The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has sacked the boards of Union Bank, Polaris Bank, Keystone Bank and Titan Trust Bank.
The boards of directors and chief executives of the banks were invited to a meeting on Wednesday, January 10 where they were addressed for 30 minutes each by the apex bank’s Deputy Governor in charge of Financial System Stability, Phillip Ikeazor.
Three other governors formed the panel that addressed the bank executives. They include the Deputy Governor in charge of Operations, Emem Usoro, the Deputy Governor in charge of Economic Policy, Muhammad Abdullahi and the Deputy Governor in charge of Corporate Services, Bala Bello.
The panel reeled out issues of non-compliance and other infractions committed by the affected banks and then formally sacked the boards.
This followed the recent report of the Special Investigator on Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Related entities, Jim Obazee.
Earlier, the special investigator appointed by President Bola Tinubu, invited the investors in Titan Trust Bank, but they reportedly refused to honour the invitation to a meeting with the Special Investigator.
The apex bank will be issuing an official statement shortly.
EFCC Seizes Edu, Umar-Farouq’s Passports, Arraigns, Remands Former Minister of Power and Steel, Olu Agunloye
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has seized the travel documents of suspended minister Betta Edu and her predecessor Sadiya Umar-Farouq who are being probed for various alleged financial malfeasance during their separate stewardship of the Humanitarian Affairs Ministry.
Also, top sources within the commission said the EFCC seized the passport of former National Coordinator of the National Social Investment Programme (NSIPA), Halima Shehu, who is also being probed for alleged embezzlement of N44.8bn.
The EFCC had said it recovered about N39.8 billion out of N44.8billion allegedly embezzled from the government account by Shehu.
Meanwhile, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned the former Minister of Power and Steel, Mr Olu Agunloye, before Justice Donatus Okorowo of the Federal High court, over allegations of fraud.
Mr Agunloye was brought before the court on Wednesday where he pleaded not guilty to the charges read against him.
The Judge ordered that he be remanded in Kuje Correctional center, pending when the bail would be granted.
The EFCC in December 2023, declared Agunloye wanted on an alleged case of forgery and corruption. In a communique shared by the Commission on X and its website, the former minister’s image was displayed with a message urging the public to provide information that could lead to his arrest.
Shortly after the EFCC’s alert, Agunloye was apprehended and detained.
Digging deeper into the case, it was discovered that the minister who served under President Olusegun Obasanjo’s government (1999-2003), was being quizzed in connection with the Mambilla project.
Obasanjo had accused him of fraudulently awarding the contract for the project without the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval. But Agunloye denied the accusations and claimed the former president was distorting facts.
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS NATIONAL HAJJ COMMISSION BOARD AND MANAGEMENT TEAM
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of a new board and management team for the National Hajj Commission (NAHCOM), pending confirmation by the Nigerian Senate.
The President, in his resolve to ensure hitch-free and seamless 2024 Hajj operations, appointed the following persons to the Board of NAHCOM:
*Jalal Arabi* — Chairman (In Office)
- Aliu Abdulrazaq — Commissioner, Policy, Personnel, & Finance
- Prince Anofi Elegushi — Commissioner, Operations
- Professor Abubakar A. Yagawal — Commissioner, Planning & Research
ZONAL REPRESENTATION
- Dr. Muhammad Umaru Ndagi — North Central
- Abba Jato Kala — North East
- Sheikh Muhammad Bin Othman — North West
- Tajudeen Oladejo Abefe — South West
- Aishat Obi Ahmed — South East
- Zainab Musa — South South
- Professor Musa Inuwa Fodio — Jama’atul Nasril Islam
- Professor Adedimeji Mahfouz Adebola — Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs
The President mandates the appointees to dedicate themselves to the task of ensuring that operations of the National Hajj Commission are more efficient, transparent, and responsive to the needs of Nigerians.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 10, 2024
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU URGES SUPER EAGLES TO WIN NATION CUP
- Governor, Minister, NFF, others charge national team
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged the Super Eagles to give their best to win the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire.
The Governor charged the Super Eagles to make Nigeria proud at the 34th edition of the AFCON by winning the Continental Cup for a fourth time, having won the title in 1980, 1994, and 2013.
Governor Sanwo-Olu spoke on Tuesday night at the dinner he hosted for the Super Eagles team at the Lagos House, Marina, after they returned from their training camp in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The Super Eagles, who were dressed in tops inscribed with the slogan ‘Let’s do it again’ were in high spirits during the dinner attended by the First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; Minister for Sports Development, Senator John Enoh; President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Musa Gusau and his immediate predecessor Amaju Pinnick, among others.
