Daybreak, Politics, Entertainment, Sport

Tag: fraud

  • Court Discharge Babachir Lawal of N544m Allege Fraud Case

    Court Discharge Babachir Lawal of N544m Allege Fraud Case

    A Federal Capital Territory High Court has discharged and acquitted a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Babachir Lawal and five others from the N544M Contract Fraud offence brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    The Court held that the anti-graft agency failed to establish a case against the Ex-SGF and the co-defendants.

    Ruling on a no-case submission made by Babachir Lawal, Justice Charles Agbaza held that the EFCC said that no ingredients of any offence was made out by the 11 witnesses that testified for the EFCC.

    The judge held that EFCC did not establish that Babachir Lawal was either a member of the Presidential Initiative for North East that awarded the contract, or a member of the Ministerial Tenders Board that vetted and gave approval to the disputed contract.

    Besides, Justice Agbaza held that EFCC also failed to link Babachir Lawal with the Bureau of Public Procurement BPP that issued a certificate of no objection to the contract before it was awarded.

    The judge discharged and acquitted all the defendants in the 10-count criminal charges against them for want of evidence to link them with the purported offences.

    Babachir Lawal alongside his younger brother, Hamidu Lawal; Suleiman Abubakar; Apeh Monday and two companies, were prosecuted by the EFCC before Justice Charles Agbaza.

    They faced a 10-count charge bordering on fraud relating to the removal of evasive plant species to the tune of N544 million for which they pleaded not guilty.

    The EFCC had on Monday, November 30, 2020 re-arraigned the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal before Justice Agbaza.

  • Alleged N6.3bn Fraud: EFCC closes case against Ex-Plateau Gov Jang

    Alleged N6.3bn Fraud: EFCC closes case against Ex-Plateau Gov Jang

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has closed its case against a former Plateau State Governor, Jonah Jang.

    Also facing trial is a former cashier in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Yusuf Pam.

    Justice C. L. Dabup of Plateau State High Court in Jos is presiding over the case.

    Jang and Pam are being prosecuted for alleged criminal breach of trust and misappropriation of state funds to the tune of N6.3billion.

    The EFCC presented fourteen witnesses and tendered several exhibits.

    At the last sitting, the EFCC had presented its fourteenth witness (PW14), Taiwo Oloronyomi.

    Oloronyomi is a Chief Superintendent of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offence Commission (ICPC).

    While presenting his evidence, Pam’s counsel, S. Olawale raised an objection, arguing that the statement of his client to the ICPC was not voluntary.

    Olawale told the court that his client was subjected to physical and psychological torture by one Hajiya Fatima Mohammed of the commission.

    But Justice Dabup admitted the statement Pam made on November 17, 2016 to the ICPC.

    It contained details of the withdrawal of monies taken to Jang through cheques approved by the Permanent Secretary in the SSG’s office.

    The judge however rejected the statement Pam made on November 23, 2016, on grounds that the mandatory cautionary word was not taken before Pam wrote it.

    The defendants were expected to open their defence today but Jang’s counsel, Mike Ozekhome (SAN) and Olawale informed the court of their decision not to do so.

    “If we are not providing any evidence, the law says that the prosecution has 14 days to address the court, ten days for the defence to reply, and another 5 days for the prosecution to reply on point of law”, Ozekhome said.

    Justice Dabup adjourned the matter to July 1, 2022 for adoption of final written addresses.

  • EFCC Arrests Suspected ‘Catcher’ On FBI Watchlist, Three Others Over $100m Fraud

    EFCC Arrests Suspected ‘Catcher’ On FBI Watchlist, Three Others Over $100m Fraud

    Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested one Osondu Igwilo who has been on the watchlist of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) since 2018.

    EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Wilson Uwujaren, who confirmed this in a statement on Monday, said the suspect was apprehended by operatives of the anti-graft agency in Lagos.

    According to him, Igwilo was arrested on Thursday last week alongside three others – Okafor Chris, Nwodu Emmaunel, and John Achukwu.

    Fifty-two-year-old Igwilo, said to be the alleged leader of a criminal network of ‘catchers’, was arrested at a studio in the Sangotedo area of Lagos for alleged fraud, money laundering, and identity theft to the tune of about $100 million.

