Lagos will get no Light today —TCN

Firstclass Newsline gathered that the Transmission Company of Nigeria,
Lagos Region, has announced that many parts of the state will
experience blackout between 10am and 1pm today (Monday).
According to the TCN, the affected areas are Ikoyi, Victoria Island,
Alagbon, Apapa, Ijora, Surulere, Itire, Oshodi, Mushin; the Nigerian
Airforce Base, Shogunle, and their environs.
The company said in a statement on Sunday that the disruption of
electricity supply to customers in these locations was a result of the
need to carry out an urgent maintenance work on the Akangba 132KV
transmission substation.
The Public Relations Officer, TCN, Lagos Region, Mrs. Celestina Osin,
said in the statement, "The reason for the planned outage is to enable
the MBH Contractor carry out a very important repair work on the Itire
132KV Transmission Line 1 and the Ojo 132KV Transmission Line 2 from
which the areas are fed electricity for better service to them.
"During the period the outage will last, the 4X90 MVA power
transformers and another 150MVA power transformer will be out of
service at the Akangba 132KV substation in order to provide a safe
working space for the workers. We promise to restore supply to all the
affected areas as soon as the work is concluded.
"We sincerely apologise for the short notice on the outage and regrets
inconveniences this will cause all that will be affected."

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Man runs away as lover dies in Lagos hotel •Female hotel worker dead

Firstclass Newsline gathered that the police in Lagos State have
launched a manhunt for a man suspected to have murdered his lover at a
hotel on Prince Adeyemi Street, Ikotun, Lagos.
Firstclass Newsline learnt that the suspect, whose name had yet to be
ascertained, had lodged in a room in the hotel – Taola Hotel – with
his girlfriend around 9.30pm on Friday.
He was said to have paid for one hour which was supposed to elapse
around 10.30pm.
Workers of the facility, however, became worried when it was 12am and
the guests did not check out of the hotel.
The manager of the hotel, identified only as Ahmadu, was said to have
gone to check the room only to discover that the woman was dead, while
the suspect had fled.
Ahmadu reported the case at the Ikotun Police Division, while the
remains of the victim were deposited in a morgue.
A resident of the area, Jibola Adesina, said no one could explain how
the suspect escaped from the hotel.
He said, "The police came to remove the corpse. No one can say how the
man managed to escape from the hotel because it has only one
entrance."
Another resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the man
had said he wanted to buy something outside the hotel and fled
afterwards, adding that the management suspected something was wrong
when he did not return.
"I learnt from one of the workers in the hotel that the man came out
of the room around 10pm. He said he wanted to buy something outside.
He left, but did not return. It was when they waited in vain for his
lover to step out that they decided to go into the room. She was found
dead," he said.
A worker of the hotel, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told our
correspondent during a visit to the area on Sunday that the incident
"shook everyone".
He said the lovers had come to have "a nice time", adding that their
details were not collected because they did not have the intention of
passing the night.
He said, "It was unfortunate. They just came to spend a short time
together. That was why their details were not taken. The case was
reported to the police."
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dolapo Badmos, said the police
were investigating the incident.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Police Command has begun investigations
into the sudden death of a hotel worker, identified as Ifunanya Eke.
Firstclass Newsline learn that Eke was found dead in a room last
Tuesday at the Top Suite Hotel and Kitchen on Tunde Odeyemi Street,
Ikotun.
The hotel management was said to have reported the case at the Ikotun
Police Division.
A police source said only an autopsy would determine the true cause of
her death.
He said, "We were called to the incident by the management of the
hotel. They said the woman had been working with them for some time
and she retired into her room because she was on night duty. By
morning, they discovered that she didn't come out of the room and when
the door was opened, they saw that she was dead."
The PPRO, Badmos, said policemen from the Ikotun division examined and
photographed the scene, adding that there were no violent marks on the
corpse.
She said, "It is a case of sudden and unnatural death. The woman,
Ifunanya Eke, was a worker with Top Suit Hotel and Kitchen. She was
allegedly found dead in a room at the hotel where she slept that
night.
"A team of police detectives attached to the Ikotun division visited,
examined and photographed the scene. There was no trace of violence on
her body."