Sanwo-Olu, who assured the Super Eagles of his support and that of over 200 million Nigerians, who will derive a lot of pride and joy in the team’s success at the AFCON, implored the Ahmed Musa-led team to work together as a team and not rely on individuals.
He tasked the Super Eagles players who were in high spirits to aim for glory in Cote d’Ivoire and give their best to bring the trophy home.
“You (Super Eagles players) are the country unifiers; there is an excitement in the heart of over 220 million Nigerians. We believe we have men that can do it for us. Believe in yourself, and don’t give up in Côte d’Ivoire.
“We can’t say we want to do it again by mouth; you must give your best, work as a team. It is not an individual sport; it is a team sport. Personally, I have committed myself that I will be in Abidjan for the games on Sunday and support the team.
“I want to assure you that our best wish is to do it for our country. We pray that God will give you the strength to do it. Winning the AFCON will be the best New Year present that you can give to us. It will be the best palliative that you can give to us. It will be the best of everything. We have to do it again. It has been 10 years; it is such a long time ago but we want it back into our country again,” Governor Sanwo-Olu charges Super Eagles players.
Speaking on why he organised a dinner for the Super Eagles ahead of their departure to
Cote d’Ivoire, Governor Sanwo-Olu said: “The occasion is to encourage the team and tell them the nation is behind them and wishing them the very best. More importantly, we thank Mr President for showing leadership by ensuring that all they required has been provided and also wish them well.
“We also thank the team and the coaching crew for ensuring that what we know as the historic relationship between Lagos and the Super Eagles is recreated here today.
“They have assured us they will do it again like they did 10 years ago in South Africa. We need a unifier at this time to bring out the Nigerian in all of us, and sports remains the beacon of hope and togetherness to remind us that we are one.”
Speaking earlier, Minister of Sports, Senator John Enoh, also charged the Super Eagles team to win the African Nations Cup.
The Minister described the reception as a demonstration of support the team has from Nigerians.
“The outcome of the tournament will restore joy and happiness to homes. There is no better time for this team to conquer Africa and be at the top of African football. We need to win this for the country and President who is a sports enthusiast himself. The team is in high spirits and we are hoping to be the best,” he said.
Responding, Super Eagles Captain, Ahmed Musa described football as the only sport that unites Nigerians.
He assured that with the support and prayers of Nigerians they will make the country proud during the Nations Cup.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
10 JANUARY 2024
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU RECEIVES OTEDOLA’S N1B DONATION TO LAGOS SECURITY TRUST FUND
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday, received a donation of one billion naira from renowned philanthropist and entrepreneur, Mr. Femi Otedola to support security architecture through the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF).
Governor Sanwo-Olu received the donation from Otedola in the company of the Chairman, LSSTF, Mr. Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti; Executive Secretary/CEO of LSSTF, Dr. Abdurrazak Balogun and other state officials and LSSTF Board of Directors, during a symbolic event at the Lagos House, Marina.
Femi Otedola, the Chairman of Geregu Power PLC and son of the Third Republic Governor of Lagos State, the late Sir Michael Otedola, was represented at the event by his daughter, Olawunmi Otedola.
Speaking at the event, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the N1 billion donation, which was the largest individual donation into the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, would go a long way in creating a more peaceful atmosphere and conducive business environment for economic benefits for investors and residents.
Governor Sanwo-Olu while commending Otedola for the donation which he noted will boost the morale of security personnel and provide more security equipment and vehicles, urged other well-meaning Lagosians to borrow a leaf from the renowned philanthropist and be intentional in joining the government to make Lagos a safer place for businesses to flourish as the commercial nerve center of Nigeria.
He said: “On behalf of the Fund, the board chairman, Mr. Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti; Executive Secretary/CEO, Dr. Abdurrazak Balogun and other board members, we express our deep appreciation to Mr. Femi Otedola. I want other Nigerians to emulate him and even exceed his donation. The N1 billion he has donated is not the limit. There are no limits, let others come and do more.
“We call other well-meaning Lagosians and large corporate businesses to support the Lagos State Security Trust Fund. The Fund is open to other donors and it is a call and challenge which Mr. Otedola has set the pace for us to continue to do the right thing. We as a government have also committed to supporting the Fund with 300 vehicles in the first quarter of this year and we are working to realise that.
