TheNewsGuru

Tag: dubai

  • Breaking: Atiku returns from Dubai, undergoes thorough security checks

    Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has returned to Nigeria after an over two weeks vacation trip to Dubai.

    TheNewsGuru (TNG) reports Atiku returned from Dubai in a private jet on Sunday at about 1:30 am.

    TNG gathers a special security squad comprised of the Army, Police, Custom and Immigration officers carried out a thorough security check on the former Vice President and his aircraft.

    During the search, video recording gadgets and other devices were used to capture the exercise but nothing implicating was found on the Adamawa-born politician.

    However, supporters of the presidential candidate have condemned the security check, describing it as harassment.

    According to Ilemona Onoja, aide to Senate President Bukola Saraki, Atiku was harassed by the special security squad.

    “Apparently, lies propaganda and intimidation are going to be fixtures in this election,” he tweeted.

    Also, Senator Ben Murray-Bruce condemned the security check.

    “Nigeria is not a fascist state. We will not return to a jackboot dictatorship,” he tweeted.

     

  • ITU to establish 4-year roadmap, elect management team at PP-18

    International Telecommunication Union (ITU) will establish 2020-2023 roadmap at the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2018 (PP-18) to hold in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 29 October to 16 November.
    TheNewsGuru (TNG) reports ITU Plenipotentiary Conference is the supreme decision-making body of the ITU that convenes representatives of the Union’s 193 member states every 4 years.
    According to a statement by the Union, the 2020-2023 roadmap will include setting ITU’s general policies, adopting a four-year strategic and financial plans, and addressing key issues related to ICTs as requested by ITU members.
    “PP-18 will set out the roadmap for 2020-2023 at a time when information and communication technologies (ICTs) are transforming lives and societies around the globe.
    “PP-18 will take stock of the progress towards achieving the ITU Connect 2020 Agenda, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), whose central promise is to leave no one behind.
    “This will then inform ITU members as they strive to meet ITU’s overarching goal of ‘connecting the unconnected’,” the statement read.
    At PP-18, the 193 ITU member states, including Nigeria, will elect ITU’s management team, comprising of ITU Secretary-General, Deputy Secretary-General, Directors 3 Bureaux (radiocommunication, standardization, development), 48 council members and 12 members of the radio regulation board.
    While candidate for post of ITU Secretary-General is Houlin Zhao from China, candidates for post of ITU Deputy Secretary-General are Malcolm Johnson from United Kingdom and Brahima Sanou from Burkina Faso.
    Candidates for the post of Director of the ITU radiocommunication bureau are István Bozsóki from Hungary, Mario Maniewicz from Uruguay and Mindaugas Žilinskas from Lithuania.
    Candidate for the post of Director of the ITU telecommunication standardization bureau is Chaesub Lee from Republic of Korea.
    Candidates for the post of Director of the ITU telecommunication development bureau are Doreen Bogdan-Martin from the United States, William Ijeh from Nigeria, Jean Philémon Kissangou from Republic of the Congo and Cosmas Zavazava from Zimbabwe.
    Others are candidates for the radio regulations board and council member states.
    TNG reports PP‑18 will be preceded by the last meeting of the 2018 session of the ITU Council (the Union’s governing body in the interval between Plenipotentiary Conferences) on Saturday, 27 October 2018.
     

  • Seven important points to know before travelling to Dubai

    Located in the Middle East, Dubai is one of the seven emirates that constitute the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It’s considered the most cosmopolitan city in the region and is popular with tourists from all around the world. If this is your first trip to Dubai, Jumia, Nigeria’s No. 1 Shopping Destination, highlights few things you should keep in mind.

    Culture is influenced by Islam

    The UAE is a Muslim country and their culture is heavily influenced by Islam. In general, you should be respectful of the local customs, wear modest clothing in public and follow guidelines provided by the staff at your hotel or at various tourist attractions.

    Hot and humid climate

    Dubai has a hot and humid climate, especially in the summer. So the best time to plan a trip to the city is between the months of October and March. Try not to visit during Ramadan (Muslim Holy Month of Fasting) as eateries will be closed and you won’t be able to eat or drink in public during the daytime. It’s also a good idea to dress conservatively even if you’re visiting during the summer.

    Very easy to traverse Dubai

    It’s easy to get around in Dubai thanks to the Dubai Metro, bus network, Dubai Tram and taxi service.

    Travelstart Nigeria can help you plan a trip to Dubai with ease.

