AREWA DAILY TRUST

06/05/2024

YANZU - YANZU: Iska mai hade da guguwa ya taso daga garuruwan Potiskum, Giade, Darazo da sauran wasu garuruwan da suke kusa da su.

02/05/2024

Subhanallahi, innalillahi wa inna'ilaihin rajiun.

Gobara tatashi a shagunan masu tireda dake tashar sir yahaya Birnin kebbi.
Kamar yarda bajiya tasanarmuna cewa wutar tatashine misalin 04:00am inda wutar tafara kamu dukda alokacin babu wutar lantarki ta nepa kawai dai Allah yayi nashi ikone agurin ayanzu hakan dai dakuke gani wadansu daga cikin wadanda s**a rasa shagunansune atsaye.ubangiji Allah yamaida musu da Alheri ameen

18/04/2024

INNALILLAHI WA'INNA ILAIHI RAJ,UN

Ayau Malan Audu Mai Kaji Yana Neman Taimakon Yan Uwa Musulmai Bisa Lalura Dayake Fama Da ita Wanda Kamar Yanda Yan Uwansa S**a Fada Bashida Da Namiji Sai Ya Ya Mata Har 7 3 Sunyi Aure 4 Sunanan Babu Aure Dan Babu Dama
Yau An Wayi Gari Kimanin Shekara 1 Zuwa 2 Biyu Yana Kwance A Gida Wanda Dole Tasa Sai Ankaishi Asibiti Bisi Ganin Jikin Nasa Kullin Gaba Yakeyi Bayan Anje Sibin Ana Bikatar Kudi Masu Yawa Wanda Dole S**a Mayar Dashi Gida Domin Neman Taimakon Yan Uwa Shiyasa Yan Uwansa S**azo Domin Neman Taimakon Yan Uwa Musulmai Da Allah Mutemaka Masa Da Abin Da Allah Yahore Mana Temako Baya Kadan Baya Yawa Komai KanKantarsa Ahakan Zai Taru Yazama Mai Yawa

Ga Account Nombar
3174910634
FIRST BANK

28/03/2024

The remains of the dreaded terrorist, Dogo Gide.
He died at a private hospital in Mabera, Sokoto after sustaining multiple injuries from military onslaught.

27/03/2024

Gombe Governor Targets Over 214,000 Less Privileged, Vulnerable Persons in Another Round of Food Palliative Distribution

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya CON, has flagged off another round of distribution of food palliative to less privileged and vulnerable persons across the 114 wards of the State.

During the flag-off ceremony held at the Pantami Stadium in Gombe, Governor Inuwa Yahaya disclosed that this round marks the 17th phase of palliative distribution since he took office, stating that not less than 214,500 beneficiaries across the 2988 polling units in the 114 wards of the 11 local governments of the state will be reached.

He said the food items are for distribution to both Muslims and Christians, currently observing Ramadan and Lent.

The Governor explained that the exercise which demonstrates the commitment of his Government to helping citizens of Gombe State during difficult times, remains an enduring attribute of his administration, emphasizing that there was no time of difficulty that his administration did not intervene to alleviate the suffering of the people.

"Today, we are commencing another round of palliative food distribution, with a renewed focus on reaching 214,500 beneficiaries. This gesture is not merely about providing sustenance; it is about ensuring that our people can observe their fast with dignity and gratitude, under the teachings of both our great religions, Islam and Christianity", the Governor said.

"From the days of the Covid-19 pandemic to the recent removal of fuel subsidy, we have taken steps to alleviate the suffering of our people during their period of need", added.

He further remarked, "The removal of fuel subsidy last year, though a difficult yet necessary decision, brought untold economic hardship on the people. In our efforts to alleviate their suffering, we rolled out a palliative food distribution programme in August 2023 targeting 420,000 beneficiaries. In January this year, we continued this noble initiative by launching the second phase of the programme, reaching an additional 90,000 beneficiaries."

Governor Inuwa Yahaya stated that his administration is aware of the challenges faced by residents while assuring continued support whenever the need arises.

