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FBI Expose Chimaroke Nnamani, Explains How He Stole $41m As Enugu Governor

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Chimaroke Nnamani

FBI Expose Chimaroke Nnamani, Explains How He Stole $41m As Enugu Governor

Chimaroke Nnamani

A statement obtained by Peoples Gazette reveals how Chimaroke Nnamani stole $41.8 million from Enugu State treasury.
The statement shows how he used the ill-gotten riches to acquire luxury assets in Florida , USA .

The 2009 complaint seen by The Gazette said Mr Nnamani, whom the FBI described as an American citizen, connived with his sister Chinero Nwigwe to steal public funds when he led Enugu between May 1999 and May 2007. Peter Mbah, Sam Ejiofor and Chika Ohaa were also named in the court documents as Mr Nnamani’s co-conspirators.

 

 

The FBI said Mr Nnamani, a medical doctor, stole $41.868,877.05 in one of several illicit schemes he pulled as Enugu governor. Authorities said the money was about N5.3 billion at the time, but it’s now worth around N31 billion today.

The FBI had argued that “Chimaroke Nnamani’s official salary as governor is the equivalent of $10,670 per year; thus, it appears unlikely that Nnamani possesses an adequate source of legitimate income to account for the purchase” of the lush real estate he amassed in Florida.

 

 

 

Judge Williams Acker of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama ordered forfeitures of Mr Nnamani’s assets to the U.S. government after finding that the Nigerian politician was not earning enough as governor to justify the millions of dollars in his possession.

Mr Nnamani, who has recently cut himself as a moral, prudent leader devoid of corrupt practices long typical of a Nigerian politician, did not return The Gazette’s request seeking comments about his U.S. corruption case, which has gone unreported until now and comes days after he was nominated as a senior member of the presidential campaign council of Bola Tinubu.

 

 

 

 

Although it was unclear whether or not Mr Nnamani has accepted Mr Tinubu’s job offer to serve in the All Progressives Congress’ presidential campaign despite being a senator and member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, his failure to publicly comment on the development more than a week after it was announced has left even his staunch allies confused as to where he stands in Nigeria’s general elections coming up in February 2023.

American authorities further stated that Mr Nnamani was “involved in a scheme to defraud the State of Enugu, Federal Republic of Nigeria, in violation of Nigerian law since at least 2003 and continuing until at least 2005.”

 

 

 

Mr Nnamani opened 20 bank accounts with AmSouth Bank in Orlando, Florida, where he stashed his loot even while serving as governor and was fully aware that it was illegal to maintain bank accounts abroad as an elected public official in Nigeria. Mr Nnamani had set up a firm Rock City Group, LLC, to carry out the fraud, documents said.

Parts of the stolen funds were used to lock down posh assets in Florida, with authorities stating Mr Nnamani paid $1.8 million in cash to buy his Heathrow residence.

 

 

 

“On February 22, 2007, Nnamani paid a total of $1,800,000 in cash” to buy a proper at 1972 Bridgewater Drive, Heathrow, Florida, filings said.

Following a lengthy trial that began in July 2007, Judge Acker granted the FBI’s request to forfeit all properties linked to Mr Nnamani’s fraud to the U.S. government on May 13, 2009.

 

 

 

It was not immediately clear whether or not Mr Nnamani’s successors tried to pursue repatriation of his loot to the state, which has less than N150 billion in an annual budget that is largely unfunded. A spokesman for the state’s current administration did not return a request seeking comments.

It was also unclear whether or not the FBI filed separate criminal charges against Mr Nnamani, but the Nigerian politician had faced separate forfeiture proceedings in Nigeria and lost, especially in 2015 when a federal judge ordered forfeiture of some multibillion-naira assets linked to him in Nigeria.

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Celebrating The Women Behind The Music : The Members Of Elite Women Musicians Club Of Lagos

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Celebrating The Women Behind The Music : The Members Of Elite Women Musicians Club Of Lagos

In the pulsating heart of Lagos, the Elite Women Musicians Club of Lagos

stands as a beacon of unity and empowerment for female artists. This dynamic association, renowned for its diversity in musical genres, prides itself on bringing together talented women from all walks of musical life. Today, we celebrate its esteemed members, who number twenty-nine strong, each contributing uniquely to the vibrant tapestry of the Club.

 

Leading The Charge :

At the forefront of the Elite Women Musicians Club of Lagos Club is Alhaja Queen Isimot Abake Abiola PQ1st (Omo Opeki), the President. Her leadership is a source of inspiration for many, guiding the Club with a vision of inclusivity and excellence. Supporting her is Alhaja Queen Halimot Ayinla Omowura, the Vice President, whose dedication ensures the smooth operation and growth of the association.

