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Ex-NDDC Boss Faces Arrest Over N3.6bn Fraud Claims

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In a significant legal development on January 31, 2024, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) made an impassioned plea before Justice Daniel Osiagor at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The request sought the issuance of an arrest warrant for Tuoyo Omatsuli, a former Executive Director on Projects at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Omatsuli is implicated in a high-profile trial concerning an alleged N3.6 billion fraud.

Initially facing trial alongside Francis Momoh, Don Parker Properties Limited, and Building Associates Limited, Tuoyo Omatsuli found himself entangled in charges of conspiracy and money laundering totaling N3,645,000,000 (Three Billion, Six Hundred and Forty-five Million Naira).

This legal saga unfolded before retired Justice Saliu Saidu at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos.

One of the counts reads: “That you, Engr Tuoyo Omatsuli, Don Parker Properties Limited, Francis Momoh and Building Associates Limited, between August 2014 and September 2015 at Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, conspired to disguise the illegal origin of N3,645,000,000 (Three Billion Six Hundred and Forty-Five Million Naira), being proceeds of unlawful activity to wit: corruption and gratification; and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 of the Money Laundering Act 2011 as amended by Act No 1 of 2012 and punishable under Section 15 (3) of the same Act.”

Another count reads: “That you, Engr Tuoyo Omatsuli, between August 2014 and September 2015 at Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did procure Francis Momoh and Building Associates Limited to use the total sum of N3,645,000,000 (Three Billion Six Hundred and Forty-Five Million Naira) paid by Starline Consultancy Services into the Diamond Bank Plc Account No. 0023785116 operated by Building Associate Ltd, when you reasonably ought to have known that the said sum formed part of the proceeds of your unlawful activity to wit: Corruption and Gratification; and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 of the Money Laundering Act 2011 as amended by Act No 1 of 2012 and punishable under Section 15 (3) of the same Act.”

Pleading not guilty to the charges, the defendants, including Tuoyo Omatsuli, faced a legal twist after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) presented 16 prosecution witnesses.

Following the conclusion of the prosecution’s case, the defendants chose a strategic move by filing a no-case submission instead of presenting their defense. On October 12, 2020, this submission was heard.

In a pivotal ruling on November 11, 2020, Justice Saidu discharged the first defendant, Omatsuli, stating, “I have thoroughly examined the charges against the defendants and the testimony of all 16 prosecution witnesses. I find no grounds for the first defendant to proceed with the defense.”

In response to the discharge of the former NDCC boss, Tuoyo Omatsuli, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) expressed determination to challenge the decision. On April 13, 2022, a three-man panel of the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, substantiated the EFCC’s appeal and overturned the trial court’s ruling.

Justice Festus Obande Ogbuinya, delivering the judgment, declared that the lower court’s decision on November 11, 2020, to discharge Omatsuli of the money laundering charges “is hereby set aside, and he shall enter into his defense accordingly on the same counts.”

While the Appellate Court discharged Omatsuli on counts 27, 28, and 29 of the charge, the trial underwent a transition with Justice Saidu retiring and Justice Osiagor taking over. During a recent court session, Norrison Quakers, SAN, counsel to the 2nd defendant, informed the court of Omatsuli’s absence, citing an ongoing appeal at the Supreme Court.

Quakers explained, “The first defendant is on appeal at the Supreme Court. A no-case submission filed by the 1st defendant before the Federal High Court was upheld, but EFCC appealed. The Appellate court reversed the decision, ordering the defendants to enter their defense. Dissatisfied, the 1st defendant appealed to the Supreme Court, and the matter is yet to be determined.”

During the court session, Norrison Quakers, SAN, stated that the 1st defendant, Omatsuli, was unaware of the recent hearing as he lacked legal representation during the last proceedings.

Responding, prosecution counsel Ekele Iheanacho clarified, “At the previous sitting in November 2023, a counsel appeared on behalf of the 1st defendant, and the court instructed us to choose a date for arraignment. Therefore, I didn’t request a bench warrant against the defendant.”

Iheanacho emphasized that, according to the Administration of the Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), there is no stay of proceedings due to an appeal. Citing S352 of the ACJA, he applied for a bench warrant against Omatsuli.

Ekele Iheanacho reinforced in court that, as per the Administration of the Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), there is no provision for a stay of proceedings due to an appeal.

Pointing to S352 of the ACJA, he asserted that the pendency of Omatsuli’s appeal does not hinder the proceedings at the Federal High Court. Consequently, Iheanacho applied for a bench warrant against Omatsuli.

Justice Osiagor disagreed with Iheanacho’s assertion that the 1st defendant was aware of the current hearing and consequently ordered that he be formally notified.

