A High Court sitting in Ilorin on Wednesday sentenced three Internet fraudsters to a year each for fraud.
The convicts, who were arraigned on June 24, were Akeem Mustapha, Abolarin Sunday and Murtala Abdulrasheed were sentenced by Justice Mahmud Abdulgafar after plea bargain agreement with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
At the resumed hearing on Wednesday, the Prosecutor, Andrew Akoja told the court that the defendants had entered into a plea bargain agreement with the commission.
ROYAL NEWS reports that Counsel to the defendants, S.O Babakebe, however, confirmed the plea bargain agreement.
Abdulgafar, while sentencing the convicts, said: “In view of the plea bargain agreement dated June 25, the defendants are hereby sentenced to a year imprisonment.
“The sentence is effective from February 12, when they were arrested, and all the items recovered from them are hereby forfeited to the Federal Government.”.
They were tried for fraud by posing as women on the Internet with the intent to defraud unsuspecting Internet users a representation the defendants knew was false.
The prosecutor said the offense contravened Section 95 of the penal code law and punishable under section 324 of the same law.
Wife of Kwara Governor, Mrs Olufolake AbdulRazaq, has said that a total of 376,000 Nigerians between the ages of 15-64 are high-risk drug users.
The Governor’s wife said this on Wednesday in Ilorin in an address delivered at the 2019 International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
“In Nigeria, the rate of drug abuse is alarming at an estimated 376,000 (0.4 per cent of the population aged 15-64 are high-risk drug users.
“It is no gain saying that the use of illicit drugs has fueled criminality and posed many a social and security challenges, hence this occasion can’t come at a better time.
“The recent trend in the use of hallucinogens, opiates and sedative hypnotics by the youths and young adults spurred my resolve to lend my voice to the advocacy drive by the NDLEA and other stakeholders so as to ensure that the youths are dissuaded from treading this perditious path,” she said.
She commend NDLEA and the State’s committee on drug abuse for their efforts to rid the society of the menace of drugs.
“I would like to use this medium to enjoin them to create anti-drugs club in our schools so as to acquaint students with the ills associated with the use of illicit drugs hence nipping it in the bud,” she added.
Mrs AbdulRazaq expressed happiness that the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC) has designated Kwara as a pilot state to play a leading role in drug control in the North Central states including the FCT.
She added that this year’s theme: “Health for Justice, Justice for health” suggested that effective responses to drug related problems require inclusive and accountable institutions to work together to provide integrated solutions to forestall unfettered access to Illicit drugs.
“It is in this regard that consistency in addressing drug abuse and illicit trafficking is paramount and as such a holistic focus across many fronts is required.
“At the same time, we need to expand evidence-based approaches to prevention, treatment and support,” Mrs AbdulRazaq said.
She also called on parents and elder to help sensitize their kids and relatives on the potential risks of abusing drugs and alcohol.
“Parent should encourage open communication which could prevent their children from engaging in the act thereby optimizing their safety, health and well-being and enabling them realize their potential.
“The Nigerian youth needs to be further oriented on the dangers involved with engaging in trafficking and abuse of drugs and not to see it as a means of livelihood.
“This orientation should not be only done by the Government or Educational Institutions, but Parents and Guardians should also step up and play their role in this,” she said.
Mrs AbdulRazaq urged relevant Government agencies to ensure that peddlers and growers of this destructive substances be made to bear the maximum consequences while victims should be rehabilitated and reintegrated back in to the society.
The Governor’s wife added that the State Government would organize prevention programs at the community level with civic, religious, law enforcement, and other government organizations to enhance antidrug norms by identifying the specific drugs and other child and adolescent problems in the community,
She described substance abuse as an epidemic and ticking time bomb that needs urgent attention and systematic approach in the society.
“We all must work together to dismantle drug production and defeat drug addiction. Reduce drug demand, cut off supply of illicit drugs, expand treatment and strengthened international cooperation.
“I am optimistic that our State will be better off if more resources are devoted to supporting evidence based drug prevention strategies, which would in turn be a sound and effective investment in families, schools and communities,” she added.
Mrs AbdulRazaq added that breaking addiction to drug is the only way to get off the hook, adding that it may not be easy to quit, but the efforts will be rewarded by better health of the individual.
“It is in this light, that I call on all public spirited individuals, corporate organizations, Government and non-governmental organizations to join in raising awareness against the use and trafficking of Illicit drugs.
“Together, we can ensure that all people can live in health, dignity and peace, with security and prosperity by getting our society rid of this scourge,” Mrs AbdulRazaq added.
I am highly honoured and elated at the avalanche of best wishes, prayers and messages showered on me as I attained the prestigious golden age.
