UK-Based NLF Asks EFCC To Investigate Former Head of Civil Service Oronsaye, Auditor-General

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The Nigeria Liberty Forum (NLF), a Nigerian pro-democracy group based in the United Kingdom, has asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate Mr. Stephen Oronsaye, a powerful former Head of the federal civil service.

In a letter dated October 27 and copied to various international and local interests, NLF forwarded to the EFCC the Auditor-General’s Special Audit Report of the Head of the Civil Service Pension Accounts entitled, ‘Special Audits of Account of Civil Pensions for the period 2005-2010’, a summary of which it recalled was published recently by Premium Times.
Stephen Osagiede Oronsaye
The group pointed out that the report indicted Mr. Oronsaye of involvement in a N123billion fraud during his tenure between 2009 and 2010, and charged him with: 
Unaccounted N52billion monthly pension payments,
Collection of N1.03billion kickbacks from Pensions Union,
Cornering of N15.6billion meant for settlement of Death Benefits of pensioners, and
Transfer of N54billion from 58 untraceable illegal accounts.
“Premium Times reported that through its independent investigations, there are some corruption fronts that both the Auditor General of the Federation and the Commission are yet to uncover,” NLF said.  “The paper cited its investigations which was published on June 30, 2010, detailing how Mr. Oronsaye transferred N113million from Pension Account Number- 4501040012292 with Union Bank Plc to Unity Bank Account named Contingency; and the Contingency turning out to be a State House Account in the name of Principal Private Secretary to the President, which the former Head of Service operated many years after his removal as Principal Private Secretary to the President.”
NLF further recalled that on September 19, the office of the Auditor General of the Federation published a disclaimer of the reports, stating that no report ever indicted Mr. Oronsaye in the N123 billion fraud, but that Premium Times responded with a follow up story on September 22 in which it reaffirmed its earlier story and published some sections of the report.
It further requested the EFCC to investigate the alleged ownership of the multi-billion Naira Protea Hotel in Asokoro by Mr. Oronsaye.
“The said hotel is alleged to be owned by Mr Oronsaye through a proxy. We also [task] the Commission to investigate how Mrs. Margaret Oronsaye owned another multi billion naira investment named Children’s Affairs, located in a primed area of Kolda Street Wuse II Abuja,” the group stated, saying it has information revealing that Oronsaye’s share of the pension loot is being laundered through these businesses and other real estate interests.
“NLF hereby calls on EFCC, by the powers vested on the Commission under the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act 2004, to commence extensive investigation into these fresh allegations, and the extent of involvement of the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation, for necessary action, and make public its findings,” it continued.
“Failure by the Commission to act within reasonable time and speed, this forum will not hesitate to take her advocacy to the next level, in order to ensure justice for these ordinary retirees who are the primary victims of this ungodly act.”
Full text of the letter:


