Alleged N400 million fraud: IGP Egbetokun amends charge against Senator, one other
Alleged N400 million fraud: IGP Egbetokun amends charge against Senator, one other
The Inspector-General (I-G) of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, has amended a two-count charge filed against Sen. Andy uba bordering on alleged fraud to the tune of N400 million.
I-G’s counsel, M.L. Anthony, told Justice Inyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday shortly after the matter was called for Uba and others to take their plea.
Although Uba was not in court, Anthony informed the judge that an amended charge had been filed and the defendants were yet to be served.
He said the fresh charge was filed on Tuesday and he had been unable to serve the defendants.
He, therefore, sought an adjournment to enable him do the needful and C.F. Odiniru, who appeared for the 2nd defendant, Benjamin Etu, who was also in court, did not oppose the application.
Anthony sought the leave of court to serve Etu’s lawyer in the open court and it was granted.
Justice Ekwo adjourned the matter until March 17 for arraignment of Uba and Etu who are now defendants in the fresh charge.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the police had earlier named Uba, the former Senator representing Anambra South, and two others in the first charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/538/2024.
The co-defendants, in the two-count charge filed Oct. 10, 2024 by Abdulrashid Sidi in the Legal/Prosecution Section at the Police Force Headquarters, Abuja, were Crystal Uba and Benjamin Etu as 2nd and 3rd defendants respectively.
But in the amended charge filed March 4 by Sidi, Uba and Etu are listed as 1st and 2nd defendants, while Crystal Uba’s name had been dropped form the charge.
In count one, Uba, Etu and Hajiya Fatima now at large, sometimes in 2022, were alleged to have conspired amongst themselves to commit the offence.
Uba and others were accused of obtaining by false pretence, by making a presentation to George Uboh that they had perfected ways for the appointment of the Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to any interested persons who could afford N400 million.
“A presentation which you know is not true and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8 and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related offences Act, 2006.”
The offence, the prosecution said, is contrary to Section 1 (2) and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related offences Act, 2006,” the count read in part.
Uboh, in a letter dated April 5, 2023, and addressed to the I-G, said the petition was based on documentary and voice recording.
According to Uboh, the evidence is overwhelming and irrefutable.
No fewer than six witnesses had been listed to testify against the ex-lawmaker and Etu.(NAN)
Hon. Tonycollins Nwabunwanne, the state’s Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, issued the statement on behalf of the governor, declaring that Emelube’s election was illegal.
Nwabunwanne clarified that the election was conducted while a court case regarding the traditional rulership process was still pending, rendering the election invalid and not recognized by the state government.
The Commissioner further explained that there is no official traditional ruler or Igwe cabinet in Oba due to the ongoing legal matter concerning the election’s legitimacy.
Reacting to the governor’s decision, Chukwuma Ananti, a rival contestant in the disputed election, applauded the move.
He praised the governor for halting Emelube’s claim to the throne, urging for the full implementation of a consent judgment, which stipulates that the Oba monarch election must follow a zoning arrangement.
Ananti also called for the immediate suspension of the community’s president-general, accusing him of bias in the election process.
“The Oba Igweship election was supposed to be concluded according to the zoning agreement, as per the consent judgment. Despite this, the president-general ignored the court’s directive and proceeded with an illegal election,” Ananti told reporters.
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First Lady Senator Remi Tinubu reacts to s3xual harassment allegations rocking Senate
First Lady Senator Remi Tinubu reacts to s3xual harassment allegations rocking Senate
AThe First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, says the senate is taking the necessary steps over the sexual harassment allegations by Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
While reacting to the raging issue in Abuja on Thursday, Mrs Tinubu said that the senate, being the apex legislative chamber in the country, should not be a place where such things should happen.
“I know what is going on in the Senate; you will say why am I not taking a position; I believe that the senate is doing what is needful.
‘This is because the senate is a mature chamber and it should be treated with respect.
“It is also an honour for anyone who happens to be there; I was there for 12 years,” she said.
Meanwhile, the senate has suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan over what it called ‘total violation of the Senate Standing Rules 2023, as amended’.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this was sequel to the presentation of the report of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, led by Sen. Neda Imaseun, during the plenary. (NAN)
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Scientists working to extend human lifespan to 250 years – Medical expert
Scientists working to extend human lifespan to 250 years – Medical expert
Dr Ibrahim Wada, a medical expert, has suggested that advancements in modern medicine could extend human lifespan by up to 250 years within the next 40 years.
Wada, Founder of Nisa Medical Group, made this assertion while delivering the Second Nimi Dimkpa Briggs Legacy Lecture Series at the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) on Thursday.
Speaking as the guest lecturer on the topic ‘The Longevity of Man,’ Wada stated that such feat could be realised as scientists continued to make rapid progress in medical technology and genetic engineering.
He highlighted the breakthroughs in genetic science that have enabled researchers to create artificial eggs and sperm from human saliva, which could then be used to grow babies in artificial wombs.
“This technology has already produced live rats. It is only a matter of time before humans benefit from similar advancements,” he disclosed.
Wada, an Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Abubakar Tafawa Belewa University, Bauchi, further emphasised the potential of stem cells, artificial organs, and genetic reprogramming in prolonging human life.
According to him, science has now reached a stage where human genetic codes can be understood and manipulated to enhance longevity.
“Recreating stem cells from a person’s genes and reintroducing them into the body can regenerate dead cells and significantly extend lifespan.
“In another 30 to 40 years, it will be normal for individuals to expect to live for 200 or even 250 years.
“This will happen because humanity has now entered the age of computer reprogramming,” he added.
Wada lamented the fact that such advanced medical technologies are not yet available in Nigeria.
He also stressed the importance of regular medical check-ups, healthy eating, regular exercise, and adequate rest in achieving longevity.
“Rest is essential for brain function. So, when it is time to rest, you must allow the brain to rest – no compromise,” Wada advised.
Reflecting on the legacy of Prof. Briggs, UNIPORT’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, described Briggs as a visionary leader, philanthropist, and academic giant.
He questioned whether longevity was merely a measure of biological persistence or encompasses something more profound.
“This is because it is not the breath we take, but the fire we ignite,” Georgewill remarked.
Prof. Ngozi Orazulike, Chair Occupant of the Nimi Briggs Professorial Chair in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, noted that Briggs made immense contributions to the medical and teaching professions.
She stated that the late medical icon had a multifaceted career as a doctor, teacher, researcher, mentor, and philanthropist.
In response, the late icon’s son, Nima Briggs, expressed gratitude for the continued recognition of his father’s contributions in the country.
“It is humbling to see my father’s legacy live on, with events still being organised to honour his memory,” Briggs concluded. (NAN)