He called on leaders and good-spirited individuals to support the poor and vulnerable in their communities, especially during the Holy Month of Ramadan and the Christian Lent Season. He said, “I urge our people to be their brother’s keepers, by showing compassion and kindness in their interaction with one another.”

He urged the distribution committee to ensure that the food items reach the intended beneficiaries, and warned against acts of sabotage, adding that such act would not be condoned.

In his remarks, the Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Palliative Distribution Committee, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau, who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Government House, Abubakar Inuwa Kari, highlighted that each of the 214,500 beneficiaries will get 1 bag of rice, 1 bag of maize, 1 bag of sugar and a carton of spaghetti pasta.

"His Excellency, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya CON, has ensured a fair and equitable distribution of the palliative to all 2988 polling units, across all the 114 wards in all the 11 LGAs, taking into consideration women especially widows, persons with special needs, and other vulnerable members of the society. Each of the 214,500 beneficiaries will get 1 bag of rice, 1 bag of maize, 1 bag of sugar and a carton of spaghetti", the Deputy Governor said.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, expressed gratitude to Governor Inuwa Yahaya for consistently addressing the needs of the people, crediting the distribution initiative to the governor's generosity which he said was evidence of his compassion and empathy, particularly amid the challenges posed by the global economic downturn.

In his votes of thanks on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Emir of Gombe, Alh. Dr Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, CFR who is also the Chairman of the Gombe State State Council of Emirs and Chiefs, said the exercise, which targets the most vulnerable persons of the society, will go a long way in cushioning the effects of prevailing economic hardships, especially at this sacred month of Ramadan. He urged other politicians, public officeholders, and public-spirited individuals to borrow a leaf from the Governor's gesture.

A cross-section of beneficiaries who spoke at the event, expressed their appreciation to Governor Inuwa Yahaya for consistently supplying relief materials to vulnerable members of the society, emphasizing that this support comes at a crucial time, particularly during the month of Ramadan when it is most needed.

The event was attended by the Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Hon. Usman Bello Kumo, the Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Muhammad Luggerewo, the Chief Judge of Gombe State, the Grand Khadi, APC Chairman, Traditional Rulers and other top government functionaries.

Ismaila Uba Misilli
Director-General
( Press Affairs)
Government House
Gombe

27/03/2024

EFCC Arrests Five for Suspected Illegal Mining Activities in Ilorin

Operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested five persons for possession and conveyance of three truckloads of assorted solid minerals suspected to be mined without an appropriate licence.

The suspects are three truck drivers and two truck boys.

Their arrest, which was effected along Maraba road, Ilorin Kwara State and Ogbomosho, Oyo State between March 21 - 22, 2024, followed credible intelligence and surveillance.

The suspects were arrested while conveying solid minerals suspected to be marble stone, white powder, lithium and lepidolite, to Shagamu and Alakija in Ogun and Lagos States respectively for commercial purposes without a requisite licence.

The Ilorin Zonal Command had on February 5, 2024 arrested 41 persons over suspected illegal mining activities and impounded 12 truckloads of assorted minerals mined without an appropriate licence.

The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

Visit www.efcc.gov.ng for more stories

27/03/2024

Shugaban Kasa Bola Ahmed Tinubu yayin taron binne gáwarwakiń sojojin da aka kâŝhé a yankin Neja Dalta a makon jiya.

A wurin taron, ya yi kyautan gidaje ga iyalan sojojin tare da ayyana cewa gwamnatin tarayya za ta ɗauki dawainiyar karatun 'ya'yansu har zuwa matakin digiri kyauta.

A makon da ya gabata ne aka samu bata gari a garin Okuama na yankin Neja Dalta s**a yi wa sojoji 17 ki§ań gilla ciki har da mai matsayin Lafatanal Kanar da Manjo yayin da suke aikin wanzar dazamań lafiya a yankin.

27/03/2024

Gov Idris,minister flag off aerial spray against transboundary migratory birds

Press release

Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu and the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari have flagged off aerial spray control of transboundary migratory birds in twelve frontline states.

