The immediate past Accountant General of the Federation (AG-F), Ahmed Idris, has said he initially thought he would not be prosecuted for the alleged N109 billion fraud for which he and three others are facing trial. Idris said he cooperated with Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) investigators by providing them with necessary information to help their probe in the belief that he would not be prosecuted. The ex-AG-F said this in one of the 13 extra-judicial statements he made to EFCC investigators, which have been tendered before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), where he is being tried with others. In the statement, dated May 25, 2022, he said: “All along, I have cooperated with the EFCC officials and have volunteered information to demonstrate my commitment to make the investigation as easier and speedy. Any statement I have made before or I am making now are based on my firm assumption, belief and understanding that by being open and aligning myself with statements made by principal suspects, such statements will not be used against me and eventually lead to my trial or prosecution. “In view of foregoing statements, I wish to accept the net figure of N13.2 billion I am confronted with, subject to the reservations expressed in this statement.” His lawyer, Chris Uche (SAN), has objected to the admissibility of the statements, claiming that investigators hoodwinked his client to make the statements, which contained some admissions. The EFCC is prosecuting Idris; his former Technical Assistant, Godfrey Olusegun Akindele; a director in the Office of the AG-F, Mohammed Kudu Usman; and Gezawa Commodity Market and Exchange Limited (said to belong to Idris) on a 14-count charge bordering on stealing and criminal breach of trust to the tune of N109 billion. At the last hearing in the ongoing trial-within-trial to ascertain whether or not Idris offered the statements voluntarily, Uche insisted that the investigators promised his client that he would not be prosecuted. But one of the investigators who interrogated the ex-AG-F, Mahmoud Tukur, denied Uche’s claim. Tukur, the immediate past Head of Chairman Monitoring Unit (CMU) II of the EFCC, testified as the second prosecution’s witness in the trial-within-trial on March 20. He said: “We did not promise him (Idris) anything.” When the prosecuting lawyer, Oluwaleke Atolagbe, asked if Tukur promised that Idris would not be prosecuted, he said: “I never did. And, as the head of the unit, I can answer authoritatively to that. The first defendant was a senior public servant. He knows that it is not within my capacity to make such promises because my duty is just to investigate and report my findings. “In all the statements he wrote, he was cautioned and part of the cautionary words is that whatever he wrote might be used as evidence in court.” Another EFCC operative who was part of the investigation, Hayatudeen Suleiman, while testifying as the prosecution’s first witness in the trial-within-trial, also denied that such a promise was ever made to Idris.

  The remaining staff and students of the Federal University, Gusau, Zamfara State, who were abducted on September 22, 2023, have regained freedom. Bandits had invaded hostels in Sabon-Gida community of the Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara, abducting over 20 students, mostly ladies. After several efforts by the university authorities and family members, some of the captives were released after months, but 23 remained in captivity. However, sources told Daily Trust that the remaining students were rescued by security forces on Sunday. “They were released at Kuncin Kalgo in Tsafe local government area of Zamfara state and handed over to government officials on Sunday. A total of 23 persons in all,” said a source with direct knowledge of the development. Daily Trust saw pictures of some of the captives being conveyed in buses. The source added that some members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) who were abducted in Sokoto State have also been rescued. Zamfara is one of the badly affected states in the campaign of violence bandits unleashed on North West residents. When he sought audience with President Bola Tinubu at Aso Rock last month, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara said his state was under siege. “There have been several attacks in some of the local government communities. I feel as a responsible governor, I should make this known to Mr. President, who is pleased with the discussion we have and we are looking for more military personnel as well as the equipment for them to be able to function effectively and take care of the security situation.” “Zamfara has become the center of banditry as we speak today, and if nothing is done in Zamfara state , I don’t think we will be able to solve the situation in the entire northern Nigeria. Most of the guys or the girls kidnapped in Kaduna state, ended up in Zamfara state that is not good for us, and therefore we’re doing everything to change the narratives and that is one of the reasons I came to see the president today. “That is why I am here today I have informed Mr. President and I have his assurance that something drastic will be done to take care of the situation as soon as possible,” he had told state house correspondents.

