Suspended police officer Abba Kyari on Monday pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking charges brought against him by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The NDLEA had filed eight counts of hard drugs trafficking against Mr Kyari, who is also wanted in the United States for his relationship with convicted fraudster, Ramon ‘Hushpuppi’ Abbas.

He was arraigned on Monday along with six others before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

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Mr Kyari, before his suspension, was a former Deputy Commissioner of Police.

Those arraigned along with Mr Kyari include Assistant Commissioner of Police ACP Sunday Ubua, Assistant Superintendent of Police ASP Bawa James, Inspector Simon Agirigba, Inspector John Nuhu, Chibuinna Patrick Umeibe and Emeka Alphonsus Ezenwanne.

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Nigerian police charged with drug trafficking 

Abba Kyari Pleads ‘Not Guilty’ To Drug Trafficking Charges

“Gender equality today for a sustainable future” is the theme chosen by the United Nations for the celebration of International Women’s Day, IWD 2022. 

This theme aims to demonstrate the potential and achievements of women in action and resilience to climate change. 

It is also a call for reflection on how to advance women’s empowerment and promote sustainable and inclusive social and economic development through gender-transformative approaches and increased participation of women in leadership roles.

Through a symposium focusing on “Gender equality today for a sustainable future”, the ECOWAS Commission through its Regional Center for Gender Development (CCGD) and the Regional Office of the World Food Program (WFP) for West Africa will highlight the impact of their various programs on the economic empowerment of women and increased resilience to climate change.

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A high-level panel will thus be organized on 8 March, 2022, at the Novotel Hotel in Dakar, Senegal, to discuss the challenges of climate change inasmuch as relating to gender issues, in particular with regards to the economic empowerment of women, followed by an exhibition of some achievements of women’s associations working on the theme “Women, climate change and resilience”.

The event will take place in a hybrid format to enable countries in the region to participate by videoconference. The opening of the symposium will be conducted by the Commissioner for Social Affairs and Gender of the ECOWAS Commission and the Deputy Regional Director of the WFP Regional Office. This event will see the participation of resource persons from WFP and ECOWAS, as well as women’s organizations and partners from the West African region.

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a day dedicated to the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, while issuing a call to action to bolster gender equality and step-up the empowerment of women throughout the world.

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Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

This Press Release has been issued by APO. The content is not monitored by the editorial team of African Business and not of the content has been checked or validated by our editorial teams, proof readers or fact checkers. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

ECOWAS and WFP Celebrates International Women’s Day

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has announced that Russian and Belarusian athletes will not be allowed to compete at the Winter Paralympics Games, which kicks off on Friday, March 4, in Beijing.

Andrew Parsons, IPC President, said on the organization’s website: “At the IPC, we are very firm believers that sport and politics should not mix. However, by no fault of its own, the war has now come to these Games and behind the scenes, many Governments are having an influence on our cherished event.

“The IPC is a membership-based organization, and we are receptive to the views of our member organizations."

“When our members elected the Board in December 2021, it was to maintain and uphold the principles, values, and rules of the Paralympic Movement. As Board members, that is a responsibility and duty we take extremely seriously."

“In taking our decision yesterday, we were looking at the long-term health and survival of the Paralympic Movement. We are fiercely proud of the principles and values that have made the Movement what it is today."

“However, what is clear is that the rapidly escalating situation has now put us in a unique and impossible position so close to the start of the Games."

“Yesterday, we said we would continue to listen, and that is what we are doing."

“In the last 12 hours, an overwhelming number of members have been in touch with us and been very open, for which I am grateful."

“They have told us that if we do not reconsider our decision, it is now likely to have grave consequences for the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games. Multiple NPCs, some of which have been contacted by their governments, teams and athletes, are threatening not to compete.”

IPC Bans Russian Athletes From Winter Paralympics 

Police move to dismiss Abba Kyari before extradition which will give him the opportunity to clear himself.

Few days after the Federal Government approved the request by the United States for suspended Commander of the Police Intelligence Response Team, DCP Abba Kyari, to be extradited over the $1.1million wire fraud allegedly perpetrated by Abass Ramon, aka Hushpuppi and four others, Vanguard gathered, yesterday,  that there may be discreet moves by both the Police Service Commission, PSC, and and other Police authorities in Abuja to accelerate the processes involved in the outright dismissal of  Kyari from the force.

