News

DSS secures fresh order to freeze 13 bank accounts over terrorism charges

In its renewed battle against acts of terrorism in the country, the Department of the State Service, DSS has again secured an order from the Federal High Court in Abuja to freeze 13 different bank accounts linked to a suspected terrorist, Henry Okocha.

The accounts are domiciled in 7 different banks and are to remain frozen for 60 days to enable the agency conduct forensic investigations into the alleged acts of terrorism by the suspect

In a ruling in an ex-parte application and series of exhibits brought before the court, Justice Peter Lifu permitted DSS to embargo the bank accounts for 60 days for investigation.

In an 8-paragraph affidavit in support of the ex-parte motion, Okocha was accused by DSS of receiving millions of naira into accounts and was strongly suspected of being proceeds of terrorism.

He was confirmed to have been taken into the custody of the security agency following his arrest for investigations.

The DSS ex-parte application was argued by its lawyer, Yunus Ishaku Umar who informed Justice Lifu that the DSS needed the freezing order to prevent the suspect from using the fund for illicit activities against innocent Nigerians.

The lawyer also told the Judge that the embargo on the accounts would enable DSS to unravel the perpetrators and bring them before the court for prosecution.

The ex-parte application marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1036/2024 was brought under sections 5 and 81 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022.

The banks where the accounts are domiciled are United Bank for Africa, Guaranty Trust Bank, Union Bank of Nigeria, First Bank of Nigeria, Providus Bank, Palmpay Limited and Resolut Limited.

Justice Lifu turned down the request for 90 days to embargo the accounts and granted 60 days only which shall automatically lapse at exactly 60 days.

It will be recalled that a similar order had been granted against a suspected female terrorist Aisha Abdulkarim whose 20 bank accounts were ordered to be frozen for 60 days by DSS.

News

Police arrest suspected car thief in Niger state

Operatives of the Niger State Police Command have arrested a suspected car thief and recovered a Toyota Highlander vehicle stolen in Tafa Local Government Area of the state.

The spokesperson of the command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, who disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, said the suspect claimed that the vehicle was given to him by one Baba Gadas and to be taken to Mubarak in Kaduna for disposal.

“On 04/09/2024 at about 0400hrs, distress was received that some hoodlums invaded a residence at Tudun-Wada area via Sabon-Wuse, Tafa and stole a Toyota Highlander vehicle with Reg. No. ABJ 775 AT and other valuables,” the statement read.

“Immediately the report was received, all security posts along Kaduna road were alerted, and fortunately the said vehicle was intercepted at Customs point along Kaduna road with one *Halilu Shuaibu* 28yrs of Gwarinpa area of Abuja.

“The suspect claimed that the vehicle was given to him by one Baba Gadas of Zuba and to be taken to one Mubarak in Kaduna for disposal.

“Meanwhile, the suspect has been transferred to SCID Minna with the said vehicle for further investigation and diligent prosecution.”

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Ebonyi to begin payment of new minimum wage September -Information Commissioner

Ebonyi State Government says it has concluded arrangements to begin the implementation of the payment of Federal Government’s approved National Minimum Wage to civil servants in the State starting this September, 2024.

The state Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Jude Okpor disclosed this in an exclusive chat with DAILY POST on Thursday.

Okpor explained that the implementation was part of the Governor’s economic policies of improving the living standards of citizens of the State.

According to him, the administration of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State was the first in the South East region to agree to the implementation of the new National Minimum Wage for workers.

He noted that the empowerment packages of the present administration were in different categories as many indigenes and non-indigenes have been benefiting from the empowerment Programmes of the Governor.

“In the commencement of his administration, his Excellency in order ameliorate the present economic hardship being faced by citizens, owing to the removal of fuel subsidy, which has continued to impact on the cost of commodities and cost of living, across the country, including Ebonyi State, for instance, implemented the wage increment of N10,000.00 and later upgraded it to N20,000.00.

“The Governor of Ebonyi State is the first Executive Governor in the South East to agree to the payment of the new national minimum wage, which directive has been given to the relevant authorities to begin the payment this September,” he stated.

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Yahaya Bello is not in our custody, still wanted – EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has denied reports claiming embattled former governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Bello, is in their custody.

In a statement released on Wednesday, September 18, EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, said the ex-governor remains wanted “for alleged N80.2billion money laundering charges.”

“Media reports today that a former Governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello is in the holding facility of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is incorrect. The Commission wishes to state that Bello is not in its custody.

Bello, already declared wanted by the Commission for alleged N80.2billion money laundering charges, remains wanted with a subsisting warrant for his arrest,” Oyewale said.

Earlier today, Bello’s media team released a statement claiming he had honored the invitation from EFCC.