A former Director-General of the Labour Party (LP) Presidential Campaign Council, Doyin Okupe has shared his thoughts on the proposed single-tenure rotational presidency.

According to Okupe, it is a great idea for a developing country like Nigeria.

He, however, asserted that it should not be approached hastily.

Okupe stated this while addressing newsmen in Lagos on Sunday.

Naija News reports that a bill seeking a single term of six years for the President and state governors was brought up recently by 35 members of the House of Representatives.

The bill also canvasses the rotation of the presidency among the six geo-political zones of the country.

Reacting, Okupe suggested a holistic approach to the constitution amendment.

According to him, “I don’t think we should do this kind of reform (constitutional amendment) in a haphazard manner. There is so much that is wrong with the constitution we are operating.

“There is so much confusion and contradiction in the 1999 Constitution as prescribed and handed over to us by the military.

“I would rather have us to have a holistic approach to this reform or amendment.

“The six-year single tenure for the President and governors is okay in a developing nation like this and I have no objection to it.

“Yes, it is good we can have a six-year single-tenure rotational presidency. However, the rotational part should be clearly stated in the constitution among the six zones.”

He said that the National Assembly should not just review the tenure alone, but must go ahead and do so many other reforms, especially in the electoral system.

The Presidency has dismissed the claims of a non-profit organisation, BudgiT, that the administration of President Bola Tinubu, plans to run four budgets within a fiscal year.

Recalls that the Senate resumed plenary on Thursday to extend the capital section of the 2023 supplementary budget.

In a statement on Friday, BudgIT’s Country Director, Gabriel Okeowo, said it was worrisome that the Federal Government could be drafting a 2024 supplementary budget to be implemented alongside the 2023 yearly budget, 2023 supplementary budget, and 2024 annual budget.

Okeowo condemned the development, stating it would amount to severe budget credibility issues.

In a statement via X on Saturday, Peter Obi described the move as a blatant disregard for fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability.

According to the former Governor of Anambra state, the action of Tinubu’s government will lead to frivolous items in the approved budgets competing with essential projects for limited resources, further exacerbating the suffering of the Nigerian people.

Reacting to the development, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, in a statement via X, said the Federal Government is not planning to run four budgets within a fiscal year, as alleged.

Ajayi also slammed Peter Obi for jumping on the unverified report from BudgiT to spread misinformation.

The statement read, “Yesterday, @BudgITng raised a false alarm on the basis of rumours that FG is planning a 2024 supplementary budget. It is important to state that the FG is not planning to run 4 budgets within a fiscal year, as being alleged.

“The National Assembly only approved that implementation of the capital components of the 2023 budget and 2023 supplementary should be extended to December 2024 to achieve its objectives.

“Our country can’t achieve sustainable development when Federal, States and Local governments focus on only consumptive expenditures, which is essentially what recurrent expenditures represent.

“It is the capital expenditures that drive economic growth, strengthen private sector output and create employment opportunities for citizens.

“As a reputable civic organisation, Budgit can not afford to be flippant and be unduly sensational. Expectedly, @PeterObi has jumped on the false claims to push his new round of misinformation.”

India won the T20 World Cup title with Virat Kohli starring in a thrilling seven run victory over South Africa in a classic final at Kensington Oval on Saturday.

Kohli, who later announced his retirmenet from T20 internationals, steadied the India innings with his fine 76 taking them to a strong 176-7.

When Heinrich Klaasen blasted a superb 52 from 27 balls, it looked as though South Africa, appearing in first final, were closing in on victory but they were halted by some outstanding Indian bowling and catching at the end.

South Africa ended on 169-8 with Hardik Pandya taking 3-20 for India to the delight of the huge Indian following at the stadium.

The win is the second T20 World Cup title for India following their triumph in the first edition in 2007 and it also ends their 11-year wait for a major title going back to the 2013 Champions Trophy.

Veteran Kohli had struggled in the tournament, coming into the final with an average of just 10.7, but he delivered his best innings at the perfect moment with his balanced batting ensuring India won the title after an unbeaten tournament.

“I am so proud to get the runs for the team the day it mattered most,” said Kohli.

“The occasion prompted that change for me, I felt like it was now or never. We have wanted to lift a trophy for a long time.

“The occasion made me put my head down, respect the situation and play the innings that the team needed from me.

“I wasn’t feeling myself before today. I wasn’t confident. So I am very grateful and humble right now. It has been difficult, so there are a lot of emotions,” he added, confirming that the game was his last T20 for India.

