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Court Convicts Two Soldiers, One To Die By Hanging For Murder, Another Jailed For Robbery In Enugu

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Dailygazettenig
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A General Court Martial (GCM) sitting at the Headquarters of the 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu, has sentenced Private Adamu Mohammed to death by hanging for the murder of his girlfriend, Miss Hauwa Ali.

The court also convicted another soldier, Private Abubakar Yusuf, and sentenced him to 10 years imprisonment for robbery.

The verdicts followed a thorough trial process, during which the soldiers were arraigned for murder and robbery respectively.

In a statement issued by Lt. Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, it was revealed that the General Court Martial was inaugurated on February 18, 2025, by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Major General Oluyemi Olatoye.

The 11-member panel was tasked with handling cases of military personnel accused of serious offences that could not be summarily tried.

While delivering judgment, the President of the GCM, Brigadier General Sadisu Buhari, said the court found Private Adamu Mohammed guilty of murdering Miss Hauwa Ali, a crime punishable under Section 106 (a) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20 LFN 2004.

“Given this, the GCM has determined that the accused soldier, 21NA/80/6365 Private Adamu Mohammed, is hereby sentenced to death by hanging for the charge of murder,” Brigadier General Buhari declared.

He explained that the judgment was unanimous and based on a careful review of the facts, the accused’s career and service record, as well as the plea for leniency presented by the defence.

However, Brigadier General Buhari emphasized that “in the interest of societal decorum and justice for the deceased, the law had to be applied to its fullest.”

In a related judgment, Private Abubakar Yusuf was convicted of robbery at a mall within Enugu.

He was found guilty under Section 107(1)(b) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20 LFN 2004.

“However, due to the inability of the GCM to reach a unanimous decision required to impose the maximum mandatory punishment prescribed under Section 107(2) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20 LFN 2004, the GCM, relying on the provisions of Section 140 (3) of the Armed Forces Act, hereby sentences the accused soldier, 23NA/85/12116 Private Abubakar Yusuf, to 10 years imprisonment,” the GCM President announced.

He added that the court had considered the plea in mitigation from the accused and his counsel but upheld the sentence in the interest of discipline and the image of the Nigerian Army.

The Nigerian Army, in its statement, reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the highest standards of ethics and professionalism.

It stressed that while the misconduct of a few does not represent the institution’s core values, swift and decisive actions are always taken to ensure accountability.

“The Army remains dedicated to maintaining discipline within its ranks, protecting the integrity of its operations and fostering trust and confidence among the people it serves,” the statement concluded.

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FULL LIST: 51 Nigerian Universities, Others Illegally Deducting From Student Loan Fund

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Dailygazettenig
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At least 51 tertiary institutions in Nigeria have come under scrutiny for alleged illegal deductions and mismanagement of funds from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), in what has become a growing controversy surrounding the implementation of the student loan scheme.

According to investigations by The Guardian, these institutions reportedly deducted amounts ranging from N3,500 to N30,000 from each student’s loan disbursement.

This practice, described as exploitative, has triggered widespread outrage among students and civil society advocates.

While NELFUND and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) jointly condemned the deductions, they also criticized the affected schools for lacking transparency—particularly their failure to notify students of disbursed loans or provide clear breakdowns of institutional fees.

Named among the institutions involved are Modibbo Adama University (MAU), Yola; Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH); Lagos State University of Education (LASUED); Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH); University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN); Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria; University of Port Harcourt; Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife; and Bayero University, Kano (BUK), among others.

Students shared personal accounts of being charged above the approved fees.

At the University of Jos (UNIJOS), for instance, the approved institutional fee was N130,000, but students received disbursements ranging from N145,000 to N150,000, leaving discrepancies of N10,000 to N20,000. At the Federal University of Lafia, the discrepancy amounted to N28,500 per student.

Similar cases were reported at other institutions.

“UNN has still not refunded the school fees from last session. Many students applied for the loan but ended up paying school fees independently. UNN received the money from NELFUND and kept silent,” said Malvin Okeke, a student.

Other students echoed similar frustrations.

Baruwa Razak of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) questioned why already-paid tuition was withheld, while Joshua Ali from UNIJOS claimed that refund requests submitted since January had gone unanswered.

At Taraba State University, student Davo alleged that out of the N120,000 loan disbursed, only N57,000 was refunded, with no explanation for the remaining N63,000.