They are :Kebbi, Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Borno, Kano and Katsina, among others

Dr.Nasir Idris, said at the ceremony that his administration has spent billions of naira in revamping agriculture .

The governor said that this remarkable gesture was sequel to his conviction that food security is a necessity.

Dr. Idris spoke in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday at the 2023/2024 National Flag off of the aerial control of transboundary migratory birds in twelve frontline states which took place at Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin Kebbi this Tuesday.

According to the governor, part of the intervention include the purchase of N3.5billion worth of fertilizer and distributed free to farmers.

He added that the government also purchased assorted grains of over N12billion and distributed free to the people of the state.

Dr Idris further announced that N6.7bilion worth of water pumps and other implements, among others, were procured and distributed free to farmers.

Likewise, governor Nasir Idris also stated that power tillers worth N1.5billion were purchased and distributed free to farmers across the state.

Comrade Idris explained that he has rolled out his agricultural development agenda tagged, "KADAGE".

This, he said, was out of his sincere commitment to bring about improved agricultural growth and bolster food security.

Dr. Idris commended the Federal Government for choosing Kebbi State for the flag off of the elemination of quela birds and other pests.

He acknowledged that Kebbi State was strategic to food security in Nigeria, saying," this gesture will help to achieve results faster and better.''

The Minister of Agriculture,

24/03/2024

PRESS RELEASE 24th MARCH 2024.

The Editors

Criminal Conspiracy, Threat to life, Criminal Intimidation and Attempt to Commit an offence to-Wit Kidnapping

The unrelenting and aggressive counter-kidnapping strategies of the Bauchi State Police Command in the fight against kidnapping and other heinous crimes have continued to yield positive results. Operatives of the Command and other sister security agencies recorded yet another breakthrough harvest of criminals and elements.

The Command is happy to share this immense achievement for the benefit of public consumption and to be conversant with the strategies of the men of the underworld to avoid being victimised.

In an effort to nip in the bud the recent trends of kidnapping, On the 7th day of March 2024 at about 1400hrs one Yahaya Adamu ‘m’ of Badakoshi village Bauchi LGA, complained to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit (AKU) domiciled in Criminal Investigation Department Bauchi State Command that on the 4th March 2024 at about 2030hrs an anonymous individual called him on phone and introduced himself to him. He threatened him to produce the sum of five million (N5.000,000:00) or else he would mobilise his gang to kidnap either him (Yahaya) in particular or his family members. A few days later, the claimed kidnappers sent him their account details using a Point of Sale (POS) Businessman account to deposit the requested amount.

Moreover, the suspected kidnappers emphasised that they knew all his assets and family members and to prove it, they started mentioning their names one after the other further threatening that if the complainant resist to deposit the demanded amount, he would be at risk.

On receipt of the intelligence, the Commissioner of Police Bauchi State Command CP Auwal Muhammad Musa psc, directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in-charge of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to discreetly investigate the circumstances surrounding the report.

The investigation was conducted using modern technology and resulted in the arrest of the following suspects:

1. Haro Adamu ‘m’ aged 35yrs
2. Aliyu Saidu ‘m’ aged 40yrs
3. Musa Umaru ‘m’ aged 35yrs of Birnin Kudu LGA of Jigawa State.

Additionally, the defendants were differently arrested in Birnin Kudu LGA of Jigawa State and Kaltunga via Plateau State respectively.

An interrogation was conducted with the defendants who voluntarily confessed to the alleged criminal act.
According to the 1st defendant, “Haro Adamu” stated that he was arrested in the process of collecting the ransom from the Point of Sale (POS) Businessman situated at Kurkwi village via Shandam LGA, Plateau State. He added that sometime in the year 2022, the defendants (Haro Adamu) criminally conspired with two others namely: Musa Umar ‘m’ and Aliyu Saidu and called one Alh. Yahaya ‘m’ of Alkaleri LGA, Bauchi State through mobile phone and threatened him and thereafter demanded and collected the sum of three hundred thousand naira (N300,000.00). He gave one hundred thousand naira (N100,000) to Musa Umaru as his share of the proceeds of the crime. Again, sometime in 2024, the same defendant and his gang called a man from Ogbomosho via Oyo State and threatened him afterwards demanding and collecting the sum of two hundred thousand naira (N200,000).

