Our Reporters, Author at Trendbrio.com

ICPC Arraigns Former Foreign Affairs Deputy Director for Alleged Diversion of Funds

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago06 mins

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned Mrs. Christiana Goka, a former Deputy Director in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on allegations of misappropriating public funds amounting to Five Million, Three Hundred and Ninety-Eight Thousand, Six Hundred and Fifty-Six Naira (N5,398,656). Mrs. Goka, who also served as the Head of the Department of Research Monitoring Information System at the Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa (DTCA), was brought before Justice J.A. Aina of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Kwali, Abuja, on a five-count charge bordering on misappropriation of funds and providing false statements. According to the charges, Mrs. Goka allegedly misappropriated N5,164,656 from funds earmarked for a botched management retreat of the Ministry at Dutse, Jigawa State, in 2017. One of the charges reads: “That you, Mrs. Christiana Goka ‘F’, sometime in 2017 or thereabout, being a public officer serving as the Deputy Director and Head of the Department of Research Monitoring Information System at the Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa (DTCA), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Garki, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, did confer a corrupt advantage upon yourself in the sum of N5,164,656.00 (Five Million One Hundred and Sixty-Four Thousand Six Hundred and Fifty-Six Naira), which was part of the larger sum of N5,398,656.00 (Five Million Three Hundred and Ninety-Eight Thousand Six Hundred and Fifty-Six Naira) meant for the Botched Management Retreat at Dutse, Jigawa State in 2017, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000. “That you, Mrs. Christiana Goka ‘F’, sometimes in 2017 or thereabout, being a public officer serving-as the Deputy Director and Head of Department Research Monitoring-Information System in the Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa (‘DTCA’”), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Garki Abuja Federal Capital Territory, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court did make a statement on 18/02/22 to Sado Danjuma, an officer of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission while in the course of exercising his duties of investigation, in which you made a statement to wit – that the sum of N1,000,000.00 (One Million Naira) returned to you in cash by one Bassey Ikpeme on the instruction of the then Director General of DTCA, Ambassador Abduljalil Suleiman (now late) was false and never happened, which statement to your knowledge is false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 25(1)(a) and punishable under Section 25(1)(b) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act,2000” Additionally, Mrs. Goka is accused of providing false information to an ICPC investigator, denying the receipt of N1,000,000 in cash, which was reportedly returned to her on the instruction of the then-Director General of DTCA, the late Ambassador Abduljalil Suleiman. At the commencement of the trial on March 27, 2025, the prosecution counsel, David Nwaze, called two witnesses who testified and were cross-examined. This act constitutes an offence under Section 25(1)(a) and is punishable under Section 25(1)(b) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000. The Court, having previously granted the Defendant bail under the same conditions as her administrative bail, allowed her to remain on those terms after she pleaded not guilty to all charges when they were read to her. As part of the bail conditions, the Defendant must provide a surety who is employed in the Federal Republic of Nigeria at Grade Level 15 or above and resides in Abuja. The surety is required to submit a letter of appointment, proof of last promotion, an identity card, and a passport photograph. Justice J.A. Aina subsequently adjourned the case to June 5, 2025, for the continuation of the trial.