27th October, 2014
The Chairman
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission
5, Fomella Street,
Off Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent,
Wuse 11,
Abuja.
Dear Sir, 
FORWARDING OF AUDITOR GENERAL OF THE FEDERATION’S SPECIAL AUDIT REPORT OF THE HEAD OF CIVIL SERVICE PENSION ACCOUNTS AND REQUEST FOR THOROUGH INVESTIGATION OF THE INVOLVEMENT OF MR. STEPHEN ORONSAYE & OTHERS
Introduction
The Nigeria Liberty Forum is a UK based Nigerian pro-democracy group of sympathizers and volunteers who share a passion for grassroots political engagement and participation. The forum is also in the fore front of advocating for Social justice and entrenchment of Rule of law in Nigeria.
Background:  
Premium Times, an online news medium, on September 15, 2014 made public, summary of a 169-page report at the office of the Nigeria’s Auditor General, allegedly indicting a former Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mr. Stephen Oronsaye, of involvement in a N123billion fraud during his tenure between 2009 and 2010.
Premium Times detailed that, the report entitled ‘Special Audits of Account of Civil Pensions for the period 2005-2010’, charged Mr. Oronsaye of the following misdeeds: 
Unaccounted N52billion monthly pension payments
Collection of N1.03billion kickbacks from Pensions Union
Cornering of N15.6billion meant for settlement of Death Benefits of pensioners 
Transfer of N54billion from 58 untraceable illegal accounts
Unaccounted N52billion monthly pension payments- According to the report, the pension payroll was purportedly never subjected to internal audit between June 2009 and December 2010; and that, the payments were not presented for internal and federal audits for prepayment audit as required by Nigerian financial regulation: leaving no account of N52 billion monthly pension payments. Also, the report allegedly documented evidence of payment of goods running into millions of naira that were not supplied.
Collection of N1.03billion kickbacks from Pensions Union- The newspaper recounted contents of the report included the detection of a serious infraction in the payment of N2.08billion check-off dues to the Nigerian Union of Pensioners during Stephen Oronsaye’s reign (2009-2010); there was an overpay of N1.03billion when the auditors computed and analyzed the figures in accordance with the 1% deducted from statutory pension allocations. This amount is alleged to have been passed to the Ex-head of Service as Kickbacks. 
Furthermore in the report, Premium Times narrated that, the auditors found no shred of evidence which indicated that any state government had actually received the 5% of federal government’s contribution and reimbursements purportedly made to them.
Cornering of N15.6billion meant for settlement of Death Benefit- Expounding on the report, Premium Times related that the N15.6billion released by the federal Government for the death benefits of deceased civil servants in July 2010 could not be accounted for. The newspaper stated that based on its investigations, the money was moved to an illegal account in Federal Secretariat branch of Union Bank which is personally operated by Mr. Oronsaye and managed by his sister-in-law. 
Transfer of N54billion from 58 untraceable illegal accounts- Lastly in the report, between 2009 and 2010, 58 bank accounts were allegedly opened at the instance of Mr. Oronsaye without the approval of the Accountant General of the Federation; over N54billion were ostensibly transferred to these illegal accounts and eventually withdrawn for undisclosed purposes. The accounts were found to have had no cashbooks, payment vouchers, bank reconciliation statements, transcript or any evidence of expenditure returns.
The said report has further buttressed need for thorough probe into the tenures of Mr. Oronsaye and other  Former Heads of Service of the Federation. Nigerian Liberty forum recalls that Saharareprters had on November 26, 2013 reported that the EFCC has invited Mr. Oronsaye for questioning, base on his involvement in the Pension scam, since then nothing has been heard about the case. 
Premium Times reported that through its independent investigations, there are some corruption fronts that both the Auditor General of the Federation and the Commission are yet to uncover. The paper cited its investigations which was published on June 30, 2010, detailing how Mr. Oronsaye transferred N113million from Pension Account Number- 4501040012292 with Union Bank Plc to Unity Bank Account named Contingency; and the Contingency turning out to be a State House Account in the name of Principal Private Secretary to the President, which the former Head of Service operated many years after his removal as Principal Private Secretary to the President. The newspaper stated that, further delving revealed that a certain Shola Aiyedogbon withdrew substantial part of the illegally transferred funds for onward delivery to Mr. Oronsaye and that it was only on January 27, 2011 that Unity Bank alerted the Permanent Secretary, State House of the illegal operation of the account before Mr. Oronsaye desisted from operation of the account.
However, on September 19, 2014, the office of the Auditor General of the Federation issued a disclaimer of the media reports on pages: 28 (ii) of ThisDay; 51 of The Nation; 60 of Daily Sun and 14 of Daily Trust National Newspapers, stating that no report ever indicted the Nigeria’s former head of service, Mr. Oronsaye in a N123billion fraud.
In a detailed response to the disclaimer by the Office of Auditor General, PremiumTimes did a follow up story on Monday, 22nd September, 2014, reaffirming its stand on the earlier story and publishing some section of the report. The paper lampooned the Auditor General for encouraging corruption and shielding corrupt officers with his rebuttal and failure to forward the report in question to the National Assembly as required under the constitution. NLF is greatly concerned by the EFCC’s deepening silence in the midst of these monumental fraud allegations. 
NLF wish to further request the Commission to investigate the allege ownership of a multi billion naira Protea Hotel Asokoro by Mr. Oronsaye. The said hotel is alleged to be owned by Mr Oronsaye through a proxy. We also tasked the Commission to investigate how Mrs. Margaret Oronsaye owned another multi billion naira investment named Children’s Affairs, located in a primed area of Kolda street wuse II Abuja. Information available to  NLF reveals that Oronsaye’s share of pension loot is laundered through the above mentioned existing businesses and other real estates
NLF wish to also refer the Commission to section 27 of the EFCC Act. 2004, which states that: “where a person is arrested for committing an offence under this Act, such a person shall make full disclosure of all assets and properties by completing the declaration of Assets form....”. The Act further directs the Commission to investigate the Asset declaration filled by any arrested person.
NLF hereby calls on EFCC, by the powers vested on the Commission under the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act 2004, to commence extensive investigation into these fresh allegations, and the extent of involvement of the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation, for necessary action, and make public its findings.
Failure by the Commission to act within reasonable time and speed, this forum will not hesitate to take her advocacy to the next level, inorder to ensure justice for these ordinary retirees who are the primary victims of this ungodly act.
Attached herewith alongside the petition is the complete 169 page Auditor General Pension special report for ease of reference. While awaiting your formal acknowledgement of this petition and immediate commencement of investigation, NLF wish to inform you that the petition and the report has been copied and circulated to various stakeholders all over the world.
Sincerely yours,
Oluwakayode Ogundamisi
Coordinator
CC
UK Embassy, Nigeria
US Embassy, Nigeria
French Embassy, Nigeria
Canadian Embassy, Nigeria
Spanish Embassy, Nigeria
South African Embassy, Nigeria
Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Paris
US FINCEN
NCA UK
National Assembly, Abuja
Civil Society Organisations

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Emir of Kano, Alhaji Mohammed Sanusi II, in company of members of The Kano Emirate visited President Jonathan at Aso Rock Villa earlier today October 30th.

The former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria was reportedly at the Villa to reconcile with President Jonathan after the rift between them following Sanusi's sack from office as CBN governor. See more photos after the cut...

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President Jonathan picked up the PDP Presidential Expression of Interest and Nomination form today October 30th at the party's national headquarters in Abuja. See more photos after the cut...

