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$2.2m fraud: Court adjourns trial of ex-NHIS boss, Oluwafemi Thomas.

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12 months ago

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A Federal High Court in Lagos, on Monday, adjourned until May 15 and May 16 the continuation of the trial of a former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme, Oluwafemi Thomas.

Thomas is standing trial alongside a Bureaux de Change operator, Kabiru Sidi, on four counts bordering on $2.2 million money laundering

They are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and were first arraigned in 2016, before Justice Saliu Saidu.

They had each pleaded not guilty to the charge and were granted bail.

The case was, however, re-assigned to Justice Ayokunle Faji after Saidu was transferred from the Lagos division of the court.

The trial has since commenced in the suit and the defence had opened its case and still giving evidence in court

When the case was called on Monday, Mr Ekene Iheanacho, appeared for the prosecution while Mr O. Gbolahan appeared for the first defendant.

The second defendant, however, informed the court of the absence of his counsel on the grounds of ill health

On his part, the prosecutor expressed dissatisfaction with the situation, adding that he had come in from Abuja last week hoping to take this case.

He, however, said that in the circumstance, he would accept an adjournment

While noting that the second defendant was entitled to be represented by a counsel, the court also noted that the defendant had narrated to the court his efforts to secure a counsel.

The court consequently, adjourned the case until May 15 and 16 and urged the defendant to ensure he is present in court with his counsel on the next date

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the charge against the defendants has been amended several times, with the defendants taking fresh pleas on each amendment.

They were re-arraigned on March 6, 2019

The prosecution closed its case in January 2020 after calling six witnesses and tendering 26 exhibits

The defence on their part filed a no-case submission arguing that the prosecution had not made out any prima facie case against them to warrant them to open their defence.

Meanwhile, the no-case submission filed by the defence failed, as Justice Faji on March 13, 2020, dismissed their application and ordered the defence to open its case

An appeal against the ruling of the trial court also failed at the appellate court which delivered judgement on September 30, 2021.

The defence was thus asked to open its case, which is now ongoing

In the amended charge numbered FHC/L/457C/2015, The EFCC alleged that the first defendant and his wife who is said to be at large, had on July 3, 2015, conspired to move out of the court’s jurisdiction, the sum of 2.19 million dollars said to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

The defendant was said to have procured the assistance of one Bamidele Ibitoye to help move the money, which was the proceeds of his alleged unlawful enrichment as a public servant without going through a financial institution.

They were alleged to have concealed the origin of the said sum.

The defendants were also alleged to have made a cash payment of the said sum, to the said Ibitoye, without going through any financial institutions.

The second defendant was alleged to have on July 15, 2015, made a false statement to Mr Afeez Mustapha, an investigating Officer with the EFCC, that he was the owner of the said sum of money.

The offences contravene the provisions of sections 15 (2), 15(3), and 16(2) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.

It also contravenes the provisions of sections 39(2)(b) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act 2004.

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Concerns raised over whereabouts of security expert, Otunba Adejare Adegbenro

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6 hours ago

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May 3, 2024

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Concerns have arisen regarding the whereabouts of Amb. Dr. Otunba Adejare Adegbenro, a prominent Nigerian diplomat and security expert.

 

Amb. Adegbenro, known for his contributions to national security and international diplomacy, has reportedly gone missing after honoring a police invitation on April 26, 2024.

 

The Coalition of Civil Society Networks (CCSN), in collaboration with the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC), has raised alarm over his sudden disappearance.

 

According to information gathered from the management of NATCOM, Amb. Adegbenro was called by the Special Weapon and Tactics Team (SWAT) of the Nigeria Police Force to respond to a petition.

 

However, since his appearance, there has been no communication from him, and his family and associates have been unable to locate him.

 

Despite rumours of his release on April 29, 2024, his whereabouts remain unknown, with his phone unreachable.

 

Expressing concern over the situation, it is highlighted that Amb. Adegbenro holds a significant role as a Special Emissary of the International Society of Diplomats (ISD) and has been instrumental in fostering collaborations between Nigerian security agencies and international organizations like the EuroPolice Federation.

 

Citing the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961), a signatory to by Nigeria, calls have been made to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun for transparency and adherence to due process in Amb. Adegbenro’s case.

 

The CCSN/OHC-IHRC NG emphasizes the importance of upholding human rights and the rule of law, urging authorities to provide clarity on his situation.

 

The statement further appeals to Nigerian authorities for intervention, stressing the necessity of a thorough investigation into the allegations against Amb. Adegbenro.

 

Justice and accountability are deemed essential in addressing the situation effectively.

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Costal highway: Landmark Beach refunds customers after demolition

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7 hours ago

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May 3, 2024

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The management of Landmark Resort Beach says it has initiated the refund process for customers impacted by the recent demolition of portions of its properties by the Federal Government.

According to a statement posted on its X account on Friday by Landmark Africa, the parent company of Landmark Resort Beach, refunds are being facilitated through the Landmark Citizen App.

While acknowledging the patience of their customers, the management advised that completion of the refund process may be delayed due to the high number of requests.

“Dear Landmark Citizens, we would like to assure you all that we have started issuing refunds to those who requested a refund of their money on the Landmark Citizen App.

“Please be patient with us, due to the volume of requests, this process will take some time. Be rest assured that all refund requests will be processed,” the statement read.

A portion of Landmark Beach on Victoria Island, Lagos, was demolished on Monday to accommodate the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway.

Minister of Works, David Umahi has defended the demolition, citing that the Landmark centre encroached upon the Federal Government’s right-of-way.

The Breeze Beach Club, Mami Chula and other beach businesses were also demolished in the process.

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Auwalu Abdullahi Rano: Ice block seller who became billionaire, owns 120 filling stations, 600 trucks, 60m litre tank farm

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7 hours ago

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May 3, 2024

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Alhaji Auwalu Abdullahi Rano, popularly known as A.A Rano, transformed from a humble boy from Kano Village into a billionaire magnate, overseeing a conglomerate that includes 120 filling stations across Nigeria.

Born into an average family in Lausu, Kano State, Rano started small, with an ice block and groundnut oil business, including other local items.

Rano has gone into building a multi-billion naira enterprise spanning various sectors of Nigeria’s economy.

Today, Rano owns AA Rano oil & Gas industry in Nigeria with 56 ML Tank farm in Lagos, with 120 retail outlet/ fillng stations across Nigeria and over 600 trucks & LPG terminals as well as acquired vessel (M.T LAUSAU).

His ventures include RanoGaz, a state-of-the-art Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) terminal, a rice milling company, Rano Lubricant, Rano Air, Lausu Marine and Logistics, AA Rano Terminal, and AA Rano Road Haulage.

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