While, the 2nd defendant, (Aliyu Saidu) disclosed that he was the one who gave out Alh. Yahaya’s phone number to his group members to threaten him to collect a huge amount of money from him, even though, the accused had been together with the complainant for more than 30 years in bond and the trust bestowed on him, he cheated on him and for that, he is regretting his actions.

Similarly, The 3rd defendant also confessed to having actively partaken in the act. In addition to that he further revealed that he was a professional local fraudster who specialized in duping people by calling them on the phone or stopping them on the roadway and deceitfully duping travellers. He was sometimes arrested and sentenced to imprisonment but without serving the jail term, he bulldozed process and was released from jail.
Following his release from the correctional centre, he indulged in the act of kidnapping for ransom.
All the aforementioned suspects will be charged to court for prosecution.

SP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, ANIPR,
Police Public Relations Officer,
For: Commissioner of Police,
Bauchi State Command

22/03/2024

Tinubu ya haramta wa ministoci da sauran manyan jami’an gwamnati yin tafiye-tafiye zuwa kasashen waje a aljihun gwamnati

Haramcin wanda zai dauki tsawon watanni uku a matakin farko zai fara aiki a ranar 1 ga watan Afrilu, 2024.

Haramcin ya zo ne cikin wata wasika mai dauke da sa hannun shugaban ma’aikatan fadar shugaban kasa, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila da sakataren gwamnatin tarayya George Akume wadda aka sanya wa hannu a ranar 12 ga watan Maris din 2024.

Wasikar haramcin ta kara da cewa, “Shugaban kasa ya damu da almabazzarancin da ke kunshe da tafiye-tafiyen jami’ai da sauran hukumomin gwamnati, da kuma bukatar da ke akwai ta mambobin majalisar ministoci da shugabannin MDA na su mai da hankali kan ayyukansu na cikin gida maimakon balaguro"

Wasikar ta ce “Bisa la’akari da kalubalen tattalin arziki da ake fuskanta a halin yanzu da kuma bukatar gudanar da harkokin kasafin kudi, na rubuto ne domin in isar da umarnin shugaban kasa na sanya dokar hana fita na wucin gadi ga dukkan jami’an gwamnatin tarayya a dukkan matakai har na tsawon watanni uku daga Afrilu 2024."

A cewar wasikar, "Wannan matakin na wucin gadi na da nufin tsuke bakin aljihun gwamnati a harkokin mulki don zuba kudin a bangaren gudanar da aiyuka ba tare da an an sami tangarda a tsarin gwamnati ba."

Tinubu ya kara da cewa, daga yanzu jami’an gwamnati da ke da niyyar tafiya duk wata ziyarar aiki a kasashen waje dole ne su nemi amincewar shugaban kasa a kalla makonni biyu kafin su fara shirin tafiyar, kuma fadar shugaban za ta amince ne da tafiyar kawai idan ta zama dole.

Idan ba a manta ba, a watan Janairu ne shugaba Tinubu ya ba da umarnin rage yawan tawagar masu yi masa rakiya da na mataimakinsa a tafiye-tafiyen cikin gida zuwa 25 da kasashen waje zuwa mutum 20 kacal.

22/03/2024

DA DUMI-DUMI:

Saurayin Amal ake zargi ya damfari wani Alhaji Naira miliyan 40 ya tura milyan 13 a account din ta.

Rundunar yan sanda ta ce wani Alhaji ne ya kai korafi kan cewa wani mutum ya damfare shi Naira miliyan 40 za su yi sana'ar doya sai ya gudu bayan ya karbi kudin. Da ƴan sanda s**a fara bincike sai s**a samu cewa an tura Naira miliyan 13 zuwa account din Jarumar fim Amal Umar.

