Banks in Nigeria have now opted for electricity/DSTV bills, community security payment receipts and building plans as means of identification of their customers rather than the National Identification Number(NIN).
Customers argue that this has defeated the Federal Government's original purpose of introducing the NIN, while the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) seems to have lost a firm grip on the banks.

This action of the banks coupled with a number of unwholesome practices have made it impossible for Nigerians to salvage their money from the affected banks.
Just last week, a customer with Access bank account No.-9993577288 was shocked when he was told by the customer service officers in the three branches of the bank he visited-Agodi/UCH 1 AND 2, Challenge, Ibadan, Nigeria, that he would need to present  the latest electricity or DSTV bill or community security payment receipt for documentation for him to withdraw money from his account.
As a result of this development and the issue of non-reversal of several online transactions, money belonging to customers is still trapped in these banks.
In his reaction, a former chairman of the Oyo state council of the Trade Union Congress(TUC), Comrade Andrew Emelieze lamented that the banks have for long played on the intelligence of NIGERIANS.
''Huge amounts of money are in these banks belonging to customers, the hard-earned money of Nigerians is hanging in these banks, most of the remittances  have not been made by these banks and virtually nothing has been done by the Central Bank of Nigeria to rescue customers. Besides, banks have been very exploitative and have continually cheated Nigerians. They no longer give interest in savings and any transaction made attracts a number of hidden charges. The banks, just like vampires, are sucking Nigerians dry,'' Comrade Emelieze noted.

 

Nigerians have reacted divergently over the just concluded registration exercise of unemployed Nigerians by the National Directorate of Employment(NDE) across the nation, days to the expiration of the life span of the present administration.
Indeed, the exercise was characterized by allegations of corruption, favoritism, influence peddling and political patronage.
A cross section of unemployed Nigerians alleged that some unscrupulous staff of the directorate took advantage of the exercise to enrich themselves.
They also alleged that those who were fortunate to be registered were supporters of politically exposed people, while stressing that the registration was not for full-time paid employment, but rather were registered for training programs for the unskilled.
Sadly, the beneficiaries are insignificant compared to the millions of jobless Nigerians.
Nigerians express disappointment over the negotiations by some staff members of the government agency with politicians, while lamenting that the exercise was limited to those who benefitted from such negotiations.
Indeed, the exercise may not have successfully captured genuine unemployed Nigerians.

Over the years, politicians have consistently influenced the recruitment process for the civil and public services.
This has resulted in the sacrificing of merit for other considerations.
In her reaction, the Oyo state Coordinator of the NDE, Mrs. Olayemi described the allegations as malicious and unfounded, adding,''it has nothing to do with my staff members except you have documentary evidence. No kobo was taken from anybody. The exercise was absolutely free. It has nothing to do with my office. Let them mention the name of one of my members of staff. I can vouch for my staff members, nobody will risk that. As far as I know, nobody has come to complain to me. We registered 8,000 people from the 33 local governments in Oyo state.
In his view, a cleric, Pastor Opeyemi Ajayi lamented that the low quality of workforce in most sectors of the economy has almost brought Nigeria to its knees.
''When you sacrifice merit for ethnic, religious and other factors in the employment process, what you will get is unqualified employees. Look at the civil and public services. It is in a state of rot and this has affected the economy negatively. Redundancy  is the order of the day in Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
For the chairman, Non-Acamdic Staff Union and Associated Institutions(NASU) University College Hospital(UCH) Ibadan, Nigeria, Comrade Kehinde Abiona, the major challenge is not redundancy, but shortage of staff.
''When we are talking about understaff, you are talking about redundancy. Workers should be diligent in their duties. This is why it is only a diligent worker that is relevant,'' Comrade Abiona stated.
However, a former chairman of the Oyo state council of the Trade Union Congress(TUC) Comrade Andrew Emelieze believes that the exercise has only succeeded in ridiculing frustrated and impoverished Nigerians.
''The exercise coming less than 25 days to the end of this administration, serves to only ridicule frustrated and hungry Nigerians, most of whom are housewives, okada riders, petty traders and artisans. Look at them on the queue. This is unfortunate.'' Comrade Emelieze concluded.

Workers in several states in Nigeria have expressed worries over the unresolved issues surrounding the national minimum wage, contributory pension scheme and other related challenges.
Their worries are further heigthened by the prolonged slience of labor leaders in the face of increasing challenges confronting workers in the affected states as a result of the unresolved issues.
Sadly, some labor unions benefited  financially from state governments and politically exposed people in the just concluded general elections in exchange for electoral support.
In a related development, the chairman of the Non-Academic Staff Union and Associated Institutions(NASU), University College Hospital(UCH) branch, Ibadan, Nigeria, Comrade Kehinde Abiona has called on the members of the union to remain calm as the union awaits a new date for elections from its national headquarters.
''Presently, the branch is waiting for the directive of the national headquarters of the union on the new date for elections. I implore our members to be law abiding and continue to give us their individual loyalty and we promise to continue to stand in the gap between members and management anytime and any day. The union has waxed stronger since the procedure to elect new branch leaders was disrupted. The sitting executives are yet to be dissolved. The Abiona-led executive is still in charge of the branch.''

Meanwhile, the UCH branch of the Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals(NUAHP) has insisted that the Oladayo Olabampe-led executives believe in the sacredness of transparency and accountability.
This position was made known on behalf of the union by its Public Relation Officer, Dr. Daniel Adejobi.
''This administration runs an open administration.''
The union's insistence is coming on the heels of allegations levelled against the branch executives by some members(names not mentioned to avoid victimization).
The allegations are hinged on corruption, high-handedness, lack of accountability and insensitivity.
However, Dr. Adejobi maintained that his response to the allegations would only come when the identities of the members are verified.
''I have to verify that the allegations are coming from the right quarters. I will need to have proof that the allegations are coming from my members  before I respond. It may be concocted. On a general note, none of the allegations are true, except if you have proof of the members that made the allegations,'' he stated.

