celebrity radar - gossips

$10.3b Probe: EFCC To Seize Diezani’s Assets In America

Published

8 years ago

August 24, 2016

Ex-minister ‘acquired properties in associates’ names’ Former Petroleum Resources Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke is likely to lose some United States properties traced to her.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is probing Mrs Alison-Madueke for over $10 billion slush funds. It has initiated a process for the seizure of the assets – in line with United States laws. EFCC Chairman Ibrahim Magu has just returned from the United States where he discussed with the authorities how to attach the properties, The Nation learnt yesterday. In the last one year, the EFCC has traced assets and items worth about $10billion to Mrs. Alison-Madueke and her business associates, Mr. Kola Aluko and Chief Jide Omokore.

Some of the assets include an $18million peoperty (over N6.3billion at N350 exchange rate) in Abuja. A top EFCC source, who spoke in confidence, said: “We have located some assets allegedly owned by Diezani and some of her business associates in the United States. We are already collaborating with the US Government to attach these assets. “In fact, the EFCC chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, spent about one and a half weeks in the US to work with the relevant agencies to trace Diezani’s properties, some of which are believed to have been secured through business fronts like Kola Aluko. “We have submitted relevant documents to the US authorities in order to facilitate the seizure of the assets.” Responding to a question, the source added: “Some of these properties were acquired through some business fronts like Aluko and Omokore. “We even have a in which houses on a street in Switzerland have been traced to an associate of Diezani.”

The EFCC is working with anti-graft agencies in Britain and the United States. “Don’t forget that the EFCC initially secured a Mareva Injunction from Justice O.O. Oguntoyinbo to freeze some foreign accounts and seize some assets linked with Diezani’s associates in the United Kingdom,” the source said. Accounts have been frozen in some of overseas financial institutions.

They include BNP Paribas (Switzerland), LGT Bank (Switzerland), Standard Chartered Bank (London),Barclays Bank (London), Standard Energy (Voduz, Switzerland), HSBC (London), Corner Bank (Lugano, Switzerland) and Deutsche Bank (Geneva). Section 34 (1) of the EFCC Act 2004 empowers the Commission to freeze any account suspected of being used for financial crimes.

The section stipulates that “the chairman of the commission or any officer authorised by him may, if satisfied that the money in the account of a person is made through the commission of an offence under this Act or any enactment specified under Section 6(2) (a)-(f) of this Act, apply to the court ex parte for power to issue or instruct a bank examiner or such other appropriate authority to freeze the account.”

The National Crime Agency (NCA) in the UK arrested and quizzed Mrs Alison-Madueke and four others on October 2, 2015 for alleged bribery, corruption and money laundering.

Also the EFCC has interrogated five more suspects since her interrogation. The NCA last year obtained permission from a Westminster Magistrate’s Court to seize 27,000 pounds from Alison-Madueke and two other women.

Although NCA detectives have visited the country this year in line with the probe, it was unclear as at press time when she will be formally arraigned in court in the UK.

While the UK investigation was in progress, the EFCC uncovered another $115million poll bribery scam in which the ex-minister was implicated.

But Mrs Alison-Madueke has described allegations against her as “cold-hearted” and inhuman because she is ill.

Her statement said in part: “Coming at such a critical time in my life when I am battling cancer, this poorly executed propaganda bares on its face like tribal marks, a clearly malicious attempt to victimise an innocent woman in what appears an exaggerated plot to validate and give credibility to the anti-corruption crusade under Nigeria’s new regime.

“People who are battling cancer or those who have lost their loved ones to this medical condition understand what I am going through at this time. “This is what makes me ponder at the cold-heartedness of those who will go any length to defame and destroy in the name of propaganda. What happened to our shared humanity? ”I have absolute regard for the law and believe that people who have breached the laws that govern societies should be made to face the wrath of the law. “But in a civilized society, a responsible government owes its citizens absolute commitment to the principles of rule of law, equity, fairness and justice. I have been wrongfully and maliciously maligned and those behind this reckless action know it. “I leave them to posterity, their conscience and above all the Almighty God who is the final judge of all.”

celebrity radar - gossips

Ghanaian Seer Issues Warning to Burna Boy Amid Feud with Cubana Chief Priest

Published

4 hours ago

January 9, 2025

Sahara Weekly

Ghanaian Seer Issues Warning to Burna Boy Amid Feud with Cubana Chief Priest

Ghanaian prophet Karma President, known for his bold prophecies, has issued a stern warning to Nigerian music superstar Burna Boy amidst his ongoing online feud with popular socialite Cubana Chief Priest.

