News

Alleged N950m fraud: Court orders ex-Punch worker, others be produced for arraignment

Published

1 year ago

February 26, 2024

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

An Ikeja Special Offences Court has ruled that the former staff members of Punch Newspaper Ltd., Olusegun Ogunbanjo and others, charged with N950 million fraud be produced for arraignment.

Other defendants in the suit numbered ID/21559C/2023 are Olawunmi Ogunbanjo, Vaneloo International Ltd., Valeco Global Ventures, Bagco Garba, Taofeek Ogunbanjo, Ifeanyi Odogwu, Bound Media Ltd., and Godwin Benson.

Justice Ismail Ijelu in his ruling said the court had thoroughly examined the information and proof of evidence in the case and formed the view that its jurisdiction to entertain the case was absolutely intact.

Ijelu said the applicant/defendant’s objection was unmeritorious as he failed to establish that the prosecution in the case engaged in improper use of judicial process to interfere with the efficient and effective administration of justice.

According to him, the court had been empowered to make restraining order such as interim order which has an effect of freezing the property thereby preventing the suspect from dealing with proceeds of crime by him or third part on his behalf, pending the determination of the case.

He said: “The defendant/applicant stated that the prosecution filed a charge against him at the Magistrate Court three and one at Yaba and there is an information before Justice Nicole-Clay filed before the case was brought before this court.

“In responding to this fact, the respondent stated that the criminal charge against the first defendant/applicant at the Magistrate Court had since been discontinued and this was not disputed by the first defendant/applicant.

“The defendant/applicant contention seemed to be that the fact that charges were filed at different times in different courts constitute an abuse of court process.

This might be so in civil matters, however, this contention failed to have regard to the fact that trials are yet to start in these cases.”

The judge said an abuse in criminal cases would result if after filing the same charge in different courts, the prosecution began trials in all of them simultaneously, without discontinuing one or the other.

He said it was so because the attorney general had the discretion as to which court a defendant was to be prosecuted.

According him: “The fact that he chooses to file information at the high court when a matter is pending at Magistrate court, does not amount to abuse of court process, as the charge at the magistrate court has been technically discontinued upon filing information at the high court, on similar facts against the defendant.

“The fact that the defendant/applicant filed a fundamental right action at the federal high court does not mean that a criminal action can not be proceeded.

“In fact. it can proceed simultaneously and fundamental rights action can not used to shield a person against criminal prosecution.

“The applicant’s ground that no proof of evidence or hearing notice was served on him is of no moment as the court has the power to grant interim forfeiture ex-parte even in the absence of the charge.”

The judge further said that publication was made to the member of the public Including the first defendant which was done within 14 days but the first defendant did not obey the order.

“There is nothing before the court to show compliance by the defendant.

“Rather to comply with the order of the court, he chose to challenge the jurisdiction of the court.

“This court has thoroughly examined the information and proof of evidence in this case and form the view that its jurisdiction to entertain this case is absolutely intact.

“The objection of the first defendant is hereby overruled and he and other defendants shall be produced in court to take their plea,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that theboth counsel had on Jan. 30 adopted their written addresses.

Counsel to the first defendant/applicant, Mr Charles Jiakponna, had challenged the jurisdiction of the court to hear the case.

The Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Dr Babajide Martins, in his 11-paragraph counter-affidavit had prayed the court to dismiss the preliminary objection.

He had said that the objection lacked merit.

NAN also reports that Ogunbanjo had been arraigned before a Sabo-Yaba Chief Magistrates’ Court on March 10, 2023, for alleged N950 million fraud.

Magistrate Adeola Olatubosun had granted him bail in the sum of N10 million with two sureties in like sum, following his not guilty plea to the three-count charge of obtaining by false pretences, forgery and stealing.

Ogunbanjo is alleged to have obtained N450 million from one Mr Olusola lkuyajesin and N500 million from one Mr Durodola Balogun under false pretences of using the money to buy stationeries.

He also allegedly forged an organisation’s local purchase orders to carry out the acts, in contravention of Sections 287, 314 and 365 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The judge adjourned the case until March 14 for arraignment.

News

President Xi Mourns Former President Muhammadu Buhari

Published

47 minutes ago

July 16, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

…say his death is a great loss for Nigeria-China

By Gloria Ikibah

Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed his condolences to President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian people following the death of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari.