Ex-Barca star, Dani Alves, Release From Prison

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago03 mins

The top court in Spain’s Catalonia region on Friday overturned Brazilian soccer player Dani Alves’ rape conviction, saying the case against him had inconsistencies and contradictions. The 41-year-old defender was convicted last year of raping a woman in the restroom of a Barcelona nightclub in 2022 and sentenced to 4-1/2 years in prison. “Dani Alves is very happy. He is innocent, that is demonstrated. Justice has spoken,” Ines Guardiola, lawyer for the former Barcelona, PSG and Juventus player, told RAC1 radio. Two former power houses of world soccer, former FIFA President Sepp Blatter and France soccer great Michel Platini, were cleared of corruption charges on Tuesday. In its appeal ruling, the Catalan high court said the accuser’s testimony lacked reliability over facts that could be objectively verified through video, “explicitly indicating that what she recounted does not correspond to reality”. “The inadequacies of the evidence lead to the conclusion that the standard required by the presumption of innocence has not been met,” it said, noting “a series of gaps, inaccuracies, inconsistencies and contradictions concerning the facts, the legal assessment and its consequences”. Alves had already been released from prison on a 1 million euro ($1.1 million) bail while awaiting the appeal. He may now leave the country as the Catalan court lifted all restrictions, including a travel ban and restraining order, plus the payment of compensation. The court said that the alleged victim’s argument that she went with Alves into the restroom for fear that his friends might follow them did not appear reasonable, concluding that she instead “voluntarily went to the bathroom area for the purpose of being with the defendant in a more intimate space”. It added that CCTV footage did not allow any inference about whether she consented to the subsequent interaction or not. Ester Garcia, the accuser’s lawyer, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The regional prosecutor’s office declined to comment. The decision can still be appealed to the Supreme Court.

Businesswoman Accuses Minister David Umahi of Withholding ₦200 Million Payment Over Rejected Advances

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago05 mins

Tracynither Nicolas Ohiri, a Nigerian businesswoman, has accused David Umahi, the Minister of Works and former Governor of Ebonyi State, of failing to pay her N200 million for promotional items she supplied during his 2014 governorship campaign. In an exclusive interview with SaharaReporters on Friday, Ohiri claimed that Umahi deliberately withheld her payment after she rejected his sexual advances. She stated that Umahi had promised to pay her once he won the election. However, when she began requesting her payment, Umahi allegedly tried to turn their business arrangement into a personal one. Ohiri explained that Umahi had initially told her that he didn’t have the funds but reassured her that once he won the governorship election, he would pay her. She said he even mentioned that he had asked then-President Goodluck Jonathan for financial assistance for the campaign and urged her to be patient. Once Umahi won the election and became governor, Ohiri started asking for her money, but instead of paying her, Umahi reportedly began making romantic advances. She waited for about a year and eight months before asking again, at which point Umahi allegedly told her, “No problem, I’m going to pay you,” but then added, “What about the thing we’ve been discussing?” Ohiri said she firmly rejected his advances, explaining that she was a born-again Christian and didn’t engage in such matters. When Umahi made his advances again, she rejected him once more, stating that she was only interested in maintaining a business relationship. According to Ohiri, Umahi took offense, saying, “Do you know that since I was born, no woman has said no to me?” She remained firm, saying she couldn’t be involved with him and wanted to keep their relationship strictly professional. Afterward, she claimed that Umahi blocked her number and ceased communication. Ohiri claimed that when she attempted to contact him again, Umahi accused her of insulting him and threatened to make her “pay for the insult.” Since then, he has not responded to her calls or messages, leaving her without the money she’s owed since 2015. In her ongoing public protests, Ohiri has taken to social media to demand the payment, expressing how the debt has severely impacted her financially for nearly eleven years. In one video, she directly addressed Umahi, saying, “Engr David Umahi, you know I am not lying. Your wife knows, your children know, and your mother knows. I know you have the power, the money, and everything. Your government is in power to lock me up, but I am ready to die for this.” She also pointed out the disparity between her situation and Umahi’s wealth, stating, “I see your son flying private jets, and the money he uses to do that is enough to pay me. You withheld my capital, and I am a nursing mother in desperate need of my payment.” Ohiri also expressed concern that security forces might come after her for speaking out, as shown in a placard she carried during her protest. The placard read: “Nigerians help me. Very soon, they will send DSS to come and arrest me. Their government is in power; they will attack me. But I am ready to die for this because I’ve waited for nine years. This man owes me.”

