EFCC freezes N30b NSIPA cash traced to private accounts.

EFCC freezes N30b NSIPA cash traced to private accounts.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has tracked N30 billion of the N44 billion moved from the accounts of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA).

The multiple accounts to which the funds were moved by some NSIPA officials have been frozen by the anti-graft agency as part of an ongoing probe.

It was learnt that the N44 billion was suspiciously moved from NSIPA’s accounts into private and corporate accounts linked to those serving as fronts.

Some of the officials of the agency have been undergoing investigation.

For hours yesterday, EFCC interrogators grilled the suspended National Coordinator/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the agency, Halima Shehu.

The anti-graft commission also arrested NSIPA’s immediate past Director of Finance and Accounts (DFA), Mr. Bwai Adamu Hamza.

Hamza retired from the agency in December.

Shehu and Hamza were subjected to interrogation yesterday by a special team.

Former Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development minister, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, failed to honour the EFCC invitation to appear for interrogation.

She also did not send any message on why she did not turn up.

Officials designated to interrogate her waited in vain.

The EFCC invited Umar-Farouq over the alleged laundering of N37, 170,855,753.44 during her tenure through a contractor, James Okwete. The former minister denied the allegations.

There were strong indications last night that having failed to turn up without explanation, the former minister might be declared wanted by the EFCC.

Investigations showed that the ongoing probe of NSIPA assumed a new dimension following the discovery that the total cash taken out of the agency’s vaults was N44 billion.

But, after tracking the movement of the cash, the EFCC recovered and froze the N30 billion it traced to multiple accounts.

As of Tuesday, the agency had intercepted and seized N17 billion.

Within 24 hours, the commission traced and froze an additional N13 billion in some accounts, raising the cash seized to N30 billion.

Detectives were still profiling many accounts last night to uncover the balance of N14 billion.

A source, who spoke in confidence, said the EFCC Executive Chairman. Mr. Ola Olukoyede was personally leading the probe.

The source said: “After hours of interrogation and profiling of many accounts, the EFCC was able to confirm that unauthorised N44 billion was suspiciously moved out of NSIPA’s account to some private and corporate accounts.

“So far, N30billion has been traced to some accounts and frozen.

“Our operatives are on the trail of the owners and alleged fronts or firms used to siphon the cash.

“Records showed that the N44 billion was hurriedly moved out of NSIPA’s account in one week.”

As of press time, the EFCC had arrested Hamza in connection with the action.

According to the investigation, Hamza, who retired on December 29, was picked up to clarify the movement of the cash under his watch.

Shehu and Hamza were said to have “worked closely” in the agency.

Another source said: “The National Coordinator and the ex-DFA were grilled by our investigating team for hours on Wednesday. Halima was taken into custody on Tuesday while Hamza was arrested yesterday.

“Based on the new focus of the EFCC chairman, Halima was, on compassionate ground, allowed to go home at about 11pm on Tuesday. She reported for another round of interaction yesterday.

“For Hamza, the EFCC arrested him following intelligence that he might travel out of the country for an engagement.”

The source added: “The two persons have made useful statements and we have recovered some records which enabled us to trace and freeze N30 billion. For a long time, the two officials have been working together.

“Immediately Hamza retired, Halima appointed him as a Special Adviser on Finance. He was expected to resume work on Tuesday.

“Our team is, however, working round the clock to uncover the accounts where the remaining N14 billion was hidden.”

On Umar-Farouq’s connection with the matter, her accuser, Okwete was in EFCC’s custody yesterday awaiting her arrival for a face-to-face interrogation.

“We will give her some grace and if she does not honour our invitation, the EFCC will have no choice but to declare the ex-minister wanted.”

Tinubu will give Nigeria world-class education, healthcare, says Gbajabiamila.

Tinubu will give Nigeria world-class education, healthcare, says Gbajabiamila.

The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila on Wednesday, January 3, assured that President Bola Tinubu would provide Nigerians with access to world-class education and quality healthcare before the end of his administration.

Gbajabiamila said the attainment of both objectives is part of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and would not only save the country but also make it “unbeatable in every sphere.”

The Chief of Staff spoke while inaugurating some of the legacy projects completed in his Surulere federal constituency during his tenure as Speaker.

He unveiled the projects alongside Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, the Chairman, of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Wasiu Sanni Eshinlokun, among others.

The projects are the multistorey 484-bed Femi Gbajabiamila Hall of Residence for postgraduate students at the University of Lagos, Akoka; the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Surulere Campus; Bode Thomas Police Station, Surulere; Reconstructed Randle Avenue, Surulere and the Femi Gbajabiamila Mini Stadium, Surulere.

They bring to nine the projects he inaugurated since Tuesday. The others are a state-of-the-art conference centre at the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo; an ultramodern, multi-floor 80-bed general hospital; the dualised Babs Animashaun Road and Census Bridge; and the Sam Shonibare Community Development Centre, all in Surulere.

