Crime
SERAP sues PMB, others over alleged missing N3.1 billion in Finance Ministry

SERAP sues Buhari, others over alleged missing N3.1bn in Finance Ministry
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), has sued President Muhammadu Buhari over his failure to probe alleged N3.1 billion of public funds missing from the Federal Ministry of Finance and prosecution of suspects.
Joined in the suit as Respondents are: Abubakar Malami, SAN, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation; and Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning.
The suit followed the grim allegations by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation in the 2018 and 2019 annual audited reports that N3.1billion of public funds were missing, misappropriated or unaccounted for.
In the suit filed last Friday at the Federal High Court in Lagos, on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare and Ms Adelanke Aremo, the organization is
seeking: “an order of mandamus to direct and compel President Buhari to ensure the investigation of the alleged missing N3.1bn of public funds, the prosecution of anyone suspected to be responsible, and the recovery of any missing public money.”
According to SERAP, “Investigating and prosecuting the allegations, and recovering any missing public funds would serve the public interest, and end the impunity of perpetrators.”
SERAP is also arguing that, “The consequences of corruption are felt by citizens on a daily basis. Corruption exposes them to additional costs, and undermines economic development of the country, trapping the majority of Nigerians in poverty and depriving them of opportunities.
“It is in the interest of justice to grant this application. The suit is in keeping with the Nigerian Constitution of 1999 [as amended], particularly the provisions on oath of office by public officers, and section 15[5] which requires the authorities to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.”
SERAP is also arguing that, “Complying with constitutional requirements and international standards on transparency and accountability would ensure effective and efficient management of public resources, and put the country’s wealth and resources to work for the common good of all Nigerians.”
The suit read in part: “The failure to investigate the allegations of grand corruption in the Ministry of Finance constitutes a grave violation of the duty placed on the authorities to take appropriate measures to promote transparency and accountability in the management of public finances.”
“President Buhari’s constitutional responsibility to ensure the investigation and prosecution of allegations of corruption, as well as recovery of any missing public funds is contained in Section 15[5] of the Nigerian Constitution, which provides that ‘the State shall abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power’, and in the Oath of Office in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution.
“According to the report of the Auditor-General for 2018, the Ministry of Finance spent N24,708,090.00 on pre-retirement training but without any document. The consultant hired also failed to quote any price as cost of the training but the Ministry paid N5,670,060.00 to the consultant.
“The Ministry also reportedly failed to account for N2,885,772,493.27 released to the ministry from the Service Wide Vote to take care of estacodes and other allowances for representing the Federal Government in meetings, and contribution to Organization for Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
“According to the 2019 report of the Auditor-General, the Ministry paid N20,466,744.00 as cash advances to staff of ‘You-Win’ between 8 February and 18 December, 2018 but the Ministry has failed to retire the money.
“The advances were granted for the purchase of store items, repairs and other services that would have been made through the award of contract. Government lost N2,046,674.40 which would have accrued as taxes had these jobs been undertaken through award of contracts. The Auditor-General wants the money recovered.
“The Ministry also reportedly paid N15,471,850.00 to two consultants for capacity building in Kano and Adamawa States but without any supporting document, contrary to paragraph 603 (1) of the Financial Regulations. The Auditor-General is concerned that the money may have been diverted, and wants it recovered.”
Meanwhile, no date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.
Crime
Gunmen kill one, abduct two women in Kano

Gunmen kill one, abduct two women in Kano
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed men have killed one person and abducted two women in Kwanar Dangora community, Kiru Local Government Area of Kano State.
Zagazola Makama report that the attack occurred at about 12:30 a.m. on Friday when the hoodlums, in large numbers and armed with dangerous weapons, invaded the residence of one Alhaji Ibrahim at Kwanar Dangora.
According to sources, the assailants abducted the two wives of the victim, identified as Safara’u Ibrahim and Attine Ibrahim.
“In the process, one Abdul Usman, 27, of the same address, was shot dead by the attackers.
“Scene of the incident was visited, the corpse was released to his relatives for burial.
“Investigation has commenced and efforts are being intensified to rescue the victims unhurt, trace and arrest the culprits,”said sources.
Gunmen kill one, abduct two women in Kano
Crime
Police investigate alleged rape of UNILAG student by lecturer

Police investigate alleged rape of UNILAG student by lecturer
By: Zagazola Makama
The police in Lagos have commenced investigation into the alleged rape of a 20-year-old female student of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, by a lecturer in the institution.
Sources said the survivor, identified as Owonifari Fiyinfoluwa, a 300-level student of the university, reported the matter to the police on Aug. 28.
“She alleged that on Aug. 22, at about 12 noon, her lecturer, Dr. Samuel Ojogbo, invited her into his office at the university and forcefully had carnal knowledge of her.
“A team of detectives visited the scene and the survivor was taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment,” said the sources
The sources added that investigation into the case was ongoing.
Police investigate alleged rape of UNILAG student by lecturer
Crime
Police arrest fake soldier, recover firearms in Abuja

Police arrest fake soldier, recover firearms in Abuja
By: Zagazola Makama
The Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has arrested a 40-year-old man who allegedly posed as a soldier to deceive and extort unsuspecting members of the public in Abuja.
Sources said that the suspect, identified as Abdullahi Salisu of Military Pension Board area, was arrested on Monday evening by a police ambush team from Kubwa Division while on routine patrol at FO1, Kubwa.
“On a spot search, one locally made pistol with a cartridge was recovered in his possession.
“A further search conducted at his residence led to the recovery of another locally made gun, as well as clothing and tokens suspected to belong to a civilian JTF unit, which the suspect allegedly used in carrying out criminal activities,” said the sources.
The sources said suspect is currently in custody undergoing interrogation to ascertain his true identity and involvement in other crimes.
Police arrest fake soldier, recover firearms in Abuja
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