The Enugu Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned Kingsley Chinonye Unije, for forgery, obtaining money by false pretence and money laundering to the tune of N340,000,000( Three Hundred and Forty Million Naira only).

He was arraigned on Wednesday 22, November 2023, before Justice M.G Umar of Federal High Court sitting Enugu, on five-count charges bordering on forgery, obtaining money by false and money laundering.

Count one of the charges reads;

That you KINGSLEY CHINONYE UNIJE sometime between May and 2022 in Enugu State within the jurisdiction of the Federal High court of Nigeria, with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of N170,000,000.00 from Igwe Cosmas Ezeumeh under the false pretense that you were selling to him two landed property known as plot 81 and 304 at New layout Enugu with the consent of Late Mrs. Victoria Unije which pretense you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1) (a) of Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud- related offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the same act.

Another count reads; “That you KINGSLEY CHINONYE UNIJE sometime between May and June, 2022, in Enugu State, within the Jurisdiction of the Federal high court of Nigeria converted the sum of (120,000,000.00) by purchasing two landed properties in your personal name, and one in the name of Michael Emeka Bernard knowing that the said money formed part of your unlawful act and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering Act and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the same act.”

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to him.

In view of his plea, prosecution counsel, Al’qasim Jaafar prayed for a trial date and the remand of the defendant in a Correctional Centre.

Meanwhile, defence counsel, Beatrice Nwatueze prayed the court for the bail of his client.

After listening to both counsels, Justice Umar remanded the suspect in a Correctional Centre and adjourned the matter to January 30, 2024 for hearing of the bail application.

Media & Publicity

November 22, 2023

CONSPIRACY AND DIVERSION OF 33.360 METRIC TONS OF COCOA BEANS WORTH N97, 578, 000.00: EFCC ARRAIGNS LATEEF JAMIU BABATUNDE, OLANIPEKUN OLAWALE JOSEPH AND OYETUNDE ABIOYE IBRAHIM

The Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has arraigned the trio of Lateef Jamiu Babatunde, Olanipekun Olawale Joseph and Oyetunde Abioye Ibrahim before Justice Adebukola Olajide of the Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State.

They were arraigned on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 on three-count charges bordering on conspiracy and diversion of 33.360 metric tons of Cocoa beans worth N97, 578, 000.00 (Ninety-Seven Million, Five Hundred and Seventy-Eight Thousand Naira only).

Count one of the charge reads;

“That you, Lateef Jamiu Babatunde, Oyetunde Abioye Ibrahim, Wahab Yusuf Adisa (at large), Razaq Afeez Babatunde (at large), Ayobami Yusuf Bello (at large), Ibrahim Akin Fatai (at large) and Oladimeji Mutiu Olaitan (at large) on or about the 21st December, 2022 at Ibadan, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, conspired to fraudulently convert 33.360 metric tons of Cocoa Beans valued at N97, 578, 000.00 (Ninety-Seven Million, Five Hundred and Seventy-eight Thousand Naira) belonging to Olam Nigeria Limited, thereby committed an offence of Conspiracy to commit Felony, to wit: Stealing by Conversion contrary to Section 516 of the Criminal Code, Cap 38, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.”

Another Charge reads:

“That you, Olanipekun Olawale Joseph on or about the 24th December, 2022 at Ibadan, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, received 33.360 Metric Tons of Stolen Cocoa Beans valued at N97, 578, 000.00 (Ninety-Seven Million, Five Hundred and Seventy-eight Thousand Naira) belonging to Olam Nigeria Limited, thereby committed an offence of Receiving Stolen Property contrary to Section 427 of Criminal Code Law of Oyo State 2000.”

The defendants pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when read to them.

In view of their pleas, prosecution counsel, Damilare Odemuyiwa asked the court for a trial date. He also prayed the court to remand the defendants in the Correctional Centre pending their date of trial.

However, counsel to the defendants, Alabi Ogor informed the court of his bail application filed before the court.

