The Department of State Services has invited a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Dr Obadiah Mailafia, to its Jos office, following his comment that a Northern governor is the “commander of Boko Haram.”

Mailafia, who is expected to appear before the DSS today by noon, made the statement during his interview with Abuja radio station, 95.1FM, on Monday. During the interview, Mailafia claimed that repentant terrorists told him that a serving northern governor was the leader of the terrorist group, Boko Haram.

DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN CHECK CURRENCY CONVERSION RATES HERE?

The former Deputy Governor of CBN, who was also the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress in the 2019 election, said the Boko Haram terrorists are plotting to start a civil war in Nigeria by 2022. He also claimed that the terrorists moved weapons across Nigeria, even during the COVID-19 lockdown.

According to him, part of the plan was to eliminate prominent Nigerians in their homes in urban cities after rural areas have been wiped out.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE, Police arrest 27 suspected kidnappers in Nasarawa

Mailafia also declared that the government of President Muhammadu Buhari had a hand in the Southern Kaduna killings.

He said, “The body language of this administration shows clearly that they have a hand in the killings, no doubt about it.”

FIND MORE BREAKING NIGERIAN NEWS ON ABOKIFX RATE

DSS invites Mailafia for questioning for accusing gov of sponsoring Boko Haram

The Delta State Police Command has arrested a fake soldier, Fabian Ojumah, on the Sapele/Benin Road conveying 420 wraps of weed suspected to be Indian hemp. 

DSP Onome Onovwakpoyeya, the  Police Public Relations Officer in the state, who confirmed arrest of the suspect to journalists on Monday in Asaba, said the man was arrested with a vehicle painted in army colours which had the plate number NA142- B01. However, on further investigation, the vehicle was discovered to be a fake army van.

98% OF OUR READERS ALSO LIKED, Boko Haram is planning a civil war in 2022 – Mailafia Obadiah

“The suspect, 44-year-old Mr Fabian Ojumah, was arrested with a Toyota Tundra truck painted in the Nigeria Army colours. The suspect paraded himself as a Major in the Nigeria Army when he was quizzed by police operatives of the Delta Operation Safer Highways. However, he is not a real army officer. 

INTERESTED IN UP-TO-DATE CURRENCY CONVERSION RATES? CHECK OUT ABOKIFX RATES

“He was caught conveying 420 wraps of Indian hemp, but he did not specify where he was taking the exhibits to. However,  investigation is still ongoing,” Onovwakpoyeya said.

He also said the command has commenced investigations to unravel the fake soldier’s criminal network. Onovwakpoyeya  added that although Ojumah, who hailed from Abbi had grown up in the barracks, he was never a soldier.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE, Naira devaluation will raise debt profile, inflation-experts

Police arrest fake soldier with Indian hemp in Delta

A Northern governor is the head of the insurgents 

Mailafia Obadiah, former deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has exposed the alleged plans of Boko Haram for Nigeria.

Obadiah, a former presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, alleged that Boko Haram insurgents are plotting to start a civil war in Nigeria by 2022. He disclosed this during an interview on Nigerian Info while speaking on the Southern Kaduna killings.

CHECK THIS OUT, Kano court sentences singer to death for blasphemy

According to Obadiah, Boko Haram insurgents are also planning to invade and kill prominent Nigerians in their homes in urban cities. He claimed this would be done after they have wiped out Nigerians in the rural areas. The former presidential candidate said the insurgents are planning to carry out this heinous act in phases.

Obadiah emphasized that a Northern governor was the overall Commander of Boko Haram, and disclosed that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government has a hand in the killings in Southern Kaduna.

ABOKIFX GIVES YOU LIVE RATES OF DOLLAR TO NAIRA TODAY

Speaking on the recurrent killings in Southern Kaduna, Obadiah said: “We have good reasons to believe that government is part and parcel of the killers. The body language of this administration shows clearly that they have a hand in the killings, no doubt about it.

“Let me make some revelations because some of us have our internal security networks, we have met with some of the bandits high Commanders who have repented and they told us that one of the Northern governors is the Commander of Boko Haram in Nigeria.

“Boko Haram and bandits are one and the same, they have a sophisticated network, during the lockdown their planes were moving up and down with ammunitions, logistics, money and distributing them in different parts of the country.

