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Tag: Emenalo

  • I accepted Otedola’s $100,000 bribe to expose him, says Emenalo

    I accepted Otedola’s $100,000 bribe to expose him, says Emenalo

    Former co-accused to Farouk Lawan, the ex-Chairman, House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Fuel Subsidy, Boniface Emenalo, yesterday told a High Court of the Federal Capital territory (FCT) in Lugbe, Abuja, why he accepted $100,000 from businessman Femi Otedola.

    He said he took the money offered members of the committee by the businessman with the intention of exposing his plot to influence the outcome of their investigation.

    Emenalo, who the prosecution later substituted as its witness, leaving only Lawan as the accused, spoke yesterday while testifying in Lawan’s trial before a High Court of the Federal Capital territory (FCT) in Lugbe, Abuja.

    Lawan is being prosecuted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) for allegedly “corruptly” collecting $500,000 out of the $3 million bribe he requested from Otedola.

    Lawan is accused of accepting the bribe in exchange for the removal of Otedola’s company’s name, Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd, from the list of firms indicted by the House committee for allegedly abusing the fuel subsidy regime in 2012.

    Emenalo, who on March 7,  gave details of how he collected the $100,000 from Otedola in $100 bills, denied yesterday, while being cross-examined  by Lawan’s lawyer, Mike Ozekhome (SAN), some of the allegations against Lawan by the prosecution.

    The witness said, on Otedola’s invitations, he met with him on April 22, 2012, and on Tuesday April 24, 2012, at his home in Aso Drive, Maitama, Abuja.

    He said at his first meeting with Otedola, they had discussions on issues, including those relating to the work of the committee and areas he (Otedola) could make suggestions. Emenalo denied receiving $20,000 bribe from Otedola during their first meeting.

    The witness confirmed that it was during the second meeting that Otedola gave him the $100,000, which he claimed to have handed to Lawan as exhibit.

    When asked to read part of the two statements he made to the police during the investigation, he insisted that Otedola gave the money to him as a bribe.

    The statements, one of which was dated June 14, 2012, and the other undated, were tendered by Ozekhome and admitted as exhibits without any objection from the prosecuting lawyer, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN).

    Emenalo confirmed that Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd belonging to Otedola was one of the companies indicted by the ad-hoc committee for obtaining foreign exchange for importation of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) under the fuel subsidy scheme, but diverted it.

    He said Zenon got $232,975,385.13 foreign exchange, but failed to use the money for fuel importation.

    The witness added that Otedola wrote a complaint letter to the secretariat of the committee on April 18, 2012, asking for his company’s name to be removed from the list of indicted firms. He said his committee could not do anything on his case, because by then, the report had been submitted on the floor of the House.

    Emenalo denied calling the then Managing Director of Zenon Petroleum, Kareem Otaru, to ask for direction to Otedola’s house.

    When told that Otaru had claimed in his statement that that he (the witness), was the one who called to ask for direction to Otedola’s house, Emenalo said: “Never; I did not call him. He was the one who called me. I will be very surprised if he said I called him, asking for Mr. Otedola’s house.”

    The witness also denied collecting Otedola’s phone number from Otaru.

    Emenalo concluded his evidence yesterday when defence lawyer, Ozekhome, told the court he was through with his cross-examination of the witness.

    The trial continues today.

     

     

  • Alleged $620,000 bribe: Emenalo to testify against Farouk Lawan

    Alleged $620,000 bribe: Emenalo to testify against Farouk Lawan

    Former co-accused to the ex-Chairman, House of Representatives ad hoc committee on fuel subsidy, Farouk Lawan, Boniface Emenalo will testify against Lawan in the case of acceptance of bribe brought against him and Lawan.

    Until yesterday, Lawan and Emenalo, who acted as the committee’s secretary, were listed as defendants in the seven-count charge brought against them by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC).

    But yesterday, prosecution lawyer, Adegboyega Awomolo announced that the prosecution has amended the charge, reduced the counts to three and deleted Emenalo as a defendant.

    The amended charge indicated that Lawan demanded $3 million from Mr. Michael Otedola and did collect $500,000 from the businessman. The offences are said to be contrary to sections 8(1)(a) and 17(1) (a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000, and punishable under sections (8)(1) and 17(1) of the same Act.