“This was an open secret. It’s time for the next generation to take over.”

– Yadav catch –

Kohli’s asssured display was just what was needed for India who had slipped to 34 for three after their captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to bat.

In what has been a low scoring tournament, the total looked to be a daunting one for South Africa but then Quinton de Kock (39) and Tristan Stubbs (31) set the Proteas on their way before Klaasen turned the game in their direction in the 15th over, smashing Axar Patel for 24 including two fours and two sixes.

When Klaasen was finally removed, caught behind off Hardik Pandya, the Proteas needed just 26 off the last 23 balls.

Knowing they had to take the initiative, Rohit turned early for Jasprit Bumrah’s final over and he answered the skipper’s call perfectly, bowling Marco Jansen and conceding just two runs in the 18th over.

That meant South Africa needed 20 from the final two overs and Arshdeep Singh bowled a superb length to allow just four.

With 16 to win off the last over, Pandya bowled a full-toss at Miller who smashed it high straight down the ground but Suryakumar Yadav produced a breath-taking catch on the boundary, throwing the ball back into play before he crossed the ropes and then returning to complete the catch.

Kagiso Rabada edged a four and Pandya showed some nerves with a wide but the seamer kept his cool to ensure silverware for India after they lost in last year’s 50 Over World Cup on home soil.

For the 35-year-old Kohli it was the perfect way to bow out in the format.

“This was my last T20 World Cup and this is exactly what we wanted to achieve,” he said.

“It was an amazing game. One day you feel like you can’t get a run but one day, things just click. It hasn’t quite sunk in for me yet.”

It was a bitter end for South Africa who had reached their first World Cup final after ending a streak of seven defeats in semi-finals in both World Cup formats.

“Gutted for the time being, it’ll take some time to reflect on a really good campaign, hurts quite a bit but incredibly proud,” said captain Aiden Markram.

“We bowled well, not a lot to work with, it was a chaseable total, batted well, came down to the wire, gutted not to get over the line.

“Things happen quickly at the back end, but got into a great position to prove we were worthy finalists.

“South Africans are competitive, respectful and will go down with a fight. It’s still a proud moment for us.”

Nollywood actress Nkechi Blessing Sunday has publicly expressed her growing anxiety over her unmarried status, sharing her thoughts and emotions on social media. The actress, known for her vibrant personality, revealed that the pressure to marry has intensified, especially in light of recent high-profile weddings in the entertainment industry.

Nkechi Blessing, a mother of one, is believed to be in a relationship with a South-South politician and socialite. Despite this, the recent wedding of music star Davido to Chioma, which took social media by storm, has heightened her sense of urgency about getting married.

Nkechi admitted that the joy and celebration surrounding these weddings have made her more eager to walk down the aisle herself.

Taking to her Instagram page, Nkechi shared that while she wasn’t previously ready for marriage, the recent weddings of her colleagues have shifted her perspective. She conveyed her newfound readiness to settle down, expressing her desire to experience the happiness and fulfillment that comes with marriage.

Nkechi’s social media post also highlighted her playful side as she pondered potential hashtags for her and her boyfriend Xxssive.

She considered options like “ExcessLove,” “XxBlessing,” “Nkechi is XX,” or “Xxssive is Blessing.” Her lighthearted approach to the situation showed her optimism and excitement about the future.

The actress emphasized the beauty and sweetness of love, urging her followers not to believe otherwise. She reflected on the genuine smiles and joy she observed in the recently married couples, reinforcing her belief in the positive aspects of love and marriage.

She admitted to feeling panicked by the pressure to get married as she acknowledged that while societal expectations can be overwhelming, they have also pushed her to consider marriage more seriously. Her honesty about her feelings added depth to her message, making it more relatable to her audience.

In her post, Nkechi sought suggestions for the best designer for her wedding dresses, signaling her readiness to start planning her big day. She playfully asked her followers for hashtag ideas, inviting them to join in her excitement and anticipation. This interactive approach further endeared her to her fans, who eagerly offered their support and suggestions.

No fewer than 21 states in the country are currently without duly elected local government councils.

These states are running the affairs of local government councils with caretaker committees appointed by state governors, an investigation by Sunday PUNCH has revealed.

This is against the provisions of Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution which guarantees the operation of local government by democratically elected officials.

