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In a major development in the financial world, Odogwu Banye Mmobuosi, also known as Dozy Mmobuosi, founder of the Tingo Group, faces serious charges of securities fraud and false filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), as announced by Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and James Smith, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the FBI.
The indictment, unsealed in Manhattan federal court, accuses Mmobuosi of orchestrating a deceptive scheme to inflate the financial statements of his companies – Tingo Mobile and Tingo Foods. These allegations suggest that Mmobuosi falsely represented these Nigerian companies as operational and profitable, generating substantial revenues, and then sold them to U.S.-listed companies, including Tingo Group (Nasdaq: TIO) and Agri-Fintech Holdings (OTC Markets: TMNA).
This fraudulent activity reportedly led to the issuance of misleading financial statements, portraying Tingo Mobile and Tingo Foods as profitable and cash-rich entities. Mmobuosi allegedly profited millions from this scheme through well-timed share sales at inflated prices.
Damian Williams, U.S. Attorney, commented on the gravity of Mmobuosi’s alleged actions, stating, “With this Indictment, Mmobuosi’s alleged deceitful scheme comes to an end.” Similarly, FBI Assistant Director James Smith emphasized the seriousness of such securities schemes, highlighting their devastating impact on investors and the commitment of the FBI to bring perpetrators to justice.
Mmobuosi, 45 and originally from Nigeria, faces charges including conspiracy, securities fraud, and making false filings with the SEC. The maximum sentences for these charges range from five to twenty years in prison, though actual sentencing will be determined by a judge.
The indictment also highlights Mmobuosi’s lavish lifestyle, allegedly funded by the profits from this fraudulent scheme. Accusations include the use of illicit profits for luxury cars and private jet travels. This indictment follows a lawsuit filed by the SEC against Mmobuosi and Tingo Group in December, describing the fraud as of “staggering” scope. Notably, Tingo’s reported cash balance of $461.7 million in March was starkly contrasted with legitimate bank records showing less than $50.
These charges are merely accusations at this stage, and Mmobuosi is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. This case is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter Davis and Kiersten A. Fletcher leading the prosecution.
Former Sierra Leone President Ernest Koroma has been charged with treason.
According to a statement shared by the Sierra Leone Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, the former president is being charged for his alleged involvement in the failed coup attempt of November 2023.
Mr Koroma was charged with four offences, including treason and two counts of harbouring fugitives. It was not clear as of press time if he had been arrested.
He was invited for questioning in December following an attack on a military barracks, a prison and other targets in Sierra Leone. The attacks, which the government later called a failed coup, led to the release of over 2,200 prisoners and the death of over 20 people.
President Julius Bio’s administration claimed that the former president’s bodyguards were largely responsible for the attempted coup. Shortly afterwards, Mr Koroma issued a statement denouncing the attacks.
[Premium Times]
The federal government has announced that it will suspend accreditation and evaluation of degree certificates from Kenya, Uganda, Niger Republic and other African countries where institutions that issue false certificates operate.
The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, made this statement while featured on Channel TV on Wednesday.
This is coming on the heels of an investigative report that unveiled how some Nigerians deploy scrupulous means methods to get a degree from the country, to get graduate job opportunities in Nigeria for which they are not qualified.
The publication by the journalist titled “UNDERCOVER: How DAILY NIGERIAN Reporter Bagged Cotonou Varsity Degree in 6 Weeks, Participated in NYSC Scheme” made the allegations.
According to the Minister, most of these institutions that issue fake certificates don’t have physical sites or campuses. However, they are located in different countries in Africa.
He said,
- “It is a wake-up call for us and that is why we quickly swung into action to stop the recognition of certificates and qualification from those countries that are in the forefront of this business.
- “And I can tell you that we are not going to stop at just Togo and Benin. We are going to extend it to countries like Uganda, Kenya, and even Niger here where such Institutions have been set up.
- “A lot of these institutions don’t have physical locations. They just operate undercover. They don’t have a physical site.”
Security Forces to Prosecute Individuals with Fake Certificates
Mamman also said that security agents will go after Nigerians with fake certificates from foreign countries already using them to secure opportunities in the country.
The Minister, who described such individuals as criminals and not victims said he has no sympathy for such people. Instead, they are part of the criminal chain that should be arrested.
- “If along the line, we can trace that there are people already in the system. For instance, if a particular institution or operator has been operating, say in the last 10 years, we will check if we can get records of Nigerians who attended that institution.
- “Once we do that, they are criminals and you know there is no timeframe to criminality. We will trace them. As long as we can lay our hands on their institutions and they are right here with us, certainly, the security agencies will go after them because they are criminals,” he added.
Backstory
- The Federal Government on Tuesday suspended the accreditation and evaluation of degree certificates from Benin Republic and Togo.
- This move followed a report detailing how a degree was acquired from a university in Benin Republic in under two months.
- “This report lends credence to suspicions that some Nigerians deploy nefarious means and unconscionable methods to get a Degree with the end objective of getting graduate job opportunities for which they are not qualified,” a statement from the Ministry of Education noted.
[Nairametrics]
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has identified at least 58 illegal universities or satellite campuses operating in Nigeria, warning that Certificates obtained from the institutions will not be recognised for the purposes of compulsory one-year national service, employment, and further studies.