“We want to be very intentional about this that we will not spare anything to ensure that we can continue to keep Lagos safe, encourage the men that do the job and continue to make Lagos the economic nerve centre of our country.
“We thank your dad (Femi Otedola) and send our best wishes to him. Where this has come from a lot more would come and his businesses will flourish. He should also encourage his friends to emulate him by donating to the Fund.”
Speaking on behalf of her father, Olawunmi Otedola, commended Governor Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State Security Trust Fund for their hard work in keeping Lagos State safe and advised the Fund to continue in its culture of transparency and judicious use of resources.
Otedola acknowledged and saluted the contributions of the security personnel, especially during the festive periods for adequate protection of lives and property. She also encouraged residents to cooperate with the government for a more secure Lagos.
She said: “My father has taken an interest in this Fund since its inception and has from time to time made contributions to it. Over the years the Fund has continued to live up to its mandate and has remained very relevant in the security architecture of Lagos State. This is why my father has decided to commit another donation of N1 billion to the Fund to ensure the continuity of the critical work being done by the Fund making him the highest individual donor to the Fund.
“Lagos State is one of the few states in Nigeria where people move around freely without much worry about security, even in the dead of night. In fact, there was no notable security breach during the last Christmas and New Year celebrations with all the shows and funfair that accompanied them. While thanking the gallant men and women of the security services for their good work, we should recognise the role of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund in enabling them.
“My father believes that when well-meaning Lagos residents contribute to this type of effort, Lagos will be safer, and we all will be more prosperous. He, therefore, encourages all residents of Lagos, especially the corporate Lagos and high net worth individuals, to take a moment to reflect on the significance of donating to the Fund and then make that decision to contribute also regardless of size, as every donation has the power to create ripples of change.”
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
10 JANUARY 2024
Newly refurbished forensic lab will enhance NDLEA’s performance – Marwa
– US Govt, UNODC commend partnership, promise more support for drug war
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) has said that the upgrade of the forensic laboratory of the Agency by the United States Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) will enhance operational standard and optimal performance of NDLEA in its renewed fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.
Marwa who stated this at the commissioning of the Agency’s newly refurbished forensic laboratory in Lagos on Wednesday 10th January said “With this facility, we are now anticipating the provision of state-of-the-art analytical equipment, which will enhance optimal performance in line with standard operational laboratory procedures and best practices, which in turn will enhance evidence-based analytical processes in our forensic analysis.” The project was facilitated by INL and implemented by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, UNODC.
The NDLEA boss who was represented at the event by the Agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi emphasized the importance of modern forensic laboratories to the successful fight against illicit drugs in the country. According to him, “Everyone who knows how pivotal a forensic laboratory is to drug investigations will share my sentiment. The forensic laboratory plays a critical role in the identification of drug exhibits, in the investigation of illicit drug manufacturing and the dismantling of clandestine laboratories. Ultimately, it reinforces the criminal justice system.
“Given the current situation of illicit drugs in Nigeria, a forensic laboratory is sine qua non for any meaningful effort to stymie the problem. The reason is obvious. In three decades, Nigeria has grown from a transit country to a country that produces a farrago of new psychoactive substances, NPS, and a place where there is proliferation of clandestine laboratories, of which we have discovered and dismantled over 23.
“Over the last three years that I have been Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, there have been seizures of record quantities of illicit drugs, approximately 7, 590 tons. What is remarkable about these seizures is that they include not only substances already under national and international control but also an unexpectedly high number of new psychoactive substances and combinations of illicit drugs prepared by chemists working in clandestine laboratories. These substances, constituting over 10,000 exhibits, found their way to the forensic laboratory for confirmatory analysis and identification.
“The poor infrastructure of our forensic laboratory translated into inadequacy to cope with the volume of work on ground. It is against this backdrop that INL intervened to sponsor the upgrading of the laboratory to a global standard and expand its capacity to cope with the challenging dynamics inherent in the analysis of new psychoactive substances, amphetamine-type stimulants, synthetic cannabinoids, and fentanyl opioids.”
Marwa expressed appreciation to the US government for approving funding for the project, which encompasses: strengthening the forensic and chemical analysis capacity of NDLEA; upgrading the interrogation room and provision of an e-library for prosecution. He equally commended the UNODC for painstaking implementation of the project.
He said some other benefits of the project so far include: the training of 20 NDLEA forensic analysts on drug identification and safe handling of synthetic opioids; provision of safety bags consisting of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE); supply of 20 test kits for drugs and precursor chemicals for field identification; supply of laptops, desktop computer, and other ICT accessories among others.