    “Before their arrest, Igwilo and his accomplices had allegedly been involved in an advance-fee scheme that involved false promises of investment funding by individuals who impersonated some United States of America (USA) bank officials in person and via the internet,” Uwujaren said in the statement.

    “Investigation revealed that those who fell victims of the suspects’ criminal activities were asked to make certain payments before they could receive their funding.

    “It was also revealed that proceeds of the scheme were allegedly laundered through U.S. bank accounts and diverted back to the alleged perpetrators in Nigeria.”

    Igwilo, the EFCC spokesman stated, was consequently placed on the FBI watchlist following a criminal complaint filed against him at the U.S. District Court in Houston, Texas in December 2016.

    He added that the anti-graft agency’s operatives recovered five houses located in choice areas of Lagos from Igwilo following the arrest.

    Uwujaren stated that the suspects would soon be charged to court.

  • ‘No money missing’—Amaechi’s panel clears Bala Usman of fraud but alleges ‘insubordination’

    ‘No money missing’—Amaechi’s panel clears Bala Usman of fraud but alleges ‘insubordination’

    By Isaac Kertyo

    Hadiza Bala Usman, the former managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), has been cleared of allegations of failing to remit N165 billion operating surplus to the coffers of the federal government,

    However, the 11-member committee set up by the ministry of transportation to probe the alleged fraud decided to shift its attention to allegations of insubordination to Rotimi Amaechi, the minister.

    She was accused of ignoring ministerial directives and communicating directly with President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Usman was originally suspended in May 2021 by the minister over an allegedly missing N165 billion but the committee did not find any evidence in its account reconciliation.

    When Amaechi presented the report to Buhari and asked for permission to remove Usman based on “insubordination”, the president refused to give approval but instead directed the minister to issue a query to the former NPA MD.

    Amaechi, presidency sources said Usman had already defended herself before the committee, but Buhari insisted that she be allowed to respond to the report before any further action is taken.

    A disappointed Amaechi then directed Magdalene Ajani, the permanent secretary, to issue the query, the source said, adding that Buhari refused to be presented with a “fait accompli”.

    Conspicuously missing in the 10 items of query is the original reason for her suspension — the allegation that N165 billion was not remitted to the treasure single account (TSA) which made the headlines.

  • Alleged N2.9bn Fraud: Call EFCC To Order, Okorocha Urges Buhari

    Alleged N2.9bn Fraud: Call EFCC To Order, Okorocha Urges Buhari

    The former Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to call the EFCC to order, appealing that the president intervenes by stopping the EFCC from constantly harassing and intimidating him over allegations of a N2.9 billion fraud case.

    In a chat with State House correspondents after a visit to the president, Senator Okorocha explained that there has been a court judgment and two court orders for different judgments issued at different forums, stopping the EFCC from further interrogating him.

    READ ALSO: 2023: Edwin Clark Asks North To Allow South Produce Next President

    He however lamented that the orders have gone unheeded by the anti-graft agency.

    Okorocha described the EFCC’s actions as biased, pre-judgmental, and politically motivated. The former governor called on the president as one who upholds the law to speak out on the matter.

    Governor Okorocha equally underscored the need to strengthen the ruling party from the grassroots.

    According to him, the president has especially vowed that the days of politicians clinching power from Abuja, without getting requisite support from the masses at the grassroots, will no longer be tolerated at the All Progressives Congress (APC).

  • Alleged N2.9bn Fraud: EFCC files 17-Count Charge Against Rochas Okorocha

    Alleged N2.9bn Fraud: EFCC files 17-Count Charge Against Rochas Okorocha

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed a 17-count charge to the tune of N2.9 billion against a former governor of Imo State, Senator Rochas Okorocha.

    Okorocha, in the charges filed on Monday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, was accused of conspiring with others, including a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and five companies to steal from public coffers.

    Others listed as respondents to the suit are Anyim Nyerere Chinenye, Naphtali International Limited, Perfect Finish Multi Projects Limited, Consolid Projects Consulting Limited, Pramif International Limited, and Legend World Concepts Limited.

    The charges were filed about the same time Senator Okorocha was declaring his intention to run for the office of the president in 2023.

    His co-accused, Nyerere, according to sources, is the APC governorship candidate in Abia State during the 2015 elections and currently serves as a commissioner at the National Pension Commission.

