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Alleged N1.4bn Fraud: How NBA President, Paul Usoro Was Paid N700m – Witness

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1 year ago

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Udom Idongesit, a prosecution witness in the case of an alleged N1.4 billion money laundering involving Paul Usoro, President, Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, on Wednesday, December 4, 2019, told Justice Rilwan Aikawa of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos how a sum of N700 million was paid into Usoro’s account on the instruction of Linus Nkan, a former Accountant-General, Akwa Ibom State.

Usoro was first arraigned before Justice Muslim Hassan of the same court on December 18, 2018.He was later re-arraigned on Friday, March 1, 2019 before Justice Aikawa on a 10- count charge.

One of the counts reads: “That you, Paul Usoro, SAN, Emmanuel Udom (currently constitutionally immune against criminal prosecution), Uwemedimo Thomas Nwoko (still at large), Nsikan Linus Nkan, Commissioner of Finance, Akwa Ibom State (still at large), Mfon Jacobson Udomah, Accountant-General, Akwa Ibom State (still at large) and Margaret Thompson Ukpe (still at large) sometime in 2015 in Nigeria, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court, conspired amongst yourselves to commit an offence, to wit: conversion of the sum of N1. 410, 000, 000, 000.00 (One Billion, Four Hundred and Ten Million Naira), property of the Government of Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria, which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful activity to wit: criminal breach of trust and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.”

At today’s sitting, Idongesit, a Relations Manager at the Aka Road branch of Zenith Bank in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, told the court that the bank, on March 10, 2016, was given a withdrawal instrument of N700m on the imprest account of the Akwa Ibom State payable to Usoro’s Zenith Bank account.

Led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, the witness further said she made moves to get Usoro to open an account with the bank so that the money could be paid to him.

The witness also told the court that she opened an account for the defendant due to the fact he never had an account with the bank prior to that transaction.

She said she got Usoro’s contact from the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, on March 14, 2016 and later put a call through to him to inform him about the payment.

Giving further testimony, Idongesit said: “Mr. Paul Usoro instructed me to work with two of his colleagues.

“When I confirmed the exact names registered on the form, I sought the approval of my Zonal Head to open the account and also made the deposit while waiting for documentation.

“I filled the deposit slip; and the depositor’s name that I filled was Paul Usoro.”

Idongesit further told the court that a sum of N300 million was first credited to the account on March 14, 2016 in cash and that more funds were subsequently credited to the account to the tune of N400 million.

The transactions, according to her, were carried out on the instructions of the defendant.

Idongesit, in her evidence, also told the court that monies were transferred to individuals and companies from the defendant’s account on his instructions.

“On March 22, 2016, Mr. Paul Usoro instructed me to transfer the sum of N2.5 million to one Assam Ekanem; N7.5 million to Taiwo Oyetibo & Co; N7.5 million to Oyechi Ipeaza; N5 million to Uzuegbu Nelson Aju; N30 million to OEB Offiong and N7.5 million to DD Dodo & Co.

“A transfer of N3million was also made to one Reginald Nwobbi; N2 million to Sevanne Chambers and N20 million to Theophilus Oyesanya,” she also stated.

The witness said there were emails to show and reflect the instructions given to her by the defendant regarding all the transactions.

The emails, instruments of payment, account opening package, certification of identification and statements of account were tendered by the prosecution counsel, Oyedepo, and admitted in evidence by the court.

Justice Aikawa adjourned the case till January 13 and February 11 and 12, 2020 for continuation of trial.

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Asiko deepens gas penetration, unveils 300 metric tonnes LPG/CNG depot in Benin

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2 days ago

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September 21, 2023

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… to grow in geometric progression- Alex Ogedegbe

… We are going to expand into CNG, LNG Gas Station- Abubakar Folami 

 

 

Asiko, a leading provider of clean energy solutions operating in Nigeria’s energy sector, has continued to contribute to the economic development of the country with its sterling efforts to ensure in-country utilisation and deepening of gas penetration in the nation, as it unveils 300 Metric Tonnes Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) depot in Utesi, Ikpoba Okha local government area of Edo state.

 

This project invariably aligns with the federal government’s priority objective to attain 5 million MT of LPG consumption by 2023.

 

Speaking at the official commissioning of the gas depot, the Chairman of the Asiko Group, Engr Alex Ogedegbe, expressed that the gas potential of Nigeria is enormously huge and the LPG/CNG depot is designed to provide much-needed energy solution to Nigeria and beyond.

 

“Today, we are excited to launch our 300MT LPG and CNG depot. The multi-product gas depot, promises to improve gas availability and distribution in the region.”

 

According to him, “The LPG/CNG depot is poised to become a hub for a wide range of gas products. Under its licensing agreement, the depot is authorised to store Propane, LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas), CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). Currently, it stores LPG and CNG, with plans for future development to enable the storage of LNG in the near future. The 300MT depot, the biggest in Benin, marks an added step towards contributing to a clean energy future and the realisation of the Federal Government’s decade of gas initiative.”

