Business
How Former DG of NIMASA stole N754Million – Witness Reveals
Chukwudi Orji, an EFCC investigator, on Monday at an Ikeja High Court revealed in graphic details how a former Director-General of NIMASA and five other staff members allegedly stole N754 million belonging to the agency.
Mr. Orji made the revelations while testifying at the ongoing trial of Patrick Akpobolokemi, the ex-DG of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA and six others on a 13-count charge bordering on stealing and fraud.
Mr. Akpobolokemi’s co-defendants are Ezekiel Agaba, Ekene Nwakuche, Governor Juan, Vincent Udoye, Adegboyega Olopoenia and a company — Gama Marine Nigeria Ltd.
Mr. Orji told the court: “Vimsat Committee, a committee of NIMASA had opened an account in Zenith Bank, this account only had two inflows.
“On August 29, 2015, N498.4 million was paid into that account by NIMASA and on May 20, 2015, N318 million was also paid into that account by NIMASA.
“This gave the account a total inflow of N816.2 million. On September 29, 2015, there was a transfer of N11 million into the account of one Lakewood Garden Ventures Ltd from the Vimsat Committee account.
“The money was never used for research work as it was mandated to be, this money was part of the sharing formula of the defendants.”
Mr. Orji, explaining the role of Vincent Udoye, one of the defendants in the alleged scam, said: “On March 6, 2015 N7.8 million was transferred from Vimsat account into the Diamond Bank account with number -0020802815 of the fifth defendant (Udoye).
“On June 4, 2015, he transferred N5 million from that account into another Diamond Bank account with number 006567038 which was also operated by him.
“The N5 million transferred was fixed on the same day and was liquidated on September 2, 2014 and he was paid an interest of N24,000.
“The N5 million is still in his account as at the time the EFCC asked for his statement.
“He also transferred N2.5million into the bank account of Adegboyega Olopoenia (the sixth defendant).
“The N7.8 million disbursed by the defendants was part of funds gotten from Gama Marine Nigeria Ltd but the funds were originally from the account of the Vimsat Committee in Zenith Bank.
“All these transfers were done in a bid to conceal the source of the funds.”
Throwing more light on the role of Gama Marine Nigeria Ltd in the alleged fraud, Mr. Orji said Adegboyega Olopoenia (the sixth defendant) was a signatory to the account of Gama Marine.
According to him, N10 million was transferred to Vincent Udoye in six tranches from that account by Olopoenia totalling N60 million.
“It was conceived to be used under the guise of award of contract to Gama Marine but there was no contract.”
The investigator also told the court how another fake company called Arrow World Consulting Ltd was used to transfer money from NIMASA by the defendants.
“In relation to Arrow World Consulting, the third (Ekene Nwakuche) and fourth (Governor Juan) defendants were the signatories to the account.
“Our findings were that the accounts of Arrow World Consulting received the bulk sum from the Vimsat Committee account on Feb. 12, 2015.
“They received N230 million and they received another N17 million from the account on May 6, 2015.
“Nwakuche and Juan used fictitious names while operating the Arrow World Consulting account; Nwakuche operated as Philip Emesike and Juan operated as Udoh Emakop.
“When we invited Nwakuche to our office, he confessed to be using the alias Philip Emesike saying he used the name in bank documents.
“He explained to me and my team embers that he used to sign as Emesike and he demonstrated to us how he used to sign the signature.
“N70 million was sent by Nwakuche into the bank account of Dorcas Nwakuche and N70 million was paid into the bank account of Kadice Oil and Gas Ltd.
“The third and fourth defendants also made various transfers to different accounts from the Arrow World Consulting account,” he said.
Orji explained to the court how the EFCC uncovered the forged documents used to carry out bank transactions by Arrow World Consulting.
“Arrow World Consulting did not do any work for NIMASA, I personally led the team to visit the company’s address at 1004 Housing Estate, Victoria Island.
“I met the younger brother of the original owner of the company who was residing at the premises, I was told that the owner of the company had travelled out of the country.
“Shakespeare Solicitors, the lawyers to the real owner of Arrow World Consulting came to the EFCC office with a power of attorney and made a statement.
“The lawyers commenced an action at the Ikeja High Court against Zenith Bank in which judgment was given in favour of the real owner of Arrow World Consulting.
