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Ex-NSA, Dasuki fails to appear in court over N32 billion fraud

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Dasuki

 

 

Alleged refusal by the erstwhile National Security Adviser, NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki, retd, to appear in court on Wednesday, stalled hearing on the 19-count money laundering charge the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, preferred against him and ‎four others. ‎The anti-graft agency had in the charge it filed before an Abuja High Court sitting at Maitama, alleged that Dasuki connived with the erstwhile Director of Finance in the Office of the NSA, Mr. Shuaibu Salisu and a former Executive Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, ‎Aminu Baba-Kusa‎, and diverted public funds to the tune of N32billion. Two companies- Acacia Holding Limited and Reliance Referal Hospital Limited, which allegedly served as conduit pipes through which the fund was allegedly siphoned from accounts the office of the NSA operated with both the Central Bank of Nigeria and other financial institutions, were also joined as defendants to the charge. Former NSA, Sambo Dasuki. The prosecution insisted that the N32bn was distributed to delegates that attended the Presidential Primary Election the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, held in Abuja, a process that saw the emergence of ex-President ‎Goodluck Jonathan as the sole candidate of the party.

Trial Justice Hussein Baba Yusuf had on February 8, okayed full-blown hearing to commence on the matter, even as he gave EFCC the nod to produce its witnesses. Meanwhile, at‎ the resumed sitting on Wednesday, EFCC lawyer, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, told the court that the former NSA who has been in detention since November 3, 2015, refused to be brought to court. “My lord, yesterday (Tuesday) the 1st defendant was notified that this matter will come up today (Wednesday) for hearing and that he ‎should prepare. “However, this morning, ‎the 1st defendant refused to come to court on the ground that his lead counsels Mr. J. B. Daudu, SAN, and Ahmed Raji, SAN, will not be in court. “We persuaded him to at least come to court first but he refused and insisted that he cannot be abducted. He said that nobody can ‎ad but and bring him to court”, Rotimi added. He argued that section 267(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA, 2015, allows the court to commence hearing on a case against a defendant who is in custody, so far such person is permitted to have unfettered access ‎to his lawyers. “I asked the DSS whether any of his counsels ever made any attempt to see him and they said none of his lawyers ever did. My lord I submit that it is not the law that once a defendant is in custody his trial cannot go on. That is the misconception that the defendant has been given out. “This recent action is a deliberate game-plan ‎by the defendant and his counsel to ensure that this trial does not go on today. My witnesses are here and ready to testify. The blatant refusal by the defendant to appear in court amounts to misconduct”, Jacobs insisted. Nevertheless, the lawyer who announced appearance for Dasuki, Mr. Wale Balogun, told the court that he was not aware of any of the allegations the prosecution raised against his client. He contended that the onus was on the prosecution to produce the defendant who has been in its custody, in court ‎for trial. ‎”We are not in custody of the 1st defendant, they are the ones that have him in custody. We are not ordinarily allowed to see him, so there is no way we can confirm all the allegations. “It is elementary requirement of law that the defendant must be present during his trial, the prosecution has not made any application for his presence to be excused. The allegation the prosecution raised are very serious. He said someone told him, that DSS officer ought to have deposed an affidavit. “The learned silk cannot give evidence from the bar. His allegations should have been supported by an affidavit duly deposed before this court”, Balogun argued. Similarly, counsel to the other ‎defendants agreed with Dasuki’s lawyer that EFCC ought to have backed the allegations with an affidavit evidence.

 

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Don’t Return Fuel Subsidy Through Dubious Means, Group Tells NNPCL’s Mele Kyari

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Don’t Return Fuel Subsidy Through Dubious Means, Group Tells NNPCL’s Mele Kyari

 

The Afenifere Mandate Forum (AMF) has cautioned the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) against re-introducing fuel subsidy through dubious means, citing the regime’s notorious history of corruption.

The group emphasised the need for transparency going forward, urging the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) not to make payments to NNPCL’s foreign partners in the name of subsidy.

In a statement signed by its President, Otunba Davies Folorunsho, the group said the fuel subsidy regime was embroiled in corruption, with allegations of fraudulent payments and inflated subsidies.

