Connect with us


A recent investigation has revealed how controversial ex-banker and former nominee to the board of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission [ICPC], board, Maimuna Aliyu allegedly acquired a Dubai property worth $3.05m, over N1.2 billion at an exchange rate of N360 to $1.

According to TheNewsGuru, the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, claim the money may have come from long years of misappropriation, contract scams and diversion of public funds.

Some sources who claim close knowledge to her inner dealings confided that Aliyu may have served as front for some top politicians, who are not unconnected with the attempt to appoint her into ICPC allegedly to defend their selfish course.

Recall that the ex-banker on October 18, 2017 was listed by an Abuja High Court Judge, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba among those who served as proxy to the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory,FCT, Bala Mohammed in unlawful property dealings in and around Abuja, whose values are in excess of N 3 billion.

Contained in a letter personally written and signed by Aliyu on 2nd of October, 2015, which she addressed to the Minister, Ministry of foreign Affairs, in a bid to state her legitimate acquisition of the asset estimated at $3.05m, are details surrounding the transaction.

The billion naira investment, the letter which was exclusively sourced, stated, was sold to the ex-banker between 2011 and 2012 by Dubai Lifestyle City.

A section of the letter reads:

“I gave.. an initial deposit of $250,000 and by 16th of May 2011, I gave additional $300000 bringing the total to $550000.

“By 5/10/2011, I gave him additional $1.1m … In 2012, I paid additional $600000 bringing the total to $2.25m. By April of 2013 I paid additional $805000. Bringing the total to $3.05m to Dubai lifestyle city through their representative all in cash except for the last $800000 that was transferred from SunTrust Bank in America (Atlanta).

The transfer was done by April 18, 2013, the money had hit their account in Dubai and confirmed by Elias as received.”

High level security sources confided in TheNewsGuru.com, that investigations by the EFCC in collaboration with the Dubai authorities may have traced more properties in that country to the former Executive Director and some of her friends who are top officials of the immediate past government.

Aliyu’s role in Bala’s fraud case

In one of the affidavits tendered by EFCC, on the fraud case with the former minister, Bala, a four bedroom fully detached duplex with boys quarters at 103 Cadastral Zone A05, Maitama and House No. 2A No, 7 Gana Street, Maitama, Abuja, “properties that were reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities” were registered under Maimuna Aliyu’s name.

In a new application filed by EFCC prosecutor, Mr. Ben Ikani, against former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Mohammed, and his son, Shamsuddeen, Aliyu was alleged to have served as proxy to the former minister in unlawful property dealings in and around Abuja, while he was in office.

The commission said the properties were held in the names of different companies and Maimuna Aliyu, was described as Mohammed’s proxy, who was allegedly, used to acquire the houses at 1A and 2A of No. 7 Gana Street, Maitama, Abuja.

In his ruling last week, Justice Dimgba of the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the temporary forfeiture of the said assets.

The federal government in August withdrew Aliyu’s nomination to the board of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission after, allegedly, discovering she was being investigated for corrupt practices by EFCC.

A three-count charge of abuse of office, misappropriation of public funds and criminal breach of trust was slammed against her on August 15 by the ICPC.

The letter is attached below:

BIG STORY

Made Kuti Releases Sophomore Album, ‘Chapter 1: Where Does Happiness Come From?’

Published

on

  • Set to hold listening party on July 27 at Afrikan Shrine

 

Grammy-nominated Nigerian Afrobeat multi-instrumentalist Omorinmade Anikulapo Kuti, popularly known as Made Kuti, has announced the release of his highly anticipated second album, ‘Chapter 1: Where Does Happiness Come From?.’

The highly anticipated album contains 13 songs and is available worldwide.

The sophomore album features socially conscious songs like ‘Take It All In Before The Lights Go Out,’ ‘I Won’t Run Away,’ and ‘Life As We Know It.’ Other songs are ‘Find My Way,’ ‘Pray,’ ‘Won Na Pa,’ ‘Our Own,’ ‘Wait And See,’ ‘You Can’t Hide,’ ‘Oya,’ ‘My Voice,’ ‘Story,’ and ‘After The Tears Flow.’ Made has encouraged fans and music enthusiasts to stream the album on all music platforms, embrace its powerful messages, and prepare for the exclusive listening party happening on Sunday, July 27, 2025 at the iconic Afrikan Shrine.

Building on the success of his debut For(e)word—a modern Afrobeat manifesto tackling issues like corruption and inequality—Made continues to showcase his talent as a singer, songwriter, composer, and multi-instrumentalist.

The album is coming three years after the release of his debut album, ‘For(e)word, a modern Afrobeat manifesto addressing issues like corruption, inequality, and police brutality. His debut album, which was released in a joint album, ‘Legacy+,’ alongside his father’s ‘Stop the Hate’ in 2022, earned him his first Grammy nomination for Best Global Music Album in 2022.

