Paradise News

Category: Metro

  • Terrorists Attack Troops in Kukawa, Borno; 12 Neutralized

    Terrorists Attack Troops in Kukawa, Borno; 12 Neutralized

    By David Ogar

    In the early hours of 25th November 2024, terrorists launched an assault on the 101 Special Forces Battalion under Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) in Kukawa Town, Kukawa Local Government Area, Borno State.

    The attackers, mounted on gun trucks and motorcycles, attempted to breach the camp using a Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) from the Gudumbali axis.

    Troops responded with coordinated firepower, supported by the Air Component and the Nigerian Army’s Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Command, forcing the attackers to retreat in disarray. Twelve terrorists were neutralized, with several others fleeing with injuries.

    Recovered items included:

    • 5 AK-47 rifles
    • 1 RPG bomb and tube
    • 2 Anti-Aircraft guns
    • 1 QJC gun
    • 1 NSV heavy machine gun
    • 40 motorcycles
    • 152 rounds of Shilka ammunition
    • Four VBIEDs destroyed.

    Unfortunately, three soldiers lost their lives during the attack. Security forces are conducting clearance operations, including house-to-house searches, to ensure the area is secure.

    The Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen OO Oluyede, lauded the troops for their bravery and urged them to maintain momentum in ongoing operations.

    Operation HADIN KAI continues its commitment to eradicating terrorism in the Northeast to enable socio-economic development in the region.

  • EFCC Arraigns Yahaya Bello Over Alleged ₦110.4 Billion Fraud

    EFCC Arraigns Yahaya Bello Over Alleged ₦110.4 Billion Fraud

    By David Ogar

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday arraigned former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, before Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Maitama, Abuja.

    Bello was arraigned alongside Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu on a 16-count charge of criminal breach of trust and money laundering involving ₦110.4 billion.

    One of the charges alleges that Bello and his co-defendants used 5,698,888 Dirhams (approximately ₦1.9 billion) from the state treasury in 2022 to acquire property at the Burj Khalifa area in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Another charge accuses Bello of unlawfully obtaining ₦677.8 million from Bespoque Business Solution Limited between 2017 and 2018.

    All defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    During the proceedings, EFCC counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), objected to bail applications filed on November 22, 2024, arguing that they were premature as they predated the defendants’ arraignment.

    He also raised concerns about Bello’s alleged history of disregarding court summons and the risk of interference in the trial, citing the defendants’ political influence and access to public office.

    Counsel for Bello, Joseph Daudu (SAN), argued that his client’s voluntary appearance before the court demonstrated his commitment to justice and urged the court to grant bail, referencing provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

    Justice Anenih ordered that the defendants be remanded in EFCC custody and scheduled the bail application hearing for December 10, 2024.

  • Former Bank of China Chairman Sentenced to Death with Reprieve for Corruption

    Former Bank of China Chairman Sentenced to Death with Reprieve for Corruption

    By Ben Nsemo

    Former Chairman of the Bank of China, Liu Liange, has been sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve by the Jinan Intermediate People’s Court in Shandong Province.

    The verdict, delivered on November 26, 2024, found Liu guilty of accepting bribes worth 121 million yuan (approximately $16.7 million) and approving illegal loans totaling 3.32 billion yuan, causing financial losses of over 190 million yuan.

    The court ordered the confiscation of all Liu’s personal assets and imposed a lifetime deprivation of his political rights.

    In China, a death sentence with a two-year reprieve often allows for the possibility of commutation to life imprisonment, provided the convict exhibits good behavior during the reprieve period.

    This severe ruling reflects the Chinese government’s intensified anti-corruption drive targeting high-ranking officials and influential figures, particularly in the financial and political sectors.

    By prosecuting such cases, the government reinforces its zero-tolerance policy on corruption, aiming to maintain discipline and deter illicit practices within critical institutions.

    Liu’s conviction underscores the broader efforts of China’s leadership to uphold transparency and accountability, further solidifying its commitment to combating corruption at all levels.

  • Troops Eliminate Top Terrorist Commander, Neutralize 114 Others in North-East

    Troops Eliminate Top Terrorist Commander, Neutralize 114 Others in North-East

    By Ben Nsemo

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced on Thursday that Nigerian troops have successfully neutralized 115 terrorists, including a notorious commander named Munzur Ya Audu, in various operations across the country last week.

    Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, revealed this during a press briefing in Abuja. He emphasized the ongoing efforts to dismantle the networks of terrorist groups and eliminate their logistical support systems.

    The military operations resulted in the following significant achievements:

    • Neutralization of 115 terrorists
    • Arrest of 238 suspects
    • Rescue of 138 hostages
    • Recovery of 145 assorted weapons and 3,825 ammunition

    The DHQ detailed the specific operations in different regions:

    North-East:

    • Operation Hadin Kai: Neutralized 61 terrorists, arrested 34 suspects, and rescued 32 hostages.

    North-Central:

    • Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke: Neutralized 18 violent extremists, arrested 48 persons, and rescued 48 hostages.

    North-West:

    • Operation Hadarin Daji: Neutralized 28 terrorists, arrested 77 persons, and rescued 57 kidnapped hostages.

    South-East:

    • Operation UDO KA: Neutralized six terrorists, arrested 13 violent extremists, and rescued one hostage.

    The Air Component of the Armed Forces also played a crucial role in these operations, conducting air interdiction missions against terrorist hideouts and logistics bases.

    The DHQ commended the troops for their bravery and dedication, assuring the public that the military remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all Nigerians.