EFCC grills Saraki over N26bn contracts, money laundering allegations - Newstrends
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EFCC grills Saraki over N26bn contracts, money laundering allegations

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Saraki: I went there on my own, not arrested

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Saturday quizzed a former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, over corruption allegations bordering on N26bn contracts as governor of Kwara State and money laundering.
A senior official at the commission said Saraki was invited during the week to report at the EFCC headquarters in order to answer some questions.
The source explained that the former Senate President pleaded with the commission formally that he would honour the invitation on Saturday when he would be in nation’s capital, Abuja, for a wedding ceremony.
According to him, Saraki was to answer questions over alleged theft and laundering of public funds using a network of cronies and proxy companies.
Another official, who confirmed Saraki’s interaction with the operatives of the commission, said Saraki was not actually the target of the fresh probe but a former governor in Kwara State, Abdul-Fatah Ahmed, who is histill ally.
Saraki, who was the Senate President between 2015 and 2019, spent not less than three years facing allegations of corruption and false declaration of assets. He was acquitted by the Supreme Court in June 2018.

A source also The Nation that Saraki was grilled  over the ongoing investigation into how a N17bn bond was spent during his tenure as Kwara State governor.

He was also quizzed over alleged diversion of N9bn fraud by his successor as governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed.
Ahmed who was finance commissioner during Saraki’s tenure as a governor, had earlier been interrogated by the EFCC.
The cash in question h was allegedly diverted between 2011 and 2019.
Saraki was expected to explain projects executed with the N17billion bond during his tenure.
He said he was asked by the EFCC to come after he attended a wedding reception in Abuja.
He said there was no big deal honouring an invitation by a state agency.
“He is being quizzed in respect of the N17billion bond and the ongoing probe of alleged diversion of N9billion during the tenure of ex-Governor Ahmed,” the source said.
“In the course of interacting with the ex-governor (Ahmed), some issues cropped up and it is important Saraki is investigated.
“We have been on this case since December 2020 and we have reached a convenient bend to invite Saraki.
“On this same case, a former Commissioner for Finance under Ahmed, Ademola Banu, has been arraigned for alleged fraud.
“Banu was put on trial alongside Travel Messenger Company Limited and one Olarewaju Adeniyi, on nine counts before Justice Babangana Ashigar of the Federal High Court, Ilorin, Kwara State.”
The source said the EFCC had conducted a comprehensive investigation into the N17 billion bond which has generated issues among Kwarans.
The source said, “We have a report on the N17billion but we want Saraki to clarify all allegations since he was the one in charge.
“Some aspects of the report are: Asa Dam Mixed Use Development project: The project had N2billion allocated from the bond. However the sum of N83.688 431.68 was spent on consultancy by ECAD Designs Limited and nothing else was done.
“Ilorin Water Distribution Project was allocated N2, 000,000,000. However, N3, 736,505,126.49 was spent on the project. The only contractor for the project was C.G.C Nigeria Limited. An analysis of the Kwara state Government’s First Bank of Nigeria Plc account revealed that the sum of N1billion was paid to C.G.C apparently for the project. Investigation is still ongoing.
“Another project which benefitted from the bond is Kwara State University with a N1billion vote. But a total of N1, 675 607.905 23 was spent. The project had the following contractors: Charvet Nigeria Limited, Akit technology Limited, Integrated Concept Limited, Golden Consult and the University Itself.
“The project was handled by the Ministry of Works and the Commissioner at the time was one Kolawole Abdulrauf Shitttu. Investigation revealed that Mr. Shittu and one Engr. Akintola Taiwo are both directors and the accounts signatories to a company called PTL Consult Limited. Shittu is also a signatory to another company called Strudev Consultancy Services. Analysis of the companies’ accounts and the Mr. Shittu’s personal account revealed that transfers were made by Charvet Nigeria Limited and Archon Nigeria Limited; the two companies were among the contractors of the University Project.
“The Managing Director at Archon was invited and he stated that he was the project manager for the construction of the Kwara State University and that he was informed by the State Government that PTL Consult is the consultant on the project and that he worked with Engr. Taiwo during the period which was why they made payments to PTL Consults’ account.
“Efforts are being made to arrest Mr. Shittu.
“Concerning Kwara Mall, the fact-sheet claimed that the project was allocated N500 million and the entire sum was utilized by the Ministry of Commerce.
It added: “The Permanent Secretary was unable to provide us with details of how the money was spent but did state that they were in partnership with a private company; Persians investments Limited and that the Kwara mall was constructed and is being fully utilized. A search of the company showed that they were into real estate and property management; parts of their properties included Kwara mall, Viva Cinema, Polo Park Enugu among others.
“Analysis of the company bank statement showed N500 million paid to the company by the Kwara State Government on the 10th of June 2010. While the investigation is ongoing, the sum of two million USD $2,000,000 deposit was traced to one of the company’s accounts. The depositor is being tracked by detectives and all relevant agencies.”