In Calabar, students reportedly had to pay N12,000 to obtain a ‘fees payment invoice’ before qualifying for refunds.

Parents have also expressed dismay.

“Before the payment of my son’s NELFUND-approved loan at the start of the ongoing semester, FUTA mandated the students to pay at least 40 per cent of their school fees to be able to access the portal for registration. Three months after NELFUND payments, FUTA has yet to refund us,” lamented Sunday Adedeji.

Modibbo Adama University confirmed it received double payments affecting about 300 students.

Spokesperson Muhammad Nur noted that this was a nationwide issue and stated, “Physical verification was required to ensure accuracy and avoid inconsistencies.”

Similarly, FUTA admitted the double payments, explaining that disbursement was split between two accounts, one of which had yet to be linked to the school’s Remita platform.

“Another reason for the slight delay in disbursement is that the fund was released in two tranches… The newly created account is yet to be linked to our payment platforms on Remita,” said Adegbenro Adebanjo, Director of Corporate Communications.

YABATECH, on the other hand, dismissed the allegations, asserting that the amount received is still under verification by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“We urge students to be patient. Payment will be made in due course,” said spokesperson Adams Adekunle.

The broader issue, however, may be systemic.

NELFUND Managing Director Akintunde Sawyer warned that the current practices, if unaddressed, could erode the integrity of President Bola Tinubu’s student loan vision.

He stated, “Withholding critical financial information from students is unethical and a direct violation of the principles upon which NELFUND was established.”

He further emphasized that failure to hold institutions accountable would sabotage efforts to promote equitable and inclusive access to higher education.

NOA added that it had uncovered unethical practices through reports from its state directorates.

“The NOA feedback showed how specific institutions have deliberately delayed payments to successful applicants for personal financial benefit, in connivance with some banks,” the agency stated.

Critics have since called for reform. Omole Ibukun of the Creative Change Centre described the situation as a betrayal of trust: “This is a betrayal of the principles of accountability and transparency that should be taught by example at our ivory towers… The concealment of this financial information will lead to many students dropping out.”

Ibukun proposed the formation of student oversight committees and urged legal action against guilty institutions.

“All the institutions guilty of this crime must refund the double payments,” he insisted.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), through its President Olushola Oladoja, announced an ongoing investigation.

“We are engaging with NELFUND and relevant stakeholders to get to the root of the matter,” he confirmed.

With over N50 billion disbursed to 300 public tertiary institutions, stakeholders are calling for a shift in the disbursement model—proposing that funds be paid directly to students to eliminate institutional interference and ensure accountability.

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Court Of Appeal Redeploys Justices Nationwide, Retains Wike’s Wife In Abuja, Reassigns Awka And Gombe Appeals

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Dailygazettenig
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The Court of Appeal has announced a major reshuffling of its Justices across divisions in the country.

The posting list, titled “Posting of Honourable Justices As At 22nd April, 2025,” and signed by M. B. Dongban-Mensem, President of the Court of Appeal, was released on Monday.

According to the document, Justices are expected to report to their new divisions by May 5, 2025.

In the new arrangement, Hon. Justice Y. Nimpar has been posted to the Lagos Division as the Presiding Justice. Other Justices in Lagos include Hon. Justice J. E. Ekanem, Hon. Justice F. A. Ojo, Hon. Justice D. Z. Senchi, Hon. Justice P. A. Bassi, Hon. Justice N. U. Okaisabor, Hon. Justice P. T. Kwahar, Hon. Justice Abdulazeez M. Anka, and Hon. Justice U. Onwosi.

For the Kaduna Division, Hon. Justice O. A. Otisi is to serve as Presiding Justice, alongside Hon. Justice A. O. Obaseki-Adejumo, Hon. Justice A. M. Bayero, Hon. Justice S. O. Nwaka Gbagi, and Hon. Justice M. S. Hassan.

In Ibadan, Hon. Justice B. A. Georgewill will head the Division as Presiding Justice, supported by Hon. Justice Ebiowei Tobi, Hon. Justice K. I. Amadi, Hon. Justice B. F. Zubairu, and Hon. Justice Fadawu Umaru.

The Enugu Division will have Hon. Justice J. O. K. Oyewole as Presiding Justice, with Hon. Justice M. Mustapha, Hon. Justice I. W. Jauro, and Hon. Justice Zainab B. Abubakar also assigned.

