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How Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan Ordered Dasuki to give me N100Million – Doyin Okupe reveals

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A former Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Dr. Doyin Okupe, says the embattled former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.), gave him N100m on the instruction of Jonathan.

Okupe, who served as Jonathan’s spokesman from 2012 to 2015, added that he received N10m monthly from Dasuki to pay salaries and run a weekly programme on NTA.

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The former presidential aide said this in a Facebook post on Sunday while reacting to his arrest and interrogation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The EFCC had alleged that Okupe received N85m from Dasuki at different times.

In his reaction, Okupe said, “The initial N50m was approved by the President (Goodluck Jonathan) to be paid to me from his security vote. N10m was to furnish my rented living apartment and another N10m for my office. The balance N30m was approved as take-off grant.

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“The N10m I received from the ONSA monthly was to run my office, pay salaries of  members of staff, including overheads, pay expenses for our numerous press conferences, pay for publications in newspapers, magazines, local and foreign, television programmes, bulletins, and media consultants who assist and facilitate our work. I had about 23 (members of ) staff, 11 were graduates out of which five were Master’s degree holders.

“The second N50m was approved again by Mr. President when I reported to him that the monthly allowance had been cut from N10m to N5m and that I was no longer in  a position to keep running a one-hour NTA network programme called INSIGHT which was aired 9am to 10am every Friday.

“We paid NTA about N1.2m monthly for airtime. Two presenters were paid N600,000 monthly. The lead presenter on INSIGHT earned N400,000 and the second presenter earned N200,000. Total N600,000.

“We paid for tapes and editing per programme. Besides, we also paid honorarium for guests either directly or in form of hotel bills for those outside Abuja, or transportation.

“This cost averagely N500,000 weekly or about N2m monthly. All in all, we spent  about N4m monthly on the programme. Mr. President promised to help with the expenses. About a few months later when we had incurred some debts the NSA sent me this N50m which was to cover the cost of the programme for 12 months.”

Okupe further clarified that his monthly allowance was not his salary but meant for the running of his office. He said out of the N10m given to him by Dasuki monthly, 40 per cent went on salaries.

“Salary sheets with names and offices of employees were submitted to the EFCC. I was paid my salary of N853,000 per month through the office of the Secretary of the Government of the Federation,” he said.

Okupe, who was also quizzed for allegedly receiving some dubious contracts from a local council in Niger State to the tune of N76.5m, said his company, Romix Soilfix, was one of the over 20 construction companies who were duly awarded contracts for rural roads some five years ago by the Niger State Government.

He explained that due to lack of funds, contractors were paid irregularly making the job to drag.

“The job is still ongoing. The relationship of this to my service as senior special assistant to President is still not clear,” Okupe said.

The former presidential aide criticised the EFCC for allegedly releasing details about his health.

Okupe confirmed that he suffered a heart problem and he only explained this to investigators to prevent him from being detained.

He added, “I was born with sinus bradycadia, a non-disease based slowness of the heart. It precluded me from vigorous exercise from childhood but I have, by God’s grace, been able to live a normal and active life.

“With age, the slowness grew worse and life-threatening. I sought medical help and went through a procedure at the Arrhythmia Cardiac Research Centre in Atlanta, where this defect was corrected. It was just a year ago and I am still under satellite monitor from the USA. This is what I revealed to the EFCC and they made it a public issue.”

Okupe maintained that he was not a thief, adding that he had only two houses: one in Lagos and one in his hometown.

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

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ASR AFRICA SET TO COMMENCE THE CONSTRUCTION ABDUL SAMAD RABIU HOSTEL BLOCK FOR THE FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, MINNA, NIGER STATE

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ASR AFRICA SET TO COMMENCE THE CONSTRUCTION ABDUL SAMAD RABIU HOSTEL BLOCK FOR THE FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, MINNA, NIGER STATE

 

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Sahara Weekly Reports That The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) is set to commence the construction of a state-of-the-art hostel block for the Federal University of Technology, Minna. The project, which is being executed under the philanthropic initiative of the Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu (CFR, CON), will provide contemporary hostel accommodation for undergraduate students within the university’s main campus. The proposed hostel facility will accommodate 108 students with other auxiliary facilities such as laundries, kitchenettes, common rooms, and the warden’s room.

 

 

 

 

ASR AFRICA SET TO COMMENCE THE CONSTRUCTION ABDUL SAMAD RABIU HOSTEL BLOCK FOR THE FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, MINNA, NIGER STATE 

 

 

 

 

Speaking at the groundbreaking event, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Faruk Adamu Kuta, expressed joy for having the University as one of the beneficiaries of the ASR Africa Tertiary Education Grant Scheme. He extended the University’s appreciation to the Chairman of ASR Africa and the BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu and added that upon completion, a large number of students will have access to hostel accommodation thereby reducing the number of students that are exposed to insecurity and other vices outside the university campus.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In his response, Dr. Ubon Udoh, the Managing Director of ASR Africa, affirmed the excellent reputation of the University of Minna which ranked amongst the top 10 Nigerian universities and top 2500 in the world by Webometrics. He applauded the management of the university for prioritizing the security of their students amidst the institution’s quantum of needs. In his words, “The choice of this project will facilitate the relocation of the university’s temporary accommodations back into the main campus”. Dr Udoh urged the student to ensure proper use of the building which is constructed with state-of-the-art facilities.