Regarding irrigation project, the EFCC detectives alleged that the “document recovered from the Accountant-General did not show this project but the Permanent Secretary stated that the project ,also known as Shonga Irrigation Project ,was handled by the Ministry and the contract was awarded to C.G.C Nigeria Limited for N2,998,966,827. However, only N882, 944,215 was paid to the company. He further stated that the project was later taken over by the Federal Government.

On the International Aviation College, whose licence was suspended recently, the detectives, in their report ,said it was allocated N1.5 billion from the bond but N2,448.663.386.56 was spent in on the construction and purchase of equipment.

“Contractors that handled the project were: Godab Nigeria Limited. Henry George Nigeria Limited, ECAD Design (Consultants) and the college itself. The College is alleged to be fully owned by the Kwara State Government and registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) R C; 746511. Its board included the current State Governor, Ministry of Finance, Mr. Razak Atunwa (a former commissioner in the state) Popoola Captain Shadrack Taiwo and Yusuf Tunde. The registrar of the college was invited for an interview and questioned on the finances of the college as well as aspects in which the college handled during the construction of the college.”

He stated that the bursar of the school died recently but most contracts were handled by one Harlequin Aviation Information Service Limited (HAIS).

A search at the company found that one Yusuf Tunde is a Director as well as signatory to the accounts of the company: he is also a Board member of the Aviation College. Based on this the accounts of HAIS were placed on caution and the company’s representative is to report for an interview on the 30th of August 2018.

The report clarified the status of loan refinancing by the state government.
It said: “The prospectus of the bond stated that Kwara state had indebtedness of N4, 980,000 in external loans out of which N3.3 billion amounted to legacy obligations preceding the then administration They proposed utilizing N2, 400,000,000 from the bond proceeds of the bond to service part of the legacy obligations which were (a) African Development Bank(AFDB)- construction of four specialist hospitals in Jebba, Offa, Oke-Ode and Sobi at a cost of N1,440, 828, 000; (b) AFDB-equipment procurements to the four specialist hospitals; ( C) World Bank Essential Drug Projects.

“The total debt was N3, 301, 162, 42. Only Documents obtained from the Accountant-General of the State did not show any indication that monies were paid to AfDB or the World Bank instead another list with heading ‘OTHER PAYMENT’ showed the names of Government Agencies and private companies being paid a total of N974, 896,343.47.

“The companies were invited. One of the companies, Lolada Investment Limited reported and stated that they were awarded a contract valued at N285, 652, 200 by the Kwara state Government to install CCTV system for Ilorin metropolitan.”

The spokesman for the anti-graft agency, Wilson Uwujaren, told the News Agency of Nigeria that Saraki was in the custody of the commission for continuation of interrogation.
The invitation and detention of Saraki for interrogation was happening days after a former Nasarawa State Gov. Tanko Al-Makura and his wife, Mairo, were invited and interrogated.
The commission had invited Al-Makura and the wife over alleged breach of public trust and misappropriation of billions of naira by his administration.
Saraki reacting through a statement by his media office confirmed that he was at the commission’s headquarters.
However, he denied being arrested, saying he went there on his own volition.
The statement signed by his media aide, Yusuph Olaniyonu, read in part, “Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki will like to confirm that this afternoon, Dr Saraki on his own volition visited the office of the EFCC to clarify any issue that the commission may want to raise with him.”
“It will be recalled that following the order of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on the Fundamental Human Rights case filed by Dr. Saraki during the period of the former chairman of the EFCC which precluded the commission from investigating him until the matter is dispensed with, the commission at the last hearing on July 14, 2021, pleaded with the judge that the order was preventing them from doing their job.
“Following this complaint, Dr. Saraki, as a responsible citizen, on his own volition approached the commission that at the earliest convenient date, he was willing to visit the commission’s office and clarify all issues they might want to raise with him.
“He, therefore, visited the commission’s office this afternoon and answered some questions. He is back home. He was not arrested. Dr. Saraki also assured the commission that he has nothing to hide and will always make himself available to clear all issues that may require his attention.”

