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A female soldier was assaulted by her superiors and subsequently placed in a psychiatric hospital, according to her son

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A female soldier, Lance Corporal Philomena Nnamoko, stationed at Ilese Sappers Barracks, Division 2, Ogun State, claimed that she faced bullying and harassment from senior colleagues due to her refusal of their sexual advances.

Subsequently, following an interview with Sunday PUNCH on January 28, 2024, she was reportedly assaulted and sent to Yaba Psychiatric Hospital.

Philomena, in the interview, disclosed instances of sexual advances from superiors and her unsuccessful attempts to secure a voluntary discharge.

Emmanuel Brown, her son, shared that he discovered his mother unconscious, covered in bruises, after the reported assault.

He mentioned that she was later taken to the Yaba Psychiatric Hospital, leaving him bewildered about the circumstances.

Corroborating this, Philomena’s lawyer, Kayode Oshiyemi, alleged that a senior officer assaulted her on Monday, and they fabricated a mental health issue to conceal the assault.

Oshiyemi emphasized that she is mentally stable, having been his client for over a year, and provided detailed accounts of harassment, assault, and attempted rape.

Philomena’s twin brother, Philip Edwin, also asserted that there was nothing wrong with her mental health, citing recent interactions.

Despite these claims, efforts to contact the army’s spokesperson, Onyema Nwachukwu, were unsuccessful at the time of filing the report.

 

The EFCC Chairman reveals the discovery of a religious sect involved in money laundering for terrorists

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The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, revealed that the anti-graft agency uncovered a religious sect in Nigeria engaged in money laundering for terrorists.

Additionally, another religious body was found protecting a money launderer linked to suspicious funds traced to its bank account.

During a public engagement on youth, religion, and the fight against corruption, Olukoyede disclosed that during an investigation into a N13bn fraud case, N7bn was discovered connected to a religious organization’s bank account.

He emphasized that various religious entities have been implicated in money laundering, highlighting a case where a religious sect was found laundering money for terrorists.

Despite facing a restraining order during the investigation, the EFCC remains determined and is appealing to recover the stolen funds.

The event addressed challenges related to youth involvement in cybercrimes and explored how religion could be utilized for their reorientation.

The theme, “Youth, Religion, and the Fight Against Corruption,” included the launch of the Interfaith Preaching and Teaching Manual and the EFCC’s Fraud Risk Assessment Prevention and Control Project for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

 

Unveiling the Soul: Anikulapo Series – Rise of the Spectre

In the intricate tapestry of time, where dreams and creativity weave through nine remarkable years, a captivating story awaits. Join us on a journey as we reveal the captivating history and trailer for the Anikulapo Series: “Rise of the Spectre.”

A Journey of Patience and Progress:

 

Nine years ago, visionary director Kunle Afolayan assembled a cadre of creatives and scholars, including writer Tunde Babalola, Professor Tunji Azeez, Ropo Ewenla, and others in the heart of Ibadan.

Their mission: A brainstorming session for a series titled “ODU,” envisioned as an epic saga set in the Oyo Empire, reminiscent of the Game of Thrones.

 

An idea was born, but the timing was not yet ripe.

Reflecting on those years, it becomes apparent that the gestation period, patience, and the wait were all integral elements of a process that birthed something extraordinary.

If “Anikulapo” had emerged all those years ago, we might not have witnessed the enchantment that graces our screens today.

Anikulapo series rise of the spectre poster Anikulapo series rise of the spectre poster

Anikulapo – A Cinematic Symphony:

 

Anikulapo surfaced precisely when destined, a manifestation of patience and the alignment of cosmic forces.

The multiple award-winning movie has now transformed into a series—“Rise of the Spectre.” The journey has been emotional, woven with passion, perseverance, and the unwavering belief that art is a journey, not just a destination.

Abuja’s private school proprietors decline the proposed fee increase by Wike

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An imminent surge in fees for private schools based in Abuja is on the horizon, driven by the decision of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike to increase operational charges for these educational institutions in the capital city.

