National
Alleged ₦3.1bn Fraud: How I Delivered $15.8m Cash To Suswan In His Residence — Witness
Abubakar Umar, the Sixth Prosecution Witness in the trial of former governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam has narrated before the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, how in 2014, he converted the sum of ₦3.1bn wired to him by Suswam as governor, and delivered its equivalent of $15.8m in cash to him at his Maitama, Abuja residence.
This was revealed in a statement by the Head of media & Publicity of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Dele Oyewale on Saturday.
Suswan, alongside his then Commissioner of Finance, Omodachi Okolobia facing 11-count amended charges of money laundering to the tune of ₦3.1bn, being part of the proceeds from the sales of the state government’s shares held on its behalf by the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited, sold through Elixir Securities Limited and Elixir Investment Partners Limited.
During the court’s proceedings, the witness, a bureau de change operator and CEO of Fanffash Resources, who has been testifying on the matter since 2018, first, before Justice A.R Mohammed and later Justice Okon Abang, disclosed that the total sum of Suswan, alongside his then Commissioner of Finance, Omodachi Okolobia are facing 11-count amended charges of money laundering to the tune of ₦3.1bn was transferred to him by Suswam, through a proxy in tranches with the first tranche of ₦413m hitting his account on August 8, 2014 and the remaining, coming in subsequently to sum up to ₦3.1bn.
Umar, while being led in evidence by prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, affirmed that the proxy who did the naira transfers to him was a woman.
According to the witness, he had to change a total sum of ₦3.1bn to dollars, which he said amounted to $15.8 million at the rate of ₦197 to a dollar, and delivered it to Suswam in his Maitama, Abuja residence.
“One day in 2014, when I was in the office, the former governor of Benue State asked me to meet him in his house in Maitama, Abuja. I went and met him in the house together with one fair woman. He asked me to give the woman my account number. I gave the woman my Zenith Bank account number. The woman said she’d send money into that account.
“On the 8th of August 2014, N413 million was transferred to my account. Based on this, I called the former governor and he told me to change the money to dollars and I asked him to give me time to do that. Three days after I bought the dollar equivalent, I called the former governor and informed him that the money was ready. He now asked me to take the money to his house in Maitama, near Jumat Mosque. I now told him that he should inform the security at the gate that I was coming, if not they would not allow me access into the gate. I took a cab to the house, and after I arrived at the house, I knocked at the gate and they opened. I told them my name. They opened the first and second gates and I sat in the waiting room where he came and met me. I now brought out the money which we both confirmed to be the equivalent of the N413 million. The exchange rate then was N197”, he said
Testifying further, he said, “On the 12th of September 2014, N637 million was transferred to my account. After N637 million was transferred to my account, after like 40 minutes N363 million was also transferred into my account. On 13th October 2014, N630,008,50, (Six Hundred and Thirty Million, Eight Thousand and Fifty Naira) was also transferred to my account. On 17th October 2014 1,0068,000 (One Billion, Sixty-eight Million) was transferred to my account. It is the woman who was directed by the former governor to do the transfers. The total money transferred to my account was N3 billion”.
The witness who stated that he was neither arrested by the EFCC for giving any testimony in favor of the defendant, nor threatened by the Commission to give evidence against the defendant, further disclosed that he did not have receipts for the transactions, so also no record book for them, stating that he buys dollars from his fellow retailers and only records based on discretion.
Justice Lifu adjourned the matter till October 4, 2024, for continuation of trial.
By Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto
The European Union (EU) and United Nations (UN) Agencies with DRC Monay launched three Initiatives worth €60 Million in Sokoto with the aim of enhancing social protection, access to health and resilience-building in the state.
The launch officially done by Sokoto state governor, Ahmed Aliyu had 9 EU Ambassadors from Member States in attendance and also witnessed by the Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar 111, traditional leaders as well as government functionaries.
The initiative, SUSI, SARAH, and SPADS,
with funding from European Union (EU), the Government of Nigeria and in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), is to be implemented over a four-year period (2024–2027)
Registering his appreciation onbehalf of the government and people of Sokoto state, the governor represented by his deputy, Mohammed Idris Gobir said the initiative is in line with their administration’s 9 point smart agenda, hence promising comprehensive support for the success of the Initiative even as he assured of the establishment of a social protection department in the state.
“Our administration prioritizes the well-being of women, children, and vulnerable populations. These EU-funded initiatives—SUSI, SARAH, and Durable Solutions—will not only improve access to critical services but also build long-term resilience and sustainable systems. Sokoto is proud to champion these efforts.”
