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Court Orders Final Forfeiture Of Amosu’s N2.2bn

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A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered final forfeiture of N2.24 billion recovered from a former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu, to the Federal Government.

Justice Mojisola Olatoregun gave  the order following an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on June 7, 2018.

The EFCC had said that the sum was reasonably suspected to be proceeds of an unlawful activity.

The judge also ordered final forfeiture an order for the forfeiture of N190,828,978.15k recovered by EFCC from a former Nigeria Air Force (NAF) Director of Finance and Budget, Air Commodore Olugbenga Gbadebo.

Olatoregun further ordered final  forfeiture of N101 million recovered from Solomon Enterprises, a company linked to Amosu.

The court had earlier granted an interim order of forfeiture of the sums.

It directed the EFCC to publish the interim order in The Nation and Punch newspapers so that the respondents or anyone interested can show cause as to why the final order of forfeiture should not be made in favour of the Federal Government.

Amosu and an interested party, Air Vice Marshal Bolaji Adigun, had filed counter-application, arguing that the funds were proceeds of their personal businesses and not from illegal activities.

At the resumed hearing today,  Olatoregun dismissed the applications, saying that they failed to provide facts to ascertain if the funds were obtained unlawfully.

“Upon examination of the two applications from the first respondent  (Amosu) and the interested party, dated July 28, 2018, and asking that the interim orders be set aside,  I found nothing to set aside the order.

“The affidavits filed disclosed no reason why the order of final forfeiture should not be made; the applications are hereby dismissed. The only conclusion I can reach is that these funds are proceeds of an unlawful activity.

“I hereby order the final forfeiture of these sums to the Federal Government of Nigeria: N2,244,500,000, N190,828,978.15 and N101 million.

“The funds should be paid into the nominated GTB treasury single account of the Federal Government and an affidavit of compliance filed within 14 days.” Olatoregun ruled.

Amosu, Gbadebo and a former NAF Chief of Accounts and Budget, Air Vice Marshal Jacob, were on trial before Justice Mohammed Idris of the Federal High Court before the judge was elevated to the court of Appeal.

The premier reports that the trial is expected to start afresh before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke.

EFCC accused them of converting N21 billion from NAF through various companies, namely Delfina Oil and Gas Ltd., Mcallan Oil and Gas Ltd., Hebron Housing and Properties Company Ltd., Trapezites BDC, Fonds and Pricey Ltd., Deegee Oil and Gas Ltd., Timsegg Investment Ltd. and Solomon Health Care Ltd.

Amosu and Adigun were alleged to have, between July 17, 2014, and Sept. 16, 2014,  removed over N663.4 million from the Nigerian Air Force accounts to purchase properties at  50-52 Tenterden Grove, London (NW4 1TH) and at 93B Shirehall Park, London NW4 2QU.

They were also accused of buying 40A, Bourdillon, Ikoyi, with N900 million, and a property at Sinari Daranijo on Victoria Island with N1.5 billion.

EFCC said they also bought a property named Cappadol Mall on Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Wuse II, Abuja, for N750 million, as well as a property worth over N1.7 billion on Agobogba Street, Parkview, Ikoyi, Lagos, using the air force’s money.

Other properties they allegedly bought with stolen funds include one on Salt Lake Street, Maitama, Abuja, another on Agadez Street, off Aminu Kano Crescent, Abuja, and a property at 61A, Lake Chad Street, Maitama, Abuja, as well as one at 1, River Street, Wuse II  Abuja, using alleged stolen funds.

The defendants equally allegedly used N428,139,539.00 removed from NAF accounts to renovate and purchase medical equipment for Solomon HealthCare Ltd. situated at 24, Adeniyi Jones Street, Ikeja.

 

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NiMet DG/CEO Anosike Tasks Staff On Transparent Processes At 2024 Budget Retreat

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NiMet DG/CEO Anosike Tasks Staff On Transparent Processes At 2024 Budget Retreat

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

The Director General, Chief Executive Officer of The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Professor Charles Anosike, has asked Directors and staff of the agency to ensure strict compliance to budgetary provisions.
Professor Anosike was speaking at the Budget Retreat of the agency on Monday, 6th May, 2024.

While declaring the retreat open, Professor Anosike said; “The NiMet Budget Retreat is fundamental for the new management and staff. It is an opportunity for us to improve our budgetary practices and also to discuss the 2024 budgetary provisions”.

Continuing, Professor Anosike tasked the Directors and senior staff of the agency who participated in the retreat to listen, participate and contribute to the robust discussions.

“Anticipated outcome of the retreat is that all will embrace performance-based budgeting which will lead to transparent and accountable budgetary processes.
This will help management and staff to achieve our set goals during the budget year, in line with the performance bond signed with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN”, Professor Anosike concluded.

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ASR AFRICA COMMENCES CONSTRUCTION OF 500-CAPACITY LECTURE THEATRE AND FACILITIES WORTH 250 MILLION NAIRA FOR ADAMAWA UNIVERSITY

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AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H


The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) commences the construction of a 500-capacity lecture theatre and wash facilities for the Adamawa State University, Mubi.

