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High Court to Rule on Legality of Moroadi Cholota’s Arrest in Corruption Scandal

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High Court to Rule on Legality of Moroadi Cholota’s Arrest in Corruption Scandal

High Court to Rule on Legality of Moroadi Cholota’s Arrest in Corruption Scandal

 

The High Court in Bloemfontein is set to deliver judgment today in the high-profile case of Moroadi Cholota, the former personal assistant to ex-Free State Premier Ace Magashule.

Cholota, 37, is contesting the legality of her arrest and seeking the withdrawal of fraud and corruption charges brought against her. These charges are linked to the infamous R255 million asbestos roof removal contract scandal, which has drawn widespread attention for its alleged misuse of public funds.

The Scandal and the Charges

The case centers around a controversial contract for the removal of asbestos roofing in the Free State, valued at R255 million. Allegations of corruption, fraud, and collusion with contractors have plagued the project, with claims that large sums of money were siphoned off while much of the work remained incomplete.

Cholota, who worked closely with Magashule during his tenure as Premier, is accused of playing a role in the facilitation of payments and irregularities tied to the contract.

Extradition and Current Status

Cholota was extradited from the United States in August 2024 after an extensive legal process that drew criticism and debate over South Africa’s pursuit of justice in corruption cases. Following her extradition, she was granted bail of R2,500 and has been awaiting the court’s judgment on her legal challenges.

Cholota’s Legal Battle

Her legal team has argued that her arrest was unlawful, asserting procedural irregularities in how the charges were brought against her. They maintain that she has been unfairly targeted and insist that the evidence against her is insufficient to justify the charges.

Cholota is seeking to have the court declare her arrest illegal, which could lead to the dismissal of the charges against her.

A Case with National Ramifications

This case is part of a broader investigation into state corruption under the administration of former Free State Premier Ace Magashule, a key figure in South African politics. The asbestos scandal is one of many cases tied to allegations of corruption during his leadership, with Cholota’s case serving as a litmus test for the government’s ability to hold public officials accountable.

The outcome of today’s judgment is expected to set a precedent for how courts handle high-profile corruption cases, particularly those involving procedural challenges.

What’s at Stake?

If the court rules in Cholota’s favor, it could lead to a significant setback for the prosecution and raise questions about the handling of high-profile corruption cases. Conversely, a ruling against her would pave the way for the case to proceed, potentially implicating other officials and contractors involved in the asbestos scandal.

The judgment is eagerly awaited by South Africans, many of whom view this case as a crucial moment in the country’s fight against corruption and misuse of public funds.

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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact saharaweekly@yahoo.com

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Transforming Oshodi-Isolo: Why Otunba Kehinde Oloyede Deserves President Tinubu’s Handshake

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April 3, 2025

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OSHODI-ISOLO LOCAL GOVERNMENT CHAIRMAN, OTUNBA KEHINDE OLOYEDE DESERVES PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU’S PRESIDENTIAL HANDSHAKE FOR HIS OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE IN OFFICE

By Frank Albert Jnr.
The leadership of Otunba Kehinde Oloyede as the Executive Chairman of Oshodi-Isolo Local Government has been marked by exceptional achievements, setting a new standard for local governance. His three and a half years in office have been transformative, addressing critical infrastructural and social needs of the community.
Notable Accomplishments of Otunba Kehinde Oloyede:
Infrastructure Development: Nearly 55 roads have been constructed within three years, significantly improving connectivity within Oshodi-Isolo communities.
Clean Water Access: Over 45 streets have been equipped with water projects, ensuring residents have access to clean and safe drinking water.
Quality Education: An ultra-modern primary school has been built at St. Paul Primary School, Mafoluku, enhancing the educational infrastructure for young learners.
Student Support: The administration has provided free school rides, uniforms, bags, and books, making education more accessible and convenient for students.
Healthcare: Construction of a well-equipped primary healthcare center is ongoing, aimed at improving healthcare services for residents.
Youth Empowerment & Development: Several skill acquisition and employability training programs have been initiated in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), creating opportunities for young people.
Community Support: Three comprehensive palliative programs have benefited over 30,000 households, providing relief to vulnerable residents.
Party Welfare: Monthly stipends are provided for party executives, demonstrating a commitment to party welfare and leadership.
Otunba Kehinde Oloyede, popularly known as Kendoo, has consistently demonstrated a leadership style grounded in progress, accountability, and a deep sense of responsibility towards the people of Oshodi-Isolo. His administration has successfully rekindled faith and hope in local government administration, proving that with the right leadership, grassroots governance can be impactful and transformative.
Given his remarkable performance, it is imperative that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recognizes and encourages such excellence by establishing a yearly federal evaluation initiative for local government chairmen. This initiative would serve as an incentive for local government administrators across Nigeria to improve their performance and ensure better service delivery to the citizens.
Otunba Kehinde Oloyede is undoubtedly one of the best-performing local government chairmen in Nigeria, and his dedication to public service deserves national recognition, including a presidential handshake from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Transforming Oshodi-Isolo: Why Otunba Kehinde Oloyede Deserves President Tinubu’s Handshake

