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JUST IN: N37.1bn fraud: NSIPA co-ordinator arrested, ex-minister faces EFCC today

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested and detained the National Co-ordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency, Halima Shehu, over the ongoing probe into the N37,170,855,753.44 allegedly laundered in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, under former Minister, Sadiya Umar-Farouk.

It was gathered that EFCC operatives stormed NSIPA’s office at the Federal Secretariat in the Federal Capital Territory on Tuesday at about 9 am, and drove Shehu to the EFCC headquarters, Jabi, Abuja.

As of the time of filling this report on Tuesday night,  she was still being detained and interrogated.

Impeccable senior officers of the anti-graft agency, who spoke to our correspondent on the condition of anonymity, revealed that Shehu was indicted in connection with the alleged 37.1bn fraud as the former National Coordinator of the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme under the Ministry.

“Halima Shehu is currently in our (EFCC) custody in connection with the ongoing N37.1bn fraud that took place under the former Humanitarian Minister, Sadiya Umar-Farouk.

“Halima was the National Coordinator in charge of the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme under the Ministry during Buhari’s tenure, and she’s been queried over some of the money that left the ministry’s coffers through her.

“The former Minister, Sadiya is also expected at the office tomorrow (Wednesday) for questioning over the N37.1bn money laundering case.”

Shehu was suspended from office by President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, it was reported that the EFCC invited the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Umar-Farouk,  to appear before investigators today (Wednesday) over an ongoing probe into the N37,170,855,753.44 allegedly laundered during her tenure in office, through a contractor, James Okwete.

The former minister was asked to appear before investigators at the EFCC Headquarters, Jabbi, Abuja today to give an account of the alleged monumental fraud that took place under her watch.

The document partly read: “The commission is investigating a case of money laundering involving the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development during your time as Minister.

“In view of the above, you are requested to kindly report for an interview with the undersigned. Scheduled as follows: Wednesday 3rd, January, 2024. 10:00 am. This request is made pursuant to section 38 (I) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act 2004 & section 21 of Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.”

Source: Punch

Crime

BREAKING: Tragic One-Way Crash Claims Tricycle Driver’s Life in Meiran Lagos

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A commercial tricycle driver has been killed in a fatal one-way crash in the Meiran area of Lagos State.

According to preliminary reports, the incident occurred when a vehicle travelling against the designated flow of traffic on a one-way road collided head-on with the tricycle.

The impact left the tricycle driver with severe injuries, and he was confirmed dead at the scene by emergency responders.

Officials from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and the Nigeria Police Force were quickly mobilised to the location. The crash site was secured, and traffic was temporarily disrupted as recovery operations got underway. The body of the deceased has been evacuated to a nearby mortuary pending formal identification and further investigations.

Authorities say the exact circumstances surrounding the crash, including the identity of the tricycle driver and details of the other vehicle involved, are still being established. Police have launched a probe into the incident, with particular focus on the alleged one-way driving that led to the collision.

Road safety officials have once again cautioned motorists against driving against traffic, describing the practice as a major contributor to fatal accidents on Lagos roads. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.

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Crime

JUST IN: Zamfara LG Chairman Freed After 61 Days in Captivity

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The Zamfara State Police Command has confirmed the release of Nura Abdullahi, Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area, after spending 61 days in the captivity of kidnappers.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Yazid Abubakar, confirmed the development to Arise News in a telephone interview on Thursday. He said the chairman is presently receiving medical attention in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, following his release.

According to the police, Abdullahi regained his freedom alongside other persons who were abducted with him on the same day and taken to an unknown location. The exact circumstances surrounding the release were not immediately disclosed.

Police authorities have remained silent on whether any ransom was paid to secure the victims’ freedom. However, unconfirmed reports circulating in the state claim that the sum of ₦200 million was earlier paid to the kidnappers. The reports further allege that the abductors refused to free the chairman at the time and continued to hold him, demanding additional payment.

The abduction occurred when heavily armed attackers invaded Abdullahi’s residence in Bungudu town. During the assault, two security agents attached to the local government chairman were killed. His elder brother was also shot and later died in hospital from the injuries sustained.

The release of the Bungudu LG chairman marks the end of a prolonged ordeal that had drawn concern across Zamfara State. Further details on the condition of the other freed victims and any ongoing investigations are still being awaited from the police.

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Boko Haram Attacks Adamawa Community, Kills Residents

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Boko Haram militants have launched a deadly invasion of a community in Adamawa State, killing several residents and setting multiple houses ablaze.

The attack, described by local sources as sudden and coordinated, saw the fighters storm the area, opening fire on civilians and torching homes. Survivors reported scenes of chaos as residents fled in different directions to escape the assault. A number of people were confirmed dead, while others sustained injuries and are receiving treatment.

The burning of houses has left many families displaced, with properties and livelihoods destroyed in the violence. The community remains tense, and residents are calling for increased security presence to prevent further attacks.

Security forces are yet to issue a comprehensive official update on the incident, though reports indicate that troops have been mobilised to the area.

The assault is the latest in a series of raids attributed to the group in the northeast, underscoring the ongoing threat posed by the insurgents in Adamawa and neighbouring states.

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