Bank accounts of seven businessmen accused of defrauding Fouani N1.4bn frozen - Newstrends
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Bank accounts of seven businessmen accused of defrauding Fouani N1.4bn frozen

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Bank accounts of seven businessmen accused of defrauding Fouani N1.4bn frozen

The Federal High Court in Lagos has placed a “Post No Debit” (PND) on the accounts of seven businessmen and four firms in eight banks pending investigation of how N1,426,100,430 was fraudulently transferred from an account of a Lebanese firm.

Justice Akintayo Aluko granted the order on August 20, 2024, sequel to a motion ex parte moved and argued by the Department of State Security (DSS), through its counsel Michael Bajela.

The order subsists for 90 days.

The complainant in the suit is Fouani Nigeria Limited while the respondents affected by the order and their bank details are: Haruna Adam Abubakar – 1709985717 (Access Bank), Anthony Godwill Ifeanyi – 1236732473 (Access Bank), Tochukwu Modestus Obodoefuna -1565420706 (Access Bank), M. Munzali Dara Worldwide Business 5601060742 (Fidelily Bank), Anthony Ifeanyi Electronic Trading 5420158002 (Keystone Bank), Kholobekian Joseph Mesrob 1016886802 (UBA), Izuchukwu Stanley Alaman Jo 2137303667 (UBA), A.S. Rano Lubricant Toll Inv. Ltd 1305567771 (Providus Bank), Obioma Emeka Daniel 1005922923 (FCMB), Esto World Mega Venture Resources 2004467010 (Globus Bank) and Mubarak Buhari 8066868814 (Opay).

The court thereafter adjourned further proceedings till November 22, for the report of compliance.

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“Post No Debit” is a term used to describe a restriction imposed by banks on specific accounts, preventing customers from making withdrawals, transfers, or any other debits from their accounts.

In applying for the order, Mr. Bajela supported his application with a affidavit sworn by a DSS operative, Joshua Babalola.

Babalola averred that the Applicant (DSS) received a petition from the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System Pic (NIBSS) with the heading “Request for investigation into unauthorized fund transfers on Fouani Nigeria Limited Account.”

The petition was dated 1st day of August, 2024, and signed by Richard Bello Chief Audit Executive & Olusola Odediran, Chief Information Security Officer.

“The petitioner claimed that the sum of (N1,426,100,430.00) was fraudulently transferred by the respondents from Fouani Nigeria Limited account number 0690342734 Access Bank, 0004018789 GTBank, 1010248929 Zenith Bank and 1004536508 (UBA Bank).

“The petitioners therefore plead with the Applicant to investigate the matter and also stop the respondents from removing the money from their various Bank accounts mentioned in the face of our motion paper,” Babalola stated.

Bank accounts of seven businessmen accused of defrauding Fouani N1.4bn frozen

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Deadly Boko Haram Attack on Adamawa Military Camp Leaves Soldiers, Civilian Dead

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Nigerian Military Troops
Nigerian Military Troops

Deadly Boko Haram Attack on Adamawa Military Camp Leaves Soldiers, Civilian Dead

Suspected Boko Haram insurgents have launched a deadly attack on a military camp in Garaha District, Hong Local Government Area, Adamawa State, leaving three Nigerian soldiers and a civilian woman dead. The attackers also razed a primary school and destroyed other key infrastructure, local eyewitnesses and community leaders reported.

The assault occurred late Saturday night, February 21, when the militants stormed the area, firing sporadically and catching security personnel off guard. Eyewitness Isaiah Yerima said the soldiers fought back bravely but were ultimately overpowered after insurgents launched a rear ambush through the Lar axis, leading to the deaths of three soldiers. A civilian woman was struck by a stray bullet while attempting to flee the gunfire.

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According to residents, the insurgents looted weapons, including an armoured vehicle, and set fire to the military camp before fleeing. “As I’m speaking, no structure is left at the military base except the Living Faith Church,” Yerima said, describing the scale of the destruction. The attack also destroyed the local primary school, further compounding the tragedy for the community.

Another witness suggested the military initially repelled the attackers but was overwhelmed by the coordinated assault from behind, highlighting possible gaps in security and the need for a thorough investigation. Community leaders and residents have urged authorities to strengthen the protection of vulnerable military installations and civilian communities in Adamawa State.

The Paramount Ruler of Huba land, Tol Barr Alheri Bulus, confirmed the attack and said that further details would be provided as they became available. Neither the Nigerian Army nor the Police Force had issued official statements at the time of filing this report.

This assault is the latest in a series of Boko Haram and allied militant attacks in Adamawa and other North-East states, which have repeatedly targeted communities and military formations, resulting in civilian casualties, destruction of property, and looting of weapons. Security experts warn that the persistent attacks highlight ongoing security challenges in Nigeria’s North-East, despite military efforts under Operation Hadin Kai to disrupt insurgent logistics and arrest collaborators.

Deadly Boko Haram Attack on Adamawa Military Camp Leaves Soldiers, Civilian Dead

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FG Arraigns Abuja Pastor-Doctor Over Alleged ₦19m Fraud, Sale of Embryos

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John Onuwabhagbe Abebe

FG Arraigns Abuja Pastor-Doctor Over Alleged ₦19m Fraud, Sale of Embryos

The Federal Government of Nigeria has instituted criminal proceedings against an Abuja-based medical practitioner and pastor, John Onuwabhagbe Abebe, over allegations bordering on ₦19 million fraud, unlawful disclosure of confidential medical records, and the alleged sale of human embryos.

