News

EFCC arraigns civil servant for tearing investigative documents

Published

7 months ago

June 21, 2024

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

EFCC accused the Gombe State official in the lone charge of wilful obstruction of investigation activities and destruction of its official document.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Usman Mallam, a low cadre civil servant in the employ of the Gombe State Government, for allegedly obstructing a criminal investigation by tearing the commission’s letters of investigative activities.

The arraignment took place on 11 June at the Federal High Court in Gombe, the Gombe State capital, North-east Nigeria, a press statement by the EFCC said Thursday.

Mr Mallam, a desk officer in the Office of the Secretary to the Gombe State Government (SSG), pleaded not guilty to the charge.

He denied the allegations when he appeared before the trial judge, T.G. Ringim, for arraignment.

The statement signed by the Head of Media and Publicity of the anti-graft agency, Dele Oyewale, said Mr Mallam was arraigned on one charge of wilful obstruction of investigation activities and destruction of EFCC’s official document.

The prosecution alleged that the commission was investigating Mr Mallam over allegations of economic and financial crimes when he allegedly tore two official letters from the commission on 26 February.

The offence allegedly violated section 38 (1) and punishable under Section 38 (2) (a) and (b) of the EFCC Act.

The statement gave the dates on the documents allegedly tampered with by Mr Mallam as 1 January 2024 and 21 February 2024.

But it did not provide more details about the documents.

It also did not provide any insights about the possible motive of the defendant.

It, however, disclosed that Mr Mallam denied the charges by pleading not guilty to the charge.

Bail
Following his plea, the prosecution counsel A.M. Labaran, urged the court to fix a date for trial.

In response, defence counsel, S.S. Usman, applied for bail for Mr Mallam, saying, “My Lord, we request bail, supported by our application dated 11 July 2024.”

The trial judge, Mr Ringim, granted Mr Mallam bail in the sum of N10 million awith one surety

The surety must be a director in a government establishment or a private company with a capital of at least N10 million.

Additionally, the registrar of the court is to verify the surety’s identity.

Both the surety and the defendant must also submit two passport photographs to the court.

The trial judge ordered that the remand of Mr Mallam in the Gombe State Correctional Service pending when he would meet the bail conditions.

He then adjourned the case until 9 July for trial.

The lone charge against Mr Mallam reads, “that you, Usman Mallam on or about 26th day of February 2024 at Gombe, Gombe State within the jurisdiction of this honourable court while the officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC were caring out an investigation activity involving an alleged economic and financial crime, did willfully obstruct the said investigation by tearing the EFCC formal letters of investigation activities dated 1 January 2024 and 21 February 2024, respectively” and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 38 (1) and punishable under Section 38 (2) (a) and (b) of the Economic and financial Crimes Commission Establishment Act.”

Similar case
A similar case that readily comes to mind involved a former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa Metuh, who was charged with similar offences in January 2016.

The EFCC first charged Mr Metuh at the Federal High Court in Abuja with money laundering involving N400 million he allegedly took fraudulently from the Office of the National Security Adviser in November 2014 during the administration of then President Goofluck Jonathan.

Subsequently, the commission charged him at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja with two counts of destroying his statement which he made under caution to its operatives and investigators while in custody on 5 January 2016.

The trial was overseen by the then Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, Ishaq Bello, now retired.

The court, at the end of the trial, adjourned for judgement. But we cannot immediately ascertained how it ended..

Mr Metuh was convicted and jailed in the mother case at the Federal High Court. But the judgement was overturned on appeal, with the Court of Appeal ordering a retrial.

News

Hajara Egbunu Becomes First Female Soldier In Infantry Corps To Attain Warrant Officer

Published

16 seconds ago

January 5, 2025

Naijablitznews

The Nigerian Army has achieved a significant milestone in gender inclusivity by promoting Hajara Egbunu, a soldier from the elite Infantry Corps and the Nigerian Army Women Command, to the prestigious rank of Warrant Officer.