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The Nigerian Police Force have withdrawn the security detail of the Speaker of the House of Reps, Aminu Tambuwal, who recently defected from the PDP to APC. In a statement released few minutes ago on their official website, the Police said they withdrew Tambuwal's security because his recent defection flouts the 1999 constitution. Find the statement after the cut...

"In view of the recent defection by the Right Honourable Aminu Waziri Tanbuwal, CFR, the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, from the People Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressive Congress (APC), and having regard to the clear provision of Section 68 (1) (g) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has redeployed its personnel attached to his office.

Ag. CP Emmanuel C. S Ojukwu psc
Force Public Relations Officer,
Force Headquarters,
Abuja.

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Open Week is here again! Startimes just unveiled eight (8) amazing new amazing channels across its StarTimes and StarSat platforms. All eight channels will be open to all subscribers, free across all bouquets  from November 10th to 16th, 2014. 

The eight new channels have been selected  to enhance digital television experience for all Nigerians, from sports to music, these new channels promises the best digital entertainment you won’t be forgetting in a hurry! The brand new channels include: Davinci learning, QYou, Dadin kowa (a hausa channel), Poptv, Wazobia tv, Cool tv, Trace sport and Star sport 2.

These amazing new channels are top-notch in any pay-tv content category. The QYOUis first of its kind, highly rated and most fascinating videos of YouTube are being watched and enjoyed . The Star-Sport 2 brings Live the European Qualifying series exclusively to everyone face, other channels promise unending entertainment.

Amazing! Isn’t it? Non-stop excitement for 7 days at zero cost! If you’re not on StarTimes or StarSat yet, you better get on board to enjoy the best programmes and channels at really affordable prices.

StarTimes has it all; the best of music, films, sport, news, documentaries, reality shows, cartoons and kiddies shows for the entire family. You are guaranteed to enjoy quality programming, no delay in decoder scanning, affordable subscription rates.

#StarTimesOpenWeek starts on the 10^th of November and ends on 16^th; don’t miss out on the excitement!

For more information:

Visit: http://www.startimes.com.ng/openweek/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/StarTimesNigeria

Twitter: https://twitter.com/StarTimes_Ng

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarTimesNG

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Boko Haram Abducts More Women In Nigeria’s Northeast

No fewer than 60 women have now been confirmed abducted by Boko Haram militants from Wagga Mangoro and Garta villages in Adamawa State, north east Nigeria. And the militants to boot have paid a dowry of N1,500 on each woman taken away.
The abductions were carried out by the insurgents at the weekend, just hours after government announced a ceasefire, that even had to the bargain, the release of the 219 schoolgirls captured in April from the town of Chibok, in Borno state.

But rather than the Boko Haram attacks reducing, they have increased.
A resident of Garta, Tizhe Kwada, who escaped the attack on Saturday told the Daily Trust newspaper that hundreds of militants stormed the village on motorcycles and vans on Saturday, burnt houses and abducted women and young girls.
Wagga Mangoro and Garta are situated in Madagali and Michika local council areas.
Kwada said many residents fled the area which has been under Boko Haram for about two months.
Here is an excerpt of the Daily Trust report as related by Kwada:

  “According to him, they conducted house-to-house searches for young women in Garta and forced relatives to collect N1,500 and kola nuts as bride price for any female taken. They slit the throat of three men and have since remained there, he added.
“The insurgents are still in the area. They slit the throats of three men in Garta and abducted many young women. We also heard from residents of Wagga that they killed two men and took 40 women away.”
“A community leader from Michika, Emmanuel Kwache, told newsmen in Yola that he got information on the attack from villagers who said the rampage was still on.”

 

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Boko Haram Breaks Ceasefire, Kills Dozens In Borno

Despite the purported declaration of ceasefire by both federal government and members of the Boko Haram leaders, various communities in Borno State have come under attack as the insurgents reportedly slain about 40 persons including the father of immediate speaker of Borno State House of Assembly, Goni Ali Modu.

On Friday, the terror group attacked the town of Shaffa in Hawul local government area of Borno State where they killed eight locals there and injured several others, even as hundreds of others were said to have fled their homes.

The gunmen returned back to the town to fight members of the Civilian-JTF who went to pick corpses of slain persons for burial.

A bloody gunfight was said to have ensued and many may have been killed including a member of the Boko Haram.

A top security personnel in Maiduguri confirmed the incident to LEADERSHIP Sunday but declined giving details on the possible casualty recorded in the Saturday repeat attack.

In the same vein the Boko Haram gunmen had on Friday, the day the purported ceasefire was announced, attacked Abadam village in the northern part of Borno state where they reportedly beheaded several villagers including the septuagenarian father of a former Speaker of the Borno state House of Assembly, Goni Ali Modu.

According to a resident of Abadam, Aminu Abdullahi, “dozens of gunmen suspected to be members of the Boko Haram have taken over Abadam. They have been in Abadam since Thursday but finally hoist their flags on Friday after killing many prominent people and forcing others to cross over to Niger”.

