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FULL LIST: El-Rufai’s Corruption Allegation Report Revealed

By
ALJAZIRAH
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0

…details damming, over 27 companies linked to ex governor indicted

…Kaduna State treasury bleeding- sources.

The Committee has come to the conclusion that evidence has shown several cases of corruption in the running of the affairs of the Government, Ministries, Departments and Agencies in Kaduna State from 29th May, 2015 to 29th May, 2023 and hereby recommends as follows:-

  1. To direct the Kaduna Internal Revenue Service to withdraw the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) Account domiciled at Zenith Bank as Security for #20,000,000,000.00 guaranteed in 2023 forthwith and to request the bank to refund all monies deducted on account of the purported illegal guarantee together with the accrued interest thereof.
  2. That, all the Commissioners of Finance of the State from 29th May, 2015 to 29th May, 2023 be referred to the appropriate Law Enforcement
    Agencies for thorough investigation.
  3. That, all the Accountant Generals of the State from 29th May, 2015 to 29th May, 2023 be referred to the appropriate Law Enforcement Agencies for investigation.
  4. That, the Chairmen of Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS) from 2018 to 2023 be referred to the appropriate Law Enforcement Agencies for thorough investigation.
  5. That, the current Commissioner of Finance, Kaduna State do step aside to allow for proper investigation into the activities of the Ministry from 29th May, 2015 to 29* May, 2023.
  6. That, the current Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) do step aside to allow for thorough and proper investigation into the activities of the Board from 29th May, 2015 to 29* May, 2023.
  7. That, the current Executive Secretary of the State Pension Bureau do step aside to allow for proper investigation into the activities of the Bureau from 29th May, 2015 to 29* May, 2023.
  8. That, all the Managing Directors of the Kaduna Market Development and Management Company Ltd from 29 May, 2015 to 29th May, 2023 be referred to the relevant Law Enforcement Agencies for a thorough investigation into their handling of the affairs of the Company.
  9. That, the coordinator of the Kaduna State Government’s Irrigation Programmes for the cultivation of Wheat at Ruwan Sanyi, Kubau Local Government Area in 2016 or thereabout, be referred to the appropriate Law Enforcement Agencies for a thorough investigation.
  10. That, Ms. Dolapo Popoola, the immediate past Managing Director of AlL KAPSCO whose where about is not known, be referred to the appropriate Law Enforcement Agencies for investigation into her handling of the affairs of the Company and for the recovery of all Government Properties in her possession.
  11. That, Mr. Muyiwa Adekeye, the Special Adviser to the Governor of Kaduna .. State on Media and Communication from 29th May, 2015 to 29th May, 2023 be referred to the appropriate Law Enforcement Agencies for investigation on his involvement in the contracts in Kaduna State Media Corporation (KSMC).
  12. That, all the Managing Directors of Kaduna Roads Agency (KADRA) from
    11th October, 2017 to November, 2021 with the exception of Engineer Amina Ja’afar Ladan who only spent a month in office, be referred to the appropriate Law Enforcement Agencies for in-depth investigation into their roles in the award and poor execution of contracts during their tenure, while Management and Senior Staff of the Agency be redeployed to other relevant Ministries and Agencies..
  13. That, all Loans (Domestic and Foreign) obtained by the Kaduna State Government between 29th May, 2015 to 29th May, 2023 and found by the Committee to have been obtained without due process are not binding on the State and the State Government should henceforth stop honouring all
    Limit, obligations arising from them.
  14. That, the Contractors listed hereunder should refund to the Kaduna State Government a total sum of A36,351,126,811.65 being monies paid for work either not done, overpayment or diversion as follows:-

S/No
NAME

  1. Ronchess Global Resources PLC
  2. Chamberlayne Global Concept Ltd
  3. M/S Prestige Integrated Services Ltd
    AMOUNT
    N6,611,475,813.35
    A3,566,760,185.98
    N162,954,467.77

M/S Philco Nig. Ltd
M/S Gulu Engineering & Technical
Services Ltd
CCECC Nigeria Ltd
Danjiro Nigeria Ltd
Rafali Nigeria Ltd
Sanjo Nigeria Ltd
Konstrand Nigeria Ltd
Spectrum Engineering Ltd
Bindigary Construction Ltd
Gmorli Nigeria Ltd
Shiyuma Nigeria Ltd
Farm Track Nigeria Ltd
N42,023,121.33
N222,322,319.60
N11,602,171,179.12
N523,641,549.27
N7,999,292,945.88
1200,132,409.85
N421,563,225.90
N1,338,129,422.80
N265,179,595.49
N38,316,816.06
N185,135,064.94
N3,172,028,690.36
TOTAL N36,351,126,811.65

