News
Court orders immediate arrest of Access Bank’s Ag MD, others for theft, contempt
Justice Ibironke Harrison of the Lagos State High Court has ordered the arrest of Access Bank’s acting Managing Director, Bolaji Agbede and three others for allegedly failing to appear for arraignment.
Access Bank logo
The judge’s order also affected Balmoral International Limited, DDSS International Company Limited, and Adejare Adegbenro.
Justice Harrison issued the arrest warrant after the Lagos State prosecution counsel, Uthman̈ Rilwan informed the court that he had served the defendants with notice, but they failed to attend the arraignment.
The Lagos State government had filed a four-count charge of conspiracy, stealing, and attempted theft against the defendants.
When the case was called, Rilwan informed the court that the day’s purpose was to arraign the defendants; however, they were absent despite receiving notice of the court date.
The prosecutor stated that on or about September 2, 2013, at Plot 1261, Adeola Hopewell Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, the defendants conspired to commit theft.
He alleged that Adejare, Balmoral, Access Bank, and Agbede stole the property of MOB Integrated Services at Plot 40b, Burdillion Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, by using it as security for a loan without the complainant’s consent and subsequently entered into a consent judgment.
Additionally, they were accused of attempting to steal the property of MOB Integrated Services on May 26, 2019, by offering and granting DDSS International Company Limited a credit facility of N1 billion.
According to the prosecutor, these offences contravened Sections 411, 280, and 21 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2011.
Rilwan stated, “My Lord, this matter is for arraignment today, and the defendants have been duly served with a copy of the charge. We request the court to issue a bench warrant for the defendant’s arrest to ensure they attend proceedings on the next court date.”
Consequently, Justice Harrison issued a bench warrant against the second to fifth defendants, Balmoral International Limited, Access Bank, Bolaji Agbede, and DDSS International Company Limited.
The judge directed that the bench warrant be executed against the principal officers and adjourned the case until February 24, 2025, for the arraignment of the defendants. [newsnowonline.com]
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The federal government has endorsed the establishment of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal Polytechnic in Gwarinpa, Abuja.
The decision was part of the government’s drive to ensure that every state in the country had at least one federal polytechnic.
The approval of Bola Ahmed Tinubu Polytechnic was conveyed in a letter dated January 9, 2025, by the Education Minister, Dr. Tunji Alausa.
It was addressed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
The FCT Minister’s office confirmed receipt of the letter on January 16, 2025.
In the correspondence, Dr. Alausa urged Wike to identify suitable locations in Gwarinpa for both temporary and permanent sites of the polytechnic.
A joint team from the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Board for Technical Education have been listed to inspect the proposed locations before finalizing the site selection.
The Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal Polytechnic is expected to boost technological education, vocational training, and entrepreneurship development, aligning with the government’s commitment to enhancing technical skills and economic empowerment across Nigeria. [With GWG report]
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) reports that the fire incident at its Buguma Wellhead 008, operated by its subsidiary, NNPC Eighteen Operating Ltd (NEOL), was directly caused by the activities of pipeline vandals attempting to compromise the Christmas Tree and steal crude oil.
This unfortunate act of sabotage, which also resulted in severe damage to the well’s back pressure valve, reflects a disturbing pattern of repeated attacks on wellheads in the zone. Since March 2023, crude oil theft on this asset has been persistent, with criminals now resorting to extreme measures, including the use of dynamite to destroy installations and illegally access hydrocarbons.
NNPC Ltd remains committed to combating these fires and mitigating the financial losses associated with these criminal activities, which place a significant burden on the nation’s economy. The company is working closely with relevant security agencies to put an end to these acts of vandalism.
Additionally, NNPC Ltd reaffirms its commitment to supporting communities affected by these destructive activities and will continue to provide necessary relief efforts to mitigate the impact on those affected.
Olufemi O. Soneye
Chief Corporate Communications Officer
NNPC Ltd.
Abuja
20th January, 2025
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