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Ikoyi whistle-blower rejects FG’s N325m, EFCC delays payment

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8 years ago

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Yakubu Galadima, the lawyer for the whistle-blower, who informed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission of the $43m, N23.2m and £27,800 (N13bn) recovered from an Ikoyi apartment, says his client will not accept anything below five per cent commission.

Galadima said this during a chat with one of our correspondents on Saturday.

The Secretary of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, at an event on Thursday titled, ‘Tracking Noxious Funds’, which was organised by Kent University Law School and Human and Environmental Development Agency, had explained that any whistle-blower, who helped the government to recover anything above N1bn would receive less than five per cent commission.

Owasanoye, who was part of the team that drafted the whistle-blower policy had said, “If you blow the whistle and the government recovers cash, you are entitled to between 2.5 per cent and five per cent. The maximum limit is five per cent.

“According to the policy, if you blow the whistle and it is below N500m, you get four to five per cent because the higher the amount that is recovered, the lower the percentage that is given. This is the global best practice.

“If the recovery is between N500m and N1bn, you get three to four per cent (commission). If it is N1bn and above, it is 2.5 per cent. Indeed, there is a clause that we included in the policy to say that the government may determine the amount to be awarded based on other criteria provided that the amount to be awarded doesn’t exceed five per cent. In other words, the government may actually pay less than 2.5 per cent but nobody can be paid more than five per cent.”

However, the Ikoyi whistle-blower’s lawyer told SUNDAY PUNCH on Saturday that his client would not accept anything less than five per cent.

When asked if his client would accept anything less than five per cent, he said, “Not at all.”

Galadima had stated last week that the commission his client was expecting from the Federal Government was N860m and not N325m.

He had also stated that the commission should be paid based on the exchange rate at the time the money was recovered and not the current one.

Attempts to get comments from the Ministry of Finance were not successful as calls and a text message sent to the Director of Information in the ministry, Mr. Salisu Dambatta, were not responded to.

Beneficiary to be paid before Thursday, saysministry official

Meanwhile, there are indications that the Ministry of Finance is awaiting the final clearance from the EFCC before it can pay the Ikoyi whistleblower.

Officials in the ministry confided in one of our correspondents that the whistle-blower was expected to be paid before the end of this month.

However, it was gathered that while the ministry was ready to make the payment, the move could be delayed as administrative work was still ongoing on the issue.

The official said the ministry had put in place detailed procedures for processing payments under the whistle-blower policy.

These procedures, according to the official, were designed to prevent abuse, legal disputes and to ensure protection of the information providers.

He stated that the identity of the information provider must be verified, adding that there would be calculation of the amount payable and computation of relevant taxes.

The source stated, “The ministry of finance is not directly involved in the recovery of looted fund; that is the responsibility of the various security agencies.

“Our role is to make payment and you will recall that last week, the finance minister said payment would be made this month to the person who assisted in the recovery of looted funds including the Ikoyi whistle-blower.

“That process is on and final payment can be released when we receive confirmation from the agency that made the recovery before we can know who to pay money to.

“In the case of the Ikoyi recovery, we are talking of the EFCC which is the agency that made the recovery and once they give us final confirmation, payment would be made.”

In a related development, Owasanoye has revealed that violation of the directive regarding the Treasury Single Account by government agencies and officials tops the list of recoveries made from the whistle-blower policy.

Owasanoye said, “As of the end of October, over 5,000 whistles had been blown and about 75 per cent of that came from phone calls. So, you can report on the website, email, text message or phone call.

“What are the things that the various communications have covered? Contract inflation, ‘ghost workers’, payment of unapproved funds, embezzlement of salaries, diversion of excess crude funds, improper reduction of financial penalties, diversion of funds meant for people, placing money in a commercial bank, non-remittance of deduction of pensions or NHIS and failure to implement projects.

“Others include embezzlement of funds received from donors, embezzlement of payment meant for personnel emoluments, violation of TSA which is the highest, violation of FIRS regulations, non-procurement of safety equipment, money laundering, illegal sale of government assets, diversion of IGR which is the second largest, financial misappropriation, concealed bailout funds, mismanagement of micro-finance banks and illegal recruitment.”

 

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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]

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Business

Blue Lagos Launches Community Sensitisation and Engagement Campaign in Riverine Areas

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8 hours ago

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April 15, 2026

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Blue Lagos Launches Community Sensitisation and Engagement Campaign in Riverine Areas

 

 

Blue Lagos has officially commenced its community sensitisation and engagement campaign across riverine and coastal communities in Lagos State.

 

The initiative is designed to amplify the voices of underserved communities, raise awareness on civic responsibilities, and highlight the unique challenges faced by residents living along the waterways.

 

Through on-ground interactions and digital advocacy, Blue Lagos aims to foster inclusive participation and ensure that no community is left behind.

 

Speaking on the campaign, The Director of Mobilisation & Community Engagement for the Blue Lagos Team, Hon. Ashade Abdul-Salam emphasized the importance of engaging directly with residents to better understand their daily realities, from access to basic services and transportation challenges to opportunities for development and improved governance.

The campaign will feature community visits, short sensitisation videos, interactive sessions, and stakeholder engagement, all geared towards empowering residents with the knowledge and tools to actively participate in shaping their future.

