EID EL FITRI- FG DECLARES TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

The Federal Government has declared next week Tuesday and Wednesday as public holidays.

Disclosing this on Thursday, the Minister of Interior, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (rtd) said it is to allow Muslim faithful mark the Eid-el Fitri celebrations.

Dambazau, in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Bassey Akpanyung, urged all Muslims and Nigerians in general to use “the period of spiritual rejuvenation to reflect on the imperative of unity and peaceful co-existence in strengthening the bond of togetherness for a strong, virile nation.”

GOVERNOR IKPEAZU OBTAINS EX PARTE ORDER AGAINST THE SWEARING IN OF UCHE OGAR AS GOVERNOR

The Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, on Thursday obtained a motion-exparte from the High Court of the state restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, from issuing a Certificate of Return to Mr. Uche Ogah, pending the determination of the motion on notice.

The order of injunction also restrained the Chief Judge of Abia State or any other judge of the court from swearing in Ogah as governor while Ikpeazu remains in office.

Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court in Abuja had on Monday asked INEC to issue the Certificate of Return issued to Ogah, ruling that on the account of fake tax returns filed during the primaries, Mr Ikpeazu, ab initio was never qualified to run in the PDP primaries as a governorship candidate.

Following this order, INEC on Thursday issued a Certificate of Return to Ogah, who came second at the last Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship primaries in Abia State.

SEE GOVERNOR IKPEAZU'S REACTION TO THE ISSUE OF CERTIFICATE OF RETURN BY INEC TO UCHE OGAR

Embattled Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has reacted to the issuance of Certificate of Return to Mr. Uche Ogah by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as governor of Abia State.

A statement he personally signed on Thursday said it was said that INEC carried out the issuance, “despite dependency of a notice of appeal and motion on stay of the orders made by Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja”.

He added that, “Our laws are clear on this matter. No one may be issued with a certificate of return let alone be sworn in as governor, when there is a subsisting appeal and application for stay.

“I want to appeal to Abians to remain calm and law abiding in the face of this provocation, unless and until the appellant courts have conclusively resolve the appeal, the status remains, I am still the Governor of Abia State.”

INEC REVEALS REASONS WHY IT ISSUED CERTIFICATE OF RETURN TO UCHE OGAR

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has explained why the first runner up in the 2014 Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, gubernatorial primary election in Abia State, Uche Ogah was issued with Certificate of Return on Thursday.

An Abuja Federal High Court had on Monday annulled the election of Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu for alleged tax evasion and also ordered INEC to issue Ogah with Certificate of Return.

Explaining why Ogah was issued with the Certificate of Return, INEC’s National Commissioner, in charge of the South East, Amb. Lawrence Nwuruku said the commission only heeded to a Federal High Court order.

Nwuruku stated that he could go to jail if he acted otherwise, stressing that if the valid court order was later reversed, INEC would not hesitate to act accordingly.

He said, “The situation is that we are simply obeying the court order. The court said with immediate effect, without wasting time, we should issue him Certificate of Return and that is what we have done – to obey the court order. If the court tomorrow issues another order, we would obey the same. By the grace of God, I am the INEC Commissioner in charge of South East.

“If court says we should issue the same certificate to another person, I will do same. In this case, court ordered us to issue a Certificate of Return to the person who won the election and that is Uche Ogah.

“I was the person who gave the Certificate of Return to Gov. Ikpeazu as he was declared winner. Now, the court has said otherwise. One thing we know is that we are not above the law and we cannot disobey the laws of the land. After the court, another person we obey in our land is God and my conscience is my God. Another thing that guides us is the court and we must obey its order with immediate effect.”

. INEC ISSUES CERTIFICATE OF RETURN TO UCHE OGAR AS ABIA GOVERNOR

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on Thursday issued certificate of return to Uche Ogah, of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as the new governor of Abia state.

This follows Monday’s judgement of the Federal High Court in Abuja annulling the election of Okezie Ikpeazu over alleged tax evasion.

The Justice Okon Abang-led court had held that Ikpeazu submitted false tax information to his party, the PDP during the governorship primary in December 2014, and as such was not qualified to contest for the party’s primaries.

Justice Abang also ordered INEC to immediately issue a certificate of return to Ogah, while ordering Ikpeazu to immediately vacate the office of the governor.

READ THE SHOCKING CONFESSION FROM THIS MORTUARY ATTENDANT WHO SLEEPS WITH FEMALE CORPSES IN THE MORTAURY

A Cameroonian man, Sharkan Lucas, on Wednesday made shocking revelations on how he took to having sex with dead bodies due to constant rejection from ladies because he works as mortuary attendant.

Lucas, an attendant at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, insisted he was mentally stable.

Speaking on Ghanaian TV station ADOM TV, the mortician claimed that sleeping with the dead women (an act called necrophilia) was part of the training he received when he was hired at the hospital in Ghana.

Lucas said, “I do it many many times. That is the training you have to do that, because once you have done that you will not be afraid of them again. If you want to bath the dead body, you will carry her legs up to wash her private part, that’s why we are taught to learn to sleep with the corpses. When I am inside the mortuary, I see some fresh girls and I satisfy myself.

“Being with dead bodies is normal for me because I am with them day and night. I feel like they are living whenever I am at work.

“Besides, I wanted to marry but the girl says I am a mortuary man. I can satisfy myself at the mortuary because girls don’t want to date me outside or live with me for fear that I may kill them. Living women rejected me because of my job, that is why I am still single.

“Since I was born, I have never slept with a living being. Working in a mortuary is a gift God gave me, it’s my talent. It’s very rare, not everybody can do it.

“I am okay, I have no mental issues,” he added.

Meanwhile, Lucas said he was sacked shortly after he divulged his affairs on camera.

He said, “When I got back to work three day after (yesterday), my colleague said my supervisor brought policemen to arrest me. They did not let me go near the mortuary again and I have worked with them for 2 years and 6 months and I have not been paid.

“I want them to pay my money so I can go back to my country,” Lucas said.

TENNIS- RETURNEE TENNIS LEGEND , ROGER FEDERER BEATS BRITISH DEBUTANT , MARCUS WILLIS IN THE SECOND ROUND OF ONGOING WIMBLEDON GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT

British qualifier Marcus Willis' remarkable Wimbledon run came to an end with defeat by seven-time champion Roger Federer on Centre Court.

