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EFCC returns to probe Odili’s alleged N100bn fraud

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There is anxiety in some quarters in Rivers State as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is set to reopen the books to probe the former Governor of Rivers State, Dr. Peter Odili.

The renewed probe is coming after more than 16 years, when the anti-graft agency alleged that Odili had questions to answer over alleged N100 billion fraud involving him.

It will be recalled that Odili, who had obtained a perpetual injunction towards the end of his eight years in office, is being asked to provide answers to how such a huge sum of money found its way into his private account or was expended by his administration.

The former Rivers State governor’s travail began during the era of President Olusegun Obasanjo when he (Odili) braced all the odds to run for the presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and was allegedly stopped following some information bordering on financial impropriety in his administration.

Interestingly, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who was the chairman of the EFCC then is now the National Security Adviser, NSA, to President Bola Tinubu.

Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, the then Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly under Odili was arrested by the anti-graft agency to extract vital information on the financial transactions of the state.

In 2008, Odili approached a Federal High Court and was granted a perpetual injunction stopping the EFCC, its chairman and other operatives from investigating the financial books of the Rivers State government, including himself or any official of the state on the subject matter.

After over 16 years, EFCC has now come up to say that it was beaming its searchlight on the alleged fraud involving the former Rivers State governor.

It is difficult to insinuate whether the renewed probe has any link with the political crisis bedeviling the state because Odili is not the only former governor who is being investigated.

 

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Moment Of Praise Ends 2024 with Renewed Hope and New Beginnings

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The founder of Moment of Praise, an online weekly praise and worship session, Ranti Netufo, has said despite the challenges and difficulties experienced in the year 2024, there are many reasons to praise God for divine provisions in various ways.

He stated this while commenting on the special session of the programme slated for the last Sunday of the year titled “Renewed Hope and New Beginnings.”

The online praise and worship programme is holding from 6-8pm on Sunday December 29.

“The year 2024 has been filled with challenges. Despite the economic difficulties it has been amazing, with Moment of Praise, the Lord has kept us safe from the beginning of January until now. We all have a reason to praise God for His protection and mercy over us and our loved ones.

“Moment of Praise, an online weekly praise and worship programme, has provided avenue for us to praise and worship the Almighty God with top and popular gospel musicians.

“The programme climaxed for the year today with the programme themed “Renewed Hope and New Beginnings”, reference from Isaiah 43:19. 2024 has been an amazing year despite its own challenges, the Lord has given us moment to praise Him and celebrate.

‘’Today being the last Sunday of the year, we will be celebrating as we make a joyful noise unto the Lord with Moment of Praise team and Victor Praise. The programme will be streamed live on Facebook from 6-8pm,” he said.

Many gospel music stars have ministered to audience of the programme in the past, such as Tobe Alabi, Adeyinka Alaseyori, Evangelist Chigozie, Toluwanisings, Apekeola, Lekan Remilekun, Princess Ifemide, Paterson Okopi,Tope Flourish, Dare Justified, Bidemi Olaoba, Lady Evangelist Asonja Grace Awoete (Arole Eledumare), among several others.

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More Troubles For Ex-Delta Gov. Okowa As EFCC Arrests Accountant General Over N1.3Trn Fraud

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has intensified investigations into the activities of former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, over an alleged N1.3 trillion fraud with the arrest of the Accountant General of Delta State, Mrs Joy Enwa.

The arrest of Enwa by the anti graft commission we gathered is part of investigations into the alleged misappropriation of N1.3 trillion linked to Okowa.

Other officials being questioned by the anti-graft agency, including a former Director of Finance and Administration.

EFCC sources hinted that the contentious funds include portions of the 13 percent derivation allocation meant for oil-producing states from the monthly Federation Account revenue.

It was widely reported that former Governor Okowa was detained at the EFCC’s Port Harcourt office in November over allegations of using his office to divert state funds for personal gain.

Among the assets allegedly tied to the fraud include shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Company and investments in the oil sector.

Spokesperson of the Commission, Dele Oyewale, who confirmed the arrest, said; “Mrs Enwa was detained for questioning over the ongoing investigation into the mismanagement of state funds under the former administration. Some other government officials have also been interrogated.”

Mrs. Enwa, who served as Deputy Accountant General during the administration of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, was appointed Accountant General by Okowa in 2020.

When contacted to comment on her engagement with the anti-graft agency, Mrs. Enwa declined to provide details, stating; “I am not the right source to confirm this story. Please contact the EFCC for clarification.”

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Alleged Debts: NCC Approves Disconnection Of Exchange Telecoms From MTN Company Network

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The disconnection of Exchange Telecommunications LTD from MTN Nigeria Network has been approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

MTN company was accused of failing to settle interconnect charges.

Exchange Telecommunications is a local and international interconnect carrier.

The NCC, a regulatory commission made this known in a public notice signed by its Public Affairs Director, Mr Reuben Muoka at the NCC office on Friday.

It was noted that the disconnection would subsist until otherwise determined by the commission.

“The Nigerian Communications Commission hereby notifies the public that approval has been granted for the disconnection of Exchange Telecommunications Ltd. (Exchange) from MTN Nigeria Communications Ltd. (MTN) as a result of non-settlement of interconnect charges,” the NCC said.

It was also stated that the Exchange was notified of the application and was given the opportunity to comment and state its case.

The NCC, however, said having examined the application and circumstances surrounding the indebtedness, it determined that the Exchange does not have sufficient reason for non-payment of the interconnect charges.

NCC said the disconnection of the Exchange Telecommunications to MTN was in accordance with Section 100 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 and the Guidelines on Procedure for Granting Approval to Disconnect Telecommunications Operators, 2012.

At the expiration of five days from the date of this notice, MTN would discontinue passing voice and data traffic through Exchange and will, thereafter, utilise alternative channels in interconnecting with other network service providers.

 

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