  The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it has discovered other fraudulent dealings involving COVID-19 funds, World Bank loan, Abacha recovered loot at the ministry of humanitarian affairs. In a statement on Sunday, Dele Oyewale, EFCC spokesperson, said the funds were released to the ministry by the federal government to execute poverty alleviation programmes. The anti-graft agency said its recent investigation into the affairs of the ministry has led to the recovery of N32.7 billion and $445,000 so far. The EFCC added that “suspended officials” of the ministry were linked to the fraudulent practice, saying those found wanting will be prosecuted accordingly. “At the outset of investigations, past and suspended officials of the Humanitarian Ministry were invited by the Commission and investigations into the alleged fraud involving them have yielded the recovery of N32.7billion and $445,000 so far,” the statement reads. “Discreet investigations by the EFCC have opened other fraudulent dealings involving Covid-19 funds, the World Bank loan, Abacha recovered loot released to the Ministry by the Federal Government to execute its poverty alleviation mandate. Investigations have also linked several interdicted and suspended officials of the Ministry to the alleged financial malfeasance. “It is instructive to stress that the Commission’s investigations are not about individuals. The EFCC is investigating a system and intricate web of fraudulent practices. Banks involved in the alleged fraud are being investigated. Managing Directors of the indicted banks have made useful statements to investigators digging into the infractions. Those found wanting will be prosecuted accordingly. Additionally, the EFCC has not cleared anyone allegedly involved in the fraud. Investigations are ongoing and advancing steadily. The public is enjoined to ignore any claim to the contrary.” On Wednesday, Betta Edu, suspended minister of humanitarian affairs, said she has no link with the N30 billion purportedly recovered by the EFCC. On January 8, President Bola Tinubu suspended Edu and directed the EFCC “to conduct a thorough investigation into all aspects of the financial transaction” involving her ministry.

  Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers, has described Peter Odili, ex-governor of the state, as someone with integrity. On April 11, Odili publicly announced his support for Fubara and declared the governor as the political leader of the state. “Our people said I should tell you to stand with the president and align with his positive policies and link the people of Rivers state with the centre,” Odili said. “They have asked me to tell you that you are the political leader of Rivers state. Rivers people say where you go, they will go with you.” In his speech at the inauguration of a healthcare facility in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, Odili’s hometown, Fubara said he is happy to have the support of the former governor. Fubara said Odili’s backing has triggered “people high blood pressure”, adding that his detractors are now “restless, granting all sorts of media interviews.” “I’ve said it before, and I’m saying it again. It doesn’t matter the number of people that stand with you. Even if you’re standing alone, no matter the side you’re standing on, provided you are standing on the right side, maintain your stand. We are happy to stand with him (Odili),” Fubara said. “We are also happy that he is standing with us. Even his person alone is giving people high blood pressure. They are restless, granting all sorts of media interviews. Why are they doing it? It is because the people that matter, the people that have what they claimed they have; integrity, are with us. That is the truth. “So, if we have one person who has integrity and character, is it not better than having 1,000 persons with questionable character? So, we are happy to identify with him.” Since taking office in May 2023, Fubara has been locked in a struggle for control of Rivers political structure with Nyesom Wike, his successor and minister of the federal capital territory (FCT). Earlier this month, Wike criticised some leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers for lacking integrity and declaring support for Fubara. He described them as “expired politicians” who are not worthy of being called “elder statesmen”.

