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EFCC Set To Move Against EL-Rafai,Obansanjo

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC might storm Ota farm and Kaduna State to interrogate former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT and current Kaduna Governor, Nasir EL- Rufai, over allegation of Abuja Rail way contract fraud.

This is coming after the Senate Committee on FCT on Monday, February 15, disclosed that Obasanjo and El-Rufai, awarded the Abuja Rail Project in 2007 at an inflated cost, with neither a design nor Memorandum of Understanding, MOU, with the Chinese Civil Engineering and Construction Company, CCECC.

The committee said the contract, which stood at 60.67 kilometers, was inflated by ten million dollars per kilometers even as the original length of the project was later reduced to 45 kilometers without refund of the cost for the 15.67 kilometers cut off.

As at press time, efforts made by Post-Nigeria to confirm the planned interrogation of the duo from the spokesman of the EFCC proved abortive.

The Committee Chairman, Senator Dino Melaye, has demanded the refund of the sum of 195,878,296.74 dollars being the sum allegedly funneled into private pockets.

Meanwhile, the Project Manager of the company, Etim Abak, said the contract was signed by the then FCT Minister without design and MOU, saying it was carried out based on what he simply identified as conceptual design.

“The contract was awarded based on conceptual design and estimates were not properly done. There was no formal design submitted and rail bridges and crossover bridges were not captured in the contract, “he told the committee,’’ Abak said.

Melaye, while speaking at the site, said his research showed that the rail project was inflated by over ten million dollars per kilometer, wondering why such corrupt act was perpetrated by the handlers of the project.

Melaye, said the entire project was shrouded in fraud, noting that the contract sum was $841.645,898 with project completion period put at 48 months.

“Now, you have reduced the length of the kilometre standard gauge from 60.67 kilometres to 45.245 kilometres, meanwhile, there is no concomitant reduction if you juxtapose the length of kilometres and the reduction in terms of the cost.

“If we are to spend 841 million dollars for 60.67 kilometres and now you have reduced to 45.245 kilometres and the only reduction in terms of monetary value is from 841.6 million dollars to 823 million and with reduction of just about 17 million dollars that to me is not commensurate to the reduction in terms of length.

“The Federal Government has so far invested 31.5 billion dollars and another 7.6 billion from the SURE-P fund and if you put these together, we have altogether 39.1 billion dollars invested in the rail project, leaving the balance of 113. 233,155.32 dollars.

“The sum of three billion dollars proposed in the 2016 national budget of the FCT for the rail project.

“If you look at this, I would want to say that I did a personal research and looked at rail construction of the same specifics, of the same technology across the globe and one cannot but complain that this railway project in Nigeria is on a very high side.” He said.

Melaye also questioned the rationale behind the government’s loan of 500 million dollars from Exim Bank of China for the project, adding that funds injected into the project by the federal government was far enough to execute the entire project.

“From my own calculation, in fact, from my comparison with other rail projects across the world, the federal government investment in this project is enough to execute the project without taking a loan as high as 500 million dollars from China.

”From our research and it’s very simple, the world is now a global village. As you are sitting here now, on your phone you can Google, even in India and Egypt. Fortunately, one of those projects in Zambia was also done by this same company, CCE.

“We have six countries and the average cost per kilometre, none is above four million dollars per kilometre. Why is the Nigerian project is costing 13.8 approximately 14 million dollars per kilometer,” Melaye stated.

 

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

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The Orchestration Against Aisha Achimugu: A Classical Betrayal of Justice, Womanhood, and Nationhood..

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The Orchestration Against Aisha Achimugu: A Classical Betrayal of Justice, Womanhood, and Nationhood..

The Orchestration Against Aisha Achimugu: A Classical Betrayal of Justice, Womanhood, and Nationhood..

 

Nigeria is at a critical crossroads, one that challenges not just the nation’s political integrity but its very identity. This crisis is not marked by war or famine, but by a deep and troubling internal issue that questions the fairness of the judicial system and the moral foundation of the country. At the heart of this is the unjust persecution of Aisha Achimugu, a distinguished businesswoman, philanthropist, and symbol of Nigerian excellence.

 

The Orchestration Against Aisha Achimugu: A Classical Betrayal of Justice, Womanhood, and Nationhood..
Aisha Achimugu is far more than a businesswoman, she is a beacon of resilience and brilliance, an embodiment of Nigerian potential. Through her company, Felak Concept Group, Aisha has made significant contributions in engineering, consultancy, and maritime innovation. Her work has led to job creation, policy reform, and environmental sustainability, all within industries that are traditionally dominated by men.

