News
CAN urges govt to tackle insecurity, alleviate economic hardship
By Francesca Hangeior
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), urged the government to urgently tackle the issues of insecurity and economic hardship and social division.
This call is contained in a message issued by the CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, in Abuja, felicitate Muslims celebrating the Eid-ul-Maulud, the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Archbishop Okoh called on Nigerian leaders to to prioritise policies that will ease the suffering of the populace and ensure justice and equity for everyone.
“It is only through good governance and transparent leadership that we can restore hope and confidence in our nation’s future.
“As Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Maulud, we in CAN expresses hopes that the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, PBUH, will inspire Nigerians to pursue justice, peace, and a united Nigeria.”
He highlighted the importance of fostering peace and understanding.
“Nigeria’s .strength lies in its cultural and religious diversity and stressed the need for solidarity among all citizens.
“Let us use this celebration to renew our commitment to fostering peace and understanding among all Nigerians.
“In these trying times, it is imperative that we stand together in solidarity, transcending religious and ethnic barriers.
“Let us use this celebration to renew our commitment to fostering peace and understanding among all Nigerians.
”We are stronger when we work together towards common goals, and it is through mutual respect and dialogue that we can build a more harmonious society”.
Okoh urged all religious leaders to continue promoting messages of tolerance and coexistence.
“Let us encourage our communities to engage in acts of kindness and support for one another, particularly for those who are less fortunate.
News
Tinubu issues serious warning to pilgrims as he unveils 2024 Christian pilgrimage to Israel, Jordan
President Bola Tinubu has officially flagged off the 2024 main Christian pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan.
This was contained in a statement by the Deputy Director and Head of Media and Public Relations of Christian pilgrimage, Celestine Toruka, and published on the Commission’s official X handle on Monday.
The president, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, urged pilgrims to view their journey as an opportunity to strengthen their faith in God.
He noted that the theme of the 2024 pilgrimage, “Pilgrimage of Renewed Hope for Total Restoration,” aligns with the vision and agenda of his administration.
The president called on the intending pilgrims to pray for the progress of Nigeria, Lagos State, and their families.
Tinubu warned the pilgrims against absconding while in the Holy Land, stressing that there is no better place than home.
News
Court sends oil magnate to prison for diverting $26m refinery fund
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has remanded the Founder and Chairman of Platform Capital Investment Partners Limited, Akindele Akintoye, in Kuje Correctional Centre.
Justice Emeka Nwite gave the order shortly after Akintoye was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on allegations bordering on the diversion of $26,060,406 meant to build a refinery in Brass, Bayelsa State, on Tuesday, December 24, 2024.
Justice Nwite, who adjourned the matter until December 31, directed Akintoye to remain in the correctional centre pending the hearing and determination of his bail application.
The EFCC had sued Akintoye, Platform Capital Investment Partners Limited, and Duport Midstream Company Limited, where he is also the Managing Director and CEO, as first to third defendants, respectively.
The anti-graft agency, in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/641/V/2024 dated and filed on December 19 by its lawyer, Ekele Iheanacho (SAN), preferred four counts against the trio.
Akintoye and Platform Capital Investment Partners Limited were alleged to have, between December 2020 and February 2021, indirectly retained $16 million.
The amount, the EFCC said, was part of the funds dishonestly converted from the money paid by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) Capacity Development Intervention Company Limited to Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited as investment.
The said sum of $16,006, 000 is alleged to constitute proceed of unlawful activity.
The offence, EFCC said, is contrary to Section 15 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011 (as amended) by (Act No. 1 of 20!2) and punishable under Section [5(3) of the same Act.
In count two, Akintoye and Platform Capital were alleged to have between December 2020 and January 2021 indirectly used the aggregate sum of $9,048,725 being part of the funds dishonestly converted from the money paid by the NCDMB Capacity Development Intervention Company Limited to Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited as investment.
The said sum of $9,048,725 was said to constitute proceeds of unlawful activity and the offence was contrary to Section 15 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011 (as amended) by (Act No. 1 of 2012) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.
In count three, Akintoye and Duport Midstream Company Limited were alleged to have, sometime in March 2021, retained the sum of $785,681 being part of the funds dishonestly converted from the money paid by the NCDMB Capacity Development Intervention Company Limited to Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited as investment.
The sum was said to constitute the proceed of unlawful activity.
The offence, the EFCC said, is contrary to Section 15 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011 (as amended) by (Act No. 1 of 2012) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.
The EFCC, in count four, accused Akintoye and Duport Midstream of allegedly retaining the sum of $220,000 being part of the funds dishonestly converted from the money paid by the NCDMB Capacity Development Intervention Company Limited to Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited as investment.
The money was said to be proceed of unlawful activity and the offence is contrary to Section 15 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011 (as amended) by (Act No. 1 of 2012) and | punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.
After the charge was read to Akintoye, he and on behalf of the companies, pleaded not guilty to all the counts.
The EFCC’s counsel, Iheanacho, prayed the court for a trial date and urged the court to remand Akintoye in a correctional centre after the non-guilty plea by the defendants.
The defence lawyer, Emmanuel Esedo, told the court that a bail application on Akintoye’s behalf had been filed.
The lawyer, who said the application was filed on December 23, sought the leave of the court to move the motion.
Iheanacho, however, opposed the submission.
After a lengthy argument by the prosecution and the defence lawyers, Justice Nwite agreed with Iheanacho’s submission.
The judge subsequently adjourned the matter until December 31 for the hearing of the bail application.
He ordered Akintoye to be remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing and determination of the application.
News
Obidients Movement rejoice over release of human rights lawyer, Farotimi (Photos)
The Obidients Movement celebrate the release of vibrant activist lawyer, Delete Farotimi.
Naijablitznews reports this was contained in a statement issued by the National Coordinator of the Movement, Dr Yunusa Tanko.
Read full statement below:
‘Today, we rejoice as our brother, Dele Farotimi, has finally reunited with his family in Lagos after meeting the bail conditions that have kept him away from his loved ones.
“His return home is a testament to the unyielding spirit of truth and resilience that defines our movement.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who played a critical role in securing his release. To the legal team, supporters, and advocates who stood firm and refused to let injustice prevail, we are immensely grateful.
“A special appreciation goes to our father and leader, Mr. Peter Obi, whose commitment to justice and the rule of law continues to inspire the Obidient Movement and a new Nigeria. His steadfast support and leadership remind us all why we stand firm in our pursuit of a better and fairer Nigeria.
“Together, we will continue to uphold the values that define us, ensuring that no voice is silenced.
“Thank you all, and may we continue to stand united.
-
Metro24 hours ago
Appeal Court Affirms 12-Year Jail Term for Businessman Over $1.4 Million Fraud
-
News24 hours ago
Again, Senator Manu shares 10,000 bags of rice, 15,000 cartons of spaghetti, transport fares to constituents (Photos/Video)
-
Sports23 hours ago
Alex Iwobi Spreads Holiday Cheer with Free Food Donations in East London
-
Entertainment23 hours ago
Portable’s Baby Mama Honey Berry and New Man Dance Romantically to Singer’s Song, Tag Him to Post
-
News23 hours ago
CDS Musa sets high bar for newly-decorated Major Generals
-
News22 hours ago
FG gives banks, telcos six-month ultimatum on N250bn USSD debt
-
News23 hours ago
Outcry against Tax Reform Bills misplaced, says Senator Umeh
-
Opinion19 hours ago
HASSAN TAIYE EJIBUNU: CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE, HUMILITY, AND ALTRUISM