    The Metro starts from the airport and can take you to Jebel Ali which is at the other end of the city. Several tourist hot spots are also connected by the Metro and taxis are available for those that aren’t linked yet. Taxi fares are very reasonable if you want to pay with cash. Alternatively, you can also purchase a prepaid card which can be used for the Metro, buses, Tram and taxis.

    The official currency is Dirham

    The official currency in Dubai is the UAE Dirham. Credit cards are accepted at most places in Dubai but it’s also useful to have an internationally active ATM card. This will let you withdraw from the local ATM’s in Dirhams and pay for various expenses.

    Endless tourist attractions

    With beautiful beaches, bustling malls, grand mosques, heritage museums and old markets, Dubai offers an endless series of activities for any visitor. The city is home to the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Located on Sheikh Zayed Road, you can find the Dubai Mall which houses the Dubai Aquarium along with an Underwater Zoo. If you prefer some sun and sand you can head to the Jumeirah Beach.

    The first day of the week in Dubai is Sunday

    The weekend in Dubai starts from Thursday to Saturday, not Friday to Sunday. Therefore Sunday, not Monday, is the dreaded first day of the work week

    You can be arrested for PDA

    Dubai is a Muslim city, kissing, cuddling, and even holding hands in public are not only frowned upon by many but actually illegal. All too often, naive foreigners are arrested for committing indecent acts. This is just one example of actions that might be legal in your own country, but aren’t in Dubai. Others include drinking alcohol in public (except at licensed establishments) and giving someone the middle finger. Committing any of these offences may see you fined, stripped of your passport, and thrown in jail.

     

  • Looted funds: EFCC traces 61 assets to former Oceanic Bank MD

    Looted funds: EFCC traces 61 assets to former Oceanic Bank MD

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission( EFCC) has traced 61 assets to former Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Oceanic Bank Mrs. Cecilia Ibru in Dubai in its ongoing tracking of looted funds.

    The assets include 41 shops, 16 mansions and four park towers.

    All the properties have been confiscated, but their sale is trailed by controversy because about $4,522,413.20 remain unaccounted for in the last seven years.

    Out of the over $7million purportedly realised from the disposal of the properties, the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria( AMCON) only received $3,278,238.69 from the proceeds.

    The controversy over the sales led to the EFCC’s interrogation of four AMCON officials and former head of the transactions, who is now with a bank.

    More bankers have been invited for questioning over how the proceeds were wired from Dubai into some individual and companies’ accounts in Nigeria.

    But the EFCC may watch-list a United Kingdom (UK) -based lawyer, who was engaged in June 2011 by AMCON to dispose the assets.

    According to a fact-sheet obtained by our correspondent, the details of the assets seized from Mrs. Ibru emerged after a crack team of EFCC detectives visited Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to uncover alleged looted funds and assets bought with crime proceeds.

    Apart from identifying the properties of many politically exposed persons (PEPs), the list of Mrs. Ibru’s assets and their alleged questionable disposal were highlights of the EFCC team’s focus.

    Justice Daniel Abutu of the Federal High Court in Lagos on October 9, 2010 sentenced Mrs. Ibru to 18 months imprisonment.

    He ordered her to forfeit N191billion worth of assets to the Federal Government through AMCON.

    The assets to forfeit include properties in Nigeria, United States of America, and Dubai.

    She was also ordered to forfeit shares in over 100 firms both listed and unlisted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

    The fact sheet gave details of the assets traced to Mrs. Ibru , who spent six months in prison in Dubai.

    The fact-sheet said in part: “About 61 assets were traced to Mrs. Ibru in Dubai ( UAE). And from the information from AMCON, 41 of the assets were shops, 16 were other types of houses/mansions and four park towers. Some of the towers (A2005, A2008,A 2203) have been linked with two persons.

    “While one of the park towers was paid for, three others had not been fully paid for but they have been de registered. Due to non-payment of full purchase price, a Dubai firm, DAMAC, has refused to refund the deposits.

    “A registered Nigerian company with one banker as alter ego, was engaged by AMCON in June 2011 to provide legal services for the sale of the assets.

    “A UK-based lawyer was given the power of attorney which was notarised in Dubai.

    “Findings indicated that the attorney engaged allegedly received over $7million but about $4,522,413.20 remained unaccounted for.

    “The EFCC detectives discovered that AMCON only received $3,278,238.69 from the proceeds of the sale of the assets.”

    The anti-graft agency said: “Investigation showed that some of the proceeds of the sales were wired from Dubai into the accounts of some individuals and companies.