Justice Olajide granted the defendants bail in the sum of N10,000,000( Ten Million Naira only) each and two sureties in like sum each. The sureties must be gainfully employed, they must also provide evidence of three years tax payments, including land documents within the jurisdiction of the court. Others are: passport photographs, residential and office addresses which must be provided and verified by the court.

He further ordered that the defendants be remanded in the EFCC custody pending the fulfilment of their bail conditions.

The matter was adjourned till February 19, 2024 for commencement of trial.

The trio were arrested based on a petition accusing the defendants of diverting and absconding with 33.360 metric tons of Cocoa beans worth N97, 578, 000.00 (Ninety-Seven Million, Five Hundred and Seventy-Eight Thousand Naira only) belonging to Olam Nigeria Limited. They were authorized by their employer, Isiaka Saheed, Managing Director of Sidoclear Services Nigeria to deliver the said goods at Tincan Port Apapa, Lagos State between December 21 and December 24, 2022.

Media & Publicity

November 22, 2023

INTERNET-RELATED OFFENCES: EFCC ARRESTS STANLEY TOCHUKWU, DESMOND TOCHUKWU, DENNIS EMEKA, GEORGE EBUKA AND ARINZE ODO

Operatives of the Makurdi Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested five suspected internet fraudsters in the Makurdi metropolis, Benue State.

They were arrested on Thursday, November 23, 2023 following credible intelligence on their alleged involvement in internet-related offences. The suspects are: Stanley Tochukwu, Desmond Tochukwu, Dennis Emeka, George Ebuka and Arinze Odo.

Items recovered from the suspects are : phones, power bank, ATM cards and some cash.

They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

Media & Publicity

November 23, 2023.

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU TO APC GOVERNORS: REMAIN SERVANTS OF THE PEOPLE

President Bola Tinubu has advised governors elected on the platform of the governing All Progressives’ Congress (APC) to always put the interest of the people first and work for the good of their states.

Speaking when he received the Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, the returning Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, and the Governor-Elect of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo, in Abuja, on Friday, the President expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the elections, which he described as free, fair, and peaceful.

“You worked hard for this victory. I am very proud of you, but the real challenge has only started, and it will stare you in the face. That is the challenge of good governance. Make sure that everyone is carried along. You are now the servants of the people. To God be all the glory for the victories, and may God guide you.

“Once the people of Nigeria and their concerns are the focal point of your plans and actions, not only will governance be easier for you, but you will enhance the value of your states and the masses of the people will have new opportunities to grow and enjoy a new standard of living. This must be your driving focus as governors, but especially as governors elected on the platform of our great party.

“Two out of three is not a bad way to start. We will focus not on winning the elections alone but on delivering for the people. They are sovereign, and when we achieve what we promise, voters will respect us. We will work with you at the sub-national levels, and we will uphold the strength and superior excellence that is symbolized by the eagle on our coat of arms,” the President concluded.

The National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, who led the Governors-Elect and APC stalwarts to meet with President Tinubu, said the party’s candidates conducted themselves with integrity as directed by the President during the elections, and that the party had conceded victory to the opposition in Bayelsa State.

“We lost the election in Bayelsa, and we have conceded in good faith. You directed that the elections should be free, fair, and peaceful, and it was so,” Dr. Ganduje said.

On behalf of the candidates who contested the elections, the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, thanked the President for providing strong and purposeful leadership at the center, which enabled and energized their campaigns.

“We won because of the leadership you demonstrated. The country was struggling, but the economy has been responding to the reforms and rapid-response strategy you have put in place,” he said.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

November 24, 2023

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS EIGHT NEW PERMANENT SECRETARIES

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of eight new Permanent Secretaries in the Federal Civil Service following the recently concluded selection process by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation:

(1) Ndayako-Aishetu Gogo

(2) Adeoye Adeleye Ayodeji

(3) Rimi Nura Abba

(4) Bako Deborah Odoh

(5) Omachi Raymond Omenka

(6) Ahmed Dunoma Umar

(7) Watti Tinuke

(😎 Ella Nicholas Agbo

President Tinubu anticipates that the new Permanent Secretaries, having emerged at the top of qualified candidates after a diligent assessment process, will deploy their expertise and competence in the effective execution of the Renewed Hope mandate to revitalize service delivery in all Federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies in the superceding interest of the Nigerian people.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

