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The Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on Monday, March 18, 2024 presented its second witness in the alleged £1 million fraud involving Morufu Adewale (aka Gbegulerin Adelana), Omitogun Ajayi, Ajisegiri Abiodun, Abayomi Alaka (aka Dauda Usman Alashe), Taiwo Ahmed, Raufu Raheem, and Sanlabiu Teslim, before Justice R.A. Oshodi of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos.

The defendants were re-arraigned before Justice Oshodi in December 2022 on three counts following the reassignment of the case file from Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo, before whom they were first arraigned on February 3, 2022.

Count one reads: “Morufu Yahaya Adewale, Omitogun Ajayi, Ajisegiri Abiodun, Abayomi Kamaldeen Alaka, Taiwo Olamilekan Ahmed, Raufu Wale Raheem and Sanlabiu Owolabi Teslim between May and July 2018 at Lagos within the Ikeja Judicial Division obtained the total sum of £1,000,000.00 (One Million Pounds Sterling) from Dr. and Dr. (Mrs) Lateef Oladimeji Bello for the purpose of conducting prayers for spiritual cleansing of the family and that the money will be refunded after the prayers within one week, which pretence you knew to be false.”

Count three reads: “Morufu Yahaya Adewale, Omitogun Ajayi, Ajisegiri Abiodun, Abayomi Kamaldeen Alaka, Taiwo Olamilekan Ahmed, Raufu Wale Raheem and Sanlabiu Owolabi Teslim between August and September 2018 at Lagos within the Ikeja Judicial Division obtained the total sum of N175,000,000.00 (One Hundred and Seventy-five Million Naira Only) from Dr. and Dr. (Mrs) Lateef Oladimeji Bello for the purpose of conducting spiritual prayers for spiritual cleansing of their son and the family and that the money will be refunded one week after the prayers which pretence you knew to be false.”

They all pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when they were read to them,   prompting the commencement of their trial.

At Monday’s proceeding, a witness, Moruf Quadri, who has been the chauffeur of the victim, Dr. Lateef Bello for 25 years, narrated how he drove his boss to various remote places for the “spiritual cleansing” of the family, and how the syndicate at various times, collected various sums of money in Naira and foreign currencies from his boss, in a now uncovered well-organised fraud.

Led in evidence by N.K. Ukoha, the witness, who testified in Yoruba language, identified Sanlabiu Teslim, Taiwo Olamilekan (identified as Ifakehinde), Raufu Raheem (identified as Ifakunle), Omitogun Ajayi, and Ajisegiri (identified as Baba Ogunlaiye).

“In May 2018, myself, Baba Sanlabiu, my boss, Dr. Bello, we went to Ikenne, and when we got there, he came down with his son, and they entered one house, while I remained in the car, and they spent about two hours,” he said.

He testified further, that afterwards, he had to drive his boss along with some members of the syndicate to some strange places inside the bush in Ijebu-Igbo in Ogun State, and Igbogbo in Ikorodu, Lagos State.

According to him, there were many times that he had to drive his boss to such remote places that only a four-wheel drive vehicle could reach there. “We went to Ijebu-Igbo, we used about eight hours to get there, and when we got there, they used about three hours inside, while I waited, before they came out.

“On our way back, we dropped Omitogun back in Ikorodu and we came back home in Lagos. We also, at various times, received money from one aboki who does bureau de change for onward transmission to Ifakunle.”

According to him, he bought as many as 25 ghana-must-go-bags on the instruction of his boss, which were used to hand over money to Ifakunle.  He testified further that at some point in time, they were made to buy “big rams”, which were handed over to members of the syndicate.

According to him, they were later made to get a box, in which the money meant for the spiritual cleansing was to be kept. He also narrated how he got to know Ajisegiri at the LTV studio in Agidingbi, Lagos.

My boss asked me to deposit money in his Eco Bank account, two times,” he said.

He told the court that his boss was so much extorted that he no longer had a functional car as there was no more money to repair his vehicles or buy new one.

“It was one rickety car that I took loan from my boss to buy that I had to use to drive him to one of the placed where he was asked to bring money, and it was on our way back that we entered a gallop, and he suddenly was jolted, and he said, ‘ha, I have been swindled by this people,” he said.

According to him, his boss had gone to the house in Ijebu-Igbo where the box of money was kept, only to find out that the money was gone.

He further testified that he was invited by the EFCC for interrogation and that he volunteered his statement.

Under cross-examination by counsel to the first defendant, Adebayo Adegbite, he admitted that he never entered the various houses that they went to.