    “The EFCC team has interacted with four officials of AMCON including a former staff, the ex-Head of the transactions, who is now with a bank.

    “More officials of some banks have been invited to come and give us information on third party accounts where the proceeds were deposited.”

    The EFCC said it had been trying to prevail on Williams to account for the sale of the 61 properties.

    The fact-sheet indicated that “the banker was contacted via his Nigerian mobile line but he refused to honour the invitation. An invitation letter was served on his office but he has not responded.

  • Proposed Enyimba Economic City will be Nigeria’s Dubai – Ikpeazu

    Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State on Saturday affirmed that the proposed Enyimba Economic City in Aba will be Nigeria’s “Dubai”.

    Besides, he said that the “City” would be a business community that would close the economic gaps in the South-East and South-South.

    Ikpeazu, who disclosed this when he featured at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Forum in Abuja said the economic city which he described as “audacious project’’, would be private sector-driven.

    “The Enyimba economic city is conceptualised and designed to close the gap in terms of the economy of Port-Harcourt and that of Aba.

    “They are two economically energetic centers in the South-East and South-South.

    “If we close the gap, it means that there is a fusion and there will be an explosion in terms of creating a new hub that can compare with what you see in Dubai today.

    “When I started my campaign about “made-in-Aba, after a while we changed gear and I said I have moved on from made-in-Aba to “make-in-Aba’’.

    “Whether we like it or not, the white man now knows that Aba people and Abia people and Nigerians are capable of producing things.

    ‘’So, we are now saying come and make, come and produce in Aba; we have created an environment that we can beat our chest and say is good enough.

    ‘’Abia is the third safest state in Nigeria today; that is what the Police report says.”

    The governor said that infrastructure that would be provided in the city included narrow gauge railway line that would link Abonima wharf and Onne wharf in Port-Harcourt to Aba.

    He said that the city is situated on a gas basin, adding that Abia was richer in gas deposit than oil.

    The governor said the city would also entail the creation of an entertainment center, a manufacturing hub, residential areas, ultra-modern hospitals and school.

    This, he explained, were designed to ensure an integrated city that would give investors opportunity to do business and export the products they would be manufacturing.

    “We are looking for 11 anchor companies and about four or five have indicated interest and we are encouraged by the response we are getting from China and other parts of Asia.”

    Ikpeazu said the Enyimba economic city also had the potential of becoming the most attractive and viable export processing hub in Nigeria.

    “It is driven majorly by Crown Realities and they did the concept design as they did in Singapore.

    “It has one other unique factor which is that it is not owned by Abia Government, because there is a law in the state today that it is entirely private sector-driven enterprise which will outlive my administration.

    “So, anybody coming to invest has the comfort of the assurance that even if he is quarrelling with the governor, he can still do business in the city.

    “We are bold to invite Nigerians to come and own a piece of the cake; it belongs to them,” he said.

    On a similar project, Obuaku Economic City, abandoned about 15 years ago, the governor said the project failed because the conceptualisation was bad.

     

  • FG seeks forfeiture of Ekweremadu’s 22 properties in Abuja, Dubai, London, US, others

    The Federal Government has applied to the Federal High Court in Abuja for an order of temporary forfeiture of about 22 properties allegedly owned by Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu in Abuja, London, the United States and Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

    In the ex-parte application filed on yesterday by the Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property (SPIPRPP), Ekweremadu is accused of breaching the Code of Conduct for public officers by allegedly failing to declare about 22 properties in his last assets declaration form.

    The application filed pursuant to Sections 330 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act; 8 of the Recovery of Public Property (Special Provisions) Act and Section 44 (2)(k) of the Constitution, seeks mainly an order for interim forfeiture of the properties to the Federal Government.

    The ex-parte application was filed for the SPIPRPP by Festus Keyamo (SAN). It prays the court for an order “temporarily attaching/forfeiting the properties listed in Schedule B hereunder to the Federal Government of Nigeria, pending the conclusion of further inquiry/investigation by the Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property and/or possible arraignment of the respondent (Ekeremadu)”.

    The grounds relied on by the applicant include that the properties listed in Schedule A hereunder were the properties declared by the Respondent in his Assets Declaration Form at the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).

    It stated that investigation/inquiries have revealed that the properties listed in Schedule B also belong to the respondent and so belonged to him when he declared his assets in Schedule A.

    The applicant added that the properties listed in Schedule B were not declared in Ekweremadu’s assets declaration form. It added that preliminary investigation by the applicant reveals that a prima facie case of a breach of code of conduct for public officers had been made out against the respondent.