There are 774 local government areas in the country, but the efficiency of the third tier of government has been hampered by the actions of some governors who have been accused of mismanaging funds meant for the administration of local governments.

In the last few months, calls for local government autonomy have increased in Nigeria. President Bola Tinubu has also supported these calls. In May, the Federal Government approached the Supreme Court with a suit seeking to compel governors of the 36 states to grant full autonomy to the local governments in their domains.

Currently, the Federal Government receives 52.68 per cent, states receive 26.72 per cent, and LGs receive 20.60 per cent of the country’s monthly revenue allocated by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, which is domiciled under the Presidency, and is disbursed by the Federation Account Allocation Committee.

LG funds are paid into a joint account operated by state governments and local governments in their domains.

A former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Audu Ogbeh, who was recently interviewed on Channels Television, stated that the Federal Government should discontinue the payment of LG funds to such joint accounts, and move them to accounts solely operated by local government administrations.

“I cannot be sending you money that disappears. You don’t repair primary schools, you don’t do anything. The money vanishes and they say they are paying workers; for which work? Strolling around in the morning and drinking palm wine? These are the issues. Those failures are creating dangerous problems for the country,” he said.

He added that some governors appointed their stooges as caretaker chairmen for local governments, gave them stipends, and diverted large chunks of the money allocated for local government administration to questionable quarters.

On June 28, 2024, the government of Jigawa State dissolved the elected council chairmen of the 27 local governments in the state.

Earlier, the Jigawa State House of Assembly had amended the local government law, extending the time for fresh local council elections by one year and ordering the appointment of caretakers before the election.

Though the government has yet to provide further information regarding the issue, it is believed that based on the amendment by the assembly, the caretaker committee may take up the task.

Recently, the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, appointed caretaker chairmen to take charge of LG councils in the state following a power tussle between him and the erstwhile governor of the state, Nyesom Wike.

On June 20, 2024, the Governor of Anambra State, Charles Soludo, through the state’s House of Assembly, confirmed the appointment of transition committee chairmen and councillors for the 21 local government areas of the state.

The assembly confirmed the appointment in line with Section 208 of the Local Government Law, 1999 as amended, as requested by Soludo.

The newly-appointed chairmen are Ifeanyi Chiweze (Anambra East), Fidelis Nnazo (Anambra West), Romanus Ibekwe (Anaocha), Chinedu Okafor (Awka South), Alphonsus Ofumele (Ayamelum), Chijioke Ozumba (Dunukofia), and Stanley Nkwoka (Idemili North).

Others are Chinedu Ononiba (Njikoka), Val Ezeogidi (Nnewi South), Franklin Nwadialu (Ogbaru), Anthony Nwaora (Onitsha North), Casimir Nwafor (Orumba North), and Shedrack Azubuike (Orumba South).

The state noted that the local government transition committee chairmen will serve for three months in the first instance.

In Imo State, the last council poll was conducted on August 25, 2018; and was the first LG election in seven years.

In Kwara State, the last council election was in November 2017, and caretaker committees had been in charge since 2020.

In Zamfara, the last grassroots poll was held on April 27, 2019, and the state returned to appointees after the chairmen’s tenures expired. In May 2024, the state assembly approved a six-month extension for the caretaker committee.

In Benue, however, elections are scheduled to be held on July 6, 2024, for LG council chairmen.

Other states affected include Bauchi, Plateau, Abia, Enugu, Katsina, Kano, Sokoto, Yobe, Ondo, Osun, Delta, Akwa-Ibom, and Cross River.

Speaking to our correspondent on the matter, the National President of the National Union of Local Government Employees, Hakeem Ambali, described the constitution of caretaker committees as illegal, adding that it went against the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Caretaker committees remain illegal. State governments should therefore abide by the rule, especially with total respect to Section Seven, Subsection One of the 1999 Constitution. It further reinforces the correctness of the President Bola Tinubu-administration in taking a bold step in seeking legal intervention against the violation of the constitution with impunity by state political actors,” Ambali added.

Recall that the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, had dragged the 36 states to the Supreme Court over the issue of LG autonomy.

The suit, marked SC/CV/343/2024, was filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), on behalf of the Federal Government.

The Federal Government urged the apex court to issue “an order prohibiting state governors from the unilateral, arbitrary, and unlawful dissolution of democratically elected local government leaders for local governments.”

In the suit predicated on 27 grounds, the Federal Government accused the governors of gross misconduct and abuse of power.

