One of Nollywoods veteran actresses, Bukky Ajayi, is dead.
The late actress died on Wednesday morning at the age of 82
She was quite active in the Nigerian entertainment industry and enjoyed a career spanning over three decades.
Ajayi started her career in the 1960s, working as announcer, presenter and newscaster at the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA.
The grandmother and great grandmother studied at the Stanislavsky Institute of Drama, London and has featured in countless movies both within and outside Nigeria.
Her last public appearance was at the 2016 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, AMVCA, which took place on March 5 in Lagos State, where she was presented with the industry Merit award along with Sadiq Daba, another veteran Nollywood actor.
A family source has said she will be buried today according to Islamic rites.
South African Olympic athlete, Oscar Pistorius has been sentenced to six years in prison for the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp in 2013.
The verdict comes after his initial five-year conviction for manslaughter was changed to murder last December on appeal.
Pistorius, 29, shot Reeva Steenkamp four times through a locked toilet door in February 2013. He admitted shooting her, but said he mistook her for an intruder and acted out of fear.
In an hour-long session, Judge Thokozile Masipa said mitigating circumstances, such as rehabilitation and remorse, outweighed aggravating factors for deviating from the prescribed 15-year sentence for murder.
Pistorius has already served one year in jail over his previous conviction and he is legally obliged to serve half of his new sentence in prison before being eligible for parole.
Right after the session, he was transferred to Khosi Mampuru prison in Pretoria.
The six-time Paralympic gold medalist made history by becoming the first amputee sprinter to compete at the Olympics, in 2012 in London, running on prosthetic “blades”.
Court documents filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, at the Federal High Court in Ekiti have showed details of how the state governor, Ayo Fayose, received N1.2 billion from former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, a retired Colonel, through former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro.
The documents, filed by EFCC’s Tosin Owobo, were made before the court in response to the governor’s application seeking to compel the anti-graft agency to unfreeze his bank account with Zenith Bank, which is joined with the EFCC as defendants.
The EFCC said it got a court order to freeze the account after receiving intelligence that it contained proceeds of crime.
According to the suit, N2.6 billion was transferred from ONSA account between June 5 and 17, 2014 to the account of Sylvan McNamara Ltd, a company whose principal signatory is Babajide Obanikoro, the former minister’s son.
“Between the 5th and 17th day of June, 2014 the former state Minister of Defence, Mr. Musiliu Obanikoro, in grand conspiracy with the Applicant and the former National Security Adviser Col. M.S Dasuki (RTD) fraudulently removed the sum of N2,260,000,000.00 (Two Billion, Two Hundred and Sixty Million Naira) from the account of the office of National Security Adviser which sum was fraudulently transferred to a company known as SYLVAN MCNAMARA LTD with account No. 0026223714 domiciled with Diamond Bank Plc,” the document revealed.
From this amount, Obanikoro was said to have transported N1.2 billion cash by air to Akure, the Ondo State capital, through a chattered aircraft with Registration No: HS125-800 5N-BMT belonging to GYRO AIR LTD. for Fayose’s use as he prepared for election.
“On the 17th day of June, 2014 Mr. Alade Oluseye in the company of one Biodun Agbele a front of the Applicant (Fayose), went to the Akure Airport wherein they took cash delivery of the sum of N724,500,000.00 from Senator Musiliu Obanikoro and his acclaimed Aid de camp Lieutenant Colonel A.O Adewale,” the document showed.
The next day, June 18, Oluseye was said to have collected N494.9 million from Obanikoro. On 19 June, Agbele, acting on instruction from Fayose, collected the money from Oluseye and deposited N219 million into a Zenith Bank account belonging to De-privateer Ltd. Later in the day, Agbele deposited N300 million into the same account following instructions from the governor. Four days later, the same Agbele made another lodgement of N200 million into the same De-privateer Ltd’s account with Zenith Bank.
There were similar questionable deposits allegedly made on behalf of the governor, as the court documents showed.
“On the 26th day of June,2014 the said Biodun Agbele on the instruction of Applicant further dissipated the proceeds of crime by depositing the sum of N137,000,000.00 (One Hundred and Thirty Seven Million Naira) to account No. 1003126654 domiciled with the 2nd Respondent in the name of the Applicant. Attached and marked exhibit EFCC 03 is a statement of account of the said account domiciled with the Respondent.
