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Nigerian Pilot Newspaper Publisher, Sami blackmailing us to extort money – Delta Reps alleges
Two Delta State House of Representatives members; Hon Nicholas Mutu and his colleague, Thomas Ereyitomi have raised the alarm over acts suggestive of blackmail and extortion by the Editor-in-Chief of Nigeria Pilot Newspaper, one Mr. Dennis Sami.
They dismissed a series of fabricated allegations being levelled by the Publisher and his co-travellers against them as a ruse and cheap blackmail.
A statement signed by Boma Akpotutari, Senior Special Assistant to Hon. Mutu said Sami has been sending series of messages and making several telephone calls to the two Federal lawmakers in the past one month, threatening to publish some unsubstiated and frivolous allegations against them, if they could not meet his monetary request.
Specifically, he accused Mutu of parading fake school certificates, with which he has been in the House since 1999.
The lawmakers, however, stated that the allegations are baseless , unfounded and a failed attempt to bring them to disrepute .
Sami and his Editor, one Emmanuel Ibeleme have been inundating Mutu and Ereyitomi with text messages and letters threatening to go to press with the allegations.
In one of the letters titled, “ ALLEGATIONS OF FAKE CERFITICATES AGAINST YOU”, to Mutu, they alleged: “We have it on good authority that the certificates you have been parading which you also used to obtain a seat in the hallowed chamber of Nigeria’s House of Representatives where you have been sitting for the past 20 years are fake.
“We have also been authoritatively told that you are not only using the certificates that do not belong to you but that you also used the same certificates to do a degree course at the Delta state University”.
This was on the paper’s official letterhead and signed by Ibeleme.
In another text to Mutu by Sami, he said, “It’s urgent, in your interest, regarding, key documents and publication, thanks, Editor in Chief, Nig. Pilot Newspaper.”
In the text message to Ereyitomi, they threatened. “My name is Dennis Sami, Editor in Chief , Nigerian Pilot Newspaper. It’s urgent and in your interest speak very brief, thanks, accept my highest regards.
“We have done our best to get your side of the story on allegations against you, we do not have choice than to go ahead with our cover story, thanks”.
The choice of words in the various messages, no doubt, was “unjournalitic.” Such a choice of words can easily be traced to notorious blackmailers.
But unperturbed Mutu and Ereyitomi said they have nothing to worry about, insisting that all their certificates and documents are genuine and authentic and obtained from relevant institutions they attended.
They told their accusers to think otherwise and stop dissipating their energies, spreading unfounded allegations and falsehood aimed at intimidating and extorting money from them.
They maintained an unrepentant stand not to offer bribes to stop the publication of the spurious allegations.
The lawmakers disclosed that they have explained their side of the stories to Sami, adding he was free to do his job instead of bothering them with endless telephone calls and text messages in the past one month.
“The Media should be allowed to perform its role as the watchdog of the society but there is also a responsibility attached to that. The Media can only disseminate, publish and provide factual, objective and credible information to the public.
The persistent calls and text messages by the Publisher and other operators of Nigeria Pilot to us in the past one month on the same subject matter have established their real intention- To intimidate and extort money from us.”
“This is criminal, unprofessional and negation of the tenets of Journalism.”
We have asked the Publisher of Nigeria Pilot to go ahead with whatever he has in his possession after our explanations, inasmuch as such publication can withstand the rigours of legal scrutiny.”
“This persistent threat to go to the press on these unsubstantiated allegations in the past one month has put a question mark on their motive, integrity and reputation.
We expected them to have published whatever they have on us, long before now, and damn the consequences of their action.”
The lawmakers hinted that their Lawyers have been briefed on the development and are ready to take legal action “because, this is pure blackmail with a sole motive for extortion.
Specifically, in a letter dated May 19th, 2023, signed and forwarded to Sami by Mutu’s Lawyer, M. J. Numa, SAN, he presented all facts concerning the allegations.
Numa in the letter captioned, “RE- ALLEGATIONS OF FAKE CERFITICATES AGAINST YOU”, asked Sami to exercise caution as all the allegations being peddled have been adjudicated upon and resolved by courts of competent jurisdiction, including the election petitions tribunal and Federal High Court.
Numa said all the issuing authorities of Mutu’s certificates and other relevant authorities and stakeholders, including the National Assembly, have authenticated and confirmed them to be genuine, adding that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has also thoroughly investigated and vindicated his client.
He said the Police even recommended all originators of the false allegations for prosecution.
He pointed out that the allegations are “false, malicious and actionable in libel and targeted at bringing our client’s image to disrepute and in furtherance of their campaign of calumny in this era of politics and same will not be tolerated.”
