Court freezes Kogi account over N20bn bailout loan - Newstrends
Connect with us

Business

Court freezes Kogi account over N20bn bailout loan

Published

on

A federal high court sitting in Lagos has frozen a Kogi state salary bailout account domiciled in Sterling Bank Plc, over a N20 billion loan obtained from the bank.

Justice Tijjani Ringim granted the order following an ex parte application brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, pending the conclusion of the investigation or possible prosecution.

The application was brought pursuant to section 44 (2) of the Constitution and section 34(1) of the EFCC Act.

Counsel to the EFCC, Abass Muhammed, told the court that the order was necessary so as to preserve the ‘res’ (the fund in question) and abate further dissipation of the funds in the account.

In his submission, Muhammed informed the court that the N20 billion loan meant to augment salary payment and running cost of the Kogi state government was kept in an interest-yielding fixed deposit account with Sterling Bank.

The EFCC counsel said Sterling Bank Plc is yet to present any credible evidence to show that the facility is well secured.

In his ruling granting the application, the judge directed the EFCC to publish the court order in a national newspaper.

The judge also asked the commission to make a quarterly report to the court on the progress of its investigation, and adjourned the matter till December 1, for the report of investigation.

The commission, in a 13-paragraph affidavit in support of the motion, said it received credible and direct intelligence which led to the tracing of funds suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities deposited in account No. 0073572696 domiciled in Sterling Bank Plc, with the name ‘Kogi State Salary Bailout Account’.

The commission said it discovered that on April 1, 2019, the management of Sterling Bank Plc approved an offer of N20 billion bailout loan facility for the Kogi State Government.

According to the deponent — a member of a team of investigators attached to the Lagos monitoring unit of the EFCC whose name wasn’t given in the affidavit — in the June 19, 2019 fiscal year, the state government, ministry of finance and economic development, office of the honourable commissioner, applied for a credit facility of N20 billion with an interest rate of nine percent for a tenure of 240 months from Sterling Bank Plc.

The deponent stated that prior to the said application for the loan, the state government had also on June 19, 2019, via a letter to the manager of Sterling Bank Plc, Lokoja, applied to open an account in the bank with the name ‘Kogi State Salary Bailout Account’, with Momoh Jubril, accountant-general of the state, and Elijah Evinemi, acting director of treasury, as signatories to the said account.

The fund was said to be to augment salary payment and running cost of the state government.

The EFCC investigating officer stated further that on June 26, 2019, the credit facility offer was secured by the state through a memorandum of acceptance signed by Yahaya Bello, Kogi governor; Asiwaju Asiru Idris, commissioner for finance, and Jibrin, the accountant-general.

“That upon the opening of the said account with No. 0072969301, Sterling bank Plc disbursed salary intervention loan to the tune of N20,000,000,000.00 to the account,” the affidavit reads.

“That rather than use the intervention funds for the purpose for which it was granted, the state government proceeded to open a fixed deposit account No. 0073572696.

“That on the 25 day of July 2019, Sterling Bank Plc acting on the instruction of the Kogi state government transferred the money from the loan account and placed same on the aforementioned fixed deposit account.

“That the said Account sought to be frozen received the Sum of Twenty Billion Naira, (N20,000,000,000) on 25th July, 2019.

“That as at 1st day of April, 2021, the balance standing to the credit of the said fixed deposit account was N19,333,333,333.36.”

 

Loading

Insurance

Lasaco Assurance Retains A(NG) Rating as Revenue Rises 35.2% to N30.8bn

Published

on

Lasaco Assurance Retains A(NG) Rating as Revenue Rises 35.2% to N30.8bn

Lasaco Assurance Retains A(NG) Rating as Revenue Rises 35.2% to N30.8bn

Lasaco Assurance Plc has retained its A(NG) national-scale financial strength rating for the 2025/2026 rating period, following an affirmation by Global Credit Rating Co. (GCR), with a stable outlook, in a development that highlights the insurer’s capital position and ongoing growth strategy.

The rating affirmation reflects the company’s risk-adjusted capital base, adequate liquidity and efforts to strengthen its underwriting capacity amid competition and evolving demands in Nigeria’s insurance industry.

According to the company, its financial performance was supported by a significant capital injection in 2026, which strengthened its capacity to underwrite larger and higher-value risks. The additional capital is expected to support its expansion plans and improve its ability to manage the financial risks associated with its insurance operations.

