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Court sends suspended Accountant General Idris to Kuje prison
A high court sitting in Abuja has ordered the remand of the former Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Ahmed Idris, in Kuje prison, Abuja, over his alleged involvement in the illegal diversion of N109bn public funds.
Justice A.O. Adeyemi Ajayi gave the order when the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Idris on a 14-count charge bordering on conspiracy, criminal breach of trust and money laundering.
The EFCC said Idris and his co-defendants were indicted on a 14-count charge of stealing and criminal breach of trust to the tune of N109.5 billion.
Idris allegedly received gratification from one Olusegun Akindele, worth N15.1 billion, in exchange for accelerating the payment of 13% derivation to the nine oil-producing states in the federation.
One of the charges read, “That you, Ahmed Idris between February and December, 2021 at Abuja in the Abuja Judicial Division of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, being a public servant by virtue of your position as the Accountant General of the Federation accepted from Olusegun Akindele, a gratification in the aggregate sum of N15,136,221,921.46 ( Fifteen Billion, One Hundred and Thirty Six Million, Two Hundred and Twenty One Thousand, Nine Hundred and Twenty One Naira and Forty Six Kobo) which sum was converted to the United States Dollars by the said Olusegun Akindele and which sum did not form part of your lawful remuneration but as a motive for accelerating the payment of 13% derivation to the nine (9) oil producing Sates in the Federation, through the office of the Accountant General of the Federation, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 155 of the Penal Code Act Cap 532 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990 and punishable under the same section.”
On Friday, Idris was arraigned alongside Godfrey Olusegun Akindele and Mohammed Kudu Usman, and Gezawa Commodity Market and Exchange Limited.
EFCC counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, had prayed the court to grant the prosecution leave to prefer a criminal charge under section 109 of ACJA against the defendants.
But Chris Uche, Idris’ counsel, asked the court to grant bail to his client.
Uche, who made an oral application pleaded that the bail should be granted pending when he files a written bail application.
He said his client had to take the next available flight from Kano just to be able to make it for trial.
News
Osun governor introduces choice first lady amid controversy over who will receive Remi Tinubu
Osun governor introduces choice first lady amid controversy over who will receive Remi Tinubu
Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun has informed the people of the state that his wife, Titilayo is the First Lady of the state that will receive visiting Nigerian First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. While asking residents to give Tinubu a rousing reception as she visits today (Tuesday), Adeleke said the state government was set to receive Sen. Oluremi Tinubu and her team in Osun.
“I am elated to host our dear First Lady and my old colleague at the Senate. Our people must troop out to welcome her,” he was quoted as saying in a statement by Olawale Rasheed, his spokesman
The governor went on to explain that the First Lady deserved a rousing welcome for endorsing Osun as the location for the Alternative High School For Girls.
During the visit, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu will turn the sod of the construction of the Alternative High School For Girls.
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The school is located at Oke D.O, Ilesha Road in Osogbo.
Adeleke had earlier in another statement said there would be no confusion as to who will receive Tinubu. A statement said the attention of the Governor had been drawn to “fake news in circulation about conflict over who among the Governor’s two wives is to host the First Lady of Nigeria, Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu on her official visit to the State tomorrow.
“For clarification, Chief (Mrs) Titilola Adeleke, the First Lady of Osun State, is officially hosting the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria tomorrow in line with the directive of Mr Governor. There is no confusion on this official position.
“The flier circulating purportedly from the Office of Erelu Ngozi Adeleke, the wife of the State Governor, is fake news and the person behind it was nabbed and questioned last night.
“The said flier was never authorized by Erelu Ngozi Adeleke. The material was manufactured and shared by elements who wanted to sow discord and create an atmosphere of confusion.
Osun governor introduces choice first lady amid controversy over who will receive Remi Tinubu
News
Tinubu jets out today to Netherlands, Saudi Arabia
Tinubu jets out today to Netherlands, Saudi Arabia
President Bola Tinubu will today (Tuesday) April 23, 2024 leave Abuja for the Netherlands on an official visit.
The President will also attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting scheduled for April 28-29 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, in a statement on Monday, said, “On the invitation of the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte, President Tinubu will engage in high-level discussions with the Prime Minister, as well as hold separate meetings with His Royal Majesty, King Willem-Alexander, and Queen Maxima of the Kingdom.
“The Queen is the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development (UNSGSA).
“While in the Netherlands, the President will participate in the Nigerian-Dutch Business and Investment Forum that will bring together heads of conglomerates and organizations in both countries to explore opportunities for collaboration and partnerships, especially in agriculture and water management towards innovative solutions for sustainable farming practices.
“There will also be extensive discussions with the Dutch officials on port management operations for which they have world-renowned expertise.
“After his engagements in the Netherlands, the President will proceed to attend a special World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting scheduled for April 28-29 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
“At the World Economic Forum meeting, which focuses on Global Collaboration, Growth and Energy for Development, President Tinubu and his entourage will use the opportunity of the gathering of over 1,000 leaders from business, government, and academia to engage in discussions in furtherance of his Renewed Hope Agenda for the country.”
News
FG begins disbursement of N200bn intervention fund to MSMEs, manufacturers
FG begins disbursement of N200bn intervention fund to MSMEs, manufacturers
The Federal Government said it will soon commence the loan disbursement process for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) and manufacturing sectors under the Presidential N200 billion Intervention Fund scheme.
Recall that President Bola Tinubu launched the scheme on October 17, 2023, to cushion the effects of the removal of petrol subsidy and other economic shocks.
Announcing the disbursement of the funds, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite, in a statement yesterday, noted that the decision was taken following the success of the ongoing disbursements targeted at supporting one million nano businesses across the country.
According to her, N75 billion each has been allocated to support MSMEs and the manufacturing sector under the Presidential Intervention Fund. This is in addition to the N50 billion set aside to support the nano businesses.
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Uzoka-Anite stated: “The Federal Government of Nigeria is proud to announce the operational launch of the MSME and Manufacturing segment under the prestigious Presidential N200 Billion Intervention Fund.
“With applications for the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme now closed, we are excited to move forward with the loan disbursement process for the MSME and manufacturing sectors, aimed at boosting economic growth and industrial development.
“This fund is strategically divided, dedicating N75 billion to MSMEs and another N75 billion to the manufacturing sector.
“We are pleased to report that the initial disbursement to nano businesses has been met with success, and we are well on our way to supporting one million nano businesses throughout the country.
“Thousands of beneficiaries have already confirmed receipt with many more to come.
“We invite eligible enterprises to join this transformative initiative. To apply, please visit our official application portal at www.fedgrantandloan.gov.ng.
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