News
Nduka Obaigbena Reportedly Goes into Self-Exile Amidst $225 Million Loan Scandal
Nduka Obaigbena, the flamboyant publisher of ThisDay and founder of Arise News, has reportedly left Nigeria for the United Kingdom amidst allegations of a $225 million loan scam linked to his company, General Hydrocarbon Limited (GHL). This latest scandal comes as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) intensifies its investigation into the matter, further complicating Obaigbena’s already controversial legacy.
The Alleged Scam
The EFCC is probing a series of financial transactions involving GHL and loans obtained from First Bank of Nigeria Plc. The $225 million facility was allegedly misappropriated, raising questions about governance and accountability within GHL. This development coincides with a separate 13-count charge filed by the EFCC against Honeywell Group Chairman Chief Oba Otudeko and former First Bank Managing Director Olabisi Onasanya, over a related N12.3 billion loan fraud.
While the details of Obaigbena’s involvement in the alleged fraud remain under investigation, his departure to the UK is seen as an attempt to avoid legal proceedings. Sources close to the EFCC indicate that efforts to secure his cooperation have been unsuccessful, prompting a manhunt that has yet to yield results.
A History of Controversies
This is not the first time Obaigbena has sought refuge abroad to avoid prosecution. During the regime of General Sani Abacha, he went into exile, only returning after the dictator’s death. Similarly, he fled Nigeria during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, reappearing during late President Musa Yar’Adua’s tenure.
In 2015, Obaigbena was implicated in the $2.1 billion arms procurement scandal involving former National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki. It was revealed that GHL received N670 million in diverted funds, allegedly for media coverage. Obaigbena temporarily left the country following this revelation but negotiated his return under the administration of Muhammadu Buhari.
Recent Political Alignments and Fallout
Obaigbena’s political maneuvers have often placed him in precarious situations. His alignment with former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele during the latter’s failed presidential ambitions reportedly strained his relationship with the current administration of President Bola Tinubu. This political fallout is believed to have contributed to his decision to leave Nigeria yet again.
The Current Situation
Sources suggest that Obaigbena has no immediate plans to return to Nigeria, preferring to remain in the UK as the EFCC continues its investigation. The self-imposed exile comes at a critical time for his media empire, with ThisDay and Arise News facing scrutiny over their financial dealings and alleged political biases.
The scandal raises broader questions about the intersection of media, politics, and corporate governance in Nigeria. As one of the country’s most influential media moguls, Obaigbena’s actions—and their consequences—are likely to have lasting implications for Nigeria’s financial and media sectors.
Implications for Governance
This case underscores the EFCC’s growing focus on tackling high-profile financial crimes, particularly those involving influential figures in the corporate and political spheres. However, it also highlights the challenges of holding powerful individuals accountable, especially when they leverage international connections to evade prosecution.
Arbiterz will continue to monitor developments in this case, offering in-depth analysis of its implications for governance, the financial sector, and Nigeria’s evolving media landscape.
…commend his leadership qualities, contribution to national development
By Gloria Ikibah
The Chairman House of Representatives’ Committee onthe Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Rep. Muktar Betara has congratulated Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Bago on his 51st birthday.
Rep. Betara who represents Biu/Bayo/Shani/Kwaya Kusar Federal Constituency of Borno State, in a congratulatory message admitted Governor Bago’s relentless advocacy for Nigerites as well as the meaningful contributions to legislative processes that shaped national development while serving as Member of the House of Representatives.
Thrilled by the leadership qualities of Governor Bago, he applauded various unprecedented developmental projects initiated since his assumption of office in 2023.
He said: “Your Excellency, on this special occasion of your 51st birthday, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to you.
“This milestone is a testament to a life dedicated to public service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the progress of Niger State and Nigeria at large.
“As the Governor of Niger State, your visionary leadership has continued to inspire hope and transformation across various sectors.
“Your dedication to infrastructural development, education, healthcare, and especially, agriculture, and security has significantly improved the lives of the people, reinforcing your reputation as a leader who prioritises the welfare of his people.
“Your efforts in fostering economic growth and good governance have set a solid foundation for sustainable development in the state.
