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Organisation Underscores Need for Proper Prosecution of financial crimesFraud

Organisation Underscores Need for Proper Prosecution of financial crimes
Fraud
By: Michael Mike
A private organisation, Diamondsmith De’Great Universal Petroleum Company Ltd, has underscored the need for proper prosecution of fraud related cases, noting that this would ensure sustainable growth in the ongoing fight against financial crimes.
Director of Operations/CEO of the organisation, Mr James Abidemi gave the advice at the news briefing on Tuesday in Abuja.
According to him, there is the need for government agencies like Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation and Nigerian Communication Commission to intervene through their Cyber Control Room (CCR) to ensure that publication of allegation of fraud passed prescribed standards.
He said: “This will help to wipe-off detrimental publications against victims of fraud like myself and many others on the internet and national dailies.
“The media should thoroughly investigate issues about fraud before reporting such, to avoid spread of fake news and libel against intellectual property of unsuspecting citizens.
“I want the Federal Government to wade in on issues of fraudsters and save Nigeria and other vulnerable Nigeria’s from the national disaster.
“This is because unbalanced reports can put a country in bad light, so I want the government to intervene in my matter and issues related to illicit financial flows at national and international levels.
“To correct false impression and protect the dignity of vulnerable citizens: to promote the wellbeing of fraud victims and prevent them from unnecessary health implications like shock or depression.”
Abidemi reiterated that there should be proper sensitisation of fraud investigative officers about proper ways to correct the impression that complainants are not always right.
He said that such would enable officers prosecuting fraud related cases thoroughly cross -examine such before prosecution, to avoid defamation or libel caused unsuspecting fraud victims by fraudsters.
He added that: “All Nigerians should not be tagged fraudsters as sometimes tagged abroad; government and the international community, millions of Nigerians do exercise their moral obligation to fight crimes and corruption,” insisting that: “Nigerians are patriotic and must be encouraged in the ongoing fight against financial crimes not just in Nigeria, but Africa at large”.
He observed the practice by security operatives to think that complainant is always right during prosecution hindered criminal justice.
He lamented that most times the police only go after the accused persons without due diligence and then, the matter is thrown to court.
He said: “In my own case, I was invited to Lagos from Enugu by a business associate in May, 2022 who wanted me to help their company initiate payment for goods that were ordered from China and Dubai.
“Unsuspecting, I accepted to assist them indeed, because I have company account in Canada with JD EUROWAY BANCORP & TRUST/ BMO through which my company settles her foreign bills and make funds available for legitimate importation.
“The so-called business associate that brought me to Lagos started deviating from the right business approach of which I later realised they were fraudsters.
“I duly requested for valid pro-forma invoice to ensure legal process of my organisation service delivery to them, rather they provided me with fake pro-forma Invoice.
“When I raised objection to the fake document, the next thing they did was to kidnap me and kept me where I would not have choice, but to do their bidden.”
He revealed that the case has been duly reported to the Police and a court case instituted, to ensure justice.
Organisation Underscores Need for Proper Prosecution of financial crimes
Fraud
News
NHRC Calls for Reforms in Correctional Centres, Cites Systemic Bias

NHRC Calls for Reforms in Correctional Centres, Cites Systemic Bias
By: Michael Mike
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu has called on stakeholders to reflect on the values that Nelson Mandela embodied, including justice, dignity, equality, and compassion, as the world commemorates World Mandela Day.
Dr. Ojukwu made this call in a statement on the eve of the commemoration, noting that Mandela’s legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the need to promote and protect human rights, particularly in Nigeria’s correctional centers.
According to him, the current state of Nigeria’s correctional centres, which are overcrowded, under-resourced, and lack basic sanitation and healthcare, reflects a failure of infrastructure, justice, and humanity.
He lamented that thousands of citizens are held in pre-trial detention for years due to poverty and lack of access to justice, while the rich have greater access to quality legal defense and bail, perpetuating systemic bias.
The NHRC Executive Secretary urged the Nigerian government, judicial authorities, private sector, and civil society to prioritize comprehensive reforms in detention facilities and correctional centers, including improving conditions, investing in alternatives to pre-trial detention, ensuring speedy trials, and upholding the rights of inmates.
Ojukwu emphasized the need to tackle the root causes of incarceration, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to justice, in order to build a society that values the dignity and human rights of all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic status.
Nelson Mandela Day is celebrated annually on the 18th of July.
NHRC Calls for Reforms in Correctional Centres, Cites Systemic Bias
News
Ondo State Government Signs MOU with Backbone Infrastructure for 500,000 BPD Oil Refinery

