suspects is a testament to the diligent efforts and dedication of the soldiers, highlighting their refusal to accept bribes as a clear demonstration of their professionalism and integrity. (Flowerbudnews)

  • Contractor Admits Receiving N2.17b from Office of NSA for no Project

    Contractor Admits Receiving N2.17b from Office of NSA for no Project

     

     
    By Biola Lawal
    Abuja (Flowerbudnews): A contractor, Olugbenga Obadina has admitted receiving a whopping    N2.17b from Office of NSA for no Project.

    Obadina is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC for receiving payments from the Office of the National Security Adviser, (NSA) on November 28, 2015 without any contractual agreement.

    This was disclosed on Monday in a statement by Dele Oyewale, the EFCC Spokesman, a copy of which was made available to Flowerbudnews in Abuja.

    He admitted on Monday before Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court, Abuja that the payments made to his company, Almond Projects Limited was neither meant for installation of power plant in Yobe State nor for any power project whatsoever in the state.

    Obadina and his company, Almond Projects Limited, first and second defendants respectively,  are being prosecuted by the EFCC on an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy, official corruption and money laundering to the tune of N2, 17,190,000 (Two Billion, Seventeen Million, One Hundred and Ninety Thousand Naira), being payment they allegedly  received from the Office of the National Security Adviser under Colonel Sambo Dasuki (rtd) on November 28, 2015 for doing nothing or scheduled to do anything on behalf of the federal government.

    Under cross-examination based on Obadina’s evidence-in-chief, prosecution counsel, Ibrahim Buba asked the defendant to identify the project for which payments were made to his company.

    Specifically, he was also asked to state if the payment was for the purpose of
    installing a power plant or any power project in Yobe State, to which he answered in the negative.

    “My lord, with reference to payments in the document that is written, particularly to the Almond project, no site was mentioned in all of the description. No location was mentioned in any of the descriptions my lord,” he said.

    Prodded further by prosecution counsel to confirm if it would be right to say that no part of the payments was made for installation of solar or power plants in Yobe State, the defendant acquiesced, stating, “Yes, none of these payments was made for the installation of solar in the state.”

    Citing the defendant’s extra- judicial statement, marked Exhibit GO1, 1-9, prosecution counsel pointed out that there was nowhere in the entirety of the defendant’s statement where he specifically mentioned a particular area in Yobe State where the project was to be executed.

    The defendant however, contested the claim, saying that he mentioned a site outside Damataru, the state capital, but could not point to it in his statement when challenged by the prosecution counsel to do so.

    There was no re-examination from the defence and Justice Dimgba adjourned the matter till May 30 and 31, 2024 for continuation of trial. (Flowerbudnews)

  • Iranian president’s convoy helicopters makes rough landing: interior minister

     

     

    Xinhua

    TEHRAN, (Xinhua)/Flowerbudnews :  — Iranian Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi confirmed on Sunday that one of the helicopters in the convoy carrying Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi suffered an accident and made a rough landing in the northwestern province of East Azerbaijan.

    Speaking to state IRIB TV, Vahidi cited unfavorable climatic conditions as the reason for the helicopter’s landing.

    He added different rescue teams were on their way to the scene of the incident, but the heavy fog and unfavorable climatic conditions were slowing them.

    The interior minister said some contacts had been made with the members of the president’s accompanying team, but given that the region was a “complicated” one, establishing contacts was difficult.

    According to IRIB TV, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and East Azerbaijan Governor Malek Rahmati were among the people in the president’s helicopter.