Delta Government Intervenes, Orders Withdrawal of Query to Nursing Student Over Viral Video

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago02 mins

The Delta State Government has reportedly intervened to stop disciplinary action against Osato Edobor, a nursing student at the Delta College of Nursing, Agbor, who was issued a 24-hour query over a viral video. The video, which was traced to Edobor’s TikTok page, quickly spread across social media, becoming one of the most shared posts on Facebook in Nigeria. The college authorities responded by issuing a query, demanding that Edobor explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against her. However, the release of the query letter on social media sparked widespread outrage. Many social media users, activists, human rights lawyers, and concerned Nigerians condemned the college’s action, arguing that the student was simply expressing herself. Amid growing backlash, the Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, announced in a Facebook video that he had instructed the college provost to withdraw the query. He emphasized that the government was not interested in victimizing anyone and confirmed that Edobor had acknowledged the withdrawal of the letter. Dr. Nelson Egware, Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Media, also confirmed the government’s intervention in response to a post by Omoyele Sowore. Egware stated that the letter would be withdrawn and urged all parties to learn from the incident to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The government’s swift action has been praised as a balanced approach to maintaining order while respecting the right to free expression.

Court Dismisses Falana’s Fraud Case Against Zinox, Others

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago04 mins

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, in the Bwara Division, has dismissed a fraud case filed against the Chairman of Zinox Technologies, Leo Stan Ekeh; his wife, Chioma Ekeh; and 11 others. Justice Akpan Okon Ebong, in his ruling on Suit No. CR/985/2024, declared that the case “constitutes a gross abuse of court process and is liable to dismissal. I accordingly hereby dismiss it.” The case was filed in November 2024 by Femi Falana (SAN), who acted under a fiat granted by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN). The case named Ekeh and 12 others as defendants, including Chris Ozims, Oyebode Folashade, Charles Adigwe, Obilo Onuoha, Agartha Ukoha, Anya Anya, Femi Dosumu, Nnenna Kalu, Admas Digital Technologies Limited, Technology Distributions Limited, and Zinox Technologies Limited. Falana’s fiat authorized him to refile and prosecute a previous case (Charge No. CR/827/2013) involving the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the legal adviser of Zinox Technologies, Chris Ozims, along with six others. The case was based on allegations by Joseph Benjamin, CEO of Citadel Oracle Concept Limited, regarding the diversion of ₦162,247,513.80 — payment for a laptop supply contract at the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Headquarters in 2012, which Technology Distribution Ltd (now TD Africa) had supplied on behalf of Citadel. Justice Ebong criticized Falana for expanding the list of defendants from seven to 13. In his ruling on March 20, 2025, Justice Ebong stated, “The mere fact that a lawyer has been granted a fiat by the HAGF (Fagbemi) will not turn him into a Knight Errant, like Don Quixote, going everywhere looking for suspected criminals to prosecute.” He emphasized that Falana was only authorized to refile and prosecute the original case and had no power to modify the charge or add defendants. “The Charge No. CR/827/2013 which he was asked to handle has just seven persons listed as defendants, whereas the instant charge filed by him has 13 defendants, almost double the number of persons he was authorised to prosecute,” the judge added. Justice Ebong concluded that the case constituted a “gross abuse of court process” and dismissed it. He also noted that no law enforcement agency had found merit in the allegations against the defendants and condemned the attempt to maintain a “campaign of persecution” against them.