Hon. Justice B. G. Sanga will preside over the Benin Division, joined by Hon. Justice Y. A. Bashir, Hon. Justice L. A. Ganiyu, and Hon. Justice Asma’u Ojuolape Akanbi.

In Jos Division, Hon. Justice M. O. Bolaji-Yusuf is posted as Presiding Justice, with Hon. Justice I. A. Andenyangtso, Hon. Justice P. O. Affen, and Hon. Justice A. A. Akinyemi forming part of the team.

Hon. Justice O. E. Williams-Dawodu will lead the Port Harcourt Division as Presiding Justice, with Hon. Justice M. I. Sirajo, Hon. Justice H. A. Laja Balogun, and Hon. Justice Ishaq M. Sani.

For Abuja, Hon. Justice H. A. Barka will serve as Presiding Justice. Justice Eberechi S. Nyesom-Wike, wife of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has been retained in Abuja. Other Justices listed for the Abuja Division include Hon. Justice B. B. Aliyu, Hon. Justice A. I. Banjoko, Hon. Justice A. B. Mohammed, Hon. Justice O. E. Abang, Hon. Justice D. U. Okorowo, and Hon. Justice O. O. Oyewumi.

In the Kano Division, Hon. Justice M. A. Danjuma has been posted as Presiding Justice with Hon. Justice B. M. Ugo, Hon. Justice O. Goodluck, and Hon. Justice A. R. Mohammed.

Hon. Justice U. Onyemenam will preside over the Calabar Division, supported by Hon. Justice M. Danjuma, Hon. Justice L. B. Lawal-Akapo, and Hon. Justice Eleojo Eneche.

Ilorin Division has Hon. Justice R. M. Abdullahi as Presiding Justice, along with Hon. Justice G. O. Kolawole and Hon. Justice Abdu Dogo.

For the Owerri Division, Hon. Justice A. A. Wambai will serve as Presiding Justice with Hon. Justice S. A. Bola, Hon. Justice M. L. Abubakar, and Hon. Justice Ntong F. Ntong.

At the Sokoto Division, Hon. Justice M. L. Shuaibu is posted as Presiding Justice, alongside Hon. Justice A. M. Talba, Hon. Justice Abdullahi M. Liman, and Hon. Justice Victoria T. Nwoye.

Yola Division will have Hon. Justice F. O. Oho as Presiding Justice, with Hon. Justice P. A. Mahmoud, Hon. Justice O. A. Adegbehingbe, and Hon. Justice N. O. Dimgba.

Hon. Justice I. O. Akeju will serve as Presiding Justice in the Ekiti Division, accompanied by Hon. Justice A. M. Lamido and Hon. Justice J. E. Inyang.

In Akure, Hon. Justice O. F. Omoleye will lead as Presiding Justice, with Hon. Justice P. C. Obiorah and Hon. Justice H. R. Shagari assigned.

The Makurdi Division will be presided over by Hon. Justice T. O. Awotoye, with Hon. Justice B. I. Gafai, Hon. Justice A. Waziri, and Hon. Justice N. I. Afolabi supporting.

Hon. Justice O. O. Daniel-Kalio is appointed Presiding Justice for the Asaba Division, alongside Hon. Justice J. G. Abundaga, Hon. Justice U. A. Musale, Hon. Justice A. M. Mainoma, and Hon. Justice Olukayode A. Adeniyi.

In Maiduguri, Hon. Justice A. A. B. Gumel will serve as the Presiding Justice with Hon. Justice U. A. Ogakwu and Hon. Justice R. O. Ayoola.

The posting list also highlighted that Awka and Gombe Divisions would no longer have independent panels for appeals. Instead, appeals from Awka will be determined in either the Enugu or Asaba Divisions, while appeals from Gombe will be handled in Maiduguri.

Additionally, it was noted that Hon. Justices of the Ilorin Division “shall sit for one week each month at the Ibadan Division,” while “Hon. Justices of Ekiti Division shall also sit for one week each month in Akure Division.”

Despite the redeployments, the posting emphasized that special panels already set up would proceed with their sittings as scheduled.

Justices are expected to assume duty in their newly assigned divisions no later than May 5, 2025.

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Cardinals Set May 7 For Conclave, Say New Pope Must Confront Abuse Crisis

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Dailygazettenig
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Catholic cardinals agreed on Monday to begin the conclave to elect a new pope on May 7, identifying clerical sexual abuse as one of the most urgent challenges awaiting Pope Francis’s successor.