Abdullahi added that “at least “30 people have been killed in Abadam alone but I don’t know the actual number of people killed in nearby localities. A traditional ruler, Ba Mallam Wasak, 75, an uncle of the immediate past Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Goni Ali Modu was among those killed. As I am talking to you, both my father and mother are still trapped in Abadam and only God will save them. Many people, especially the old are still in Abadam because they could not flee,” he said.

Abadam is a border community, located about 200km north of Maiduguri, the Borno state capital. It is one of the border community that is literally cut off from the rest of the state by desert sand dunes. It takes 4-wheel driven SUVs and Jeeps to get to Abadam anytime of the year.

Similarly, some trapped, but lucky to escape, residents of Bama local government area of Borno state where the Boko Haram had seized for about two months now have reported cases of serial killings of helpless residents by the Boko Haram terrorists.

A 50 years old woman, Fatima Bulama, who managed to escape to Maiduguri on foot last Monday said “things are getting worst in Bama; they are killing people selectively everyday. Days before I managed to escape, they gathered all the younger women and divided them into three groups according to their age grade and then they took them away; we never knew what would become of them, but I know it would be something terrible.”

Boko Haram Breaks Ceasefire, Kills Dozens In Borno

read 9257 time(s)Leadership

Boko Haram

Despite the purported declaration of ceasefire by both federal government and members of the Boko Haram leaders, various communities in Borno State have come under attack as the insurgents reportedly slain about 40 persons including the father of immediate speaker of Borno State House of Assembly, Goni Ali Modu.

On Friday, the terror group attacked the town of Shaffa in Hawul local government area of Borno State where they killed eight locals there and injured several others, even as hundreds of others were said to have fled their homes.
The gunmen returned back to the town to fight members of the Civilian-JTF who went to pick corpses of slain persons for burial.
A bloody gunfight was said to have ensued and many may have been killed including a member of the Boko Haram.
A top security personnel in Maiduguri confirmed the incident to LEADERSHIP Sunday but declined giving details on the possible casualty recorded in the Saturday repeat attack.
In the same vein the Boko Haram gunmen had on Friday, the day the purported ceasefire was announced, attacked Abadam village in the northern part of Borno state where they reportedly beheaded several villagers including the septuagenarian father of a former Speaker of the Borno state House of Assembly, Goni Ali Modu.
According to a resident of Abadam, Aminu Abdullahi, “dozens of gunmen suspected to be members of the Boko Haram have taken over Abadam. They have been in Abadam since Thursday but finally hoist their flags on Friday after killing many prominent people and forcing others to cross over to Niger”.
Abdullahi added that “at least “30 people have been killed in Abadam alone but I don’t know the actual number of people killed in nearby localities. A traditional ruler, Ba Mallam Wasak, 75, an uncle of the immediate past Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Goni Ali Modu was among those killed. As I am talking to you, both my father and mother are still trapped in Abadam and only God will save them. Many people, especially the old are still in Abadam because they could not flee,” he said.
Abadam is a border community, located about 200km north of Maiduguri, the Borno state capital. It is one of the border community that is literally cut off from the rest of the state by desert sand dunes. It takes 4-wheel driven SUVs and Jeeps to get to Abadam anytime of the year.
Similarly, some trapped, but lucky to escape, residents of Bama local government area of Borno state where the Boko Haram had seized for about two months now have reported cases of serial killings of helpless residents by the Boko Haram terrorists.
A 50 years old woman, Fatima Bulama, who managed to escape to Maiduguri on foot last Monday said “things are getting worst in Bama; they are killing people selectively everyday. Days before I managed to escape, they gathered all the younger women and divided them into three groups according to their age grade and then they took them away; we never knew what would become of them, but I know it would be something terrible.”

- See more at: http://aitonline.tv/post-boko_haram_breaks_ceasefire__kills_dozens_in_borno#sthash.yetpDCu1.dpuf

Boko Haram Breaks Ceasefire, Kills Dozens In Borno

read 9257 time(s)Leadership

Boko Haram

Despite the purported declaration of ceasefire by both federal government and members of the Boko Haram leaders, various communities in Borno State have come under attack as the insurgents reportedly slain about 40 persons including the father of immediate speaker of Borno State House of Assembly, Goni Ali Modu.

