EFCC grills ex-Minister Uju Ohanenye over N138m fraud

Former Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy Ohanenye, is under intense interrogation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over a staggering ₦138 million fraud linked to the ministry’s 2023 budgetary allocation.

Sources within the anti-graft agency revealed that Ohanenye arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja around 11 a.m. on Thursday, where she was confronted with damning allegations of misappropriation, procurement violations, and diversion of public funds.

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“She is being questioned over her alleged role in the fraudulent diversion of ₦138,413,253.89. Investigators have uncovered that funds earmarked for the P-Bat Cares for Women Initiative were allegedly siphoned for personal enrichment,” a source told the Punch.

Despite multiple attempts, EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, could not be reached for an official statement at the time of this report.

Ohanenye’s ordeal follows her removal from office in October 2024, when President Bola Tinubu ousted five ministers, including her, during a Federal Executive Council shake-up.

EFCC grills ex-Minister Uju Ohanenye over N138m fraud

Simon Ekpa, 16 others named as terrorism financiers, account frozen

The Federal Government has  through the Nigeria Sanctions Committee designated Biafran agitator Simon Ekpa and 16 other individuals and organisations terrorism financiers.

Besides Ekpa, others on the list are Godstime Promise Iyare, Francis Mmaduabuchi, John Onwumere, Chikwuka Eze, Edwin Chukwuedo, Chinwendu Owoh, Ginika Orji, Awo Uchechukwu, and Mercy Ebere Ifeoma Ali.

Also on the list are  Ohagwu Juliana, Eze Okpoto, Nwaobi Chimezie, Ogomu Kewe, Igwe Ka Ala Enterprises, Seficuvi Global Company, and Lakurawa Group.

A document by the committee on Thursday, said the list was approved by the President upon the recommendation of the Attorney General of the Federation.

It said,  “The Nigeria Sanctions Committee held a meeting on March 6, 2024, where specific individuals and entities were recommended for designation following their involvement with terrorism financing.

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“The Attorney General of the Federation, with the approval of the President, has thereupon designated the following individuals and entities to be listed on the Nigeria Sanctions List.

“In accordance with Section 54 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, you are required to:

“(a) Immediately identify and freeze, without prior notice, all funds, assets, and any other economic resources belonging to the designated persons in your possession and report the same to the Sanctions Committee.

“(b) Report to the Sanctions Committee any assets frozen or actions taken in compliance with the prohibition requirements.

“(c) Immediately file a Suspicious Transactions Report to the NFIU for further analysis of the financial activities of such individuals or entities.

“(d) Report as an STR to the NFIU all cases of name matching in financial transactions prior to or after receipt of this list.”

The committee ordered the immediate freezing of bank accounts and financial instruments associated with the listed individuals and entities across multiple banks, payment platforms, and financial institutions.

“Freezing measures should be extended to all accounts associated with the designated subjects. For designated entities, this should include accounts linked to their signatories and directors to ensure comprehensive enforcement of the sanctions regime.”

Simon Ekpa, 16 others named as terrorism financiers, account frozen

Militants order non-indigenes to leave Rivers, threaten oil production

Tensions have intensified in Rivers State as a militant group ,the Niger Delta Rescue Movement (NDRM), issued a stern warning to the Federal Government, threatening to disrupt oil production if the state’s allocation is withheld.

The militant group also cautioned non-indigenes to consider their safety and leave the state, warning that hostilities could soon erupt if the crisis persists.

The group declared that unless the Federal Government and key stakeholders involved in the ongoing conflict find a resolution, they would take action against the nation’s oil infrastructure should Rivers State’s allocation not be released promptly.

This development follows a Supreme Court ruling that halted the release of state funds until a legitimate House of Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule as Speaker, is properly constituted. In response, Amaewhule issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Governor Siminalayi Fubara to submit the 2025 budget, a deadline that expired at midnight on Wednesday.

Additionally, the Amaewhule-led Assembly directed the governor to dissolve the cabinet and resubmit a list of commissioner nominees for fresh screening.

A viral video circulating online showed about eight militants, armed with rifles, chanting “asawana,” a common slogan in the Niger Delta region. In the footage, a man who appeared to be the group’s leader read a statement addressing the situation.

“We the Niger Delta Rescue Movement wish to express our deep concern regarding the recent development in Rivers State threatening the smooth governance of our beloved state under the leadership of Governor Fubara,” the leader stated.

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“It has come to our attention that certain individuals proclaim as lawmakers have issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the state governor to present the 2025 state budget. This blatant attempt to destabilize the state is not only alarming but also a clear attempt and coordinated effort to incite hell, potentially to lead to a state of emergency or even an impeachment.”

The group urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene and stop the actions of individuals it accused of fueling the crisis.

“We call on President Bola Tinubu to intervene immediately and put a stop to the action of the minister, Nyesom Wike and his associate, whose intent is to drag Rivers State to avoidable crisis. The people of Rivers State like stability, progress, and a conducive environment for governance,” the group declared.

The militants further warned that any delay in releasing the state’s allocation would trigger direct action, including disrupting oil production.

“Furthermore, we must make it abundantly clear that the youths of Rivers State will not sit idly while our state is dragged into turmoil. If the federal allocation due to Rivers State cannot be released promptly, we will have no choice but to take a decisive action including hitting oil production,” the leader warned.

The video, lasting 3 minutes and 28 seconds, also showed the militants emphasizing the state’s right to its share of national revenue.

“We can’t generate money into the Federation Account and not have our own share. Our workers deserve their salaries, our government needs the necessary resources to carry out essential development projects,” they asserted.

They advised non-indigenes to leave the state, emphasizing that the situation could escalate.

“We urge all non-indigenes in Rivers State to consider their safety and leave the state promptly as the situation may escalate. We cherish the safety of all residents and urge for a peaceful resolution to this crisis. Enough is enough. We stand united for the rest and future of Rivers State. We demand respect from our leaders and focus on the development of our region,” the group stated.

Militants order non-indigenes to leave Rivers, threaten oil production