The Lumine News

Blog

  • EFCC Arrests Son, Mother for Alleged N50m Internet Fraud

    EFCC Arrests Son, Mother for Alleged N50m Internet Fraud

     

    Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Lagos Zonal Office, have arrested Ibeh Theophilus Uche, Chief Executive Officer, CEO, 10 Kobo Wine Place, Ikotun, Lagos alongside his mother for their alleged involvement in computer-related fraud to the tune of about N50million in Lagos.

    The 28-year-old suspect was arrested recently in his room in Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, following credible intelligence reports about his alleged criminal activities.

    During interrogation, Uche, who presents himself variously as Rachael Armstrong , Keanu Reeves, Rebekah Schwarzenberger, Keanu Private, Elizabeth Hortman and Stefan Paulson, confessed to being into Bitcoin investment scam, romance scam and identity theft.

    The suspect also confessed to have defrauded his victims to the tune of about N50m, since he started the criminal activities in 2020.

    Investigations revealed that the suspect had been using a First Bank account belonging to his mother, who is one of his accomplices, to launder the proceeds of his alleged criminal activities.

    Items recovered from the suspect are one iPhone 11 Pro Max; one iPhone 12 pro max; two MacBook Pro laptops; a PlayStation 5; an iPad and a small Nokia touch phone.

    Others are a Mercedes Benz S550 2015 Sedan car and a Lexus RX 350 SUV 2016, among other incriminating items.

    The suspect will soon be charged to court.

  • CRSG Trains Implementation Team For The N-CARES Project

    CRSG Trains Implementation Team For The N-CARES Project

     

    The Cross River State Government has trained a formidable team ahead of Nigeria COVID -19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (N-CARES) Projects, a CRSG Program, assisted by the World Bank through the Ministry of International Development Cooperation (MIDC).

    The first milestone recorded ahead of Nigeria CARES Project was the official inauguration by His Excellency, Prof Ivara Esu, Deputy Governor of CRS, in January 2021, of the Steering Committee Chaired by the Commissioner, MIDC, Inyang Asibong. Tha State was one of the first States in Nigeria to set modalities in line with the World Bank Standards for its implementation.

    The Programme is aimed at Restoring the livelihoods of the poor and vulnerable, maintaining food security, and facilitating the recovery of medium and small enterprises (MSEs) which are some of the key objectives set out in the Gov Ben Ayade led Government’s Economic Sustainability Plan to respond to the current economic crisis in Cross River State.

    The objectives of Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (N-CARES) project will be predicated on four result areas. (i) Increased social transfer, basic services, and livelihood support to poor and vulnerable households (ii) Increasing food security and safe functioning of food supply chains for poor households (iii) Preventing collapse/facilitating the recovery of household/micro enterprises (iv)Strengthened institutional support for coordination and delivery.

    Speaking during the training ,the state Team Lead and Chairperson, Dr. Inyang Asibong, noted that the overall impact of the training should be felt by the masses as the project is design to ensure food security and provide livelihood support to poor and vulnerable families as well as facilitate the recovery of local economic activities in the state.
    The programme is set to roll out by the 2nd quarter of 2021.

    The training which held in Lagos and Abuja had in attendance, Mr Asuquo Ekpenyong, Commissioner for Finance, Barr Rosemary Archibong, Commissioner for Commerce, Ntufam Okon Owuna, Commissioner for Agriculture, Signor Omang Idiege, Commissioner for Youths and Skills Acquisition, amongst others.

  • CRS-NEWMAP Ready To Compensate Those Affected By The Intervention Across The State

    CRS-NEWMAP Ready To Compensate Those Affected By The Intervention Across The State

     

    The Cross River State Nigeria Erosion Watershed Management Project (CRS-NEWMAP) has commenced the verification exercise to ensure adequate compensation for people whose structures fall within the circumference of the civil works for ongoing erosion remediation projects in the State, as they complete modalities for the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) and Implementation.