On Friday, the terror group attacked the town of Shaffa in Hawul local government area of Borno State where they killed eight locals there and injured several others, even as hundreds of others were said to have fled their homes.
The gunmen returned back to the town to fight members of the Civilian-JTF who went to pick corpses of slain persons for burial.
A bloody gunfight was said to have ensued and many may have been killed including a member of the Boko Haram.
A top security personnel in Maiduguri confirmed the incident to LEADERSHIP Sunday but declined giving details on the possible casualty recorded in the Saturday repeat attack.
In the same vein the Boko Haram gunmen had on Friday, the day the purported ceasefire was announced, attacked Abadam village in the northern part of Borno state where they reportedly beheaded several villagers including the septuagenarian father of a former Speaker of the Borno state House of Assembly, Goni Ali Modu.
According to a resident of Abadam, Aminu Abdullahi, “dozens of gunmen suspected to be members of the Boko Haram have taken over Abadam. They have been in Abadam since Thursday but finally hoist their flags on Friday after killing many prominent people and forcing others to cross over to Niger”.
Abdullahi added that “at least “30 people have been killed in Abadam alone but I don’t know the actual number of people killed in nearby localities. A traditional ruler, Ba Mallam Wasak, 75, an uncle of the immediate past Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Goni Ali Modu was among those killed. As I am talking to you, both my father and mother are still trapped in Abadam and only God will save them. Many people, especially the old are still in Abadam because they could not flee,” he said.
Abadam is a border community, located about 200km north of Maiduguri, the Borno state capital. It is one of the border community that is literally cut off from the rest of the state by desert sand dunes. It takes 4-wheel driven SUVs and Jeeps to get to Abadam anytime of the year.
Similarly, some trapped, but lucky to escape, residents of Bama local government area of Borno state where the Boko Haram had seized for about two months now have reported cases of serial killings of helpless residents by the Boko Haram terrorists.
A 50 years old woman, Fatima Bulama, who managed to escape to Maiduguri on foot last Monday said “things are getting worst in Bama; they are killing people selectively everyday. Days before I managed to escape, they gathered all the younger women and divided them into three groups according to their age grade and then they took them away; we never knew what would become of them, but I know it would be something terrible.”

- See more at: http://aitonline.tv/post-boko_haram_breaks_ceasefire__kills_dozens_in_borno#sthash.yetpDCu1.dpuf

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Ebola Scare: Nigerian Passengers Stranded At JFK Airport In New York As Cleaning Crew Refuse To Work On Arik Aircraft

An outbound Arik airline flight scheduled to leave New York’s JFK International Airport at 1:30PM EST is stranded with several passengers as the cleaning company officially contracted to clean the aircraft refused to go near the aircraft citing fears that the aircraft might be harboring Ebola virus.

Arik air management is now working to get an ad hoc cleaning company that is willing to undertake the task of cleaning the aircraft so that it could take off to Lagos Nigeria.

Source: SaharaReporters, New York

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The Super Eagles Head Coach, Stephen Keshi and other team's coaching staffs have been sacked despite the victory beating Sudan 3-1 last night.

The Nigerian Football Federation, announced his sack today October 16th after an emergency meeting which held last night in Abuja. Explaining the sack, the NFF said;

"In the interest of Nigeria football and the desire to ensure qualification for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations finals, the Committee decided to relieve them of their duties with immediate effect."

Keshi has been replaced with 56 year old Amodu Shuaibu who has coached the national team before. Shuaibu is an interim coach pending when they get a new coach. Personally, I find this annoying!

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#BBHotShots: Watch Shower Hour [Day 3] – Mira (18+)

Watch here:- #BBHotShots: Watch Shower Hour [Day 3] – Mira (18+)

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Seven serving ministers in President Jonathan’s cabinet today October 15th resigned their positions.

Those who resigned are: the Ministers of Information, Labaran Maku; Minister of Trade and Industry, Samuel Ortom; Minsiter of Health Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu, Minister of State for Defence Dairus Ishaku, Minsiter of Labor, Emeka Wogu, Minister of State for Defence, Mr Musiliu Obanikoro and Minister of State for Education, Mr Nyesom Wike.

All the ministers resigned to pursue their gubernatorial ambitions in their various states.

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Oh no! Sad for this hospital. A second health care worker at the Texas Presbyterian Hospital has tested positive to Ebola, a few days after a nurse, Nina Pham, tested positive. The new case is also one of those who attended to late Thomas Eric Duncan, the Liberian who took Ebola to America.

Confirming the 2nd diagnoses, the US Center for Disease Control and prevention said in a statement 

"A second healthcare worker at Texas Presbyterian Hospital who provided care for the index patient has tested positive for Ebola according to preliminary test performed overnight by the Texas Department of State Health Services Laboratory".

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Despite what many of you think or have read, Teebillz and sexy singer Tiwa Savage are doing great. Reacting to the rumours of a troubled marriage for the first time, Teebillz told Encomium magazine.

"We're still very much in love. Very happily married."

The couple were spotted all loved up at House on the Rock church this past Sunday October 12th. I know that they are doing OK...that's why I never wrote anything. Long live their marriage!

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Pastor Taiwo Odukoya of Fountain of Life Church says he find it annoying that Christians keep criticizing CAN leader, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor for owing a private jet.

Pastor Odukoya said this yesterday Oct 14th while speaking at the media parley for the launch of the Fountain Initiative for Social Development,a social enterprise being championed by his wife, Nomthi. He also talked about the Sosoliso plane crash that killed his late wife Pastor Bimbo in Dec. 2005.

“It’s been years, what is the outcome of the investigations into the Sosoliso air crash? If anybody whether you are a leader or not, and you do what is wrong, we won’t endorse it. I don’t agree that he was wrong. Nigeria is considered to be a country with the highest number of private jets, if not, we are known with a good number in the world. How do you handle that?

