Crime
NYFPA Condemns Omokri’s Remarks on Pastor Becky Enenche, Demands Apology
The Nigeria Youths Frontiers and Peace Advocates (NYFPA) has strongly criticized social media activist Reno Omokri over controversial comments he made about Pastor Becky Enenche of Dunamis International Gospel Centre.
Omokri, in a social media post, described Pastor Enenche as a “Yahoo girl on the altar,” sparking widespread outrage among the Christian community.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Samuel Geofrey, the NYFPA described Omokri’s remarks as “inflammatory, baseless, and deeply irresponsible,” noting that such language is unbecoming of someone who portrays himself as a political activist and public commentator.
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The group expressed concern over Omokri’s choice of words, calling it a direct attack on Christianity and the values of mutual respect in a civilized society.
“Reno Omokri’s statements are an affront to millions of Nigerians who revere their faith and spiritual leaders.
“His choice of words reflects a profound lack of respect for Christianity and the principles of dialogue and mutual understanding in a civilized society,” the statement read.
Criticism of Omokri’s Public Record
The NYFPA went further to question Omokri’s credibility, pointing to alleged inconsistencies in his career and personal life.
The group highlighted several controversies tied to the activist, including accusations of exploiting societal divisions for personal gain.
“Despite his claims of being a man of God, details of Mr. Omokri’s life are riddled with contradictions. The lack of clarity about his early education, career trajectory, and personal affiliations suggests a deliberate effort to obscure the truth.
“How can one who thrives on ambiguity in his personal life claim to be a voice of clarity on spiritual and national matters?” the statement queried.
The NYFPA also took issue with Omokri’s self-identification as a pastor, describing his establishment of a church as more of a branding effort than a genuine spiritual mission.
“His self-styled title as a ‘pastor’ has raised many eyebrows. He established a church with no visible congregation or impact, a move many perceive as a branding strategy rather than a genuine spiritual calling.
“Even the name of his supposed church was allegedly appropriated from an established ministry in Tennessee, further undermining his credibility.”
Past Scandals Highlighted
The group referenced past controversies involving Omokri, including the “Wendell Simlin” scandal, where he was accused of fabricating links between public figures and Boko Haram.
“His infamous ‘Wendell Simlin’ scandal, where he allegedly fabricated links between prominent figures and Boko Haram, epitomizes his readiness to use falsehoods for political ends. Over the years, Mr. Omokri has demonstrated a concerning tendency to align himself with political figures for personal benefit,” the statement added.
The NYFPA also criticized Omokri’s personal life, alleging that his actions contradict the values he claims to uphold.
“While often vocal about morality and relationships, Mr. Omokri’s personal life tells a different story. Reports of abandoning his wife and children in the United States, followed by his involvement with another woman, starkly contradict the values he preaches. His actions not only expose hypocrisy but also call into question his moral authority to criticize others.”
Demands for Apology
The NYFPA has called on Omokri to issue an immediate and unconditional apology to Pastor Becky Enenche and her family, warning that his failure to do so could further damage his public image.
“Omokri’s most recent attack on Pastor Becky Enenche crosses a red line, exposing his lack of restraint and disregard for constructive discourse.
“We demand an immediate and unequivocal apology to Pastor Becky Enenche and her family. Failure to do so will only further erode his already fragile credibility and expose him as a divisive figure unworthy of the respect he seeks.”
Additionally, the group urged Nigerians to reject divisive rhetoric and instead focus on fostering unity and national development.
“Instead of spreading misinformation and engaging in character assassination, Mr. Omokri should focus on using his platform to foster unity, constructive dialogue, and national development.
“The Nigeria Youths Frontiers and Peace Advocates remain resolute in our mission to uphold truth, justice, and peace. We urge all Nigerians to reject voices of division and focus on building a nation where respect and understanding prevail over baseless accusations and personal vendettas,” the statement added”
Crime
Counsel To Otudeko Protests Alleged N12.3bn Fraud Charges
Oba Otudeko, Chairman of Honeywell Group, appeared in the Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday to challenge charges of N12.3 billion fraud.
Biztellers reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed a 13-count indictment against Otudeko, along with Olabisi Onasanya, former Managing Director of FirstBank Plc., Soji Akintayo, a former board member of Honeywell, and Anchorage Leisure Ltd.
