N3.1bn fraud: Court dismisses ex-Gov Suswam no-case submission - Newstrends
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N3.1bn fraud: Court dismisses ex-Gov Suswam no-case submission

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Former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam

N3.1bn Fraud: Court Dismisses Ex-Gov Suswam No-Case Submission

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has dismissed the no-case submission filed by former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, in the ongoing N3.1bn fraud case brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Justice Peter Lifu, in a ruling on Wednesday, held that the prosecution had established a prima facie case warranting the defendants to enter their defence.

Suswam, alongside a former Commissioner for Finance, Omodachi Okolobia, is facing an 11-count amended charge bordering on money laundering to the tune of N3.1m, alleged to be proceeds from the sale of Benue State government shares.

The funds were allegedly laundered through transactions involving Benue Investment and Property Company Limited, Elixir Securities Limited, and Elixir Investment Partners Limited.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were first arraigned, paving the way for the commencement of trial.

One of the EFCC witnesses, a bureau de change operator, Abubakar Umar, told the court that in 2014, he converted N3.1bn, allegedly transferred to him by Suswam while in office.

According to him, he delivered the dollar equivalent of $15.8m in cash to the former governor at his Maitama, Abuja residence.

The Commission closed its case after calling nine witnesses, the last being Appea Sunday, an EFCC investigator with the Economic Governance Section, who gave his account of the investigation and tendered related documents.

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Following the close of the prosecution’s case, defence counsel led by Paul Erokoro, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, orally applied to enter a no-case submission, arguing that the evidence presented did not link their clients to any wrongdoing.

But prosecuting counsel, O.A. Atolagbe, opposed the application, insisting that the Commission had led credible evidence requiring the defendants to enter a defence.

In his ruling, Justice Lifu agreed with the EFCC and dismissed the no-case submission.

“The court is not called upon at this stage to express an opinion based on the evidence before it. It is the court’s considered view that the defence needs to throw more light,” the judge held.

He added, “I do hold that there is a case to answer as the evidence shows the prosecution has established a prima facie case.”

Justice Lifu consequently ordered the defendants to open their defence.

Following the ruling, the defence team requested an adjournment.

The court then fixed September 22 and 26 for the continuation of trial.

Suswam, who governed Benue State from 2007 to 2015, is facing multiple allegations of financial misappropriation.

A judicial panel set up by his successor, Governor Samuel Ortom, had indicted Suswam’s administration over the alleged mismanagement of N6.5bn SURE-P funds, among other infractions.

The EFCC arrested Suswam in 2015 as part of a corruption probe in Benue State.

The case has been reassigned several times, having previously passed through Justices Ahmed Mohammed and Okon Abang before arriving at Justice Peter Lifu’s court.

N3.1bn Fraud: Court Dismisses Ex-Gov Suswam No-Case Submission

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Cyberbullying: Police Confirm Arresting Rolex Dee Over Taye Currency’s Petition

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Popular Ibadan-based Fuji musician Alhaji Taye Adebisi better known as Taye Currency

Cyberbullying: Police Confirm Arresting Rolex Dee Over Taye Currency’s Petition

The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed that efforts are underway to track and arrest controversial social media personality, Rolex Dee, following a cyberbullying and defamation complaint reportedly filed by popular Fuji musician, Taye Currency.

Police authorities disclosed that the matter is currently under investigation after receiving a formal petition accusing Rolex Dee of using social media platforms to allegedly harass, threaten, and defame the musician.

According to police sources, detectives attached to the command’s cybercrime unit have already commenced digital tracking and intelligence gathering aimed at locating the suspect.

The command said the investigation followed several online videos and livestream sessions allegedly containing defamatory remarks and offensive statements directed at Taye Currency.

A senior police official familiar with the case reportedly confirmed that steps were being taken to ensure the suspect is apprehended and questioned in line with provisions of the Cybercrimes Act.

“We have received a complaint, investigation has commenced, and efforts are ongoing to track and arrest the individual involved,” the source said.

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The development comes after tensions escalated on social media between supporters of the Fuji singer and followers of Rolex Dee, with several viral clips generating heated reactions online.

Taye Currency, whose real name is Alhaji Taye Akande Adebisi, is one of the leading Fuji musicians in the Southwest and has maintained a strong fan base for years.

Sources close to the musician alleged that repeated online attacks against him and members of his family forced him to seek police intervention.

The controversy has further sparked debate over the increasing use of social media for personal attacks, cyberbullying, blackmail, and reputational damage among celebrities and influencers in Nigeria.

Legal experts say the Nigerian Cybercrimes Act empowers law enforcement agencies to investigate online harassment, cyberstalking, threats, and publication of false information capable of causing emotional, psychological, or reputational harm.