"For some, getting a private jet is for business. They give it to companies that will handle all aspects of maintenance including the hangar and then they run it as business. That was exactly what he did. Apart from that, why would such a person have a jet .You want me to tell you? Why would Baba Enoch Adeboye or Pastor David Oyedepo need a jet? My wife (late Bimbo Odukoya) is dead. She was going to preach when she crashed and died. Would we rather allow that our people die right all over Africa? What is annoying is that those who are criticizing Oritsejafor are Christians. We question their Christianity. You don’t want him to have a jet. You want another plane crash to kill him? My father in the Lord, Bishop Mike Okonkwo will travel by road from Lagos to Benin Republic and he would be delayed only to enter one rickety plane at the end of the day. We don’t want another person to die. If you want to buy Concord or space jet, buy it. It is the corruption in the system that allows people to get away with wrong doing,” he said.

 Source: Premium Times

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Robbers Kill Policeman, Nollywood Actor While Trying To Seize A Bullion Van In Delta

A policeman and a Nollywood actor, identified as Clem Oyenka, were murdered yesterday in a broad daylight in Asaba, Delta State capital during a gun battle between armed robbers and the police, as the robbers attempted to seize a bullion van carrying money.

Narrating the incident to a SaharaReporters correspondent, an eyewitness said the van was ambushed around 2pm along DBS road, Asaba, by the armed robbers who were operating in Jeep and Sienna cars. In the process of trying to seize the van, the police escort resisted, resulting in a severe gun battle between the robbers and the police.
Clem Oyeka, Nollywood actor According to sources, the armed robbers succeeded in killing the officer manning the police escort, while one of the armed robbers was said to have been shot by the officer.
A stray bullet from the conflict also hit and killed Oyenka, while the actor was returning from a filming location.
SaharaReporters learned that when the robbers discovered that they were going to be overpowered by the police they escaped with their wounded colleague.
Delta State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) DSP Celestina Kalu, while confirming the incident, debunked the reports that a police officer was killed, saying that only a passerby was killed by a stray bullet, while one of the robbers who sustained a serious bullet wound escaped with his colleagues.

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Former Bayelsa Governor Alamieyeseigha’s Family Off To Dubai Over Son’s Death As Ijaw Demand Probe

The family of the former Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha today stated that authorities in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirate, had yet to determine the cause of the death of Oyamuyefa Alamieyeseigha, the former governor’s 32-year old son.   DSP Alamieyeseigha

A statement issued on behalf of the family and signed by the former Bayelsa Commissioner of Sports, Opukiri Jones-Ere, disclosed that Mr. Oyamuyefa Alamieyeseigha was found dead outside his apartment in Dubai in the early hours of Saturday, October 11, 2014.
The statement also confirmed that a delegation, comprising members of the former governor’s family as well as a few associates, had left for Dubai.
“The family wishes to thank the Federal and Bayelsa government and Nigerians for their outpouring of sympathy,” the family stated.
Meanwhile, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has described the death of the former governor’s son as “a death too many.” The group described the death of Oyamuyefa Alamieyeseigha as a big loss to Ijaw nation.
“The Ijaw youths note with dismay that there is increasing cases of questionable death of Nigerians in abroad without the foreign country giving a proper account of the cause of death (sic),” the IYC stated.
Their statement continued: “After more than three days after the death of Mr. Oyamuyefa Alamieyeseigha, the cause of his death is still unclear.
“Therefore, the IYC call on the Federal Government of Nigeria to ensure that there is proper investigation of the cause of death of the young Alamieyeseigha and takes steps to protect Nigerians abroad.
“A situation where foreigners are given the best of treatment in Nigeria but Nigerians in abroad are threatened like lesser human beings and killed indiscriminately is totally unacceptable to the IYC.” 

Source:- SaharaReporters, New York

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Former Bayelsa Governor Alamieyeseigha’s Family Off To Dubai Over Son’s Death As Ijaw Demand Probe

The family of the former Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha today stated that authorities in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirate, had yet to determine the cause of the death of Oyamuyefa Alamieyeseigha, the former governor’s 32-year old son.   DSP Alamieyeseigha

A statement issued on behalf of the family and signed by the former Bayelsa Commissioner of Sports, Opukiri Jones-Ere, disclosed that Mr. Oyamuyefa Alamieyeseigha was found dead outside his apartment in Dubai in the early hours of Saturday, October 11, 2014.
The statement also confirmed that a delegation, comprising members of the former governor’s family as well as a few associates, had left for Dubai.
“The family wishes to thank the Federal and Bayelsa government and Nigerians for their outpouring of sympathy,” the family stated.
Meanwhile, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has described the death of the former governor’s son as “a death too many.” The group described the death of Oyamuyefa Alamieyeseigha as a big loss to Ijaw nation.
“The Ijaw youths note with dismay that there is increasing cases of questionable death of Nigerians in abroad without the foreign country giving a proper account of the cause of death (sic),” the IYC stated.
Their statement continued: “After more than three days after the death of Mr. Oyamuyefa Alamieyeseigha, the cause of his death is still unclear.
“Therefore, the IYC call on the Federal Government of Nigeria to ensure that there is proper investigation of the cause of death of the young Alamieyeseigha and takes steps to protect Nigerians abroad.
“A situation where foreigners are given the best of treatment in Nigeria but Nigerians in abroad are threatened like lesser human beings and killed indiscriminately is totally unacceptable to the IYC.” 

