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.
George maintained that the Labour Party does not have the national infrastructure required to successfully oppose the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He emphasized that, as long as the party leadership adheres to the values of justice, equity, and fairness, only the PDP has the power, base support, and reach necessary to defeat the APC and win in 2027.
“I have nothing personal against Obi. He is from the South, but the fact remains that the Labour Party does not have the national structure to match Tinubu and the APC in 2027,” George stated. “The only party with the depth, support base, and capacity to defeat the APC is the PDP. And while some may think Tinubu’s re-election will be smooth sailing, I believe he can be defeated in 2027, but this can only happen if the PDP leadership ensures fairness, justice, and equity within the party.”
George also made an impassioned plea to Nyesom Wike, urging the Rivers State Governor to reconsider his opposition to the PDP and work together to help rebuild the nation.
Furthermore, he took aim at the Federal Government’s increasing interference in state politics, warning that such actions could exacerbate national insecurity if left unchecked.
News
University mourns as Professor collapses during meeting dies on way to Hospital
University mourns as Professor collapses during meeting dies on way to Hospital
The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile–Ife, Osun, has announced the death of Jimoh Famakinwa, a Professor in the Department of Philosophy.
This is contained in a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the University, Mr Abiodun Olarewaju, on Thursday in Ile-Ife.
The statement stated that Famakinwa, during a departmental meeting on Wednesday, was noticed breathing “abnormally” by his colleagues and was immediately rushed to the university’s Health and Medical Centre.
According to it, upon prompt medical examination by the team of doctors on duty, he was referred to the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), in Ile–Ife, where he was pronounced dead.
“The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simeon Bamire, feeling sad about the unfortunate incident, led other members of his management team to the widow and children on a condolence visit.
“The team expressed shock and disbelief that such a brilliant scholar could die so suddenly in the line of duty.
“Bamire urged the family to take solace in the fact that Prof. Famakinwa lived a fulfilled life of positive impact on the those who were fortunate to come across him.
“The vice-chancellor prayed that God should grant the immediate family, the Department of Philosophy, the Faculty of Arts and the entire University Community the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” the statement read.
The statement said Famakinwa’s remains have been deposited at the morgue of OAUTHC. (NAN)
News
Commissioner of Police speaks as gunmen on motorcycle shoot 24-year-old Man dead
Commissioner of Police speaks as gunmen on motorcycle shoot 24-year-old Man dead
The Nigeria Police Force, Ogun State Command has confirmed the fatal shooting of a 24-year-old man, Saheed Jinadu, by gunmen at Osuke Village in the Ota area of the state.
The Command’s spokesperson, CSP Omolola Odutola, disclosed the incident in a statement issued to newsmen on Thursday in Ota, Ogun.
According to Odutola, a complaint was lodged at the police station on Feb. 27, at about 2:20 p.m. by Olusoji Jinadu, a resident of Iju Mosque Compound, Osuke, Ota.
Jinadu reported that earlier that day, at about 8:00 a.m., a group of armed hoodlums, led by an individual identified as Elijah, stormed the Muslim prayer ground in Osuke, Ota, on a motorcycle.
“Upon arrival, the assailants opened fire indiscriminately, causing panic and endangering the lives of innocent citizens.
“Tragically, the complainant’s 24-year-old son, Saheed, was struck by a bullet, but later rushed to the state general hospital, Ota, where a doctor on duty pronounced him dead.
“However, his remains have been preserved for an autopsy as part of the ongoing investigation while efforts have been launched to track down and apprehend those responsible for the heinous act,” she said.
Odutola said that following the report, police operatives promptly visited the crime scene, where three expended cartridges and two spent AK-47 rounds were recovered.
She said that the Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, strongly condemned the senseless and brutal attack on Osuke Village, Ota, by yet-to-be-identified gunmen.
According to her, the command extends its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased, and assures the public that all necessary measures are being taken to bring the perpetrators to justice.
She assured the public that the police command remained steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents.
Odutola implored members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with the police by providing any relevant information that could aid in the arrest of the culprits.(NAN)