The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Babachir Lawal

  • APC chieftain replies Babachir Lawal over criticism of Tinubu

    APC chieftain replies Babachir Lawal over criticism of Tinubu

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Amb. Abayomi Nurain Mumuni, has taken a swipe at the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Babachir Lawal, over his recent criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration.

    Mumuni urged Lawal to manage his emotions wisely, noting the intensity of anger he dishes out and the nature of his utterances can contradict the positive attributes he demonstrated in the past.

    He made the statement on the heels of the former SGF’s recent appearance on Channels TV where he harshly criticised Tinubu. 

    Lawal had said he would have been sacked, killed or resigned if he were part of the Tinubu administration.

    He also uttered some tribalistic rhetorics, describing the Tinubu-led adminstration as nepotistic while also condemning the removal of the fuel subsidy.

    Reacting to Lawal’s TV appearance in a statement titled ‘Babachir Lawal: A call for reflection and responsibility’, the renowned security expert said constructive criticism is valuable to the development of democracy, but it must be conveyed thoughtfully and respectfully for it to contribute positively to the political discourse rather than dilute collective goals.

    “It is essential to recognize the weight of our words, especially in the political arena where public perception plays a crucial role,” the APC chieftain said in the statement.

    “The intensity of your anger and the nature of your utterances can distract from the positive attributes you have demonstrated in past engagements, particularly during our conversations at President Tinubu’s residence in the UK, on multiple occasions before the 2023 election.”

    Mumuni, who was a member of the intelligence and security team, a directorate of the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), recalled one of those engagements that was also attended by Senator Mohammed Sani Musa of Niger State and Uncle Akinyelure.

    “We shared moments where we discussed ambitions and future collaborations, and it’s unsettling to witness a shift from those productive dialogues to the current rhetorics.

    Read Also: Ebonyi proud to identify with Tinubu – Nwifuru

    “As someone who has had the privilege of engaging with the President almost nightly, I find it perplexing that the same individual who sought to align with us seems now to express sentiments that undermine our collective efforts.”

    Mumuni said Lawal’s current rhetoric raises a question of integrity and respect for the office of the President, asking if he has lost sight of the pride and dignity that should guide political pursuits.

    He urged the former SGF to reflect on the impact of his words and consider the long-term consequences they may have.

    Mumuni said it is possible to build a political environment grounded in respect and responsibility, ultimately benefiting the nation and citizens.

    “Let us engage in dialogues that uplift and unite rather than divide,” he advised.

  • What bites Babachir Lawal? 

    What bites Babachir Lawal? 

    Just as well: Sunday Dare, the president’s special adviser on Media and Public Communication, has given Babachir Lawal, first secretary to the government of the federation (SGF) under President Muhammadu Buhari, a piece of his rather caustic tongue — and fairly so.

    The former SGF must know that the privilege of elite access to the public space (radio, TV, even the new media, with its all-comer malady) comes with anticipated elite decorum.  If you breach that decorum, you’re fair game for whatever riposte comes your way.

    So, if Lawal withered under Dare’s withering fire, he simply had it coming.  It wasn’t pretty, though!

    Some tasters, from what Dare felt was an indecorous Lawal’s interview, on Channels TV: “The outing revealed a deeply troubled soul, slowly unravelling — even if wildly swinging in all directions, wearing ideological inconsistency like a badge of honour,” opened the blast. “It was obvious that the entire performance on Channels … was nothing more than a poorly scripted attempt to bait President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This is the same man Babachir (who) once swore the ‘wrath of God’ should fall upon anyone who stood in Tinubu’s way to the Presidency.”

    Dare was clearly piqued Lawal was heaping insults on the president.  He also claimed his grumpiness had to do with ogling the Tinubu vice presidential ticket, which proved a mission impossible.  During that gambit, an Armageddon flared over a “Muslim-Muslim” ticket, in which Lawal was the unfazed crusader-in-chief.  Two years later, after a quietened war front, Lawal would appear still unconsoled, nay unconsolable!