“They are already in the rain forest of the South, they are everywhere. The told us that when they finish this ruler killings, they would move to phase two.

“In phase two, they will go into the urban cities, moving from house to house killing prominent people. I can tell you this is their game plan and by 2022, they want to start a civil war in Nigeria.”

GET FINANCIAL NEWS AND UPDATES ON ABOKI FX

Boko Haram is planning a civil war in 2022 – Mailafia Obadiah

The Kano Upper Shari’a Court has sentenced one 22-year old Yahaya Sharif-Aminu to death by hanging for blaspheming Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

The court, which sits at Hausawa Filin Hockey, presided by Khadi Aliyu Muhammad Kani gave the verdict on Monday after finding Yahaya Aminu Sharif guilty as charged.

FOR LIVE RATES OF DOLLAR TO NAIRA,VISIT ABOKIFX

Sharif Aminu reportedly composed a song in March 2020, in which derogatory verses were allegedly said to have been attributed to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

The song, which was circulated via WhatsApp, went viral and caused an uproar which resulted to the invasion of the Islamic singer’s family house located at Sharifai Quarters in Kano Municipal Local Government Area by angry youths.  The house was later set ablaze last Friday by the irate youths who later assembled before the headquarters of Hisbah, Islamic police, demanding action against the singer.

HAVE YOU READ THIS? Ebenezer Obey debunks death rumours

The young singer is said to belong to the Tijjaniya sect and is a member of Faidha group who “are known for their preference of Shaikh Ibrahim Nyass over Prophet Muhammad (SAW).”

However, in its reaction, the Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen Attijaniyya Organisation disowned Sharif Aminu and labelled his song as blasphemous. The national secretary of organisation, Sayyidi Muhammad AlQasim Yahaya, in a statement in Abuja, said contrary to reports, the Dariqatul Tijjaniyya and Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass had immense love for Prophet Muhammad.

It was gathered that Sharif did not deny the charges, although the judge, Khadi Aliyu Muhammad Kani said Sharif-Aminu could appeal against the verdict. 

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE,Akeredolu’s Deputy, Agboola resigns from PDP

During a protest held by aggrieved Kano residents against the embattled singer in March, one Idris Ibrahim, who led the group that called for his arrest, told the BBC that the death sentence would serve as a deterrent to others.

“When I heard about the judgment I was so happy because it showed our protest wasn’t in vain. This [judgement] will serve as a deterrent to others who feel they could insult our religion or prophet and go scot-free,” he said.

Kano court sentences singer to death for blasphemy

Ebenezer Obey, legendary juju musician, whose real name is Ebenezer Fabiyi, has debunked rumours of his death which recently went viral last Saturday. NAN reports that Ebenezer Obey debunked the news in a video made available by his Musician son, Tolu Obey.

Obey, who also doubles as an evangelist,  appreciated his fans home and abroad for their concern over the death rumour. In a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, the musician said he had been receiving calls both locally and internationally concerning the rumour of his death. This,he said, shows how much his fans and people in general, generally love him. 

Speaking with Vanguard through his PA, Mr Odunbaku, the Miliki maestro said he’s alive and feeling fine. “People have been calling me to confirm if I am dead or alive but I want to assure you I’m alive. The news is false” he was quoted by the PA, Mr Odunbaku This is not the first time the news of the death of the juju maestro has been falsely peddled.

HAVE YOU READ THIS! Yahoo boys are now role models in Nigeria - Diezani

“I thank God and appreciate my fans all over the world who have been showing concern and care about the death rumour. I want everyone to know that God is with me, am alive and not sick, I am at peace. 

“By the grace of God who has brought me to where I am now, he will see me through to the appointed time he has destined for me. I will live to fulfil my days,” he said.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE, Akeredolu’s Deputy, Agboola resigns from PDP



Mourners defy COVID-19 guidelines and throng deceased's house

Buruji Kashamu, former Nigerian lawmaker who died of Coronavirus complications on Saturday in Lagos, has been buried in Ijebu Igbo on Sunday.