    READ ALSO: NASS Transmits Re-Amended Electoral Bill To Buhari For Assent

    The accused persons were alleged to have stolen the said amount belonging to Imo State and local government areas in the state in contravention of the Money Laundering Act 2011.

    The charges claimed that the stolen funds were diverted between October 2014 and February 2016 from the Imo State Government House’s account and Imo State Joint Local Government Project’s account.

    Reports also revealed that Nyerere remains the Director of Consolid Projects Consulting Limited, Pramif International Limited, and Legend World Concepts Limited, even as he holds a public office – potentially breaching the nation’s Code of Conduct laws.

    The timeline of the alleged diversions is highlighted below:

    February 11, 2014: N67,500,000 – conspiracy between Mr Okorocha, Mr Nyerere, and Perfect Finish Multi Projects Limited

    August 28, 2014: N486,000,000 – conspiracy between Mr Okorocha, Mr Nyerere, and Perfect Finish Multi Projects Limited

    October 14, 2014: N900,000,000 – conspiracy between Mr Okorocha, Mr Nyerere, and Naphtali International Limited

    August 4, 2015: N279,000,000 – conspiracy between Mr Okorocha, Mr Nyerere, and Naphtali International Limited

    February 10, 2016: N243,000,000 – conspiracy between Mr Okorocha, Mr Nyerere, and Consolid Projects Consulting Limited

    February 10, 2016: N200,000,000 – conspiracy between Mr Okorocha, Mr Nyerere, and Consolid Projects Consulting Limited

    February 10, 2016: N243,000,000 – conspiracy between Mr Okorocha, Mr Nyerere, and Pramif International Limited

    February 11, 2016: N243,000,000 – conspiracy between Mr Okorocha, Mr Nyerere, and Perfect Finish Multi Projects Limited

    February 12, 2016: N243,000,000 – conspiracy between Mr Okorocha, Mr Nyerere, and Legend World Concepts Limited.

  • N125bn Mammy Market Project: ARCON Disowns Arc James Onyemena

    N125bn Mammy Market Project: ARCON Disowns Arc James Onyemena

    By Keneth Atavti

    A project development firm, Woobs Resources Ltd, has petitioned the Nigerian Police over alleged forgery of its records and documents as well as that of the Nigerian Army to obtain architectural practising license, looting and obtaining money by false pretence by one James Onyemenam, owner of a purported architectural firm, Bridgeways Global Projects Ltd.

    Woobs Resources Ltd is the Concessioner to the Nigerian Army in respect of the N125bn Arena Shopping Complex, Ikeja Military Cantonment, Lagos.

    In a petition dated April 28, 2023, sighted by our reporter, addressed to the Deputy Inspector General of Police, counsel to Woobs Resources Ltd, Victor Ukutt Esq, disclosed that in 2005, his client approached the Nigerian Army to rebuild its Mammy Market at Ikeja Military Cantonment into an ultra-modern shopping complex under a Private Partnership Participation (PPP) arrangement.

    The proposal, Ukutt said, was approved in 2006 and construction works started in January, 2007.

    Ukutt also informed the DIG that the architectural designs, constructions and supervision of the Arena Market started in 2006 by Mr James Onyemenam and Bridgeways Global Projects Ltd, and ended in 2009, when the project was commissioned by the Nigerian Army.

    However, the alleged fake architect claimed that he graduated at the first generation Nigerian University ( UNN) at the age of 26 and later at 46 got his exemption certificate from the NYSC .

    But when Woobs Resources noticed “certain fraudulent and unprofessional conduct which was unbecoming of a licensed architect” it wrote a letter to the Architect Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON) to affirm the status of Mr.James Onyemenam as a licensed architect in a letter dated 30th November, 2011.

    In the said letter, Woobs had demanded the verification and confirmation of Mr.James Onyemenam as a licensed architect pursuant to the Architect Registration Act, LFN 2004, and verification/confirmation of Bridgeways Global Projects Limited as a registered/licensed firm of architect.

    However, in a reply letter dated December 5, 2011, signed by one Arc. Sale M. Yunusa, the ARCON vehemently stated that “Mr. James Uchechukwu Onyemenam is not registered and licensed to practice architecture in Nigeria; Bridgeways Global Projects Limited is also not a registered architectural firm with the Council”.

