Connect with us

BIG STORY

N4.9bn Fraud: Judge Angry, Slams N200K Fine On Fani-Kayode For Shunning Trial For Fifth Time

Published

on

Justice Daniel Osaigor of a Federal High Court in Lagos, on Wednesday, ordered a former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, to pay N200,000 for not making himself available for re-arraignment for alleged money laundering.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Osaigor said he had gone through the court’s file and noted five different letters by Fani-Kayode, seeking adjournment on the same medical grounds.

The court, consequently ordered that he should pay the sum or risk revocation of his bail.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had charged Fani-Kayode alongside a former Minister of State for Finance, Nenandi Usman.

Also charged was Yusuf Danjuma, a former Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, and a company, Jointrust Dimensions Nigeria Limited.

The EFCC preferred 17 counts bordering on N4.6bn money laundering against them before Justice Mohammed Aikawa.

They had all pleaded not guilty and were granted bail.

The trial had begun before Aikawa and witnesses being led in evidence before the judge was transferred out of the Lagos jurisdiction of the court.

The case was consequently assigned to Justice Osaigor and the defendants scheduled for re-arraignment on Wednesday.

When the case was called on Wednesday, Mrs Bilikisu Buhari, announced an appearance for prosecution.

Mr I. J. Ogechukwu appeared for the first defendant (Usman), Mr B. F. Ajudua appeared for the second defendant (Fani-Kayode) and Y. Olabode appeared for the third and fourth defendants.

Buhari then informed the court that on July 15, the prosecution asked the court to adjourn the matter for re-arraignment of the defendants.

She told the court that on October 11, the prosecution received a letter from the second defendant informing them that he had been given bed rest.

“Whenever he doesn’t want to attend court, this is the type of letter we get,” Buhari said.

However, Ajudua told the court that although his Fani-Kayode’s illness was recurring, he had attended court regularly.

After the judge went through the court’s file, he asked his counsel to take one of two options: revocation of Fani-Kayode’s bail or imposition of N200,000 fine to be paid before the next adjourned date.

The counsel chose the fine option.

Justice Osaigor adjourned the case till November 30.

BIG STORY

Presidency, Rare Privilege I Won’t Squander — President-Elect, Tinubu

Published

on

The President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, said he won’t disappoint Nigerians when he assumes office.

Tinubu said he could not afford to squander his mandate as the nation’s next President because it was a dream that he spent his life perfecting.

Tinubu, who clocked 71 on Wednesday, said this in a statement titled “My 71st Birthday Message to Nigerians.”

He reiterated that his swearing-in ceremony in two months’ time would signify his preparation for the task ahead.

He said, “Dear Nigerians, I thank all of you who have expressed your goodwill towards me on the occasion of my 71st birthday. I received your kind words with great pleasure and was profoundly touched by the depth of your care and support. Above all, I thank God Almighty for the life He has given me, and for all the opportunities and doors He has opened to me along the way.

“This year, in particular, I see this day as one of deep reflection. The spiritual meaning and significance of the holy month of Ramadan matter to me much more than the celebration of any individual milestone. Yet, this is my first birthday as the President-elect. A few weeks back, Nigerians gave me the honor of a lifetime. In exactly two months, on the 29th of May, my term in office will begin. It is a rare privilege indeed, and one that I do not take lightly and shall not squander.

“With such a privilege already granted to me, I will not go so far as to suggest I am due any birthday presents this year. I have already been given the greatest gift. A chance to lead and fulfill destiny. An opportunity to champion your aspirations and to bring about the Nigeria of your dreams.

“I will, instead, use this day as an opportunity to reiterate my commitment to the great and important task of rebuilding our nation and renewing the hope of the Nigerian people. I campaigned hard and made important promises.

“ Those promises were not mere words professed glibly or cynically to win support. They represent a bond that binds me to the task of creating a better Nigeria for the benefit of every Nigerian, whether you voted for me or not. I have prepared for this moment all my life, I will not fail. Henceforth, may growth, hope, peace, and compassion stand proudly and ring loudly throughout the land. May we find the right way and the good courage to turn our beloved country into a strong, just, and prosperous home for all. May Almighty God bless all Nigerians.”

Continue Reading

BIG STORY

BREAKING: Popular Nollywood Actor, Yul Edochie Loses First Son, Kambilichukwu

Published

on

Emerging reports indicate that Nollywood actor, Yul Edochie has lost his first son, Kambilichukwu Edochie.

It was gathered that Yul’s first son was rushed to the hospital after falling unconscious.

A source who spoke to Vanguard on condition of anonymity revealed that Yul has confirmed Kambilichukwu’s death at the time this report was filed.

May’s sister who was at the scene said the boy read throughout the night preparing for his exam today. After his exam in school, he joined his mates to play football and that’s when he developed a seizure and was rushed to Mother and Child Hospital. All efforts by the doctors to resuscitate him proved abortive, the report added.

This is coming two months after Yul Edochie and his first wife May, celebrated their first son and second child as he turned 16; showering encomiums and blessings on him.

“My first son just turned 16. Happy birthday to you Kambi Leo Yul-Edochie. Many more great years I wish you with loads of accomplishments and greatness. May God be with you always. Daddy loves you,” his father wrote on Instagram

Yul, the last child of veteran actor, Pete Edochie, married his wife, Mary, at 22 after they both dated for six years. He followed in his father’s footsteps and debuted in the movie industry a year after his marriage.

Continue Reading

BIG STORY

I’m Not Afraid Of EFCC Probe After Leaving Office — Nyesom Wike

Published

on

Nyesom Wike, governor of Rivers, says he is leaving office as a “fulfilled” public servant.

Speaking on Wednesday at the inauguration of the Rumuigbo internal road network in the Obio-Akpor LGA of the state, Wike said he is not afraid of being investigated by the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after leaving office on May 29.

Wike said he won’t run away from the state to evade any probe by the anti-graft agency, adding that his administration has done several projects to justify how public funds were spent.

“I’m happy that I am leaving office fulfilled. I’m leaving office with my shoulders high. I am leaving office very well,” Wike said.

“I’m not leaving office to run away so that EFCC would not come (to probe me). I’m leaving office and I will stay here (Rivers). I am not going anywhere.”

Wike asked Siminialayi Fubara, the governor-elect, to show EFCC the projects completed by his administration if the commission visits the state.

Wike’s comment comes days after Abdulrasheed Bawa, chairman of the EFCC, reportedly said the commission will go after some outgoing governors and other public officials after May 29.

Continue Reading

Most Popular