metro
N1.35bn Fraud: EFCC asks Supreme Court to quash discharge of Sule Lamido, others
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has approached the Supreme Court to set aside the July 25, 2023 discharge of former governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido and his son, Mustapha Lamido, by the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal.
The former governor, his two sons, Aminu and Mustapha, Aminu Wada Abubakar, and their companies, Bamaina Holdings Ltd and Speeds International Ltd are standing trial before Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of the Federal High Court, Abuja on a 37-count amended charge of money laundering to the tune of N1.35 billion fraud.
Lamido allegedly abused his position as governor between 2007 and 2015 and laundered several sums of money which he received as kickbacks from companies that were awarded contracts by the Jigawa State Government under his leadership.
The trial which commenced in 2015 has seen the Commission calling over 16 witnesses before closing its case. Rather than open their defence, the defendants opted for a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution had not placed sufficient materials before the court to warrant their defence.
But Justice Ojukwu, threw out the no-case submission and upheld EFCC’s submission that Lamido and the other defendants had a case to answer and ordered them to open their defence. Dissatisfied, Lamido proceeded to the Appellate Court on appeal.
The appellate court had in a ruling on July 25, held that the no-case submission filed by the defendants was meritorious, struck out the charge and discharged the former governor and his son.
READ ALSO:
- (BREAKING)Fuel subsidy: ‘No going back’ – Wednesday’s protest must hold – NLC
- Like Atiku, Tribunal reserves judgement in Obi’s petition against Tinubu
- 10/39 commissioners in cabinet, Governor Sanwo-Olu Why? – AEG
However, in a notice of appeal filed at the Supreme Court and dated July 31, 2023, the EFCC is asking the apex court to set aside the whole decision of the Court of Appeal and order a return of the case to the trial court “to continue and conclude same”, on the grounds that the appellate court erred in law when it discharged the respondents.
Among the four grounds of the appeal is the contention by the appellant that the Court of Appeal erred in law when it held that case was wrongly commenced in the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court instead of Kano and proceeded to strike out the charge and discharge the appellants.
Contrary to the decision of the appellate court, the appellant contends that Section 98(1) of the ACJA, 2015 confers on the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court the power to transfer a case from one court to another where the transfer of the case will promote the ends of justice or will be in the interest of the public peace According to the appellant, “The record of the appeal or evidence before the court below showed that the instant case was commenced in Kano Judicial Division of the Federal High Court but was transferred to Abuja for security reasons.
“The power of transfer conferred on the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court by Section 98(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 is not limited to transfer of a case from one court to another within a Judicial Division but extends to power to transfer a case from one Judicial Division to another where such transfer will promote the ends of justice or will be in the interest of public peace.
“There was also evidence and or proof of evidence before the court that some of the elements of the offences for which the respondents and others were charged occurred in Abuja.”
The appellant further avers that the “proper order to make pursuant to Section 15 and 23 of the Court of Appeal Act Cap. C36 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and Section 22 of the Federal High Court Act Cap. F12 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 was to have transferred the case to the Kano Judicial Division of the Federal High Court instead of striking out the charge and discharging the appellants.”
The EFCC also assert that the appellate court’s overlook of the failure by the respondents to insert the names of other parties in their Notice of Appeal was grievous error, as Order 7 Rule 2(1) of the Court of Appeal Rules 2021 states that “all appeals shall be by way of rehearing and shall be brought by Notice of Appeal which shall set forth the grounds of appeal, the exact nature of the relief sought and the names and addresses of all parties affected by the appeal.
“The said unilateral and arbitrary exclusion of some of the parties in the Notice of Appeal by the respondents without the leave of the court is not a mere irregularity but a fundamental vice which rendered the Notice of Appeal incompetent and invalid”.
READ ALSO:
- Breaking: After Tinubu broadcast, labour to review decision on planned strike
- Updated: Two white among passengers aboard crashed Lagos helicopter
- Messi holds more number of football records than Ronaldo, says GWR
One of the charges against Sule Lamido and his co-defendants reads: “That you, Alhaji Sule Lamido (while being the Governor of Jigawa State, Nigeria), on or about March 2nd, 2012, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court in your account in the name Bamaina Holdings (also referred to as Bamaina Holding Limited) domiciled at Unity Bank Plc. Kano, converted the aggregate sum of N61,919,000.00 being the value of four Sterling Bank Plc Cheques nos. 04981304, 04981305, 04981307, 04981308, three Diamond Bank Plc Cheque nos. 32909551,32909548, 32909550 and four Bank PHB Plc Cheques nos. 24444376, 24444374, 24444375 and 24444372 paid by Dantata & Sawoe Construction Company Nigeria Limited which represented the proceeds of bribery and corruption to wit: using your position as a public officer for gratification by purportedly obtaining contracts for companies in which you have interest from Dantata & Sawoe Construction Company Nigeria Limited which was awarded contracts by Jigawa State Government with the aim of concealing their illicit origin and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(1) (a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 and punishable under section 15(1) of the same Act”
![]()
metro
Osun Police Arrest Woman After Vigilante Member Dies During Sexual Encounter in Ile-Ife
Osun Police Arrest Woman After Vigilante Member Dies During Sexual Encounter in Ile-Ife
Authorities have launched an investigation into the mysterious death of a vigilante member in Ile-Ife who died shortly following a sexual encounter, as conflicting accounts emerge about what caused the tragedy.
