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

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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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Laffmattazz Announces Strategic Partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour

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10 hours ago

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April 24, 2026

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Laffmattazz Announces Strategic Partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour

 

 

 

Laffmattazz, one of Nigeria’s foremost comedy and live entertainment brands, is pleased to announce its official partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for the highly anticipated Laffmattazz 2026 International Tour, themed “Next Chapter: A New Season of Laughter.”

 

Now in its 15th year, Laffmattazz—the brainchild of renowned Nigerian comedian Gbenga Adeyinka (Gbenga Adeyinka 1st)—has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, celebrated for its seamless fusion of comedy, music, and live stage performances.

 

The 2026 tour, which kicked off on Easter Sunday, April 5th, 2026 at the Jogor Centre, Ibadan, marks a significant milestone in the brand’s journey. Building on over a decade of success across Nigeria, this year’s edition signals a bold expansion into the international market, with a multi-city run in Canada, alongside major stops in Akure, Abeokuta, and Lagos.

 

This strategic partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited underscores a shared commitment to excellence and innovation. It is also aligned with FirstBank’s First@Arts initiative—a significant and ongoing program dedicated to supporting the creative arts, entertainment, and cultural sectors. Through this initiative, FirstBank provides financing, advisory services, and actively fosters a sustainable value chain for artists and creative entrepreneurs, while supporting key industry platforms such as the Nigerian Entertainment Conference.

 

Speaking on the collaboration, the Laffmattazz team stated:

 

“We are delighted to welcome First Bank of Nigeria Limited as a strategic partner for the Laffmattazz 2026 International Tour. As we mark 15 remarkable years of Laffmattazz, this partnership reinforces our vision to take premium Nigerian entertainment beyond borders, while delivering even bigger, better, and more memorable experiences for our audiences.”

 

As a key partner, First Bank will enrich the tour through innovative customer engagement initiatives, experiential activations, and exclusive fan experiences across all tour locations.

 

With its distinctive blend of humor, culture, and live entertainment, the Laffmattazz 2026 Tour is poised to connect audiences across cities and continents, bringing laughter to thousands of fans worldwide.

 

⸻

 

About Laffmattazz

 

Laffmattazz is a premier Nigerian comedy and entertainment brand, now in its 15th year, renowned for its vibrant live shows and nationwide tours. Founded by Gbenga Adeyinka 1st, the brand continues to deliver high-quality experiences that celebrate creativity, culture, and laughter.

 

About First Bank of Nigeria Limited

 

First Bank of Nigeria Limited is Nigeria’s oldest financial institution, widely respected for its legacy of trust, innovation, and customer-centric financial solutions that support economic growth and development. Through its First@Arts initiative, the Bank continues to play a pivotal role in empowering the creative industry and driving sustainable growth across the sector.

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Opinions divided over Pasuma Jaiye Kuti proposed wedding 

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1 day ago

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April 23, 2026

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Opinions divided over Pasuma Jaiye Kuti proposed wedding 

 

 

The current threading in *entertainment* world of speculated society marriage between oganla Fuji, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma with Nollywood icon, and widely acclaimed Queen of the tube jaiyeola Kuti has brought out different opinions amongst the fans and entertainment personnel.

 

What started as a rumour and mirage is gradually turning to reality and some fans are saying it’s not possible for Jaiye Kuti who is one of the scandal free Nollywood actress to be involved in such an unholy union with Pasuma

Most people who spoke with our correspondence, are of opinion that such a marriage can only happen in a mirage sessions and in Nollywood movies that apart Jaiye Kuti been responsible and married with children, Pasuma is someone who have vowed not to married and have a woman under his roof.

But to some also, it’s not impossible as artistes are known to be engaging and married to each other after denied and counter claims, which made and at the end they will go ahead and married . With this most people believe that truly there’s marriage in offspring for both celebrities While both parties refused to comment on the trend controversial issues about the whole issue , the world is anxiously waiting if this well circulated story of Pasuma getting married to Jaiye Kuti will come to pass or it will turn out to be a mirage.

Either way the die is cast as all eyes will be on Jaiye Kuti and Pasuma with searchlight on Nigeria entertainment industry once again

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PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES OTEGA OGRA ON ELECTION TO WORLD FEDERATION OF ADVERTISERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

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3 days ago

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April 21, 2026

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PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES OTEGA OGRA ON ELECTION TO WORLD FEDERATION OF ADVERTISERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES OTEGA OGRA ON ELECTION TO WORLD FEDERATION OF ADVERTISERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated his Senior Special Assistant on Digital Engagement, Strategy and New Media, Mr Otega Ogra, on his election to the Executive Committee of the World Federation of Advertisers (WFA).

 

The election took place today at the organisation’s Annual General Meeting, held during the Global Marketing Week Conference in Stockholm, Sweden.

PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES OTEGA OGRA ON ELECTION TO WORLD FEDERATION OF ADVERTISERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

President Tinubu described the development as a significant step for Nigeria’s growing influence in global communications.

 

He noted that Mr Ogra’s emergence as the only representative from West Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa on the Executive Committee reflects the depth of Nigerian expertise and the contribution of a new generation of young Nigerian professionals to global industry standards.

 

Mr Ogra was elected to the Executive Committee on the platform of the Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN), underscoring the role of Nigeria’s organised advertising and marketing industry in shaping representation at the global level.

 

The WFA is the leading global body for advertisers, representing over 150 multinational and Fortune 500 companies, alongside national advertiser associations across more than 60 countries, with a combined annual marketing spend running into hundreds of billions of dollars. Its Executive Committee is the organisation’s highest decision-making body, responsible for setting priorities and guiding global policy on responsible advertising, media transparency, sustainability, and the evolution of digital ecosystems.

 

President Tinubu noted that Mr Ogra’s election is both a personal distinction and a strategic opportunity for Nigeria and the African continent, placing them at the centre of global conversations on brand trust, platform accountability, innovation and the future of marketing and communications.

 

The President commended Mr Ogra, who also serves as Vice President of ADVAN, for his sustained contributions to strengthening Nigeria’s marketing and communications ecosystem, drawing on a career spanning leadership roles across the banking, manufacturing, and public sectors.

 

“Otega’s election reflects the growing recognition of Nigerian expertise and affirms our capacity to contribute meaningfully to the frameworks shaping global markets,” the President said.

 

President Tinubu added that the achievement aligns with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in advancing the creative economy, strengthening digital governance, and positioning Nigeria as a competitive hub for innovation and enterprise.

 

Josh Faulks, CEO of the Australian advertiser association (AANA), and Simon Michaelides, Director General of the UK advertiser association (ISBA), also join the leadership team.

 

Current members of the executive committee, David Wheldon, President and Philip Myers, Deputy President, who is also the Chief Institutional Affairs and Corporate Communications Officer at Ferrero, continue in their current roles, as do all regional vice presidents.

 

 

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