The FG, in the originating summons, prayed the Supreme Court to make an order expressly stating that funds meant for local governments from the Federation Account should be paid directly to the local governments, rather than through the state governments.

The justice minister also prayed for “an order of injunction restraining the governors, their agents, and privies from receiving, spending, or tampering with funds released from the Federation Account for the benefit of local governments when no democratically elected local government system is in place in the states.”


The Federal Government further sought “an order stopping governors from constituting caretaker committees to run the affairs of local governments as against the constitutionally recognised and guaranteed democratic system.”

Allow LGs enjoy full autonomy, ALGON tells states

In an interview with Sunday PUNCH, the Director-General of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Itiako Ikpokpo, called for financial and administrative autonomy for local governments.

He said, “There are fundamental issues with the structures of local government across Nigeria, and most of them are constitutional issues. Our national president has said that there are fundamental issues to be dealt with.

“One of the issues is the financial and administrative autonomy of local government. When we talk about financial autonomy, it means strictly sending money directly to local governments across the country. Administrative autonomy is about handing over the structure of the local governments to the LG chairmen, just the way it is in the states and at the federal level, where the governors and the president respectively are in charge. It is not right for state governments to be running the affairs of the local government just as it is not right for the federal government to run the affairs of the states.

“So, you find a situation where the Local Government Service Commission, which is in charge of the promotion of workers, has directly taken over that function. We have the issue of uniformity of tenure. If four years is good enough for the president and state governments, why would four years not be good enough for the council chairmen? What makes them lesser when they have been described as a part of government in the Constitution? So, there are a lot of fundamental issues.”

Ikpokpo, however, noted that some governors were allowing local governments to run without interference.

“There are some governors that are actually doing well. Some of them are not taking local government money, and they are conducting elections when due. So, you must separate them from those who have continuously kept us in the situation that we are in, because the issue is not just about the caretaker committees.

“Whether they are caretaker chairmen or elected chairmen, are they allowed to operate without interference?” he asked.

The ALGON DG also urged the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit to do its job by tracking LG funds, noting that Nigeria will only move forward when the local government system is allowed to work.

“If the local government system works, Nigeria will work,” he said.

Governors should stop crippling LGs — SAN

Also speaking with Sunday PUNCH, a human rights lawyer, Afam Osigwe (SAN), condemned the “unbearable influence” of governors on local government, accusing them of crippling local government administration in the country by preventing the third tier of government from performing its functions.

Osigwe said it was illegal and undemocratic for governors to appoint caretaker committees to administer the affairs of local governments. He stressed that the constitution should be amended to allow local governments control funds made available to them, adding that the joint account with states should be stopped.

He said, “There is a Supreme Court decision on that. Section Seven of the Constitution guarantees a democratic system of local government, so being democratic means the leadership of local governments must evolve through elections, not by appointment. Governors do not have the power to appoint caretaker committees to run the affairs of local governments.

“The governors’ unbearable influence on local government should be stopped, and a law should be put in place to ensure that any governor that fails to conduct local government elections to put in place democratically elected officials should not be allowed access to funds meant for local governments. That way, the states will conduct the elections.

“The states have taken over local governments, and they use them for political patronage. They also use money meant for local governments for things that are not constitutionally approved.

“So, I support the move by the Federal Government that states that do not conduct local government elections should not be allowed access to funds meant for local governments. That is the only way we can secure the independence and autonomy of local governments.”

Caretaker committees for LGs violate constitution — Lawyer

Also speaking with our correspondent, a legal practitioner, Tosin Ojaomo, lampooned the appointment of caretaker committee chairmen to oversee local governments, labelling it a blatant violation of the constitution by state governors.

Ojaomo noted that the constitution stipulates that local governments must be led by elected officials following democratic processes.

He said, “There is nowhere in the Nigerian constitution that governors are given power to choose caretakers for local governments. The law is that local governments should be democratically managed in Nigeria.

“What these governors are doing is unconstitutional. It is pure illegality. The constitution is very clear. It states that local government leaders should emerge through democratic means. This indicates that elections must be conducted, and winners must emerge after an election is conducted. The problem we are having is also constitutional.”

Ojaomo added that a fundamental reason states continued to flex muscles over local governments and deny them their constitutionally guaranteed administrative autonomy was because of joint state and local government accounts.

He stressed that allocations coming to the local government should not go to the state.

