Crime
Investigation: See Why Boko Haram Is Waxing Strong
Published
3 years agoon
By
Editor
•Loopholes In Implementation Of Super Camp Concept Fingered
•Misunderstanding Exists Among
N-East states, Troops Commanders
•Delay In Payment Of Allowances To Troops
•Buratai Insists FG In Total Control of All Nigerian Territory
Investigations have revealed that recent upsurges in the murderous activities of Boko Haram, especially attacks on soft targets in the North East, are the fallouts of misunderstandings and disagreements between the state governments of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states with the military commanders prosecuting the war against Boko Haram on one hand, and issues bordering on implementation of the super camp strategy of the Nigerian Army and timely payment of allowances to troops on the other.
The Nigerian Army and the Air Force have repeatedly declared that Boko Haram had been defeated after a very bloody war against insurgency, despite President Buhari making eradication of the terrorist group as one of his administration’s cardinal policies.
Claims of Boko Haram’s defeat have been particularly loud before and after the 2019 general election with countless operations in support of Operation Lafiya Dole launched by both the Army and Air Force, while death toll recorded on the part of the terrorists have steadily risen to some hundreds with airpower attacks, artillery and armoured tanks bombardments being more active.
However, recent brazen attacks on troops’ positions, abductions and killings of aid workers, attempted attacks on local governments’ headquarters and even state capitals as well as open admission by government functionaries that communities are still not free from Boko Haram’s iron grip are giving Nigerians a contrary opinion.
In the last few months, Boko Haram insurgents have attacked Governor Umar Zulum of Borno State, they launched an attempt to take over Damaturu, the capital of Yobe State; they launched an attack on Chibok community and on Christmas Eve, they attacked the heavily fortified town of Biu in Borno State which also hosts the Nigerian Army University.
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Though in all the attacks launched with several gun trucks armed with anti-aircraft guns, rocket propelled grenades, mortars, high capacity IEDs and sophisticated assault rifles, troops have resisted and overpowered them, leaving in their trail, destruction, deaths of innocent victims and displacements of locals.
A member of the House of Representatives from Borno State, Usman Zanna said a fortnight ago that Islamic State’s West Africa Province, ISWAP, a faction of Boko Haram had displaced majority of the residents of his federal constituency.
Rep Laments
He listed over 20 Boko Haram terrorist attacks on Gubio, Mgumeri and Kaga Local Government Areas in October alone, noting that due to increasing pressure mounted on his constituency by ISWAP, he can only access a part of one of the relatively safe local government areas, Kaga.
Acknowledging that “one cannot but appreciate the efforts that Nigerian troops are making to see that they secure the entire Borno State and especially my constituency, but I will not shy away from saying the fact that my constituency is one of the most challenged by insecurity posed by the ISWAP faction of the Boko Haram. Particularly, Gubio LGA was attacked for about nine times within the month of October alone.
“Magumeri was severally attacked in the month of September, where all government institutions are present, including the secretariat, the government lodge, schools, health facilities, private properties.
My own house was burnt down by the insurgents.”
Zanna also said that Gajigana, one of the large towns in Magumeri Local Government Area “was attacked more than six times in the month of October this year.”
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Also, Borno State governor, Umar Babagana Zulum while lending credence to the upsurge in Boko Haram attacks in the state during a visit to the State House, Abuja, said: “Well, I don’t want to go into much detail but as far as I am concerned, there were attacks in Gubio and Magumeri council secretariats.
They were burnt down, health centres were burnt down, vehicles were burnt down, communication gadgets were also burnt down.
“And it is disheartening to note that since the advent of this administration, burning of secretariats and other public buildings, which ceased has resumed.”
On why the upsurge in the attacks, he said: “These questions remain unanswered. Most importantly, I am sure this government has done a lot and the discussions I had with Mr President shows that we are getting to an end very soon and I am optimistic that we shall get enough support.
“Right now, we are receiving support from Mr President but we are only appealing that the system is strengthened, for him to look into the porosity of the system, evaluate the system with a view to enhancing it.”
Loopholes In Implementing Super Camp Concept
On why Boko Haram terrorists move in gun trucks freely and attack with ease, Zulum said: “The most important thing is that there is this ongoing military strategy, according to the military authorities, what they called ‘establishment of super camps.
“It entails that all other smaller units in various villages and towns should be collapsed to form part of the super camps in some critical major local government areas.
