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REA director, Abubakar Sambo, arraigned for ‘N1.84bn fraud’

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Abubakar Sambo, the director of Finance and Account of the Rural Electrification Agency, was on Monday re-arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, for alleged N1.84 billion fraud.

 

He was arraigned before Justice Musa Liman of a Federal High Court on three counts of alleged diversion of funds to personal accounts.

 

His lawyer, Y. D. Dangana, SAN, prayed the court to allow Sambo to continue to enjoy bail terms as earlier granted by a sister court and ICPC’s counsel, Osuobeni Akponimisingha, did not oppose the application.

 

 

Justice Liman, therefore, admitted the defendant to the earlier bail conditions granted by Justice Bolaji Olajuwon.

 

The judge adjourned the matter until April 2 for commencement for trial.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Justice Olajuwon of a FHC in Abuja had, on June 24, 2024, granted Sambo a bail in the sum of N200 million with two sureties in the like sum.

 

 

The judge held that the sureties must have landed property within the jurisdiction of the court with original certificates of occupancy (CofO) which must be deposited with the deputy chief registrar of the court.

 

She equally ordered the sureties to provide affidavits of their tax clearance in the last three years with a one passport photograph each.

 

Justice Olajuwon adjourned the matter until October 17 for trial commencement.

 

 

However, the judge was transferred to another division of the court, making the case to start denovo (afresh).

 

NAN reports that the anti-corruption commission had, in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/209/2024, sued Abubakar Abdullahi Sambo as sole defendant.

 

In the charge dated May 8, 2024, but filed May 10, 2024 by Akponimisingha, an Assistant Chief Legal Officer in the commission, the ICPC alleged that Sambo sometime in March 2023 or thereabout while being the Payment Finalizer on the Government integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) platform of REA did finalise the payment of the totai sum of N1.84 billion (N1,835,000,000.00).

 

 

It alleged that the funds were done in different tranches for the use of Henrrientta Onomen Okojie, Asuni Adejoke Aminat, Usman Kwakwa, Laure Shehu Abduilahi, Emmanuel Pada Titus and Musa Umar Karaye for a purported project supervision exercise without requisite approval, thereby contributing to the economic adversity of the REA.

 

The commission said the offence was contrary to and punishable under Section 68 of the Public Enterprise Regulatory Commission Act, CAP. P39, Laws of the Federation, 2004.

 

In count two, Sambo was accused to have used his access password to access the REA’s GIFMIS platform and finalised the payment of the sum of N1.84 billion in different tranches for the use of Okojie, Aminat, Kwakwa, Abdullahi, Titus and Karaye for a purported project supervision exercise without authority.

 

 

The offence was said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 6(4) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015.

 

In count three, Sambo was alleged to have conferred corrupt advantage on Okojie, Aminat, Kwakwa, Abdullahi, Titus and Karaye when he used his access password to access the REA’s GIFMIS platform and finalised the payment of N1.84 billion in different tranches for their use for a purported project supervision exercise without requisite approvals.

 

The ICPC said the offence contrary to and punishable under Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

 

 

NAN reports that Karaye, Titus and Okojie were also arraigned before Justice Emeka Nwite of a sister court on separate four-count charge preferred against them.

 

While Karaye and Titus were arraigned before Justice Nwite on June 13, 2024, Okojie was arraigned on June 14, 2024.

 

Usman Ahmed Kwakwa was also arraigned on June 13, 2024 on separate criminal charge before the judge and all of them were admitted to a N50 million each with two sureties each in the like sum.

 

 

In the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/203/24 filed against Okojie, she was alleged to have in count one, sometime in March 2023 or thereabout, with intent to defraud the REA, received the sum of N342 million in different tranches through her Access Bank Account: 0009022275 under the false pretence of project supervision.

 

The offence is said to be contrary to Section 1(1)(a) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006

News and Report

Tingo AI Radio: The First and Only AI Radio in Africa

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Tingo AI Radio, Africa’s first and only AI-powered radio station, was thrilled to welcome students from CrystalCliff School at A4 Greenhaven Estate, Alatunse Town, Lagos to an exclusive Tingo AI School Meet and Greet. This groundbreaking initiative aims to introduce young minds to the vast opportunities artificial intelligence offers and how they can be part of this technological revolution.

 

During the visit, students experienced the power of AI-driven broadcasting firsthand through live demonstrations and interactive discussions. Victor Simeon, an enthusiastic student, expressed his amazement: “I had no idea AI could do all this! This visit has inspired me to learn more about technology and maybe even create something that can change the world.”

