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Major reason EFCC stormed our office-Dangote
Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, says January’s visit by the operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to the Lagos Head Office of the Dangote Group was intended to embarrass his company.
Speaking in an interview with Bloomberg and monitored on Tuesday, Dangote stated, “They visited the office but didn’t talk to anybody, nor did they arrest anyone. It was just to cause embarrassment (sic).”
The visit by the anti-graft commission to the company was part of a probe into alleged preferential allocations of forex to the Dangote Group and 51 other companies under the Emefiele-led Central Bank of Nigeria.
Dangote meanwhile maintained that despite the challenges, their operations remain “100 per cent clean,” given their significant role in Nigeria’s economy.
He also emphasized his company’s reputation as the highest-paying organization in Nigeria, adding that Dangote Group pays more taxes than the banking sector.
EFCC had earlier written to the 52 companies directing them to provide documents supporting the allocation and utilisation of foreign exchange sold to them at official rates in the last 10 years.
The anti-graft commission had asked the firms to submit Form A and Form M which detailed the forex allocations to them between 2014 and June 2023.
But while some companies complied with the directive, several others were said to have asked for time to get the proper documents.
However, a Dangote official claimed the firm had honoured the EFCC’s request and wondered why the commission chose to embarrass them.
“We don’t know why they (EFCC officials) came to our office again; we had earlier been invited to the office of the EFCC. As such, the Dangote officials took along all the documents and submitted them. We don’t know why they eventually decided to visit our office again.
“The question we are asking is what did they come to take from our office when we had honoured their invitation? They left with empty hands because all the documents they wanted from us had been taken to them. The same EFCC that came to our office is the one giving information to the media that they are investigating us,’’ the official said.
Before the raid, Dangote Industries had in November 2023 refuted allegations that it was involved in forex malpractices and money laundering involving a staggering $3.4bn allegedly facilitated by Emefiele.
It denied the claims that the money was funnelled to its non-Nigerian subsidiaries, prompting illicit financial flows and round-tripping.
The company referred to past approvals granted by the CBN between 2010 to 2018, allowing it to purchase forex totalling $3.755bn for funding of its projects across Africa, of which only 47.70 per cent was utilised.
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RESUMPTION SPEECH BY RT. HON. ABBAS TAJUDEEN, PHD, SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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Environmental infractions: Lagos seals churches, businesses over
By Francesca Hangeior
In a bold move to tackle violations of Lagos State environmental laws, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency has sealed off prayer centres and business premises across the state.
This was disclosed in a statement shared on X.com by the Lagos State Commissioner for the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, on Wednesday.
According to a statement released by LASEPA on Wednesday, the enforcement operation is part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with environmental laws and protect public health.
The statement revealed that the establishments were found guilty of violating environmental regulations despite several warnings from the agency.
It said, “In a decisive step towards tackling noise pollution and other environmental violations, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency @LasepaOfficial today sealed off multiple establishments across various parts of Lagos State.
“The enforcement operation, which targeted locations in Ikeja, Mushin, Gbagada, and Maryland, is part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with environmental laws and protect public health.
“Among the closed establishments are Vital Products Limited, A & P Nigeria Limited, Polite Anchorage and Suites, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Terrag Inn Apartment, Evening Class Guest House, Celestial Church of God, a printing press, Charley’s Bar, and 7th Heaven Hotel & Suites.
“These establishments were found guilty of violating environmental regulations despite several warnings from LASEPA.”
The statement further revealed that the General Manager of LASEPA issued a stern warning, emphasising the agency’s stance on compliance with environmental laws.
It added, “The General Manager of LASEPA, Dr Babatunde Ajayi @thetundeajayi, emphasised the agency’s zero-tolerance stance on non-compliance with environmental laws. ‘We will not tolerate non-compliance with our regulations.
“Dr Ajayi said all businesses must recognise their environmental responsibilities and collaborate with the state government to ensure a cleaner, more sustainable Lagos.
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Justice Kekere-Ekun appears before Senate for screening
*** Vows to tackle corruption
By Francesca Hangeior
The Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has vowed to enforce a zero-tolerance policy on corruption in the judiciary.
She emphasised that integrity and strictness are central to her judicial approach.
Kekere-Ekun, who appeared before the Senate for screening, assured lawmakers that, once confirmed, she would prioritise the speedy handling of petitions before the courts.
Responding to questions from the senators, the Acting CJN promised to ensure that the judiciary remains insulated from external influence. Additionally, she committed to advocating for better welfare and infrastructure for the judiciary.
Justice Kekere-Ekun also highlighted the need for strengthening national institutions and ensuring better behavior from the populace, especially during elections. She stressed that such improvements would help reduce the tendency to contest election results in court.
Meanwhile, the Senate has commenced the screening of Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun for the position of Chief Justice of Nigeria.
Before the screening began on Wednesday, Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) moved a motion to reorder the legislative agenda, allowing the screening of Kekere-Ekun to be the first item on the day’s business. The motion was seconded by Deputy Minority Leader Senator Oyewumi Olalere (PDP, Osun West).
Kekere-Ekun, accompanied by other Supreme Court and Court of Appeal justices, arrived at the Senate Chamber at 12:30 PM.
Senator Bamidele invoked Order 12 of the Senate’s Standing Orders to permit her and her entourage to enter, which was seconded by Senator Olalere.
The Acting CJN was led into the Chamber by Senator Basheer Lado, Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters.
On Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu wrote to the Senate, seeking the confirmation of Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the Chief Justice of Nigeria.
The President’s letter, read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, was submitted upon the Senate’s return from its annual recess, which began in July.
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