Earlier in his speech, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria who led the delegation, Gautier Mignot, said they are desirous to invest in the future of Nigeria.
With this, the EU’s principle of equity and inclusion is giving birth to programmes that, ,””leave no one behind whether it is better healthcare, livelihood support, or social protection”.
Continuing, the EU Ambasaador said the three initiatives launched in Sokoto are part of “”their commitment to long-term, people-centered development and enhanced support, particularly in the North-West of Nigeria.
Giving a breakdown of the projects, to be implemented also in Benue, Oyo and Sokoto States, Mr Mignot, said they include,
“‘Supporting Sustainable Social Protection Systems in Nigeria (SUSI), jointly implemented by UNICEF and ILO, SUSI aims to strengthen Nigeria’s social protection infrastructure by improving the National Social Register, enhancing management information systems, building institutional capacity, and reinforcing legal and policy frameworks.
“‘Strengthening Access to Reproductive and Adolescent Health (SARAH), implemented by UNICEF and UNFPA, aims to improve access to high-quality reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health and nutrition services that are sensitive to gender and the needs of young people, including support for those affected by gender-based violence, in Sokoto, Adamawa, and Kwara States. The project is expected to reach over 45 million children, adolescents, and women over four years.
“”Support for Protection, Assistance & Durable Solutions (SPADS), led by the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) with partners Pro-Health International (PHI) and Joint IDP Profiling Service (JIPS), this project supports community-led local action plans to promote long-term solutions for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and host communities. It provides livelihoods support, boosts local employment, and strengthens resilience using a climate-smart and inclusive approach””.
On her part, UNICEF Represnstive in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, said poverty, and inclusivity can only be reduced through social protection which was why UNICEF through SARAH, is improving healthcare access for girls and mothers in Nigeria.
“‘Together with the EU, ILO, UNFPA, and DRC, we are helping Nigeria build strong systems that protec
National
Constitutional Reforms, Security Concerns, and Tax Legislation Dominate National Assembly Agenda as Sessions Resume Today
As the National Assembly reconvenes for plenary today, the focus will be on constitutional and electoral reforms, alongside escalating security issues affecting various regions of the country.
According to Daily Trust, in addition to addressing constitutional amendment bills, lawmakers are set to tackle several urgent matters. This includes the summons of the governors of Zamfara and Benue, pending tax reform legislation in the Senate, the summons of the Rivers State sole administrator, and various outstanding committee reports.
Upon their return, legislators are also expected to introduce new bills and motions aimed at addressing the welfare of their constituents.
In a statement yesterday, House of Representatives spokesman Akin Rotimi indicated that the plenary will prioritize discussions and legislative actions on critical national concerns, particularly the rising tide of insecurity in numerous states as well as broader economic challenges. He emphasized that these issues will shape the legislative agenda as members respond to the immediate needs of their communities.
Both chambers of the Assembly adjourned for recess on March 27, with an original return date of April 29. However, this was later postponed by a week to May 6 to allow members to partake in Workers’ Day events and attend to constituency matters, as explained by National Assembly Clerk Kamoru Ogunlana.
**Focus on Constitutional Review and Electoral Reform**
As lawmakers return, the ongoing constitutional review led by the 10th Assembly and amendments to the Electoral Act are expected to take precedence. Prior to the recess, the House of Representatives passed 81 constitutional amendment bills for a second reading in a swift process completed in just two days, without a debate on their general principles.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu, who chairs the committee overseeing the constitutional review, revealed that over 250 amendment bills have been submitted. The House is anticipated to continue its consideration of these bills.
Rotimi provided an update on the constitutional review and electoral reform processes, stating that during the recess, the committee’s secretariat and technical consultants held a retreat to unify memoranda and draft proposals. A list of bills that have successfully passed the second reading will be published soon, ahead of zonal public hearings to gather citizens’ feedback nationwide.
He added that amendments to the Electoral Act 2022 will also be prioritized, aiming to address legal gaps and enhance Nigeria’s electoral framework.
The Senate is similarly expected to prioritize constitutional amendment legislation. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele confirmed that constitutional and electoral reforms are also among the upper chamber’s key priorities, stating that the review of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), is progressing steadily.
**Engagements with Zamfara and Benue Governors**
The House Committee on Public Petitions plans to engage Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal and Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia on May 8, concerning allegations of interference with legislative activities in their respective state assemblies.
The committee has requested explanations from the governors regarding why the National Assembly should not invoke Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution to assume control of the affected houses of assembly during periods of dysfunction. This follows a petition from the civil rights group Guardians of Democracy and Rule of Law.