I sincerely appreciate you and wish you bountiful success and everlasting joy.
My special appreciation goes to my darling husband, Alhaji (Dr.) Kamorudeen Ibitoye Yusuf FCSN, my children, esteemed friends, distiguished family members, business partners, corporate organizations as well as well-wishers for their inestimable support towards making the auspicious moment highly memorable.
I can never forget the honour done to me so soon. It is an encouragement for me to contribute more to human capital development as well as support for humanity as I forge ahead in life.
As we are all aware that birthday will always be our annual guests but remember that the love that binds us together will continue to dwell and mature in our hearts always.
Once again, I thank you all immensely and may God reward your goodwill.
An Ilorin based Non-Governmental Organization which specialises in humanitarian services to the less privileged, the Islamic Orphanage Foundation, has solicited for more support for orphans under its are.
The foundation noted that the increase in the numbers of the orphans in the society has contributed to its challenges of catering for their needs especially in the area of payment of school fees among others, ROYAL NEWS reports.
The Chairman of the foundation, Architect Sefiullahi Alege, who spoke to journalists in Ilorin at the 2019 annual empowerment programme for the Orphans stressed that, “there is no religious discrimination in the admission of orphans and venerable children into the foundation.
“What we do is to carefully screen the children in order to know if they really need our support going by their parental and family status. In fact, there was a time when one Christian man supported us with N40,000, bags of rice and other items.”
See pictures:
While appreciating the Federal Government for its kind gestures, Alege said the Islamic Orphanage Foundation has benefitted from government policy of giving out seized items by the Customs Service during the last Ramadan fasting.
He said: “At this juncture we want to thank the Federal Government of Nigeria under the watch of President Muhammdau Buhari for allowing the Nigerian Custom Service to make donation of Food items and clothes to IOF and other like organizations.
” A total number of 276 children have benefitted from our activities of which 176 are in primary and secondary schools, 84 in tertiary institutions and 13 have since graduated.
“The foundation’s Legal Unit is still working on the modalities and possibility with relevant government agencies. We shall get in contact with all of you wishing to adopt as soon as we conclude arrangement.
“We seize this opportunity to appeal to you to assist in buying equipment for our children that will be graduating from their training from time to time. Similarly, there will be need to provide fund for their take off like renting shops and working capital. Today, six beneficiaries will be empowered with sewing machines, one with welding machine and another one with equipment for sale of engine oil.
“Our Centre if completed will be of assistance to the Foundation in terms of source of fund as well as proper training of our children. We therefore appeal for assistance through you or any known individual or bodies within or outside Nigeria for the completion of the centre as work as been suspended at site for the past 3 years.
“We appeal to Federal and State Governments, Traditional and Spiritual leaders to address the issue of security in the country. As we all know that the result of this will produced a lot of orphans all over. Our IDP centers are also not safe with incessant attack on the innocent people.
“We want to see the whole scenario as been politically motivated and the root of the whole killing must be identified and the culprits brought to book.”
To reach out to the foundation, you can contact:
ISLAMIC ORPHANAGE FOUNDATION Current UBA – 1010352253. Saving UBA – 2024366975. Sterling bank – 0500330136. Monthly Contribution Account Sterling bank – 0500765488.
The Governing Council of Darul Kitab Wa Sunnah College of Arabic and Islamic Studies, Ilorin has appointed a new Provost for the citadel of learning. He is Dr. Sulaiman Yusuf Al-Gamawiy.
ROYAL NEWS reports that the emergence of Dr. Al-Gamawiy will further drive scholarship, research and modern orientation in the field of Arabic and Islamic education in the nation.
The appointment of the erudite scholar which was approved by the founder of the college, Sheikh Dr. AbdulKadir Oba-Solagberu, shortly after a meeting held on Wendeday, is with immediate
Dr. Yusuf Gamawiy, an alumnus of Darul Kitab Wa Sunnah College of Arabic and Islamic Studies, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egpyt and the Kwara State University, Malete, has served as members of various committees both at national and international levels.
He was one of the founding members of the Kwara State Board of Arabic Education , (KWAEB) among other notable appointments.
Dr. Maryam Bolanle Yusuf is the wife of the multibillionaire President/Chief Executive Officer of KAM Holdings Group Nigeria Ltd, Dr. Kamorudeen ibitoye Yusuf FCSN.
She has touched several lives through her Non-Governmental Organisation, The Threshold of Hope Foundation, with numerous humanitarian interventions and direct assistance/supports to all and sundry.
I took out of my precious time to reflect and capture the numbers of households this quintessential character has supported, after making several consultations and findings, I discovered that it was an effort in futility because no researcher can actually succeed in such findings because to her, “generosity and subtleness are some of the attributes of God but He graciously bestowed them on His creatures in order to make life meaningful to the downtrodden so that there can be relative peace and unity in the society.”
