Connect with us
Advertisment

celebrity radar - gossips

EFCC Re-Arraign Ex- Abia Governor, Others Over Alleged 3.2 Billion Fraud

Published

on

orji-uzor-kalu

Advertisment

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has re-arraigned the former Abia State Governor, Orji Uzor Kalu, on Monday before the Lagos Division of the Federal High Court 34 counts of money laundering.

Also arraigned before the court are Udeh Udeogu, a former Director of Finance in the state, and Slok Nigeria Limited.
Mr. Kalu, who served as governor between 1999 and 2007, was first arraigned in 2007 on a 96-count charge of money laundering.

Advertisment

After a lengthy legal battle, the Supreme Court, in 2016, ordered him to stand trial.

In the amended charge, the EFCC alleged that Mr. Kalu and the accused persons had, between August 7, 2001, and December 2005, (while Mr. Kalu was the governor of Abia State), used the said money to procure Slok Nigeria Limited, a company EFCC said solely belongs to Mr. Kalu and his family.

The accused persons and Emeka Abone, said to be at large, were also alleged to have between May 2002 and December 2005, conspired among themselves to launder funds illegally derived from the Treasury of Abia State government.

Advertisement

They were also alleged to have aggregated several millions of naira amounting to N3.2 billion, property of Abia State government, knowing that the said amount formed parts of funds stolen from the Treasury of Abia State government.

The accused persons were alleged to have laundered the funds through Manny Bank (now Fidelity Bank Plc), Spring Bank Plc, the defunct Standard Trust Bank and Fin Land Bank, now First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

In counts one to 10, Mr. Kalu was alleged to have, between August 13, 2003 and August 10, 2005, acquired Slok Nigeria Limited as well as retained in his account domiciled with the Apapa branch of First Inland Bank Plc, the total sum of N2. 502, 600 billion.

 

The money was said to have been derived from the treasury of Abia State government, through Manny Bank (now Fidelity Bank Plc), which were converted into several bank drafts and paid into the account of Slok Nigeria Limited.

In counts 11 to 20, Slok Nigeria Limited and Mr. Abone were alleged to have between April 29, 2003 and August 10, 2005, retained in their accounts domiciled with the Apapa branch of First Inland Bank now First City Monument Bank, the total sum of N2.493 billion, on behalf of Mr. Kalu.

Counts 22 to 33 accused Messrs Kalu, Udeogu, Abone, and Slok Nigeria Limited and E, to have between August 13, 2003, and August 10, 2005, collaborated and concealed N2.187,400 billion, which formed parts of funds Illegally derived from the treasury of Abia State government, through Manny Bank (now Fidelity Bank), and converted and paid the said sum into the account of Slok Nigeria Limited, with the Apapa branch of First Inland Bank Plc.

In count 34, the defendants were accused of, between May 2002 and December 2005, conspiring to commit money laundering of funds illegally derived from the treasury of Abia State government.

The accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charge.

After taking their plea, counsels to the defendants, Mike Ozekhome and Solo Akuma, both Senior Advocates of Nigeria, urged the court to allow their clients to continue with the bail term earlier granted them.

Mr. Ozekhome told Justice Mohammed Idris that their clients had been arraigned before three different judges in Abuja Federal High Courts, before they were re-arraigned again.

The prosecutor, Mr. Adeniyi, did not opposed the submission of lawyers to the accused persons, but said his agency only interested in the trial of the accused persons.

Mr. Idris adjourned till December 12 and 13 for trial, while ordering that the accused persons continue to enjoy their existing bails.

 

Advertisment
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

celebrity radar - gossips

Celebrating Aare Sir Shina Akanni : The Pinnacle of Fuji Music (Photos) – Alhaji Arems

Published

on

Celebrating Aare Sir Shina Akanni : The Pinnacle of Fuji Music (Photos) – Alhaji Arems

 

Advertisment

 

As the dawn breaks on April 19, the vibrant and rhythmic world of Fuji music celebrates a monumental occasion—the birthday of Aare Sir Shina Akanni, a maestro whose name is synonymous with the genre itself. Today, not only does he add another year to his illustrious life, but he also cements his place as the most highly rated act in the realm of Fuji music.

Advertisment

 

 

 

Advertisement

Aare Sir Shina Akanni, often hailed as the Fuji Scorpido, has been a beacon of innovation and excellence in Fuji music for decades. His unique voice and high level of composition have earned him the respect and admiration of fans and peers alike. On this special day, we reflect on the journey of a man who has not only mastered his craft but has also become the yardstick by which all other Fuji acts are measured.

Born into the vibrant culture of Mushin, Lagos, Aare Sir Shina Akanni’s musical journey began at a young age. His passion for Fuji music was evident from the start, and over the years, he has released over 30 albums, each one a testament to his dedication and talent. His works such as “Fuji Discovery Medley” and “Shina Medley” have become staples in the Fuji music scene, played and replayed by those who appreciate the depth of his artistry.

But what truly sets Aare Sir Shina Akanni apart is his ability to stay at the pinnacle of Fuji music for over two decades. It’s a feat that speaks volumes about his consistency and the unwavering quality of his music. His latest album, “ABCD,” is yet another example of his musical prowess and innovation, showcasing a blend of traditional Fuji rhythms with contemporary elements.

