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NIMASA: Court orders final forfeiture of diverted $16.5m, N127m

Published

2 years ago

July 9, 2024

DSS arraigns five suspected Ansaru members over Oyo school abduction, alleged killings

NIMASA: Court orders final forfeiture of diverted $16.5m, N127m

Justice Kehinde Ogundare of the Lagos Federal High Court, Ikoyi has ordered the final forfeiture of $16.5 million and N127 million which were fraudulently diverted from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to the federal government of Nigeria.

Justice Ogundare finally forfeited the monies, while granting an application for such orders, which was filed and moved by an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) lawyer, Sulaiman I. Sulaiman, today.

The monies, according to the EFCC, were said to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

The judge had on May 23, 2024, ordered the interim forfeiture of the monies, while granting an Exparte motion, brought before the court pursuant to Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act No. 14. 2006; and Section 44 (2)(B) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended)

The court after forfeiting the monies in the interim on May 23, 2024, had directed the EFCC to publish the order in a national newspaper, to show cause why the monies should not be finally forfeited.

However, at the resumed hearing of the final forfeiture of the money today, counsel to the EFCC, Suleiman Suleiman, informed the court that pursuant to your lordship’s order made on May 23, 2024, that the order be published, the publication of the order was made on June 6, 2024, on a national daily.

“The said application is supported by 22 paragraphs deposed to by Oghare Ogbole, an investigator with the EFCC.

“The application is accompanied with two exhibits, the Interim order of the court and Punch publication of June 26, 2024. And It’s supported with the written address.

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“We most respectively adopt same and urge the court to grant the relief sought.”

Justice Ogundare after listening to the EFCC lawyer held that “order granted as prayed.”

The EFCC in the affidavit support of the application made the followings: “That on the 2nd October, 2013, the management of NIMASA under the leadership of Dr. Ziakede Patrick Akpobolokemi vide letter referenced: NIMASA 2007/DG/NSA/2013/006 dated 2/10/13, requested for the release of the sum of N1,123,400 billion, for the implementation of International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) projects.

“That on the 4th day of November 2013, the then President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, through the National Security Adviser (NSA) approved the requested sum of N1,123,400 billion. And that upon the release of the first tranche in the sum of N1, 123, 400 billion, an account No. 0060559139, domiciled in Access Bank was opened on 03/1/14, in which Captain Bala Ezekiel Agaba, the Chairman of the ISPS Committee/Executive Director, NIMASA, Mr. Victor I. Onuzurike and Mr. Dele T, Ejekukor are signatories.

“That no sooner had the money hit the Committee’s account, one Mr. Uche Obilor, a close associate of the chairman of the committee, Captain Ezekiel Bala Agaba received that total sum of N437,726,666.66 million, through his company known as Seabulk Offshore Operator Limited with account number 005326440 domiciled in Access Bank.

“That the said Mr. Uche Obilor equally received another whopping sum of N402,480 million, through his company Southern Offshore Limited with Zenith Bank Plc., account number 1013224100. And that also, the said Mr. Uche Obilor used his company known as Ace Prothesis Limited to receive the total sum of N66,800 million, through its account number 1012583949, domiciled in Zenith Bank Pic.,

“That out of the N437,726,666.66 million, paid to Seabulk Offshore Operator Limited, the total sum of N187 million, was transferred to Usaini Sabo on 06/03/2014, 10/06/2014, 12/06/2014 and 09/07/2014, who in turn converted same to US Dollars and handed them over to Captain Ezekiel Bala Agaba.

“That from the said sum paid to Seabulk Offshore Operator Limited, the total sum of N67 million, was on the 23rd July, 2014, paid to Kofar Fada Limited, who also converted the money to US Dollars and handed over same to Captain Ezekiel Bala Agaba. And that the sum of N66,800 million, received by Uche Obilor through his company Ace Prothesis Limited from NIMASA was equally converted to personal use without rendering any service to the agency.

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“That from the sum of N402,480 million, received by Uche Obilor through his company Southern Offshore Limited from NIMASA, the total sum of N268 million, was paid to one Usaini Sabo, who said sum to US Dollars and handed same over to Captain Ezekiel Bala Agaba.

“That from the sum of N402,480 million, received from NIMASA by Mr. Uche Obilor through his company Southern Offshore Limited, the total sum of N103,100 million, was equally transferred to Haji Kawu Investment Bureau De Change and Lekay Leads Ventures Limited, which sums were equally converted to US Dollars and handed over to Captain Ezekiel Bala Agaba.

“That the various sums of money transferred to the companies of Mr. Uche Obilor from the treasury of NIMASA were fraudulent in that these companies neither rendered any service nor supply goods to the agency. Rather, the funds were largely converted to Dollars for personal use and the remaining retained by Mr. Uche Obilor.