Sai yan sanda s**a gayyato ta kuma ta tabbatar cewa mutumin da ake zargi saurayinta ne. Bayan an fara bincikenta har an karɓi motar ta sai ta lallaɓo ta nemi baiwa wani Jami’in ɗansanda cin hancin Dubu 500 don ya karbo mata motar ta sannan ya kashe case din. Nan ne fa yan sanda s**a yi mata kofar rago bayan ta faɗa tarko sai s**a gurfanar da ita a kotu.... -

22/03/2024

22/03/2024

Shin gwamnati da hukumomi a Nigeria na lura da yadda ake sanarwar ɓatan mutane (musanman ƙananan yara) a Arewacin ƙasar?

Waɗannan hotuna da ku ke gani tsakurowa na yi daga ɗimbin sanarwar ɓatan yara a kafar Facebook daga watan Janairun wannan shekara (2024) zuwa watan Maris.

Ya k**ata gaskiya a bincika wannan al’amari.

14/03/2024

ALHAMDULILLAHI ALHAMDULILLAHI ALHAMDULILLAHI 🤲

ALLAH sarki yasaka muku da alheri al'ummar musulmi albarkacin wannan watan na ramadan hakika duk wanda yasami kamshi cikin addinin musulunci yayi babban rabo sakon kara godiya agareku Allah yasaka da alheri.

Neman taimako fisabilillahi mai biyar mai goma dan allah fisabilillahi

ACCOUNT FIRST BANK
ACCOUNT NUMBER:3174910634

Billahilazi Akwai tausai Ga Duk inda Maraya yake, hadai Irin wa'inan, kuma cikin wannan yanayi da lokaci 😭😪😭😪😭😪

Duba Da yadɗa uwar take kwance, Ga yaran kanani, Babu Wani Abu Da suke iya yimata bayan kallonta😪😭

Ina zaune aka kawomin wannan koken kuma s**a bukachi ayi posting nashi dan allah
Ya Rabbi 😪 Duk inda Wani Maraya yake, ka tausayamasa😪 ka kawo musu mafita ta Alkhaire.😭😪😭

13/03/2024

Ciyarwa nada Matuqar Mahimmanci a watan Ramadan.🙂

Ya ALLAH kaine mai ciyarwa ka bamu ikon ciyarwa a wannan wata mai albarka wato wata Ramadan Kareem....🤲🙏

13/03/2024

INDA RANKA: Wasu abokai biyu sun ka$he abokinsu a ƙokarin yin garkuwa dashi saboda sun samu labarin mahaifinsa ya samu wasu kudi...

Jami’an tsaro sun k**a wasu abokai Hamim Auwalu, dan shekara 26, da Ashiru Muhammad, dan shekara 24, bisa zargin haɗa baki s**a ka$he abokinsu mai suna Tahir Adamu Hassan dake Gida Dubu Yadi, a cikin karamar hukumar Dutse jihar Jigawa.

Mahanga ta ruwaito Kakakin rundunar Badaruddeen Muhammad, ya ce sun gayyaci abokin nasu da niyyar zai yi masu wani aiki kasancewar shi kafinta ne, ashe manufarsu suyi garkuwa dashi saboda sun samu labarin mahaifinsa ya amshi kudin ritayarsa. Ganin cewa asirinsu na neman tonuwa sai kawai s**a yanke shawarar su ka$he shi, a inda s**a yi amfani da gatari da dutse wajen halaka margayin...

12/03/2024

Neman taimako fisabilillahi mai biyar mai goma dan allah fisabilillahi

ACCOUNT FIRST BANK
ACCOUNT NUMBER:3174910634

Billahilazi Akwai tausai Ga Duk inda Maraya yake, hadai Irin wa'inan, kuma cikin wannan yanayi da lokaci 😭😪😭😪😭😪

Duba Da yadɗa uwar take kwance, Ga yaran kanani, Babu Wani Abu Da suke iya yimata bayan kallonta😪😭