Willis, the world number 772 who came through six rounds of qualifying and the first-round proper, was beaten 6-0 6-3 6-4 in round two.

Third seed Federer could play another Briton next as he awaits either Dan Evans or Ukraine's Alexandr Dolgopolov. 

Willis, 25, will take home £50,000 as reward for making the second round.

He had previously earned far more as a tennis coach than player this year, with around £220 in prize money to his name before a spectacular upturn in fortunes over the last two weeks.

The British number 23 from Wokingham is also set to rise to around 416 in the world when the new rankings are confirmed after Wimbledon.

'I've earned myself a beer now!'

Wimbledon 2016: Marcus Willis reflects on Roger Federer defeat

Willis was in danger of suffering a humiliating defeat when he lost the first seven games, but he gathered himself sufficiently to test Federer.

Marcus Willis: "It is daunting. It is tough. I was playing alright at first, I settled into the match. I was enjoying it out there. If I was playing well and competing with Roger for a couple of sets I was doing well.

"I need to keep my head down. I am disappointed to lose. I didn't play as well as I could but I can hold my head high. I have had a fantastic couple of weeks. I will keep going and do what I have been doing. There is life after Wimbledon and I want more experiences like this.

"I've earned myself a beer now!"

Roger Federer: "It was very different. Marcus brought some unbelievable energy to the court with his play, the fans and his enthusiasm as well."

Willis revels in atmosphere

Britain's newest tennis star walked on to court smiling and waving to his vociferous band of friends and family, who were also enjoying the elevated status of Centre Court and its famous player box.

The Briton had just one tour-level win to his name, over world number 53 Ricardis Berankis in the first round.

Wimbledon 2016: Marcus Willis delights crowd by winning a game against Roger Federer

He betrayed his nerves in the warm-up, raising his arms in celebration after finally landing a serve, and the match had the air of an exhibition rather than a competitive contest for the most part.

That did not seem to bother those on Centre Court, with Federer for once playing second fiddle to his opponent in terms of the crowd's affections.

Federer must also have found Willis' unusual mix of pace, spin and volleying rather disorientating - but the 17-time Grand Slam champion did not take long to adjust.

One beautiful lob gave Willis - and the crowd - reason to celebrate but otherwise it was one-way traffic as Federer ruthlessly exposed his lack of movement on his way to a 6-0 set.

Federer ends fairytale run

Willis' girlfriend Jennifer Bate (left) was among his supporters on Centre Court

Willis did not see a game point until the 22nd minute, snatching at a forehand, and when Federer racked up a seventh straight game it looked as though winning a single game might be beyond the Englishman.

It was to Willis' credit that he grabbed a foothold in the match, spreading his arms in relief and drawing a standing ovation after finally getting on the board with a forehand winner in the 30th minute.

From then on he would at least keep Federer honest, with the Swiss taking the second set with a solitary break for 4-2 and having to wait until 4-4 to make the breakthrough in the third.

"Shoes off, if you love Willis!" came the now familiar chant from his supporters as Willis made a match of it, all the while giving as much back to those supporting him.

His incredible run finally came to an end after one hour and 24 minutes, with Federer leaving the Centre Court stage to Willis, who soaked it in before heading back to reality and his next appointment - a club match in Coventry.

Analysis

John McEnroe, three-time Wimbledon champion: "These days it's more and more about movement and athleticism. He will have to be able to move on a slower hard court but I'd say it should be easy inspiration to get as fit as possible."

Tim Henman, four-time Wimbledon semi-finalist: "This was his eighth match. Hopefully he will go away and decompress and soak up the last 10 or 12 days of action and then think about how he will move forward.

"He needs to improve his forehand but he needs to keep working at his strengths. He has a good leftie serve. He has a lot of challenges ahead but hopefully he will continue to embrace them."

Federer's superior ability allowed him to force Willis well behind the service line and dictate play on his terms. You can see this by Hawk-Eye's analysis of each Rally Hit Point, which breaks down each player's shots into three landing areas. Federer's control is also supported by the number of groundstroke winners hit by each player, with the Swiss hitting 16 compared to only nine for Willis during the match.

EURO 2016 : QUARTER FINALS - POLAND V PORTUGAL- MATCH PREVIEW, STATS AND TEAM NEWS

Poland beat Switzerland in a dramatic penalty shoot-out to reach the quarter-finals of a European Championship for the first time

Credit- THE BBC 

TEAM NEWS

Poland have midfielder Bartosz Kapustka available again after he missed the Switzerland match through suspension.

Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny is again unlikely to feature as he says is still struggling with a thigh injury.

Portugal will assess midfielders Raphael Guerreiro and Andre Gomes, who are nursing minor muscle problems.

If the pair are declared fit then coach Fernando Santos could have all 23 players available for Thursday's game in Marseille.

William Carvalho, Pepe and Ricardo Quaresma are a booking away from missing a potential semi-final.

The same applies to Poland's Kamil Grosicki, Artur Jedrzejczyk, Krzysztof Maczynski, Michal Pazdan, Slawomir Peszko and Lukasz Piszczek.

MATCH PREVIEW

Having watched Lionel Messi once again fall short in a major tournament, Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo knows this tournament could be his best chance of landing international silverware - and striking a significant blow over his big rival in their personal battle to be lauded as the greatest player of their generation. 

If Portugal lose to Poland, who knows whether Ronaldo would announce his international retirement, as Messi did after Argentina's defeat on penalties in the Copa America final this week. 

But elimination would certainly be a crushing blow given Portugal are in the so called 'easy side' of the draw and, at 31, it may be his last realistic opportunity with his country. 

However, opponents Poland have been far from easy to play against so far. They had never won a game at a European Championship finals before this year, but are now just one match away from matching their best-ever performance at a major tournament (they were semi-finalists at the 1982 World Cup). 

Their defence has been particularly impressive and it took an astonishing goal from Switzerland's Xherdan Shaqiri to breach a defensive unit that had previously not conceded. It was only the third time they had let in a goal in 2016. 

