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$2.1b Arms Deal: EFCC Arrests ex-DSS Boss

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Achike Udenwa
  • $2.1b Arms Deal: EFCC Arrests ex-DSS Boss

After a five-hour search, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday arrested a former Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Ita Ekpenyong.

He was quizzed by the anti-graft agency’s operatives and granted bail. He is expected back for further interrogation today.

There were indications that the arrest of the ex-DG was in connection with alleged N40billion linked to the agency in the twilight of the administration of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.

The EFCC is working on clues that the cash was part of the $2.1billion arms funds managed by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

The anti-graft agency was also acting on intelligence that a substantial part of the cash was diverted to personal use.

It was gathered that the EFCC had uncovered that about N17billion to N21billion in the coffers of DSS also could not be accounted for during the transition period between Ekpenyong and the sacked DG of DSS, Mr. Lawal Daura.

But detectives were yesterday able to recover the handover note which Ekpenyong gave to Daura containing some “startling revelations.”

It was learnt that the EFCC team of detectives yesterday arrived at Ekpenyong’s residence at 46, Justice Maman Nasir in Asokoro District of Abuja, at about 10am in three buses with about 20 policemen.

There was no resistance unlike in November 2017 when an arrest bid was foiled on the order of sacked DG Daura.

The detectives searched Ekpenyong’s home from 10am till about 3.20pm.

A top source, who spoke in confidence, said: “When we got to Ekpenyong’s residence, we told the DSS operatives on guard our mission and they politely sought clearance from the agency’s headquarters.

“As soon as we got the clearance, our operatives met with Ekpenyong who cooperated with the EFCC’s team in searching his residence.

“Thereafter, we arrested Ekpenyong and took him to our headquarters at about 3.50pm for interrogation. He is still making statement to our team.”

The source added: “We were able to recover some documents including the Ekpenyomg’s handover note to Daura.

“The note is highly useful because of some revelations that will help our investigation.”

The source confirmed that the EFCC got the required order from a court to search and arrest Ekpenyong.

The warrant said in part: “You are hereby commanded by this state with proper assistance to enter the above-named residence and premises and there diligently search for the things aforesaid and if the same or any part thereof are found to bring the things so found and also the said person before this court to be dealt according to law.

“This warrant shall be executed between the hours of five o’ clock and eight o’clock at night and may also be executed at any hour during day or night.”

It was not immediately clear if Ekpenyong was detained or released later yesterday.

The EFCC surce said “At the moment, we have not met or interacted with Daura. We are also yet to invite him. I think some other agencies are currently handling Daura’s matter.

Is the CEO/Founder of Investors King Limited. A proven foreign exchange research analyst and a published author on Yahoo Finance, Businessinsider, Nasdaq, Entrepreneur.com, Investorplace, and many more. He has over two decades of experience in global financial markets.

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Government

Senate Suspends Senator Abdul Ningi for 3 Months Over Budget Padding Allegations

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Abdul-Ahmed-Ningi

The Senate has announced the suspension of Senator Abdul Ningi for three months following his allegations of budget padding to the tune of N3.7 trillion in the 2024 budget.

Ningi, who represents Bauchi Central and chairs the Senate Committee on Population, had made the claims in a recent interview with the Hausa service of the BBC.

During a plenary session, Senator Olamilekan Adeola, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, raised a motion to address Ningi’s allegations, citing the urgent need to address what he termed as “false allegations.”

The transcript of Ningi’s interview was read on the Senate floor, prompting deliberation on the appropriate action to take.

Initially, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim proposed a 12-month suspension for Ningi, but Senator Chris Ekpeyong moved to reduce it to six months.

Eventually, Senator Garba Maidoki amended the motion further, suggesting a three-month suspension.

The amended motion was put to a voice vote, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the decision to suspend Ningi for three months.

Following the ruling, Ningi was escorted out of the Senate chamber by the Sergeants-at-arms.

The suspension comes amidst division within the Senate over Ningi’s claims, with some senators disowning his allegations and calling for a thorough investigation.

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Ekiti Governor Unveils Multi-Billion Naira Relief Programmes Amid Economic Crisis

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Biodun Oyebanji

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, has announced a comprehensive relief package aimed at alleviating the hardship faced by the people of the state.

The relief programs encompass various sectors to cushion the impact of the economic downturn.

One of the key initiatives entails clearing salary arrears amounting to over N2.7 billion owed to both State and Local Government workers.

This move signifies the government’s commitment to addressing the financial burdens faced by its workforce.

Furthermore, Governor Oyebanji has approved a substantial increase of N600 million per month in the subvention of autonomous institutions, including the Judiciary and tertiary institutions.

This augmentation is intended to enable these institutions to implement wage awards in alignment with State and Local Government workers’ salaries.

In addition to addressing salary arrears, the relief programs extend to pensioners, with the approval of payments totaling N1.5 billion for two months’ pension arrears.

Moreover, an increase in the monthly gratuity payment to state pensioners and local government pensioners will provide additional financial support, totaling N200 million monthly.

The relief initiatives also encompass agricultural and small-scale business sectors.

The allocation of funds for food production and livestock transformation projects underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing food security and economic sustainability at the grassroots level.

Governor Oyebanji emphasized that these relief programs are part of the state’s concerted efforts to mitigate the adverse effects of the economic downturn and foster shared prosperity.

The comprehensive nature of the initiatives reflects a proactive approach towards addressing the challenges faced by Ekiti State residents.

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President Tinubu Orders Immediate Settlement of N342m Electricity Bill for Presidential Villa

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power project

President Bola Tinubu has directed the prompt settlement of a N342 million outstanding electricity bill owed by the Presidential Villa to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC).

This move comes in response to the reconciliation of accounts between the State House Management and the AEDC.

The AEDC had earlier threatened to disconnect electricity services to the Presidential Villa and 86 Federal Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) over a total outstanding debt of N47.20 billion as of December 2023.

Contrary to the initial claim by the AEDC that the State House owed N923 million in electricity bills, the Presidency clarified that the actual outstanding amount is N342.35 million.

This discrepancy underscores the importance of accurate accounting and reconciliation between entities.

In a statement signed by President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency affirmed the commitment to settle the debt promptly.

Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila assured that the debt would be paid to the AEDC before the end of the week.

The directive from the Presidency extends beyond the State House, as Gbajabiamila urged other MDAs to reconcile their accounts with the AEDC and settle their outstanding electricity bills.

The AEDC, on its part, issued a 10-day notice to the affected government agencies to settle their debts or face disconnection.

This development highlights the importance of financial accountability and responsible management of public utilities.

It also underscores the necessity for government entities to fulfill their financial obligations to service providers promptly, ensuring uninterrupted services and avoiding potential disruptions.

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