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An island where pregnant women are not allowewed to go into labour at midnight

Firstclass Newsline gathered that the town has a population of over
20,000 people.
A two-day visit by Firstclass Newsline to the community was an eye
opener. The journey began from Coconut Bus Stop to the quayside during
a downpour. It was followed by a N100 boat ride with 14 other
passengers. But in the middle of the restless ocean, the engine
coughed and went off, setting off panic among the passengers. The boat
was in danger of tipping over as the passengers shifted about, several
of them thinking the end had come, but the driver and a few
level-headed passengers appealed for calm.
During several attempts to restart the engine, a boat loaded with
sachet water passed by, also on its way to Igbologun while a canoe,
with a lone female occupant, equally sailed by.
Finally, the driver brought the engine back to life and the journey
continued. As passengers disembarked at the destination, the reporter
was accosted by two young boys of about 12 and 16. They were there to
help offload passengers' luggage from the boat for a fee. Commercial
motorcycle riders (Okada) also swarmed around the passengers.
Welcome to Igbologun, a community made up of different tribes,
cultures and religions. It was gathered that Snake Island, on which
the community sits, derived its name from the (snaky) way it appears
on the map, contrary to the belief that it is so called because of the
large population of snakes there.
Snake Island has so much beach sand such that, as you walk, your legs
sink in and it is as if you're being pulled back. Interestingly, the
hugely populated island, situated in the heart of Apapa, is under
Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area.
Despite being so close to the hub of trade and commerce, and all its
modernity, what would seem like another shocking discovery, for a
first-time visitor, is how typically rural the island remains.
Igbologun, despite a history of existence that precedes even the
Nigerian nation, is dying for government attention for the provision
of basic social amenities like schools, standard hospitals, tarred
roads, potable water, stable power, standard market place and means of
waste disposal, among others.
The first impressionable building to behold is Igbologun Senior
Secondary School. Close to it is a police post that offers the
community the only source of drinking water and it is about 30
minutes-walk into the heart of the community.
Trooping out were young and old women carrying trays of all sorts
laden with wares of smoked fish(Egun Fish). Young children were also
hawking.
A striking feature that immediately becomes apparent across the
community is the high number of pregnant teenage girls. This reporter
soon gathered that even though pregnant, majority of the girls are not
registered for ante natal care, mainly as a result of financial
constraint and cultural beliefs.
Findings showed that there is a sense of laxity that enables these
young girls engage in sexual activities. The development is
essentially fuelled by the high level of poverty in the community.
Many of the girls are lured with money by the young men who are boat
drivers or Okada operators.
"Most of these guys you see riding Okada or driving boat have more
than three girlfriends each because they make quick money from their
businesses and live like kings in the community," said Mr. Jude.
Further investigation revealed that whenever a pregnant woman in the
community goes into labour, particularly at mid-night, they are
usually in a dilemma. This is due to the inability to afford to
register in a standard hospital, and for those who could afford it,
reaching the centre at mid-night is a tug of war while obstetric
complication that may require surgery is out of the question. The
result is that many pregnant women and newborns often lose their
lives. The only Primary Healthcare Centre in Igbologun is defunct.
Firstclass Newsline encountered some men who had sad tales to tell.
David lost his wife during childbirth. Emeka, who lives in Mama P
compound in the community, also lost his wife along with a set of
twins while Daramola lost his wife and is left to bring up their baby
alone. What the three men have in common is that their wives fell into
labour at night.
Bolanle, David's wife, 27, may have been alive today to experience the
joy of motherhood, but her dream was cut short because she found
herself at Igbologun. Bolanle's desire to give life led her to the
great beyond. She fell into labour in the middle of the night.
"When she went into labour in the middle of the night, we already knew
