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EFCC Gets Court Approval to Prosecute Diezani, Begins Extradition Process

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Diezani Allison-Madueke - Investors King
  • EFCC Gets Court Approval to Prosecute Diezani, Begins Extradition Process

Indications emerged on Monday that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had finally commenced moves to extradite former Minster of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke, from the United Kingdom to face corruption charges in Nigeria.

Acting EFCC Chairman, Mr Ibrahim Magu, said recently the commission was planning to extradite Alison-Madueke from the UK to the country following the commission’s dissatisfaction with the handling of the corruption case against her by the UK government.

The commencement of the extradition moves was confirmed on Monday with the leave granted the EFCC by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo, Abuja, to arraign the former minister and one of her associates, Mr. Jide Omokore, before the court on February 25.

Acting spokesman for the anti-graft agency, Mr. Tony Orilade, confirmed that the charges were filed to initiate the process of extraditing Alison-Madueke from the UK to Nigeria.

To initiate an extradition process, the country requesting the extradition of a suspect must have a pending charge against them.

“Yes, it is to initiate the process of extraditing her to the country,” he said.

Asked if the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami, whose office has the exclusive power to formally ask the UK to send Alison-Madueke back to Nigeria, was involved in the process so far, Orilade said, “The AGF is cooperating very well with the commission.”

In a statement he issued also on Monday, Orilade said the EFCC had filed an application for warrant for arrest against the ex-minister.

He said the request was also “a condition precedent for Deziani’s extradition protocol to bring her back home to face trail.”

He added, “A motion ex parte would be filed tomorrow (December 4, 2018) deposing to the facts given on Diezani by the commission.”

Alison-Madueke’s co-accused in the new case, Omokore, who is a former Chairman of Atlantic Energy Drilling company, and others are already being prosecuted for various charges, which had been linked to the ex-minister, before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The five counts newly filed by the EFCC against the ex-minister and Omokore bordered on conspiracy and illegal act of accepting and giving gratifications.

They allegedly accepted and gave gifts of properties described as penthouse 22, Block B, Admiralty Estate, Ikoyi, and penthouse 21, building 5, block C, Banana Island, Lagos as gratifications.

The EFCC said the alleged offence, contravened the provisions of Sections 26(1) and 17 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

Requesting the court to grant the leave for the arraignment of the duo during the Monday’s proceedings, EFCC’s lawyer, Mr Faruk Abdullahi, said Alison-Madueke left the country for the UK while investigations into the allegations against her were ongoing.

Abdullahi said she had since refused to honour the EFCC’s invitation to return to the country to be prosecuted.

But a defence counsel, Tayo Adeniyo (SAN), said his client was not served with the charges and his client was ready to clear his name.

Justice Valentine Ashi granted the EFCC’s request and February 25 for the arraignment of the defendants.

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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