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Court remands serial blackmailer in prison over attack on Sterling Bank Staff

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Staff of Sterling Bank, especially those who were made fair game for attack by ‘dubious’ blogger, Tega Oghenedoro alias Fejiro Oliver, are now heaving a sigh of relief. The blogger, who writes using pseudonyms, was arraigned and remanded in prison custody in Lagos for cyber stalking.

 

In 2014, Oghenedoro was arrested at the Abuja Airport by the DSS for attempting to extort N50 million from the governor of Niger State. The ‘blogger’ was a staff of Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) in Asaba as a camera man, when he used a pseudonym to demand N50 million from the Niger State government as a condition for dropping a juicy story on the governor.

 

After the news of Oghenedoro’s detention broke last Friday, a Facebook user familiar with his mode of operation, Obiri Ebilade, wrote on the blogger’s wall: “Many days for the thief, one day for the owner. I think hand don touch Oliver Fejiro, the serial blackmailer.” Ebilade is the former president of the National Association of Delta State Students (NADESSTU).

 

Before his arrest and arraignment in court, Oghenedoro and his accomplice, Dennis Ukpabi, a disgruntled former staff of Sterling Bank, used the controversial Secret Reporters Blog to publish libelous stories about his former colleagues. Ukpabi’s leverage was knowledge of the details of a 2014 fraud investigated by the bank which led to the sack of a member of staff responsible for the crime.

 

Ukpabi, who departed the bank unceremoniously over petty squabbles with some of his colleagues, allegedly contracted the services of Oghenedoro to inflict maximum damage on his perceived enemies in the bank. Oghenedoro swung into action by publishing vicious and slanderous stories about Ukpabi’s perceived enemies on the payroll of Sterling Bank using his online platform. He was later arrested and remanded in prison custody.

 

Immediately after Oghenedoro’s recent arrest, his associates blamed the former governor of Delta State, Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan, for his ordeal. Truly so, Uduaghan had petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, alleging intimidation and threats from the person of Oghenedoro alias Fejiro Oliver.

Ukpabi and Oghenedoro were arraigned before a Federal High Court in Lagos last Friday for acts punishable under the provisions of Section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition and Prevention etc.) Act, 2015.

 

The first charge read, “That you Dennis Ukpabi and Tega Oghenedoro between 1st – 13th February, 2017 in Lagos within the jurisdiction of Federal High Court, conspired together to commit felonies, namely, knowingly and intentionally sending intimidated, hatred, insulting and needless anxiety messages and thereby committing an offence punishable under section 27 (1) (b) of Cybercrime (prohibition, prevention etc. Act 2015).”

 

Another charge read that the accused sent offensive messages to Desalu, Busola Awosile, Nyenke and Adeyemi Odubiyi, which are said to be ‘’punishable under section 24 (1) (b) of Cybercrime (prohibition, prevention etc. Act 2015.’’

 

Dennis Ukpabi and Tega Oghenedoro however pleaded not guilty to the charges. But the prosecution counsel, Mr. J. Oloruntoba, asked the court to remand the defendants in prison custody.

 

Frantic efforts were made by lawyers representing the two defendants; Mrs. Kitan and Mr. Inibehe Effiong, to persuade the court to admit them to bail. Effiong, who is an associate of Oghenedoro, informed the court that the defendants were accosted by the police and arraigned surreptitiously without proper and adequate notice. Effiong, a self-styled human rights activist, was also his lawyer in the 2014 extortion case with Niger State government.

 

The trial judge, Justice Mohammed Idris, asked the defendants’ counsel to bring a formal application for bail and promised to hear it expeditiously.

 

The judge remanded them in Ikoyi Prisons.

 

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FIRS ANNOUNCES AN ONGOING RECRUITMENT

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FIRS ANNOUNCES AN ONGOING RECRUITMENT.

 

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has rolled out an exciting opportunity for experienced professionals to join its team.

In a public notice via its X handle, the agency announced job openings for positions like Assistant Manager, Deputy Manager, and Assistant Director in fields such as Tax, Public Relations, Legal, ICT, and Risk Management.

Interested candidates are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria and apply via the official portal at careers.firs.gov.ng before January 11, 2025. This recruitment drive is aimed at bolstering public service efforts and maximizing national development.

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UBA GMD Calls for Public-Private Collaboration, Joins Aviation Minister to Commission New MMIA Departure Section

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UBA GMD Calls for Public-Private Collaboration, Joins Aviation Minister to Commission New MMIA Departure Section

The newly renovated departure section of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, refurbished by United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, was officially commissioned on Friday, December 20th, 2024.