The case has been adjourned to March 22, 2024, for re-arraignment and trial.

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FCT Police Chief Inspects Worship Centres, Commends Residents for Peaceful Conduct

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Governors Contributing To Political Violence

The Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, CP Ahmed Muhammad Sanusi, has inspected security deployments at churches across the territory, urging officers to maintain professionalism and vigilance during religious activities.

The inspection was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh.

Sanusi conducted the inspection on November 8, 2026, to assess the operational readiness of personnel deployed to worship centres and evaluate security arrangements for residents and worshippers.

SEE ALSO: October 1 Protests: FCT Police Call For Increased Vigilance Among Residents

The exercise followed a similar inspection of mosques across the FCT on Friday, November 6, as the Command sustained efforts to strengthen security around religious centres.

During the visits, the police commissioner charged officers to remain professional and responsive in the discharge of their duties.

He also commended residents for their peaceful and orderly conduct following mosque and church services, noting that public cooperation remained essential to maintaining security and public order across the territory.

The commissioner urged residents to continue cooperating with the police and other law enforcement agencies, remain security-conscious and promptly report suspicious persons, movements or activities to the nearest police station.

He further encouraged residents to utilise the Command’s emergency lines, 08032003913 and 08061581938, to report security concerns.

Adeh said the Command’s Public Relations Office remained open and accessible to members of the public for enquiries, complaints, information and other security-related matters.

The FCT Police Command reiterated its commitment to protecting residents and worshippers and maintaining security across the Federal Capital Territory.

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2027: Shettima Arrives in Uyo for APC Presidential Campaign Rally

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Who is Senator Kashim Shetima, Tinubu's running mate

Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The development was disclosed on Friday by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President.

Akwa Ibom occupies a strategic position in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with major federal investments expected to strengthen infrastructure and economic activities across the state.

SEE ALSO: 2027: Shettima Arrives in Lafia to Rally Support for Tinubu’s Re-election

One of the major projects is the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, which has an approximately 82.8-kilometre stretch passing through Akwa Ibom.

The project, according to the statement, “promises improved connectivity, expanded trade, greater investment and new economic opportunities for communities across the region.”

Beyond infrastructure, the administration’s interventions in education, agriculture, healthcare, youth empowerment and social protection are also designed to improve livelihoods and broaden economic participation.

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) is among the initiatives highlighted, complementing Governor Umo Eno’s investments in roads, aviation, tourism and human capital development.

The statement noted that the Uyo rally provides “another opportunity to strengthen the APC’s growing political presence in the South-South and make the case for continuity in 2027.”

 

 

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Elohor Aiboni Honoured with DTN@100 Changemaker Award

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Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Elohor Aiboni was among 100 people honoured with the DTN@100 Award.

She joined a list of distinguished recipients recognised by the Daily Times newspapers. The contributions of the awardees to national development will be documented in a special publication, titled Nigerian Grand Book.

Daily Times which started publication in 1926 gave the awards as part of its centenary celebrations in Lagos. The centenary theme is: “Honouring the Past, Shaping the Future.” Chairman, Folio Media Group and Publisher Daily Times of Nigeria Fidelis Anosike said: “We proudly celebrate Elohor Aiboni, Executive Vice President and Country Chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria, for her well-deserved recognition at the Daily Times Heroes Award. As a visionary female leader, Elohor has shown that true leadership is defined by action. Her forward-thinking policies continue to drive real, positive change across our nation.”

In her response, Elohor said: “Although this award is presented to me, I do not regard it as mine alone. I share it with my colleagues across the Shell Companies in Nigeria, our partners, and the many people I have had the privilege of working with and learning from over the years.”

Elohor was commended for her achievements in a career in the energy industry that started in Shell in 2002. In addition to serving in operational roles within and outside Nigeria, she has worked as asset manager for Bonga, leading up to her appointment as Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) in 2021, the first female to hold the post. Early this year, she took up the role of Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, also the first female and Nigerian to hold both roles.

READ ALSO: “8216;The Panic Is Real” Atiku Accuses APC of Plot to Weaken ADC

In her acceptance speech, Elohor also called for concerted efforts towards educating the girl-child. She said: “If we are serious about shaping Nigeria’s future, we must be equally serious about educating and empowering the Nigerian girl child. Education provides not only knowledge, but also confidence, choice and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to her community and country.”
Photo Caption – L-R: Energy and Investment Solicitor, Sam Aiboni; Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Nigeria, Elohor Aiboni; actress Rita Dominic; and Daily Times Chairman, Fidelis Anosike, during the award presentation at Harbour Point, Lagos.

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