The Osun State Police Command has arrested a woman in connection with the sudden death of a local vigilante member, identified as Sunday and popularly known as Apetu, who died shortly after a sexual encounter in Ile-Ife. The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. in the Ooni Ilare area, within the Odi-Olokun Division of Ile-Ife, and has generated considerable attention in the community due to conflicting explanations surrounding the man’s sudden death.
According to a situation report attributed to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) , Apetu was found in a state of severe physical distress after the encounter, gasping and screaming while pleading with the woman. A video recorded at the scene and circulated on social media shows the deceased in distress, heard pleading with the woman to give him urine. The woman involved in the incident was reportedly taken into custody at the Moore Police Division in Ile-Ife as authorities commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the death.
READ ALSO:
- Igbo Group Rejects Tinubu Endorsement, Pledges Grassroots Support for Peter Obi in 2027
- Lagos arraigns over 100 suspects after 130 arrested in Lekki, Ajah raid
- Lagos Moves to Slash Agency Fees, Curb Rent Hikes With New Tenancy Bill
The cause of Apetu’s death has not been officially established, despite claims by some residents that he died from what they described as a “thunderbolt.” This belief centres on a traditional claim that a person affected by a supposed “thunderbolt” spell could harm another person through sexual contact. However, authorities have not confirmed the claim or established any link between the traditional belief and the man’s death, emphasizing that such claims remain matters of traditional belief and have not been established as a medical or scientific explanation for the death.
Following the incident, Apetu’s remains were deposited at the morgue of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife. When contacted over reports circulating on social media, a senior police officer from the Osun State Police Command said he was aware of the rumours but cautioned members of the public against spreading unverified information. The command said no conclusion should be drawn from social media accounts until investigations establish what actually happened.
The NSCDC spokesperson, ASC I Kehinde Adeleke, also confirmed the incident when contacted. Authorities have urged residents and community leaders to remain calm and avoid sensational claims capable of causing panic while allowing the police and relevant medical authorities to determine the circumstances surrounding the death. The arrest of the woman is not an indication that she caused Apetu’s death, as authorities are yet to publicly establish the cause of death or announce any criminal charge against her.
Osun Police Arrest Woman After Vigilante Member Dies During Sexual Encounter in Ile-Ife
![]()
metro
Lagos arraigns over 100 suspects after 130 arrested in Lekki, Ajah raid
Lagos arraigns over 100 suspects after 130 arrested in Lekki, Ajah raid
The Lagos State Government has arraigned more than 100 suspects before the Lagos State Special Offences Mobile Court following a security operation that led to the arrest of about 130 people in parts of Victoria Island, Lekki and Ajah.
The suspects were brought before the court sitting in Bolade, Oshodi, on allegations bordering on breach of public peace, unlawful conversion of government property for personal use and conduct likely to cause a breakdown of law and order.
The arrests followed an early-morning enforcement operation conducted on Friday, September 4, 2026, by operatives of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency (LNSA).
The operation, which began between 2am and 4am, was reportedly carried out along the Victoria Island-Lekki-Ajah axis and parts of the Coastal Road.
According to the state government, the operation was launched as part of efforts to address alleged criminal activities and maintain public safety in the affected areas.
The LNSA General Manager, Dr Ifalade Oyekan, led the operation, which was supported by officials of Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) and an armed detachment of the Nigeria Police Force.
The operation was also facilitated by the Chief Security Officer to the Lagos State Governor, Kunle Fagbemi.
Following the arrests, the suspects were screened and profiled as part of the process of determining those who would face prosecution.
The government had described those arrested as suspected hoodlums, but the allegations against individual defendants remain subject to determination by the court.
During the court proceedings, the prosecution was led by Oluwabusola Omotunde on behalf of the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.
READ ALSO:
- Lagos Moves to Slash Agency Fees, Curb Rent Hikes With New Tenancy Bill
- Why Did Peter Obi Attend Seyi Makinde’s Campaign Launch? Here’s What He Said
- JUST IN: Tension in Benue as Suspected Thugs Attack Peter Obi’s Convoy, Block Access
The prosecution told the court that the defendants were arrested during the overnight operation and subsequently brought before the Mobile Court to answer the charges against them.
Some of the defendants pleaded guilty to the charges, while others pleaded not guilty.
The Chief Magistrate of the Mobile Court, F.J. Adefioye, stressed the importance of deterrence while ensuring that the proceedings complied with due process.
Defendants who pleaded guilty to Counts I and II were sentenced to one month and two months of community service or imprisonment, respectively. The sentences were ordered to run consecutively.
However, defendants who pleaded not guilty were granted bail with two sureties each, pending further proceedings in their respective cases.
