EFCC Recounts How a "Yahoo Boy" Killed Our Operative During the Anambra Raid.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) mourns the tragic loss of one of its officers, Assistant Superintendent ASE II Aminu Sahabi Salisu, who was brutally killed while performing his official duties on January 17, 2025, by a suspected internet fraudster, Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu. Furthermore, the Commission is deeply troubled by the irresponsible, heartless, and inhumane narratives circulating on social media regarding the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident. It is reprehensible to trivialize the death of a dedicated officer engaged in patriotic service by reducing it to sensationalism on social media. It is particularly concerning that some anonymous commentators are siding with an alleged criminal who has inflicted harm on EFCC officers while they were executing their duties. There is no rationale that can justify such a heinous act. Basic human decency requires that the grieving family, the Commission, and the nation be spared from the unfounded rumors and speculations surrounding the death of the fallen officer. On the morning of January 17, Salisu and other EFCC investigators were at Dr. J.O. Ukwutinife Close, Ifite, Awka, Anambra State, to apprehend several suspected internet fraudsters. This operation was properly documented at both the Anambra State Command Headquarters and the Area Command of the Nigeria Police, in accordance with established operational protocols. Initially, the operation proceeded without incident, resulting in the arrest of 37 suspected internet fraudsters at a two-storey building where Ikechukwu and other individuals resided. However, upon noticing the investigators through a CCTV camera installed at his door, Ikechukwu, who acknowledged seeing them, refused to open his door despite their polite requests for entry. In defiance of their presence and identification, he opened fire on the officers, resulting in the death of Salisu and injuring another officer who was tasked with searching his apartment.

Preliminary investigations have revealed that Ikechukwu was engaged in the coding and distribution of online medical supplies of questionable legitimacy. Authorities recovered two laptops, iPads, and several recording devices from his residence, confirming his involvement in internet fraud. Currently in police custody due to the violent nature of his case, the Commission is preparing to bring him to trial. The EFCC wishes to inform the public that the activities of internet fraudsters pose a significant threat to public safety and security. Intelligence reports indicate that these criminals are armed and involved in serious offenses such as kidnapping, banditry, ritual killings, and other violent crimes. The public should remain vigilant and not be misled into thinking these individuals are merely "Yahoo boys and girls." The EFCC asserts that any future attacks on its officers will be met with stringent legal action. The Commission is committed to ensuring that no officer is subjected to violence without consequence. As a respected law enforcement agency, the EFCC is determined to eradicate internet fraud and other forms of corruption from the nation. In mourning the loss of its officer who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the country, the Commission expresses its gratitude for the invaluable support, condolences, and swift responses from sister agencies and concerned individuals who stand in solidarity during this challenging period. Dele Oyewale Head, Media & Publicity January 19, 2025

The Catholic Church Punishes the Priest for the Covert Wedding.

Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe has been suspended by the Catholic Diocese of Warri, located in Delta State, due to allegations of conducting a secret wedding in the United States. This information was disclosed in a statement titled ‘Decree of Suspension’, dated Thursday, January 16, 2025. The statement, co-signed by the Bishop of Warri, Rt. Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, and the Chancellor/Notary, Very Rev. Fr. Clement Abobo, asserted that “Fr. Oghenerukevwe entered into marriage with Ms. Dora Chichah on December 29, 2024, at the Streams of Joy Church in Dallas, USA.” The Diocese indicated that Fr. Oghenerukevwe had submitted a request on November 30, 2024, to be released from all canonical obligations related to Holy Orders. However, the Diocese noted that they had contacted him, “requesting the necessary documents to initiate the process, but the priest proceeded to marry without fulfilling the required procedures. “Consequently, Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe has incurred a Latae Sententiae suspension in accordance with Canon 1394 S1, and I, Most Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, Bishop of Warri, hereby officially declare that he is suspended from the exercise of sacred ministry.” “As a result, he is forbidden from presenting himself as a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Warri in any capacity. All canonical consequences associated with this suspension will take effect immediately (cf. Can. 1333),” the statement partially read.

Trump Intends to Issue 100 Executive Orders in the First Few Hours After Taking Office.

