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EFCC Arraigns Two Brothers For Stealing N1.5bn From Arthur Eze

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4 years ago

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, December 23, 2020, arraigned two brothers, Eze Okwuchukwu Olisaebuka and Eze Nnadozie Onyeka and their respective companies -Berlus Resources Ltd and DYM Integrated Service Limited, before Justice Binta Mohammed of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, Abuja on two separate charges bordering on fraud. While Olisaebuka and Berlus Resources Ltd were docked on a 14-count charge, Onyeka and DYM Integrated Service Limited were arraigned on a 17-count charge bordering on theft.

Olisaebuka, who was an administrative officer with Prince Arthur Eze, is alleged to have stolen and converted to personal use the sum of N804,360,216.81 (Eight Hundred and Four Million, Three Hundred and Sixty Thousand, Two Hundred and Sixteen Naira, Eighty One Kobo) and $3,309,359.08 (Three Million, Three Hundred and Nine Thousand, Three Hundred and Fifty-Nine Dollars, Eight Cent).

Prince Arthur Eze

Count 3 of his charge reads; “That you Eze Olisaebuka Okwuchukwu, between 26th September 2017 to 30th October, 2020, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court, while being employed in the capacity of an administrative officer of Prince Arthur Eze, committed theft of an aggregate sum of N319,709,807.00 (Three Hundred and Nineteen Million, Seven Hundred and Nine Thousand, Eight Hundred and Seven Naira) in the possession of your employer (Prince Arthur Eze), and thereby committed an offense contrary to section 289 of the Penal Code Cap 532 LFN (ABUJA) 1990 and punishable under the same section”.

The defendants pleaded “not guilty”.

In view of the plea, the prosecution counsel, Samuel Chime, asked the court for a date for commencement of trial.

However, defense counsel, Anthony Okpalah, informed the court that an application for bail has been filed before the court and has also been served on the prosecution. He, therefore, asked that the court grant the defendants bail on Liberal terms.

The prosecution counsel did not object. He however reminded the court of the huge amount involved in the case and that the court should be judicious in giving the bail terms, stating that the prosecution is only interested in the defendants attending their trial at all times.

Justice Mohammed, after studying the application and the accompanying affidavit, granted Olisaebuka bail in the sum of N10,000,000.00 (Ten Million Naira) only and one surety in like sum, who must be a civil servant on Grade Level 14 with a copy of last promotion letter submitted. Also, he must be resident in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The case was adjourned till January 26, 2021, for the commencement of trial.

Also, the case of theft brought against Eze Nnadozie Onyeka and DYM Integrated Services Ltd was adjourned till January 26, 2021, for the commencement of trial, after the court admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N20,000,000.00 (Twenty Million Naira) only and two sureties, who must be civil servants of not less than Grade Level 14. The sureties must work and reside in the Federal Capital Territory and must present a copy of their last promotion letters for verification.

Onyeka and DYM Integrated Resources Ltd pleaded ‘not guilty’ to the charge of stealing N769,161,690 (Seven Hundred and Sixty Nine Million, One Hundred and Sixty One Thousand, Six Hundred and Ninety Naira ), $845,700 (Eight Hundred and Forty-five Thousand USD), and £80,200 (Eighty Thousand, Two Hundred Pounds).

Count 10 of the charge reads; “That you Eze Onyeka Nnadozie, between 20th January 2013 to 30th November 2020, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court, while being employed in the capacity of Finance Manager of Prince Arthur Eze, committed theft of an aggregate sum of N370,950,000.00 (Three Hundred and Seventy Million, Nine Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) in the possession of your employer (Prince Arthur Eze), and thereby committed an offense contrary to section 289 of the Penal Code Cap 532 LFN (ABUJA) 1990 and punishable under the same section “.

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Former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Spends Second Night In EFCC’s Cell Over N1.3 Trillion Alleged Fraud

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14 hours ago

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November 7, 2024

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Immediate past governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, who was arrested and detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has spent second night in the custody of the anti-graft commission.

 

Okowa is currently being investigated and detained over the alleged diversion of N1.3 trillion.

