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How President Buhari’s Minister of Interior, Abulrahman Dambazau allegedly acquired Property worth $3million in the US, Billions in Abuja

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An investigation by SaharaReporters into the assets of Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Lieutenant-General Abdulrahman Dambazau (ret.) has discovered that he and his wife own properties in the US whose total worth, in millions of dollars, raise questions about the source of the minister’s funds. Two real estate consultants told our correspondents that the properties traced to Mr. Dambazau have an estimated value in excess of three million dollars in the US alone.

Our investigators found that the minister’s real estate holdings include an impressive and expensive and huge seven-bedroom house he purchased in Winchester, Massachusetts, a few miles outside of Boston. The property cost $1.99 million. Mr. Dambazau’s massive 6,500 square feet home also boasts six bathrooms, an eat-in kitchen, an enclosed backyard, a front porch, central air conditioning, a spa bathtub in the master bedroom, a fireplace, and hardwood floors throughout. Descriptions of the property also state that the “master bedroom has a cathedral ceiling, double walk-in closet, linen closet, a spa-like tub, and a separate shower with three shower heads, and double sinks.”

Our investigation into Mr. Dambazau’s inexplicable real estate assets comes on the heels of public outrage that the minister’s name was removed from the list of serving, and retired military officers recommended for further investigation by a presidential panel that investigated arms and equipment procurement fraud in the Nigerian armed forces between 2007 and 2015.

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An earlier report by SaharaReporters disclosed that Mr. Dambazau and other top military officers were in a panic as the investigation panel prepared its latest interim report. Several military and political sources in Abuja revealed that Mr. Dambazau, who served as Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) between 2008 and 2010, worked furiously behind the scenes to suppress aspects of the probe panel’s report that implicated him.

In response to public outrage, Nigeria’s Information and Culture Minister, Lai Mohammed, issued a statement denying that the report was influenced by figures outside the investigation panel.

SaharaReporters obtained documents stating that Mr. Dambazau purchased the Winchester property shortly after it was built in 2013. According to the deed of ownership he bought the property on August 29th, 2013 from the building firm for one million nine hundred and ninety thousand dollars ($1,990,000).

In addition to the deed of ownership, SaharaReporters also obtained the Declaration of Homestead form that clearly states, “We, Hadiza B. Dambazau and Abdulrahman Dambazau, are the owner(s) of the premises located at 109 Church Street Winchester, MA 01890, by virtue of a deed.”

Our investigation also revealed that Mr. Dambazau sold the property to new buyers for $2 million on May 28th, 2015—exactly one day before President Muhammadu Buhari was sworn in in Abuja. The property sale document includes Mr. Dambazau’s passport number A06275929 and is notarized by Amy Kornbluth, the Vice Consul of the US Embassy in Abuja.

In addition to the home in Winchester, Mr. Dambazau’s wife, Hadiza Dambazau, recently purchased a condominium in the city of Boston. The property is part of the Millennium Avery Condominium complex. Documents obtained by our investigators show that Mrs. Dambazau has had the property in her name since its purchase on May 19th, 2016. The deed states that the condominium was purchased for $892,000 and is Unit #410 located at 580 Washington Street, Boston MA, 02111.

Mr. Dambazau also owns other assets and properties in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja. The assets are hard to explain, given the relative modesty of the salary earned by Nigerian military officers. The minister’s properties include Hajjar Plaza, an impressive building along Ahmadu Bello Way that contains numerous offices, and Lebrex Plaza, located in Utako, along Ajose Adeogun Street, which also has many shops and businesses. SaharaReporters also found that the Interior Minister owns a huge real estate at 15 Dodoma Street, in Wuse Zone 6 in Abuja.

Our investigation discovered that Mr. Dambazau often used Mohammed Dauda as a front to purchase several of his real estate assets in Nigeria. Several sources told our correspondent that Mr. Dauda is the chairman of Labrex International Ltd.

