Court orders forfeiture of N1.37 billion allegedly misappropriated during El-Rufai’s tenure as Governor
Court orders forfeiture of N1.37 billion allegedly misappropriated during El-Rufai’s tenure as Governor
A Federal High Court in Kaduna has ordered the temporary forfeiture of N1.37 billion that was purportedly embezzled from the Kaduna State government’s funds between May 2015 and May 2023, while former Governor Nasir El-Rufai was in office.
The money was allegedly taken from the budget for a failed light rail project under the previous administration and transferred into a private account owned by Indo Kaduna Marts JV Nigeria Limited..
Justice H. Buhari, who presided over the case, granted the forfeiture order on February 28, 2025, following an ex parte application filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The ICPC had traced the diverted funds to a private bank account, prompting the legal action.
The court also directed the ICPC to publish a notice in two national newspapers, calling for any individuals or entities with an interest in the funds to come forward and show cause why the amount should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.
In its application, filed by ICPC lawyer E.O. Akponimisingha, the anti-graft agency highlighted that the light rail project, which was meant to improve transportation in the state, was never executed during the El-Rufai administration, depriving the people of Kaduna State of its intended benefits.
The funds were reportedly diverted through Indo Kaduna MRTS JV Nig Limited, a joint venture formed in 2016 between the state government and Indian investors, meant to oversee the rail project.
The case has been adjourned until April 8, 2025, when any interested parties wishing to claim the funds will have the opportunity to present their case before the court.
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Eight persons killed, others injured in another fatal road accident
Eight persons killed, others injured in another fatal road accident
Eight persons died while three others were injured in a road traffic crash along the Potiskum–Dogon Kuka carriageway in Yobe.
The Yobe Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr Andrew Longkam, confirmed the incident on Thursday.
He said the crash occurred around Gaggaba on the Potiskum–Dogon Kuka axis at about 12:40 hours.
“Preliminary reports from Dogon Kuka Unit Command show the incident was promptly reported to the corps,” Longkam said.
FRSC operatives arrived within five minutes, enabling swift rescue, evacuation of victims, traffic control, road clearance and prevention of secondary crashes.
The crash involved a white Howo trailer, registration DAL 963YY, and a white Mitsubishi Canter, registration NNR 437XA.
“Twelve adult males were involved, with eight fatalities and four rescued, including three injured and one unhurt,” he said.
The injured and deceased were taken to Government General Hospital, Dogon Kuka, where the injured received prompt medical attention.
Longkam said the FRSC tow truck cleared the obstruction, restored traffic flow and notified the Police Motor Traffic Division in Dogon Kuka.
“Preliminary findings indicate the Mitsubishi Canter, suspected to excessive speeding, committed a route violation and crashed into the trailer,” he said.
He said excessive speed and route violation were suspected causes, adding that investigations were ongoing to determine the exact circumstances.
The sector commander urged motorists to avoid speeding, route violations and unsafe practices, assuring continued enforcement, emergency response and public education across the state. (NAN)
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Reaction as Atiku’s Son defects to APC, backs President Tinubu’s reelection in 2027
Reaction as Atiku’s Son defects to APC, backs President Tinubu’s reelection in 2027
Former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has addressed his son Abba Abubakar’s decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as a personal choice.
In a statement posted on his X handle, Atiku said, “The decision of my son, Abba Abubakar, to join the APC is entirely personal. In a democracy, such choices are neither unusual nor alarming, even when family and politics intersect.”
He added, “As a democrat, I do not coerce my own children in matters of conscience, and I certainly will not coerce Nigerians.”
The former vice president also highlighted his concerns about the ruling party, saying, “What truly concerns me is the poor governance of the APC and the severe economic and social hardships it has imposed on our people.”
“ I remain resolute in working with like-minded patriots to restore good governance and offer Nigerians a credible alternative that brings relief, hope, and progress.”
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JUST IN; Oyo Governor, Makinde names Olubadan as Chairman Oyo Council of Obas
JUST IN; Oyo Governor, Makinde names Olubadan as Chairman Oyo Council of Obas
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has inaugurated the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, declaring that the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, will be heading the council for a period of 2 years.
The declaration follows the passing of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs (Further Amendments) Bill, 2025, by the state House of Assembly, and the signing of the same into law by the governor.
Recall that the lawmakers had amended Clause 5 of Section 28 of the Chieftaincy Law to make the Council chairmanship rotational among the Alaafin of Oyo, the Soun of Ogbomoso, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
While inaugurating the Council, Governor Makinde said he had consulted with the trio of the Alaafin, the Olubadan and the Soun, with the three of them reaching a consensus that the chairmanship should start with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Rashidi Ladoja.
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