    Read Also: Report banks supplying naira notes to sellers at parties-CBN

    Even then, the president won’t be the first the rather cocky Lawal would insult.  The other day, on a live show, he told TVC’s Nifemi Oguntoye: “Give me a break, man.  Shut up! …” bang on air!  But for Oguntoye’s civility and calm professionalism under a rude and crude assault, that interview could well have pivoted into an ugly shouting brawl.

    Now, what’s eating Babachir Lawal?  Why does he think — and with Oguntoye, his body language was haughty, puffy and utterly condescending! — that being rude to others is the new high fashion in civilized discourse?

    Then, his claim, at the Channels TV interview, that Peter Obi won the 2023 presidential election — how so?  By INEC records, Atiku Abubakar even beat Obi to the third place.  Though both second and third pushed their legal right to clamour for a sole spot they both lost, how could, in Lawal’s bizarre record, the third even have trumped the second, to claim a phantom win, when both knew they lost?  Lawal magic?

    Lawal probably voted Obi — no crime! — the so-called “Christian candidate” in 2023. But that absurdity collapsed after that election had been lost and won.  For Lawal to still be mouthing that moonlight tale is not only reckless but also unbecoming.

    Ex-SGF Lawal must know that he adds nothing to his reputation by throwing tantrums in interviews just to make a political point, no matter how cynical.  There’s life after politics — and the next generation are watching.  A word is enough for the wise.

    Besides, Dare, a much younger fellow, should not be schooling Lawal on the etiquette of civility.  The reverse should be the case.  Those who have ears, let them hear!

  • Former Reps member slams Babachir Lawal over Tinubu-Vatican remarks

    Former Reps member slams Babachir Lawal over Tinubu-Vatican remarks

    …says president prioritises religious neutrality, inclusivity

    Former member of the House of Representatives from Bayelsa State, Rt. Hon. Israel Sunny-Goli has criticised ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, over his recent comments describing President Bola Tinubu’s visit to the Vatican as an affront to Christianity.

    In a statement issued on Friday, Sunny-Goli condemned Lawal’s remarks as “not only misguided but deeply unfortunate,” arguing that they stem from political desperation.

    He likened Lawal’s stance to “a drowning man clutching at straws” in a bid to regain relevance.

    Sunny-Goli, who represented the Brass and Nembe Federal Constituency and now serves as a traditional ruler in Brass Kingdom, stressed that President Tinubu has consistently demonstrated a commitment to religious neutrality and inclusivity.

    He maintained that Tinubu’s outreach to various religious groups reflects a leadership style rooted in respect for all faiths and dedication to national unity.

    The former lawmaker underscored the need for constructive dialogue and inclusiveness in Nigeria’s political conversations, especially in a multi-religious society.

    Read Also: Onoh lampoons ex-SGF Babachir Lawal over attack on Tinubu’s Vatican visit

    He said, “Tinubu’s administration continues to prioritise unity, tolerance, and coexistence, reaffirming the imperative of a harmonious Nigeria.

    “Nothing illustrates his dedication to religious tolerance more than his visit to the Vatican, where he met with Pope Leo XIV during the Holy Father’s investiture.

    “It is regrettable that Mr. Babachir Lawal, who should be reflecting on his tenure and past controversies, has instead chosen to posture as a moral authority.

    “His previous removal as SGF due to the infamous grass-cutting contract scandal is a well-documented matter that raises serious questions about his credibility in judging others.

    “Furthermore, his display of religious bigotry during an interview on a TV station on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, underscored his lack of moral standing to question the President’s actions.”

    Sunny-Goli said the former SGF’s political influence remains negligible, particularly within his constituency, stressing that the development must have triggered his alleged desperation for political relevance, which he is seeking like a drowning man clutching at straws.

    “Nigeria stands at a crucial juncture where unity and mutual respect must be upheld.”

    He asserted that President Tinubu’s commitment to inclusivity remained unwavering and that no amount of misplaced criticism would deter him from his vision for a peaceful and progressive nation.