According to a memo obtained on Monday from Mudi Muhammed, the Head of Account at the Department of Quality Assurance of the Education Secretariat, the new tax structure, effective from January 2024, will assess each school based on student tuition and enrollment figures.

The memo, titled “Review of private school operation charges in FCT,” highlights that the old charges will no longer be valid as of December 31, 2023, with the new rates taking effect from January 1, 2024.

The National Association of Private School Owners in the FCT expressed concern in a letter to the Education Secretariat, stating that such a tax review contradicts the Federal Government’s commitment to eliminating multiple taxes and could exacerbate the issue of out-of-school children by making education more costly for parents.

NAPPS requested a 50% reduction in existing annual dues, citing economic challenges, outstanding bank loans, unpaid fees, and various levies.

The association plans to write to Minister Nyesom Wike and notify the Parents-Teachers Association about the newly imposed tax.

 

 

Imran Khan, former Prime Minister of Pakistan, sentenced to a 10-year imprisonment

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On Tuesday, Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, received a 10-year jail sentence, as reported by state media and his party’s spokesperson.

This contentious verdict is linked to a leaked document.

The trial took place within the confines of the jail where Khan has been held since his arrest in August. This development unfolds amidst the upcoming elections scheduled for February 8.

A spokesperson for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party stated, “Former Prime Minister Imran Khan and PTI vice-president Shah Mahmood Qureshi have each been sentenced to 10 years within prison in the cypher case,” shedding light on the case’s focal point.

The controversy revolves around their handling of a “cypher” from Pakistan’s ambassador to the United States, alleging U.S. complicity in a plot to remove Khan from office in 2022.

This sentencing comes at a critical juncture, with millions set to vote in less than two weeks, marking a campaign overshadowed by accusations of pre-vote rigging and reported suppression of Khan’s party.

On January 31, a total of 8,285 candidates will be undertaking the computer-based WASSCE

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The Head of National Office for the West African Certificate Examination in Nigeria, Dr. Amos Dangut, announced that as of Monday,

8,285 candidates have enrolled for the inaugural Computer-Based West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination for Private Candidates in 2024.

During a press conference on Monday, Dangut shared that the exam is scheduled to commence on Wednesday, January 31, and conclude on Saturday, February 17, 2024, within Nigeria.

In November 2023, WAEC disclosed its intention to adopt a computer-based model for the WASSCE for private candidates.

Dangut acknowledged the initial resistance to this innovation but emphasized that it fueled the council’s determination to proceed with the CB-WASSCE.

He expressed satisfaction with the positive reception, noting that 8,285 candidates had registered by January 29, 2024.

Among them, 3,949 are male (47.66%) and 4,336 are female (52.34%).

Dangut elaborated on the examination format, mentioning that it would involve 19 subjects and 26 papers in a hybrid mode.

In this mode, objective or multiple-choice questions will be presented on-screen, and candidates are required to respond on the screen.

Essay and practical questions will also be displayed on-screen, with candidates providing responses using the provided answer booklets.

He encouraged candidates to access WAEC’s e-learning portal for materials outlining the requirements for the CB-WASSCE.

Dangut assured collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education, state Ministries of Education, the Nigeria Police Force, other security agencies, and stakeholders to deliver a credible examination in 2024.

 

FG to take action against shipowners for violating carbon emission standards

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The Federal Government is actively working on strategies to penalize vessels violating the International Maritime Organization’s sulfur regulations, according to the Minister of Maritime and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.

During the arrival ceremony of the largest container vessel, ‘CMA CGM Scandola,’ powered by Liquefied Natural Gas at Lekki Port, Lagos, Oyetola mentioned that tools are being procured to boost the Nigerian Ports Authority’s capacity for sulfur analysis.