Acting executive secretary of NUC, Chris Maiyaki, disclosed this on Wednesday when he spoke with Channels Television in Abuja, saying that some arrests have been made in connection with the fake institutions.
Maiyaki said the Department of State Services (DSS) was involved in the clampdown on the illegal institutions and their promoters.
The NUC secretary urged parents and guardians to check the commission’s website for legal and illegal universities in Nigeria so that their children and wards don’t fall victims.
The revelations followed the suspension of degree certificates from two francophone West African countries and other countries after an undercover journalist detailed how he acquired a degree from a university in the neighbouring Benin Republic under two months and was subsequently deployed for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme.
Also, in a public announcement by the Commission signed by the acting executive secretary of NUC where the fake institutions were listed, Maiyaki said that in addition to their closure, other nine institutions/campuses, which he described as “Degree Mills”, were undergoing further investigations and/or ongoing court actions.
He noted that the purpose of the actions was to prosecute the proprietors and recover illegal fees and charges on subscribers.
They include; National University of Nigeria, Keffi, Nasarawa State: North Central University, Otukpo, Benue State; Christ Alive Christian Seminary and University, Enugu; Richmond Open University, Arochukwu, Abia State;
West Coast University, Umuahia; Saint Clements University, lyin Ekiti, Ekiti State; Volta University College, Aba, Abia State; Illegal Satellite Campuses of Ambrose Alli University, and L.I.F.E Leadership University, Benin City, Edo State.
“For the avoidance of doubt, anybody who patronises or obtains any certificate from any of these illegal institutions does so at his or her own risk.
“Certificates obtained from these sources will not be recognised for the purposes of NYSC, employment, and further studies,” Maiyaki warned.
See Full List of Illegal Universities/Campuses Below:
1. University of Accountancy and Management Studies, operating anywhere in Nigeria.
2. Christians of Charity American University of Science & Technology, Nkpor, Anambra State or any ofits other campuses
3. University of Industry, Yaba, Lagos or any of its other campuses
4. University of Applied Sciences & Management, Port Novo, Republic of Benin or any of its other campuses in Nigeria
5. Blacksmith University, Awka or any of its other campuses
6. Volta University College, Ho, Volta Region, Ghana or any of its other campuses in Nigeria
7. Royal University Izhia, P.O. Box 800, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State or any ofits other campuses
8. Atlanta University, Anyigba, Kogi State or any of its other campuses
9. United Christian University, Macotis Campus, Imo State or any of its other campuses.
10. United Nigeria University College, Okija, Anambra State or any of its other campuses.
11. Samuel Ahmadu University, Makurdi, Benue State or any of its other campuses.
12. UNESCO University, Ndoni, Rivers State or any of its other campuses.
13. Saint Augustine’s University of Technology, Jos, Plateau State or any of its other campuses
14. The International University, Missouri, USA, Kano and LagosStudy Centres, or any of its campuses in Nigeria
15. Collumbus University, UK operating anywhere in Nigeria
16. Tiu International University, UK operating anywhere in Nigeria
17. Pebbles University, UK operating anywhere in Nigeria
18. London External Studies UK operating anywhere in Nigeria.
19. Pilgrims University operating anywhere in Nigeria.
20. Lobi Business School Makurdi, Benue State or any of its campuses in Nigeria.
21. West African Christian University operating anywhere in Nigeria.
22. Bolta University College Aba or any of its campuses in Nigeria.
23. JBC Seminary Inc. (Wukari Jubilee University) Kaduna IllegalCampus
24. Westlan University, Esie, Kwara State or any of its campuses in Nigeria.
25. St. Andrews University College, Abuja or any of its campuses in Nigeria.
26. EC-Council University, USA, Ikeja Lagos Study Centre.
27. Atlas University, Ikot Udoso Uko, Uyo Akwa Ibom State or any of its campuses in Nigeria
28. Concept College/Universities (London) Ilorin or any of its campuses in Nigeria
29. Halifax Gateway University, Ikeja or any of its campuses in Nigeria
30. Kingdom of Christ University, Abuja or any of its campuses in Nigeria
31. Acada University, Akinlalu, Oyo State or any of its campuses in Nigeria.
32. Fifom University, Mbaise, Imo State or any of its campuses in Nigeria
33. Houdegbe North American University campuses in Nigeria.
34. Atlantic Intercontinental University, Okija, Anambra State
35. Open International University, Akure
36. Middle Belt University (North Central University), Otukpo
37. Leadway University, Ughelli, Delta State
38. Metro University, Dutse/Bwari, Abuja
39. Southend University, Ngwuro Egeru (Afam) Ndoki, Rivers State
40. Olympic University, Nsukka, Enugu State
41. Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Abuja.
42. Temple University, Abuja
43. Irish University Business School London, operating anywhere in Nigeria.
44. National University of Technology, Lafia, Nasarawa State.
45. University of Accountancy and Management Studies, Mowe, Lagos – Ibadan Expressway and its Annex at 41, Ikorodu Road, Lagos.
46. University of Education, Winneba Ghana, operating anywhere in Nigeria.
47. Cape Coast University, Ghana, operating anywhere in Nigeria.
48. African University Cooperative Development (AUCD), Cotonou, Benin Republic, operating anywhere in Nigeria.
49. Pacific Western University, Denver, Colorado, Owerri Study
50. Evangel University of America & Chudick Management Academic, Lagos
51. Enugu State University of Science and Technology (Gboko Campus)
52. Career Light Resources Centre, Jos
53. University of West Africa, Kwali-Abuja, FCT
54. Coastal University, Iba-Oku, Akwa-Ibom State
55. Kaduna Business School, Kaduna
56. Royal University of Theology, Minna, Niger State
57. West African Union University, in Collaboration with International Professional College of Administration, Science and Technology Nigeria, operating anywhere in Nigeria.
