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Court Orders Former Power Minister Saleh Mamman to Enter Defence in N33.8bn Fraud Trial

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The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed former Minister of Power Saleh Mamman’s bid to end his trial early, ruling that he must enter his defence in the N33.8 billion money laundering case brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Justice James Omotosho gave the ruling on Thursday while rejecting Mamman’s no-case submission. The judge held that the prosecution had presented enough material to establish a prima facie case, making it necessary for the defendant to respond to the allegations.

According to the judge, the evidence presented by the EFCC required explanations from Mamman, especially given the seriousness of the offences. He stated that the court could not stop the trial at this stage and that the defendant must address the issues raised by the prosecution.

The EFCC arraigned Mamman in July 2024 on 12 counts of money laundering and conspiracy. The commission alleged that he worked with ministry officials and private companies to indirectly convert N33.8 billion earmarked for the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro Electric Power projects.

Mamman, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari from August 2019 until his removal in September 2021, pleaded not guilty to all charges, prompting a full trial.

After his plea, the EFCC called 17 witnesses and tendered 43 exhibits before closing its case. Mamman, instead of opening his defence, filed a no-case submission on 19 November, arguing that the prosecution failed to link him to the alleged offences. The EFCC opposed his application.

In his ruling, Justice Omotosho sided with the prosecution, insisting that a prima facie case had been established. He ordered Mamman to open his defence, noting that the court would not evaluate the strength of the evidence until the conclusion of the trial.

The judge emphasised that the ruling did not amount to a finding of guilt. He reminded the parties that the defendant remained presumed innocent until proven otherwise and that the prosecution still carried the burden of proving the charges beyond reasonable doubt.

Justice Omotosho added that allowing Mamman to present his defence was necessary to ensure fairness and to address unresolved issues before the court reaches a final decision.

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Fuel price hike: Gov Makinde announces N10,000 transport support for workers

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The governor of Oyo state, Seyi Makinde, has approved a N10,000 transportation allowance as a palliative for the state workforce to cushion the effects of the increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, otherwise known as petrol.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Oyo State chapter, Kayode Martins, in a statement released on Monday, March 23, disclosed that the governor has granted the request of the union on the issue of transportation allowance.

The statement read

“Following the intervention and formal request made by the State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) earlier this morning, the state government has approved a N10,000 transportation allowance for all workers in the state.

The newly approved allowance is set to take effect from April 2026, providing much-needed relief to workers grappling with rising transportation costs amid current economic challenges.

This development comes as a direct response to sustained advocacy by the state NLC, aimed at cushioning the impact of increased living expenses on the workforce.

Further details on implementation are expected to be communicated by the relevant government authorities in due course.”

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Former Acting Accountant-General of the Federation bags 72years imprisonment for diverting N868.46 million security funds

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Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, March 23, convicted and sentenced Chukwunyere Nwabuoku, former acting Accountant-General of the Federation (AGoF), to a 72-year jail term without an option of fine.

DailyTrust reports that in the judgment delivered, Justice Omotosho held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had been able to prove the nine-count money laundering charge beyond reasonable doubt.

According to the judge, the defendant is hereby convicted as charged.

Justice Omotosho convicted Nwabuoku in all the nine counts and sentenced him to eight years imprisonment in each of the counts, making 72 years.

The judge, however, ordered that the counts shall run concurrently.

Justice Omotosho, who described Nwabuoku’s act of diverting funds meant for security and defence while he served as Director of Finance and Account in the Ministry of Defence as “appalling,” commended the EFCC for being detailed in its prosecution.

The judge observed that the evidence of the 9th prosecution witness that Nwabuoku voluntarily refunded part of the siphoned money of over N200 million during investigation was not controverted by the defence.

Nwabuoku served as the Director of Finance and Accounts in the Ministry of Defence between 2019 and 2021. He became acting Accountant General of the Federation in May 2022.

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11 more arrested over Ozoro “r@ping festival”

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The police in Delta state have arrested eleven more suspects over the sexu@l ass@ults recorded during what was described as a “r@ping festival” in Oramudu Quarters in Ozoro last Thursday, March 19.

In a statement released on Saturday, March 21, the spokesperson of the command, SP Bright Edafe, said the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) was tasked with conducting a detailed investigation into the incident.

Edafe said operatives of CP-SAT conducted a thorough analysis of available video evidence and intelligence, leading to the arrest of eleven additional suspects identified as Samson Atukpodo, Steven ovie, Ugbevo Samson, Afoke Akporobaro, Evidence Oguname, and six others. Edafe mentioned that these latest arrests bring the total number of suspects currently in police custody in connection with the incident to fifteen (15)

“The Command reiterates that preliminary findings indicate that the unfortunate incident was perpetrated by criminal elements who exploited the situation to engage in acts of sexu@l v!olence, which are in no way representative of any legitimate cultural practice.

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Aina Adesola, condemns these acts in totality and reassures the public that the Command remains resolute in its determination to ensure that all those involved are identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law. Members of the public, particularly victims and witnesses, are once again encouraged to come forward with credible information that will aid ongoing investigations. The Command assures that all information provided will be treated with strict confidentiality.”the statement in part reads

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