Our correspondent asked President Buhari’s spokesman, Femi Adesina, to respond to Mr. Dambazau’s extensive acquisition of real estate assets, but he merely stated, “I have no information on this issue,” adding that he could not comment further. Garba Shehu, who also serves as Mr. Buhari’s media and publicity aide, pointed our correspondent to the president’s statement “issued two days ago that he would not cover up or hide corrupt conduct by those in his government.” Mr. Shehu stated that nothing had changed since Mr. Buhari issued that release.

 

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$87m Theft: Abayomi Remanded in Suleja Until Bail Perfection As Court Adjourns Till 14th (Video)

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$87m Theft: Investors of Afriq Arbitrage System Boos,Jeer At Abayomi, Remanded in Suleja Until Bail Perfection As Court Adjourns Till 14th

$87m Theft: Investors of Afriq Arbitrage System Boos,Jeer At Abayomi, Remanded in Suleja Until Bail Perfection As Court Adjourns Till 14th ( Video)

 

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The arraignment of Abayomi Oluwasesan over the lingering theft saga to the tune of $87m commenced today with the review of his bail conditions.

Abayomi Segun Oluwasesan who allegedly committed the heinous crime of defrauding the leading global crypto space known as Afriq Arbitrage System was arraigned alongside his wife at the FCT High court, Jabi in Abuja.

Earlier, 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.

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Responding to the bail review, the presiding judge, Ms. Idris insisted the earlier bail conditions remain valid with little modification. 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. However, in his ruling today, he said the sureties should be owners of properties anywhere within the FCT and worth 400 million naira and above. He also reiterated that the two directors should be serving directors and the properties be valued by a licensed estate valuer registered with the federal government.

Thereafter, he adjourned the proceedings till 14th ,15th and 16th of May 2024 for speedy trials.

 

Speaking to Jesam Micheal, the CEO of Afriq Arbitrage System (AAS) after the court proceedings, he clarified the wrong narratives about the case. He said the appearance of Abayomi in court has justified the truth that he defrauded the company to the tune of $87m and that he has confessed to his crime. 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 stated that all he is after is for him to refund the stolen funds.

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.

 

Meanwhile, there was mild drama in court as thousands of investors stormed the court today, booed and jeered at Abayomi and his wife. Their anger was not unconnected to the fact that his actions gravely affected them and their means of livelihood.

 

 

It would be recalled that 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.

 

$87m Theft: Investors of Afriq Arbitrage System Boos,Jeer At Abayomi, Remanded in Suleja Until Bail Perfection As Court Adjourns Till 14th

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Wema Bank Celebrates Remarkable Journey of 79 years

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Wema Bank Celebrates Remarkable Journey of 79 years

 

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In a remarkable celebration of heritage and innov ation, Wema Bank, Nigeria’s most innovative bank and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT today announced a joint celebration marking Wema Bank’s 79th years and ALAT’s 7 years anniversaries. This significant celebration not only commemorates nearly eight decades of exceptional service and innovation in the Nigerian banking sector but also celebrates the bank’s seven years of digital excellence with ALAT.

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Wema Bank Celebrates Remarkable Journey of 79 years

 

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Since its inception in 1945, Wema Bank has been at the forefront of financial innovation, constantly adapting to meet the evolving needs of its customers. Over the decades, the bank has evolved from a regional bank to a national bank, adapting continuously to meet the dynamic needs of its customers and establishing itself as a pillar of trust and reliability for millions of individuals and businesses across Nigeria.

According to the MD/CEO Wema Bank, Mr. Moruf Oseni, the bank’s evolution from being Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank to being at the forefront of innovation, pioneering Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has been a true story of resilience and transformation.

“At 79, Wema Bank stand stronger than ever, and this achievement would not have been possible without the support of our customers and employees. We thank them for believing in the Wema vision, for entrusting their financial security to us, and for allowing us to contribute to their personal and professional aspirations. Their faith in us is deeply cherished, and we are honored to serve them.”