“The real owner of Arrow World was awarded N10million damages by Justice F. Bankole-Oki against Zenith Bank for opening the account without the consent of the owners — the number of that suit is LD/1872/CMW/2016,” Orji said.
Mr. Oyedepo, the EFCC prosecutor, sought to tender as evidence, a letter written by Shakespeare Solicitors on the alleged fraud to the EFCC in which a copy of the judgment was attached.
Seni Adio, lawyer to Mr. Nwakuche, however, objected to the tendering of the letter as evidence, saying the letter is irrelevant to the charge of the defendants and also not part of the original proof of evidence.
Justice Raliatu Adebiyi, in her ruling, held that the letter was relevant to proceedings and was, therefore, admissible as evidence.
She adjourned the case until July 11 for continuation of trial.
Egbe Obaneye Okunrin Earmarks #15m To Empower Members At SME Business Seminar
SAHARA WEEKLY Reports That One of the fastest growing age-groups, otherwise known as Regbregbe in Ijebuland, Egbe Obaneye Okunrin Akile-Ijebu will on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 hold the second edition of its SME Business Seminar.
The event which promises to be business friendly and educative has been scheduled for Chinese Hall, of the upscale Conference Hotel, Ijebu-Ode, the heartbeat of Ijebuland.
According to a statement by the headship of the Regberegbe, Giwa Oluseye Yusuf, the group through its Baba Egbe has earmarked #15m for the empowerment of 10 members during the SME business seminar to be anchored by Mr Bola Bhadmus, CEO WelthBrifge Asset Management Limited.
‘You are cordially invited to the Idokowo Egbe Obaneye 2.0 SME seminar, where industry experts and thought leaders will share insights and strategies for small and medium-sized enterprises to thrive in today’s dynamic business landscape. Join us for a morning of networking, learning, and growth’.
Business
How RealtorMax became one of the fastest-growing real estate companies in Nigeria – Mike Adeyemi
How RealtorMax became one of the fastest-growing real estate companies in Nigeria – Mike Adeyemi
Nigeria’s real estate industry has witnessed significant growth in recent years, with many companies battling for a stake in the market.
However, RealtorMax, owners of Urbanmax Estate, Owode Obafemi, Ogun State and Aje: The Wealthy Residence, in Ibeju Lekki area of Lagos stood out to emerge as one of the fastest-growing real estate companies in the country.
Based in Lagos and founded a few years ago by Mike Adeyemi, an innovative young entrepreneur, Realtormax has achieved success in a relatively short period.
The company’s vision to redefine affordable housing in Nigeria and across Africa has been the driving force behind its operations, and it has remained committed to this mission since its inception.
According to Adeyemi, its commitment to developing new towns around the metropolis by not just selling lands but holding buyers by their hands and guiding them towards owning their dream homes whether luxury or affordable set apart the ambitous and fast growing firm from other real estate companies in Nigeria.
The company is not just a facilitator of land purchases; it takes a hands-on approach by engaging in project management, providing critical infrastructure, offering building materials at highly doscounted rates, providing amenities such as internet, banks and road, as well as consulting. This approach ensures that clients receive fully realised and developed their choice properties with minimal stress.
Adeyemi’s emphasis on integrity, quality, innovation and attention to detail have set a standard that has become the hallmark of RealtorMax ’s projects.
According to the CEO, RealtorMax has a line up of more innovative solutions that will redefine the landscape of real estate in Nigeria powered by technology and new thinking.
“With our plans which we shall be rolling out in due course, we will deploy technology to make not just home ownership smooth and worry free but will help many more become smart investors who will partake in amazing global real estate ventures, maximise profits and benefit from joint investment platforms,” he noted.
He added: “One of the notable projects currently being undertaken is the almost 500-acre Urbanmax Estate, located in the Owode Obafemi area of Ogun State, near the Shagamu Express Interchange, which sells for N1.3million per plot (500 SQM). The eco-friendly estate offers a range of residential and commercial options with modern amenities, providing residents with a comfortable and convenient lifestyle.
“In addition, RealtorMax Limited is also developing Aje: The Wealthy Residence, in the vibrant Ibeju Lekki area. This luxurious residential development showcases our commitment to delivering high-quality and prestigious homes for discerning buyers at N32millon per plot (500 SQM). So, we offer dream homes to all our customers whether their choice is luxury or affordability.