The dispute between Burna Boy, widely known as the “African Giant,” and Chief Priest, a prominent businessman and influencer, has played out over several days on social media, with both parties trading jabs and accusations. However, Karma President has intervened, cautioning Burna Boy to tread carefully and urging him to de-escalate the situation.

Prophetic Warning

During his New Year prophecies, Karma President specifically addressed the feud, describing Chief Priest as someone with significant spiritual power. According to the seer, Chief Priest wields potent “juju” charms capable of jeopardizing Burna Boy’s career and well-being.

“Chief Priest is not an ordinary person,” Karma President declared. “If this fight continues, it could lead to the spiritual downfall of Burna Boy’s career, and even his life might be at risk.”

The seer painted a grim picture of 2025 for Burna Boy, foreseeing a year fraught with troubles, including looming attacks, ominous shadows, and mounting legal battles. He also urged Burna Boy’s mother and manager, Bose Ogulu, to take immediate action to shield her son from potential harm.

Call for Reconciliation

Karma President’s intervention is not merely a warning but also a plea for reconciliation. He emphasized that ending the feud would prevent unnecessary complications and safeguard Burna Boy’s flourishing career.

“The African Giant has so much to lose in this fight. He should focus on his music and avoid conflicts that could derail his progress,” Karma President advised.

Background of the Feud

The feud between Burna Boy and Chief Priest reportedly began after the musician shared a cryptic post on social media, which many speculated was directed at the businessman. Chief Priest responded with sharp retorts, escalating tensions between the two public figures.

While neither party has shown signs of backing down, Karma President’s prophecy has added a spiritual dimension to the conflict, sparking widespread reactions among fans and observers.

Reactions from Fans and Stakeholders

Fans of Burna Boy have expressed mixed reactions to the prophecy, with some urging the artist to heed the warning, while others dismissed it as mere sensationalism. Supporters of Chief Priest, on the other hand, have lauded the seer’s insights, reinforcing the businessman’s image as a formidable figure.

As the situation unfolds, the entertainment industry and fans alike are closely watching to see if Burna Boy will heed the seer’s advice or continue his feud with Chief Priest.

A Cautionary Tale

This episode underscores the intersection of spirituality, superstition, and celebrity culture in African societies. For Burna Boy, the stakes are high, with his reputation and career hanging in the balance. Whether he chooses reconciliation or confrontation, the impact of this feud could shape his narrative in the years to come.

celebrity radar - gossips

Nigerian Authorities Question Two Individuals in High-Profile Cyberbullying and Defamation Case Involving Pastor Paul Enenche

Published

1 day ago

January 8, 2025

Sahara Weekly

Lawyer Claims No Clear Reason Given for Detention of Daniel and Eneche in Defamation Case Involving Pastor Enenche”

The Force Intelligence Department (FID) of the Nigerian police has reportedly detained Abraham Daniel, a former pastor with Dunamis International Gospel Centre, and Alexander Eneche following their appearance at the department in response to a police invitation. The duo faces allegations of cyberbullying and criminal defamation against Pastor Paul Enenche, the founder and Senior Pastor of the Abuja-based church.

The development follows Pastor Daniel’s public accusations that Pastor Enenche failed to honor a gentleman’s agreement between the two. This incident has led to a legal confrontation with accusations involving various offenses, including cyberbullying and injurious falsehoods.

According to Barrister Ernest Okpaga, the legal representative for the detained individuals, Abraham Daniel and Alexander Eneche voluntarily attended the police invitation, arriving at the FID office in Abuja at 1:00 pm. However, after waiting for several hours, they were only interrogated at around 8:00 pm and subsequently detained. Okpaga expressed frustration over the lack of clarity regarding the reason for their detention, emphasizing that the two individuals had fully cooperated with the authorities.