From live AI broadcasting to cutting-edge automation, these students witnessed the future of media unfold before their eyes. At Tingo AI, we’re not just creating technology—we’re shaping the future. Stay tuned as we continue to lead Africa’s AI revolution!

 

Together, we are shaping Africa’s tech-driven future, and today’s students are the pioneers of tomorrow! #TingoAI #AIInnovation #FutureLeaders #ArtificialIntelligence #TechRevolution

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AGII.NG Sets to Revolutionized E-Commerce and Service Delivery in Nigeria 

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Agii.ng, Nigeria’s premier e-commerce and technology platform with three strategic product directions, Product Sales, Services and Ride, is set to transform how individuals and businesses connect with trusted service providers and vendors nationwide.

 

The platform is designed for efficiency, convenience, and trust, agii.ng simplifies access to skilled artisans, reliable professionals, and reputable manufacturers, all at the click of a button. The Nigeria-oriented cum originated e-commerce’s cutting-edge location technology enables users to find service providers within 10 meters of their location anywhere in the country, ensuring faster response times, reduced costs, and personalized services.

 

This hyperlocal approach translates to faster response times, reduced costs, and personalized services, ensuring customers receive prompt and efficient solutions tailored to their needs. With seamless Google Maps integration, users can quickly locate and navigate to vendors, whether they prefer online transactions or in-person engagements. The platform’s user-friendly design further enhances the experience, allowing effortless searches, comparisons, and selections of the best service providers.

 

UNMATCHED BENEFITS FOR USERS

 

⁠Effortless Discovery: Instantly find reliable service providers nearby; Time & Cost Efficiency: Minimize waiting times and transportation expenses; ⁠Transparent Information: Access vendor profiles, pricing, and reviews for informed decisions. ⁠Ease of Navigation: Pinpoint vendor locations via Google Maps, Safety & Trust: Engage with verified and trusted vendors for a secure experience, Enhanced Brand Exposure: Showcase services to thousands of potential customers, ⁠Cost-Effective Advertising: Market products directly to interested buyers, ⁠Direct Customer Engagement: Provide pricing, service details, and contact options for seamless interactions, ⁠Location-Based Advantage: Leverage Google Maps for increased foot traffic, ⁠Increased Credibility: Gain customer trust by being featured on a reputable platform.

 

The exciting part of the platform is its affordability, you can promote your service for only N 30 naira per day, which amounts to N 900 naira per month, N5,400 naira for six months, and N10,800 naira for one year.

 

WHO CAN USE APP?

 

The platform is designed for sellers and service providers, including drivers, plumbers, electricians, carpenters, cleaners, housekeepers, and various other types of services and skilled professionals. Agii.ng offers vendors a powerful marketing tool to enhance brand visibility, credibility, and customer engagement.

 

Agii.ng’s mission is to bridge the gap between service providers and customers. Its vision is to be Nigeria’s leading e-commerce platform for seamless connections, empowering businesses while enhancing customer experiences with agii. You have just discovered the future of seamless, location-driven e-commerce in Nigeria. Whether you’re searching for a skilled professional or looking to grow your business, agii.ng is your ultimate destination.

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Flight Disruptions Due to Multiple Bird Strikes – Your Safety Comes First

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Air Peace regrets to inform the flying public of an unexpected disruption to our flight operations caused by multiple bird strike incidents affecting three of our aircraft within the last 24 hours.

The first incident happened yesterday, necessitating an air return. Additionally, earlier today, two of our aircraft also suffered bird strike incidents, resulting in the grounding of the affected aircraft for safety checks and necessary maintenance.

As a safety-conscious airline, Air Peace prioritizes the well-being of our passengers and crew above all else. In line with our strict safety protocols, we have immediately commenced the requisite inspections and maintenance procedures to ensure that the aircraft meet the highest safety standards before returning to service.

We sincerely apologize to our esteemed customers for the inconvenience these disruptions may cause to their travel plans. While we work to resolve the situation as swiftly as possible, we kindly seek your patience and understanding. Our team is actively reaching out to affected passengers to provide necessary assistance, including rescheduling and alternative travel arrangements where possible.

Please rest assured that every decision we make is with your safety in mind. We appreciate your trust in Air Peace and thank you for standing with us.

Air Peace remains committed to providing safe, seamless, and efficient flight services. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we navigate this unexpected situation.

For more information on flight schedules or any other customer concerns, please reach out to us at callcenter@flyairpeace.com. or visit our website and social media channels for updates.

Thank you for your continued trust in Air Peace.

Signed,

Dr. Ejike Ndiulo

Head of Corporate Communications

Air Peace Limited

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