Tag: Nigeria

EFCC blocks more than 300 accounts over illicit FX flows, discovers new crypto trading platform

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, said on Tuesday the commission has frozen more than 300 accounts over suspicious foreign exchange flows.

Olukoyede, who disclosed this to journalists in Abuja, said the EFCC has discovered another worse scheme other than crypto trading platform Binance and its system.

He said the scheme popularly called the “P to P” peer- peer financial trading scheme has operated outside the official banking and financial corridors.

The EFCC warned that the scheme could further crashed the value of Naira value if unchecked.

The Federal Government is currently prosecuting Binance Holdings Limited and its two officials, Tigran Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla, for alleged tax evasion and other crimes.

Security agents in Kenya last week arrested Anjarwalla, who fled Nigeria some weeks ago.

Olukoyede said: “There are people in this country doing worse than Binance. Over $15bn passed through one of the platforms in the last one year outside the financial regulations.”

Source

April 23, 2024
Alleged N8.5bn Fraud: You Have Case To Answer, Lagos Court Tells NIMASA Staff, E

Alleged N8.5bn Fraud: You Have Case To Answer, Lagos Court Tells NIMASA Staff, Ex-JTF Commander

Justice Ayokunle Faji of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Monday, April 22, 2024, told a former Commander of the Joint Military Task Force, Operation Pulo Shield, Major-General Emmanuel Atewe ( rtd.), and a staff of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Kime Engonzu, that they have a case to answer in the alleged N8.5bn money laundering case brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Atewe and Engonzu are standing trial on a 22-count charge bordering on money laundering to the tune of N8, 537,586,798.58, which also involves a former Director-General of NIMASA, Patrick Akpobolokemi, and Josephine Otuaga, also a staff of NIMASA.

One of the counts reads: “That you, Patrick Ziadeke Akpobolokemi, Major General Emmanuel Atewe, Kime Engozu, and Josphine Otuaga, sometime in 2014, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Court, with intent to defraud, conspired amongst yourselves to commit an offence to wit: conversion of the sum of N8,537,586,798.58 property of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2012 and punishable under Section 15 (3) of the same Act.”

They pleaded “not guilty” to the charges, thereby prompting the commencement of their trial.

In the course of the trial, the prosecution called several witnesses and subsequently closed its case against the defendants.

However, the defendants, rather than open their defence, filed a no-case-submission.

Akpobolokemi had, in a no-case submission, filed by his lawyer, Dr. Joseph Nwobike, SAN, prayed the court for an acquittal without having him present a defence.

Ruling on the no-case submission on Monday, Justice Faji discharged and acquitted Akpobolokemi and Otuaga, the fourth defendant. He however, ruled that Atewe, the second defendant, and Engonzu, the third defendant, should open their defence in counts 12 to 22 of the charge.

Visit www.efcc.gov.ng for more stories

April 23, 2024
Tension In Imo Community After Alleged Killing Of Resident By Vigilante Group

The is tension at Okwu Uratta community in the Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo state as youths of the area have staged a protest over the death of a resident of the community identified as Mr. Friday Njoku.

According to a source in the community, the deceased was allegedly killed by the vigilantee group operating in the community.

An indigene of the community who does not want to be mentioned said the community youth accused Mr. Emmanuel Abakporo who is the leader of the vigilante group and also an officer of the state command of the Nigeria Correctional Service of allegedly supervising the killing of Njoku.

The source said “our community is on fire. The youths are on rampage. A young man by name Friday Njoku was killed on Sunday and his body dumped there. People saw that it was the security people in the community that shot him dead.

“On Tuesday morning, the youths grouped and stormed the house of the leader of the security men but met his absence. They beat his son to stupor and went to his wife’s shop and destroyed everything there. They returned to his house and set it ablaze.

“But as I speak to you, policemen have arrived in the area and doing everything possible to restore normalcy. The leader of the vigilante group members is an officer of the Nigeria Correctional Service. He works at the state command headquarters. The family of the victim is demanding justice. The youths of the community are demanding justice.”

However, when contacted, the spokesperson for the police in the state, Henry Okoye, said that the state commissioner of police, Danjuma Aboki, had sent men to the scene for a rescue mission.

