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Alleged N33.8bn: I received N777m on Mamman`s behalf, spent it on his instructions -Witness
The Tenth Prosecution Witness , PW10, Mifbahu Idris in the trial of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 told a Federal High Court, Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho how he received the sum of N777,538 (Seven Hundred and Seventy-seven Million, Five Hundred and Thirty-eight Thousand Naira) in cash and transfers from bureau de change operators between 2019 and 2021 on the instructions of the defendant who also directed how they were spent. Idris, nephew and special assistant to Mamman, while been cross- examined by defence counsel, Femi Atteh, SAN, disclosed while reading his extra-judicial statement to the EFCC on April 17, 2023 that the sum were wired from different accounts owned and operated by Maina Goje and Abdulahi Suleiman who are bureau de change operators, which he allegedly disbursed to friends, family members, associates and for payment for household utilities on the instructions of Mamman. Earlier on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, the witness had during his examination-in-chief led by prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, testified that Mamman was his uncle and that he worked with him for two years in the Federal Ministry of Power, Abuja and that he also knew Mr Abubakar Bida, who works in the ministry too. According to him, “there was a day Abubakar Bida called me on phone, he introduced himself to me that Engineer Saleh Mamman said he should call me and that he will be calling me from time to time to meet one Maina Goje. He told me to go and meet Goje. Whenever I meet him, sometimes he will give me cash or transfer money, and he will say that this is for Oga. I will bring it to Saleh Mamman and hand it over to him. The cash can be in dollars and sometimes naira. He will say keep it with you, I will be telling you how to spend it. Sometimes, I use the money to buy foodstuffs, electricity units or send to his associates, friends and family based on his directives. I usually bring the money to his house.“ Testifying further, he said `I usually receive money from Maina Goje and Abdulahi Suleiman based on the instructions using Saleh’s Mammans name. It was Mustapha Abubakar that asked me to collect the money on behalf of Saleh Mamman which I spent based on instructions. It was Maina Goje that introduced me to Abdulahi Suleiman. Sometimes I will receive the money in my account or cash, sometimes in naira, sometimes in dollars,” he said. He confirmed his statement of account with GTB marked exhibit PWq, when it was shown to him and confirmed receiving N10million through it on August 26, 2021. He also confirmed receiving the sum of N10million through the same account on April 1, 2023, from Sharifiddin Global Enterprises on behalf of Saleh Mammah and he allegedly spent the money based on the defendant`s instructions. He also confirmed receiving money from FirstKlaz’s Construction Projects, Mintage Nigeria Limited, Spinhills Biz International, Fulest Utility Concepts and Silverlines Adventures which are accounts owned and operated by the bureau de change operators, Maina Goje and Abdullahi Suleiman. He further confirmed from his account statement that he received the sum of N10million on August 26, 2021, N10 million on April 16, 2022, and N1million from Silverline on April 10, 2022. Furthermore, he disclosed that he received another N1 million, on May 22, 2022, another N1million from Suleiman Abdulahi on May 7, 2022, another NImillion from Silverline Adventures all of which he said he spent on the instruction of the defendant. The witness further confirmed that he refunded the sum of N190million to the EFCC, which he said was given to him by Mamman. The Eleventh Prosecution Witness, (PW11), Goje Maina, while also giving his testimony narrated how he delivered cash to the former minister in his Maitama, Abuja`s residence . ” I used to carry cash to the minister`s house in Maitama and sometimes Mifbahu will come and collect the money. I can’t remember the number of times I have taken the money there, but there is a boy there that they gave me his number. Anytime I get there, the boy will come and I will open my car and give him the cash. The money sometimes was N20million, N25million or N30million or I will give him dollars in an envelope like $100,000 dollars. Mustapha Bida has never complained that they did not get the money,” he said The matter was adjourned till March 4, 5,17 and 18 2025 for continuation of trial. Mamman is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on a 12-count charge, bordering on conspiracy to commit money laundering to the tune of N33,804,830,503.73 (Thirty-Three Billion, Eight Hundred and Four Million, Eight Hundred and Thirty Thousand, Five Hundred and Three Naira, Seventy-Three Kobo).
