Court jails ex-Navy Captain 13 years for N45m fraud – Newstrends
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Court jails ex-Navy Captain 13 years for N45m fraud

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The Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has secured the conviction and sentencing of a retired Navy Captain, Jerry Ogbonna, before Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos for stealing and obtaining money by false pretence to the tune of N45 million.

The conviction of the retired Navy Captain was secured by the EFCC on Wednesday after a long drawn case.

Ogbonna, alongside his company, Obyke System Consult Limited, obtained the sum of N45 million from Diamond Bank Plc by falsely presenting to the bank that the said money represented the mobilisation fee from the Department of Petroleum Resources of the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources.

The convict had previously appeared before Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye of the Lagos State High Court in 2016 before the case was struck out after several attempts to have him take his plea proved abortive.

However, the matter was subsequently re-assigned to Justice Dada.

He was arraigned on April 19, 2018 on a five-count charge, to which he pleaded not guilty.

One of the counts reads: “That you, Navy Captain Jerry Ogbonna (retd.) and Obyke System Consult Ltd, on or about the 5th day of July 2012 at Lagos, within the Ikeja Judicial Division, with intent to defraud, conspired among yourselves to wit; stealing of forty-five Million Naira, properties of Diamond Bank Plc and committed an offence contrary to section 409 and 5(2) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State No. 11 of 2011.”

Another count reads: “That you, Navy Captain Jerry Ogbonna (retired) and Obyke System Consult Ltd, sometime in July 2012 at Lagos, within the Ikeja Judicial Division, with intent to defraud dishonestly converted to your own use the sum of (N45,000,000.00) forty-five Million Naira, properties of Diamond Bank Pic, which was erroneously paid to you by the Central Bank of Nigeria, and was later reversed into your Fidelity Bank account on the 5th day of July, 2012, which you never did, and committed an offence contrary to Section 285(1) and 278(1)b) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.”

In view of his plea, the prosecution, led by A.B.C. Ozioko, commenced trial on January 14, 2019.

During the course of trial, the prosecution called six witnesses and tendered several pieces of evidence to prove the guilt of the defendant.

Upon conclusion of trial, Justice Dada found the defendant guilty of the offences and sentenced him to three years imprisonment on count one, seven years on count two and three years on count five.

Justice Dada also ordered that the company be wound up and pay a fine of N5 million.

The convict was also ordered to make a restitution of N45 million to Diamond Bank Plc.

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Suspected IPOB members kill two soldiers in Imo

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6 hours ago

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December 28, 2024

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Nigerian Military Troop

Suspected IPOB members kill two soldiers in Imo

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of two soldiers and the theft of their weapons by operatives of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the militant arm of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

IPOB is a separatist group advocating for the creation of the Republic of Biafra, citing longstanding grievances over the marginalization of Nigeria’s South-East region since the Biafra-Nigeria civil war.

In a statement released on Saturday, the Nigerian Army explained that the incident occurred in Osina, Ideator North Local Government Area of Imo State, when troops from the 34 Artillery Brigade, returning from a routine patrol, responded to an emergency call about an attack on Osina Community by IPOB/ESN forces.

The statement revealed that upon arrival, the troops engaged the “terrorists” with overwhelming firepower, resulting in casualties among the attackers. However, the Army did not provide specific numbers, only noting that the “dissidents” eventually withdrew in disarray.

“Unfortunately, two security agents had been killed in action and one other missing in action, with their weapons—a AK-47 rifle and a tear gas launcher—being seized by the terrorists,” the statement said.

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The Army confirmed that the bodies of the fallen soldiers had been recovered, and the troops pursued the fleeing militants.

“Contact was again made with the criminal IPOB/ESN elements at Nkwachi Community, and in the firefight that ensued, one of the dissidents was neutralized while others, unable to withstand the troop’s firepower, retreated into the nearby forest. One AK-47 rifle with a fully loaded magazine was recovered, ” the statement said, adding that the troops continued their pursuit into Umalouma forest, where another intense exchange of fire took place.

“The dissidents eventually abandoned their weapons due to the troops’ superior firepower and scattered into the dense forest with severe gunshot wounds. An additional four AK-47 rifles, one Fabrique Nationale rifle, and two magazines were recovered,” the statement added.