“In our thinking as laymen, not as military personnel, we believe this decision is not wise. We must ensure there is a military presence in all the locations. We are much aware of their numerical strength but nonetheless, their absence can create a serious vacuum and that informed the recent attacks.
“Most importantly, we need to ensure that there is a robust mechanism on the ground to take care of them, to rehabilitate them and to reintegrate them when they surrender.
“However, I heard that the military is now trying to re-establish the military formations in those areas and they will not form part of the super camps. Honestly, the civilian JTF is working but the most important thing is that they don’t have the weapons to face the insurgents.
“Importantly also, the presence of the Nigerian military in almost all the locations especially in local government headquarters, need not be over- emphasized.
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“I have told Mr President and he has listened to our complaints. He has done a lot for the people of Borno State and it is our sincere hope that this time around, he will take necessary steps to forestall future attacks.
“We have people from other countries that have joined them. I think that they are rebellious now and I think it is now an economic war. You can see them looting properties, carrying food items and others.
“I want to disabuse the minds of those saying it is religious. When they attacked Gubio, they burnt down an Islamic school, they burnt down the house of an Islamic teacher. That is all I have to tell you in a nutshell.”
B-Haram Hoists Flags
Also in Adamawa State this December, Boko Haram terrorists were discovered to have taken over a stretch of communities from Jane to Fadama and hoisted their flag up until troops carried out a clearance operation, dislodged them and destroyed their camps.
Their attempt in several gun trucks to also overrun a community in Chibok town was foiled by troops.
It will be recalled that Boko Haram also recently attacked the convoy of Governor Zulum at Konduga.
Security sources said the insurgents attacked the convoy in Konduga about 9p.m., while Zulum was returning from a trip to Bama Local Government Area of the state.
Zulum had visited Bayo, Kwaya Kusar, Askira Uba and Gwoza as part of his “familiarity and need assessment tour,” of the some LGAs in the state.
A source said, “Luckily, the governor, his commissioners and other vehicles in the convoy escaped unhurt but the last vehicle which was an army gun truck was pelted with bullets.
“Immediately after they fired at us, our men in collaboration with the armed personnel from the Federal Special Anti Robbery Squad, retaliated and thwarted the ambush,” the source added.
It will also be recalled that troops of the Nigerian Army from Sector 2, Operation Lafiya Dole , in conjunction with the Air Task Force, on December 22 and 23, delivered a humiliating defeat to a group of ISWAP terrorists in a failed attempt to massively infiltrate Damaturu, the Yobe State capital.
“During the encounter, the troops promptly mobilised and blocked the criminal insurgents’ advance along Gashua Road on the outskirts of Damaturu. On December 29, 2019, Boko Haram insurgents again launched an attack on Mandaragirau, a village in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State,” the source added.
The attackers who burnt down the community’s church and a school also abducted a man on their way out.
The attack which occurred in the night was not repelled, residents told newsmen.
Residents who had retired into their homes due to the harmmattan weather were forced to flee into the bushes as the gunmen stormed the agrarian village, shooting sporadically.
According to a resident, who spoke to newsmen from Biu, the gunmen set fire on the town’s church and a primary school and waited until it was completely burnt before they left.
”They have burnt down a church, a school and some shops in the town,” said the source who asked not to be named.
“They have also taken away one man who they caught while trying to escape,” the source said, adding that “the fleeing villagers spent the night out in the cold the morning.
“The locals have all returned to the town this morning,” he said, suggesting no one was killed in the attack.
Yusuf Adamu, a former chairman of Biu Local Government Area, who hails from Mandaragirau, while confirming the attack to newsmen said: “It was a sad development that happened to our people again last night.”
Another source said Boko Haram had in the past week sustained attacks on communities around Biu town which is the headquarters of Biu council, where the Emir of Biu has his palace.
From Christmas Eve to last night, the villages of Yamarkumi, Mainahari, Miringa, Buratai, and Mandaragirau have been attacked by Boko Haram, who appear bent on hitting the town of Biu.
Don’t Allow Terrorists Divide Us — Buhari
On December 26, 2019, Boko Haram terrorists beheaded 11 Christians and displayed the beheading in a video sent across the world to show that they were still visible and capable of unleashing violence.