The 62-year-old politician had reportedly been in a coma at the First Cardiology Consultants in Ikoyi, Lagos, before he finally succumbed to the dreaded disease on Saturday. A crowd of sympathisers and loyalists thronged his Ijebu Igbo home on Sunday morning to pay him their last respects. They thronged his house in a large number 

The former senator was loved by his people for his philanthropic gestures and contributions to the welfare of his community. Hence, mourners defied social distancing protocol to bid him farewell, betraying emotion as the body of their benefactor was brought out from his room for interment. Despite the presence of security agents, the huge crowd present at the burial could not be controlled. 
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT, Buruji Kashamu is dead

The Janazah prayer was led by the Grand Mufti of the League of Imams and Alfas, Ogun State, Sheik Mikail Rufia, who, in his sermon,  described death as the inevitable end of all living beings. Rufia described the late politician as a generous man, who placed highest premium on the welfare of the people of his community, and prayed for the repose of Kashamu’s soul and for the safety, protection and provision for the family he left behind.

Buruji's widow, Susan, and his children wept uncontrollably as his body was lowered into the grave.

Dignitaries who were present at the burial included the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; the senator representing Ogun East, Lekan Mustapha; former Ogun State deputy governors, Senator Gbenga Kaka and Segun Adesegun; and the state Commissioner for Environment, Abiodun Abudu-Balogun.

Also present was the former spokesperson for ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Dr Reuben Abati, who was Kashamu’s running mate in the 2019 governorship election; as well as the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Olakunle Oluomo.

Other dignitaries in attendance at the burial were the representative of the immediate-past governor of the state, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Abdul-Majeed Ekelojumati; former Chairman of the Ijebu North Local Government Area, representatives of traditional rulers as well as leaders and members of the League of Imams and Alfas in the local government.

Governor Abiodun, who arrived at Kashamu’s home around 10.39am in company with some of his cabinet members,  described the deceased as a friend of 25 years. According to him, Kashamu was courageous, passionate and a cheerful giver. He also added that the state’s political landscape would not be the same without him.

"Kashamu was most importantly a cheerful giver, especially to the needy. His death is one too many to the people of Ogun State. The state’s political landscape will never be the same without him. We offer our deepest condolences on behalf of myself, my family and all the good people of Ogun State.”

Kaka described the death of Kashamu as a big loss, saying he lived his life in the way God wanted him to live. He asked God to forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternal rest.

98% of our readers also liked this! Yahoo boys are now role models in Nigeria - Diezani

In a statement on Sunday by his media office,a National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu  described Kashamu as a true grass-roots politician, who fought for his convictions.

He said, “Senator Kashamu was also a good party man. He was unwavering in his support for his party, the PDP, through all the twists and turns of his political life. His passing is a big loss to the larger political family in Nigeria.

“His passing has lengthened the grotesque list of important personalities that have been lost to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is also a sad reminder that the deadly virus remains very much with us.

“I mourn with his family, particularly his wives, children and grandchildren. May Almighty Allah lay His hands of protection on them at this moment.”

CHECK THIS OUT! CBN plans to unify exchange rates at 379 Naira/Dollar

Also, the APC in Ogun State described Kashamu as a courageous politician, who gave his all to any cause he believed in.

The APC, in a statement by the Publicity Secretary of the state caretaker committee, Tunde Oladunjoye, commiserated with the family and members of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state over Kashamu’s death.

The statement read in part, “Even as a candidate, who just lost elections, he was quick to congratulate the winner, and also visited the Iperu country home of Prince Dapo Abiodun to congratulate him a day after the announcement of the 2019 governorship elections results.” 

GET FINANCIAL NEWS AND UPDATES ON ABOKI FX

Former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has said that societal values have disintegrated to the point where online fraudsters, popularly known as Yahoo boys, have become role models in the Nigerian society.

Diezani said this while delivering a lecture at a virtual event, organised by the Ijaw National Development Group on Friday. Also present at the event was Alison-Madueke's former boss, ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.

 HAVE YOU READ THIS? Nigeria extends eased lockdown by four weeks

Diezani,during the lecture, stressed the need for mentorship of Ijaw youths. The former minister said, “The ones that have swag, the Yahoo Yahoo boys, as my son would say; these, in short, are the role models they are looking at. These are the ones that reinforce negative societal norms and values.

“This is a travesty of an unfolding tragedy for us. Why have I spent time talking about fatherless homes and the impact they have on our children? The truth of the matter is that an irresponsible boy tends to become an irresponsible man and it is therefore a vicious cycle. If you plant yam, you cannot harvest plantain.”

Diezani stated there are no shortcuts to progressing in life, adding that only hard work could guarantee success.