November 24, 2023

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS TWO NIGERIA CUSTOMS SERVICE BOARD MEMBERS

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of two qualified Nigerians to serve as Members on the Board of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for a term of four (4) years as representatives of the organized private sector:

(1) Dr. Aba Ibrahim

(2) Dr. Muda Yusuf

President Tinubu wishes the new appointees well in their deliberations, and expects that the views and perspectives of the private sector are fully articulated, such that the objectives of the Renewed Hope agenda in the active promotion and attraction of investment across multiple sectors of the economy are completely realized through the efficient implementation of ongoing reforms within the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

November 24, 2023

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS MINISTRY OF FINANCE INCORPORATED (MOFI) BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of ten qualified Nigerians to serve on the Board of Directors of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI):

(1) Dr. Shamsudeen Usman — Board Chairman

(2) Dr. Armstrong Ume Takang — CEO/Managing Director

(3) Mr. Tajudeen Datti Ahmed — Executive Director, Portfolio Management

(4) Mr. Femi Ogunseinde — Executive Director, Investment Management

(5) Mrs. Oluwakemi Owonubi — Executive Director, Risk

(6) Mrs. Fatima Nana Mede — Non-Executive Director

(7) Mr. Ike Chioke — Non-Executive Director

(😎 Ms. Chantelle Abdul — Non-Executive Director

(9) Mr. Alheri Nyako — Non-Executive Director

(10) Mr. Bolaji Rafiu Elelu — Non-Executive Director

President Tinubu places a premium on accurate and purposeful performance assessment of both commercial and non-commercial government-owned enterprises, as well as on the consistent attainment of the highest returns possible on all investments made in trust of the Nigerian people. As a result, the President expects nothing less than the highest level of results-driven performance from this highly experienced and qualified MOFI Board and Management team.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

November 24, 2023

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS NNPC BOARD AND MANAGEMENT TEAM

In compliance with Section 59 (2) of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021, President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of a new Board and Management team for the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) with effect from December 1, 2023:

(1) Chief Pius Akinyelure — Non-Executive Board Chairman

(2) Mallam Mele Kolo Kyari — Group Chief Executive Officer

(3) Alhaji Umar Isa Ajiya — Chief Financial Officer

(4) Mr. Ledum Mitee — Non-Executive Director

(5) Mr. Musa Tumsa — Non-Executive Director

(6) Mr. Ghali Muhammad — Non-Executive Director

(7) Prof. Mustapha Aliyu — Non-Executive Director

(😎 Mr. David Ogbodo — Non-Executive Director

(9) Ms. Eunice Thomas — Non-Executive Director

Furthermore, President Tinubu approved the appointment of two Permanent Secretaries:

(10) Mr. Okokon Ekanem Udo — Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance

(11) Amb. Gabriel Aduda — Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources

President Tinubu anticipates the fullest measure of compliance with the performance-driven and results-oriented mandate of his Renewed Hope administration in the implementation of energy policy that will monetize all available oil and gas resources of today while paving the way for the total exploitation of new and cleaner energy sources of tomorrow by this distinguished team.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

November 27, 2023

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU TO ATTEND COP28 CLIMATE SUMMIT IN DUBAI

President Bola Tinubu will, on Wednesday, depart Abuja for Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to attend the COP28 Climate Summit, also known as the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference, or Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC (COP28).

At the World Leaders’ Summit, which takes place on December 1 and 2, 2023, under the theme, “Unite, Act, and Deliver,” President Tinubu will deliver a national statement, highlighting Nigeria’s stance on various thematic issues, including renewable energy and climate financing.

Mindful of the severe impact of climate change on Nigeria, such as desertification, flooding, erosion, drought, and national security risks arising therefrom, President Tinubu will maximize the opportunity afforded by the platform to advocate increased financial and technical support for developing nations, while reminding developed countries of their public pledge to provide $100 billion annually for support to localized initiatives to address climate change-related challenges.