At the NOUN, Gbajabiamila said: “Education and healthcare are the two things that can save a nation. If we can ensure access to quality healthcare for our people and ensure that everybody who desires a good education gets it, this nation will be unbeatable in every sphere.

“These two objectives, ensuring access to world-class education and quality healthcare for all our nation’s people, are at the heart of the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. And I want to reassure all of you here today that we will meet these objectives and exceed them in this administration.”

“This campus of open university will offer undergraduate and postgraduate courses in fields accredited by the National Universities Commission. This building contains lecture rooms, Laboratories, Moot Court, Seminar rooms, offices, and many other facilities.

“I have facilitated the construction of over 250 roads, renovated schools, built hospitals, facilitated Mini Stadia for community sports, provided free Wi-Fi in all public tertiary institutions in Lagos State, and empowered thousands of youth and community members.”

Tajudeen commended Gbajabiamila saying his legislative strides were unmatched.

“I don’t see any lawmaker in this generation who can do as much as Gbajabiamila. I don’t see one,” the Speaker said.

Making a case for constituency projects as a way to fast track development, Tajudeen added: “With greater transparency and accountability, constituency projects can be the most viable tools for developing forgotten sections of Nigeria.

“I intend to re-introduce a reviewed version of the Constituency Development Fund Bill to provide a legal framework for the management, disbursement, utilisation and accountability of funds designated for constituency projects.”

For Minister of State for Education, Dr. Sununu, the UNILAG and NOUN projects were another effort towards access to free quality education.

He also commended Nigerians’ support for to the government’s withdrawal of recognition for some foreign academic institutions.

Sununu said: “And I also want to use this opportunity to thank all the Nigerians for all the praises and songs that you have done in the last 48 hours when we released a circular stopping the accreditation of institutions from Benin and the Togo Republic as a result of the wonderful work undertaken by a journalist to expose what is currently happening.

“As a ministry, we are not happy and we are dealing with it decisively. We want to assure you that the Federal Ministry of Education is in full participation and compliance with the 8 points agenda of Mr. President especially priority on focus on education.

“And on this end, we are going to tighten all the loose nuts to ensure, ours is a certificate that we can be proud to have, that can be recognised internationally and we will be able to give you what you deserve to contribute meaningfully to the development of our country’s agenda.”

Femi Gbajabiamila's Project Legacy: House of Representatives Speaker Inaugurates Newly Built Police Station.

Femi Gbajabiamila's Project Legacy: House of Representatives Speaker Inaugurates Newly Built Police Station. 

The Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr Abbas Tajudee, has Commissioned the Bode Thomas Police Station, Surulere, Lagos State , a project facilitated by the Chief of Staff to the President , Mr Femi Gbajabiamila.

It was reported that the Bode Thomas Police Station, was formerly located on Bode Thomas Road, Surulere, where it was attacked during the Endsars protest.

The new station is now located at Census Area, Babs Animashaun Road, Surulere, Lagos State.

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Mr Adegoke Fayoade, who received the Speaker at the station, commended Gbajabiamila for the project.

Fayoade said that the project was a commitment of the Chief of Staff to the protection of lives and properties in Surulere and it’s environs.

” It shows his commitment to the security of lives and properties of residents of Lagos State. It shows that he has the interest of people in Lagos at heart.

“We will judiciously make use of the station to provide better security in this area. The station will assist in securing Surulere and its environs better as it is more central now,” he said.

The police boss urged the people in Surulere to make judicious use of the station by reporting cases to the officers there, assuring that there will be prompt response.

Credit: (NAN)

IGP to improve on police officers’ pension scheme.

IGP to improve on police officers’ pension scheme.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun has initiated measures to review and potentially improve the pension regime for retired police personnel.

The development, IGP said is to enhance the welfare of police officers, both serving and retired.

A statement issued on Wednesday, January 3, by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi read: “Since assuming office, the IGP has demonstrated unflinching determination to addressing the welfare concerns of Police Officers. Recall that the IGP had invited retired and serving Police Officers as well as pension experts sometime in 2023 to a meeting at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, where pending issues pertaining to Police Pensions were addressed with a view to exploring all available means of improving Police pensions. 

“Upon careful scrutiny of the pending bill alongside legal and pension experts, the IGP advised a cautious approach, identifying potential challenges in the proposed pension scheme.

“In light of these lingering concerns, the IGP remains steadfast in tirelessly advocating for the best interests of the Force. The newly formed team has therefore been entrusted with formulating a pension system that ensures every retiring police officer receives the very best for a robust post-service life. This strategic move aims to alleviate the hardships often faced by officers, post-retirement.

“The Inspector-General of Police reassures all officers, both serving and retired, that the current administration prioritizes the enhancement of police officers’ welfare, particularly concerning retirement benefits. The IGP remains resolute in ensuring a pension scheme that secures the financial well-being of officers, reinforcing the core values of commitment and service to the nation.

“The IGP therefore calls for calm among serving officers and retirees, urging all to align with the leadership of the Force as efforts are underway to craft a pension regime that better serves the interests of police retirees. 