    Awomolo, through Emenalo as first prosecution witness, tendered some documents in aid of the prosecution’s case. The documents include:  Order Paper for the special session sitting of the House of Representatives on Sunday, January 8, 2012; votes and proceedings of the special session on the same date; Order Paper, vote and proceedings of the House on Wednesday April 18, 2012; and Order Paper, votes and proceedings of Tuesday April 24, 2012.

    Also tendered was ‘Report of an ad hoc committee to determine the actual subsidy requirement and monitor the implementation of the subsidy regime in Nigeria (Resolution number HR.1/2012)’.

    Trial Judge Justice Angela Otakula dismissed the objection by the defense lawyer, Sekop Zumka, who contended that the documents were not admissible as exhibits because the prosecution failed to provide the evidence of payment for its certification by the House of Representatives as provided for in the Evidence Act 2011.

    But Justice Otakula held that unpaid fees does not render a document inadmissible in as much as it is relevant to the case. She also held that there was no provision of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 which prohibited the tendering of documents obtained after a case was filed.

    She, however, gave the prosecution seven days to pay the fees and fixed further hearing for February 9.

     

     

  • Alleged bribe: Court to rule July 10 on Lawan, Emenalo

    Alleged bribe: Court to rule July 10 on Lawan, Emenalo

    Justice Mudashiru Oniyangi of the Abuja High Court, Maitama will on July 10 rule on whether or not to stay proceedings in the trial of former Chairman, House of Representatives ad hoc Committee on Subsidy Probe, Farouk Lawan and the committee’s Secretary, Boniface Emenalo.

    The judge chose the date yesterday after entertaining arguments from lawyers to the accused persons, Rickey Tarfa (SAN) and prosecution lawyer, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN).

    The arguments were on whether or not the court should grant Lawan and Emenalo’s application praying the court to stop their trial pending the determination of their appeal.

    The duo is being prosecuted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) for allegedly receiving $620,000 from businessman, Femi Otedola to influence the report of the committee in favour of Zenon Oil and Gas Limited.

    Their appeal is against the court’s ruling on May 10 refusing the two accused persons’ application urging the court to quash the charges against them.

    Justice Oniyangi had while dismissing the application by Lawan and Emenalo, held that the duo has a case to answer in the alleged $620,000 bribery charge.

  • Emenalo prepares to welcome Jose

    Emenalo prepares to welcome Jose

    Michael Emenalo is staying in London as Chelsea’s squad begin their post-season tour of the US.

    The Daily Mail says incoming manager Jose Mourinho has agreed with Emenalo, the Blues’ director of football.

    Emenalo has not gone to New York for Chelsea’s post-season friendlies with Manchester City, deciding to stay in London to prepare for Mourinho’s arrival. He will be the conduit between Mourinho and Roman Abramovich in the first phase of the manager’s return to Chelsea.

  • Alleged $620,000 bribe: Lawan, Emenalo must face trial, says court

    Alleged $620,000 bribe: Lawan, Emenalo must face trial, says court

    Former Chairman, House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Fuel Subsidy Regime, Farouk Lawan and his ex-Secretary, Boniface Emenalo, yesterday lost their bid to quash criminal charges preferred against them at an Abuja High Court

    Justice Mudashiru Oniyangi, in a ruling, held that Lawan and Emenalo should be tried for the seven-count charge against them.

    The accused persons, Justice Oniyangi said, have a case to answer as the prosecution has successfully established a prima facie case against them.

    He, therefore, resolved in favour of the prosecution the three issues raised in the application by the defence.

    On the issue of jurisdiction, the court held that it has inherent jurisdiction to hear the suit and that section 185 of the CPC,which the defence relied heavily on, does not require the prosecution to attach to proof of evidence all statements of witnesses.

    Said the judge: ”I, therefore, hold that the requirement of section 185 is proof of evidence, and not written statements of witnesses.

    “The non-attachment of written statements of other witnesses does not render the charge incompetent.

    “The argument of the learned counsel for the accused persons is a clear misconception of section 185.”

    On the argument that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie evidence against the accused persons, Oniyangi said: “What the court should look at in order to determine whether a prima facie case has been established against the accused is the proof of evidence.

