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Kanu’s Conviction: Residents vow to continue Monday sit-at-home

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By Chimaobi Nwaiwu

NNEWI—Residents of Anambra State, particularly in Onitsha and Nnewi, have continued to observe the Monday weekly sit-at-home despite the conviction and imprisonment of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

Business activities, schools, banks, hospitals, and government offices remained closed, while roads were largely deserted, reflecting the anger and solidarity of the people with Kanu.

Some residents told Vanguard that the sit-at-home is a voluntary protest by the people of the South East, not enforced by IPOB. They said past claims that IPOB imposed the lockdown were misleading, noting that criminals had previously exploited the protests to commit robberies but vanished when discovered.

Obed Nwachukwu, a resident, said, “Those hoping that markets and businesses will reopen because of Kanu’s imprisonment will have to wait. We are standing in solidarity with him until he is free.”

Another resident, Chief Okwudili Okoye, said, “The Federal Government’s claims and the Abuja Federal High Court’s judgement are unsubstantiated. Monday sit-at-home will continue as a voluntary action in demand for fairness and justice for Ndigbo. Once Nnamdi Kanu regains his freedom, normal activities will resume.”

Residents emphasized that the protest is not about IPOB alone, but a demonstration of solidarity with Kanu and a stand against what they see as lopsided treatment of the Igbo people.

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EFCC evicts Malami from Abuja home amid forfeiture dispute

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Former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami says Economic and Financial Crimes Commission operatives forcefully evicted him and his family from their Abuja residence despite ongoing court proceedings over the property’s forfeiture.
He described the action as unlawful and vowed to challenge it in court.

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Fuel price hike: Gov Makinde announces N10,000 transport support for workers

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The governor of Oyo state, Seyi Makinde, has approved a N10,000 transportation allowance as a palliative for the state workforce to cushion the effects of the increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, otherwise known as petrol.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Oyo State chapter, Kayode Martins, in a statement released on Monday, March 23, disclosed that the governor has granted the request of the union on the issue of transportation allowance.

The statement read

“Following the intervention and formal request made by the State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) earlier this morning, the state government has approved a N10,000 transportation allowance for all workers in the state.

The newly approved allowance is set to take effect from April 2026, providing much-needed relief to workers grappling with rising transportation costs amid current economic challenges.

This development comes as a direct response to sustained advocacy by the state NLC, aimed at cushioning the impact of increased living expenses on the workforce.

Further details on implementation are expected to be communicated by the relevant government authorities in due course.”

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Former Acting Accountant-General of the Federation bags 72years imprisonment for diverting N868.46 million security funds

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Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, March 23, convicted and sentenced Chukwunyere Nwabuoku, former acting Accountant-General of the Federation (AGoF), to a 72-year jail term without an option of fine.

DailyTrust reports that in the judgment delivered, Justice Omotosho held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had been able to prove the nine-count money laundering charge beyond reasonable doubt.

According to the judge, the defendant is hereby convicted as charged.

Justice Omotosho convicted Nwabuoku in all the nine counts and sentenced him to eight years imprisonment in each of the counts, making 72 years.

The judge, however, ordered that the counts shall run concurrently.

Justice Omotosho, who described Nwabuoku’s act of diverting funds meant for security and defence while he served as Director of Finance and Account in the Ministry of Defence as “appalling,” commended the EFCC for being detailed in its prosecution.

The judge observed that the evidence of the 9th prosecution witness that Nwabuoku voluntarily refunded part of the siphoned money of over N200 million during investigation was not controverted by the defence.

Nwabuoku served as the Director of Finance and Accounts in the Ministry of Defence between 2019 and 2021. He became acting Accountant General of the Federation in May 2022.

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