 

 

 

 

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Jetour Nigeria displays hi-tech, luxury, art at Abuja Experience

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Jetour Nigeria displays hi-tech, luxury, art at Abuja Experience

Jetour Nigeria displays hi-tech, luxury, art at Abuja Experience

Jetour Nigeria has turned its Abuja Experience into a colourful fusion of hi-tech automobiles, luxury and art, attracting automobile enthusiasts, prospective buyers and art lovers to an exhibition designed to showcase a new dimension of motoring and lifestyle.

The three-day event, which opened on Tuesday at the Maha Event Centre, Area 8, Garki, Abuja, has brought together an impressive collection of Jetour SUVs and new-generation vehicles, alongside art displays that added colour and creativity to the automobile showcase.

Rather than a conventional vehicle exhibition, the Abuja Experience offered visitors an opportunity to interact with Jetour’s technology-driven vehicles, examine their luxury features and immerse themselves in an artistic presentation that appealed to both young and older enthusiasts.

Among the vehicles on display are the Jetour X50, X70 Plus, X70 PHEV, X90 Plus, T2, T2 PHEV, Dashing, Rely R8, G700, as well as the newly introduced T1 and F700.

The event, which ends today, Thursday, September 24, is the latest stage in Jetour Nigeria’s strategy of taking its products closer to customers while strengthening its presence in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring states.

On the first day, discussions centred on Jetour’s product philosophy, technology, safety and the changing preferences of Nigerian motorists.

Speaking during the first panel session, Managing Director of New Era AutoVehicle Services, Kemi Koyejo, said Jetour’s growing product portfolio was designed to cater for the diverse needs of Nigerian motorists.

Koyejo described Jetour vehicles as a combination of luxury, safety and technology, stressing that there was “no one-size-fits-all product” because motorists have different needs and lifestyles.

She explained the philosophy behind the Jetour name—“Jet plus Tour”—saying the brand was intentional about making mobility more enjoyable.

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According to her, Jetour was “forward-looking”, with a product strategy covering petrol-powered vehicles, hybrids and plug-in hybrid technologies under its corporate tagline, “Drive Your Future.”

Executive Director, Elizade Nigeria Limited, Dr Ademola Philip-Adewunmi, identified after-sales support and spare-parts availability as critical to sustaining Jetour’s growth in Nigeria.

He disclosed that Jetour had sold about 1,000 units in Nigeria within three years, adding that motorists were increasingly researching and comparing vehicles before making purchasing decisions.

He said buyers now demanded a combination of aesthetics, technology, connectivity, performance and value for money.

Adewunmi also disclosed that Jetour vehicles come with a five-year or 150,000-kilometre warranty, while customers have access to trade-in opportunities.

On safety, Corps Commander Cherries Muta of the Federal Road Safety Corps said technologies deployed in Jetour vehicles, including sensors and driver-warning systems, could contribute to safer driving.

Art meets automobile

The second day introduced another dimension to the experience, as artworks were displayed alongside Jetour’s vehicles, creating a meeting point between automotive design, technology, luxury and contemporary art.

The art exhibition attracted an audience comprising young and older lovers of quality automobiles and art, with the producers explaining the concepts and intentions behind the works.

The presentation added a creative and cultural dimension to the automobile showcase, with visitors moving between the vehicles and artworks while engaging with the artists and exploring the ideas behind their creations.

The event also featured cultural performances and a second panel session focusing on mobility entrepreneurship and emerging opportunities across Nigeria.

Jetour Vice President, Yuan Anguo, thanked Nigerian customers for their confidence in the brand, assuring them that the company remained committed to developing its business in Nigeria and across Africa.

The Abuja Experience, according to the organisers, is part of Jetour Nigeria’s broader effort to deepen customer engagement, expand its market presence and present mobility not simply as transportation, but as an experience combining technology, comfort, lifestyle and creativity.