“As we mark our 79th year today, we reaffirm our commitment to empowering lives through innovation, and exceeding our customers expectations with unparalleled banking experiences tailored to their needs. Our pledge is to stand by our customers through every stage of life, offering enabling platforms to accelerate their growth and propel them to extraordinary heights.”

“While the past 79 years have been remarkable, we anticipate that the coming decades will be even more inspiring. With the partnership of our customers and employees, Wema Bank is poised to set new standards in financial services and redefine the future.” He concluded.

As part of the anniversary celebrations, Wema Bank and ALAT are rolling out a series of customer-focused activities designed to reward loyalty and enhance the customer experience. Throughout the anniversary month, customers will enjoy various promotions, including discounts on transactions, cash prizes, special loan offers and much more.

This anniversary is more than a celebration; it’s a reaffirmation of Wema Bank’s resilience and ongoing commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction in a competitive industry. Both Wema Bank and ALAT are poised for further growth, with strategic initiatives designed to enhance customer-centric services and expand the reach yearsw capability of digital banking solutions.

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Federal Housing Authority goes digital …As the MD/CEO flags off Digitalisation drive

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Federal Housing Authority goes digital
…As the MD/CEO flags off Digitalisation drive.

 

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The Managing Director and Chief Executive, Federal Housing Authority, Hon Oyetunde Ojo, May 1st, 2024 flagged off the Authority’s digitization drive.
In a ceremony at FHA’s head office, the MD CEO noted that the digitalisation effort is the first phase of the organisation’s march towards being a fully digitized outfit. This phase he stated covers all the Authority’s internal operations. He stated that the next phase that would take off in the coming weeks would be the real time interface with the public: allottees, prospective customers and Stakeholders.

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Describing the event as a significant milestone in the Authority’s history and corporate existence, Hon Ojo noted that it has become necessary for FHA to embrace digitalisation to stay competitive and relevant.

 

Federal Housing Authority goes digital
...As the MD/CEO flags off Digitalisation drive.

 

In his words, the MD said : ” in today’s rapidly evolving world, where technology continues to reshape industries and redefine how we operate, it has become imperative for us to embrace digitalisation to stay competitive, efficient and relevant.
The FHA Chief Executive noted that when his management resumed duties about two months ago, they found It unacceptable to lead the nation’s premier housing agency operating analogue in the this 21st century. He noted that their resolve and commitment to modernize and streamline the Authority’s operations, enhance service delivery, and ultimately serve the Stakeholders better, was the driving and motivating force behind them.
Hon Oyetunde Ojo also emphasized that the robust programmes of his management towards expanding the operations of the Authority has made it expedient to embrace digitalisation.
Citing FHA’S role in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) on Housing, the commencement of the Authority’s Diaspora City initiative as some of the projects FHA is currently involved in, he pointed out that the enormity of the projects can only be supported by digitalisation.
According to him, “…it has become more pertinent now that FHA is in the fore front of Housing revolution in the country through President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in Housing… the Authority is also getting set fir the take off of the Diaspora City initiative, meant to help our people living outside the country to gave befitting homes back home”
Continuing, he said that the enormous nature of these projects has made digitization of FHA more expedient.
” We are repositioning an FHA where people could stay in the confines of their homes and monitor their investments with us, buy houses, obtain any information the want, just by the click of a button”. He said.
The MD revealed that the coming months and years will witness series of digital initiatives that would be rolled out across the Authority. He declared, ” … from automating manual processes to digitizing records, implementing advanced analytics, and enhancing cybersecurity measures, our digitalisation efforts will touch every aspect of our organization”.
Hon Ojo encouraged the staff to embrace the changes that comes with digitalisation. ” As we embark on this journey, I encourage each and every one of you to embrace change, to be open to new ideas, and actively participate in our digital transformation. Together, we have the opportunity to shape the future of FHA and pave the way for a more innovative, efficient, resilient organization “. He said.

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