The Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, has accused some former governors in the North-West of compromising the security alliance among states in the region by “wining and dining” with bandits and terrorists.

Sani, who did not mention names, claimed that some governors took an “extremely wrong” approach in managing the internal affairs of their states, leading to the current security challenges.

“I remember when the Kaduna State Government and some states within the North-West — and even Niger State, they have borders with us — came together to work out a framework to tackle this issue of insecurity,” Sani, said in an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Tuesday.

“We had a joint committee, joint funding, working closely with all the security agencies — the army, the air force and the police.

“But unfortunately, somewhere along the line, the alliance broke down when some state governors decided to start engaging the bandits and the terrorists sitting with them, winning and dining with them, compensating them, negotiating with them,” he added.

The governor also said that the creation of state police is the only way to end Nigeria’s security challenges, adding that it is necessary considering the limited powers governors have on security agencies.

He said he is pleased that virtually all state governors now agree that state police is necessary.

He said, “Recall that I was the senator that actually sponsored the creation of state police in the National Assembly. We took the bill up to the level of conference committee when we were working toward amending constitution.

“Of course the Senate agreed and supported my bill for the creation of state police but we had conference committee with the House of Reps. Unfortunately, we lost it at that stage, but I believe there is no way we can resolve or solve the problem of insecurity without the creation of state police.

“When you look at the arrangements of the security in Nigeria, state governors have limited powers in the affairs of security agencies in our country and as a senator we have done a lot in trying to support all the relevant government security agencies but unfortunately we have not achieved a lot because we realised that state governors have limited powers.

“That is the reason we believe we need to create the state police and I was happy just before the election virtually all the state governors in Nigeria came together and agreed that the way forward is the creation of state police.”

Uba Sani also hoped the 10th Assembly would revisit the issue, adding that even as a governor he would support the Assembly to that effect.

“I believe the 10th Assembly will definitely bring the issue of state police back into the conversation because that is something important.

“That was why in my inaugural speech I made it clear that even as a governor I will continue to support the 10th National Assembly to ensure we continue with the battle for creation of state police,” he said.

The crisis in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly has led to the emergence of two speakers.

They are Mr. Ibrahim Balarabe-Abdullahi, the former speaker, and Mr Daniel Ogah Ogazi, representing Kokona East constituency.

While Mr Abdullahi was elected at sitting which took place at the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ogazi emerged as speaker from the proceeding at the State Assembly complex.

From Balarabe camp, the member representing Nasarawa Eggon East, Hon. Jecob Kudu was elected Deputy Speaker.

Balarabe Abdullahi was nominated by Hon Muhammed Adamu Omadefu Keana Constituency and seconded by Hon. Danladi Jatau of Kokona West.

The Acting Clerk of the House Mr. Ibrahim Musa administered the oath of office.

Earlier, angry youths in the state staged a protest over the suspension of inauguration of the 7th Assembly by Governor Abdullahi Sule, following alleged security threat in the state.

In a statement yesterday, the acting Clerk, Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Ibrahim Musa, said “I wish to inform all members-elect and the general public that based on security advice the scheduled inauguration of the first session of the 7th Assembly as directed by His Excellency the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State Engr. Abdullahi Sule is hereby postponed.

“In view of the above, a rescheduled time will be communicated to all Hon. Members-elect and the general public. We regret any inconveniences this postponement may have caused.”

It was, however, not immediately clear if the suspension was lifted for the assembly’s inauguration.

Ahead of the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, no fewer than 25 State Governors have adopted Senator Godswill Obong Akpabio, and Senator Jibrin Barau, as the Senate President and Deputy Senate President of the 10th Assembly respectively.

The governors are also mobilising Senators-elect across the three major parties: the All Progressives Congress (APC), People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) to back the adopted candidates.

Among others, the 25 pro-Akpabio Governors include the Governors of Kwara, Nasarawa, Benue, Ogun, Oyo, Lagos, Ekiti, Osun, Kogi, Rivers, Cross Rivers, Kaduna, Borno, Ebonyi and Ondo States.

