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Why we didn’t reveal identity of owner of seized 753 duplexes – EFCC explains
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has explained why it withheld the identity of the owner of seized estate landed property with 753 units duplexes in Abuja.
Its Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, said it would be unprofessional to mention names of individuals whose identities were not directly linked to any title document of the properties.
Oyewale was responding to the criticisms that followed the EFCC record-breaking asset recovery of a 150,500-square-meter estate with 753 duplexes and other apartments in Abuja.
The EFCC had on Monday secured a judgment through Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, ordering final forfeiture of the property to the government.
It was alleged that the commission deliberately covered up the identity of the owners of the estate.
Oyewale explained that the company flagged by the EFCC investigations denied ownership of the estate located in Lokogoma District, Abuja.
According to him, the property was forfeited to the Federal Government after the successful court ruling on Dec 2.
Oyewale emphasized that the forfeiture was carried out in line with Nigerian law, specifically under Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act.
He said that the forfeiture proceeding was a civil action involving the estate, rather than targeting an individual directly.
“The allegation of a cover-up of the identity of the promoters of the Estate stands logic on the head.
“This, in the sense that the proceedings for the forfeiture of the Estate were in line with Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud Act.
“This is a civil proceeding that allows for action-in-rem rather than action-in-personam.
“The latter allows legal actions against a property and not an individual, especially in a situation of unclaimed property.
“This Act allows you to take up a forfeiture proceeding against a chattel who is not a juristic person. This is exactly what the Commission did in respect of the estate.”
He said that the proceedings that yielded the final forfeiture of the Estate were products of actionable intelligence available to the Commission, adding that the company flagged by EFCC investigations denied ownership of the estate following publications made in leading national newspapers.
“On the basis of this, the Commission approached the court for an order of final forfeiture which Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court granted on Monday, Dec. 2.
“It will be unprofessional of the EFCC to go to town by mentioning names of individuals whose identities were not directly linked to any title document of the properties,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to gear up more against lapses and loopholes in the system that continue to make the nation vulnerable to corrupt tendencies.
He urged critics to focus on the systemic issues that allowed such corrupt activities to occur in the first place.
“The expectation of the EFCC from citizens is a patriotic appreciation of its efforts in securing such landmark forfeiture,” he said. (NAN)
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Fake Medical Doctor sent to jail for allegedly removing womb causing woman’s death
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Fake Medical Doctor sent to jail for allegedly removing womb causing Woman’s death
An Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court, Ibadan, on Wednesday ordered the remand of a 55-year-old fake doctor, Moyosore Johnson, in a correctional centre for allegedly causing the death of a woman.
Johnson, whose address was not provided, was arraigned on a four-count charge bothering on conspiracy and accelerating cause of death.
Magistrate Kausarat Ayofe did not take the plea of the defendant for lack of jurisdiction.
She directed the police to return the case file to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for advice.
Ayofe adjourned the case until March 27, for mention.
Earlier, the Prosecutor, Insp. Segun Adegboye, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on July 5, 2024, at about 10.00 a.m, at Apata Igbala Hospital Iseyin, Oyo State.
Adegboye alleged that the defendant unlawfully accelerated the cause of the death of one Badirat Adebayo, 26, by carrying out surgery on her.
He alleged that the defendant removed Adebayo’s womb, which led to her death.
According to the prosecutor, the offences contravene Sections 516 and 319 of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.(NAN)
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Group seeks support for military to capture Bello Turji, other Terrorists
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Group seeks support for military to capture Bello Turji, other Terrorists
The North-West Youths for Peace and Development (NWYPD), a non-governmental organisation, has called for the suppprt of the people in the region for the military in its renewed onslaught against Bello Turji and other terrorists in the region.
The Coordinator of the group, Salihu Bello, made the call while addressing newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja.
Bello also urged the people to show appreciation to the Armed Forces of Nigeria for its relentless efforts to tackle the activities of Bello and other bandits.
‘The military needs our to restore peace and order in the North West.
“While our region is seeking ways to advance economically, here we are dealing with forces of retrogression, people who don’t want our region to make progress.
“Unfortunately they are our people. How did we get here? Who are the people directly or indirectly supporting them?
“The North-West Youths for Peace and Development commend the Gen. Christopher Musa led Armed Forces of Nigeria for what is been done to restore peace in our region.
“We once more appeal to our people to support the military,” he said. (NAN)
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Police operatives arrest 5 suspects for alleged murder of 7-year-old boy, Vigilante Commander
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Police operatives arrest 5 suspects for alleged murder of 7-year-old boy, Vigilante Commander
The Police Command in Edo says it has arrested five suspects in connection with two different killings in the state.
This is contained in a statement on Wednesday in Benin, by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in charge of the command, CSP Moses Yamu.
Yamu said that the killings include an alleged gruesome murder of a 7-year-old boy, and the assassination of a local vigilante commander.
He said that one Mr John Okojabhole, a resident of Jehovah Witness Road, off Elebesunu Street in Irrua, reported the murder of his son, Evans Okojabhole, on Feb. 22.
According to him, the boy, who had been declared missing 24 hours earlier, was later found dead with his stomach ripped open, his ankles severed, and some fingers cut off.
”His mutilated body was dumped in a bush near their home.
”Following preliminary investigations, two suspects were arrested in connection with the crime.
“The police transferred the suspects to the State Criminal Investigations Department (SCID) in Benin for further investigation.”
The PPRO said that in another incident, the command was investigating the killing of one Victor Ogedengbe, 50, the Vigilante Commander of Erah Camp in Owan East Local Government Area of the state.
”Ogedengbe was reportedly attacked and killed in his farm on Feb. 25 by suspected herdsmen.
”The Chairman of Owan East LGA reported the incident at Afuze Police Division, prompting a swift investigation that led to the arrest of three suspects.
”The suspects are all residents of Erah community, and they have also been transferred to the SCID for further interrogation,” he said.
Yamu, disclosed that the police had also increased security in Uzanu and Okpekpe communities following the recent killing of two farmers by suspected herdsmen.
He said the Commissioner of Police, Betty Otimenyin, has reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety of residents in the state.
He quoted the commissioner as urging the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agents by reporting suspicious activities.
“We appreciate the support from the general public and appeal for continued cooperation. If you see something, say something,” the police boss was quoted as saying. (NAN)
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