The government is aligning with the International Maritime Organization’s Green House Gas Strategy 2023, aiming for a 40% reduction in the carbon intensity of international shipping by 2030.

Oyetola emphasized the need to minimize air pollution in the shipping industry by reducing sulfur content in fuels and commended the shift to natural gas, emphasizing Nigeria’s high-quality, low-sulfur gas.

The Ministry of Maritime and Blue Economy recognizes shipping’s vital role in global decarbonization and commends the NPS for incorporating energy-efficient measures in its port modernization project.

 

The ‘Scandola’ is noted for its eco-friendliness and ranks among West Africa’s largest container ships with 15,000 twenty equivalent units.

 

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Lekki Deep Seaport’s Managing Director, Du Rougang, both expressed pride in positioning Lekki Port on the global logistics marine business map, emphasizing the significance of the vessel’s arrival for Nigeria’s ports.

Pension funds experience a notable 22% increase, reaching N18 trillion, according to NAICOM

The National Pension Commission reported that the Contributory Pension Scheme’s total assets reached N18.36tn by the close of 2023, marking a 22.43% appreciation in pension funds during the year.

The net assets increased from N14.99tn in 2022 to N18.36tn, with a monthly growth of 2.39% in December alone.

The report highlighted that N11.92tn of the assets was invested in Federal Government securities, constituting 64.9% of total assets.

Despite this growth, industry observers note the underpenetration, as the AUM accounts for only nine percent of Nigeria’s 2022 GDP, below the global average.

The dominance of FGN securities, especially bonds, and the positive performance of the equities market, contribute to the sector’s positive trajectory, according to analysts at Cowry Asset Management.

However, the value of pension funds declined by 45.18% in dollars due to the naira’s devaluation, impacting both pension funds and the broader economy.

PenCom emphasized that the devaluation and inflation are twin challenges affecting the purchasing power of currency.

 

Investigation underway by the Lagos Commissioner of Police into allegations of bribery involving a DPO

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The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, has directed an investigation into the bribery accusation against Epe Divisional Police Officer, Godwin Okoruwa.

The command has also instructed Okoruwa to temporarily step aside during the ongoing investigation, as disclosed by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Humdeyin, via his account @BenHundeyin on Monday.

This response came following a publication titled, “Lagos DPO Queried For Accepting N2m To Release Suspected Armed Robbers.”

Reportedly, Okoruwa was alleged to have accepted a N2m cheque from a local monarch in Epe to release four suspected armed robbers apprehended by detectives during a stop-and-search operation.

However, Humdeyin clarified that CP Fayoade initiated an investigation and ordered Okoruwa to step aside pending its conclusion.

In the midst of this, PUNCH Metro’s investigation revealed a police source denying any bribe reception by Okoruwa and emphasizing that the suspects had already been transferred to the headquarters the same day they were arrested.

The source also highlighted ongoing issues between the monarch and Okoruwa, questioning the credibility of the bribery claim.

While addressing the situation, the police source urged the hierarchy to thoroughly investigate the matter, emphasizing the importance of shielding a police officer from unjust consequences due to social media pressure.

Meanwhile, the state PPRO, Hundeyin, confirmed the incident occurred on Thursday, involving six suspects, and affirmed the force’s commitment to sanction officers engaging in misconduct, as demonstrated by the recent identification of three officers in Lagos demanding a tinted glass permit without proper identification and uniforms.

 

The NAF insists on settling outstanding debts to facilitate the transportation of by-election materials for INEC

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On Monday, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, Chief of the Air Staff, urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to settle its outstanding bills, enabling the Air Force to assist in transporting materials for the upcoming by-elections.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, sought NAF’s support for the February 3 rerun/by-elections in 26 states, emphasizing the logistical challenges involved in deploying materials to three locations in the North-East, South-East, and South-West.

Air Marshal Abubakar affirmed NAF’s commitment to supporting INEC, highlighting the importance of settling outstanding bills to facilitate smoother collaboration.