“On the 22nd and 27th day of August, 2014 Biodun Agbele also deposited the sum of N50, 000,000.00 (Fifty Million Naira) and N118, 760,000.00 (One Hundred and Eighteen Million, Seven Hundred and Sixty Thousand Naira) respectively to the said account which sum formed part of the proceeds of crime.
“In further dissipating the proceeds of crime deposited and retained in the account referred to in paragraphs (d) and (g) above, the sum of N300,000,000.00 (Three Hundred Million Naira) was put in a fixed deposit account No. 9013074033 in the name of the Applicant on the 7th day of April,2015,” the documents showed.
On June 17, 2014, the day Obanikoro was said to have ferried the money into Akure, and June 23, Agbele deposited N100 million and N49 million respectively into the account of Spotless Investment Ltd.
“The said Abiodun Agbele whilst acting in concert with Alade Oluseye of the 2nd Respondent and the Applicant, after fraudulently receiving the sum of N1, 219,490,000.00 (One Billion, Two Hundred and Nineteen Thousand, Four Hundred and Ninety Thousand Naira) from Senator Obanikoro also fraudulently retained cash in the sum of N263, 000,000.00 (Two Hundred and Sixty Three Million Naira) on the instruction of the Applicant,” the anti-graft agency said, adding that there is a balance of N89 million in the account.
There is also N300 million left in the account of De-privateer Ltd.
It added that following interrogation of Oluseye and Lawrence Akande, the agency was given the details of how the transactions were conducted.
In addition to the Dasuki money, Fayose also allegedly collected kickbacks from contractors engaged by the state government, including Samchese Nigeria Ltd, Tender Branch Concept Nig. Ltd, Hoff Concept Ltd, and Calibre Consulting Ltd.
These gratifications were collected through Still Earth Ltd and Signachoor Nigeria Ltd, which used the money to buy properties for J.J. Technical Services Ltd, a company found to be owned by the governor and his wife.
Fayose was also said to have bought a property at No.44, Osun Crescent Maitama Abuja in the name of his sister, Moji Ladeji.
EFCC argued that it moved to suspend the governor’s account after it was satisfied that it contained stolen funds and in order to stop the funds from being further dissipated, adding that while the governor enjoys immunity as a serving governor, the funds do not enjoy same.
The United States Embassy in Nigeria has issued an alert about likely attacks on expatriates and foreign visitors in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, during the three day public holidays declared by the federal government to mark the end of Ramadan.
The statement said: “The US Mission in Nigeria advises that groups associated with terrorist activity might be planning attacks against hotels in Lagos frequented by international visitors, including those located on waterfronts, during the Eid-el-Fitr holidays.”
Tuesday and Wednesday had been declared as public holidays in Nigeria but has been extended to Thursday as a result of the non-sighting of the moon meant to mark the traditional end of the Ramadan month.
The US warning, posted on the website of its embassy on Tuesday, did not mention a specific group but urged its citizens to review their personal security plans, remain aware of their surroundings, including local events, and monitor local news stations for updates.
In a swift response to the warning by the US embassy, the Nigerian Police Lagos state command has assured Lagosians that adequate security measures have been put in place during and after the Eid-el-Fitri celebration.
This was disclosed by Dolapo Badmos, a Superintendent and Spokesmanof the command on Tuesday.
“The Lagos State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that adequate and necessary security measures have been put in place during and after the Eid el-Fitri celebrations,” Badmos said.
“In furtherance to this, all Muslim faithful and indeed the general public are hereby assured of their safety.
“It is not out of place for the U.S. to issue such warnings to its nationals. It should not cause panic among residents because in the past weeks, security has been beefed up across the state to ensure a hitch-free holiday. The police, military and other security outfits are on alert.
“Furthermore, the command wishes to state that appropriate operational strategies have been devised to ensure a hitch-free Eid-el-Fitri celebration at all praying grounds, recreational centres, hotels and all other public places.”
The statement urged the public to report any suspicious movement to the police through the security numbers – the toll-free 767 or 121 – among others.
President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated all Nigerians, especially the Muslim Ummah, on the occasion of this year’s Eid El Fitr, which marks the completion of the Ramadan fast, assuring the citizens that better days lie ahead.
Buhari also called on all to “show gratitude, respect and tolerance to one other, irrespective of our religion, tribe, language and political leanings.”