He called for strict adherence to constitutional provisions and legal precedents in the governance of local governments, emphasising the need to safeguard democratic principles and prevent undue influence from state authorities.

He said, “There is no provision for caretaker committees in the Constitution. It must be an elected government at the local government level. There are so many pronouncements by the Supreme Court that local government caretaker committees are illegal. The way to enforce the law is to ensure that local government chairmen should not be at the mercy and control of state governors.

“The Independent National Electoral Commission should also conduct local government elections in Nigeria. If elections of House of Assembly members are being conducted by the INEC, it should also conduct elections for local government chairmen. With that, there will be a level playing field. Most governors choose to appoint their cronies to be members of the state electoral commissions, and that is the only part they are aware of in installing their stooges at the local government level.”

Speaking on the matter, another legal practitioner, Eze Oyekpere, condemned the actions of governors appointing caretaker committee chairmen for local governments, stressing that their handling of local government funds was illegal.

Oyekpere stressed that the governors, without rightful authority, appropriated funds meant for local governments, an act he categorically described as stealing.

He stated, “If I take your money and keep it without the intention of giving it back to you, and it’s without your consent, or simply because I think I can beat you, what is it? That is stealing. What they are doing is stealing.


“The money does not belong to them. They are not supposed to know anything. They collect it and keep it back without the consent of the donors. So what they are doing is stealing. Simple.”

A Superintendent of Police, Ibrahim Sini, has said he turned down a N150m bribe allegedly offered to him by a Lagos-based businessman, Akintoye Akindele to have peace of mind.

Akindele, who was arraigned for the offence at the Federal High Court in Abuja in August 2023, was remanded in the Kuje correctional centre.

According to the charge sheet, the bribe was offered to allow police to permit him to escape abroad and to write a favourable report for him after the investigation.

Sini was said to have led the Inspector General of Police’s team of investigators handling the case against the businessman.

Speaking at a dinner organised to honour him on Friday in Abuja, Sini said, “I am very happy to be here, and I want to appreciate the organisers of this programme. They have beat my imagination, and they have added more grease to my elbow. Yes, I remember when the incident happened. The person in question asked me, ‘Do you want to be rich?’ He said, ‘This is an opportunity for you to be rich’

“So what I said was that it depends on the kind of riches. I would like to have money so that I can lay my head down and sleep at night. I don’t want to have something that will make me think twice and be running from one hole to another. So I would like to do justice and have peace of mind.

“So, I decided to do the right thing so that I can have peace of mind and also stand to do what is right for myself, for my organisation, that is, the Nigeria Police and also for the country at large.”

He advised youths in the country not to trade their integrity for anything.

Sini added, “To the youth out there, I just want to tell them that integrity counts, that it’s good to be up and doing, that it’s possible to be in the midst of a lot of challenges and still stand to be different. Nigeria is our country, and Nigeria shall be great.”

At the event, Sini was given a plot of land in Abuja.

Presenting the document of the land to Sini, the Federal Capital Territory Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh, said SP Sini’s conduct has brought pride to the Nigerian Police Force.

“We are proud of you, I want to let you know that your conduct has brought pride to the Nigeria Police Force. We urge other members of the force to emulate SP Sini,” Igweh said while presenting Sini with the documents of the land.

Also, the organisers of the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Vegas Homes, Chukwuemeka Okoye, said Sini’s conduct remains exemplary and should inspire others and Nigerians to note that the Nigerian Police Force has men of integrity and good conduct.

He said, “SP Sini’s actions have not only brought honour to himself and the Nigeria Police Force but have also inspired countless others to stand firm against corruption and uphold the highest ethical standards. His integrity serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that even in challenging circumstances, it is possible to remain true to one’s values.

“This honour is aimed at not only appreciating the laudable conduct of Superintendent Ibrahim Sini but to demonstrating that society appreciates individuals of integrity and good conduct.

“We want to also show that the Nigerian Police Force have officers that are professional, above board and with the right incentive to engage in meaningful policing and be worthy examples”.

Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, has condemned the federal government for operating multiple budgets concurrently.

In a post on X on Saturday, Obi said this is a blatant disregard for fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability.

Currently, the federal government is operating the 2023 budget, 2023 supplementary budget, and the 2024 budget — and on May 29, President Bola Tinubu said the 2024 supplementary appropriation bill would soon be presented before the national assembly.

According to Obi, this action by the federal government is also a recipe for chaos, confusion, and catastrophe.