Nigerians have been advised to shun evil practices as the nation approaches a new dawn.
This advice was given by a Christian cleric, Pastor Opeyemi Ajayi.
''I wish to call the attention of Nigerians to the rising cases of the propagation of evil and diabolism. We should shun all these satanic acts as we approach the light at the end of the tunnel, Pastor Ajayi counseled.
In recent times, pedophilia, sodomy, homosexulity and other evil acts have been on the increase in different parts of the country.

Leaders of ethnic groups in Nigeria have been called upon to warn their members to desist from making unguarded statements.
This call was made by the Ezendigbo of Ibadan and Oyo state, who is also the chairman of the A\ssociation of Non-Indigienes Traditional Heads in the state, Eze(Dr.) Alex Anozie in a Facebook post on his timeline.

twitter handle-@EzeAlexAno95807

                ''All ethnic groups in Nigeria should talk to and caution their careless talkers in the interest of our country, Nigeria.''

Advice to Town Unions and Associations
My advice to members of town unions in Oyo state and other places is that they should shine their eyes and make sure they attend meetings regularly and be carried along with what is going on in their meetings. They should not just leave everything to the leadership alone, because there are situations, wherein, in some town union meetings/association meetings, some, not all, of them, their leadership has been bought over by some people who may not be willing to do the right thing in society, because of their selfish interests and their leadership, on the fact that they have been bought over would now keep on misleading the union or association into doing the wrong things, instead of the right things.

The leadership now overshadow them, and in the process, follows the union derails and follows the wrong track which may even be unlawful, which eventually becomes a risk to the peace of society. For instance, an association or town union can critically  look into any matter and agree on the way they want to go, the majority, and they commence on that journey.
Now along the way, some of their leaders are bought over either with contracts, patronage or whatever.These forces that bought them over, are forces  who want to  destroy their agreement on the way they are going.
Now the leadership decides to derail their agreed movement, thereby causing trouble within the group and society at large.
So, if any town union or association wants to choose their leaders, they should be leaders with integrity, selflessness and the fear of God, not long-throated leaders.
So, they should try to make sure that they know what is going on in their town union or association meetings.

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Justice Department Recovers Over $53M in Profits Obtained from Corruption in the Nigerian Oil Industry

The Justice Department announced today the final resolution of two civil cases seeking the forfeiture of various luxury assets that were the proceeds of foreign corruption offenses and were laundered in and through the United States.

With the conclusion of the cases, the department has recovered roughly $53.1 million in cash – constituting the net liquidated value of the defendant’s assets – plus a promissory note with a principal value of $16 million.

According to court documents, from 2011 to 2015, Nigerian businessmen Kolawole Akanni Aluko and Olajide Omokore conspired with others to pay bribes to Nigeria’s former Minister for Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, who oversaw Nigeria’s state-owned oil company. In return, Alison-Madueke used her influence to steer lucrative oil contracts to companies owned by Aluko and Omokore. The proceeds of those illicitly awarded contracts totaling more than $100 million were then laundered in and through the United States and used to purchase various assets through shell companies, including luxury real estate in California and New York as well as the Galactica Star, a 65-meter superyacht. The real estate was also used as collateral for loans to Aluko and shell companies he controlled. As part of the forfeiture process, those lien holders were paid.  

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Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg of the FBI Washington Field Office, and Chief Jim Lee of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) made the announcement.

The FBI’s International Corruption Squad in the Washington Field Office and the IRS-CI investigated the cases, with assistance from the FBI Los Angeles Field Office.

Trial Attorneys Michael W. Khoo and Joshua L. Sohn of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section prosecuted the cases. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas provided substantial assistance. 

These cases were brought under the Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative. This initiative is led by a team of dedicated prosecutors in the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, in partnership with federal law enforcement agencies, and often with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, to forfeit the proceeds of foreign official corruption and, where appropriate, to use those recovered assets to benefit the people harmed by these acts of corruption and abuse of office.

In 2015, the FBI formed International Corruption Squads across the country to address national and international implications of foreign corruption. Individuals with information about possible proceeds of foreign corruption located in or laundered through the United States should contact federal law enforcement at tips.fbi.gov/ or send an email to kleptocracy@usdoj.gov.

Source-FBI

Non-Indigenes in Ibadan and Oyo state have appealed to the  re-elected Governor of the state to vigorously sustain the prevailing peace and tranquility in the state in his second term in office.

This appeal was made on behalf of the Non-indigenes by the Eze ndigbo of Ibadan and Oyo state, Eze(Dr.) Alex Anozie, who doubles as the chairman of the Association of Non-indigenes Traditional Heads in the state in their congratulatory message.

Eze(Dr.) Anozie also called on the state Governor to ensure the speedy rehabilitation of several bad roads in the state capital and across the state.

''I am saying a very big congratulation to our young, amiable and dynamic Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde. I am saying this on behalf of myself, all Ndibgo and Non-Indigenes Traditional Heads in Oyo state, of which I am the chairman . We are happy because God has answered our prayers and blessed him, the Governor, with the opportunity to serve a second term. We wish him all the best and we pray to God almighty to continue to bless him with good health, wisdom and guidance from above, for him to even do better during his second term.''

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''He will now become the second person to run for a second term in Oyo state. I want to give him a challenge as partners in progress to continue to ensure that there is peace and unity which is already in place in Oyo state and to continue to be in place. Let him continue to show love to all and sundry in the state and God will continue to bless him. And let him try as much as possible, to fulfill promises he made during his campaign for a second term. More importantly, we are still noticing roads that are bad in Oyo state, particularly in Ibadan. The governor should strive to revamp those roads and make sure they are in a good state, particularly the inland roads.''

''Most of the major roads are in good condition, but the inland roads are terribly bad. Let him use his second term to give Ibadan city very good roads. I am assuring him that we, in our positions as leaders of the people, of our maximum cooperation towards the maintenance of peace and orderliness in the state. I believe that anywhere there is good leadership, the followers always listen and they all keep peace wherever they reside. So, we wish the governor good luck and God's favor in all ramifications,'' Eze(Dr.) Anozie stated.

