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I Have No Case To Answer On False Assets Declaration Charges —– Saraki Tells CCT

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7 years ago

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The Senate President, Bukola Saraki has told the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) that he has no case to answer in the charges of false declaration pf assets brought against him by the Federal Government since 2015 shortly after he emerged as the Chairman of the National Assembly.

 

He announced to the tribunal his readiness to file a no case submission in the charges to establish that he was not in any way been linked with any crime or prima facie  established against him since the trial started.

 

Saraki, through his counsel, Mr. Paul Erokoro (SAN) informed the Tribunal headed by Hon Dandali Yakubu Umar that he will need the complete record of proceedings since 2015 when the trial started to enable him review the evidence so far adduced by government and to make his no case submission in line with the provisions of the law.

 

The decision of Saraki to make the no case submission came as the Federal Government formally concluded the prosecution of the charges against him after calling four witnesses and tendering several documents to establish a case of false assets declaration against the defendant.

 

Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), who has led the prosecution team since the trial commenced did not object to the announcement of Saraki to file a no case submission on the ground that it is the defendant’s right to do so.

 

Jacobs however pleaded with the Tribunal to consider time factor in View of the fact that trial had dragged since 2015.

 

Chairman of the Tribunal, Umar, after consultation with parties in the matter, fixed June 8, 2016 for the Tribunal to adopt the written submissions expected to be filed and exchanged by the prosecution and the defense.

 

At the resumed trial yesterday, a prosecution witness, Mr. Bayo Dauda had informed the Tribunal that the documents allegedly used for foreign transactions by Saraki were not in possession of his bank.

 

The witness, who came from one of the banks to tender some documents and give evidence, informed the Tribunal that all efforts to locate the documents were unsuccessful because the transactions had taken place long time ago.

 

Besides, the witness further said that he had no address of any proper bought in London by Saraki with the alleged foreign remittances.

 

He however admitted that Saraki, like any other customer took loans three times from his bank to purchase properties and that the loans had been repaid in line with terms of agreement guiding the loan agreement.

 

The witness informed the Tribunal that the defendant, apart from not defaulting in the payment for the three loans also complied with other terms which included the submissions of the tittle documents of the properties to bank purchased with the loans.

 

Dauda further stated that Saraki also had a comprehensive insurance on the properties acquired with the loans.

 

It will be recalled that the Federal government had, in 2015 dragged Saraki before the Tribunal accusing him of failure to declare his assets as required by while he served as the executive governor of Kwara state and when he emerged as a Senator from Kwara.

 

It will also be recalled also that the Federal government had amended the charge against Saraki four times before finally closing the case against the Senate President.

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Society

Concerns raised over whereabouts of security expert, Otunba Adejare Adegbenro

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4 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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Society

Costal highway: Landmark Beach refunds customers after demolition

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4 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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Society

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

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4 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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