 

 

 

 

ASR AFRICA SET TO COMMENCE THE CONSTRUCTION ABDUL SAMAD RABIU HOSTEL BLOCK FOR THE FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, MINNA, NIGER STATE 

 

 

 

 

 

The hostel accommodation is designed to have an apartment styled accommodations with each room having an en-suite bath and water closet facilities. This model of each room having its independent convenience and shower has been found to engender hygiene and a sense of responsibility amongst the students which is what the university aim to achieve among its students.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About ASR Africa

 

 

ASR Africa is the brainchild of African Industrialist, Philanthropist and Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) was established in 2021 to provide sustainable, impact-based, homegrown solutions to developmental issues affecting Health, Education and Social Development within Africa.

 

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$87m Theft Case: AAS Investors Storm FCT High Court To Demand Justice As Jesam, Legal Team Clear The Air At Abayomi’s Hearing (Video)

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$87m Theft Case: AAS Investors Storm FCT High Court To Demand Justice As Jesam, Legal Team Clear The Air At Abayomi’s Hearing (Video)

 

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The FCT High Court sitting in Jabi, Abuja has adjourned the arraignment of Abayomi Oluwasesan till May 2nd, 2024.

 

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Although the matter was mentioned for hearing, the trial could not go on because of the absence of the Defendant (Abayomi). The prosecutor reported to the court that the prison officers couldn’t bring him because of the recent prison break at the Suleja correctional centre. He further submitted that proper arrangements are serious ongoing to secure his presence in court in the next adjourned date…

The Defendant Counsel moved a motion for the review of Abayomi bail application, which is subject to the discretion of the court that must be exercised judiciously.

Abayomi Segun Oluwasesan who allegedly committed the heinous crime of defrauding the leading global crypto space known as Afriq Arbitrage System has been Re-arrested alongside his wife and arraigned in FCT High court, Jabi in Abuja on March 28th, 2024.

Abayomi and his wife were tracked to an estate in Lagos and brought back to Abuja on Sunday, March 24th, 2024 over the lingering financial scam to the tune of 87 million dollar and criminal activities he perpetrated against AAS and the CEO, Jesam Micheal.

 

 

The arraignment of Abayomi by the IG of police at the Federal High Court in Abuja witnessed a significant development on Thursday, March 28th, 2024, as the case involving the alleged theft of 87 million dollar by Abayomi OluwaSesan charged by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, proceeded with significant deliberations.

 

 

The accused individuals were charged for purportedly accessing millions of subscribers’ investments at the Afriq Arbitrage Company’s online trading platform until October 9th, 2023.

 

 

In the courtroom presided over by Justice Ms. Idris, both parties, including the defendants’ lawyer and the complainant lawyer Sidi Abdulrasheed, were present alongside individuals whose investments were affected by the alleged fraud at the Afriq Arbitrage Company.

 

 

During the session today, the defendants’ lawyer appealed for leniency on the stringent bail condition on behalf of Abayomi OluwaSesan citing their prolonged detention and promising their availability for trial if granted bail. However, the complainant lawyer, Sidi Abdulrasheed, opposed the bail request, highlighting previous instances where the defendants had allegedly fled after being granted bail.

 

 

 

Upon hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Ms. Idris adjourned the case until May 2nd, 2024.

 

 

It would be recalled that the conditions initially given included provision of two sureties each with 500 million Naira, owning property in Maitama, and also two directors in the federal civil service. Additionally, the sureties must deposit the title documents of their properties in court.

 

 

 

 

 

Speaking to Jesam Micheal the CEO of Afriq Arbitrage Company’s (AAC) after the court proceedings, he clarified the wrong narratives by a session of the media propagated by one human rights group. He narrated how Abayomi who was entrusted with the platform while he went for liver transplant tempered with the systems and defrauded the community of the staggering sum of $87m. He said even the defendant’s counsel admitted he stole the money when he said some properties have been returned to the company.

Also, the complainant’s counsel, Barrister Obeten revealed that justice will be served at the court as the suspect has allegedly admitted to committing the crime and speaking too much on the issue is tantamount to contempt of the court.

Meanwhile, several investors in their hundreds stormed the court to show solidarity to the company and its board of directors. They affirmed that the Afriq Arbitrage System is legit as they benefited immensely from it before the unfortunate saga involving Abayomi. They all chanted their demands for justice.

