Business
FG Special Investigator faults CBN audited reports, DSS to grill more officials
FG Special Investigator faults CBN audited reports, DSS to grill more officials
A Special Investigator appointed by President Bola Tinubu has noticed loopholes in the audited annual financial reports of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
The Investigator was appointed to investigate the apex bank discrepancies and irregularities in the financial accounts.
In August, the CBN released its financial accounts for the years 2016 to 2022 amid an ongoing probe of the financial services sector regulator.
Recall that President Tinubu on July 28 appointed a former Chief Executive Officer of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, Jim Obazee, as Special Investigator to probe the activities of the suspended governor of the apex bank, Godwin Emefiele.
Aside from the CBN, the Special Investigator is also investigating the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC), FRC and other Government Business Entities.
The President in the letter which he personally signed, said the move was in continuation of the government’s anti-corruption fight.
The letter, dated July 28, 2023, read, “In accordance with the fundamental objectives set forth in Section 15(5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), this administration is, today, continuing the fight against corruption by appointing you as a Special Investigator, to investigate the CBN and Related Entities. This appointment shall be with immediate effect and you are to report directly to my office.
READ ALSO:
- Chicago varsity document showing I was female not my fault – Tinubu to U.S. court
-
2,000 Libyans feared dead in severe flooding
-
Ugandan businessman marries 7 wives in one day (PHOTOS)
“The full terms of your engagement as Special Investigator shall be communicated to you in due course but require that you immediately take steps to ensure the strengthening and probity of key Government Business Entities, further block leakages in CBN and related GBEs and provide a comprehensive report on public wealth currently in the hands of corrupt individuals and establishments (whether private or public).
“You are to investigate the CBN and related entities using a suitably experienced, competent and capable team and work with relevant security and anti-corruption agencies to deliver on this assignment. I shall expect a weekly briefing on the progress being made.”
The President also attached a copy of his directive suspending Godwin Emefiele as Governor of the CBN on June 9, 2023.
According to Punch, the CBN Special Investigator is working with a team of accountants, auditors, and forensic accountants to carry out the investigation.
Meanwhile, the CBN might be asked to withdraw its seven-year audited financial account reports (spanning 2016 to 2022) over allegations of containing inaccurate and false data.
Multiple sources close to the investigation who spoke with the platform said presidential approval would soon be obtained to enable the relevant agency (FRC) to order the CBN to withdraw the controversial financial accounts.
Top sources close to the Special Investigator and his team said while the CBN financial accounts were not prepared using the International Financial Reporting Standards 9, which demands full disclosure of all financial transactions, the apex bank allegedly used guidelines controversially obtained from the FRC to prepare the financial accounts.
It was further learnt that the CBN allegedly paid N401.75m to IFRS Academy for the guidelines used in preparing the accounts.
A top official close to the investigation who spoke with Punch on condition of anonymity said, “As a government institution if you are getting any revenue, you are meant to pay it into Treasury Single Account from which a certain percentage will be deducted for the government. According to documents, the N401m paid by the CBN for the accounting guidelines between 2016 and 2022 was paid into the IFRS Academy account. The academy is a limited guarantee company set up by the FRC to train people in IFRS accounting.
READ ALSO:
-
Tribunal sacks another Kano NNPP Rep over certificate forgery
-
Trouble for Pogba after failing anti-doping test
-
BREAKING: UAE lifts visa ban on Nigerians as Tinubu secures landmark deal across sectors
“The issue is that the guidelines used in preparing the CBN accounts between 2016 and 2022 were not supposed to be paid for. Also, any accounting guidelines issued by the FRC are meant to be approved by its board and published on its website. These things were not done. The reason IFRS 9 was being avoided is to understate figures.”
Other officials close to the investigation, also claimed it was wrong to give the FRC accounting guidelines to external organisations.
As a result, it was learnt the Special Investigator team had included its recommendations that presidential approval be given to the FRC to order the CBN to withdraw the released annual financial accounts between 2016 and 2022.
Another official said, “The team has also invited the auditors that prepared the accounts for questioning. Some of the data contained in the CBN financial accounts cannot be relied upon as far as the team carrying out the investigation is concerned. Once the President approves, the CBN will be asked to withdraw the accounts in order to prepare new ones using the proper accounting methodology and standards.”
The platform added that the Department of State Services (DSS) may invite the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of FRC, Shuaibu Ahmed, and some top officials of the agency for questioning.
Also, the Special Investigator and his team are expected to question officials of the FRC for allegations bothering on the controversial accounting guidelines used by the CBN, among other issues.
Already, the DSS has quizzed some deputy governors of the CBN as the investigation continues.