“This issue affects not only our homes and our cultural and traditional values and structure but it permeates the very strength of our regional economy as well.

Yahoo boys are now role models in Nigeria - Diezani

Buruji Kashamu, a former Nigerian Senator, has died of complications from COVID-19. He was 62 years old.

His close friend, Ben Murray-Bruce who broke the news on Twitter on Saturday in a tweet that read, "I have just lost my good friend of forever to #COVID19. Until his death, Sen. Buruji Kashamu and I were inseparable. He died today at First Cardiology Consultants, in Lagos. May his gentle soul rest in peace. I pray his family and loved ones the fortitude to bear this heavy loss."

HAVE YOU READ THIS? We will cancel Edo, Ondo elections, INEC threatens

Kashamu, who represented Ogun-East senatorial district between 2015 and 2019 as a member of the 8th Senate, reportedly died of COVID-19 at the First Cardiology Consultants, Lagos. His death was announced by his friend, Ben Murray-Bruce, in a tweet.

The former Senator passed away in the same hospital where a former Governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi; and the President’s Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, had been admitted before they died. This made him the the third politician and high-profile Nigerian to die of COVID-19 complications at First Cardiology Consultants.

 According to reports, Kashamu, who reportedly had diabetes and high blood pressure, had been admitted at the hospital for over a week before he passed away.

VISIT ABOKIFX FOR LIVE RATES OF DOLLAR TO NAIRA

Kashamu, who was the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2019 election, was the founder of Western Lotto Limited, one of Nigeria’s lottery operators. He was wanted for years in the United States for alleged drug offenses. He always denied the allegations. 

In 2015, there was a stand-off at his residence after operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) attempted to arrest him for extradition to the US. He challenged the attempt to extradite in court until his death.

98% of our readers also liked this! Borno reveals plans to return 1.8million IDPs, refugees to 19 communities

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has threatened to suspend Edo and Ondo governorship elections if a breakdown of law and order occurs.

The INEC Commissioner for Information,  Festus Okoye announced this on Thursday in Abuja after a meeting with stakeholders.

According to INEC, the Commission was concerned about aggressive actions and incendiary statements by political parties, candidates and their supporters.

HAVE YOU READ THIS? Edo State House of Assembly: Obaseki behind siege - APC

Okoye condemned the violent campaigns, use of offensive language, and destruction of opponents’ campaign materials .

“It is important for political parties, candidates and their supporters to keep in mind that there are extant laws and regulations that must be adhered to during campaigns.”

The electoral body warned politicians not to underestimate the commission's resolve to enforce the rules and apply appropriate sanctions.

FOR LIVE CURRENCY CONVERSION RATES, VISIT ABOKI FX

Furthermore, Okoye reminded parties that Edo and Ondo polls would hold at a time of a global pandemic. He noted that the elections have strict constitutional timelines and threats of or actual violence can disrupt the process and create a constitutional crisis.

He hinted that INEC will continue to engage stakeholders in the two states on the need for free, fair, safe and peaceful elections. Okoye warned that the commission will view gravely any disruptive actions by political actors.

CHECK THIS OUT! Edo State House of Assembly; PDP blames Oshiomhole for police invasion

We will cancel Edo, Ondo elections, INEC threatens 

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the extension of the current eased lockdown by another four weeks.

This implies that all the guidelines put in place to curtail further spread of the Coronavirus under the second phase of the eased lockdown which started on June 1 will remain in force. There will however be slight modifications to address the economic, socio-political and health concerns as contained in the latest report by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19.

FOR LIVE RATES OF DOLLAR TO NAIRA, VISIT ABOKIFX

The Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, made this known at the briefing of the task force in Abuja on Thursday.

According to Mustapha, who is also the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, over the next four weeks, state governments and authorities of the Federal Capital Territory would be mandated to enforce non-pharmaceutical measures and intensify measures such as contract tracing.

HAVE YOU READ THIS? COVID-19: Why RCCG members must resume church services - Adeboye

The SGF said, “After due consideration of the recommendations, Mr President approved the following: maintaining the current phase of the national response to COVID-19 for another four weeks in line with the modifications reflected in the report.

“He approved the partnering states and local governments to improve community sensitisation and engagement to the COVID-19 response; and mandating state authorities and the FCT to enforce non-pharmaceutical guidelines, primarily the use of face masks in public appearance and places.

