The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Peter Nwaoboshi

  • Peter Nwaoboshi: NICreL cries out over persecution of Delta Senator

    The New Initiative for Credible Leadership, NICreL, has warned against what it termed a campaign of calumny against Peter Nwaoboshi, a senator representing Delta North in the National Assembly.

    The group said it was unfortunate that some persons have sworn with their blood that they must drag the hard-earned name and reputation of the senator into political pit latrine.

    Recall that a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos had in April ordered the remand of Nwaoboshi in Ikoyi Prison following the arraignment of the senator by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of fraud.

    However, Nwaoboshi, had while reacting, disclosed that his persecution by the anti-graft agency was because of his position and stand at the National Assembly.

    Speaking on the development, NICreL in a statement by its Executive Director, Rev Steven Onwu, opined that there is a need to thoroughly scrutinize the ongoing trail initiated by the EFCC against the senator.

    According to him, the case does not only speak of mischief, but it also smacks of a mockery of the supposed anti-corruption campaign of the current government at the center.

    The group noted that after a careful and detailed scrutiny of the accusations levelled against Senator Nwaoboshi, it realized a hand of Jacob and the voice of Esau in the entire saga.

    Onwu alleged that the ordeal of Senator Nwaoboshi was a clear case of witch-hunt and part of a more massive ploy to silence members of the opposition into submission to their whims and caprices

    His statement reads below.

    “The NICL in unequivocal terms frowns at the desperation of these faceless groups to drag Senator Peter Nwaoboshi into a latrine pit filled with faeces by concocting stories that are best described as tales by moonlight all in a bid to cause a distraction to the people of Delta North Senatorial District and by extension the people of Delta State.

    “One area that needs to be thoroughly scrutinized is the ongoing trail initiated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The case does not only speak of mischief, but it also smacks of a mockery of the supposed anti-corruption campaign of the government at the center.

    “It is indeed a clear case of witch-hunt and part of a more massive ploy to cow members of the opposition into submission to their whims and caprices. The NICL is averse to this, hence this press conference to alert the unsuspecting public and people of Delta North Senatorial District of this unholy character assassination plot against Senator Peter Nwaoboshi.

    “The sustained media trial by the EFCC indeed leaves many questioned answered and raise a red flag on the motive behind the trail. The NICL is indeed concerned about setting dangerous precedence in an already fragile polity. The EFCC is supposed to be a neutral body, and as such it behooves on it to ensure justice and fairness at all times.

    “The NICL also observed with disdain the political undertone to the whole scenario and the desperation by some perceived opponents that are afraid of the political heights Senator Peter Nwaoboshi has attained since his sojourn into politics as a former commissioner, former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State and now Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. To say this is a massive distraction to Senator Peter Nwaoboshi is an understatement. It also smacks of mockery.

    “It is also sufficient to state that a critical analysis of his activities at the Senate in the past three was filled with quality representation. He sponsored more than five bills in which most have been passed into law. He also moved a sensitive motion of which was the one on the amendment of the NDDC Act 2000, which has been passed into law.

    “Senator Peter Nwaoboshi has built three skill acquisition centers and attracted over 16 completed road construction projects across Delta North Senatorial District. He has so far invested hundreds of millions on educational empowerments for indigent students\youths empowerment through the Obi Francis Nwaoboshi Foundation. He also ensured the inclusion of Ndokwa Nation, the largest ethnic nationality in his district and second largest in Delta State, into the presidential amnesty programme. And much more too numerous to mention.

    “Those trying to distract Senator Peter Nwaoboshi should desist from such game plan as it would be resisted using the constitutionally recognized means.
    16. Nigerians are also urged to reject in its totality the ongoing campaign of calumny against Senator Peter Nwaoboshi. The truth no matter how hard they try to hide shall come to the open in the fullness of time. A word is enough for the wise!”

  • EFCC humiliated me, Nwaoboshi alleges

    The embattled Delta North Senator, Peter Nwaoboshi, Wednesday told the Senate that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) humiliated him while holding him custody over alleged N322 million fraud.

    Nwaoboshi who resumed plenary assured his colleagues he would not yield to intimidation especially when he did not do anything to warrant alleged humiliation he was subjected to by EFCC operatives.

    He noted that although he would soon have his date in court, justice would surely prevail.

    He said, “I rise to thank the Senate for standing solidly behind me during my ordeal in the hands of the EFCC; for their concern for my well-being as well as their support and solidarity.

    “As a lawyer, I am conscious of the fact that my matter is now in court. I am no longer at liberty to say anything that will impede judicious trial of the case.

    “However, I want to assure my colleagues that I have not done anything that will justify or that necessitated the humiliation I was subject to as a serving senator.

    “This roll back to the dark days of the military rule must not be allowed to hold sway under a democratic dispensation. This senate must rise up and challenge the forces and agents of oppression.

    “I want to assure this 8th senate of which I am a proud member that I refuse to be cowed or intimidated by anyone.

    “I am confident that I will have my day in court and justice will surely prevail. Once more thank you for believing in me and standing by me.”