$87m Theft Case: AAS Investors Storm FCT High Court To Demand Justice As Jesam, Legal Team Clear The Air At Abayomi’s Hearing (Video)

 

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A GLANCE AT THE SPECTACULAR TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE OF CHIEF MICHAEL DURU EJIOGU’S DAUGHTER: ANARA’S TALK OF THE TOWN BY CHINEDU NSOFOR

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A GLANCE AT THE SPECTACULAR TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE OF CHIEF MICHAEL DURU EJIOGU'S DAUGHTER: ANARA'S TALK OF THE TOWN BY CHINEDU NSOFOR

A GLANCE AT THE SPECTACULAR TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE OF CHIEF MICHAEL DURU EJIOGU’S DAUGHTER: ANARA’S TALK OF THE TOWN

BY
CHINEDU NSOFOR

 

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In the vibrant Ancient kingdom of Anara, located in Isiala mbano LGA of Imo State, Chief Michael and Lolo Ijeoma Ejiogu celebrated an unforgettable event on April 27th, 2024. The occasion was the marriage of their daughter, Akudo Stephenia, to Dr. Frank Arinze. Chief Michael, a distinguished business magnate and real estate expert renowned for his leadership as the CEO of City Gate Group, orchestrated a traditional marriage ceremony that enchanted all attendees. Dr. Frank Arinze, hailing from the esteemed family of Elder Victor and Mrs. Jane Azikiwe of Onisha Town in Onisha North LGA, Anambra State, joined in this union, leaving a lasting impression on all fortunate enough to witness it.

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A GLANCE AT THE SPECTACULAR TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE OF CHIEF MICHAEL DURU EJIOGU'S DAUGHTER: ANARA'S TALK OF THE TOWN
BY
CHINEDU NSOFOR

 

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The gathering was a convergence of dignitaries from various spheres of influence and affluence, a testament to Chief Duru’s esteemed standing in the community. Among the distinguished guests were luminaries such as the Former Governor of Imo State(Chief Ikedi Ohakim) ; Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe( Speaker of the Imo State Assembly) ; His Royal Highness Cletus Iluomuanya(Chairman of the Imo State Elders Council) ; Nze Chidi Chinasa Nwanerri( Former S.A. Special Duties to the Governor of Imo State) ; the esteemed celebrity businessman, Pascal Okechukwu (Cubana Chief Priest); and Chief Tony Chukwu, alongside His Excellency Uche Nwosu, Hon. Bar. Kingsley Ononuju(Former Commissioner for Commerce and Industry Imo State), among numerous other titans of industry and notable politicians from across the nation.

In the enchanting tale of Akudo Stephenia and Dr. Frank, their love blossomed like vines reaching for the sun, culminating in a marriage that exuded elegance and grace. Their union, akin to a masterpiece painted by destiny, gathered dignitaries of high esteem, each bearing witness to a love as timeless as the stars above. Amidst the festivities, the bride’s search for her groom amidst the crowd seemed to reflect a cosmic alignment, it seemed as though the universe itself whispered secrets of eternal love, weaving their destinies into a tapestry of joy and commitment.

The ceremony unfolded with the grand entrance of the groom, a moment charged with anticipation and jubilation. As the kola nut was ceremoniously broken, marking the sacred inception of their union, all eyes eagerly awaited the radiant arrival of the bride, an embodiment of grace and sophistication.

The festivities were further enriched by captivating musical performances by over three renowned artists, adding a melodious backdrop to the celebration. Chief Michael Duru, as the Onowu, holds the esteemed position of Traditional Prime Minister within the Anara Ancient kingdom. His residence, a very sophisticated Mansion, not only stands as a testament to his legacy but also serves as the official Palace of the Onowu of Anara. During the traditional marriage ceremony of his daughter, this grand abode was dedicated, marking not only a familial celebration but also a continuation of tradition and lineage within the kingdom. Through this dual purpose, Chief Duru’s dwelling embodies both personal significance and cultural heritage, symbolizing the intertwining of familial duty and regal responsibility.

Culinary delights adorned the event, with a plethora of sumptuous dishes that tantalized the taste buds of all attendees. From traditional delicacies like fried rice to an array of fruits including apples, pineapples, oranges, and garden eggs, guests were treated to a gastronomic extravaganza that showcased both local and international flavors. The meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence in hospitality left an indelible impression, ensuring that every guest departed with fond memories of the occasion.

Amidst the gathered throng of friends and well-wishers, prayers soared heavenward, carrying blessings for the couple’s journey ahead. Each heartfelt wish resonated like a gentle melody, enveloping them in a cocoon of love and support as they stepped into the boundless expanse of married life. May their days be filled with laughter, their nights warmed by the embrace of affection, and may their love endure, perennial and ever-blooming, under the nurturing glow of the sun.

Indeed, Chief Michael Duru Ejiogu’s daughter’s traditional marriage was not just a union of two souls but a celebration of heritage, culture, and community. It was a testament to the enduring values of love, unity, and generosity that bind us together as a society. As the echoes of laughter and joy reverberated throughout Anara, it was clear that this event would be remembered as a highlight in the annals of the town’s history, a cherished memory for generations to come.

 

 

 

 

 

Chinedu Nsofor is a Seasoned Technocrat, Media Guru/Consultant and writes from Owerri, Imo State.

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