The President appealed to those who have the means, to remember the millions who are suffering deprivation because of violence perpetrated by terrorists.
He praised the Armed Forces and security agencies for the gains recorded in the fight against terrorists and the rescue of hostages in the North East, while also calling for the support, understanding and patience of all Nigerians and international partners as government continue to explore the fastest means to end the economic sabotage in the Niger Delta and amicably resolve the conflicts within the region.
Buhari said he was aware that many people in the country are going through hard and challenging times, but he assured that his administration was working assiduously towards improving the economy and returning the country to the path of progress.
“I want to use this medium to commend the amazing sacrifices of Nigerians in the face of the temporary economic and social challenges and also reassure Nigerians that my administration is working assiduously towards providing basic needs and other amenities,” the President said.
He also reiterated his commitment to the fight against corruption, adding that he we will ensure that all appropriate and legal measures are deplored to root out the malaise.
“I promise you all better days ahead even as we remain grateful for your unflinching support to our administration,
“I sincerely pray that the Almighty Allah will reward our sacrifices with increased blessing and a more prosperous future,” he concluded.
The Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai has launched a public address system, “Peace FM”, in Maiduguri, Borno State, the operational headquarters of the counter insurgency operations also called “Operation Lafiya Dole”.
The Project is aimed at de-indoctrinating and dissuading the Boko Haram insurgents from continued terrorism.
Buratai, who was in Maiduguri to commission the project along with over a dozen office and housing projects at the Maimalari Cantonment, disclosed that the new public address system is in line with the Nigerian Army information policy on fighting insurgency and terrorism in the Northeast region.
He said that the military had previously been using leaflets and other means in dissemination of information as well as discouraging individuals; especially the terrorists from carrying out atrocities, but all that has changed with the new system.
“We have gotten the Peace FM; which is operating very well and I think we are going mobile. This is a very good initiative by the Theatre Commander and his officers. This will help to further ensure that the right information is passed to the public.”
He asked the Theatre Commander and other operators of the public address system to go to all public places such as the motor parks, Markets, etc; to educate the people on what the military is doing to bring the Boko Haram insurgency to an end.
Buratai expressed optimism that the project could help in dissuading the insurgents from terrorism.
“We will be able to dissuade them in this manner. Some of them may even come with the intention of attacking the people. But when we appeal to them in those places they may decide to drop whatever they are carrying,” Buratai Said.
President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with the authorities in Saudi Arabia over the bomb attacks that occurred in the holy city of Medina on Monday.
President Buhari said that the development was a desecration of all that was sacred and holy, as it took place near the Prophet’s Mosque, and on one of the holy days of Ramadan.
“The merchants of evil have once again shown that there is nothing religious in their mindless acts, by striking near the Prophet’s Mosque. It validates the claim that terrorism really has nothing to do with Islam. Purveyors of terror are simply agents of the devil,” President Buhari said.
He stressed that the fact that the Madina bombing came the same day as a suicide bomber struck near the US Consulate in Jeddah, also in Saudi Arabia, shows that it was an orchestrated plan to foul up the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
President Buhari said terrorism no longer respects international boundaries, and urged nations to remain vigilant, “so that we can collectively beat the forces of darkness on the prowl round the globe.”
Around the world and around the clock, let us be alert,” he said, “And we would remain free and safe. With our collective resolve, we shall beat terrorism,” the President concluded.
Three suicide bombers attacked three different cities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Monday.
The attack that took place near the Prophet’s Mosque – Islam’s second holiest site – in Medina killed four guards, while only the bombers died in Jeddah and Qatif.
Saudi Arabia’s highest religious body has denounced the attacks, describing them as a violation of “everything that is sacred”.
No group has yet said it was behind the attacks, but suspicion has fallen on the so-called Islamic State terrorist group.
Political and Religious leaders across Nigeria are felicitating with the Muslim ummah as they get set to celebrate the Eid-el-Fitri, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
During the 30-day Ramadan period which is the holiest month in the Islamic calender, muslim faithful engaged in fasting and other forms of religious observations in order to be closer to God.
The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, in his messages urged the Muslim Ummah in the country to sustain the values and virtues which the Holy month of Ramadan taught them in the last one month.
Saraki also urged all Nigerians to remain steadfast and prayerful in the face of daunting socio-economic challenges, while also calling on thee Boko Haram insurgents and other agents of destabilisation across the country to retrace their steps and give peace a chance in the spirit of the Eid-el-Fitri.
