Pension Scam: CNPP Slams Judge Over Lenient Sentence

John Yakubu Yusuf

The Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) has deplored the sentence handed down to a former director of the Police Pension Fund,  John Yakubu Yusuf by an Abuja High Court after he was convicted of the theft of police pension fund to the tune of N23 billion.

The conference dismissed the confiscation of assets of less than N1 billion naira and a fine of N750,000 imposed on Yakubu Yusuf "as less than a slap on the wrist for the amount he admitted to stealing from helpless police pensioners".

A statement by the CNPP’s Secretary General, Chief Willy Ezugwu urged the National Judicial Council (NJC) to investigate Justice Abubakar Talba to ensure that the image of the judiciary is not dragged into disrepute.

Tukur Approves N350k Allowances for 'Supportive' Deputies

Alhaji Bamanga Tukur

After an over two-hour meeting with the deputies of members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur Tuesday approved the sum of N350,000 each as allowance.

The approval of the allowance was to pacify the deputies over allegations of marginalisation and apparently carry them along in the administration of the party.

The deputies were at loggerheads with the members of NWC over approval of salaries for themselves without taking them into consideration.

The National Chairman of PDP is on monthly salary of N2 million, while the deputy national chairman is on N1.7million and the National Secretary is on N1.5 million, while other members of NWC are on N1.2 million per month.

EXCLUSIVE; Lagos Police Dismiss Corporal for Stealing

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Umar Manko

BY Chiemelie Ezeobi

The Lagos State Police Command yesterday dismissed one of its personnel, Corporal Gaborone Falogbade, with Force number 444123 for misconduct, an action the command says enforces to its zero tolerance to corruption and indiscipline.

The dismissed corporal was charged for stealing one of the seized motorcycles which was taken from defaulters at Ikorodu area of the state as part of the recent ban on motorcycles by the state government.

Olubolade: 4,000 Retired Policemen Yet to Receive Pension

Minister of Police Affairs, Navy Capt. Caleb Olubolade (rtd)

The Minister of Police Affairs, Navy Capt. Caleb Olubolade (rtd), has said about 4,000 retired police officers are yet to receive their pensions. He also stated that the number could be more, as more files of retired officers were still being processed.

The minister, who made the disclosure in his 2012 report on his ministry’s progress and challenges, said the police was still faced with the challenge of poor funding, which has hampered some of its projects.

AFCON 2013: Moses Helps Uninspiring Eagles Reach Quarters

Victor Moses scored both goals for the Eagles

The individual brilliance of Victor Moses ensured that the Super Eagles’ interest in the African Cup of Nations continued Tuesday night as his two well struck penalties was just enough to beat Ethiopia 2-0.

However, while millions of Nigerian football fans were mightily relieved to see the Eagles progress, the same feeling was not shared by Zambian fans as the defending champions crashed out after playing a goalless draw with Burkina Faso, who incidentally finished top of Group C.

Presidency: Obasanjo Left $43bn in Foreign Reserve

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo

Ripples of the allegations former vice president of the World Bank, Mrs. Obigeli Ezekwesili that the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo left behind $67 billion that has been squandered by the regime of late President Umaru Yar’Adua and President Goodluck Jonathan continued, as the Presidency Tuesday said that Obasanjo left behind $43.13 billion as at the time he handed over in May 27 2007. Also, the Presidency dubbed Ezekwesili as a liar whose intention was to discredit President Goodluck Jonathan and incite Nigerians against the administration.

UNBELIEVABLE: FG Expends N7bn on Mali

The federal government has expended the sum of N7billion on the Africa-led International Mission in Mali (AFISMA), which entails  the deployment of troops and logistics to the country facing Islamists insurgency.

This is as global donors pledge the donation of $455.53 million, exceeding by far the earlier target of $50 million set by the African Union (AU).

Similarly, the apex government has indicated that it will spend an additional $5million pledge in further assistance to assist the war torn country.

Gunmen Kill 60-year-old Grandma, Grandson

Police Headquarters

Pandemonium erupted in Ago-Oba area of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Sunday night, when some unidentified persons allegedly gained access into the one-room apartment of Mrs. Amoke Musuru, where she was allegedly murdered alongside her two-year-old grandson, Baliqs. It was also gathered that the woman and her grandson were fast asleep when the suspects smashed the head of the duo with iron rod, which led to their death.

Court Sentences Pension Fund Fraudster to Two Years Imprisonment

Symbol of Justice

The trial of former officials of the Police Pension Fund before an Abuja High Court Monday took a new turn yesterday as one of the accused persons in the N39 billion scam, Mr. John Yakubu Yusufu, who had earlier pleaded not guilty changed his plea to guilty and was sentenced to two years in prison. The judge however, gave him the option of a N250,000 fine. He pleaded guilty to three out of the amended 20-count charge brought against him and other suspects by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Ezu River: 15 Bodies Exhumed for Autopsy

Governor Peter Obi

Fifteen of the initial 18 bodies recovered from Ezu River in Anambra State were yesterday exhumed by a team of pathologists from the office of the Inspector General of Police and the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, (NAUTH) Nnewi.

The recovery is to enable the pathologists carry out autopsy and further investigate the nature and circumstances of their death.  The bodies were part of the several that were dumped by unknown persons into the river over a week ago. The bodies were later buried while investigations were still going on as to why and how they were killed.