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N450m Fraud: Court Throws Out Ex-Minister, Bulama, Others’ Applications for Stay of Proceedings

Published

3 years ago

January 20, 2022

News Net Global

N450m Fraud: Court Throws Out Ex-Minister, Bulama, Others’ Applications for Stay of Proceedings

By: Michael Mike

A Federal High Court in Damaturu, Yobe State has rejected applications seeking for “stay of proceedings” filed by a former Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Abdu Bulama and four others in a N450 million fraud case.

Bulama was re-arraigned on November 8, 2021 alongside a former Commissioner for Integrated and Rural Development in Yobe State, Hon. Mohammed Kadai, Abba Gana Tata, Muhammad Mamu and Hassan Ibn Jaks on a seven count charge of criminal conspiracy and money laundering, following the judgment of the Appeal Court in Gombe State which upheld the argument of the EFCC that the Lower Court erred by discharging and acquitting the defendants following their ‘no case submission’ upon the closure of the prosecution’s case.

The ex-minister allegedly received the N450m from Diezani Alison- Madueke, a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, to influence the outcome of the 2015 Presidential election as the Coordinator of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s 2015 Re-election Campaign Committee in Yobe State. Kadai was Deputy Coordinator, while the other three defendants were members of the committee.

At the resumed sitting on Tuesday, the defendants through their lawyers, J.J. Usman and U.M. Isah informed the court that they have approached the Supreme Court to set aside the judgment of the appellate court which dismissed their no case submission and ordered a return to the Federal High Court in Yobe State for the continuation of trial.

They argued that it would not be proper for the lower court to proceed on the matter during the pendency of the appeal at the apex court.

Opposing the prayers of the defendants, prosecution counsel Mukhtar Ali Ahmed told the court that the EFCC is not oblivious of the fact that there is an appeal before the Supreme Court and all processes of the appeal have been received by the prosecution.

However, he said the EFCC is not aware of any order directing the court and the judge to stay proceedings in the case.

Muktar argued that: “Appeal regarding this case at the Supreme Court is obviously different from the matter before this court as it has no correlation.”

Justice Fadima Aminu, in her ruling, said there is no order before the court directing a stay of proceedings and there is no correlation between the appeal before the Supreme Court and the matter before her.

Consequently, she refused the applications of the defendants and ordered for accelerated hearing of the case.

The prosecution then called its first witness, Mohammed Jajere. Led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Mukhtar Ali Ahmed, PW1, Jajere, a Consultant Engineer told the court how he received the sum of N23, 210, 000.00 from the fourth defendant, Muhammad Mamu, on the 21st of February, 2015, the eve of the 2015 Presidential election day, in order to influence the outcome of the election in Fune local government area of Yobe State.

“I know all the defendants because we belong to the same political party, PDP. At that time, towards the 2015 Presidential election, I was a member of the caretaker committee of the PDP in Yobe State.

“On the eve of the election, I was called on phone by my party leader, Dr. Muhammad Mamu to come and pick up the money meant for my local government which I did in cash and I took the money to Damagun, headquarters of the PDP in Fune local government area where I handed over the money to a 19-member committee which was set up by the local government for the disbursement.

“The 19 member committee disbursed the funds to the 13 wards of the local government and each ward had a minimum of 5-member committee who were vested with the responsibilities of collecting such funds and took the monies to their various wards for disbursement to the 165 polling units across the local government on Election Day.

“Election was conducted the next day and our party lost the election and we all went back home.”

He further testified that, in 2016, he received an invitation from the Maiduguri Command of the EFCC to come and explain his involvement regarding the money he received from the fourth defendant.

“I got a call from the EFCC in the year 2016 to come explain the money I received from my leader, Dr.Muhammad Mamu which I obliged”, PW1 said.

While being cross examined, PW1 told the court that as at the time he received the money in cash, there was no functional bank in Fune local government area due to the insurgency.

He further told the court that he received the money based on the political party’s instructions and the money was not in any way payment for goods or services rendered to the fourth defendant.

He stated that without the money he received, “our party in the local government would not have been able to participate in the election”.

Justice Fadima, having heard the testimonies of the PW1, discharged the witness and adjourned to January 19, 2022 for continuation of trial.

19 January, 2022.

At the resumed hearing on Wednesday, January 19, 2022 the EFCC presented two more witnesses.

Prosecution counsel, Mukhtar Ali Ahmed led in evidence the PW2, Adam Ishaya. a politician and farmer, who revealed to the court how he received the sum of N13, 150, 000.00 (Thirteen Million, One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) from the third defendant, Abba Gana Tata, day to the 2015 Presidential election.