Source:- SaharaReporters, New York

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Former Bayelsa Governor Alamieyeseigha’s Family Off To Dubai Over Son’s Death As Ijaw Demand Probe

The family of the former Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha today stated that authorities in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirate, had yet to determine the cause of the death of Oyamuyefa Alamieyeseigha, the former governor’s 32-year old son.   DSP Alamieyeseigha

A statement issued on behalf of the family and signed by the former Bayelsa Commissioner of Sports, Opukiri Jones-Ere, disclosed that Mr. Oyamuyefa Alamieyeseigha was found dead outside his apartment in Dubai in the early hours of Saturday, October 11, 2014.
The statement also confirmed that a delegation, comprising members of the former governor’s family as well as a few associates, had left for Dubai.
“The family wishes to thank the Federal and Bayelsa government and Nigerians for their outpouring of sympathy,” the family stated.
Meanwhile, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has described the death of the former governor’s son as “a death too many.” The group described the death of Oyamuyefa Alamieyeseigha as a big loss to Ijaw nation.
“The Ijaw youths note with dismay that there is increasing cases of questionable death of Nigerians in abroad without the foreign country giving a proper account of the cause of death (sic),” the IYC stated.
Their statement continued: “After more than three days after the death of Mr. Oyamuyefa Alamieyeseigha, the cause of his death is still unclear.
“Therefore, the IYC call on the Federal Government of Nigeria to ensure that there is proper investigation of the cause of death of the young Alamieyeseigha and takes steps to protect Nigerians abroad.
“A situation where foreigners are given the best of treatment in Nigeria but Nigerians in abroad are threatened like lesser human beings and killed indiscriminately is totally unacceptable to the IYC.” 

Source:- SaharaReporters, New York

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Former Bayelsa Governor Alamieyeseigha’s Family Off To Dubai Over Son’s Death As Ijaw Demand Probe

The family of the former Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha today stated that authorities in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirate, had yet to determine the cause of the death of Oyamuyefa Alamieyeseigha, the former governor’s 32-year old son.   DSP Alamieyeseigha

A statement issued on behalf of the family and signed by the former Bayelsa Commissioner of Sports, Opukiri Jones-Ere, disclosed that Mr. Oyamuyefa Alamieyeseigha was found dead outside his apartment in Dubai in the early hours of Saturday, October 11, 2014.
The statement also confirmed that a delegation, comprising members of the former governor’s family as well as a few associates, had left for Dubai.
“The family wishes to thank the Federal and Bayelsa government and Nigerians for their outpouring of sympathy,” the family stated.
Meanwhile, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has described the death of the former governor’s son as “a death too many.” The group described the death of Oyamuyefa Alamieyeseigha as a big loss to Ijaw nation.
“The Ijaw youths note with dismay that there is increasing cases of questionable death of Nigerians in abroad without the foreign country giving a proper account of the cause of death (sic),” the IYC stated.
Their statement continued: “After more than three days after the death of Mr. Oyamuyefa Alamieyeseigha, the cause of his death is still unclear.
“Therefore, the IYC call on the Federal Government of Nigeria to ensure that there is proper investigation of the cause of death of the young Alamieyeseigha and takes steps to protect Nigerians abroad.
“A situation where foreigners are given the best of treatment in Nigeria but Nigerians in abroad are threatened like lesser human beings and killed indiscriminately is totally unacceptable to the IYC.” 

Source:- SaharaReporters, New York

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Former Bayelsa Governor Alamieyeseigha’s Family Off To Dubai Over Son’s Death As Ijaw Demand Probe

The family of the former Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha today stated that authorities in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirate, had yet to determine the cause of the death of Oyamuyefa Alamieyeseigha, the former governor’s 32-year old son.   DSP Alamieyeseigha

A statement issued on behalf of the family and signed by the former Bayelsa Commissioner of Sports, Opukiri Jones-Ere, disclosed that Mr. Oyamuyefa Alamieyeseigha was found dead outside his apartment in Dubai in the early hours of Saturday, October 11, 2014.
The statement also confirmed that a delegation, comprising members of the former governor’s family as well as a few associates, had left for Dubai.
“The family wishes to thank the Federal and Bayelsa government and Nigerians for their outpouring of sympathy,” the family stated.
Meanwhile, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has described the death of the former governor’s son as “a death too many.” The group described the death of Oyamuyefa Alamieyeseigha as a big loss to Ijaw nation.
“The Ijaw youths note with dismay that there is increasing cases of questionable death of Nigerians in abroad without the foreign country giving a proper account of the cause of death (sic),” the IYC stated.
Their statement continued: “After more than three days after the death of Mr. Oyamuyefa Alamieyeseigha, the cause of his death is still unclear.
“Therefore, the IYC call on the Federal Government of Nigeria to ensure that there is proper investigation of the cause of death of the young Alamieyeseigha and takes steps to protect Nigerians abroad.
“A situation where foreigners are given the best of treatment in Nigeria but Nigerians in abroad are threatened like lesser human beings and killed indiscriminately is totally unacceptable to the IYC.” 

Source:- SaharaReporters, New York

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Former Bayelsa Governor Alamieyeseigha’s Family Off To Dubai Over Son’s Death As Ijaw Demand Probe

The family of the former Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha today stated that authorities in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirate, had yet to determine the cause of the death of Oyamuyefa Alamieyeseigha, the former 

governor’s 32-year old son.  