  The Nigerian Army says it is investigating the alleged killing of a lady, Hauwakulu Tabra, by a soldier, Private Adamu Muhammad at one of the barracks in Enugu State. The incident occurred on April 11, 2024 and the corpse of the lady was discovered within the barracks the following day. In a statement on Sunday, Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu expressed regret that “the young lady lost her life in the hands of a man with whom she was in an amorous relationship”. “Preliminary investigations revealed that the late Hauwakulu Tabra was actually murdered by the said soldier, who is presently in detention for further investigation to unravel the motive behind his actions,” he stated. Major General Nwachukwu said contrary to reports by an online platform (not Channels Television), the suspect was not a former member of terror group, Boko Haram. “The NA (Nigerian Army) has at no point in time, either in the past or present enlisted repentant Boko Haram members to its strength. “However, considerations were given to Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) who in the fight against terrorism and insurgency in the North East distinguished themselves morally and patriotically. Such members of the CJTF must have also shown commitment, dedication and loyalty to the service and the nation,” the Army spokesman stated. The Army expressed heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and assured the public that justice would be served in the matter as no unprofessional conduct or indiscipline within its ranks would be tolerated.

  SENATOR Ned Nwoko representing Delta North senatorial district, Delta State, has secured the release of four family members the Army arrested for fabricating weapons at Onicha-Olona community in the state. The major suspect reportedly has the ability to build drones, and modify Ak-47 rifle designed to hold 30 rounds to 60 rounds, which attracted Senator Nwoko. His desire was for the nation to provide support and develop the skills of such talented persons, and he plans moving a bill for a law to recognise and build such talents nationwide. Nwoko, in a statement, said: “ Following my recent visit to Headquarters, 63 Brigade, Asaba, and productive discussions with the Brigade Commander, I am pleased to announce progress in addressing the situation regarding the illegal arms factory discovered in Onicha-Olona community, Delta State. “Efforts have been made to ensure fair treatment for those involved, balancing justice with the opportunity for rehabilitation and contribution to society. “I am pleased to reveal that through collaborative efforts, I have successfully secured the release of four family members implicated in the illegal activity. “However, our commitment to upholding the law remains unwavering, and endeavours continue for fair judgment and potential pardon for the remaining four individuals. “Moreover, the underlying issue highlighted by this discovery remains of paramount importance. “We must seize the opportunity to redirect the talents demonstrated by those involved towards lawful and productive endeavours.”

  Controversial crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, aka Bobrisky, who was handed a six-month prison sentence over naira abuse, currently shares the same cell with male inmates at the Ikoyi Custodial Centre, PUNCH Metro has learnt. Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court in Lagos, while sentencing the convict, on Friday, April 12, 2024, said the judgment would be a deterrent to others who are found abusing and mutilating the naira. Bobrisky who was taken into the Custodial Centre after the judgement was said to have been treated equally like other inmates. A top official in the facility who spoke to our correspondent on the condition of anonymity, as he was not authorised to speak on the matter, said the crossdresser was examined at the point of admission. According to the official, the outcome of the examination revealed that the convict had no realignment of gender or genital organs. The source said that, “Bobrisky made a public declaration that he was a male and court proceedings are public records. Every inmate brought into a facility during admission is examined. He was equally examined and no realignment of gender or genital organ was discovered. The male biological features were the same. “After that, a cell was allocated to him, and he had a certain number of inmates with him. A bed space was also allotted to him. It is just like a boarding house where your housemaster will issue you your personal belongings.” The source added that the convicted crossdresser had been observing the rules and procedures obtained in the facility. “When it is time for class, he attends. When it is time for food, he will go and get his portion. The same goes with prep and light out. He observes all these without preference. He has been going about his business just like other inmates since he was brought in here.” While making a clarification on the claims that Bobrisky was being protected against abuse, the official noted that the facility frowned against any form of abuse by a fellow inmate. “He is not getting any five-star treatment and is not being protected from anybody. He follows the same rules and regulations just like every other inmate. Single cells of isolation cells are to prevent outbreaks of communicable diseases. In a male prison, homosexuality is outlawed and it is a grievous offence. Sodomy or homosexuality, is frowned upon here in the custodial centre. So any inmate that tries to violate him will face the law.” When contacted, the spokesperson for the Lagos State Command of the NCS, Rotimi Oladokun, declined to speak on the matter. “I have no comment,” he said.