    But Ekweremadu, in a statement, defended his integrity.

    According to him, there is no asset to forfeit to the government.

    He said the filing of a motion for the recovery of his assets was part of the politics of the 2019 general election.

    He said in the statement by his Media Adviser Uche Anichukwu: “The attention of the Office of the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has been drawn to a motion ex-parte filed by Festus Keyamo Chambers on behalf of the so-called Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property for an order to temporarily forfeit assets it claimed the senator did not declare with the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB.

    “Senator Ekweremadu, however, wishes to state unequivocally that he declared all his assets with the Code of Conduct Bureau as required by law.

    “The so-called panel sought and obtained his Assets Declaration Forms, but could not look at them since it is clearly out on a vendetta and smear campaign championed by Mr. Okoi Obono-Obla.

    “This is clearly part of the politics of 2019, and is further exposing those who colluded with the dismissed former Chief Judge of Enugu State, Justice Innocent Umezulike and his cronies to steal and doctor his will.

    “The Senator has, nevertheless, briefed his lawyers and will meet the panel in court.

    “Again, Senator Ekweremadu wishes to assure all his supporters and well-wishers that there is nothing to worry about. “Like others, this too shall pass.”

    Details of the properties are as listed below:

    Those in Abuja
    •No. 11, Evans Enwerem Street, Apo Legislative Quarters, Apo, Abuja.
    •Plot 2633 Kyami, Abuja.
    •Housing Estate (Plot 1106 CRD, Cadastral Zone 07-07, Lugbe, Abuja.
    •Plot 2782 Asokoro Extension, Abuja.
    •Houses at Citi Park Estate, Gwagwalada, Abuja.
    •Plot 1474 Cadastral Zone BD6, Mabushi, Abuja.
    •Congress Court, Abuja.
    •Flat 1, Block D25, Athletics Street, (24th Street) Games Village, Abuja.
    •Plot 66, 64 Crescent, Gwarimpa Estate, Abuja.Plot 1518, Maitama Extension, Abuja undeveloped land (purportedly valued at N10 Million);
    •Plot 2882, Asokoro Extension, Abuja (purportedly valued at N13 Million);


    Those in London
    •Flat 4 Varsity Court, Harmer Street, WIH 4NW, London.
    •52 Ayleston Avenue, NW6 7AB, London.
    In Dubai:
    •Room 1903, The Address Hotel, Downtown Dubai.
    •The Address Boulevard, 3901, Dubai
    •2 Flats of Burij Side Boulevard (the signature), Dubai
    •Emirate Gardens Apartment No. EGG1/1/114, Dubai.
    •Emirate Gardens Apartment No. EGG1/115, Dubai.
    •Apartment No. DFB/12/B 1204, Park Towers, Dubai.
    •Flat 3604, MAG214, Dubai.
    •Villa No 148, Maeen 1, The Lakes Emirates Hills, Dubai.


    Those in USA:
    •4507 Stella Street, Bellavida Estate Kissime, Florida, USA.
    •2747 Club Cortile Circle, Kissime, Florida, USA.
    •2763 Club Cortile Circle, Kissime, Florida, USA


    The Fed Govt added listed the properties declared by Ekweremadu in his assets declaration form of June 5, 2015, as contained in Schedule A to its application to include:


    •5 Bedroom Duplex & Boys Quarters, House A40 Apo Quarters, Apo, Abuja (purportedly acquired with a loan of N13.5 Million from Bank PHB);
    •10 Bedroom House with Guest Chalet & Boy Quarters, 2 Jim Nwobodo Street, Apo, Abuja (purportedly acquired with a mortgage loan of N412, 200, 000.00 from Aso Savings & Loan);
    •7 Bedroom House with Pent House & Boy quarters, Plot 147A Mabushi, Abuja (purportedly valued at N3, 471, 922.1 acquired with salaries & allowances);
    •2 RM Apartment, MAG 214 Dubai (purportedly bought for $ 50,000.00);
    •4 Bedroom Town House, The Lake Dubai (purportedly bought for $20,000.00);
    •4 RM Town House, Florida (he claims he bought this House from a loan of $155,000.00 gotten from PHB)
    •Plots 2 & 10, Republic Layout, Enugu (undeveloped land, purportedly valued at N4 Million);
    •2 RM Apartment, Burjside Boulevard, Dubai, UAE (he claims he bought it for $250,000.00);
    •One Room Apartment, Emirate Garden, Dubai, UAE (He claims he bought it for $60,000.00);
    •Park Tower, Dubai, UAE (He claims he bought it for $250,000.00);
    •3 Room Town House (2), Club Corticle, Orlando, USA (he claims he bought this property for $200,000.00);
    •4 Room House, Plot 1496 AI Thannyah, Fourth, Dubai, UAE (he claims he bought this property for $250,000.00);
    •4 Bedroom Terrace House, Games Village;
    •6 Bedroom Storey House & Boys Quarters, Amachara MPU, Enugu;
    •4 Bedroom House and Boy Quarters, Federal Housing Estate, Enugu;
    •3000 Square Meters of undeveloped land at Amachara, MPU, Enugu;
    •5 Hectares of land, Tutu District, Abuja.
    The government also gave details of Ekweremadu’s investments in and outside the country to include:
    •5, 100,000 – Citi Park Luxury Hotels Ltd (purportedly valued at N350 Million);
    •8, 000, 000 – Prime & Power Media Ltd ((purportedly valued at N30 Million);
    •300,000,000 – Bety Air Ltd ((purportedly valued at N5 Million);
    •40, 000 – Prime & Power Konsult Ltd ((purportedly valued at N42 Million);
    •50,000 – Power Properties Ltd (purportedly valued at N50 Million);
    •70,000 – Spider Construction Ltd (purportedly valued at N35 Million).


    In his assets declaration form on June 1, 2007, Ekweremadu was said to have declared the properties and investments listed below:


    •4 Bedroom Terrace House, Games Village, Abuja
    •A Storey Building at Amachara (MPU) (Country home)
    •A Storey Building & Boy Quarters with Boys Quarters at Federal Housing, Enugu;
    •Apo Legislative Quarters, Apo, Abuja;
    •2644.60 Square meters of undeveloped Land at Asokoro, Abuja;
    •1000.577 Square meters, Kurubuma Layout, Abuja
    •3000 Square meters, Amachara MPU.
    •40, 000 – Prime & Power Konsult Ltd (purportedly valued at N40 Million);
    •50,000 – Prime Properties Ltd (purportedly valued at N50 Million);
    •70,000 – Spider Construction Ltd (purportedly valued at N36 Million)

  • FG moves to recover looted funds, assets traced to ex-govs, ministers, others in Dubai

    FG moves to recover looted funds, assets traced to ex-govs, ministers, others in Dubai

    The Federal Government on Friday launched fresh moves to seize looted funds and suspicious assets traced to some former governors, ministers and senators in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

    The Attorney-General of the Federation, Mallam Abubakar Malami (SAN), and the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, left for Dubai last night to finalize the forfeiture process.

    The number of the affected Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) under probe were said to be over 20.

    According to a report by The Nation, names of those implicated includes a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke; a former Managing Director of the Pipelines and Product Marketing Company (PPMC), Mr. Haruna Momoh(eight suspected assets in Dubai ); a former Managing Director of the defunct Oceanic Bank, Mrs. Cecilia Ibru; a former First Lady; Senators involved in London-Paris Club scandal; ex-PDP National Chairman; ex-CG of Customs; a former Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs to a former President; about nine ex-governors and six former ministers.

    Recall that Nigeria had signed six agreements with the UAE on January 19, 2016 following a state visit by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The pacts include Judicial Agreements on Extradition, Transfer of Sentenced Persons, Mutual Legal Assistance on Criminal Matters and Mutual Legal Assistance on Criminal and Commercial Matters (the recovery and repatriation of stolen wealth).

    A top source, who spoke in confidence, said the Federal Government had gathered enough evidence on some of the Nigerian suspects who had stashed public cash in Dubai with choice assets to wit.

    The source also said in some cases, the EFCC had secured court orders/Mareva injunctions for the seizure of some of the assets.

    Also the source claimed that financial intelligence had confirmed how public funds were wired to UAE by some of the suspects in question.

    The source added: “In the last two years, there had been shuttles to Dubai by the AGF and Magu on some of the slush funds and suspicious assets.

    “We are now at the stage of attaching or seizing some of the cash and assets. We have hauled evidence to the place with a view to concluding the process of repatriating the looted funds. In fact, in some instances, a few suspects admitted owning some of these suspected assets in Dubai.

    “The UAE law is very strict on suspected assets and looted funds. Nigeria had to provide verifiable evidence before seizure can be allowed.

    “From the look of things, we are hopeful that the first set of seizures will soon be agreed upon by the two countries. Those affected are many.”

