Connect with us

News

NUJ demands unconditional release of abducted journalist, Segun Olatunji

Published

on

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has condemned the abduction of a Lagos based journalist and editor of FirstNews, Segun Olatunji by suspected soldiers.

Olatunji, a veteran journalist was whisked away last Friday by ten armed men from his Lagos home and till date has not been found, causing panic about his health condition and whereabout.

Assistant National Secretary of the NUJ, Akorede Rauph Opeyemi in a statement on Tuesday, described Olatunji’s abduction as another threat to freedom of the press.

The statement read “the disappearance of Segun Olatunji, the editor of First News newspapers is another sad reminder of the danger being faced on a daily basis by Journalists in the line of duty.

Advertisement

“Eye witness reports had it that Olatunji was taken away last Friday in his Lagos home in the presence of his family by ten fully armed men, two of whom were dressed in military uniform .

“Although it is not clear which agency of Government was responsible for the arrest of the Journalist, but we believe that freedom of the press and of opinion remain defining elements of the rule of law and democracy. For this reason, it is important for the Nigerian government to work to protect freedom of the press and freedom of movement for media professionals. Safety and Security of Journalists is very important.

“Actions like this are clearly unacceptable and are attempts to intimidate journalists and force them into self-censorship. The professional work by Journalists is clearly in the public interest, and acts of impunity against them should not be condoned.

“Olatunji should be released immediately and unconditionally in the interest of democracy, good governance and the rule of law.”

Advertisement

Family of the abducted journalist had in a Save Our Soul (SOS) letter to President Bola Tinubu, also demanded for his immediate and unconditional release.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

News

Court Remands Refinery MD In Kuje Correctional Centre Over Alleged $35m Scam

Published

on

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, on Monday, December 23, 2024, arraigned the Managing Director of Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited, Akindele Akintoye at the Federal High Court, Abuja, over an alleged $35 million fraud.

He was arraigned before Justice Emeka Nwite on charges bordering on money laundering and contract fraud.

On October 31, 2024, Akintoye was arrested by the EFCC and detained at its holding facility in Abuja.

According to a tweet via the commission’s X handle on Wednesday, Akintoye allegedly collected $35m from the Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board to build a 2,000 barrel-per-day refinery, jetty, gas plant, among others, at the Brass Free Trade Zone, Okpoama community in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

Advertisement

He “allegedly mooted the idea of the project to the Board and the NCDMB embraced it with a counterpart funding to the tune of $35million. He allegedly received the funds through the bank account of Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited and funneled the funds into four of his companies: Platform Capital Investment Partners, Duport Midstream Company Ltd., Puisance Afrique Dynamics Ltd., Adamantine Petrochemical & Refinery Ltd and Bureau de Change outlets,” the tweet stated.

At the court sitting on Monday, EFCC counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, told the court that the defendant faced a four counts filed on November 19, 2024, and requested that the charges be read to the defendant.

One of the counts read, “That you, Akindele Akintoye, and Platform Capital Investment Partners Limited, between December 2020 and February 2021, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, indirectly retained the sum of $16,006,000 (Sixteen Million, Six Thousand United States Dollars), being part of the funds dishonestly converted from the money paid by the NCDMB to Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited as investment, knowing the said sum constituted proceeds of unlawful activity, thereby committing an offence 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 noted that Akintoye pleaded “not guilty” after the charges were read to him. Thereafter, the anti-graft agency’s counsel requested the court to remand Akintoye in a correctional centre, and then sought a trial date.

Advertisement

However, the defendant’s counsel, Emmanuel Esadio applied for bail, stating that the application was filed and served on the prosecution.

In his response, Justice Nwite stressed the importance of allowing the prosecution to respond to the bail application, noting that the law requires a 48-hour period before a bail application can be considered.

“Justice is tripartite, to the accused, the defendant, and society. I cannot shut out the prosecution, they must be heard,” the Judge said.

“Esadio further requested that the defendant be remanded in EFCC custody, citing his client’s health issues and the need for easy access to legal counsel.

Advertisement

“But Iheanacho opposed the request, arguing that the EFCC lacked adequate facilities and that Akintoye had demonstrated untrustworthiness, including allegedly retrieving his international passport after claiming it was in court custody,” the tweet read.

“The defendant cannot be trusted. He has shown tendencies that suggest he may commit another crime. Additionally, there is no medical evidence before the court to support claims of ill health,” Iheanacho submitted.

After considering the arguments, the judge ordered Akintoye’s remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre and adjourned the matter till December 31, 2024, for hearing on the bail application.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

News

Terrorists reportedly bomb Nigerian army base

Published

on

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have reportedly bombed a Nigerian military base in Wajiroko, located in the Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.

The attack occurred on Christmas Eve December 24 2024, when multiple armed drones, carrying locally fabricated grenades, targeted the Forward Operating Base.

The strike injured no fewer than six soldiers, who were quickly given first aid at the scene and are awaiting further medical treatment.

Advertisement

The assault began with gunfire from the terrorists, who launched a brief attack that was repelled by the soldiers.

However, shortly afterward, drones carrying explosives struck the base again.

According to military sources, up to four different armed drones were observed during the attack.

A report also revealed that a military gun truck was damaged during the strike.

Advertisement

Boko Haram has been a persistent threat in Northeastern Nigeria for nearly two decades, causing loss of life and displacing millions.

The Nigerian military has repeatedly claimed success in combating the insurgents, though the group remains a formidable force, continuing to carry out attacks across the region.

Continue Reading

News

Christmas disaster: Plane crash claims dozens

Published

on

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Dozens have died after a passenger plane crashed on Christmas Day.

The scene of the crash in Kazakhstan. Emergency Situations of Kazakhstan/Anadolu via Getty
According to the BBC, the Azerbaijan Airlines flight had been travelling from the Azerbaijani capital Baku to Grozny in Russia when it caught fire as it made an emergency landing near Aktau in Kazakhstan.

The outlet, citing local officials, reported that dozens of people had been killed in the crash.

Advertisement

Per CNN, at least 28 people survived the crash, including two children. Authorities also told the outlet that the survivors had been taken to hospital.

The Associated Press reported that Kazakhstan’s Emergency Ministry confirmed in a Telegram statement that 67 people, including five crew, were on board the plane.

PEOPLE has contacted Kazakhstan’s Emergency Ministry, Azerbaijan Airlines and The Ministry of Digital Development and Transportation of the Republic of Azerbaijan for comment.

In an initial statement shared on X (formerly known as Twitter) and translated to English, the airline wrote, “According to preliminary information, the passengers included 37 Azerbaijani citizens, 16 Russian citizens, 6 Kazakh citizens, and 3 Kyrgyz citizens.”

Advertisement

“There were 67 people on board, including 62 passengers and 5 crew members. There were no children among the passengers, and information about the injured will be provided shortly,” they added.

“According to the information, there are survivors who are receiving initial medical assistance. Contacts are being established with the Kazakh authorities, and the necessary operational support is being provided by Kazakhstan’s emergency rescue agencies at the scene.

According to CNN and Reuters, a video showed the aircraft circling before hitting the ground and bursting into flames. Passengers covered in blood were also seen coming out of the wreckage shortly after.

In a statement obtained by PEOPLE, a spokesperson for the plane’s manufacturer Embraer said, “We are saddened to learn of the incident today near Aktau, Kazakhstan. Further updates will be provided as soon as more information is confirmed and Embraer is authorized to release. We stand ready to assist all relevant authorities. Our concerns and sympathy go to the families, friends, colleagues and loved ones affected by the accident.”

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 Naija Blitz News