The governors, majority of whom are of the APC-controlled States, maintained that they were vehemently upholding the unanimous decision of the ruling party’s National Working Committee (NWC).

The Governors added that the APC NWC has made the most profound decision that will promote institutional stability and the peaceful conduct of legislative proceedings in the 10th National Assembly in the next four years.

Specifically, when Akpabio visited Governor Yahaya Bello in Kogi State, the governor described the aspirations of Akpabio and Barau for the positions of the Senate President and Deputy President of the 10th Senate respectively as his personal project.

He also stated that Akpabio, a former minister of Niger Delta Affairs, was his role model, adding that the Senator’s uncommon style of governance as Governor of Akwa Ibom State, endeared him to want to be like the former governor.

The Kogi governor said he will work to achieve the stability of the President Bola Tinubu Presidency.

Also, the Ekiti State governor, Biodun Oyebanji, said Senators-elect and other stakeholders in the state were behind the candidacy of Senator Akpabio to succeed Ahmad Lawan as the next Senate President.

He said, “in Ekiti State, we are committed to a united National Assembly and we are also committed to the decision of the National Working Committee of the APC with respect to the zoning and you can attest to the fact that all the senators are here with me just to have dinner with Akpabio.

“We are supporting his aspiration as directed by the national body of the party. We are in this together, we are not only supporting, we will identify with him publicly and that is what I have done.

“All Ekiti senators and the leaders, all the former governors – we are in the same boat. We respect the sanctity of the party and we appeal to all contenders to also follow the advice of the National Working Committee.”

The governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullaahi Sule, had also said that APC governors from the North have resolved to support President Bola Tinubu’s choice of National Assembly presiding officers.

Sule told the aspirants: “We cannot in any way fight the choice of Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We cannot in any way fight the choice of our party.”

Governor Babajide Sanwo in Lagos State said he hoped the 10th Assembly would be about “Shaping new course, breaking records” to surpass and improve on the antecedents of the 9th Assembly.

He described the group of Senators-elect across party divides as “a well thought out group.”

Also, a source close to APC Governors pointed out that they were looking forward to a most peaceful, stable, result-oriented and highly productive Senate in the 10th Assembly.

He stressed that based on the demands of governance in Nigeria at the moment, both the Executive and the Legislature must have a cordial and stimulating working relationship.

The source maintained that rapid development and economic stability were only foreseeable in an atmosphere of shared vision and cordiality between the Tinubu administration and the leadership of the 10th National Assembly and other critical stakeholders of the political process.

The source said they detest the despicable situation that reared its ugly head between 2015 and 2019 where the Saraki-led Senate was constantly at loggerhead with the Buhari-led Federal Executive Council.

He added that the messy imbroglio contributed to the situation where salient policy proposals which emanated from the executive were either delayed or thrown overboard on the platter of sheer politics of acrimony, bitterness and high handedness.

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in Ilorin, Kwara State, have arrested 20 suspects over offences bordering on cybercrime.

The arrest is the second of such in the last month in Ilorin.

It will be recalled that on May 4, 2023, operatives of the EFCC, Ilorin Zonal Command, arrested 62 suspected Internet fraudsters, including a convict, Raji Babatunde, whom the commission had last year secured his conviction over a similar offence.

Spokesman of the commission, Wilson Uwujaren, in a statement, yesterday, said the latest arrest, which followed credible intelligence, took place at Egbejila, Airport Road and Offa Garage area, all in Ilorin.

The suspects, according to the statement, include “Habeeb Abubakar, Abiola Abiodun, Atitebi Samuel, Emmanuel Oborirhwoho, John Adamson, Mayowa Victor, Oluwafemi Ola, Abdullahi Isiak, Orji Roland, Martinson Adegboyega and Kolawole Temidayo.

“Others are Orimadegun Ishola, Tijani Quadri, Adebisi Kazeem, Umar Abdulkareem, Adebisi Teslim, Okunlola Ayomide, Quadri Lekan, Ukueni Great and Adeyeye Usman.

