IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Lagos Zonal Directorate, has arraigned Jude Okoye Chigozie, former manager and elder brother of Paul and Peter Okoye of the defunct P-Square music group, on charges of money laundering.

Okoye, alongside his company, Northside Music Ltd, appeared before Justice A.O. Owoeye of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on February 26, 2025. The EFCC filed a seven-count charge against him, alleging involvement in money laundering amounting to N1.38 billion, $1 million, and £34,537.59.

One of the charges states that Okoye and his company, in 2022, acquired a property worth N850 million in Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos, knowing it was linked to proceeds of unlawful activity. Another charge accuses them of converting $1,019,762.87 through a bureau de change and distributing the funds across multiple bank accounts to conceal its illicit origin.

Okoye pleaded “not guilty” to all charges. While the prosecution counsel, L.P. Aso, requested a trial date and for Okoye to be remanded in a correctional facility, the defense counsel, Inibehe Effiong, sought bail and asked that Okoye be kept in EFCC custody pending the bail hearing. The prosecution objected, citing overcrowding in EFCC holding cells.

Justice Owoeye ruled that Okoye be remanded at Ikoyi Correctional Centre and adjourned the bail hearing to February 28, 2025, with the trial set to commence on April 14, 2025. 

By Onyinyechi Nwankwo 

As Imo people are in dire need of a redeemer, The Mazi Organization has identified Dr. Chima Amadi as having the capacity to govern Imo State, thereby redeem it for the good of the people.

They said that he is fully prepared to the onerous task of being governor, a feat they added reflects in his wide consultancy, approach to the people, including his goodness, philanthropy, godliness and cordiality with the small and mighty across board.

The Mazi Organization was emphatic that Mazi Gburugburu, a business tycoon, who is well read, has the collective interests of the people of Imo State at his heart hence he is aspiring to bring to bare his wealth of experience in politics, leadership, governance, education, commerce and industry to develop the state and hence advance infrastructure, commerce and industry, agriculture, education thereby improving the economy, good living, peace, comfort, security, prosperity and cordiality.

Making this attribute, Hon. Onyemaechi Crown, who formerly represented IhitteUboma State Constituency in Imo Assembly, during the Inaugural Meeting of Fix Imo Media Team held in Owerri on Sunday, added that Chima Amadi is a globally recognized human whose exposure in all human endeavors cannot be overstressed.

While rating Dr. Chima Amadi as the best Imo breed to govern the state with a view to promoting democratic governance, purposeful leadership, welfare and wellbeing of the people who have been yearning for better living, Onyemaechi called on the Media Team to remain resolute as they preach to Imolites especially those at the grassroots of the goodness of Chima Amadi.

Affirming that Dr Chima Amadi is going to govern Imo State in 2027, the Spokesperson of TMO and former State APC Publicity Secretary, Cajetan Duke, said Imo is in darkness and needs a light as Chima Amadi to lighten its success and progress. 

President Bola Tinubu openly told governors that federal allocations to their states have tripled under his administration.

Speaking at the APC Caucus meeting last night, where party leaders expressed their confidence in his leadership, Tinubu stated:

"If your state was receiving N40 billion before, you are now getting N120 billion!" 

Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans on Tuesday to introduce a new "gold card" residency permit, offering a fast-track route to U.S. citizenship for wealthy individuals willing to pay $5 million.

Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump explained that the initiative aims to attract job creators and help reduce the national deficit. "We’re going to be selling a gold card. You have a green card, this is a gold card. We’re putting a price of about $5 million on it," he told reporters.

Trump, who has prioritized mass deportations of undocumented migrants in his second term, stated that the new permit would be a means for affluent individuals to live and work in the U.S. "A lot of people want to be in this country, and they’ll be able to work, provide jobs, and build companies," he added.

Sales of the residency permits are set to begin within two weeks, with Trump estimating that up to one million could be issued. "We have it all worked out legally," he assured.

When asked whether Russian oligarchs would be eligible, Trump did not rule out the possibility. "Possibly. I know some Russian oligarchs who are very nice people. They’re not as wealthy as they used to be, but I think they can afford $5 million," he remarked.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine three years ago, many oligarchs have been subject to Western sanctions. Meanwhile, Trump has stirred controversy in Europe by initiating talks with Russia to end the war, raising concerns about his approach to Ukraine.

Although lifting sanctions on Russia is not currently under consideration, Trump suggested it could happen "at some point."

U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who stood beside Trump during the announcement, said revenue from the "gold card" sales could be used to reduce the national deficit.

Trump, known for branding luxury properties, even entertained the idea of naming the program after himself. "Someone asked, ‘Can we call it the Trump Gold Card?’ I said, ‘If it helps, use the name Trump,’" he joked. 

What was meant to be a joyous occasion turned into a heartbreaking tragedy when Abba Musa, the groom, and Maryam Suleiman, the bride’s elder sister, lost their lives in a fatal accident just 30 minutes before the wedding ceremony in Bauchi State.

The accident occurred in Boto, Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area, leaving the community in deep shock and mourning.

Eyewitnesses revealed that the victims were traveling from Murno, a village about five kilometers from Boto, when the tragic crash happened.

Saminu Boto, the groom’s brother, described the atmosphere as one of profound grief. "It’s an unimaginable loss. The entire community is in mourning," he said. "The families are in shock, struggling to come to terms with this sudden tragedy."

Abba Musa was remembered as a kind-hearted and ambitious young man eagerly anticipating his new life with his bride, Raihanatu Suleiman. Meanwhile, Maryam Suleiman was known for her devotion and played a key role in organizing the wedding.

"This devastating incident has cast a shadow over the entire community," Boto added. "Many see this as one of the saddest days in recent memory."

Both victims were laid to rest according to Islamic rites shortly after the accident.

The bride, overwhelmed by grief after losing both her groom and sister on what was meant to be the happiest day of her life, remains inconsolable. 

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) will today, February 26, lift the seal on sections of Ariaria International Market, Eziukwu Market, and Tenant Road drug markets in Abia State. These markets were previously shut down due to alleged involvement in the sale of fake and expired drugs.

However, according to government sources, any shop found guilty of such activities will remain sealed.

The decision to reopen the markets follows extensive negotiations between NAFDAC and Governor Alex Otti.

In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, Governor Otti emphasized that those involved in the distribution of counterfeit drugs would face strict penalties.

The statement read:

"After extensive discussions with NAFDAC at the highest level, Governor Alex Chioma Otti has secured the agency’s commitment to reopen sections of Ariaria International Market, Eziukwu Market, and Tenant Road Drug Market that have been investigated and cleared of involvement in the sale of fake, expired, or adulterated drugs."

"The reopening will be conducted by the NAFDAC Director, South-East Zone, on February 26, 2025. However, any shops found guilty of engaging in illegal drug activities will remain sealed until the culprits are brought to justice."

The Abia State Government reiterated its zero-tolerance policy toward the sale of harmful substances, pledging continued collaboration with NAFDAC to rid the state of counterfeit drugs and ensure offenders face the full weight of the law.

NAFDAC has intensified its crackdown on counterfeit drug markets across the country, recently seizing truckloads of fake pharmaceuticals from Aba, Onitsha in Anambra, and Idumota in Lagos. The agency has vowed to take decisive action against those involved in the trade of expired and adulterated products.