there was a problem. Her mother called for help, but there was little
anyone could do because there was no means of conveying her to the
other side of the lagoon for medical attention", said Mr. Gbenga
Sosanya, a neighbour.
"Prior to her delivery time, Bolanle registered for antenatal at Tolu
Hospital in Ajegunle, but no boat could convey her there in the night.
She and her baby died after several hours of labour in the hands of
traditional birth attendants".
Pointing to the spot where Bolanle was buried, Sosanya said that the
trauma forced her parents to leave the community. He hinted that
several of such cases were recorded in the community until few years
ago, when someone set up a small private hospital.
"The only Primary Healthcare Centre in the community can simply be
described as an empty building because there are no doctors or nurses
and, most of the time, it is locked."
Agony of motherhood
Firstclass Newsline visited the private hospital. It has seven rooms
for the over 20,000 residents. The doctor in charge was battling to
save the life of Pasca Kapo, a year and six months old child who was
brought in a breathe away from death.
Pasca was brought in gasping for breath, his legs and arms cold. After
administering first aid, the doctor said he had severe malaria and
anaemia with PCV of 10 percent. To worsen matters, Pasca is
O-negative, a rare blood group. The doctor required a transfusion
urgently but the child's parents were broke. They were running from
pillar to pole to raise money.
After a lengthy persuasion, John Kapo, they boy's step father, spoke
with our reporter. "I am not the biological father of Pasca. I married
his mother when she was rejected while pregnant with him. It is the
present pregnancy she is carrying that belongs to me, but I just have
to help save him even though he is someone else's child", he narrated
"We tried our best at home in the first three days when he was showing
the signs, but when it went beyond us, we took him to the traditional
birth attendant where he was for two days. When he was at the point of
death, they said we should take him away."
In the nursing ward was Charity Felix. The 30-year-old woman recounted
how the doctor saved her life. "I went into labour around 2am. I had
registered at Sonnex Hospital in Ajegunle where I had my second child
who is presently six years old. My first child, who is 10, was
delivered by the Ijaw women here in Igbologun. I could not cross to
the other side of the ocean for delivery. When the Ijaw women tried
all their best to take the delivery, with no success, they sent me to
this private hospital".
In tears, Charity said her first two children were delivered normally
but the third was through C-section and she had been in the hospital
for two weeks and two days because they could not settle their bills.
"Recently, my husband lost his job, and to eat became a problem. We
have property to sell, but nobody is ready to buy. Even to pay the
house rent is very difficult." Charity, who hails from Igueben local
government area of Edo State, has lost contact with her parents since
she lost her handset.
Next to her was Elizabeth Luke, 20, who was rushed from a nearby
Island, Sabokogi. She went into labour around 7 pm and, after failure
by traditional birth attendants to deliver her of the body, around
4am, she was transported with a chartered speedboat to Igbologun
Medical Centre where she went through a C-section. Elizabeth said
there is a PHC in their community but no doctor and no drugs.
Several hours later, our reporter engaged Dr. Sodipo Gbolahan, who
opened up on the pathetic status of healthcare services in the
community.
Only doctor in the community
The only doctor serving the over 20,000 presidents of Igbologan
graduated from University of Ibadan in 2005. He served at Bishop
Shanahan Hospital, Nsukka and later joined Ibadan Central Hospital for
a year and a half before moving to Otolu Medical Centre in
Olodi-Apapa.
While at Olodi-Apapa, a patient attending ante natal facilitated his
relocation to Igbologun. "When one of the pregnant women who came for
ante natal told me they lost a pregnant woman with twins overnight
because there was no means to transport her to the hospital, I was
surprised and asked why they did not call for an ambulance. She said
no ambulance could get there,"the doctor said.
Gbolahan discussed his intention to relocate with his wife who kicked
against it. "But as God will have it, she was having problem with her
own pregnancy; so I quickly took her to the United States of America
and, before she returned, I had moved to the community."
Over the past five years, he has been practising in Igbologun. Most of
