Crime
Courtroom Drama As Detained Binance Executive Tigran Gambaryan Goes Missing
Mild drama ensued at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, as Tigran Gambaryan, an executive of Binance Holdings Limited, was unexpectedly absent from his scheduled trial in a case involving alleged money laundering charges.
The absence of Gambaryan, who is also Binance’s country representative, left the court in a state of confusion.
The trial, which had been adjourned to October 20 by Justice Emeka Nwite, was set to continue after an earlier court session on October 11.
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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has accused Binance Holdings Ltd and Gambaryan of involvement in money laundering activities.
However, when the case was called, all counsel were present in the courtroom except for Gambaryan.
Justice Nwite immediately sought clarification from Gambaryan’s lawyer, Mark Mordi, SAN, regarding his client’s absence.
Mordi, visibly surprised, informed the court that he had no prior knowledge of why Gambaryan had not been produced.
The EFCC’s lead counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, also expressed shock at Gambaryan’s absence, stating that he had expected the defendant to be present as he was in custody.
Tonye Krukrubo, SAN, counsel for Binance, echoed similar concerns and questioned the EFCC’s accountability. “He is in their custody. It is surprising they are unaware of his whereabouts,” Krukrubo remarked.
Justice Nwite then turned to an officer from the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) present in court, who confirmed that Gambaryan had indeed been in their custody but could not explain his failure to appear.
Justice Nwite asked the officer to contact the head of Kuje Correctional Centre, where Gambaryan was being held, to provide answers regarding the executive’s absence.
After a brief adjournment to gather more information, the NCoS officer reported back to the court, revealing that Gambaryan had fallen seriously ill, which prevented his transfer to court for the hearing.
Following this development, Mordi requested the court to adjourn the matter to a later date, allowing time to assess Gambaryan’s health condition.
“We seek an adjournment to provide a status report on the 2nd defendant’s health and ensure he receives the necessary medical attention,” Mordi submitted.
The EFCC’s counsel, while ready to proceed with the trial, did not oppose the adjournment request, emphasizing that Gambaryan’s health must take priority.
Justice Nwite subsequently adjourned the case to October 25, 2024, pending an update on Gambaryan’s health and for the trial to continue thereafter.
Crime
Policeman Feared Dead As Gunmen Attack Checkpoint In Abia
A police officer is reportedly dead and another injured following an attack by unknown gunmen on a police checkpoint in the Ohafia area of Abia State.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday at Ugwu Abba Asaga, has sparked concerns over the rising wave of insecurity in the region.
The Abia State Police Command has yet to release an official statement regarding the attack. However, when contacted, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Maureen Chinaka, assured reporters that she would provide updates, but no further details had been shared as of the time of this report.
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This incident is the latest in a series of violent attacks in Abia State. On Monday, the Abia State government accused unnamed politicians and external parties of fueling kidnappings and violence targeting security personnel and civilians since May 2024. In a statement signed by Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, the government vowed to hold the perpetrators accountable.
“The promoters of violence and insecurity in the state will pay a heavy price,” the statement read.
However, John Okiyi Kalu, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Commissioner for Trade and Investment, criticized the government’s position. He argued that insecurity in the state should not be politicized but rather addressed through actionable measures.
The attack has heightened tensions in the state, with citizens calling for swift action to restore peace and ensure the safety of residents and security personnel alike.
Crime
Ebonyi Police Crackdown Leaves Labourer Dead, Three Others Injured
A yet-to-be-identified labourer was reportedly shot dead on Wednesday, while three others sustained critical injuries, during an altercation involving the Crack Squad of the Ebonyi State Police Command at Ugwuechara Junction in Abakaliki.
Witnesses say the incident began when members of the Crack Squad stopped a motorcycle rider, accusing him of fraud and attempting to seize his motorcycle.
The rider reportedly identified himself as a member of the military but was allegedly assaulted by the operatives.
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An eyewitness recounted, “As the policemen removed his cap and started hitting him with their guns, the bike man tried to resist them, possibly to snatch one of their guns.
“One of the team opened fire, which killed one of the labour seekers, who usually gather at the junction to look for daily jobs. Three persons were wounded and were rushed to the hospital.”
The deceased, a labourer waiting for work at the junction, was struck by the gunfire. Among the injured are a young apprentice at a barbershop and a female passer-by.
Witnesses say the police operatives took the body of the deceased and the motorcycle rider to their station after the incident.
Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer in Ebonyi, Joshua Ukandu, were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls or messages.
However, Obinna Mbam, the Special Assistant on Internal Security to Governor Francis Nwifuru, confirmed the incident.
“Normalcy has returned to the area,” Mr. Mbam said. “The state government will ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.”
The incident has sparked outrage among residents of Ebonyi State, who have raised concerns about the increasing cases of police brutality, extortion, and indiscriminate arrests.
Many residents also expressed dissatisfaction with the Crack Squad, which was established as part of police reforms following the disbandment of the controversial Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in 2020.
Crime
IGP Files Fraud Charges Against Ex-Senator, Two Others Over N400m Scam
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has filed criminal charges against former Nigerian senator Andy Uba and two others, accusing them of defrauding a complainant, George Uboh, of N400 million.
The charges, which include two counts, were brought before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Uba, who represented Anambra South in the Senate from 2011 to 2019, along with Crystal Uba and Benjamin Etu, is alleged to have conspired with Hajiya Fatima, who remains at large, to defraud Uboh in 2022.
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According to the charges, the accused individuals falsely claimed they could secure the appointment of the managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for anyone who could pay N400 million.
“The accused persons collected the N400 million from Mr. Uboh and converted it into their personal use,” the police said, describing the actions as a violation of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offenses Act of 2006.
The police also revealed that six witnesses would testify against the accused parties.
The case was officially filed on 10 October 2023 by Abdulrashid Sidi from the Police Legal/Prosecution Section.
During a hearing on 13 November, the prosecution informed the court that the defendants had been evading the service of court documents despite being granted administrative bail.
“The defendants obtained a fundamental rights enforcement order, which had prevented the police from bringing them to court,” said M.L. Anthony, a lawyer for the prosecution.
“It was only after the order was lifted that the defendants were finally charged before the judge.”
The trial, presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo, was adjourned until 18 February 2025.
This delay allows time for the defendants to appear in court and take their plea, following the prosecution’s efforts to ensure they are properly served with legal documents.
How to make shrimp caprese salad
October 18, 2024 at 3:40 pm
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