Connect with us

Society

Sanwo-Olu, Mbah, Ambode, others commiserate with AFRIMA, PRM Africa Boss, Mike Dada, on wife’s death

Published

on

 

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his  Enugu State counterpart Governor Peter Mbah have joined the list of eminent personalities across Africa’s political and business circles who have commiserated with the President of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) and the Managing Director of PRM Africa Marketing and Communications Limited, Mike Dada, over the death of his loving wife, Modupe Temitope Dada.

Modupe Dada, Nee Baruwa, died peacefully on Saturday, October 19, 2024, and her death has continued to draw an outpouring of sympathy and commiseration from across Africa.

Lagos State Governor Sanwo-Olu was one of the first to offer his condolences, personally calling Dada to offer words of comfort.

The governor expressed deep sadness over the loss, saying Modupe was undoubtedly the pillar of support in the background of Dada’s towering achievements in Africa’s creative communication and media industries.

Sanwo-Olu described the deceased, a banker of repute, as a woman whose strength was deeply felt, even from behind the scenes and the Governor urged Dada “to take solace in the beautiful memories of her life as her legacy of kindness and support would continue to live on. I stand in solidarity with you, sharing your grief and offering our heartfelt condolences. May God grant you and the entire family the strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss.”.

Enugu State Governor, Mbah, also commiserated with the family in a heartfelt message, saying  Modupe led a life of virtue.

Mbah described Ijebu Ode-born banker as a woman of great character who provided stability and encouragement to her husband, while also building a warm and loving home.

“The late Modupe was a virtuous woman and a pillar of support who played a crucial role in her husband’s career and personal life. Her death has left a significant void not only in your family but also among those who had the privilege of knowing her.

“The people of Enugu share in the grief of your family and prayed for strength and comfort during this difficult time,” the Governor told Dada.

Former Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, who had known Mrs Dada since his days as the state’s Accountant-General was among the early callers.

Ambode commended Modupe’s quiet but profound impact on those around her, noting that she was a steadfast partner to her husband, especially in his efforts to promote African music and culture through AFRIMA. He prayed for peace and strength for the family to navigate through their loss.

“She was an extraordinary partner and an exceptional woman, whose kindness, compassion, and unwavering dedication to her family will remain unforgettable. The support and partnership she provided throughout your journey were truly invaluable. Her legacy will continue to inspire and uplift us all,” he told Dada.

Well-wishers from across Nigeria and Africa, including former ministers, top executives from the Advertising,media,tech and banking sectors, both current and retired diplomats and other captains of industry, have either called or visited the Ikeja GRA home of the Dada family to offer their condolences.

They include former Minister of Information, Mr Lai Muhammed; Dr Bisi Onasanya, the Chairman of The Address Homes and former Group Managing Director of First Bank Nigeria PLC; the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Department of Training and Development, Frank Mba; media giant and politician, Aare Dele Momodu;  Chairman Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE), Eze Anaba; Mr Olalekan Adebiyi, the Chairman of Laralek Ultimate Construction Limited, Commissioner of Information and Strategy,Lagos State,Mr.Gbenga Omotosho,Former Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Lagos State,Mr.Steve Ayorinde, Executibe Director,Sterling Bank,Mrs.Tunde Adeola, Former  Commissioner of of Tourism,Art and Culture,Mrs.Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, Head of Culture,African Union and Mr Gbenga Adefaye, erstwhile President of the NGE among others.

Many of them described Modupe as a virtuous woman whose humility and grace touched many lives.

The remains of Modupe will be committed to Mother Earth on Thursday,   October 24, 2024, after a farewell service at the Grace Assembly, Yard 158, Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun-Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Society

Just In: Dr Doyin Okupe Is Dead

Published

on

By

 

Dr. Doyin Okupe, a prominent Nigerian physician, politician, and former presidential aide, has died.

 

He passed away at the age of 72.

 

According to sources close to the family, Dr. Okupe had been critically ill in the weeks leading up to his demise.

 

His health had reportedly deteriorated significantly, prompting concern among his loved ones and supporters.

 

A reliable source confirmed that his death was linked to cancer, marking the end of a long struggle with the illness.

