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Tag: Odili

  • I gave N600 million to George, Odili, Bafarawa, Nwobodo, others -Ex-minister Yuguda

    I gave N600 million to George, Odili, Bafarawa, Nwobodo, others -Ex-minister Yuguda

    •Offers to recover N600m and help trace the balance
    •Bafarawa: I got N100m but Yuguda didn’t tell me where it came from

    The embattled former Minister of State, Bashir Yuguda, has told the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that he gave a total of N600million cash to six chairmen of the Contact and Mobilisation Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2015 general election.

    He listed the beneficiaries as Bode George (South-West); Amb. Yerima Abdullahi (North-East); Peter Odili (South-South); Attahiru Bafarawa (North-West);  Jim Nwobodo (South -East); and Ahmadu Ali (North-Central).

    He said he instructed Jabbama Limited to transfer N300million to BAM Properties whose account detail was given to him by a former National Chairman of PDP, Bello Haliru.

    Yuguda, who made the allegations in a Statement of Witness/ Caution which he wrote on oath, said he sent N200million to the erstwhile PDP Governorship candidate in Kebbi State, Bello Sarkin Yaki.

    He said a former Governor of Zamfara State, Mahmud Aliyu Shinkafi, also got N100million.

    The statement is part of the proof of evidence against the former minister whose trial is scheduled to commence this week at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    Yuguda will stand trial with ex-Governor Attahiru Bafarawa and his son, Sagir Attahiru; Dalhatu Investment Limited.

    The ex-minister is expected to account for over N3.050billion including N1.1billion being part of the funds in the account of the ONSA and aggregate sum of N1,950,000 belonging to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which sum was transferred to Jabbama Ada Global Services.

    The ex-minister said: “For the cash disbursement of N600million, it was meant for the six zonal chairmen for Contact and Mobilisation Committees for Election of 2015. The chairmen are Bode George, Amb. Yerima Abdullahi; Peter Odili; Attahiru Bafarawa; Jim Nwobodo; Ahmadu  Ali. The sum of N100million was given to each chairman. I gave the money in company of Prof. Alkali, who was Political Adviser to former president. The zonal chairmen are for the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP). I also instructed Jabbama Limited to transfer the sum of N100m to Dalhatu Limited on the request of Attahiru Bafarawa.

    “I also remember that Bello Sarkin Yaki was among the people that the then NSA instructed that I send the sum of N200million to. He was the PDP gubernatorial candidate in Kebbi State.”

    Yuguda, who claimed that he had liaised with Stallion Limited, gave the details of other disbursements.

    His words: “I knew the chairman of Stallion Limited whose second name I cannot remember. Between December 2014 to June 2015, on the instruction of the then NSA, I introduced Jabbama Limited to a staff of the company on the instruction of the chairman.

    “When the account was in credit, disbursement was made from time to time on the instruction of the then NSA. Part in foreign exchange or transfers.

    “I wish to add that sometime in February 2015, I instructed Jabbama to transfer the sum of N300m to BAM Properties. The account was given to me by Bello Haliru as one of the people the former NSA requested me to give money. I also remember that Mahmud Aliyu Shinkafi was sent the sum of N100million on the instruction of the then NSA.

    “Further to my statement of 30th November, 2015, I have brought the sum of $829,800(equivalent to N200m) and N600m was given to me to distribute to the six PDP Zonal Committee chairmen. I don’t know who are the directors of Dalhatu Investment Limited but funds were transferred to the company’s account on the instruction of Dalhatu Bafarawa for the total amount of N1.5billion received from the then NSA by Jabbama Limited.

    “I shall endeavour to recover the sum of N600million given to the six zonal PDP committee chairmen, while I appeal to the commission to use their machineries to trace the remaining balance of the money transferred to various accounts.”

    The former minister however denied receiving another N200million credited to him.

    “I have been shown transaction of N200million from the Office of the Accountant-General to Jabbama which Jabbama said it’s on my instruction but I cannot remember this instruction until I crosscheck,” he said.