Eze(Dr.) Anozie also blamed the unpleasant happenings on political leaders who fail to caution their followers, saying, ''Let me use this opportunity to congratulate and appreciate all the political parties ' gubernatorial candidates, those who could not make it and those who made it. The greatest achievement they have to their credit is the prevailing peace in Oyo state. Oyo state is more peaceful than so many other states. That has portrayed various parties' gubernatorial candidates as gentlemen and good politicians. I am saying kudos to all of them.
I have always said that the best should be doing politics without bitterness. Then I am appealing to the authorities and to all the mercenaries concerned in midwifing our elections to find a solution to the rigging of elections and violence during elections.
This is in addition to all other vices bringing about tension in our elections.
And I believe that thuggery in whatever form in our elections will be a thing of the past if the needful is done.
I want to put the blame on the doorstep of political groups, because if the leaders caution their supporters on the need not to cause violence, the snatching of ballot boxes and the  breach of peace, their followers will listen.
So one is tempted to take the blame on most political parties. Followers always like to listen to their leaders. So maybe the leaders are not cautioning their followers enough. Maybe that is why we are having violence everywhere.

The Sacredness of Human Lives
The apex bank has decided to force business owners in Nigeria to close shop with its suicidal 18 per cent lending rate. This is worrisome, even when it is a known fact that a lot of innocent blood has been shed. Those responsible will account for their evil deeds. Human lives ought to be sacred.  

God has always been with Nigerians, regardless of the pains, anguish, sorrows and hardships.

This assertion was made by Pastor Opeyemi Ajayi.

''Nigerians should not despair or lose hope. We are not alone. God has always been with us in our times of sorrow, pain, anguish and hardships. God remains our protector and fortress. There is light at the end of the tunnel,'' Pastor Ajayi stated.

In another development, a university Don has described the attitude of Nigerians towards change as unencouraging.

According to Prof. Benjamin Ehige of the Department of Psychology, University of Ibadan, this is despite the fact that the concept of change is attractive.

Prof. Ehige made this known on Thursday at a business summit organized by the Proactive Shareholders Association of Nigeria(PROSAN), Ibadan, Nigeria.

''The concept of change looks attractive, but our attitude to change is not encouraging. People find it difficult to a change in behavior. We must think of a change of attitude, place and perceived need for change. There are attempts to dig deep into where an individual comes from during elections.

Self-Indictment

Shutting down secondary schools for unruly, wayward, unbecoming and criminally-friendly behavior exposes lapses in the education sector. In other words, the government of the day has indicted itself. This is leadership by example

Concerned members of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions(NASU), University College Hospital(UCH), Ibadan, Nigeria on Thursday organized the maiden edition of the Manifesto for contestants for the 2023 NASU UCH elections.
In her opening remarks, the chairperson of the organizing committee, Miss Winifred Agogo stressed that the elections were very important to NASU members, adding''we must elect executives with integrity, who are reliable, transparent and with foresight, who will enable all staff to reach the peak of their careers regardless of ethnicity, tribe and religion.''
Miss Agogo also noted that the mianfesto was the first of its kind in the history of the branch and UCH in general.
In his remarks, the branch chairman of the Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals(NUAHP), who doubles as the chairman of the union in the state, Mr. Oladayo Alabampe admonished the contestants to be fully prepared for the task ahead, saying '' the elections should be seen as a game and not a war. If it goes your way, that means they want you, if it does not go your way, they don't want you.''
For the chairman of NASU in the state, Mr. Adepeju, '' the pillar of unity should not be broken after the elections.''
Contestants present at the program include Mrs. Omolara Ajenifuja, Mr. Oluwaseun Asogobon and Mr. Kehinde Abiona, incumbent treasurer, secretary, and chairman respectively, while other contestants stayed away.
A major source of concern for the NASU and other unions revolves around the contributory pension scheme.

Nigerians have been called upon to come  out in their large numbers on Saturday to exercise their voting rights.
This call was made on Tuesday by a Christian Cleric,Pastor Opeyemi Ajayi in Ibadan,Oyo state,Nigeria.
''Nigerians should not be afraid, come out,exercise patience,come out to vote,monitor your  votes  for the sustenance of DEMOCRACY in the Presidential elections. Those responsible for the ugly situation have been identified and they will be brought to justice,'' Pastor Ajayi stated.

In another development, the misappropriation and mismanagement of the resources-financial and otherwise-of the states has prompted labor leaders and their followers of trade unions to grab whatever is available from candidates for the next round of elections.
To this end, workers have formed groups for engagement with candidates, while labor leaders vigorously defend anti-people policies for pecuniary reasons.
In his reaction, the chairman of the Non-Academic Staff and other Associated     Institutions Union(NASU) University College Hospita(UCH)branch, Ibadan, Nigeria, Comrade Kehinde Abiona argued that he was not aware of the activities of some workers saying, '' the Governorship candidate has not even come to UCH talkless of having any deal with him. I am not aware of any NASU member that is on the campaign team  of the state Governor. NASU comprises different trade unions.''

Hunger, fear and other forms of hardships now constitute the mindset of millions of Nigerians less than four days to the general elections.

This assertion was made on Monday by the representative of Civil Society Organizations(CSO), Hadjia Aisha Ismail, at an enlarged stakeholders meeting organized by the Oyo state office of the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC)in Ibadan, Nigeria.

''People are hungry, people don't have what to eat, there is no fuel, they can't get anything from their neighbors, banks are not dispensing cash, Point of Sale(POS) shops are also not dispensing cash. The masses are afraid to come out, we have to go out to tell them not to be afraid to come out. We have told them that when there is trouble, they should go back home. Please, we don't want hooliganism. We must not vote for the wrong people in this election,'' Hadjia Ismail concluded.

In his remark, the Resident Electoral Commissioner(REC) in the state, Dr. Adeniran Tella expressed worries over the flashpoints in the state, saying, ''the security agencies have assured them of adequate security before, during and after the elections. All hands must be on deck to achieve successful elections.''