“Items recovered from them upon arrest include different brands of phones, laptops and exotic cars.

“The suspects will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of the ongoing investigations.”

The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Tuesday reserved judgement in a case filed by a former governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, to seek the dismissal of the money laundering charges against him.

Mr Lamido appealed against a ruling of the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissing his no-case submission and affirming that he had a case to answer in the N1.35 billion money laundering charges filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The EFCC has been prosecuting Mr Lamido and two of his sons and their companies before the Federal High Court on 37 counts of money laundering.

Mr Lamido allegedly abused his position as governor between 2007 and 2015 and laundered several sums of money, which he reportedly received as kickbacks from companies that the Jigawa State Government awarded contracts under his leadership.

EFCC had called over 16 witnesses before closing its case last year.

Afterwards, the defendants opted for a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution had not placed sufficient materials before the court to warrant them entering their defence.

But the trial judge, Ijeoma Ojukwu, dismissed the no-case submission and ordered the defendants to open their defence on 8 to 11 November 2022.

Dissatisfied, Mr Lamido went on appeal. The appeals arising from the case were heard on Tuesday, after which the Court of Appeal adjourned for judgement on a date to be communicated to the parties.

EFCC captured the highlights of the proceedings in a statement on Tuesday.

READ EFCC’S FULL STATEMENT:

EFCC Press Release

Alleged N1.35bn Fraud: Appeal Court Reserves Ruling in Sule Lamido’s No Case Submission

The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal has reserved ruling in the appeal by a former governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, challenging the decision of the Federal High Court dismissing his no case submission. The former governor, his two sons, Aminu and Mustapha, Aminu Wada Abubakar, and their companies, Bamaina Holdings Ltd and Speeds International Ltd are standing trial before Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of the Federal High Court, Abuja on a 37-count amended charge of money laundering to the tune of N1.35 billion fraud.

Lamido allegedly abused his position as governor between 2007 and 2015 and laundered several sums of money which he received as kickbacks from companies that were awarded contracts by Jigawa State Government under his leadership.

The trial which commenced in 2015 has seen the Commission calling over 16 witnesses before closing its case. Rather than open their defence, the defendants opted for a no- case submission, arguing that the prosecution had not placed sufficient materials before the court to warrant their defence.

But Justice Ojukwu, threw out the no-case submission, and upheld the submissions of EFCC’s counsel, Chile Okoroma, that Lamido and the other defendants had a case to answer and ordered them to open their defence at the next adjourned date of the matter, which was November 8 to 11, 2022.

Dissatisfied, Lamido proceeded to the Appellate Court on appeal. The appeals were considered today, June 6, 2023, after which the Court of Appeal adjourned for judgment on a date to be communicated to the parties.

Meanwhile, hearing in the substantive case before Justice Ojukwu is scheduled to continue on June 19, 21 and 22, 2023.

Count thirteen of the charge reads: “That you, Alhaji Sule Lamido (while being the Governor of Jigawa State, Nigeria), on or about March 2nd, 2012, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court in your account in the name Bamaina Holdings (also referred to as Bamaina Holding Limited) domiciled at Unity Bank Plc. Kano, converted the aggregate sum of N61,919,000.00 being the value of four Sterling Bank Plc Cheques nos. 04981304, 04981305, 04981307, 04981308, three Diamond Bank Plc Cheque nos. 32909551,32909548, 32909550 and four Bank PHB Plc Cheques nos. 24444376, 24444374, 24444375 and 24444372 paid by Dantata & Sawoe Construction Company Nigeria Limited which represented the proceeds of bribery and corruption to wit: using your position as a public officer for gratification by purportedly obtaining contracts for companies in which you have interest from Dantata & Sawoe Construction Company Nigeria Limited which was awarded contracts by Jigawa State Government with the aim of concealing their illicit origin and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(1) (a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 and punishable under section 15(1) of the same Act”