 

Aisha’s achievements stand as a testament to her determination to break barriers and her unwavering commitment to national progress.
Yet, despite her immense contributions to Nigeria’s development, Aisha has faced an appalling injustice. Instead of being celebrated, she has been met with public slander, a red poster of accusations, and the denial of a fair trial. Even when she was summoned, Aisha was abroad and was deprived of the dignity of due process.

 

 

Where is the fairness in this? Where is the compassion for a single mother, a widow, and a woman whose achievements have enriched the nation? The answer is clear: it is absent.
Aisha Achimugu is not just a business mogul, she is a cherished figure beloved across the country for her character, diplomacy, and generosity. She has bridged political, ethnic, and religious divides, always putting Nigeria’s best interests first. She was awarded two oil block by the Nigerian government not as a favor, but as recognition of her competence and ability. This honor was bestowed not out of nepotism, but because of trust in her capabilities.

 

If Aisha were truly guilty of any wrongdoing, how did the same government that honored her with two oil block suddenly turn against her? The question is, if she were truly guilty, why are others equally implicated in Nigeria’s systemic corruption not facing the same public scrutiny?

 

Aisha is not a woman who seeks attention. She has earned her place at the table through hard work and a proven track record. Her impact on national development, her mentorship, and her philanthropy have created a profound legacy. Her reputation is built on her accomplishments not rumors or politically motivated attacks. Yet, her brilliance seems to have become a threat to those driven by personal insecurity and political motives.

 

Mr. President, this is not a victory in the fight against corruption, it is a manipulation of the system driven by envy, personal vendettas, and political maneuvering. If the justice system were truly functioning, why does only one woman’s image appear on a red poster while countless others implicated in corruption continue unchecked? The answer lies in the political machinations at play.

 

You were elected to restore hope and deliver justice for all Nigerians—not to preside over selective justice. When justice becomes partial, hope dies. And when hope dies, the very soul of the nation is at risk.

 

This fight is not just for Aisha, it is for the future of the nation. To the youth, women, civil society, the diaspora, and all those who long for a better Nigeria this fight is yours too. If they can silence someone as influential and accomplished as Aisha, they can silence any of us. If they can slander her with no trial, what will happen to the rest of us who lack the power or connections to fight back?

 

This is a battle for the soul of Nigeria. It is a fight to ensure that no Nigerian regardless of their gender, status, or background ever faces injustice. We cannot remain passive while one of the country’s finest is destroyed by political manipulation.

 

We must demand that Aisha’s case be heard in a court of law, not through media headlines or WhatsApp groups. The truth must be brought to light through a transparent and fair process, not through politically motivated attacks. If the justice system truly works, let it be demonstrated in action, not in orchestrated public campaigns.

 

A nation that allows one of its daughters to be humiliated without due process undermines its own future. This issue is not merely about gender, it is about the character of the nation itself. Aisha Achimugu has not shied away from accountability; she is ready to face any legitimate inquiry, but only in a system that is just and fair. What she will not accept—and what we must not allow is for her to be victimized by individuals who fear the strength of an independent woman.

Enough is enough. The time for action is now.

We are watching.
Justice for Aisha is Justice for Nigeria.

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Correctional Centre Breaks Silence on Detained Staff Linked to Patience Jonathan

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Correctional Centre Breaks Silence on Detained Staff Linked to Patience Jonathan

Nigerian Correctional Service Denies Allegations of Illegal Detention of Patience Jonathan’s Ex-Staff in Bayelsa

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Bayelsa State Command, has firmly denied reports alleging that 15 former domestic staff of Nigeria’s former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, are being held illegally at the Okaka Medium Security Custodial Centre.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Sunday, the facility’s spokesperson, Isari Gbosi Tombara, described the viral reports as false, misleading, and a deliberate attempt to “tarnish the good image” of the correctional system.

“The rumour purporting that the former First Lady has detained these individuals since 2019 for theft, and that she held a closed-door meeting with top correctional officials, is entirely unfounded,” Tombara stated.

Context of the Case: Gold Theft Allegations and 18-Count Charge

The individuals in question have been in custody since 2019 in connection with the alleged theft of gold jewellery, electronics, and home appliances reportedly valued at ₦200 million. They face an 18-count charge including conspiracy to commit murder, burglary, and other felonies.