As we celebrate Aare Sir Shina Akanni’s birthday, it’s not just another year that we’re marking; it’s the celebration of a legacy that has shaped and will continue to shape the future of Fuji music. His influence extends beyond the borders of Nigeria, touching lives and inspiring musicians around the globe.

On this day, the Fuji music community comes together to honor a legend. Aare Sir Shina Akanni’s contributions to the genre are unparalleled, and his status as the most highly rated of all Fuji acts is undisputed. As he celebrates his birthday, we join in the chorus of well-wishes and gratitude for the music that has enriched our lives.

Happy Birthday, Aare Sir Shina Akanni, the undisputed king of Fuji music. May your melodies continue to resonate, and your legacy endure for generations to come.

 

Celebrating Aare Sir Shina Akanni : The Pinnacle of Fuji Music (Photos) - Alhaji Arems

Advertisment
Continue Reading

celebrity radar - gossips

Call EFCC to order, Nigeria is not a lawless country – Yahaya Bello Media Office

Published

on

Confusion as EFCC names ex-Kogi Gov in amended corruption allegations perpetrated before he became Governor

Call EFCC to order, Nigeria is not a lawless country – Yahaya Bello Media Office

 

Advertisment

About 9:30 am today, the 17th day of April 2024, persons who described themselves as officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrived the Wuse Zone 4 Residence of His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello to effect his arrest.

This is despite a subsisting Order of injunction granted on 9th February 2024 by the High Court of Justice, Lokoja Division in Suit No. HCL/68M/2024 between Alhaji Yahaya Bello v. Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, restraining the Commission either by itself or its agents from harassing, arresting, detaining or prosecuting Alhaji Yahaya Bello, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive fundamental rights enforcement action.

Advertisment

The EFCC was duly served with that Order on 12th February 2024 and on 26th February 2024; the EFCC filed an Appeal (Appeal No.: CA/ABJ/CV/175/2024: Economic and Financial Crimes Commission v. Alhaji Yahaya Bello) against the said Order to the Court of Appeal Abuja division. The Appeal was accompanied by a Motion for Stay of Execution of the Order of the High Court which the Court of Appeal adjourned for hearing till the 22nd day of April 2024.

Furthermore, Judgment in the substantive case between Alhaji Yahaya Bello and the EFCC is to be delivered at 12 Noon today in Lokoja.

Contrary to all of the above, the EFCC has now laid siege to the home of H.E Yahaya Bello seeking to arrest him in contravention of the extant orders!

Advertisement

It is a surprise that an agency led by a lawyer could flagrantly disobey a subsisting court order by taking actions contrary to the reliefs granted.

We are aware of the total commitment of the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the rule of law and can say categorically that the leadership of the EFCC might have offered the agency on a platter of gold to desperate politicians to convert to their score settling tool without minding the effect on its integrity and the image of Nigeria as regards the rule of law.

A situation where law enforcers disregard the rule of law is a definite recipe for anarchy, which will adversely affect every aspect of the nation’s economy.

Nigerians have perceived the desperation of the anti-graft agency to embarrass and harass the former Governor by all means through spurious allegations, especially the latest one dating back to September 2015, way before he assumed office.
We are aware that there are clandestine moves to correct the error, but with even more questionable allegations, which would embarrass the Commission and Nigeria more than the initial one.
It is unfortunate that an agency that is supposed to enforce the law is now the first culprit with respect to disobedience of court orders.
This is a big dent on the fight against corruption. He who comes to equity must come with clean hands.

We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to call the EFCC to order in the interest of legal sanity.

MEDIA OFFICE
HE YAHAYA BELLO

 

Call EFCC to order, Nigeria is not a lawless country - Yahaya Bello Media Office

Advertisment
Continue Reading

celebrity radar - gossips

PRESIDENT TINUBU’S APPOINTEES FROM THE NORTH MUST TAKE A STAND

Published

on

 

Advertisment

PRESIDENT TINUBU’S APPOINTEES FROM THE NORTH MUST TAKE A STAND

Following my position on the recent attack on the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by a spokesman of the Northern Elders Forum, it has come to my attention that Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed who once served as the Spokesperson of the group and currently a Special Adviser on Political Matters in the Presidency took to his page on it to express a different position.

Dr. Baba-Ahmed declared that my stand against the unjust attack against the new administration of President Tinubu that is working very hard to reposition our country for better as ‘ill-advised’. He suggested I could have done a better job in my defence of the administration where I have the rare honour to serve as a Minister.

Advertisment

Dr. Baba-Ahmed’s relationship and or affinity with Northern Elders’ Forum is well-known. The fact now is that he is an appointee of the administration as Special Adviser. Any committed official of the administration has a duty to work for the success of the government he is a part of, protect and defend the government against unjust and undue attack from those who hide under ethnic and other primordial interests to heat up the polity.

It is more important to state that every appointee of President Tinubu including Dr. Baba-Ahmed owe the government a duty to promote and advance the good work and commendable efforts of the government across all sectors.
As appointees of the government from the North, we must all take a stand, be unequivocal in our support and work for the success of the administration we are serving. This is not the time to dither and waiver. We must stand up to be counted for the government or take our exit.

Bello Matawalle
Minister of State for Defence

Advertisement

April 15, 2024

Advertisment
Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

Trending