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Saraki Continued To Earn Salary As Governor 4 Years After Leaving Office – Witness

Published

10 years ago

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Senate President Bukola Saraki continued to earn salary monthly as governor of Kwara state for four years after he left office, a witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Michael Wetkas, told the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) on Wednesday.

In a continuation of the Senate President’s trial at the CCT, Wetkas said in the course of the EFCC investigation, “we wrote to Access Bank for them to give us details of the salary account of the defendant. The salary that was coming into the account was N254, 212 as of 1 August 2007.

“As of June 3, 2011, the salary was N291, 124. On July 4, there was another payment with the narration Kwara State Government (KSG) June 2011 salary. The amount was N572, 286. On August 29, 2011, there was another payment in the sum of N744, 002 from the Kwara state government.

“On September 29, 2011 there was another payment of N743, 942 with the narration salary payment from KSG. On October 27, 2011, there was another payment of N1, 165, 468 for salary.

“In November 2011, there was payment of the same amount. The narration was December pension. On February 1, 2012, there was payment of the same amount with the narration for pension.

“The salary payments stopped in this account on August 31, 2015. The defendant left office on May 29, 2011, he became senator in the same.”.The witness also alleged that Saraki made cash deposits of $10,000 18 times in one day.

“On March 23, 2005, there was a cash deposit of N8.2 million into the defendant account at the GRA Ilorin branch. On March 29, 2005, there was a N200 million bank draft made in favour of an implementation committee on sale of government property.

“On October 16, 2006, the defendant obtained a loan of N380 million from GTB. On that same day, there was a bank draft in favour of the same implementation committee.

“The draft was N286.3 million. On the same day, there was another draft of N12.8 million in favour of the committee on the landed properties. The loans were meant for purchase of properties by the defendant.

“On that same day there was a loan disbursement of N380 million. On February 7, 2007, there was a transfer of N3 million by Abdul Adama (Saraki’s personal assistant). On April 3, 2007, there was an electronic transfer of N130. 6 million on the instruction of Saraki from the implementation committee to his account. On that same day, there were cash lodgments five times a day.

“The sums were N11m, N20m, N20 million, N20 million, and N6 million. The total amount on that day was N77 million. Before these lodgments, there was a debit balance of N81, 960, 289. On November 22, 2007, there were cash lodgments into the account (Saraki’s naira account) by Abdul Adama, in 50 different transactions.

“Before those lodgments, the account was in a debit balance of N80, 210, 976. On November 29, there were cash lodgments by Ubi. Over 20 transactions in bits of N20 million.

“On March 20, 2008, there were more cash lodgments. Before then the account had a debit balance of N96m. On September 23, 2008, there were different cash lodgments by different individuals.

“On April 30, 2009, there was a bank draft of in favour of PGL Asset Management Limited in the sum of N400m. On October 26, 2009, cash lodgments were made by different individuals to Zenith bank account of the defendant 87 times in a single day.

“On May 19, 2009, he made a cash lodgment of $10, 000 18 times in one day in his dollar account. On 23 August, 2009, $99, 975 was transferred into his account.”

Kwara Denies Paying Saraki After Leaving Office

However, the Kwara State government has denied paying former governor of the state, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, salary after he left office in May 2011.

Saraki was governor in the state between 2003 and 2011.

Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Isiaka Gold, in a reaction to claims that the former governor was drawing salary from the State after he left office, explained that Saraki’s last salary was N291,474.00 for the month of May 2011.

The SSG explained that from June 2011, Saraki started receiving his pension which was N578,188.00 as other past governors in the country.

He explained further in his  statement that after the review of pensions of former political office holders by the State Pension Board, the former governor’s pension increased to N1,239,493.94 monthly from October 2014 to date.

“Kwara State Government, therefore, dismissed as false and misleading the allegation that former Governor Saraki was receiving salaries after the expiration of his two-term tenure as governor of the state.”

Alhaji Gold advised interested stakeholders to seek clarification from appropriate authority to avoid misleading the public.

Saraki Spent Pension On Charity, Says Aide

As the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) on Wednesday heard of how Senate President Bukola Saraki earned salary monthly even four years after he left office as Governor of Kwara State, his Director General for the Abubakar Bukola Saraki Constituency Office, Mr Abdulwahab Isa, late Wednesday explained that Saraki spent his pension since 2011 on humanitarian activities.