his patients have been vulnerable groups, children, pregnant women and
the elderly. He explained that most of his patients come to his clinic
after trying so many options and only come at the point of death.
"Few (pregnant women) register across the ocean in Ajegunle but
usually have no means to cross the ocean and end up dead in the hands
of traditional birth attendants or are brought to me very late. There
was a case I just discharged, she presented very late, but eventually
we saved her life but lost the baby. She went to be delivered in a
church in the community, where there was no nurse. After several hours
of prayer and miracles did not happen, they sent for me,"the doctor
said.
"When I got there, there was no nurse to take the delivery. The woman
was already weak, the baby distressed. She couldn't push, so we had a
C-section to bring the baby out dead, but the mother was alive. She
spent three weeks here and they were able to raise the N70,000 bill.
Sometimes when patients present, I don't expect them to survive but
miraculously they do.
"Generally here, people don't go to hospital for delivery. They
believe that strong women should deliver at home. There was a lady
who, during her first pregnancy, tried to deliver at home but lost the
baby. When she got pregnant a second time, she ran to me and said
doctor, 'nothing must happen to this baby'.
"When I came here five years ago, they told me there was no light two
years before my arrival and in my five years of staying, there was no
light. The situation persisted until January this year when we had
light because Governor Akinbode came to our aid. But for three months
now, it's been blackout".
Running the hospitalGbolahan began running his hospital inside a room,
self-contained, but later expanded. "I purchased used beds from
doctors in Ajegunle. I keep one room as private ward in which those
admitted are able to pay their bills. It is from there I settle my own
bills, pay my staff and buy drugs. I am here until the day I will not
be able to cope again. Probably before that time, government may have
come to their rescue."
Way forward
He urged the state government to partner with private facilities
because Igbologun is just one of several islands. "If you go to
Igboejo, Tomaro, Itu Agan or Sabokoji, government can put three
secondary healthcare centres which will feed Island Maternity or the
Lagos General Hospital,"the doctor said.
"Also in this community, there is nothing to motivate the younger
ones. After their primary school, the next thing is to be a boat
driver or a fisherman. They seduce females and impregnate them and
later go for abortions that result in complications.
"I was trying to talk to the school principal to start a scholarship.
There could be potential doctors here. If a doctor is from among them,
they would be committed. Half of the girls drop out in SS2 due to
pregnancy. Most of time when I talk to the ladies, they say after
secondary schools they will get married."
Religious leader
The Chief Imam of Igbologun, Osani Saka Olaribigbe, who complained
bitterly over the state of healthcare in the community, said the only
PHC in Igbologun can best be described as an empty building. "In that
health centre, they don't have any equipment, no drugs, no doctor; so
we cannot call it hospital, it is just an ordinary building. The two
nurses their only refer people to urban areas to seek healthcare and
once it is 2pm they close the centre,"Olaribigbe said.
"The last delivery I could remember they took in that PHC was in 2004.
Even when they refer us to across the ocean, there is no means of
transporting our pregnant women to the General Hospital or Kadoso
Hospital in Ajegunle".
Traditional ruler
The Baale of the Igbologun , Chief Amisu Alao Gegeiyawo, also
complained that they have tabled their challenges on several occasion
to the government without favourable outcome. He said that among the
challenges confronting the community was lack of waste disposal
facilities and source of potable water.
Gegeiyawo said that it's been long since they enjoyed government
service in the area of quality healthcare service. "The only
intervention we enjoy once a while is from non -governmental
organisations, which come to distribute drugs and mosquito net to our
people,"the traditional head explained.
"The PHC is under Amuwo Odofin Local Government and I have complained
on several occasions about the on-availability of medical personnel at
the centre and no drugs, but the situation remains the same."
At the PHC, the Health Assistant, Mrs. Aminat Ogungbemi, declined to
make comments. The compound was overgrown with bush while the doctors'
lodge was under lock and key.