“That during the course of investigation, the total sum of $16,500 USD cash, was recovered by the Commission, part of the funds diverted from the treasury of NIMASA. And that for using his companies as mentioned above, Mr. Uche Obilor, upon invitation to the Commission during the course of investigation agreed to return the sum of N118 million, admittedly received and retained by his companies from the funds fraudulently converted from the treasury of NIMASA.

“That Mr. Uche Obilor voluntarily raised drafts through First City Monument Bank in the name of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, which sums are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity.

“That the funds sought to be forfeited are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of an unlawful act of diversion of funds from the treasury of NIMASA, through Mr. Uche Obilor, his companies and other cronies.

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“That I know as a fact that Captain Ezekiel Bala Agaba, the then Executive Director, Maritime Safety and Shipping Development of NIMASA was convicted, sentenced by this Honourable Court, per Buba, J (rtd) and subsequently granted pardon by the Council of State.

“That in view of the findings in preceding paragraphs and upon a thorough analysis of the evidence on record, this Honourable Court on the 23 day of May 2024 made an interim order of forfeiture to the Federal Government of Nigeria in favour of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) the assets sought to be forfeited.

“That I know as a fact and verily believe that this Honourable Court on the said 23 day of May, 2024 also directed the Applicant herein to publish in any national daily the said interim order of forfeiture to enable any interested party to appear before the Court to show cause why the assets should not be finally forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria, in favour of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

“That in compliance with the order of this Honourable Court, the Applicant herein published in The Punch newspaper of 6th June, 2024, the interim order of this Honourable Court.

“That I also know as a fact and verily believe that notwithstanding the Order of this Honourable Court directing any interested party to appear and show cause why the assets sought to be forfeited should not be finally forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria in favour of NIMASA, no person or party had served any affidavit showing cause on the Applicant herein.

“That this Honourable Court has the requisite power and jurisdiction to grant this application. And that it is in the best interest of Justice to hear and determine this application.”

NIMASA: Court orders final forfeiture of diverted $16.5m, N127m

(Nation)

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Bill Clinton condemns anti-Muslim prejudice, cites Qur’an’s message of coexistence

Published

16 hours ago

October 25, 2026

Trends Admin

Former United States President Bill Clinton

Bill Clinton condemns anti-Muslim prejudice, cites Qur’an’s message of coexistence

Former US president recalls daughter Chelsea’s experience reading Islamic holy book, says people should not be denigrated because of their faith

Former United States President Bill Clinton has condemned discrimination against Muslims, declaring that he is tired of people being denigrated simply because of their religious beliefs.

Clinton made the remarks on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, while speaking at an interfaith gathering at Koinonia Worship Center in Florida, where he cited a passage from the Qur’an that encourages mutual understanding among people of different backgrounds.

The former president recalled how his daughter, Chelsea Clinton, introduced him to the message after reading the Qur’an from beginning to end when she was 15 years old.

According to reports of his speech, Clinton used the experience to highlight the importance of religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence and the need to resist prejudice against people because of their faith.

“I’m tired of people denigrating Muslims for being Muslims,” Clinton said.

He argued that religious differences should not become a basis for hostility and that people should not be judged collectively on account of the actions of individuals who share their faith.

“There are bad actors in every faith because we’re all flawed human beings,” he added.

Clinton also expressed weariness with religious wars and cultural conflicts, calling attention to the need for greater understanding across religious and cultural boundaries.

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Recounting his daughter’s experience, Clinton said Chelsea had read the Qur’an from beginning to end at the age of 15 and subsequently drew his attention to a passage concerning humanity’s diversity and the relationship between different peoples.

The passage, identified as Qur’an 49:13, is found in Surah Al-Hujurat, which teaches that Allah created humanity from a male and a female and made people into nations and tribes so that they might know one another.

The verse further states that the most honoured in the sight of Allah is the most righteous.

Clinton paraphrased the passage as a message that people were created differently not to despise one another, but to become acquainted with and learn from one another.

His reference to the verse formed a central part of his argument against religious prejudice, emphasising that differences in faith, ethnicity and culture should encourage understanding rather than discrimination.

The Qur’anic passage is widely associated with the Islamic principle of human dignity and the recognition of diversity among peoples.

Clinton’s remarks challenged the tendency to associate the actions of individuals with entire religious communities. By observing that wrongdoing occurs among followers of different faiths, he argued against treating Muslims or members of any other religious group as collectively responsible for the misconduct of particular individuals.

His comments also drew attention to the consequences of religious and cultural divisions, which can deepen mistrust and encourage hostility between communities.