According to her, “Sharing with the less privileged will promote love, unity and harmony among mankind as preached by God in His scriptures (Holy Quran and Holy Bible). I have no choice than to be good to people. Having wealth in abundance does not actually solve your problems in life, it is just by His grace and kindness that we are all living.”
Dr. Maryam’s humbleness is second to none, her caring to humanity is unique, her love for children can’t be underestimated, her concern for youths empowerment is highly significant, her interest in family integration is commendable, her hatred for laziness is laughable, her projection for the future is very strong and crystal clear, and among all, her trust in God is very strong and firm.
As she celebrates her 50th birthday, families, friends and well wishers have being combating on the social media platforms, doing vigil and searching for appropriate methods to loud the sound of honour and blow the trumpet of birthday wishes.
She enjoys the support of her husband in all her Business Enterprises, Social Life, Philanthropical Activities while she remains resolute in the fact that, “With God, All Things Are Possible and that Hard Work Pays”.
No wonder, she’s still glowing at 50.
Maryam Bolanle Yusuf
Brief Profile
Dr. Maryam Bolanle Yusuf was born on 25th June 1969 to the family of late Mr S.A. Abioye, a lecturer and late Mrs. V. Abioye, a nursing sister of Ikoja Compound, Omu-Aran, in the Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
She began her educational career at St. John’s Primary School, Sabo Oke, Ilorin and later proceeded to Cherubim & Seraphim College, Ilorin, Kwara State for her secondary school education where she finished in 1986.
She was admitted into the Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin between 1987 and 1990, where she obtained National Certificate in Education (NCE) in English/Government.
In a quest to further her studies, she proceeded to the prestigious University of Ilorin, to study English Language Education and later obtained a Bachelor of Education (B.A.Ed.) Degree in 1997.
In addition, Dr. Maryam proceeded to the great University of Lagos where she obtained a Master Degree in Educational Administration as well as a Masters Class Certificate in Business Management and Leadership of the London Graduate School.
She was awarded Doctor of Philosophy (PhD Honoris Causa) in Business Administration by the Commonwealth University, United Kingdom in 2018.
With these certifications and many more honorary awards of local, national and international status, she has continued to demonstrate high level of interpersonal and entrepreneurial skills in the society through her direct and indirect involvements in many businesses both locally and internationally.
As a personality endowed with multi-faceted business skills and ideas, Dr. Maryam Bolanle Yusuf is;
1.The Deputy Managing Director of KAM Industries Limited
2. Managing Director of BITKAM Nigeria Enterprises
3. Managing Director of DIMKIT Nigeria Limited
4. Managing Director of MISTUFIK Ventures
5. Managing Director of KAM FARM INVESTMENT and
6. Managing Director of KAM Quarry Limited.
She is a Fellow of the African Institute Enterprise (FAIE) and Fellow of the Certified Enterprise Manager (FCEM) of the African Institute of Enterprise Development and Management.
Alhaja Yusuf has no doubt contributed tremendously to the development of numerous communities both within and outside Kwara State through her philanthropical attitudes and genuine concern for the well-being of humanities especially the less-privilege.
Wishing her long life and prosperity with God’s guidance and protection always as she continues to soar.
Arowona Abdulazeez, a senior journalist writes via sardauna2@gmail.com
The death of the mother of Emir of Ilorin and great Queen of the dynasty, late Hajia Aishat Nma Sulu-Gambari, has been described as a colossal loss to the entire people of the Ilorin emirate and beyond.
The Alagua and Magaji Forum of Ilorin in a condolence message signed by the Chairman and Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Saliu Yusuf Alangua Ile-Apa and Alhaji Saliu Malomo Magaji Masudo respectively, disclosed that the late Queen was a strong pillar and symbol of history in the country, ROYAL NEWS reports.
According to the group, “The deceased was until her death the mother of the emirate, symbol of royalty, rear gem and woman of great virtues and compassion. Although, her death is a great loss to humanity but we thank God for a life well-spent with remarkable and intimidating records of success.
“We hereby urge His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman Kwara State Traditional Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, to be thankful to Almighty Allah for the peaceful transition of his late mother and find solace in the fact that Hajia Nma lived an enviable life worthy of emulation.”
The group also thanked all those who participated in the fidua prayer held on Tuesday even as they pledged their unalloyed loyalty to Emir and prayed Allah elongate his reign on the throne.
Although, it was a bitter pill for the entire people of the Ilorin Emirate, Kwara State and Nigeria to hear that a Mother-At-Large and citizen of the world, Her Royal Majesty, Alhaja Aishat Nma Sulu-Gambari, died on Monday 3rd June 2019 but there is every reasons to be thankful to the Most Exalted in Might, (Allah).
