Connect with us

Society

Witness Narrates How Couple Stole $4.7m From Hercules Offshores Nigeria Limited

Published

on

Trial of Mr. Amaechi Ndili, and Mrs. Njide Chizoba Ndili, Chief Executive Officer and Vice President, Lionstone Offshore Services Limited began with an accountant, Mr. Godwin Okon testifying against them.

The first prosecution witness, Mr. Okon who is also a business analyst manager at Hercules Offshore Nigeria Limited while giving evidence on Monday told Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe of the Special Offences Court, Ikeja, that the defendants; Mr. Amaechi Ndili, Mrs. Njide Chizoba Ndili, and their companies; Lionstone Offshore Services Limited and Lionstone Company Limited entered into a contract agreement with Hercules and after the execution of the contract paid part payment of the proceeds from the contract.

The witness also narrated that the defendants had converted the money into their personal use after they stopped remitting the payment that was made to their company Lionstone.

Being led in evidence in by an Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr. Simon Lough, SAN, the witness stated that Addax Petroleum Development Nigeria had a contract with Lionstone Offshore Services Limited which was executed by Hercules Offshore Nigeria Limited, based on a joint written agreement entered between Hercules and Lionstone on 14th January, 2010.

The witness in his testimony said, “Sometime in December 2009, Mr. Ameachi came to Hercules to discuss the possibility of collaboration between the two companies, can team up, and carry out some contracts in the Nigeria Oil and Gas field.

Okon also explained that the first defendant had based his reason on the expertise and experience of Hercules Offshore Nigeria Limited, in the field, and by 14th January, 2010, a joint bidding agreement was entered into and some terms were spelt out.

He also said Lionstone was responsible for the submission of tenders and receiving of payments, while Hercules, was responsible to provide technical information and financial information.

Mr. Okon said,”Some of the other joint bidding agreement was the fees spelt out, Lionstone will be entitled to one time flat fee of $75,000 on the execution, then an annual amount of,$150,000, for three years.

“The duration of a fee equal to 2 per cent of the net charted higher to be received by Lionstone. The contract was entered into by Lionstone and Addax, in October 2010, but it was executed by Hercules based on an agreement.

“On the execution of the contract when there is payment, the payment will go to the Lionstone account then Lionstone on receiving such amount will remit the net amount after taking 2 per cent of the net chatter higher.

“Lionstone paid the invoices from Addax from the inception of the execution of the contract up till June 2012 to Hercules, then from July 2012 to September 2013, Lionstone did not remit any money again.

“Based on the invoices after Lionstone had failed to remit the money to Hercules, and after making calls and nothing happened, our senior management went to Addax to inquire and it was from there that we were told that Addax, had paid all the invoices to Lionstone and that they were not owing Lionstone any money,” he said.

The couple was arraigned alongside their companies in October 2022 and were re-arraigned on an amended charge and they pleaded not guilty.

The couple and their companies are standing trial for alleged stealing and conversion of the sum of $4.7m, belonging to Hercules Offshore Nigeria Limited, to their use.

The couple who are the Chief Executive Officer and Vice President of Lionstone Offshore Services Limited are standing trial on a four-count charge.

The defendants were arraigned on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, converting to personal use, and stealing, preferred against them by the Inspector General of Police.

They were alleged to have dishonestly converted $4,666,234.28 received from Addax Petroleum Development Nigeria Limited on behalf of Hercules Offshore Nigeria Limited.

The prosecution led by Assistant Commissioner of Police Lough SAN alleged that the defendants obtained the money for the contract that the duo and their companies, Lionstone Offshore Limited, entered into with Addax Petroleum Development Nigeria Limited, which was executed by Hercules Offshore Nigeria Limited but failed to deliver the money to Hercules.

The offences were committed at Lionstone Offshore, of A58 Road 2, Victoria Garden City Lagos, and Lionstone Offshore Services Limited at No 38/39 Bull Plaza 19, Floor Marina Lagos between July 2012 and September 2013 in Lagos.

According to the prosecutor, the offence committed is contrary to Section 516, 387 and punishable under Section 390, of the Criminal Code Law, Cap C38 laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

Ebun Shofunde, SAN, the Defence Counsel had represented the defendants at proceeding.

Meanwhile, further hearing of the matter has been adjourned till January 31, for the continuation of trial.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Society

Aviation Minister Celebrates Festive Season Through Generous Palliative Distribution In Delta

Published

on

By

 

In the spirit of the festive season, the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, has undertaken a remarkable act of goodwill, distributing a substantial array of food items to the people of Delta State. This benevolent initiative is aimed at fostering camaraderie and ensuring that the joy of the season is shared with all.