Lasaco Assurance recorded a 35.2 per cent increase in insurance revenue to N30.8 billion in 2025, reflecting growth across its business lines. The performance underscores the company’s efforts to expand its business portfolio and deepen its presence in the Nigerian insurance market.

Despite the revenue growth, the insurer continues to face underwriting performance pressures, making improved risk selection, pricing discipline and cost management important to its drive for stronger profitability.

The company is pursuing a range of strategic initiatives aimed at expanding retail insurance penetration, accelerating digitalisation and strengthening partnerships to attract new customers and improve service delivery.

READ ALSO:

These initiatives are also expected to support wider access to insurance products, improve operational efficiency and strengthen the company’s competitive position in a market where insurers are increasingly seeking innovative ways to reach individuals and businesses.

Lasaco Assurance’s diversified business portfolio remains a key component of its growth strategy, with several business lines contributing to its revenue. The company is also prioritising improved underwriting discipline and more effective use of reinsurance capacity to manage exposure to large claims and reduce earnings volatility.

Reinsurance enables insurers to transfer part of their risks to other insurance providers, helping them manage large exposures and preserve their financial capacity. For Lasaco Assurance, effective deployment of reinsurance arrangements is part of its broader effort to balance business expansion with risk management.

Commenting on the rating affirmation, the company’s Managing Director, Ademoye Shobo, expressed satisfaction with the recognition, describing it as a validation of the efforts and resilience of the company’s workforce.

“Lasaco Assurance is proud of this recognition, which validates the hard work and resilience of our team. Nonetheless, we remain fervently committed to continuous improvement and are actively working to elevate our rating through enhanced underwriting practices, operational excellence, and strategic growth,” Shobo said.

The company said its strengthened capital base and improved liquidity coverage had positioned it to pursue sustainable growth over the rating outlook period.

However, sustaining the positive momentum will depend on its ability to translate revenue growth into improved underwriting results, maintain adequate liquidity and manage risks effectively as its business expands.

The insurer’s emphasis on operational efficiency and disciplined underwriting reflects the need to balance growth with profitability, particularly in an industry where claims obligations, pricing pressures and changing market conditions can affect financial performance.

Lasaco Assurance also aims to increase its market share while delivering value to policyholders through improved products and service delivery. Its digitalisation strategy and retail market expansion are expected to play important roles in reaching more customers and strengthening its distribution channels.

The continued affirmation of its A(NG) rating provides a positive signal about the company’s financial strength within the national rating scale. However, the rating does not eliminate the operational and underwriting risks associated with its business.

As Lasaco Assurance advances its growth agenda, its ability to sustain revenue expansion, strengthen underwriting profitability and maintain sound capital and liquidity positions will remain important to its long-term performance and standing in Nigeria’s insurance sector.

Lasaco Assurance Retains A(NG) Rating as Revenue Rises 35.2% to N30.8bn

Loading

Continue Reading

Auto

Jetour W Motors Celebrates Customers, Unveils Nigeria Owners Club After Brazil Promo

Published

on

Jetour W Motors Celebrates Customers, Unveils Nigeria Owners Club After Brazil Promo

 

Jetour W Motors Nigeria is stepping up efforts to strengthen customer loyalty and build a vibrant community of vehicle owners with the successful conclusion of its #WinYourWayToBrazil campaign and the official establishment of the Jetour Nigeria Club.

The twin initiatives mark a new phase in the Chinese automotive brand’s engagement with Nigerian customers, extending its relationship with vehicle owners beyond sales and after-sales services to include shared experiences, lifestyle activities, adventures and community-building programmes.

The campaign climaxed with a live raffle draw on Friday, September 25, 2026, at the Jetour W Motors showroom on Adeyemo Alakija Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, where eligible customers gathered for an evening of entertainment, refreshments, networking and the eagerly anticipated announcement of the winner.

The promotion offered customers who ordered and purchased any Jetour vehicle between August 18 and September 20, 2026, the opportunity to win a trip to Brazil for the Jetour Brazil Fan Festival.

The event also featured the distribution of branded Jetour Owners Club gifts, adding to the celebratory atmosphere as customers interacted with one another and members of the Jetour team.

Beyond the excitement surrounding the raffle draw, the occasion provided a platform for Jetour W Motors to unveil the Jetour Nigeria Club, an initiative designed to bring owners of the brand’s vehicles together through a structured calendar of activities and shared experiences.