He also said the special account into which the money was paid was not managed by Saraki but by a group of trustees and used for education endowment for students across the state.

According to Isa, Saraki does not have access to the account, adding that the group of trustees which he (Isa) leads, was mandated to use the money in paying scholarship grants and funds for Joint Admission and Matriculation Board ((JAMB) forms for indigent students across the state.

He said: “We have also used the money to pay for coaching of students who were preparing for JAMB examinations.

“For example, the most recent beneficiaries from the funds were two University of Ilorin Faculty of Law students who were the best in their set and needed money for their enrolment into the Nigerian Law School.”

Saraki’s Transferred transfer of $3.4 million to his USA bank account. 

Michael Wetkas, an Economic and Financial Crimes commission (EFCC) witness continued with startling revelations of how Senate President Bukola Saraki engaged in financial infractions as governor of Kwara state on Wednesday.

Wetkas told the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) that Bukola Saraki, arraigned on a 13-count charge of under-declaration of assets, authorised the transfer of $3.4 million to his USA bank account.

Led in evidence by EFCC counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), Wetkas said Saraki authorised the GTBank to transfer the funds to America Express Services, Europe Limited.

This done, Saraki ensured that the money was forwarded to his bank account 730580 at America Express Bank in New York on August 25, 2008 adding that on November 5, 2005, $20,000 was lodged into Saraki’s GTB account at GRA Ilorin Branch by one Bayo Dare and Abdul Adama.

Paul Usoro (SAN), who is standing as Saraki’s counsel said he would reserve his arguments till later date as he was not ready to object to the admissibility of the evidence.

 

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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]

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Powerful dignitaries, high net worth personalities storm Omorede Osifo’s diamond jubilee celebration in Marbella Spain

Published

2 days ago

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May 13, 2026

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Powerful dignitaries, high net worth personalities storm Omorede Osifo’s diamond jubilee celebration in Marbella Spain

.. How she has attained so much professional, political heights at 60 

 

 

The beautiful city of Marbella in Spain was thrown into a colorful and electrifying mood when one of Nigeria’s most celebrated, iconic political Lionesses, the debonair banker turned politician, Lady Omorede Osifo was serenaded with a sumptuous and deluxe 60th birthday gig.

 

The dynamic political empress and symbol of selfless service to humanity who served diligently and faithfully as the honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports in Edo State was flabbergasted by the amazing love shown to her by friends, family and well-wishers who thronged the alluringly beautiful hall to give her an indelible birthday celebration. The event tagged @omorede_osifo is now the talk of town as high networth dignitaries, celebrities from all walks of life and different parts of the world all made their presence significant for the celebrant to ruminate over in many years to come.

 

Lady Omorede Osifo is a quintessential democrat who committed much of her time and energy in serving the people. The birthday babe whose special day fell on 8th of May has come, saw and conquered in the so-called murky waters of Nigerian politics. She served perfectly as State Commissioner, Deputy National Treasurer of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC),

Special Adviser on Women Mobilization in Edo State and as a distinguished representative of her people.

 

As the celebration of the 60th birthday of this lady of glam, glitz and panache unfolded, it became clear that this gathering was not just a personal milestone for Hon. Lady Omorede Osifo but also a reaffirmation of commitment among political leaders to work together. The convergence of these key figures in the political arena serves as a reminder of the potential for collaborative efforts to foster progress and uplift the community.

 

Her birthday celebration was a testament to the strength of unity in political engagement, highlighting the significance of personal connections in the realm of governance.

 

As Hon. Lady Omorede Osifo embarks on another year, the expressions of support and solidarity from her fellow dignitaries promise a future filled with collaborative achievements and shared goals for the betterment of their constituents.

 

Hon. Lady Omorede Osifo is a fantastic leader who wants the best for her people. She is personally committed to the transformation of women and two girl child in Edo State and she has also been at the top echelon of her political party, the APC with her selfless efforts recognized and appreciated by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR as well as her superb democratic contributions to the growth and development of Edo State under the leadership of His Excellency Governor Monday Okpebholo who has overtime shown appreciation to her for being a dedicated and patriotic loyal daughter of Edo State. Even the Oba of Benin Kingdom bestowed on her the Prestigious Royal Beads which is given to Chiefs in recognition of her deep passion for the historical city of Benin.