The Army assured the public that operations would continue, with efforts to track down and eliminate the remaining criminals. “Further exploitation is ongoing as troops continue to track down the injured terrorists and flush them out of their hideouts and treatment locations,” the statement stated. “We urge all IPOB/ESN elements and other criminals hiding in the bushes to surrender to the nearest troops or face defeat, as the Brigade will ensure that the people of Imo celebrate the Yuletide season in peace, free from fear or intimidation.”

The Nigerian Army also called on the people of Imo State to continue providing timely intelligence to assist in the fight against criminal elements and help rid the state of lawlessness.

 

Suspected IPOB members kill two soldiers in Imo

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13 passengers burnt to death in Ondo auto crash

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7 hours ago

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December 28, 2024

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An accident scene File photo

13 passengers burnt to death in Ondo auto crash

The Federal Road Safety Corps, Ondo State Sector Command, says no fewer than 13 people were burnt to death along Ikare-Akoko/ Owo Road on Saturday in the state.

Dr Samuel Ibitoye, FRSC State Sector Commander made this known in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday in Akure.

“FRSC regrets to inform the public about a road traffic crash that occurred today 28 December, 2024 at Abule Panu before Ose Bridge, on Owo-Ikare highway, Ondo State.

“The fatal crash which occurred at about 10:14 AM claimed 13 lives of commuters in two buses.

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“A total of 14 people were involved, out of which 13 were burnt beyond recognition, while only one was rescued alive with serious injuries.

“Eyewitness account indicates that the bus coming from Ikare axis had a tyre burst which led to loss of control.

“This was resultant in a head-on collision with the bus loaded with fabric coming from Owo axis.

“Immediately after the collision, the two buses went up in flames. The men of FRSC, Police and Fire Service were swiftly at the crash scene for rescue,” he said.

The FRSC boss said that the injured victim was taken to Federal Medical Centre, Owo, while the deceased were deposited at the morgue of the same hospital.

He, therefore, advised drivers to exercise patience on the roads and passionately maintain their vehicles.

“Passengers are also encouraged to speak out against dangerous driving because road safety is a concern of all,” Ibitoye said.

13 passengers burnt to death in Ondo auto crash
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NDDC empowers Niger Delta young entrepreneurs with N30bn

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7 hours ago

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December 28, 2024

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NDDC empowers Niger Delta young entrepreneurs with N30bn

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has pledged to galvanise the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) by releasing N30 billion counterpart fund for the development of young entrepreneurs.

The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku who disclosed this in Port Harcourt, restated the Commission’s commitment to empowering the people of the region through economic programmes. 

He highlighted the NDCCITMA’s role in training youths, supporting SMEs, and designing industry-friendly skill development programmes.

Ogbuku said the NDDC was supporting the NDCCITMA to drive economic growth and development in the Niger Delta region by providing financial support, training and networking opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs.

He said,  “We are providing N30 billion to fund projects and support businesses to ensure the sustainability of our youth development initiatives.

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“We will release the matching funds so the entrepreneurs can access them to boost their businesses. In our 2024 budget, we have provision for N30 billion which we are to use as matching funds for the chamber of commerce. We are working towards releasing this fund so that the chamber of commerce can start work in earnest.

“The Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce will strengthen young entrepreneurs in the region. It is no longer acceptable for our youths to be contented with receiving stipends while at home doing nothing.
Ogbuku remarked that the Commission was collaborating with the Bank of Industry, BOI, to ensure the success of NDDC’s youth development programmes.

“The current NDDC Board and Management choose to look at sustainable options in designing youth programmes. In the past, we did a lot in supporting entrepreneurs in the Niger Delta but these activities were not properly documented and backed with verifiable data.

“Our new strategy is to support genuine entrepreneurs rather than people who are just portfolio entrepreneurs because we know that the government alone cannot employ everybody. Many university graduates are coming out, and the government cannot employ all of them. However, we can empower them by creating an environment where they can engage other persons to expand their businesses.”

 

NDDC empowers Niger Delta young entrepreneurs with N30bn

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