“The President approved that state governments should be encouraged to collaborate with local government authorities to intensify necessary measures such as contact tracing, grass-roots mobilisation and risk communication; and strengthening of collaboration with other mandate groups at federal/state levels to harmonise the country’s COVID-19 response, on the short, medium and long-term basis.”

98% OF OUR READERS ALSO LIKED THIS, Edo State House of Assembly: Obaseki behind siege - APC

He said the recommendations made to the President had been borne out of diligent evaluation of the situation in Nigeria as well as regional and global experiences.

Mustapha said the major changes being proposed were aimed at achieving the gradual re-opening of international air flights within established parameters; re-opening of rail transport within established parameters; granting permission to exit classes to resume ahead of examinations; allowing civil servants from Grade Level 12 to resume work; and opening recreational parks for supervised exercises.

Giving further details on the modified guidelines, the PTF National Coordinator, Dr Sani Aliyu, said the 10pm to 4am curfew would remain in place nationwide as bars, gyms and cinemas would remain closed. The guidelines issued for worship centres also remained the same.

“Visiting of hospitalised patients remain limited to immediate family. And we continue to recommend a maximum of 20 people including family members when it comes to attendance of funerals and other essential gatherings such as gatherings that cannot be changed,” he said.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE, Katsina youths block highway in protest against insecurity

According to Aliyu, schools would remain closed except for graduating classes. In his words, “Schools must comply with the six recommended steps and required measures issued by the Federal Ministry of Education and which is available online.

“For government and other corporate offices, we are now extending work hours to the normal official hours from Monday to Friday with the mandatory use of non-medical face masks. We also encourage work from home policy for civil/public servants below the Grade Level 12.”

The national coordinator noted that while banks had been advised to begin full operations, they were advised to reduce banking hall occupancy by customers to 50 per cent and occupancy of their offices to 75 per cent.

Nigeria extends eased lockdown by four weeks

The All Progressives Congress, APC has accused the governor of Edo State,  Godwin Obaseki, of being responsible for the siege to the Edo State House of Assembly complex.

In addition, APC also rubbished claims that its leadership “ferried police from Abuja” to block the Assembly complex.

The party made the allegations in a statement by the Chairman of the state Media Campaign Council, Mr John Mayaki. Edo State government was accused of carrying out several onslaughts against the constitutional independence of the legislative arm of government by attacking its members-elect and denying them representation.

The statement read, “It is a known fact that Governor Obaseki has treated the House of Assembly, an independent and co-equal branch of government, as a mere extension of his office through the brutalisation of members-elect and the denial of representation to the majority of members.

“In a Gestapo style, the outgoing governor hijacked a tiny minority and purportedly inaugurated them in the dead of the night. The sham inauguration was condemned and set aside by both arms of the National Assembly after their separate investigations revealed that the members, and indeed the Clerk, were forced to participate in the illegality under threat to life.

HAVE YOU READ THIS? #RevolutionNow Protest Irritating - Adesina

“With these criminal antecedents, we believe if there is any unwholesome activity ongoing at the Assembly complex, it is Mr Godwin Obaseki who is in the best position to explain to the world what is going on and why. Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, or the APC, does not control the Police,” he said.

Edo State House of Assembly: Obaseki behind siege - APC

In a show of displeasure against  banditry in their communities, angry youths from Turare, Marke and Dogon Ruwa villages in Dutsin-ma Local Government Area of Katsina State early on Thursday morning blocked Dutsin-ma – Kankara highway. With the aid of trees, stones and worn out tyres, the protesters reportedly blocked the highway  while chanting songs depicting their displeasure. 

The development reportedly prevented many commuters from making use of the highway in the morning.

VISIT ABOKIFX FOR LIVE RATES OF DOLLAR TO NAIRA

One of the youths who spoke on the condition of anonymity said, “We are tired of activities of the bandits in our communities. We blocked the highway to show our displeasure over insecurity here. We want the authorities to be aware of our plight and come to our rescue.”

CHECK THIS OUT! Shehu Sani begs the US to support Nigeria against Al-Qaeda invasion

According to eyewitnesses, a combined team of police and other security operatives later cleared the road and restored normalcy on the highway.

However, it could not be ascertained whether any arrests were made.

Katsina youths block highway in protest against insecurity

Nigerian newspapers,on one page.