The Lawyer added, “We thank you and we hope you will conduct your investigation professionally as you are expected to do and in that regard, come to the unassailable conclusion that the information being paraded as you have narrated in your letter is false, malicious and simply aimed at bringing the image of Hon. Nicholas Mutu to an unnecessary dispute.”
“Once again, we appreciate your attention to this matter and your commitment to upholding the journalistic integrity.”
*Copies of Nigeria Pilot Newspaper’s letter to Mutu and the Lawyer’s response are hereby attached.
We are, however, alarmed that despite having provided enough information to enable Sami and his Newspaper to draw reasonable conclusions for the kangaroo publication, Sami continues to saturate the lawmaker with calls and text messages, apparently to intimidate him to meet his monetary demand.
“This so- called Sami have been pestering us , threatening to publish, we are ready for him. We will not tolerate this anymore”.
By Sunday James
The gruesome killing of 16 innocent northern hunters in Uromi, Edo State, over false accusations of kidnapping is yet another damning indictment of the failure of law and order in Nigeria.
Time and again, innocent lives have been lost to the mindless brutality of mob justice, a savage and inexcusable act that has become far too common across the country.
This is not an isolated incident. Nigeria has witnessed several tragic cases of jungle justice where angry mobs, fueled by misinformation and misplaced aggression, have taken the law into their own hands.
The Aluu Four incident in 2012, where four young university students in Rivers State were falsely accused of robbery, beaten, and burned to death in a horrific public spectacle, remains one of the most chilling examples.
In 2022, Deborah Samuel, a young student in Sokoto State, was lynched by fellow students over alleged blasphemy, an incident that sparked outrage but yielded little justice. In Lagos, several suspected petty thieves were set ablaze by mobs in broad daylight without any fair trial.
Across the country, from Anambra to Kano, Port Harcourt to Abuja, numerous cases of public executions by mobs continue to surface, often with little to no legal consequences for perpetrators.
The rise of mob justice is fueled by a cocktail of systemic failures that have left Nigerians disillusioned with formal justice mechanisms.
The breakdown of law and order, where the Nigerian police fail to deliver swift and transparent justice, has led to public distrust, encouraging citizens to take matters into their own hands. Rising insecurity, including the surge in kidnappings, banditry, and violent crimes, has left many communities in perpetual fear, triggering knee-jerk reactions to perceived threats. Ethnic and religious tensions have also played a major role, with deep-seated biases making certain groups more vulnerable to targeted attacks.
The proliferation of unregulated local vigilante groups and security outfits has further emboldened extrajudicial actions against innocent civilians. Additionally, the slow pace of criminal trials and the failure to punish perpetrators of jungle justice have normalized impunity.The Edo killings, like many before them, must not be swept under the rug.
The government must ensure immediate arrest, prosecution, and conviction of all those involved in this heinous act. Strengthening law enforcement agencies to curb vigilante excesses and restore public trust is paramount.
There must be massive public enlightenment campaigns to educate citizens on legal redress rather than mob action. Strict penalties must be enforced against communities and groups involved in jungle justice to deter future occurrences.The Nigerian government must wake up to its responsibility of protecting lives and ensuring justice for all.
If mob justice continues unchecked, no one is truly safe. This latest atrocity in Edo should be the final warning: justice delayed is justice denied. The killers must be held accountable, and a nationwide crackdown on jungle justice must begin immediately. Enough is enough. The rule of law must prevail.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has congratulated the Muslim Ummah across the country on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr.
The celebration marks the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan.
In a message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, Ganduje rejoiced with Muslims for the spiritual renewal and discipline attained during the sacred month of fasting, prayer and devotion to Almighty Allah.
He urged the faithful to uphold the virtues of piety, selflessness, and compassion that Ramadan represents while also extending love and kindness to one another, especially to the less privileged in society.
The APC National Chairman further called on Muslims and all citizens to remain steadfast in promoting unity, peace, and national progress in the country.
He emphasized that the lessons of Ramadan—patience, sacrifice, and perseverance—are essential in fostering harmony and strengthening the nation’s democratic institutions.
The two-term Kano State Governor also urged the Muslim Ummah and Nigerians to pray for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to succeed in his efforts to lift the country from economic doldrums and resolve lingering security challenges.
He assured Nigerians of the APC-led government’s commitment to improving the welfare and well-being of all citizens, noting that Nigerians will not regret voting for President Tinubu after his first tenure.
News
Abia: LG Chairman, Iheke accused of using soldiers to detain IRS agent, claims Governor Otti’s support
The Chairman of Aba North Local Government Council, Hon. Timothy Kalu Iheke has been accused of excesses and high-handedness in revenue collection at the popular Ariaria International Market.