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It was gathered that Police authorities formally queried Abba Kyari and his team on Sunday. He was given 48 hours to explain his involvement in the drug case.

It was further gathered that the Federal Government may have approved the extradition of Kyari to provide him an opportunity to clear himself of charges against him in the US.

Abba Kyari Faces Police Dismissal, Trial by NDLEA

Daleep Singh, President Joe Biden’s deputy national security adviser for international economics has said that the United States’ plan is to degrade and downgrade Russia’s status as a leading energy supplier.

He said that the goal of the multiple sanctions on Russia by U.S and its allies is “putting the pain to President Vladimir Putin and making sure Americans don’t pay.”

Countries, especially in the West, have hit Russia from different angles with various sanctions since last Thursday when President Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine.

And as the war enters the eighth day, there are growing concerns that the financial impact will be felt in the U.S, especially in higher gas prices.

Singh told CNN that the U.S does not “have a strategic interest in reducing global energy supplies,” a maneuver which would “only increase prices at the pump for Americans, and pad Putin’s profits.”

He said instead that the plan is in “degrading and downgrading Russia’s status as a leading energy supplier.”

The presidential adviser said the Joe Biden’s administration aimed to cut U.S consumption of Russian oil while maintaining global energy supplies, adding “That’s really our goal.”

US national security adviser on international economics 

Russia-Ukraine war: Our plan against President Putin – US

The Nigerian Government has started the extradition process of top policeman Abba Kyari accused by the United States of colluding with known fraudster Abbas Olorunwa, also known as Hushpuppi, to carry out fraudulent activities.

Kyari is a well-decorated Deputy Commissioner in the Nigeria Police Force.

He is also facing separate drug charges in Nigeria after being accused by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) of being a member of an international drug cartel.

The Nation reported that Nigeria’s attorney-general Abubakar Malami filed before the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja for Kyari’s extradition.

Malami said the extradition request from the United States authorities was just and not meant to persecute Kyari.

“If surrendered, will not be prejudiced at his trial and will not be punished, detained or restricted in his personal liberty, by reason of his race, nationality or political opinions,” Malami said.

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Kyari is wanted in the US for Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349, carrying a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; conspiracy to commit money laundering, in violation of Title 18, United States Code Section 1956(h), carrying a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and aggravated identity theft, and aiding and abetting that offence, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1028A(a)(1) and 2(a), carrying a maximum term of imprisonment of two years.

United States authorities on July 29, 2021, said Kyari, allegedly worked with Hushpuppi to punish the latter’s partner with whom he defrauded a Qatari to the tune of $1.1 million.

The allegation came after Hushpuppi reportedly pleaded guilty to charges of fraud in an American court last July.

But Kyari had denied any wrongdoing, saying Hushpuppi’s partner was arrested after his office was called about a potential case of threat to life.

“Nobody demanded any money from Abbas Hushpuppi and nobody collected any money from him,” Kyari said.

“We responded to a distress call he made on threat to his family and released the suspect when we discovered there was no life threat from the suspect.”

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The United States Department of Justice said in a statement that Hushpuppi connived with one Abdulrahman Imraan Juma, a.k.a. “Abdul,” 28, of Kenya, and Kelly Chibuzo Vincent, 40, of Nigeria, to defraud the Qatari businessperson by claiming to be consultants and bankers who could facilitate a loan to finance the construction of a school.

The DoJ said the Kenyan national allegedly posed as a facilitator and consultant for the non-existing bank loans, while Hushpuppi acted as “Malik,” a Wells Fargo banker in New York.

Vincent was alleged to have “provided support for the false narratives fed to the victim by, among other things, creating bogus documents and arranging for the creation of a fake bank website and phone banking line.”

Another Nigerian, 26-year-old Yusuf Adekinka Anifowoshe, participated in the fraud with a call to the victim posing as “Malik.” Anifowoshe was arrested on July 22.


Nigeria begins extradition of top cop Abba Kyari to US

On Tuesday, organizers of the Headies Awards revealed that the 15th edition of the awards would hold on July 2 in Atlanta, U.S.A.

