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Businessman demands EFCC apology for declaring him wanted

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A UK-based businessman has demanded retraction and apology from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for declaring him wanted over allegations of obtaining money under false pretences.
Chris Akinyemi, the director of Swift Transfers Limited, who was declared wanted on November 30, said he would institute legal action against the EFCC if it fails to withdraw its “offensive publication” within seven days.
The Commission had, in a newspaper advertorial, said Mr. Abayomi, posing as a licensed foreign exchange banker, allegedly defrauded Nigerian companies of millions of naira on the pretext of sourcing foreign exchange for them.
“Dark complexioned Akinyomi is 40 years old and possesses a dual citizenship (Nigeria and UK). He is resident in London but frequently visits Nigeria,” the EFCC stated in the advertorial published in the November 30 edition of The Nation Newspaper.
“Anybody having useful information as to his whereabouts should contact the Commission in its Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Gombe, Port Harcourt, and Abuja offices….”
But in a letter addressed to the anti-graft agency, Mr. Akinyomi described the publication as ill-motivated, malicious and a calculated to embarrass him.
“First, It is common knowledge that before any person can be declared wanted by the Commission or any other law enforcement agency, the person must have been invited by the law enforcement agency or must have jumped bail granted to him by the Commission,” Mr. Akinyomi said in the letter filed through his lawyer, Olalekan Ojo.
“The EFCC willfully and mischievously breached this well-established procedure in that our client had never been invited by the EFCC nor has he jumped bail before the said publication.
“Secondly, declaring any person wanted when neither of the above listed conditions existed is the gravest abuse of power.
“Thirdly, the Commission willfully concealed from the public the most crucial fact that there is a pending case before the Federal High Court, Lagos in Suit No:-FHC/L/CS/493/15 to wit: Fige Chelsea Nigeria Limited Vs. Economic and Financial Crimes Commission & two others of which our client is the Chief Executive Officer of the Plaintiff in the suit, has requested the Federal High Court to declare amongst other things that the transaction between it and the 3rd Defendant (Complainant) are purely civil in nature and devoid of any criminality.”
On the claims by the EFCC that he duped Nigerian companies by pretending to be a licensed foreign exchange banker, Mr. Akinyomi said his company had been licensed by the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to carry on the business of forex trading and exchange for over 10 years.
He also debunked the EFCC’s claims that he frequently visits Nigeria saying he had not been in the country for seven years.
Mr. Akinyomi admitted that his forex business suffered losses running into US$1.7 million “due to the vagaries in the forex business,” adding that he had already approached his clients with promises to repay the debts.
He said that as at November, he had paid over 50 percent of the debts to his various clients.
“From the above, it is crystal clear that the said publication by the Commission was the product of malice, mischief and malevolence crafted by some misguided EFCC
officials who have allowed themselves to be used by some unscrupulous persons,” Mr. Akinyomi said.
When contacted, Wilson Uwujaren, the EFCC Spokesperson, said he was not aware Mr. Akinyomi’s letter.
“I cannot speak on what I have not seen,” Mr. Uwujaren said.

Source: Premium Times

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Dangote Hails Tinubu on Impact of Crude for Naira Swap Deal

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Dangote Hails Tinubu on Impact of Crude for Naira Swap Deal

 

 

…As Dangote Refinery partners MRS to sell PMS at N935 per litre nationwide at its retail outlets

 

 

Sahara Weekly Unveils That The Foremost entrepreneur and President of the Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the positive impact of the naira for crude swap deal on the Nigerian economy, which has led to reduction in prices of petroleum products in the country.

 

Dangote Hails Tinubu on Impact of Crude for Naira Swap Deal

 

To provide succour to Nigerians, Dangote recently reduced the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from N970 to N899.50 at its Refinery loading gantry and provided generous credit terms to marketers.

 

 

“To ensure that this price reduction gets to the end consumer, we have signed a partnership with MRS to sell petrol from its retail outlets nationwide at N935 per litre” he added. This price has already commenced in Lagos, and it will be offered nationwide from Monday.