  • A word for Babachir Lawal

    A word for Babachir Lawal

    At a time when the whole country is rejoicing and proud of the fact that President Tinubu embarked on a two day trip to Rome to attend the inaugural Mass of the newly- installed Pope Leo X1V, Babachir Lawal, the former Secretary to the FG, has decribed his attendance as a “non-event” and alleged that it came about “as a consequence of the work of lobbyists”. 

    I have always had immense respect for this man and considered him a friend but I am constrained to ask whether he has lost his senses? 

    He has refused to recognise the fact that, as I pointed out on X on the day our President went to Rome, that no Nigerian President has ever honored the Pope in this way and neither has any ever been given the honor by the Vatican to personally attend such an occassion. 

    The fact that President Tinubu went, even though he is a practising Muslim and not a Christian, speaks volumes for him and our nation and is an eloquent testimony to the fact that religious tolerance and harmony is alive and well in Nigeria and that even though we have a Muslim President and Muslim Vice President, the Christian community is being treated with the utmost respect. 

    I expected no less. Archbishop Kaigama of the Catholic Church commended President Tinubu for going to Rome as did millions of other Christians. 

    Does Babachir know better than them all? Who does he think he is? 

    Even though people like him had given the world the impression that Christians would suffer under this Government he has been proved wrong and the opposite is the case. 

    Under the Tinubu/Shettima Presidency the Christians of Nigeria have not only been treated equally and fairly but they have also been given pride of place which is far more that I can say happened under the Government that Babachir served. 

    Having a Christian Vice President is not the issue but rather having a President and a Vice President, regardless of their faith, that are ready to treat Christians and Muslims in a respecful and equitable manner. 

    When President Buhari was in power with his so-called Christian Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo, Christians were slaughtered like flies all over the North and every single operational head of each of our security outfits and arms of the military were Northern Muslims. 

    A Christian VP could not stop this shameful indignity and gratuitous insult against his fellow Christians from happening but under Tinubu and Shettima the aberration was remedied and the leadership of our Armed Forces and security outfits have been balanced in an equitable and all-inclusive manner. 

    In the light of this Babachir is the last person that should be complaining about insults to Christians and the first to repent of his obvious sins and seek prayers and deliverance from his bitterness, hate, resentment and anger. 

    He does not speak for the Christian community and he should keep his mouth shut and stop always trying to see and define matters of governance through a religious prism. 

    Read Also: Northern group disowns Babachir lawal over anti-Tinubu comment

    Finally his disrespectful and utterly absurd description of Vice President Kashim Shettima as a “flat spare tyre” the other day has not gone unnoticed. 

    I am not the VP’s spokesman and I am aware that he is quite capable of fighting his own battles but surely Babachir, with his age and experience, would accept the fact that in attempting to subject the Vice President to ridicule he has only proved the fact that he is as asinine and uncouth as many had suspected. 

    If we are looking for “flat spare tyres” and I daresay “chicken-hearted ice cream sellers”, Babachir should look towards the Vice President that he happily served and worked under and not Kashim Shettima who is doing an excellent job and supporting the President in a profound and eloquent manner. 

    Unlike the VP he served Kashim did not turn a blind eye, remain silent and hide under the bed when both Christians and Muslims were being slaughtered by terrorists without consequence under the previous regime. 

    Babachir can criticise the Government as much as he wants and no one is losing any sleep over it but he should stop doing so in the name of Christianity. 

    This is the greatest insult of all and he would be wise to desist lest he provokes a more robust response. 

    (FFK)

  • Northern group disowns Babachir lawal over anti-Tinubu comment

    Northern group disowns Babachir lawal over anti-Tinubu comment

    Some prominent Nigerians from the north have disassociated themselves from remarks credited to a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Babachir Lawal, on the administration of President Bola Tinubu. 

    Under the auspices of the Northern Congress for Change (NCC), the group said Lawal doesn’t represent the interest of the north, noting that his assertions are unfounded and spurious. 

    Speaking at a briefing  on Tuesday in Abuja, convener of the group, Dr. Ben Amodu, said that President Tinubu in less than one year in office has already outdone done better than his predecessor Muhammadu Buhari. 

    Amodu said the current administration has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to inclusive leadership, skillfully balancing the diverse socio-political and religious inclinations of the nation.

