Peter Rufai, ex-Eagles goalkeeper, ‘defrauds’ businessman trying to build sports complex – Newstrends
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Peter Rufai, ex-Eagles goalkeeper, ‘defrauds’ businessman trying to build sports complex

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2 years ago

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A businessman in Ibadan, Debo Thomas, has narrated how Peter Rufai, a former Nigerian goalkeeper, took his N1 million and denied him value for it.

He also accused Rufai of using his influence within the police to avoid refunding his money.

Thomas said Rufai had promised to help achieve his dream of building a sports complex. A friend connected the duo in 2021, and not long after, they agreed to meet in the latter’s office in Festac, Lagos.

According to Thomas, an elated Rufai accepted the project after their meeting in October 2025.

“He said he wanted to be a part of the project. The way he spoke, it felt like this was something he could do. He said he had done something like that before. He said he had helped Belgium build their sports city,” Thomas told FIJ.

“Rufai said he was going to create a sports city for Lagos but was double-crossed by officials of the state government. He told me not to worry because he had templates. He said he would give me everything he had on the project because he was not all about money.”

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Thomas said he refused to accept a template without a fee because he thought that Rufai must have spent some money on the template and thus should be paid for his effort. Rufai strongly disagreed, saying he would get back to Thomas.

Thomas went his way after the meeting ended, only to receive a call from Rufai that same day, telling him he would like to have a meeting with him the following Monday to discuss a few things.

A copy of the judgement of the court

Thomas said he agreed without hesitation. According to Thomas, he arrived at Rufai’s office before the agreed time of 2 pm, but his host didn’t show up until 4 pm.

“When he arrived, he blamed his delay on the traffic he claimed to have encountered coming from the Republic of Benin. But even if there was gridlock, he did not take our calls. In fact, my team and I met him by the roadside when we were already taking our leave,” he said.

This time, Thomas said, Rufai came with a lady called Mikaila, whom he introduced as his wife, manager and co-director of Star Roof Sports Development, his company.

Thomas said he asked Rufai the second time what he wanted him to pay for the template he wanted to give him, and he insisted he wasn’t in it for the money but for a legacy.

“We needed him to tell us how much the template would cost, and then we’d talk about how much he’d charge us to help us set up the sports academy, but he said he wouldn’t charge us,” Thomas said.

Thomas said before he and his team left the meeting spot, Rufai gave him a UBA account number and asked him to pay into the account based on his discretion.

“We spoke to the lady, but she said that if we paid the money, it would be donated to charity because Peter Rufai was wealthy. He didn’t name a price. “We concluded we should pay with our discretion,” he explained.

PROBLEM AFTER PAYMENT

After the meeting ended, Thomas said he, his lawyer, and a friend contemplated what to pay Rufai. The following day, he sent a million naira to him.

“When I called him so he could acknowledge the payment, he said he was expecting more than a million naira. He then said we should add N3.5 million,” he said.

Confused, Thomas asked Rufai why he did not state any figure for his expectations earlier, but instead of providing an answer, Rufai said he spent more than a million on the template.

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“All I saw was inconsistency. I wanted Rufai to share with my team an executive summary of his plan since we had shown commitment by paying a million naira without seeing anything, but he never did.”

He said at first, Rufai assured him he would forward the documents for the template, but later asked him to be patient because he wanted to make some adjustments to it.

Four weeks later, Rufai did not tell him the status of the adjustments, Thomas said. He said he called Rufai himself to find out why he had not heard from him, but he told him to pay between N8 and N10 million before he would release the template.

RUFAI HOLDS ON TO A MILLION

Thomas said he asked Rufai to send his N1 million in frustration, as he and his team were no longer interested in the project.

“But he did not want to pay back the money. He brought in a lawyer to structure the terms of payment with my lawyer. However, when the lawyer heard of how the matter began, he couldn’t function normally,” said Thomas.

When the lawyer failed to effect a change, Thomas and his team had a meeting with Rufai to discuss the entire terms of payment.

“We told him we’d have to sign the memorandum of understanding between his and our companies before we gave him anything else, including the executive summary. He said he would get it ready by January 2022,” Thomas stated.

Thomas said Rufai started calling him in January 2022 for the balance of the deal even when he had presented no plan.

He said he asked him to show him a plan but Rufai kept telling him not to worry. Days later, Thomas said, Rufai stopped taking his calls.