 

The N1.3 trillion reportedly represents the 13% derivation fund from the federation account between 2015 and 2023.

 

According to sources within the commission, Okowa was invited to the EFCC office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he’s subsequently detained by officials.

 

One of the sources stated, “Okowa was at our Port Harcourt office following an invitation from investigators probing the allegations against him. He was then arrested. The commission is investigating him regarding the N1.3 trillion 13% derivation fund from the federation account between 2015 and 2023.

 

“He is also accused of failing to account for the funds, as well as another N40 billion he allegedly claimed was used to acquire shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas. He reportedly bought shares worth N40 billion in one of the country’s major banks, representing an 8% equity stake, to support the offshore LNG project. The funds are alleged to have been misappropriated for other purposes.

Investigators are also examining the alleged diversion of funds by the former governor to acquire estates in Abuja and Asaba, Delta State. He is currently being held at the EFCC facility in Port Harcourt.

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Lagos Government Shuts Down Redeemed Church, Celestial Church, Clubs, Event Centres Over Noise Pollution

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1 day ago

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November 6, 2024

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The Lagos State government has shut down a branch of Pastor E. A. Adeboye’s Redeemed Christian Church of God, a Celestial church, nightclubs and event centres over noise pollution.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, who made this known on Wednesday, said the churches, clubs and event centres were sealed on Tuesday by the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) in the Ogudu, Gbagada, Iyana Ejigbo, Isolo, Ajao Estate, Oshodi, Ilasamaja, and Okota areas of the state.

The sealed establishments include: Redeemed Christian Church of God, Celestial Church of God, OMA Nightclub and Lounge, Lounge & Lodging, Bridge Spot Bar, Okiki Event Center and Hall, Emota Paradise Hotel (Phase 2), CF Hotel & Suites, House 27 Hotel & Suites, Echo Spring Hotel, and Smile T Continental Hotel.

The commissioner in a post on X said, “In a bid to address noise pollution and other environmental violations, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) took action yesterday, closing down several establishments across different parts of the state.

“This enforcement drive, focusing on areas like Ogudu, Gbagada, Iyana Ejigbo, Isolo, Ajao Estate, Oshodi, Ilasamaja, and Okota, is part of LASEPA’s continuous efforts to uphold environmental standards and safeguard public health.

“The affected establishments include Honourable Lounge & Lodging, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Celestial Church of God, OMA Nightclub and Lounge, Bridge Spot Bar, Okiki Event Center and Hall, Emota Paradise Hotel (Phase 2), CF Hotel & Suites, House 27 Hotel & Suites, Echo Spring Hotel, and Smile T Continental Hotel.”

 

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Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja: Tinubu directs flags be flown at half-mast

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1 day ago

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November 6, 2024

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President Bola Tinubu has directed that Nigeria’s national flags be flown at half mast for seven days across the country to mourn the passing of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

The late Army chief, who was appointed by Tinubu on 19 June 2023, was said to have passed away on Tuesday night after a prolonged illness.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, in a statement on Wednesday by his office Director of Information & Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, said the president expressed regret over Lagbaja’s death.

Akume said, “President Bola Tinubu has expressed regret following the death of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, after a brief illness at the age of 56.

“The President has directed that national flags be flown at half mast throughout the country for seven days in honour of the departed Army chief.

“He profoundly appreciates the services of the departed to the nation and wishes the family the fortitude to bear the great loss.”

Meanwhile, the Ministers of Defence, Mohammed Badaru and Bello Matawalle, have commiserated with the president, the military, and Lagbaja’s family over his death.

In a statement by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Henshaw Ogubike, the ministers described Lagbaja’s death as a great loss to his family, the Army, and the nation at large.

“The passing on to eternal glory shocked us at the Ministry of Defence, as our working relationship with him was commendable; he exhibited the spirit of camaraderie and cooperation with us in the discharge of our mandate.

“The late Chief of Army Staff contributed significantly to internal security operations across Nigeria and also exhibited a high level of professionalism.

“He will be greatly missed by the family, the military, and the nation, as he served the nation with commitment and dedication,” the statement added.

 

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