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N37bn Fraud: EFCC Arrests Contractor, Probes Four Buhari Ministers

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A contractor named James Okwete has been arrested by the EFCC in relation to the ongoing investigation into the alleged laundering of N37bn by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development during the tenure of former Minister Sadiya Umar-Farouk.

This development aligns with the simultaneous probe of three other ministers who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, regarding corruption estimated at N150bn.

A senior EFCC official informed The Punch that the contractor provided valuable information regarding Umar-Farouk and former directors-general of the ministry.

A source said “It is not only Umar-Farouk we are investigating. Three other former ministers are also under probe. They were allegedly involved in graft to the tune of N150bn.”

investigation reveals that N37.1bn was moved from the Federal Government’s funds and distributed among 38 bank accounts linked to or associated with Okwete, housed in five legacy commercial banks.

It’s reported that there’s a possibility of Umar-Farouk and former directors-general of agencies under the ministry being arrested by the anti-graft commission, based on information disclosed by the contractor so far.

Okwete, currently held at the EFCC Headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, has been cooperating with investigators.

The EFCC officials stated that the contractor was indeed arrested four days ago.

The source said, “The contractor, Mr Okwete, who was used in laundering the money had been arrested by the commission.

“He is currently detained in our custody and has been giving investigators more details that have indicted the former Minister, Sadiya and some DGs under the ministry, and they may be brought in anytime soon too.”

The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs oversees eight agencies, including the National Social Investment Office, the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internationally Displaced Persons.

Umar-Farouq served as the inaugural Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development.

Documents obtained by The PUNCH disclosed Okwete’s transactions following the fund reception, including transferring N6,746,034,000 to Bureau De Change Operators, withdrawing N540 million in cash, purchasing luxury cars amounting to N288,348,600, and acquiring luxury properties in Abuja and Enugu State valued at N2,195,115,000.”

Additionally, he is connected to 143 bank accounts across 12 commercial banks, consisting of 134 corporate accounts affiliated with various companies.

 

 

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Maiduguri Blasts: Atiku Warns of Terror Resurgence, Slams Govt Response

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Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has raised fresh concerns over Nigeria’s security situation following deadly bomb attacks in Maiduguri, warning that terrorism is making a dangerous comeback.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Atiku condemned the coordinated explosions that rocked parts of the city, describing them as a troubling sign of renewed insurgent activities.

He noted that the return of suicide bombings, once believed to have been largely defeated, poses a serious threat to national stability.

SEE MORE: ‘Insults Against Obi Only Help APC Stay in Power – Atiku

23 killed, 108 injured in Maiduguri bomb blasts

The attacks, which occurred on Monday night, targeted the Maiduguri Monday Market, a post office, and an area near the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.

At least 23 people were confirmed dead, while over 100 others sustained injuries, leaving families in anguish as they search for missing loved ones.

Reacting to the development, Atiku warned that the resurgence of terrorism could erode public confidence in the government’s ability to protect its citizens.

He stressed that Nigerians are more interested in concrete results than official condemnations of attacks.

While acknowledging the sacrifices of security operatives, the former vice president urged the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently review its security strategies to address the growing threats.

He also criticised the government’s handling of insecurity, alleging that more attention appears to be given to political matters than to tackling the worsening security challenges across the country.

Atiku further cautioned against politicising national security, noting that terrorism affects all Nigerians regardless of political affiliation.

He called for unity, decisive action, and a renewed commitment to safeguarding lives and property.

Meanwhile, security agencies have confirmed the incidents and launched investigations into the coordinated attacks as efforts continue to restore calm in the affected areas.

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NCDMB Sponsored Oracle Primavera P6 Training Underway In Rivers State

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NCDMB Emerges Best MDA In Ease Of Doing Business Ranking

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has launched a 5-day Hands-on Oracle Primavera P6 Training in Rivers State, targeting 50 participants.

The training, being executed by Mathnebi Nig. Ltd, commenced today, March 16th and will run until Friday, March 20th.
The intensive hands-on program aims to equip participants with practical skills in project management using Oracle Primavera P6, enhancing their capabilities in the energy and construction sectors.

The NCDMB’s sponsorship of the training underscores its commitment to boosting local capacity and driving Nigeria’s economic growth through skills development.

ALSO READ: Senate Approves Abe as Chairman, NUPRC Board

The training is expected to benefit participants and contribute to the development of Nigeria’s project management landscape.

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Tinubu Swears in Taiwo Oyedele as Finance Minister

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sworn in Mr. Taiwo Oyedele as Nigeria’s new Minister of State for Finance at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.

The swearing-in ceremony took place shortly after the Senate confirmed Oyedele’s nomination last Wednesday.

Oyedele, 50, from Ikaram, Akoko in Ondo State, brings over two decades of experience in fiscal policy and tax administration.

ALSO READ: SERAP Asks Tinubu To Probe N5.9bn Spent On NNPC Rebranding

He previously chaired the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, which overhauled Nigeria’s tax system, introducing zero income tax for Nigerians earning N800,000 or less and exemptions for small businesses with turnovers below N50 million.

During his Senate screening, Oyedele described his appointment as “a call to serve at a critical time when Nigeria faces significant fiscal challenges and remarkable opportunities.”

He replaces Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, who has been redeployed to the Ministry of Budget and National Planning.

Oyedele also spent 22 years at PricewaterhouseCoopers, held executive programs at top global institutions including the London School of Economics and Harvard Kennedy School, and currently serves as a professor at Babcock University.

The minister’s appointment signals a continued focus on implementing the Tax Reform Acts, which took effect on January 1, 2026, and aim to simplify Nigeria’s tax system while boosting economic growth.

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