    Responding to some questions, the source added: “I think some cases are straightforward. It is public knowledge that a former Managing Director of the defunct Oceanic Bank, Mrs. Cecilia Ibru, was convicted. The Federal Government is only trying to attach some suspected assets allegedly owned by her or traced to her links. It is left to the UAE Government to verify through appropriate agencies whether or not the suspected assets in Dubai are hers.

    “The EFCC also has evidence of how some Senators benefited from the London-Paris Club refunds and the shop owners in Dubai used to launder such funds. The financial intelligence sharing by the two countries can uncover this. Apart from seizing the funds, those implicated can be prosecuted in Nigeria for money laundering.

    “There are some cases in which we have provided evidence, including some on ex-Minister Diezani, businessman Kola Aluko, a former PPMC MD, Momoh; a former First Lady, a former Special Assistant to an ex-President on Domestic Affairs and some ex-governors and ministers.

    “The assets allegedly identified with Diezani are marked as J5 Emirates Hills (30million Dirham) and E146 Emirates Hills valued at 44million Dirham.

    Those allegedly traced to Aluko are as follows: 4100 Le Reve Dubai Maria, Dubai; Unit 1402, PS 14th Floor located at Metro TECOM near Internet City Metro Station, Dubai; Unit 712, ES 7th Floor located at First Central, Off Sheikh Zayed, TECOM, Al-Barsha 3 Dubai and Unit 512, 5th Floor located at First Group Marina Hotels, Al-Seba Street, Plot 394-426, Dubai AE-AJ.

    The list of the houses allegedly traced to Momoh in the United Arab Emirates( UAE) are at First Group Marina Hotels, Al-Seba Street, Plot 394-426, Dubai, AE-AJ United Arab Emirates; Unit 503, 1 Bedroom Heritage, 5th Floor located at First Central Dubai Media City TECOM off Sheikh Zayed, TECOM Al- Barsha 3 Dubai; Unit 1910 ES Heritage, 19th Floor located at First Central Dubai Media City TECOM off Sheikh Zayed, TECOM Al- Barsha 3 Dubai; a Unit 2507 Dubai Sports City; Unit 314 Dubai Sports City; and Unit 1002, TECOM BARS 125616.

    Others are Unit 1402, PS 14th Floor located at Metro Central, TECOM near Internet City Metro Station, Dubai ( UAE); Unit 712, ES 7th Floor located at First Central, Off Sheikh Zayeed, TECOM, Al-Barsha 3 Dubai( UAE); Unit 512, 5th Floor located at First Group Marina Hotels, Al-Seba Street, Plot 394-426, Dubai AE-AJ UAE.

    Sections 7 of 28 and 34 of the EFCC (Establishment Act) 2004 and Section 13(1) of the Federal High Court Act, 2004 mandate the agency to seize suspicious assets.

    Section 7 says: “The commission has power to (a) cause any investigations to be conducted as to whether any person, corporate body or organization has committed any offence under this Act or other law relating to economic and financial crimes.

    “(b) Cause investigations to be conducted into the properties of any person if it appears to the commission that the person’s lifestyle and extent of the properties are not justified by his source of income.”

    Sections 28 and 34 of the EFCC (Establishment Act) 2004 and Section 13(1) of the Federal High Court Act, 2004 empower the anti-graft agency to invoke Interim Assets Forfeiture Clause.

    “Section 28 of the EFCC Act reads: ‘Where a person is arrested for an offence under this Act, the Commission shall immediately trace and attach all the assets and properties of the person acquired as a result of such economic or financial crime and shall thereafter cause to be obtained an interim attachment order from the court.’

    Section 13 of the Federal High Court Act reads in part: “The court may grant an injunction or appoint a receiver by an interlocutory order in all cases in which it appears to the court to be just or convenient so to do. (2) Any such order may be made either unconditionally or on such terms and conditions as the court thinks just.”

     

  • Six-year-old Boko Haram victim returns to Nigeria after successful surgery in Dubai [Photos]

    A six-year-old victim of Boko Haram violence, Ali Ahmadu, has returned to Nigeria after undergoing a surgery in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, UAE.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that Ahmadu had earlier survived a corrective surgery in his spinal cord after spending 14 days in a Dubai hospital.

    He was flown to Dubai on September 10 for the surgery. However, while travelling to Dubai for the surgery, all little Ali could mutter repeatedly in Hausa was: “Ina so insake tafiya da kafana…Don Allah ataimakamu…Don Allah. Ina so in je makaranta”. (“I want to begin to walk with my legs again. For God’s sake, assist me. I want to go to school”).