What they do need to improve on is their prowess up the other end of the pitch. They have scored two goals fewer than any of the other quarter-finalists and the goal drought of captain Robert Lewandowski, who top scored in qualifying with 13, showed no sign of ending against the Swiss.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

• This will be Poland and Portugal's third encounter at a major tournament. Poland won 1-0 at the 1986 World Cup and then Portugal enjoyed a 4-0 victory at the 2002 World Cup.
• Poland are unbeaten in their past three matches with Portugal (W1, D2).
• Their last meeting was a 0-0 draw in Warsaw in February 2012.

Poland

• The only previous time they reached the semi-finals of a major tournament was at the 1982 World Cup.
• Poland's last win in the knockout stages of a major tournament (excluding the penalty shoot-out victory against Switzerland) was in 1982 against France (a 3-2 win in the third-place play-off).
• Poland are the lowest scoring side to have made it to the quarter-finals (three goals in four games).
• They have yet to be behind at any point in a game at this year's European Championship. They've only conceded one goal so far in four games.
• They have never scored more than one goal in a single game at a Euros in 10 matches.
• Poland have won both of their games in Marseille without conceding - a 1-0 victory against Ukraine at these finals was preceded by a 4-0 friendly success against the UAE in 1990.
• Jakub Blaszczykowski has been directly involved in all five of Poland's goals in the past two Euro tournaments (three goals, two assists).

Portugal

• Portugal are the only team to have reached the quarter-finals of the European Championships in every tournament since 1996. 
• They have the chance to reach the semi-finals for the fifth time in seven European Championship finals.
• Portugal have played the most games (32) in the history of the European Championships without ever winning the tournament.
• They are unbeaten in their 11 competitive fixtures under Fernando Santos (W8, D3). All eight of their wins in that run have been by a single-goal margin (including the win against Croatia).
• Portugal have picked up the fewest cards at Euro 2016 among the teams to have made it to the quarter-finals (three in four games).
• Cristiano Ronaldo has played in more games than any other player at European Championship finals. He's only one goal short of Michel Platini's record of nine goals in the competition. 
• Ronaldo has only scored two goals in 12 knockout games at major tournaments.
• Ronaldo has attempted 40 direct free-kicks at major tournaments with Portugal but is yet to score with any of these efforts.

PANDEMONIUM AT IKORODU ROAD, LAGOS AS MOB VANDALIZE OVER 14. BRT BUSES FOLLOWING DEATH OF HAWKER WHO WAS RUNNING FROM KAI OFFICIALS

Hoodlums vandalize 14 BRT buses after vehicle hit hawker

No fewer than 14 buses belonging to Primero Transport Service Ltd were on Wednesday vandalised by suspected hoodlums along the Ikorodu Road in Lagos, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

NAN reports that trouble started after a street hawker, who was evading arrest by Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) officials was knocked down by an articulated vehicle at Maryland Bus Stop.

No sooner than the incident occurred, the suspected hoodlums pounced on the mass transit vehicles to vent their anger over the death of the street hawker.

Mr Adedeji Adeosun, a driver with the company, whose vehicle was vandalised said: “I was in traffic for about 20 minutes at Maryland.

“Then I saw some people running from Maryland and I opened the door to see what was happening.

“I heard shouts from people that we should come down, so, I immediately removed my uniform.

“I saw about 100 of the hoodlums otherwise called `area boys’ coming with stones and so I ran away.

“All the passengers on board my bus also came down and ran for dear life. I was hit by a big stone’’.

Another driver, Mr Michael Onabolu, said: “I saw people running and shouting that I should come down from the bus.

“And all of a sudden, I saw some guys surrounding the buses and asking my passengers and I to come down.

“Before I knew it, one of them hit the bus with a big stone and I could not move because of the traffic. I was wounded on my hands and my tights with stones’’.

He said that a passenger sitting beside him was also hit by a stone, adding that all the passengers were moved to other buses to reach their destinations.

A commuter, Mr Elijah Omotayo, who was attacked in the process, said that the mob told the driver to open the door which the passengers asked him not to do.

Omotayo, a student, told NAN that “they started throwing the stones and one of the stones hit my head’’.

Mr Fola Tinubu, the Managing Director, Primero Ltd, expressed displeasure over the vandalism.

“We don’t know what happened, whatever it is; it is something that has to do with the government or the police.

“But does that give aggrieved people the right to destroy private property.

“People are saying that there are no jobs in Nigeria; we have created over 2,000 jobs in the last six months. Is this the reward we will get for it?

“We need to start asking ourselves serious questions in this country,’’ he told NAN.

“They have destroyed over 14 of our buses now. I don’t even know how many they have destroyed now. For what, what did we do; I am angry.

“I don’t even know where to begin because there is no justification for destroying private property; our service is for the masses.

“Do you know how many people will be stranded today if we don’t go out to pick them up?

“How are they going to get home? We do this for the masses. Is this the reward that we will get? This is madness.’’

Meanwhile, the police with the help of the bus drivers have arrested three suspects and taken them to the company’s head office at Majidun in Ikorodu town.

As at the time of filing this report, the company has withdrawn its buses from the roads but the managing director told NAN that they would restore service when normalcy returns. (NAN)

LADIES BE WARNED!!! THIS YOUNG MAN (PICTURED) STEALS AND SELLS LADIES' UNDIES TO RITUALISTS FOR PEANUTS

An unnamed man was on Wednesday morning apprehended in Lagos State for allegedly aiding witch doctors.

The man, believed to be in his late 20s, reportedly confessed to stealing ladies’ under-wears and sold them to witch doctors, popularly known as ‘babalawo

He claimed to be an indigene of Akinmorin in the Afijio Local Government area of Oyo State.

After a mob descended on him, he said he usually went round to steal female panties hung outside.

He confessed to have been in the business for a while, and that he was being sponsored by some people.

According to him, he gets paid N500 per a underwear he brought to the babalawo.

CELEBRATED NOVELIST, ELECHI AMADI HAS PASSED ON

Renowned author, Elechi Amadi is dead. The celebrated literary icon passed on, Wednesday, at the Good Heart hospital in Port Harcourt at the age of 82.

A member of the family , Bar Wabueze Amadi, who confirmed the death said he passed on at about 3: 45pm at the hospital.

The late captain Elechi Amadi was among the first generation of African writers and novelists. Elechi Amadi Some of his works include: The Concubine, The Great Ponds, Isiburu, Sunset in Biafra, Dance of Johannesburg, Peppersoup, The Road to Ibadan, The Slave , Estrangement and the Woman of Calaber. He celebrated his 80th birthday in Port Harcourt, in 2014 releasing a souvenir edition of one of his plays, Isiburu to mark his 80th birthday.