  The Nigerian army said it has concluded plans to investigate the alleged killing of a hotel manager in Umuahia, Abia State by soldiers. Director army public relations Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, who made this known, said already the Chief of Army Staff has ordered a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the facts and bring to book, anyone found culpable. Nwachukwu, in a statement, sympathized with the families of the deceased manager Mr Achimugu James Etubi and the Nigerian Air Force Officer Cadet Emmanuel Chidiebere Onyemereche and assured the public that every effort will be made to ensure that justice is served. The statement made available to Daily Sun, reads; “The Nigerian Army (NA) is deeply concerned by the alleged unprofessional conduct of some of its personnel in the tragic death of a hotel manager in Umuahia, Abia State, as reported in some online media. In response to this unfortunate incident, the Chief of Army Staff has promptly ordered a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the facts and bring to book, anyone found culpable. The NA extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased Manager Mr Achimugu James Etubi and the Nigerian Air Force Officer Cadet Emmanuel Chidiebere Onyemereche and assure the public that every effort will be made to ensure that justice is served. The Army is committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and discipline, and therefore any personnel found culpable of wrongdoing will face appropriate legal sanctions. Furthermore, the NA reaffirms its unwavering dedication to safeguarding the security of all citizens. We remain steadfast in our mission to promote lasting peace and security throughout Nigeria. The Nigerian Army is resolute in its pursuit of truth and justice, and we will keep the public informed at the conclusion of the investigation.

  Barring any last-minute changes, senators and members of the House of Representatives will resume sitting in their main chambers on April 23, which is next week. The development comes about 19 months after the chambers were shut in September 2022 for major renovations, a job awarded to Visible Construction Company Nigeria Limited by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA). Between then and now, the lawmakers have been operating from two big halls at both wings of the National Assembly, which they converted into temporary chambers. Both chambers, in separate statements, had confirmed the reopening of the chambers in the week ahead. House spokesman, Hon, Akin Rotimi, had in a message to his colleagues earlier, explained that the planned return to the main chamber was the reason the initial resumption date after Easter and Sallah was shifted from April 16 to April 23. He stated, “The House of Representatives wishes to inform the public and stakeholders of the rescheduling of the resumption date from the ongoing recess, originally slated for Tuesday, April 16, 2024, to Tuesday, April 23, 2024. “This adjustment is necessary to accommodate the completion of renovations to the main chamber of the House of Representatives to ensure its readiness for plenary sessions, henceforth.” The Senate, through its Clerk, Mr Chinedu Akabueze, also made an announcement, shifting the resumption of Plenary by the senators from April 16 to April 23. Akabueze wrote, ” Distinguished Senators are hereby invited to note that the resumption of the plenary sitting of the Senate, which was scheduled for Tuesday, 16th April 2024, has been postponed to Tuesday 23rd April 2024.” The site engineer, Tajudeen Olanipekun, had early last month informed Senate Correspondents that the two main chambers would be ready for use by lawmakers in April this year.   Olanipekun’s assurance came soon after the President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, asked the Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA), Sani Magaji Tambawal, to ensure that both chambers were ready for use by senators and members of the House of Representatives latest by March 31. It was learnt that in compliance with the directive, the contractor, in the last five weeks, had completed the required finishings on the upgraded and reconfigured hallowed chambers fitted with modern equipment for ease of legislative duties. A visit to the area shows that the entire ambience of the space in and around the chambers has been transformed, just as barricades used to restrict movements at the foyer, have been removed. Recall that the FCDA had in March 2021, awarded N37 billion contracts for the rehabilitation of critical segments of the National Assembly complex, the construction of the Library, and the permanent site for the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC).