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‘Journalist’, Lawyer In Prison For Blackmailing ODM Publisher, Bishop Dr Chris Kwakpovwe

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A blackmailer who claims to be a journalist has landed in Kirikiri Maximum Prison attempting to extort money from a popular clergy in Lagos through blackmail. Ohio Ojeagbase, 38, walked into the net of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, after perfecting his extortion plot on Bishop (Dr.) Chris Kwakpovwe, the General Overseer of the Manna Prayer Mountain and publisher of the daily devotional, Our Daily Manna. He was arrested alongside a Lagos-based lawyer, Barr. Uche Iloani accused of working together with Mr. Ohio who owns Probiters Report.

Trouble started for Ohio and his accomplice after they had planted a lady in Bishop Kwapovwe’s ministry to function as a staff whose job was to feed them with information that could facilitate their blackmail plans on the clergy.

Rita Ibeni, the staff, who worked in the media department of the ministry for about five years, was fingered after a massive looting of the ODM Video Unit of media and video equipment worth N5.6 million. The main suspect and other departmental staffers were arrested. When she was confronted with evidence of the theft, she absconded from the church office. This prompted her arrest at the instance of the ministry and a case was filed at Area H Police Command, Ogudu, Lagos. Upon her arrest, Barr. Iloani, who claimed to be her counsel, came forward to demand for her immediate release with a plea to the ODM and the ministry that the matter would be settled out of court.

However, as soon as Rita Ibeni was granted bail, the story took a new twist as Mr. Ohio went to work. He wrote a letter to Bishop Kwakpovwe claiming that the latter tried to oppress one of his staffers and that they were going to publish a story in that regard which could finish the ODM Vision which has affected millions of lives across the Globe. According to him, “Whatever we tell the public will be believed since we have 250 million online membership.” He demanded millions of naira from the man of God if he wanted the story killed. Ohio Ojeagbase claimed he and his accomplice had recorded verbal (audio) conversations between Rita and the bishop where the man of God made sexual advances at the former. However, further probe and forensic examination later, revealed that the recording was fake as the fabricated voice was not the bishop’s.

After series of accusations and threats to publish negative story of sexual harassment and threat to life concerning the Bishop and even threats of kidnap of his loved ones by other faceless members of the group, they demanded settlement to avoid the story going viral, claiming it was not their intention to damage the image of the revered man of God. They also told the bishop they had done a “human google” on him and they knew his worth! At that point, the bishop “smelled a rat” and quickly reported the matter to the police.

The lawyer asked for N15 million (fifteen million naira) for inconveniences tagged as professional fees and the inconveniences his ‘client’ Ms Rita Ibeni had gone through during her arrest, while Mr Ohio demanded for 50% of whatever is paid to the lawyer.

The suspects also gave the man of God the option of handing in original copies of his property documents that they would help him facilitate quick loan from a bank so he could make the payment without stress. That was when the Bishop Dr Chris Kwakpovwe went back to the police to lodge complaints. The police then advised that further calls, SMS or meetings be electronically recorded as evidence, and that was done.

They were, however, rounded up on Wednesday, April 12th, 2017 in Ogudu, Lagos, while they were at the agreed venue for the man of God to make payment. Journalists further gathered that they came on that day with two borrowed jeeps.

The case was charged to court on Thursday April 17, 2017 where the suspects were remanded at Kirikiri Maximum Prison over their inability to meet up with the bail conditions.

We gathered that Mr. Ohio had earlier blackmailed many clergymen and businessmen in the country. The suspects, according to information made available to us, were in the habit of planting people in the homes and offices of wealthy men and women, clergy men, business men and women to plan how to blackmail and extort money them eventually.

Speaking on the incident at the court premises, the bishop told journalists that he knew that this was a plot to DISTRACT him from the LOOTED VIDEO EQUIPMENT’S CASE, Blackmail/Extort money (millions) from him and discredit him as a man of God, but his proactive approach to get to the bottom before they carried out their nefarious acts stopped them in their tracks. He said he never made any advances and can never do so with the suspected looter of the video unit (the former employee). “I am used to such satanic fabrications, gang-ups, lies, concoctions and distractions! He reminded journalists of a current and lingering court case which involves a lady who took him to court for the ridiculous charge of falling down and breaking her teeth at a Lagos National Stadium programme – World Anointing Night, 6 years ago.

“Thousands of souls came for that programme from 23 countries, 6 years ago. The lady whom I never met, took me to court and she is claiming 22 million damages. The case which provoked nationwide outrage against the lady is still on.”