Ondo State Government Signs MOU with Backbone Infrastructure for 500,000 BPD Oil Refinery
By: Michael Mike
The Ondo State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Backbone Infrastructure Limited for the establishment of a 500,000 barrels per day oil refinery and development of free trade zone in Igbotiri, Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.
The signing ceremony took place at the Governor’s office in Akure.
The Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti represented the Governor, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa at the ceremony.
He described the proposed investment as timely and strategic, assuring the investors of a peaceful and business-friendly environment.
He emphasized that the project would boost the state’s economy, create meaningful job opportunities, and reduce crime.
In his remarks on behalf of Backbone Infrastructure, the Vice President, Legal & Corporate services, Barrister Wale Adekola expressed appreciation to the Ondo State Government for the opportunity to partner in the infrastructure development of the State and assured of his company’s commitment to ensure successful delivery of the two projects.
Similarly, the Managing Director / Chief Executive of Backbone Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, Engr. Henry Owonka, revealed that the two projects would be accompanied by basic infrastructure such as roads, terminal storage tanks, and other facilities that will change the landscape of the State.
According to the MOU breakdown on the Refinery, Backbone Infrastructure Limited will hold 65% equity, while the Ondo State Government will hold 20% and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) will hold 15% stake.
Meanwhile, the investors have expressed confidence in the leadership and vision of the Aiyedatiwa-led administration, citing the clarity of purpose and support they have received as the reason for choosing Ondo State as their investment destination.
The state government equally pledged its support for the project, which is expected to transform the state’s economy and create jobs.
Present at the signing of the MOU were the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti. Attorney General and commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo, SAN , the ONDIPA Team while the Backbone team was led by Dr. Steve Dike, a member of the Board of Directors representing the Chairman, Senator Ken Nnamani, Managing Director/CEO Engr. Henry Owonka, the Vice President, Legal & Corporate Services, other members of the management team from the Backbone infrastructure limited among other top government functionaries.
Ondo State Government Signs MOU with Backbone Infrastructure for 500,000 BPD Oil Refinery
News
Police arrest notorious gunrunners in Benue, recover rocket launcher, AK-47 rifles, thousands of ammunition

Police arrest notorious gunrunners in Benue, recover rocket launcher, AK-47 rifles, thousands of ammunition
By: Zagazola Makama
Operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID–IRT) have arrested two notorious arms traffickers and recovered a cache of deadly weapons in Abinsi town, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
Sources from the Benue State Police Command confirmed the development Thursday, describing the arrest as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal arms fueling insecurity in the North-Central region.
According to the sources, the suspects led by one Adikwu Ikwulono, a known illegal arms dealer were apprehended on Wednesday following credible intelligence.
Recovered from the suspects were one rocket launcher, five AK-47 rifles, and thousands of rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.
Police say preliminary investigations revealed that the arms were being assembled for delivery to a gang of armed herders and bandits operating around the Benue–Nasarawa border, with plans to launch coordinated attacks on several communities in Benue State.
“The suspects are currently undergoing intensive interrogation with the FID, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the arms-smuggling syndicate,” the police sources said.
Police arrest notorious gunrunners in Benue, recover rocket launcher, AK-47 rifles, thousands of ammunition
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