Man bags 17-year jail term for defiling 7-year old
Justice Rahman Oshodi, of the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Tuesday, 18th February, 2025, convicted and sentenced a man, Sunday Okoronkwo, to 17 years imprisonment at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre, for defiling his neighbour’s seven-year-old granddaughter. His name will be registered in the Sexual Offenders Register as maintained by Lagos State. The trial judge, Justice Rahman Oshodi, sentenced Okoronkwo following his guilty plea to the amended two counts of child sexual abuse by penetration. Oshodi said: “You sexually abused a seven-year-old child who was your neighbour’s granddaughter.” “The prosecutrix’s evidence, which was corroborated by both your confessions, established that you had sexual intercourse with her.” “You have elected to enter into a plea bargain agreement wherein you pleaded guilty to attempting to commit sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault. “The maximum sentence for attempting to commit sexual assault by penetration is 14 years imprisonment, whilst sexual assault carries a maximum term of three years imprisonment.” According to the prosecution, the offences contravened Sections 262 and 263 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015. Okoronkwo was therefore sentenced to 14 years imprisonment on count one and 3 years imprisonment on count two and both jail terms would run consecutively.
President Tinubu mourns Edwin Clark
President Bola Tinubu has expressed deeply saddened by the passing of Chief Edwin Clark, former federal commissioner of information and respected leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF). Chief Clark, 97, was born on May 25, 1927, in Kiagbodo, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State. He led an illustrious life marked by dedicated service, at different times, to the nation and his community as a councillor, state and federal cabinet member. He was also a passionate advocate for resource control, economic and environmental justice in the Niger Delta. On behalf of the federal government, the President extends his condolences to the Edwin Clark family, the Ijaw nation, the people of the Niger Delta, and the government of Delta State. President Tinubu mourns Chief Clark and describes his passing as a deeply sobering loss. Reflecting on the life of the late statesman, the President said Chief Clark was a towering figure whose influence was felt across Nigeria’s political firmament for nearly six decades. The President stated that Chief Clark was a courageous leader who stood for what he believed in and was never afraid to stand alone in the face of injustice. ”Chief Clark spoke for the Niger Delta. He spoke for the nation. His views and interventions on national issues were distinct and patriotic. ”Pa Clark, a lawyer and educationist, believed in a united Nigeria, and until his last breath, he never stopped reaching out to people from different parts of the country to work together to preserve national unity based on justice and equity. ”As an astute politician, his political opponents never doubted his words’ weight, confidence, and conviction when he spoke. Indeed, a patriot has transitioned to the great beyond. ”History will remember him as a man who fought gallantly for the rights of the people of the Niger Delta, unity in diversity, and true federalism. ”I know many generations will remain proud of how his efforts contributed to national prosperity and stability,” the President said. President Tinubu prayed for divine comfort for Chief Clark’s family, friends, and all those affected by this significant loss.
Moshood Jimoh assumes office as Lagos 41st Commissioner of Police
A new Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, has assumed duty as the 41st Commissioner of Police at the Lagos State Command. He takes over from CP Olanrewaju Ishola, who has been redeployed to Force Headquarters, Abuja. CP Jimoh, who hails from Ilorin, Kwara State, studied Political Science at the Ahmadu Bello University and was appointed into the Nigeria Police Force as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police in 2000. He has worked in different parts of the country including Katsina, Cross River, Anambra, FCT, Oyo, Gombe and Rivers. He was Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Central Police Station, Abuja; Force Public Relations Officer; Deputy Commissioner, Criminal Investigation Department, Airport Police Command; Deputy Commissioner, Finance and Administration, Oyo State Police Command and Deputy Commissioner, General Investigation, FCID Annex, Gombe. He has undergone several professional trainings some of which include: Combat Operations Course, Police Mobile Training College, Maiduguri; Weapons of Mass Destruction Counter Measure First Responder Training Course, United States Embassy, Abuja; Crime Prevention of Korea Police, Police Training Institute, Seoul South Korea; Social Construction and Management Reform, China Executive Leadership Academy, Pudong China; Maritime Rescue and Salvage for Developing Countries, China Maritime Police Academy Ningbo, China; Training on Anti-hijacking Techniques and Tactics for Developing Countries, Special Police Academy, Beijing, China; and SMART Government and Informatization at Academy for International Business Officials (AIBO), Beijing, China. CP Jimoh is a recipient of the Presidential award for Public Relations Personality of the Year in recognition of his sterling qualities and outstanding contribution to the development and use of Public Relations by the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations. He was also a member of the African Union Peacekeeping Mission in Darfur Sudan where he got an Award of Recognition for Commendable Service. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants (IMC), Nigeria; Certified Management Consultant (CMC) by Institute of Management Consultant (IMC), Nigeria; Fellow, Institute of Corporate Administration of Nigeria; Associate, Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON); and Member, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations. Until this appointment, CP Jimoh was Commissioner of Police, Ports Authority Police, Eastern Ports, Port-Harcourt. As CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh embarks on his mission to maintain law and order, foster community trust, and enhance the safety of the state through his wealth of experience, the good people of Lagos State are implored to give him maximum support and cooperation.