    Some of the charges against Yuguda are: “That you Col. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki whilst being National Security Adviser and Shaibu Salisu, whilst being the Director of Finance and Administration in the Office of the National Security Adviser, Bashir Yuguda whilst being the Minister of State for Finance between 5th February and 16th April 2015 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court entrusted with dominion over certain properties to wit: an aggregate sum of N1.1billion being part of the funds in the account of the National Security Adviser with CBN committed criminal breach of trust in respect of the said property when you transferred same to the account of Jabbama Ada Global Services Nigeria Limited for the purpose of financing the campaign of PDP in the 2015 general election and you thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 315 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 532, Vol.4, LFN 2004.

    “That you, Bashir Yuguda whilst being Minister of State for Finance between 23rd December 2014 and 10th February, 2015 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court dishonestly misappropriated certain property to wit: an aggregate sum of $9,809,619 which was an equivalent of the aggregate sum of N1,950,000 belonging to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which sum was transferred to Jabbama Ada Global Services to be converted into the said dollars and you  thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 309  of the Penal Code Act, Cap 532, Vol.4, LFN 2004.”

    Meanwhile, a former Governor of Sokoto State, Alh. Attahiru Bafarawa, admitted that he collected N100million from Yuguda through Sagir Attahiru.

    Bafarawa, in his statement to the EFCC, said: “I know Bashir Yuguda. He called me to tell me there is money to be given for (sic) the North-West Campaign Committee which I asked how much and he told me is N100million for the seven states and ask (sic) to give it to Sagir which he did and the money was sent to the states campaign committee between 20th and 21st of February 2015 for the PDP Campaign for General Election.

    “He did not tell me where the money was coming from. I did not ask him where the money was coming from.

    “Sagir is my son and I directed Sagir to send the money to state chairmen campaign committee for PDP North-West.

    “I also received N100million (dollar equivalent) from the North-West Campaign Committee. The money was given to me in the PDP National Chairman, Alh. Adamu Muazu house in Abuja in the presence of all the zonal chairmen as listed …and after collecting all this (sic) money, I gave the money to Abdullahi Yauri who was the Secretary of the North-West Campaign Committee to share to the state chapter and Yuguda didn’t tell me where he got the money from.”

  • PDP Chair: Ribadu, Odili, Mohammed on the cards

    PDP Chair: Ribadu, Odili, Mohammed on the cards

    An underground battle over who becomes the next National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has started in earnest with three candidates emerging top favourites for the seat, reports Assistant Editor, Remi Adelowo

    Just two months after losing the presidential election for the first time since 1999, the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is already dreaming big for the next election in 2019.

    Now gradually easing into its new, but somewhat unfamiliar role as the major opposition party in the country, major stakeholders of the party have, in the last few weeks, been brainstorming on how best to reposition the party against the backdrop of its massive loss of goodwill among Nigerians, which has raised fears that it could become irrelevant in the political scheme of things, or in the worst case scenario, go extinct.

    While the second scenario remains a far-fetched possibility, leaders of the party are however not taking chances.

    Though presently in control of 13 out of the 36 states of the federation, not a few of the major stakeholders of the former ruling party are allegedly nursing secret fears that the PDP as it stands today, is at the verge of being blown away from the political space in spite of boasts by some of its leaders that the party would be back in power come 2019.

    Soon after the last general elections, a fact finding committee was set up by the immediate former National Chairman to reach out to every major stakeholder, including aggrieved members and recommend the way forward.

    Sources disclosed that one of the major recommendations of the committee is a holistic rebranding of the party through series of ways, few of which include constituting a new credible National Working Committee (NWC) and reaching out to its former members now in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to return.

    But what is of utmost concern to the party leaders presently is the election of a new national chairman, with words rife that the pioneer Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, is the odds-on favourite to succeed Prince Uche Secondus, who is holding forth, albeit in an acting capacity.

    It was gathered that those rooting for Ribadu are of the belief that this is the most auspicious time for the party to catch in on to the former anti-corruption czar’s favourable public perception, which can serve as a match up to the integrity of President Muhammadu Buhari. Ribadu’s integrity, said sources in the party, could be used as a bargaining edge by the party in successive elections.

    The Nation further gathered that party leaders are also aware of the perceived image of the party in many quarters as very corrupt and are determined to change that negative impression with Ribadu as the national chairman.

    As a matter of fact, PDP apparatchiks believe that the party lost the last general elections because of President Buhari’s anti-corruption credentials, which many voters keyed into by voting massively for the APC.

