How Yahaya Bello Purchased Houses in Abuja, Dubai, With State Funds - EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has accused the former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, of misappropriating public funds to purchase properties in both the United Arab Emirates (Dubai) and Abuja, Nigeria.

In a new 16-count indictment, it is alleged that Bello utilized over five million Dirhams to acquire a property located in Khalifa, Municipality, Dubai. Furthermore, in the second count, Bello, along with Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, is accused of misusing a total of N950,000,000.00 (Nine Hundred and Fifty Million Naira) in 2023 for the purchase of a property situated at No: 35 Danube Street, Maitama District, Abuja, while having control over the state’s treasury. The EFCC has brought this new 16-count indictment against the former governor at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja, alongside two co-defendants. The charges, referenced as CR/7781/2024, allege that Bello, Oricha, and Hudu misappropriated over N110 billion of public funds for the acquisition of various properties in Abuja and Dubai. Dated September 24 and filed on September 25 by the EFCC's legal representative, Mr. Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, the indictment accuses Bello and his co-defendants of criminal breach of trust, an offense under Section 312 of the Penal Code Laws of Northern Nigeria, 1963. The first count states: "That you, Yahaya Adoza Bello, Umar Shuaibu Oricha, and Abdulsalami Hudu, at some point in 2016 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, conspired to commit an illegal act, specifically criminal breach of trust concerning the total sum of N110,446,470,089.00 (One Hundred and Ten Billion, Four Hundred and Forty-Six Million, Four Hundred and Seventy Thousand, Eighty-Nine Naira) entrusted to you." In the second count, it was alleged that at some point in 2023, in Abuja, while exercising control over the state’s treasury, the defendants improperly utilized a total amount of N950,000,000.00 (Nine Hundred and Fifty Million Naira) for the purchase of a property located at No: 35 Danube Street, Maitama District, Abuja. In the eleventh count, the defendants were accused of using over Five million Dirhams to acquire a property situated in Khalifa, Municipality, Dubai. The fourteenth count states: “That you, Yahaya Adoza Bello, Umar Shuaibu Oricha, and Abdulsalami Hudu, at some time in 2021, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, while having control over the state’s treasury, unlawfully transferred the total sum of $570,330.00 (Five Hundred and Seventy Thousand, Three Hundred and Thirty United States Dollars) to account No. 4266644272 held with TD Bank, United States of America.” The fifteenth count alleges that the defendants, at some point in 2021, in Abuja, while having control over the state’s treasury, unlawfully transferred the total sum of $556,265.00 (Five Hundred and Fifty-Six Thousand, Two Hundred and Sixty-Five United States Dollars) to account No. 4266644272 held with TD Bank, United States of America. Additionally, in the sixteenth count, the former governor was alleged to have, at some time between 2017 and 2018, in Abuja, unlawfully possessed the total sum of N677,848,000 (Six Hundred and Seventy-Seven Million, Eight Hundred and Forty-Eight Thousand Naira) that was obtained from Bespoque Business Solution Limited. As of now, no date has been set for the arraignment of the former governor regarding these new charges.

Court Sentences Five Offa Robbery Suspects Six Years Later

Justice Haleemah Salman of the Kwara State High Court has adjudicated the five individuals implicated in the Offa robbery incidents as guilty of illegal possession of firearms, armed robbery, and culpable homicide. The judge indicated that these offenses carry a death penalty. The events in question transpired in April 2018. In delivering a judgment that spanned three and a half hours, the judge affirmed that all evidence presented by the prosecution substantiated their guilt. Regarding the illegal possession of firearms, the court imposed a sentence of three years' imprisonment. The individuals convicted are Ayoade Akinnibosun, Ibikunle Ogunleye, Adeola Abraham, Salahudeen Azeez, and Niyi Ogundiran. It is noteworthy that one suspect, Michael Adikwu, passed away while in custody. In a briefing to the media, the prosecution counsel cited various factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic and national duties assigned to the judge, as contributing to the protracted proceedings, and expressed gratitude to the court for its ruling. Conversely, the defense counsel representative indicated that an appeal against the judgment would be forthcoming. In July, the court had postponed its ruling in this matter. The judgment delivered on Thursday occurred six years after a group of robbers attacked Offa in Kwara State, targeting at least five commercial banks in the area. The robbery resulted in the deaths of over 30 individuals, including police officers, and a significant sum of money was stolen from the banks. This incident captured national attention and dominated headlines for an extended period. Following the robbery, former Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed announced a bounty of N5 million for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the suspects. “The governor is offering N5 million to anyone who provides information that leads to the apprehension and prosecution of those believed to be involved in this crime,” stated the Kwara State Government in an official announcement.

TR0UBLE: Bobrisky Accuses Others of Bribery and Corruption, Including EFCC Officers and the Controller General of Prisons.