“As a man of God, such lies, manipulations, fabrications, temptations and battles are expected because the devil is mad and will be mad against any child of God who is living right and who is a terror to his kingdom. But he is only a roaring lion without teeth. Was Joseph not wrongfully attacked and blackmailed by Mrs Portiphar? But did he not sit on his throne at last? I have learnt that in life, success attracts uncommon battles and for every one person who celebrates your success, there are at least two others who are plotting your down fall. Indeed, there are no blue skies without storms but the rainbow is the final bus stop if you refuse to be distracted from your goals! Victory is sure by God’s grace! I shall make no deeper comments for now since the matter is before the courts.” He said.

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Famous For High Standard: AFROGRAMS Set To Honor Amosun, Others At 70th Founder’s Anniversary

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As African Church Grammar School Abeokuta is set to celebrate its 70th Anniversary, former governor of Ogun state, Senator Ibikunle Amosun FCA CON, is among prominent individuals set to be honoured during the week-long activities of the establishment of the school.

 

Founded in 1955 by the African Church Mission, the school, which is “famous for high standard”, has produced prominent individuals who have excelled in their various field of endeavours. It is in recognition of this that National Executive Council of the Old Students Association of the school has come up with a series of engaging events, including Career Talk, Award presentation, Projects commissioning to herald its 2025 Annual General Meeting.

 

Located in Ita Iyalode, directly opposite the residence of the former Nigerian president – Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, the institution remains a cornerstone of academic excellence in Ogun State.

 

In a statement jointly signed by the Old Students Association’s National President – Dr. Babatunde Akinsola and General Secretary – Alhaji Lion Shafih Adeyemi Amusa, the celebration will start from Tuesday, 18th February 2025, to Sunday, 23rd February, 2025.

 

Activities marking the event will include a career talk for students, a literary and debating competition, a novelty football match between old students and teachers, and a Jumat service at Owu Central Mosque while a Church service also follows at African Church, Idi-Ape, Abeokuta.

 

Other highlights include suya night, presentation of a 10-year master plan, commissioning of new projects, awards ceremony, and elections of new officers.

 

The anniversary, which also aims to reunite past students, celebrates the school’s achievements, and set a vision for its future will see other prominent Alumni get awards from the National Executive Council of the Old Students Association. Among the Awardees are, Hon. Oyetunde Ojo – the Chairman of Federal Housing Authority, Chief Biodun Agbaje – a businessman and philanthropist, Dr. Mutiu O. Agboke Esq – Resident Electoral Commissioner (Osun State), Mr. Bayo Olujimi Ogundimu – a reputable administrator and former Registrar of D S Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Mr. Bola Badmus – a financial expert and consultant, and Dr. Tokunbo Sowunmi – a medical doctor based in the UK.

 

 

The Old Students Association remains committed to ensuring the continued growth and development of their alma mater.

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Court reschedules hearing in Ganduje bribery case

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The Kano State High Court in Kano, North-west Nigeria, on Thursday, fixed 15 April to hear objections to the charges pending against a former governor of the state, Abdullahi Ganduje, who is the current national chairperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Cable reports that, in the case, the Kano State Government charged Mr Ganduje; his wife, Hafsat; son, Umar Abdullahi Umar; and five others, with eight counts of bribery, misappropriation, and diversion of public funds.

The rest of the defendants are Abubakar Bawuro, Jibrilla Muhammad, Lamash Properties Limited, Safari Textiles Limited, and Lasage General Enterprises Limited.

Based on defence lawyers’ request on Thursday, trial judge Amina Adamu-Aliyu rescheduled proceedings for the hearing of the notices of preliminary objection filed against the charges by the defendants.
Earlier at the proceedings on Thursday, the prosecution led by Adeola Adedipe, told the court that he was ready for the hearing of the defendants’ notices of preliminary objection.

Mr Ganduje’s lawyer, Lydia Oluwakemi-Oyewo, similarly expressed readiness for the hearing of the applications.

However, Adekunle Taiye-Falola, the counsel for the 3rd and 7th defendant, said he was not ready to move his preliminary objection.

He said he needed to first regularise his client’s processes filed out of time.

On the other hand, Sunusi Musa, the fifth defendant’s lawyer noted that he had also filed a motion on notice for extension of time since 7 January. He urged the court to grant the application.

The sixth defendant’s lawyer, Abubakar Ahmed, said he filed a notice of preliminary objection as far back as 9 September 2024, and was ready to proceed.

Also, the eighth defendant’s lawyer, Ibrahim Aliyu-Nasarawa, told the court he was not ready to move his application, adding that he intended to file and reply on points of law.

Following this scenario, the trial judge granted all the applications for extension of time and postponed the matter to 15 April for hearing of all pending preliminary objections.

The Kano State Government accused Mr Ganduje in the charges of collecting $210,000 bribe from “people and entities seeking or holding the execution of Kano State Government contract and or project for the remodelling of Kantin Kwari textile market as a bribe through one of the contractors (agent)”.