  1. That, the unjustified cash withdrawals to the tune of N4,936,916,333.00 between 2019 to 2022 by Hon. Commissioner of Finance and the Accountant General of the State be referred to the appropriate Law enforcement Agencies for in-depth investigation and necessary action.
  2. That, the unjustified withdrawals of the sum of $1.4 Million USD from the Kaduna State Economic Transformation Account No. 0809009141 for the period of 30/10/2020 – 06/05/2020 be referred to the relevant Law Enforcement Agencies for in-depth investigation and appropriate action.
  3. That, the sum of A632,456,000.00 only paid to TULIP FUTURE ASSOCIATES LTD without official engagement as Consultants be recovered by the State
    _Government.
  4. That, the sum of A80,000,000.00 only paid to EDI-JEN CO. LTD on the 3rd of March, 2023 as IMPREST while He is not a Government Employee be recovered by the Kaduna State Government.
  5. That, the sum of #757,426,000.00 only paid by the Ministry of Finance into
    4 Account No. 0500764182 in Sterling Bank Pl in the name of Sarkin Ayuka Global Resources Ltd being excess gains in the exchange of the sum of $2,600.000.00 USD be recovered and paid into the Kaduna State
    Consolidated Revenue Fund Account.

That, the sum of N1,412,031,860.00 only which the Committee found was fraudulently paid into the Account of MISHA Travels Agency by the Accountant General of the State be recovered and paid into the Kaduna State Consolidated Revenue Fund Account.

That, the sum of N333,000,000.00 (Three Hundred and thirty three million naira) paid to ALMASS MULTI LINKS VENTURES Account number 6249747019 FCMB be recovered.
That, the total amount to be refunded to the State Government by the an underlisted persons is as follows:

NAME
Bashir Saidu; Shizzer Nasara Bada Tulip Future Associates Ltd
EDI-JEN CO. LTD
Sarkin Ayuka Global Resources Ltd
Misha Travels
ALMASS MULTI LINKS VENTURES
Nuren Mumeen Damola
Uzosike Chinedu
AMOUNT
N4,936,916,333.00
N632,456,000.00
A80,000,000.00
N757,426,000.00
N1,412,031,860.00
A333,000,000.00
N10,899,300,000.00
N188,380,906.76
TOTAL $19,239,511,099.76
$1,400,000.00 USD

Withdrawals from the Kaduna State
Economic Transformation Account (Shizzer
Nasara Bada)
TOTAL USD $1,400,000.00

That, Skipper Nig. Ltd having abandoned most of the Contracts awarded to the Company after collecting huge sums of money in part payment be referred to the necessary Law Enforcement Agencies for in-depth investigation and necessary action
That, Mr. Jimmy Lawal Senior Adviser-Counsellor to the Governor of Kaduna State from May, 29th 2015 to May to May, 29th 2023 who was saddled with the coordination of the activities of Government Ministries and Agencies albeit without any Constitutional role, abused the trust bestowed on him and used the opportunity to introduce dubious Companies to which he secured the award of several Contracts at outrageous amount and which Contracts were abandoned after payment of substantial contractual sums, diversion of funds meant for execution of Projects thereby defrauding the Kaduna State Government, be referred to the relevant Law Enforcement Agencies for thorough investigation and necessary action.

That, the Governor of Kaduna State between 29th May, 2015 to 29th May, 2023 as the Chief Executive Officer of the State breached his Oath of Office contained in the 7th Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended and failed to exercise due discretion in the administration of the State thereby indulged in:

  1. Plunging the State into unwanted, unjustified and fraudulent Domestic and Foreign Debts over and above the total Loans obtained by Kaduna State from 1965 to 1999 and majority of which were obtained without due process.

Reckless awards of Contracts without due process and due execution leading to several abandoned Projects despite payments.

Authorised the humongous withdrawals of cash both in Naira and Dollars with no records of utilization and denied the State of the needed resources for development.

iV.Complicit activities with Commissioners and Heads of Parastatals to defraud the State by issuing directives to KADPPA to circumvent due process in the payment of Contractors vide letter dated 21S June, 2021.

V. Diversion of funds and money laundering contrary to all extant Laws and regulations and accordingly should be referred to the Law Enforcement Agencies for in-depth investigation and appropriate action.