    The group accused corrupt individuals to be behind campaign against the President as they will remain inconsequential and irrelevant in a discussion of prosperous government. 

    “Despite the vociferous opposition from unpatriotic elements who have long benefited from the corrupt subsidy regime, President Tinubu remains resolute and focused on his comprehensive agenda, undeterred by the cacophony of criticism from those hell-bent on perpetuating the status quo,” the statement said. 

    “Under President Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria is experiencing unprecedented economic growth. The administration’s policies have attracted foreign investment, boosted local production, and created jobs. The President’s commitment to diversifying the economy has yielded positive results, with sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and technology flourishing. The country is now on a path towards self-sufficiency and reduced dependence on oil revenue.

    “We are witnessing a new era of economic prosperity, and we must commend the Group CEO of NNPC Limited, Mr Mele Kyari for his tireless efforts in transforming the oil sector. His visionary leadership and innovative initiatives have revolutionized the industry, placing Nigeria on the path to economic prosperity.

    “We put it forward to everyone that, David Babachir Lawal’s statements are not only misguided but also hypocritical. As someone still reeling from the grass-cutting scandal and his failed support for Peter Obi, he lacks the moral authority, and temerity to criticize President Tinubu’s administration. 

    “Lawal’s involvement in the grass-cutting scandal and subsequent removal from office due to allegations of financial impropriety significantly tarnished his reputation. Lawal will always be Inconsequential and irrelevant in a discussion of prosperous government. His utterances are a desperate attempt to distract from his own failures and those of his preferred candidate.

    “It is imperative to acknowledge that transformation and progress are often confronted with obstinate opposition. The criticisms voiced by Babachir David Lawal exemplify this phenomenon, wherein vested interests and reactionary elements seek to impede the march of progress. 

    Read Also: Poll 2023: Babachir Lawal grasps for the wind

    “Nevertheless, we must not permit the dissonant voices of the past to stifle the remarkable advancements of the present. As we gaze into the future, a plethora of promising prospects await Nigeria. The President’s visionary blueprint for a thriving and harmonious nation is steadily materializing.

    “We are beholding the emergence of a novel generation of leaders who are unwaveringly dedicated to the well-being and prosperity of the Nigerian populace. With the implementation of judicious policies and the sustained support of the citizenry, we possess the capacity to overcome any obstacles that may arise, ultimately propelling our nation towards a brighter tomorrow.

    “The Northern Congress for Change implores Nigerians to disregard the unfounded and spurious assertions made by David Babachir Lawal, and instead, concentrate on the tangible progress and significant strides being made under the visionary leadership of President Tinubu. 

    “It is imperative to subject Lawal’s statements to rigorous scrutiny, considering his own chequered history and the consequences of his past affiliations and actions, which have been marked by controversy and divisiveness.”

  • Poll 2023: Babachir Lawal grasps for the wind

    Poll 2023: Babachir Lawal grasps for the wind

    Babachir David Lawal is in eruptions again. Since he fell out with his natural political habitat in the All Progressives Congress (APC) before the 2023 presidential poll, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) has been left flummoxed by politics altogether. He was never one to be patient, nor one for sound political judgement; but his pre-election manoeuvres last year shortly after APC presidential candidate Bola Tinubu embraced a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket were bewildering. Now, months after his calculations and lack of political judgement were spectacularly rubbished, he has found his voice again, as he declaims upon who won the presidential poll and who lost.

    Mr Lawal issued a statement last Tuesday insisting that the Labour Party (LP) candidate, Peter Obi, won the February 25, 2023 presidential election. In addition, he insulted President Bola Tinubu and cursed Nigeria, which he dismissed in foul language. As is his style, he of course offered no substantiation for his wild conclusions. If Mr Obi won, surely Mr Lawal, who defected to the LP after falling out with his companion former House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara in their private crusade against the APC, should be able to adduce some general proofs. Hon. Dogara has kept a dignified silence over the outcome of the polls, having himself defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and came to grief. Mr Lawal is more voluble, and he continues to prattle when circumstances and provocations instigate him.