The representative of the Inter Party Advisory Council(IPAC), Pastor Biodun Popoola appealed to political parties to act within the ambits of the law, adding ''let us educate our members. I also appeal to our religious bodies to pray more this time for God's intervention.''

However, the meeting got rowdy when the issue of the actual figure of collected and uncollected Permanent Voters Cards(PVC) was raised by a political party representative.

The gathering dispersed when the organizers hurriedly brought the meeting to an end for another official engagement. No public holidays were set aside for Nigerians in Oyo state to collect their PVCs.

In another development, the spokesman of INEC in the state, Mr. Awolowo has disclosed that the registration for the accreditation for Journalists that will cover the general elections in the state has closed.

Overcrowding

The additional population which has brought about overcrowding in several communities in Oyo state, has resulted in evil, lawlessness, crime, criminality and evil in those communities. Who are those responsible for the overcrowding? Nigerians continue to ask.

Members of the Non-Academic Staff and Associated Institutions Union(NASU) Ibadan, Nigria will, on Wednesday 15 March, 2023 elect new executives to steer the affairs of the union for the next four years.

The incumbent executives referred to as the United Transformation team, led by Comrde Kehind Abiona are seeking re-election.

The present branch secretary is Comrader Oluwaseun Asogbon while Comrade Omolara Ajenifuja is the Treasurer.

For the Progressive team, Comrade Adekunle Adegboye is the candidate for the chairmanship position, Comrade Olapeju Falow for Secretary and Olabisi Akpuko for Treasurer.

In his remarks, the incumbent chairman, Comrade Kehinde Abiona stated that the present NASU executive has performed creditably well, saying, '' we made a four point agenda and we were able to fulfill our promises within the first six months of our administration and we have done more.We have moved the union from where it was to an enviable position.''

The Comrade Adegboye-led Progressive team intends to implement an 8-point agenda if elected. The team intends to organize regular congresses to address workplace related issues, facilitate promotion and conversion for members, continuously engage and negotiate with management and empower female members and widows among others.

Abuja, Nigeria CNN  — 

Nigeria was forced Wednesday to delay plans to replace its banknotes with a redesigned currency after chaotic scenes at ATMs as millions of people struggled to get their hands on the new cash.

The country’s old notes were supposed to cease to be legal tender starting February 11 but the country’s Supreme Court suspended that deadline because banks were unable to disburse enough of the new naira.

Nigerians have been spending hours in long lines at cashpoints since late last month after rushing to deposit the old banknotes ahead of an initial deadline of January 31. But they haven’t been able to withdraw enough of the new versions to meet their daily expenses.

That shortage has led to frayed tempers and untold hardship for millions of Nigerians, particularly those who work in the cash-based informal economy and for citizens who live in rural areas.

Nigerians say they are struggling to pay for food and public transportation as vendors reject electronic payments. The pressure on the banking infrastructure has caused many servers to fail, multiple sources told CNN.

In November last year, President Muhammadu Buhari unveiled the redesigned currency with the aim of reining in counterfeiting and the hoarding of large sums outside the banking system.

Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Godwin Emefiele said in January that out of 3.23 trillion Nigerian naira ($6.9 billion) in circulation as of October last year, “only 500 billion naira was within the banking industry” while a whopping 2.7 trillion naira ($5.8 billion) was “held permanently in people’s homes.”

Emefiele added that around 1.9 trillion naira (around $4 billion) have so far been returned to the banking system since the new notes were first introduced in November.

Nigerians queue for new banknotes

Nimi Princewill/CNN

The redesigned bills were intended to replace the older series of the 200-, 500-, and 1,000-naira notes on January 31, but a 10-day extension was announced following widespread outcry about the timing.

The new notes look very similar to those in circulation with a change in color as the only significant difference. The new naira notes are, however, “fortified with security features that make them difficult to counterfeit,” President Buhari said last year.

Abulrahman Abdullahi, who lives in the Nigerian capital Abuja, told CNN he needs cash fast as he is running out of food and unable to restock supplies. Across the country, banks have increasingly become targets of mounting anger over the frustrating search for the new naira notes.

Nigeria’s largely informal economy depends mainly on cash, but the CBN is trying to encourage people to make greater use of electronic banking, a policy considered premature by analysts.

Nigerians are desperately relying on their banks to distribute new bills after the February 10 deadline to exchange the old currency saw many scrambling to deposit their old notes. The banks, however, do not have enough of the new notes to go around, fueling anger from individuals, some of whom have vandalized bank property or stripped to their underwear in rage, according to videos shared on social media.

“I’ve been here for hours,” Abdullahi told CNN, as he struggled to keep his place in a rowdy queue that had formed at a bank ATM in the Nigerian capital Abuja.

“I have to shop for foodstuffs. It has been very difficult for me. The number of times I eat in a day has reduced to two because if I run out of foodstuffs, I may not be able to restock,” he said.

At a neighboring bank, customers were instructed by staff to withdraw no more than 10,000 naira ($22) per person from its ATM. Customers from other banks were directed to withdraw only 1,000 naira (less than $3) from the cash machine.

In one Lagos supermarket, cash from the machine was restricted to just 1,000 naira (less than $2) despite the lengthy wait times.

“What can we do with 1,000 naira!,This government doesn’t care about us,” security guard Joel Johnson told CNN.

Anger and protests

The government and the CBN have come under pressure and governors of three Nigerian states are challenging in court the short time frame given to exchange the old notes for new ones, which they warn could lead to “the breakdown of law and order” ahead of the crucial presidential vote later this month.

To compound matters, Nigerians are also facing long lines for fuel across the country, leading to mounting anger and frustration with protests springing up in parts of the country as citizens rail against the hardship caused by the scarce currency and hikes in fuel prices.

One person was reportedly killed in clashes between protesters and police in Nigeria’s third most populous city, Ibadan, according to local media.

Economist Bismarck Rewane told CNN Nigeria’s transition to new currency notes could have been better handled, adding that scarcity of the new bills would hurt the country’s economy.

“It will lead to some disruption and contraction in economic activity,” Rewane says. “GDP numbers for the first quarter of the year will be affected .”