 

Alhaja Badirat Adunni Olaniyan (Just Like That) serves as the Treasurer, managing the financial health of the Club with precision. The Social Secretary, Alhaja Aminat Babalola Balogun (Omotayebi, Iya Kekere Eko), brings vibrancy and connectivity, fostering a sense of community among the members. Asiwaju Yeye Tosin Eniba (Fuji Queen), the Secretary, ensures that the administrative duties are handled efficiently, supporting the organizational backbone of the Club.

Valued Members :

The Club’s strength lies in its diverse membership, each woman a luminary in her own right. The following are the distinguished members of the Elite Women Musicians Club of Lagos :

– Afonja Gbajoba

– Bisi Ewa Ogo Jesu

– Alhaja Jelilat Dupytie

– Ejire Akewi Oba

– Alhaja Aminat Itojuobi

– Alh. Fatimo Oseni Salawa Onigbongbo

– Alh. Tawakalitu Alagbada Tokotaya to nko Fuji

– Aishat Irepo Obi

– Olaleye Rahemot Arike (Akomolesin Agbaye)

– Alh. Dasola Abeke

– Ewebiyi Iya Oriki

– Ameerat Oninure

– Alh. Azeezat Otibiya

– Alh. Rukayat Bashirimi

– Alh. Mujidat Damilola

– Alh. Fatima Aljafaria, an Elder whose wisdom and experience enrich the Club.

– Alh. Taibat Omo Tayenfe

– Queen Muheenat Ijaodola

– Sakirat Yeye Oge

– Alh. Mariam Akiki Akanbi

– Queen Abebi Ayala

– Aweni Adepeju (Aweni Fuji)

– Fatimo Ajoke Cinderella

– Alh. Hafsat Sideeq, another Elder whose guidance is deeply valued.

 

A Legacy of Excellence :

The Elite Women Musicians Club of Lagos is more than just an association; it is a legacy of excellence, a network of powerful voices that harmonize to uplift and inspire. Each member, from the executives to the distinguished members, plays a crucial role in shaping the cultural and musical landscape of Lagos and beyond. Their combined efforts create a symphony of collaboration and mutual support, ensuring that the future of female musicians in Nigeria remains bright and promising.

 

As we celebrate these remarkable women, we also look forward to the new heights the Club will achieve under their leadership and unity. Their commitment to their craft and each other stands as a testament to the incredible power of music and the unwavering strength of women.

Celebrating The Women Behind The Music : The Members Of Elite Women Musicians Club Of Lagos

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Sustain Tempo of High Revenue With Compliance, CGC Tells Comptroller Olomu

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Sustain Tempo of High Revenue With Compliance, CGC Tells Comptroller Olomu
… As Apapa Command Honours Outstanding Stakeholders

By Ifeoma Ikem

Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR has commended the Area Controller of Apapa Port Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, fsi for the command’s outstanding revenue collection of over N2.2tr and urged him to sustain the tempo.

CGC said this in Apapa on Friday at the command’s end of the year party and award ceremony also harped on the need for compliance and synergies as necessary strategies to greater productivity at the port. According to him, compliance is a competitive advantage.

He was represented by Deputy Comptroller General Caroline Niagwan, DCG Tariff and Trade, Adeniyi congratulated the Customs Area Controller and all the officers and men of Apapa Area Command for the milestone achieved in revenue collection to the tune of N2.2tr and still counting which has earned the command multiple accolades

“It is with immense pleasure that I stand before you today to celebrate a shared commitment to compliance and excellence in trade. This award ceremony is a testament to your dedication to ethical business practices, adherence to regulations, and unwavering support for the principles that drive Nigeria’s economic growth.

“Compliance is not merely a requirement; it is a competitive advantage. It fosters transparency, reduces operational risks, and strengthens the trust between businesses and regulatory authorities. It also positions compliant stakeholders to enjoy streamlined processes, faster clearance times, and access to the numerous benefits that come with being recognized as trusted trade partners.

“As a Service, we understand that sustaining compliance can sometimes require capacity building, especially as global trade evolves.

To this end, the Service is committed to providing the necessary training, technical assistance, and partnerships that will empower you with the knowledge and tools to maintain this high standard.

“Our goal is to ensure that every stakeholder remains competitive,vinnovative, and aligned with global best practices.
By working together, we can unlock even greater opportunities for growth. Compliant stakeholders not only contribute to national revenue but also drive economic development, attract foreign investments, and enhance Nigeria’s position in international trade” Adeniyi said

In his welcome speech, Comptroller Olomu expressed appreciation to the CGC and the customs management team for always providing the direction and inspiration to the command in it’s drive to meet government’s expectations .