The so-called “Princes of the Church” under the age of 80 will gather in the Sistine Chapel to select the next leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.

The date was confirmed during a meeting of cardinals of all ages early Monday, just two days after Pope Francis’s funeral.

Francis, aged 88, died on April 21, a day after a final public appearance during Easter celebrations at Saint Peter’s Square.

At the meeting, cardinals outlined the key issues facing the Church, citing “evangelisation, the relationship with other faiths (and) the issue of abuse,” according to a Vatican statement.

“There was talk of the qualities that the new pontiff must possess to respond effectively to these challenges,” it added.

Following Francis’s death, all 252 cardinals were called back to Rome, although only 135 are eligible to vote in the conclave.

Many of the electors, drawn from across the globe, do not know each other well.

To build familiarity, they held four “general congregations” last week.

Cardinal Gualtiero Bassetti, 83, former head of the Italian bishops’ conference, noted a positive spirit.

“There was a beautiful fraternal atmosphere,” he said.

“Of course, there may be some difficulties because the voters have never been so numerous and not everyone knows each other,” he told Italy’s Corriere della Sera newspaper.

Meanwhile, the Vatican closed the Sistine Chapel on Monday to prepare it for the secret ballot, which will unfold under Michelangelo’s famous frescoes.

As speculation swirls over who might emerge as the next pope, Spanish Cardinal Jose Cobo noted the unpredictability of this conclave.

“I believe that if Francis has been the pope of surprises, this conclave will be too, as it is not at all predictable,” he said in an interview with El Pais published on Sunday.

Francis was buried on Saturday during a funeral ceremony that drew a crowd of about 400,000 people, including world leaders, royalty, and ordinary faithful.

On Sunday, an estimated 70,000 mourners visited his marble tomb in the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica in Rome, in tribute to the “pope of the poor,” who chose a resting place outside the Vatican walls.

Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who served as Francis’s Secretary of State, is seen by many as a leading contender to succeed him.

British bookmakers William Hill place him slightly ahead of Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle and Ghana’s Cardinal Peter Turkson.

Other names in the mix include Bologna’s Archbishop Matteo Zuppi, Guinea’s Cardinal Robert Sarah, and Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem.

The cardinals have flagged the Catholic Church’s ongoing sexual abuse crisis as a pressing issue for the next pontiff to confront.

Francis implemented a series of reforms to address clerical abuse, but many victims’ groups believe he fell short, and scandals continue to emerge globally.

The challenge remains acute, particularly in African and Asian nations where discussions of abuse are often taboo.

Even in Europe, countries like Italy have yet to launch full independent investigations into allegations.

While Francis’s vision of a more compassionate Church won him admiration, his reforms — especially around issues of governance and outreach — angered conservatives, notably in the United States and Africa.

Roberto Regoli, professor of Church history and culture at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, told AFP that unity would be a key consideration in the cardinals’ decision.

“We are in a period in which Catholicism is experiencing various polarisations, so I don’t imagine it will be a very, very quick conclave,” he said.

Still, Bassetti predicted the election “will not be long.”

Though about 80 percent of the cardinal-electors were appointed by Francis, their loyalties are not guaranteed to align with his vision.

Many are young and participating in their first conclave.

The voting will be highly secretive, governed by ancient traditions and strict rules. Four votes will be held each day — two in the morning and two in the afternoon — until one candidate secures a two-thirds majority.

Less than half of the voting cardinals are European.

Cardinal Dieudonne Nzapalainga from the Central African Republic emphasized the need for a truly global pope.

“The future pope must have a universal heart (and) love all the continents. We must not look at colour, at origin, but at what is proposed,” he told Italy’s Il Messaggero.

“We need a courageous leader, a bold one, capable of speaking forcefully, of holding the helm of the Church steady even in storms… offering stability in an era of great uncertainty.”

For many faithful, the hope is for continuity in compassion and reform.

Patrizia Spotti, a 68-year-old Italian pilgrim visiting Rome for the 2025 Jubilee, told AFP that she hoped for “a pope like Francis.”

“It was a difficult time for Catholicism,” she said.

“Churches are empty and the Church itself has made mistakes — all the scandals with the children,” she added, referring to the widespread revelations of clerical abuse.

