BREAKING: Court frees Ex-NIMASA DG Akpobolokemi of N8.5BN fraud - Newstrends
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BREAKING: Court frees Ex-NIMASA DG Akpobolokemi of N8.5BN fraud

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Patrick Akpobolokemi

BREAKING: Court frees Ex-NIMASA DG Akpobolokemi of N8.5BN fraud

Justice Ayokunle Faji, discharged and acquitted the former NIMASA director-general, today April 22, 2024, while delivering a ruling on a no-case submission filed by him and four defendants, in a 22-count charge against them.

Akpobolokemi was arraigned before the court alongside Major-General Emmanuel Atewe (rtd), a former Commander of the Joint Task Force Operation Pulo Shield, and two other staff of the agency, Kime Engonzu and Josphine Otuaga.

In discharging and acquitting Akpobolokemi and one Josephine Otuaga, a staff of NIMASA, Justice Faji held that the EFCC failed to establish a prima facie (sufficient evidence) case against them.

However, he ruled that a former Commander of the Joint Task Force Operation Pulo Shield, Major-General Emmanuel Atewe (rtd), (second defendant), and a Staff of NIMASA, Kime Engonzu (third defendant), have to open their defence because they have a case to answer in counts 12 to 22 of the charge.

Akpobolokemi had in a no-case submission filed by his lawyers, Dr. Joseph Nwobike (SAN) leading with Collins Ogbonna, prayed the court for an acquittal without having him present a defence.

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He stated that the prosecution, with all its witnesses and evidence tendered while making its case, failed to link him to the alleged crimes.

The defendants are being prosecuted for an amended 22-count charge bordering on conspiracy; conversion; and stealing (by fraudulent conversion).

One of the counts reads: “That you, Patrick Ziadeke Akpobolokemi, Major General Emmanuel Atewe, Kime Engozu, and Josphine Otuaga sometime in 2014, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Court, with intent to defraud, conspired amongst yourselves to commit an offence to wit: Conversion of the sum of N8,537,586,798.58 property of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2012 and punishable under Section 15 (3) of the same Act.”

They had pleaded “not guilty” to the charges, thereby prompting the commencement of their trial.

Upon conclusion of the prosecution’s case, all the defendants opted for no-case submission.

Delivering its Ruling, Justice Faji held that none of the witnesses called by the Prosecution led any shred of evidence linking the first defendant, Patrick Ziadeke Akpobolokemi, and the fourth defendant to the offences they were charged for.

The court held that having regard to the totality of evidence led by the prosecution failed to provide any credible evidence linking the first defendant with the commission of the crimes alleged against him in Counts 1-11 of the first amended Charge and/or established a prima facie case against him warranting him to enter upon his defence.

The court also noted that out of the eleven witnesses fielded by the Complainant, only one witness, (PW 2), gave evidence where the name of the first defendant (Akpobolokemi) featured, while other witnesses made it abundantly clear that, they did not know the first Defendant and did not have any dealings with him.

“If there is no sufficient evidence linking the accused with the statutory elements and ingredients a court of trial must as a matter of law discharge him. It has no business searching for evidence what is nowhere and therefore cannot be found,” the Court held.

BREAKING: Court frees Ex-NIMASA DG Akpobolokemi of N8.5BN fraud

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Agege Council Announces Free 3kg Cooking Gas Refill for 4,000 Residents

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Chairman of Agege Local Government Area, Abdulganiyu Obasa

Agege Council Announces Free 3kg Cooking Gas Refill for 4,000 Residents

The Chairman of Agege Local Government Area, Abdulganiyu Obasa, has announced a free 3kg cooking gas refill programme for 4,000 residents of the council area.

Obasa made the announcement via a post on X on Friday, stating that the initiative is aimed at reducing household energy costs and providing immediate relief at the grassroots amid rising prices of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).

According to the council chairman, beneficiaries will be selected from the seven wards in Agege, with equal allocation across all wards to ensure fairness, accessibility, and inclusiveness.

“As part of our continued commitment to easing the daily burdens faced by our people, I am pleased to announce a free cooking gas refill programme for 4,000 residents across the seven wards in Agege,” Obasa said.

He explained that designated gas refill stations have been assigned to each ward, adding that the distribution would run on a first-come, first-served basis. Residents are required to bring their personal gas cylinders, as only refill services will be provided.