“Solidarity and cooperation with the Force’s leadership during this period will ensure the development of a workable Police Pension Scheme that comprehensively addresses the needs of our esteemed retired Police Officers, and the betterment of the entire Police family in Nigeria.

TUC presents 10 demands before President Tinubu.

TUC presents 10 demands before President Tinubu.

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has presented 10 demands before the administration of President Bola Tinubu for implementation.

The TUC made the demands in a new year statement signed by its president, Festus Osifo and Secretary General, Nuhu Toro on Wednesday, January 3. 

The congress asked the Tinubu administration to implement: “All agreements between labour and government, including the payment of the monthly N35,000 wage award to Public Servants in the Local Government, State and Federal services, must be implemented until a new National Minimum Wage is implemented.”

Other demands included the negotiation and implementation of a new National Minimum Wage and payment of arrears;

“Inflation, which is running at 28.20 percent, must be drastically reduced to the Sub-Saharan African regional average of 9.4 percent. 

“Governments at state and federal levels should stop the unnecessary, economically-unwise and unpatriotic tradition of taking loans, especially when these loans only end up being used to purchase thousands of expensive jeeps for legislators, pampered members of the Executive and their spouses, or in building unnecessary offices and purchasing mundane and sundry things, including stationaries;

“Government should stop its ill-advised devaluation of the national currency, that is precipitating the collapse of local industries which need foreign exchange to import raw materials, and which has led to mega inflation in our import-dependent economy.;

“The sale of the Naira in the streets due to the Central Bank-induced scarcity must be stopped. This is possible, provided Government ensures adequate supply of Naira notes in the banking system;

“The very high price of PMS, which is now at a poverty-inducing price of N617 at the NNPC fuel stations (much higher elsewhere) should be drastically reduced to repair the damage done to the economy. This will be achieved by ensuring local production of refine products;

“The security of Nigerians should be the yardstick with which to determine whether military and other security chiefs and their supervising Ministers should remain in office or be replaced. Specifically, rather than lament, President Tinubu has a duty to sanction officials for serious security breaches such as the December, 2023 massacres in Plateau State;

“In order to ensure maximum security, Community Policing should be prioritized alongside the mobilisation of the citizenry to defend themselves against bandits and terrorists and 

“Government should engage in dialogue with aggrieved groups representing nationalities who feel marginalised, short-changed or shut out.”

It added: “The Year 2024 holds a lot of promise for us all provided Nigerians as a people would unite and assert our authority over all powers, including the Nigerian ruling class manning all branches, levels, institutions and organs of government.”

Minister vows to hunt Nigerians with fake foreign certificates.

Minister vows to hunt Nigerians with fake foreign certificates.

Education Minister, Tahir Mamman, has vowed to go after citizens using fake certificates obtained from foreign countries to secure employment in Nigeria.

Describing such individuals as “criminals” involved in a criminal chain, Mammman insisted they ought to be arrested and not empathised with.

The minister, who appeared on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” swore that security agencies will crack down on individuals culpable of the act.

“I have no sympathy for such people. Instead, they are part of the criminal chain that should be arrested,” the minister stated firmly.

“If along the line, we can trace that there are people already in the system. For instance, if a particular institution or operator has been operating, say in the last 10 years, we will check if we can get records of Nigerians who attended that institution.

“They are criminals and you know there is no timeframe to criminality. We will trace them. As long as we can lay our hands on their institutions and they are right here with us, certainly, the security agencies will go after them because they are criminals.”

The Minister’s statement was spurred by an undercover journalist’s report, in which he described how he acquired a degree within six weeks from a Cotonou-based varsity in Benin Republic, and thereafter was deployed to Cross Rivers State for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme undetected.

Following the report, the federal government swiftly suspended the accreditation and evaluation of degree certificates from Benin Republic and Togo, adding the sanction would be extended to more countries like Uganda, Kenya and Niger Republic.

“We are not going to stop at just Benin and Togo,” Mamman added.

“We are going to extend the dragnet to countries like Uganda, Kenya, even Niger here where such institutions have been set up.

“We will not stop at the suspension of certificates from Togo and Benin Republic alone. We are going to extend the suspension to other countries where such institutions operate.”

Atiku to take seventh shot at presidency in 2027, says Bwala.

Atiku to take seventh shot at presidency in 2027, says Bwala.

Spokesman for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) 2023 Presidential Campaign Organisation, Daniel Bwala, has said the party’s candidate in the last general election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, will contest again in 2027.

Bwala said Nigeria needs Atiku as president because he understands how the private sector works.

Featuring on a Channels Television programme, Bwala said: “Sure, he would run. He has the capacity, he has the wisdom, he has the knowledge, he has the energy.

“And he is a president we never had. (This is) because to be honest with you, if any politician understands the private sector very well, it is Atiku Abubakar, and our economy can only come alive if there is a private sector-led economy.

“He’s the president the country is missing because of his experience and capacity.”

Atiku has made six failed attempts to rule Nigeria in 1993, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023.

During the last presidential election, some chieftains of the PDP had worked against the former Vice President.