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Alleged N12 billion Fraud: EFCC demands Otudeko’s physical presence in court

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The counsel in the case of alleged fraud charge brought against the Chairman of Honeywell Group, Oba Otudeko, on Thursday, filed several preliminary objections to the suit before the Federal High Court in Lagos.

The preliminary objections from the accused were contested in court Thursday just as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) demanded Mr Oba Otudeko’s physical presence in court at the next hearing.

The applications included those challenging the court’s jurisdiction to entertain the case, those asking for stay of arraignment, and those seeking quashing of the charge.

The EFCC had preferred a 13-count charge against Mr Otudeko and a former Managing Director of First Bank Plc., Olabisi Onasanya.

Also charged is a former member of the board of Honeywell Group, Soji Akintayo, and a firm, Anchorage Leisure Ltd.

The N6.2 billion fraud charge is marked FHC/L/20C/2025 and before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke.

The case was scheduled for arraignment on 20 January, but the defendants were absent on the grounds that the EFCC had not served them with the charge.

Their counsel had argued that they only got “wind” of the case on the pages of newspapers.

The court consequently directed service of the charge by substituted means, and adjourned the case.

On Thursday, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) announced appearance for the EFCC and Wole Olanipekun (SAN) announced appearance for Mr Otudeko, while Olasupo Shashore (SAN) appeared for Mr Onasanya.

Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN) appeared for Akintayo, while Ade Adedeji (SAN) aanounced appearance for Anchorage Leisure Ltd.

Babajide Koku (SAN) announced appearance for the nominal complainant, First Bank of Nigeria.

Mr Olanipekun informed the court of an application he filed on behalf of Mr Otudeko and dated 28 January which he said was served on the EFCC on 29 January.

He also told the court that there was an affidavit dated 1st February which gave details of Mr Otudeko’s absence in court.

Other defence counsel briefly introduced their applications before the court.

In response, EFCC counsel told the court that he had complied with the court’s directive on substituted service of the charge on the first, third and fourth defendants and had attached a proof of service.

He also told the court that he received processes from Mr Olanipekun confirming that Mr Otudeko was not within the court’s jurisdiction.

Mr Oyedepo added that he received a “harvest of motions” from defence counsel in the suit, objecting to the suit.

He said it was important to know when the parties could return to the court for arraignment of the defendants since the first defendant was absent.

In response, Mr Olanipekun informed the court that he had served an application on the prosecution on behalf of Mr Otudeko, adding that the EFCC had seven days to reply.

He argued that a court had to, first, decide whether it had jurisdiction to entertain the case.

He urged the court to give a date for hearing of the defendants’ applications.

In response, Mr Oyedepo argued that the arraignment of the defendants ought to be taken first before any applications.

He cited the Court of Appeal’s decision in the case of Yahaya Bello as well as the provisions of Section 396(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.

He submitted that the court should adjourn the case for arraignment of the defendants.

In further response, Mr Olanipekun argued that it was important for the parties to refrain from “pulling cases by a strand of hair”.

Citing judicial authorities decided after the enactment of the ACJA, including Federal Republic of Nigeria (FRN) versus Idahosa and Shema Ibrahim versus FRN, he argued that the court dispensed with the appearance of the defendants in both cases.

On his part, counsel to the third defendant, Mr Ogunwumiju, also argued that it was important for the court to first take the objection by the defence in the interest of justice.

Citing the provisions of Edet versus State as well as Section 412(3) of the ACJA, he submitted that arraigning the defendants before hearing their objections would be prejudicial.

In the same vein, counsel to the second defendant, Mr Shashore, urged the court to hear the applications of defence.

According to him, the fourth defendant seeks an application staying arraignment, and another quashing the charge.

He argued that it would be unfair to insist that the court take the defendants’ pleas to a charge that might eventually be quashed.

He added that it was important for the court to first decide whether there was merit in doing same.

Counsel to the fourth defendant, Mr Adedeji, argued on the authority of Nwadike versus FRN that court processes must not be made to oppress citizens.

He argued that the case of Yahaya Bello as cited by the prosecution was not relevant to the suit, neither was the provisions of Section 396(3) of ACJA.

Mr Adedeji said the defendants ought not to face fraud trial for a civil transaction.

In reply, Mr Oyedepo said the cases cited by defence counsel were out of context and did not reflect the charge.

He urged the court to make an order directing Mr Otudeko to be present in court on the next adjourned date.

At this point, Mr Olanipekun informed the court that Mr Otudeko was under medical review and was advised to remain in the United Kingdom until a comprehensive review and medical advice.

He urged the court not to make such an order but to adjourn the case for hearing of the applications.

The judge adjourned the case until March 17 for ruling on the arguments.

(NAN)

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