News

Ganduje used BDCs to change state funds to dollars, says Kano anti-graft agency

Published

7 months ago

April 22, 2024 8:57 am

BodexNG

Muhuyi Magaji, chairman of the Kano state Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCCAC), says the agency has traced N51.3 billion allegedly diverted by Abdullahi Ganduje, former governor of the state.

Magaji spoke during an interview on Arise TV. He said the funds traced by the anti-corruption commission were half of the over N100 billion meant for LGs in the state.

“The monies were channelled to different local government accounts. They then met with local government staff to create false expenditure with a payment voucher and then diverted the money through a third party,” he said.

“We traced a lot of the diverted funds to various individual accounts at the single market and subsequently took the money in cash to the state government house with someone stationed with a counting machine.

“After that, they changed it to dollars and then took it to certain individuals. We have a bureau de change who will testify that money was sent to him and how it was changed to dollars.

“We have been able to trace over N51.3 billion based on confessional statements and how they were diverted. What we are tracking is well over N100 billion.”

The Kano anti-graft chair added that about 200 people confessed to how the Ganduje-led administration directed them to pad up their expenditure.

“About 200 people confessed to the commission that they took this money and ‘this money that they asked us to write, we purchased a car for hospital, we purchased antigenic drugs…’ it’s all lies.

“We had it and we didn’t even see the money. We only produced the premium. But the cashier confessed to the commission that this money, we have taken it to so-and-so person and that person was invited by the commission.

“He equally confessed that, yes, this person take it to so-and-so. So this is one. We established N51.3 billion.

“So as I’m talking to you now, we have a cogent and verifiable evidence that we are taking to court on this case.”

Magaji also alleged that Ganduje sold a company belonging to the state government at a ridiculous price to the first family of the state.

“The spouse of the former governor, she used to be the secretary of all the accounts that were linked in such particular allegations and the allegations is not all about this 51 billion. Because this 51, as I’m telling you, is virtually, I think it’s 90 percent of it was taken in cash. It’s only been traced. But it was taken in cash,” he added.

“But this one, it is on a particular issue. Whereby, you know, a company belonging to Kano government was sold to a company that belonged to the first family and this first family, all these people you mentioned, they were directors and that, including the person that you just mentioned, visited me in the office and at the same time, the spouse, I mean the wife of the former governor, is the secretary of that account and that company is a cotton ginnery that deals with the ginnery of cotton.

“We have cotton ginnery, we have cotton tannery. All the two companies were sold. But this particular one was sold to his family and under his hand, at the stupid price of, ridiculous price, forgive me, of N320 million. Instead of the bono of the property, which was N2 billion.

“So you see, and even the said N320 million was not remitted. It was only, we were only able to trace. We traced 90 million naira and this 90 million naira, we traced it back to this local government money.”

Magaji concluded that the ultimate goal of investigating Ganduje is to serve as a deterrent to others.

On April 18, Abdulazeez Ganduje, son of the former governor, visited the anti-graft agency to show support for the commission’s case against his dad, mum and brother.

In 2021, Abdulazeez dragged Hafsat Ganduje, his mother, to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over a bribery and land fraud case.

News

Oluremi Tinubu asks market women not to hike food prices during festive season

Published

10 hours ago

November 18, 2024 10:04 am

BodexNG

Oluremi Tinubu, the first lady, has appealed to market women not to hike the prices of food items during the festive period.

In a statement, Busola Kukoyi, the senior special assistant on media to the first lady, said Oluremi spoke on Saturday in Abakakili, the capital of Ebonyi, while addressing women for their 2024 Women’s Day celebration.

Oluremi inaugurated the 3.1 kilometres runway at the Wilberforce Chuba Okadigbo International Airport in Ebonyi.

The first lady commended Francis Nwifuru, the governor of Ebonyi, for completing the project, noting that the airport will usher in more socio-economic development for the state.

“His deputy governor is a woman; same for the secretary to the state government and many down the line.

