On Air Now:
Now Playing:Loading...
site loader
March 5, 2025 EFCC Questions Former Akwa Ibom Governor Emmanuel Over Alleged ₦700bn Fraud

EFCC Questions Former Akwa Ibom Governor Emmanuel Over Alleged ₦700bn Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained Udom Emmanuel, the former governor of Akwa Ibom State, over an alleged ₦700 billion fraud. Emmanuel was taken into custody on Tuesday after responding to an EFCC summons to address accusations of money laundering and fund diversion leveled against him by the Network Against Corruption and Trafficking.

According to the petitioner, Emmanuel received ₦3 trillion from the Federation Account during his eight-year tenure but left behind a ₦500 billion debt and ₦300 billion in unfinished projects. The allegations further claim he cannot account for ₦700 billion of the funds. EFCC operatives are currently interrogating him as part of an ongoing investigation.

Attempts to reach EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale for comment were unsuccessful.

Emmanuel governed Akwa Ibom State from 2015 to 2023 under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) banner.

In a related development, last Friday, the EFCC brought charges against former Abia State Governor Theodore Orji and four others before the Abia State High Court. The group, which includes Orji’s son, Engineer Chinedum Orji; former Abia Finance Commissioner Dr. Philip Nto; contractor Obioma King; and ex-Director of Finance Romas Madu, faces a 16-count indictment centered on conspiracy to steal and misappropriate roughly ₦47 billion intended for various government initiatives.

The accusations specify that between 2011 and 2015, they misappropriated ₦22.5 billion earmarked for security votes, siphoned ₦13 billion from a Diamond Bank loan, and diverted ₦12 billion from the Paris Club refund. Additionally, they allegedly misdirected ₦10.5 billion from a First Bank loan meant for the state and its local councils, as well as ₦2 billion from Central Bank of Nigeria funds designated for small and medium enterprises.

All five defendants entered not guilty pleas and were granted bail. The trial has been scheduled for June 18 and 19, 2025, before Chief Judge Justice Lilian Abai.

March 4, 2025 Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Legal Team Denounces Viral Fake Letter

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Legal Team Denounces Viral Fake Letter

The legal team representing Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has debunked a widely circulated letter supposedly from “Indemnity Partners,” labeling it as fraudulent, suspicious, and entirely fabricated.

The document, dated November 4, 2022, and allegedly addressed to Chief Uduaghan, leveled various accusations concerning business disputes and personal issues involving Akpoti-Uduaghan and her husband. However, B. C. Igwilo, SAN, speaking on behalf of the senator’s legal counsel, categorically rejected any connection to the letter and called on the public to disregard its claims.

In an official statement, the law firm declared: “We have become aware of a letter making rounds on social media, falsely claiming to originate from our firm and pertaining to our client and her spouse. We unequivocally disassociate ourselves from this supposed letter and its contents. It is a counterfeit document of questionable origin, and we strongly advise the public to pay it no heed.”

The forged letter, titled “In the Matter of Breach of Promise of Marriage, Poisoning, Financial Loss, and Indebtedness to Ms. Natasha Akpoti,” falsely suggested it was drafted under Akpoti-Uduaghan’s direction. It included grave but unsubstantiated allegations, ranging from financial disagreements and relationship disputes to assertions of physical harm.

The Indemnity Chamber, the senator’s appointed legal representatives, explicitly disavowed the letter and cautioned against what they described as a deliberate effort by unknown parties to disseminate misinformation. “This letter neither originated from us nor could it have. We implore the public to dismiss this blatant attempt to spread falsehoods,” the statement concluded.

The firm emphasized its dedication to safeguarding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s reputation and vowed to pursue appropriate legal action against those responsible for the deceptive documen

 

March 4, 2025 Vinicius: The Ballon d’Or Was Never My Dream

Vinicius: The Ballon d’Or Was Never My Dream

Vinicius, the Real Madrid standout, has once again emphasized that the Ballon d’Or has never been his ultimate aspiration.

The Brazilian star made this statement following his failure to secure the prestigious award last season, despite an impressive haul of silverware with Real Madrid, including the Champions League and La Liga titles.

Speaking to TribalFootball, Vinicius expressed his preference for team success over individual accolades like the Ballon d’Or.

“The voting reflects people’s opinions,” he said. “I have my own views, my teammates have theirs, and the incredible support I receive pushes me to keep moving forward.

“Winning it was never my dream, though naturally, when you’re so close, the desire kicks in.

“But I’ve got more chances ahead to claim awards and, more importantly, titles with this club. I’ve already lifted two Champions League trophies, and I’m here to add plenty more to the collection.”

 

March 4, 2025 Lagos Halts E-Call Up System Along Lekki-Epe Corridor

Lagos Halts E-Call Up System Along Lekki-Epe Corridor

The Lagos State Government has decided to temporarily halt the implementation of the Electronic Call Up system along the Lekki-Epe corridor. This decision comes in response to requests from key stakeholders in the petroleum and transport sectors, including members of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), and the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO). These groups urged the government to delay the system's rollout to facilitate wider consultations with their members.

In a statement released on Tuesday by the Lagos Ministry of Transportation, the government confirmed the suspension of the E-Call-Up system. The move aims to provide NUPENG, IPMAN, and NARTO additional time to engage with their respective memberships. The statement explained, “Following a meeting held at the Ministry of Transportation’s Conference Room in Lagos State, the Ministry agreed to the union leaders’ request—representing NUPENG, IPMAN, NARTO, and the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD)—to pause the enforcement of the e-call-up system. This will allow them to conduct further discussions with their members.”

The union leaders, in turn, committed to ensuring their members adhere to parking regulations during this consultation period. However, the Ministry warned that it would resume enforcement of the E-Call-Up system should any violations occur. The statement emphasized, “While these engagements are ongoing, the Ministry will step in to enforce the system if the unions fail to uphold their promise.”

All parties at the meeting acknowledged the E-Call-Up system as the most effective solution for managing truck traffic along the Lekki-Epe highway. The meeting was attended by key figures, including the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olawale Musa, and representatives from NUPENG, IPMAN, NARTO, and the Petroleum Tanker Drivers, a division of NUPENG.

Watch Live

x
PHP Code Snippets Powered By : XYZScripts.com
X