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Ikoyigate: Ex-NIA Boss, Wife To Be Docked Tomorrow

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Almost 16 months after he was sacked from office for fraud and other related offences, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed a four-count criminal charge against the former director-general of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ayodele Oke, and his wife, Mrs. Folashade Oke.
The anti-graft agency filed the charges yesterday before the Federal High Court in Lagos.

It accused Oke and his wife of concealing the sum of $43,449, 947 belonging to the federal government in property, located at Flat 7B, Osborne Towers, Ikoyi, Lagos.

The EFCC also accused the couple of converting to personal use the sum of $1,658,000 belonging to the federal government, funds they reasonably ought to have known formed part of proceeds of an unlawful act.

EFFC said that the offences contravened Section 15 (21(0) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act 2012 and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

They will be arraigned tomorrow before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke.

In count one, the EFFC alleged that Oke and his wife on or about the 12th April, 2017 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this court indirectly conceded the sum of $43, 449, 947 property of the federal government in Flat 73 No. 16 Osborne Road, Osborne Towers, Ikoyi, Lagos which sum he reasonably ought to have known formed part of proceeds of an unlawful act to wit: criminal breach of trust and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15 (21(0) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and punishable under Section 15(3) of the some Act.

The second count read that Oke and his wife between 25th August, 2015 and 2nd September, 2015 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this court indirectly used the sum of $1,658,000, property of the federal government to acquire Flat 75, No. 16, Osborne Road, Osborne Towers, Ikoyi, Lagos which they ought to know was part of the proceeds of an unlawful act to wit: criminal breach and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15 (2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and punishable under Section 15(3) of the some Act.

The third count read that Oke between 25th August,2015 and 2nd September, 2015 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of the court directly retained the sum of $160,777,136.85, property of the federal government he knew formed part of proceeds of an unlawful act to wit: criminal breach of trust and thereby committed on offence contrary to Section 15 (2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

The last count stated that Oke between 25th August,2015 and 2nd September, 2015 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of the court directly converted the sum of $160,777,136.85, property of the federal government “thereto to your own use which sum you reasonably ought to have known formed part of proceeds of an unlawful act and a criminal breach of trust” thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15 (2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) ACT, 2012 and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

Premier  recalls that the Justice Saudi Saidu of the same court had on January 19, 2018 ordered the permanent forfeiture of the sums of $43,449,947, £27,800 and N23,218,000 allegedly kept in the Ikoyi flat by Oke and his wife.

When the lead was blown off the saga, President Muhammadu Buhari in October 2017 sacked Oke following the report of the investigations conducted by a panel headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, into allegations of fraud levelled against him.

EFCC Files N500m Fraud Charge Against Babachir Lawal
Also yesterday, EFCC filed a 10-count charge of fraud and fraudulent acquisition of properties against former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), David Babachir Lawal and two other persons.

EFCC sources said he will be arraigned nextweek.
Also listed in the charge are Rholavision Engineering Ltd and Josmon Technologies Ltd, two companies allegedly used to perpetrate the contract fraud.
The charges were filed at a High Court in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Others listed as defendants in the case are the director of Rholavision Engineering Ltd, Hamidu, David Lawal, another staff of the company, Sulaiman Abubakar, and managing director of Josmon Technologies Ltd, Apeh Monday.

While Lawal allegedly awarded different contracts amounting to about N560million to companies where he held personal interest, his co-defendants were charged for abetting the SFG to own private interests in the companies and in the award of contracts to them.

The charges read: “That you Hamidu David Lawal being a director of Rholavision Engineering Ltd, Sulaiman Abubakar, being a staff of Rholavision Engineering Ltd, Apeh Monday John, being the managing director of Josmon Technologies Ltd and Rholavision Engineering Ltd on or about 4th March, 2016 in the Abuja Judicial Division of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory did abet the holding indirectly of a private interest by Engineer Babachlr Davld Lawal in the award of contract to Josmon Technologies Ltd for the removal of invasive plant species and simplified irrigation by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) through the Presidential Initiative for North East (PINE) to the tune of N272,524,356.02 which Rholavision Engineering Ltd executed and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 26 (1) (c) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 and punishable under Section 12 of the same Act,” Count 9 of the charge reads.

According to charge dated 30th January, 2019, filed on the same day, Lawal conspired to commit an offence to wit: fraudulent acquisition of property, and indirectly holding private interest in yje award of contracts.

Count 7 reads: “That you, Engineer Babachir David Lawal while being the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and a director of Rholavision Engineering Ltd on or about the 4th March, 2016 at Abuja in the Abuja Judicial Division of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory did knowingly hold indirectly a private interest in the contract awarded to Josmon Technologies Ltd, but executed by Rholavislon Engineering Ltd for the removal of invasive plant species and simplified irrigation to the tune of N272,524,356.02 by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) through the Presidential Initiative for North East (PINE) and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 12 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.”