 

Jetour Nigeria displays hi-tech, luxury, art at Abuja Experience

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NLC Backs ₦500 Petrol Demand, Workers Propose ₦500,000 Salary

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NLC Backs ₦500 Petrol Demand, Workers Propose ₦500,000 Salary

NLC Backs ₦500 Petrol Demand, Workers Propose ₦500,000 Salary

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has backed demands by public-sector workers for the Federal Government to reduce the price of petrol to ₦500 per litre, while the workers have proposed a minimum monthly salary of ₦500,000 for Grade Level 01, Step 1 officers under a new public-service salary structure.

The demands were contained in a letter by the Trade Union Side of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, amid renewed concerns over rising fuel prices and the worsening cost-of-living crisis.

The workers gave the Federal Government until September 30, 2026, to respond to their demands, which cover petrol prices, wage awards, salary reviews and negotiations for a new wage structure.

The JNPSNC called for an intervention capable of bringing the petrol pump price down to ₦500 per litre, arguing that the rising cost of fuel has significantly increased transportation expenses and contributed to higher prices of food and other essential goods and services.

The demand comes amid another increase in petrol prices in Nigeria, with pump prices rising in several parts of the country following higher crude oil prices in the international market.

The labour movement has argued that the impact of rising fuel costs extends beyond motorists, as increased transportation and energy expenses raise the cost of moving agricultural produce, manufacturing goods and other commodities.

The NLC has therefore called for measures to cushion workers and households from the effects of the latest price increases.

On wages, the JNPSNC proposed a new salary structure under which a Grade Level 01, Step 1 public servant would earn ₦500,000 monthly.

The figure is important because it is a proposal by the workers, not an approved national minimum wage.

The proposed ₦500,000 salary is also specifically linked to the public-service salary structure being sought by the JNPSNC ahead of January 2027. It should not be presented as though the Federal Government has agreed to increase Nigeria’s statutory national minimum wage to ₦500,000.

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Nigeria’s current statutory national minimum wage remains ₦70,000 per month, following the 2024 wage agreement and legislation.

The workers are seeking negotiations for a new wage structure while also asking for an immediate Wage Award for employees at the Federal, State and Local Government levels as a short-term response to current economic pressures.

The proposed wage award is separate from the longer-term salary review and any future agreement on the national minimum wage.

The JNPSNC wants the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) to begin discussions with labour representatives and other stakeholders on the proposed wage award and salary adjustments.

The workers said rising inflation, transportation costs, food prices, housing expenses, healthcare costs and education fees had reduced the purchasing power of existing salaries.

They also called for salaries and allowances across the public service to be reviewed upward and for future salary adjustments to take inflation into account.

According to the workers, linking periodic salary reviews to inflation would help prevent employees’ earnings from losing substantial purchasing power between major wage negotiations.

The labour side also demanded subsidised transportation and affordable housing for public servants as part of measures to ease the pressure on workers.

On the petroleum sector, the workers backed calls for greater availability of crude oil in naira to local refineries, arguing that increased domestic refining and local crude supply could reduce exposure to international oil-market shocks.

The NLC has previously advocated measures to strengthen local refining and improve domestic energy security as part of efforts to reduce pressure on consumers.

The workers also rejected the idea of relying mainly on food palliatives to address the hardship, arguing that temporary relief does not adequately compensate for the loss of purchasing power caused by higher transportation and living costs.

They instead called for measures that would address the underlying drivers of the rising cost of living.

The latest demands come as the downstream petroleum market faces renewed price pressure despite increased domestic refining capacity.

Higher international crude prices have raised input costs for refiners, contributing to increases in the wholesale and retail prices of petrol.

The development has renewed debate over how much protection Nigeria’s expanding domestic refining capacity can provide against global oil-price movements.

For organised labour, however, the immediate concern is the effect of higher fuel prices on workers and households.

The JNPSNC expects the Federal Government to respond to its demands by September 30, while also looking ahead to negotiations for a new salary and wage framework from January 2027.

The council has indicated that it expects the President’s forthcoming Independence Day address to address some of the concerns raised by workers.

The proposed ₦500,000 salary therefore remains a labour demand awaiting negotiation and possible government consideration. It is not the current national minimum wage and does not mean that all Nigerian workers are automatically entitled to ₦500,000 monthly.

Similarly, the proposed ₦500 petrol price is a demand for government intervention and does not represent the current regulated or prevailing pump price across Nigeria.

The labour demands reflect growing pressure from organised workers for government action as households and businesses contend with higher fuel prices, transportation costs and living expenses.