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Woman Arraigned For Posting Picture On TikTok

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Dailygazettenig
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A civil servant, Mojisola Benson, was on Monday arraigned before an Ogudu Magistrate’s Court in Lagos for allegedly posting the picture of another woman on social media, accusing her of having an affair with her husband.

Benson, who lives at Ifako in the Gbagada area of Lagos, is charged with a one-count offence of breach of peace. She pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The prosecutor, Inspector Sunday Bassey, told the court that the alleged offence took place on April 3 at Gbagada, Lagos.

According to Bassey, the defendant “conducted herself in a manner likely to cause breach of peace” by posting images of the complainant, identified as Oyindamola Adejumola, on WhatsApp and TikTok, with the caption, “Iyawo Brother Seun aya the Owner.”

“The said caption caused her distress,” Bassey said.

He further told the court that Benson accused Adejumola of being involved with her husband, Babatunde Olumide, and extended the accusations by contacting the complainant’s grandfather and sister, asking them to warn her to stay away.

“The complainant said that the defendant posted her picture on social media, alleging she was dating her husband, Babatunde Olumide,” Bassey said.

“She also sent messages to her grandfather and sister, telling them to warn the complainant to steer clear from her husband.”

The prosecutor added that Adejumola suffered embarrassment when a stranger at a financial institution in Ifako insulted her over the allegations.

Bassey said the offence contravened Section 168(d) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The Magistrate, Mrs O. A. Daodu, granted Benson bail in the sum of N30,000 with one surety in like sum and adjourned the case until May 6 for mention.

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Ohanaeze Youths Reject Tinubu’s Census Committee

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Dailygazettenig
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The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has expressed its rejection of the National Census Committee recently set up by President Bola Tinubu.

The presidency had earlier announced the establishment of a high-level committee to oversee preparations for the upcoming National Population and Housing Census.

However, in a statement on Monday, the National President of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, criticized the composition of the committee, claiming it heavily favoured the South-West region at the expense of other parts of the country.

Okwu emphasized the importance of fairness in matters related to the census, noting that it is a “very sensitive matter” and insisting that “every process pertaining to it must be seen to be fair to all the regions of the country.”

Nigeria’s last national census was conducted in 2006, recording a total population of 140,431,790, comprising 71,345,488 males and 69,086,302 females.

The newly inaugurated committee is chaired by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu.

Other members include the Minister of Information, Muhammed Idris; the National Population Commission (NPC) Chairman, Nasir Isa Kwarra, who also serves as Secretary; the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy; the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS); the Director General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC); the Principal Private Secretary to the President; and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Administration and Operations (Office of the Chief of Staff).

Okwu stated: “We have waited to see whether the presidency will do the needful, but the situation remains the same nearly two weeks after that one-sided committee was inaugurated.”

“Nigerians are aware of the issues that always trailed past census figures and we expect that for once, the country should get it right.”

He continued: “It is, however, regrettable that the current government has started on the wrong footing by appointing a committee that is totally dominated by people of the South-East, yet it tagged it National Committee.”

“We state clearly that there is nothing national about that committee as it completely nenages the principle of federal character, just like most appointments done so far by the current government.”

“This is totally unacceptable and we urge Mr President to either disband the committee or expand it to accommodate other regions of the country.”

Okwu further stressed that the census must not be conducted like other activities attributed to the present administration. He warned, “we are not going to accept allocation of figures to Ndigbo.”

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Court Orders Aisha Achimugu To Appear Before EFCC

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Dailygazettenig
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Justice I.E. Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has ordered Aisha Achimugu to present herself before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in connection with an ongoing investigation.

Additionally, the judge directed that she must appear before the court the following day, Wednesday, April 30, 2025.

The order was issued during a ruling on Monday, April 28, 2025, relating to a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/626/2025, filed by Achimugu against several law enforcement agencies.

These include the Nigeria Police Force, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Department of State Services (DSS), the EFCC, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).

Responding to Achimugu’s application, EFCC Counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, informed the court about a counter-affidavit submitted by one of its investigators, Chris Odofin, detailing the circumstances behind Achimugu’s invitation.

In the affidavit, Odofin revealed that Achimugu is being investigated for alleged conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, money laundering, corruption, and ownership of properties reasonably suspected to have been acquired illegally.