58. Gospel Missionary Foundation (GMF), Theological University. 165 Iselo road, Cele bus stop, Egbe-Ikotun, Lagos.
[Leadership]
• Road infrastructure, pipelines, rail tracks, cables top list of vandals’ targets
• FG expends N60 billion on pipeline repairs yearly
• Stakeholders seek public enlightenments, stiffer sanctions for vandals, reckless drivers
Amid paucity of funds to close the gap of infrastructural deficit nationwide, there is a growing concern on routine vandalisation of available public assets, which currently costs over N132 billion in repairs yearly.
Nationwide are rampant thefts of electricity transformers and cables, removal of rail track slippers, tampering with oil pipelines, vandalism of manhole covers, pedestrian bridge railings and bridge barriers.
Repair estimates are though sketchy, findings showed that pipeline repairs alone cost the Federal Government at least N60 billion yearly. Another conservative estimate showed that each state – where such infrastructures are restored at all – spends an average N2 billion on repairs of vandalised public assets yearly.
Concerned stakeholders, however, called for sensitisation on the culture of protecting public assets, coupled with stiffer penalties for vandals, as deterrence.
Agusto & Co., a rating agency, recently estimated that Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit requires $3 trillion to close over the next 30 years, while the National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan envisages an investment of $150 billion yearly to achieve the target.
But the 2024 budget and allocations to critical sectors show that a paltry sum of N1.32 trillion is allocated for infrastructure, including execution of new projects and repairs in ministries such as works and housing, transport, aviation, and water resources.
The sum is completely dwarfed by Lagos State government’s recent claim that the state alone requires over N7 trillion to tackle infrastructure challenges in 2024. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu disclosed that about 60 per cent of yearly budget on roads is spent on fixing and maintenance due to damage by some heavy-duty vehicles.
Lagos State Government allocated 27.3 per cent of its N1.76 trillion 2023 budget to road infrastructure, amounting to N482.86 billion.
Indeed, many flyovers and pedestrian bridges in the state have been stripped, with their fittings and railings stolen or damaged. The increasingly brazen hoodlums have recently taken to hacking the concrete dividers on major highways to extract the embedded steel.
In Lagos, most affected bridges include those in Apapa, Ijora flyovers, Ladipo and Oshodi pedestrian bridges, Dorman Long Bridge, Ojuelegba, Iyana-Isolo, Otedola and Carter Bridge. Findings revealed that severally, truck barriers have been installed on facilities like Ojuelegba Bridge and others, but routinely knocked down by reckless drivers of heavy-duty trucks.
Vandalism is, however, not peculiar to Lagos. For instance, the Management of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company said that between January and June 2022, a total of 158 distribution substations were vandalised across the four franchise states of the company causing the company to lose over N238.7 million worth of equipment.
In the Federal Capital Territory, solar-powered street lights have been stolen. Some of the poles were cut off and taken away alongside the solar panels and lights.
Besides, about N556 billion was lost between August and October 2021 to pipeline vandalism, sabotage and other challenges that led to the shut-in of over 17.86 million barrels of crude oil, according to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited. The NNPC said it spent N53.36 billion on this in 2020.
Vandalism of electricity facilities and equipment accounts for over 60 per cent of blackouts recorded across the country.
Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) lost over N50 million monthly to vandalism through stolen cables, damaged transformers, and other network infrastructure, while the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) said it lost an estimated sum of N4 billion to vandalism of its assets as such acts reportedly escalated within its network in six months.
Similarly, in Ogun state, three transmission towers collapsed recently on the 132KVA Papalanto/Ojere double-circuit transmission line, after they were vandalised, causing power outages around Abeokuta and its environs.
In the telecommunication sector, the National Communications Commission stated that over 50,000 cases of major destruction to telecom infrastructure and facilities have been reported nationwide in the past five years.
The Guardian gathered that the motoring public have also contributed to the destruction of public facilities. Culprits in the act are usually articulated trucks conveying 40-feet containers, who are often involved in lone or multiple accidents on the expressway.
The trend has been a drain on the nation’s lean resources as an average of 200,000 barrels per day is lost to the wanton damage to pipelines and a huge amount of N60 billion yearly by the Federal Government to repair and maintain the vandalised points, according to the former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed.
Apparently pained by the economic loss to vandals, infrastructure expert, Lookman Oshodi, said beyond punitive measures for those who destroy public facilities, the government needs to do more in terms of education and awareness creation among the users, especially drivers.
Oshodi said truck drivers cannot safely convey goods and machineries across the country without understanding the basic rules of road ethics.
He said: “If a truck driver is apprehended for destroying public infrastructure, massive education is required for him and the owner of the vehicle on what is obtainable in driving in a city like Lagos.
“The drivers that cause damage to infrastructure should be made to pay exorbitantly for such damage. If the owner of the vehicle has good insurance coverage, the insurance should cover the cost of damage.”
Oshodi, who is the Project Director, Arctic Infrastructure, observed that the Nigerian State still battles inadequacy of infrastructure.