Ebonyi Community Bans Selling Of Land, Smoking Of Indian Hemps

By
ALJAZIRAH
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0

From Nwogha Ndubuisi, Abakaliki

The monarch of Ndieze Inyimegu autonomous community His Royal Highness (HRH) Eze Hyacinth Ogbonna Nwokpor has outrightly banned the selling of land and smoking of Indian hemps as offenders would be made to face law of the land.

Eze Nwokpor made the declaration when village heads of Ndieze Community paid him a royal visit in his palace.

The occasion was marked by a heartwarming blessing of Kola, during which the traditional ruler expressed gratitude to God for bestowing upon them, Governor Francis Nwifuru, a son of Izhi clan, as governor.

He prayed for divine wisdom upon the governor to continue guiding the people through the Peoples Charter of Need mantra.

The village heads took the opportunity to commend traditional ruler for his exemplary leadership style, which has brought peace and progress to Ndieze community.

They also sought his assistance in addressing mobility challenges, which hinder their work.

According to resolution passed by the traditional ruler in collaboration of the village heads, the statement reads:

“Ban on Smoking of Indian Hemp: The village heads resolved to prohibit the smoking of Indian Hemp in all communities within Ndieze. Anyone found in possession of or smoking Indian Hemp will face severe consequences.

“Ban on Land Selling: The village heads agreed to put a halt to land selling in all communities of Ndieze, effective immediately. Any individual found violating this law will be subject to severe punishment.

“Payment of Dowry: The village heads decreed that anyone who marries a woman without paying dowry commits a crime. They have given offenders until Easter 2025 to rectify the situation or face community action.

“These resolutions demonstrate the village heads’ commitment to maintaining peace, order, and progress in Ndieze autonomous community.

“However, the ban on Indian Hemp aimed to protect the youth and community from the harmful effects of drug abuse, whereas, the prohibition on land selling seeks to preserve communal lands and prevent disputes arising from unauthorized sales.

“The dowry payment resolution ensures that marriage customs are respected and women are valued.

“The visit and resolutions highlight the importance of community leadership and collaboration in addressing local challenges.”

US-made Bomb Used In UN-run School Strike In Gaza, Investigation Reveals

By
ALJAZIRAH
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0

Bomb used by the Israeli military to strike a UN-run school in Gaza, killing at least 45 people including women and children, was made in the US, a new investigation has revealed.

A video reviewed by the New York Times and corroborated by weapons experts showed that the remnants of the device dropped on the school in Nuseirat, central Gaza, was a GBU-39, a bomb designed and manufactured by aviation and defense giant Boeing.

“This distinct nose is unique to the GBU-39 munition series, and, due to its solid construction, it can survive the blast intact,” Trevor Ball, a former US Army explosive ordnance disposal technician, said, adding that the damage caused to the building is evidence of the use of this type of precision-guided weapon.

A similar analysis by CNN appeared to confirm these findings.

The Israeli military confirmed it carried out Thursday’s airstrike, stating it targeted a Hamas compound operating inside the school. It added that “many measures were taken to minimize the danger of harming uninvolved individuals,” including aerial surveillance and “additional precise intelligence.”

Philippe Lazzarini, the director of UNRWA, wrote on social media that around 6,000 Palestinians had been sheltering in the school complex.

The school was also attacked in mid-May, during which the Israeli military claimed to have killed 15 Hamas militants.

Footage uploaded to Instagram and Telegram on Thursday shortly after the strike shows the nose tip of the GBU-39, along with objects such as cans of food and clothes covered in rubble near the site of the strike, suggesting the damage was recent.

In one of the videos, a man can be seen recovering body parts from the scene, holding up a severed finger to the camera.

This incident marks the second time in two weeks that separate investigations have confirmed the use of US-manufactured munitions in deadly Israeli attacks on displaced Palestinians.

In May, US-made weaponry appeared to have been used in a strike on a displacement camp in Gaza, during which at least 45 people died and more than 200 were injured after a fire broke out.

According to the New York Times, US officials have been encouraging the Israeli military for months to use GBU-39s, a lighter and more precise alternative to the heavier and more lethal 2,000-pound bombs previously used in the campaign.

“While they’re using smaller bombs, they’re still deliberately targeting where they know there are civilians,” Bryant added.

“The only thing they’ve done in going down from 2,000-pound bombs to 250-pound bombs is killing a few less civilians.” 