Tinubu To Mark 73rd Birthday With Special Prayer At Abuja National Mosque

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago03 mins

Ahead of his 73rd birthday on Saturday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, will join fellow Muslims at the National Mosque in Abuja on Friday for a special prayer session for the nation. He will also use this occasion to thank God for preserving and supporting him in the onerous task of piloting the nation’s affairs. President Tinubu’s birthday coincided with the holy month of Ramadan and comes two months before his administration’s second anniversary. On this significant day, the President will dedicate himself to spiritual reflection and supplication for Nigeria’s continued peace, progress, and prosperity. Choosing a prayer session reflects President Tinubu’s dedication to Nigeria’s spiritual and moral well-being and his commitment to seeking divine guidance, insight, and strength in leadership. He believes collective prayer is a powerful tool for guiding the nation towards progress and harmony. Tinubu invited the public to join the prayer session in spirit by offering prayers at their places of worship or wherever they may be, reinforcing a nationwide commitment to unity and shared destiny. He expressed profound gratitude to Nigerians for their unwavering support and goodwill as his administration works tirelessly to advance economic reforms, strengthen national security, and expand opportunities for all citizens. He stated: “I am deeply thankful to Allah for the gift of life and the privilege to serve this great nation. As I mark another birthday and look forward to our second anniversary, my heart is filled with Renewed Hope for Nigeria. I urge all citizens to pray for divine guidance, unity, and healing for our land. Together, we shall overcome challenges and build a nation where every citizen thrives.” The President reaffirmed his commitment to consolidating democratic gains, fostering economic recovery, and promoting national cohesion. He encouraged citizens to remain steadfast in believing in Nigeria’s destiny as a beacon of hope in Africa.

Senate Passes Bill for Same-Day General Elections

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago02 mins

A bill aimed at empowering the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct all general elections on the same day has passed its second reading in the Senate. The bill, which seeks to amend the Electoral Act 2022, is designed to reduce the high costs associated with elections, shorten campaign periods, and allow elected officials to serve as ad hoc delegates in party congresses. Senator Saliu Mustapha, who led the debate on the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025, pointed out the unsustainable rise in election costs, which have grown from ₦1.5 billion in 1999 to ₦350 billion in 2023. He stressed that the current staggered election system is financially burdensome and inefficient, contributing to voter fatigue and low turnout. According to Mustapha, holding all elections on the same day would save costs, increase voter participation, and reduce political tension. While the proposal received support from several senators, some expressed reservations about INEC’s capacity to manage nationwide elections in a single day. Senator Adams Oshiomhole cautioned that the reform should not be rushed, urging lawmakers to consider INEC’s preparedness for such an undertaking. He also raised concerns about the potential confusion caused by multiple ballots, particularly for illiterate voters. The bill will undergo further scrutiny in the coming weeks, as the Senate evaluates its implications for Nigeria’s electoral process.

Kenya Probes Goalkeeper Match-Fixing Allegation

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago03 mins

Kenya opened a match-fixing investigation Thursday following allegations that a national team goalkeeper helped rig an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) confirmed it was aware of videos circulating online involving goalkeeper Patrick Matasi which raised concern about the possibility of match manipulation. “FKF upholds the integrity of football and has launched an official investigation, in collaboration with FIFA, CAF, and other relevant authorities,” the Kenya football board said in a statement. “We reaffirm our zero-tolerance policy on match manipulation and are committed to safeguarding the credibility of our competition.” The secretly filmed online amateur video seen by AFP shows an unnamed man talking to Matasi over a plan to fix a match in return for cash. The former AFC Leopards and Tusker goalkeeper, who also had a playing stint with Ethiopian side Coffee Sports Club, played in Kenya’s 4-1 loss to former African champions Cameroon in a 2025 AFCON qualifier in Yaounde last October. The defeat dimmed Kenya’s hopes of qualifying for the finals in Morocco, and led to the resignation of the team’s coach Engin Firat. Matasi was dropped from the team by the new coach Benni McCarthy and did not feature in the recent 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Gabon. Kenyan football has been hit by the dark shadow of match-fixing malpractices in the recent past with 14 players and two coaches suspended by the FKF in January 2023 following a tip-off about cheating in the national league. In February 2020, FIFA banned four Kenyan-based players — one for life — over an “international conspiracy” to fix league matches. Five Kenyan referees were also later suspended over the same scandal. The Kenya Institute of Public Policy Research and Analysis, an independent think tank, warned that match-fixing had infiltrated multiple levels of Kenyan football from grassroots competitions to the professional leagues. “This has left a trail of disillusionment among fans and undermined the integrity of football and could lead to loss of public trust and confidence in the football industry,” the organization said in a January 2024 report.