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BREAKING: Pastor Taiwo Odukoya, Senior Pastor of Fountain of Life Church, Is Dead

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The Senior Pastor of Fountain of Life Church, Pastor Taiwo Odukoya, is dead.

His demise was confirmed via the officially Facebook page of the church.

He was said to have died on Monday, August 7, in the United States of America (USA).

His first wife, Pastor Bimbo Odukoya, was among the passengers who boarded the ill-fated Sosoliso Airlines Flight 1145 going to Port Harcourt from Abuja in 2005.

The plane was involved in a crash while landing at Port Harcourt International Airport on December 10th. Although the female cleric survived the initial impact, she died from injuries on December 11, 2005.

He later married another woman, who died in November 2021 after battling with cancer.

May his soul rest in peace.

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Navy Opposes Bill To Establish Coastguard, Cites Role Duplication

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The Nigerian Navy and several civil society organisations (CSOs) have opposed a bill aimed at establishing a coastguard.

The bill proposes the creation of a Nigerian coastguard to protect the country’s maritime zones.

If established, the coastguard would be under the ministry of marine and blue economy.

At a public hearing held by the Senate Committee on Maritime Transport on Thursday, Emmanuel Ogalla, the Chief of Naval Staff, argued that the bill seeks to duplicate the Navy’s responsibilities.

Ogalla, represented by Olusegun Ferreira, Chief of Training and Operations, noted that in the UK and the US, the coastguard is a department within the navy.

“United Kingdom does not have a coastguard with military powers similar to those being proposed in this bill. Rather, the Royal Navy is responsible for military defence and maritime security operations, including facial protection, and this is quoted from the house of commons briefing paper of 2020,” he said.

“On the other hand, the UK coastguard is under the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, which manages search and rescue and occupational safety.

“In fact, the UK coastguard is also known as a volunteer. Coastguard is not funded by the government but by charity.

“The UK example is a symbol, where a resourceful naval force, with complementary civilian agencies, work to manage maritime safety.

“Then let’s look at the United States of America: the US coastguard operates under the Department of Homeland Security, focusing on law enforcement, environmental protection, search and rescue, while the US navy under the Department of Defence, is primarily an expeditionary force projecting power far beyond the shores.

“South Africa has opted to enhance its network capacity instead of establishing the coastguard, recognizing budget constraints and prioritising the unified labour force for all maritime security and defence.

“South African navy performs both military rules and law enforcement functions supported by government agencies and non-military tasks like environmental protection and the like.

“This approach is similar to what is done in Nigeria and several developing countries. It minimises redundancy and ensures that the country’s limited resources are well managed.

“Given Nigeria’s more regional maritime focus and resource constraints, creating a similar structure will lead to redundant functions and stretch limited resources.”

Emeka Akabogu, honorary secretary of the Nigerian Maritime Law Association; Chris Ezekobe, a retired naval officer; and Igwe Umanta, a representative of a coalition of CSOs, also voiced their opposition to the bill.

Adams Oshiomhole, chairman of the Senate Committee on Interior, expressed concerns about the funding for the coastguard.

Philip Agbese, a lawmaker representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo federal constituency of Benue, described the bill as “irrelevant.”

The lawmaker called on the federal government to increase funding for the navy instead of creating a coastguard.

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Police Stop Dreaded Igbo Ajofia Nnewi Masquerade From Entering Lagos, Cite Cultural Sensitivity, Security Concerns

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The Lagos State Police Commissioner, CP Ishola Olarewaju Olawale, has prohibited the Ajofia Nnewi Masquerade from entering Lagos for the Igbo Festival, citing concerns over public safety and the potential breach of peace.

This decision was made following a meeting between Igbo stakeholders in Lagos and the police commissioner.

The Ajofia Nnewi Masquerade, referred to as the “Evil Forest,” holds significant cultural and traditional value in Igbo society.

However, its proposed appearance in Lagos has been met with strong opposition from various Yoruba communities in the state, who have raised concerns and reservations about its presence.

CP Olawale explained that both residents and indigenes were uncomfortable with the masquerade’s presence in Lagos after a group associated with it boasted about unleashing mayhem.

He played a video recording showing the masquerade performing rituals, which heightened suspicions about their intentions.

The police commissioner emphasized that every tribe has its own masquerade, which operates within its cultural context, and that the Ajofia is an Igbo masquerade that should not come to Lagos State, which is home to another tribe.

Eze Nwachukwu, responding on behalf of Ndigbo, thanked the CP for the meeting and acknowledged the message.

Despite Eze Nwachukwu’s emphasis on the peaceful nature of the festival featuring the Ajofia Nnewi Masquerade in Lagos, indigenous people of the state have voiced strong objections to its appearance. They are concerned that it could pose a risk to individuals who are unfamiliar with the traditional significance and cultural context of the masquerade.

According to reports, in Igbo mythology, the Ajofia Nnewi Masquerade is believed to possess spiritual powers, which can be unsettling for those who do not share the same cultural beliefs.

Furthermore, the masquerade’s name, “Evil Forest,” evokes a sense of mystery and foreboding, which can be intimidating to those unfamiliar with its cultural significance.

The Ajofia Nnewi Masquerade is traditionally not performed in front of women, which adds to its air of mystery and exclusivity.

The masquerade’s performances often involve elaborate rituals and ceremonies, which can be perceived as “dangerous” or “threatening” by those who do not understand their cultural context.

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FBI Traces Bobo Chicago’s Million-Dollar Fraud To African Shrine Club, Owner Loses Licence

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Nevada state authorities have revoked the license of the African Shrine, operated by Wale Ogundana in Las Vegas, after the FBI traced proceeds from stolen funds by suspected Nigerian fraudster Bobo Chicago to the entertainment venue.

The FBI arrested the notorious fraudster, Oluyomi Omobolanle Bombata, also known as Bobo Chicago, in Illinois, Chicago, on November 20. As agents expanded their investigation and followed the money trail, they discovered that African Shrine had received part of the fraudulent funds.

The FBI found that Bobo Chicago, 25, had wired $394,000 to African Shrine in Las Vegas, drawing Mr. Ogundana into the case. Agents then launched a criminal investigation to determine the extent of his involvement with the suspect, if any.

In response, the Nevada state government immediately moved to revoke Mr. Ogundana’s license to operate the nightclub, a decision that could severely affect his finances, given that Las Vegas is a city renowned for its nightlife, which includes clubs, casinos, liquor stores, and other adult entertainment.

Mr. Ogundana has been banned from engaging in any entertainment business, including nightclubs, liquor sales, and related activities.

Mr. Ogundana did not respond to requests for comments to clarify his involvement—or lack of involvement—in Bobo Chicago’s alleged multi-million dollar fraud scheme.

The 25-year-old alleged scammer is accused of hacking into computers, particularly the emails of individuals and corporate organizations, to steal their funds. The FBI has tracked $2.8 million in stolen money between June 2023 and October 2023.

The FBI is continuing its efforts to locate Bobo Chicago’s accomplices and is also investigating Mr. Ogundana’s activities in Las Vegas.

Bobo Chicago, for his part, claimed that he could not afford an attorney to fight the charges and was relying on a public defender provided by Oklahoma state.

He was initially arrested in Illinois, Chicago, but was later transferred to Oklahoma, where he allegedly committed the crimes. He is now facing five counts of fraud.

Several Nigerians have been apprehended by law enforcement in the U.S. for committing fraud, including infamous Instagram influencer Ramon Ray ‘Hushpuppi’ Abbas and Mr. Woodberry. The two are currently serving sentences at the Fort Dix Correctional Facility in New Jersey.

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