Tension In Imo Community After Alleged Killing Of Resident By Vigilante Group is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Source

April 23, 2024

Engagement of Consultant for Public Finance Analysis/Budget Monitoring Training of Trainers for Staff at Plan International April, 2024

Never pay for any CBT, test or assessment as part of any recruitment process. When in doubt, contact us

Purpose of the Consultancy Assignment:

Plan International Nigeria in its new strategy, recognises the interplay of different aspects of governance in the ability of the government, the state, and its institutions to attend to issues affecting the citizens, especially children, girls, and women. In the new strategy, Girls Are Empowered to Take Action and Drive Change, it states in part that “The current situation of child rights and gender equality for girls in Nigeria is influenced by the interplay of a range of social, legal, economic, environmental, technological, and political factors. Whilst there have been legal and policy reforms which have influenced some small but significant shifts in awareness and practices, there are still significant gaps between policies and implementation”. These gaps as further illustrated by the strategy include “Weak political will, inadequate resources, and capacity required for policy and practice impact”. Taking a prime place among these challenges is the commitment of resources to addressing issues of concern, appropriation for gender-responsive capital projects and services and cash backing at the appropriate moments. This, thus means that intervention agencies such as Plan International Nigeria and others like it must of necessity, pay attention to budgetary processes, i.e. from envelopes development to budget defence, approval, assent, and implementation.

If there are issues with the budgetary process and the proposals contained in the appropriation bills at the federal and states levels, implementation of the budgets and the budget performances are also issues of great concern. Much of the attention in public finance analyses are devoted to the scrutiny of the proposed budgets, with limited or near-zero attention to the implementation of the budgets. It is in the monitoring of the implementation perhaps that the relevance of the budget to the people, the purposefulness of the budget, and its intention could be gleaned.

The relevance of a budget to national development and the aspirations of citizens across the different states is significant and the defence of the rights of citizens or the viability of a rights-based approach to social interventions is also tied to the existence of a budget conscious of the developmental needs of the citizens. This is so, as the budget serves as a crucial tool for governments to allocate resources, prioritise spending, and achieve broader economic and social goals. For any meaningful intervention by any NGO or other intervention agencies, there is need to have capacity for budget engagement, familiarity with the budgetary process, and support of the citizens and their agencies to do same.

It is in line with this that a Training of Trainers is planned for selected staff of Plan International Nigeria at the field offices and the country office.

To ensure that the training is fit for purpose and deliver on its intention of capacity building of staff to step down the training to other staff, partners and youth platforms, the services of a lead trainers and other support will be accessed.

Specific Scope:

Plan International Nigeria is seeking consultant to support capacity building of selected staff picked from the field offices and the country office in a Training of Trainers in Public Finance Analysis and Budget Tracking. The staff so trained, are expected after the training to have the capacity to train other staff, partner organizations, and representatives of young people organizations we work with.

Roles and Responsibilities of Consultants

Design, draft, and implement a comprehensive three-day training scheme that would provide trainees insight into budgetary processes and procedures, institutions and structures involved in budgetary processes and their roles.
Ensure the training manual is disseminated to the appropriate team members at Plan International Nigeria prior to the training session.
Build capacity of participants on basics elements of budgets and of budget analysis, structures and understanding the variances in budget expenses and revenue.
Participate in and lead relevant sessions on Public Finance Analyses and Budgetary Advocacy.

Expose participants to basic elements and characters of citizen-centred and gender-responsive budgetary process and budget.

Support participants to create actionable plans to promote Public Finance Analysis and Budget Advocacy

Deliverables, Time Frame and Level of Effort

The period of the contract will be expected to cover a maximum of four days as per agreed upon timeline. The consultants are expected to carry out all the preparations required to facilitate the training as per the suggested time frame below:

Tasks	Deliverables	Expected Time Frame
Train Staff on Public Finance Analysis, Budget Advocacy, Tracking and Monitoring	Training Resources Training of participants Post-training check and review	3 days
Feedback, recommendation and submission of Report	Process Report and Final Report	1 day

Click Here To Apply

April 23, 2024

Police arrest three suspected kidnappers in Nasarawa

Operatives of the Nasarawa State Police Command have arrested three suspected kidnappers in Karu Local Government Area of the state.

The spokesperson for the command, DSP Ramhan Nansel in a statement issued on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, said the suspects namely Babangida Abdullahi, 29, Mohammed Abubakar, 27, and Yakubu Sani,30, were arrested by operatives attached to the Mararaba ‘A’ Division of the Nigeria Police.

“The suspects allegedly conspired among themselves and placed a call across to one Ibrahim Idris of the same address, an uncle to one of the suspects,” the statement reads.

“They threatened to kidnap him if he doesn’t pay a ransom of N2 million

“Scared of being kidnapped, the victim dropped the total sum requested by the suspects at their preferred location; after which they picked it up and shared it among themselves.”

The statement added that the three suspects have all confessed to the commission of the crime and effort is ongoing to arrest one member of the syndicate who escaped arrest by whiskers

Source

April 23, 2024
ADDICTION CONCERNS: EU opens probe into TikTok Lite after US govt moves to ban app

The European Union (EU) has launched a second official investigation into TikTok Lite’s operations. This action comes after a more thorough investigation in February.

The EU claims that the well-known social media site, which is owned by Bytdance, is violating the Digital Services Act (DSA) in the area.

According to additional sources, the investigation focuses on TikTok Lite’s addictive qualities. TikTok Lite is a condensed version of the app that runs more slowly on weaker internet connections and requires less memory on smartphones.

“We suspect TikTok Lite could be as toxic and addictive as” light cigarettes, Thierry Breton, the commissioner for the EU Internal Market, wrote in a press release announcing the probe. “We will spare no effort to protect our children.”

This comes days after Tiktok reacted after a move to ban the app in the US passed a revised bill compelling its parent company to either sell or face an outright ban.

READ ALSO:Tiktok set to launch new app to rival Zuckerberg’s Instagram

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill on Monday that follows a similar bill that was already passed by the House in March and mooted by the previous administration, which was headed by former US President Donald Trump.

Recall that Democrats and Republicans had earlier expressed concerns about the app’s owner, the Chinese technology company ByteDance Ltd., raising national security issues.

In response, the Tiktok ban was implemented; a stand-alone bill with a shorter, six-month selling limit passed the House in March with a resounding bipartisan vote.

In response to the proposed ban, Tiktok said that if the bill is passed, it will likely launch a lawsuit to try to overturn it, arguing that millions of users of the app will be deprived of their First Amendment rights.

Source

April 23, 2024
‘I would Be Arrested If I Come Out Of Hiding – Ex-Kogi Gov Yahaya Bello Tells Court

Former Governor of Kogi State, Mr Yahaya Bello has said he’s hiding because he’s scared of being arrested.

Bello, through a member of his legal team, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, stated this before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court Abuja on Tuesday, why he would remain in hiding.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had preferred a 19-count charge against the former strongman of Kogi after he evaded arrest and was smuggled out of his Abuja residence.

The court on Tuesday also ordered the EFCC to serve the runaway politician a copy of the charge against him through one of his lawyers, Abdulwahab Mohamed.

However, Adedipe told the court, “The defendant wants to come to court but he is afraid that there is an order of arrest hanging on his head.”

He urged the court to set aside the ex parte order of arrest it earlier issued against the former governor arguing that, “As at the time the warrant was issued, the order for substituted service had not been made. That order was just made this morning.

“A warrant of arrest should not be hanging on his neck when we leave this court,” counsel to the defendant added.

EFCC Is An Illegal Organisation – Bello

Bello through his counsel argued that the EFCC lacked the power to prosecute him as it’s an illegal organisation.

He contended that the Federal Government did not consult the 36 States of the federation before it enacted the EFCC Act through the National Assembly.

According to him, section 12 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, required the various Houses of Assembly of states to ratify the Act before it could become operative.

“This is a very serious matter that borders on the Constitution and the tenets of federalism. It has to be resolved because as it stands, the EFCC is an illegal organisation,” Bello’s lawyer argued.

Bello Must Come Out Of Hiding To Defend Himself – EFCC

But the EFCC through its lawyer, Mr. Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, urged the court to refuse the application, arguing that, “The defendant cannot stay in hiding and be filing numerous applications. He cannot ask for the arrest order to be vacated until and when the defendant is present in court for his arraignment. He cannot be heard on that applied application.

“The main issue should be ascertaining the whereabouts of the defendant. All these applications he is filing are nothing but dilatory tactics intended to delay his arraignment and frustrate the proceedings.

“If he wants the order of arrest to be discharged, let him come here and make the application.

“Our position is that the defendant should be denied the right of being heard, until he is physically present before this court,” Pinheiro states.

According to him, in line with section 396 of ACJA, 2015, the court could not effectively assume jurisdiction to decide any application or objection in the matter, until the defendant is arraigned, adding that, “If he (Bello’s Lawyer) gives an undertaking that his client will be in court on the next date, I can assure him that the arrest warrant will not be executed.

“If he gives that assurance, as the prosecution, I will personally apply for the warrant to be discharged,” EFCC’s lawyer assured.

The anti-graft agency told the court, “The charge before this court is not against a state or House of Assembly, but against an individual who is said to have laundered public funds.

“It is against an individual who is said to have taken public funds to buy houses in Lagos, Maitama and also transferred funds to his accounts abroad,” EFCC added.

