Crime
JUST IN: 25 Christian Worshippers Kidnapped In Ondo
Suspected gunmen have reportedly kidnapped 25 Christian worshippers from Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke Igan, Akure, who were en route to a burial program in Ifon Ose LGA, Ondo State.
The victims, primarily choir members, were taken on Friday, as disclosed by an anonymous church member to The Peoples Gazette on Saturday.
He states that, “The twenty-five of them (worshippers) were inside the bus travelling through Ifon road when the gunmen stopped their vehicle and marched them inside the bush.”
Ondo State police spokesperson, Funmi Odunlami-Omisanya, confirmed the incident in a statement to reporters, stating that the abduction occurred in the Elegbeka area of Ifon on Friday afternoon.
She mentioned that the police, including the anti-kidnapping squad and other tactical units, are actively pursuing the kidnappers, expressing the commitment to rescue the abducted worshippers.
“The incident happened Friday afternoon, the police were informed that a Church bus with the Inscription CAC was abandoned around the Elegbeka area and there are also suspicions that the passengers in the vehicle were kidnapped.
“But we are already on the trail of the kidnappers with the view to rescue the abducted victims. Our men from the Anti-kidnapping squad are combing the bush already,” she added.
The roads in Ifon, Ose LGA, have gained notoriety as a perilous route for motorists and travelers, plagued by frequent kidnappings, creating a nightmarish situation.
Former Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, along with his daughter and two others, have been slated for arraignment today (thursday) by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
They face charges related to an alleged N2.7 billion fraud linked to the failed Nigerian Air project.
The proceedings are set to unfold before Justice Sylvanus Oriji at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja.
The charges, based on court documents, accuse Sirika of granting undue advantage to certain entities in Abuja between April 2022 and March 2023.
The anti-graft agency has accused Sirika of misusing his authority by awarding a N1.3 billion consultancy contract for the Nigerian Air Start-up to Tianero Nigeria Limited.
This alleged action is said to contravene Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
In a separate charge, the EFCC alleges that on or around August 18, 2022, in Abuja, Sirika utilized on or about August 18, 2022 ia, Sirika “did use your position to confer unfair advantage upon Al Buraq Global Investment Limited, whose alter ego, Fatima Hadi Sirika and Jalal Sule Hamma are your daughter and son-in-law respectively, by using your position to influence the award to them, the contract for the Apron Extension at Katsina Airport for the sum of N1.498,300,750.00.”
The anti-graft agency asserted that Sirika’s actions amounted to a violation of Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, rendering him liable to punishment under the same section.
In count three, the EFCC accused Sirika of criminal breach of trust “while serving as the Minister of Aviation and in his capacity as a public officer” on or around August 18, 2022, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the court.
In late April, the former aviation minister was taken into custody by the anti-graft agency and interrogated for several days.
Zamfara State is in the grip of fear and mourning following a series of vicious attacks by bandits, resulting in the deaths of eight individuals and the abduction of a branch manager of Taj Bank in Mandir Laura.
In a daring raid, approximately fifteen armed bandits stormed the manager’s residence in Rijiyar Gabas, seizing him and vanishing into the night.
Meanwhile, Faru Town in Maradun local government area witnessed a bloodbath as bandits struck, leaving eight residents dead.
Eyewitnesses recount the terror as the attackers besieged the town, instilling fear and chaos before retreating with captives into the surrounding forests.
The incidents have prompted widespread outrage and renewed calls for urgent action to stem the tide of violence plaguing Zamfara State.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reached an out-of-court settlement with renowned barman, Pascal Okechukwu, famously known as Cubana Chief Priest, regarding charges of naira abuse.
This development surfaced during the latest court proceedings presided over by Justice Kehinde Ogundare.
Cubana Chief Priest has been facing a three-count-charge related to the misuse of the national currency at a social gathering, a violation of the Central Bank Act of 2007.
Details later.. . ..
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