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We will stop oil production — New militant group

Firstclass Newsline gathered that one of the militant groups that have
emerged since renewed militancy in the Niger Delta began, the Ultimate
Warriors of Niger Delta, on Saturday said it had nothing to lose if
oil production is disrupted in Nigeria.
The militant group, considered as an affiliate of the rampaging Niger
Delta Avengers, described the alleged double speak of the Federal
Government on dialogue with the people of the region as worrisome and
inciting.
In a statement it issued, the militant group said the Movement for the
Emancipation of the Niger Delta should stop parading itself as leader
of militant groups in the region.
The group said, "We have said it before that we have nothing to lose
on the bombing of oil pipelines because our mission is to ground the
oil economy if our demands are not met. We have said we are doing what
we are doing to prod the government to renegotiate the control of our
oil resources and other related matters.
"We have watched with chagrin the recent utterance by the President
(Muhammadu Buhari) and the Vice President (Yemi Osinbajo) and all we
are see in them are double standard and lips service to the demand of
the groups as its concerns the Niger Delta question and that is why
all of our units and affiliates have not fully heeded to our
ceasefire. Today, the president will say something, tomorrow his
deputy and some of their dishonest and selfish lieutenants will
contradict him and that only show how confused and unserious the
government is about the problems and how to deal with them," the
militants stated.
Meanwhile, MEND has urged Niger Delta activists, militants and other
agitators to be united in finding a solution to the region's crisis.
It said in a statement that it was necessary for the region to speak
with one voice and channel grievances and demands to the Federal
Government through the Niger Delta Dialogue and Contact Group.
The militant group expressed the need to speak through a single
umbrella of the "Aaron Team 2 Dialogue and Peace Initiative" led by
Mr. Odein Ajumogobia (SAN).
It asked why many groups, who were silent during the administration of
former President Goodluck Jonathan's "neglect and misrule," had
suddenly found their voice and clamouring for recognition.
MEND also pointed out that it had carefully considered and approved
the NDDCG proposal to join the Aaron Team, ahead of the expected
dialogue with the Federal Government.
"All aggrieved minor militant groups, all those so-called Niger Delta
activists, elders, tribal assemblies, sycophants and parasites amongst
others, who have suddenly found their voice after six years of a
criminal conspiracy of silence during the neglect and misrule of
former President Goodluck Jonathan; and who are now clamouring for
recognition, relevance and inclusion in the ongoing Niger Delta peace
process should contact and channel their grievances and demands
through the NDDCG, which will act as their representative.
"The subject matter of the discourse centred around the forthcoming
dialogue with the Federal Government on the resolution of the current
Niger Delta crisis and the imperative for the entire Niger Delta
region to unite and speak with a single voice under the single
umbrella of the MEND Aaron Team 2 dialogue and peace initiative led by
Mr. Odein Ajumogobia, SAN," the statement said.

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Lagos to start the demolition of Alade market

Firstclass Newsline learnt that the officials of the Lagos State Task
Force on Environment and Sanitation on Saturday took over the popular
Alade Market located on Allen Avenue, Ikeja, in preparation for its
demolition.
The team which stormed the market at about 11am was observed condoning
off the area with roofing sheets.
Firstclass Newsline gathered that the action of the task force was in
compliance with the deadline given the traders by the state government
after they were asked to relocate to a new site.
Many of the traders were seen hurriedly moving their wares and
belongings out of the market.
A trader who did not want his name in print told Firstclass Newsline
that though they had been informed previously about the relocation,
they needed some more time as they did not have enough money to
relocate.
However, the story was not same at the Bureau de Change section of the
market; the BDC operators resisted the task force team.
The operators pulled down the fences built by the task force.
The deadline for the relocation of the market is today.

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My 67 days ordeal in EFCC custody, Kirikiri prison — Fani-Kayode