The club, officially established for the first time in Nigeria, is expected to create opportunities for members to participate in organised adventures, social gatherings and other community initiatives while strengthening their connection with the brand.

Registration for membership will open soon, with all Jetour owners invited to join the emerging community.

The development reinforces Jetour W Motors Nigeria’s strategy of building lasting relationships with customers in a competitive automotive market where ownership experience, customer engagement and brand loyalty are becoming increasingly important.

The #WinYourWayToBrazil campaign follows the successful Jetour Africa Expedition — Nigeria Edition, which brought together Jetour owners, influencers, media professionals and members of the company’s team for a distinctive experience combining driving, adventure and Nigerian culture.

The expedition was the brand’s first major activation specifically designed to bring Jetour owners together in Nigeria, providing an opportunity for participants to connect beyond their individual vehicle ownership experiences.

With the Brazil campaign and the launch of the national owners’ club, Jetour W Motors is building on that foundation by creating more opportunities for customers to interact, participate in brand-led activities and develop relationships with fellow owners.

The approach reflects a broader effort to position vehicle ownership as an experience that extends beyond the showroom, encompassing lifestyle, recreation and a sense of belonging to a growing community.

Jetour W Motors Nigeria is the authorised distributor of Jetour vehicles in the Nigerian market, where the brand continues to expand its presence through customer-focused initiatives and engagement programmes.

The planned opening of membership registration for the Jetour Nigeria Club is expected to provide the next opportunity for owners to become part of the community and participate in activities designed to deepen their connection with the brand.

Loading

Continue Reading

Auto

FRSC hands over Safeline Bank to ROBOPAY, targets digital financial transformation 

Published

on

FRSC hands over Safeline Bank to ROBOPAY, targets digital financial transformation 

 

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has handed over ownership of Safeline Microfinance Bank to ROBOPAY NIG. LTD., paving the way for a major recapitalisation and technology-driven transformation of the financial institution.

The divestment, which took place on Monday, October 5, 2026, at the bank’s premises in Abuja, is expected to reposition Safeline Microfinance Bank for stronger competitiveness, improved service delivery and sustainable growth in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving financial services sector.

The development, according to a statement by the Corps Public Education Officer, Osondu Ohaeri, is part of the strategic efforts under the leadership of the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, to reposition the institution for greater efficiency and competitiveness.

Safeline Microfinance Bank was established by the FRSC to provide financial services and opportunities to members of the Corps and other stakeholders.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Chairman of the Board of Safeline Microfinance Bank, Ibrahim Babagana, a Deputy Corps Marshal (Rtd.), said the decision to divest the bank followed a careful assessment of the prevailing regulatory environment and emerging government policies affecting the microfinance banking industry.

Babagana said sustaining the bank under the changing financial landscape would require substantial additional capital, greater investment in technology and enhanced human capital.

He explained that the Board therefore resolved to transfer ownership to an investor with the capacity, resources and commitment to make the required investments and place the bank on a sustainable growth trajectory.

The former FRSC chief expressed confidence in ROBOPAY, saying the company had demonstrated the competence, commitment and vision required to build on the foundation established by the Corps and take Safeline Microfinance Bank to a new level.

He identified strengthening the bank’s capital base, deploying modern technology and investing in human resources as critical priorities for its survival and competitiveness in the increasingly digital financial services market.

Responding on behalf of ROBOPAY NIG. LTD, Malam Aliyu Abiodun thanked the Board and management of Safeline Microfinance Bank for the confidence reposed in the company, describing the acquisition as a significant milestone and an opportunity to unlock the institution’s considerable potential.

Abiodun said the bank already had valuable assets, structures and an institutional foundation which the new owners would build upon through strategic investments in financial technology, capital and human resources.

He said ROBOPAY would deploy FinTech solutions to modernise the bank’s operations, improve customer experience, expand its service offerings and strengthen its competitive position within Nigeria’s financial services industry.

According to him, the new ownership would retain and leverage the institutional foundation created by the FRSC while introducing innovative technology-driven solutions capable of opening new growth opportunities for the bank.

The transaction thus signals more than a change in ownership, as it ushers Safeline Microfinance Bank into a new phase anchored on recapitalisation, digital innovation and professionalised financial services.

Both parties expressed commitment to ensuring a seamless transition, with the ultimate objective of building a stronger, more competitive and sustainable institution capable of delivering greater value to its customers and stakeholders.

Loading

Continue Reading

Trending