He was born on 12 May, 1934 in Aluu community, Ikwerre local government area. He attended Government college , Umuahia and went to the University college, Ibadan where he bagged a BSc degree in Physics and Mathematics.

He served in the 3rd Marine Commandos of the Nigerian Army. He was first Commissioner for Education in the old Rivers state and also served as Commissioner for Lands and Housing He had several honours to his credit.

He was Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Education and a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria . He was awarded a honorary doctorate degree by the University of Port Harcourt in 2011. He was abducted by unknown gunmen in 2008 and later released after some days in their custody. He lived in his community, Aluu until his death.

The Director General, NIMASA, Dr Dakuku Peterside, who also spoke to Vanguard on the development, described him as a great Nigerian who will be greatly missed.

“Captain Elechi Amadi, certainly was a man of many parts who touched lives in many ways. And he will be remembered for good by many people who met him physically or through his books. He was a well known author, publisher, soldier and statesman who was concerned about a better society.

“My generation will definitely remember him more for his great books like the Concubine, the Great Ponds, Sunset in Biafra, Estrangement, the Slave and a collection of poems.

“It is regrettable that Amadi passed away at a time when Rivers, our dear state is still far away from the aspirations of its founding fathers like him and most sons and daughters of the state. There is no doubt that Elder Elechi Amadi and other founding fathers will be weeping in their graves at the state of Rivers State. Nigeria and the international literary community has lost a creative giant.

“The departed patriot, no doubt, had a remarkable life and he will surely be remembered for serving humanity with literature and his interventions. May his soul find eternal rest in the Lord.”

FORMER TRANSPORT MINISTER, OJO MADUEKWE IS DEAD

Former Minister of Transport and Secretary to the PDP Board of Trustees, Ojo Maduekwe is reportedly‎ dead.

He was born May 6, 1945 in Abia State, Nigeria .

Sources hinted that he passed on, Wednesday evening, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport , Abuja on his return from a trip to the US.

It was gathered that he collapsed on arrival and was rushed to the Turkish Hospital, Abuja where he was confirmed dead.

Maduekwe was also appointed Culture and Tourism minister by President Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999, Minister of Transport in 2001.

He was also appointed Foreign Minister on July 26, 2007 by late former President Umaru Yar’Adua.

As Minister of Transport he got the nick name ‘Ojo oni Keke’ for advocating for the use of bicycles.

He was National Secretary of the ruling political party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as well its Board of Trustees Secretary.

His family is yet to confirm the death.

PEP GUARDIOLA IS RELAXED ABOUT MOURINHO RIVALRY

Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho will renew their rivalry in the Premier League next season.

Pep Guardiola is "very relaxed" about facing Jose Mourinho in the Premier League next season and would have no problem buying him dinner, according to the new Manchester City manager's assistant Domenec Torrent.

Guardiola's City side and Mourinho's Manchester United team will meet each other in the International Champions Cup in preseason on July 25.

That will renew a rivalry between the two managers which was an intense one when they were in charge of Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively.

NEYMAR JR. , DOUGLAS COSTA INCLUDED IN BRAZIL'S PROVISIONAL OLYMPICS SQUAD

Barcelona star Neymar and Bayern Munich forward Douglas Costa were named on Wednesday in Brazil's 18-man Olympic squad with 37-year-old goalkeeper Fernando Prass included as the third over-age player. 

Under-20 coach Rogerio Micale will manage the team after Dunga's firing following Brazil's Copa America exit. The team also includes Gabriel Barbosa, known as Gabigol, the 19-year-old Santos player who made his senior team debut in a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in March. He scored six goals in four matches for the under-23 side last year. Gabriel Jesus was also included.

Micale made clear his call-ups were not influenced by the former two-time Brazil manager, or current boss Tite, saying: "In relation to Dunga's legacy, there existed work in tandem. But from the moment I assumed the Olympic team the autonomy to call up players passed to me.

"I spoke to Tite. I welcomed him and now there is additional work. Now, I'd really like to say that I want count a lot on Tite along with my work. He has much to add. He's the current Brazilian champion and has free reign."

Micale said he has not yet selected a team captain and will do so once he gets to know the players, but took time out to highlight veteran Palmeiras keeper Prass' leadership.

"He has the profile of leadership. I received a lot of information about what he represents to his club, he's a player of leadership. He comes featuring and has demonstrated to be good at penalties. It's a tournament in which these things can happen," Micale said. "Now it's the profile of technique and leadership. He always wants to win. And this is what we want for our national team: that it has technique and knows the importance of wearing the national team shirt."

Five-time world champions Brazil have never won the Olympic tournament and they lost to Mexico in the gold-medal match in London in 2012. They begin competition on Aug. 4 against South Africa.

CHELSEA REPORTEDLY CLOSE IN ON £33 MILLION POUNDS MICHY BASHUAYI DEAL

Chelsea are close to completing the signing of Belgium striker Michy Batshuayi from Marseille in a deal worth £33 million, according to multiple reports.

Batshuayi has been one of the most coveted players of the transfer window, with Marseille said to have rejected bids from West Ham and Juventus earlier this summer before Crystal Palace reportedly had an offer of £31.6m accepted on Monday. 

L'Equipe, which first reported the story on Tuesday evening, reports that Chelsea have agreed to pay £33m to secure Batshuayi, making him the most lucrative sale in Marseille's history ahead of Didier Drogba, who made the same switch in the summer of 2004. 

Batshuayi will reportedly undergo a medical at Belgium's Euro 2016 base in Bordeaux, where Marc Wilmots' men are preparing for Friday's quarterfinal clash with Wales in Lille, before signing a five-year contract.

The deal would make the 22-year-old the first signing at Stamford Bridge since Antonio Conte's appointment as first-team head coach in April, as the Italian looks to significantly bolster a squad responsible for the worst season of the Roman Abramovich era.

Batshuayi scored 17 goals in Ligue 1 last season and came off the substitutes' bench to net Belgium's second goal in a 4-0 rout of Hungary on Sunday. Despite Chelsea's inability to offer European football this season, The Guardian reports that he had reservations about accepting the offer of a move to Palace. 