Firstclass Newsline_Former Minister of Aviation and spokesman for the
Goodluck Jonathan Campaign Organisation, Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode, has
described his experience in detention as traumatic and depressing.
Fani-Kayode, who was released on Friday night, told
Firstclass Newsline on Saturday that though his
freedom after 67 days in government's custody would allow him to
prepare his defence for allegations levelled against him by the
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, it would be meaningless if
other people in detention are not released.
"It was quite an ordeal. It was an ordeal. But I thank God that I am
free and that I have been given an opportunity to defend myself in
court when the case starts – I am looking forward to that. Outside of
that, the truth is that as long as others who are also political
prisoners and have been falsely accused are still in (security
agencies') custody our country, then I believe that my freedom is
meaningless.
"So, until every single political prisoner or every single person
falsely accused by the state, by the government and the EFCC has been
released; has been given the opportunity to defend himself in court;
and until that happens, I don't think any of us is free. We still have
people like Sambo Dasuki, Iyiola Omisore and many others in prison or
EFCC's custody," he told Firstclass Newsline.
The ex-minister also said his release would allow him to prepare for
any eventuality, noting that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led
government is intolerant of criticisms.
He said, "You have people in EFCC custody – husbands and wives locked
up for no good reasons. It is very traumatic and depressing but now,
is not the time to talk; right now I am preparing my defence. I am
preparing for any eventuality because I know the government is capable
of doing anything to anybody at anytime, who criticises them.
"I am also preparing and praying for what lies ahead. Whatever the
case, the struggle will continue and then we shall prevail. Those that
seek to impose an ethnic and religious bondage and servitude on people
of this nation will not succeed. And, every Nigerian, regardless of
his religious faith or where he comes from, will and shall be treated
equally – and that's what we are fighting for."
Asked if he ate food prepared for him in prison, he said, "While in
prison, I only ate food that was brought to me by my wife. The prison
officials were very professional. People were treated like human
beings and that is to be commended. But being in EFCC's custody is a
different kettle of fish. I am glad to be free at last. I pray that
this country is delivered from the sort of evil where people are just
accused and locked up indefinitely and maligned by the press."
Fani-Kayode was accused by the EFCC of receiving N840m during the
build-up to the 2015 presidential election and arraigned on June 28,
2016, before Justice Hassan on 17 counts of conspiracy, unlawful
retention of proceeds of theft and money laundering.
He was, however, granted bail in the sum of N250m on July 4. As part
of his bail, he was ordered to deposit his passport in the custody of
the court pending the outcome of the case.

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Failed coup:161 killed, 3,000 detained- Turkey PM

Firstclass Newsline gathered that the turkish Prime Minister Binali
Yildirim said Saturday 161 people were killed in the coup attempt
against the government, with 2,839 soldiers now detained on suspicion
of involvement.
Yildirim, speaking outside his Cankaya palace in Ankara and flanked by
top general Hulusi Akar who was held during the coup attempt, also
described the putsch bid as a "black stain" on Turkish democracy. He
added that 1,440 people had been wounded.
Yildirim also declared the situation in his country was "completely
under control" after thwarting a military coup aimed at toppling his
government.
"The situation is completely under control," said Yildirim in Ankara,
flanked by the ministers of justice and interior as well as Turkey's
top general outside his offices in the capital.

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Turkish coup soldiers lays down their weapons in Istanbul

Firstclass Newsline gathered that the turkish internal security
officers pass a Turkish soldier on July 15, 2016 in Istanbul, during a
security shutdown of the Bosphorus Bridge. Turkish security forces on
July 15 partially shut down the two bridges across the Bosphorus
Strait in Istanbul as military jets were heard flying low over Ankara,
reports and AFP correspondents said. The Bosphorus and Fatih bridges
were closed by the gendarmerie -- a branch of the Turkish military
dedicated to internal security -- for traffic travelling from Asia to
Europe, NTV television said. Traffic was still moving in the other
direction. Meanwhile, Turkish military aircraft were heard flying low
over Ankara, AFP correspondents in the capital reported. There was no
immediate explanation for the cause of the incidents. / AFP PHOTO /
BULENT KILIC
Dozens of soldiers backing the coup against the Turkishgovernment on
Saturday surrendered on the Bosphorus bridge in Istanbul that they had
held throughout the night, television pictures showed.
The soldiers, dressed in full camouflage, walked out from behind their
tank holding their hands above their heads, NTV television showed. The
state-run Anadolu Agency said 50 soldiers were arrested.

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EFCC querries Obanikoro’s daughter over N800m transaction, seizes her passport