Meanwhile, supporters of Rolex Dee have reacted online, with some insisting that the issue should be resolved amicably rather than through criminal prosecution.

Human rights advocates have also urged security agencies to ensure that investigations respect constitutional rights, including freedom of expression, while distinguishing criticism from criminal cyber harassment.

The police command has, however, warned social media users against abusing digital platforms to intimidate, threaten, or spread harmful content against others.

Authorities reiterated that individuals found guilty of cyberbullying, cyberstalking, or online defamation could face prosecution under Nigerian law.

Cyberbullying: Police Confirm Arresting Rolex Dee Over Taye Currency’s Petition

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FG Declares Friday Public Holiday for 2026 Workers’ Day Celebration

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Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo

FG Declares Friday Public Holiday for 2026 Workers’ Day Celebration

The Federal Government has declared Friday, May 1, 2026, a public holiday to commemorate this year’s International Workers’ Day celebration across the country.

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the holiday on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani.

According to the statement, the government said the holiday would allow Nigerian workers to celebrate their contributions to national development and economic growth.

Tunji-Ojo praised workers across both the public and private sectors for their resilience, dedication, and commitment despite prevailing economic challenges facing the country.

He noted that Nigerian workers remain the backbone of the nation’s development and commended their continued sacrifices toward sustaining productivity and public service delivery.

“Nigerian workers have continued to demonstrate diligence, resilience, and patriotism in the face of challenges. Their efforts remain essential to Nigeria’s growth and prosperity,” the minister stated.

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The minister urged workers to continue embracing patriotism, productivity, discipline, and dedication to duty, describing these qualities as critical to sustainable national development and economic transformation.

“These qualities are crucial for sustainable development,” Tunji-Ojo emphasized.

He further reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare, enhancing workplace security, and creating a more enabling environment for economic growth and job creation.

The minister also called on Nigerians to use the occasion of Workers’ Day to reflect on the importance of unity, peace, and collective responsibility in nation-building.

Tunji-Ojo congratulated workers nationwide on the celebration of the 2026 May Day and wished them a peaceful and memorable holiday.

International Workers’ Day, also known as May Day, is celebrated annually on May 1 to recognize the contributions of workers and labour movements globally.

In Nigeria, labour unions including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) traditionally mark the occasion with rallies, speeches, and demands for improved welfare, better working conditions, and economic reforms.

This year’s celebration is expected to focus heavily on issues surrounding inflation, cost of living, minimum wage implementation, job security, taxation, and workers’ welfare amid ongoing economic reforms introduced by the Federal Government.

Several state governments and labour organizations are already making preparations for rallies and parades expected to take place in major cities including Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano, and Ibadan.

Security agencies are also expected to deploy personnel to major venues nationwide to ensure peaceful celebrations and maintain public order during the holiday.

FG Declares Friday Public Holiday for 2026 Workers’ Day Celebration

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Chief Imam of Oyo Seeks Stronger Security Collaboration with NSCDC

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Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land Seeks Stronger Security Collaboration with NSCDC

Chief Imam of Oyo Seeks Stronger Security Collaboration with NSCDC

The Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, Sheikh Al-Imam (Barrister) Bilal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu, has called for enhanced collaboration between religious leaders and security agencies to strengthen peace and security across Oyo State.

Sheikh Akeugberu made the call on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the Oyo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) at its headquarters in Agodi, Ibadan, where he was received by the State Commandant, Augustine Padonu.

Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land Seeks Stronger Security Collaboration with NSCDC

Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land Seeks Stronger Security Collaboration with NSCDC

The Grand Imam said the engagement was aimed at deepening cooperation between faith-based institutions and security operatives in addressing emerging security challenges and promoting peaceful coexistence in communities.

He stressed the importance of unity among stakeholders in maintaining societal stability, noting that religious leaders have a critical role to play in promoting intelligence sharing, conflict resolution, and community awareness.

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Sheikh Akeugberu also commended the NSCDC for its efforts in safeguarding lives and protecting critical national assets, describing the Corps as a key pillar in Nigeria’s internal security framework.

He assured the Command of continued support from the Muslim community in Oyo State, particularly in promoting peacebuilding initiatives and grassroots collaboration aimed at improving security outcomes.

In his response, Commandant Augustine Padonu expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as timely and significant in strengthening community-security relations.

Padonu reiterated the Corps’ readiness to work closely with religious leaders and other stakeholders to enhance security awareness and improve engagement at the grassroots level.

He emphasized the importance of trust, cooperation, and mutual respect in achieving sustainable peace, assuring that the NSCDC would remain committed to its mandate of protecting citizens and maintaining law and order.

The visit ended with a mutual commitment by both parties to deepen collaboration in the interest of peace, stability, and development across Oyo State.

Chief Imam of Oyo Seeks Stronger Security Collaboration with NSCDC

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