    In a more recent investigation, Mr George Chukwu, Commissioner of Police (SEB)
    Force Criminal Investigation Department Abuja, on May 30, 2023, wrote a letter to ARCON titled “RE: Investigation Activities; RE: Mr James Onyemenam; RE: License No. GO519”.

    On June 9, ARCON replied to the letter from the police marked “Ref. No, 3000/X/FHQ/ABJ/SEB/T.6/Vol.15/542, and categorically held that Mr James Onyemenam’s architectural license was fake.

    “Mr. James Uchechukwu Onyemenam is not registered and licensed to practice architecture in Nigeria in consonance with the Architects (Registration, Etc) Act Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

    “The Council did not issue any license to practice in Nigeria to Mr. James Uchechukwu Onyemenam and the license No. G0519 is not known to the Council in any of its categories of registration.

    “The person under reference was not issued/granted license to practice in Nigeria” ARCON told the police.

    ARCON hinted further that architects are registered under different categories as Full registration beginning with the letter F/.

    The Council explained that “Fully registered architects are those who can practice as principals or consultants to clients and can submit building designs, plans etc,

    Arc. Umar Mumai Registrar, ARCON, clarified that: Fully registered architects can be promoted beyond the level of senior architects if in paid employment in the public or private sector and are entitled to use the appellation “Arc“.

    On the other hand, he said Provisionally Stage registered architects are holders of the approved qualifications BSc/M Sc. Architecture or equivalents and are entitled to use the title architect but can only practice under the supervision of a fully registered architect and shall not act as a principal or consultant in any private organization.

    “These persons may be fully registered after passing the Architects Professional Competence Examinations (APCE) and fulfilling other conditions for registration. This category of registration is denoted with the letter Pll/…

    “Provisional stage 1 registration category is for holders of the BSc. Architecture degree of its equivalents who are unable to proceed for the approved professional qualification. This class of registration is denoted by the letter P1/..” the ARCON explained.

    Explaining to the Police, Ukutt said it was one Col. Kingsley Umoh, who was in charge of the Ikeja Military Cantonment Mammy Market at that point that recommended Mr, James Onyemenam to Woobs Resources Ltd, whom had represented to him to be a qualified and a licensed architect and whom he was sure could do a good job to meet the standards and expectations of the Nigerian Army.

    Following a meeting with his client, Onyemenam in a bid to convince Woobs Resources Ltd that he is a licensed architect by the Architect Registration Council of Nigeria and running an architectural firm, -Bridgeways Global Proyects Ltd, took Woobs and showed them some projects purported to have been designed and carried out by Bridgeways Global Projects Ltd at Lekki, Lagos State.

    “As a result of the representation by Mr, James Uchechukwu Onyemenam that he is a licensed architect by the Architect Registration Council of Nigeria, our client engaged him as the architect to design and supervise the construction of the Arena Market in 2006″ Ukutt said.

    Ukutt stated that upon the engagement of Onyemenam and his architectural firm – Bridgeways Global Projects Ltd, he produced architectural designs/drawings for the project in 2006 and construction works started in January, 2007. Sequel to the representation of Mr. James Uchechukwu Onyemenam as a licensed architect and on which capacity he was engaged, he charged professional fees using his Architectural Firm – Bridgeways Global Projects Limited for the architectural designs and supervision of the Arena Market construction work in accordance with the scale of fees approved by the Architect Registration Council of Nigeria for himself and his Architectural Firm”.

  • BREAKING: Court strikes out criminal charges against Imo Deputy Speaker over alleged N75m Fraud

    BREAKING: Court strikes out criminal charges against Imo Deputy Speaker over alleged N75m Fraud

    A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja on Thursday struck out a criminal charge brought against the Deputy Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Amarachi Chyna Iwuanyanwu, over his alleged involvement in a N75 million fraud.

    In a ruling, Justice Charles Agbaza struck out the charges upon the request of the Inspector General of Police (IGP).

    The IGP, who filed the charges, however, on Thursday brought a motion on notice to the court requesting that the charges be terminated.

    In the motion argued by his counsel, Mr Umoh Inah, the police chief asked the court to throw away the charges in the interest of justice.

    The motion was not opposed by Chief Chris Uche (SAN), who stood for the Deputy Speaker.

    Agbaza consequently ruled that the charges be immediately terminated.