This dastardly act prompted President Buhari to appeal to Nigerians not to let terrorists divide the country along religious lines, following executions by ISWAP.
In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, Buhari said the terrorists had no clearly defined agenda except the pursuit of evil through indiscriminate murder of innocent people, contrary to the teachings of Islam, which prohibits massacre.
According to him, no true Muslim will be shouting ‘Allahu Akbar’ while killing innocent people, an evil frequently condemned by the Holy Qur’an.
Buhari had called on all Nigerians to be united against terrorists and avoid unhelpful conspiracy theories that serve the interest of Boko Haram terrorists and ISWAP.
ISWAP had released a video showing its militants beheading 11 Christians, saying it was part of a campaign to avenge the deaths of its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and its spokesman.
The militant group posted the footage on its online news channel on Thursday, the day after Christmas, with Arabic captions but no audio.
Misunderstanding Between North East States, Troops Commanders
Meanwhile, Vanguard gathered that lack of co-ordination between the state governments of the North-East is having a negative impact in the war as exemplified in the purchase of about 100 patrol vehicles for the Army by Borno State government to enhance the insurgency fight but was rejected by the military because it was not consulted while they were not the needed equipment or strategic requirements necessary to prosecute the terror war.
Delay In Payment Of Allowances
On the payment of allowances, troops in the battlefield have continued to complain about delays and alleged differences in what is supposed to get to them, compared to the Police, DSS and NSCDC personnel among others also in the North East.
Emir Of Gwoza Hails Troops Gallantry In Degrading B’Haram Terrorists.
However, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai while leading the top echelon of the Army hierarchy and top commanders to celebrate the 2019 West African Social Activities, WASA and Medal Parade in Gwoza, Borno State declared that the Federal Government was in firm control of all Nigerian territories.
The COAS also visited the Emir of Gwoza, Alhaji Mohammed Timta to console him over the loss of his father, who was his predecessor.
During the visit on December 29, 2019, he said that he was there to condole with him as well as witness the Nigerian Army Medal Parade.
Buratai said “I am here for Nigerian Army Medal Parade and Nigerian Army Social activities (WASA) 2019.
“The parade is usually organised to honour our gallant officers and soldiers who have participated in Operation Lafiya Dole and have done exceptionally well in the efforts to secure our beloved country from terrorists and this time around, we brought it to Gwoza, in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
It’s quite symbolic because of the misadventures of the Boko Haram terrorists that were here sometime, and attempted to declare it their headquarters. This is now history as they have been flushed out since and peace has returned.”
Buratai Insists FG In Total Control Of All Nigerian Territory
“Clearly now the Federal Government is in firm control of every territory of our country and we are here to conduct this medal parade to honor our officers and soldiers who have been working tirelessly and patriotically in order to keep our country secure and united.
“Apart from the medal parade, we will use this opportunity to turn off the year 2019 and usher in the year 2020 by conducting our traditional cultural activities which we all know as the Nigerian Army Social Activities popularly known as WASA.”
(VANGUARD)
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Crime
Court Convicts Businesswoman Of N47.6m Agribusiness Scheme Fraud
Published
47 mins agoon
March 27, 2023By
Editor
An Ikeja Special Offences Court on Monday convicted a businesswoman, Blessing Adanu, for defrauding a woman of N47.6 million on the pretext of supplying her agricultural produce.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Adanu traded under the name of Emerald Multipurpose Cooperative Society to defraud her victim in a purported agribusiness scheme.
Justice Mojisola Dada convicted Adanu on a two-count charge of obtaining money by false pretences and stealing.
Dada held that evidence before the court, including statements made by the convict during interrogations, proved all the essential ingredients of obtaining by false pretences and stealing.
Dada dismissed the argument of defence that the charges emanated from contractual disputes that were civil in nature.
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“As noted by the prosecution, most economic and financial crimes arose from transactions that had a semblance of contractual transactions.
“But along the line, a lot of factors come in to derail the smooth sail when the heart of man begins to dialogue with the devil to outsmart another person and he succumbs to it.
“The defendant’s oral testimony in court that the agribusiness was affected by flooding and Fulani herdsmen attack were an afterthought.
“She wanted to be living big at the expense of other people without counting the cost.
“Although the defendant seems to have absconded, having jumped bail graciously granted her by this court, the truth is that she cannot run away from justice.