In a message sent on Wednesday, Xi conveyed “deep condolences” on behalf of the Chinese government and its people, offering heartfelt sympathy to Buhari’s family and the government of Nigeria.

Xi described Buhari as a “respected statesman” who worked tirelessly to strengthen Nigeria’s unity and development.

“He dedicated himself to finding a development path suited to Nigeria’s national conditions and made outstanding contributions to the country’s progress,” Xi said.

According to him, “Buhari earned wide respect across the international community”.

The Chinese leader also praised Buhari’s role in fostering stronger Nigeria-China ties, and noted that the former president was a steadfast friend of China and a firm supporter of China-Africa cooperation.

“His death is not only a great loss for the Nigerian people but also for the Chinese, who considered him a dear friend,” Xi said.

President Xi reaffirmed China’s commitment to its relationship with Nigeria, as he said Beijing is ready to continue working closely with Abuja to advance their comprehensive strategic partnership.

News

Crude Oil: Nigeria hits OPEC 1.5Zmb/d production quota

Published

4 hours ago

July 16, 2025

ADMIN

Nigeria’s crude oil production soared a little above 1.5 million barrels per day in June, hitting the required quota by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

Data sourced from OPEC’s latest Monthly Market Oil Report (MOMR) for June noted that the country’s oil production hit 1.505mb/d in June 2025 from 1.453mb/d recorded in May 2025.

However, the output was still below the targeted 2.06mbpd projected in the 2025 budget.

According to OPEC’s data, this is the first time the country’s production output would meet the 1.5mb/d cuts quota in years.

Nigeria’s output had hovered at 1.1mb/d in 2023, 1.3mb/d in 2024, and then 1.4mb/d since January 2025.

The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Bayo Ojulari, recently said Nigeria was ramping up production with a medium-term goal to hit 2.06 million barrels per day by 2027.

He expressed optimism that oil output would rise to 1.9mbpd in December this year.

“We have started growing. In March, we were producing about 1.56 million barrels per day, and we’re now at 1.63 million, including condensates. By the end of the year, we are hoping to clock 1.9 million barrels daily,” he said.

Ojulari said Nigeria had recorded a 100 per cent availability on major crude oil pipelines in the country.

He noted that for the first time in a long while, the nation enjoyed 100 per cent crude oil pipeline availability throughout June.

According to him, the feat, which was possible through the industry-wide security interventions led by the NNPC, aided the increase in oil production.

However, he called for more investments to boost production, adding that the company had been able to turn the narrative around by consistently meeting its cash-call obligations to Joint Venture operations. With the current state of oil pipelines, experts expect a further rise in oil production in the coming months.

News

Just in: 151 police officers in trouble over alleged misconduct

Published

6 hours ago

July 16, 2025

ADMIN

The Nigeria Police Force has began disciplinary proceedings against 151 senior officers over various allegations of misconduct and ethical breaches, in a move to reinforce accountability and professional discipline within its ranks.

The review commenced on Monday, July 14, and will conclude on Friday, July 25, 2025, at the IGP Smart Conference Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

The officers, selected from commands and units nationwide, are appearing before the Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC) over alleged violations ranging from professional misconduct to breaches of internal regulations.

The Force Disciplinary Committee is the police’s internal body responsible for investigating cases involving senior officers from the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) upwards.

It plays a vital role in reviewing accusations, assessing evidence, and recommending appropriate sanctions in accordance with existing police laws and disciplinary frameworks.

Final decisions regarding the officers’ futures will be forwarded to the Police Service Commission.

In a statement issued by the Force Headquarters, Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reaffirmed his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on indiscipline. He emphasised the importance of internal accountability in enhancing public confidence and promoting a more professional police force.

“The Nigeria Police Force will not condone any form of misconduct or ethical breaches. This disciplinary process underlines our commitment to maintaining a culture of integrity and respect for the rule of law,” the IGP stated.

The statement further emphasised that the disciplinary review is part of the force’s ongoing reforms aimed at restoring public trust, enhancing service delivery, and ensuring that police officers uphold the highest standards of conduct.

Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, who signed the release, said the disciplinary exercise demonstrates the IGP’s resolve to build a disciplined and responsive policing institution. (The Guardian)