Donald Trump is set to be inaugurated for a momentous second term as President of the United States on Monday, pledging to usher in a new "golden age" for the nation while the world anticipates the return of his unpredictable governance. Due to frigid temperatures, the 78-year-old's inauguration will take place indoors at the U.S. Capitol, yet the initial moments of this remarkable political resurgence will be filled with vigorous activity. The Republican leader has committed to swiftly issuing a series of executive orders aimed at dismantling Joe Biden's legacy upon his re-entry into the White House, alongside initiating immediate deportations of undocumented immigrants. While Trump depicted a grim scenario of "American carnage" during his first inauguration in 2017, he now presents a more optimistic vision of a "brand new day" for the United States. "I will act with unprecedented speed and strength to address every crisis confronting our nation," Trump declared at a large rally the night before the inauguration, where he also engaged in a dance with the Village People band. However, the billionaire populist has also revisited some of the darker themes that contributed to his electoral success over Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris in November. The incoming 47th President of the United States has vowed to "halt the invasion of our borders" and to overturn "woke" policies, including what he terms "transgender insanity" in American schools. In making history, Trump will become the oldest individual to be sworn in as president, and he is only the second president in U.S. history to reclaim the office after being ousted, following Grover Cleveland in 1893. Prior to the inauguration, President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will extend an invitation to Trump and his wife Melania for "tea and coffee" at the White House, after which they will all proceed together to the Capitol. This gesture of civility will stand in stark contrast to the events of 2021, when Trump—who incited a crowd that stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to overturn his electoral defeat—declined to attend Biden's inauguration. Trump's buoyant demeanor remains undeterred by the necessity to relocate the swearing-in ceremony from the steps of the Capitol, a decision prompted by forecasts predicting the coldest Inauguration Day in four decades. Rather than taking the oath before a large audience on the National Mall, Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance will instead do so within the Capitol's domed Rotunda, reminiscent of Ronald Reagan's inauguration in 1985. “As soon as President Trump places his hand on the Bible and swears the Oath to the United States Constitution, the Golden Age of America will begin,” stated spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt on X. However, numerous Americans remain apprehensive about Trump's more ominous pledges, particularly his promises of retribution against political adversaries and journalists. Trump's return to the Oval Office marks a moment of unprecedented power, culminating a journey that included surviving two assassination attempts and a criminal conviction to secure the election. Once regarded as a political outsider, Trump has now become emblematic of the new standard in U.S. politics. Three of the wealthiest individuals globally—tech magnates Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos—will join Trump for the inauguration. Musk, who oversees Tesla, SpaceX, and X, has committed to spearheading a cost-reduction initiative in the new administration and assured attendees at a recent rally that he would work to make America strong “for centuries.” Expressing his satisfaction, Trump—who remarked during the campaign that he would assume a dictatorial role on “day one”—has pledged to enact approximately 100 executive orders shortly after taking office. These orders will include declaring a national emergency concerning the southern U.S. border with Mexico and reversing the Biden administration's policies on diversity and oil drilling. Trump also indicated that his supporters would be “very happy” with a decision to pardon those involved in the January 6 riots. For the international community, Trump's resurgence signals a period of unpredictability. With promises of extensive tariffs, territorial threats toward Greenland and Panama, and questioning U.S. aid to Ukraine, Trump appears poised to once again disrupt the global order. His triumph has also strengthened the resolve of right-wing politicians globally. Italy's far-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is poised to participate in the inauguration, despite the usual absence of foreign leaders at such events.

Sister Explains the Reason Behind Her Catholic Priest Brother's Marriage.

Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe, previously affiliated with the Catholic Church of the Warri Diocese, has abandoned his vows of celibacy and renounced his priestly vocation to marry in Dallas, Texas, as reported on Sunday evening. The priest wed Dora Chichah at the Stream of Joy Church in Dallas on December 29, 2024, without awaiting the formal release from his canonical duties by the Church. As a result, ecclesiastical authorities have suspended him from his priestly functions, declaring, “By this action, Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe has incurred a Latae Sententiae suspension in accordance with the provisions of Canon 1394 S1.” This suspension was detailed in a statement titled ‘Decree of Suspension,’ dated January 16, 2025, and co-signed by the Bishop of Warri, Rt. Rev. Anthony Ewherido, and the Chancellor/Notary, Very Rev. Fr. Clement Abobo. The statement alleged that “Fr. Oghenerukevwe entered into marriage with Ms. Dora Chichah on December 29, 2024, at the Streams of Joy Church in Dallas, USA.” Further information surfaced on Sunday evening regarding the reasons behind the suspended priest's decision to abandon his celibacy vows and marry his partner in Dallas. Mary Okanatotor, who identified herself as the biological sister of the suspended priest, asserted that “it was the best decision” for her brother. In a social media comment addressing the reports of her brother (Fr. Oghenerukevwe) marrying his partner in secrecy in America, Mary attributed his choice to feelings of “loneliness.” She revealed that Oghenerukevwe had been grappling with mental health challenges for an extended period and found it difficult to cope with the “loneliness” associated with his priestly life. Mary further noted that the family was not physically present to provide support during the priest's challenging times. She expressed her gratitude, stating, “I appreciate all the comments. The priest in question is my brother, and this decision was the best for him, as he has struggled with mental health issues for an extended period and has been unable to cope with feelings of isolation. “As his family, we are unable to provide him with physical support. Thank you for your kind words of encouragement. “This is a challenging time for our family, but it is said that he who finds a wife finds a good thing. “Furthermore, he did not enter into a secret marriage; he communicated his decision to the diocese. “Once again, thank you. To the sponsor of this post, may God bless you and reward you accordingly.” It has been reported that Oghenerukevwe, originally from one of the communities in Ewu Kingdom, Delta State, was ordained as a Catholic priest on June 21, 2008, within the Catholic Diocese of Warri.

Due to an Aggressive Revenue Campaign, we Collected Over 40 Billion in FCT in December, Says Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has disclosed that the FCT generated over N40 billion in December 2024, a result of his proactive revenue enhancement initiatives. Wike noted that since he took office in August 2023, the FCT has experienced a significant increase in revenue generation, rising from approximately N10 billion per month to an average of N25 billion. In a media briefing on Sunday evening, Wike credited this revenue growth to the collection of ground rents and the payment of Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) by land allottees. He stated: “We do not receive up to N13 billion from VAT and the 1% allocation from the Federal Government. Therefore, we must supplement our Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to meet salary obligations due to the new wage structure.” “When I assumed office, we were generating around N9 billion to N10 billion. Today, by the grace of God, our monthly revenue is not less than N25 billion.” “This achievement is due to our vigorous revenue initiatives. In fact, last month, we managed to generate over N40 billion. Such aggressive revenue efforts are essential for infrastructure development.” “It is imperative that this revenue comes from taxes, and without tax compliance, how can we achieve development?” he questioned. “Can you, in good conscience, assert that the FCT is justifying the revenue or taxes you are contributing? Yes, it is true that we can enhance our tax collection, but it remains insufficient.”

The PDP Acknowledges the Fubara Faction as Genuine Executives and Accepts the Verdict.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially acknowledged Hon. Nname Robinson Ewor’s faction as the rightful state executives of the party in Rivers State. This announcement was made in a statement released on Thursday, following the party's acceptance of the Rivers State High Court's ruling that invalidated its Ward, Local Government, and State Congresses conducted on July 27, August 10, and August 31, 2024. In the statement, which was signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the party indicated that Ewor’s faction, which is aligned with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has now been recognized by the National Working Committee. This development occurs amidst an ongoing dispute between Fubara and his predecessor, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, regarding the control of the party's structure in Rivers. Attempts to reconcile Wike, Fubara, and their respective supporters were unsuccessful throughout the previous year, as Wike’s faction triumphed in the congresses, while Fubara’s supporters withdrew, citing court injunctions. However, on January 13, 2025, the Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt issued an interlocutory injunction preventing the executives led by State Chairman Aaron Chukwuemeka, who is aligned with Wike, from acting as the party's leadership in the state. The ruling, delivered by Justice Stephen Jumbo, dissolved the congress-elected executives and recognized the faction led by Hon. Nname Robinson Ewor as the legitimate leaders of the party. In response to this development, the National Working Committee expressed its approval of the court's decision, stating that the judgment reinforces the party's commitment to transparency, internal democracy, and strict adherence to the rule of law. The statement partially states, “The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) acknowledges the receipt of the judgment and has duly considered it, thereby accepting the ruling of the Rivers State High Court in Suit No. PHC/2301/CS/2024, which invalidated the Ward, Local Government, and State Congresses of our Party held on July 27, August 10, and August 31, 2024, respectively. “Accordingly, in compliance with the Court's judgment delivered on Monday, January 13, 2025, the NWC endorses the leadership of Hon. Nname Robinson Ewor to oversee the operations of the PDP Rivers State Chapter, in alignment with the provisions of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017).” The PDP leadership urged stakeholders, members, and supporters within Rivers State to collaborate with the Ewor-led executive to promote the unity, stability, and development of the party in the region.