“Management and maintenance strategy of public infrastructure are still relatively low, and we have not been able to develop robust expertise to understand the importance, purpose, and direction that public infrastructure should go.
“We still take public infrastructure as a transactional and political patronage system. Public infrastructure speaks to the fundamental existence of any society, strength, capacity, the direction, and wealth, extent of good governance and prosperity of any society,” he said.
He advised that as part of transport infrastructure provision, the government should install signals on strategic locations on the type of trucks that can pass a particular axis and conditions of the areas they can divert to on the expressway to get to their location.
He added that the essence of truck driver signals on the highways was to prepare any right-thinking drivers to be aware of diversions ahead during the journey and the available options to take.
Former Chairman, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) Apapa branch, Sunny Ejeje, said it is time for the government to come out strong against those who vandalise public infrastructure, rather than spare them when such incidents happen.
He said the refusal to do so would continue to cause more discomfort to residents, who are the beneficiaries of the infrastructure.
“The perpetrators must be prosecuted individually because most of the time public infrastructure is destroyed as a result of negligence. Apart from impounding the vehicles and government should arrest and prosecute the individuals and make the companies they work for pay for the damage.”
The President, Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) Dr Elizabeth Eterigho, said there is the need to strengthen enforcement of existing laws to deter vandalism, adding that such acts should be treated as a criminal offense and enforced with fines and/or imprisonment.
“There is a need for concerted efforts from citizens first, the governments’ agencies, law enforcement, to address this issue and ensure that the nation’s economic growth potential is not undermined. Collaborate with stakeholders such as utility companies, private entities, and community groups to prevent vandalism through collective efforts, including employing security personnel, installing Closed Circuit Television cameras, and implementing access control systems,” Eterigho said.
While urging the government to prioritise the safety and well-being of infrastructure, she advised the government to invest in newer technologies that can help detect and prevent vandalism and create awareness campaigns.
Eterigho said: “We must protect our assets, including pipelines, power grids, telecommunication networks, and public infrastructure, as they are very crucial to our daily lives.
“Preventing vandalism of critical infrastructure requires a multi-faceted approach that involves education, awareness, improved security measures, cyber security, collaboration, and reporting and response mechanisms.
“By taking proactive steps to prevent vandalism of critical infrastructure, we can help to protect our communities and ensure the continued functioning of essential services,” she said.
[Guardian]
At least 103 people were killed in Iran Wednesday as two bombs in quick succession struck a crowd commemorating slain general Qasem Soleimani on the anniversary of his killing, state media reported.
The blasts, which state television called a “terrorist attack”, came with tensions running high in the Middle East a day after Hamas number two Saleh al-Aruri – an Iran ally – was killed in a drone attack on a Beirut southern suburb which Lebanese officials blamed on Israel.
The blasts stuck near the Saheb al-Zaman Mosque in Kerman, Soleimani’s southern hometown where he is buried, as supporters gathered to mark the fourth anniversary of his killing in a US drone strike just outside Baghdad airport.
Kerman’s deputy governor, Rahman Jalali, said the explosions were a “terrorist attack”.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack.
“The number of people killed rose to 103 following the death of people injured during the terrorist explosions,” said official IRNA news agency, which earlier reported 73 deaths.
Another 141 people were wounded in the bombings, IRNA said, adding that some were in “critical condition”.
Iran’s Tasnim news agency, quoting informed sources, said “two bags carrying bombs went off” at the site.
“The perpetrators… of this incident apparently detonated the bombs by remote control,” Tasnim added.
The ISNA news agency quoted Kerman mayor Saeed Tabrizi as saying the bombs exploded 10 minutes apart.
“We were walking towards the cemetery when a car suddenly stopped behind us and a waste bin containing a bomb exploded,” an eyewitness was quoted by ISNA as saying.
“We only heard the sound of the explosion and saw people falling. There was a bomb in the trash can,” the witness added.
Online footage showed crowds scrambling to flee as security personnel cordoned off the area.
Deadly adversary
Images on state television showed several ambulances and rescue personnel in the area.
Among the 73 killed were three paramedics who were dispatched to the area following the first explosion, according to Iran’s Red Crescent.
Soleimani headed the Quds Force, the foreign operations arm of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, overseeing military operations across the Middle East.
Declared a “living martyr” by Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei while still alive, Soleimani was widely regarded as a hero for his role in defeating the Islamic State jihadist group in both Iraq and Syria.
In the eyes of many Iranians, his military and strategic prowess were instrumental in warding off the multi-ethnic disintegration of neighbouring countries such as Afghanistan as well as Syria and Iraq.
Long seen as a deadly adversary by the US and its allies, Soleimani was one of the most important powerbrokers across the region, setting Iran’s political and military agenda in Syria, Iraq and Yemen.
On days after his death in 2020 and leading up to his funeral in Kerman, millions turned out to mourn in a show of national unity.
A survey published in 2018 by IranPoll and the University of Maryland found Soleimani had a popularity rating in Iran of 83 per cent, ahead of then-president Hassan Rouhani and then-foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.
[DailyTrust]
Sadiya Umar-Farouq, former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development under ex-president Muhammadu Buhari government, refused to honour the invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission probing an alleged N37.1 billion laundered during her tenure in office through a contractor, James Okwete.