    The surgery was facilitated under the umbrella of GIPLC, a non-governmental organisation that coordinated the appeal for help to enable the young boy walk again, after he was attacked and maimed by insurgents.

    Following the appeal, the Dickens Sanomi Foundation provided over N17 million for the hospital fees as well as transportation and other services in Dubai.

    Ali returned to Abuja aboard Ethiopian airline accompanied by his aunt and Nuhu Kwajafa, the coordinator of GIPLC, who were by his bedside during the period of treatment and rehabilitation.

    An official of the foundation, who received Ali at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Goodluck Hayi, in a brief address to journalists said the foundation will be working with Ali’s family through GIPLC to support his post-surgery life.

    “I am authorised to announce that an educational scholarship will be provided for Ali until he gets to University by the Taleveras Foundation.”

    Mr. Hayi recalled that about three months ago, “we all witnessed at the same airport Ali Ahmadu being taken away on a wheel chair, today to the Glory of God we are here to receive Ali Ahmadu, walking handsomely into our arms.”

    He said what started as ”a painful journey for Ali after the Boko Haram attack in Chibok, four years ago that confined him to a wheel chair”, has transformed into a ”journey of hope, love and care.”

    “Dickens Sanomi Foundation is backed by the principle of love and care, one that was practised and preached by the late assistant inspector general of police, Mr Dickens Sanomi. Today, we demonstrate these principles by being our neighbours keepers and teaching love by showing it,” he said.

    The coordinator of GIPLC, who also spoke upon arrival from Dubai said young Ali “suffered excruciating pains all over his body, brought upon him by the senseless marauders,” when they invaded his village of Chibok in 2014.

    Mr. Kwajafah said Boko Haram terrorists “crushed everything/everyone in their path, severely damaging his still-forming vertebral column in the process but the hand of God preserved Ali, so we may give glory to His name.”

    He added that since that incident, the little boy never accessed any form of orthodox medication.

    “He was at the mercy of traditionalists, in highly unpredictable and perilous times. Obviously, during this period, access to education, nutrition, psychosocial tuning, water, sanitation or hygiene, was very limited, if not non-existent.

    “He was immobile and fast detoriating, physically and mentally, from that period until the 1st quarter of this year, 2017, when GIPLC made contact with him,” he said.

    He also said the organisation facilitated the relevant examinations & digital/lab tests, for assessment and proper medical attention.

    “After duly assessing the various options open to us, from all over the world, we resolved to take him to the UAE. After almost 6 hours of extremely delicate surgery, about a week in ICU and a month in recovery, Ali took his first steps into a brighter future,” he said.

    Mr. Kwajafah said GIPLC is committed to Ali’s post-surgery well-being and have received confirmation from Dickens Sanomi Foundation to support his settling in the society, while the Taleveras Foundation will provide him with a scholarship.

    Mr. Kwajafah said GIPLC will also organise an end of year party for orphans and vulnerable children, targeting over 3,000 of them.

  • Medview Airline commences Dubai flights Thursday

    Medview Airline commences Dubai flights Thursday

    Medview Airline will on Thursday, Dec. 7 begin scheduled flight operations to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from Lagos via Abuja, its Chief Executive Officer, Alhaji Muneer Bankole, said on Sunday in Lagos.

    Bankole told newsmen that the airline was grateful to the Ministry of Aviation, government parastatal agencies, travel agencies and passengers who keyed into its inaugural flight.

    He assured them that the carrier was committed to dedicated service on the route.

    He said the airline package for tourists to Dubai include airfare, visa, accommodation and tour guides at reasonable rates.

    He added that there were various packages for traders and business travelers.

    According to him, economy passengers will enjoy a two-piece baggage allowance of 25 kg each, while Business Class will have three-piece baggage.

    He explained that activities lined up for the inaugural flight included a brief ceremony at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos and a dinner with business and diplomatic communities in Dubai.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the airline has three weekly flights from Lagos via Abuja to Dubai on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays with outbound departure at 1.45 p.m.

     

    NAN

     

  • $18.5b oil revenue: Ex-PPMC MD, Haruna Momoh to forfeit nine Dubai properties

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has commenced probing the disappearance of $18.5billion earned by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

    The cash, according to an insider source have been traced to eight suspected assets in Dubai belonging to a former Managing Director of the Pipelines and Product Marketing Company (PPMC), Mr. Haruna Momoh.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the PPMC is an arm of the NNPC.