On Tuesday, the organisers disclosed this at a ‘Big Announcement’ ceremony held at the Eko Hotels in Lagos.

The “Join the Movement” award-themed would hold Atlanta’s Cobbs Energy Performing Arts Centre.

They also announced the introduction of new categories, including talent managers and Africa Award, grand showcase of African fashion, and the Headies conference and music festival.

This year, a new category celebrating music executives will also be included in the Headies.

The categories of the award include: Headies Hall of Fame, Hip Hop World Revelation of the Year, Viewer’s Choice, Album of the Year, African Artiste Recognition, Special Recognition Award, Music Executive of the Year, Song of the Year, Rookie of the Year and Next Rated.

Other categories are: Artiste of the Year, Recording of the Year, Best Street Hop Artiste, Best Alternative Song, Lyricist on the Roll, Producer of the Year, Best Rap Album, and Best R&B Album.

Also included in the categories are: Best Alternate Album, Best Afrobeat/Pop Single, Best Afrobeat/Pop Album, Songwriter of the Year, Best Vocal Performance (Male), Best Vocal Performance (Female), Best Music Video, and Best R&B Single.

Others are: Best Collaboration, Best Rap Single, Best African Collaboration, Best International Collaboration, African Artiste of the Year, and International Artiste of the year.

This marks the first time that the Headies Award, formerly known as the Hip Hop World Awards, will hold outside Nigeria since its inception in 2006.

Several music stars have won the Headies, including Davido, Wizkid, and 2Baba.

The award recognizes outstanding achievements in the Nigerian music industry.

2022 HEADIES Awards to hold in Atlanta, United States

Disney and Sony Pictures are suspending the release of their films in theaters in Russia after Moscow’s assault on Ukraine, the companies announced separately on Monday.

It follows the example of other major firms choosing to pull out of the country since President Vladimir Putin launched the invasion last week.

“Given the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and the tragic humanitarian crisis, we are pausing the release of theatrical films in Russia, including the upcoming ‘Turning Red’ from Pixar,” Disney said in a statement.

“We will make future business decisions based on the evolving situation,” the US entertainment giant added.

“In the meantime, given the scale of the emerging refugee crisis, we are working with our NGO partners to provide urgent aid and other humanitarian assistance to refugees.”

Sony Pictures also said it would pause its planned theatrical releases in Russia, including the upcoming title “Morbius.”

This is due to “the ongoing military action in Ukraine and the resulting uncertainty and humanitarian crisis unfolding in that region,” the company said in a statement.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been impacted and hope this crisis will be resolved quickly.”

Several multinationals have already distanced themselves from Russia in recent days.

Facebook, Twitter and Microsoft took steps on Monday to limit the dissemination of information from news outlets affiliated with the Russian government.

More drastically, British oil companies BP and Shell have announced that they are dumping their shares in joint projects with Russian oil groups.

Disney, Sony Pictures Halt Film Releases In Russia

Nadia Buari, one of the most popular Ghanaian actresses in Nollywood, has revealed fellow superstar film maker, Van Vicker as the father of her four daughters.

Buari made the revelation in a video she posted on Instagram on Monday, where she showed off Vicker as the father of her beautiful daughters.

She was spotted with Vicker as she unveiled him as the father of her kids, saying, “so, a lot of you have been asking me to reveal the identity of the father of my kids."

“Today, I have a surprise for you. Yes you guessed right. I want to reveal to you the man who gave me four adorable queens.”

Responding in the video, Vicker said, “Hello Everybody! I’m feeling myself.”

Buari, who is a popular Ghanaian actress, movie producer and businesswoman, was married to a Lebanese man whose name is not known.

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Nadia Buari unveils Van Vicker as father of her four daughters

National association of Nigerian students plans to hold a protest in Abuja and other cities in the country starting from today in fulfilment of a threat NANS issued last Monday.

NANS had threatened to shut down Nigeria beginning from today, if the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) failed to resolve their differences, to allow students go back to school to continue their academic programs.

Its President, Sunday Asefon, could not be reached to comment on the preparation for the protest, but one of his close aide confirmed the protest will go on as planned because the Federal Government and ASUU have failed to reach a compromise that would herald the reopening of campuses for academic programs to continue.