Earlier DAILY POST reports that the former Minister was expected to appear before EFCC interrogators at the Commission’s head office on Wednesday around 10:00 am in Abuja.
However, a source in EFCC who spoke anonymously confirmed that Sadiya Umar-Farouq shunned the Commission’s invitation on Wednesday.
“We just closed from work now because she didn’t show up today, and it’s 6 pm already. It’s certain that she’s never going to show up today”.
The development comes barely 24 hours after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu suspended Halima Shehu, the national coordinator of the National Social Investment Programme Agency, over her involvement in the fraud.
Consequently, Halima Shehu was arrested by EFCC.
[DailyPost]
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has tracked N30 billion of the N44 billion moved from the accounts of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA).
The multiple accounts to which the funds were moved by some NSIPA officials have been frozen by the anti-graft agency as part of an ongoing probe.
It was learnt that the N44 billion was suspiciously moved from NSIPA’s accounts into private and corporate accounts linked to those serving as fronts.
Some of the officials of the agency have been undergoing investigation.
For hours yesterday, EFCC interrogators grilled the suspended National Coordinator/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the agency, Halima Shehu.
The anti-graft commission also arrested NSIPA’s immediate past Director of Finance and Accounts (DFA), Mr. Bwai Adamu Hamza.
Hamza retired from the agency in December.
Shehu and Hamza were subjected to interrogation yesterday by a special team.
Former Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development minister, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, failed to honour the EFCC invitation to appear for interrogation.
She also did not send any message on why she did not turn up.
Officials designated to interrogate her waited in vain.
The EFCC invited Umar-Farouq over the alleged laundering of N37, 170,855,753.44 during her tenure through a contractor, James Okwete. The former minister denied the allegations.
There were strong indications last night that having failed to turn up without explanation, the former minister might be declared wanted by the EFCC.
Investigations showed that the ongoing probe of NSIPA assumed a new dimension following the discovery that the total cash taken out of the agency’s vaults was N44 billion.
But, after tracking the movement of the cash, the EFCC recovered and froze the N30 billion it traced to multiple accounts.
As of Tuesday, the agency had intercepted and seized N17 billion.
Within 24 hours, the commission traced and froze an additional N13 billion in some accounts, raising the cash seized to N30 billion.
Detectives were still profiling many accounts last night to uncover the balance of N14 billion.
A source, who spoke in confidence, said the EFCC Executive Chairman. Mr. Ola Olukoyede was personally leading the probe.
The source said: “After hours of interrogation and profiling of many accounts, the EFCC was able to confirm that unauthorised N44 billion was suspiciously moved out of NSIPA’s account to some private and corporate accounts.
“So far, N30billion has been traced to some accounts and frozen.
“Our operatives are on the trail of the owners and alleged fronts or firms used to siphon the cash.
“Records showed that the N44 billion was hurriedly moved out of NSIPA’s account in one week.”
As of press time, the EFCC had arrested Hamza in connection with the action.
According to the investigation, Hamza, who retired on December 29, was picked up to clarify the movement of the cash under his watch.
Shehu and Hamza were said to have “worked closely” in the agency.
Another source said: “The National Coordinator and the ex-DFA were grilled by our investigating team for hours on Wednesday. Halima was taken into custody on Tuesday while Hamza was arrested yesterday.
“Based on the new focus of the EFCC chairman, Halima was, on compassionate ground, allowed to go home at about 11pm on Tuesday. She reported for another round of interaction yesterday.
“For Hamza, the EFCC arrested him following intelligence that he might travel out of the country for an engagement.”
The source added: “The two persons have made useful statements and we have recovered some records which enabled us to trace and freeze N30 billion. For a long time, the two officials have been working together.
“Immediately Hamza retired, Halima appointed him as a Special Adviser on Finance. He was expected to resume work on Tuesday.
“Our team is, however, working round the clock to uncover the accounts where the remaining N14 billion was hidden.”
On Umar-Farouq’s connection with the matter, her accuser, Okwete was in EFCC’s custody yesterday awaiting her arrival for a face-to-face interrogation.
“We will give her some grace and if she does not honour our invitation, the EFCC will have no choice but to declare the ex-minister wanted.”
[TheNation]
The All Progressives Congress has waved off the reported plan by the Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, to contest the 2027 election.
The APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, in an interview with The PUNCH on Wednesday, described Atiku’s 2027 ambition as the most laughable news of 2024. He said the former vice-president would be defeated again.
The spokesperson for the ex-vice president, Daniel Bwala, had on Tuesday night confirmed that his principal would contest again the presidential election in 2027.
Atiku attempted to become Nigeria’s President six times but was unsuccessful in 1993, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023.
After the Supreme Court affirmed President Bola Tinubu as the winner of the 2023 election in which he came second, Atiku hinted that he was not retiring from politics and pledged his readiness to continue to shape the democratic discourse.
He had said, “As for me and my party, this phase of our work is done. However, I am not going away. For as long as I breathe, I will continue to struggle with other Nigerians to deepen our democracy and rule of law and for the kind of political and economic restructuring, the country needs to reach its true potential.
“That struggle should now be led by the younger generations of Nigeria who have even more stake than my generation.”
But speaking in an interview on Channels television on Tuesday night, Bwala described Atiku as the president Nigeria never had.