    Details later…

  • EFCC Arraigns ‘Crime Alert’ Boss For Alleged N35m Fraud

    EFCC Arraigns ‘Crime Alert’ Boss For Alleged N35m Fraud

    The Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, October 18, 2021, arraigned one Olaniyan Gbenga Amos who is also known as ‘Crime Alert’.

    Mr Olaniyan was arraigned on a 35-count charge bordering on conspiracy, operating business of other financial institutions and obtaining money under false pretense to the tune of N35 million.

    Also brought before Justice Uche Agomoh of the Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State, was his company, Detorrid Heritage Investment Limited.

    The defendant was arrested following petitions by victims, alleging that Amos through his company, Detorrid Heritage Investment Nigeria Limited (DHIL) popularly known as Crime Alert Security Network Investment, induced them to invest in a network scheme which offered a monthly 30% returns on investment.

    One of the counts state: “That you Olaniyan Gbenga Amos and Detorrid Heritage Investment Limited between August, 2019 and May, 2021 at Ibadan, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, without license, operate business of other financial institutions and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 58(1) and punishable under section 59(6) (a and b) of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act, Cap B3 Laws of the Federation Nigeria, 2004.”

    Count 20 reads: “That you Olaniyan Gbenga Amos and Detorrid Heritage Investment Limited on or about 29th of September, 2020, at Ibadan within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud obtained the sum of N15, 000,000:00 (Fifteen Million Naira) only from Fadipe Babajide Ayorinde, when you falsely represented to him that the money is meant for registration and investment with Crime Alert Security Network with a promise of 30% return on investment in 6 weeks (30 working days), which representation you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 1 (I)(a) and punishable under section (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2016.”

    They pleaded “not guilty” to the charges.

    In view of their plea, the prosecution counsel, Galadanchi Sanusi, asked the court to remand the defendant at the Nigerian Correctional Service and fix a date for trial to commence.

    Counsel for the first and second defendants, Richard. A. Ogunwole SAN informed the court he has filed an application for the release of his client on bail. But the court ruled that the application was not ripe for hearing as the further affidavit filed by the defendant is not properly before the Court.

    Consequently, Justice Agomoh adjourned till October 25, 2021 “for hearing of bail application” and also ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Nigerian Correctional Centre, Abolongo, Oyo State.

  • N4.5bn Fraud: EFCC Re-Arraigns FIRS Directors

    N4.5bn Fraud: EFCC Re-Arraigns FIRS Directors

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned three directors and some other officials of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, (FIRS) over allegations of N4.5 billion fraud.

    The officials are Peter Hena, a former Coordinating Director; Mohammed Bello Auta (Director of Finance) and Amina Sidi (Finance and Account Department).

    Others are Umar Aliyu Aduka (Internal Audit), Mbura Mustapha (Deputy Manager), Obi Okeke Malachy (Services Group), Obaje Napoleon Adofu (Head of Budget), Udo-Inyang Effiong Alfred (Officer II) and Benjamin Jiya (Assistant Director).

    EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, who disclosed this, said their re-arraignment followed the transfer of the former trial judge, Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu.

    They were arraigned before Justice Toyin Bolaji Adegoke of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

    The defendants were docked on a 42-count charge bordering on corruption, fraud and criminal misappropriation of funds.

    Count one of the charge read, “That you, Peter Hena, Mohammed Bello Auta, Amina Sidi, Umar Aliyu Aduka, Mbura, Mustapha, Obi Okeke Malachy, Obaje Napoleon Adofu, Udo-Inyang Effiong Alfred and Benjamin Jiya while being staff of the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) between January, 2017 and December 2018 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court conspired together with the other officials of FIRS to conceal funds which are proceeds of unlawful activities to wit: Corruption, Fraud and Criminal Misappropriation of Funds and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 18 and punishable under section 15(2) (a) and (3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 ( as amended by Act No. 1 of 2021).”

    The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    Justice Bolaji granted them bail on the terms earlier offered them by Justice Ojukwu, and fixed September 28, 2021 for commencement of trial.

    Justice Ojukwu had, upon their arraignment on Thursday, March 11, 2021, granted the defendants bail in the sum of N100m each and sureties in like sum.

    The sureties who must be Nigerian residing in Abuja with landed property within the jurisdiction of the court, are also to provide evidence of Tax Clearance.

    She also asked the defendants to deposit their travelling documents with the court and seek the permission before travelling out of the country.