The affidavit disclosed that Achimugu initially honoured the EFCC’s invitation on February 12, 2024, made a written statement, and was granted administrative bail through her lawyer and surety, Darlington N. Ozurumba.

However, it stated that she subsequently failed to report back as agreed and instead filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit against the Commission.

According to the affidavit, Achimugu, in her statement, described the N8.71 billion inflow into her company accounts as an “investment fund” for the acquisition of an oil block.

She explained that the money was transferred into the Federal Government’s account via her company, Oceangate Engineering Oil and Gas Limited, referencing documentation issued by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

Nevertheless, the EFCC’s investigation revealed that Achimugu’s company had acquired two oil blocks—Shallow Water PPL 3007 and Deep Offshore PPL 302-DO—at a combined cost of $25.3 million.

Investigators discovered that the payments were allegedly made in cash through bureau de change operators, and that the sources of these funds could not be linked to any legitimate business activities.

The EFCC further alleged that the acquisition process was riddled with corruption, and that neither of the two oil blocks had begun exploration or production at the time of investigation.

The anti-graft agency insisted that Achimugu’s current lawsuit was merely “a calculated attempt to frustrate the ongoing investigation,” even though an earlier suit—FHC/ABJ/CS/451/2024—had already dismissed her claim of fundamental rights violations.

Following the dismissal of that suit, the EFCC continued its investigation by sending inquiry letters to banks, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), land authorities, the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering (SCUML), and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

As some responses came in, investigators analyzed the data while awaiting additional information.

The affidavit further indicated that Achimugu operates a total of one hundred and thirty-six (136) bank accounts across ten banks, both in her personal name and those of her companies.

The matter is scheduled to continue on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, with Achimugu expected to appear before the EFCC on Tuesday, as ordered by the court.

 

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Court Adjourns Trial Of Former Taraba Governor Over Alleged N27bn Fraud

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An Abuja High Court has adjourned the trial of former Taraba State Governor, Darius Ishaku, until June 2 for the continuation of proceedings in a case involving allegations of criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, and conversion of public funds amounting to N27 billion.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), prosecuting on behalf of the Federal Government, arraigned Ishaku alongside Bello Yero, a former Permanent Secretary at the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Taraba.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the 15-count charge.

During Monday’s session, the defendants and their legal representatives were present in court.

Prosecution counsel James Shaba, appearing for lead counsel Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, informed the court that Jacobs was occupied at the Court of Appeal with another case.

Shaba requested a brief stand-down of the matter, saying it would allow Jacobs to arrive.

However, counsel for Ishaku, Eko Eko, SAN, objected to the request.

Eko informed the court that the former governor was not in the best of health and argued against making him wait for an extended period.

“My client is bereaved and needs to travel today. Instead of a stand down, the prosecution should ask for a clear date for an adjournment,” he submitted.

Adeola Adedipe, SAN, counsel for the second defendant, supported Eko’s position, emphasizing that setting a new date would be preferable to delaying proceedings.

Adedipe stated, “A clear day for adjournment is better than a stood down.”

After considering the submissions from both sides, Justice Slyvanius Oriji agreed to adjourn the matter and scheduled further hearings for June 2, June 11, and July 2.

 

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Enugu Traditional Rulers’ Council Chair, Igwe Ogadagidi, Wife Donate N12m For Community School

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The Traditional Ruler of Edem-Ani Ogwugwu Ancient Kingdom in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Samuel Asadu, alongside his wife, Her Majesty, Lolo Happiness Asadu, has donated N12 million to their alma mater, Community High School (CHS) Okpo, in Igbo-Eze North LGA, to aid in the renovation of school facilities.

The announcement was made during the school’s N300 million Renovation Fundraising and Recognition Ceremony, which took place on Tuesday.

Speaking at the event, Igwe Ogadagidi, who also chairs the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, recalled how CHS Okpo played a formative role in his life.

“I am overjoyed to be at the Community High School, Okpo, my alma mater today. I was posted to this school as a 12-year-old boy in September 1978 and I was the number one student to be registered in this school both as a student and a boating student. I left the school in June 1983,” he said.

The monarch, a member of the school’s pioneer 1978 set, expressed that the quality education and strong moral upbringing he received at CHS Okpo greatly influenced the man and king he has become.

“CHS Okpo played a vital role in nurturing, preparing and shaping me for the future. They made me the man and king I am today. If Okpo had taught me to steal, I would have probably been a thief by now.”