Thomas wrote to Rufai, asking him to refund his money, but Rufai told him that until he made the complete payment of N8 million, he would not give him any template.

“At that point, I was angry. I told him I wanted no trouble with him. And I didn’t expect him to be dubious. I forwarded him my account number and asked for a refund, but he would not refund,” said Thomas.

An email from Rufai to Thomas

Thomas said he stumbled on links from online newspapers connecting Rufai with a fraudulent deal in Belgium. He said he forwarded it to Rufai, telling him to refund him because he didn’t want to add to his already tarnished media image.

When Rufai failed to show concern, Thomas wrote him and gave him an ultimatum to pay up, but once again, he didn’t care.

RUFAI INTIMIDATES THOMAS WITH THE POLICE

Thomas was amazed in March when his lawyer called him and said there was a petition from the Lagos Police at Onikan to produce him.

Thomas’ lawyer went to the police to ask what the matter was, but they wouldn’t tell him. Since he knew what the police could do, Thomas wrote a counter-petition to a higher office – Alagbon – but the police took no action.

He said his lawyer took the matter to the Ogba Magistrate’s Court in Lagos for them to get justice, but despite the judge’s order, Rufai still did not pay him.

“As I walked out of the court after absession in which I appeared as a witness in June, two guys blocked me and told me I was under arrest. Immediately after I saw them, I saw Peter Rufai pointing his fingers towards me,” Thomas said.

“I wasn’t sure who they were, but they threatened to shoot me, and then they drove me to a police station in Onikan. They would not listen to my side of the story. They accused me of sending assassins to Rufai, burning his car and threatening his life.

“I said Rufai cooked this up to distract from the facts, and no one was going to look at the substance of the matter.

“Before I knew it, they were harassing me. They didn’t let me have my phone to call people until later in the evening.

“The officer said he knew the substance of the matter, but I had to pay him some money for them to grant me bail and later settle with Rufai. It was late, and they threw me in their cell. When they gave me my phone, I called some of my friends.”

Thomas said the police released him the following morning but didn’t let him go immediately. That was where he learned Rufai was a friend of a senior official in that command.

“The police called Rufai and me saying they wanted us to settle, but I told them it was already in court. They said it was a civil matter. They wanted to take me to court, knowing Lagos is not my territory and it might be difficult for me to meet bail terms.

“One officer said what was happening was not right. They let me go that day, although I paid some money. I left, and they told me to come back another day. The day I went back, Rufai didn’t show up. The police officers said Rufai was not showing up and I could go. I wrote an undertaking before I left.

“The car he accused me of burning has not been the subject of an investigation by the police. There was no investigation into the alleged assassination attempt. As evidence, he only presented a screenshot of the chat in which I stated he had a history of fraud. He said I was defaming him.

“Since the police stopped calling me, we have focused on the case in court. The court judgement asked Rufai to refund my N1 million. I thought Rufai would reach out, but he didn’t. My lawyer said we should make another abdication to enforce the judgement, but I wasn’t ready for the wahala.

UFAI’S RESPONSE

When FIJ called Rufai on his mobile line, he refrained from speaking, claiming the matter was still in court.

Based on documents obtained by FIJ however, the court has since ordered Rufai to pay Thomas a million naira.

When this reporter asked Rufai for his part of the story, he said, “It would be nice for your source to explain to you everything that has trespassed and where the case is at the moment. The person has not given you the complete information. Whatever the person has told you has not made sense.”

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Kogi East APC chairman dies at 45

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4 hours ago

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April 5, 2025

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Kogi East APC chairman dies at 45

The Kogi East zonal chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Suleiman Muhammed, has died suddenly at the age of 45.

Reacting to the ugly development, Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, expressed heartfelt sympathy over the demise of the party chieftain.

In a condolence message to the family of the deceased and members of the APC in Kogi state, Ododo described the sudden passing of the APC Zonal chairman as a loss not only for the party in Kogi East but the entire APC family in the state.

A statement signed by Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Ismaila Isah, quoted Ododo as saying : “The late Hon. Suleiman Muhammed was a man of peace, humility, and one who demonstrated commitment to the service of the state and the APC as a party. He carried the aspirations of his people with dignity; his leadership was widely respected and his contributions deeply valued within and beyond the APC in Kogi East”.