Responding to a question on whether Atiku would contest in the 2027 presidential election, the lawyer said, “Sure, he would run. He has the capacity, he has the wisdom, he has the knowledge, he has the energy.
,”And he is a president we never had. Because to be honest with you, if any politician understands the private sector very well, it is Atiku Abubakar and our economy can only come alive if there is a private sector-led economy. He’s the president the country is missing because of his experience and capacity.’’
Commenting on Bwala’s disclosure, the PDP Deputy Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, said it was a welcome development, but countered the insinuation that the 2027 presidential ambition of some leaders might put the party in limbo, adding that the PDP must galvanize, harmonize, and mobilize support ahead of 2027.
PDP commends Atiku
Abdullahi in a chat with one of our correspondents, stated, “It( PDP) is a political party. The ultimate objective and goal of a political party is to produce leadership. So, if people are interested in vying for the presidency, governorship, Senate, or whatever office in 2027 on the platform of the PDP, I don’t think they should begin to mobilise because that is one way you can keep a political party going.”
On the timing, he said “You cannot just wake up in the morning and instruct people not to nurse ambition. Then, it is not a political party. I understand the question to mean if they continue to promote their political ambition, it will be to the detriment of the political party; no, that is not correct.
“What I know as a politician: Politics is about ambition, politics is about interests. So, if people start jostling for power now, ahead of 2027 as you see it, it is not too early.
“There’s a need for them to cross the file and rank to ensure that they promote it in a healthy atmosphere, and that will keep the political party afloat. So, I am of the view that it is a healthy development. They should be allowed to do it once it is within the confines of the law.
“We’re not just expecting people to go campaigning now or rallying for support, but what they want to do is to promote the party and to be able to indicate interest in certain offices. It’s a healthy development.”
However, the APC publicity director Wednesday Atiku would lose the 2027 presidential election heavily. According to him, the former Vice-President does not have any political value.
On whether Atiku’s ambition is a threat to the APC, Ibrahim said “Our party, which is the All Progressive Congress, thrashed Atiku not once, not twice. Even when we thought he had the energy and little credibility to make him viable to Nigerians, we defeated him completely.
“How can someone who is just trying to regain his balance be a threat to the APC come 2027? That is unthinkable; Atiku can never be a threat to the APC. He wasn’t a threat when he had little value. How can he be a threat when he is already valueless? It’s a dream that will not come to pass.’’
The party spokesman advised the ex-VP to quit politics, noting that he was being misled by his aides and political associates.
APC chides ex-VP
Ibrahim added, “Atiku should better forget about politics completely. I think this is the imagination of Bwala and a few others around him. And it only goes to tell you that Atiku is surrounded by people who mislead him because anybody who has real feelings and concern for Atiku will not advise him to run against Tinubu again; not in the far future.
“This is not an issue of concern to the APC at all. Atiku is not a force to reckon with. He has never been a force to reckon with and he cannot be in 2027 when he must have diminished in terms of political value. We have not gotten to the bridge, but when we get there we will cross it.”
Some opposition political parties agreed that Atiku had the right to pursue his presidential ambition in 2027.
The New Nigeria People’s Party noted that though Atiku reserved the right to aspire to any political office of his choice, 2027 appears too far away to warrant a conversation yet.
The spokesman for the NNPP Presidential Campaign Council in the 2023 election, Ladipo Johnson, reasoned that a lot of events might happen between now and 2027 that could render the conversation around the subject unnecessary.
He said, “Daniel Bwala has the right to say whatever he wants regarding the ambition of his principal but it is left for Nigerians to decide what they want. Year 2027 is a long way to go and I think it will be improper to start a conversation around it. It is too early.
“In fairness to him, Atiku has the right to contest as many times as he wants. From now to 2027, a lot may happen. Let’s see how events play out.”
‘Support Obi’
But the spokesman for the 2023 Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council, Yunusa Tanko in an interview with The PUNCH on Wednesday said Nigerians were tired of Atiku and others from the “old stock.”
Tanko, who said Obi would contest the 2027 presidential election, said the former Anambra State governor wanted to see Nigeria working for all.
He said “Anybody who wants to show ambition and start building at the moment, it is the person’s fundamental rights. But, we believe that we have the interest of people at heart. And the people are tilting towards us, especially the Nigerian youths. They are tired of the old stock.
“So even if anybody coming from the old stock still wants to run for election, we wish him all the best. But it could have been better for them to support a younger generation like Peter Obi in the form of uniting this country so that we can move forward collectively. That will have made more sense and more appreciative to the Nigerian people at the moment.
When asked whether Obi would contest the 2027 election, he said “ That one is sure. There is no ambiguity on that, that one is sure.”
He stated, “Obi prefers to see a Nigeria that is working, it is not his ambition that is most paramount. His interest is to see Nigeria working for everybody.”
However, the National Secretary of the Social Democratic Party, Mr Olu Agunloye, argued that there was nothing wrong with the ambition of the former vice president.
“The right to run for an election is reserved for all qualified Nigerians, including Atiku, and in 2027, a lot of people will throw their hats in the ring. So, I don’t see anything wrong with the aspiration of Atiku to run for the Presidency again.
“Yes, after losing his case at the Supreme Court, he called on the opposition to close ranks to stand a chance of dislodging the APC. That was a good call. But if you are asking for the position of the SDP on this, there is no way our party will support Atiku because we will field a presidential candidate come 2027,” he said.