The Guardian also claims that Chelsea could still pursue a deal for Spain international striker Alvaro Morata, who recently returned to Real Madrid from Juventus, but said interest in re-signing Romelu Lukaku from Everton looks to have ended.

Sources told ESPN FC in April that Chelsea retained an interest in Lukaku but that the Blues could be forced to pay more than double the £28m they received from Everton for his sale in the summer

CREDIT- ESPN 

EKITI HIGH COURT SUMMONS EFCC TO EXPLAIN THE FREEZING OF GOV FAYOSE'S ACCOUNT

The Federal High Court, Ado-Ekiti, has summoned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Zenith Bank Plc to show why an order exparte to unfreeze Governor Ayodele Fayose’s accounts now before it should not be granted.

Presiding judge, Taiwo Taiwo, gave Monday, July 4, 2016 for the EFCC (1st defendant) and the bank (2nd defendant) to appear before him with the necessary evidence.

Counsel to Mr. Fayose, Mike Ozekhome, had through an ex parte order, deposed to by Bimpe Olatemiju, sought a mandatory order unfreezing the accounts belonging to him pending the determination of his interlocutory application.

He sought the leave of the court for the service of the originating summons on the defendants in their various addresses outside the jurisdiction of the court as contained on the order papers, supported by 17-paragraph affidavit.

Mr. Ozekhome said the order was brought pursuant to order 26 rule 8(1) of the Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rule 2009 and Section 44(1) of the 1999 constitution which gives the court the discretionary powers to adjudicate on such matter.

Citing the case of Abdulaziz Nyako Vs EFCC, he argued that the anti-graft agency had no power to freeze Mr. Fayose’s account without a valid court order.

The judge said that he quite understood that the applicant (Fayose) enjoys immunity and that the court could adjudicate on the matter as canvassed by the counsel to the plaintiff, but he pointed out that the relief he basically sought was a mandatory order of the court.

“I quite agree that the applicant has immunity pursuant to provisions of the constitution, but it is glaring that the application he is requesting for is a mandatory order to undo what had already been done and the court can’t abdicate its duty under this circumstance,” said the judge.

“I am of the opinion that this mandatory order is better granted with the interlocutory order being sought through an application pending before the court, because the applicant has filed all papers to this effect.

“I hereby order the 1st and 2nd respondents to appear before this honourable court on July 4, 2016 and show cause why the order should be refused.

“This is not a refusal of the order, I have not refused it, but I only put it in abeyance which I said without prejudice to what will be the position of the respondents.

“But a leave is granted for the service of the defendants with the originating summons in their respective addresses as contained on the order papers.”

Speaking to PREMIUM TIMES on the phone on Tuesday, Mr. Ozekhome said Mr. Fayose has a very strong case against the EFCC, relying on Section 308 of the Constitution.

He said he accepted the judge’s ruling, which gives the EFCC to opportunity to show why the order should not be granted.

“Our motion was an exparte for the de-freezing and removal of restriction placed on citizen Ayodele Fayose’s two accounts with the Zenith Bank Plc,” he said.

“The bank claimed through a letter made available to our client that it acted on the instructions of the EFCC and we are here by way of originating summons to say that the EFCC has no powers, whether under the EFCC Act, money laundering Act, under the constitution or any other known law to freeze the accounts of a sitting governor who enjoys immunity under section 308 of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as altered because that section makes it clear that for the time that person is in that office, the President, Vice-President, Governor and Deputy-Governor he enjoys absolute immunity from any civil or criminal procedure and that no court process can issue against such person.

“So, EFCC could not have obtained an order Exparte to freeze his account, if they did that, it is illegal, null and void. It could also not have frozen his accounts without having an order Exparte.”

MTN NIGERIA WINS SPECTRUM LICENSE FOR 2.6 GHz FOR 4G LTE INTERNET SERVICES

MTN Nigeria has won the frequency spectrum license for the 2.6GHz band as the sole bidder in the auction exercise by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

MTN said the 10-year license will guarantee superior performance for wireless networks, especially 4G LTE services, including the roll-out of broadband internet services across the country, starting in the major cities of Lagos and Abuja.

Although Nigeria is one of 28 African countries currently offering 4G LTE services, the rate of penetration has been restricted to a few major cities.

But, with the acquisition of the license at about N18.96 billion, MTN said in a statement on Wednesday that its success was “a big boost to its plan to deliver global mobile broadband and LTE 4G services to over 60 million customers in Nigeria”.

The company said it was also planning to deploy FDD networks in addition to its existing WIMAX over TDD networks, to ensure for greater consistency with existing 2G and 3G deployments.

MTN Nigeria CEO, Ferdi Moolman, said with the 2.6 GHz band, the company will roll out immediately to provide the full range of LTE services to Nigerians, empowering Nigeria with the latest mobile broadband technology.

The NCC has described the spectrum as a significant trigger for a broadband revolution that would ensure greater coverage, access, affordability and innovation for the customers.

“We are very pleased with this development (award of the license) at this time, which is a further step in the right direction for Nigeria,” Mr. Moolman said. “Indeed, MTN is fully aligned and supports the NCC’s objective to deliver broadband services to present and future generations of subscribers, in line with the National Broadband Plan of 2013.”

This license acquisition further demonstrates MTN’s abiding faith in the future of Nigeria and the resilience of the Nigerian economy. MTN continues to believe in Nigeria and we have expressed this belief in the level of our investment, which currently stands at approximately USD 15 billion and counting.”

He said MTN strongly believed there was need for significant levels of investment in broadband infrastructure and services to truly launch Nigeria into the information age.

In addition to aggressive investment, he said MTN has also built the most extensive private fibre optics superhighway in Africa and the Middle East, covering approximately 16,000 kilometres.

“Our subscribers, especially those in clustered areas such as the major cities, can expect distinct improvements in browsing speed, quality and experience, including fast access to high definition video streaming, as well as conferencing and calling, lag-free music streaming, and improved data uploads and downloads,” Mr. Moolman said.