NLC Backs ₦500 Petrol Demand, Workers Propose ₦500,000 Salary

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MURIC Warns FG: Any Move Against Atiku Now Lacks Tact

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MURIC Warns FG: Any Move Against Atiku Now Lacks Tact
MURIC’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola

MURIC Warns FG: Any Move Against Atiku Now Lacks Tact

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has warned the Federal Government against any move to arrest, interrogate or otherwise take action against former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar over a fresh petition before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, saying such a step at this time could send the wrong signal to Nigerians.

The warning came as the controversy over a renewed call for the EFCC to investigate allegations dating back to Atiku’s tenure as Vice-President intensified, with opposition figures and the petitioner trading sharply different arguments over the matter.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, MURIC Founder and Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, said the government should exercise caution, particularly with the 2027 general elections approaching.

According to MURIC, the renewed allegations have assumed greater sensitivity because Atiku is now the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress and a leading opposition figure.

“We warn that such an attempt at this point in time will send the wrong signal to Nigerians,” the group said, adding that with the 2027 elections “at the doorsteps,” the Federal Government should carefully consider the consequences of any action against the former Vice-President.

MURIC described any such move as lacking tact and “short” of emotional intelligence, while urging the government to avoid conduct that could create the impression that state institutions were being used against political opponents.

The organisation also warned against what it described as a damaging “body language” capable of portraying Nigeria as a “banana republic.”

MURIC said that although the country had already lost some ethical ground, its democratic values and norms remained important safeguards that should not be compromised.

“Our corporate image in the global community is sinking fast,” the group added.

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The statement followed renewed controversy over a petition by former House of Representatives member, Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma, asking the EFCC to revisit allegations concerning Atiku’s activities while he was Vice-President.

Reports indicate that the petition relates to allegations investigated by the EFCC between 2005 and 2006. Agbonayinma reportedly gave the anti-graft agency a 14-day ultimatum to act and threatened legal action if the commission failed to respond.

Former Senator Dino Melaye has strongly opposed the renewed petition, describing it as an attempt to “resurrect the dead.” Melaye argued that the matter had previously been dealt with and questioned the basis for bringing it back almost two decades later.

The dispute, however, has escalated beyond the original petition, with Agbonayinma hitting back at Melaye and challenging him to produce documentary evidence for his claim that the allegations had been investigated and dismissed.

In a statement reported on September 20, Agbonayinma insisted that he was asking the EFCC to perform its statutory responsibility and argued that the substance of the allegations should be addressed rather than his personality or political affiliation.

“You cannot defend Atiku Abubakar from an EFCC petition by attacking me,” Agbonayinma was quoted as saying, while urging the anti-graft agency to determine whether the allegations warranted further investigation.

The renewed controversy has also brought attention to the distinction between a petition seeking investigation and a finding of criminal guilt. The existence of a petition does not, by itself, establish that the person named in it committed an offence.

There is also a historical legal dimension to the allegations. Reports on the previous proceedings state that a Lagos State High Court set aside an EFCC administrative indictment against Atiku in December 2006, while no criminal conviction against him resulted from the allegations.

Atiku has continued to deny wrongdoing and has challenged anyone with credible evidence against him to present it through the appropriate legal channels.

Meanwhile, there was no confirmed announcement from the EFCC, as of the latest reports reviewed, that it had arrested Atiku or formally invited him over the fresh petition. A separate and more recent EFCC investigation reported on September 20 concerns individuals connected to allegations surrounding the Mambilla Power Project, which is distinct from the 2005–2006 allegations at the centre of the present political dispute.

The MURIC intervention has therefore added a fresh dimension to an increasingly heated political controversy, with the organisation urging the Federal Government to exercise restraint and protect public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

With the 2027 elections approaching, the dispute over the renewed EFCC petition is expected to remain a significant political issue, particularly if the anti-graft agency decides to take further steps.

For MURIC, however, the timing of any action is crucial. The organisation wants the Federal Government to ensure that whatever steps are taken by law-enforcement agencies are grounded in due process and do not create the perception of political persecution.

The group’s central warning is that Nigeria must guard its democratic reputation and avoid actions that could further erode public confidence in its institutions at a particularly sensitive period in the nation’s political calendar.

MURIC Warns FG: Any Move Against Atiku Now Lacks Tact

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