    Mr Lawal’s political idol, Mr Obi, still has his suit pending before the Supreme Court. The LP candidate, already a hostage to the affections and fanaticism of his followers, displays a penchant for subverting the courts. He has spoken glibly about the election in which he was pronounced a loser, and continues to insist he was cheated. Typically, he has offered no proof whatsoever. But his lack of proofs has not deterred him from pontificating on the presidential poll. Indeed, in his suit, which he lost at the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) and is now before the Supreme Court, he has not asked to be declared winner. This is because he could not plead what he could not offer proof (for). In both courts, he has not indicated what votes he thought the winner, President Tinubu, got, nor shown what he as a loser got. All his arguments have been predicated on persuading the courts to cancel the votes or order for a rerun or runoff.

    If the LP candidate could not offer empirical proof at the courts nor insist on being declared winner, on what grounds does Mr Lawal rest his conviction? He does not say, and will certainly not say. His aim is not to prove anything; his intention is to muddy the waters, cause a lot of confusion, sow doubts in the minds of the gullible, and in line with the plot to discredit the election and cause social unrest, incite anarchy. Candidate Obi did not have or offer proof of victory in the February poll; Mr Lawal, an LP wayfarer and bystander, can certainly not produce any proof. He does not of course assail the Muslim-Muslim ticket with the same severity and plausibility as he did before the last elections; but he has chosen for general abuse, President Tinubu, his bête noire, whom he assailed at length in his Tuesday statement.

    Few Nigerians will take Mr Lawal seriously. Forced to relinquish office as SGF over a contract scandal in the North East Development Commission (NEDC), foul-spoken, and sometimes irascible, Mr Lawal has no enduring affiliations. Shortly after the APC primary, and previously regarded as an associate of President Tinubu, he schemed to be named the APC presidential running mate, that is after he, Hon. Dogara and many others had campaigned vigorously that only a Muslim-Christian ticket could fly. Scorned offhandedly, he became instantly scurrilous, and even found solace with Hon. Dogara. A few months after the APC presented its presidential ticket, both Mr Lawal and Hon. Dogara traversed the country and later announced conspiratorially that they would disclose which party to support and why their Christian principles impelled them. But their consciences disquieted them. A little later, despite suggesting grandly that they would be guided by God in determining who to support, the two gentlemen parted ways abruptly and inelegantly, with Hon. Dogara throwing in his lot with another northerner, former vice president Atiku Abubakar, and Mr Lawal presumably voting for power rotation with Mr Obi as his champion.

    Read Also: Prophet seeks patience with Tinubu for peaceful, prosperous nation

    The unraveling of politics, personality and motives was complete when APC won the presidential vote with more than a million votes to spare. Since then, Mr Lawal had been stunned into silence, only regaining his voice last week with his characteristic tendentiousness. But at least he can be credited with some consistency. Once he bit the bullet and backed the wrong horse, he has endured the anguish of defeat and borne it with idiosyncratic smugness. He will stay with Mr Obi long after the Supreme Court had decided the case, and way after the horse had bolted from the stable. He will continue to declaim against the Muslim-Muslim ticket, excoriate President Tinubu, and yearn for that apocalyptic day in which Nigeria would collapse to fulfill his baleful desire. No one with a restless soul like him could be trusted, by reason of age and the high position he had once risen to in government, to engage in the agreeable exercise of reflecting upon and introspecting the statistical and geopolitical impossibility of an Obi victory. He will continue to embrace his delusions, no matter what evidence shows to the contrary.

  • Court rejects payment vouchers in Babachir, others’ N544m fraud trial

    The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama has rejected payment vouchers tendered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the trial of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal and two others.

    The former SGF and his brother, Hamidu David Lawal, a director of Rholavision Engineering Limited; an employee of the company, Sulaiman Abubakar and the Managing Director of Josmon Technologies Limited, Apeh John are facing a 10-count amended charge bordering on conspiracy and fraud brought before the court by the anti-corruption commission.

    Two companies, Rholavision Engineering Limited and Josmon Technologies Limited are being prosecuted alongside the four other defendants.