‘I would Be Arrested If I Come Out Of Hiding – Ex-Kogi Gov Yahaya Bello Tells Court is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Source

April 23, 2024
Facility Officer at St. Ives Specialist Hospital

St.Ives is a multi-specialist hospital which opened in 1996. The hospital offers dedicated specialist services in all matters of women,children and family health, managed by a group of consultants in Obstetrics & Gynaecology,Paediatrics,Medicine & SurgeryJob Description

Manage unplanned hospital maintenance , repair and recovery for the facility as required.
Ensure that the hospital’s facility is fully operational with all utilities functioning properly.
Operate and manage waste management processes.
Carry out daily walk rounds, ensuring the building fabric is in good order, noting any defect and raising it with management via reports and reviews.
Monitor and ensure that agreed work by contactors are completed satisfactorily and follow up on any deficiencies.
Follow-up on timelines to ensure periodic services such as generator and facility fumigation is rendered as at when due.
Prepare weekly and monthly report of the facility activities.
Respond appropriately to emergencies or urgent issues as they arise.
Maintain detail log of complaints, response and response time.
Ensure that basic facilities, such as water, sewer are well maintained.
Maintain a detailed log of failing components replaced and associated cost.

Job Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in any related field.
Excellent negogiation ,time management skills.
Candidates must have 2-6years experience.

Click Here To Apply

April 23, 2024
FG to start disbursement of N200b intervention fund to MSMEs and manufacturers

The Federal Government says it will soon commence the loan disbursement process for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) and manufacturers under the Presidential N200 billion Intervention Fund scheme.

President Bola Tinubu launched the scheme on October 17, 2023, to cushion the effects of the removal of petrol subsidy.

Announcing the disbursement of the funds, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite, in a statement yesterday, noted that the decision was taken following the success of the ongoing disbursements targeted at supporting one million nano businesses across the country.

According to her, N75 billion each has been allocated to support MSMEs and the manufacturing sector under the Presidential Intervention Fund. This is in addition to the N50 billion set aside to support the nano businesses.

Uzoka-Anite said;

“The Federal Government of Nigeria is proud to announce the operational launch of the MSME and Manufacturing segment under the prestigious Presidential N200 Billion Intervention Fund.

“With applications for the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme now closed, we are excited to move forward with the loan disbursement process for the MSME and manufacturing sectors, aimed at boosting economic growth and industrial development.

“This fund is strategically divided, dedicating N75 billion to MSMEs and another N75 billion to the manufacturing sector.

“We are pleased to report that the initial disbursement to nano businesses has been met with success, and we are well on our way to supporting one million nano businesses throughout the country.

“Thousands of beneficiaries have already confirmed receipt with many more to come.

“We invite eligible enterprises to join this transformative initiative. To apply, please visit our official application portal at www.fedgrantandloan.gov.ng.

“Additionally, applicants seeking more detailed information should visit their local state Bank of Industry (boI) branch.”

Source

April 23, 2024
Chinese commerce chamber breaks silence, denies restricting Nigerians from Abuja supermarket

The China General Chamber of Commerce (CGCC) in Nigeria has finally addressed the row surrounding the alleged discrimination against Nigerians who were barred from shopping at the supermarket.

The chamber said no Nigerian has been subjected to discrimination or denied access to Royal Choice, a Chinese supermarket.

Earlier, the Federal Competition and Consumer and Protection Commission (FCCPC), on Monday, sealed up the supermarket located at the China General Chamber of Commerce over allegations of discrimination against Nigerians.

The FCCPC officials shut the supermarket after the owners of the supermarket fled the premises on Monday.

The workers at the facility disclosed that the owner of the supermarket, a Chinese lady, Cindy Liu Bei, fled on Monday morning at 8:26am with her family as confirmed on the Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) camera.

READ ALSO:Owner flees, as govt seals Abuja Chinese supermarket where Nigerians are barred from shopping

Reacting, Cui Guangzheng, secretary of China Chamber of Commerce, in a statement in Abuja on Monday claimed that no Nigerian was discriminated against.

“The China Chamber of Commerce is one of several enterprises using the facility, and the supermarket in question is located in the residential area of the estate,” he said.

“No individual was subjected to discrimination or denied access to the estate or supermarket to purchase groceries as widely believed.

“We regret any altercation at the estate’s entrance gate between the security personnel and a customer, it does not reflect the official position of the estate management or the chamber of commerce.”

Guangzheng also said the principles of the chamber of commerce are to enhance friendship between the people of both countries and promote economic development.

By: Babajide Okeowo

Source

April 23, 2024

Tag: Nigeria

EFCC Is An Illegal Organisation – Bello