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During the proceedings, the defendants’ lawyer, Mr. Bode Olanipekun (SAN), raised an objection, stating that the charge had not been properly served to Otudeko or his co-defendants.
Olanipekun emphasized this issue as a reason for protest in court.
The EFCC has accused the individuals and the company of fraudulently obtaining N12.3 billion under false pretenses.
More to follow………..
Crime
Arrested Boko Haram Suspects: Adeleke Commends Security Operatives, Assures Safety Of Residents
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has commended the personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS), on the successful operation, that led to the arrest of 10 suspected members of Boko Haram/Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Ilesa, Osun State.
Gov Adeleke expressed his feelings in a statement on micro-blogging site, X, on Saturday.
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According to the statement, Gov Adeleke hailed the alertness of security operatives, to eliminate the threats posed by the suspected terrorists, which gives further assurance that our security agencies are up to the task of sustaining peace and security of every part of Nigeria.
He particularly commended the intelligence gathering of the personnel of the State Service, who have painstakingly monitor the activities of the suspected criminals and moved swiftly to cut off their dastardly act.
“This is a welcome development and a big relief, not just for us as a government but to the people of the state and Nigeria in general. I commend the security operatives for their alertness and intelligence driven operation. We have absolute confidence in our security forces to keep protecting us”, Gov Adeleke declared.
He assured that his administration will continue to cooperate with security agencies and support their operations to ensure maximum protection of lives and property of Osun people, noting that this remains top of his priority.
“As the Chief Security Officer of Osun State, I will continue to give priority to issues of security of my people. I will continue to support efforts of security agencies to guard against any breakdown of law and order in any part of Osun. We will sustain the good relationship and collaboration that currently exists between our administration and the security agencies in the state” the Governor noted.
Gov Adeleke enjoined residents of Osun to continue to be watchful, and report any suspicious activity in their neighborhoods to relevant security agency, while assuring that Osun will continue to be a peaceful state under his watch.
“I hereby call on my people to continue to live in peace and harmony and be at alert to report any suspicious activities or behavior around them to the relevant security authorities. Together, we will ensure that Osun remains the most peaceful state in Nigeria” he concluded.
Crime
N12.3bn Fraud: Ex-First Bank Chair, Otudeko Flees Nigeria Ahead Of Arraignment
Former First Bank Chairman, Oba Otudeko, has reportedly fled Nigeria just days before his scheduled court appearance on Monday, January 20, 2025.
The 81-year-old businessman is facing fraud charges involving the alleged embezzlement of N12.3 billion alongside three others.
According to reports, Otudeko left the country on Thursday evening via one of Nigeria’s land borders.
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Security sources revealed that he was dropped off at the Nigeria-Benin border by a family member.
Efforts to contact him have been unsuccessful, as his phone number is switched off.
While messages sent to his WhatsApp were delivered, they remain unanswered.
His son, Obafemi Otudeko, also declined to comment when reached by journalists.
The charges against Otudeko stem from a case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the Federal High Court in Lagos.
Otudeko, alongside former First Bank Managing Director Stephen Olabisi Onasanya, a former Honeywell board member Soji Akintayo, and a firm connected to Otudeko, Anchorage Leisure Limited, is accused of conspiring to defraud First Bank between 2013 and 2014.
The EFCC had alleged that the defendants fraudulently obtained funds in multiple tranches, including N5.2 billion, N6.2 billion, N6.15 billion, N1.5 billion, and N500 million.
The 13-count charge, filed by EFCC counsel Bilikisu Buhari on January 16, 2025, also accuses the group of forgery to deceive the bank.
One of the charges reads: “You conspired to obtain the sum of N12.3 billion from First Bank Limited on the pretence that the said sum represented credit facilities applied for by V-TECH DYNAMIC LINKS LIMITED and Stallion Nigeria Limited, which representation you know to be false.”
Another charge states: “On or about November 26, 2013, in Lagos, you obtained the sum of N5.2 billion from First Bank Limited on the pretence that the said sum represented credit facilities applied for by V-TECH DYNAMIC LINKS LIMITED, which representation you know to be false.”
The Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, is set to hear the case, registered as FHC/L/20C/2025, on Monday.
However, Otudeko’s reported flight from the country raises questions about whether he will appear in court.
Attempts by journalists to reach EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale for comments were unsuccessful, as calls to his phone line on Friday were unanswered, with a “switched off” notification.