Ike Ekweremadu, the Deputy Senate President also released a felicitation message calling on Nigerian Muslims to use the occasion of the Eid-el-Fitri to pray for divine intervention in the face of the various forms of difficulties confronting the nation.
Ekweremadu called for unity and concerted efforts among Nigerians, irrespective of their various religious, tribal and political inclinations.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, also called on Muslims to use the period of Eid- el- Fitri to pray for Nigeria to overcome its present challenges.
The Speaker also called for prayers for the success of the country’s leadership under President Muhammadu Buhari for God to continue to guide, give him the wisdom to steer the affairs of the state and actualise the change agenda.
Dogara further affirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to upholding the tenets of democracy and championing the cause of the electorates at all times.
In the same vein, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam, Sa’ad Abubakar III, also urged the Muslim community to pray fervently against all forces against the economic well-being of Nigerians.
Abubakar, speaking through the Secretary-General, Jama’atu Nasrl Islam, Khalid Abubakar-Aliyu, advised Muslims to live a good life as every man shall account for their actions and inaction during and after the Ramadan.
The Sultan on Monday night declared that Wednesday, June 6, will be the day for the Eid-el-Fitri celebration due to non-sighting of the moon on Monday.
Niger State governor, Abubakar Bello in his own Eid-el-Fitri message said the situation in the country now calls for more sacrifice on the part of the leaders and the led, stressing that there is a reward for every sacrificial effort.
He called on all Nigerians, especially citizens of Niger State to be optimistic as the on-going economic meltdown would soon become history.
“This year’s Eid el-Fitr has come at a very critical time in the history of our beloved State and indeed Nigeria and for us to effectively weather the storm now, we as a people, must be ready to make some sacrifices for a reward of better tomorrow,” Governor Bello said.
The Federal Government has extended the Eid-el-Fitri holidays to Wednesday and Thursday.
Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau made this known through a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, saying the decision was as a result of the non-sighting of the moon which signifies the end of the Ramadan fast and the beginning of the Eid-el-Fitri celebrations.
The Federal Government had declared Tuesday, 5th and Wednesday, 6th July, 2016 as public holiday through a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Bassey Akpanyung, urging Nigerians to use the period to reflect and pray for harmony, unity and peaceful co-existence in the country.
The Kano State Police Command has called on worshipers attending Eid-el-Fitri prayers on Wednesday to avoid taking unnecessary objects other than their praying mats to the eid ground.
This is to avert unnecessary break down of law and order, as well as to checkmate whoever wanted to use the occasion to foment trouble and ensure a Sallah free crisis.
The command also advised people attending recreational centers and places of gatherings during the Sallah celebrations to be extra vigilant by taking good cognizance of people and objects around them, with a view to report any suspicious move to security agencies.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Police Public Relation Officer, DSP Magaji Majia , on behalf of the state commissioner , CP Muhammed Dikko on Tuesday.
His words “As this year’s Ramadan Fasting comes to an end and celebrations for Eid-el Fitir comes forth, the Kano State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that security arrangement has been made to ensure a free and successful celebrations, and hereby call on good people of the State to heed to the following advice”.
The statement added that parents and guardians should accompany their children with adults to guide them throughout the festivities. This is to checkmate the rampant cases of missing children.
Motorist should strictly obey traffic rules and regulations and avoid reckless and dangerous driving, over speeding and racing so as to minimize cases of accident throughout the festive period and beyond. While under aged children and unlicensed persons are not allowed to operate motor vehicles.
The command said: “The good people of the State are enjoined to bear with the Police and other sister security agencies during the conduct of stop and search around some selected areas. The aim is to perfect a hitch free Sallah celebrations and beyond.
“The general public is advised to continue cooperating with all security agencies in the State especially the Federal Road Safety Corps, Civil Defense Corps, KAROTA, Hisbah, Vigilante group and other civil volunteers who are out to maintain law and order.
“The public is also urged to use the occasion to pray for our Country and the new IGP and his Management Team for Allah’s guidance as he steer the affairs of the Nigeria Police. We should also pray for continuous peace, tranquility and economic development of Kano State and our dear Nation.”
The command also urged the Public to continue to report any suspicious character or object to the nearest Police Station/Security outfit for necessary action or to call our emergency lines as follows; 08032419754, 08123821575.