A Senate ad-hoc committee on mounting humanitarian crisis in the Northeast had in December 2016 indicted Lawal for fraud in a contract awarded for the clearing of “invasive plant species” in Yobe State, through PINE.

The committee, chaired by Senator Sheu Sani alleged that PINE spent several millions of naira to cut grass.
Rholavision was said to have gotten suspicious payments of N200million from the contract. Sequel to the allegations, President Buhari in October 2017, relieved Babacahir of his duty as SGF and announced the appointment of Boss Gida Mustapha as his successor.

The Osinbajo panel also indicted him in its report.

 

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Transcorp Group delivers impressive Q1 2024 performance; sustains revenue growth of 173% and PBT of N45 billion

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AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Transnational Corporation Plc (“Transcorp” or the “Group”), Nigeria’s leading, listed conglomerate with investment in the Power, Hospitality, and Energy sectors, has announced impressive Q1 financial results for the period ended March 31, 2024.


In its Q1 2024 unaudited results, Transcorp reported significant year-on-year growth, with revenue rising to N88.6 billion from N32.4 billion in 2023, representing a 173% increase.


The impressive results are largely driven by a remarkable 209% year-on-year revenue growth within the power business, highlighting significant strategic progress as part of Transcorp Group’s implementation of its integrated power strategy.


The hospitality business recorded a 68% year-on-year growth in revenue, driven by an increase in occupancy rate from 75% to 82% compared to the previous year.


The results show substantial growth across all financial indicators, reinforcing its market leadership and strategic positioning.

Highlight of Transcorp Group Results:
• Q1 2024 Revenue was N88.6 billion, a significant increase of 173%, compared to Q1 2023.


• Operating income increased by 479%, from N8.5 billion in Q1 2023 to N49.1 billion in Q1 2024.


• Operating expenses saw an increase of 40% year on year to N8.2 billion in Q1 2024, reflecting the impact of inflation and cost of operations.


• Net finance cost increased by 14% to N3.7 billion in 2024 from N3.2 billion in 2023 due to a slightly higher interest rate review in line with MPR.


• Profit before tax from ordinary business of the Group surged by 1110%, amounting to N34.7 billion in Q1 2024, compared to N2.9 billion in Q1 2023 in the same period last year.


• Profit before tax inclusive of extra ordinary income was N45.7 billion in 2024 compared to N2.9 billion in 2023.


• The Group recorded extra ordinary income of N11 billion during the period from the realised gain from the sale of shares.


• Profit after Tax including the extra ordinary income improved 1832% year-on-year to N35.9 billion in Q1 2024, compared to N1.9 billion in Q1 2023 in the same period last year.


• Earnings per share of the Group was N61.12k in Q1 2024, compared to N2.58k in Q1 2023.


• On the balance sheet, total assets grew by 8.3%, from N530 billion in December 2023 to N574 billion in Q1 2024 due to the increase in operational activities.


• Shareholders’ funds increased by 20% from N187billion in December 2023 to N224 billion at the end of Q1 2024 due to profit accreted to retained earnings.

In response to the results, Dr. Owen D. Omogiafo, President/Group Chief Executive Officer of Transcorp, commented, “Our Q1 2024 results demonstrates Transcorp Group’s resilience and commitment to excellence.

Despite the challenges, we achieved growth across all major indices, focusing on operational efficiency at both our power plants, and maximising opportunities within our hospitality business, showing our ability to adapt and succeed in changing markets.

We will continue to deliver sustainable growth, operational efficiency, and value for our shareholders.”


This robust achievement is a further demonstration of the Group’s strategic focus and effective execution. Transcorp is dedicated to its transformation agenda, emphasising sustained growth and a relentless pursuit of long-term value for shareholders.

About Transnational Corporation Plc (Transcorp Plc)
Transnational Corporation Plc (Transcorp Group) is a leading, listed African conglomerate, with strategic investments in the power, hospitality, and energy sectors. Driven by its mission to improve lives and transform Africa, Transcorp has built a longstanding reputation for sector transformation, operational excellence, and exceptional financial performance, delivering value to its shareholders.
In the power sector, Transcorp’s businesses – Transcorp Power Plc and Transafam Power – provide over 16% of Nigeria’s installed power capacity.

Through its investments in the energy sector including OPL287, Transcorp is developing Nigeria’s domestic energy value chain.

The Group’s listed hospitality business, Transcorp Hotels Plc, owns the iconic Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Nigeria’s flagship hospitality destination, and Aura by Transcorp Hotels, a digital hospitality platform enabling travellers to book accommodation across Africa.

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AEDC Partners with Government and Stakeholders to Tackle Power Challenges in Nasarawa and Niger State.

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AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Amid mounting concerns over erratic power supply in Nasarawa State, Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc (AEDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the electricity challenges facing the region.

Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau, Speaker of Nasarawa State House of Assembly (middle), alongside Yakubu Suleiman Umar, GM of Nasarawa Electricity Power Agency (fifth left), and Engr. Johnathan Adeyemi, Chief Business Officer of Kogi, Niger, and Nasarawa (KNN) regions (sixth right), and other delegates engaged in a crucial dialogue on electricity service enhancement at the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Lafia on April 30th, 2024.

Engr. Jonathan Adeyemi, AEDC’s Chief Business Officer for Kogi, Niger, and Nasarawa, represented tye Disco at the Nasarawa State House of Assembly on April 30th, 2024, following its summon by the assembly to address the pressing issues.

Acknowledging the frustrations of residents grappling with inconsistent electricity provision, AEDC assured Niger State’s residents of its proactive measures to ameliorate the situation. Promising increased allocation contingent on national generation improvements, AEDC emphasized its dedication to meeting the energy needs of the community. Engr. Adeyemi also urged residents to embrace the deregulation of prepaid meters to expedite their deployment, thus facilitating more efficient monitoring and management of electricity consumption.

During constructive discussions with representatives from the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, both entities resolved to collaborate towards enhancing customer satisfaction and improved service delivery.

In Niger State, AEDC is working to proactively ensure the safety and security of its personnel and infrastructure. Engr. Samuel Odekina, the Niger State Regional Manager and his team, paid a courtesy visit to key law enforcement officials, including the Commissioner of Police, Niger State, CP Ebenezer Danmamman, and the Commandant of NSCDC Niger State Command, Cmdr. Joachin Okafor, on April 26th, 2024. The aim was to foster a conducive environment for reliable electricity supply by addressing pertinent security concerns.

Through continued dialogue and cooperation among AEDC, government agencies, and customers, there exists a shared determination to surmount challenges and improve the electricity landscape in both Niger and Nasarawa state respectively.

Customers were advised to escalate all electricity-related issues via AEDC’s social media platforms or its offices for technical or commercial support.

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Tree4Life Project: NEPL/Seplat JV, Edo Sign Reforestation Agreement

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AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

The NNPC Exploration and Production Ltd/Seplat Energy Joint Venture and the Edo State Government have signed an agreement that will see the state government allocate 6,000 hectares of land from its protected forest reserves to enable a large-scale tree planting initiative by Seplat Energy Plc.

This is in furtherance to the Seplat Tree4Life Initiative and the Edo State Government’s identification of the need to increase forest cover and carbon sequestration efforts within the region.

Seplat Energy has been selected as the partner to implement this reforestation project, which aims to plant millions of indigenous trees on the allocated land over the next five (5) years. This project represents a significant investment in environmental conservation and sustainable development for the state.

Speaking at the agreement signing ceremony, which happened in Edo State Government House, the Managing Director, Seplat West Limited, Seplat Energy, Ayodele Olatunde, said the partnership will contribute in the global efforts around mitigating the effects of climate change, whilst providing economic, social, health and other environmental benefits to the region.

“This will stir more advocacy as far as climate change is concerned and put the Edo State Government with the Seplat JV on the map as change agents. The partnership is well aligned with our Tree4Life Initiative and has the capacity to boost our economy and the environment; advance our soil health and drive carbon capture; preserve our ecosystem; enhance biodiversity; create jobs; conserve our forests; and promote physical and mental wellbeing of our people,” Olatunde said.

The Commissioner for Environment & Sustainability, Edo State, Joshua Omokhodion, said the synergy between Edo State and the Seplat JV is a huge attempt at mitigating the impacts of climate change in Nigeria. “Beyond the economics of this move, the science of it is very important to us because it is an attempt to deliberately create an ambience that will be conducive for humans and other creatures here.”

The Director, External Affairs & Social Performance, Seplat Energy, Chioma Afe, in her address, thanked the Edo State Government for partnering with the NEPL/Seplat JV on this sustainable journey of reforestation.  She said: “This will drive forward our shared goals of environmental conservation and sustainable land use.

“These 6,000 hectares of land being allocated today, we believe, will provide a major boost to efforts at increasing tree cover and also to sequester carbon in our region. We believe also that this will not only tackle climate change, but will promote the local economy as well as local wildlife. The agreement demonstrates the NEPL/Seplat JV strong commitment to supporting impactful environmental projects.

The Managing Director, NEPL, Nicolas Foucart, represented by Mr. Uzoma Ezulu, DM Operations Management Seplat, NEPL, said the partnership between the state government and NEPL/Seplat JV is a laudable response to the global warming crisis. “The world is turning around for the worst; human activities in the name of development have done more harm than good to the environment. The Tree4Life project, therefore, is a conservative effort for all of us,” he said. Teasoo Consulting Limited was also among the facilitators of the agreement signing ceremony.

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