    In her remarks, the Acting Project Coordinator and Commissioner for International Development Corporation in the State, Dr. Inyang Asibong urged the verification team to be diligent and steadfast in the discharge of their duties whilst they ensure accurate data collation.

    She said a key objective of the CRS-NEWMAP is to improve the livelihood of affected persons and lessen the devastating effect of the gully erosion menace.

    In another development, the Commissioner, during a workshop organised by the CRS-NEWMAP Management in Calabar to sensitize communities on waste management and erosion prevention, goaded benefiting communities of the World Bank assisted projects to take ownership and guide the projects jealously.

    She frowned at the indiscriminate dumping of refuse in drains causing erosion and also reducing the effectiveness of the erosion control measures in some areas, whilst harping on the need to activate local waste management task force to checkmate this uncivil behavior.

    One of the benefiting communities of the projects, Ikot Ekpo community, commended the Gov Ben Ayade led administration for the various interventions across the State which has now gone beyond erosion and waste management to include the provision of portable drinking water, renovation of classroom blocks and provision of street lights. They took turns to assure a full ownership of the projects for optimal utilization and protection.

    The verification exercise was carried out at the latest intervention sites of Ikot Uduak and Ikot Effanga Mkpa in Calabar Municipality, Itate in Yala LGA, and Igaba in Obudu LGA.

    Also present at the activity were the State Auditor- General, Comrade John Odey, the Special Adviser on Audit, Mr Efem Ejaand the SSA on NEWMAP, Mr Francis Agaba amongst others.

  • UNICAL VC Dismisses Speculations Of Rift Between Her And The Registrar

    UNICAL VC Dismisses Speculations Of Rift Between Her And The Registrar

     

     

    The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Banku Obi has exposed the destructive works of rumour mongers and mischief makers on Campus.

    In her birthday message to the University Registrar, Amb. Gabriel Egbe, the Vice Chancellor dismissed the trending social media news on the rift between her and the Registrar as the handiwork of idle minds who have little or nothing to offer the university. She recalled the long cordial working relationship that has existed between her and Amb. Egbe, dating back to 2011 when, as Chairman of the University Housing Loan Implementation Committee, she was lucky to have Gabriel Egbe as her Secretary, and where, together, they recorded a phenomenal and unprecedented achievements in that Committee. She equally recalled that, at some time in her career when she suffered persecution in the system, and when everyone seemed to avoid her, Mr. Gabriel Egbe stood by her and never turned her down in any way.

    Prof FBO said she was happy and considered it the “hand of God” having to work with Mr. Egbe again as Registrar and Secretary to Council. She said “I have a perfect working relationship with Mr. Egbe … I laugh at everybody who tells stories that the VC wants to remove Gabriel Egbe”. She described the birthday celebrant as humble, respectful, hardworking, loyal and responsive.

    In her remarks, the Pro-Chanceĺor, Dist. Sen. Nkechi Nwaogu, CON, also paid glowing tribute to the Registrar, describing him as a hardworking, quiet and unassuming person who was a member of Council, representing Congregation from 2017 when she assumed duty as Chairman of the 12th Governing Council of the University before his appointment as Registrar. They both wished Mr Egbe well, and urged him to maintain the good work that has continue to stand him out.

  • UNICAL Post Graduate Female Students Honors Hon. Linda Etako-Agaji

    UNICAL Post Graduate Female Students Honors Hon. Linda Etako-Agaji

    By Elijah Ugani

    University of Calabar Female Students has presented an award of impact to the Vice Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Council, Hon. Mrs. Linda Etako-Agaji.

    The award was presented during the Post Graduate Student’s Union Government Female Leadership Summit/Award, tagged ‘The 21 Century Woman, an Asset For Societal Development’, held on the 10th March, 2021 at the University of Calabar Senate Chambers.

    Presenting the award, the Women Leader, Post Graduate Student’s Government, Female Leadership Summit/Award, Comr. Abature Aries George, noted that the award was in recognition of Hon. Linda Etako-Agaji’s drive to ensure the right of the girl child to fulfill and realize their potentials as well as providing them assess to formal education, through her pet project ‘LinCare Foundation’.