Speaker Abbas, Governors Uzodimma and Diri, and 565 Others Lose Their Land Holdings in Abuja as Wike Issues a New Revocation.

The Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, along with his counterpart from Bayelsa, Douye Diri, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, are among the 568 individuals and entities whose land holdings in Abuja have been revoked under the recent directives issued by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. Additionally, the list includes Ibrahim Hadejia, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President); Ben Ayade, the former governor of Cross River State; Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele; Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro; Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment; John Eno, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment; Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairperson/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM); the late Sports Minister Bala Kaoje; and Regina Akume, spouse of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume. Furthermore, Mr. Wike has also mandated the revocation of land from several current and former federal lawmakers, including Shehu Sani, Magnus Abe, David Umaru, Lanre Tejuoso, Oluwole Oke, Lynda Ikpeazu, Orker Jev, Agom Jarigbe, Nicholas Mutu, Gilbert Nnaji, Francis Onyewuchi, and Abubakar Fulata. Two individuals, Nkoyo Onnoghen and Usang, who are relatives of former Chief Justice of Nigeria Walter Onnoghen, are also included in this list. Among the companies and agencies that have lost their properties are Abuja Enterprise Agency, Silver Proof Nigeria Limited, Sali-Tech Commercial Limited, Gimag Integrated Services Limited, and Earth Conscience Limited. The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) announced on Wednesday that 568 plots have been revoked due to the failure of the allottees to remit payment for their Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) by the deadline of January 15. In its publication titled “Notice of Withdrawal of Rights of Occupancy in Maitama II, Abuja,” the FCTA stated that this action was taken in accordance with the provisions of the Land Use Act of 1978. The FCTA further clarified, “The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) wishes to inform the allottee(s) of land in Maitama II, Cadastral Zone A10, Abuja, who have not settled their Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) fees following the expiration of the grace period granted by the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, that their Right of Occupancy for the land/property has been revoked. This action is in line with Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978, due to non-compliance with the terms of the grant, which required title/interest holders to pay all associated fees. It is important to note that allottees/title holders who have completed their payments by January 15, 2025, are not impacted by this announcement.” Recent Revocations This latest revocation follows a similar action taken approximately three weeks ago, when 762 plots were also withdrawn from their respective allottees. In December, it was reported by PREMIUM TIMES that notable individuals such as Messrs Onnoghen, Tajudeen, Ayade, and Akume had their plots ordered for revocation by the FCT Minister. Additionally, a foundation named after former President Muhammadu Buhari was included in this list. Among those affected by the recent revocation are Wole Oke, Lynda Ikpeazu, Orker Jev, and Agom Jarigbe. The minister has also indicated the possibility of withdrawing the Rights of Occupancy from an additional 614 individuals. These plots are situated in Maitama 1, a prestigious area within the nation’s capital. Earlier in October, Mr. Wike had warned that the plots of 3,273 allottees in the Maitama District could be revoked if payments were not made within a two-week timeframe.

In August, the minister declared the cancellation of the Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) for 165 plots. Among those affected by this decision were Peter Obi, the Labour Party's presidential candidate in the 2023 election; Liyel Imoke, a former governor of Cross River State; Udo Udoma, a former Minister of National Planning; Ufot Ekaette, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation; Victor Oyofo, a former senator from Edo North; and the late Sam Nda-Isaiah, publisher of the Leadership newspaper. Additionally, the list included Niki Tobi, a former Supreme Court justice and Chairman of the 2005 National Conference; Kanu Agabi, a former Attorney General of the Federation; Chidinma, spouse of former Aviation Minister Osita Chidoka; and Paul Nwabiukwu, media aide to Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director General of the World Trade Organization. Sanitisation Upon taking office in August, Mr. Wike, the former governor of Rivers State, committed to reforming the land allocation process in Abuja. “When we make the right decisions, some individuals will be pleased, while others will not. The affluent may oppose certain choices, but any action that benefits our people must be pursued,” he stated. The minister also established the fee for acquiring a C-of-O at N5 million, allowing a four-month period for payment.