    Read also: EFCC fails to open trial in case against ex-SGF, Babachir Lawal, others

    EFCC accused the former SGF of benefiting illegally from the approval of N544,119,925.36 for the removal of invasive plant species and simplified irrigation.

    The anti-graft agency alleged that Lawal being the SGF and Hamidu Lawal, director of Rholavision Engineering Limited and Abubakar, staff about March 7, 2016 at Abuja conspired to commit the offences.

    Justice Jude Okeke, in a ruling yesterday, admitted some of the vital documents tendered on May 23, 2019 by the prosecution, through its first witness, Hamza Adamu.

    In the ruling, Justice Okeke, said that though the prosecution had insisted that the documents it tendered were single documents, it was for the court to examine the documents to know whether they were admissible or not.

    The judge said the documents tendered by the prosecution were original voucher payments attached with other documents, including original and uncertified documents.

    He said: “I have examined the bundle of the documents and it consisted of original documents with attachments of uncertified ones, a total of 17 documents.

    “The documents are bearing different dates. Besides this, it is also numbered as different exhibits. The mere fact that there are stapled together does not make them one document.”

    Justice Okeke adjourned the case till today for the continuation of trial.

  • Alleged N544m fraud: Court fixes May 23 for trial of ex- SGF, others

    An FCT High Court in Maitama, on Thursday, fixed May 23 for the commencement of the trial of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal and three others, over alleged N544 fraud.

    The former SGF was arraigned on Feb. 12 alongside Hamidu Lawal, a director in his company, Sulaiman Abubakar, staff in the company and Apeh Monday, managing director Josmon Technologies Limited

    Also joined are two companies, Rholavision Engineering Limited and Josmon Technologies Limited.

    The case before Justice Jude Okeke, was fixed for May 23 , at the instance of the court with the consensus of all the counsel in the matter.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN ) reports that Lawal, was not in court but other defendants in the matter were.

    The defendants were dragged to court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a 10-count charge bordering on conspiracy and unlawful award of contract to companies Lawal has interest at the sum of N544 million.

    Lawal was accused of benefiting illegally from the approval of N544,119,925.36 for the removal of invasive plant species and simplified irrigation.

    Read Also: EFCC fails to open trial in case against ex-SGF, Babachir Lawal, others

    The EFCC alleged that Babachir Lawal being the SGF and Hamidu Lawal, director of Rholavision Engineering Limited and Abubakar, staff about March 7, 2016 at Abuja conspired to commit the offences.

    EFCC said the defendants fraudulently acquired a property, contrary to Section 26 (1) (c) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

    It also alleged that Babachir Lawal knowingly held indirectly a private interest in the consultancy contract awarded to Rholavision Engineering Limited for the removal of invasive plant species and simplified irrigation to the tune of N7 million and N6.4 million.

    EFCC claimed that it was done through the Presidential Initiative for North East (PINE).

    It further alleged that on March 4, and Aug. 22, 2016 contract for removing evasive grass worth N272.5 million and N258.1 million respectively were awarded to Josmon technologies but executed by Rholavision.

    The offences are contrary to Section 12 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

    They all pleaded not guilty to the allegations against them.

  • EFCC fails to open trial in case against ex-SGF, Babachir Lawal, others

    The scheduled commencement of trial in the N544million criminal case against ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal and others was stalled on Monday owing the amendment effected on the charge by the prosecution.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had, on February 12 this year, arraigbed Lawal, his brother, Hamidu David Lawal (a director of Rholavision Engineering Limited), an employee of the company, Sulaiman Abubakar and the Managing Director of Josmon Technologies Limited, Apeh John Monday before Justice Jude Okeke of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama.

    Arraigned with them, on the 10-count charge filed by the EFCC, are two firms – Rholavision Engineering Limited and Josmon Technologies Limited.

    The ex-SGF was accused of benefiting illegally from the approval of N544,119,925.36 for the removal of invasive plant species and simplified irrigation.

    It also alleged that Babachir Lawal knowingly held indirectly a private interest in the consultancy contract awarded to Rholavision Engineering Limited for the removal of invasive plant species and simplified irrigation to the tune of N7 million and N6.4 million.