 

 

It was reported  in October 2023 that Okupe was hospitalized with prostate cancer and was flown to Israel for treatment.

 

However, it was learnt that his condition did not improve as he and his family expected.

 

Okupe was first diagnosed with prostate cancer 16 years ago and later developed sarcoma in his right shoulder.

 

Continue Reading

Society

Alleged $340,000 Fraud:  Court Adjourns Mercy Chinwo’s Ex-Manager’s Case till May 14

Published

on

By

 

Justice A.O. Owoeye of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, has adjourned the alleged $340,000 fraud case involving Ezekiel ThankGod, former manager of gospel artiste, Mercy Chinwo till May 14, 2025 for hearing.

 

The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC had filed a three-count charge against him bordering on money laundering and dishonest conversion to the tune of $340,000.

 

One of the counts reads: “That you, EZEKIEL ONYEDIKACHUKWU THANKGOD and EEZEE GLOBAL CONCEPTS LIMITED sometime in 2023, directly retained the sum of $260,494 (Two Hundred and Sixty Thousand Four Hundred and Ninety-Four USD) in EEZEE GLOBAL MINISTRY Zenith Bank Plc account number, which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful activity, the dishonest conversion of the said sum, property of Mercy Chinwo and Judith Kanayo.”

 

The offence is contrary to Section 18(2)(d) and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

 

He was to have been arraigned alongside his company, Eezee Global Concepts Limited, on February 17, 2025 but his absence stalled his trial. The court had also issued a bench warrant for his arrest and ordered him to appear in court today March 6, 2025 either by the subsisting bench warrant or production by his counsel.

 

His counsel, Dr. Monday Ubani, SAN had also assured that he will be in court on the adjourned date.

 

At the resumed sitting on Thursday, prosecuting counsel, Bilkisu Buhari informed the court of the prosecution’s readiness to arraign the defendant who was present in court.

 

“The matter is for arraignment and subject to the court’s overriding convenience, we are ready to commence,” she said.

 

Justice Owoeye, however, held that: “There is an administrative procedure on this matter and I cannot proceed until the determination of the procedure.”

 

The case was thereafter adjourned till May 14, 2025 for hearing.

Continue Reading

Society

Court Dismisses Businessman, Funtua’s Suit Seeking To Stop EFCC’s Probe Over Alleged Fraud

Published

on

By

A Federal High Court in Abuja and presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite has thrown out a suit seeking to compel the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, AGF, Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to stop the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, from investigating allegations of fraud and economic crimes allegedly committed by a businessman, Abu Samaila Isa Funtua.

The presiding judge dismissed the case on Monday, February 24, 2025 on the ground that the request of the businessman lacked merit and substance.

 

Delivering judgment in a fundamental rights enforcement suit against AGF and EFCC, Justice Nwite held that AGF has enormous power to take over proceedings in criminal matters but held that such enormous powers are not at large.

Justice Nwite said that under Section 43 of EFCC Act 2004, the anti-graft agency was not under any obligation to take advice from any ministry or agency to drop its statutory powers to initiate investigation into any alleged economic crimes.

The businessman had in his suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2024 sued the AGF and EFCC complaining of unlawful investigation into some business transactions involving him and others.

He alleged that EFCC was biased and mischievous in the ways and manners he was being investigated.

Specifically, Funtua alleged that EFCC was acting the script of his business adversaries to cause investigation against him without telling him the nature of his offence or show any petition against him.

Funtua subsequently asked Justice Nwite to issue an order of mandamus against the AGF to order EFCC to drop the investigation and direct any other security agency of the federal government to take over the investigation.

However, in his judgment, Justice Nwite held that Section 174 (3) of the 1999 Constitution upon which the case was predicated did not confer any power on the AGF to nominate any agency to conduct investigation into economic crimes or financial breaches.

The judge held that in the exercise of its statutory duties, the EFCC was not under any obligation to obey directives from any ministry or government department.

Justice Nwite said that Section 43 of the EFCC Act 2004, has no ambiguity to the fact that the anti-graft agency shall have powers to initiate investigation into alleged economic crimes and initiate prosecution of those indicted in the process.

He subsequently dismissed the suit for want of merit and substance.

Continue Reading

Trending