Count Thirty-two reads: “That you, Alhaji Sule Lamido (while being the Governor of Jigawa State, Nigeria), Aminu Sule Lamido, Mustapha Sule Lamido, and Bamaina Company Nigeria Limited on or about 3rd of April 2012 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court retained in the account of Bamaina Company Nigeria Limited domiciled with Skye Bank Plc Kano the sum of N57,000,000.00 transferred from the account of Bamaina Holdings (also known and referred to as Bamaina Holdings Limited) at Unity Bank Plc Kano which fund you knew represented the proceeds of illegal act of Alhaji Sule Lamido who used his position as a public officer for gratification by obtaining purported contracts for Speeds International Limited, Gada Construction Company, and Bamaina Company Nigeria Limited from Dantata and Sawoe Construction Company Nigeria Limited, a company which was awarded contracts by the Jigawa State Government and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 17(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 and punishable under Section 17 of the same Act”

Wilson Uwujaren

Head, Media & Publicity
06/06/ 2023

A private Nigerian Airline, Air Peace Ltd, has sued the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) before the Federal High Court in Lagos over the alleged disruption of its operations by the unions and its officers.

The airline is asking the court to award it N1 billion as general damages, N450 million as special damages and N250 million as exemplary damages.

The suit was brought before the court pursuant to Order 6(6)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Order 28 Rules 1 & 2 of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019, and the inherent jurisdiction of the court.

Also joined in the suit as defendants are the President of NLC, Joe Ajaero; the President of TUC, Festus Osifoh; the Sec-Gen. of NLC, one Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja and the General Secretary of TUC Comrade Nuhu Toro.

Air Peace is asking the court for a declaration that given the very sensitive nature of aviation ordinarily, and particularly in the current climate of pervasive fear of insecurity over long-distance travels within Nigeria by other modes of transportation, the defendants’ calculated precipitation of grounding all the plaintiff’s flights throughout Nigeria for the singular reason that it is responsible for the majority of air-passenger and goods flights in the country in order to cause substantial nationwide paralysis, constitutes condemnable sabotage of the national economy and security.

The plaintiffs also asked the court for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants by themselves, their agents/servants/privies or otherwise, howsoever, from repeating/continuing the acts of intimidation and coercion against it.

In documents put before the court, the airline, through their lawyer, Senior Advocate Of Nigeria, Chijioke Okoli, stated that on May 3, 2023, its employees on duty were confronted by a noisy mob which invaded their offices, check-in counters and work areas at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos and the Murtala Mohammed Airport Terminal 1 (MM1) premises, essentially disrupting their work; disorganising and upturning tables, unplugging and pushing away desktops and personal computers used for employment by the employees, some of whom sustained injuries in the melee.

The airline also claimed that from the songs they sang and the instructions that the apparent leaders loudly issued during the disruption, it immediately became clear that the mob causing the disruptive scene were members of the NLC and TUC, some of whom got into violent altercations, injuring some of its customers and staff who voiced their frustrations at the disruption and frustration of their travel plans by the defendants’ antics.

They also stated that the defendant’s actions had inevitable ripple effects on their operations in other airports in the country, including the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja, and Sam Mbakwe Airport, Owerri, all of which the plaintiff’s scheduled flights could not take off from or land at.

The airline says it later learnt that the defendants, had some grouse against the Governor of Imo State, Chief Hope Uzodimma, and to “punish him”, decided upon a total shutdown of Imo State beginning from Wednesday, May 3, 2023, as was stated among other things in their joint communiqué of May 1, 2023.

“That Lagos is the operational hub and nerve centre of the airline operations, and a direct consequence of the defendants’ malicious and unlawful invasion of its work areas/offices and forcible prevention of its functions, as detailed above, was the cancellation of its flights billed for different destinations,” it said.

“Several Air Peace staff suffered physical molestation and incurred bruises which led to their psychological trauma and hospital visitations for treatments, with some having to be excused for some days’ absence from work to recover.”

