The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Jide Omokore

  • Friends abandon Jide Omokore

    Friends abandon Jide Omokore

    Some lessons can only be learnt the hard way. When ill-fortune storms a man’s castle of comfort and starts pulling it down brick by brick, he feels desolate, forsaken by the prestige and honour that once bedecked his brows. He finds out then that even the friends he has may not endure, for, as the monk in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales declares, if the good times bring you friends, the bad times often turns them into enemies.

    This, in a nutshell, captures the predicament of the chairman of Atlantic Energy Drilling Concepts Nigeria Limited, Jide Omokore. Since the beginning of his travails with the dreaded Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, he has been literally abandoned by people who flocked around him when the going was good.

    The top associate of former President Goodluck Jonathan has not been finding life rosy since the EFCC invited him in connection with a series of alleged fraudulent multi-billion dollar petrol import and crude export deals. Omokore had no doubt thought that his friends would be his source of strength at the beginning of his travails. It is therefore easy to imagine his shock when many of the so-called friends not only shunned him but publicly celebrated his suffering, leaving the bewildered Kogi-born oil magnate to lick his wounds in shocked silence.

    Meanwhile, the case against him is in court since the EFCC charged him and five others in July. Recent indications are that no respite is in the offing for Omokore as eight of his accounts were recently traced and frozen by the anti-graft agency.

  • Jide Omokore regains groove

    The social space went into a frenzy last Friday. Some socialites whispered while others stared unapologetically as embattled oil mogul and businessman, Jide Omokore, glided back onto the social space after many thought he had vacated it for good. After a long break from the social scene, Omokore was spotted as a guest at the burial ceremony for Madam Emife, the 106-year-old mother of retired military officer, David Jemibewon. The event was staged in the Iya-Gbede hometown of the Jemibewons in Ijumu Local Council Area, Kogi State.

    According to those who attended, it was a gathering of who’s who from different sectors of the nation’s economy. The event is said to be the first major outing for the troubled Omokore who recently underwent rigorous investigation by an anti-corruption agency on allegations of massive fraud. He was detained for days and eventually released. He faces ongoing moves for seizure of his property within and outside the country. The high octane event was well attended by dignitaries like billionaire Tunde Ayeni, former Ekiti State governor, Segun Oni, Segun Awolowo, Tunbosun Kola Daisi, Yomi Awoniyi, Senator Tunde Ogbeha, among others.  Although he is currently under fire from the anti-corruption agency, Omokore ignored whispers and cold stares as he walked with head held high.

  • EFCC excludes Diezani, Aluko from $1.6b charge against ex-NNPC directors

    EFCC excludes Diezani, Aluko from $1.6b charge against ex-NNPC directors

    *Court grants N50m bail each to Omokore, others

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) made last minute adjustment to a $1.6billion charge it filed against associates of former Petroleum Resources Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke.

    The commission applied for the exclusion of the names of the former minister and a businessman, Kolawole Akanni Aluko, who were mention in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/121/2016.

    Alison-Madueke (said to be at large)  was named in count 8 of the charge  and accused of “abetting the commission of money laundering,” by the those listed as defendants in the charge.

    Aluko (also said to be at larage) was accused of engaging in conspiracy and money laundering and fraud.

    The EFCC’s decision to exclude Alison-Madueke and Aluko from the charge was informed by the insistence of the trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako that it was impossible to proceed with the arrangement yesterday when the ex-minister and Aluko were not in court and had not been served with the charge.

    Although prosecution lawyer, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) argued that the arraignment could be done without Alison-Madueke and Aluko, who were merely mentioned in the charge, but not as defendants, the judge insisted that both names must either be excluded or they be served with the charge and produce in court before arraignment could take place.

    Shortly after Jacobs applied for the exclusion of the names of the ex-minister and Aluko from the charge, the judge directed tha the charge be read to the defendants.

    Those arraigned were businessman, Jide Omokore, former Managing Director of the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company Limited (NPDC), Victor Briggs, Abiye Membere, former Group Executive Director, Exploration and Production of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Abiye Membere, Manager, Planning and Commercial of the NNPC, David Mbanefo and twocompanies linked with Omokore – Atlantic Energy Brass Development Limited and Atlantic Energy Drilling Concepts Limited.

    They were arraigned on a nine-count charge and accused of obtaining under false pretence and engaging in money laundering estimated at about $1,646,140,379.90.

    Omokore was alleged to have used the Strategic Alliance Agreement signed between the NPDC and Atlantic Energy Drilling Concept Limited to swindle the NPDC and the Nigerian government of monies running into billions of dollars through the lifting of crude oil from some oil wells between March 2013 and May 2014.

    The other accused persons who were senior management staff of the NNPC are accused of conspiracy in inducing the NPDC to facilitate the lifting of crude by Omokore, Atlantic Energy Brass Development Limited  and Atlantic Energy Drilling Concept Limited.

    “They were also accused receiving car gifts from Omokore, Atlantic Energy Brass Development Limited and Atlantic Energy Drilling Concept Limited.

    They pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to them.

    Following their plea of not guilty, Based on their plea, Jacobs, SAN, asked the court for a date for the commencement of trial.

    Following an application from the defence team, Justice Nyako granted bail to the defendants at N50million each with a surety.

    The judge said such surety must either be a director in the federal Civil Service or must have a landed property in the jurisdiction of the court.