The former president’s position, as reported from the event, was that people should be assessed as individuals rather than denigrated merely because they belong to a particular religion.

The remarks have attracted attention because they place the Qur’an’s message of mutual understanding at the centre of a public discussion about anti-Muslim prejudice in the United States.

Clinton spoke at the Florida gathering against the backdrop of political controversy surrounding comments about Muslim political figures in the United States.

Reports on the event linked his remarks to the debate surrounding Abdul El-Sayed, a Muslim Democratic candidate seeking election to the United States Senate from Michigan, who has faced criticism from political opponents.

President Donald Trump has reportedly used the term “jihadist” in referring to El-Sayed, drawing attention to the use of religiously charged language in American political discourse.

Clinton’s comments, however, focused on the broader issue of denigrating Muslims because of their faith and the need to promote understanding across religious communities.

The event also featured David Jolly, the Democratic candidate for governor of Florida, whose campaign was the political context for Clinton’s appearance.

The gathering brought together religious and political issues, with the former president using the occasion to speak about inclusion, tolerance and the dangers of defining people through religious hostility.

Following the circulation of Clinton’s remarks, some social media posts attributed additional statements to him and his daughter, including claims that Chelsea described the Qur’an as a “miraculous book” and declared that all negative things said about Muslims were lies.

However, those additional statements have not been established by the available reports of Clinton’s speech.

What is supported by the reported remarks is that Clinton recalled Chelsea’s reading of the Qur’an, cited the message of Surah Al-Hujurat 49:13 and condemned the denigration of Muslims because of their religious identity.

The distinction is important because a genuine statement can be accompanied by unverified additions as it spreads across social media.

Clinton’s documented message remains a call for religious tolerance and mutual understanding, rather than evidence that every statement contained in the viral version was made by him or his daughter.

The passage Clinton cited, Qur’an 49:13, states in part that Allah made humanity into nations and tribes so that people may know one another. The verse places human diversity within a moral framework in which righteousness, rather than ethnic or social identity, determines a person’s standing before Allah.

For Muslims, the passage is a reminder that differences among peoples should not automatically become grounds for contempt or discrimination.

Clinton’s decision to invoke the verse in condemning anti-Muslim prejudice has therefore brought renewed attention to its message of recognition and coexistence.

His remarks also underscore the importance of verifying quotations attributed to public figures, particularly when religious issues and politically sensitive debates are involved.

Bill Clinton condemns anti-Muslim prejudice, cites Qur’an’s message of coexistence

Source: Al Jazeera, Siasat and other published reports on Clinton’s October 20, 2026, remarks at Koinonia Worship Center, Florida.

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41 Days in Bandits’ Den: Five Islamic Clerics Still Held After Tinubu Re-Election Prayer Trip

Published

2 days ago

October 24, 2026

Trends Admin

41 Days in Bandits’ Den: Five Islamic Clerics Still Held After Tinubu Re-Election Prayer Trip

Five Islamic clerics abducted by suspected bandits in Zamfara State have remained in captivity for 41 days, renewing concerns over their safety and the persistent threat of kidnapping in Nigeria’s North-West.

The continued detention of the clerics was disclosed on Friday by conflict reporter Bakatsine, who appealed to Nigerians to continue praying for their safe return.

In an update shared on social media on October 23, 2026, Bakatsine said the Islamic scholars were still in the hands of their abductors and expressed hope that they would reunite with their families.

The clerics were reportedly abducted on September 12, 2026, while travelling towards Talata Mafara Local Government Area for a special prayer gathering organised in connection with President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.

The gathering was associated with Senator Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari, a former Zamfara State governor and the Director-General of Tinubu’s re-election campaign council.

Reports identified the five clerics as Imam Yahuza, Magawata Abdullahi, Malam Shehu Dakko, Imam Bala Fagon and Na’ibi Tasi’u. They were said to have travelled from communities in Bakura and Talata Mafara local government areas to attend the gathering.

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However, the Nigerian Army clarified shortly after the incident that the clerics were not abducted at Yari’s residence, contrary to some initial reports. According to the military, intelligence indicated that the victims were seized while travelling from the Sububu Forest axis in Bakura towards Talata Mafara.

The Zamfara State Police Command also confirmed the incident, stating that armed men had intercepted the clerics’ vehicle along the Dakko–Damri feeder road in Bakura Local Government Area and that efforts were underway to rescue them.

There were initial reports that six Islamic clerics had been abducted, although the latest reports identifying those still in captivity named five victims.

Reports following the abduction indicated that the kidnappers demanded a ransom of ₦100 million from the victims’ families before the amount was reportedly reduced to ₦30 million during negotiations. However, there has been no confirmed public update on the progress of the negotiations or whether the demand has been met.