In addition to the financial losses, Air Peace says it has also suffered a grave injury to its business reputation, not only in the eyes of its flying customers but also in those of the general public and its investors.

It said its lawyers wrote letters, dated May 12, 2023, to the defendants demanding that they promptly make amends for their unjustifiable, grievous and malicious injuries to it, but which demand they have disregarded and are instead threatening more disturbance and harm to its operations.

“That the defendants threatened and intend, unless restrained by the Honourable Court, to continue to intimidate and coerce the Plaintiff’s servants and customers and consequentially cause it more harm and losses,” it added.

Air Peace therefore concluded that the defendant’s conduct in the circumstances of this suit and leading to its significant losses are egregiously malicious, scandalous and most deserving of reproach by the award of general, special and exemplary damages which they put at N1.7bn.

The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has granted the former Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti state the permission to travel abroad for medical treatment.

The court permission comes without objection from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Recall that Fayose is standing trial on 11 counts bordering on money laundering and stealing to the tune of N6.9bn before the court.

But, at the proceedings on Tuesday, the 12th prosecution witness, a former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro completed his testimony in the case.

Obanikoro, who began giving evidence on January 31, answered questions during cross examination by the defence counsel, Olalekan Ojo

While answering questions, Obanikoro reiterated the role played by one of his aides, Justin Erukaa (now deceased).

Meanwhile, in an earlier testimony before the court, Obanikoro had said that he sent Erukaa on errands, including to collect over $1million and that Erukaa came to meet him in Ekiti.

The court had admitted in evidence the statement made by the late Erukaa before his death.

The monies in issue in the case were said to have originated from the Office of the former National Security Adviser (ONSA), Sambo Dasuki for the purpose of prosecuting the 2014 Ekiti State Governorship Elections.

The former minister had also reiterated his earlier testimony that he was not privy to any discussion between Fmr. Gov Ayo Fayose and the former NSA.

Justice Chukwuejekwu Aneke has adjourned further proceedings in the trial till July 18 and 19.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the list of candidates eligible to contest the governorship elections in Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo states, fixed for November 11, 2023, by the Commission.

According to the statement signed by Barrister Festus Okoye, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, 18 political parties are fielding candidates in Kogi state, 17 in Imo state and 16 in Bayelsa state.

The Commission appealed to political parties and their candidates to stick to official dates stipulated for the commencement and conclusion of campaigns, in line with provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.

Making reference to weekend ugly incidents involving the convoys of chieftains of two political parties, the electoral umpire cautioned against violence.

“We urge parties and candidates to conduct their political activities with civility and decorum as peaceful electioneering heralds a peaceful election. Political parties and candidates have a responsibility to de-escalate tension ahead of the elections.”

The statement reads in part:” At its regular meeting held today Tuesday 6th June 2023, the Commission approved the final list of candidates for the three off-cycle Governorship elections scheduled to hold in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi states on Saturday 11th November 2023.

“The decision is in line with the provision of Section 32(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 which requires the publication of the list not later than 150 days to election day i.e. Friday 9th June 2023 following the period for voluntary withdrawal and substitution of candidates by political parties under Section 31 of the Electoral Act 2022.

‘The final list has been uploaded to the Commission’s website and social media platforms. The same will be published in our state and local government offices in the affected states on Thursday 8th June 2023 ahead of the statutory deadline of 9th June 2023.

“The list shows that all 18 political parties are fielding candidates in Kogi state, 17 in Imo state and 16 in Bayelsa state. The list also shows that two political parties are fielding female candidates in Bayelsa state, one in Kogi state and none in Imo state.

“The Commission wishes to remind political parties and candidates that in line with the timetable and schedule of activities for the three elections, the campaign in public officially commences on Wednesday 14th June 2023 in line with Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 and ends on 9th November 2023 i.e. 24 hours prior to election day.

“Regrettably, the ugly incident last week involving the convoys of two political actors in Kogi State resulting in the destruction of vehicles and other properties ahead of the commencement of the campaign is worrisome. We urge parties and candidates to conduct their political activities with civility and decorum as peaceful electioneering heralds a peaceful election.