The witness said after he collected the money, he took it to a 12-member committee in Fika local government area of Yobe State for disbursement on the day of the election.

While being cross examined, PW2 told the court that there was no functional bank in Fika local government area as at the time he received the money, adding that the committee could not have disbursed the money to over a thousand people on election day via bank transfer.

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He further told the court that part of the money he received was meant for logistics for agents at all polling units in the Fika local government area.

The third prosecution witness, Dauda Umar in his testimony, revealed how the first defendant made a cash withdrawal of N450 Million from Fidelity Bank, Damaturu branch and disbursed the said sum to influence the outcome of the 2015 Presidential election.

PW3 who is an operative of the EFCC, told the court that on 13th of April, 2016, the Maiduguri Command received an ‘intelligence report’ from the Headquarters in Abuja and it was assigned for further investigation.

Dauda said the intelligence report stated that the Commission was investigating a case of money laundering against Diezani Alison-Madueke, a former Minister of Petroleum Resources and investigation revealed that Diezani warehoused $115, 010, 000.00 (One Hundred and Fifteen Million, Ten Thousand US Dollars) in Fidelity Bank across the country and the money was to be used for 2015 Presidential election.

PW3 told the court that investigation revealed that the monies were disbursed to politicians, security agencies and INEC officials.

He further testified that during investigation, one Rabiu Bello who was a cash officer with Fidelity Bank, Damaturu branch was invited to the Maiduguri Command of the EFCC for interview and he told the investigating team that he was authorized by his operational manager to release the sum N450 Million to the first and second defendants; Abdu Bulama and Mohammed Kadai prior to the 2015 Presidential election.

PW3 said: “N83.1million was given to the third defendant, Abba Gana Tata from which N13.1million was given to PW2.

“The fourth defendant, Muhammad Mamu received the sum of N73.5million and he gave the PW1, Engr. Mohammed Jajere N23million and N70.4million was given to the fifth defendant, Hassan Ibn Jaks and one Mero Ashi got the sum of N11.9million for disbursement on the 2015 Presidential Election Day.

“Investigation revealed that the balance was shared amongst security agencies and INEC officials in Yobe State”.

PW3 told the court that all the defendants were invited to the Maiduguri Command of the EFCC at different times starting with the first to the fifth defendants and N14.2million was recovered in the course of investigation.

“All the defendants were invited at different times and they were interviewed and they all made voluntary confessional statements, admitting they received the said monies as revealed by investigations”, PW3 said.

Prosecution counsel, Ahmed sought to tender the statements of the defendants as evidence before the court but defence counsel objected to the admissibility of the statements on the grounds that they were not made voluntarily.

They prayed the court to order a “trial -within-trial” to determine the voluntariness of statements made by the defendants at the Maiduguri Command of the EFCC.

Justice Aminu, thereafter ordered for a trial-within-trial and adjourned the matter to January 20, February 28 and March 1, 2022 for continuation trial

N450m Fraud: Court Throws Out Ex-Minister, Bulama, Others’ Applications for Stay of Proceedings

Related Topics:Bulama N450m Fraud: Court Throws Out Ex-Minister

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ECOWAS Moves to Solidify Movement Across West African Countries, Inaugurates EU-funded Programme on Migration

Published

2 days ago

February 20, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

ECOWAS Moves to Solidify Movement Across West African Countries, Inaugurates EU-funded Programme on Migration

By: Michael Mike

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission is consolidating movement of citizens of West Africa by inaugurating the second phase of the European Union (EU) funded project “Support to Free Movement of Persons and Migration in West Africa (FMM II)” to advance economic growth.

Vice-President of the ECOWAS Commission, Mrs Damtien Tchintchibidja reiterated the commitment of economic blog to ensure free movement and encourage commerce and economic development in the sub region at the inauguration of the FMM II in Abuja on Thursday.

The event was organised by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), in partnership with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) and the ECOWAS Commission.

The vice-president explained that the FMM is designed to promote the free protocol and movement of persons, goods and services, as vision of ECOWAS for regional integration.

According to her, the initiative would demonstrate renewed commitment to ensure migration governance and regional mobility serve as pillars of development within the sub-region.

Tchintchibidja added that: “During the first phase of the project, we made significant progress in enhancing migration governance, strengthening boarder management and operational license to drive the free protocols.

“We reinforced migration governance, harmonised policies, strengthened border management systems, facilitation of labour mobility and supporting member states in aligning national policies with ECOWAS migration instruments.