The President’s message will also focus on holding businesses and institutions accountable, reflecting Nigeria’s dedication to sustainable and responsible practices.

The Nigerian delegation to COP28 will actively explore establishing new and deeper bilateral partnerships to implement Nigeria’s Energy Transition, Article 6 Projects, Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs), Technology Transfer, Capacity Building, and Methane Mitigation.

While in Dubai, President Tinubu will actively participate in key sideline events, which will further support the advancement of his avowed commitment to aggressively attract foreign direct investment for enhanced wealth creation and revenue expansion in the country, in addition to other events hosted by the Nigerian delegation.

The President, who will be accompanied by senior government officials, is expected to return to Abuja at the conclusion of the summit.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

November 28, 2023

PRESIDENT TINUBU RESOLVES ONDO STATE POLITICAL CRISIS: STATUS QUO WILL BE MAINTAINED

President Bola Tinubu, late on Friday, resolved  the months-long crisis between loyalists of Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu and  Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

This followed marathon talks in the State House, Abuja between the President and the Deputy Governor, representatives of Governor Akeredolu, federal and state lawmakers of Ondo, officials of the  All Progressives’ Congress, and other stakeholders.

The President advised all opposing parties to bury the hatchet and embrace peace, eliciting commitments to this effect.

Under the agreement, Governor Akeredolu remains Chief Executive of the State, Aiyedatiwa remains Deputy Governor.

Members of the State Executive Council, the House of Assembly and the APC Chapter in Ondo State will remain in their posts.

Mr. Aiyedatiwa, who affirmed the decision to maintain the status quo and unite all the factions, said: “I want to say that I pledge to all of you that I embrace every one of you. I put behind all that has happened before now. I’ve let go and also let God, just as the President has advised us.

“And I want to say that with no offence, no guile in my mind whatsoever. All that has happened is politics. Impeachment is part of politics. If you survive it, it is also politics. It has come. I’ve survived it, and every other thing is in the past.

“It is one big family and our father has intervened to bring all the children together to remain under the same family and with the position that I occupy, I will carry every one of you along in every decision that needs to be taken and in everything that we do, we will work together; the executive and the legislature will work together to ensure that governance is on the right track.”

He pleaded with all members of the State Executive Council to rally around the Governor and himself to “bring the dividend of democracy” to the people of Ondo State.

“All the Executive Council members, I want to plead with all of you to cooperate with me, with the Governor, so that we can bring the dividend of democracy to our people.

“We should respect one another regarding the offices we occupy and our age differences. So, it’s going to be mutual respect.

“And I want to assure the party structure that we will work together because the party is supreme. We will always give you your due respect,” the Ondo State Deputy Governor pledged.

The Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oladiji Olamide, who read the details of the resolution, said, “Our resolution is that one, we shall embrace peace. Secondly, there would be no more dissolution of the cabinet, and the Deputy Governor would maintain the status quo as far as the House of Assembly leadership is concerned.

“We will maintain the status quo as far as the party leadership in the state is concerned and maintain the status quo as far as the leadership of the State House of Assembly is concerned. Thank you, Mr. President.”

The Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu, stated, “Our Father, the President, has taken the trouble to settle our rancour in Ondo State. We owe you all the gratitude, Sir. We will not disappoint you. We have taken every word you said. And we are going home as one united family under the party, APC.”

Ondo State APC Chairman, Ade Adetimehin, expressed delight at the outcome of Friday’s late night deliberations, affirming that the party will remain a watchdog to ensure that the new commitments are adhered to.

“Today is my happiest moment. And I know sanity has come to Ondo State. So, on behalf of the teeming supporters of our party in the state, we appreciate our leader, Mr. President.

“PDP has crumbled in the state; virtually, they decamp every day. The only problem we have is the one you have solved for us today. And that problem has been resolved permanently,” Adetimehin stated.

November 25, 2022

Press Statement

PDP Celebrates, Extols Atiku Abubakar at 77

…Says His Love for Nigeria is Unwavering

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) family rolls out the big drums in celebration of former Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the PDP Presidential Candidate in the 2023 Presidential election, one of the founding fathers of our great Party and national Icon of Democracy, H.E. Atiku Abubakar, GCON (Wazirin Adamawa), as he marks his 77th birthday today.