Speaking at the event, U.S. Consul General Will Stevens highlighted the ongoing security cooperation between the United States and Nigeria. His words: “The global opioid crisis calls for a coordinated, comprehensive, and multidisciplinary global response. The U.S. Mission in Nigeria has partnered with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency to modernize this chemical forensic laboratory in Lagos. This $500,000 investment will ensure our Nigerian partners have the state-of-the-art equipment and training needed to identify and analyze suspicious substances and evidence collected from crime scenes and suspects. We appreciate Nigeria’s strong regional leadership and commitment to work with us to combat this growing threat.”
In his remarks, Danilo Campisi, the UNODC Deputy Country Representative, commended the partnership with the United States INL and NDLEA, which he said “continues to demonstrate the effectiveness of these types of interventions, implemented by organisations like UNODC.”
“In the course of the past 12 months of implementing the first phase of this project, which primarily consisted of the provision of technical assistance, equipment and capacity building”, he stated adding that the next phase of the project, which will be implemented over the course of the next 12 months “is an opportunity to consolidate the interventions which we commenced in the first phase and we look forward to continuing the tripartite partnership between UNODC, the US Government and NDLEA ensuring that criminal drug trafficking networks are dismantled and brought to justice.”
Femi Babafemi
Director, Media and Advocacy
NDLEA Headquarters Abuja
Wednesday 10th January 2024
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STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS HIS EMINENCE, SHEIKH ABDUL-HAFEEZ ASHAMU ABOU, OFR
It is with a heavy heart that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu receives the news of the passing of His Eminence, Sheikh Abdul-Hafeez Aṣhamu Abou, Baba Adinni of Lagos and Chairman of the Executive Council of Lagos Central Mosque.
President Tinubu condoles with Baba’s family, the Muslim community in Lagos, as well as the Lagos State Government over this very sad loss.
The President celebrates the inspiring legacy of service, duty, and sacrifice of Baba, who passed away at 100 years old, noting his extraordinary contributions to the Muslim Ummah, Lagos State, and beyond.
“Baba dedicated his life to the service of the people. He lived a full life guided by the highest and noblest moral codes. He was a fine example for all of us. He will be sorely missed. We should take solace in Baba’s legacy and uphold his values of honesty, dignity, and sacrifice,” the President says.
President Tinubu prays that Almighty Allah grant Baba the highest station in Al-Jannah Firdaus.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 10, 2024
Anti-Corruption Fight: ICPC, EFCC meet to Strengthen Working Relationship
The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has taken an important step in strengthening the nation’s fight against corruption by initiating a high-level meeting with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), demonstrating ICPC’s commitment to fighting corruption through enhanced inter-agency collaboration.
The meeting, held at the headquarters of the EFCC on Tuesday, had in attendance the Chairmen and management staff of the two anti-graft agencies and was aimed to deepen mutual cooperation and synergize efforts for greater impact in Nigeria’s anti-corruption drive, and discuss other areas of collaborations.
In his remarks, the Chairman of ICPC, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN stated that the visit to the EFCC was a show of commitment to the existing relationship between the two agencies.
He expressed the readiness of ICPC, under his leadership to provide the needed support and cooperation in the interest of eradicating corruption in Nigeria.
“It is important for us to work together, and we cannot do this without a good relationship. That’s why I think I need to extend this hand of friendship to the EFCC so that we can effectively partner in the fight against corruption in Nigeria.
“I am aware that there’s an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) between the EFCC and ICPC and I’m willing and ready to partner whenever there’s any issue of interest in the fight against corruption.
“I’ll be reaching out to my brother and Chairman of EFCC on issues I think we can partner because there’s no need for us to be duplicating responsibilities, wasting resources and time. I hope with this first meeting, we are going to be meeting regularly to review what we are doing together.”
On his part, the Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede concurred on the position of collaboration saying the meeting had also presented an opportunity for the review of the existing MoU between the two agencies.
“We have areas of similar mandates and with the population of about 250 million people, there’s so much in our hands and I can tell you that the enormity of the work demands that we work together”.
The EFCC Boss also said that the political will of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to fight corruption, as demonstrated in recent events were enough boost for anti-corruption agencies to give their best.
“We believe that with the kind of President that we have, who is willing and ready to do the right thing as demonstrated in the last 48 hours, it is clear that the President is providing the political will and the leadership for the anti-corruption agencies to work and I believe that with this, there’s no hiding place for us and we must ensure that we give our best.