Credit- Premium Times

EX CHIEF OF AIR STAFF. AMOSU ARRAIGNED OVER 49 BILLION NAIRA FRAUD

Former Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Adesola Amosu Nunayon (Rtd) and two other Air Force General, Air Vice Marshal Jacob Bola Adigun and Air Commodore Gbadebo Owodunni Olugbenga and seven Limited Liability Companies were today arraigned before a Federal high court Lagos south west Nigeria over alleged offences of conspiracy and fraudulent conversion of N49.2 billion.

The eight liability companies arraigned alongside the accused Air force Generals are:

Delfina Oil And Gas Ltd
Mcallan Oil And Gas Ltd
Hebron Housing And Properties Company Ltd
Trapezites Bdc
Fonds And Pricey Ltd
Deegee Oil And Gas Ltd
Timsegg Investment Ltd
Solomon Health Care Ltd

The 26,count criminal charge number FHC/L/280C /2016 filed before the court by Economic and Financial Crime Commission Mr Rotimi Oyedepo stated thus:

COUNT ONEThat you, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu Nunayon (Rtd), Air Vice Marshal Jacob Bola Adigun, Air Commodore Gbadebo Owodunni Olugbenga, Delfina Oil And Gas Ltd, Mcallan Oil And Gas Ltd, Hebron Housing And Properties Company Ltd, Trapezites Bdc, Fonds And Pricey Ltd,Deegee Oil And Gas Ltd, Timsegg Investment Ltd And Solomon Health Care Ltd on or about the 5th day of March, 2014 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court conspired amongst yourselves to commit an offence, to wit: Conversion of the sum of N21,467,634,707.43 (Twenty One Billion, Four Hundred and Sixty Seven Million, Six Hundred and Thirty Four Thousand, Seven Hundred and Seven Naira, Forty Three Kobo), property of the Nigerian Air Force, which sum was derived from stealing, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and punishable  under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

COUNT TWO That you, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu Nunayon (Rtd), Air Vice Marshal Jacob Bola Adigun, Air Commodore Gbadebo Owodunni Olugbenga, Delfina Oil And Gas Ltd, Mcallan Oil And Gas Ltd, Hebron Housing And Properties Company Ltd, Trapezites Bdc, Fonds And Pricey Ltd,Deegee Oil And Gas Ltd, Timsegg Investment Ltd And Solomon Health Care Ltd on or about the 5th day of March, 2014 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court conspired amongst yourselves to commit an offence, to wit: Concealing the proceeds of crime in the sum of N21,467,634,707.43 (Twenty One Billion, Four Hundred and Sixty Seven Million, Six Hundred and Thirty Four Thousand, Seven Hundred and Seven Naira, Forty Three Kobo), and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and punishable  under Section 17(a) of the same Act.

COUNT THREE That you, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu Nunayon (Rtd), Air Vice Marshal Jacob Bola Adigun, Air Commodore Gbadebo Owodunni Olugbenga, Delfina Oil And Gas Ltd And  Mcallan Oil And Gas Ltd between the 2nd and 4th day of September, 2014 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court indirectly converted through  Rite Options Oil and Gas Ltd and Juda Oil Ltd the sum of N1,000,000,000.00 (One Billion Naira), property of the Nigerian Air Force which sum your reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: stealing and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and punishable  under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

COUNT FOUR That you, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu Nunayon (Rtd), Air Vice Marshal Jacob Bola Adigun, Air Commodore Gbadebo Owodunni Olugbenga, Delfina Oil And Gas Ltd And  Mcallan Oil And Gas Ltd between the 16th and 17th day of September, 2014 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court indirectly converted the sum of N1,000,000,000.00 (One Billion Naira), property of the Nigerian Air Force which sum your reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: stealing and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and punishable  under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

COUNT FIVEThat you, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu Nunayon (Rtd), Air Vice Marshal Jacob Bola Adigun, Air Commodore Gbadebo Owodunni Olugbenga, Delfina Oil And Gas Ltd, Mcallan Oil And Gas Ltd, Hebron Housing And Properties Company Ltd, Trapezites Bdc, Fonds And Pricey Ltd,Deegee Oil And Gas Ltd, Timsegg Investment Ltd And Solomon Health Care Ltd between the 23rd and 24th day of September, 2014 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court indirectly converted the sum of N976,000,000.00 (Nine Hundred and Seventy Six Million Naira), property of the Nigerian Air Force which sum your reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: stealing and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and punishable  under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

COUNT SIXThat you, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu Nunayon (Rtd), Air Vice Marshal Jacob Bola Adigun, Air Commodore Gbadebo Owodunni Olugbenga, Delfina Oil And Gas Ltd, Mcallan Oil And Gas Ltd, Hebron Housing And Properties Company Ltd, Trapezites Bdc, Fonds And Pricey Ltd,Deegee Oil And Gas Ltd, Timsegg Investment Ltd And Solomon Health Care Ltd between the 5th day of May,2014 and 4th day of May,2015 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court indirectly converted the sum of N5,291,306,950.28 (Five Billion, Two Hundred and Ninety One Million, Three Hundred and Six Thousand, Nine Hundred and Fifty Naira, Twenty Eight Kobo), property of the Nigerian Air Force which sum your reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: stealing and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and punishable  under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

COUNT SEVEN That you, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu Nunayon (Rtd), Air Vice Marshal Jacob Bola Adigun, Air Commodore Gbadebo Owodunni Olugbenga, Delfina Oil And Gas Ltd, Mcallan Oil And Gas Ltd, Hebron Housing And Properties Company Ltd, Trapezites Bdc, Fonds And Pricey Ltd,Deegee Oil And Gas Ltd, Timsegg Investment Ltd And Solomon Health Care Ltd between the 20th day of May and 3rd day of July,2015 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court indirectly converted the sum of N672,702,307.98 (Six Hundred and Seventy Two Million, Seven Hundred and Two Thousand, Three Hundred and Seven Naira, Ninety Eight Kobo), property of the Nigerian Air Force which sum your reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: stealing and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and punishable  under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

COUNT EIGHT  That you, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu Nunayon (Rtd), Air Vice Marshal Jacob Bola Adigun, Air Commodore Gbadebo Owodunni Olugbenga, Delfina Oil And Gas Ltd, Mcallan Oil And Gas Ltd, Hebron Housing And Properties Company Ltd, Trapezites Bdc, Fonds And Pricey Ltd,Deegee Oil And Gas Ltd, Timsegg Investment Ltd And Solomon Health Care Ltd between the 5th day of May,2014 and 4th day of May,2015 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court indirectly converted the sum of N5, 424,159,050.89 (Five Billion, Four Hundred and Twenty Four Million, One Hundred and Fifty Nine Thousand, Fifty Naira and Eight Nine Kobo), property of the Nigerian Air Force which sum your reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: stealing and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and punishable  under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