DSP Alamieyeseigha

A statement issued on behalf of the family and signed by the former Bayelsa Commissioner of Sports, Opukiri Jones-Ere, disclosed that Mr. Oyamuyefa Alamieyeseigha was found dead outside his apartment in Dubai in the early hours of Saturday, October 11, 2014.
The statement also confirmed that a delegation, comprising members of the former governor’s family as well as a few associates, had left for Dubai.
“The family wishes to thank the Federal and Bayelsa government and Nigerians for their outpouring of sympathy,” the family stated.
Meanwhile, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has described the death of the former governor’s son as “a death too many.” The group described the death of Oyamuyefa Alamieyeseigha as a big loss to Ijaw nation.
“The Ijaw youths note with dismay that there is increasing cases of questionable death of Nigerians in abroad without the foreign country giving a proper account of the cause of death (sic),” the IYC stated.
Their statement continued: “After more than three days after the death of Mr. Oyamuyefa Alamieyeseigha, the cause of his death is still unclear.
“Therefore, the IYC call on the Federal Government of Nigeria to ensure that there is proper investigation of the cause of death of the young Alamieyeseigha and takes steps to protect Nigerians abroad.
“A situation where foreigners are given the best of treatment in Nigeria but Nigerians in abroad are threatened like lesser human beings and killed indiscriminately is totally unacceptable to the IYC.” 

Source:- SaharaReporters, New York

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Lagos Coroner Inquest Into Synagogue Building Collapse Begins

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A coroner's court set up to inquire into the cause of a fatal building collapse at the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) two weeks ago in Lagos commenced sitting today.

PHOTONEWS: Lagos Coroner Into Synagogue Church Building Collapse The coroner, Magistrate Oyetade Komolafe, pointed out that the inquest would not operate like a normal court. He said the inquest is not to prosecute anyone for culpability, but rather to determine how the collapse happened, towards preventing a recurrence in future.
He stressed that no one would be blamed for the avoidable collapse and death of scores people in the faulty construction, even as he emphasized that the inquest was not inaugurated for any prosecution.
Regarding modalities for calling of witnesses, he announced that all evidence must be front-loaded for all counsels to familiarize with its facts before witnesses would be asked questions regarding evidence they prepared.
Meanwhile, SCOAN has assigned two armies of counsels to protect its interests at the inquest. The first is led by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Lateef Fagbemi, who persistently argued against the inquest's mission to visit the scene of collapse. Shortly after Fagbemi had introduced himself, another lawyer appeared, identifying that his master, Ebun Adegboruwa, was briefed by the Church to appear for it at the inquest.
The counsels argued that the Church is a corporate entity and is at liberty to nominate who would represent it, apparently moving to guard against the possible invitation to the head of SCOAN, Prophet T.B. Joshua, to testify on the collapse of the building.
When the coroner called on all interested parties, there was no representation from any family of the deceased victims in the Synagogue Church building collapse. Instead, the court was stormed by supporters of the Prophet Joshua, including persons living with disability who said they are beneficiaries of his generosity at his Church. A widely-known musician, T-Mac, was also at the court in solidarity with Prophet Joshua.
Apart from the Lagos State Government's legal representation, the Red Cross Organization and men of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) were also present at the inquest. The coroner also encouraged representatives from South Africa and other countries who may have suffered loss of their citizens in the fatal Synagogue Church building collapse to attend the inquest and help with useful information at their disposal.
After arguments by counsels to the Church failed, the coroner announced that all parties to the inquest, including the media, would visit the site of collapse on Thursday.  Witnesses will begin sharing their evidences on 27th of October.
 

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The former Head of State/APC presidential aspirant, General Muhammadu Buhari paid a visit to Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, on Sunday,  October 12th to formally invite him to his Presidential bid declaration on October 15th at the Eagles Square Abuja. See more pics after the cut

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Oscar is back in court. His sentencing is going on right now. We are about to find out if he'll go to prison at all a month after he was found guilty of culpable homicide. The Paralympian faces spending years behind bars in one of South Africa's overcrowded prisons or he could walk out of court today a free man.
We will find out out shortly by 9pm

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Another jackpot winner emerged in week 17 of theMerrybetPredict & Win promo and he walks away with a whooping sum of  N1,000,000. There is a high possibility of another millionaire emerging in week 18as 49 persons just need one more strike to win the N1,000,000  jackpot.

For the Highest Point Category, we have another female winner from Ondo State.  Interestingly, she won both the 1st and 3rd place positions. These are the winners for the Highest Point category for week 17: 1st& 3rd place:Mbachu Blessing, OndoState (Student - pictured above)

 

2nd place:  Frank Ojukwu, Lagos State(Businessman)

To participate,simply logon to www.merrybetpredict.com to get your free weekly prediction and play.

Up for grabs this week:                                                          

Week 18Jackpot: N1,000,000

1st Highest point for the week: N100,000
2nd Highest Point for the week: N50,000
3rd Highest point for the week: N30,000
4th to 103rd (next 100 highest points): N1,000 mobile Airtime each

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