In his usual blunt style, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Action African Alliance, Omoyele Sowore, dismissed Atiku’s chances in 2027, noting that though he is likely to contest, he would lose again.
“Atiku is a serial contestant and a serial loser. He’s got nothing to offer now or in the future,” Sowore said.
The Executive Director, YouthHub Africa, Rotimi Olawale, said the ex-VP was within his rights to contest again, adding, however, that older politicians should rather support and get behind younger aspirants.
“A government has barely even spent the first year in office. I think it is too early to predict what can happen over the next four years. Atiku is within his rights to contest the Presidency in 2027.
“My biggest advice would be that many of the old folks should yield the floor and support a younger generation of leaders to emerge across Nigeria,” he admonished.
Also in his contribution, the National Publicity Secretary of the Young Progressives Party, Wale Egbeola- Martins, said, “It is within the constitutional rights of any qualified Nigerian to aspire for the highest office in the land just as it is within the rights of electorates to reject or accept any individual through the ballot.
“It is too early in the day to start speculating whether Atiku Abubakar will contest in 2027 as the task before us now is ensuring good governance by holding the government in power accountable.
“While Atiku is eminently qualified to contest in 2027, the position of the YPP has always been that young, visionary, dynamic, and mentally progressive individuals without greed should be supported to leadership at all levels including becoming the President, hence effectively excluding Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as an option.’’
[Punch]
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said that the next generation of African countries will be bugged down by the huge debt profile of the continent.
Obasanjo made this disclosure during an engagement with 2023 awardees of the Future Africa Leaders Foundation, an initiative of Pastor Chris Oyakhilome.
In a statement yesterday by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, Chief Obasanjo was quoted to have stated that with the level of mismanagement of the previous debts written off for some African countries including Nigeria, it will be almost impossible for any administration to get similar gesture in the continent.
Obasanjo declared that the debts were a trap that no individual or nation should fall into as it constitutes an albatross on any economy.
The former president who asserted that leadership was the number one problem facing the continent, said “The coming generations will have no choice but to pay the current debt being incurred by different countries in the continent.”
He commended Pastor Oyakhilome for the efforts putting into building leaders adding that the nation needs more people like him to address the leadership crisis facing the continent.
Highlighting the qualities of a leader during the questions and answers session, Obasanjo said, “A leader should be able to set good examples, be bold and courageous when making decisions, accept mistakes and learn from them as well as have a realistic dream.”
In a related development, Obasanjo has also assured that the country’s socio-economic situation could be better in another four years or thereabout with prayers and thanksgiving.
He made this disclosure at the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Ogun State 5th Thanksgiving service of his conferment as the Asiwaju Onigbagbo, Ogun State, held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta on Tuesday.
The former President said that it was a clear indication that the socio-economic situation of the country is not in good stead, “but, mercy has been with us and if that is so, why should we not thank God?
“Think about it. If you have breathed the free air of God, you should have cause to thank God. So, things are bad, they may be good in a space of four years. And who knows for Nigeria, things that are bad today, may be good tomorrow.”
[Vanguard]
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The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd. assures the public that there is no imminent increase in the cost of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.
NNPC Ltd. urges Nigerians to disregard unfounded rumours and assures them that there are no plans for an upward review of the PMS price.
Motorists nationwide are advised against engaging in panic buying, as there is presently ample availability of PMS across the country.
Olufemi O. Soneye
Chief Corporate Communications Officer
NNPC Ltd. Abuja
03 January 2024
The Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has suspended the local government caretaker committees in the state.
The directive was contained in a letter dated January 2, 2024, from the State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
The letter, which was signed by Alonge Adewale on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, directed the Heads of Local Government Administrations (HOLGAs) in all the LGAs/LCDAs to immediately assume responsibility in acting capacity pending the resolution of legal matters relating to the issue.
The letter expressed displeasure that despite the suspension of all recently appointed caretaker committee members by a court of competent jurisdiction, some individuals in these former positions are still parading themselves in the posts.
The directive therefore instructed the HOLGAs to retrieve all assets and properties of the LGAs/LCDAs with the former caretaker chairmen, vice chairmen and other members for safekeeping.
[PRESS STATEMENT] River State: Resignation of Rt Hon. Edison Ehie as Speaker, a Nullity - Igbini Odafe Emmanuel
AdminThe purported Resignation of Rt Hon. Ehie Edison as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, on December 29 2023, is a Nullity and unknown to 1999 Nigerian Constitution, as amended, because he was never at any time in this current session of the Rivers State House of Assembly, elected by majority of the 32 or 31 members of the Assembly as their Speaker. Instead, he was only validly nominated by them as their Majority Leader and that was the Position he held until December 29, 2023, that he decided to resign as member of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
His claim to the position of Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly and his deliberate use of it in writing that letter addressed to INEC Chairman, is sadly a Joke and Mockery of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, as amended, and Democracy, taken too far. HE WAS NEVER AND MUST NEVER BE ADDRESSED AND OR TREATED AS FORMER SPEAKER OF RIVERS STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY.
It is however important for me to state unambiguously, that his resignation as member of the Rivers State House of Assembly is valid and within his Constitutional Right to exercise which he has done. He can therefore be rightly addressed and treated as former member of Rivers State House of Assembly who I would proudly say, rose patriotically and rightly to prevent the unconstitutional attempt by 27 of his Colleagues to commence a process of impeaching Gov. Fubara for no iota of justified "Gross Misconduct" as Governor. I commend him!