In a statement issued on Monday by Ariaria Stakeholders Forum and signed by its Chairman, Chief Emmanuel Chukwudi and Secretary, Chief Boniface Kalu on Sunday, the Forum lamented the excesses of the Local Government where he used the soldiers to detain the Managing Director of Star Nkey Ventures, Mr Benedict Elias who is a law abiding citizen.
The statement made available to CAPITAL POST pointed out that Mr Elias was duely appointed as agent to Abia Stat3 Board of Internal Revenue Service (ABIRS), hence, he wasn’t carrying out illegality.
The LG however claimed to have the backing of Governor Alex Otti, but further findings revealed that the Governor would never support illegality to the extent that a law abiding citizen was arrested and detained.
A source told CAPITAL POST in Umuahia that Governor Otti believes in the rule of law and will not support any intimidation whatsoever.
Partof the statement read: “The attention of Ariaria Stakeholders Forum (ASF) have been formally drawn to the unlawful and improper action taken by the Local Government Chairman of Aba North Local Government, Mr Timothy Kalu Iheke who used soldiers to illegally arrest and detain the Managing Director of Star Nkey Ventures Nig, Mr Benedict Elias, a duely appointed Revenue Agent of Abia State Board of Internal Revenue Service (BIRS), regarding the revenue collection at Ariaria International Market, Aba, Abia State.
“The Local Government Chairman of Aba North, Mr Timothy Iheke had attempted to unlawfully assume control over the revenue collection operations at the Ariaria Market, which is under the jurisdiction and authority of the Abia State Government wherein the Abia State Board of Internal Revenue Service (BIRS) is saddled with the responsibility of revenue collection in the said market.
“The Local Government Chairman has no legal authority to interfere with or take control of the revenue collection process that falls under the remit of the State Government market.
“However, despite this, the LG Chairman Mr Iheke had unlawfully and wrongfully used soldiers who before now have been banned by the appreciate authorities from engaging in such illicit activities to unlawfully arrest without any warrant of arrest and illegally detain Mr. Benedict Elias without any detention order at Central Police Station (CPS) Umuahia for two days over false and baseless allegations.
“Mr Benedict Elias the Managing Director of Star Nkey Ventures Nig. a duly appointed and authorized Revenue Agent of the Abia State Board of Internal Revenue Service was falsely accused of impersonation and of being a fake revenue agent, charges that are entirely unfounded and baseless.
“We would like to emphasize that Mr. Benedict Elias was legally and duely appointed on 13 September 2024 to 31 January 2025 by the Abia State Board of Internal Revenue Service, BIRS, and was fully authorized to carry out revenue collection and enforcement duties at the Ariaria market which he stopped collection of any revenue at the expiration of the said contract with the state government.
“His appointment letter and identification as a state revenue agent, were in full compliance with the law and can be verified by the relevant authorities.
“The actions taken by the Local Government Chairman Mr Iheke and his unauthorized use of soldiers to arrest a legitimate state revenue agent are highly concerning and represent an overstep of authority.
“This interference not only disrupts the lawful revenue collection process but also undermines the authority of the State Executive Governor, Dr Alex Chioma Otti on which Abia State Board of Internal Revenue Service is working for.
“The Board Chairman of BIRS had on many occasions warned Mr Timothy iheke to desist from harassing a Mr Benedict Elias and his team who are bonafide Abia State revenue agent in Ariaria market which is state owned but Iheke blatantly refused but rather threatened to deal with the Board Chairman for telling him to desist from working against the interest of the state government.
“As Stakeholders of Ariaria International Market which most of our members have been doing business in the market for over 40 years, we know Mr. Benedict Elias and he has never been involved in any form of illegality or any questionable acts. He is a man of integrity and uprightness.
“We respectfully request that an immediate investigation be initiated into the actions of the Local Government Chairman, Mr Timothy Iheke, and the use of soldiers in this unlawful arrest. Additionally, we ask that Mr. Benedict’s name be cleared and any wrongful actions against him be rectified.
“The relevant authorities at the Abia State Board of Internal Revenue Service should be consulted to verify Mr. Benedict’s legitimate position and the legal framework governing revenue collection at the Ariaria market.
“We trust that a thorough investigation will be conducted and appropriate action taken to ensure that the Aba North Chairman, Mr Timothy Iheke is brought to book to account for the use of soldiers on an unarmed and law-abiding civilian Mr Benedict Elias.”
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Abia: LG Chairman, Iheke accused of using soldiers to detain IRS agent, claims Governor Otti’s support
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