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Six Nigerians Convicted For Funding Boko Harams Operations

An Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has convicted six Nigerians for alleged funding of Boko Haram,.

Two of the convicts, Surajo Abubakar Muhammad and Saleh Yusuf Adamu have been sentenced to life imprisonment while the remaining four, Ibrahim Ali Alhassan, AbdurRahman Ado Musa, Bashir Ali Yusuf, and Muhammad Ibrahim Isa were handed ten-year imprisonment respectively.

Also Read: Youths Boycot Judicial Panel In Lagos After Governments Move To Freeze Bank Accounts Of Key #EndSARS Protesters

According to the court judgment between 2015 and 2016, these men initiated cash transfers amounting to $782, 000.00.

The families of the convicts however have cried foul claiming that they were “framed up”. The convicts are bureau de change operators who have been living and doing business in the UAE before their arrest.

According to the judgment, all the accused were charged with funding a terror group (Boko Haram) by facilitating transfers of money from Dubai to Nigeria for alleged terror operations. Engaging in such an activity is a crime under Article 29, Clause 3 of UAE’s Federal Law

The first and second accused were said to have been charged for joining the Boko Haram group in Nigeria knowingly, which is a crime punishable under Article 22/2 of the Federal Law No 7 of 2017 with regards to anti-terrorism punishable by death or life imprisonment.

According to sources close to the convicts, they started money exchange business in Kano and later moved to Dubai where they were eventually arrested.

Nigeria’s Attorney – General Abubakar Malami confirmed that the Nigerian authorities were aware and had written the UAE seeking records of proceedings but was yet to get feedback.

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NNPC Urges Former President Obasanjo To Come And Tour The PH Refinery

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has invited former President Olusegun Obasanjo to tour the Port Harcourt Refinery and verify its operational status.

NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, has responded to Obasanjo’s recent remarks about the refinery.

In a recent interview with Channels Television, the former President recalled the advice from Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), suggesting the refinery would not function optimally.

He said that after approaching the company to acquire equity in the refinery, SPDC expressed concerns about corruption impeding its operations.

Obasanjo further alleged that the NNPCL had been misleading Nigerians about the facility’s functionality, calling into question the national oil firm’s recent announcement about the re-streaming of the plant.

Responding to the claims in a statement on Thursday, January 1, 2024, Soneye respectfully invited the former President to visit the refinery, stressing the company’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

“Furthermore, we extend an open invitation to President Obasanjo for a tour of the rehabilitated refineries to witness firsthand the progress made under the new NNPC Limited,” he said.

The spokesman also enjoined Obasanjo to join the NNPCL in its determination to guarantee the country’s energy security.

“We invite our esteemed former president to join us in this effort as we continue to deliver energy security for our nation and provide tangible benefits to Nigerians.

“His wisdom and experience are invaluable, and we assure him that his advice will always be welcomed and appreciated,” he stated.

The NNPCL’s scribe explained that the company didn’t carry out turnaround maintenance on the plant but embarked on a complete refinery overhaul.

“As part of this transformation, NNPC Limited has gone beyond oil and gas to become an integrated energy company.

“One of our notable achievements is the complete rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PhRC) and Warri Refinery.

“This process was not merely the Turnaround Maintenance (TAM) of the past but a full-scale overhaul designed to meet world-class standards. Similarly, we are currently conducting the same comprehensive rehabilitation of the old Port Harcourt Refinery and Kaduna Refinery,” he added.

He further explained that the national oil company has evolved from being a government corporation to a private entity with limited liability, noting that the transition has transformed the company from a loss-making organisation to a profit-driven international energy firm.

According to him, the new NNPCL will ensure sustainable operation and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s energy security.

“Regarding his recent comments, we would like to respectfully clarify the current state of the NNPC.

“The NNPC has undergone a transformative journey, evolving from a government corporation into a private entity—NNPC Limited.