He thereafter identified copies of the statements he made to the EFCC, which were both in Yoruba and English languages.

The case was adjourned till March 19, 2024 for further cross-examination.

Media & Publicity

March 18, 2024

ALLEGED N2BN FIRS’ FRAUD:  HOW ETETA ITA DIVERTED FIRS’ FUNDS TO HER PRIVATE SCHOOL- WITNESS

A Prosecution Witness, PW6, in the ongoing trial of the Head of Stakeholders Unit of the Federal Inland Revenue Services, FIRS, Emmanuella Eteta Ita, on Monday, March 18, 2024, told Justice Giwa Ogunbanjo of the Federal High Court in Abuja, how Ita siphoned and diverted large sums of money meant for Stakeholders’ assignments to her private school, Surestart School Ltd.

Ita ran Surestart School Ltd while serving as the Head of Stakeholders Unit of the Federal Inland Revenue Services, FIRS.

The witness,  Ijeoma Maltida,  while giving her testimony  during a cross-examination by defense counsel, Paul Erokoro, revealed that the first defendant,  Ita,  undertook some Stakeholders’ assignments and  the funds meant for the projects  were traced into her account with the payment narration.  Investigations showed that the same funds were sent directly into the account of the second defendant, Surestart School Ltd.

“When she came to our office, we took her statement, we were cordial with her, and she was treated very well with utmost respect. While she was with us for reconciliation, she started bringing documents, and she also opted to pay back for some reconciliation she could not account for. She said in her statement that she will pay back the money, I don’t know where she got the money from, and so far, she has refunded about N17million, though she told us that she benefited about N5million from the program”, she said.

“I don’t know the standard practice of sourcing for funds before asking for reimbursement, and it is not within the scope of our investigation. All I know is that she undertook some of the stakeholders’ events, and we saw that those monies that came from FIRS went directly into the account of the second defendant, and the description was that the assignment was not done”, she said.

According to Matilda, “She said the vendors that were supposed to do the events have given their evidence in court and testified that the receipts didn’t come from them. She further claimed that those receipts were given to her by one Daniel, who was a staff of FIRS.

Testifying further,  she said,  “we were told he was late and we demanded for the death certificate which was given to us. We requested for his account details and we discovered he was also a beneficiary. We wrote to FIRS, UBA, System Spec, and invited everyone involved in this matter and everything we have here are as a result of our investigations,” she said.

After the cross-examination, Justice Ogunbanjo  adjourned the matter till March 20, and 21, 2024, for continuation of cross-examination.

Media & Publicity

March 18,  2024

ILORIN COURTS JAIL SIX INTERNET FRAUDSTERS

The Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, March 18, 2024 secured the conviction and sentence of six persons for internet fraud.

They were jailed by Justices Evelyn Anyadike of the Federal High Court sitting in Ilorin and Justice Adebayo Yusuf of the Kwara State High Court, Ilorin after pleading guilty to one-count separate charges following their arraignment by the Ilorin Zonal Command of the EFCC.

The convicts are: Aransiola Oluwaseun Stephen, Owoeye Adeyanju Ezekiel,  Idris Yekini Kayode,  Abdulrahmon Abubakar,  Rafiu Ashimiu Adisa and Raheem Ayomide Monsur.

The charges against Stephen reads: “That you, Aransiola Oluwaseun Stephen in February 2024  in Ilorin, within the jurisdiction  of this Honourable Court, did cheat by personation when you pretended to be one Cindy Watson, a White female, based in United States of America, and in that guise induced one Randy Driskill to send you the sum of $350 (Three Hundred and Fifty Dollars) which you did receive via gift cards thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 321 of the Penal Code Law and Punishable under Section 324 of the same law”

All the defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges when they were read to them.

Following their “guilty pleas”, EFCC’s counsel,  Innocent Mbachie, Adebayo Aliyu, Charles Oni and Rasheedat Alao,  reviewed the facts of the cases and tendered the statements and items recovered from the defendants at the point of arrest, which were admitted in evidence.

The judges convicted and sentenced them accordingly. They also ordered that the phones and laptops recovered from them, as well as balances in their bank accounts be forfeited to the Federal Government.

All the six convicts are among the 48 students of Kwara State University, KWASU, arrested by the EFCC recently.

Media & Publicity

March 18,  2024

SANWO-OLU, ANYAOKU, ADEBANJO, OTHERS DEMAND NEW NIGERIAN CONSTITUTION

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Monday joined former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku; Afenifere chieftain, Pa. Ayo Adebanjo, members of the National Assembly, former governors and eminent national leaders to demand for a new Nigerian Constitution that would reflect true federalism and address the problem of the country.