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Adetola Tolani Ganiu, a prominent Lagos big boy, marks another year of life in style

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15 hours ago

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April 2, 2025

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Adetola Tolani Ganiu, a prominent Lagos big boy, marks another year of life in style

~By Oluwaseun Fabiyi

Who is Adetola Tolani Gani?

I remember when our paths crossed in Lagos years ago; Tolani was extremely hospitable, a visionary young man, and a distinguished brother from another parent

Oluwaseun Fabiyi, a seasoned Lagos-based journalist and BethNews Media international magazine publisher, celebrates the birthday of a beloved brother, who is easy-going, resourceful, God-fearing, handsome, and dedicated to his profession

Rising publisher Oluwaseun Fabiyi has extolled the virtues of Adetola Tolani Ganiu, who is indefatigable, on his birthday on Tuesday, 2nd April 2025

Your continued support since our initial engagement has been a seamless fusion of trust and cooperation, augmenting our assurance and goals. May this special day be filled with profound delight

As a trailblazer of excellence, your life serves as a powerful inspiration to the youth of our generation, akin to a beacon atop a hill, guiding and illuminating the path to success. Your exceptional leadership skills, showcased in various capacities both internationally and within Nigeria, epitomize perseverance, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to exponential growth

Your compelling stories of resilience and determination, where you skillfully turned challenges into opportunities and brought your vision to life, have enhanced our collective experiences, and we are forever grateful for the privilege of honoring your achievements

As we acknowledge your prudence and the divine guidance in your life, may your future days be filled with accomplishment and promptness

As a globally esteemed architect, your humility and brilliance enhance your impressive accomplishments. May this birthday bring even greater achievements, with each step guided by divine wisdom. May your heart be filled with peace and brilliance in every detail as you observe this occasion

Wishing you many happy returns

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ERA Applauds Tinubu Over Mele Kyari’s Sack, Calls for Probe Into Fake Refinery Projects

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17 hours ago

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April 2, 2025

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*ERA Applauds Tinubu Over Mele Kyari’s Sack, Calls for Probe Into Fake Refinery Projects

 

The Energy Reforms Advocates (ERA) have praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his decision to remove Mele Kyari as the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.

In a statement on Wednesday, Abdulkadri Isah, president of ERA, described the move as a courageous step toward reforming Nigeria’s oil sector and tackling entrenched corruption.

He said Kyari’s removal would allow a full investigation into alleged fraudulent refinery projects under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

“The dismissal of Mele Kyari signals a new dawn in our nation’s commitment to eradicating corruption in the oil and gas sector. We commend President Tinubu for demonstrating the political will to confront these challenges head-on,” Isah said.

He urged the newly appointed leadership of the NNPC to prioritise an audit of past projects and ensure accountability in the sector.

“The probe into fake refinery projects must be swift and thorough. Nigerians deserve to know how billions of dollars were allocated to non-existent or uncompleted projects while the country continued to rely on fuel imports,” he stated.

ERA called on relevant anti-corruption agencies to support the process, warning that failure to expose past mismanagement would hinder any meaningful reform.

“This investigation should not end with a change in leadership. There must be consequences for those who mismanaged funds and deceived Nigerians. The government must set a precedent that corruption will no longer be tolerated,” Isah added.

The group also expressed optimism that under fresh leadership, the NNPC could regain public trust and reposition itself as a driver of economic growth.

“With competent leadership, the NNPC can finally fulfill its mandate. We expect reforms that will boost local refining capacity, attract investment, and ultimately reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products,” the statement read.

Kyari’s removal was part of a broader shake-up of NNPC’s board, with former Shell executive Bashir Bayo Ojulari appointed as the new GCEO and Ahmadu Musa Kida as non-executive chairman.

The restructuring aligns with the government’s vision of revitalising the oil sector and increasing Nigeria’s crude oil production and refining capacity.

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