Folorunsho said Mele Kyari, the Group CEO of NNPCL, was at the centre of the controversy, with reports of the company importing toxic fuel from Malta.

He noted that this not only perpetuated corruption but also endangered the health and safety of Nigerians.

However, Folorunsho said the he removal of fuel subsidy has been a significant step towards economic recovery, saving the country billions of dollars that were previously spent on subsidizing petrol prices.

“In 2022 alone, subsidies gulped $10 billion, leaving the state oil company NNPC with nothing to remit to the treasury,” he added.

“Fuel subsidy were not only financially ruinous but also largely regressive, benefiting mostly car-owning urbanites and those who could afford petrol-powered generators.

“As a result of the subsidy removal, the financial burden on the government has been significantly reduced, freeing up more funds for critical infrastructure and social programs.

“Additionally, government revenue has increased, smuggling has decreased, and the risk of adulterated fuel has been mitigated. The removal of fuel subsidy has also paved the way for a more sustainable energy ecosystem, encouraging the use of alternative energy sources and reducing Nigeria’s reliance on fossil fuels.

The group urged the NNPCL to maintain transparency in its operations and avoid re-introducing fuel subsidy through the backdoor.

“We believe that the removal of fuel subsidy is a step in the right direction, and we urge the government to continue on this path towards economic recovery,” Folorunsho said.

 

 

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Adron Homes Celebrates Christmas with Customers, Reaffirms Commitment to Bridging Nigeria’s Housing Deficit

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Adron Homes Celebrates Christmas with Customers, Reaffirms Commitment to Bridging Nigeria’s Housing Deficit

 

As the world embraces the joy and warmth of the Christmas season, Adron Homes and Properties, Nigeria’s foremost real estate company, has extended heartfelt greetings to its esteemed customers while reaffirming its commitment to addressing the nation’s housing challenges.

In a message of gratitude and celebration, Adron Homes expressed deep appreciation to its customers for their trust and loyalty throughout 2024. The company highlighted its unwavering dedication to making incredible housing affordable for all Nigerians, in line with its mission of reducing the country’s housing deficit.

“Christmas is a time to celebrate family, unity, and gratitude,” the statement read. “As we reflect on the year, we are proud to have played a role in making homeownership a reality for thousands of Nigerians. Our vision is clear—to bridge the housing deficit by providing affordable, luxurious, and secure homes for all, regardless of income level.”

Adron Homes has continued to lead the real estate industry by implementing innovative solutions that make homeownership accessible, including flexible payment plans and cost-effective housing models tailored to meet diverse customer needs.

As part of its Christmas and end-of-the-year celebration, the company has launched a special festive promotions ‘Lemon Friday’ aimed at encouraging more Nigerians to join its growing community of homeowners.

“We remain committed to transforming dreams into reality. This is not just about building homes; it’s about building futures and creating opportunities for families to thrive in a space they can call their own,” the statement added.

Adron Homes extended warm wishes to all Nigerians and its global customers, urging them to embrace the season’s spirit of love and hope. “May your homes be filled with peace, joy, and prosperity this Christmas and beyond.”

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NIHOTOUR Calls on Hospitality, Tourism, Travel, Allied Sector Professionals for Mandated Registration

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NIHOTOUR Calls on Hospitality, Tourism, Travel, Allied Sector Professionals for Mandated Registration

NIHOTOUR Calls on Hospitality, Tourism, Travel, Allied Sector Professionals for Mandated Registration

 

The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), the regulatory and standardization authority in the sector, has invited professionals in the hospitality, tourism,travel and allied sectors to register as mandated by the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (Establishment) Act 2022.

A statement signed by Aare (Dr.) Abisoye Fagade, FIMC, Director-General/CEO
The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism reads:

“Enjoy FREE registration from December 1, 2024, to January 15, 2025! This is your chance to register as a professional or practitioner at no cost.

“Don’t miss this opportunity to solidify your presence in Nigeria’s thriving tourism industry. Visit www.nihotour.gov.ng now!

“Hurry—free registration closes on January 15, 2025. Take the first step toward advancing your career in tourism today!”

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