The arrests and subsequent arraignment form part of the Lagos State Government’s broader efforts to tackle activities it considers capable of threatening public order and safety.
The LNSA said the operation was also intended to protect residents, motorists and legitimate businesses operating along some of the state’s busiest corridors.
The agency said it had received reports of criminal activities allegedly targeting motorists, particularly during periods of traffic congestion, prompting the enforcement action.
Oyekan said the agency would continue to work with residents and other security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering and respond to security concerns across communities.
He also indicated that similar joint operations could be sustained at strategic locations across Lagos as part of efforts to deter criminal activities.
The LNSA management has also linked its community policing strategy to the state’s broader push for stronger grassroots security and improved response to security threats.
Meanwhile, the Coordinator of the Lagos State Special Offences Mobile Court, Olufemi Adekunle, said the court would continue to handle cases brought before it in accordance with the law.
Adekunle reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining law and order while protecting residents, businesses and public spaces across Lagos.
He added that similar Mobile Court sittings would continue across the state to ensure that alleged offenders were promptly brought before the court.
The latest development comes amid renewed enforcement activities across Lagos aimed at curbing public disorder and other activities authorities consider a threat to safety.
For the defendants who pleaded not guilty, the allegations remain unproven until the court reaches a final determination.
Lagos arraigns over 100 suspects after 130 arrested in Lekki, Ajah raid
![]()
metro
NNPC Disowns Cannabis-Laden Tanker, Threatens Legal Action Over Brand Misuse
NNPC Disowns Cannabis-Laden Tanker, Threatens Legal Action Over Brand Misuse
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has distanced itself from a 20,000-litre fuel tanker intercepted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) with 2,145 kilogrammes of cannabis concealed in a secret compartment in Ondo State, while threatening legal action against those behind the alleged unauthorised use of its corporate identity.
The company, in a statement issued on Monday by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, said preliminary checks revealed that the vehicle, with registration number MKA 960 XC, was neither owned by NNPC Ltd. nor part of its official fleet or that of any of its authorised dealers. The logo displayed on the vehicle was also inconsistent with the company’s current official branding, and the truck was not listed in its asset database.
The operation took place on September 4, 2026, along the Akoko–Lokoja Expressway in Ondo State after NDLEA operatives reportedly pursued the tanker when its driver refused to stop for inspection. According to the agency, the driver later abandoned the vehicle at a church premises in Ugbe Akoko and fled into the bush. A search of the tanker uncovered 165 bags of cannabis weighing 2,145kg concealed in a false compartment alongside what the NDLEA described as a legitimate fuel cargo destined for Jos, Plateau State. The agency noted that the tanker had allegedly evaded arrest in previous operations.
READ ALSO:
- Bauchi Man, 25, Allegedly Shoots Friend Dead With Dane Gun During Quarrel
- 87-Year-Old Man Arraigned for Severing Judge’s Hand in Adamawa Cutlass Attack
- Three-storey building collapses in Abuja hours after FCTA closure
NNPC said it was engaging with the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) to obtain further information and establish the circumstances surrounding the use of its old branding on the vehicle. The company vowed to take the matter seriously, warning that it would explore legal action against individuals or syndicates attempting to exploit its corporate identity as a cover for criminal operations. “NNPC Ltd. takes any unauthorised use of its corporate identity seriously, particularly where such use may be associated with unlawful activity. The Company remains committed to protecting the integrity of its brand and ensuring that its name, trademarks and other corporate identifiers are not misused.” The national oil company said it would cooperate fully with the NDLEA and other relevant security agencies in investigating the incident, including determining the actual ownership and operation of the truck and how NNPC markings came to be displayed on it.
NNPC commended the NDLEA for its vigilance and professionalism in uncovering the illicit consignment. The company reiterated its support for the NDLEA’s efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking and pledged to provide all necessary cooperation to ensure that the facts surrounding the incident were conclusively established. The company also urged members of the public and relevant authorities to verify the ownership or affiliation of vehicles purporting to belong to NNPC through appropriate official channels.
NNPC Disowns Cannabis-Laden Tanker, Threatens Legal Action Over Brand Misuse
![]()
-
Auto3 days agoNAJA 19th Auto Awards: Industry’s best to battle for honours December 3
-
Politics3 days ago15 northern states may collapse if fuel subsidy returns, OAU professor warns Atiku
-
metro2 days agoAPC rally: Suspected thugs attack journalists, smash Radio Nigeria vehicle in Kano
-
metro3 days agoLagos-Ibadan Expressway: FG begins Kara Bridge repairs Tuesday, deploys traffic agencies
-
Auto3 days agoJetour Takes Rely R8 Premium Pickup to Abuja in Major FCT Debut
-
Education2 days agoFG Opens N2.5bn Grant Window For 50 Student Innovators Under “Next Moonshot Initiative”
-
Politics2 days agoKano Political Earthquake: Kwankwaso Loyalists Dump NDC, Defect to APC in Major 2027 Blow
-
Politics2 days agoPeter Obi, Others Challenging Tinubu Cannot Transform Nigeria — Datti Baba-Ahmed