However, in a statement last week, NANS president confirmed that decision to shut down the country was part of the resolution of the supreme organ of the association during its meeting at Sokoto State University, Sokoto, last weekend.

He said all organs of NANS have been directed to mobilize Nigerian students across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in line with congress’ decision, to ensure the success of the protest.

He said: “We would block all major federal roads in all the 36 states of the federation. The unfriendly action will be led and coordinated by NANS JCC and zonal executive, including national officials of NANS in the state. FCT will be blocked by national secretariat of NANS in collaboration with FCT axis of NANS.”

He said the congress unanimously resolved to act decisively to rescue the tertiary education system, which is their major concern, from total collapse, in addition to the fate of Nigerian students who relied on public university for education.

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He said: “Nigerian students cannot continue to pay for sins we never committed. As we are paying for our education, we strongly believe we deserve the best. At the end of every industrial action, ASUU members are paid their salaries and other entitlements, likewise government officials in charge of education supervision.

“It is only Nigeria students that get nothing but a waste of everything, the house rent is non-refundable, the age count is irreversible. The extension of stay on campus didn’t only affect our academic journey but destabilize our life’s plans, as many miss National Youth Service Corps mobilization due to age limit, many lost job opportunities arising from age factors while many are expose to risks and crimes as a result of the strike.”

NANS To Protest In Abuja And Other Cities Across The Nation

Former Edo state Commissioner of Information, Prince Kassim Afegbua has taken it upon himself to reply the statement by ex-Vice President, Atiku Abubakar that he will always get the  Presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Atiku had while fielding questions from journalists shortly after a meeting with former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo on Friday, expressed confidence in his chances of picking his party’s ticket ahead of the 2023 Presidential election.

Responding to Atiku’s comment, Afegbua called on the former Vice President to demonstrate sufficient commitment to the wellbeing of the PDP, rather than be fixated on his personal political objectives all the time.

“I read with dismay the statement credited to former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar where he boasted that he would always get the presidential ticket of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP.

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“At a time when the former Vice President should be working towards strengthening the structures of the party for more electoral victories, the only thing that bothers him is all about his selfish aspiration. The party did bye-election in Cross River state, we didn’t see Alhaji Atiku Abubakar during the campaigns.

“There was bye-election in Akure, Ondo state, yet, we did not see Alhaji Abubakar there. There was a by-election in Imo state, we didn’t see Alhaji Abubakar at the campaigns. All that matters to him is all about the presidential ticket of the party."

“Let me remind the former flag bearer of the PDP, that since formation, he has only represented the party once; in the 2019 Presidential contest. So the claim that he had always gotten the ticket to the party is a big lie."

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PDP members on the party's presidential ticket 

2023: Afegbua replies Atiku, 'You lied about PDP ticket'

UEFA recently announced Paris as the host of this season’s Champions League final after Saint Petersburg was stripped of the match due to Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine.

The showpiece occasion of the European club season will be played at the Stade de France on Saturday, May 28, European football’s governing body said after holding an emergency meeting in response to the crisis.

“UEFA wishes to express its thanks and appreciation to the French Republic President Emmanuel Macron for his personal support and commitment to have European club football’s most prestigious game moved to France at a time of unparalleled crisis,” a statement said.

“Together with the French government, UEFA will fully support multi-stakeholder efforts to ensure the provision of rescue for football players and their families in Ukraine who face dire human suffering, destruction and displacement.”

The final was supposed to be played at the Gazprom Arena in Saint Petersburg, which already hosted several matches at last year’s European Championship and at the 2018 World Cup held in Russia.

UEFA made no reference to its relationship with Gazprom, the Russian state energy giant that is a key sponsor of European football’s governing body.

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However, UEFA did announce that Russian and Ukrainian clubs and national teams competing in international competitions must play home matches at neutral venues “until further notice”.

FIFA may now move to force Russia to play their World Cup qualifying play-off against Poland on March 24 on neutral ground.

Spartak Moscow, in the Europa League, are the only club from either Russia or Ukraine

UEFA Strips Russia Of Champions League Final Hosting Rights

Nigerian newspapers,on one page.