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The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, over allegations of a N33.8 billion fraud until February 18, 19, and 20.

Mamman faces a 12-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), accusing him of conspiring to commit money laundering involving the said amount.

On January 22, the EFCC presented its eighth witness, Abdullahi Suleman, a bureau de change operator, who testified before Justice James Omotosho.

Suleman detailed how over N22 billion was allegedly funneled from the Federal Ministry of Power during Mamman’s tenure, with funds transferred to various business accounts under his control.

These transactions were reportedly used to exchange the money for U.S. dollars, with Suleman admitting that he was instructed to carry out these operations by an individual named Maina Goje, a key figure in the alleged scheme.

Suleman revealed that he had provided multiple business accounts for these transactions, including those belonging to his companies such as Prymint Investment Limited, Strong Field International Projects Limited, and Mintedge Nigeria Limited.

The funds, received in batches, were transferred without any apparent services or contracts tied to the payments.

The witness also identified additional individuals, including Mustapha Muhammed, who worked in the Federal Ministry of Housing, as being involved in the process.

During the hearing, several exhibits containing bank statements detailing large transactions were presented as evidence.

Justice Omotosho adjourned the trial after Suleman’s testimony, setting new dates for the continuation of the proceedings and cross-examination of the witness.

Dr. Nonye Soludo, wife of Anambra State Governor, has pledged to ensure the prosecution of the man responsible for setting his wife on fire in Abagana, Njikoka Local Government Area.

The tragic incident, which gained widespread attention after a video went viral, has sparked outrage across the state.

Speaking to journalists in Awka on Thursday, Dr. Soludo, who is also the founder of the Healthy Living Initiative, expressed her determination to follow the case closely and ensure justice for the victim.

She revealed that she had directed an immediate visit to the scene after learning about the incident and had received reports from the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs. Ify Obinabo, and the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, who had both visited the location.

“I have seen the disturbing video, and I made sure to visit the site immediately. I will make sure the case is pursued until justice is served,” Dr. Soludo stated.

The victim, Mrs. Chioma Nwaka, a mother of five boys, was severely burned after her husband, Mr. Sunday Nwaka, allegedly doused her in fuel and set her on fire following a domestic dispute.

Eyewitnesses recounted how neighbors and passersby rushed to put out the fire, but the damage was already done.

The victim was later rushed to a hospital in Enugwu-Ukwu, where she succumbed to her injuries and was declared dead around 3 a.m. on Wednesday.

The suspect, Mr. Nwaka, has been apprehended and is expected to face charges for his actions.

Describing the incident as both horrific and cruel, Dr. Soludo condemned the increasing prevalence of domestic violence and abuse, calling for societal reform.

She emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to combat drug abuse and related issues, which she identified as contributors to the problem.

“The Anambra State government takes domestic violence seriously, and we will ensure that those responsible for such heinous acts are held accountable,” Dr. Soludo said.

“The government will also provide support for the five children left behind by the victim.”

She reiterated the government’s commitment to tackling domestic violence, ensuring justice for victims, and supporting families affected by such tragedies.

Resident doctors in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have challenged the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, to experience the conditions of public health facilities by using government hospitals in Abuja.

The doctors, currently on a three-day warning strike over unpaid salaries and allowances, argue that government officials should personally witness the challenges faced by health workers and patients in the capital’s hospitals.

“If we are serious about improving the healthcare system, every government official must use the government hospitals,” said George Ebong, President of the FCT Resident Doctors Association, during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday.

Ebong called for action, stating, “I want to see the minister use Wuse General Hospital, the Senate President use Maitama General Hospital, and the Speaker use Iyanya General Hospital. Only then can we begin to address the system’s issues.”

The doctors’ strike, which began Wednesday, has halted activities in several government hospitals across Abuja, including Wuse, Asokoro, Maitama, Kubwa, Zuba, Kwali, Abaji, Nyanya, and others.

The strike follows the expiration of a three-week ultimatum given to the government, citing grievances over unpaid wages and poor working conditions.

Ebong accused Wike and other government officials of neglecting healthcare in the FCT.