    She adjourned to October 19 for the commencement of trial

    Part of the charge reads:

    *That you Olajide Jones Omokore, Atlantic Energy Brass Development Limited Atlantic Energy Drilling Concept Ltd and Kolawole Akanni Aluko (now at large) between May and October 2013 within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, by false pretence and with intent to defraud, induced the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the Federal Government of Nigeria to deliver to you 5,652,227 barrels of crude oil (Brass blend) valued at the sum of US$616,013,615.27 (six hundred and sixteen million, thirteen thousand, six hundred and fifteen US dollars, twenty seven cents) through the medium of a contract (Strategic Alliance Agreement), which delivery was induced by false pretence to wit: the representation that you had technical competence, professional skills and funds (both local and foreign) necessary to support NPDC in petroleum operation for the OML 60, 61, 62 and 63 and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1)(b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act Cap A6, 2010 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.

    *That you Olajide Jones Omokore, Atlantic Energy Brass Development Limited and Atlantic Energy Drilling Concept Ltd between January and March 2014 within the jurisdiction of this honourable court! By false pretence. And with the intent to defraud, induced the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the Federal Government of Nigeria to deliver to you 1,899,640 barrels of crude oil (Brass blend) valued at the sum of US$207,061,574.68 (two hundred and seven million, sixty one thousand, five hundred and seventy four UD dollars. And sixty eight cents) through the medium of a contract (Strategic Alliance Agreement) which delivery was induced by false pretence, to wit: the representation that you had technical competence, professional skills and funds (both local and foreign) necessary to support NPDC in petroleum operation for the OML 60,61, 62 and 63 and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1)(b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act Cap. A6, 2010 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.

    *That you Olajide Jones Omokore, Atlantic Energy Brass Development Limited and Atlantic Energy Drilling Concept Ltd between May2013 and March 2014 within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, obtained by false pretence and with the intent to defraud 7,551,867 barrels of crude oil (Brass crude) valued at the sum of US$823,075,189.95 (eight hundred and twenty three million, seventy five thousand, one hundred and eighty nine US dollars and ninety five cents) from Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the Federal Government of Nigeria on false pretence that you had funds (both local and foreign) necessary to support the NPDC Limited in petroleum. Operation for the OML 60, 61, 62 and 63 and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act Cap A6, 2010 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.

    *That you Olajide Jones Omokore, Atlantic Energy Brass Development Limited and Atlantic Energy Drilling Concept Ltd, Victor, Abiye Membere and David Mbanefo between 2013 and 2014 within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did conspire amongst yourselves to commit an offence to wit: obtaining property by false pretence by inciting the Nigeria Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). And the Federal Government of Nigeria to deliver to Olajide Jones Omokore, Atlantic Energy Brass Development Limited and Atlantic Energy Drilling Concept Ltd and Kolawole Akanni Aluko (now at large) 7,551,867 barrels of crude oil (Brass blend) in total, valued at the sum of US$823,075,189.95 (eight hundred and twenty three million, seventy five thousand, one hundred and eighty nine dollars and ninety five cents) and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8 (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act Cap A6, 2010 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.

    *That you Olajide Jones Omokore,  Atlantic Energy Brass Development Limited and Atlantic Energy Drilling Concept Ltd sometime in 2013 within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did conspire amongst yourselves to commit an offence, to wit: laundering of proceeds of an unlawful act and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended in 2012 and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

    * That you Olajide Jones Omokore,  Atlantic Energy Brass Development Limited, Atlantic Energy Drilling Concept Ltd and Kolawole Akanni Aluko) now at large) sometime in May and October 2013 within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did convert 5,652,22 barrels of crude oil (Brass blend) into the sum of US$616,013,615.23 (six hundred and sixteen million, thirteen thousand, six hundred and fifteen US dolars, twenty seven cents) which you reasonably ought to have known formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act (to wit: stealing of the said crude oil) of Atlantic Energy Drilling Concept Ltd and Atlantic Energy Brass Development Ltd and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(2) (b) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 as amended in 2012 and punishable under section 15 (3) of the same Act.

  • Jide Omokore up and running

    Jide Omokore up and running

    If you have seen Jide Omokore lately, chances are that you would notice a refreshed figure. The influential businessman and Chairman of Spog Oil and Gas seems to be enjoying the kind of peace that surpasses human understanding. His new posture puts a lie to the story that he has been under the weather for some time. He is every bit his old lively self.

    The top player in the oil and gas sector came under spotlight some weeks back as having fallen out of favour with his backers in the corridors of power. He was rumoured to have been reprimanded for some business deals he handled badly. The development reportedly took a toll on his health and he had to travel abroad for medical attention.

    The one time close associate of the Minister of Petroleum Resources appears to have opened a new chapter as he now concentrates on salvaging his business from ruins. Although he has not been as visible at social events like he used to be, he is gradually warming himself back to reckoning.

  • Musa Danjuma, Jide Omokore celebrate

    Musa Danjuma, Jide Omokore celebrate

    It was meant to be a low-key party, but the presence of top dignitaries at the 63rd birthday of billionaire businessman, Musa Danjuma, revealed that the younger brother of Gen. Theophilus Danjuma is a gold fish that has no hiding place. So, it was another moment of jollity and conviviality at the Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos residence of the husband of Caroline Elkanem as friends, family members and associates gathered to celebrate him a few days ago.

    The occasion, which witnessed an influx of socialites, had both the old and new friends of the stylish man from all walks of life in attendance. From bankers and big players in the oil and gas sector to politicians and corporate gurus, it was one event that spoke volumes of Musa’s influence and social standing.

    Musa and his beautiful actress wife, Caroline, made sure that the select guests were pampered with the choicest meals, drinks and dessert. At the party were dignitaries like Terry Waya; Tayo Ayeni, owner of Skymmit motors; Senator Daisy Danjuma and many others.

    Lest we forget, popular businessman and Chairman of Spog Oil and Gas, Jide Omokore, also added another year to his age. He had a low-key birthday at the head office of Spog Oil and Gas in Lagos. It was a nice outing as he strutted with his retinue of friends and staffers. It was an evening of good menu and infectious atmosphere of camaraderie for those who attended the bash.