“This transition has marked a significant shift from being a loss-making organisation to a profit-oriented global energy company.

“We deeply respect and hold President Obasanjo in the highest regard as a distinguished statesman who has contributed significantly to the progress of our nation.

“He has every right to share his perspectives on national issues, and we value his insights and counsel.

“We remain grateful for his leadership and enduring commitment to the growth and development of Nigeria. Together, we can continue to build a brighter future for our great nation,” Soneye stated.

He also reacted to media reports suggesting that the NNPCL would stop the supply of crude oil to Dangote Refinery, saying “No need to respond to falsehood.

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Tinubu Named third Most Corupt Leader In The World

pro-Tinubu group

According to the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been ranked as the third most corrupt leader globally. Tinubu, who became Nigeria’s president in 2023, was named among the top five finalists for the OCCRP’s 2024 Corrupt Person of the Year list, published on Monday, December 30.

The list, determined by over 55,000 votes from readers, journalists, and members of OCCRP’s global network, also featured Kenyan President William Ruto, former Indonesian President Joko Widodo, former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and Indian businessman Gautam Adani.

Ruto emerged as the most-voted nominee, followed closely by Widodo.

“We asked for nominations from readers, journalists, the Person of the Year judges and others in the OCCRP global network,” stated the OCCRP.

“These finalists represent the most corrupt figures in 2024.”

Tinubu’s presidency has been fraught with controversies over his wealth, which critics argue remains unexplained.

Allegations of drug trafficking, forgery, and financial malpractice have persisted, tarnishing his administration.

In May 2023, it was revealed that his son, Seyi Tinubu, owned a $10.8 million London mansion previously linked to Nigerian businessman Kolawole Aluko, who allegedly acquired the property with crime proceeds.

Similar properties in the United Kingdom have also been linked to the Tinubu family. The year 2024 saw nationwide protests against Tinubu’s administration, sparked by policies critics labelled as “anti-people.”

Demonstrators decried worsening hunger, poverty, and governance failures. The most notable protests, the #EndBadGovernance movement from August 1 to 10, saw mass arrests, including more than 20 children.

Detained protesters faced treason charges, prompting widespread media and social media outcry that eventually secured their release.

Critics argue that Nigeria has suffered significant declines in economic stability, security, leadership integrity, and human rights under Tinubu’s leadership.

OCCRP’s recognition of Tinubu as one of the world’s most corrupt leaders underscores mounting concerns over his administration’s transparency and accountability.

As protests and criticisms continue, questions about Tinubu’s legacy and Nigeria’s future remain unresolved.

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Governors in heated meeting With Presidency Over Tax Reforms

The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) convened a late-night meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, December 10. The meeting ended without a communiqué, fuelling speculation about the contentious tax reform bills at the heart of their discussions.

The meeting, which commenced at 10 p.m. and lasted just an hour, was attended by 15 governors, primarily from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Governors Alex Otti of Abia State and Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, representing the Labour Party and the All Progressives Grand Alliance, were also present.

Sources disclosed that the governors failed to reach a consensus on the tax reform bills President Bola Tinubu recently presented to the National Assembly.

The reforms have drawn sharp criticism, with 19 northern governors rejecting key provisions and urging withdrawal. The National Economic Council (NEC) also reportedly dismissed the proposed legislation.

“The bills are flawed and fail to address the realities in many states,” a northern governor reportedly remarked.

The NGF’s silence following the meeting has further heightened public interest. Deviating from tradition, the governors refrained from issuing a post-meeting statement or briefing journalists.

This development has sparked concerns about potential divisions within the NGF, as the governors grapple with the polarising tax proposals. Observers note that the absence of an official communiqué suggests deep-seated disagreements.

As Nigerians await clarity on the fate of the tax reforms, the meeting’s abrupt conclusion underscores the growing tension over Tinubu’s economic policies. Whether the governors will resolve remains to be seen.

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