Court sentences Banker to jail for fraud in Lagos
The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentencing of one Ugenyi Kalu, before Justice R.A. Oshodi of a Special Offences Court, sitting in Ikeja, Lagos for fraud. The convict, a banker, was arraigned on a five-count charge, bordering on official corruption and gratification. One of the counts reads: “That you, Ugenyi Kalu sometime in November 2016 in Lagos within the Lagos Judicial Division being the head of Lagos Region of NEXIM Bank, received monetary benefit for yourself in the sum of N4,000,000 (Four Million Naira) from one Obi Ogoh on account of the loan availed to his company Sevirg AgroAllied Mills Ltd by NEXIM Bank. Thereby committed an offence bordering on official corruption contrary to Section 8(1)(a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 and punishable under Section 8(1)(b)ii of the same Law.” He pleaded “not guilty” to all the charges, prompting his trial. In the course of the trial, prosecution counsel, G.C. Ofulue called six witnesses who testified to his crime, two of whom were his co-workers in Nexim Bank. Delivering judgement on February 12, 2025, Justice Oshodi held that the prosecution proved its case beyond every reasonable doubt, and found him guilty as charged. He was convicted on four of the charges and sentenced to four years and two months imprisonment or to pay N20,850,000 (Twenty Million, Eight Hundred Fifty Thousand Naira) fine.
EFCC arrests 47 suspected internet fraudsters in Edo
Operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Saturday, February 15, 2025 arrested 47suspected internet fraudsters at different locations in Ekpoma, Edo State. The suspects were arrested based on credible intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities. Items recovered from them include 14 exotic cars, laptops and phones They have made useful statements and would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.
President Tinubu congratulates El-Rufai on 65th birthday
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai on his 65th birthday. Mallam El-Rufai is an administrator, scholar, and politician. He is a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and highly regarded for his resourcefulness and brilliance. He served as governor of Kaduna State for eight years, and prior to elective office, he had served as Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from 2003 to 2007. President Tinubu celebrated Mallam El-Rufai on this occasion and commends his endeavours for democracy; his meritorious service to the nation, and mentorship of the younger generation. The President acknowledged Mallam El-Rufai’s role in the dialogues leading up to the formation of the APC and his contributions to the success of the party in the three consecutive elections of 2015, 2019, and 2023. President Tinubu wished El-Rufai good health and strength for continuous service to the nation.