“There has been no clear reason given for their detention, even though they attended the invitation and provided their statements,” Okpaga told SaharaReporters.

Earlier reports indicated that family members of Daniel and Eneche had raised concerns over their sudden disappearance after responding to the police summons. It was feared that the two had gone missing, but sources close to the case later confirmed they were in police custody. Their families have since expressed growing anxiety over their situation, with no information forthcoming from the authorities.

The investigation stems from a letter dated January 3, 2025, which invited the duo to the FID office for questioning. The invitation letters, signed by the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department, called for their appearance on January 7, 2025, at 1:00 pm. The letters cite the need for further clarification in an ongoing investigation into cyberbullying, criminal defamation, false publications, and incitement of public nuisance, allegedly committed against Pastor Paul Enenche.

The letters, referenced CR:3000/FID/FHQ/ABJ/T.G/VOL.57/542 and CR:3000/FID/FHQ/ABJ/T.G/VOL.57/543, provided a specific time and location for the appearance—SPO’s Room 212, 2nd Floor, Force Intelligence Department (FID) Complex, Shehu Shagari Way, Abuja. The letter also emphasized that the two individuals could bring their legal representatives to the interview.

It is important to note that the legal provisions quoted in the invitation are rooted in the powers granted to the police under Sections 214 of the Nigerian Constitution (1999, as amended), and Section 4 of the Police Act and Regulations (2020).

As the investigation unfolds, the fate of Abraham Daniel and Alexander Eneche remains uncertain, and their families await clarity on their situation.

celebrity radar - gossips

Portable Sparks Reactions as He Sides with Burna Boy Amid Feud with Cubana Chief Priest

Published

1 day ago

January 8, 2025

Sahara Weekly

Portable Sparks Reactions as He Sides with Burna Boy Amid Feud with Cubana Chief Priest

Controversial Nigerian singer, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has stirred reactions online after publicly siding with Grammy-winning musician Burna Boy in his recent dispute with socialite Cubana Chief Priest.

Burna Boy and Cubana Chief Priest made headlines earlier this week after engaging in a heated exchange, which has since gone viral. In the wake of their altercation, Portable took to his Instagram page to declare his support for Burna Boy, hailing him as the “realest and biggest” in the industry.

Portable Praises Burna Boy

In his Instagram post, Portable lauded Burna Boy for his authenticity, stating that the artist doesn’t live a fake or deceptive life.

“1 man na 7 man, you big pass them. Zazzu no fake life, no scam life akoi Grace. If you want know the real about the top, ask me I follow dey at the top, only God I never see, who’s big is big,” he wrote.

Mixed Reactions from Fans

Portable’s post quickly drew attention, sparking a flurry of reactions from fans and followers, many of whom expressed mixed opinions about his stance.

@mr_uku01: “This Temu artist dun come again.”
@awele231: “Burna Boy big person them. They’ve been hating on him since he won the Grammy… Owerri Rick Ross, pig face, belle na water, jonsin man don cast himself.”
@djlarrywest9ja_: “This one dey find familiarity.”
@fite_hub_and_company: “Shishi you no go see.”
@vanchizzy: “It is January again. Na so Portable go trend from January to December.”
@iamoseroland: “Eye service, is that you?”
@leeeymanth: “Really, so you don’t forget the help Wizkid gave you? And were you not crying for a verse from Davido… akoi forgetful memories.”
@nkecurtis: “Portable don start to trend from January.”
@seuntreacts: “This one don dey find free verse.”

A Reputation for Controversy

Portable, known for his dramatic antics and outspoken personality, is no stranger to public scrutiny. His comments often spark conversations in the entertainment industry, with some viewing him as an opportunist while others applaud his unfiltered nature.

The singer has previously clashed with industry heavyweights like Davido and Wizkid, and his latest involvement in Burna Boy’s feud with Cubana Chief Priest adds another chapter to his controversial career.

The Bigger Picture

The feud between Burna Boy and Cubana Chief Priest remains unresolved, with neither party providing a clear explanation of their fallout. However, Portable’s decision to side with Burna Boy has added fuel to the fire, drawing attention back to the dispute and further polarizing opinions among fans.

As the saga continues, one thing remains certain: Portable’s knack for staying in the spotlight shows no signs of fading.