ADC Seeks Urgent Clarification On Reporters Of Ransom Payment, Prisoner Releases In Papiri School Abduction Case

ADC seeks urgent clarification on reporters of ransom payment, prisoner releases in Papiri School abduction case – says Tinubu Government’s hypocrisy encouraging kidnapping.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has demanded urgent clarification from the Federal Government over international media reports alleging that the Tinubu administration paid over N10 billion in ransom and released two senior Boko Haram commanders to secure the release of abducted pupils and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri.

In a statement signed by Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, the party stated that while it welcomed the safe return of all abducted victims, it warned that such deal contradicts the Federal Government’s public posturing against ransom payments and risks undermining Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts by potentially financing terror networks.

The full statement read:

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has reviewed reports in sections of the international media alleging that the Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, paid a ransom of over N10 billion and released two senior Boko Haram commanders to secure the release of the abducted pupils and school staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri.

We recall that shortly after the kidnapped victims were released the Federal Government as well as the various security agencies denied variously that government paid any ransom to secure their release. The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu reportedly described ransom payments as “one of the worst things” promoting insecurity in the country. Quite significantly, the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, expressly outlaws negotiations and ransom payments to kidnappers and terrorists.

However, what this report would mean is that government has been doing brisk business with terrorists all along and passing off ransom payments as rescue operations.

Allegations of ransom payments at this scale, and the possible release of high-value terror elements, raise serious concerns about terrorism financing, the rule of law, and the safety of citizens. Nigeria cannot claim to discourage ransom payments while operating in a manner that, if confirmed, rewards terror networks, incentivises future abductions, and puts more communities at risk.

ADC

Accordingly, the ADC calls on the Federal Government to issue a categorical explanation on whether any ransom, directly or indirectly, was paid in relation to the Papiri abduction, and whether any detainees or captured terror actors were released, exchanged, or otherwise discharged as part of negotiations.

While government maybe acting under pressure to win short term political gains for bringing kidnapped victims back home, its hypocritical posture on the issue of ransom payments risks confusing citizens and promoting the vicious cycle of kidnapping in the country.

No serious government will sacrifice national security principles on the altar of political expediency and short term media applause.

Signed:

Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi
National Publicity Secretary
African Democratic Congress (ADC)

Court Jails Woman Seven Years For N5.6m Fraud In Kano

Court Jails woman seven years for N5.6m fraud in Kano. Justice Maryam Sabo of the Kano State High Court sitting in Kano has convicted and sentenced Ebonine Rita Uzoamaka to seven years imprisonment for obtaining the sum of N5,600,000.00k ( Five Million, Six Hundred Thousand Naira) by false pretence.

The convict was arraigned on August 18, 2021, on five- count charges of dishonest misappropriation of funds totaling N5,660,000.00 (Five Million, Six Hundred and Sixty Thousand Naira).

One of the charges reads: “That You Ebonine Rita Uzoamaka on the 18th January 2021 at Kano within the jurisdiction of this honorable court with intent to defraud, did obtain the sum of N2,000,000 (Two Million Naira) only from Ochayi Anthony Eneche which you caused to be paid into your bank account number 0093030293 domiciled with Access Bank Plc under the false pretense that you had 500 cartons of D-Rich Baking powder you would sell to him, which pretence you knew to false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006 and punishable under section 1(3) of the same Act”

She initially pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when they were read to her, thereby setting the stage for a full trial.

In the course of the trial, prosecution counsel, Salihu Sani, presented a compelling case to establish the defendant’s guilt. He called a total of four witnesses and tendered several documented exhibits, which were admitted as evidence by the court. In her defence, the defendant stood as the sole witness.

Court Jails Woman

Delivering judgment on the matter, Justice Sabo convicted and sentenced the defendant to seven years imprisonment on all five counts of the charges . She, however, granted an option of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500, 000) fine.

Uzoamaka bagged her imprisonment when she was arrested for obtaining the sum of N5.6m from her victim under the false pretense of supplying D-Rice Baking Powder from Aba, Abia State.

Upon receiving the funds, she failed to fulfill the supply contract, instead converting the funds to her personal use. She was charged to court and convicted.

President Tinubu Removes IGP Egbetokun, To Appoint AIG Disu As Successor

President Tinubu removes IGP Egbetokun, to appoint AIG Disu as successor. Senior police officials and sources within the Police Service Commission (PSC) confirmed the development on Tuesday and confirmed that Tinubu ordered Egbetokun’s removal from office.

He is to be succeeded by Tunji Disu, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos.

“Egbetokun was at the (Presidential) Villa yesterday and was told to go and prepare his handover notes. I believe he has done that already, and he will be handing over to Tunji Disu,” one of the sources told online newspaper, SaharaReporters.

Another source alleged that the President asked him to step aside amid mounting controversies and health concerns.

“He is incompetent and the scandals are just too many. He is power-drunk. The President said he should leave to focus on getting treatment for himself. You know, he has kidney-related medical issues,” the source claimed.

President Tinubu Removes IGP Egbetokun

“Police officers jubilated on Monday when they heard the news. The First Lady, Remi Tinubu, wanted him to stay, but the President was adamant. She fought that he should remain in office despite all the scandals,” another source claimed.

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