They said Nigeria has two options in getting a truly federal constitution by either adopting the recommendations of the 2014 National Confab or go for a relatively inexpensive Constituent Assembly on a non-party basis for producing a widely desired constitution for Nigerians.

Sanwo-Olu and the eminent national leaders spoke on Monday during the National Constitutional Dialogue organised by The Patriots, a Pan Nigerian Group of Eminent National Leaders of Thought, with the theme: ‘Lawful procedures for actualising a People’s Constitution for Nigeria’ in honour of the late renowned constitutional lawyer, Prof. Ben Nwabueze.

The event, held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos was attended by Governor Sanwo-Olu, Chief Anyaoku, Pa Adebanjo, the Secretary to the Lagos State Government; Senators Aminu Tambuwal and Gbenga Daniel; former Governors Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Donald Duke (Cross River), James Ibori (Delta), Victor Attah (Akwa Ibom) and Rauf Aregbesola (Osun).

Others were constitutional lawyers Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) and Mr. Tunji Abayomi; President of Arewa Youths Consultative Forum, Alhaji Yerima Shettima; former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George and other eminent leaders and pro-democracy activists, Prof. Anthony Kila, Dr. Idika Kalu, Elder Solomon Asemota and Comrade Wale Okunniyi, among others.

Speaking at the event, Governor Sanwo-Olu backed the agitation for a true federal constitution for Nigeria to devolve power to the states and charged the National Assembly to put a legal framework in place for the birth of a new constitution that would be determined by the Nigerian people.

He said the conversation around the making of a new constitution should be driven further. “If eminent Nigerians; people who have used better parts of their time serving this country have a conversation and we cannot take it forward and make sure that we have a complete solution, then we are wasting our time. Given the number of people that are here, we should make this conversation very effective. Many speakers have said that it is not the National Assembly that will make those amendments and it makes a lot of logical sense. It is for the National Assembly to constitute a law where people will come together and make those amendments themselves.

“I stand here as a leader of the largest state. How well do we see the anomalies that we have in our country? Why would a federal agency come to control the water in front of Ozumba Mbadiwe? Why would a federal agency of 1,000 kilometers away come to see the needs of my people in Ozumba Mbadiwe? Those are some of the things that we need to take forward and say that indeed we need to have a true federating state and be able to amend this constitution.

“I am a willing convert. Whatever we need to do now, there are so many serving and former governors here, let us make the changes that we desire and let the soul of Prof. Ben Nwabueze rest in peace because this is something that he fought for over 60 years of his life. And we are still here talking about it. We have the opportunity to make those changes now and I stand here to say to you that we are willing to work with you to make those changes.”

Speaking earlier, Anyaoku called for a Constituent Assembly to midwife a new constitution, saying the current 1999 constitution lacks the legitimacy expected in a pluralistic country like Nigeria.

Anyaoku, the Chairman of The Patriots said the present constitution is not suitable to address the myriad challenges confronting Nigeria and called for the adoption of the recommendations of the 2014 national conference or the conduct of an “inexpensive” constituent assembly that would be nonpartisan to have a truly federal constitution.

He said: “Our present 1999 constitution as amended not only lacks the legitimacy that flows from a democratically made constitution but also has proved to be unsuitable for tackling many of the serious challenges confronting our country. It is a widely recognised fact that the crucial areas of the country have significantly deteriorated and continue to deteriorate.”

He said Nigeria has suffered deterioration on many fronts in the area of security of the citizens’ lives and properties, economic well-being of the citizens, infrastructure including roads and education and health facilities, social cohesion and social values, and the sense of national unity.

Elder statesman and Afenifere chieftain, Chief Ayo Adebanjo called for the implementation of the 2014 National Conference, which according to him represented how the people of Nigeria want to be governed considering the representation of the people from different parts of the country that attended the national conference.

He said what Nigeria needs is a brand new constitution and not the amendment of the current constitution, which the National Assembly wants to embark on.

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

SPECIAL ADVISER – MEDIA & PUBLICITY

18 MARCH 2024

March 15, 2024

Press Statement

N3.7t: You Can’t Suppress Investigation, PDP Replies Senate Leadership

… Insists Akpabio Must Step Aside

…Urges President Tinubu to Review 2024 Budget

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) slams the Senator Godswill Akpabio-led All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership in the Senate for seeking to use diversionary press statements to suppress the demand for an open investigation into the alleged improper insertion of N3.7 trillion for non-existing projects in the 2024 budget.