    Hon. Linda Etako-Agaji who was represented at the event by Mrs. Rose Akwaji, thanked the organizers of the summit/award for the honor done her.

    She averred that “I want to thank God Almighty for the grace to be alive and the enablement to contribute to making life meaningful for our young girls.

    “This recognition and award came to me as a surprise, because I least expected it. Little did I know that what we have been doing is getting anybody’s attention. For this honor done me, it is a call to be more committed to the challenges of the girl child, for the best is yet to come, as the future is even brighter.

    “I want to use this medium to thank our amiable mother, the First Lady of Cross River State, Dr. Mrs. Linda Ayade, for the opportunity given to Cross River State women to participate actively in this present administration.

    “There is no better time than now for us to put smiles on the faces of the girl child especially those in the rural areas, the indigent girl child”

    Speaking to The Lumine News, Hon. Mrs. Linda Etako-Agaji noted that she is very committed to the plight of the girl child, which she intends to achieve through her pet project”

  • UNICAL To Confer Two Industrialists With Hononary Degrees As 22 Students Bags First Class – VC, Obi

    UNICAL To Confer Two Industrialists With Hononary Degrees As 22 Students Bags First Class – VC, Obi

     

    The University of Calabar has announced the conferment of Honorary Doctorate degrees of Business Management to two Nigerian industrialists who have distinguished themselves in the contribution of the nations economy.

    The two Nigerians are the Chief Executive Officer of Innoson Motors, Chief Innocent Chukwuma and Dr Kamaru Yusuf.

    Briefing newsmen on the 34th convocation ceremony scheduled to hold on March 27 at the Abraham Ordia Stadium in the University of Calabar, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Florence Obi, disclosed that the two industrialists have also employed hundreds of Nigerians in their facilities.

    According to Prof. Obi, the two industrialists have also contributed greatly in promoting local content for the advancement of the country’s economy.

    She explained that it was in view of their sterling contributions that the University’s Management found them worthy of the honour.

    Giving a breakdown of the graduands, Prof. Obi disclosed that 22 students had First Class, 1,073 had Second Class Upper, while 2,763 had Second Class Lower and 26 had Pass degrees.

    She further said that the University would graduate 154 Post Graduate Diploma Students, 187 Masters Degree students and 56 P.HD.

    The VC said that the Convocation lecture will be delivered by the Minister of Transport, Chubuike Rotimi Amaechi on the topic “The National Question and the Challenges of Nationhood in Nigeria”, on Friday March 26.

    She also stated that the groundbreaking ceremony for the KAM-Wire ODL Building will also take place on March 27, while the Research Fair and Exhibition is scheduled for Thursday, March 25th.

    She used the occasion to invite all stakeholders, friends of the University, religious and traditional rulers, students, politicians, captains of industries and the general public to the convocation ceremony on March 27.

  • Magistrates Resumes Protest In Calabar Over 26 Months Unpaid Salaries

    Magistrates Resumes Protest In Calabar Over 26 Months Unpaid Salaries

    Culled From Punch

    Magistrates in Cross River State on Monday resumed their protest in Calabar over their 26 months unpaid salaries.

    The 29 magistrates gathered at the entrance of the Governor’s office carrying placards with inscriptions such as ‘Ayade stop oppressing Cross River Judiciary, pay us our salaries,’ ’29 esquires are in penury pay us our 26 months salaries,’ among others.

    The magistrates had taken to the streets and Governor’s office in January to protest when they were being owed 24 months.

    According to the leader of the group and a Chief Magistrate with the state judiciary, Solomon Abuo, they suspended the first protest in January to allow the government to pay them.

    Abuo said while they were waiting, the governor invited them to a meeting where a committee headed by the deputy governor, Prof Ivara Esu, was constituted and given one week to look into the issues and submit a report so they could be payed.

    “That meeting took place on January 19, so we waited till the end of January and nothing happened. So, we went to the deputy governor and he told us that they couldn’t conclude their work within one week.

