The Federal Government has launched a manhunt for the Binance executive who escaped from its custody. The Defence Headquarters is also on the lookout for the suspects involved in the Delta bloodbath. KFC was closed down after refusing service to a wheelchair user. Meanwhile, the abducted Kaduna schoolchildren finally regained their freedom.
Below are the highlights from the week’s biggest news stories, from March 24 to March 30, 2024.
Binance executive, Nadeem Anjarwalla
The Federal Government said it has initiated contact with International Criminal Police Organisation and launched a manhunt for an executive of the cryptocurrency platform Binance, Nadeem Anjarwalla, who escaped from custody.
Anjarwalla, detained for tax evasion and other offences related to Binance’s activities in Nigeria, fled on March 22 from a guest house in Abuja.
The government has arrested the security personnel responsible for his escape and affirms that his fleeing will not affect the enforcement of a $10 billion fine imposed on Binance for money laundering.
Also, the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Zacch Adedeji, emphasised that the escape does not exempt Binance from compliance with Nigerian laws and regulations.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria closed a KFC outlet at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos following allegations of discriminatory treatment against Adebola Daniel, son of former Ogun State Governor, Gbenga Daniel. Adebola was informed by a manager at the outlet that wheelchairs are not permitted.
KFC outlet, MMIA, Lagos State (@DebolaDaniel | X)
FAAN’s decision to shut down the outlet was based on the violation of Lagos State law on People with Special Needs. In response, KFC expressed regret over the incident, stating its commitment to inclusivity and respect, and announced plans to implement sensitivity training for employees.
Editor’s ordeal from ink to shackles
Segun Olatunji
Segun Olatunji, the kidnapped Editor of FirstNews Online Newspaper, recounted his experience at the hands of men of the Defence Intelligence Agency after being abducted by military personnel on March 15, 2024.
Olatunji, who spent nearly two weeks in DIA detention, narrated how he was blindfolded, flown from Lagos to Abuja, and confined to a cell where he was kept in handcuffs and leg chains for days.
He highlighted the interrogation he faced regarding stories published by FirstNews, particularly one concerning the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila.
The Nigerian Guild of Editors, Nigeria Union of Journalists and International Press Institute exerted pressure for his release. The incident has been condemned as an attack on media freedom, sparking calls for further action against those responsible within the military hierarchy.
Kaduna schoolchildren long walk to freedom
The abducted children from LEA Primary School and Government Secondary School Kuriga in Kaduna State were finally rescued after spending nearly three weeks in captivity. They were rescued in a coordinated operation involving the military, local authorities, and government agencies.
Initially, it was reported that 287 pupils were abducted, but the Kaduna State Governor clarified that the actual number was 137. The students were rescued in Zamfara State and were conveyed to Kaduna, where they were handed over to the state government and, subsequently, their parents.
The Defence Headquarters has identified eight individuals wanted in connection with the brutal killing of 17 military personnel in Delta State. The incident occurred during a peacekeeping mission in the Okuama community on March 14, 2024. The perpetrators, described as irate youths, attacked officers and soldiers of the 181 Amphibious Battalion. Among the deceased were four officers and 13 soldiers.
The military has intensified efforts to apprehend the culprits, releasing a list of wanted individuals, including Prof. Ekpekpo Arthur, Andaowei Dennis Bakriri, Akevwru Daniel Omotegbo (aka Amagben), Akata Malawa David, Sinclear Oliki, Clement Ikolo Oghenerukeywe, Reuben Baru and Igoli Ebi.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Buba Edward, affirmed the military’s commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice, vowing to spare no effort in their apprehension, even considering placing bounties on their heads if necessary.
The announcement of the wanted individuals followed the burial of the slain soldiers at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja, attended by President Bola Tinubu and other dignitaries, where Tinubu pledged support for the victims’ families and announced scholarships for their children, including those unborn.
Meanwhile, one of the wanted individuals, the Ovie of Ewu Kingdom in the Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, Clement Ikolo, Urhukpe 1, surrendered himself to the police, who in turn handed him over to the military.