    The assets may however be put under Interim Forfeiture as soon as the verification is completed by the EFCC detective team in Dubai.

    The former PPMC MD, who is described as “the right hand man” of ex-Minister of Petroleum Resources Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, is expected to clear the air on how the nation incurred $205 million kerosene subsidy under his watch.

    The EFCC is in possession of a report by Price Waterhouse Coopers, a forensic audit firm hired by the Federal Government, which indicted PPMC.

    However, there are conflicting reports on Momoh’s whereabouts.

    The EFCC is said to be tracking his movement and assets, especially in the United Arab Emirates and Swiss Cottage, London, St. John’s Wood, London, New York and Lagos.

    On the list of the houses in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are the following at First Group Marina Hotels, Al-Seba Street, Plot 394-426, Dubai, AE-AJ United Arab Emirates; Unit 503, one-bedroom Heritage, 5th Floor located at First Central Dubai Media City TECOM, off Sheikh Zayed, TECOM Al- Barsha 3 Dubai; Unit 1910 ES Heritage, 19th Floor located at First Central Dubai Media City TECOM, off Sheikh Zayed, TECOM Al- Barsha 3 Dubai; a Unit 2507 Dubai Sports City; Unit 314 Dubai Sports City; and Unit 1002, TECOM BARS 125616.

    Others are Unit 1402, PS 14th Floor located at Metro Central, TECOM, near Internet City Metro Station, Dubai ( UAE); Unit 712, ES 7th Floor located at First Central, off Sheikh Zayeed, TECOM, Al-Barsha 3 Dubai( UAE); Unit 512, 5th floor located at First Group Marina Hotels, Al-Seba Street, Plot 394-426, Dubai AE-AJ UAE.

    An EFCC source said: “Preliminary findings by our team showed that the ex-PPMC has a case to answer bordering on allegations of serving as a front for a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, the alleged $205 million kerosene subsidy scam while in charge of the subsidiary of NNPC; and the controversial $18.5b earnings by NNPC which have not been effectively accounted for.

    “We have a report of the forensic audit of NNPC and its subsidiaries by Price Waterhouse Coopers which confirmed Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and kerosine subsidy fraud. We need Momoh to clarify some issues.”

    The PwC said in its report: “Our examination of the PMS and DPK import verified by PPPRA revealed that some discharges were apparently verified and subsidy advised to NNPC more than once”. The EFCC believes Momoh should interact with its team to say all he knows about the transactions.

    The source confirmed that about $18.5b unaccounted earnings of NNPC were being examined.

    “Again, the ex-Minister, Momoh and heads of subsidiaries are under probe. The PwC specifically identified $36.05m ‘over-statement’ in PPPRA’s PMS subsidy payment advice to the NNPC. The report recommended that the NNPC and its subsidiary, the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, should refund to the Federation Account ‘a minimum of $1.48b’. All these references referred to an audit report initiated by the administration of ex-President Jonathan.

    Responding to a question, the top EFCC source added: “Our detectives have succeeded in tracing eight houses to him in Dubai.

    “We are collaborating with the relevant agency in Dubai in order to attach the houses under Interim Forfeiture. We are hopeful that the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) will hasten the forfeiture.”

    Sections 7 of 28 and 34 of the EFCC (Establishment Act) 2004 and Section 13(1) of the Federal High Court Act, 2004 mandate the agency to seize suspicious assets.

    Section 7 says: “The commission has power to (a) cause any investigations to be conducted as to whether any person, corporate body or organization has committed any offence under this Act or other law relating to economic and financial crimes.

    “(b) Cause investigations to be conducted into the properties of any person if it appears to the commission that the person’s lifestyle and extent of the properties are not justified by his source of income.”

    Sections 28 and 34 of the EFCC (Establishment Act) 2004 and Section 13(1) of the Federal High Court Act, 2004 empower the anti-graft agency to invoke Interim Assets Forfeiture Clause.

    “Section 28 of the EFCC Act reads: ‘Where a person is arrested for an offence under this Act, the Commission shall immediately trace and attach all the assets and properties of the person acquired as a result of such economic or financial crime and shall thereafter cause to be obtained an interim attachment order from the Court.’

    Section 13 of the Federal High Court Act reads in part: “The Court may grant an injunction or appoint a receiver by an interlocutory order in all cases in which it appears to the Court to be just or convenient so to do.

    (2) Any such order may be made either unconditionally or on such terms and conditions as the Court thinks just.”