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Money Laundering: Judge’s absence stalls Fayose’s trial
Money Laundering: Judge’s absence stalls Fayose’s trial
By Francesca Hangeior
A Federal High Court sitting at Ikoyi Lagos has adjourned till July 1, 2024 in the money laundering trial of a former Ekiti Governor Ayodele Fayose due to the absence of the trial Judge, Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke.
According to Court officials, Justice Aneke is out on official assignment necessitating the adjournment.
However, the tentative date for the next sitting is July 1, 2024.
Fayose is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) with Spotless Investment Ltd on 11 counts of N6.9 billion fraud and money laundering.
Fayose was first arraigned on October 22, 2018, before another trial judge, Mojisola Olatoregun.
The case was withdrawn from Ms Olatoregun, following a petition by the EFCC.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail on October 24, 2018, in the sum of N50 million with sureties in like sum.
When the defendants were re-arraigned before the new judge, Chukwujekwu Aneke, on July 2, 2019, Mr Fayose, again, pleaded not guilty before Aneke who allowed him to continue on the bail granted him by Justice Olatoregun.
The EFCC has since opened its case before the new judge and has been calling its witnesses.
According to the charges filed by the commission, Fayose and one of his aides, Abiodun Agbele, on 17 June 2014, took unlawful possession of N1.2 billion to fund his governorship election campaign in Ekiti State.
The commission alleged that the sum formed part of the crime proceeds.
Fayose was alleged to have received a cash payment of the sum of five million dollars, from the then Minister of State for Defence, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, without going through any financial institution.
He was also alleged to have retained the sum of N300 million in his account and took control of the aggregate sums of about N622 million which sum he reasonably ought to have known formed part of crime proceeds.
It added that Mr Fayose got De Privateer Ltd. and Still Earth Ltd. to retain aggregate sums of N851 million which formed part of crime proceeds.
The defendant was also alleged to have used the aggregate sums of about N1.6 billion to acquire properties in Lagos and Abuja, which sums he reasonably ought to have known formed part of crime proceeds.
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Sad! Finally, young billionaire, Senator Ubah laid to rest
The late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah was laid to rest at his family home in Umuanukam, Otolo Nnewi, Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State on Friday.
Ubah was buried amid tears and tributes from dignitaries, friends, political colleagues, and family members.
The Bishop of Ekwulobia, Peter Cardinal Okpaleke, who presided over the burial mass at St. Peter’s Claver Catholic Church, Umuanukam, Otolo Nnewi, described Ubah’s death as a lesson to the living, emphasising the importance of leading an exemplary life to be remembered after one’s passing.
According to the Cardinal, the deceased led a life full of philanthropy, always striving to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives.
He praised Ubah’s commitment to serving humanity and his exemplary life, saying that such should serve as a model for others to emulate.
He said, “His death is a lesson to us all. We must strive to live exemplary lives that will make people remember us for good when we are no longer here. We must touch lives, make a difference, and leave a lasting legacy. The late Ifeanyi Ubah lived a life full of legacy and philanthropic gestures. His death has touched everyone.”
Recalling his last moments with the deceased, the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, who also paid tribute to the late senator, expressed shock and sadness at his sudden passing.
He said, “I still remember when we met in May, and I asked him if he had any ambitions. He told me he wanted to be part of it and said that the only way forward was for Sir Emeka Offor to convene a meeting at our request.”
Soludo expressed regret that Ubah’s death was not part of their discussion, asking rhetorically, “Is this what we discussed?”
Senator Uche Ekwunife, in her tribute, eulogised Ubah, describing him as a rare gem committed to youth development.
Ekwunife praised Ubah’s leadership, kindness, and compassion, noting that his impact and legacy would be remembered for generations to come.
“You were an avatar, a sports enthusiast, a rare gem committed to youth development, whose like comes only once in a lifetime. In you, we saw the true essence of leadership and kindness — not just in titles and positions, but in words and deeds.”
One of the deceased’s kinsmen, Joe Ezeike, said, “Ubah’s passing has left a void in the nation’s political landscape, but his legacy of service, compassion, and excellence will continue to inspire generations to come.”
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See Photos of World’s Tallest and Shortest Women Meet for Afternoon Tea in London
The world’s tallest woman and the world’s shortest woman met for the first time this week, sipping tea from china cups — and bonding over what they have in common while celebrating their differences.
Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea
Rumeysa Gelgi, from Turkey, stands at 7 feet and 0.7 inches, while Jyoti Amge, from India, is 2 feet and 0.7 inches.
Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea
Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea
Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea
“You’re so beautiful,” said Gelgi, 27. “Thank you — you too,” replied Amge, 30.
Their meeting, over afternoon tea at London’s Savoy Hotel on Tuesday, came ahead of Guinness World Records Day, which is held annually in November to mark record-breaking achievements and encourage people to attempt records. The pair have been honored as “World Record icons” in the 70th anniversary edition of the Guinness World Records book.
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“Meeting Jyoti for the first time was wonderful,” Gelgi said in a release Wednesday. “She’s the most gorgeous lady. I was waiting to meet her for a long time.”
Gelgi said the pair bonded over their love for makeup, jewelry and doing their nails.
Video footage showed them sitting down for tea, cakes and sandwiches stacked next to them, with the London Eye visible from the window.
Amge said in the release that she was “so happy to look up” and see the world’s tallest woman, whom she called “good-natured.” She added that it was difficult at times for the pair to make eye contact “due to our height difference.”
“Guinness World Records is all about celebrating differences,” its editor in chief, Craig Glenday, said in a statement ahead of Guinness World Record Day, which is on Thursday.
“By bringing together these two amazing, iconic women, they can share their perspectives on life with each other and, also, with us,” Glenday said.
Gelgi’s record-breaking height is due to a rare genetic condition called Weaver syndrome, which causes rapid growth, according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders.
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The primary symptom is growth and bone development that occurs faster than usual, making those affected taller than average. People with Weaver syndrome may have rigid muscles and difficulty extending their elbows or knees.
Gelgi used a walking aid for support during the pair’s meeting. Her case of Weaver syndrome was the 27th ever diagnosed and the first in Turkey, according to Guinness World Records.
Weaver syndrome is generally caused by changes in the EZH2 gene, according to the NORD, though the organization notes that some people with Weaver syndrome do not have a mutation in the gene.
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Amge, an actor who played the character of Ma Petite in the television series “American Horror Story,” has a genetic growth disorder that occurs in the early stages of fetal development, known as achondroplasia.
According to Johns Hopkins, the condition causes shorter bones, abnormally shaped bones and shorter stature. While the genetic defect can be passed from parent to child, in about 80 percent of cases, achondroplasia results from a spontaneous mutation that occurs in the developing embryo.
On Thursday, Gelgi shared photos on Instagram of the two exploring London despite the cold weather, posing side by side in front of Tower Bridge.
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