The laudable project, which marks a transformative moment in Nigeria’s aviation sector, underscores UBA’s unwavering commitment to national development and highlights the immense value of strategic public-private partnerships (PPPs).

The ceremony was graced by distinguished stakeholders, including the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN; the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku; other Directors, and Heads of Agencies operating at the Airport.

Speaking at the event, UBA’s Group Managing Director/CEO, Oliver Alawuba,lauded the collaboration that brought the project to fruition as he emphasised the need for public and private institutions to come together to build and revamp the nation’s assets.

“This renovation is a testament of UBA’s belief in the transformative power of investing in national assets. By modernising our airports, we not only enhance infrastructure but also position Nigeria as a global hub for tourism, trade, and investment,” he stated.

Alawuba took time to highlight the broader economic impact of such initiatives, urging increased private-sector participation in national development. “Public-private partnerships like this demonstrate what can be achieved when we unite for a shared vision of progress and investing in infrastructure catalyses economic growth, improves travel experiences, and creates opportunities across various sectors of the economy,” he added.

Alawuba reflected on the power of unity and collaboration, quoting Helen Keller: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” The commissioning of the renovated departure section serves as a reminder of what strategic partnerships can achieve in driving national development and elevating Nigeria’s global standing.”

While commissioning the project, Keyamo commended UBA for executing the project, a feat he termed a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s aviation sector. “This renovated departure section exemplifies the bank’s commitment to elevating aviation infrastructure, improving passenger experiences, and fostering international partnerships. It is a proud moment for the ministry and all stakeholders involved, and I thank the management of UBA for pioneering this initiative,” he remarked.

The minister highlighted other key achievements of his ministry, including compliance with the Cape Town Convention, the launch of a consumer protection portal, and advancements in major infrastructure projects such as the second runway at Abuja Airport and solar energy integration in airport operations.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, commended UBA and other stakeholders for their contributions, adding, “This project reflects FAAN’s dedication to delivering world-class aviation infrastructure. The enhanced departure section not only elevates passenger experiences but also strengthens Nigeria’s competitive position in global aviation,” she said.

She called for more private-sector participation, emphasising that “partnerships like these are essential to transforming the aviation sector into a beacon of excellence.”

The newly renovated departure section boasts cutting-edge facilities designed to enhance efficiency and passenger comfort. This upgrade reaffirms the Murtala Muhammed International Airport’s status as a critical gateway to Nigeria and a major hub for international travel in Africa.

United Bank for Africa is Africa’s Global Bank. Operating across twenty African countries and the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting edge technology. UBA is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group wide and serving over 45 million customers globally.

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Dangote Hails Tinubu on Impact of Crude for Naira Swap Deal

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Dangote Hails Tinubu on Impact of Crude for Naira Swap Deal

 

 

…As Dangote Refinery partners MRS to sell PMS at N935 per litre nationwide at its retail outlets

 

 

Sahara Weekly Unveils That The Foremost entrepreneur and President of the Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the positive impact of the naira for crude swap deal on the Nigerian economy, which has led to reduction in prices of petroleum products in the country.

 

Dangote Hails Tinubu on Impact of Crude for Naira Swap Deal

 

To provide succour to Nigerians, Dangote recently reduced the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from N970 to N899.50 at its Refinery loading gantry and provided generous credit terms to marketers.

 

 

“To ensure that this price reduction gets to the end consumer, we have signed a partnership with MRS to sell petrol from its retail outlets nationwide at N935 per litre” he added. This price has already commenced in Lagos, and it will be offered nationwide from Monday.

 

 

In his statement, he called on other oil marketers such as the NNPC Retail and all other marketers, “to work with us to ensure that Nigerians enjoy high-quality petrol at discounted prices.”

 

 

According to him, “The Dangote Refinery is for the benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians. We will therefore continue to work with various value chain players to deliver high quality petrol at cheaper prices. Our aim is for all Nigerians to have ready access to high quality petroleum products that are good for their vehicles, good for their health, and good for their pockets.

 

 

Recall that in September, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) under the leadership of Mr. President approved the sale of crude to local refineries in Naira and corresponding purchase of petroleum products in Naira. The move, which commenced on October 1, led to reduced pressure on the dollar and ensured the stability of the local currency.

 

 

Dangote thanked Nigerians for their unwavering support and the government for creating an enabling environment for the domestic refining industry.

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