Business

Businessman demands EFCC apology for declaring him wanted

Published

10 years ago

December 16, 2015

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

Business

ADVAN Wins Global Honour at WFA Awards for “Project Freedom” Initiative

Published

4 days ago

April 25, 2026

Sahara Weekly

ADVAN Earns Global Recognition As WFA President’s Award Winner For “Project Freedom”

The Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) has been recognised on the global stage as a recipient of the prestigious WFA President’s Award, presented by the World Federation of Advertisers during its Global Marketer Week in Stockholm. The recognition places ADVAN among a select group of leading industry associations worldwide acknowledged for driving meaningful impact in marketing and society.

The WFA President’s Awards, established in 2010, celebrate national industry associations whose initiatives advance the marketer’s agenda and contribute to positive change. This year’s honours were awarded following a rigorous selection process involving 38 submissions from associations across the WFA’s global network, with winners chosen for their measurable impact and potential for replication across markets.

ADVAN’s recognition comes through its advocacy initiative, Project Freedom, a bold and strategic effort focused on addressing the challenges of stifling, non–data-driven regulations affecting businesses in Nigeria and across Africa. The initiative underscores the importance of evidence-based policymaking while championing the constitutional right to freedom of commerce.

Through Project Freedom, ADVAN has taken a proactive leadership role in engaging key stakeholders and shaping conversations around fair, balanced, and transparent regulation. The initiative reflects a shift toward constructive dialogue and collaboration, ensuring that regulatory frameworks support innovation, protect consumer interests, and enable sustainable business growth.

By earning this global recognition, ADVAN reinforces the growing influence of African marketing institutions in shaping international discourse. Its work highlights how local advocacy, when rooted in data and guided by clear principles, can deliver impact not just within national borders but across the global marketing ecosystem.

The award also affirms ADVAN’s commitment to strengthening self-regulation within the industry, fostering accountability, and promoting standards that align with global best practices while remaining relevant to local realities.

As the marketing landscape continues to evolve, ADVAN’s recognition by the World Federation of Advertisers signals a strong endorsement of its leadership and vision. It positions the association as a key voice in advancing responsible marketing, advocating for enabling policies, and ensuring that businesses can operate in an environment that supports both innovation and economic freedom.

Business

PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status

Published

5 days ago

April 24, 2026

Sahara Weekly

***PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status**

To prevent any misunderstanding regarding our affiliation with the United Nations, we hereby provide a formal clarification on the status and identity of the United International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC), formerly known as IPGC.

UNIPGC is an independent Civil Society Organization and Non-Governmental Organization with continental chapters registered in the United States, Germany, Canada, and several countries across Africa. The organization is committed to promoting the values and principles of the United Nations, particularly in advancing Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), as well as advocating for good governance globally.

In furtherance of its mandate, UNIPGC has established partnerships with reputable diplomatic civil society organizations, including the United Nations Association of Nigeria and the United Nations Association of Ghana. These collaborations are aimed at strengthening its engagement with initiatives aligned with United Nations ideals.

Additionally, UNIPGC has entered into diplomatic relations with the International Organization for Economic Development (IOED), an Intergovernmental Organization (IGO), to enhance its capacity for international cooperation and diplomatic engagement.

We wish to clearly state that UNIPGC is **not** an entity, agency, or organ of the United Nations.

Members of the public and media practitioners are respectfully advised to refer to the organization by its full and correct name: **United International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC)**, and not as the United Nations.

Thank you.

Business

Laffmattazz Announces Strategic Partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour

Published

5 days ago

April 24, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Laffmattazz Announces Strategic Partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour

Laffmattazz, one of Nigeria’s foremost comedy and live entertainment brands, is pleased to announce its official partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for the highly anticipated Laffmattazz 2026 International Tour, themed “Next Chapter: A New Season of Laughter.”

Now in its 15th year, Laffmattazz—the brainchild of renowned Nigerian comedian Gbenga Adeyinka (Gbenga Adeyinka 1st)—has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, celebrated for its seamless fusion of comedy, music, and live stage performances.

The 2026 tour, which kicked off on Easter Sunday, April 5th, 2026 at the Jogor Centre, Ibadan, marks a significant milestone in the brand’s journey. Building on over a decade of success across Nigeria, this year’s edition signals a bold expansion into the international market, with a multi-city run in Canada, alongside major stops in Akure, Abeokuta, and Lagos.

This strategic partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited underscores a shared commitment to excellence and innovation. It is also aligned with FirstBank’s First@Arts initiative—a significant and ongoing program dedicated to supporting the creative arts, entertainment, and cultural sectors. Through this initiative, FirstBank provides financing, advisory services, and actively fosters a sustainable value chain for artists and creative entrepreneurs, while supporting key industry platforms such as the Nigerian Entertainment Conference.

Speaking on the collaboration, the Laffmattazz team stated:

“We are delighted to welcome First Bank of Nigeria Limited as a strategic partner for the Laffmattazz 2026 International Tour. As we mark 15 remarkable years of Laffmattazz, this partnership reinforces our vision to take premium Nigerian entertainment beyond borders, while delivering even bigger, better, and more memorable experiences for our audiences.”

As a key partner, First Bank will enrich the tour through innovative customer engagement initiatives, experiential activations, and exclusive fan experiences across all tour locations.

With its distinctive blend of humor, culture, and live entertainment, the Laffmattazz 2026 Tour is poised to connect audiences across cities and continents, bringing laughter to thousands of fans worldwide.

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About Laffmattazz

Laffmattazz is a premier Nigerian comedy and entertainment brand, now in its 15th year, renowned for its vibrant live shows and nationwide tours. Founded by Gbenga Adeyinka 1st, the brand continues to deliver high-quality experiences that celebrate creativity, culture, and laughter.

About First Bank of Nigeria Limited

First Bank of Nigeria Limited is Nigeria’s oldest financial institution, widely respected for its legacy of trust, innovation, and customer-centric financial solutions that support economic growth and development. Through its First@Arts initiative, the Bank continues to play a pivotal role in empowering the creative industry and driving sustainable growth across the sector.