Ukraine Says Latest-generation Russian Fighter Jet Hit For First Time

By
ALJAZIRAH
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0

Ukrainian forces have for the first time hit a latest-generation Russian Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet at an air base inside Russia, Kyiv’s GUR defense intelligence agency said on Sunday, showing satellite pictures which it said confirmed the strike.

In a Telegram post, the GUR did not specify how the Su-57 was hit or by which unit of the Ukrainian military.

A popular Russian pro-war military blogger who calls himself Fighterbomber and focuses on aviation said the report of the strike on the Su-57 was correct and that it had been hit by a drone.

The GUR said the aircraft was parked at the Akhtubinsk airfield, which it said was 589 km,366 miles, from front lines in Ukraine between Ukrainian and Russian invasion forces.

“The pictures show that on June 7, the Su-57 was standing intact, and on (June 8th), there were craters from the explosion and characteristic spots of fire caused by fire damage near it,” the GUR said, with the images posted alongside the message.

Ukraine has been fighting a full-scale Russian invasion since February 2022. Both sides conduct regular strikes hundreds of kilometers into enemy territory with missiles and drones.

Ukraine, which lacks the vast arsenal of missiles available to Moscow, has focused on making long-range drones to strike targets deep inside Russia.

Russian blogger Fighterbomber said the jet fighter was struck by shrapnel and the damage was currently being assessed to see if the aircraft could be repaired.

He said if the plane were to be deemed beyond repair it would be the first combat loss of a Su-57.

Russian state-run news agency RIA Novosti’s military correspondent Alexander Kharchenko posted a cryptic message which did not directly acknowledge the strike but decried the lack of hangars to protect military aircraft.

Despite being touted as a Russian fifth-generation fighter aircraft to rival its US equivalent, the Su-57 was plagued by development delays and a crash in 2019. According to its manufacturer, serial production of the aircraft began in 2022.

It is a heavy fighter jet capable of fulfilling a variety of battlefield roles.

Gaza Faces Water Crisis As Israel Targets Wells, Pipelines

By
ALJAZIRAH
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0

In the Jabaliya refugee camp, families line up for hours under the sun, in front of water barrels waiting to fill up their buckets and containers with water. Every single drop is precious and is carefully rationed.

Gaza’s entire potable water infrastructure has almost all been destroyed by Israel.

“There is no water or food. Our children died of dehydration. We can’t wash up or use bathrooms. I can’t find any water to drink,” Bassam Abu Rokba, a disabled displaced living in Jabaliya said.

Israeli forces entered Jabaliya weeks ago, and have subsequently pulled out after weeks of fighting.

Israeli strikes have previously destroyed 75% of water wells in the area, the head of the Jabaliya municipality told local media outlets in March.

“There is almost no food or water because of the lack of aid coming into Gaza. Our clothes are dirty. All the water wells are destroyed and not a single one of them is functional,” said Hassan Adwan, while waiting to get some water.

The United Nations alerted about the risk of diseases – including cholera- in the enclave, due to a lack of clean drinking water and poor sanitation as summer temperatures surge.

Israel has been accused of deliberately damage civilian infrastructure in Gaza as a weapon of war.

Global Public Debt Hit Record $97 Trillion In 2023 – UN

By
ALJAZIRAH
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0

Global public debt rose to a record $97 trillion last year, the United Nations reported Tuesday June 4, with developing countries owing roughly one-third of that crimping their ability to pay for basic government services like health care, education and climate action.

U.N. Trade and Development, formerly known as UNCTAD, said the value of money owed by governments rose by $5.6 trillion from 2022. In its report entitled “A World of Debt,” the agency said high interest payments are outstripping growth in essential public spending.

“Developing countries must not be forced to choose between servicing their debt or serving their people,” the report said. “The international financial architecture must change to ensure a prosperous future for both people and the planet.”

In the developing world, which is home to 3.3 billion people, 1 in 3 countries spends more on paying interest than on programs in “critical areas for human development” such as health care, education and climate action.

In 2023, public debt in developing countries hit $29 trillion, or about 30% of the total worldwide, an increase from a 16% share in 2010, the U.N. office said.

UN Trade and Development said “cascading crises” and the sluggish and uneven performance of the global economy underpinned the rapid increase in global public debt, which is rising at twice the rate in developing countries than in richer ones.

The United States, according to the report, led the world with more than $33 trillion in public debt last year, trailed by China at nearly $15 trillion and Japan at $10.6 trillion.

Developing Countries with Significant Debt

Egypt, Mexico, Brazil and India joined China among developing countries with the most public debt.