Atiku Abubakar is a quintessence of humility, a kind-hearted, humane and people-focused leader; a forthright administrator and courageous statesman, who remains unwavering in his love and commitment towards Nigerians and the unity, stability and development of our dear nation.

Our Party remains proud of Atiku Abubakar’s record of performance in the service of our nation, especially in bringing his capacity and competence to bear as the Chairman of the National Economic Council under the Obasanjo/Atiku-led PDP administration between 1999 and 2007, which achieved unprecedented national productivity in all sectors and grew the economy to become one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

His role in the National Economic Council is always recognized and celebrated for helping the administration achieve vast infrastructural development, massive employment and business opportunities among other initiatives that made the PDP years in government the Nigerian Golden Years.

Nigerians across all persuations recognize Atiku Abubakar as the embodiment of our national unity and hope for economic recovery and they demonstrated this in their overwhelming support and massive vote for him in the 2019 and 2023 Presidential elections, which mandates were sadly subverted by suppressive and exploitative forces.

Atiku Abubakar is a lesson in leadership. Despite his towering personality, he remains humble, friendly and accessible to all, especially the youths. He continues to demonstrate that the essence of leadership is in attending to the good, happiness and wellbeing of others instead of oneself.

But for the subversion of his mandate, our nation would have been on the path of economic prosperity, massive infrastructural development and employment opportunities instead of the hardship, collapse of the Naira and general retrogression that we witness today in the country.

On this great day, the PDP family gives thanks to the Almighty Allah and prays to Him to grant Atiku Abubakar more wisdom, sound health and vigour in the service of our dear fatherland and humanity.

Congratulations and Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.

Signed:

Hon. Debo Ologunagba

National Publicity Secretary

Appeal Court verdict: A redemption deferred, says Omo-Agege

The former Deputy President of the Senate and governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has described today’s judgement of the Court of Appeal in the appeal he filed against Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State as redemption deferred for Deltans.

While he deeply respects their Lordships, Senator Omo-Agege is convinced that the learned justices clearly misapprehended the reformed electoral jurisprudence that now prevails to deepen democracy in the country.

In a statement issued after the decision and signed by his Media Adviser, Mr. Sunny Areh, Obarisi Omo-Agege said he firmly believes that justice is yet to be given to the people of Delta State who voted for him and the APC.

“We will proceed to the Supreme Court. The issues at stake touch on the future and wellbeing of the people who voted for a New Delta. We have a duty to respect them by defending their faith in us with every sense of diligence and responsibility. We don’t waver on what is right.

“I am confident that the revered Justices of the Supreme Court will examine the areas overlooked at the Appeal Court and give justice to our people,” he said.

He appealed to his supporters to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring that the judiciary which “I have absolute confidence in will, at the final hurdle serve justice and redemption now deferred.”

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION, MY DEAR BIG BROTHER, OLOROGUN O’TEGA EMERHOR, OON

On behalf of my family and our good people, I send you warm greetings on this occasion of your birthday celebration. Your stabilizing and purpose-driven leadership, sterling life achievements and philanthropy have earned you a place of great pride amongst our people.

As founding leader and 2015 governorship candidate of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, you have continued to show great wisdom and demonstrate immeasurable strength of character in providing balanced counsel for our collective greater good of all. Thank you, my dear brother.

As a chartered accountant with first-class academic credentials, a successful banker, an astute captain of industry and a seasoned politician, you bring great pride to all our people. By dint of exemplary personal discipline and extraordinary hard-work, you have become a notable national patriot. Our people are proud of you as a disciplined leader who makes visible contributions to the development of Delta State and Nigeria as a whole.

I must seize this moment to thank you for deploying the power of your positive selfless personal examples to shape our collective political interests as a true statesman. Thank you for your calm, trusted and purposeful leadership. Thank you for your sincere counsel and support as a big brother.

We pray to God for a long and healthy life, joy unspeakable and many more years of dedication to the service of our beloved people as we continue work together for the good of our people