A special offences court in Ikeja has convicted Fatuyi Phillips, a former chairman of the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA), over N43.5 million fraud.

Mojisola Dada, the presiding judge, sentenced Phillips to 21 years in jail.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on April 5, 2022, arraigned Phillips alongside his firm, Oceanview Oil and Gas Limited.

The NOGASA chairman had pleaded not guilty to a two-count charge, bordering on obtaining money by false pretence to the tune of N43,502,000.

The EFCC called five witnesses and tendered several documentary pieces of evidence, while the defendants called three witnesses.

According to a statement by the EFCC, Dada, while delivering the judgment, held that the prosecution proved its case against the defendants beyond reasonable doubt.

The judge sentenced Phillips to 14 years imprisonment on count one and seven years on count two, without an option of a fine.

The sentences are to be served concurrently.

Additionally, the judge ordered the second defendant, Oceanview Oil and Gas Limited, to pay a fine of N500,000 in respect of count one and another N250,000 in respect of count two within 30 days or face being wound up.

“The court further ordered the convicts to make restitution in the sum of $90,202 or the prevailing naira equivalent to the nominal complainants,” the statement reads.

“Phillips’ journey to the correctional centre began when he collected the sum of N43,502,000.00 from Elochukwu Okoye and Elebana Unique Ventures Nigeria Limited on behalf of WAPCIL Nigeria Limited with a false promise of selling its dollar equivalent ($98,870.00) to them.”

“He neither returned the naira nor dollar equivalent to the petitioners.”

Daniel Bwala, special adviser on media and public communications to President Bola Tinubu, says he “can never be drawn into a position” where he “will rub shoulders” with Bayo Onanuga.

Bwala made the remarks on Monday while answering questions on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme.

Onanuga is the special adviser to the president on information and strategy.

Bwala expressed his respect for Onanuga, stating that he would be happy to see him lead the presidential media team.

“Bayo Onanuga is an elder statesman. He’s a very brilliant journalist who has had his records. We are happy he’s leading us as a leader,” he said.

“I’m happy for him to lead. I haven’t been told, but I’m happy for him to lead. Because he’s an elder, I will respect him.”

“And he has his own record. He has served Nigeria well. He has a proven record as a journalist.”

“I can never be drawn into a position where I will rub shoulders with him. I doff my cap for him.”

“My own is, if he says ‘go and carry that table,’ I will just do so; that’s my job. It’s not about title.”

Bwala also confirmed that he has taken over the role previously held by Ajuri Ngelale, the former presidential spokesperson.

Ngelale, who was special adviser on media and publicity to the president, vacated the position in September.

The former media aide to the president had said he would be embarking on an “indefinite leave of absence to frontally deal with medical matters” affecting his immediate, nuclear family.

Confusion had arisen after Onanuga took over as presidential spokesman following Ngelale’s departure. Onanuga also moved into the office previously occupied by Ngelale at the presidential villa.

However, during the interview, Bwala announced himself as the presidential spokesperson, clarifying that there had only been a change in office nomenclature.

“When Ajuri was there, the nomenclature was special adviser on media and publicity, and now that role is called special adviser on media and public communications (State House). Sunday Dare works from the office of the minister of information,” he added.

President Bola Tinubu has sacked Chioma Ejikeme, the executive secretary of the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD).

The development comes almost a week after retirees under the Nigeria Union of Pensioners Contributory Pension Scheme Sector (NUPCPS) staged a protest at the federal ministry of finance in Abuja over unpaid benefits since March 2023.

In a statement on Monday, Olugbenga Ajayi, head of the corporate communications unit at PTAD, announced that Tolulope Odunaiya has been appointed as the new executive secretary of the organisation.

According to the statement, Odunaiya officially assumed office at the PTAD headquarters on November 18, succeeding Ejikeme, who served from August 2019 to November 2024.

Ejikeme was removed from office 13 months after she was reappointed for a second term by Tinubu in October 2023.

“We are delighted to inform our Publics especially PTAD pensioners and other stakeholders of the appointment of Miss Tolulope Abiodun Odunaiya by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the substantive Executive Secretary of Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD),” the statement reads.

“Miss Odunaiya assumed office today, 18th November, 2024 at the PTAD Headquarters where Management and Staff of the Directorate welcomed her warmly. She is taking over from Dr. Chioma Nnenna Ejikeme who was the Executive Secretary from August 2019 to November 2024.”

In her address to the staff members, according to the statement, Odunaiya pledged to build on the achievements of her predecessors.

She assured the team of a new chapter — one focused on collaboration, unity, and a common purpose — aimed at achieving significant results and lasting progress.

“It is with a deep sense of responsibility and purpose that I address you as the new Executive Secretary of this Directorate. I want to begin by acknowledging the remarkable work of my predecessors and the dedication of every individual who has contributed to bringing us to this point,” Odunaiya said.

“My vision is for a Directorate where every individual feels recognized, empowered, and motivated to make meaningful contributions.”

“I urge all of us to transcend personal interests and come together around our shared purpose: improving the lives of our pensioners, who have selflessly served this nation, often in challenging circumstances.”

• ‘PENSIONERS ARE BACKBONE OF NIGERIA’S DEVELOPMENT’

Odunaiya said pensioners are the backbone of the nation’s history and development, having dedicated their time, expertise, and efforts to shaping the Nigeria inherited today.

“It is both our responsibility and our honor to ensure they receive the care, respect, and timely entitlements they deserve. Their sacrifices must never be forgotten, and through our collective efforts, we can reaffirm their value to the nation and make their retirement years fulfilling,” she added.

The executive secretary pledged to align with PTAD’s mission and vision in support of Tinubu’s ‘renewed hope’ agenda for a prosperous Nigeria.

She said by prioritising efficiency, accountability, and compassion, the organisation will help create a nation where all citizens, particularly those who devoted their lives to public service, feel valued and supported.

According to the statement, Odunaiya toured the various departments and units within the directorate to get firsthand information on its administration and processes.