Also, It was learnt that more cases involving Emefiele might soon be revealed in court sessions.
Tinubu had on July 28 directed the CBN Special Investigator to work with security and anti-corruption agencies to provide a comprehensive report on public wealth currently in the hands of corrupt individuals and establishments, whether private or public.
FG Special Investigator faults CBN audited reports, DSS to grill more officials
![]()
Business
Petrol, Diesel Prices Drop as Dangote Cuts Ex-Depot Rates
Petrol, Diesel Prices Drop as Dangote Cuts Ex-Depot Rates
Motorists and businesses may get some relief from fuel costs as Dangote Petroleum Refinery announced fresh reductions in the ex-depot prices of petrol and diesel, cutting the prices by N50 and N80 per litre respectively.
Under the new pricing regime, the refinery reduced the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, from N1,215 to N1,165 per litre.
The price of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), or diesel, was also reduced from N1,650 to N1,570 per litre.
The latest adjustment represents a 4.1 per cent reduction in the price of petrol and a 4.8 per cent cut in diesel.
The refinery said in a statement issued by the Dangote Group on Wednesday that the review was aimed at improving energy affordability, expanding access to locally refined petroleum products and supporting economic activities across the country.
The company said the new prices reflected its commitment to delivering affordable and quality petroleum products while maintaining a stable supply to the Nigerian market.
“Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a reduction in the ex-depot prices of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Automotive Gas Oil (Diesel), reaffirming its commitment to providing affordable, high-quality petroleum products to the Nigerian market,” the statement said.
It added that the refinery would continue to leverage operational efficiencies and pass the resulting benefits to consumers whenever market conditions allowed.
The latest reduction comes less than two weeks after the refinery resumed naira-denominated petrol sales and raised its ex-depot price to N1,215 per litre following a brief shift to dollar-based transactions.
The earlier change had triggered concerns among petroleum marketers over rising downstream costs.
In July, the refinery had temporarily suspended petrol truck loading and introduced dollar-denominated sales, with petrol priced at $0.779 per litre under the new framework. It subsequently returned to naira transactions and fixed the ex-depot price at N1,215 per litre.
With the latest adjustment, the refinery has now reversed part of that increase, reducing the petrol price by N50 and diesel by N80.
However, the new figures are ex-depot prices and do not necessarily translate into an equivalent reduction in pump prices. The final price paid by motorists will depend on factors including transportation, depot charges, margins and other downstream costs.
Dangote said it remained committed to ensuring stable supplies while improving operational efficiency and supporting consumers, businesses and other stakeholders.
The refinery, which has a nameplate capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, has increasingly become a major source of locally refined petrol, diesel and other petroleum products as Nigeria seeks to reduce its dependence on imported refined fuels.
The company said its operations were contributing to Nigeria’s energy security by strengthening domestic refining capacity, reducing reliance on imports and supporting economic development.
It added that it would continue to pass on the benefits of improved operational efficiencies to consumers whenever market conditions permitted.
![]()
Auto
High Power Bills Force BUK to Halt Electric Vehicle Charging on Campus
High Power Bills Force BUK to Halt Electric Vehicle Charging on Campus
Rising electricity costs have forced Bayero University, Kano, to ban the charging of privately owned electric motorcycles and other electric vehicles across its campuses.
The university said the growing practice of using its electricity supply to charge private electric vehicles had contributed significantly to a sharp increase in its power bills, creating an additional financial burden for the institution.
The directive, which takes immediate effect, was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the university’s Director of Public Affairs, Lamara Garba.
According to the statement, the management has observed the “indiscriminate charging” of privately owned electric motorcycles and other electric vehicles using the university’s electricity supply.
It said the development was no longer sustainable at a time when the institution was seeking to manage its resources prudently.
READ ALSO:
- Explosion kills ISWAP bombmakers, foreign IED experts in Borno
- Alleged Coup Mastermind Suggested Approaching Wike for Funding, Court Documents Show
- Adeleke challenges EFCC over freezing of Osun government account
“The Management of Bayero University, Kano has observed with concern the indiscriminate charging of privately owned electric motorcycles and other electric vehicles using the University’s electricity supply across its campuses.
“This practice has contributed significantly to the sharp increase in the University’s electricity bills, thereby placing an enormous financial burden on the institution,” the statement said.
The university consequently directed all staff, students, commercial motorcycle operators and other users of electric motorcycles to stop charging their vehicles with the institution’s electricity.
It warned that anyone who violated the directive would face disciplinary action in accordance with the university’s rules and regulations.
“Management expects full compliance with this directive. Any person found violating this ban will be liable to appropriate disciplinary action,” the statement added.
