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Gospel Artist, Sammie Okposo is Dead
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EFCC Files Three Court Charge Against Cubana Chief Priest over Naira Abuse
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed a three-count charge against Instagram celebrity, Pascal Okechukwu aka Cubana Chief Priest, for allegedly spraying and tampering with the Naira at a social event, in violation of the provisions of Central Bank Act of 2007.
Cubana Chief Priest will be arraigned on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, before Justice Kehinde Ogundare of the Federal High Court, Lagos.
Reports say the charge against Okechukwu was filed on April 4, 2024 by EFFC’s prosecutor Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) alongside seven other lawyers representing the chairman of the Commission.
In Count 1, it was alleged, “that you, Okechukwu Pascal on 13th Feb. 2024, at Eko Hotel, within the jurisdiction of the court, while dancing during a social event, tampered with funds in the denomination of N500 (Five Hundred Naira) issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying same for two hours, and you thereby committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act 2007”.
In count 2, it was alleged, “that you Okechukwu Pascal sometime in 2020, in Lagos during a social event, tampered with funds in the denomination of N500 (Five Hundred Naira) issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying same for two hours, and you thereby committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act 2007”.
In Count 3, it was alleged, “that you Okechukwu Pascal sometime in January 2024, in Lagos during a social event, tampered with funds in the denomination of N500 (Five Hundred Naira) issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying same and you thereby committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act 2007”.
This is coming days after the EFCC secured the conviction controversial cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye aka Bobrisky, on similar charges. He was subsequently sentenced to six months imprisonment without an option of fine.
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Kaduna Assembly Sets Committee to Probe Former Gov El-Rufai
The Kaduna State House of Assembly has set up a fact-finding committee to probe all finances, loans and contract projects awarded under the former Governor Nasiru El-Rufai administration.
Governor Uba Sani, during a town hall meeting on Saturday, lamented the huge debt inherited from his predecessor, El-Rufai, on May 29, 2023.
Sani had said the state was left with a few amounts, not enough to pay salary, adding that his administration inherited a total of $587 million, N85 billion, and 115 contractual liabilities from the ex-governor.
“Despite the huge debt burden of 587 million dollars, 85 billion naira, and N115 billion in contractual liabilities sadly inherited from the previous administration, we remain resolute in steering Kaduna State towards progress and sustainable development.
“We have conducted a thorough assessment of our situation and are sharpening our focus accordingly,” the governor had said.
However, on Tuesday, the state’s Assembly set up a fact-finding committee during plenary, among others, to also investigate the former governor’s top associate and Senior Counsellor on Investment, Jimi Lawal.
Besides, the panel would probe financial dealings, loans and grants and other project implementation from 2015-2023.
The State Assembly also mandated the committee to invite notable personalities including the former speakers of the 8th and 9th Assembly, commissioners of finance, former Managing Directors of Kaduna Markets, and Commissioners of Budget and Planning, among others.
The Punch
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Tinubu Gifts Police Dedicated Week, Declares April 7 National Police Day
The government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared the first week of April as Police week and the last day of the week April 7 as National Police Day.
President Tinubu made the declaration at the maiden edition of the award ceremony of the Nigeria Police Awards and Commendations held at the Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, where he was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
A statement signed by the Deputy Director (Information and Public Relations Unit of the Police Service Commission), Bolaji Kazeem, and made available to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), explained that the federal government has approved the first week of April as police week and the last day of the week as National Police Day to honour the Police Force in the life of this great nation adding that they have approved the adoption of the first week of April as Police Week.
“The last day of the week, the 7th of April, is declared National Police Day in Nigeria,” the statement quoted Tinubu as saying.
The President stated that a complete overhaul of the institutional mentality and memory of police officers is fundamental to his administration’s ongoing bid to transform the force into a modern, professional, and accountable institution.
He stressed the need to engage men and women of the force in training and capacity-building to equip them with the requisite expertise to carry out the arduous task of modern policing.
In his words, “This would ensure that police officers were equipped with the knowledge, skills, values, and expertise required to tackle the complex challenges of modern policing, and the government would upgrade equipment and technology to enhance operational effectiveness and efficiency of the force.
“This includes acquiring fit-for-purpose equipment, weapons, ammunition, and armoured carriers to provide cover and protection for officers in combat situations. He noted.
President Tinubu recalled that the nation’s security architecture was being stretched beyond elastic limits, and the citizens had been able to endure in the face of security threats as well as attacks on their lives and livelihoods due to the commitment of the police.
“Your exemplary valour doesn’t only represent the pinnacle of patriotism that binds us but also instils confidence that brighter days lie just beyond the horizon,” President Tinubu added.
He said, “Our idea of a modern police force goes beyond superficial changes like repainting office buildings and residences or simply procuring firearms. The transformation we seek must transcend mere policy and infrastructure; it requires a fundamental overhaul of our institutional mentality and memory.”
In his goodwill message, the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, commended the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for recognizing the hard work, resilience and patriotism of the officers and men of the police force.
In his remarks, the Honourable Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam stated that Nigerians must recognize and appreciate the hard work and commitment of brave men and women who selflessly serve the people of Nigeria.
The Minister pointed out that Service is at the heart of the law enforcement profession and Police officers dedicate their lives to protecting and serving others, often putting themselves in harm’s way to ensure the safety of their communities.
In his words, “As we acknowledge the challenges and risks that our police officers face each day, we must also recognize the importance of supporting them in their mission. Providing proper training, resources, and support systems for our officers is essential to ensuring their well-being and effectiveness in their roles”.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Egbetokun applauded Tinubu for his support of the force, as well as his administration’s efforts in ensuring the nation’s security forces were up to their game and assured of their dedication, courage, and selflessness to the nation.