“These achievements played key roles in enhancing regional security and economic mobility within our region, however, our work is far from over, benefits of migration must be fully harnessed.

“This requires structured, coordinated approach both at national and regional levels; we are optimistic FMM II will serve as vehicle towards addressing new-migration challenges, while capitalising on emerging opportunities.

“The FMM II will enhance mobility across borders in safe and orderly manner, through specific efforts to ascertain migration governance framework, enhance coordination mechanism, data driven policy making and integrated approaches.”

She stressed the need for collaborative efforts to ensure that migration contribute positively to economic growth, stability and social-coercion in the ECOWAS region.

Speaking at the event, the Head of Cooperation of the European Union (EU), Mr Massimo De Luka, said the five-year project aims to maximise development potential of free movement of persons and migration in West Africa.

He noted that the project would be achieved through support of the effective implementation of the ECOWAS Free Movement of Persons Protocol and the ECOWAS Common Approach to Migration.

He said: “The basis for cooperation and coordination on improving free movement of persons and migration in West Africa has been established.

“The second phase will deepen the cooperation in enhancing migration governance and at the same time commit to regional integration.”

Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Massandjé Toure-Litse commended the milestones achieved during the first phase to be in line with ECOWAS mission.

Toure-Litse was represented by Mr Albert Siaw-Boateng, Director, Free Movement of Persons of ECOWAS Commission/Project Coordinator, West Africa Unique Identification for Regional Integration and Inclusion (WURI).

Toure-Litse said, “This milestone reaffirms our collective commitment to regional integration, migration governance and sustainable development, which are core principles that underscores the ECOWAS mission.”

ECOWAS Moves to Solidify Movement Across West African Countries, Inaugurates EU-funded Programme on Migration

National News

FG Moves To Fast Track MSMEs Growth, Sets Up C’ttee To Enhance Financing

Published

4 days ago

February 18, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

FG Moves To Fast Track MSMEs Growth, Sets Up C’ttee To Enhance Financing

** We’ll be more deliberate in supporting small business owners to grow – VP Shettima

By: Our Reporter

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has said that the federal government, working in collaboration with other stakeholders, will be more deliberate in ensuring growth in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) space in Nigeria.

To this end, the National Council on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) has set up a committee to interface with the Central Bank of Nigeria to enhance the financing of small businesses in the country.

This was part of decisions taken on Tuesday at the first meeting of the National Council on MSMEs for 2025 held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Speaking after deliberations by members, Vice President Shettima said the federal government, through its agencies and partners, has the moral burden of supporting growth in the MSME space and facilitating job creation across different sectors for Nigerians.

Reeling out the mandate of the committee, the Vice President said the efforts of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in supporting small businesses, evident in important policies and programmes, need to be complemented by stakeholders, especially the private sector.

The committee headed by the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Sen. John Enoh, has Ministers of Science and Technology; Women Affairs; Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on MSMEs as members.

Others include the CEOs of Bank of Industry, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Bank of Agriculture (BOI), Nigeria Export-Import Bank (NEXIM Bank), Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), and the representative of NACCIMA and the organized private sector.

In the same vein, Council also approved a loan scheme for MSMEs known as the syndicated de-risked loans for small businesses.

The scheme will be a partnership between state governments and financial institutions aimed at enhancing access to finance for MSMEs at single-digit rates across the country.

Vice President Shettima advised state governments to set up vehicles that are devoid of political interests to drive the implementation of the syndicated de-risked loans for the MSMEs scheme.

“Some of these initiatives are laudable and will need to outlive the present administrations in the States. Regardless of political affiliations, Nigerians must be seen to be the ultimate beneficiaries of these schemes that we are trying to put in place,” the VP stated.

Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on MSMEs, Mr Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, presented the ‘syndicated de-risked loans’ scheme for small businesses, seeking the cooperation of members and describing it as a game-changing programme to provide affordable and available loans for businesses.

He said the initiative is in acknowledgement of the President’s passion and commitment to the development of small businesses and aimed at providing more jobs for Nigerians.

In his presentation on the state of MSMEs in Nigeria, the DG SMEDAN, Mr Charles Odii, said the agency was proposing an initiative which was born from a 3-day MSME conference held in 2024.

He said the initiative known as the GROW Nigeria strategy is to provide guidance, resources, opportunities, and the workforce to support the about 40 million small businesses across 8 distinct sectors.

Present at the meeting were the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Mr Ifeanyi Ossai; the representatives of the Governors of Benue and Katsina States; the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Sen. John Enoh; Ministers of Science and Technology, Mr Uche Nnaji; Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi; representative of the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria.