COUNT NINE That you, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu Nunayon (Rtd), Air Vice Marshal Jacob Bola Adigun, Air Commodore Gbadebo Owodunni Olugbenga, Delfina Oil And Gas Ltd, Mcallan Oil And Gas Ltd, Hebron Housing And Properties Company Ltd, Trapezites Bdc, Fonds And Pricey Ltd,Deegee Oil And Gas Ltd, Timsegg Investment Ltd And Solomon Health Care Ltd between the 20th day of May and 3rd day of July, 2015 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court indirectly converted the sum of N749,844,792.82 (Seven and Forty Nine Million, Eight Hundred Forty and Four Thousand, Seven Hundred and Ninety Naira, Eighty Two Kobo), property of the Nigerian Air Force which sum your reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: stealing and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and punishable  under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

COUNT TEN That you, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu Nunayon (Rtd), Air Vice Marshal Jacob Bola Adigun, Air Commodore Gbadebo Owodunni Olugbenga, Delfina Oil And Gas Ltd, Mcallan Oil And Gas Ltd, Hebron Housing And Properties Company Ltd, Trapezites Bdc, Fonds And Pricey Ltd, Deegee Oil And Gas Ltd, Timsegg Investment Ltd And Solomon Health Care Ltd between the 10th day of September,2014 and 17th  day of June, 2015 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court indirectly converted the sum of N3,604,557,608.20 (Three Billion, Six Hundred and Four Million, Five Hundred and Fifty Seven Thousand, Six Hundred and Eight Naira and Twenty Kobo), property of the Nigerian Air Force which sum your reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: stealing and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and punishable  under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

COUNT ELEVEN That you, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu Nunayon (Rtd), Air Vice Marshal Jacob Bola Adigun, Air Commodore Gbadebo Owodunni Olugbenga, Delfina Oil And Gas Ltd, Mcallan Oil And Gas Ltd, Hebron Housing And Properties Company Ltd, Trapezites Bdc, Fonds And Pricey Ltd,Deegee Oil And Gas Ltd, Timsegg Investment Ltd And Solomon Health Care Ltd between the 5th day of March and 17th day of December,2014 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court indirectly converted the sum of N615,994,818.22 (Six Hundred and Fifteen Million, Nine Hundred and Ninety Four Thousand, Eight Hundred and Eighteen Naira and Twenty Two Kobo), property of the Nigerian Air Force which sum your reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: stealing and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

COUNT TWELVEThat you, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu Nunayon (Rtd), Air Vice Marshal Jacob Bola Adigun, Air Commodore Gbadebo Owodunni Olugbenga, Delfina Oil And Gas Ltd, Mcallan Oil And Gas Ltd, Hebron Housing And Properties Company Ltd, Trapezites Bdc, Fonds And Pricey Ltd,Deegee Oil And Gas Ltd, Timsegg Investment Ltd And Solomon Health Care Ltd between the 5th day of February and 7th day of April,2015 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court indirectly converted the sum of N160,254,738.07 (One Hundred and Sixty Million, Two Hundred and Fifty Four Thousand, Seven Hundred and Thirty Eight Naira and Seven Kobo), property of the Nigerian Air Force which sum your reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: stealing and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and punishable  under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

COUNT THIRTEEN That you, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu Nunayon (Rtd), Air Vice Marshal Jacob Bola Adigun, Air Commodore Gbadebo Owodunni Olugbenga,Deegee Oil And Gas Ltd And Timsegg Investment Ltd between the 19th day of November,2014 and 7th day of August,2015 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court indirectly converted the sum of N257,236,968.86 (Two Hundred and Fifty Seven Million, Two Hundred and Thirty Six Thousand, Nine Hundred and Sixty Eight Naira and Eighty Six Kobo), property of the Nigerian Air Force which sum your reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: stealing and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and punishable  under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

COUNT FOURTEEN  That you, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu Nunayon (Rtd), Air Vice Marshal Jacob Bola Adigun, Air Commodore Gbadebo Owodunni Olugbenga,Deegee Oil And Gas Ltd And Timsegg Investment Ltd between the 30th day of October,2014 and 4th day of August,2015 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court indirectly converted the sum of N828,685,616.34 (Eight Hundred and Twenty Eight Million, Six Hundred and Eighty Five Thousand, Six Hundred and Sixteen  Naira and Thirty Four Kobo), property of the Nigerian Air Force which sum your reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: stealing and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and punishable  under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

COUNT FIFTEEN  That you, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu Nunayon (Rtd), Air Vice Marshal Jacob Bola Adigun, Air Commodore Gbadebo Owodunni Olugbenga, Delfina Oil And Gas Ltd, Mcallan Oil And Gas Ltd, Hebron Housing And Properties Company Ltd, Trapezites Bdc, Fonds And Pricey Ltd And Solomon Health Care Ltd between the 11th day of June,2014 and 1st day of June,2015 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court indirectly converted the sum of N645,051,641.00 (Six Hundred and Forty Five Million, Fifty One Thousand, Six Hundred and Forty One  Naira), property of the Nigerian Air Force which sum your reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: stealing and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and punishable  under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

COUNT SIXTEEN   That you, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu Nunayon (Rtd) And Air Vice Marshal Jacob Bola Adigun between the 17th day of July and 16th day of September,2014 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did use the pounds sterling equivalent of the sum of N663, 443,291 (Six Hundred and Sixty Three Million, Four Hundred and Forty Three Thousand, Two Hundred Ninety One Naira) removed from the accounts of the Nigerian Air Force to purchase for yourselves two properties  situate at  No. 50-52 Tenterden Grove, London (NW4 1TH) and No. 93B SHIREHALL PARK, LondonNW4 2QU, United Kingdom which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: stealing and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and punishable  under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