The promotion ceremony, held on Friday at the Command Conference Room in Abuja, marked a groundbreaking moment as Egbunu became the first female soldier from the Infantry Corps and the Nigerian Army Women Command to attain this rank.

Brigadier General Mathias Amatso, the Commander of the Nigerian Army Women Command, presided over the event and decorated Warrant Officer Egbunu. Speaking at the ceremony, Amatso commended her for an exceptional career defined by professionalism, dedication, and discipline. He emphasized that the promotion was not merely a recognition of her past achievements but also a testament to her unwavering commitment to the values and standards of the Nigerian Army.

According to a statement released by Lieutenant Maureen Ogbuka, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the Nigerian Army Women Command, Amatso urged Egbunu to continue leading by example. He remarked, “Her promotion reflects her hard work. I encourage her to maintain discipline and inspire younger soldiers, in alignment with the core values of the Nigerian Army.”

In her acceptance speech, Army Warrant Officer Egbunu expressed profound gratitude for the support and guidance she received throughout her career. She thanked God for His blessings and acknowledged the instrumental role of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, whose visionary leadership she credited for facilitating her advancement.

Egbunu also extended heartfelt appreciation to Brigadier General Amatso, whose mentorship had been pivotal during her tenure as the Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) of the Nigerian Army Women Command. Her remarks reflected a deep sense of pride and responsibility as she embraced her new rank.

The promotion ceremony concluded with a group photograph and a reception featuring light refreshments. The event was not just a celebration of Egbunu’s personal achievement but also a significant step toward enhancing gender inclusion and representation within the Nigerian Army.

This milestone highlights the progress being made in recognizing the contributions of women in the military and setting the stage for future advancements. By breaking barriers, Warrant Officer Egbunu serves as an inspiration to female soldiers across the country, encouraging them to strive for excellence and leadership in their respective careers.

News

Oyo Guber race: I’m not part of it — FIRS boss’ Zacch Adedeji

Published

5 minutes ago

January 5, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, Mr Zacch Adedeji, said that he was not part of those contesting the Oyo state governorship election in 2027.

Adedeji, who had previously held cabinet position in Oyo State (Commissioner for Finance 2011-2015), has been touted as one of the personalities likely to jostle for the position.

He, however, in a recent outing, dispelled the rumour doing this round, saying he only wanted to focus on the task before him at the moment.

“I want to use this to respond to a lot of requests, that I, Zacch Adedeji, will not contest for governorship election in 2027.

“I know a lot of people would not be happy about this, but everybody knows the responsibility and grace that God has given to us. I was a commissioner of finance 14 years ago. And by that time, with the grace of God, we’ve done all of what God wants us to do in the state.

“He has given us that platform. So the only thing I need from you is your prayers for strength to end well with what I’m doing now. So I would not want to be distracted,” he said in the clip

Adedeji was appointed by President Bola Tinubu in September 2023 to head the FIRS.

News

SEE Today’s Black Market Exchange Rate: Dollar (USD) To Naira (NGN) – January 5, 2025

Published

1 hour ago

January 5, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

What is the Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate in the Black Market (Parallel Market)?

Here’s the latest information on the Dollar to Naira black market exchange rate for January 4, 2025. Check below for the rates at which you can exchange your dollars for Naira.

How Much is a Dollar to Naira Today in the Black Market?

Here’s the latest information on the Dollar to Naira black market exchange rate for January 4, 2025. Check below for the rates at which you can exchange your dollars for Naira.

How Much is a Dollar to Naira Today in the Black Market?

According to sources at the Bureau De Change (BDC), the exchange rate for a dollar to Naira at the Lagos Parallel Market (Black Market) is as follows:

Buying Rate: ₦1,665
Selling Rate: ₦1,670
Please note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not recognize the black market and advises individuals to approach their banks for foreign exchange transactions.

Dollar to Naira Black Market Rate Today:

Buying Rate: ₦1,665

Selling Rate: ₦1,670

Dollar to Naira CBN

Rate Today:
Highest Rate: ₦1,540
Lowest Rate: ₦1,531

Note: Actual rates may vary depending on the transaction and location.