News
Alleged $6bn fraud: Ex-power minister opposes EFCC amended charge
A former minister of power, Dr Olu Agunloye, on Monday challenged the amended charge filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in an FCT High Court.
He is standing trial on allegations of some infractions in the award of the six billion dollars Mambila Hydropower plant in Taraba.
Agunloye, who served as minister under former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, is charged with seven counts bordering on forgery, disobedience to presidential order before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie.
In the suit, marked FCT/HC/CR/617/22, EFCC alleged that Agunloye on May 22, 2003 awarded a contract titled “Construction of 3,960 megawatt Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Station on build, operate.
EFCC claimed that the transfer basis was to Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited without any budgetary provision, approval and cash backing.
The commission also, among others, alleged that it traced some suspicious payments made by Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited to the former minister’s accounts.
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
At the resumed hearing of the matter , the prosecution counsel, Abba Muhammad, SAN, informed the court that the prosecution filed an amended charge before the court and also provided additional six proof of evidence.
He, therefore, urged the court to allow the defendant take his plea to the amended charge.
Opposing this, Agunloye, through his counsel, Adeola Adedipe SAN, told the court that the case was adjourned for the defence to cross examine the second prosecution witness (PW2), Adewale Agunbiade.
He told the court that the defence came prepared to cross examine the PW2.
He stated that the prosecution should allow its witness to be cross examined first before talking about amendment of the charge before the court.
He said the prosecution cannot unilaterally amend the charge before the court.
Adedipe further said for the prosecution to amend the charge against the defendant, it ought to apply formally to the court for leave to do so.
He cited the provisions of Section 218(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).
Responding, Muhammed said the prosecution has the power to amend the charge against any defendant at any stage of trial before judgment and cited Section 216(1) and (2) to back his submission.
After listening to their submissions, Justice Onwuegbuzie directed the prosecution to formally apply for the amendment of the charge to allow the defence respond to same.
He added that the court would hear the application at the next adjourned date.
The judge subsequently adjourned the case until Nov. 11.
Earlier, the PW2, a Compliance Officer with Jaiz Bank, who previously worked as a Compliance Officer with Guaranty Trust Bank, had on Sept 23 testified.
He told the court that while he was with the later, the EFCC wrote an investigation activity inquiry to the bank in respect two of its customers, Agunloye and one Sotirin Abiodun.
The witness said GT Bank furnished the EFCC with the account opening documents, statements of accounts of the customers.
Reading from exhibits earlier tendered by the prosecution, the witness told the court that N5.2 million was transferred to Agunloye by Sotirin between August and November , 2019.(NAN)
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
A Catholic priest of the Archdiocese of Kafanchan, Reverend Father Sylvester Okechukwu, has been killed by suspected bandits in Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The victim until his murder was the Priest in-charge of St Mary Catholic Church Tachira in Kaura Local Government Area.
the Chancellor of Kafanchan Catholic Archdiocese, Reverend Father Jacob Shanet in a statement obtained by ELANZA NEWS, said Reverend Father Okechukwu was kidnapped at his residence on 4th March, 2025 at around 9:15 Pm, but was confirmed killed on Ash Wednesday morning of March 5, 2025.
He added that the reason why he was killed is yet to be determined.
” This untimely and brutal loss has left us heartbroken and devastated. Fr Sylvester was a dedicated servant of God, who worked selflessly in the vineyard of the Lord, spreading the message of peace, love and hope.
” He was always available and accessible to his parishioners. His untimely death has left an indelible void within our diocesan family, and we share in the pain of his passing with his family, friends and all those who knew and loved him.
” Let us come together as one family in prayer for the repose of his soul. We invite all priests, religious and the faithful, to offer Holy Masses, Rosaries and Prayers for the eternal repose
of Fr. Sylvester, who gave his life in service to God and humanity.
” We wish to call on our youth and members of the Takad community to remain calm and steadfast in prayer, warning that no one should take the law into their hands. The details of the funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.” The statement added.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan could not be reach for confirmation as of the time of filing this report.
Suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked a police station in Malari, Borno State, in the early hours of Wednesday, but were repelled by security forces.
Local security sources told The ELANZA that the insurgents launched the attack at about 1:00 am but were overpowered by a combined team of police officers and soldiers.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Daso, said the assailants attempted to infiltrate the police station but were forced to retreat after a fierce gun battle.
“Yes, there was an attack on Malari Police Station, but no casualty was recorded. The officers on duty, in collaboration with the military, repelled the insurgents and prevented them from entering the town,” Daso said.
He noted that the terrorists targeted a police Armoured Personnel Carrier during the attack, damaging its tyres but failing to destroy the vehicle.
“So far, no bodies have been recovered, but we are certain there were casualties on the side of the insurgents,” he added.
Daso assured residents of the police force’s readiness to prevent future attacks, stating that Malari had previously been without civil authority but had seen improved security since the deployment of a police crack team.
Meanwhile, some residents expressed concern that the insurgents might regroup and target civilians.
“We are scared they may return. We appreciate the efforts of our security forces and urge them to strengthen security measures,” a local source told The PUNCH on condition of anonymity.
The attack comes weeks after Boko Haram militants raided Nganzai Police Division in Borno killing two police officers.
The Commissioner of Police, Yusufu Lawal, commended the officers for their resilience and extended condolences to the families of the fallen officers.
By Amina Anebi, Kaduna
Over two hundred worshippers gathered at Our Lady’s Parish Independence in Kaduna to celebrate Shrove Tuesday, marking the end of the pre-Lenten season with traditional observances, including confessions, the burning of Holy Week palms, and acts of charity.
Shrove Tuesday, also known as Pancake Day, precedes Ash Wednesday and signals the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting and spiritual reflection observed by many Christian denominations. The term “Shrove” comes from the old English word “shrive,” meaning absolution following confession.
The celebration in Kaduna was led by the Kaduna North Dean and Parish Priest, Very Reverend Father Anthony Okelue, who urged the faithful to embrace the spirit of repentance and charity.
“I urge you all to come closer to God as we embark on 40 days of prayer and fasting. By reflecting on our wrongdoings, we should celebrate with those who have less. That is the essence of this day—giving to the less privileged,” Father Okelue said.
Shrove Tuesday is widely observed by Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists, Western-Rite Orthodox Christians, and Roman Catholics. The day is traditionally marked by self-examination, repentance, and preparation for the solemn season of Lent.
One of the most recognisable customs associated with Shrove Tuesday is the eating of pancakes, a practice rooted in the need to use up rich ingredients such as eggs, milk, and sugar before the fasting period begins. Church bells are also rung to remind people to repent before Lent.
In many Christian traditions, churches burn the palms distributed on the previous year’s Palm Sunday to prepare the ashes used for Ash Wednesday services. Elsewhere, in countries where Shrove Tuesday is known as Mardi Gras, the day is celebrated with carnivals and feasts before the fasting period begins.
The Roman Catholic Church also marks Shrove Tuesday with the Feast of the Holy Face of Jesus, a devotion reflecting on the suffering of Christ.
Father Okelue encouraged worshippers to see Lent as an opportunity for spiritual renewal. “This is a time for reflection, prayer, and giving. Let us approach it with sincerity and a heart for others,” he said.
As the faithful in Kaduna observed this centuries-old tradition, the emphasis remained on confession, repentance, and charity—values that define the essence of Shrove Tuesday.