According to court records cited in the NCoS statement, the accused were legally remanded by High Court 1 of Bayelsa State and have been appearing for trial regularly.

“They were in court on March 10 and 11, and again on April 3, 2025, when the matter was adjourned to April 17,” the correctional service noted, emphasizing that the inmates’ fundamental human rights have not been violated.

No Meeting With Patience Jonathan, Officials Insist

The command also dismissed claims of a secret meeting between Patience Jonathan and custodial officers, calling the reports “a concoction” aimed at stirring public sentiment and sowing distrust.

“For the avoidance of doubt, no such meeting ever occurred. These inmates were remanded legally and are being held in accordance with the law,” Tombara emphasized.

He added that no individual can be held without a valid court-issued remand warrant, reinforcing that Okaka remains one of the most peaceful correctional facilities in the country.

Maintaining Standards Amid Public Scrutiny

The NCoS reiterated its commitment to the safe, humane custody and rehabilitation of inmates, in line with national correctional protocols and under the directive of Acting Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche.

“We urge the public to disregard such sensationalist reports, which are not only inaccurate but aimed at destabilizing a system that is already functioning within the rule of law,” the statement concluded.

Background

Rumors began circulating earlier this month suggesting that the 15 individuals were being detained indefinitely on the orders of the former First Lady, who allegedly accused them of theft during her time in office. The claims quickly went viral, prompting public outcry and scrutiny over the role of influential figures in the justice system.

As the case continues, all eyes will remain on the Bayelsa judiciary and correctional system for further developments.

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Burna Boy’s ‘Lamborghini’ Diss Track Ignites Firestorm Online

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Burna Boy’s ‘Lamborghini’ Diss Track Ignites Firestorm Online

Burna Boy’s ‘Lamborghini’ Diss Track Ignites Firestorm Online After Viral Preview

LAGOS, NIGERIA — Grammy award-winning singer Burna Boy is once again dominating headlines and timelines after previewing his fiery new diss track titled “Lamborghini”—a bold response to the controversy involving Lagos-based socialite, Sophia Egbueje.

The artist, known for his genre-defying sound and outspoken persona, shared a snippet of the unreleased track during a club appearance, where he was seen dancing with visible excitement as the song blared through the speakers. The moment was captured in a now-viral video, triggering an avalanche of online reactions and debates over the song’s message and intent.

The track appears to be a direct clapback at Egbueje, who earlier accused Burna Boy in a leaked audio of promising—but failing—to gift her a Lamborghini. The clip sparked days of gossip and speculation across social media. In response, Burna Boy took the drama a step further by debuting the diss track live during a music concert in Kenya, drawing both applause and criticism.


From Club to Concert Stage: Diss Track Goes Global

The “Lamborghini” performance has since gone global, with fans and critics dissecting every line for hidden jabs and lyrical shade. While Burna Boy hasn’t officially addressed the situation beyond the music, his actions speak volumes—and the timing of the track’s preview suggests a calculated media moment.

Mixed Reactions: “Where’s the Substance?”

Reactions to the preview have been divided, with some fans praising the energy of the track, while others questioned the depth of the lyrics—especially in light of Burna Boy’s previous comments on the lack of substance in today’s music.

“After this one, he’ll still say other people’s music has no substance—meanwhile he’s singing ‘dem dey for there’,” one user, Ghost Boy, commented.

Ejimo echoed the sentiment, stating: “Burna said in an interview that most songs have no meaning. I wonder what this song is about.”

Some fans, however, were more amused than critical. “All of them pass the vibes 😁,” wrote God Pikin, seemingly unbothered by the controversy.

Others, like Imere, were less forgiving: “This song is the worst from any artist in the history of Nigeria. One day, outsiders will tell Burna the truth.”

The Bigger Picture: PR Stunt or Artistic Expression?

With “Lamborghini”, Burna Boy once again blurs the line between personal drama and artistic expression. Some industry watchers believe the move is a strategic PR play designed to generate buzz ahead of a new project. Others argue it’s a genuine expression of frustration from an artist unwilling to remain silent when dragged into gossip.

Either way, Burna Boy has succeeded in reclaiming the narrative—turning scandal into spectacle.

As fans await the full release of “Lamborghini”, one thing is clear: whether you love him or loathe him, Burna Boy knows how to stay at the center of the conversation.

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