The CBN assures that “queues at ATMs will disappear soon” while directing commercial banks to pay the new notes over the counter, however, “subject to a maximum daily payout limit of N20,000 ($43).”

President Buhari said he was “aware of the cash shortages and hardship being faced by people and businesses, on account of the naira redesign,” but assured Nigerians of “significant improvements between now and the February 10 deadline.”

One scarcity too many

The current cash squeeze isn’t the only shortage Nigerians are grappling with.

A year-long fuel scarcity has worsened in the past few weeks, leaving many cash-strapped Nigerians unable to purchase gasoline, which has tripled in price in parts of the country.

State oil company NNPC blames the lingering scarcity on distribution problems. Analysts say the fuel shortages could hamper the ruling party’s chances at the February poll.

Source-CNN

Drivers wait in line to buy fuel at and next to a filling station, causing traffic gridlock on Lagos' Ibadan expressway, in Lagos on January 30, 2023.

Pius Utomi Ekpei/AFP/Getty Images

“It has implications for politics, in terms of the ruling party suffering some disapproval from the electorates because of the hardship they face,” says leading political analyst Sam Amadi.

“People are going to record the government as a failure … and that can impact the fortunes of the ruling party,” Amadi tells CNN.

President Buhari is serving a final second term and the ruling party hopes he will be succeeded by candidate Bola Tinubu, a former governor of the country’s richest state Lagos.

Amadi suggests that the shortage of the new naira could have a positive impact on the coming elections.

“It may actually reduce vote buying if well managed, which is probably (one of) the strategic objectives of the monetary policy around the new naira,” he says.

Vote buying has been a feature of Nigeria’s elections, which have been marred by violence and fraud in recent years.

Source-CNN

The chairman of the Oyo state council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ), Alhaji Ismail Ademola Babalola will be conferred with a chieftaincy title on Saturday 18 February, 2023 by the, Baale of Ologuneru, Ibadan, Oyo state Nigeria.

According to the invitation to guests, the NUJ chairman will be conferred with the title,Agbaakin Baale of Ologuneru while his wife, Monsurat Ajoke will be conferred with the title Yeye Agbaakin Iyalosde of Ologuneru.

The event which comes up at the Baale's palace in Ologuneru will be followed with the reception for invited guests at an event center in the conmmunity.

Alhaji Babalola was returned unopposed for a second term of three years by journalists in the state.

In another development, concerned journalists in the state have continued to express reservations over the practice of the profession in the state and the infiltration of the profession by criminal elements, stressing that a lot has to be done for the profession to return to the front seat.

They appealed to the NUJ executive to carry out a major reform in the union as a step towards ensuring that the worried public have confidence in professionals.

(COLUMBIA, S.C.) —The FBI Columbia field office issued a warning today to be cautious of potential romance scams ahead of Valentine’s Day. As Valentine’s Day approaches, it is likely scammers will exploit individuals online who may be looking for companionship or romance this time of year. Recent data reported in the 2021 Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) annual report showed that South Carolinians lost $6.8 million dollars to confidence fraud and romance scams that year. Although 2022 data has not been released, it is expected there will be increased reported losses due to recent upward trends. “Cyber criminals use any information they can find about you to gain your trust, build a relationship, and ultimately steal your money or personal identifiable information (PII),” said Susan Ferensic, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Columbia Division. “We want the public to be well informed about how these scams occur and how they can better protect themselves.” The following are examples of common red flags of romance scams, as well as tips to better protect yourself. Common Romance Scam Red Flags: The scammer makes promises to meet in person but gives excuses as to why they can’t. The scammer will ask for money once they gain your trust. Typically, they explain they have an owed debt, need financial assistance, or they ask for travel funds. The scammer will request money through methods that make it hard to be traced and hard to get back. The scammer may ask to leave a dating service or social media site to communicate directly. How to Protect Yourself: Be careful what you post and make public online. If you suspect a scam, stop communicating with the person immediately. Conduct a reverse image search of the person’s photo(s). If it is associated with another name or profile, it is likely a scam. Take things slow and ask a lot of questions. Never send money to someone you have only communicated with online or by phone. If you suspect you are involved in a romance scam or you have fallen victim, report the incident to the FBI’s IC3 by visiting www.ic3.gov.

Source-FBI

-Allegations Baseless-chairman

Worried members of the Non Academic Staff and Associated Institutions Union(NASU), University College Hospital(UCH)branch,Ibadan, Nigeria have accused the executives of the union of promoting self-designed and self-centered interests to the detriment of the union.

The members, who spoke incognito, also lamented the lack of accountability and transparency on the part of the executives.

''The executives of our union have continued to channel the resources of our union to self-driven and self-centered projects and interests. They have been so smart about it, but we have detected the infractions. In addition, they hide under the name of the union to seek pecuniary benefits from politically exposed persons, whom everybody knows have had engagements with the union leaders.''

''And of great worry, is the fact that we, the members of NASU are not carried along in the scheme of the union's activities. There is the need for inclusiveness, accountability and transparency,'' the aggrieved members stated.

In his reaction on behalf of the union's executives, the chairman, Comrade Kehinde Abiona dismissed the allegations, describing them as concocted and baseless.

''The so-called resource diversion is alien to me because we run the union with the mindset of transparent leadership. This our great union is backed by a constitution which stipulates our functions and the terms of stewardship at the beginning and end of our tenure, which is four years and is renewable. There has never been any occasion during which the union's resources were diverted to private interests. Since we came on board on March 13, 2019, we have opened up the resources of the union for the overall benefit of all members.''

Comrade Abiona disclosed that the days of touts and hooligans in the union were gone for good, saying, '' we ensure that there is equality and fairness in the workplace. Anything concerning my members, I must be very interested in it. I am not here as a chairman on my own, there is the secretary and treasurer. Formerly, only the chairman, secretary and treasurer took major decisions, but when we mounted the saddle on March 13, 2019, we opened up the issue of finances, so the five ex-officio members of the union are always part of the decision-making process.