    “He told us that it won’t be possible for us to receive January salaries, that we will start receiving our salaries from February because by then they will be done with their report.

    “Even when Mr Olumide Akpata president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) came down to Calabar and had a meeting with the state government and proffered suggestions on how the issue could be resolved, nothing was done.

    “Recently we learnt that the committee had completed its work and sent its recommendations to the governor and the governor has still refused to act on it.

    “We have given the governor enough time and made some concessions which are four possible options on how to add us to the payroll system and pay us but nothing is being done.

    “If the government was sincere, it would have taken one of the options but the report was sent before February salaries were paid, now we are in March making it 26 months,” he said.

    He said they had had three meetings with the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Akon Ikpeme, and she said she was doing something about the issue and needed more time.

    No official of the state government had addressed the magistrates at the time of this report and they said they would continue the peaceful protest until they got paid.

  • Community Leaders, PDP Hail Rep For Attracting over 20 Intervention Projects To Constituency

    Community Leaders, PDP Hail Rep For Attracting over 20 Intervention Projects To Constituency

    By Admin

    Community leaders and some PDP stakeholders have hailed the House of Representatives member, Rt. Hon. Ita Mbora, for attracting over 20 intervention projects to Calabar Municipality/Odukpani federal constituency in Cross River state.

    The stakeholders expressed delight at the  rate of people-oriented projects attracted  to the constituency and his effective representation since he was elected into the lower house of the National Assembly.

    Some of the intervention projects so far attracted to the constituency include: rehabilitation and construction of class rooms block and  VIP toilets at Primary schools – Ediba, Akim, Ekong Anaku, Ndon Nyam, construction and equipping of knowledge and ICT center at West African People’s Institute WAPI as well as solar powered  and conventional boreholes at Ikot Anwatim, Asiak Obufa, Adaha Uko, Ikot Ansa, Atan Eki,Obit Esu, Ito Idere Ukwa and Nyakassang. Others are  Akim Ring road, Akim Akim-Akpap Oboroko road, embankment and flood control at Ikoneto, the on-going construction of the old Adiabo road off Tinapa road, provision and installation of transformers, construction and equipping of health centers at Nasarrawa and Ndon Awon in Odot.

    Speaking during an appraisal on the performance of Ntufam Eta Mbora and distribution of first  batch  of  cars procured by the lawmaker for some members of  his constituency held in Calabar, the stakeholders expressed confidence in the Rep’s quality of representation.

    Speaking at the event, the member representing Calabar Municipality at the State House of Assembly, Ntufam Efa Esua, said his House of Representatives member has demonstrated without  doubt that the interest and well-being of the electorate is paramount. He said the intervention programmes clearly indicates that Ntufam Eta Mbora knows the needs of his people and is working assiduously to meet their expectations despite the odds.

    On his part, the member of  the State House of assembly Hon. Christopher Ekpo, said: “The impact of our  federal law maker is unprecedented given the  number of completed and ongoing projects within his domain.

    “The projects are of utmost importance and cut across education, health, infrastructure and basic amenities vital to improving our living standard and wealth creation.”

    Commending the Rep, the Ntoe of Akim Akim in Odukpani, Prince Pius Bassey, expressed gratitude for the construction of the 4-kilometers road network terminating at the beach .
    The royal father said the road would afford his people, who are mostly farmers, the privilege to easily convey their produce to the market thereby boosting their source of livelihood, adding that IRA has also intervened in human empowerment as well as fee support.

    Also hailing the Rep, a veteran journalist and secretary, Qua Traditional  Council, Ntufam Oqua Itu, noted that the construction of the Akim Ring road has added value to the Akim community and enhance the aesthetics of the environment.

    The former leader of Odukpani Legislative Council, Hon. Nyong Nyong, noted that the federal law maker has taken  representation to another dimension since the return of democracy as shown in the numerous and visible development programmes spread across his constituency. He said beside the projects executed, the parliamentarian had given out scholarship to some indigent students at Secondary and tertiary levels just as he had empowered some constituents with various skills acquisition for sustainable livelihood.