Both estates offer opportunities to enjoy eco-friendly homes with close proximity to Lagos metropolis.
Business
Nigeria Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund flags off 10th edition of Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition
Nigeria Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund flags off 10th edition of Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition
The Nigeria Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund has announced the call for entries for the much-anticipated 10th edition of the Maltina Teacher of the Year competition.
Entries for the competition open on Thursday, May 16, 2024, and will close on Friday, July 19, 2024. The competition remains a platform to appreciate and reward teachers for their significant contribution towards the development of the education sector in Nigeria, while inspiring excellence in teaching.
To participate, eligible teachers can visit the dedicated website (www.maltinateacheroftheyear.com) to complete the entry form online. Alternatively, they can download the form, complete it, scan it, and email the completed form to maltinateacheroftheyear@heineken.com
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held in Lagos today, Managing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Hans Essaadi who was represented by the Human Resource Director, NB Plc, Grace Omo-Lamai explained that the flag-off of this year’s edition represents the beginning of another journey to appreciating and celebrating the tireless efforts and dedication of teachers.
Essaadi stated that the company through the Felix-Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund remains unwavering in its commitment to supporting teachers in shaping future leaders and changing the lives of students for the better in Nigeria.
“The Maltina Teacher of the Year competition presents an opportunity to express our gratitude to teachers for the sacrifices they make, the extra hours they invest, and the guidance and mentorship they provide to ensure the success of our youth. Through this competition, we aim to recognize the efforts of teachers in the countless ways they have shaped our future. We acknowledge their selflessness, their passion for teaching, and their relentless pursuit of the growth and development of our nation,” he said.
He stated that it was exciting to note that other corporate organizations have come on board to be part of this transformative initiative, adding that Union Bank of Nigeria Plc and Woodhall Capital Foundation have been enlisted as main partners while First City Monument Bank and Alert Group are supporting partners for the competition.
In her keynote address, the Corporate Affairs Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Sade Morgan, disclosed that the competition remains a veritable platform to reward and inspire teachers for their invaluable contribution to the development of education and society at large.
Morgan stated that the platform aims to recognize and appreciate teachers for the stewardship of our most precious national resource – the youth.
“Indeed, our teachers continue to play their role effectively and, as such, deserve to be appreciated, recognized, and celebrated for what they have done, and what they continue to do, to make society what it is today, particularly in the human and national development,” she said.
She disclosed that secondary school teachers in both public and private schools are eligible to participate in the 10th edition of the Maltina Teacher of the Year competition.
Speaking on the reward earmarked for the winners, she noted that the overall winner for the 2024 edition would receive a trophy, a total cash prize of N10 million, and a capacity development training opportunity abroad while his/her school receives either a block of classrooms or a computer laboratory.
“The first runner-up of the competition will equally receive a trophy and a total sum of N3,000,000, while the second runner-up receives a trophy and a total sum of N2,500,000. All State Champions will be rewarded with recognition plaques and a cash prize of N1, 000,000 each”, she added.
In her remarks, Winner of the 2023 Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition, Adeola Adefemi while praising NB Plc for the competition stated that her emergence as winner has attracted pride, fame, and fortune.
According to Adefemi, the success has become a confidence booster and attraction to several global opportunities in the teaching profession.
Goodwill messages of support were delivered by representatives of the corporate partners and key stakeholders in the education sector, such as representatives of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), and the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).
The Maltina Teacher of the Year competition was established in 2015 and funded through the Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund, which was set up in 1994 to facilitate an active contribution to the development of the education sector in Nigeria in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal, SDG No.4.
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ABOUT THE MALTINA TEACHER OF THE YEAR COMPETITION
In 2015, Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund introduced the Maltina Teacher of the Year, a national competition, to identify, honor, and reward outstanding teachers in Nigeria.
Maltina Teacher of the Year is proudly endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Education and other education stakeholders including the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPPS), and Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).
ABOUT NIGERIAN BREWERIES-FELIX OHIWEREI EDUCATION TRUST FUND
The Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund was set up in 1994 with a startup capital of 100 million Naira to enable sustained quality education through structured intervention in the sector.
The Fund has footprints across the six geographical zones in Nigeria at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of education. Through the Fund, NB Plc has constructed and furnished over 400 classrooms, sanitary facilities, and libraries in 74 communities across the country. The Fund has also granted scholarships to deserving students in tertiary institutions
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