 

Ogedegbe said, “Nigeria is endowed with up to 183 trillion cubic feet of gas deposit, and we have not consumed up to 5% of that deposit in Nigeria today. Imagine how much we can distribute to Nigerian society and beyond if we have installations and facilities like this that we are commissioning today.

 

 

Also speaking to newsmen at the event, Mr Abubakar Folami, a Director at Asiko, said that the company has similar inland depots and plants across Nigeria, with an impressive inland Propane and LNG terminal currently under construction in Ijora, Lagos.

 

Similarly, the Utesi Community head, (Okaighele) Mr Monday Edo, said he was very happy about the project commissioning.

 

This LPG/CNG depot is not just a beacon of progress for the energy sector; it also carries a profound impact on the local community. The depot is expected to generate over 100 job direct and indirect job opportunities, contributing significantly to the economic welfare of the region. The creation of these jobs underscores Asiko’s commitment to empowering and uplifting the economic activities of its host communities.

 

Asiko is a leading provider of clean energy solutions in Nigeria, dedicated to delivering a comprehensive network of sustainable, accessible, and innovative clean energy solutions. With a focus on LPG, LNG, CNG, propane, and renewable energy, Asiko drives the region’s clean energy transition and ensures energy security.

 

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Tingo Media CEO Agbonwaneten to bury mum in PH

Published

6 days ago

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September 17, 2023

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It will be a carnival of sort as the Chief Executive Officer of Tingo Media, Mr. Ebuwa Martins Agbonwaneten has concluded plans to hold the funeral of his mother, Princess Karina Namikpoh who passed away at 68.

A statement by Agbonwaneten, who is also the CEO to The Dozy Mmobuosi Foundation, a non-governmental organisation owned by billionaire technology entrepreneur, Dozy Mmobuosi on behalf of the family, said their matriarch will be laid to rest in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on September 29- October 1, 2023.

A service of songs and tributes hold in her honour on Friday, September 29 at Azny Place, No 2 Louis Drive, opposite Nextime supermarket, GRA Phase 3, along Abacha Road, Port Harcourt.
Funeral service hold on Saturday, September 30 at Vaults & Gardens, Aggrey Road, off Cemetery Road Port Harcourt.

An interment reception will take place at The Palacios Event Centre, 63 Woji Road, Phase 2 Port Harcourt.

On Sunday, Oct 1, thanksgiving service will take place at Hilltop International Christian Centre, 7 Hilltop Drive Waterlines/Elekahia Link Road Port Harcourt.

Agbonwaneten extended invitations to colleagues, associates and business partners, saying interesting activities have been lined up for their unforgettable experiences.

“As you may already know, my mother’s burial is scheduled for the 29th – 30th of September, 2023, in Port Harcourt. This event is not just a somber occasion; it’s a celebration of a remarkable life and a chance to bid farewell to an extraordinary woman.

“I want you to be a part of this grand celebration. It’s an opportunity to join me in giving my mother the dignified and joyous send-off she deserves. I assure you; we have prepared an unforgettable experience for all who attend!

“Transportation will be seamless, with arrangements and adequate security in place for those traveling from Lagos, Benin, Abuja and all all over the world to Port Harcourt—all free of charge.

“We’ve secured top-notch hotel accommodations to ensure your stay is comfortable and convenient. Our event planning team and funeral directors rank among the industry’s finest, ensuring that every detail is meticulously attended to.

“You may already know my reputation as a gracious host, and I promise you won’t be disappointed. Our menu boasts a delectable array of cuisine, from continental delights to local favorites like ‘nkwobi,’ ‘pepper soup,’ ‘bolé,’ ‘starch and banga’, and more. The drink selection is equally impressive, featuring a range of choices from Champagne, Hennessy, Glenfiddich, Jack Daniels, cocktails, assorted wines, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, and more,”he stated.

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Nationwide Blackout As National Grid Collapses Again…

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1 week ago

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September 14, 2023

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Nigeria has again been thrown into darkness after the national grid system, operated by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) from Osogbo in Osun State collapsed.
A check by The Guardian in the early hour of today showed that the grid plummeted to a meagre 273 megawatts of electricity coming from two out of the over 27 electricity generation.
This comes barely a week after TCN, rolled out the drum to celebrate a questionable 400 days of grid stability.
A number of Distribution Companies confirmed to The Guardian that the grid went down at 00:41 AM, disclosing that most of their feeders are out.
As of 4:00 a.m. on Thursday, five generating plants were on the grid. Afam VI had 0.70MW, Dadinkowa was generating 0.00MW, Ibom Power had 32.90MW, Jebba had 240MW and Olorunsogo was on the grid with zero generation.
At about 1AM midnight, the total power on the grid was 35MW, indicating that the country experienced a total collapse.
The grid went to 193MW at about 3AM before climbing to 273MW when this report was filed.
The TCN has not responded to inquiries by our correspondent about the development.

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