“Now I want to announce that he has decided to empower 130 people with businesses with N1 million each as business recapitalisation grants.

“As RHI, we did not come empty-handed. We are donating a sum of N50 million, 20,000 wrappers, shoes, and bags to support businesses of women in that line, in this state.”

On his part, the governor thanked the first lady for the visit and the support received by the state through the renewed hope initiative.

He commended the women of the state for their contributions to the development of Ebonyi.

News

Accountability: IGP Declares Public Relations Officers Conference Open In Asaba

Published

1 day ago

November 17, 2024 9:59 am

BodexNG

Harps on Robust Human Relations

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, will, on Monday 18th November 2024, officially declare open a 4-day Police Public Relations Officers (PPROs) Conference in Asaba, Delta State.

The Conference is organized in partnership with the Delta State Government and in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and International Alert.

The event is part of the ongoing efforts to advance police reforms in Nigeria. The conference, which will run from November 18 to 22, 2024, is themed *”Strengthening Nigeria Police Force Oversight and Accountability,”.

The gathering will bring together over 150 participants. These include Command Public Relations Officers from the 36 states and the FCT, Zonal Public Relations Officers, Liaison Officers from various Police departments and formations, Staff Officers from the Force Public Relations Department at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, and strategic communication experts.

The Conference focuses on enhancing communication strategies within the law enforcement sector to bridge gaps between the Nigeria Police Force and the public. It also seeks to equip PPROs with advanced skills necessary for fostering positive relationships with the public.

Reaffirming the NPF’s commitment to capacity building, the IGP emphasized the importance of continuous training and retraining of officers to ensure they are equipped with the essential skills for effective service delivery. He also encourages the public to support the police in fulfilling their mandate of maintaining law and order.

ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI,
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
ABUJA.

17TH NOVEMBER 2024.

News

Nnamdi Emeh: Suspect Facing Charges In Court, Process Independent Of Police Influence

Published

2 days ago

November 16, 2024 10:46 pm

BodexNG

The attention of the Nigeria Police Force has been drawn to recent reports circulating in the media concerning one Mr. Nnamdi Emeh, who is currently facing trial for alleged criminal offenses.

The NPF wishes to clarify that Mr. Emeh was lawfully apprehended following credible allegations against him, which were thoroughly investigated and presented before a competent court of law.

The charges preferred against him were duly filed, and he was arraigned before the Federal High Court, Awka, in line with due process.

It is important to emphasize that the judiciary operates independently, and the court retains the exclusive prerogative to evaluate the evidence presented, determine bail conditions, and take any further necessary actions as guided by the law.

Mr. Emeh was granted bail on terms established by the court. It therefore behoves on the suspect to take steps to meet such conditions and not resort to unecessary media rampage.

The NPF reaffirms its commitment to upholding the rule of law, ensuring justice, and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.

The Force is also mindful of its duty to investigate allegations against all persons, including its officers, and to subject any suspect to the established legal process.

While the case against Mr. Emeh continues in court, we appeal to the public to allow the judicial process to take its full course without undue speculation or interference.

We urge all stakeholders, including members of the media, to present information responsibly and to allow the legal process to determine the outcome of the matter in the interest of justice.

The Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its resolve to enforce the law impartially and to safeguard the rights of every individual as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.

ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI,
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
ABUJA.
16TH NOVEMBER, 2024

Bodex F. Hungbo, SPMIIM is a multiple award-winning Nigerian Digital Media Practitioner, Digital Strategist, PR consultant, Brand and Event Expert, Tv Presenter, Tier-A Blogger/Influencer, and a top cobbler in Nigeria.

She has widespread experiences across different professions and skills, which includes experiences in; Marketing, Media, Broadcasting, Brand and Event Management, Administration and Management with prior stints at MTN, NAPIMS-NNPC, GLOBAL FLEET OIL AND GAS, LTV, Silverbird and a host of others