Nma was one of the devout Muslim ummah who started the race of the 2019 Ramadan fasting, she completed it and opted out at the finish line.
Until her death, she remained the most unique woman on earth, (globally) with full royal blood. History/Research is yet to proof my position wrong that up till today, there is no one like late Aishat Nma Sulu-Gambari. She was a quintessential human being, Princess, Queen and Mother Queen.
However, Nma as popularly called, was the
1. Granddaughter of the late 7th Emir of Ilorin, Shehu Shuaibu Bawa (1914-1919)
2. Daughter of the late 8th Emir of Ilorin, Shehu AbdulKadir Dan Shuiabu Bawa, (1919-1959)
3. Wife of the late 9th Emir of Ilorin, Shehu ZulKaiani Muhammadu Gambari CFR (1959-1992)
4. Sister of the late 10th Emir of Ilorin, Shehu Aliyu AbdulKadir (1992-1995) and
5. Mother of the 11th Emir of Ilorin, Mai-Martaba Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR (1995- Till date)
Her demise is nothing but a great testimony of life well spent, worthy of emulation, praises and thankful to Allah. Few years ago, His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin performed pilgrimage in the holy land of Makkah and personally observed the spiritual exercise of Tawwaf and other rites holding his mother (now late) and refused anyone to take up his duties to her saying “nobody should assist me, this is my load that I must carry”.
What a great honour? The long years of supplications of the people for the Emir has finally been granted by Allah to protect us against death in the reverse order.
It is indeed a colossal loss but, Alhamdulillahi Robil Aaaaalamin. Your Royal Highness, please accept my condolences, take heart sir. We are all pained but Allah has done the best tous.
Aishat Nma Sulu-Gambari’s death finally marks end of an era.
May Allah forgive her shortcomings, grant her al-janatul firdaos and give us all the fortitude to bear the great loss
Mallam Abdulazeez Arowona, a journalist and National Secretary of Shehu Alimi Foundation for Peace and Development writes from Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia via sardauna2@gmail.com
Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq on Monday directed the Ministry of Water Resources to deliver constant water supply to specific areas of Ilorin, the state capital, within 100 days.
The Governor also asked the ministry and affected consultants to ensure that there is water in every part of the state by getting all the dams working, pledging to give them the necessary support.
AbdulRazaq gave the order during an unscheduled visit to Agba Dam, Asa Dam Water Works and Western Reservoir (Adewole) where he lamented that no part of the state gets constant water supply despite the over N6bn already sunk into the water reticulation project.
The Governor said he might wield the big stick in form of “house cleaning” if the ministry does not deliver on his directive.
“We have a mandate to deliver water to our people and within the next 100 days.
“For a start, I want to see constant water supply in specific areas of Ilorin, it may be Ilorin East, South or West or anything (where these particular dams cover),” he said after listening to the ministry’s officials.
“Don’t keep talking. We want action. Our people want water. No part of Ilorin or anywhere in this state do people have water.
“Raise a memo to state what the problems are and what’s needed to fix them. People are tired of empty talk.
“We have to solve the problems now. Forget the big word reticulation, let’s fix the problem. We need immediate memo on what the problems are and we will give you all the support,” Abdulrazaq added.
The Governor said his administration was determined to provide potable water to the entire state, even if in phases, in line with its campaign promises.
“We need to think out of the box. I’m serious about having water in our homes within 100 days. We have the mandate to deliver water to our people,” he said.
Alhaji Yahaya Tunde, General Manager of Water Corporation, said constant electricity supply and treatment materials are the major challenges.
He said all the water works are currently disconnected from power supply because they owe the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) at least N24m. He said they have a monthly electricity bill of N9.7m
Apart from the ongoing strike action by staff of the water works, Tunde also said they needed modern equipment that can monitor water pressure and detect when pipes go bad.
Gov Abdulrazaq had earlier visited the Kwara State Inland Revenue Service (KW-IRS) where he also directed the body to submit a memo to give a clear picture of the happenings there, including how to perform optimally.
He also visited the Ilorin General Hospital where he announced that the state would host a Health Summit for stakeholders from across the sector on how to improve health delivery in the state.
Restating his commitment to telemedicine, Abdulrazaq said he would consider better funding and autonomy for the state’s premier hospital as the launch pad of the 21st medical technology.
A High Court sitting in Ilorin on Wednesday sentenced three Internet fraudsters to a year each for fraud.
While appreciating the Federal Government for its kind gestures, Alege said the Islamic Orphanage Foundation has benefitted from government policy of giving out seized items by the Customs Service during the last Ramadan fasting.