Controversial figure Idris Okuneye, widely recognized as Bobrisky, has alleged that certain officials from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) extorted N15 million from him in exchange for dropping money laundering charges against him. It is important to note that the EFCC had previously charged Bobrisky with offenses related to currency abuse and money laundering. However, the money laundering charge was subsequently dismissed, leading to a conviction on the initial charge, for which he received a six-month prison sentence that he did not fully serve. In a widely circulated audio recording released by Martins Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, Bobrisky disclosed that he never actually spent time in prison, as his godfather intervened by contacting the comptroller general of prisons to arrange for his accommodation in a residence outside the prison facility. He also made several other startling claims, including details about his early release.

Olukoyede Invites Bobrisky, VDM, in Response to Claims of N15 Million in Bribery Against EFCC Officers.

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has mandated an immediate investigation into the bribery allegations made against certain officers of the Commission by Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, in a widely circulated video. In the video, which was produced by Martins Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, Okuneye, a former convict, claimed that some unidentified EFCC officers accepted a payment of N15,000,000 (Fifteen Million Naira) from him in exchange for dropping money laundering charges. In response to these serious claims, the EFCC Chairman has established a team of investigators tasked with thoroughly examining the allegations. The Commission has also extended an invitation to both Okuneye and Otse to present themselves at its Lagos Directorate to assist in the investigation of the purported bribery. The EFCC is committed to ensuring that these allegations are investigated comprehensively, and the findings will be made public in due course. The Commission remains dedicated to upholding its core values of integrity, courage, professionalism, and collaboration at all times.

Bobrisky Disputes Giving The EFCC N15 Million To Get The Money Laundering Accusation Dropped.

Idris Okuneye, widely recognized as Bobrisky, has labeled as fraudulent a viral audio recording in which he purportedly confessed to paying operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) the sum of fifteen million naira to have money laundering charges against him dismissed. Trustbase News reported that in an audio clip released by Martins Vincent Otse (also known as VeryDarkMan), unnamed EFCC officers allegedly accepted N15,000,000 (Fifteen Million Naira) from him to drop the charges. It was also claimed that Bobrisky's benefactor instructed the comptroller general of prisons to permit him to reside in an apartment near the prison facility. Furthermore, it was alleged that he engaged the services of Femi Falana, SAN, and paid N10 million to secure a presidential pardon, which facilitated his early release. In response to these allegations, Bobrisky posted on Wednesday: "I have been made aware of a fraudulent voice recording circulating online, claiming that I paid the EFCC fifteen million naira and that I was never incarcerated. The assertion that I paid any money to the EFCC is a blatant falsehood. I completed my sentence in its entirety and subsequently emerged. Please disregard any misleading information. It is absurd to believe someone who publicly admitted to hiring a hacker to track another individual's phone, an act that is illegal, and who may resort to desperate measures at this juncture. I did not provide any funds to the EFCC."

Colonel Found Not Guilty By The Army Of Harassing A Female Soldier In A Sex-ual Manner