L-R: Nakama Keri, Multilateral Coordination Specialist, ASR Africa; Dr. Ubon Udoh, MD/CEO, ASR Africa; Dr. Stephen A. Lagu, Ag. Vice Chancellor, Adamama State University; Engr E. B. Filli, Director, Physical Planning & Devt., and Mallam Aminu Aliyu Alkali, Registrar at the Groundbreaking Ceremony in Mubi, Adamawa State.

This project is coming after the nomination of the institution as a recipient of the ASR Africa Tertiary Education Grant Scheme (TEGS), by the Board of Directors of the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative.


Speaking at the event, the Acting Vice Chancellor of the University, Dr. Stephen A. Lagu, expressed his appreciation to the Chairman of BUA group and ASR Africa, Abdul Samad Rabiu, for the rare philanthropy gesture towards the university.

He stated that the intervention of the Chairman would reduce the physical infrastructure deficit at their new campus and promote sanitation and hygiene in the university.

L-R: Dr. Ubon Udoh, MD/CEO, ASR Africa and Dr. Stephen A. Lagu, Ag. Vice Chancellor Adamawa State University at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Abdul Samad Rabiu 500-capacity Lecture Hall with other facilities.

He added that the choice of the 500-seat lecture theatre with the four boreholes at different locations within the campus was identified and agreed to by the relevant organs of the institution with the ASR Africa team.


Dr Ubon Udoh (MD / CEO, ASR Africa), in his remarks, congratulated the institution for qualifying for the nomination by the Board of Directors of ASR Africa.

He stated that the rigorous selection process which includes stringent criteria such as the quality of service delivered by the university and the pedigree of graduands from the institution at the national and international levels, proves that the university is keeping up with its vision as a leading institution of learning in the region.

He encouraged the management and students to ensure proper use and maintenance of the facilities as a show of appreciation for the grant given to them.


The Tertiary Education Grant Scheme of the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative is part of the efforts of the Chairman of BUA Group and ASR Africa, Abdul Samad Rabiu to give back to the African continent and make a lasting impact in education as a means of uplifting and restoring the dignity and lives of Africans.


About ASR Africa
ASR Africa is the brainchild of African Industrialist, Philanthropist and Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) was established in 2021 to provide sustainable, impact-based, homegrown solutions to developmental issues affecting Health, Education and Social Development within Africa. 

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Seplat Energy Named Daily Independent’s Indigenous Oil & Gas Company of the Year

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… Also Emerges as The Industry’s Sustainable Energy Company for 2023

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Seplat Energy PLC, leading Nigerian independent energy company listed on both the Nigerian Exchange and the London Stock Exchange, has clinched the Daily Independent Newspaper’s Indigenous Oil & Gas Company of the Year Award.

L-R: Publisher, The Niche Newspaper, Ikechukwu Amaechi; General Manager, Finance, Seplat Energy Plc, Adetaiwo Osindero; Manager Corporate Communications, Stanley Opara; and Associate General Counsel Corporate & Compliance, Adebowale Eboda, at the Daily Independent Newspaper Awards, where Seplat Energy was name as the Indigenous Oil & Gas Company of the Year, held in Lagos … recently.  

 The company was recognised for recording remarkable exploits in the Nigerian oil and gas sector while partnering local communities who are seen and treated as key stakeholders to its operations and overall corporate well-being through inclusive engagement models.

Speaking at the Independent Newspaper Award Ceremony held in Lagos at the weekend, the Managing Director/Editor-In-Chief of the Publication, Mr. Steve Omanufeme, said Seplat Energy was also recognised for its invaluable contributions to the Nigerian economy in many other ways since it was founded, including the supply of natural gas to the domestic market while helping to displace expensive and carbon-intensive oil based power, which dominates Nigeria’s electricity sector.

Omanufeme added: “In all of these, the Company creates direct and indirect employment, while enhancing expertise and technology across the nation’s energy value-chain.

L-R: Head of Marketing, PZ Wilmar, Chioma Mbanugo; Manager Corporate Communications, Seplat Energy Plc, Stanley Opara; and Head of Digital Marketing (B2C) Olam Grains Nigeria, Oladotun Babatunde,  during The Industry Summit & Awards, where Seplat Energy emerged as the Sustainable Energy Company of the Year, held in Lagos … recently.

“This award is to celebrate this Company that has stayed committed to its mission of leading Nigeria’s energy transition with accessible, affordable, and reliable energy that drives social and economic prosperity.”

The award ceremony was attended by leaders across industries in Nigeria, regulators, politicians, and other government leaders. Seplat Energy was represented at the event by General Manager, Finance, Adetaiwo Osindero; Associate General Counsel Corporate & Compliance, Adebowale Eboda; and Manager Corporate Communications, Stanley Opara.

In a related development, The Industry Newspaper at its 2024 Summit and Awards, also announced Seplat Energy as the Sustainable Energy Company of the Year whilst its Director, External Affairs & Social Performance, Chioma Afe, was honoured as the 2023 Industry Pathfinder in Sustainability (Corporate).

The Publication noted that Seplat Energy has demonstrated the capacity to be responsible and adhering to the ethics of the business during the period under review.

Responding to the awards by Daily Independent and The Industry Newspapers, Seplat Energy thanked the publications for the recognition and commended them for their display of professionalism, tact and commitment to developmental reportage over the years.

The company thus reemphasized its resolve to leading energy transition in Nigeria with strong focus on the environment, communities and governance frameworks.  

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