BREAKING; Probe begins as Senator Natasha resubmits sexual harassment petition against Akpabio
BREAKING; Probe begins as Senator Natasha resubmits sexual harassment petition against Akpabio
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, has once again resubmitted a sexual harassment petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio during a plenary session, this time on behalf of her constituents, led by Zubairu Yakubu.
Following the submission, Senate President Akpabio raised concerns about any legal obstacles to accepting the petition. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan assured him that there were no such impediments.
At precisely 12:38 PM, Akpabio instructed her to formally present the petition before the Senate.
The petition was then referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South), with a directive to report back to the plenary within four weeks after conducting a thorough legislative review.
This new petition follows a similar one submitted by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan the day before, which had ignited controversy.
During the previous session, Senate Chief Whip Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC, Borno North) raised a point of order under Senate Standing Order 40, arguing that the petition could not be entertained due to an ongoing court case involving Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Ekaette Akpabio, the wife of Senate President Akpabio.
Monguno also contended that the petition was invalid because Akpoti-Uduaghan had personally signed it.
As a result, the Senate Ethics Committee dismissed the petition, declaring it “dead on arrival.”
This latest development adds to the growing tensions between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Akpabio.
Last Thursday, a heated confrontation took place in the Senate chamber when Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived to find her nameplate removed and her seat reassigned by Akpabio.
She immediately demanded an explanation for what she saw as an unjustified action, further intensifying the ongoing dispute.
Williams told Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja during cross examination by the former governor’s lead counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, in the ongoing money laundering trial.
Williams, who was the 2nd prosecution witness (PW-2) in the trial, also said that she was not the United Bank for Africa (UBA)’s account officer for the government house account.
Earlier when the matter was called, the EFCC’s lawyer, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, told the court that their PW-2, Abimbola Williams, who was on subpoena, was in court to give her evidence.
Williams, a Compliant Officer with UBA, confirmed to the court that a further subpoena was served on the bank.
Justice Emeka Nwite admitted the subpoena in evidence and marked it ‘Exhibit 7’ after Daudu did not oppose Pinhero’s application to tender the document.
The suboeana, according to the prosecution, requested for the production of the statements of account of Maselina Njoku, from Jan. 1, 2019 to Dec. 31, 2020.
The witness confirmed that it was the request from the bank, adding that a certificate of compliance was also issued.
While being led in evidence by Pinherio, Williams confirmed 10 withdrawals in favour of Abdulsalam Hudu, in the sum of N10 million each on Dec. 12, 2018.
She said the withdrawals were done with cheques and presented across the counter.
The PW-2, however, confirmed during cross-examination by Daudu, that the former Governor’s name did not feature in the opening and management of the said Kogi Government House Bank account.
She also agreed that the account is domiciled in Lokoja, the state’s capital and not Area 3, Abuja, where she works.
She agreed that a compliant officer, her duty involves protecting the integrity of the bank from legal penalty, reputational damage and financial losses.
The witness mentioned the names of the three signatories on the account, including Alhaji Yakubu Ismail, who was said to be a permanent secretary.
“Now, in both the account opening documents and the statements of account from Exhibits ‘E1 to E72,’ does the name, ‘Yahaya Bello’ appear anywhere?” the senior lawyer asked Williams.
“No, the name Yahaya Bello does not feature,” the witness responded.
Daudu again asked, “Please look at Exhibits 2P1 to 2P62, does the name ‘Yahaya Bello’ appear anywhere in the document?”
“My Lord, the name Yahaya Bello does not feature on the exhibits,” the witness answered.
Pinhero, however, moved to re-examine the witness but Daudu objected.
After a brief argument, Justice Nwite directed Pinhero to go on with the re-examination.
The EFCC’s lawyer then asked the witness if she was familiar with the signature on the document that carried the name, Edward Bananga, and she responded in the affirmative.
The PW-2 said she signed the documents on behalf of one Edward Bananga.
