News
EFCC set to arraign ex-Aviation minister, Hadi Sirika
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is to arraign former Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, before Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Maitama on Thursday.
Sirika, a minister in the administration of former president Muhammadu Buhari, would be arraigned on a six -count amended charge.
He will be arraigned alongside three others, including his daughter, Fatima; Jalal Hamma and Al-Duraq Investment Ltd, for abuse of office to the tune of N2.7 billion.
As part of EFCC investigations into the financial malfeasance allegedly committed by the former minister, “ including fraudulent contracts awarded by the ministry under his watch, had on April 23 detained him in Abuja
Sirika was invited by the Abuja Zonal Command of the commission on the alleged contract malfeasance and was promptly interrogated and detained at the Formella Street, Wuse 2 Zonal office of the Commission.
“The former minister (Sirika) was invited for questioning by investigators handling the alleged contract frauds under his watch in the ministry. He honoured the invitation and has been detained as I am talking with you,” a source in the EFCC who pleaded anonymous revealed’’.
The source also said that EFCC had been investigating the alleged contract frauds while the minister was in office, and he had even met with investigators before he was detained.
The arraignment was earlier slated to hold on Tuesday but due to EFCC prayer to amend the charge, a new date was given.
News
Security operatives destroy Bello Turji’s food storage facility
A school building in Fakai village, reportedly used as a food storage facility by the notorious bandit leader Bello Turji, has been destroyed.
The facility, which had been stocked with large quantities of food supplies, was completely razed, leaving the structure in ruins.
According to local sources, the school was repurposed by the bandits to support their operations in the region.
It served as a key logistical hub for storing essential supplies, ensuring the group’s ability to sustain its activities over time.
The destruction of the stockpile is seen as a major setback for Bello Turji’s network. By eliminating a critical resource hub, the operation is expected to disrupt the group’s supply chain and hinder their ability to operate effectively in the area.
Counter-terrorism expert Zagazola Makama reported that the incident underscores ongoing efforts to counter the influence and operations of bandit groups in the region.
Residents of Fakai village and surrounding areas hope this effort signals further strides toward restoring peace and security.
News
Trump launches his own meme coin, value soars
President-elect Donald Trump launched his own cryptocurrency on Friday, sparking a feverish buying that apparently sent its market capitalization soaring to several billion dollars.
In a message posted on his Truth Social platform and X, Trump unveiled the so-called meme coin, which is designed to capitalize on the popularity of a certain personality, movement or viral internet trend.
“My NEW Official Trump Meme is HERE! It’s time to celebrate everything we stand for: WINNING!” he wrote.
Meme coins have no economic or transactional value and are often seen as a means of speculative trading.
“This Trump Meme celebrates a leader who doesn’t back down, no matter the odds,” the coin’s official site says.
In the hours following the overnight launch, the crypto community posed questions about the legitimacy of the $TRUMP coin, and its actual link to the president-elect, with some fearing a scam.
But the fact that the announcements came on Trump’s official social media channels seemed to reassure the market, as did the fact that Trump has used one of the companies behind the project, CIC Digital LLC, in the past to sell non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
By mid-morning on Saturday, the market capitalization for $TRUMP stood at nearly $6 billion, according to CoinMarketCap.com.
Neither Trump nor the company managing the launch, Fight Fight Fight LLC, offered details about how much he made from the initial batch of meme coins released.
The coin’s official site said 200 million meme coins were issued, with Fight Fight Fight saying an additional 800 million would be added over the next three years.
Formerly a cryptocurrency skeptic, the president-elect is now a convert and has become a champion of the concept.
Before this new announcement, Trump and his sons Donald Jr. and Eric started their own crypto venture – World Liberty Financial – and other members of the incoming administration have previously disclosed investments in and backing for cryptocurrencies.
Last summer, Trump spoke at a Bitcoin conference in Nashville, where he pledged to make America “the crypto capital of the planet” once back in the White House.
The meme coin is Trump’s latest merchandise push, which recently included a line of perfumes, colognes, watches and “President Donald J. Trump First Edition” silver coins selling for $100 each celebrating his election win.
He famously used a photo of him sitting next to first lady Dr. Jill Biden at the re-opening of Notre Dame Cathedral to promote the cologne line.
News
IGP approves massive distribution of kits, uniforms to police officers nationwide
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has again approved the distribution of new kits and uniforms to NPF personnel in the rank-and-file cadre, reaffirming his commitment to improving officers’ welfare and boosting their morale.
This initiative underscores his vision of enhancing improved working conditions and professionalism within the force.
Spokesman of the police, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, who made the disclosure, noted that the IGP expressed optimism that, with the approval of the 2025 budget, more welfare-focused projects will be implemented to further support officers in carrying out their duties effectively.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains dedicated to maintaining a well-equipped and motivated workforce for the safety and security of all Nigerians,” he said.
-
News18 hours ago
Just in: Again , Petrol Price Increases To N1150 Per Litre Nationwide
-
News18 hours ago
Sad: Ex-Delta First Lady, former beauty queen, dies in London hospital
-
News18 hours ago
SEE Dollar (USD) to Naira Black Market Rate Today January 18, 2025 Aboki
-
News17 hours ago
UK Court Jails 35-yr-old Nigerian 10 Yrs After Brutal R3pe Of Woman In Nottingham
-
Metro24 hours ago
Gunmen Abduct 15 Residents, Including School Headmaster
-
News24 hours ago
President Tinubu Reportedly Backs Creation of New Southwest State
-
News17 hours ago
Tinubu Exhausted N9.74bn Supplying Rice, Beans Palliatives To Nigerians In 2024 – Report
-
News11 hours ago
Sad! Train Crushes Man To D3ath In Oshodi, Lagos