PRESS BRIEFING ON ALLEGATIONS BY EX-PRIVATE RUTH OGUNLEYE AGAINST COL IB ABDULKAREEM AND OTHERS OF THE NIGERIAN ARMY MEDICAL CORPS 1. Good morning, esteemed members of the press. The Nigerian Army finds it imperative to address a series of serious allegations, instances of cyberbullying, and ongoing defamatory actions directed at Colonel IB Abdulkareem and other personnel by Ex-Private Ruth Ogunleye on social media platforms, particularly TikTok. This individual has persistently engaged in an online campaign against Colonel Abdulkareem, a situation that the Army can no longer disregard. 2. I would like to emphasize that the Nigerian Army is a professional organization dedicated to upholding the highest standards of discipline, integrity, and accountability. It operates under a framework of rules and regulations that ensure all officers and soldiers adhere to principles of respect for human rights and due process. Consequently, the Army treats every allegation against its personnel with utmost seriousness and has established protocols to investigate any claims made. 3. The situation involving Ex-Private Ruth Ogunleye, who asserts that she was a former subordinate of Colonel IB Abdulkareem at the Nigerian Army Medical Corps Headquarters in Lagos, exemplifies our commitment to due process. Following the receipt of her initial complaint, which included allegations of sexual harassment, the Nigerian Army acted promptly. The case was referred to the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police, which was tasked with conducting a comprehensive investigation into the validity of her claims. This investigation was carried out in accordance with established protocols, ensuring that every effort was made to maintain a fair and impartial process. 4. It is essential to emphasize that the Nigerian Army, in its commitment to justice and transparency, undertook a thorough examination of the facts, testimonies, and evidence provided. The investigation determined that Colonel IB Abdulkareem was not guilty of the alleged sexual harassment as claimed by Ex-Private Ruth Ogunleye. The conclusions drawn were conclusive and founded on an objective assessment of the information at hand. The Army asserts that Colonel Abdulkareem is a disciplined, structured, and resolute officer who has consistently upheld the principles of the Nigerian Army throughout his tenure. 5. It is important to note that Ex-Private Ruth Ogunleye had been recommended for discharge on medical grounds since 2022. However, the Nigerian Army, demonstrating compassion towards its personnel, opted to provide her with the best possible medical care to stabilize her condition before her discharge into the broader community. While the Army was investigating the allegations of sexual harassment, additional concerns regarding Ruth Ogunleye’s behavior emerged. Her actions, both online and offline, raised significant concerns about her deteriorating mental health and emotional stability. As a result, the Nigerian Army referred Ex-Private Ruth Ogunleye for a medical evaluation at the National Hospital in Abuja, following prior assessments by the Nigerian Army Medical Corps that indicated potential mental health issues. This course of action was taken to ensure her well-being and to guarantee that any measures implemented by the Nigerian Army were based on a thorough understanding of her condition as recommended by qualified professionals. 6. The medical assessment determined that Ruth Ogunleye was experiencing a condition that rendered her medically vulnerable. Consequently, although the Army had the authority to initiate disciplinary measures for her acts of indiscipline and misconduct, it chose to act with compassion and leniency. Informed by the medical report from the National Hospital and the recommendations of the Nigerian Army Medical Corps, the decision was made to suspend any potential disciplinary actions against her. The Army prioritized her health, recognizing that she was unable to continue her military service. As a result, she was subsequently boarded and discharged from service. 7. Additionally, although Ex-private Ruth did not complete the requisite ten years of service for pension eligibility, she has been discharged from the Nigerian Army with a 50 percent disability claim, entitling her to receive a 50 percent monthly pension for life. She has also received her Terminal Leave Allowance and Terminal Packing Allowance, along with her contributions to the Nigerian Army Welfare Insurance Scheme (NAWIS) and the Benevolent Fund (BENFUND). These payments were deposited into her FCMB account on 14 August 2024. Furthermore, her Security Debarment Allowance for her service duration of 5 years and 54 days has also been disbursed. The decision regarding her discharge was made after she declined the offer of medical treatment from both the National Hospital and the Nigerian Army. 8. Notwithstanding this, Ruth Ogunleye has persistently disseminated misleading narratives regarding Colonel Abdulkareem and other senior officers, utilizing online platforms to engage in acts of cyberbullying and defamation. This ongoing campaign represents a significant exploitation of her circumstances to attract attention, increase traffic on her social media accounts, and tarnish the reputations of senior officers and the Nigerian Army as a whole. It is imperative to assert clearly that the Nigerian Army will not condone the defamation of its officers and soldiers, especially when such actions are founded on falsehoods and motivated by ulterior intentions. 9. While we express our understanding of Ex-Pte Ruth Ogunleye’s medical situation, we must firmly denounce the ongoing defamation of Colonel Abdulkareem and the disparagement of the Nigerian Army. The Army has taken all necessary steps to address her grievances through the proper channels, and investigations have exonerated Colonel Abdulkareem of any misconduct. We urge the public to regard her claims as unfounded and lacking in substance, considering her established medical condition. 10. The Nigerian Army remains steadfast in its dedication to upholding discipline and order within its ranks. Colonel IB Abdulkareem is a committed officer who has served our country with honor and distinction. While we are devoted to providing care and support to former personnel such as Ex-Pte Ruth Ogunleye, we will not permit our personnel to be defamed or subjected to unjustified attacks. 11. It is crucial to highlight that the Nigerian Army, as a professional national institution, has exercised considerable restraint and decorum regarding this issue, allowing for a comprehensive, transparent, and impartial investigation as well as a medical assessment to clarify the allegations. The Nigerian Army wishes to affirm that it operates with high standards of professionalism and takes the welfare of its personnel seriously, addressing all allegations with the gravity they warrant.

ASUU Threatens New Strike and Gives FG a 14-Day Warning

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) released a statement on Wednesday, calling for the finalization of the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, referencing the Draft Agreement proposed by the Nimi Briggs Committee in 2021.

In the statement, Union President Emmanuel Osodeke also urged the government to release the salaries that have been withheld due to the 2022 strike and expressed dissatisfaction with the government's apparent lack of commitment and use of delay tactics. Furthermore, the Union issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to address all outstanding issues that have persisted since 2009. Osodeke emphasized that these ongoing issues have been causing turmoil within the public university system. “In light of the above, ASUU has decided to grant the Nigerian Government an additional 14 days, following the previous 21 days, starting from Monday, September 23, 2024, during which all unresolved matters must be adequately addressed to meet the expectations of the union's members. “The union cannot be held accountable for any industrial unrest that may arise from the government's failure to take advantage of this new opportunity presented by ASUU to avert the impending crisis,” stated ASUU. Additionally, ASUU is demanding the release of unpaid salaries for staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct appointments affected by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System, as well as the payment of outstanding third-party deductions, including check-off dues and cooperative contributions. The Union also seeks funding for the revitalization of public universities, as partially outlined in the 2023 Federal Government Budget, along with the payment of Earned Academic Allowances, which are also included in the 2023 Federal Government Budget. One additional concern involves the expansion of universities by both Federal and State Governments, the execution of recommendations from visitation panels to universities, the reinstatement of unlawfully dissolved Governing Councils, and the introduction of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution as a substitute for IPPIS.