However, global shocks have jolted economies in Africa, where median public debt as a share of economic output has risen to 62% last year.

With the cost of borrowing increasing in many parts of the world last year, interest on public debt jumped to $847 billion last year, up 26% from two years earlier, the U.N. office said.

Last month, U.S. President Joe Biden and visiting Kenyan President William Ruto urged economies worldwide to reduce the enormous debt burden crushing developing nations, such as by reducing financing barriers and coordinating debt relief through multilateral financial institutions.

A $1.2 trillion government funding bill passed by Congress in March allows the U.S. to lend up to $21 billion to an International Monetary Fund trust that provides zero-interest loans to support low-income countries.

“Too many nations are forced to make a choice between development and debt, between investing in their people and paying back their creditors,” Biden said.

The African Union, a new G20 permanent member, also has been outspoken on the issue. South Africa will assume the G20 presidency in December, saying it will be “an opportunity to champion the aspirations of emerging markets.”

Arewa House, Kaduna To Host Public Lecture, Book Launch On Democracy Day

By
ALJAZIRAH
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0

Arewa House, the renowned center for historical documentation and research in Kaduna, is set to host a prestigious public lecture and book launch event on Democracy Day, June 12, 2024. The event will feature the presentation of two thought-provoking papers and the launch of two insightful books related to the theme of 1. “Tinubunomics, issues, the Harsh Realities and Cushions: Salvaging the Nigerian Economy, the imminent hope” and II. “The Renewed Hope Agenda, so far, so good: The Sectoral Indicators.”

The papers to be presented include a critical analysis of “Tinubunomics” and its implications for the Nigerian economy, as well as an evaluation of the progress made under the “Renewed Hope Agenda.” These papers promise to offer valuable insights into the economic and political landscape of Nigeria.

The keynote address to be delivered by, His Excellency Alhaji Muhammadu Badaru, Honorable Minister of Defense.

In addition to the papers, two significant books will be launched during the event. The first book, titled “Lifelong Ambition,” delves into the life and achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, offering readers al comprehensive look at his journey and contributions to the nation. The second book, “A Discourse on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Political Life,” written by Ambassador Valentine Opaluwa Ejeh, provides a detailed examination of Tinubu’s political career and impact on Nigerian politics.

Elder Statesman and Consummate Politician, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, has penned the foreword for both books, adding his unique perspective and insights to the narratives.

The event is expected to draw a diverse audience, including policymakers and implementers from both the public and private sectors, representatives from professional bodies, labour movements, civil society organizations, the media, traditional rulers, market women, artisans, and a cross-section of the general public.

Details of the Event:

Date: June 12, 2024

Time: 11:00 AM

Venue: Arewa House, Kaduna

Join us at Arewa House in Kaduna on Democracy Day for an enlightening and enriching experience as we delve into the critical issues shaping the Nigerian economy and political landscape. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a thought-provoking discussion and book launch event.

Delta Govt Seeks Private Sector Partnership On Coconut Farming, Products Export

By
ALJAZIRAH
-
0

By Owen Akenzua, Asaba

In his deliberate efforts and determination to create more jobs and wealth for Deltans through massive coconut Farming in Delta State, governor Sheriff Oborevwori, has appealed to land owners across the three Senatorial Districts to partner government in the ongoing coconut development programme under the MORE Agenda.

Executive Assistant on Agriculture to the Governor, Hon Aneke Ifemeni made the disclosure at the weekend while speaking as guest of Orientation Panorama Platform on Voice of Delta Radio 97.9 FM, saying that coconut farming has become a lucrative business and one of the major foreign exchange earner for governments and investors in the country.

Orientation Panorama on Voice of Delta Radio is an initiative of Delta State Orientation Bureau, DSOB, in collaboration with Delta Broadcasting Service Asaba, to project the policies, programmes and achievements of the state government and the governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, JP.

The EA on Agriculture to the Governor, noted that unfortunately coconut and it’s value chain products has become scarce across Nigeria, because of dew farmers and low production, prompting governor Oborevwori to create the enabling environment for coconut business to thrive in the state through public-private partneeship.

The EA Agricultural to the Governor, further disclosed that the public-private partneeship arrangement is to enable land owners who do not have the required financial muscles to venture into coconut farming by making their land available, so as to share profits with government and other core investors.

Aneke who is also the Coordinator of Delta State Coconut Development Programme, DSCDP, disclosed that as a result of the ongoing PPP arrangement, government acquired several hectres of land across the state for coconut farming, while pilot programmes have been flagged off in some communities under the governor’s MORE agenda.