Responding, Daudu also applied to cross examine the witness but Pinhero disagreed.
“My Lord, the witness initially disowned the signature, but under re-examination, the prosecution led her to admit it.
“Therefore, I have the right to challenge that admission and prove that her claim regarding the signature is incorrect,” Daudu told the court.
According to him, cross examination is meant to prove the accuracy or veracity of the witness.
“I am entitled to disprove what she said. This is in the interest of justice,” Daudu added, and the judge allowed his argument.
The defence lawyer then asked the witness to read the document in dispute.
Reading from the document, she said, “I Edward Bananga hereby certified and confirmed that……”
Responding Daudu said: “I put it to you that you are not Edward Bananga.”
“I am not Edward Bananga, my lord,” the witness answered.
The prosecution also called another witness, Nicholas Ohehomon, from the American International School (AIS), as 3rd prosecution witness (PW-3).
He was also led in evidence by Pinherio, the anti-graft agency’s lawyer.
The exhibits tendered included the school’s statements of account, admission letters of the children of the defendant and payment receipts.
The witness confirmed the different classes the children were admitted into.
Exhibit 12P was also tendered, which was a contractual agreement for post-paid school fees for the children.
The prosecution tendered a letter from the EFCC to AIS, Abuja, through the court registrar.
The court marked it as Exhibit 18 and an account provided by the EFCC for a refund.
Justice Nwite adjourned the matter until March 7 for continuation of trial.(NAN)
News
More revelations as Akpabio discloses where he slept on Natasha’s wedding night
More revelations as Akpabio discloses where he slept on Natasha’s wedding night
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has revealed that he spent the night inside the Dangote Cement factory in Obajana, Kogi State, on the wedding day of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Akpabio made this known on Thursday during plenary at the National Assembly, explaining that poor lighting at the Kogi airport prevented him from leaving after the event.
The former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs emphasised his close relationship with Natasha’s family, describing her husband as a good friend.
He noted that his presence at their wedding was a testament to their bond.
“I slept in Dangote Cement factory in Obajana, Kogi State, on the night of Senator Natasha’s wedding because the Kogi airport lights were in a poor state,” Akpabio stated.
Tribune Online reports that the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months after her heated exchange with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seat arrangements.
Following the ruling, she was escorted out of the chamber by the Sergeant-at-Arms.
News
Husband allegedly stabs his Wife to death during domestic dispute
Husband allegedly stabs his Wife to death during domestic dispute
The Police Command in Ogun has confirmed that a man, simply identified as Oju, allegedly stabbed his wife, Josephine Isaac to death in Agbure, Ogun Waterside Local Government Area of the state.
CSP Omolola Odutola, the Command’s Spokesperson, stated this in a statement in Abeokuta on Thursday.
Odutola explained that the case was reported at Abigi Divisional Police Headquarters at about 9:30a.m, by Blessing Isaac, the younger sister of the deceased.
The command spokesperson added that the deceased sister recounted that at about 1:00a.m, Josephine, who married to Oju from Cross River State, had a “violent dispute” with her husband.
According to Odutola, the altercation escalated into physical violence, during which the suspect allegedly stabbed his wife multiple times in the neck and chest with a knife.
“Upon realising the severity of her injuries and seeing her bleeding profusely, the suspect fled the scene, abandoning her.
“The victim was rushed to Ibiade General Hospital, where she unfortunately succumbed to her injuries, as confirmed by medical personnel.
“Upon receiving the report, detectives from Abigi Division swiftly visited the crime scene and recovered potential exhibits,” she said.
Odutola explained that the 36-year-old deceased has been deposited at the mortuary for autopsy.
She added that investigations currently ongoing to ensure the perpetrator was brought to justice.
Odutola assured residents that justice would be served.
She advised residents to always seek peaceful conflict resolution mechanisms rather than resorting to violence, and report any suspected case of domestic abuse to the nearest police station. (NAN)