Ina zaune aka kawomin wannan koken kuma s**a bukachi ayi posting nashi dan allah
Ya Rabbi 😪 Duk inda Wani Maraya yake, ka tausayamasa😪 ka kawo musu mafita ta Alkhaire.😭😪😭

26/02/2024

PRESS RELEASE

LABOUR: NPF ASSURES DEFENDING PROTESTERS' RIGHTS AMID PROPOSED NATIONWIDE PROTEST

As NPF Places Men on Red Alert Across Nigeria,Warns Impostors Against Hijack

The Nigeria Police Force,on the heels of the proposed nationwide protest by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), hereby affirms the fundamental right of all citizens of the country to engage in peaceful protest in line with extant laws. As such, the NPF reiterates its commitment to ensuring the rights and freedom of protesters are protected.

In line with its lawful duty to maintain law and order, the Nigeria Police Force has deployed personnel nationwide and placed them on red alert to monitor the planned protest. All Commissioners of Police and their respective supervising officers have been briefed and instructed to coordinate the officers on ground in ensuring the safety and security of all participants if the protests hold as planned.

While recognizing the importance of peaceful protest, the Nigeria Police Force remains vigilant against any attempts to hijack such protests by individuals or groups of persons with sinister intents. Emphatically, the force, therefore, is fully prepared to respond swiftly and decisively to any unlawful activities or acts of violence that may threaten peace, public safety, and security in the event of such.

It is vital to state that the Police has spread its tentacles nationwide to curb any attempt by some individuals who might want to leverage on the nationwide protests, to create brouhaha, and such will be met with an approved legal and proportional force as the Police will not allow wanton break down of law and order, loss of lives and property like we had experienced, in some instances, in the past, in any part of the country.

The Inspector-General of Police urges all participants at the proposed protest to conduct themselves peacefully and responsibly, adhering to the principles of non-violence and respect for the rights of others. He also calls on the organizers to cooperate with the Police and other relevant security agencies in ensuring that their protests remain peaceful and orderly even as the NPF works tirelessly to ensure that protests are conducted in a safe environment, conducive to the promotion of democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria.

ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI,
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
ABUJA

26th February, 2024

26/02/2024

TROOPS ARREST SUSPECTED KIDNAPPERS, RECOVER VEHICLE AND OTHER ITEMS

Consequent upon consistent support of the good people of Edo State through the provision of timely and actionable intelligence to Nigerian Army troops of Headquarters 4 Brigade, personnel of OPERATION WABAIZIGAN, acting on credible intelligence, successfully arrested a suspected kidnapper and gun runner, Ekenaye Festus alongside 4 of his collaborators in the general area of Agbor Road, Iguomor Community in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State.

The Suspects who were arrested in the early hours of 25 February 2024 have been terrorizing Obagie Community and were suspected to have been carrying out kidnappings and other criminal activities within the state. Those arrested alongside Ekenaye Festus are Isaac Oghosa, Ameh Innocent, Odion Okpako and Ajayi Ayoola.

The suspects are currently in custody and aiding investigtion. Items recovered include one Hilux Vehicle with registration number Lagos SMK 219 FX fitted with ember light, a handheld radio, three torch light phones, an android phone, a pair of desert boots, a pair of black boots, fragmentation jacket, jack knife pouch and several charms.

The Commander 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ebenezer Oduyebo commended the troops for their commitment and appealed to the public for more support to aid the troops operational efficiency in discharging their constitutional responsibilities.

CHINONSO POLYCARP OTEH
Captain
Acting Assistant Director
Army Public Relations
4 Brigade Nigerian Army
26 February 2024

25/02/2024

EFCC Grills 16 Suspected Oil Thieves, One Vessel in Lagos

The Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has commenced investigations of 16 suspected oil thieves and a vessel handed over to it by the Nigerian Navy, NNS Beecroft, Apapa, Lagos.

Cdr L.M. Osuman, who handed over the vessel and the suspected oil thieves disclosed that the vessel, MT. Vinnalaris 1, laden with about 515,870 litres of crude oil, was taken into custody along with its crew members on December 6, 2023 around Ebesun Oil Field by officers of the Nigerian Navy. "The vessel was actively involved in loading crude oil without possessing any permit," he said.