“Before assuming office as Governor, your impactful tenure as a Member of the House of Representatives was marked by your relentless advocacy for your constituents and meaningful contributions to legislative processes that shaped national development.
“As you celebrate this new chapter of your life, may you continue to be blessed with wisdom, strength, and good health to steer Niger State toward greater heights. Happy birthday !”
…as currency swap boosting bilateral trade
By Gloria Ikibah
The Nigerian government is deepening economic collaboration with China to drive industrialisation and economic diversification.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made this known when she received the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, in Abuja.
The Minister emphasised that Nigeria’s longstanding ties with China, spanning over five decades, align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises economic expansion and resilience.
Outlining key areas where Nigeria seeks Chinese support, including electric vehicle production, digital technology, renewable energy, and agriculture, Amb. Odumegwu-Ojukwu acknowledged China’s significant role in Nigeria’s road and rail infrastructure development and noted that the country is taking concrete steps to modernize its ports and power sector to attract more investment.
She also highlighted the importance of cultural ties, and noted the growing interest among Nigerian youths in learning the Chinese language.
The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its economic partnership with China, highlighting that the ongoing currency swap agreement is already enhancing trade relations between both nations.
“It’s quite interesting that a large population of Nigeria youth is inching towards Chinese Language. A lot of Nigerian Universities are desirous to offer Chinese Language. Chinese had become the language of trade in the world.
“Nigeria-China will continue to relate not just bilaterally but multilaterally.
“We expect that we will continue to get the support of China but we will always reciprocate that multilaterally.
“In line with President Tinubu’s plan to industrialise Nigeria, we expect Chinese cooperation in establishing assembly plants of electric vehicles; digital communication, renewable energy, all aspects of digital technology, agriculture because of food insecurity as the government is interested in seeing that food gets to the poorest of the poor. Government is not just talking about food but has established a separate Ministry of Livestock,” the minister stated.
She urged China to extend trade tariff exemptions to its exports, similar to the concessions already granted to 33 other African nations, emphasising that the Renewed Hope Agenda prioritizes stronger ties between citizens and deeper country-to-country partnerships.
In response, Chinese Ambassador Yu Dunhai reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with Nigeria, describing the country as a key strategic partner. He noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to China and participation in the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) had elevated diplomatic and economic engagements between both nations.
Amb. Yu highlighted ongoing collaborations in infrastructure, including roads, railway modernization, power, industrial parks, and the Lekki Deep Sea Port. He disclosed that trade volume between the two nations exceeded $21 billion last year, with Nigeria’s exports to China accounting for over 25% of this figure.
He further underscored the role of manufacturing in industrialization, pointing to the recently renewed $2 billion currency swap agreement as a tool to enhance financial cooperation, boost bilateral trade, and attract more investment.
Expressing optimism about the future, the envoy stated that these efforts would ultimately yield tangible benefits for ordinary citizens in both countries.
He said: “We have a comprehensive strategic partnership with Nigeria. China would want Nigeria to play a big role in the international scene. We want Nigeria to become a member of G-20. These will all provide opportunity for China and Nigeria to further work together closely.
“For China, we have been very consistent. We give grant to any African countries; we don’t give any conditions.”
He further acknowledged that it was important that the two countries met to review how far they have performed in their bilateral cooperation.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The ex-Director General of National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Professor Tom Adaba is dead.
The veteran journalists died on Saturday peacefully in Abuja.
The late Adaba was born in July 2nd, 1941
According to Chief Adinoyi Joe Anivasa JP, Secretary Egbira Elders Forum Abuja on Saturday stated as follows, “I feel sad to inform you that our elder and Leader, Prof Tom A Adaba just answered the call of nature by giving up his ghost to the Lord this morning.
“Further details about his burial arrangements would be communicated later.
“We thank God for his life. May God have mercy on his shortcomings and grant his soul eternal peaceful rest in His Heavenly Kingdom, Amen.
He was the first Nigerian (between 1988 and 1992) to be honoured as president of the African Council for Communication Education.
Betara Celebrates Governor Bago @51
Nigeria Seeks Stronger Economic Ties with China
Painful! Former NBC DG ,Prof Tom Adaba is dead
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