News
N2.1bn fraud: Appeal Court frees Dokpesi, firm
The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal on Thursday absorbed founder of DAAR Communications Plc, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, of the N2.1 billion fraud charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
A three-man panel of the court in a unanimous judgment freed Dokpesi from the charges after it held that the prosecution failed to establish the ingredients of the charge.
The EFCC had in 2015 dragged Dokpesi to court accusing him and his company of illegally receiving funds considered as proceeds of crime from a former National Security Adviser to the President, Colonel Sambo Dasuki.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges and went further to file a no-case submission after the prosecution closed its case in November 2018 with 14 witnesses.
However, Justice John Tsoho rejected the no-case submission and ordered Dokpesi and his firm to enter defence.
Not satisfied, the defendants then approached the Court of Appeal, with a request to nullify the decision and free him from the charges on the grounds that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against them.
In the unanimous judgment delivered by Justice Elfreda Williams-Dawodu, the appellate court agreed with the appellants that the case of the respondents lacked merit having “failed woefully to establish a prima facie case against the appellant”.
The court held that EFCC failed to prove that the N2.1 billion allegedly received by the appellant was proceed of breach of trust and accordingly set aside the decision of the lower court which held that the appellants had a case to answer.
The judge said, “No case was made against the appellant in counts 1, 2, 3 and 4 to warrant his being called upon to open his defence.
“There is no possibility that the appellant can be convicted because the evidence are manifestly unreliable.
“I am of the view that irrespective of the ingredients stated earlier, and those by the appellant and first respondent respectively, prior proof or establishment of the predicate offences in count 1,2,3 and 4 of the amended charge is sine qua non to the proof of the offences of money laundering specified in the said counts.
“In totality, this appeal has merit, it is allowed and the ruling of the Federal High Court is hereby set aside and the appellant is discharged.”
News
Senate breaks into rowdy session over Tax Reform Bill
Senate breaks into rowdy session over Tax Reform Bill
The Senate’s plenary today was marked by a shouting match over the controversial Tax Reform Bill, which came up, unexpectedly, for debate despite not being listed as an item for the day’s business.
Recall the Tax Reform Bill, introduced by President Bola Tinubu, seeks to overhaul Nigeria’s tax framework.
While it is deemed a priority for national economic stability, it has faced resistance from various stakeholders, including state governors and the National Economic Council, over its implications.
The Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, representing Kano North, presided over the plenary which got disrupted after the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, representing Ekiti Central, invoked Order 12(1) of the Senate Standing Rules.
Bamidele proposed inviting experts, including the Director-General of the Debt Management Office (DMO), Tanimu Yakubu, and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, to address the Chamber on the Tax Reform Bill.
After the Senate had considered and passed two bills for second reading and referred them to relevant committees, Bamidele raised the motion to bring the tax experts into the Chamber.
Barau seconded the motion and directed the Sergeant-at-Arms to allow the visitors in.
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However, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, strongly opposed the move, citing Senate Rules that forbid visitors from addressing the Chamber on matters not included in the Order Paper.
Ndume argued that the Tax Reform Bill was too significant to be treated without following proper legislative procedure, stating:
“This is a very important matter. We must follow known procedures. If this issue is to be addressed today, there must be a supplementary Order Paper to reflect it. Nigerians are watching, and this issue cannot be rushed.
“Mr. President, you can have your way, but I will have my say. Tax Reform is sensitive, and our people are deeply affected by this matter. We must represent the interest of Nigerians as we swore to do,” he said.
Barau responded, defending the decision to allow the experts into the Chamber. He dismissed Ndume’s objections, stating:
“The Chamber has no time for rhetorics. We are here for facts.”
This comment further inflamed the situation, leading to a rowdy session as Ndume accused Barau of dismissing his concerns due to his position.
“Is it because you are sitting there that you are saying a Senator is speaking rhetorics? You can rule me out of order, but I will speak for Nigerians,” Ndume retorted.
Eventually, Ndume was ruled out of order, and the visitors were permitted to address the Chamber on the proposed Tax Reform Bill.
Senate breaks into rowdy session over Tax Reform Bill
News
I’m alive, Obasanjo reacts to death rumour
I’m alive, Obasanjo reacts to death rumour
Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has said he is alive, hale and hearty.
He stated this in reaction to rumours of his death being reportedly spread on some social media platforms.
He spoke in Osogbo, Osun State, during the inauguration of the Old-Garage/Oke-Fia Road reconstructed by Governor Ademola Adeleke.
Obasanjo said those who wanted him dead were spreading the rumour of his death on the social media.
He said, “I heard the rumour that I was dead. I saw it on the social media. I quickly told my children and my relations that it was not true and that I’m alive.
“Those that want me dead, that is their wish, but God still keeps me alive.”
Obasanjo praised Adeleke for his performance in Osun and charged the governor to keep up the work.
Governor Adeleke assured the people of the state that his administration would complete all the ongoing projects.
“My dear people of Osun State, our administration has constructed over 120 kilometres of roads across the state.
“Two major flyovers are also progressing to completion at Osogbo while work is progressing at the Ile Ife Flyover and Ilesa dualisation.”
News
Tinubu jets out to France on three-day visit
Tinubu jets out to France on three-day visit
President Bola Tinubu will travel to France today (Wednesday) for a three-day state visit at the instance of the French president.
A statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed this.
It said, “The Nigerian leader’s three-day visit, which will focus on strengthening political, economic, and cultural relations and establishing more opportunities for partnership, particularly in agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement and employment, innovation, and energy transition, promises significant benefits for Nigeria.”
Onanuga said Tinubu and Macron would harmonise positions on stimulating more interest in exchange programmes that focus on skill development for youths and improving their competencies in automation, entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership.
“Both leaders will participate in political and diplomatic meetings highlighting shared values on finance, solid minerals, trade and investments, and communication,” he added.
“They will also witness a session by the France-Nigeria Business Council, which oversees private sector participation in economic development.”
The presidential adviser stated that the Nigerian first lady and her French counterpart would discuss solutions for empowering women, children, and the most vulnerable through the Renewed Hope initiative.
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