 

Blue Lagos calls on riverine and coastal residents to take advantage of this initiative, share their experiences, and stay informed on civic processes, including voter registration and community development programs.

 

This campaign marks a significant step towards building stronger connections between communities and decision-makers, while promoting inclusive growth across Lagos State.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Blue Lagos Team via email: [email protected]

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Business

One Universe Launches to Redefine How People Find and Pay for Trusted Services

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9 hours ago

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April 15, 2026

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One Universe Launches to Redefine How People Find and Pay for Trusted Services

 

 

One Universe, a new trusted digital marketplace designed to connect people who need services with skilled professionals, has officially launched and is now available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

 

Built to solve the everyday challenge of finding reliable service providers, One Universe brings trust, convenience, and transparency into one seamless platform. From beauty and lifestyle services to technical, creative, and professional support, users can now discover verified professionals, agree on terms, and complete payments securely – all within the app.

 

A Safer, Smarter Way to Get Things Done

 

One Universe was created to eliminate uncertainty in service transactions. The platform enables buyers to find professionals, chat directly, agree on pricing and timelines, and make payments securely. Funds are held safely until the job is completed, ensuring protection for both parties.

 

Empowering Professionals to Grow

 

For service providers, One Universe offers a powerful opportunity to showcase skills, receive referrals, build credibility through reviews, and access more customers without the usual barriers. Professionals can focus on delivering quality work while the platform supports visibility, trust, and secure payments.

 

Introducing the One Universe Recruiter Program

 

As part of its launch, One Universe is rolling out the Recruiter Program, designed to reward individuals who help grow the community. Recruiters earn incentives by inviting people to join the platform – especially buyers seeking services – thereby helping professionals get more jobs while expanding the ecosystem. The program turns everyday referrals into real value and shared growth for all participants.

 

Key Features Include:

 

• Verified professionals across multiple service categories

• Secure in-app payments with buyer and seller protection

• Transparent pricing and direct communication

• Ratings and reviews to build trust

• A growing community driven by referrals and reputation

• Incentives through the Recruiter Program for community growth

 

*Now Available on iOS and Android*

 

One Universe is now live and ready for use. Individuals and businesses are encouraged to download the app, explore services, and experience a smarter way to connect and transact.

 

Download One Universe today:

Apple App Store

https://apps.apple.com/au/app/one-universe/id6753012310

 

Google Play Store

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.oneuniverse.oneuniverse

 

About One Universe

One Universe is a trusted digital marketplace built to connect people with skilled professionals, making service discovery, engagement, and payment simple, safe, and reliable. The platform is committed to empowering service providers while giving users confidence and peace of mind.

 

Media Contact:

www.oneuniverse.ng

[email protected]

08083327368

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Business

Adron Homes Unveils Sallah Mega Promo with 30% Discount and Exciting Gift Rewards for Subscribers

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2 days ago

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April 13, 2026

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Adron Homes Unveils Sallah Mega Promo with 30% Discount and Exciting Gift Rewards for Subscribers

 

As the festive spirit of Eid al-Adha (Sallah) approaches, Adron Homes & Properties, Nigeria’s leading real estate company, has announced a nationwide Sallah Mega Promo designed to reward subscribers with unbeatable discounts, flexible payment plans, and exciting gift items.

The limited-time promotional campaign aims to empower Nigerians to celebrate the season of sacrifice with both joy and long-term investment security by making property ownership more accessible and rewarding. Subscribers can enjoy a 30% discount on all plots across Adron estates nationwide, alongside a flexible payment plan of up to 36 months. In addition, clients can spread their initial deposit over four months, easing financial pressure while securing valuable real estate assets.

According to the company, the Sallah promo reflects its continued commitment to providing affordable housing solutions while rewarding both new and existing clients during key festive periods.

“Sallah is a time of giving, sacrifice, and celebration. At Adron Homes, we believe there is no better time to empower families and investors with the opportunity to own land while also receiving valuable gifts that enhance their celebration,” the company stated.

As part of the promo, subscribers will enjoy a wide range of gift rewards tied to their payment milestones. Platinum plot subscribers stand to receive items such as bags of rice ranging from 10kg to 50kg, food packs with chicken and seasoning, goats and rams for Sallah celebrations, and even a cow or a double-door refrigerator for high-value subscribers. Compact plot subscribers will also benefit from gift items including bags of rice, vegetable oil, cartons of noodles, goats, and other household essentials designed to support festive celebrations.

Over the years, Adron Homes & Properties has remained at the forefront of real estate development in Nigeria, consistently delivering affordable luxury and flexible payment structures tailored to a wide range of investors. The Sallah Mega Promo further reinforces the company’s mission to democratize property ownership while strengthening its relationship with clients through value-driven initiatives.

Prospective subscribers are encouraged to take advantage of this limited-time offer by contacting Adron Homes through its official channels.

📲 WhatsApp: +234 805 101 1951
🌐 Website: Adron Homes Official Website

With the Sallah season fast approaching, this promo presents a unique opportunity for Nigerians to celebrate meaningfully by securing their future through real estate investment while enjoying generous festive rewards.

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