“We are going to give the President the right support and we believe that the courage would be there to take the right decisions. Nobody is too big to be investigated in this country. Once you are not playing to the rules, we’ll investigate you.
ICPC, under the leadership of the Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, is steadfast in its resolve to fight corruption through enhanced inter-agency collaboration. ‘
Sexual Harassment: Court Remands Suspended UNICAL Professor Pending Bail Application
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja has ordered that Professor Cyril Ndifon, the suspended Dean of Faculty of Law, University of Calabar (UNICAL), be remanded at the Kuje Centre of the Nigerian Correctional Service pending the conclusion of his bail application.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) had on Monday, arraigned Ndifon in court on four (4) counts charge over an alleged sexual misconduct against some of his students.
The Professor of Law however pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to him.
Counsel to the defendant, Okon Efut had prayed that the defendant be granted bail as the application for that had been filed on his behalf on January 2nd, 2024.
However, counsel to the ICPC, Dr. Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha opposed the bail application on the ground that one of the lawyers representing the defendant, Barrister Sunny Anyanwu had allegedly threatened one of the star witnesses ICPC lined up for the trial.
In his defence, Barrister Anyanwu, who had earlier argued that the name of the said witness was not listed in the charges read, later told the court that it was the ‘witness’ that called him.
Justice Omotosho however directed Barrister Anyanwu to file his affidavit of fact within 48 hours over the threat allegation of ICPC witness leveled against him.
He also ruled that the defendant, Professor Cyril Ndifon, be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre till on Wednesday, 10th of January, 2024 when hearing on his bail application would be concluded.
No Hiding Place for the Corrupt-Olukoyede
Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede has assured that there will be no hiding place for the corrupt in Nigeria, given the political will of President Bola Tinubu to frontally tackle economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption.
He gave the assurance in Abuja on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 when the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, paid him a courtesy visit at the corporate headquarters of the Commission.
According to him, President Tinubu is offering the right atmosphere for anti-graft activities, both for the EFCC and ICPC and no Nigerian is immune to investigations for any corruption allegation. “We believe that with the kind of President we have, who is ready and willing to do the right thing and from what we have seen in recent times and in the last 48 hours, it is clear that he has provided the political will and leadership and created the atmosphere for us to work. So there is no hiding place for the corrupt. We must give our best, we must be committed and give the President the right support he needs. Nobody is too big to be investigated in this country. Once you are not playing according to the rules, we will investigate you”, he said.
He further noted that the engagement with the ICPC was sending the right signals to the entire country that the anti-corruption agencies are coming together and extending hands of comradeship and fellowship to each other with a mind to work together. He recalled that there was a subsisting Memorandum of Understanding, MoU between both agencies. “Today, the MoU is in place. It is going to be a living document that we can review from time to time to accommodate mutual interest.”
Olukoyede pointed out that the enormity of cases both agencies are handling justified their independent existence. “Even with five anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria, we hardly can do more than scratch the surface. One anti-corruption agency in the US has a staff strength of about thirty-five thousand. I am not sure the staff strength of the EFCC and the ICPC put together will be up to seven thousand. Though people have been talking of duplication of responsibilities between the EFCC and ICPC, I don’t see it from that perspective. I see it from the perspective of the enormity of the work on our hands. When you are limited by staff strength and resources and there is still so much to be done, it becomes important to work together and see if we can move the country forward”, he said.
To reinforce his commitment to collaboration, the EFCC boss recalled that he reminded the Senate during his confirmation session about the overarching need for collaboration among the EFCC, ICPC, Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit, NFIU and Code of Conduct Tribunal “because we all have roles to play, especially as the major cankerworm hindering our economic and national development is corruption.”
In his opening remarks, the ICPC boss stressed the need for understanding and synergy between his Commission and the EFCC. “It is very important for us to work together. And we cannot work together without having a good relationship, that’s why I decided to extend hands of friendship to the EFCC so that we can see how we can work closely in helping this country to fight corruption. I am aware that there is an MoU between the ICPC and the EFCC.
Continuing, he maintained that “ ICPC is very much ready to collaborate and partner with the EFCC. We thank God that there is a good working relationship and I hope that we are going to sustain this relationship. I also hope we will be meeting on a regular basis to review what we are doing together to see how we can strengthen our relationship. May God help us in the discharge of these onerous tasks”.
The meeting was attended by top management staff of both Commission.
Head, Media & Publicity
January 9, 2024