Others are the CEOs of Bank of Industry (BOI), Bank of Agriculture (BOA), Nigeria Export-Import Bank (NEXIM Bank), Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), NAFDAC, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON); National Bureau of Statistics (NBS); the Presidents of NACCIMA and National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME).

FG Moves To Fast Track MSMEs Growth, Sets Up C’ttee To Enhance Financing

National News

Akume Insists Tinubu Means Well for the Nation

Published

6 days ago

February 17, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Akume Insists Tinubu Means Well for the Nation

By: Michael Mike

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen.George Akume has said President Bola Tinubu means well for the nation, pledging to continue to work hard to support the Nigerian leader to achieve his many laudable programmes and vision for the country.

Akume made the promise at the weekend when he was decorated as “Star Associate of President Tinubu,” and Grand Patron of the Nationwide Tinubu Connect Associates (NTCA),

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, made the declaration while he was decorated as “Star Associate of President Tinubu” by the National Co-ordinator/President of the Nationwide Tinubu Connect Associates (NTCA), Hon. Henry Nwabueze, who led a delegation of leaders of the Movement to the SGF ‘s office at the weekend in Abuja.

Akume pledged to continue to support the policies of President Bola Tinubu in his quest to make Nigeria safe and economically viable again.

He also pledged to continue to work hard to support the Nigerian leader to achieve his many laudable programmes and vision for the country.

Nwabueze, on his part said Sen. Akume has given so much in service to Nigeria and in support for the Tinubu Administration that he became the best choice for the position of the Movement’s Grand Patron and the first to receive the award of “Star Associate of President Tinubu,” an award intended for those in diverse fields of endeavour whose very efforts are promoting the vision of Mr. President for a better Nigeria.

According to Nwabueze, a former President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) and distinguished Delegate at the 2014 Justice Kutigi Nigerian National Conference initiated by the Jonathan Administration, Sen. Akume represents the Tinubu Administration’s efforts aimed at injecting competence, maturity as well as discipline and hard work in public governance, and thanked the SGF for accepting the two honours, revealing that in the weeks ahead Nigerians would see the advocacy campaigns of the Movement in support of President Tinubu’s efforts at repositioning the country.

He reiterated the advice to Nigerian politicians that anyone who is wishing to contest for the Office of President in 2027 should have a rethink, stressing that there will be no vacancy in Aso Rock Villa in that year.

Nwabueze added that: “The occasion today is a very short one and, therefore, does not require long speeches.

“Let me start by conveying the appreciation of the entire membership of the Nationwide Tinubu Connect Associates (NTCA), both at home and in the Diaspora, all who have unanimously agreed that the man that has been chosen as our Grand Patron more than fits the bill.

“For several years, even before some of us were born,His Excellency, Distinguished Senator (Dr.) George Akume,CFR,has continued to serve this nation in diverse capacities.

“Whether as Permanent Secretary or Governor in his native State of Benue, Sen.(Dr.) Akume has for over fifty odd years held the flag of service and servant-leadership that has produced men and women of consummate repute and honour.

“Whether as Senator, Minister or even Secretary to the Government of the Federation,Sen.(Dr.) Akume’s place in the annals of history of our great nation remains one of honour well-deserved and laurels perpetually treasured.

“So, as we stand here today to decorate him as our Grand Patron and Star Associate of President Tinubu,the first in our list for such Honours,we are merely giving expression to what those who came before us saw to enlist him in the Benue Plateau Civil Service of his day,to make him Permanent Secretary in the Benue State Civil Service many years later,to make him Governor,to make him Senator, Minister and, today, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

“On behalf of the National Executive Council and, indeed,the General Congress of the Nationwide Tinubu Connect Associates at home and abroad, I, Uche Henry Nwabueze, with the powers tacitly conferred on me by the Constitution of our Organisation, and in the name of the Most High God… Decorate you as Grand Patron of NTCA and as a Star Associate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Your Excellency, the SGF is by this decoration welcomed to function in this capacity with all the rights and privileges attached thereto.

“Accept our humble congratulations,Your Excellency, our Grand Patron,”

The Nationwide Tinubu Connect Associates( aka: No Vacancy in Aso Rock 2027) is a registered group of like-minded Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora,who are committed to the promotion of the laudable efforts and programmes of the Tinubu Administration to repositioning Nigeria for greatness

The Movement has membership in all the States of the Federation and the 774 Local Government Councils.

Akume Insists Tinubu Means Well for the Nation