    Earlier in his remarks, Rt. Hon. Ita Mbora, member representing Municipality/Odukpani federal constituency, said he is committed to the welfare of his constituents as demonstrated by the numerous projects that he has attracted to the constituency.

    Hon. Mbora stated that the car empowerment, which is the first in the year, is to appreciate members of his constituency for standing by him and also help  alleviate their transportation challenges.

    The lawmaker disclosed that he is providing more street lights within the Municipality to curb crime activities as over 200 solar rechargeable street lights have been installed across the constituency.

    He called on his constituents to make the most of these projects and help protect them for the overall good of the people.

  • Wike Did Not Abuse Ayade Or Cross River, He Raised Salient Issues That Demand Answers – Agba Jalingo

    Wike Did Not Abuse Ayade Or Cross River, He Raised Salient Issues That Demand Answers – Agba Jalingo

    Wike Stir Clear, Wike Stir Clear, Wike Stir Clear, From Where?

    Indeed, I will not allow my voice to be drowned by that sanctimonous claim that Wike in that his recent video reaction, is leading an assault on Cross River State and our governor. It is those who are urging other full grown adults not to express how they feel about Wike’s reaction to Governor Ayade’s earlier outburst that should actually be ashamed of themselves.

    When aides and Governor Ayade himself were throwing direct jabs and veiled diatribes at Wike on TV, were they actually expecting that the Rivers State governor will keep mute?

    You don’t call someone out for an open fight, the person accepts your challenge and calls you out also, then some self appointed defenders of Cross River state are on the prawl warning Wike to stir clear of Cross River as if our State is not part of Nigeria. Is there anything that legally preclude Wike from commenting on developments in Cross River? Did any law say that if you are a governor of another State, you cannot comment on the State of affairs in another?

    It is true that Wike is seeking to interfere in the politics of Cross River State but in the end, it is the people of Cross River that will determine their governor come 2023, not Wike. We have had governors in Cross River before Ayade and every succession was a tough battle for the incumbents with external interference, but in the end, it was always Cross Riverians that went to the polls to decide their leader. This time will also not be different. I think the Wike-phobia is exxaggerated.

    As for what Wike said, was he even wrong?

    He said, “I am not a 419 governor.” Implying that Ayade that he was referring to is a “419” governor. In Nigeria, 419 is obtaining something under false pretence.

    Has governor Ayade not been collecting lands up and down in the State under the false pretence of building this and that?

    Has he not made numerous promises and failed Cross Riverians?

    Has he not pretended to cry on TV and the things he cries about never change afterwards?

    Wike also said, he declosed Rivers state’s share of the money FG refunded to the State for the construction of federal roads in the State and wondered if Ayade did same. Is Wike lying? Has Ayade disclosed to Cross Riverians how much was refunded to Cross River State and what it has been used for or will be used for?

    Wike talked about Ayade selling our forest reserves as timber. Is that a lie? Our forest, the largest rain forest in West Africa, is ferociously depleted by criminal timber cartels who daily carry truck loads of illegal timber for sale with the active connivance of State government and security officials. The governor has appointed numerous SAs and PAs on Forestry, who have no other job specification than to depend on illegal logging for survival. Till today, we have no knowledge of what happened to the timber that was harvested from the portion of the Super Highway that was cleared before the project was abandoned.

    Wike also mentioned the scandalous budgets that our governor has signed in the past five years. No matter the professorial grammar you want to use, it was never going to be possible for a State that earns barely N50billion as allocation to meet an annual budget of over a trillion Naira. Those highfalutin figures were not only unrealistic, they were actually hallucinatory and the governor has abandoned that path himself. So what is the lie that Wike told?

    Those urging us to go up in arms against Wike for insulting our State, what exactly did he say that is a lie or are you just angry with the manner he said it?

    Since #TeamAyade had already dared Wike and vowed that they were ready for a fight, they should go right into the ring and respond to Wike, allegation for allegation and stop whining. Wike did not abuse or insult Ayade or Cross River, he raised salient issues that demand answers. That is what I want to hear. Not anyone telling me, an adult, how to react to what Wike said.