The NASU chairman maintained that the union gave members the opportunity to interface with politically exposed persons, who aspire to become policy makers, saying, ''is it now a crime for a trade union leader to receive and listen to potential leaders in society? Is it a crime for us to have organized a health workers' symposium last year? Our members need to be exposed to several issues. So, what happened is that we exercised our rights to ensure a balance between the leaders, potential leaders and our members. Our engagement with them was just in the interest of our members, nothing else. He attributed the allegation to the fast-approaching elections of the union in March, stressing, ''with the fear of God paramount in our hearts, we are ensuring that transparency is not defeated in our tenure.''

''By the special grace of God, all members of the executive are recontesting in the upcoming elections. The purpose of recontesting is to consolidate and to ensure that the well rebranded image of the union does not relapse to the inglorious days. Expect our score card soon, Comrade Abiona concluded.

Owners of various categories of shops-make shift and steel containers inclusive-now constitute the majority population in most communities in Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria.

Most of these petty traders, who trade generally in second-hand and perishable items, are not residents of these communities and have become security threats.

Indeed, a sizable number of them-tradesmen, artisans, market men and women-were empowered by politically exposed personalities who hold public offices.

The personalitites who are desperate to remain in public offices, covertly support the criminal activities of these shop owners Not surprisingly, the crime rate in these communities, which include Olorunsogo, Molete, Molusi, Solanke, IMG Ibuko(the primary school is a den for criminals), Oyegbami, Oshodi, Aluko, Scout Camp, Felele, among others-has been on upsurge in recent times.

However, of worry is the continued threats to kill being issued by the shop owners, criminally minded residents, their children and wards.

Update: Jose Rodolfo Villarreal-Hernandez was arrested Saturday, January 7, 2023, by Mexican authorities. Calvin A. Shivers, assistant director of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, and Matthew J. DeSarno, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Dallas Field Office, announced today the addition of Jose Rodolfo Villarreal-Hernandez, aka “El Gato,” to the FBI’s “Ten Most Wanted Fugitives” list. A reward of up to $1 million is being offered by the U.S. Department of State’s Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program for information leading directly to his arrest. The FBI’s Dallas Field Office is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Villarreal-Hernandez, who is allegedly responsible for stalking and orchestrating the murder-for-hire of a 43-year-old male victim in Southlake, Texas. On May 22, 2013, the victim and his wife were preparing to depart a shopping center in Southlake, Texas. A white Toyota Sequoia approached the couple’s Range Rover as the wife was loading her purchases into the back of the vehicle. The victim was sitting in the passenger’s seat. The shooter exited the Toyota Sequoia as the driver pulled in behind the couple’s vehicle. The shooter approached the Range Rover from the passenger side and shot the victim multiple times. He then entered the Toyota Sequoia and fled the scene. The victim was later pronounced deceased at a local hospital.

The investigation, led by the FBI’s Dallas Field Office, revealed the victim was stalked by a group of individuals beginning in March of 2011. The investigation further determined this same group allegedly committed the murder-for-hire on May 22, 2013, at the direction of Villarreal-Hernandez. Investigators believe that Villarreal-Hernandez had a personal grudge against the victim.

A federal arrest warrant was issued in the United States District Court, Northern District of Texas, in 2018. Villarreal-Hernandez is charged with interstate stalking and conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire.

“Jose Rodolfo Villarreal-Hernandez is charged with orchestrating a brutal murder that took place in broad daylight at a busy shopping center. The shooter and his accomplices showed no regard for the victim, his wife, or the innocent bystanders who witnessed the murder,” said Special Agent in Charge DeSarno. “The FBI’s ‘Ten Most Wanted Fugitives Program’ allows us to bring this case to the eyes and ears of citizens around the world. We will not rest until Villarreal-Hernandez is apprehended and made to answer for these charges in court.”

“The FBI will continue to use its ‘Ten Most Wanted Fugitives Program’ to locate and arrest violent criminals like Jose Rodolfo Villarreal-Hernandez,” said Assistant Director Shivers. “We will bring to justice those individuals who commit violent acts and threaten the safety of our citizens and our community. However, in order for us to be effective, we need the public’s assistance. We encourage you to reach out to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI if you witness a crime or have information that is beneficial to an ongoing investigation."

Villarreal-Hernandez should be considered armed and dangerous. He has black hair and brown eyes, stands 5 feet 4 inches tall, and is approximately 165 pounds. The FBI believes he may be hiding in Mexico.

Villarreal-Hernandez is the 524th person to be placed on the FBI’s “Ten Most Wanted Fugitives”

list. A “Ten Most Wanted Fugitive” poster is available on the FBI’s website and is posted on various social media platforms, including Facebook and Twitter. Additionally, digital billboards in several states that border Mexico will publicize Villarreal-Hernandez. The FBI has established a new tip line through the mobile application WhatsApp. Anyone with information regarding Villarreal-Hernandez’s whereabouts should call +1 817-213-6640 through WhatsApp. Tips can also be provided online at tips.fbi.gov.