    “To me, once there is evidence that will suggest to the court that the accused has some questions to answer in the proof of evidence, then there is a prima facie case.

    “I am left with no doubt that a prima facie case has been established by the prosecution against the accused, having regard to the proof of evidence and witness’ statement.”

    The judge also dismissed the defence argument that the suit constituted an abuse of court process, saying: “In the light of the foregoing, it cannot be said that the application for leave is frivolous, vexatious or oppressive.

    “The court cannot surreptitiously change here to say that the materials constitute an abuse of court process;there are neither malicious nor contain elements of bias.

    “The complaints of the application have no legal base to stand. It is premature to determine at this stage whether the essential ingredients to make the accused stand trial have been fulfilled.

    “I hereby resolve all the issues in favour of the prosecution.”

    Further hearing was adjourned to June 19.

  • EMENALO CAUTIONS YOUNG PLAYERS AGAINST FAME

    EMENALO CAUTIONS YOUNG PLAYERS AGAINST FAME

    •Gives tips on high performance

    EX-SUPER EAGLES defender, Michael Emenalo has cautioned youngsters wishing to make a living out of football to guide against fame and glory associated with the round-leather game.

    Emenalo, who is currently technical director at English Premier League side, Chelsea stressed that aspiring footballers must be ready and willing to make some sacrifice.

    “Professional football requires devotion and dedication, but the fame and glory associated with the game of football automatically removes such hurdles, and you do find enough time for regular and rigorous practice.” Speaking further, the hard-tackling defender who won 14 caps for Nigeria that included two against Argentina and Greece at FIFA 1994 World Cup in USA warned that warm-up exercises in football just like in most sports must be taken seriously.

    “You must make different parts of the body habitual to getting hit by the ball. Make sure the chest, the knees and even the head don’t get hurt when the ball hits the body. This could be done by regular practice and some exercise. “Stretching the body always insulates it against damage, so be sure to participate in games like running and swimming.

    Concluding, Emenalo who joined Chelsea during Avram Grant’s reign as manager in 2007 further gave tips for trials at the Stamford Bridge.

    “Trial is open for both men and women. The selected few are invited to attend training courses under our professional coaches. Our football academy conducts such trials for young men and women aiming to make it to the professional world. “You could get a trial in the best football stadium with great facilities if you join our football academy.

    Chelsea football club organise this trials every now and then because the Club always needs talents in the form of professional football players. One only needs to have the potential for playing football to enter the professional club like CFC, and this is where open football trials could be of use. “The path to glory is strewn with pebbles all the way, and unless you are enthusiastic about regular practice and devoting quality time to the game, you could miss the bus to the professional world. So, these trials are only a part of the effort, you must join a good professional football academy now,” Emenalo posted on his official facebook wall.

  • Bribery: Lawan, Emenalo remanded in prison

    Bribery: Lawan, Emenalo remanded in prison

    An Abuja High Court on Friday remanded in prison the former chairman of the House of Representatives ad-hoc Committee on fuel subsidy, Farouk Lawan.

    Also remanded in custody was the committee’s former secretary, Boniface Enemalo.

    They were arraigned for allegedly soliciting for and collecting a bribe of $620,000 from the Chairman of Zenon Oil, Femi Otedola.

    At the resumption of trial on Friday, the duo pleaded not guilty to the seven-count charge filed against them.

    The counsels to the lawmakers, Rickey Tarfa and Mike Ozhekome, both Senior Advocates of Nigeria, had earlier filed a bail application on their behalf.

    However, the presiding judge, Justice Mudashiru Oniyangi, ruled that both Lawan and Emenalo be remanded in Kuje Prison pending the ruling on their bail application.

    He subsequently picked February 8 for ruling on the application.

     

  • $620,000 bribe: Police quiz Lawan, Emenalo again

    $620,000 bribe: Police quiz Lawan, Emenalo again

    SUSPENDED House Committee on Fuel Subsidy Regime chair Farouk Lawan kept another date with the police yesterday.

    Lawan got more questions on the $620,000 bribe allegation hurled at him by businessman Mr. Femi Otedola, who said he hand him the cash to get his company’s name off the list of those indicted in the subsidy probe.