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“He was instrumental in strengthening party cohesion and promoting inclusive dialogue. His presence in every party engagement brought stability and thoughtful leadership to our consultations in the zone.”

Governor Ododo further noted that Hon. Suleiman’s calm temperament, sense of fairness, and ability to listen distinguished him as a unifying figure in the party.

The Governor also extends condolences to the family of the deceased, the leadership and members of the APC in the state, the people of Dekina local government area and the entire Kogi East Senatorial District.

The late APC zonal chairman who served as the APC coordinator in Odu Ward 2 before becoming the zonal chairman of the party in Kogi East has been laid to rest according to Islamic rites.

 

Kogi East APC chairman dies at 45

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Patience Jonathan’s ex-aides to remain in jail as court adjourns case again

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4 hours ago

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April 5, 2025

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Patience Jonathan

Patience Jonathan’s ex-aides to remain in jail as court adjourns case again

Some former domestic staff of ex-First Lady Patience Jonathan, who are being jailed in the Okaka Custodial Centre, Bayelsa State, have condemned their maltreatment and delayed trial, alleging they are enduring hardship and torture.

Two of the workers, who talked exclusively with Saturday PUNCH on Friday, asked for rescue, claiming they were imprisoned.

According to our sources, the workers have been at the prison institution since 2019, as their trial has been repeatedly delayed owing to adjournments.

Those affected are Williams Alami, Vincent Olabiyi, Ebuka Cosmos, John Dashe, Tamunokuro Abaku, Emmanuel Aginwa, Erema Deborah, Precious Kingsley, Tamunosiki Achese, Sunday Reginald, Vivian Golden, Emeka Benson, Boma Oba, Salomi Wareboka, and Sahabi Lima.

The defendants were taken before the High Court of Bayelsa sitting in Yenagoa, the state capital, in 2019.

They were accused of stealing seven gold bangles and jewellery, five Samsung air conditioners, two sets of upholstery chairs, and six Samsung flat-screen televisions worth ₦200 million.

They were also charged with 18 charges of conspiracy to commit murder and conspiracy to commit crimes, namely armed robbery, burglary, and theft, among others.

A charge read, “Golden Vivian, Erama Deborah, Precious Kingsley, Vincent Olabiyi, Ebuka Cosmos, Wiliams Alami, Tamunokuro Abaku, Boma Oba, Emmanuel Aginwa, Emeka Benson, Tamunosiki Achese Fiberesima, Wariboko Salome, Sahabi Liman, Reginald Sunday, John Dashe and others now at large, sometime in June 2019 at Otuoke community in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did conspire to kill Her Excellency Dame Patience Jonathan (former First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria) and thereby committed an offence.”

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One of the defendants, who spoke to journalists from prison, decried that they were being unlawfully detained.

The detainee mentioned that up till that moment, the police had yet to present any evidence against them.

“We have been in prison since 2019. We were domestic staff of the former first lady, Patience Jonathan. In 2019, there was a case of breaking into one of her apartments in Otuoke, and she decided to arrest all her workers.

“We were not even working in that apartment; since then, there has been no evidence to prove to the court, and the case is not proceeding; she is still waiting for witnesses to come till today.

“Please, we need your intervention. We need help,” the detainee noted.

Another detained staff member alleged that they were being maltreated on the orders of the former first lady.

The inmate said, “These people want to kill us. In this prison, they are threatening us. Anything you can do for us to leave here, please do. When I was at the station, they tortured us and threatened they would take us to the back and beat and hang us.

“After they beat us, she would be on the phone listening to our voices and telling them it was not enough that they should bring us to her hotel and house. That is how we have been treated.”

Chronicle NG gathered that it learnt that efforts by a human rights organisation, Tech4Justice, to secure the release of the defendants on bail were frustrated.

The group accused the Bayelsa State courts of bowing to pressure from important individuals connected to the former first lady.

A legal partner of the group, Funmi Adedoyin, provided insight into the problems surrounding the case, stating that the prosecution had not finished its case and that the accused had not opened their defence.

She disclosed that the case had been adjourned more than 40 times between 2019 and 2025.

Adedoyin said, “We have filed applications, made representations, and sought bail on many occasions. But the judiciary appears unwilling to proceed with the case. These young men and women have been forgotten in prison.

“Due to the political weight of the complainant in the matter, we have encountered several hurdles. The judge who was handling the case was later elevated to the position of Chief Judge of Bayelsa State.