COUNT SEVENTEEN   That you, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu Nunayon (Rtd) And Air Vice Marshal Jacob Bola Adigun on or about the 2nd day of February,2015 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did use the sum of N900,020,000.00 (Nine Hundred Million, Twenty Thousand Naira) removed from the accounts of the Nigerian Air Force to purchase for yourselves a property  situate at  No. 40A, Bourdillon, Ikoyi, Lagos which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: stealing and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and punishable  under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

COUNT EIGHTEEN    That you, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu Nunayon (Rtd) And Air Vice Marshal Jacob Bola Adigun on or about the 29th day of January,2015 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did use the sum of N1,565,000,000.00 (One Billion, Five and Sixty Five Million, Naira) removed from the accounts of the Nigerian Air Force to purchase for yourselves a property  situate at  Sinari Daranijo Victoria Island Lagos, which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: stealing and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and punishable  under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

COUNT NINETEEN    That you, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu Nunayon (Rtd) And Air Vice Marshal Jacob Bola Adigun on or about the 10th day of December,2014 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did use the sum of N750,000,000.00 (Seven Hundred and Fifty Million, Naira) removed from the accounts of the Nigerian Air Force to purchase for yourselves a property  known as CAPPADOL MALL situate at Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Wuse II Abuja, which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: stealing and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and punishable  under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

COUNT TWENTY   That you, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu Nunayon (Rtd) And Air Vice Marshal Jacob Bola Adigun between the 8th day of January and 13th day of April,2015 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did use the sum of N1,701,400,570.00 (One Billion, Seven Hundred and One Million, Four Hundred Thousand, Five Hundred and Seventy Naira) removed from the accounts of the Nigerian Air Force to purchase for yourselves a property situate at Agobogba Street, Parkview, Ikoyi Lagos, which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: stealing and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and punishable  under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

COUNT TWENTY ONE   That you, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu Nunayon (Rtd) And Air Vice Marshal Jacob Bola Adigun between the 5th day of August,2014 and 25th day of May,2015, in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did use the sum of N446,447,935.9 (Four Hundred and Forty Six Million, Four Hundred and Forty Seven Thousand, Nine Hundred and Thirty Five Naira and Nine Kobo) removed from the accounts of the Nigerian Air Force to purchase for yourselves a property situate at Salt Lake Street, Maitama, Abuja, which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: stealing and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and punishable  under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

COUNT TWENTY TWO   That you, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu Nunayon (Rtd) And Air Vice Marshal Jacob Bola Adigun between the 12th day of March and 25th day of May 2015, in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did use the sum of N370,214,423.00 (Three Hundred and Seventy Million, Two Hundred and Fourteen Thousand, Four Hundred and Twenty Three Naira) removed from the accounts of the Nigerian Air Force to purchase for yourselves a property situate at Agadez Street off Aminu Kano Crescent, Abuja, which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: stealing and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and punishable  under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

COUNT TWENTY THREE  That you, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu Nunayon (Rtd) And Air Vice Marshal Jacob Bola Adigun between the 3rd day of December,2014 and 11th day of March, 2015, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did use the sum of N241,455,000 (Two Hundred and Forty One Million, Four Hundred and Fifty Five Thousand, Naira) removed from the accounts of the Nigerian Air Force to purchase for yourselves a property situate at No. 61A, Lake Chad Street, Maitama, Abuja, which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: stealing and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and punishable  under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

COUNT TWENTY FOUR  That you, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu Nunayon (Rtd) And Air Vice Marshal Jacob Bola Adigun between the 21st day of March,2014 and 12th day of March, 2015, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did use the sum of N323,319,283.81 (Three Hundred and Twenty Three Million, Three Hundred and Nineteen Thousand, Two Hundred and Eighty Three Naira, Eighty One Kobo) removed from the accounts of the Nigerian Air Force to purchase for yourselves a property situate at No.1, River Street, Wuse II Abuja, which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: stealing and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and punishable  under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

COUNT TWENTY FIVE  That you, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu Nunayon (Rtd) And Air Vice Marshal Jacob Bola Adigun between the 3rd day of March,2014 and 12th day of March, 2015, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did use the sum of N202,920,200.00 (Two Hundred and Two Million, Nine Hundred and Twenty Thousand, Two Hundred Naira.) removed from the accounts of the Nigerian Air Force to purchase for yourselves a property situate at No.1, River Street, Wuse II Abuja, which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: stealing and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and punishable  under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

COUNT TWENTY SIX  That you, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu Nunayon (Rtd) And Air Vice Marshal Jacob Bola Adigun between the 6th day of March and 30th day of April,2015, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did use the sum of N428,139,539.00 (Four Hundred and Twenty Eight Million, One Hundred and Thirty Nine Thousand, Five Hundred and Thirty Nine Naira) removed from the accounts of the Nigerian Air Force to renovate and purchase medical equipment for your Solomon HealthCare Ltd situate at 24th Adeniyi Jones Street, Ikeja Lagos, which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: stealing and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and punishable  under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

All the accused persons pleaded not guilty to all the charges, thereafter the EFCC Prosecutor urged the court to fix trial date and remand the accused persons in prison custody.

However Chief Bolaji Ayorinde SAN  representing Amosu and the 11th accused company told the court that he has filed bail application on behalf of the two accused and same served on the prosecutor, he further told the court that Amosu  has refunded colossal sum of money and base on this scenario he  should be granted bail on self recognition.

Messers Norrison Quakers SAN and Kemi Balogun SAN leading nine other lawyers appearing for other accused  persons while aligning themselves with the submission of Chief Ayorinde told the court that they have equally filed bail application on behalf of other accused persons and urged the court to admit the accused persons to bail on liberal terms.

Mr Oyedepo while not opposing their bail application urged the court to impose bail condition that will enable the accused persons to attend trial.

In his ruling, the presiding Judge, Mohammed Idris said in view of the prosecutor not opposing  the bail application of the accused persons, the accused persons were granted bail in the sum of N500million each with two sureties in like sum the sureties must be a landed property owner with the jurisdiction of the court,the title documents of such land should be verified by EFCC and should be deposited with the court registrar, the sureties must also swear to affidavit of means which must also be verified by EFCC. The accused were also ordered to deposit their international passports with the court registrar, the accused are to be remanded in prison custody with the exception of Air Vice Marshall Jacob Bola Adigun who is to be remanded in EFCC custody because of his health challenges, thereafter the case was adjourned till July 8,2016 for trial to commence.

Credit - News Agency of Nigeria