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Court halts ex-HOS Oyo-Ita trial over alleged fraud
A Federal High Court in Abuja has suspended indefinitely the trial of former Head of Service (HOS) of the Federation, Winifred Oyo-Ita, and eight others on money laundering charge.
Justice Taiwo Taiwo, in a ruling on Wednesday, agreed with the defendants to stay further proceedings pending when the prosecution would discontinue a related case pending before another judge,Justice Folashade Giwa-Ogunbanjo, also of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
Those standing trial with Oyo-Ita are Frontline Ace Global Services Limited, Asanaya Projects Limited, Garba Umar and his two companies – Slopes International Limited and Gooddeal Investments Limited, as well as Ubong Okon Effiok and his two companies – U & U Global Services Limited and Prince Mega Logistics Limited.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had charged the defendants with offences bordering on corruption, fraud, obtaining estacodes and Duty Travel allowance (DTA) for journeys either not undertaken or not in existence, involving about N570m.
They pleaded not guilty to the charge at their arraignment on March 23, 2020, following which the court adjourned for the commencement of trial.
On December 1, 2020 when lawyer to the prosecution, Mohammed Abubakar indicated his readiness for trial, lawyers to the 4th, 5th and 6th defendants (Umar, Slopes International Limited and Gooddeal Investments Limited), particularly Augustine Ananukwa said the defence was not ready for trial.
The defendants argued that while the charge was pending before Justice Taiwo, the EFCC went before another judge, Justice Giwa-Ogunbanjo to obtain interim forfeiture orders freezing the bank accounts of 4th, 5th and 6th defendants.
They demanded that the freezing orders be reversed, arguing that the decision by the EFCC to approach another court for the orders amounted to an abuse of the process of the court.
Abubakar argued otherwise, insisting that the action of the EFCC was a lawful practice, not intended to abuse the court’s process, but to secure the funds in the affected accounts and prevent them from being dissipated before the conclusion of trial.
In his ruling on Wednesday, Justice Taiwo, who had earlier on February 11, 2021 threatened to return the case file for re-assignment if the EFCC fails to discontinue the case before the other judge, held that the prosecution’s act in obtaining the ex-parte freezing orders from a separate court was an abuse of process.
The judge noted that the prosecution simply engaged in “judge shopping,” with the intention of getting a favourable court judgment, adding that the EFCC’s conduct was reprehensible and condemnable.
Justice Taiwo, who also described the act as forum shopping, said it was a contemptuous move.
He ordered a stay of proceedings in the trial until the EFCC and its lawyer’s withdrawal of the application before the other court.
News
No child should go to bed hungry, Tinubu seeks French investment in Nigeria’s food security
No child should go to bed hungry, Tinubu seeks French investment in Nigeria’s food security
President Bola Tinubu, Thursday, at the prestigious Palais des L’Élysée, told France President, Emmanuel Macron, that a starved nation will not care about weather or environment, and that in the 21st century no child should go to bed hungry.
President Tinubu at a high-profile meeting with President Macron also affirmed Nigeria’s strong commitment to enhancing cooperation in key sectors such as food security, energy, solid minerals, education, and defense. At a joint press conference, President Tinubu highlighted the vast, yet largely untapped potential within Nigeria’s agricultural sector and beckoned international investors to capitalize on the nation’s welcoming investment climate.
Tinubu in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, said: “The French-Nigeria Business Forum is doing a lot already, but we need to do more on food security. We cannot help but invest in another’s country.”
He emphasised Nigeria’s flourishing financial sector as a facilitator for foreign investment, particularly from French enterprises, as part of the drive to bolster food security.
“Nigeria’s financial sector is evolving and flourishing. We are also creating grounds for investment in Nigeria’s economy for French nationals, especially in the area of food security.
“It is our responsibility to put together a food security programme for the private sector to come and invest in the country.
“We are working on stability and we are getting closer and closer, but we can do better and better,” the President stated.
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President Tinubu said Nigeria’s economy was being repositioned for more Foreign Direct Investment that will directly impact the livelihood of the citizens.
“I can assure you that Nigeria is open for business and close to this, we have a vibrant youth population that is educated, and ready to be trained in various areas of entrepreneurship and development,” he said.
No child should go to bed hungry, Tinubu seeks French investment in Nigeria’s food security
News
2023 Hajj: NAHCON refunds N5.3b to states, tour operators
2023 Hajj: NAHCON refunds N5.3b to states, tour operators
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) said it has disbursed refunds amounting to N4.4 billion to 36 States’ Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the Armed Forces pertaining to the Masha’ir (core Hajj period) electricity services not rendered properly by the Saudi Authorities during the 2023 Hajj
The Head, Public Affairs, NAHCON, Malam Muhammad Musa, made this known in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.
Musa explained that in addition, the Commission has refunded a sum of N917,148,479.99 to 192 accredited Tour Companies that participated in the 2023 hajj.
” This amount is intended for onward disbursement to their respective pilgrims, while the remaining participating companies will also be refunded after due reconciliation.
“This refund underscores NAHCON’s commitment, under the leadership of its Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, to uphold transparency and accountability in the management of Hajj operations.”
Musa explained that all pilgrims who participated in the 2023 hajj were advised to contact their respective State Pilgrims’ Welfare Agencies, Boards and Commissions or tour operators to claim their refunds.
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“Each Pilgrim, is entitled to receive a refund of N61,080.00. A detailed breakdown of the number of pilgrims per state and the corresponding amounts is attached to this press statement.
“The commission hereby calls upon all 2025 hajj intending pilgrims to promptly deposit their hajj fares with their respective state pilgrims boards.
“This measure is essential to ensure the timely transmission of funds to NAHCON, thereby facilitating early arrangements of the 2025 Hajj in strict compliance with the guidelines set forth by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“In the interest of transparency and due process, NAHCON calls upon the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and other relevant security agencies to closely monitor the refund process.
“This collaboration aims to ensure that all refunds are appropriately disbursed and reached the intended beneficiaries without any discrepancy,” Musa said.
2023 Hajj: NAHCON refunds N5.3b to states, tour operators
(NAN)
News
Macron welcomes Tinubu, Remi in historic France visit
Macron welcomes Tinubu, Remi in historic France visit
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday began a two-day visit to France, with both countries seeking increased economic cooperation and Paris looking to boost ties in English-speaking Africa following a series of setbacks with former allies on the continent.
French President Emmanuel Macron met his counterpart at the historic Invalides Memorial Complex, with the first official state visit by a Nigerian leader in more than two decades.
The two national anthems sang out in the courtyard of one of Paris’ landmarks, kicking off a visit focused on encouraging economic partnerships between France and Africa’s most populous country.
Macron has sought a “renewal” between Paris and Africa since his 2017 election and after military coups and changing attitudes lessened France’s influence in Africa.
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The visit is “an opportunity to deepen the already dynamic relationship between France and Nigeria”, Macron’s office said.
Nigeria is Africa’s leading oil producer and has a robust film and entertainment industry.
However challenges posed by insecurity and corruption have left 129 million Nigerians — more than half the country’s population — living below the poverty line.
Nigeria is seeking to build ties in “agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement, innovation and energy transition,” Tinubu’s office said in a statement, adding that the president had landed in Paris on Wednesday evening.
Tinubu and Macron will also address “shared values concerning finance, solid minerals, trade and investment, and communication,” it added.
Macron welcomes Tinubu, Remi in historic France visit
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