Dr Abebe, a chief consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, is also a pastor with Living Faith Church, Durumi, Abuja. He is standing trial alongside his medical facility, Joje Abebe Hospital & Fertility Centre Limited, which was named as a co-defendant in the suit.

The criminal charges were filed before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory under suit number CV/005/26, by the Nigeria Police Force, acting on the authority of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

According to the three-count charge, prosecutors allege that Dr Abebe unlawfully released the confidential medical records of Mrs Mary Manga to members of the public without her consent. The alleged act is said to contravene provisions of the National Health Act, 2014, which mandates strict protection of patients’ medical information.

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The prosecution further claims that the disclosure exposed the couple to severe emotional distress, public stigma, and psychological trauma, in breach of medical ethics and the defendant’s professional oath as a medical practitioner.

In another count, the Federal Government accuses the pastor-doctor of obtaining ₦19 million by false pretence from Mrs Manga and her husband between January and May 2025. Dr Abebe allegedly represented himself as a specialist in In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF), collected funds for fertility treatment, and subsequently converted the money for personal use, despite allegedly lacking the competence required to carry out the procedure.

The charge states that the alleged conduct constitutes an offence punishable under Section 1 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.

Most troubling among the allegations is the claim that the doctor sold the couple’s fully developed embryos to other patients without their authorisation. Legal observers say that if proven, the allegation could make the case one of the most consequential fertility-related criminal trials in Nigeria’s recent history, raising serious questions about reproductive rights, medical oversight, and ethical enforcement in assisted reproductive technology.

The case is currently before Honourable Justice A. A. Fashola of the FCT High Court, Abuja. The defendants are expected to take their plea when proceedings resume, while prosecutors are preparing to call investigators, medical experts, and witnesses to testify.

The court is also expected to determine bail conditions in view of the gravity of the allegations and the broader public interest surrounding the matter. Legal analysts say the outcome of the trial could set a major precedent for the regulation of fertility clinics, enforcement of patient confidentiality laws, and criminal accountability of medical professionals in Nigeria.

FG Arraigns Abuja Pastor-Doctor Over Alleged ₦19m Fraud, Sale of Embryos

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Dr Sanusi Lafiagi Highlights Ramadan’s Spiritual Blessings, Post-Ramadan Challenges

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Dr Sanusi Lafiagi, Islamic scholar and Chief Imam of Al-Hikmah University

Dr Sanusi Lafiagi Highlights Ramadan’s Spiritual Blessings, Post-Ramadan Challenges

Ilorin, Kwara StateDr Sanusi Lafiagi, Islamic scholar and Chief Imam of Al-Hikmah University, Kwara State, has explained why the holy month of Ramadan is spiritually unique, emphasizing its role in personal transformation, moral discipline, and societal harmony.

In an exclusive interview with PUNCH, Dr Lafiagi described Ramadan as a “month of mercy, spiritual rejuvenation, and character formation,” citing the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) who said: “Whenever Ramadan commences, all the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hellfire are closed, and the devils are chained.”

According to Dr Lafiagi, these divine conditions make it easier for believers to perform righteous deeds, avoid sins, and draw closer to Allah’s mercy. Beyond fasting from food and drink, he highlighted that Ramadan fosters self-discipline, effective time management, self-restraint, charity, and Qur’an recitation, which help Muslims manage their lives spiritually and morally.

“During Ramadan, believers learn patience, forgiveness, and restraint,” he said, explaining that even when insulted, a fasting person is encouraged to respond calmly, reinforcing moral discipline. He added that acts of charity, especially Zakat al-Fitr, purify the soul while assisting the needy in the community.

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Dr Lafiagi also addressed why many Muslims struggle to maintain spiritual gains after Ramadan. He explained that after the month ends, the “gates of Jannah close, gates of Hellfire reopen, and the devils are freed,” making it easier for believers to lapse into previous sinful habits.

“Returning to old habits does not necessarily indicate weak faith,” he said, “but it shows that Ramadan’s lessons were not fully internalized in the heart and soul.” He stressed the importance of carrying Ramadan’s spiritual benefits into daily life to sustain moral consistency.

The scholar highlighted Ramadan’s societal impact, noting that consistent lectures and moral reminders during the month often reduce crime, improve social cohesion, and create a safer environment. He stressed that the company one keeps, the social environment, and exposure to media play significant roles in sustaining moral conduct post-Ramadan.

Dr Lafiagi also urged Muslims to utilize key moments during Ramadan, including the last 10 nights, particularly Laylatul Qadr (the Night of Power), where worship is rewarded more than in a thousand months. He emphasized the last third of every night for prayers and the giving of Zakat al-Fitr to purify the fast and help the needy.

Regarding exemptions, he clarified that sick, pregnant, nursing, and menstruating individuals may be exempt from fasting, but they should either make up missed fasts or feed the needy if unable to fast. “Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity,” he reminded.

Concluding, Dr Lafiagi stressed that a successful Ramadan is measured not only by the intensity of worship during the month but also by the consistency of righteous deeds and obedience to Allah afterward.

Dr Sanusi Lafiagi Highlights Ramadan’s Spiritual Blessings, Post-Ramadan Challenges

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