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EFCC to arraign Emefiele May 15 on three-count amended charge

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to arraign former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, in a Federal Capital Territory court on May 15 on a three-count amended charge.

In the fresh charge, the EFCC alleges that Emefiele disobeyed the law’s direction with the intent to cause injury to the public during his implementation of the naira swap policy under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. Additionally, he is accused of unlawfully approving the withdrawal of N124.8 billion from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation.

The arraignment, initially slated before Justice Maryan Anenih, was postponed because all parties were not present in court. The prosecution requested an adjournment, citing Emefiele’s trial in another court in Lagos. The judge then rescheduled the arraignment for May 15.

Emefiele is also facing trial before Justice Hamza Muazu of the FCT High Court on a 20-count amended charge, brought against him by the EFCC. He is accused of criminal breach of trust, forgery, and conspiracy to obtain money by false pretense during his tenure as CBN governor.

On January 8, Justice Olukayode Adeniyi of the FCT High Court awarded N100 million damages in favor of Emefiele against the Federal Government and the EFCC. The judge further restrained the federal government and its agents from arresting Emefiele without obtaining an order from a competent court.

Justice Adeniyi held that there was no evidence to show that releasing Emefiele would interfere with the investigation, and prolonged detention without arraignment violated his fundamental rights.

Emefiele had approached the court to enforce his fundamental rights to life, personal liberty, fair hearing, and freedom of movement. He argued that his continued detention since June 10, 2023, without being arraigned, was unlawful and violated his rights guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

Crime

More Than 23 Terrorists Killed in Boko Haram-ISWAP Clash in Sambisa (Video)

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More than 23 terrorists have been killed in renewed fighting between rival Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) factions in the Sambisa Forest area of Borno State, security sources say.

The latest clashes erupted around the Chingolo axis of Bama Local Government Area after Boko Haram fighters attacked ISWAP members advancing into the area. The fighting forms part of a fresh wave of hostilities that began about two days ago.

A video obtained by Zagazola Makama shows sustained exchanges of fire as both groups tried to consolidate positions and block the other from expanding influence inside the forest.

Preliminary intelligence puts the death toll at more than 23 on both sides since the latest round began, though exact figures for each faction could not be independently verified.

The violence underscores the ongoing rivalry between Boko Haram and ISWAP over territory, access routes, resources and control of fighters in Sambisa Forest and surrounding areas. The confrontation has further weakened both groups and disrupted their activities in a long-standing insurgent stronghold.

Security forces are closely monitoring the situation and exploiting intelligence on the factions’ movements. The military continues to target terrorist concentrations, logistics networks and hideouts across the North-East as part of efforts to degrade the insurgents.

Officials have urged communities near the forest to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements. The situation remains fluid, with further clashes possible as both sides seek to reposition and reinforce their fighters.

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Crime

10 Out of 15 Abducted NYSC Members Rescued in Kogi (Video)

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The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed that 10 of the 15 National Youth Service Corps members abducted by suspected bandits along the Aloma–Egane Expressway in Ofu Local Government Area have been rescued.

Commissioner of Police Naziru Bello Kankarofi said security operatives are combing surrounding forests and intensifying efforts to free the remaining victims.

He dismissed reports that the 10 rescued corps members were among the 11 persons freed during a joint security operation last week, clarifying that those earlier rescued were other travellers caught up in the same kidnapping incident.

The commissioner added that several suspects have been arrested in connection with the attack.

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JUST IN: Terrorists kill 4, abduct others in Gorau after boat tragedy

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Suspected terrorists killed four people, abducted four others and injured several more in an attack on Gorau town in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State on Wednesday night.

The attackers invaded the community around 9pm and shot 11 residents, according to the village head, Alhaji Aliyu Magaji Na-Batsami. Seven of those shot survived and were rushed to hospital for treatment, while four died instantly.

The assault came barely six days after a boat accident claimed 65 lives in the same community. Na-Batsami said the terrorists specifically targeted families of the boat mishap victims over the N1 million relief money donated by the Sokoto State Government to each bereaved family. He said the bandits went from house to house searching for the cash.

Bashir Usman Gorau, the member representing Gada/Goronyo Federal Constituency, confirmed the incident and offered condolences to the affected families.

Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer of the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufai, were unsuccessful as calls were not returned at the time of filing this report.

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