The upcoming event, FK Management noted, is not just about music – it’s a celebration of culture, creativity, and the next chapter in Made’s musical journey. Attendees are billed to experience an electrifying atmosphere filled with live performances, energetic dance, and a shared love for Afrobeat music.

It’s a rare opportunity for fans and music enthusiasts to connect directly with Made and immerse themselves in his new tracks within a vibrant, immersive setting.

As a proud third-generation Kuti, Made continues to push boundaries and elevate his craft, bringing the fire and passion that his legendary lineage is known for.

According to organizers FK Management, this promises to be a milestone moment for fans and music lovers alike—a night to remember.

Update HERE

Continue Reading

BIG STORY

Natasha To Serve Out Suspension As Senate Enters Recess

Published

on

Two days after Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was stopped from resuming her duties, the Nigerian Senate adjourned plenary on Thursday for its annual break, which will last until September 23, 2025.

As a result of the recess, the suspended Kogi senator will now complete the remainder of her suspension before the next plenary session.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was handed a six-month suspension on March 6, 2025, after being accused of misconduct and insubordination during the February 20, 2025, plenary when she refused a seat reassignment.

The Senate had cautioned that her suspension might be reviewed if she failed to offer a formal apology.

Her punishment stemmed from the findings of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, which found her guilty after reviewing the complaints.

The suspension was due to end on September 6, 2025. However, the recess means she will serve the full term before the Senate returns.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday after being denied entry into the Senate chamber, Akpoti-Uduaghan criticised the Senate’s action as unlawful and revealed plans to challenge it in court.

“Even the suspension ab initio was fraudulent—the document was faulty,” she said.

“Going forward, I will have a meeting with my legal team so they can proceed to the appellate court to seek interpretation of what just happened. I am a law-abiding citizen.”

She also accused Senate President Akpabio of exceeding his constitutional powers.

With the recess in place, the Senate will not reconvene until her suspension has lapsed.

During plenary, Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the recess, describing it as “chamber reciprocity” since the House of Representatives had already started its break in line with the legislative calendar.

“We have started a new calendar that will take us to next year, June. And so it has fallen within this period for us to go on for a break to enable us to undertake major oversights,” Akpabio explained.

He stated that while plenary would be paused, committee activities should continue during the break.

“All necessary committees—the diaspora committee, committee on reparation, committee on interior and others—this is the best time for you to undertake visits to prisons and all that.

“Do all your reports and make them available as soon as we come back,” he directed.

Akpabio encouraged senators to carry out oversight functions across the country, emphasising that their legislative responsibilities must continue.

“You are moving from plenary for the next few weeks, but you are not stopping your legislative functions, because that’s what your people elected you to do. Members are expected to travel to Sokoto, everywhere, to observe the road repairs that are going on.

“By the time we resume, you are expected to bring your reports, committee by committee, for us to look into. I want to wish you safe travels and for all of us to return in good health,” he added.

Akpabio also announced the passing of Prof Janet Plang, wife of Senator Diket Plang.

He said arrangements had been made for senators to attend her burial in Plateau State on Friday, with a flight scheduled to leave Abuja at 8 am.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele expressed appreciation to senators for their dedication to legislative duties.

“We thank all our colleagues for all they have done to ensure that the business of lawmaking on behalf of the government and people of Nigeria has progressed smoothly,” Bamidele said.

He then proposed postponing all remaining items on the order paper to the next sitting, which was unanimously accepted by the Senate.

Natasha delayed at airport

Separately, the suspended senator was reportedly held up at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja last Thursday while attempting to board a flight to the United Kingdom.

A family source disclosed that immigration officials claimed she had been placed on a watch list by order of the National Assembly leadership.

“She was told that the leadership of the National Assembly requested that she be considered a flight risk and placed on a watch list,” the source said.

“We are wondering why they treated her that way, given there is no court order restricting her movement and she has never missed any of her court appearances.”

Eyewitnesses said Akpoti-Uduaghan looked distressed and made several phone calls before being allowed to travel after her passport was stamped.

Speaking shortly before departure, the senator confirmed the incident, saying, “The aircraft is about to take off.”

Continue Reading

BIG STORY

It’s Not Bad Idea To Abandon Sinking Ship, Coalition Of Confusion  — President  Tinubu

Published

on

In what appeared to be a subtle jab at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the coalition-backed African Democratic Congress (ADC), President Bola Tinubu encouraged more opposition politicians to align with the ruling party.

Speaking at the APC NEC meeting held in Abuja on Thursday, President Tinubu stated that the APC welcomes defecting politicians, noting that “it’s not a bad idea to abandon a sinking ship and be absent from a coalition of confusion.”

He also acknowledged the recent defection of Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, from the PDP to the APC.

“With the space that we have created to allow aspiring people to join us, our doors are still open and we should embrace them wholeheartedly,” the president said.

President Tinubu made these remarks shortly after the APC appointed the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Prof. Nentawe Yiltwada, as the new National Chairman of the party.

Yiltwada takes over from Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, who stepped down on June 27.

Continue Reading

Most Popular