He assured that the Nigerian Navy will continue to do its part to combat oil theft in the country.

Moses Awolusi, an investigator with the EFCC, who received the vessel and the suspects on behalf of the Commission, assured that diligent investigation will be carried out and the culprits prosecuted if found culpable

Visit www.efcc.gov.ng for more stories

24/02/2024

N10bn Money Laundering: Court Upholds EFCC's Amended Charges Against Ex-Gov Bello's Nephew, Other

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on February 23, 2024 overruled a motion on notice filed by Ali Bello and Dauda Suleiman urging the court to strike out the 17- count amended charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on the ground that the charge lacked merit and invalid.

The court held that the 17-count amended charges filed on February 5, 2024 are valid as the prosecution is entitled to amend its charges provided it is done before judgment day.

The motion on notice by the defence which was filed on February 22, 2024 by counsel to the second defendant, Nureini Jimoh, objected to the admittance of the amended charges stating that it amounted to an abuse of court processes. Also, the motion questioned the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja to try the matter and therefore sought that the matter be transferred to Kogi State. Jimoh also submitted that the 17-count amended charge was fatally incompetent, citing Section 216 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015.

"My lord, the EFCC lacks the grounds to investigate the revenue of Kogi State Government, because the EFCC is not constitutionally recognized to have the powers to usurp the decision and powers of Kogi State House of Assembly. Let me say that based on the resolution and decision by the Kogi State Assembly, which says that no fraud was committed in the Kogi State Account, that should lay to rest EFCC`s allegation that a fraud was committed" Jimoh said.

Responding, Prosecution Counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, in a counter- affidavit objected to the allegations, urging the court to discountenance the application of the defence. He noted that the alleged offence were committed by the defendants in Abuja and "within the jurisdiction of the Honourable Court and all three witnesses in the case are residents of Abuja". He also pointed at the insecurity challenges involved in prosecuting the matter in Kogi State.

“We are opposing the application with a counter- affidavit and we urge my Lord to dismiss this application. In the circumstances that offences were committed in Abuja, the funds alleged to have been laundered belong to the Kogi State government, but the alleged money laundering act was committed in Abuja and the funds in question had been allegedly used to acquire properties and equally used to engage in foreign exchange transactions in Wuse Zone 4, Abuja. My Lord, I will rely on Section 20 of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011", he said.

Delivering his ruling, Justice Omotosho discountenanced the application of the defence, stating that the prosecution has not concluded its case, "so it is immature to say that the EFCC cannot amend charges at any time before judgment".

He also stated that the EFCC under its Establishment Act has the power to investigate and prosecute anybody or entity when cases of corruption and money laundering are established including the powers provided by the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011.

“Prosecuting a money laundering charge is within the purview of the EFCC. I hold that this criminal trial is properly constituted before this court. I also hold without hesitation that the second amended charge filed on February 5, 2024 is hereby deemed valid and competent. I hereby order that the defendants are called upon to take their pleas in the amended charge, the objection of the defendant is hereby overruled", he ruled.

While promising accelerated hearing of the case, the Judge added that insecurity could be a reason to try a criminal offence outside jurisdiction

Justice Omotosho therefore adjourned to March 14, 15, and 21 for the continuation of hearing.

Visit www.efcc.gov.ng for more stories

23/02/2024

Da ba don Onga Nigeria ba da yawan mata sai sun koma gidajen iyayen su da nufin ƙara samun horo kan iya girki da shi.😋

23/02/2024

EFCC Arraigns Former Kwara Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed for N10bn Fraud

The Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned the immediate past governor of Kwara State, Abdulfatah Ahmed before Justice Evelyn Anyadike of the Federal High Court sitting in Ilorin.
He was arraigned on a 12-count charge bordering on alleged mismanagement of public funds to the tune of N10billion.
Count one of the charges reads:
“That you, ABDULFATAH AHMED (while being the Governor of Kwara State) between 2015 and 2019 in Ilorin within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court used an aggregate sum of N1,610,730,500.00 (One Billion, Six Hundred and Ten Million, Seven Hundred and Thirty Thousand, Five Hundred Naira) property of Kwara State Government, meant for the security and running cost of the Government of Kwara State to charter private jets through Travel Messengers Limited on different occasions for your local travels and which sum you reasonably ought to have known formed part of the proceeds of your unlawful act, to wit: Criminal Breach of Trust or Theft and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(2)(a) of the Money Laundering (prohibition) Act, 2011 (As Amended) and punishable under Section 15 (3) of the same Act”.

Count three of the charges reads:
“That you, ABDULFATAH AHMED (while being the Governor of Kwara State) and ADEMOLA BANU (while being the Commissioner of Finance of Kwara State), between January and December 2018 in Ilorin, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, conspired between yourselves to commit an offence, to wit: Conversion of the sum of N411,000,000.00 (Four Hundred and Eleven Million Naira) property of Kwara State Government meant for the provision of security in Kwara State, which sum you reasonably ought to have known was a proceed of an unlawful act, to wit; theft/fraud and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and punishable under section 15(3) of the same Act”.

The former governor was charged alongside his commissioner for finance, Ademola Banu who neither appeared in court nor had legal representation when the case was called.

Banu, who was listed as the second defendant on the charge sheet is facing a 10-count charge also bordering on mismanagement of public funds while he served under Ahmed’s administration as commissioner for finance.

When the matter was called, EFCC’s lead counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, informed the court that Banu jumped an administrative bail granted him by the EFCC and efforts to arrest him had proved abortive. He urged the court to rely on Section 83 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) to issue a summons against his surety, Salami Bashiru Ola and/or warrant of arrest against the second defendant (Banu).

The defence led by Kehinde Eleja, SAN, did not put any defence in favour of the second defendant as he said that his appearance was for the first defendant.

In a short ruling, Justice Anyadike issued a bench warrant against Banu.

Thereafter, the court took the plea of the first defendant on each count. When the charges were read to him, he pleaded not guilty.
Upon his plea, Jacobs urged the court to fix a date for trial, but Eleja through an oral application prayed the court to admit his client to bail. Citing Section 162 of the ACJA, the defence counsel said all the twelve counts against the defendant are bailable.

Therefore, he prayed the court to exercise its discretion in favour of the defendant
Jacobs in response, opposed the bail application by the defence, but conceded the fact that bail is at the discretion of the court.
After listening to the arguments and counter-arguments of both counsels, Justice Anyadike admitted the first defendant to bail in the sum of N50million with two sureties in like sum. According to the judge, the sureties must deposit their passports with the court's registrar. One of the sureties must have a landed property in Ilorin with the title documents of the property deposited with the Registrar of the Federal High Court. The sureties must also produce evidence of payment of electricity bills for the last three years.

In addition to the listed conditions, the judge ordered that the sum of N50million must be paid as bond into the litigation account of the Federal High Court, which will be returned to the sureties after the final determination of the case, but forfeited to the Federal Government in the event the defendant jump bail.

As part of the bail conditions, the court also ordered that the international passport of the defendant be kept with the court’s registrar, which the former governor must apply to get if the need arises for him to travel abroad for medical reasons.
The judge thereafter ordered the defendant to be remanded in EFCC custody pending the perfection of his bail terms. He adjourned to April 29 and 30, 2024 for commencement of trial.

Ahmed, among sundry issues allegedly spent the sum of N1,610,730,500.00 meant for the security and administration of the state to charter private jets when he held sway as governor between 2015- 2019 in contravention of Section 15(2)(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (As Amended) which is punishable under Section 15 (3) of the same Act.

He was also accused of failing to make a declaration in the Assets Declaration Form offered him by the officers of the EFCC after he was arrested contrary to Section 27(3)(c) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act No. 1 of 2004, which is punishable with a term of 5years imprisonment under Section 27(3) of the same Act.

Visit www.efcc.gov.ng for more stories