“Political parties and candidates have a responsibility to de-escalate tension ahead of the elections.”

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has explained why it suspended its planned strike scheduled to hold on Wednesday against the removal of petrol subsidy by the Federal Government.

The Congress said the strike was shelved in obedience to the ruling of the National Industrial Court (NiC) which restrained Labour from proceeding with the strike.

Justice O. Y. Anuwe issued the order while ruling on an ex-parte motion by the Federal Government through the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and moved by Director, Civil Litigation, Federal Ministry of Justice Mrs Maimuna Lami Shiru.

The Congress noted that it also took the decision to suspend the planned strike to allow negotiations to flow freely and enable final agreement during or after the June 19 negotiation round with the Federal Government.

The NLC made these known in a communique jointly signed by its President, Joe Ajaero and General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja after an emergency National Executive Council meeting on Tuesday in Abuja.

The NLC served a strike notice due to commence tomorrow, the day after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his inauguration address declared that “fuel subsidy is gone.”

The presidential announcement led to a knee-jerk reaction from petrol marketers, who immediately shut down filling stations and hiked product prices.

The order by Justice O. Y. Anuwe will remain in force pending the hearing and determination of a motion on notice dated June 5.

The judge said her action was informed by the argument by the Federal Government’s lawyer that the strike if allowed, will cause incalculable damage to the nation.

The NLC, however, frowned at the ruling of the NIC for its “continuous weaponization of the instrument of exparte injunction in favour of the government against the interests of Nigerian workers in defiance of the position of the Supreme Court on the use of this instrument.”

It directed all affiliates and state councils to suspend further action and mobilisation until the outcome of the final negotiations with the federal government.

The communique reads: “An emergency National Executive Council (NEC) of the Congress which was called to discuss the outcome of the Dialogue between the NLC and the Federal Government on the Petroleum Products Price hike after extensive deliberation observed that:

“Whereas the previous NEC-in-Session had ordered a nationwide withdrawal of Service and mass protest over the Petroleum Price hike by the federal government;

“Whereas the federal government was in breach of the 2023 Appropriation Act, the NLC will not encourage lawlessness on its part;

“Taking into account that the federal government has procured a Court injunction restraining Congress from proceeding with the proposed nationwide strike as the NEC-in-session had ordered to begin, Wednesday, the 7th of June, 2023;

“Recognising the willingness of government for continuous engagement through dialogue and to offer reasonable palliatives in due course to cushion the effect of its policies and some levels of understanding reached

“Considering the mood of the Socio-polity last elections and the need to pursue national stability and;

“Consequently, the NEC-in-session resolved as follows; to commend and applaud the diligence of the Congress’ leadership in carrying out the assignment given to it by NEC.

“To demonstrate to the federal government the need to comply with the Laws of the land especially as it concerns obedience to the rulings of the Courts and their brazen disregard to the 2023 Appropriation Act

“To therefore support and accept the decision of the leadership of Congress to suspend the proposed strike action in compliance with the flawed rulings of the NIC and also allow negotiations to flow freely and enable final agreement during or after the 19th June, 2023 negotiation round with the federal government

“To however register in strongest terms its disgust and disapproval with the ruling of the National Industrial Court (NIC) for its continuous weaponization of the instrument of Exparte injunction in favour of Government against the interests of Nigerian workers in defiance of the position of the Supreme Court on the use of this instrument.

“All Affiliates and State Councils of Congress are hereby directed to suspend further action and mobilisation until the outcome of the final negotiations.

“To commend all Affiliates and State Councils on their robust mobilisation towards a successful nation-wide strike action and to also remain vigilant in case there is a need to continue.”

Following their alleged role in facilitating vote buying, the Federal Government has charged the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the March 18 governorship election in Ogun State, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, a leading Deposit Money Bank, Zenith Bank Plc and its Managing Director, Dr Ebenezer Onyeagwu, to court for conspiracy, bribery and money laundering.