“From the foregoing, therefore, evidence before the court clearly shows that the case against the defendant has been proved beyond every reasonable doubt on the two counts of obtaining the sum of N47.6 million under false pretences.
“I hereby declare the defendant guilty as charged on the two counts,” Dada said.
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NAN reports that the convict’s sentencing was, however, suspended in accordance with Sections 321 and 352 (5) of the Administration of Criminal Justice (ACJ) Act, 2015, in conjunction with Section 278 (1) of the ACJ Law 2015, pending when she will be apprehended and brought before the court.
Counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Samuel Daji, had called three witnesses through whom several pieces documentary evidence were tendered and admitted against the convict.
Defence counsel, Mr Olarewaju Ajanaku, called four witnesses, including the defendant, who testified as the fourth witness.
After the closure of the case of the defence on June 30, 2022, the defendant stopped appearing in court.
Based on the above, Daji, on Nov.3, 2022, applied to the court to revoke the bail of the defendant and allow the trial to continue in her absence.
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There was no objection from defence.
Dada subsequently revoked the bail and issued a bench warrant for Adanu arrest.
The judge ordered that the EFCC should declare her wanted.
EFCC had said that the businesswoman committed the offences between Nov.30, 2018, and Jan. 11, 2019, in Lagos.
It said that she dishonestly stole and converted to her own use, a cumulative sum of N47.6 million from Mrs Favour Nnamani, in contravention of Sections 1(1) and 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006, and Section and 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos, 2011. (NAN)
Crime
Convicted Nigerian Woman Extradited To U.S. Over Illicit Payment
Published
3 days agoon
March 25, 2023By
Editor
A convicted Nigerian fugitive, Florence Enwerim Onyegbu, was on Thursday, extradited to the United States of America, where she is wanted to answer to criminal charges bordering on the violation of the U.S. law involving the offer and payment of illegal remuneration in a health care matter.
Onyegbu ‘sextradition was coordinated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, following a request by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, seeking assistance for her apprehension.
The EFCC said its investigations revealed that she had changed her name from Florence E. Onyegbu to Janet Boi in an attempt to remain hidden.
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But that she however ran out of luck when operatives of the EFCC swooped on her at her residence in the Ojodu area of Lagos on February 21, 2022.
The anti-graft agency said that upon her arrest, a national identity card with the name Janet Boi as well as a Texas driver’s license with the name Florence Enwerim Onyegbu were found on her.
The Commission, on March 22, 2023, handed over Onyegbu to the FBI, following an extradition order granted by Justice Z.B. Abubakar of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on December 2, 2022.
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It will be recalled that Onyegbu’s travails began after she was arrested on February 12, 2011 in the U.S. and subsequently sentenced to 46 months imprisonment, following a guilty plea , over the violation of the U.S. law bordering on the offer and payment of illegal remuneration in a health care matter.
Although she was ordered to report for service of her sentence on April 4, 2011, she failed to surrender on that date.
Consequently, she was further charged with failure to surrender for service of sentence in violation of U.S. Law on March 4, 2013.
Crime
Man To Die By Hanging For Robbery, Kidnapping
Published
3 days agoon
March 24, 2023By
Editor
A Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja on Thursday sentenced four men to death by hanging for armed robbery and kidnapping of a woman, Mrs Gloria Emole.
The convicts are Victor Chukwunonso, Ifeanyi Maduaka, Obinna Nwankwo and Richard Nwabueze.
Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo held that the prosecution was able to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
The convicts were said to have committed the offences on November 19, 2012, at about 8.30 am.
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They were arraigned on July 13, 2013, and were remanded in prison custody.
The convicts were arraigned on a three-count bordering on conspiracy, armed robbery and kidnapping preferred against them by Lagos State.
The state Director of Public Prosecution, Dr Babajide Martins, had told the court during their arraignment that they kidnapped the victim who was about to leave her house at 7, Unity Street, Ogudu GRA, Lagos.
According to the prosecutor, the offences committed are contrary to and punishable under Sections 297,285 (2) a, and 291, of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2015.
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The victim was later released on November 22, 2012, after a ransom of $70,000 was paid by her husband.
“The defendants are sentenced to 10 years for the first count of conspiracy. They are hereby sentenced to death by hanging for the second count of armed robbery and sentenced to 21 years imprisonment for the third count of kidnapping,” Justice Lawal-Akapo held.

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