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“Since her elevation, it has been difficult for her to combine administrative duties with presiding over this particular case. She is often away on official assignments. However, in recent times, she has begun to give the matter some attention, with efforts towards accelerated hearing.”

The lawyer also condemned the frequent absence of police prosecutors in court, saying it had further stalled proceedings.

“For the past two adjournments, last month and again on Wednesday this week, the case could not proceed because the police prosecutor was absent. Several police officers have handled the case, and most of them have been transferred out of Bayelsa, with some now serving in Lagos and other places. They often give excuses about being on special assignments.

“Many of the adjournments have been due to the absence of police witnesses. Also, the general slow pace of justice in Nigeria contributes to the delay, especially as courts went on vacation for several months,” she said.

Adedoyin stated that efforts were made to secure the detainees’ bail, but the applications were denied at the early stage of the trial.

“They have been behind bars. We applied for bail at the beginning of the case, but it was denied. The trial has been ongoing, but several factors have delayed it until now,” she said.

She lamented over the plight of one of the female defendants who lost her child while in custody and was unable to attend the funeral.

“Three of the defendants are currently on bail on health grounds, including one who had tuberculosis,” the counsel added.

Adedoyin stated that rather than investigating individuals directly engaged in the theft, the police arrested all domestic staff on the complainant’s purported request.

She disclosed that, in addition to what had previously been published, the 15 domestic staff members had been charged with conspiring to murder the former First Lady.

“Everyone in the villa was arrested. The police know that stealing is a bailable offence. Because of that, they charged them with another offence entirely different from the alleged theft of the jewellery – conspiracy to kill Madam Patience Jonathan. This is another exposé on what happened.”

“This was to ensure that they would not have any means of escape. The police did not even have any evidence suggesting that these people were armed. That is why it has been very difficult to secure their bail,” she added.

At the time of filing this report, the former First Lady had yet to comment on the incarceration of her former domestic workers.

Patience Jonathan’s ex-aides to remain in jail as court adjourns case again

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Uromi killings: Man in police uniform who threatened reprisal arrested

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4 hours ago

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April 5, 2025

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Hadaina Hussaini (Dan-taki)

Uromi killings: Man in police uniform who threatened reprisal arrested

The Kaduna State Police Command has distanced itself from an individual, Hadaina Hussaini (Dan-taki), who was seen wearing a police uniform while making inflammatory comments on social media.

Reports indicate that Hussaini, posing as a law enforcement officer, issued threats of retaliation against southerners residing in northern Nigeria. His remarks came after the brutal killings of 16 northerners in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Hussaini swore by Almighty God, vowing that northerners would take severe action against southerners. He wrote, “I swear to Almighty God, we must do something for you guys, have you forgotten all your brothers that are leaving here in the North make my word, after one week you shall see the result.”

A statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, clarified on Friday night that Hussaini is not a member of the Nigeria Police Force, nor is he affiliated with the Kaduna State Police Command. According to the police, Hussaini had once been a part of the Police Special Constabulary at the Kaduna State Constabulary Office, but he was dismissed two years ago due to his questionable conduct.

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Hassan cautioned the public to be vigilant and ensure they verify the identity cards of police personnel. He also confirmed that the suspect had been apprehended and would face legal proceedings after a preliminary investigation.

The statement explained, “The attention of Kaduna State Police Command has been drawn to a comment made on a Facebook post credited to one Hadaina Hussaini (Dan-taki), which has been circulating on various social media platforms with the caption ‘Kaduna Police Officer Threatens Retaliation Against Southerners in Uromi Killings.’”

“It is pertinent to note that Hussaini is neither a member of the Nigeria Police Force nor a personnel of Kaduna State Police Command. The image of him in police uniform shared on social media was from when he was part of the Police Special Constabulary, a position he was dismissed from two years ago due to his questionable character.”

The statement continued, “The suspect has been arrested and will be charged in court after the completion of preliminary investigations according to the law. The Kaduna Police Command emphasizes that the Nigeria Police Force remains a disciplined institution that does not tolerate incitement or hate speech.”

Police Commissioner, CP Rabi’u Muhammad, urged the public to remain calm and continue reporting suspicious activities to the authorities.

 

Uromi killings: Man in police uniform who threatened reprisal arrested

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