Firstclass Newsline gathered that the operatives of the Economic and
Financial Crimes Commission on Friday grilled Shalewa Obanikoro, the
daughter of a former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro,
over a transaction of N800m she allegedly made.
Investigators told our correspondent that Shalewa was grilled at the
Lagos office of the EFCC for several hours alongside her mother,
Moroophat.
An impeccable source at the anti-graft agency said as part of
investigations into the N4.7bn allegedly paid into the company account
of Obanikoro's sons – Babajide and Gbolahan – by the Office of the
National Security Adviser, the commission started investigating some
other members of the family.
The detective said, "Obanikoro's wife came to our office on Friday
morning as part of investigations into the N4.7bn paid into Sylvan
McNamara, a company owned by her sons. During investigation, we
stumbled on the account of an oil company. We then discovered that
Obanikoro's daughter was a signatory to the account of the oil company
and that millions of naira was paid into the account at different
times.
"We then invited the daughter and she came to meet us at the office.
During investigations, we found out that the daughter gave a standing
order to the bank that N800m should be moved into another account. We
wondered why such a young girl would have access to such funds so we
started quizzing her.
"This is a whole new dimension to the case and we will continue to
investigate to find out if it is related to the arms probe or not."
Obanikoro and his sons, who are citizens of the United States, have
remained in the US for over a year.
However, the EFCC swiftly seized the US passport of Shalewa to prevent
her from towing the path of her father and brothers.
The investigator said, "We were told that she was planning on
travelling to the US soon so we swiftly seized her passport because
she is vital to our investigation. However, we told her to be coming
from home."
Apart from the N4.7bn arms scam rocking the Obanikoro family, it will
be recalled that MOB Integrated Services Ltd, a company headed by
Obanikoro's second son, Gbolahan, was implicated by the Aigboje
Imokhuede-led Presidential Committee on Verification and
Reconciliation in 2012.
The company was said to have made three transactions valued at N5,
393, 592,906.62. However, investigations revealed that the company
only made one transaction valued at N3, 261,263,992.52 verified as
legitimate.
The difference of over N2bn was said to have been embezzled as MOB did
not make the needed oil supply.
However, sources at the commission told our correspondent that after
Obanikoro was appointed the Minister of State for Defence, the case
was mysteriously suspended indefinitely.
The latest revelation may be the missing piece of the puzzle,
detectives believe.
However, the former minister said in a statement that his wife had
high blood pressure and other heart-related ailments and asked
security agents not to drag her into the arms probe as she knew
nothing about the case.
He said, "We are using this medium to call on the officials of the
EFCC to desist from persecuting an innocent woman who has no dealings
at all with any of the businesses that they are investigating and
totally unaware of the alleged transactions.
"For emphasis, the innocent woman has a history of high blood pressure
and heart-related ailments and as such should not be dragged into
their biased and politicised investigations."
Obanikoro also denied media reports that his wife was arrested with
incriminating evidence.

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I’m not afraid of EFCC media trial –Fayose

Firstclass Newsline gathered that the Ekiti State Governor, Mr.
Ayodele Fayose, has said that he remained unmoved by the media trial
adopted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission against him.
He said the EFCC and its collaborators in the All Progressives
Congress should wait till 2018 after his tenure when he would confront
"their lies."
Fayose said, "The EFCC did more than this in 2006 but when I
challenged their cooked up stories on poultry project in the court,
the EFCC failed to substantiate all their allegations against me and
their case crumbled like a pack of cards."
Speaking through his Special Assistant on Public Communications and
New Media, Lere Olayinka, the governor accused the anti-graft
commission of concocting stories in an attempt to tarnish his image.
He said, "If what the EFCC and its collaborators are now relying on is
a driver or a source in EFCC that speaking for Zenith Bank, and not
the former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd) that
they claimed gave the former Minister of State for Defence, Senator
Musiliu Obanikoro money to give me, goodluck to them.
"The EFCC and its spin doctors can continue to cook up stories and
feed their collaborators in the media. The media trial can continue
unabated, I am not moved. I am more focused, more resolute, I don't
lose battles. The one that they did in 2006 did not ultimately prevent
me from having a second term as governor of Ekiti State and whatever
they are doing now will also not stop me from handing over to a
Peoples Democratic Party governor in 2018.
"I will meet them in court and the whole world will again listen to
their feeble stories as it happened in poultry saga."
While reiterating his position that the EFCC was only carrying out the
APC agenda to force him out of office or discredit him before the 2018
governorship election, the governor said the commission would be asked
one day, why some politicians from Ekiti State now resume and close in
EFCC offices in Lagos and Abuja and are the ones writing stories for
publication in newspapers.
"When you read reports in their newspapers, the words and presentation
are always the same and one wonders whether the two national dailies
and the online medium they are using to spew their lies usually get
their stories from the same source and the source even writes the
stories for them just for their reporters to put their names as
bylines."

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