He described the end of year party as many things rolled up in one as it strengthens the stakeholders bond as a community of government and private sector collaborators working together for the betterment of Nigeria;

it’s also to celebrate together as the year 2024 ends and honour those whose outstanding performances contributed in shaping the command’s achievements in 2024.

Comptroller Olomu said despite the challenges of low trade volume, the command is able to achieve it’s target which is a reflection of officers commitment and dedication to duty

He added that in line with the policy thrust of the CGC, the command utilised it’s relationship with stakeholders to achieve it’s goal this year.

According to him improving on stakeholder engagement has become an operational template the Comptroller General of Customs has impressed on the officers and expressed joy to announce that it has proven to be a masterstroke towards enhanced compliance.

Comptroller Olomu said “Compliance is no doubt the bedrock of all customs achievements in areas of revenue collection, anti smuggling and legitimate trade facilitation. Our approach to regurlarly engage our sister government agencies has raised our degree of intelligence sharing towards a common national interest.

“Let me use this period to thank the NPA, DSS, NDLEA, NAQS,Port Health, Police, Immigration and other sister government agencies for their consistent collaboration in 2024. They are indeed an integral part of the command’s success story in 2024. I urge them to stay on board let’s do it again in 2025.

“With our port users, we maintained regularly enlightenment meetings, faster trade dispute resolution mechanism and consistent appraisal of feedbacks to keep improving on our responsibilities.

“There have been positive fallouts of our regular interface with our stakeholders. This is evident in our collection of N2..2tr revenue and still counting, zeroing in on the minority that attempt smuggling by curbing their activities with seizures. We are fostering inclusivity and this will continue in 2025

“We have ensured no container , import or export consignment goes through our control without due diligence of proper examination. This has been the foundation of our impeccable enforcement drive.

“We are honouring some of our officers and stakeholders for their outstanding performances in the year 2024 . I want to urge the awardees to see this as a call for more commitment to surpass their best outputs. There is no end to improvement

“This should also be a challenge to those who didn’t make the award list this time, I urge them to keep improving with a promise that their inputs shall not go unnoticed for due recognition” he concluded

Among those recognised with various awards are APM Terminals, Sifax Group, ENL Consortium, Dangote, Talod Ocean Airfreight and Princess Chi Ezeh the CEO of Munah Sylva Nigeria Limited

The command also recognised serving and retired officers for their contributions to it’s overall successes in 2024.

Sustain Tempo of High Revenue With Compliance, CGC Tells Comptroller Olomu
... As Apapa Command Honours Outstanding Stakeholders

By Ifeoma Ikem

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Bullion Records; GyC Release Debut EP Album, A Billion Things

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Bullion Records; GyC Release Debut EP Album, A Billion Things By Ibrahim Kegbegbe

Bullion Records; GyC Release Debut EP Album, A Billion Things

By Ibrahim Kegbegbe

 

Bullion Records, one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing record labels, has officially released its highly anticipated debut EP album, A Billion Things, sung by its sensational artist, GyC. Born Fortune Kingsley, GyC is making waves in the Nigerian music industry, and this five-track EP marks a significant milestone in his career and the label’s history.

The EP, which dropped today, Wednesday, December 12, 2024, features an eclectic mix of tracks, including Mailo, Shayo, Woman, Kpang Kpang, and Kokan Aye. The standout track, Kokan Aye, features collaborations with Nigerian music icons 9ice and Eedris Abdul Kareem, further solidifying GyC’s place in the music scene.

Speaking about the project, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, Chairman and CEO of Bullion Records, described the album as a blend of inspiration and artistry. “Every track in this album is not only a masterpiece but also delivers profound messages. From love to resilience, and from societal consciousness to celebration, A Billion Things resonates with listeners on different levels,” he said.

The production team behind the album includes some of Nigeria’s most talented producers. YoungSmith worked on the hits Shayo, Woman, and Mailo, while Philkeyz produced the electrifying Kpang Kpang. Shockerbeat added his signature touch to Kokan Aye, ensuring the album delivers a diverse yet cohesive sound.

Mr. Elegbede Ajibola, the entertainment director at Bullion Records, emphasized the label’s strategic timing for the album’s release. “We deliberately chose December to launch this EP because it’s a season when people connect through music. We want fans and good music lovers worldwide to vibe to these amazing tracks during the festive period,” Elegbede noted.

GyC, the star of the moment, expressed his gratitude to the team behind the album’s success. “This project is the result of collective effort and dedication. I want to thank the executive members of Bullion Records for their unwavering support. Special appreciation also goes to the incredible music producers who brought my vision to life,” he said.

The release of A Billion Things marks a bold statement from Bullion Records as it cements its position in the Nigerian music industry. With a lineup of motivational, soulful, and dance-worthy tracks, the EP is expected to become a favorite among music lovers globally.

Fans can now stream or purchase the album on all major music platforms.

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