    After their arraignment, the defendant were admitted to bail, following which the court fixed March 18 for the prosecution to open its case by calling witnesses.

    When the case was called on Monday, lead prosecution lawyer, Ufot Uket told the court that amended charge has been filed, which now includes Josmon Technologies Limited, in counts six, nine and 10.

    Uket told the court that the amendment of the 10-count charge was informed by the omission of Josmon’s name in counts six, nine and 10.

    He urged the court to append endorsement note on the charge in accordance with Section 218 (2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.

    Responding, lawyer to the ex-SGF, Akin Olujinmi (SAN) did not object to the amendment, but said he was opposed to Uket’s the application for endorsement note, an application, he argued, was misconceived.

    Olujinmi said the prosecution ought to have filed a fresh charge instead of asking for an endorsement note.

    He said the amendment would affect the commencement of trial, which was scheduled for Monday.

    Other defence lawyers: D.N Idoko (second defendant); Napoleon Idenala (third defendant); Ocholi Okutekpa (fourth and sixth defendants) and Mercel Oru (fifth defendant) agreed with Olujinmi’s position.

    Justice Okeke later granted the prosecution the permission to amend the charge in accordance with Section 218 of ACJA.

    The judge ordered the prosecution to file a fresh charge instead of seeking an endorsement note on the amended charge.

    The amended charge was later read to the defendants, to which they pleaded not guilty.

    The judge allowed the defendants to continue to enjoy the bail earlier granted them and adjourned to April 11 for the commencement of trial.

  • EFCC fails to open trial in case against ex-SGF, Babachir Lawal, others

    The scheduled commencement of trial in the N544million criminal case against ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal and others was stalled on Monday owing to amendment effected on the charge by the prosecution.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had, on February 12 arraigned Lawal, his brother, Hamidu David Lawal (a director of Rholavision Engineering Limited), an employee of the company, Sulaiman Abubakar and the Managing Director of Josmon Technologies Limited, Apeh John Monday before Justice Jude Okeke of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama.

    Arraigned with them, on the 10-count charge filed by the EFCC, are two firms – Rholavision Engineering Limited and Josmon Technologies Limited.

    The ex-SGF was accused of benefiting illegally from the approval of N544,119,925.36 for the removal of invasive plant species and simplified irrigation.

    It also alleged that Babachir Lawal knowingly held indirectly a private interest in the consultancy contract awarded to Rholavision Engineering Limited for the removal of invasive plant species and simplified irrigation to the tune of N7 million and N6.4 million.

    After their arraignment, the defendant were admitted to bail, following which the court fixed March 18 for the prosecution to open its case by calling witnesses.

    Read Also: EFCC arraigns suspected Internet fraudster

    When the case was called on Monday, lead prosecution lawyer, Ufot Uket told the court that amended charge has been filed, which now includes Josmon Technologies Limited, in counts six, nine and 10.

    Uket told the court that the amendment of the 10-count charge was informed by the omission of Josmon’s name in counts six, nine and 10.

    He urged the court to append endorsement note on the charge in accordance with Section 218 (2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.

    Responding, lawyer to the ex-SGF, Akin Olujinmi (SAN) did not object to the amendment but said he was opposed to Uket’s the application for endorsement note, an application, he argued, was misconceived.

    Olujinmi said the prosecution ought to have filed a fresh charge instead of asking for an endorsement note.

    He said the amendment would affect the commencement of trial, which was scheduled for Monday.

    Other defence lawyers: D.N Idoko (second defendant); Napoleon Idenala (third defendant); Ocholi Okutekpa (fourth and sixth defendants) and Mercel Oru (fifth defendant) agreed with Olujinmi’s position.

    Justice Okeke later granted the prosecution the permission to amend the charge in accordance with Section 218 of ACJA.

    The judge ordered the prosecution to file a fresh charge instead of seeking an endorsement note on the amended charge.

    The amended charge was later read to the defendants, to which they pleaded not guilty.

    The judge allowed the defendants to continue to enjoy the bail earlier granted them and adjourned to April 11 for the commencement of trial.