The PDP asserts that from the incoherent, knee-jerk and dismissive statement issued by the APC leadership in the Senate on Thursday, March 14, 2024, it is clear that it is jittery that an open and detailed investigation into the allegation will further expose the perpetrators and how money was allegedly shared among APC lawmakers.

The press statement further confirms the presence of an APC budget cabal in the Senate and that the Senator Akpabio-led APC leadership is insensitive and does not care about the welfare of the Nigerian people.

It is highly provocative that at this time when Nigerians are passing through severe economic hardship, the APC leadership in the Senate is busy defending and frustrating investigation into allegation of massive manipulation and looting of resources meant for the wellbeing of the citizens.

The Akpabio-led APC leadership in the Senate ought to know that no amount of threats, harassment, suspension of whistleblowers and attempts to blackmail the opposition through diversionary press statements and sponsored articles in a section of the media can suppress the demand for an open investigation into the alleged budget padding which is already in the public domain.

The PDP and Nigerians are however not deterred by attacks by the APC leadership in the Senate which is a clear case of corruption fighting back in the face of public scrutiny.

More importantly, the failure by the Akpabio-led APC leadership to allow for investigation into the budget padding allegation constitutes a huge smear on the image of the Senate and destroys its rectitude and integrity to perform its Constitutional duty to investigate and oversight other public institutions; a situation that spells doom to our Constitutional democracy if not immediately checked.

If Senator Akpabio has nothing to fear, he should immediately recall Senator Abdul Ningi and allow for an open and detailed investigation into the allegation of discrete insertion of N3.7 trillion into the 2024 budget.

Our Party, standing shoulder to shoulder with Nigerians, insists that Senator Akpabio should step aside and allow for a credible investigation, as he cannot be a judge in this matter.

The PDP also calls on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to restore the integrity of the 2024 budget by immediately ordering an open investigation into the alleged insertion as well as a holistic review of the budget.

Furthermore, the PDP stands by its demand that Senator Akpabio should report at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for investigation into the alleged looting of N108 billion belonging to the people of Akwa Ibom State and the N86 billion alleged contract scam under his watch as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State and the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs respectively.

Signed:

Hon. Debo Ologunagba

National Publicity Secretary

March 17, 2024

Press Statement

PDP Congratulates Gov. Peter Mbah on Birthday

…Says He’s an Insightful Leader

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) congratulates the Executive Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency Dr. Peter Mbah as he celebrates his birthday today.

Dr. Mbah is a courageous, humble and compassionate leader; an insightful administrator, who continues to commit his recourses, experience, skills and leadership capacity towards the unity, stability and development of Enugu State and the nation, Nigeria.

Through the years, as a Lawyer, Entrepreneur, Chief of Staff and later Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development in Enugu State; member of various sensitive Government Councils including the Enugu State Security Council, the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee among others; and now the elected Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Mbah continues to exhibit expectational commitment towards the growth of the nation.

The PDP particularly celebrates Governor Mbah for his visionary leadership with which he is further transforming Enugu State with massive infrastructural, citizen empowerment and human capital development in critical areas including healthcare, education, agriculture, roads, housing, water resources, manufacturing among others in line with the manifesto of our great Party, the PDP.

On this special day, the PDP congratulates Governor Mbah and prays to God to grant him many more years in good health and vigour in the service of our fatherland and humanity.

Signed:

Hon. Debo Ologunagba

National Publicity Secretary

March 17, 2024

Press Statement

PDP Urges FG to Immortalize Late Olubadan

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) calls on the Federal Government to immortalize the late highly revered royal father, the Olubadan of Ibadan, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr. Mohood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II for his outstanding contributions to national unity, security, political and economic development of our country.

The Party deeply commiserates with Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, Seyi Makinde the Royal Family, the Olubadan in Council, the Ibadanland and the entire people of Oyo State for the passing of the Olubadan, describing it as a huge national loss.

The late Olubadan live a fulfilled life as a legend; a magnificent and compassionate king who with penetrating wisdom and transcendental glory bestrode life like a colossus, defied impermanence, gained immortality even in the mortal realm and etched his indelible footprints on the sand of time.

He was an incorruptible personality, an inexhaustible reservoir of our cultural heritage, interminable source of wisdom and vision; and who with great virtuousness led his people and made innumerable contributions towards the peace, unity and stability of our dear nation; legacies that will remain evergreen in the annals of Nigeria.

The PDP stands with Governor Makinde, the Royal Family, the Olubadan in Council and the people of Ibadan and prays that we all receive comfort and fortitude at this critical moment.