To enforce the ban, the university directed provosts, deans, directors, heads of departments and heads of units to monitor compliance in their respective areas and report any violations to the appropriate authorities.
It also announced that a monitoring team would conduct regular patrols across the campuses to ensure strict adherence to the directive.
The institution urged all affected persons to cooperate with the measure, saying it was part of broader efforts to reduce energy costs and promote the prudent use of university resources.
High Power Bills Force BUK to Halt Electric Vehicle Charging on Campus
![]()
Business
Zenith Bank confirms cyberattack, says customers’ contact information was accessed
Zenith Bank confirms cyberattack, says customers’ contact information was accessed
Zenith Bank has confirmed that hackers gained unauthorised access to limited customer information, including email addresses and phone numbers, following a cyberattack linked to a broader global attack affecting organisations across different sectors.
The bank disclosed the incident in an email sent to customers on Tuesday, assuring them that its banking services and digital channels remain secure and fully operational.
According to the lender, the breach involved only limited customer information, while its core banking infrastructure and digital platforms were not affected.
Zenith Bank said it activated its incident response procedures and other cybersecurity measures immediately after the unauthorised access was discovered.
The bank added that investigations were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, determine its full impact and strengthen measures designed to prevent further security breaches.
“Hackers accessed limited customer information, including email addresses and phone numbers, during a cyberattack that forms part of a broader global attack on organisations across different sectors,” the bank said.
Although Zenith Bank did not disclose the number of customers affected or identify the individuals or group responsible for the attack, it maintained that its banking services remained secure.
The bank also did not indicate whether sensitive financial information, such as account balances, transaction records, passwords, PINs or banking credentials, was accessed.
READ ALSO:
- Adeleke challenges EFCC over freezing of Osun government account
- Nollywood Actress Temitope Osoba Dies at 40 After Courageous Cancer Battle
- BREAKING: 61.54% Pass Rate as WAEC Releases 2026 WASSCE Results – How to Check Results
The development has raised concerns about possible phishing attacks, fraudulent text messages and deceptive phone calls, as cybercriminals may attempt to use customers’ contact information to impersonate the bank or obtain confidential banking details.
Zenith Bank urged customers to remain alert and exercise caution when receiving unexpected emails, text messages or phone calls claiming to originate from the bank.
The lender warned customers not to disclose their passwords, Personal Identification Numbers, One-Time Passwords or other security credentials to anyone.
Customers were also advised to avoid clicking suspicious links, downloading unfamiliar attachments or responding to unsolicited requests for banking information.
The bank said customers should independently verify suspicious communications through its official channels before taking any action.
Zenith Bank has previously warned customers about fraudulent messages and impersonation attempts, stressing that customers should rely only on verified communication channels when seeking banking support. (Zenith Bank Gambia)
The latest Zenith Bank cyberattack has renewed concerns about the growing threat of cybercrime in Nigeria’s financial sector, particularly as more customers depend on mobile banking applications, internet banking and other digital financial services.
In August 2024, Guaranty Trust Bank, now operating under GTCO, reported attempts to compromise its website domain. The bank said at the time that customers’ data had not been affected and that its banking operations remained secure.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has also warned Nigerians about fraudulent emails, online messages and other communications falsely presented as official notices from financial institutions and regulatory agencies.
Such messages may contain suspicious links or requests for personal information intended to deceive recipients and gain unauthorised access to their accounts.
Zenith Bank said it remained committed to protecting customers’ information and thanked customers for their continued trust while investigations into the security incident continue.
As of the time of filing this report, the bank had not disclosed the number of customers affected, the source of the cyberattack or whether any financial information was compromised.
Zenith Bank confirms cyberattack, says customers’ contact information was accessed
![]()
-
metro2 days agoTroops arrest four suspected Boko Haram, ISWAP suppliers, intercept 20 relatives
-
Opinion2 days agoWHO WILL SPEAK FOR WASILAT? WHEN TRADITION BECOMES HUMILIATION, JUSTICE MUST SPEAK
-
metro3 days agoTikToker undergoes cleansing after filming Oloolu procession in Ibadan
-
Education1 day agoBREAKING: 61.54% Pass Rate as WAEC Releases 2026 WASSCE Results – How to Check Results
-
News1 day agoTinubu Meets Jim Ovia, NELFUND CEO at Aso Rock as Student Loans Hit ₦303bn
-
metro2 days agoPolice Probe AIG Jimoh Over VeryDarkMan’s Corruption Allegations
-
metro2 days agoN78 Million Solar Inverters, 410 Cattle, 10 Guns Recovered as Kaduna Police Arrest 25 Suspects
-
metro1 day agoBoat Operators Rescue Woman Who Jumped Into Lagos Lagoon From Carter Bridge