    In a State where most of the citizenry is cowed by fear and stomach infrastructure, where the political class have lost their voices to complicity in the rot, if Wike and Ayade’s unusual style of open peer review is the mechanism that will stir the nest in our State, so be it. Let the roforofo continue. Afterall, both are not radically different.

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

  • Operation Akpakwu: I Thumbs Up For Governor Ayade – Agba Jalingo

    Operation Akpakwu: I Thumbs Up For Governor Ayade – Agba Jalingo

     

    In December 2020, when Governor Ayade launched Operation Akpakwu, a special joint security team to combat rampant kidnapping in the State, it was a tall order. To enhance their operations, Ayade handed over 100 patrol vehicles fitted with communication gadgets, 10 power bikes and drones, to the operation.

    “You must deal decisively with any form of criminality, banditry, cultism and kidnapping of any form. Let this therefore be a message to every resident in Cross River; today is the end of criminality,” he said on the occasion.

    For months to the time the Governor was reading this riot act, CrossRiverWatch was reporting an average of 9 to 12 incidents of kidnapping every week in Calabar/Akpabuyo alone. But since January 2021, the frequency of such incidents have reduced to 1 in a month. Also worthy of note is the fact that these kidnappings are now restricted to riverine areas like Jebbs and Esuk Atu at the University of Calabar axis; unlike when these dare devil criminals came frequently into the heart of Calabar Municipality, in broad day light and pick their victims randomly, and escape with ease.

    The joint security operations have relatively cleared notorious criminal rendezvous in 8 miles, Uwanse, Asabanka in Akpabuyo, Essien Town and Bogobri. The remnants are also running out of town due to the heat from Operation Akpakwu.

    But there are still names that security sources say remain a real danger and must be caught before they can relax the security alert level in Calabar. The four names according to sources who spoke to Yours Sincerely include, Romance, Emmanuel AFANG, Bombo and Virus. The Police say they are currently on the trail of the four.

    Romance, according to a security source, is the leader of the gang that stormed a police post near Tinapa in February, killed four policemen on duty and escaped. Some suspects were later arrested while others are still fleeing.

    Information available also reveal that a Police Orderly to a serving Judge in the State was withdrawn and detained in the course of the investigation after he was fingered in the incident.

    I commend Governor Ayade hugely for this particular initiative. I think this was well thought out and the results are self evident. Kudos also to the field commanders and the public that has been cooperating with the security forces.

    There are however grey areas in the activities of Operation Akpakwu, which the Governor and various field commanders of the component forces on ground will have to address very quickly. Victims of the arbitrariness of some operatives of Operation Akpakwu are swelling by the day and that trend must be checked with alacrity.

    Almost every other day, there are verifiable accounts of brutality, highhandedness and illegalities perpetrated by men of Operation Akpakwu. Still fresh in our memory is the molestation of a 17 year old daughter of an aide to the Wife of the Governor of the State, at Bogobiri market, where the terrified teenager was harassed by a soldier attached to Operation Akpakwu and forced to sit on the ground, for not greeting them when she walked past. And only two days ago, soldiers attached to Operation Akpakwu, brutalized a Chief Magistrate and his doctor at about 11pm by UCTH Road Calabar. The duo were hospitalized.

    Public opinion also seem to agree with ending the curfew imposed in Calabar at the peak of the security challenges. Even if it is not ended, it should be extended from 10pm to midnight or further into the night. This will reduce the chances for security forces finding alibis to trample on citizens rights.

    There are also concerns that Operation Akpakwu operatives, are getting involved in civil disputes.

    These boundaries must be clearly defined and enforced strictly. But on the whole, Governor Ayade has done well with Operation Akpakwu. The security situation in Calabar has improved greatly. Kudos to him again.

    God bless Cross River state.

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

     

    Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here ate strictly that of Agba Jalingo and does represent The Lumine News or the organization the author works for.