The extensive distribution exercise includes over 10,000 bags of rice, hundreds of cows, and rams, benefitting a wide spectrum of recipients including traditional rulers, party leaders, religious leaders, community leaders, opinion leaders, ethnic groups, and other key stakeholders. The gesture has been widely applauded as a demonstration of the Minister’s enduring connection with his roots and his commitment to the welfare of his people.

Speaking before the distribution commenced, Keyamo expressed his heartfelt motivation for this philanthropic effort, emphasizing the importance of giving back to a community that has shown him unwavering support throughout his journey. “This initiative is my humble way of reciprocating the kindness and generosity I have received from the people of Delta State. It is also an opportunity to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ with my kith and kin,” he said.

Keyamo also used the occasion to call on Nigerians to support the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing the importance of collective effort in addressing the nation’s challenges. He underscored the need for unity, collaboration, and shared responsibility as critical factors for national development.

A proud son of Delta State, Keyamo has long been a champion of the Nigerian people’s welfare. His distinguished career as a lawyer, human rights activist, and public servant has been marked by an unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and fairness, earning him widespread admiration both at home and abroad.

The festive season distribution is yet another testament to his enduring dedication to the betterment of society and his determination to make a meaningful impact in the lives of his people.

Tunde Moshood
Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development

Continue Reading

Society

Late Samuel Ogbemudia’s daughter Eghe impeached as Egor council chairman

Published

on

By

The legislative arms of Egor Local Government Area of Edo State have impeached the council chairman, Eghe Ogbemudia, and the vice chairman, Frank Osawe.

The legislators also suspended the leader of the legislative arms, Bosede Omokaro, Majority Leader, Iwinosa Enabulele, and Elliot Inneh Enni, the Chief Whip.

The council’s chairman and vice chairman were impeached for alleged gross misconduct, abuse of office, financial misappropriation, unlawful withholding of statutory allowances of a principal member and three other council members as well as budget padding.

The principal officers of the council were allegedly suspended for inability to collaborate effectively with the local government chairmen, particularly in ensuring timely payment of salaries,

the two-month delay in councillors’ salaries, failure to provide effective oversight and neglect of responsibilities.

The motion for their impeachment was moved by Nosakhare Isiegbuwa, seconded by Stella Ogida Osagioduwa and signed by four legislators.

The suspension of the former principal officers of the legislative arms was passed by five members, with one member absent.

The House immediately swore in Kelvin Eguakun, the leader of the legislative arm, as the acting chairman of the council.

Moving the motion for the impeachment, Nosakhare Isiegbuwa, at plenary on Friday, December 27, 2024, said the report submitted by the seven-man panel appointed to probe the allegations of gross misconduct against the chairman and vice chairman found the duo guilty of all the allegations.

In a unanimous voice vote, the councillors impeached the chairman and vice chairman.

Society Reporters learnt that the impeachment proceedings were formally documented in the Edo State Government Gazette.

The gazetted document notified the affected officials of the initiation of impeachment proceedings in line with the Edo Local Government Bye-law on Pro-Action Notices, Legislative Privileges, and Impeachment Procedures For Elected Council Officials, 2024.

Society Reporters reports that the impeached council chairman, Eghe Ogbemudia, is the daughter of the late General Samuel Ogbemudia, the former military governor of the old Midwest and Bendel states.

He was also a civilian governor of old Bendel State in 1983. He ruled for three months before the government of Alhaji Shehu Shagari was overthrown by the former military government of General Muhammadu Buhari on December 31, 1983.

Continue Reading

Society

Kwara Governor, Abdulrazaq mourns late Chief of Staff, Abdulquadri Mahe

Published

on

By

Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State has described his late Chief of Staff, Abdulquadri Mahe, as a perfect gentleman, community leader, urbane public servant and a statesman.

In a condolence message by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye in Ilorin on Saturday, governor Abdulrazaq said: ‘In total submission to the will of Allah, we regret to announce the passing of the Chief of Staff to His Excellency, Prince AbdulKadir Mahe.

“He died this morning, December 28, 2024, as has been destined by Allah.

“The late CoS will be buried today, Saturday, at his residence on Moro Street, Adewole Estate, Ilorin, after the Asr prayer.

“His Excellency deeply mourns the death of Prince AbdulKadir Mahe, a perfect gentleman, community leader, urbane public servant, and a statesman.”

The governor commiserated with the Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, the immediate family of Prince AbdulKadir, government establishments and cabinet members.

“We ask for the understanding of everyone at this mournful period as the government and family mourn the quintessential public servant.

“We pray that Allah accept his return, ease his accounts, admit him to al-jannah Firdaus, and uphold his family upon goodness,” the statement added.

 

Continue Reading

Trending