    With the party’s national convention, where a new national chairman and other Board of Trustees (BoT) members will emerge, billed for August, strong indications have emerged that supporters of Ribadu have begun a mobilisation and campaign drive among members from the six geo-political zones.

    “The leadership of the party is looking at somebody with a good track record of doggedness, forthrightness and somebody that is not easily intimidated. Nuhu Ribadu fits the profile,” a PDP insider said.

    The source further disclosed that at a time when a man of high moral standing like Buhari is at the helm of the nation’s affairs, the PDP, now in the opposition, cannot afford to have somebody of questionable character or somebody who does not command the respect of Nigerians and the international community as its leader.

    Ribadu earned global campaign while serving as EFCC chairman between 2003 and 2008, during which he successfully prosecuted cases involving several high profile individuals.

    Moves to draft Ribadu, who was the PDP governorship candidate in Adamawa State in the last elections has gathered momentum, with some unconfirmed reports claiming that he enjoys the blessing of former President Goodluck Jonathan and some other party stalwarts.

    Another factor working in Ribadu’s favour, it was learnt, is his relatively good understanding of the inner workings of the ruling party, having been a presidential candidate of the defunct Action Congress Nigeria (now part of the APC) in the 2011 general elections.

    Following the outcome of the last elections, a cold war had ensued among its leaders, with claims and counter-claims over the real reasons the party performed woefully at the polls.

    Why North is favoured for the chairmanship

    Insinuations that the PDP lost the last elections due to the refusal of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan to honour a one term pact he signed with PDP northern leaders came to the fore again recently with a statement credited to Dr. Cairo Ojuigbo, the National Vice Chairman of the party, alluding to that fact in a newspaper interview.

    This belief may have swelled the support base of Ribadu to become the next national chairman, as ceding the seat to the South-South as some party members are proposing, may completely obliterate the little support base of the party in the North.

    Of the 19 states in the North, only two, Gombe and Taraba are controlled by the PDP, a fact that is not lost on the party leaders who are apprehensive of what fate lies ahead for the party in the 2019 elections if something is not done quickly to appease the region.

    While the Ribadu candidacy is being strongly considered, those opposed to him say with the former EFCC boss at the helm of the party, the fortunes of the party may plummet further than expected.

    The temperament of the former retired police officer, his sometimes controversial off-the-cuff statements and lack of relative experience to manage a complex political organisation are being cited by opponents as factors that may cause unanticipated crisis if eventually he emerges the National Chairman.

    Interestingly, support for Ribadu is coming from unusual quarters. Beside Jonathan, former Minister of Aviation, Fami Olukayode, recently on his Twitter handle, drummed support for the Adamawa State-born politician, wit this statement: “The best thing that our great party, the PDP can do now is to draft in @NuhuRibadu as our National Chairman. We need credibility and strength.”

    Other likely contenders

    Other notable PDP leaders in contention for the position of the national chairmanship include former governors of Rivers and Cross River states respectively, Dr. Peter Odili and Mr. Liyel Imoke and the immediate former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Bala Mohammed.

    After he served his term as governor, Odili kept a low profile throughout the eight-year tenure of his successor, Rotimi Amaechi, owing largely to a cold war between the two.

    Those who want Odili onboard the PDP chairmanship seat, argue that aside the fact that his name needs no introduction among many Nigerians; he would also easily command the respect of many party members, particularly the governors.

    In the case of Imoke, who has consistently denied having any interest in the seat, it was learnt that his name keeps coming up on account of being non-controversial, coupled with his demeanor, two attributes needed to unite the party and move it forward.

    His alleged non-interest in the contest may, however, count against him, sources say.

    If the Ribadu option fails to fly, Bala Mohammed may be drafted to run for the seat, it was gathered. The former minister may not be too much of a hard sell as he is known to be a loyalist of ex-President Jonathan, who from all indications would have a large say in who becomes the next PDP boss.

  • Tenancy dispute: Appeal Court reserves judgment in Odili’s suit

    The Court of Appeal in Lagos has reserved judgment in a suit filed by Essential Logistics Limited, challenging a judgment by Justice O.A. Dabiri of a Lagos High Court, which ordered the firm to vacate Chief Victor Odili’s property.

