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Nigerian Investors Petitions Kenya Courts to Release Funds Held in Several Bank Accounts

2,000 Nigerian investors demanding the release of Ksh 1.44 billion ($1.8million) held by Safaricom and four other banks in Kenya.

Published

1 year ago

on

Investment - Investors King

A petition has been made by more than 2,000 Nigerian investors demanding the release of Ksh 1.44 billion ($1.8million) held by Safaricom and four other banks in Kenya.

These investors claim that they were duped billions of shillings by a sports betting platform (86FB) that used Nigerian and African Fintech company Flutterwave to process payments.

Citing Kenya’s anti-money laundering laws, these investors are demanding that the sum of $12 million is split from the Ksh 6.6 B ($55 M) that was frozen in July in 62 bank accounts at Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), Equity Bank, Ecobank, and UBA Bank, as well as in 19 Safaricom paybill numbers.

The Assets Recovery Agency (ARA) was granted permission to freeze Ksh 5.17 B (USD 49 M) in 29 GTB accounts, with the remaining funds held in accounts at Equity and Ecobank in Kenyan Shillings, US Dollars, Euros, and British Pounds.

The large sums are alleged to be the proceeds of theft, credit card fraud, and money laundering that were wired under the guise of payments for goods and services.

One of the investors who identified himself as Morris Ebitimi Joseph claimed that he and other investors had filed a new lawsuit in Nigeria to seek the return of their funds.

They argued that a portion of the money belonged to them and have opposed the attempt to forfeit it to the Kenyan government which they claimed were fraudulent proceeds.

In his words, “I believe that the issuance of an order compelling Guaranty Trust Bank, Equity Bank, and Ecobank to deposit the sums excluded in the bank account of our advocates, justice shall be served to the 2,468 interested parties who were swindled of their hard-earned money through the scheme”.

Morris claimed that the investors put money into the investment scheme on the promise of better returns from the betting business, but however, never materialized.

Before the payments stopped, according to them, everything was fine for about six months. He also shared that after conducting research, he came to the conclusion that the operation was questionable, and now wants to join the case and help the court resolve the issue.

The Nigerian contingent is requesting the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), which declared in July that Flutterwave is not licensed in Kenya, to ask that the court issue an order directing Access Bank, Safaricom, and United Bank of Africa to deposit the excluded amount in the account of his attorneys.

“The claim made by the applicant/intended interested party represents the interest of 2,468 persons, thus occasioning monumental public interest.

Failure to expeditiously determine whether the application is in like fashion constitutes substantive and irreparable injustice,” Joseph says. He contends that there may be more people with an interest in the funds in addition to the 2,468 people who are requesting an injunction.

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Investment

Baker Hughes Set to Boost Nigerian Energy Landscape with Refinery Investments and Oil Field Bid Participation

Published

6 days ago

on

December 4, 2023

By

Global oil and gas giant Baker Hughes has expressed its commitment to invest in Nigerian refineries and actively participate in the upcoming bid round for marginal oil fields, according to an announcement by the Federal Government on Sunday.

The announcement followed a meeting between Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, and Baker Hughes Chairman/President Lorenzo Simonelli at the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference in the United Arab Emirates.

During the meeting, Baker Hughes expressed its eagerness to sustain and enhance its investments in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, particularly showcasing interest in contributing to the country’s refinery sector.

Simonelli emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s energy transformation agenda.

“Nigeria is a blessed nation with vast potentials and great opportunities in diverse sectors. As a partner with the Federal Government over the years, we are inspired to direct investment in the refinery domain of oil and gas,” said Simonelli.

In response, Minister Lokpobiri welcomed Baker Hughes’ move, highlighting the pivotal role Nigeria plays in the global energy landscape.

He expressed optimism about deepening collaboration and assured the company of the Federal Government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for investments in the refinery sector.

“I am very happy that you have joined other companies in identifying the great opportunities and government’s favourable policies in our oil and gas sector,” Lokpobiri stated.

Additionally, the Minister’s media aide confirmed Baker Hughes’ interest in participating in Nigeria’s forthcoming marginal oil fields bid round, signaling a broader engagement in the nation’s energy sector.

This move aligns with Nigeria’s efforts to revitalize its oil and gas industry, with ongoing rehabilitation works at the country’s three refineries and the anticipation of increased investments under the new Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

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Investment

Nigeria Export-Import Bank Highlights Lucrative Investment Environment with Mexico

Published

2 weeks ago

on

November 27, 2023

By

NEXIM

In a meeting with the Mexican Ambassador to Nigeria, Alfredo Miranda, the Nigeria Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) revealed that investors in Nigeria are enjoying robust returns on their investments, even up to 30 percent.

Stella Okotete, the Executive Director of Business Development at NEXIM, highlighted the immense potential for collaboration between Nigeria and Mexico, emphasizing the benefits of expanding access to Nigerian goods in the Mexican market.

Okotete urged for a strategic partnership between the two nations, emphasizing that collaboration could enhance Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings, attract investment opportunities, and foster prosperity for citizens in both countries.

She showcased Nigerian-made export goods financed by NEXIM, while underscoring other investment opportunities available in Nigeria.

She stated, “In terms of return on investments, this is the best place you can invest,” indicating the favorable investment climate in Nigeria, especially in the non-oil export sector.

Okotete also highlighted the untapped potential in Nigeria’s mining sector, expressing readiness to collaborate with Mexico to develop this sector for export.

The visit by the Mexican delegation is seen as a significant step toward strengthening economic ties between the two nations, exploring mutual benefits, fostering economic growth, and identifying investment opportunities.

Ambassador Miranda acknowledged Nigeria’s potential and initiatives by NEXIM to promote non-oil exports.

He stressed the need to identify business opportunities that could enhance trade, attract investment, and facilitate the development of both countries through their trade policies.

The meeting reflects a positive stride towards enhancing economic cooperation and fostering a strong economic partnership between Nigeria and Mexico.

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Investment

Mexican Investors Explore Solid Minerals Opportunities in Nigeria

Published

2 weeks ago

on

November 27, 2023

By

mining sector

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, welcomed a delegation of investors from the Republic of Mexico who are exploring investment opportunities in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.

Minister Alake commended this initiative and underscored the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to facilitating a conducive business environment for investors in the industry.

The minister highlighted several incentives aimed at attracting investments, including zero-duty on equipment for solid minerals extraction, seamless repatriation of profits to the investors’ home countries, and tax holidays.

To ensure responsible and sustainable practices, Alake emphasized the importance of investors signing Community Development Agreements with local communities in mining areas to promote socio-economic development.

The ongoing efforts to sanitize the mining industry were also discussed, citing recent actions such as the revocation of titles failing to comply with annual service fee regulations.

Nigeria’s outgoing Ambassador to Mexico, Adejare Bello, vouched for the credibility of the visiting investors, affirming that their genuine and serious interest in business aligns with Nigeria’s economic objectives.

President of Seccion Internacional Para Africa, Dr. Heriberto Cortes, speaking on behalf of the investors, expressed gratitude for the constructive discussions with Minister Alake.

Cortes emphasized Nigeria as their African home and conveyed confidence in the safety and profitability of their investments in the country.

The visit signifies a positive stride towards strengthening economic ties between Nigeria and Mexico.

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