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Court orders final forfeiture of $1.4m connected to Emefiele

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The Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the forfeiture of $1,426,175.14, which the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) connected to former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele.

The court ruled that the funds were proceeds of unlawful activities.

Delivering judgment yesterday, Justice Ayokunle Faji held that the money must be forfeited to the Federal Government, as the EFCC had successfully proven its illegitimate origin.

The judge’s decision followed an application filed by the EFCC, represented by its counsel, Bilkisu Bahri-Bala. The commission argued that the funds were stored in the account of Donatone Limited at Titan Trust Bank (account number 2000000500) and had been traced to illicit financial dealings.

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The judge thus ordered that the sum be forfeited to the Federal Government, saying the EFCC had proved the unlawfulness of the said funds.

The commission, through its counsel, Bilkisu Bahri-Bala, had told judge that the $1.4 million was warehoused in the account of Donatone Limited domiciled in Titan Trust Bank account number 2000000500, which sums had been established to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

According to an affidavit deposed to by an EFCC investigating officer David Jayeoba, the commission received intelligence reports that led to the forfeiture proceedings.

Jayeoba said: “In the course of my investigation, the commission received credible and direct intelligence which led to the tracing of funds reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities warehoused in the Donatone Limited (DL) Titan Trust Bank account, which funds are reasonably suspected to be part of proceeds of unlawful activities.

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“While investigating the monumental fraud carried out by the erstwhile Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, and his cronies, we discovered a huge amount of money warehoused and concealed in the account of (DL) domiciled in Titan Trust Bank.

“The investigation revealed that some of the brains behind the fraudulent concealment of funds reasonably suspected to have been proceeds of unlawful activities of the erstwhile Central Bank of Nigeria’s governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, are the natural persons – Uzeobo Anthony and Adebanjo Olurotimi, directors of DL.

“That part of the said funds, which represent the proceeds of Emefiele and his cronies’ unlawful activities, are retained in the accounts now sought to be forfeited. These directors were procured by Emefiele and used to conceal, retain and disguise funds which are the proceeds of unlawful activities.

“Between 2021 and 2022, when accessibility to forex in Nigeria was difficult, several international entities operating in Nigeria had to resort to different means to source forex. Emefiele used his cronies to collect bribes and gratification from various entities to get approval for accessing forex.

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“One of the entities (NP) paid a total sum of twenty-six million five hundred and fifty-five thousand million dollars ($26,552,000.00) into the account of (DL) domiciled in Titan Trust account number 200000.”

Justices Faji had, on May 30, 2024 ordered the interim forfeiture of the unlawful funds.

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Insecurity: Criminals Cart Away NSA Ribadu’s Office Hilux During Juma’at Prayer In Abuja

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has initiated a search following the theft of a black Toyota Hilux vehicle belonging to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Nuhu Ribadu, which was stolen during Friday’s Juma’at prayers in Abuja.

It was gathered that the vehicle was parked around 1:05pm opposite the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) complex in Area 10, while the official attended prayers at a nearby mosque.

Security source, Zagazola Makama, disclosed the incident via his X (formerly Twitter) handle, revealing that the ONSA official returned from the mosque only to find the vehicle missing.

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According to him, a sources said the theft was immediately reported to the Garki Police Division at approximately 2:00 p.m., leading to a swift response by law enforcement.

Meanwhile, the FCT Police Command promptly activated a stop-and-search operation at various checkpoints and across all entry and exit points in the capital city.

Police authorities confirmed that investigations are ongoing and all efforts are being made to apprehend the culprits and recover the vehicle.

The Command said it had intensified efforts to track down the fleeing suspects and recover the stolen Hilux.

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Governor Kefas Inaugurates Taraba State Investment International Summit Committee+Photos

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In a significant step towards enhancing investment opportunities in Taraba State, Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas on Saturday inaugurated the Committee for the International Investment Summit at the Executive Chamber of the Government House in Jalingo.

Senator Manu Haruna, former deputy governor of Taraba State and a serving Senator, a seasoned administrator who chairs Taraba State Mobilization and development Investment Committee expressed gratitude to Governor Kefas for his visionary leadership in organizing an international summit aimed at attracting investment to the state.

He highlighted the potential this initiative holds for fostering economic growth and development in Taraba State.

Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumedu the Chairman of the Taraba State International Investment Summit Committee, emphasized that such summits are crucial for stimulating economic activities and creating opportunities..

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According to him, the summit will play a vital role in showcasing Taraba’s investment potential, thereby attracting both local and international investors.

The committee is expected to work diligently to prepare for the summit, ensuring that it positions Taraba State as a favorable destination for investment and economic collaboration.

Governor Kefas remains committed to promoting policies that support economic diversification and sustainable

development in the state.

This inauguration marks a positive development in Taraba’s ongoing efforts to enhance its economic landscape and improve the standard of living for its residents.

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OERAF Rounds Up Late Chief Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete’s remembrance with Novelty Match

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By Kennedy Atevure

Olotu & Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Foundation (OERAF) rounded up the remembrance of late Chief Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete, Ph.D., with a novelty match at Ughelli Public Field on April 11, 2025.

Speaking shortly after the match, Dr. Olotu Otemu Akpodiete appealed to the Ughelli North Local Government Council Vice Chairman’s representative for the council to upgrade the field to a mini stadium.

Dr. Akpodiete stressed that Ughelli Public Field has been in existence since before the state government built the Ughelli Township Stadium.

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The novelty match, which ended in a 1-1 draw, thrilled everyone who watched it.

The team of the children of late Chief Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete, Ph.D., scored the first goal, which was equalized by the grandchildren’s team through a penalty kick.

Dignitaries present during the novelty match included Hon. Chief (Mrs.) Meg Atano, Ughelli North Local Government Council Vice Chairman, ably represented by Pst. (Mrs.) Rita Nyewhoema; Evang. Nicolas Evwienure; Mrs Efe Akpodiete -Minabowan Barr. Agboka Akpodiete-Omale; Hon . Felix Uloho, Chief Grace Akpodiete; and Mr. Kennedy Otega (Big Daddy), among others.

Other highlights of the event included the presentation of cash prizes to both teams and a group photograph with light refreshments.

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