    The appellate court reached its decision after counsel to Odili, Dr. Fabian Ajuogwu (SAN) adopted the respondents’ written address.

    Justice Dabiri in 2009, in a suit filed by the firm against Odili and another company, Trevi Foundation Limited, said the defendant (Odili) acted in accordance with the law when he issued a quit notice from his property at 27A, Bishop Oluwole, Victoria Island, to Essential Logistics.

    Odili, who rented the property to the firm for two years in 2005, had obliged the company a three-month notice of owner’s intention to recover possession for the purposes of constructing a multi-storey building.

    Angered by the development, Essential Logistics approached the court to seek a declaration that Odili (first defendant) has not validly determined the claimant’s tenancy in respect of the premises, and as such, cannot without due process of law, eject the claimant or compel it to give up possession of the building.

    The firm prayed for an injunction to restrain the defendants, their agents, servants, privies and successor-in-title from forcefully or unlawfully ejecting it from the premises, and any order deemed fit by the court.

    But when the matter, which started in 2007, was not decided in its favour the claimant appealed the matter by filing a Notice of Appeal and a Motion for stay of Execution dated September 29, 2009, at the lower court to prevent the defendants from executing judgment.

    In a ruling on April 19, 2010, the lower court refused the firm’s request for stay of execution of the judgement of the court delivered on September 17, 2009.

    The firm (appellant) further filed a Motion for Stay of Execution at the Court of Appeal on April 19, 2010.

    In a reply to the appellant’s brief, Ajuogwu filed a Counter Affidavit on July 12, 2010 opposing same.

    At the resumed hearing, Ajuogwu informed the court of the deliberate steps by the appellant to frustrate the respondents since the appeal was filed.

    “On February 17, 2011 when the matter came up for hearing, the court ordered the appellant to ensure that it regularised its appeal since it did not file it within the stipulated time.

    “Several months after the order of court that the appellant should file its Brief of Argument, the appellant still did not comply. The respondents thereafter, filed a Motion on Notice praying the court for an order dismissing the appeal for want of diligent prosecution.

    “Having been served the respondents’ motion for dismissal on May 26, 2011, the appellant went ahead to file its Brief of Argument and also filed a Motion to regularise same for filing out of time.

    “The respondents also filed and served their respondents’ brief of argument and prayed the court to withdraw the motion for dismissal earlier file, which was granted,” he said.

    Ajuogwu, who urged the court to hear the appeal since the matter has lingered at the appellate court for four years, drew the court’s attention to the absence of the appellant and its counsel in court.

    After listening to his submissions, the court adopted the respondent’s brief of argument and reserved judgment in the matter.

     

  • No hearing date on appeal against Odili’s injunction – EFCC

    No hearing date on appeal against Odili’s injunction – EFCC

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission said on Monday that five years after the commission appealed the perpetual injunction granted former Rivers State Governor, Peter Odili, it was yet to get a hearing date.

    Kayode Oladele, the Chief of Staff to EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Lamorde, made the disclosure in Lagos at a workshop on financial and economic crimes reportage organized for journalists by the commission.

    He decried the frustrations the EFCC goes through as a result of the lapses in the criminal justice System, just as he blamed the judiciary for taking advantage of those lapses to favour suspects.

    “Immediately the permanent order was given, we quickly appealed it at the Appeal Court, Port Harcourt Division. But five years after filing the appeal, we have not been given a hearing date.

    “We feel that any case that involves public interest as such should not have been so treated by the court. In a case that involves corruption, how can you grant a permanent injunction of not being prosecuted? It is as if someone is being shielded from prosecution?” he queried.

    Oladele urged journalists to make the judiciary account for delays in prosecution, stressing the need for media practitioners to utilise the Freedom of Information Act.

    According to Oladele, the EFCC has put in a lot of efforts in combating corruption in the country, noting that many have gone unnoticed because they do not involve politicians.

    “Our mandate is very wide and like I said earlier we have filed over 300 cases since the beginning of this year but because it does not involve politically exposed persons not many people are talking about them.

    “The EFCC handles over 8,000 petitions in a year, some of them we refer to other agencies that we feel are also competent to handle them, those that are frivolous, we discard and those who have established a case against, we charge to court,” Oladele said.