Source-FBI

United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced December’s Grand Jury A and B indictments. The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence. Federal Grand Jury B, Dec. 19- 23, 2022 Anthony Abel-Flores; Jabier Bustos; Vanessa Garcia-Jimenez; Olivia Carrell. Drug Conspiracy; Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises. Beginning in November 2022, Abel-Flores, 31; Bustos, 33; Garcia-Jimenez, 19; and Carrell, 27, of Jennings, allegedly took part in a methamphetamine conspiracy. As part of that conspiracy, Abel-Flores, Bustos, and Garcia-Jimenez are charged with possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Finally, Carrell is charged with maintaining a place in Jennings for the purpose of storing and distributing the methamphetamine. Homeland Security Investigations and the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel-lyn McCormick is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-428 Eli Cooper Cailler. Possession of Child Pornography; Receipt of Child Pornography. Cailler, 24, of Inola, is charged with possessing and receiving child sexual abuse material from April 1, 2020,to July 18, 2022. Homeland Security Investigations and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah Paisner is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-421 Caleb Lee Giles. Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country (Counts 1, 4); Abusive Sexual Contact with a Minor in Indian Country (Counts 2, 5); Coercion and Enticement of a Minor (Counts 3, 6) (superseding). Giles, 23, of Afton, is charged with perpetrating sex crimes against two minor victims from September 2020 to January 2022. The FBI is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan E. Michel is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-136 Lane Gloyd. Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography. Gloyd, 23, of Sand Springs, is charged with receiving and distributing numerous images of child sexual abuse material from Jan. 8, 2021, to April 25, 2022. Homeland Security Investigations and the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney William Rubens is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-136 Solon Michael Griffith. Child Abuse in Indian Country. Griffith, 55, of Vinita, is charged with striking and significantly bruising a 6-year-old victim. The FBI is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Niko A. Boulieris is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-416 Jeannie Rene King; Jacob Alejandro Romero. Child Abuse in Indian Country (Count 1); Child Neglect in Indian Country (Counts 2,3). From Sept. 21, 2022, through Oct. 18, 2022, King, 23, of Sapulpa, abused an infant, causing multiple fractures to the child’s legs. King and Romero, 22, of Sapulpa, also failed to ensure proper medical treatment and supervision for the child. The FBI and Sapulpa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Ihler is prosecuting the case. Lawrence Macon Jr. First Degree Murder in Indian Country (Count 1); Causing Death by Using and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence (Count 2); Felon in Possession of a Firearm (Count 3); Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition (Count 4); Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country (Counts 5, 7); Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence (Count 6); Carrying, Using, Brandishing, and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence (Count 8) (superseding). Macon Jr., 30, of Tulsa, is charged with killing Aliza Renea Crook using a firearm on Nov. 6, 2022. Macon Jr. shot into the vehicle Crook was riding in, striking the victim. He is further charged with being a felon in possession of a Beretta U.S.A. Corporation 9 mm caliber Parabellum semi-automatic pistol and with possessing a Smith & Wesson 9 mm caliber semi-automatic pistol, a H.S. Produkt .45 caliber ACP semi-automatic pistol, a Glock Inc. .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, and 90 rounds of ammunition. Additionally, on Sept 11, 2022, Macon allegedly followed a second victim and discharged his firearm into a vehicle while the victim was in the car. Finally, he is alleged to have pistol whipped a third person with a firearm on Oct. 2, 2022. The FBI, Tulsa Police Department, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Niko A. Boulieris and Ryan H. Heatherman are prosecuting the case. 22-CR-388 Julio Martinez-Perez. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Martinez-Perez, 33, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States on Oct. 18, 2016, at or near Del Rio, Texas. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney William Rubens is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-425 Leeroy Wendell McQueary, II. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country (Counts 1, 2). McQueary allegedly assaulted two St. Francis Hospital security officer when drove his car directly at the two officers, only swerving after they discharged their firearms at the vehicle. The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Tulsa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Niko Boulieris is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-417 Enedino Nives-Tomas. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien; Alien Unlawfully in the United States in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Nives-Tomas, 34, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been removed on Aug. 16, 2017, at or near Laredo, Texas. He is also charged with possessing a Ruger .45 auto semi-automatic pistol and eight rounds of ammunition while being unlawfully in the United States. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney William Rubens is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-423 Antonio Diaz Rodriguez-Razo. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Rodriguez-Razo, 59, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been removed on Sept. 5, 2014, at or near Del Rio, Texas. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas E. Buscemi is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-424 Joaquin Guerroro Rodriguez. Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Heroin with Intent to Distribute; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises. Rodriquez, 33, of Tulsa, is charged with possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and with possessing with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin on Oct. 21, 2022. The defendant is further charged with maintaining a place in Tulsa for the purpose of distributing methamphetamine and heroin. The Drug Enforcement Administration is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel-lyn McCormick is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-418 Luis Uvence Ulloa. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Ulloa, 31, a Honduran national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been removed on June 30, 2014, at or near San Antonio, Texas. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney William Rubens is prosecuting the case. 22-Cr-422 Federal Grand Jury A, Dec. 5-9, 2022 Jose Luis Reyes Alvarez, Lauro Estrada Cruz. Drug Conspiracy (Counts 1, 2); Use of a Communication Facility in Committing, Causing, and Facilitating the Commission of a Drug Trafficking Felony (Counts 3-34); Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute (Count 35); Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime (Count 36); Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises (37); Possession of a Firearm by an Alien Illegally in the United States (Count 38). From July 27, 2022, through Aug. 31, 2022, Alvarez, 30, a Mexican national, and others conspired to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. An unindicted coconspirator coordinated the shipments of multi-kilogram quantities of the drug from Mexico to Tulsa for redistribution. A separately charged defendant received bulk quantities of the cocaine and redistributed it. He and the unindicted coconspirator would coordinate the return of the sale proceeds to Mexico. Alvarez also retrieved proceeds from the sale of cocaine from the separately charged defendant and conducted wire transfers to Mexico. In Count 2, Alvarez; Cruz, 30, of Tulsa; and others conspired to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine from October 2022, to Nov. 15, 2022. The cocaine was shipped from Mexico to Tulsa, and the two men conducted their operations from a home located at 840 North Louisville Avenue in Tulsa. Cruz allegedly prepared the cocaine for distribution at the Tulsa residence, and Alvarez collected drug proceeds using CashApp then stored the proceeds at the residence. Cruz also allegedly possessed an Aero Precision semi-automatic pistol and a Fabrique Nationale Herstal rifle in furtherance of his drug trafficking crime. Alvarez also allegedly possessed a Mossberg rifle and a Kimber .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol while illegally residing in the United States. The Drug Enforcement Administration, Tulsa Police Department, and Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Nasar is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-394 Rodrigo Antonio-Torres. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Antonio-Torres, 35, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been removed on May 23, 2007, at or near Brownsville, Texas. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas E. Buscemi is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-402 Timothy Lewis Cantrell. Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. Cantrell, 59, of Tulsa, is charged with possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. He is further charged with being a felon in possession of an Obera Hermanos .38 caliber revolver with an obliterated serial number and 34 rounds of ammunition. Finally, he is charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking crime. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth Elmore is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-403 Lacey Dawn Deckard. Kidnapping in Indian Country. Deckard, 43, of Broken Arrow, allegedly held an elderly woman against her will in the woman’s home on September 19, 2022. The FBI and Broken Arrow Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth Elmore is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-404 Ramon Dominguez-Arambula. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Dominguez-Arambula, 67, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after previously being deported on Sept. 17, 1999, at or near Paso Del Norte, Texas. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney William Rubens is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-40 Andy Cristiany Flores-Rosa. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Flores-Rosa, 22, a Honduran national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States on May 6, 2019, at or near Houston, Texas. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney William Rubens is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-406 James Cledtis Gregory Gillis. Coercion and Enticement of a Minor in Indian Country; Abusive Sexual Contact with a Minor in Indian Country; Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country. Gillis, 18, of Sapulpa, is charged with committing sex crimes against a minor between the ages of 12 and 16 from June 22, 2022, to July 8, 2022. The FBI is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chantelle D. Dial is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-397 Julio Vasquez Gonzalez. Distribution of Fentanyl (Counts 1, 2); Distribution of Methamphetamine (Count 3). Gonzalez, 39, of Bristow, is charged with distributing fentanyl on June 21, 2022, and Aug. 31, 2022. He is further charged with distributing more than 30 grams of methamphetamine on Oct. 27, 2022. The Drug Enforcement Administration is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel-lyn A. McCormick is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-400 Tara Alvita-Gourd Gutierrez. Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute. Gutierrez, 46, of Tulsa, is charged with possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Spencer Willson is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-407 Robert Ross Patton. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country; Kidnapping in Indian Country; Assault by Striking, Beating, and Wounding (Misdemeanor). On Oct. 31, 2022, Patton, 46, of Claremore, allegedly threatened to kill his dating partner, confronted her with a knife, and stabbed at her, cutting her hand as she tried to defend herself. He also allegedly held the victim against her will. Finally, he is charged with repeatedly striking the victim. The FBI and Rogers County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven J. Briden is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-408 Ramon Edgar Perez-Nunez. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Perez-Nunez, 47, a Mexican national, is charge with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been removed on May 14, 2016, at or near Hidalgo, Texas. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert T. Raley is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-409 Douglas Reyes. Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Carrying a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime; Interstate Travel to Aid Racketeering. Reyes, 43, a Mexican national, is charged with possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. He is further charged with carrying a firearm during his drug trafficking crime. Finally, he is charged with traveling from Missouri to Oklahoma with the intent to distribute the drug. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Oklahoma Highway Patrol are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Tonkin is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-398 James Isac Snyder. First Degree Burglary in Indian Country; Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country. Snyder, 34,of Commerce, is charged with forcibly breaking into a residence with intent to assault a male in the home. He is further charged with assaulting the male victim, resulting in serious bodily injury. The FBI, Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, and Quapaw Nation Marshals Service are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon A. Skates is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-410 Alfonso Solis-Melendez. Transportation of Illegal Aliens. Solis-Melendez, 33, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, is alleged to have knowingly transported and moved 10 individuals within the United States who had entered the country illegally. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and Enforcement and Removal Operations and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney William Rubens is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-399 Bobby Ray Stevens. Kidnapping in Indian Country (Count 1); Assault of an Intimate/Dating Partner by Strangling, Suffocating, and Attempting to Strangle and Suffocate in Indian Country (Count 2); Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country (Count 3); Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury to an Intimate/Dating Partner in Indian Country (Count 4); Tampering with a Witness, Victim, and Informant by Corrupt Persuasion (Counts 5, 6). From Nov. 11, 2022, to Nov. 13, 2022, Stevens, 33, of Bartlesville, held a dating partner against her will. During that time, he strangled the victim and assaulted her repeatedly, causing serious bodily injury and substantial bodily injury. On Dec. 13, 2022, he also tried to stop the victim from communicating with law enforcement, and later that month he successfully persuaded the victim not to appear at federal grand jury proceedings, to which she had been summoned. The FBI and Washington County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney George Jiang is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-395 Carlos Ventura Grave. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Grave, 36, a Guatemalan national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States on Aug. 12, 2016, at or near Harlingen, Texas. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas E. Buscemi is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-411 Ricky Leroy White. Abusive Sexual Contact with a Minor Under 12 Years of Age in Indian Country (Counts 1,2); Abusive Sexual Contact with a Minor in Indian Country (Count3). White, 32, of Pryor, is charged with abusive sexual contact against a minor from Oct. 9, 2014, to Oct. 8, 2015. He is also charged with abusive sexual contact against a second child from June 7, 2010, to June 6, 2017. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah Paisner is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-401 John Dillion Wroblewsi. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition; Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. Wroblewski, 30, of Muskogee, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Glock 9x19mm caliber semi-automatic pistol and 11 rounds of ammunition. He is also charged with possessing with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of fentanyl and with possessing a firearm to further his drug trafficking crime. Homeland Security Investigations and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam C. Baily is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-412

Source-FBI

The gruesome murder of Bolanle Raheem by an Assistant Superintendent of Police(ASP) has been described as a reflection of the depraved mindset of those in government.

This assertion was made by a former chairman of the Oyo state council of the Trade Union Congress(TUC), Comrade Andrew Emelieze.

''This kind of tragedy shows that those ruling Nigeria are heartless, wicked and do not value the lives of Nigerians. This is the kind of nightmare that Nigerians face daily at the hands of men and officers of the Nigeria Police Force. The police are doing the opposite of what they were recruited to do. Rather than protecting Nigerians, the police are on the streets, extorting, attacking and maiming innocent Nigerians. It is quite unfortunate, pathetic and very sorrowful that Mrs. Bolanle Raheem was killed in cold blood by a drunken police officer. We pray for the repose of her soul and also pray that God will give the family the fortitude to bear the great loss.''