According to the charge sheet of the case with no AB/10C/2003 filed at the High Court of Ogun State, Abeokuta Division and dated June 2, 2023, Adebutu, along with Messers Ogunbona Hammed, Tiamiyu Waliu, Egunsola Owolabi, Sanni Adegoke, Hon Dare Lukman Ogunleye, Dayo Fasina, Wasiu Enilolobo and Malik Badmus, is being prosecuted by the Federal Government on a four-count charge, namely one count of criminal conspiracy contrary to Section 121 of the Electoral Act, 2022, bribery contrary to Section 121 of the Electoral Act, 2022, and two counts of undue influence contrary to section 127 of the Electoral Act, 2022.

The charges were filed by the Director, Public Prosecutions of the Federation, M.B Abubakar; the Assistant Chief State Counsel, Aderonke Imana and Senior State Counsel, Bagudu Sani, on behalf of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

On his part, Onyeagwu, along with one Celestina Appeal and Zenith Bank Plc, was charged with failing to report suspicious transactions on verve cards with the inscription Dame Oladuni Memorial Endorsement Scheme for Less Privileged between February and March 2023 and thereby committing an offence contrary to section 7(1) (a) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022; and failing to verify the identity of customers carrying out electronic transactions on verve cards with the inscription Dame Oladuni Memorial Endorsement Scheme For Less privileged, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 37 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act 2022.

According to the particulars of the offence, Adebutu and the co-accused “on or about 18th of March at Ibara, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did conspire among yourselves to corruptly give gifts in form of verve prepaid cards which had inscribed on them ‘Dame Caroline Oladuni Adebutu Memorial Endorsement Scheme for Less Privileged’ in order to induce voters to endeavour the return of PDP candidates during the Gubernatorial and State Assembly elections in Ogun State.”

Adebutu was further accused of providing 200,000 prepaid verve cards loaded with N10,000 each and inscribed with the same name “for the purpose of corruptly influencing voters to vote for PDP candidates” during the said elections.

It would be recalled that Adebutu had recently left the country following security agencies’ uncovering of a vote buying plot linked to him during the March 18 polls in Ogun State and the invitation extended to him to clarify issues.

The PDP candidate had however alleged that he left the country following threats to his life.

This was despite the fact that in the letter made available to security agencies investigating his alleged criminal activities, Adebutu had indicated that he travelled abroad to seek medical care, and had given no indication of threat to life.

Sources within the security circles alleged that in order to perpetrate electoral fraud, Adebutu had contacted Zenith Bank and caused over 200,000 prepaid Verve bank cards preloaded with N10,000 each to be printed and delivered to him shortly before the Match 18 election.

This action, they had maintained, constitutes a violation of Section 121of the Electoral Act (2022) which prescribes 12 months’ imprisonment for any “person who directly or indirectly, by his or herself or by any other person on his other behalf corruptly makes any gift, loan, offer, promise, procurement or agreement to or for any person, in order to induce such person to procure or to endeavour to procure the return of any person as a member of a legislative house or to an elective office or the vote of any voter at any election.”

Security sources indicated that contrary to Adebutu’s claim that the cards were issued during his mother’s burial, they were actually issued few days to the election, raising the obvious question of collusion by Zenith Bank with a politically exposed person to perpetrate electoral fraud.

Also, the statements by some polling agents that were arrested confirmed that he gave them the cards to manipulate the March 18 polls.

The scheme was described as carefully orchestrated and unprecedented electoral fraud made out of desperation after losing the February 25 Presidential and National Assembly elections using game-betting platforms and POS operators.

Adebutu and his agents were said to have distributed the cards throughout the over 5000 polling stations and positioned POS operators at the same so each voter could receive money at the POS terminals.

The cards were said to have been funded on the 16th and 17th of March directly from Adebutu’s account with Zenith Bank, with the lawmaker paying over N2bn directly from his account.

Checks at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) also showed that the foundations in whose name the PDP candidate carried out his criminal activities were fictitious.