    Lawan and the Clerk of the committee, Mr. Boniface Emenalo, got more questions from the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Force CID, Mr. Ali Amodu, following a letter from the government prosecutor, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN).

    The two suspects will report at the FCID today to answer the questions in writing after taking the oath to be truthful.

    But the police have also decided to re-invite Otedola and the Chairman of the House Committee on Financial Crimes, Drugs and Narcotics, Mr. Adam Jagaba, who Lawan claimed to have given the $600,000 bribe for transmission to the anti-graft agency, EFCC.

    It was learnt that the police may probe Jagaba’s medical records as part of their search for the bribe cash.

    Lawan and Emenalo reported at the FCID as part of their bail bond, but the situation took a new turn as the police placed them on additional investigation.

    It was learnt that the two suspects were told that they had to go through another round of additional investigation at the prompting of the government prosecutor.

    A source said: “When the two suspects (Lawan and Emenalo) reported at the FCID, they were served questions by the CP. But Lawan queried why the police will subject them to investigation after recommending them for trial.

    “Lawan alleged that since the police had made up their mind that they had a case to answer, they should just go ahead with their arraignment in court.

    “But the CP took time to explain that the additional investigation was at the prompting of the government prosecutor.”

    The source quoted Lawan as saying: “Let us take the questions home to study, we will come and make statements on oath or under caution later.”

    According to the source, “Lawan and Emenalo were served with the questions and directed to report on Thursday for interrogation and writing of statements under caution.”

    Responding to a question, the source said: “Certainly, we will re-invite Otedola and Jagaba.

    “Jagaba’s case is peculiar because Lawan said he met him at about 3.47am and handed over $500,000 out of the $620,000 to him. But Jagaba said he could not have met Lawan at 3am because of his health challenge as a result of which he sleeps by 10pm.

    “Now, the police will probe the medical records and his medication to ascertain whether he has a life-threatening ailment as claimed.

    “The real challenge is locating the whereabouts of the $620,000.”

    The prosecutor, Chief Adegboyega (SAN), has written the police on what he is expecting on fresh angles to the case.

    He, specifically, asked the Police to obtain a statement from the Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, as a follow-up to his letter on how Lawan approached him and ignored his advice for a sting operation by the anti-graft agency.

    The prosecution team’s demands are as follows: “Police to obtain statement from each and every member of the House Ad Hoc Committee. They should make statement of their knowledge of the transactions and communication between Otedola and Farouk with regard to the $3m and if they have knowledge of wether $120,000 was given to the Secretary. When did they become aware?

    “Whether they were a part of the House leadership meeting that made the Resolution not to display the money. Who brought the money and where was it as at 6th of June, and who took custody of it thereafter?

    “The members will also say whether they were aware of reports to Jagaba and EFCC and if they were aware, when and how they became aware.

    “Police to investigate the security guards at Jagaba’s house, especially the security man on duty on the 24th April 2012 (if there was any).

    “Police to confirm medically and scientifically the ‘life time medication’ of Jagaba, the source, the duration of such medication. Check the correctness of the claim – Jagaba should not be believed without cross checking.

    “Where is the $600,000 or $620,000? It must be established. Note the meeting of House Leadership, i.e. Deputy Speaker, Hon Bashiru Adamu and Hon Adams Jagaba – statement of each of them (Lawan’s statement of 14/06/2012).

    “Confirm whether the House Leadership knew of the money with Jagaba as at 29th May. Confirm the serial number of the $100 bills obtained from Emenalo’s house. Whether it accords with that issued by SSS.

    “Whether the $10,000 recovered from Lawan has the same serial numbers of the US dollar bills as those issued by the SSS to Mr. Femi Otedola.

    “To obtain statements from the SSS operatives who conducted the sting operation. A statement should be obtained from Mr. Lamorde – in line with his letter of 4th July 2012. His letter is not a statement admissible in a court of law).

    “To obtain CTC of the following documents: Hansard of the House sitting of 8th January 2012 (there should be terms of reference). Rules and procedure of the committee; The Hansard of the proceedings of the 18th and 24th April, 2012; The PPPRA subsidy scam from Mr. Femi Otedola; The letter of Mr. Otedola to SSS, dated 18th April, 2012; The register/serial number, copy of the SSS of $620,000 bills.”