“All available evidence has confirmed that the Nigerian government is implementing four national budgets concurrently,” he said.

“This is in blatant disregard for fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability. It is also a recipe for chaos, confusion, and catastrophe.

“This intentionally reckless action will lead to frivolous items in the approved budgets competing with essential projects for limited resources, further exacerbating the suffering of the Nigerian people.”

Obi said Nigerian leaders are disconnected from reality and lack the competence to manage the nation’s finances effectively.

“It indicates that the leaders are out of touch with reality and lack the competence to manage our nation’s finances effectively,” he said.

“Unfortunately, this deliberate act of fiscal recklessness is being undertaken by elected representatives of the people, thereby betraying one of the cardinal pillars of democracy. Leaders are elected to responsibly manage public resources in an organized way.

“I respectfully appeal and in fact, demand that this situation be reversed immediately in preference for a more responsible and transparent approach to budgeting. We must prioritize the needs of the Nigerian people, not the selfish interests of a few. This is a call to action for all Leaders to desist from actions that will further drive the country into economic chaos.”

The former presidential candidate added that neither the national assembly nor the executive has any excuse to promote or condone such unconscionable behaviour.

BudgIT, a civic-tech organisation, has also condemned plans by the federal government to implement four national budgets concurrently.

In a statement issued on Friday by Gabriel Okeowo, BudgIT’s country director, the organisation described the situation as a worrisome development.

He pointed out that globally, budgets are typically prepared to cover 12 calendar months, from January to December.

Okeowo warned that if multiple budgets are implemented simultaneously, projects from the 2023 budget and the 2023 supplementary budget will compete for the limited resources available to the federal government with essential projects in the 2024 budget.

Barring any change in plans, the Nigerian government will purchase an Airbus A330 aircraft seized from an unnamed Arab prince and businessman who could not pay hundreds of millions of dollars he owed a German bank, PREMIUM TIMES reports.

Presidency officials have kept their lips shut about plans to buy a new presidential jet.

However, this newspaper has obtained information that the government has already identified an aircraft for purchase but is scrambling for funds to consummate the transaction.

The identified aircraft is said to be a repossessed one recovered from a troubled oil sheikh who used the aeroplane as collateral for a loan he obtained from an unidentified German bank to buy it. When a bank loan is taken to purchase an aircraft, the aircraft is usually pledged as collateral.

Our sources said the bank repossessed the aircraft from the debtor businessman but found it challenging to sell due to its executive customization.

The aircraft is now in the possession of L & L International LLC, an American aviation firm based in Miami, Florida. L & L International LLC is trying to help the German bank sell it to the Nigerian government.

A Panamanian court has acquitted all 28 people standing trial for money laundering as a result of the Panama Papers scandal.

Leaked in 2016, the secret financial documents showed how some of the world’s richest and most powerful people used tax havens to hide their wealth.

The BBC reports that Jurgen Mossack and the late Ramon Fonseca, founder of Mossack Fonseca, the defunct law firm at the center of the scandal, were among those cleared by the court.

Prosecutors in the case argued that the Mossack Fonseca law firm and their associates created a web of offshore companies to hide money linked to illegal activities in the ‘car wash’ corruption scandal.

‘Operation Car Wash’ was a money-laundering investigation into Petrobras, Brazil’s state-run oil company.

But Mossack and Fonseca denied that they, their firm, or their employees had acted illegally.

Prosecutors had been seeking maximum prison sentences for the duo before Fonseca died in May.

However, closing out the case, which started in April, on Friday, the judge dropped all criminal charges against all 28 defendants.

Baloisa Marquinez, the presiding judge, said the evidence considered by the court was “not sufficient” to determine the criminal responsibility of the defendants.

The Panama Papers, considered the biggest data leak in history, were the product of a year-long investigation by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung, and over 100 news organisations.

The leak saw 11 million documents released to the German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung and over 100 news organisations.

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s associates were said to have “secretly shuffled” about $2 billion through banks and shadow companies.

The Panama Papers scandal also exposed a network of offshore companies linked to people like Xi Jinping, the Chinese leader; Lionel Messi, a soccer star; James Ibori, former governor of Delta; and the son of the late Kofi Annan, former United Nations (UN) secretary-general, to name a few.

The papers referenced 12 current or former world leaders, as well as 128 other politicians and public officials.

Gerard Ryle, ICIJ’s executive director, said the enduring impact of the investigation persists even though the court did not hold the defendants accountable.