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Fraud allegations against me motivated by malice, says Dozy Mmobuosi

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2 months ago

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Dozy Mmobuosi, the Nigerian businessman, says allegations of infractions against his business interests are “baseless and unfounded”.

Mmobuosi spoke on Saturday during a press conference at Tingo House in Victoria Island, Lagos.

During the news conference, tagged ‘My Battles with Western Powers: Setting the Record Straight’, the businessman said his success as an African entrepreneur is “perceived as a threat”.

In 2023, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) made multimillion-dollar fraud charges against Mmobusi.

Among other allegations, the US SEC said Mmobuosi lied about owning $461.7 million when he only had less than $50 in all accounts.

On November 16, 2023, the commission suspended Tingo from the US stock market for allegedly providing “inadequate and inaccurate information about its assets”.

Rejecting all the actions against him, the entrepreneur said the allegations were unfounded, adding that he was “preparing to contest them to the full extent of his capacity”.

On August 20, the legal unit of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) said there is no evidence to prosecute Tingo Foods, Tingo Mobile Plc, and its founder, Dozy Mmobuosi, over allegations of fraud.

Speaking at the press briefing on Saturday, Mmobuosi, who is the founder of Tingo Group, denied allegations of wrongdoing, saying they are “deliberate attempts by certain powers in the West and in Nigeria for selfish reasons”.

“I am compelled to address the series of orchestrated attacks and false narratives against me and my business interests, Tingo Group and its subsidiaries,” he said.

“My decision to invest in the beverage and telecom industries, as well as my acquisition of Sheffield United, a historic British football club, has been met with resistance and intimidation from the American government and other powerful forces for obvious reasons.

“It is no secret that my success as a Black African serial entrepreneur has been perceived as a threat by some.

“The notion that I, a Nigerian, could achieve such milestones is difficult for some to accept. However, I will not be deterred; I will continue to invest in my country and other friendly and fair countries.”

‘CLAIMS OF WRONGDOING MOTIVATED BY MALICE’

Mmobuosi denied allegations of wrongdoing, and said they were claims “motivated by malice”.

The businessman said the flagship of his product, Tingo Cola, “is a testament to his commitment to quality and excellence”.

“I want to categorically deny allegations that I floated the DOZIE stocks to defraud shareholders,” Mmobuosi said.

“These claims are baseless and motivated by malice. My organization has made significant investments in agriculture, beverage manufacturing, media, telecoms, and state-of-the-art healthcare services here in Nigeria.

“I make bold to say that I have never received any form of donations from anyone or any groups. Should there be anyone with evidence to the contrary, let the person call me out, rather than resort to malicious publications.”

Mmobuosi said the Nigerian police (NPF) has exonerated him and Tingo Group over alleged fraudulent diversion of funds and falsification of financial reports.

“I want to specially thank the Nigeria Police Force’s Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) for their diligence during months of investigation and the courage afterwards to clear, without fear or favour, Tingo Foods, Tingo Mobile and myself of fraud allegations,” he added.

‘SUPPORT NIGERAN INVESTORS’

Speaking on investments, Mmobuosi said there was a need for the government to support Nigerian investors for positive economic growth.

“I passionately urge the Nigerian authorities to continue to support patriotic entrepreneurs like myself, Aliko Dangote, and a host of others who have invested heavily in our great nation,” the businessman said.

“We deserve encouragement, not hindrance and character assassination.

“I will continue to fight for my rights and the rights of Nigerians to succeed in business, free from harassment and intimidation. I am proud of my businesses which rest on solid achievements and hard work.”

Mmobuosi also said he will not be “bullied into submission”.

 

 

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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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6 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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18 hours 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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20 hours 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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