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Diezani Removed $70m From NNPC In 12 Bags —– Ex-NNPC GGM

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A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos heard on Thursday that in 2015, a former Petroleum Resources Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke ordered the removal of $70 million from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in 12 padlocked bags.

A former NNPC Group General Manager told Justice Muslim Hassan that he delivered the bags to an Abuja-based banker on Mrs. Alison-Madueke’s instructions.

He testified that he and others “had a command-and-obey relationship and also took an oath of office to obey directives and authority”.

The former GGM appeared as a prosecution witness in the trial of a former Executive Director of a top commercial bank, Dauda Lawal.

Lawal is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged money laundering of N928,000,000

The commission accused him of handling $25 million out of $153 million, which the former minister allegedly doled out to influence the 2015 general elections.

The trial opened on Thursday with the ex-NNPC GGM appearing as the first prosecution witness.

Led in evidence by EFCC Prosecutor Rotimi Oyedepo, the witness narrated how he delivered the cash-laden bags to the Abuja banker, identified simply as Charles, in the front of Dume Supermarket in Abuja.

The witness said: “My lord, as I can remember, shortly before the 2015 elections, it was the norm for heads of subsidiaries (of the NNPC) to be invited for an undisclosed briefing of activities of their departments to the minister.

“At the end of such briefings, the then Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Alison-Madueke, gave me a GSM number in respect of one Charles, whom I had never met, with a clear instruction that I should convey 12 padlocked bags to the said Charles.

“My lord, the source, the content, and the purpose of the bags were not disclosed to me.

“Thereafter, I called the said Charles, who equally confirmed to me that he had been briefed about the message. I delivered the bags to Charles.

“Much later, my lord, the EFCC invited me for interrogation on the issue and I made a statement to that effect.

“Charles equally confirmed at the EFCC that he received the 12 padlocked bags and the bags contained $70 million.”

Under cross-examination by the defense counsel, Patrick Ikwueto (SAN), the witness said he had never met Lawal before.

Justice Hassan adjourned till July 21, 22, and 23 for the continuation of trial.

BIG STORY

NOVA Bank Achieves Global Cybersecurity Milestone With ISO 27032 Certification

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NOVA Bank has achieved a major milestone in its commitment to safeguarding customer data and digital operations by attaining the globally recognized ISO 27032 Cybersecurity Standard certification. This significant achievement positions NOVA Bank among the elite financial institutions in Nigeria with such a distinction.

The ISO 27032 certification focuses on fortifying cybersecurity measures, ensuring robust protection for data, systems, and online transactions amid an ever-evolving cyber threat landscape. In addition to this achievement, NOVA Bank is already certified in ISO 27001 for Information Security Management and BCMS 22301 for Business Continuity Management, further underscoring its dedication to operational excellence and security.

Speaking on the achievement, Acting Managing Director and CEO of NOVA Bank, Mrs. Chinwe Iloghalu, described the certification as a pivotal moment for the Bank and its customers.

“This certification underscores NOVA Bank’s unwavering dedication to maintaining the highest global standards in cybersecurity. As we continue to innovate with customer-centric retail products, cybersecurity remains at the heart of our operations. Our customers can rest assured that their data and transactions are protected by some of the most advanced security frameworks in the industry. Trust is built on security, and NOVA is committed to providing a secure, reliable, and innovative banking experience,” Mrs Iloghalu stated. The Bank’s Executive Director for Operations and Information Technology, Dr. David Isavwe, who also serves as the President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Information Security Society of Africa, Nigeria (ISSAN), emphasized the broader implications of the certification.

“The ISO 27032 certification highlights NOVA Bank’s proactive approach to addressing cybersecurity challenges. It demonstrates our readiness to protect against evolving threats and our ability to adapt to the dynamic landscape of digital banking. This certification reinforces our commitment to delivering secure and uninterrupted services to our valued customers,” Dr. Isavwe remarked.

This milestone aligns with NOVA Bank’s overarching strategy of integrating cutting-edge technology with its trademarked Phygital model—seamlessly blending physical and digital banking experiences, while maintaining an unwavering focus on customer trust and satisfaction.

As the bank prepares to launch a series of innovative retail banking products, this certification highlights its dedication to prioritizing cybersecurity, ensuring a secure and seamless banking experience for all its customers.

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JUST IN: Customs Hands Over 21 Stolen Vehicles To Canadian Government

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The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has transferred 21 stolen “Sport Utility Vehicles” (SUVs) and other assorted vehicles to the Canadian Government, following their recovery from various locations across the country.

 

More to come…

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Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello Now In Our Custody — EFCC

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has revealed that former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, has been detained in the agency’s custody for allegedly misappropriating over N110 billion in public funds.

The EFCC stated that the former governor appeared at its headquarters after months of ignoring invitations and avoiding court summons related to fraud connected to his administration.

EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, on Tuesday said that Bello had been detained and would be questioned about the allegations against him.

According to reports, Bello responded to the EFCC’s invitation on Tuesday, arriving at the EFCC office with his lawyers, but without his successor, Governor Usman Ododo, who had reportedly been shielding him from arrest.

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