 

 

In his statement, he called on other oil marketers such as the NNPC Retail and all other marketers, “to work with us to ensure that Nigerians enjoy high-quality petrol at discounted prices.”

 

 

According to him, “The Dangote Refinery is for the benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians. We will therefore continue to work with various value chain players to deliver high quality petrol at cheaper prices. Our aim is for all Nigerians to have ready access to high quality petroleum products that are good for their vehicles, good for their health, and good for their pockets.

 

 

Recall that in September, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) under the leadership of Mr. President approved the sale of crude to local refineries in Naira and corresponding purchase of petroleum products in Naira. The move, which commenced on October 1, led to reduced pressure on the dollar and ensured the stability of the local currency.

 

 

Dangote thanked Nigerians for their unwavering support and the government for creating an enabling environment for the domestic refining industry.

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Port Harcourt Refinery Stays Active: NNPC Denounces Sabotage Rumors

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Port Harcourt Refinery Stays Active: NNPC Denounces Sabotage Rumors

NNPC Debunks Shutdown Rumors, Confirms Port Harcourt Refinery Fully Operational

 

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has dismissed reports circulating in certain media outlets claiming that the Old Port Harcourt Refinery, which was re-streamed two months ago, has been shut down.

In a statement released by Olufemi O. Soneye, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, the company clarified that the refinery is fully operational. The statement noted that the facility’s operational status was recently verified by former Group Managing Directors of NNPC during a site inspection.

“Preparation for the day’s loading operation is currently ongoing,” the statement confirmed, emphasizing that allegations of the refinery’s shutdown are baseless and intended to create panic or artificial scarcity in the fuel market.

NNPC Ltd urged members of the public to disregard such misleading reports, labeling them as the work of those seeking to exploit Nigerians.

The Old Port Harcourt Refinery has been in operation since its re-streaming, and the company remains committed to ensuring stability in the supply of petroleum products across the country.

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Nigerian Banks Donate Multimillion Naira Relief Materials to Jigawa Flood Victims

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Nigerian Banks Donate Multimillion Naira Relief Materials to Jigawa Flood Victims

In a show of solidarity, the Committee of Banks in Nigeria has extended a helping hand to victims of the September 2024 floods in Jigawa State. On Thursday, a high-profile delegation led by Dr. Oliver Alawuba, Chairman of the Committee and Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA), visited Dutse, the state capital, to present relief materials to the state government.
The donated items, worth several million Naira, included essential food supplies such as rice and cooking oil, along with mattresses and beverages. Dr. Alawuba highlighted that the gesture aimed to alleviate the hardship faced by flood victims and support critical institutions, especially public hospitals, in their efforts to assist those affected.
“We stand in solidarity with the people and government of Jigawa State during this difficult time. This donation is our way of expressing empathy and supporting those who have lost loved ones, properties, and livelihoods,” Dr. Alawuba stated.
The delegation included notable banking leaders such as Mr. Roosevelt Ogbonna of Access Bank Plc, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji of Zenith Bank Plc, and Dr. (Mrs.) Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe of Fidelity Bank Plc, among others. Their collective presence underscored the banking sector’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and national development.
Governor Malam Umar A. Namadi expressed profound gratitude for the donation, describing the visit as a rare and commendable act of compassion. He assured the delegation that the relief materials would be judiciously distributed to the intended beneficiaries, emphasizing the importance of partnerships in rebuilding lives and communities.
The Committee of Banks also reiterated their commitment to supporting Nigerians during emergencies, drawing attention to previous interventions, including relief efforts during the 2011 and 2013 floods, the COVID-19 pandemic, and security initiatives like the Lagos State Security Trust Fund.
This humanitarian gesture reflects the collective resolve of Nigeria’s financial institutions to foster social and economic growth, making a meaningful impact in times of need.
Nigerian Banks Donate Multimillion Naira Relief Materials to Jigawa Flood Victims

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