I must also appreciate the fact that this decision that he resigns from the House of Assembly is part of implementation of the peaceful resolution of the Political Misunderstanding between Gov. Fubara and former Gov. Wike, which was made possible by the fatherly Intervention of President Tinubu.
I wish my beloved Bro, Rt Hon. Edison Ehie, well and success in his new Appointment as Chief of Staff to Gov. Fubara.
Let me restate my earlier position in the Press Statement I issued on December 20, 2023 on this unfortunate misunderstanding between Gov. Fubara and his Political Oga, fmr Gov. Wike, that:
1) there has not been any constitutionally convened Sitting of the Rivers State House of Assembly since October 29, 2023 after the attack on the Hallowed Chamber of the Rivers State House of Assembly and till date. The implication of this is that all actions, pronouncements, Defections, Budget Presentation by Gov. Fubara and others, by the 31 Legislators, either together or as 27 or 4 Factions, are unknown to the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, as amended, and by express provision of section 1(3) of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, as amended, are all null and void and of no moment, whatsoever. The Status and Actions of the House of Assembly remain only as they were before October 29, 2023.
2) Rt Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule and Rt Hon. Dumle Maol remain the constitutionally elected Speaker and Deputy Speaker, respectively, of Rivers State House of Assembly, under the platform of PDP and they so remain members of PDP until anytime the House of Assembly is constitutionally convened and any decision to defect, is announced in strict accordance with the Standing Rules of the House.
Long Live Peace and Progressive Rivers State.
Comrade (Engr) Igbini Odafe Emmanuel
Nigeria has ceased the evaluation and accreditation of university degrees from over 45 universities in Benin Republic and Togo, following revelations of widespread certificate racketeering.
An undercover investigation exposed a syndicate selling university degrees to Nigerians.
The report detailed how a reporter obtained a university degree from Cotonou within six weeks, complete with a legitimate scan code and transcript.
The reporter successfully used the acquired fake degree to participate in Nigeria’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme, undetected.
The investigation revealed collaboration between Nigerian racketeering agents and senior staff at a university campus in Cotonou, including Nigerians serving as registrar and English section coordinators.
In response to these findings, the federal government suspended the accreditation of Togolese and Beninese degree certificates.
This move impacts graduates from these countries intending to join the NYSC scheme, a requirement for corporate employment in Nigeria.
The suspension is part of an ongoing investigation by the education ministries of both countries and the NYSC. The Nigerian ministry acknowledged that tackling certificate rackets and degree mills has been a longstanding challenge.
Below are some of the Beninese and Togolese universities affected by the suspension.
BENIN REPUBLIC UNIVERSITIES
1. Institut Supérieur de Formation Professionnelle (ISFOP)
2. Lakeside University College (LUC) Benin
3. African University of Bénin
4. Afriford University, Cotonou, Benin Republic
5. Canadian International Education Institute, Benin Republic
6. Centre International Universitaire Des Meilleurs (CIUM-Bestower International University) Seme-Podji, Cotonou
7. Ecole Superieure de Gestion et de Technologie (ESGT-Benin University)
8. Ecole Superieure de Technologie et de Gestion (ESTG-Benin University)
9. Ecole Superieure des Cadres et Techniciens, (ESCT-Benin), Benin Cotonou
10. Ecole Superieure des sciences, de commerce et administration des enterprise du Benin (ESCAE-BENIN)
11. Ecole Superieure Panafricaine de Management Applique (ESPAM-FORMATION)
12. Ecotes University
13. Edexcel University
14. Esep le berger Université
15. ESTAM University Seme Campus
16. Heim Weldios University
17. Houdegbe North American University, Benin
18. Institut Universitaire du Bénin (IUB)
19. Institut Supérieur de Communication et de Gestion(ISCG-Benin University)
20. Institut Supérieur De Management Et De Technologie (ISMT St Salomon University)
21. Institute Regional Superieure des beaux arts, de la culture et de la communication (IRSBACCOM UNIVERSITY)
22. International university of management and administration, Benin Republic (IUMA)
23. Pinnacle African University Porto Novo
24. Poma University, Ayetedjou, Ifangni
25. Protestant University of West Africa
26. Université Africaine de Développement Coopératif
27. Université des Sciences Appliquées et Management USAM
28. Université la Hegj, Benin (Semepodji campus)
29. Universitie Polytechnique Internationale du Benin
30. West African University Benin (WAUB), Cotonou
31. University of Abomey-Calavi
32. University of Kétou
33. University of Parakou
TOGO UNIVERSITIES
34. Atlantic African Oriental Multicultural (ATAFOM) University International
35. African Union University, Togo
36. African University of Science Administration and Commercial Studies, IAEC
37. University Togo
38.Maryam Abacha American University Niger, Togo Campus
39. Centre de perfectionnement aux Technique Economique et Commerciales Université (CPTEC University) Avepozo Lome
40. IHERIS University, Togo
41. Catholic University of West Africa
42. American Institute of African
43. Ecole supérieure de formation professionnelle (FIMAC)
44. Université Bilingue Libre du Togo
45. University of Kara
46. University of Richard of Togo
47. University of Lomé
48. University of Science and Technology of Togo
49. DEFOP University of Technology
50. IRFODEL-Centre (University)