As of Friday, October 23, there was no confirmed information that the clerics had been released. Their current whereabouts and condition also remained unclear.

The prolonged captivity has heightened concerns over the security situation in Zamfara State, where armed groups have continued to abduct travellers and residents for ransom.

The incident has also drawn attention to the risks faced by people travelling between rural communities in the state, despite security operations aimed at curbing banditry.

Families of kidnapped victims and residents of affected communities have repeatedly called for stronger security measures and more effective rescue operations to prevent further abductions and secure the release of those still being held.

Bakatsine’s latest appeal has renewed calls for continued public concern over the fate of the five clerics as their families await news of their safe return.

41 Days in Bandits’ Den: Five Islamic Clerics Still Held After Tinubu Re-Election Prayer Trip

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EFCC Opens Recruitment for Nigerians, Sets Age Limits for Four Job Categories

Published

2 days ago

October 24, 2026

Trends Admin

EFCC Opens Recruitment for Nigerians, Sets Age Limits for Four Job Categories

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has opened its 2026 nationwide recruitment exercise, inviting qualified Nigerians to apply for positions across four job categories, with age limits ranging from 18 to 40 years.

The Federal Character Commission (FCC), in a recruitment listing published on October 23, 2026, marked the exercise as ongoing and outlined the qualifications, age requirements and other eligibility conditions for prospective applicants.

The recruitment covers the Detective Superintendent, Detective Inspector, Detective Assistant, and Professionals/Skilled Workers cadres, providing opportunities for university graduates, National Diploma holders, secondary school certificate holders and experienced professionals.

According to the published notice, applications must be submitted online through the designated recruitment portal. The application process is free, and candidates are warned against paying individuals or organisations promising to secure employment for them.

For the Detective Superintendent cadre, applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) from a recognised institution, alongside a valid National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge or exemption certificate. The position corresponds to Assistant Superintendent of EFCC II on Grade Level 08, and applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old.

The Detective Inspector category is open to candidates with a National Diploma (ND) or National Certificate in Education (NCE) from a recognised institution. The position corresponds to Inspector of EFCC II on Grade Level 06, with an age requirement of 18 to 27 years.

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For the Detective Assistant cadre, applicants must have at least five credit passes in WAEC, NECO, GCE or NABTEB examinations, including English Language and Mathematics. The results must be obtained in no more than two sittings. The position corresponds to Detective Assistant II on Grade Level 04, and applicants must be between 18 and 25 years old.

The fourth category, Professionals and Skilled Workers, covers applicants with relevant academic qualifications, professional credentials or technical expertise. The stipulated age range is 18 to 40 years.

The professional and skilled-worker category covers several fields, including medicine, pharmacy, law, nursing, medical laboratory science, engineering and technology-related disciplines. The commission is also seeking qualified or experienced personnel in human resources management, financial analysis, media and publicity, policy analysis, legal services, research, planning, monitoring and evaluation, librarianship, information and communications technology, driving, and administrative or clerical support.

Applicants in this category are expected to possess qualifications relevant to their chosen positions. An NYSC discharge or exemption certificate is also listed among the requirements, while membership of a relevant professional association is an added advantage. A valid national driver’s licence is similarly listed as an advantage for applicants seeking professional and skilled-worker positions.

Beyond the academic and age requirements, the published recruitment notice states that applicants must be Nigerian citizens, possess basic computer skills and demonstrate good character and integrity. Candidates must also be medically fit and provide evidence of fitness from a government-approved hospital. Applicants with criminal records are ineligible, while the notice states that tattoos on any part of the body are not permitted.

Additional conditions apply to cadet applicants, who must be single at the time of application. Male cadet applicants must be at least 1.67 metres tall, while female applicants must have a minimum height of 1.64 metres. Prospective candidates are advised to review the requirements carefully and ensure they meet the conditions for their preferred category before submitting their applications.

Interested applicants are directed to complete their applications online through the designated EFCC recruitment portal at https://recruitment.efcc.gov.ng. The recruitment listing states that applications are expected to close one week after the commencement of the exercise. Applicants should therefore check the portal for the exact closing date and any additional instructions before applying.

Candidates who are shortlisted will be required to present printed copies of their completed application forms during screening. The commission’s recruitment process is stated to be entirely free of charge. Applicants should not pay recruitment agents, intermediaries or individuals claiming to have connections within the EFCC.

Candidates should also avoid unofficial websites and social media accounts requesting payment or sensitive personal information in exchange for employment opportunities. Qualified Nigerians are encouraged to rely on the designated recruitment portal and official EFCC and Federal Character Commission communication channels for updates on the exercise.