“Our amiable visionary governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori is very passionate about wealth and job creation for our youths and Deltans across board.

“He strongly believe that through deliberate huge investments in Agriculture and Coconut Farming, thousands of Deltans shall become successful entrepreneurs and millionaires in the near future.

“Government has in the process acquired vast land running into several hectres through public-private partneeship wherein land owners without financial muscles donate or lease their land for coconut farming for a specific period of time, share profits with government and/or local and foreign investors.

“This arrangement is to facilitate coconut farming development in the state, and at the same time create wealth and job opportunities for our people.

“There are already made export and domestic markets for Coconut products, including coconut oil. It’s a flourishing business and we encourage land owners to contact the state governor for partnership.

“Furthermore, relevant government agencies are ready to connect investors with local coconut farmers, and also through the office of the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Agriculture, situated at Olorogun Felix Ibru Secretariat along Mariam Babaginda Way, Asaba, the state capital,” Aneke said

Pope Francis Hosts Palestinian, Israeli Ambassadors To Pray For Peace

By
ALJAZIRAH
-
0

Pope Francis gathered the Palestinian and Israeli ambassadors to the Vatican Gardens on Friday to pray for an end to the war in Gaza, marking the 10th anniversary of a similar encounter with the Israeli and Palestinian presidents with a new appeal for peace.

“Every day I pray that this war will finally end,” Francis told the small gathering, which included around two-dozen cardinals and the Holy See’s diplomatic corps.

Among them were Israeli Ambassador Raphael Schutz and Palestinian Ambassador Issa Kassissieh, as well as representatives of Italy’s Jewish and Muslim communities.

The event recreated the first such encounter Francis hosted in the gardens this time 10 years ago, when he welcomed Israel’s then-President Shimon Peres and Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas.

At the time, a round of U.S.-mediated peace talks had stalled. But Francis told the two presidents that he hoped their summit would mark “a new journey” toward peace. Then as now, Francis said too many children had been killed by war, and he begged for both sides to agree to a cease-fire in Gaza and the immediate return of hostages to Israel.

“All this suffering, the brutality of war, the violence it unleashes and the hatred it sows even among future generations should convince us all that every war leaves our world worse than it was before,” he said.

Francis has tried to toe a balanced line on Gaza after initially angering Israel with comments that were perceived of as being supportive of the Palestinians. He has since made sure to also mention Israel’s suffering and call for the return of hostages taken October 7 when he refers to the war.

Chinese Nationals Among Dozens Jailed In Zambia For Cybercrimes

By
ALJAZIRAH
-
0

Zambian court on Friday jailed 22 Chinese nationals over cybercrimes that included internet fraud and online scams targeting Zambians and other people from Singapore, Peru and the United Arab Emirates.

The Magistrates Court in the capital, Lusaka, jailed them for periods ranging from 7 to 11 years.

The court also fined them between $1,500 to $3,000 after they pleaded guilty to charges of computer-related misrepresentation, identity fraud and illegally operating a network or service on Wednesday.

A man from Cameroon also received a prison sentence and fine on the same changes.

They were part of a group of 77 people, the majority of them Zambians, arrested in April over what police described as a “sophisticated internet fraud syndicate.”

Cybersecurity analyst Ali Kingston Mwila said, “in the past we have seen criminals walking away freely after committing such or similar crimes.”

Director-general of the Drug Enforcement Commission, Nason Banda, said investigations kicked off after authorities noticed a spike in the number of cyber-related fraud cases and many people complained about inexplicably losing money from their mobile phones or bank accounts.

Officers from the commission, police, the immigration department and the anti-terrorism unit in April swooped on a Chinese-run business in an upmarket suburb of Lusaka, arresting the 77, including those jailed Friday.

Authorities recovered over 13,000 local and foreign mobile phone SIM cards, two firearms and 78 rounds of ammunition during the raid.

The business, named Golden Top Support Services, had employed “unsuspecting” Zambians aged between 20 and 25 to use the SIM cards to engage “in deceptive conversations with unsuspecting mobile users across various platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, chat rooms and others, using scripted dialogues,” Banda said in April after the raid.

The locals were freed on bail.

Mwila said questions remain unanswered thus far in this particular case.

“Looking at the crime as it stands, we have not been told how much they have stolen, we have not been told as well those guns and ammunition they had, how they have been used,” he added.

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