“But rather the school instilled in me quality education, high moral values and ethical principles which have guided me to success and an enviable height in the society today without any blemish.”

“I have never knowingly committed any crime both home and abroad and that is because of the good training I got from CHS Okpo,” he said.

Acknowledging the efforts of Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, in revitalizing education, Igwe Asadu emphasized the need for individuals to contribute towards community development.

“I am fully aware of the huge intervention and investment our amiable Governor, His Excellency, Dr Peter Mbah is making to revive and reposition education and other sectors of the state economy, but we have to do the little we can to support the government and show appreciation to our alma mater for making us what we are today, as well as to ensure that the teaching and learning environments are conducive for the present and upcoming generations,” he noted.

He encouraged the people of Okpo to prioritize their community’s growth and pledged his continued support for developmental initiatives.

“Life is transient and as such the greatest legacy one can leave on earth is to help their next-door neighbors and their communities so as to make the world a better place for all,” he said.

Addressing students, he urged them to stay committed to their studies and maintain discipline.

“I enjoined the students of the school to be dedicated to their studies, obey their parents, principal and the school authorities, as well as the rules and regulations of the school.”

“I present myself to you as an example, I started and completed my secondary education here, anything is possible on this earth. From the village of Okpo, that 12-year-old young guy has travelled all over the world. You must remain focused, humble, respectful to their parents constituted authorities, by so doing you can achieve dreams at any time and the sky will be your limit,” he advised.

Reflecting on the physical state of the school, Igwe Ogadagidi lamented the deterioration of infrastructure since his time.

“It is like day and night. We always have room for improvement. I met only two buildings in 1978 as a pioneer student and the community rallied around and made other structures with the help of the government. Now they are all in bad shape. The roof I met in 1978 is still on there,” he observed.

He called on the school’s Alumni Association to ensure that funds raised are properly managed.

He said, “The Alumni Association should set up a committee that will see to judicious use of the money raised for the project,” warning that lack of transparency could discourage future contributions.

While Igwe Asadu donated N11 million, his wife, Her Majesty, Lolo Happiness Asadu, contributed N1 million towards the project.

In her remarks, Mrs. Scholastica Eze, Principal of CHS Okpo, lauded the efforts of the Okpo Community Development Association and the school’s alumni for their commitment to upgrading the school’s infrastructure.

“I commend the pragmatic and unprecedented initiative of the Okpo Community Development Association, and old boys of CHS in recognizing the need to uplift infrastructures in the School to a conducive environment for teaching and learning of our children.”

“I commend in a special way, His Majesty, Igwe Ogadagidi, who happened to be the first registered student of CHS Okpo at its inception in 1978,” she stated.

The principal further outlined the school’s additional needs and encouraged alumni and well-wishers to continue supporting the institution’s progress.

It was also reported that several individuals and groups from Okpo community made generous contributions during the event to support the school’s infrastructural revival.

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Oborevwori Absent As APC Governors Meet To Welcome New Party Members

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Dailygazettenig
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Gov. Oborevwori,

The Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, was noticeably absent during a meeting of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) held in Abuja on Saturday.

The meeting, which aimed to welcome new entrants into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), went ahead without Oborevwori, despite his recent defection to the party.

Oborevwori, who emerged victorious in the 2023 elections under the platform of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), left the party earlier in the week, attributing his decision to several underlying factors.

Announcing the move, the governor, alongside his predecessor Ifeanyi Okowa and the entire Delta PDP structure, declared their decision to merge with the APC, describing the ruling party as a better platform for advancing the interests of the oil-rich state.

Meanwhile, Stella Okotete, Executive Director (Business Development) at NEXIM Bank and a former APC National Woman Leader, has welcomed Oborevwori’s defection with enthusiasm.

In her reaction, Okotete stated that the entry of Oborevwori and other prominent PDP figures, including Okowa, into the APC would further solidify the party’s strength and broaden its prospects for greater achievements in the future.

She said, “The development will not only strengthen the party but also enhance its chances of achieving greater success in the coming years, particularly in the South-South geopolitical zone and beyond.”

It is worth recalling that several APC stalwarts, including the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo; Delta APC founding leader, Olorogun Otega Emerhor; former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe; and the Senator representing Delta South Senatorial District, Joel Onowakpo-Thomas, have already expressed their support and warmly welcomed Oborevwori’s move to the APC.

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