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Fresh Scandal Rocks Heritage Bank, Staff Bags Seven Years Jail Term Over N21.8m Fraud

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2 years ago

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Barely days after a liquidity-related issue regarding the inability of Heritage Bank Plc to pay it’s customers surfaced, the bank is being trailed by yet another scandal.

This is as an Account Officer with the Bank named Omosanyin Eniola, has been convicted and sentenced to seven years imprisonment over a N21.8 million fraud.

Omosanyin was sentenced by the Chief Magistrate Linda Yetunde Balogun, of a Lagos Chief Magistrate’s Court, Yaba, last Friday, after pronouncing him guilty of two out of seven counts charge of conspiracy, fraud and stealing of cheques made against him by the Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU) Ikoyi, Lagos.

Convicting and sentencing the 40 years old banker, Chief Magistrate Balogun held that the prosecution, has successfully proved the charges of conspiracy and N21.8 million fraud against the banker beyond every reasonable doubt.

Chief Magistrate Balogun however freed the banker of four counts charge of forging Spring Bank cheques, which he used in perpetrating the criminal acts.

In her final judgment, the Chief Magistrate sentenced the banker to a year imprisonment on count one without an option of fine, and seven years on count two, but with an option of paying the sum of N21.8 million, as restitution to the fraud victim.

The PSFU through it’s prosecutor, Daniel Apochi, had dragged the convict before the court on a seven count charge of conspiracy, fraud, and forging of Spring Bank’s cheques.

The prosecutor had told the court that the convict committed the offences between 2011 and 2014, while working at the Heritage Bank’s headquarters, Lagos, as an Account Officer.

During the trial, the prosecutor called three witnesses, who included the Investigation Police Officer (IPO) Mr. Jim Omoruyi, the fraud victim, one Adeleke and official of the bank.

The prosecutor also tendered several exhibits which includes; copy of petition by Heritage Bank to the police, convict’s confessional statement, victim’s statement of account, some of the Spring Bank’s cheques used in withdrawing the money and others, which were admitted by the court.

The two counts which the banker was jailed reads: “That you, OMOSANYIN ENIOLA ‘M’ while working with Heritage Bank Ltd; with Headquarters in Lagos and charge with the responsibility as an Account Officer, between 2011 and 2014, with intent to defraud, conspired amongst with other persons, now at large, to commit a felony to wit; stealing and forgery; and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011.

“That you, OMOSANYIN ENIOLA ‘M’ while working with Heritage Bank Ltd; with Headquarters in Lagos and charged with the responsibility of an Account Officer, between 2011 and 2014, with intent to defraud, fraudulently withdrew the sum of N21, 800, 000.00 (Twenty-One Million, Eight Hundred Thousand Naira) from Heritage Bank Ltd. and converted the money to your “own use; and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 278 (1) (b) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011 and punishable under Section 285 (7) the same law.”

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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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19 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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