Signed:

Hon. Debo Ologunagba

National Publicity Secretary

STATEMENT ON THE KILLING OF NIGERIAN SOLDIERS ON A PEACE MISSION TO OKUAMA COMMUNITY IN DELTA STATE

On Saturday morning, the Nigerian people and I woke up to the dreadful news of the unprovoked killing of our brave military personnel during a rescue mission in Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.

The incident occurred on Thursday, March 14, 2024, when our troops, responding to a crisis between Okuama and Okoloba communities in Delta State, were ambushed. A Commanding Officer, two Majors, one Captain, and twelve soldiers sadly lost their lives. One civilian was also killed.

As the Commander-in-Chief, I join all well-meaning Nigerians and the men and women of our armed forces to mourn and express my profound grief over the needless death of our gallant soldiers.

I extend my profound condolences to the families of these fallen soldiers, their colleagues, and their loved ones. The military high command is already responding to this incident. The cowardly offenders responsible for this heinous crime will not go unpunished.

This incident, once again, demonstrates the dangers faced by our servicemen and women in the line of duty. I salute their heroism, courage, and uncommon grit and patriotism.

As a nation, we must constantly remember and honour all those who have paid the ultimate price to keep our nation safe, strong, and united. The officers and men who died in Okuama community have joined the pantheon of great men and women who gave their all, with honour, in the service of our fatherland.

Members of our armed forces are at the heart and core of our nationhood. Any attack on them is a direct attack on our nation. We will not accept this wicked act.

The Defence Headquarters and Chief of Defence Staff have been granted full authority to bring to justice anybody found to have been responsible for this unconscionable crime against the Nigerian people.

My government will not relent until we achieve peace and tranquillity in every part of Nigeria.

May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and keep members of our armed forces safe.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu

President & Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU PRESENTS APC FLAG TO SENATOR OKPEBHOLO, SAYS PARTY ON THE PATH TO VICTORY IN EDO GUBER

President Bola Tinubu says the All Progressives Congress (APC) is on the path to victory in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Edo State.

President Tinubu expressed the optimism on Monday in Abuja during the presentation of the party’s flag to the Edo gubernatorial candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and his running mate, Honourable Dennis Idahosa.

Addressing a gathering of party stalwarts led by the National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, at the State House, the President pledged that the party would stand with the candidates ”like the wall of Gibraltar.”

”If you are happy; we are happy. If you are determined; we are determined. We are going to work with you. We are going to stand with you like the wall of Gibraltar. That is all I can assure you. The party is supreme, but victory is superior and very important,” the President said.

President Tinubu commended the leadership of the party in Edo for their efforts towards the success of the candidates and the party.

He particularly lauded Senator Adams Oshiomhole, former governor of the state, for his exemplary leadership.

”Distinguished Senator and our flagbearer, we are putting you forward in order to hold the party in trust for us and achieve victory for us. You and your running mate have been described as giant killers, and you have worked tirelessly with the party leadership,” he said.

The President, while inviting Edo State woman leader, Lady Betty Okoebor, to speak on the party’s readiness for the election, reiterated that with the strong support of women, victory is assured.

”If the women say we are going to win, then we are good to go because they constitute the largest number of voters and the most dedicated,” President Tinubu affirmed.

In his remarks, the National Chairman of the APC emphasized the unity of purpose within the party towards achieving victory in the election.

”Our candidate is soft-spoken, focused, and an achiever. He is a product that is highly marketable, and I am confident that with him as our flagbearer, we will bring Edo back to our party,” Dr. Ganduje said.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

March 18, 2024

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS NEW ALMAJIRI EDUCATION COMMISSION LEADERSHIP TEAM

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of a new leadership for the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education.

Brigadier-General Lawal Ja’afar Isa (Rtd) is now to serve as the Chairman of the Board of the Commission, while Dr. Idris Muhammad Sani is to serve as the Executive Secretary/CEO.

General Ja’afar Isa is a respected leader and previously served as the Military Administrator of Kaduna State from 1993 to 1996.

Dr. Muhammad Sani holds master’s and doctorate degrees in Islamic Studies. He was the Director-General, Al-Iman School Lafia; Commissioner, Basic/Secondary Education, Yobe State; Chairman, Nigerian Arabic Language Village, Borno State; Member, Nasarawa State Government Committee on Enlightenment Campaign, and Secretary-General, Association of Private Schools in Nasarawa State.

The President expects that the new appointees will bring their vast experience into the management of this critical Commission, which impacts the very core of society, by ensuring that his administration’s drive to guarantee Nigeria’s out-of-school children the most comprehensive education is realized in the superseding interest of the nation’s future.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

March 18, 2024