 

This year, all road led to the serene city of Marbella, Spain for the celebration of her 60th birthday and a opportunity for her to appreciate her Creator, the Almighty God as well as every single individual that has played significant roles in her life.

 

Attaining the diamond age of 60 is never a child’s play, it’s a moment of sober reflection and commendation to God. We at Black Celebrity Magazine wish the indefatigable and indomitable Hon. Lady Omorede Osifo a very happy 60th birthday and many more years to live in perfect health and more success.

 

Powerful dignitaries, high net worth personalities storm Omorede Osifo's diamond jubilee celebration in Marbella Spain

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Confusion, Panic As Reports Of Alexx Ekubo’s Death Rock Nollywood

Published

3 days ago

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May 12, 2026

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Confusion, Panic As Reports Of Alexx Ekubo’s Death Rock Nollywood

 

The Nigerian entertainment industry was thrown into confusion and panic on Tuesday following viral reports alleging that popular Nollywood actor, Alexx Ekubo, had died at the age of 40.

 

 

The shocking claim, which spread rapidly across social media platforms and blogs, alleged that the actor died in Lagos after battling undisclosed health complications, sparking an outpouring of grief from stunned fans and colleagues.

 

 

As the rumours gained momentum online, several actors, movie producers and entertainment enthusiasts flooded Instagram and X with emotional reactions, describing the development as “heartbreaking,” “unbelievable” and “a dark day for Nollywood.”

 

 

Actor Godwin Nnadiekwe was among those who reacted emotionally, reportedly lamenting that the industry had lost “a rare soul” whose charisma and talent helped shape modern Nollywood.

 

 

Alexx Ekubo, widely admired for his stylish persona, romanti movie roles and strong social media influence, rose to prominence after emerging first runner-up at the 2010 Mr Nigeria competition before becoming one of Nollywood’s most sought-after actors.

 

 

The development also reignited conversations surrounding the actor’s prolonged absence from social media in recent months, which had earlier triggered concern among fans over his wellbeing.
Despite the widespread reports, confusion continued to trail the story as no official statement had been issued by the actor’s family, management or close associates confirming the alleged death as of press time.

 

 

The uncertainty surrounding the reports further fueled tension online, with many Nigerians demanding clarity while others urged the public against spreading unverified information.

 

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JOY AS SHEBABY SPARKS PREGNANCY SPECULATION YEARS AFTER MARRIAGE

Published

3 days ago

on

May 12, 2026

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JOY AS SHEBABY SPARKS PREGNANCY SPECULATION YEARS AFTER MARRIAGE

 

Popular Nigerian actress, singer and dancer, Seyi Ariyo, popularly known as Shebaby, has stirred reactions on social media following speculations that she is expecting a child years after getting married.

 

The development has generated excitement among fans and colleagues, especially on Instagram where many have continued to flood her page with congratulatory messages and prayers.

 

While some admirers celebrated the actress and prayed that her joy would be permanent, others pointed to a viral video currently making rounds online, where several entertainers, among them Oyita, a close friend, Tawa Ajisefinni, Seyi Ẹdun, Bukky Fagbuyi, and a host of others including Olú Maintain, were seen rejoicing and congratulating her.

 

Although Shebaby is already a mother with a grown daughter, the latest development has continued to attract attention within the entertainment industry and among her followers.

 

Before now, the London-based entertainer had built a strong reputation for herself in both music and acting. She has released several songs and also worked alongside notable Fuji star Wasiu Alabi Pasuma and other respected entertainers in the industry.

 

In the movie sector, Shebaby is also regarded as a household name. Sources close to the actress revealed that she is currently working on a new project titled Father Forgive Me.

 

Fans and colleagues have continued to pray for the actress, wishing her safe delivery and more happiness in her home.

 

#Shebaby #SeyiAriyo #EntertainmentNews #Nollywood #Pasuma #Olumaintain #CelebrityNews

JOY AS SHEBABY SPARKS PREGNANCY SPECULATION YEARS AFTER MARRIAGE

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