He acknowledged the minister’s focus on infrastructural projects like road repairs but stressed that the nation’s hospitals are in dire need of attention.

“The minister has been busy fixing roads and bridges, but our hospitals are in a deplorable state,” Ebong stated.

“We feel like the human abandoned project. No matter what infrastructure projects are undertaken, hospitals must be the first priority for improvement.”

The doctor further explained that FCT hospitals suffer from chronic issues such as inadequate electricity, a lack of medical supplies, malfunctioning diagnostic machines, and a shortage of staff.

He pointed out that some hospitals in the capital are staffed with only one doctor.

Ebong also revealed that many doctors have not been paid their salaries for up to six months despite their hard work and increased responsibilities.

He mentioned that while the minister had only met with them once, they had sent multiple letters outlining their concerns.

He criticized the bureaucratic delays preventing proper action from being taken and urged Wike to visit the hospitals and assess the current situation himself.

“We urge the minister to ensure all unpaid wages are settled and to visit the hospitals to see their condition firsthand,” Ebong said.

If no significant progress is made after the warning strike, Ebong warned that the association may resort to an indefinite shutdown, as the congress would have no choice but to escalate the protest.

The news of Beatrice Ekweremadu’s release and return to Nigeria sparked wild celebrations in Mpu, Aninri LGA, Enugu State, on Wednesday.

Traders at the Orie Mpu market, especially women, joyfully abandoned their stalls to celebrate the return of the wife of Nigeria’s former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, after she served a prison sentence in the United Kingdom.

Beatrice Ekweremadu and her husband, Ike, had both been sentenced for organ trafficking offenses by the Central Criminal Court in London.

While Beatrice was sentenced to four and a half years in March 2023, Ike was sentenced to nine years and eight months for the same crime.

Despite their convictions, news that Beatrice had completed her jail term and returned to Nigeria brought great relief and excitement to her hometown, as she was reunited with her family in Abuja.

In Mpu, her community, the announcement of her return sparked a frenzy of celebration.

Women at the market broke into song and dance, leaving their businesses behind to take part in the joyous occasion.

Many expressed hope that Ike would also soon return.

Benjamin Chijioke, President General of Mpu Town Union Federated, confirmed the news and said that the entire community was overwhelmed with happiness.

“It’s a great day for us. The whole village has been in celebration since morning. People are shedding tears of joy, especially those who depended on the Ekweremadu family’s philanthropy,” Chijioke said.

“We pray for God’s intervention so that our beloved son, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, will soon return to us.”

Chijioke also reflected on the impact the Ekweremadu family’s absence had on the community.

“We’ve missed them greatly, but we thank God for everything,” he added.

Other community members, like Emejonwu Abajonu, echoed these sentiments, expressing gratitude and optimism that Ike would return soon.

“To God alone be the glory. Ike will soon be back,” Abajonu said.

Kingsley Chioke also celebrated the moment, saying, “Waoooh! One down, one to go. Congratulations to us. We give all the glory to God.”

A tragic incident occurred in Abagana community, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, when a middle-aged woman, Mrs. Chioma Nwana, was set ablaze by her husband over accusations of infidelity.

The incident took place on Tuesday evening at Eziezekwe village in Abagana.

Mrs. Nwana, who sustained severe burns, was rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment but tragically passed away the following morning.

Investigations revealed that the couple had been experiencing frequent arguments due to the husband’s allegations that his wife had been unfaithful.

On the night of the incident, it is reported that Mrs. Nwana returned home, and her husband confronted her, accusing her of being involved with another man.

In a fit of rage, he allegedly poured petrol on her and set her on fire.

A source close to the family stated, “Mrs. Chioma Nwana, who lived with her husband and their six children, was burned by her husband on Tuesday evening. She was rushed to the hospital but sadly died from her injuries on Wednesday morning.”

After committing the act, the husband reportedly went to the Abagana Divisional Police Station and voluntarily reported the incident, claiming that his wife’s alleged affairs were destroying their home.

He told the police that she had returned from one of these men’s houses on the day of the incident.

When contacted for a comment, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Toochukwu Ikenga, did not answer calls regarding the case.