The Nigeria Police Force has withdrawn the alleged fraud charge against Mr. Gbolahan Obanikoro, the son of Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, and four others, over alleged N1.3 billion fraud involving Access Bank.

Gbolahan alongside, Adejare Adegbenro; Balmoral International Limited; M.O.B. Integrated Limited; and DDSS International Company Limited were billed for arraignment before Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court in Lagos on February 27.

However, the police in a Notice of Withdrawal brought under Section 108(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, has informed the court of its desire to withdraw the charge against the defendants.

The document dated February 4, and signed by a Chief Superintendent of Police, J. I. Enang read in part: “Take notice that the prosecution hereby withdraws the above mentioned charge against the defendants herein.

However, no reason was given for the withdrawal of the charge.

In the suit marked: FHC/L/902c/2024, the defendants were accused of conspiracy, obtaining by false pretences, and involvement in a N1,356,057,330.43 fraud.

The Inspector General of Police, had through the Special Fraud Unit (PSFU) in Ikoyi, Lagos, accused all the defendants of conspiring between May and September 2013 to fraudulently obtain the sum of N1,356,057,330.43 from Access Bank Plc (formerly Diamond Bank).

They allegedly misrepresented themselves to the bank’s staff and officers, claiming that they were involved in the business of importing cars from Dubai for sale in Nigeria and that the money was needed to finance the importation of a set of brand-new cars for resale.

The defendants were also accused of converting, transferring, retaining, or taking possession of the funds, knowing or having reason to know that such funds were proceeds of unlawful activity.

Additionally, they were alleged to have unlawfully converted the sum of N1 billion belonging to the bank for personal use.

When the matter came up last month, the prosecutor, M.Y. Bello informed the court that the matter was scheduled for the arraignment of all defendants.

However, he requested a new date to allow all the defendants to appear in court and take their pleas.

Counsel for the 4th defendant, Joshua Abel, told the court that most of the defendants, who were directors were not in the country, adding that only the companies named in the charge had been served with the charge sheet.

He, however, assured the court that all defendants would be present at the next adjourned date to take their pleas.

In light of the submissions, Justice Lewis-Allagoa adjourned the matter to February 27 for the arraignment of all the defendants.

Meanwhile, there were indications that the hearing for the case to be struck out might hold tomorrow, Friday.

In a recent interview on the Today show, Microsoft co-founder and one of the richest men in the world, Bill Gates opened up for the first time about his relationship with Paula Hurd.

The 69-year-old shared his happiness, saying, “I’m lucky to have a serious girlfriend named Paula. We’re having fun, going to the Olympics, and enjoying many great experiences together.”

Paula Hurd, a philanthropist and developer, was previously married to former Oracle CEO Mark Hurd until his passing in 2019.

Gates and Hurd were first spotted together in 2022 and made their relationship official in early 2023. They have been seen together at various events, including the Paris Olympics, the Breakthrough Prize Ceremony, and Anant Ambani’s wedding.

In an interview with the Times of London, Bill Gates acknowledged that his divorce from Melinda French Gates after 27 years of marriage remains the biggest regret of his life.

While he expressed greater happiness in his current life, he candidly admitted that the divorce was an incredibly difficult period for both him and Melinda, lasting for at least two years.

In the aftermath of the divorce, Bill Gates acknowledged his shortcomings, admitting to causing pain to Melinda during their marriage.

He specifically mentioned an incident involving an affair with a Microsoft employee, stating, “I certainly made mistakes, and I take responsibility.”

He emphasised that delving into specifics was not constructive but acknowledged the harm caused.

Another significant factor contributing to the separation was Bill’s past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The Governor of Cross River State and Vice Chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum, Senator Bassey Otu has congratulated his Kwara State counterpart, Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman, on his 65th birthday anniversary.

Otu, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Nsa Gill, and made available to PUNCH Online on Wednesday, described the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum as his personal friend and lover of Cross River State and Nigeria.

The governor said the visionary leadership of Abdulrazaq in the NGF and his unwavering commitment to the growth and progress of all parts of Nigeria are truly worthy of mentioning on this auspicious occasion of his birthday.

He said, “Your physical presence during our annual Africa’s biggest street party, Carnival Calabar, in December 2024 added colour to the event and cannot be forgotten in a hurry.

“On behalf of the government and people of Cross River State, I congratulate Your Excellency, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, CON, the executive governor of Kwara State and the Chairman of the NGF, on the occasion of your birthday.

“As you celebrate these three scores and five, I pray that the Almighty Allah grants you continued good health, wisdom, and strength to fulfil the vision you set for Kwara State and overall commitment to nation-building. Once again, congratulations Your Excellency.”