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Obasa warned that once the allocated slots for any ward are exhausted, the exercise would be concluded in that location.

The council boss said the intervention is part of measures to cushion the impact of rising gas prices, support vulnerable households, and promote the use of cleaner and safer cooking energy.

“This is one of several people-focused programmes we are implementing to improve quality of life, encourage clean energy adoption, and demonstrate that governance must be felt where it matters most — in our homes and communities,” he stated.

Obasa is the son of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, though the council stressed that the initiative is part of its local social intervention programmes.

The announcement has attracted mixed reactions on social media, with many residents welcoming the scheme as timely relief amid economic pressure.

However, some critics questioned the sustainability of the intervention, arguing that job creation, empowerment programmes, and small business support would provide more long-term economic solutions.

As of the time of filing this report, no official response had been issued by Obasa to the criticisms, though council officials said further details on distribution dates and locations would be communicated through official channels.

Agege Council Announces Free 3kg Cooking Gas Refill for 4,000 Residents

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UniAbuja Student Sadiya Usman Found Safe After Two Days Missing

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Sadiya Usman

UniAbuja Student Sadiya Usman Found Safe After Two Days Missing

The University of Abuja (UniAbuja) has confirmed that 100-level student Sadiya Usman has been found safe after being reported missing earlier this week. The university expressed relief and gratitude to the public and security agencies for their assistance in locating the student.

Sadiya Usman, who is enrolled in the Department of Accounting, was last seen leaving her residence at Kontagora Estate, Gwagwalada, Abuja, on Tuesday, 18 February 2026, at around 8:00 a.m. She was on her way to the university’s Main Campus to sit for her Computer-Based Test (GST 111) but did not arrive for the exam.

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After her disappearance, her guardian reported her missing when all attempts to reach her by phone were unsuccessful. The university promptly activated internal safety protocols and collaborated with security agencies, campus authorities, and the public to ensure her safe recovery.

The student was eventually located late on Thursday, 20 February 2026, around 11:49 p.m., and is reported to be safe, unhurt, and in stable condition. Authorities confirmed that coordinated efforts between the university, law enforcement, and concerned members of the public were instrumental in her recovery.

The university reaffirmed its commitment to student safety and welfare, promising continuous updates as necessary. It also thanked those who responded to the public appeal for information and urged students and parents to remain vigilant about safety.

This incident highlights the importance of campus security measures, timely reporting of missing persons, and the role of community involvement in safeguarding students.

UniAbuja Student Sadiya Usman Found Safe After Two Days Missing

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Police to Arrest TikToker Mirabel After She Recants False Rape Claim

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TikToker and aesthetic vendor, Mirabel

Police to Arrest TikToker Mirabel After She Recants False Rape Claim

The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed plans to arrest and prosecute TikTok user Mirabel after she admitted that her viral rape allegation was false, authorities and investigative reports indicate.

Mirabel, a social media influencer, first sparked national attention after posting videos alleging she had been sexually assaulted in her home in Ogijo, Ogun State. The posts quickly went viral, drawing widespread outrage, calls for justice, and prompting the police to launch an immediate investigation.

An audio recording of a phone conversation, shared online by social media personality VeryDarkMan (VDM), reportedly captures Mirabel acknowledging that parts of her story were fabricated. In the recording, she apologises and admits creating a threatening TikTok account to support her narrative, claiming she had been taking drugs at the time and “was not thinking clearly” when posting the videos.

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A police source said senior officers, including the Divisional Police Officer, were at the hospital where Mirabel was receiving medical care. Once she is discharged, she will be taken into custody and formally charged under provisions of Nigeria’s Criminal Code relating to false reporting of sexual offenses. “The essence is to serve as a deterrent to others,” the source added.

The Ogun State Police had earlier ensured that Mirabel received medical treatment and support, following procedures to protect her health while the investigation continued. The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) confirmed that the incident fell outside its jurisdiction and forwarded all relevant information to the Ogun authorities.

This development has sparked public debate about the responsible use of social media, the impact of false allegations, and the importance of evidence-based reporting. Legal experts warn that fabricating sexual assault claims can carry serious criminal penalties and may undermine the credibility of genuine victims.

Authorities continue to urge the public to avoid spreading unverified claims and to cooperate with law enforcement in ongoing investigations. Updates on the case will be issued by the Ogun State Police Command as formal legal proceedings begin.

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