Both governors have challenged the constitutionality of the summons. A senior official from Benue State indicated that the government is assessing the summons to determine whether the National Assembly has the authority to compel a sitting governor to appear.
Governor Lawal’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Mustafa Kaura, also criticized the summons, asserting that only a state assembly has the constitutional authority to summon its governor.
**Rivers State Administrator to Address House Committee**
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, is expected to appear before the House Ad-Hoc Committee on the State of Emergency in Rivers after previously missing two scheduled hearings. He attended a hearing on April 25, requesting additional time to prepare his briefing, and is now expected to address the committee’s concerns regarding governance and security in the state.
**Addressing Rising Insecurity**
While the legislature was on recess, several states—including Plateau, Benue, Borno, Zamfara, Yobe, Niger, Katsina, and Adamawa—experienced a spike in insecurity. Lawmakers are expected to propose motions and resolutions aimed at mitigating the deteriorating security situation in their constituencies and senatorial districts, with security issues anticipated to dominate discussions in both chambers in the coming weeks.
Senator Bamidele stated that the Senate will collaborate with the executive branch to tackle the resurgence of violence and terrorism, emphasizing the commitment to ending acts of terrorism nationwide.
**Senate to Prioritize Tax Reform Legislation**
The Senate is set to focus on four key tax reform bills put forward by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of broader fiscal policy reforms. These bills—the Nigerian Tax Bill, the Tax Administration Bill, the Revenue Tax Board Bill, and the Nigerian Revenue Service Establishment Bill—were passed by the House of Representatives prior to the recess but are pending in the Senate.
Concerns have been raised regarding the delay in the Senate’s passage of these bills, especially since the House approved them two weeks before the recess. Senate Committee on Media and Publicity Chairman, Yemi Adaramodu, had previously indicated that the bills would be passed before the break, but this did not occur.
Senator Bamidele reaffirmed that the tax bills are a top priority for the Senate, stating, “First on our agenda is the further consideration of the Tax Reform Bills, 2024.” He emphasized that passing these bills is vital for overhauling the country’s tax system and enhancing federal revenue.
**National Policy Dialogue on Legislative Agenda**
As the midterm of the 10th Assembly approaches on June 13, 2025, the House will host its inaugural National Policy Dialogue on the Legislative Agenda on Monday, May 12.
According to Rotimi, the Speaker will present the 10th House Midterm Report Card and lead strategic discussions with stakeholders from government, civil society, the private sector, and international development partners. This forum aims to facilitate reflection and planning to reinforce impact-driven lawmaking and people-centered representation.
**Other Legislative Priorities**
Rotimi indicated that the House would also expedite the consideration of bills and reports that align with its legislative agenda. This includes reports from standing and ad hoc committees that are essential for delivering on the chamber’s commitment to responsive governance.
Senator Bamidele also announced that the Senate will commence the screening of nominees for significant federal appointments announced during the recess, including members of the management board of the South-South Development Commission and other executive positions requiring legislative confirmation.
Daniel Bwala, special adviser to President Bola Tinubu on policy communication, says former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar should accept that presidency may not be his destiny.
Bwala spoke on Monday during an interview on TVC, where he addressed issues surrounding political succession and the future of opposition politics in the country.
He asked Abubakar to embrace reality and collaborate with President Tinubu in building the country.
“If I have the opportunity to meet him face to face, what I will tell him is just this: ‘Your Excellency, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, you have to believe in destiny,’” Bwala said.
“God gives power to whomsoever He chooses. And it seems from the facts on the ground that it may not have been the will of God for you to govern Nigeria.”
He advised the former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to align himself with Tinubu’s administration to leave a lasting legacy, “even if it is realised through another person”.
“There are many other ways you can contribute. Since you have been a friend to President Bola Tinubu for many years, come together and bring your contribution towards the Nigeria that both of you wanted to create for the Nigerian people,” he said.
“Your legacy will be that in your political dying days, you will be able to achieve some of your dreams, albeit through your friend.
“But if he insists that he wants to run and he wants to become the president, as we have already seen it playing out, his political ending might not be as palatable as he’s thinking.
“Right now, from his political family, he has lost substantial people, probably 60 to 70 percent.”
Bwala added that younger politicians who once followed Abubakar are now determined to seek power in their own right and have shown no signs of retreating.
The presidential aide’s remarks come amid a gale of defections from opposition parties to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
There are speculations that some governors of the opposition parties may soon join the APC.
In March, Abubakar said he was unsure about contesting the 2027 presidency, adding that there must be a viable platform.