SERAP gives CBN 48 hours to withdraw hike in ATM transaction fees
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Olayemi Cardoso, to use his ‘leadership position to immediately withdraw the patently unlawful, unfair, unreasonable and unjust increase in Automated Teller Machine (ATM) transaction fees’. SERAP urged him to ensure that the exercise of CBN statutory powers and functions does not inflict misery on poor Nigerians and contribute to human rights abuses. The CBN recently announced that ATM withdrawals made at a machine owned by a bank but outside its branch premises will now attract a charge of N100 per N20,000 withdrawn. ATM withdrawals at shopping centres, airports or standalone cash points, will incur a N100 fee plus a surcharge of up to N500 per N20,000 withdrawal. Banks ‘are advised to apply the increased ATM fees with effect from March 1, 2025.’ In the open letter dated 15 February 2025 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “the manifestly unlawful, unfair, unreasonable, and unjust increase in ATM transaction fees will hit hardest those at the bottom of the economy and exacerbate the growing poverty in the country.” SERAP said, “The increase in ATM transaction fees ought to have been shouldered by wealthy banks and their shareholders, not the general public. The increase only benefits the CBN and commercial banks at the expense of poor Nigerians.” According to SERAP, “CBN policies should not be skewed against poor Nigerians and heavily in favour of banks that continue to declare trillions of naira in profits mostly at the expense of their customers. The increase in ATM transaction fees would inflict misery on poor Nigerians and contribute to human rights abuses.” The letter, read in part: “The increase in ATM transaction fees is also entirely inconsistent with the oft-expressed commitment by the government of President Bola Tinubu to address the growing poverty across the country.” “We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 48 hours of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel you and the CBN to comply with our request in the public interest. “The exorbitant and unlawful increase in ATM transaction fees at a time the country is facing economic and financial crises would contribute further to the impoverishment of the population. “Imposing exorbitant ATM transaction fees on socially and economically vulnerable Nigerians at a time several Nigerian banks are declaring trillions of naira in profits yearly is manifestly unfair, unreasonable and unjust. “The increase cannot be justified under the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], the CBN Act, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, and the country’s international human rights obligations. “The patently unlawful, unfair, unreasonable and unjust increase in ATM transaction fees also inherently contributes to violations of the human rights of socially and economically Nigerians. “The increase creates a two-tiered financial system that discriminates against poor Nigerians who may not be able to afford or pay the increased fees. “While the government of President Tinubu has primary responsibility for protecting the rights of Nigerians, the CBN also has the responsibilities to ensure that its practices and guidelines do not cause or contribute to human rights abuses. “The CBN could play an important role in promoting economic opportunities for Nigerians where the majority of the people live in poverty. “The CBN is failing to comply with the Nigerian Constitution, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act and the country’s international human rights obligations in the exercise of its statutory powers and functions. “The CBN is also compromising its stated mission to advance the management of the country’s economy, and ultimately, sustainable development. “According to our information, the CBN through a Circular to all banks and other financial institutions dated February 10 2025 stated that it has reviewed and increased the ATM transaction fees prescribed in section 10(7) of the CBN Guide to Charges by Bank, Other Financial and Non-Bank Financial Institutions 2020. “Section 42(1)(a) of the CBN Act 2007 provides that ‘The Bank shall wherever necessary seek the co-operation of and co-operate with other banks in Nigeria to – (a) promote and maintain adequate and reasonable financial service for the public.’ It also provides that any policy of the CBN ‘shall be in the national interest.’ “Section 1(c)(d) of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018 provides that the objectives of the Act are to ‘protect and promote the interests and welfare of consumers’ and ‘prohibit restrictive or unfair business practices’ such as the exorbitant and unreasonable increase in ATM transaction fees by the CBN. “Significantly, the provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act are directly binding on the CBN, as the provisions constrain the exercise of the statutory powers and functions of the institution. “Specifically, section 2(1) the Act provides that its provisions ‘apply to all undertakings [such as the CBN] and scope of application to all commercial activities within, or having effect within, Nigeria. “Section 2(2) provides that, ‘This Act also applies to and is binding upon- (a) a body corporate or agency of the Government of the Federation; (b) a body corporate; (c) all commercial activities aimed at making profit and geared towards the satisfaction of demand from the public.’ “According to section 70(1) of the Act, ‘For the purpose of this Act, an undertaking [such as the CBN] is considered to be in a dominant position if it is able to act without taking account of the reaction of its customers or consumers.’ “The Act prohibits abuse of dominant position by the CBN including charging excessive ATM transaction fees to the detriment of consumers. “Section 104 of the of the Act asserts the supremacy of the Act over ‘the provisions of any other law’, such as the CBN Act. The only exception to the provision is the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended]. “Section 127(1) of the Act also prohibits the CBN from making any policy or providing “any services at…