    Read Also: Alleged N322m fraud: Nwaoboshi to spend two days in prison

  • Alleged N322m fraud: Senator gets bail

    …trial begins June 13

    The Federal High Court in Lagos on on Thursday granted bail to the Senator representing Delta North, Peter Nwaoboshi, on self-recognisance, following his arraignment on Wednesday for an alleged N322m fraud.

    Justice Mohammed Idris, however, gave Nwaoboshi, a People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, 72 hours to provide two sureties on a N50million bond each.

    The judge also ordered the lawmaker to deposit his international passport in the court’s custody. He must also not leave Nigeria without judicial permission.

    The case was adjourned till June 13 and 20, for commencement of trial.

    First defendant Nwaoboshi is standing trial alongside two firms on two counts bordering on conspiracy and money laundering, filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    The second and third defendants are Golden Touch Construction Project Ltd and Suiming Electricals Ltd.

    In a charge marked: FHC/L/117C/2018, the EFCC alleged that Nwaoboshi and Golden Touch Construction Project purchased a property known as Guinea House, Marine Road, Apapa, Lagos for N805m between May and June 2014.

    The court heard that N322m out of the N805m paid for the property, was part of proceeds of “an unlawful act, to wit: fraud.”

    The EFCC alleged that the N322m was transferred to the vendor of the property on the order of Suiming Electricals Limited.
    Suiming Electricals Ltd was accused of aiding Nwaoboshi and Golden Touch Construction Project Limited to commit money laundering on or about May 14, 2014.

    The prosecution said the offences contravened sections 18(a) and 15(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 and were punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

    The defendants pleaded not guilty.

  • EFCC arraigns Sen. Nwaoboshi over alleged N805m fraud charge

    A People’s Democratic Party’s chieftain, Sen. Peter Nwaoboshi, on Wednesday appeared before a Federal High Court, Lagos, charged with a N805 millon fraud.

    Nwaoboshi, who represents Delta North in the National Assembly, was arraigned on a two-count charge of money laundering and fraud alongside two companies namely: Golden Touch Construction Project Ltd and Suiming Electrical Ltd slammed on them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC ).

    He pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    After his plea, the Prosecutor, Mr M. S. Abubakar, told the court that in view of their pleas, a date for trial should be given.

    Meanwhile, Dr V. J. O. Azinge, who appeared for the first accused, urged the court to grant Nwaoboshi bail on liberal terms.

    But the prosecutor opposed the application and said that the application was not yet ripe for hearing considering the fact that the commission was served with the motion just yesterday (April 24).

    “The prosecution is currently filling its processes at the registry of the court,” he told the court.

    Replying, Azinge insisted that the prosecution was served with the application on April 23, but refused service.

    She added that the bailiff of the court attempted service at their office but same was refused and the bailiff deposed to an affidavit of service.

    She argued : “The court does not wait for the indolent neither does equity … the charge has been lingering and the defence is prepared to proceed; the court can stand down the case to enable prosecution file its papers.”

    In response, the prosecutor argued that he was not aware that service was refused by the commission.

    According to him, from the charge, it is clear that such service ought to have been served at the Abuja office of the commission and not Lagos.

    The prosecutor said even if service was properly effected, same was still not ripe for hearing as the rules provide for two clear days.

    He submitted that the prosecution was also ready to proceed with trial, but said the court could stand down the case, if the defence so wish.

    Justice Mohammed Idris stood down the case until 11.00 a.m. to hear the applications.

    In the charge No: FHC/L/117C/2018, the EFCC alleged that the accused committed the offences between May and June 2014 in Lagos.

    Nwaoboshi was said to have acquired a property described as Guinea House, Marine Road, in Apapa Lagos, for the sum of

    N805 million when he reasonably ought to have known that N322 million out of the purchase sum formed part of proceeds of an unlawful act.

    The sum was said to have been transferred to the vendors by order of Suiming Electrical Ltd.

    Suiming Electrical was said to have on May 14, 2014, aided Nwaoboshi and Golden Touch to commit money laundering.

    The offences contravened the provisions of Sections 15(2), (d) , 15 (3) and 18 (a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 201.

    NAN

  • Peter Nwaoboshi hits three scores

    It was an assemblage of power and clout last Sunday as the high and mighty converged on Ibusa, Delta State, to celebrate with Senator Peter Nwaoboshi as he held a thanksgiving service to mark his 60th birthday.

    The thanksgiving service at Saint Augustine’s Catholic Church, Ibusa had more than two scores senators in attendance as they came in droves to honour one of their own. They were led by Senate President Bukola Saraki. Governor Ifeanyi Okowa led other eminent persons from the South-South to the event while the retinue of royal fathers lent traditional flair to the august occasion.

    Senator Nwaoboshi, who represents Delta North at the National Assembly, had turned 60 on June 29. He was all smiles during the thanksgiving service as he cut the birthday cake and thanked the people for giving him the opportunity to serve.

    The elated chairman of the House Committee on Niger Delta could barely contain his joy at the turnout of well-wishers who took turns to salute him for his contributions to humanity.

  • How Senator perpetrated N1.5b fraud – EFCC

    How Senator perpetrated N1.5b fraud – EFCC

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday told the Federal High Court in Lagos that a Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District, Peter Nwaoboshi, allegedly defrauded the state of N1.5billion and laundered part of it through a company known as Suiming Nigeria Ltd.

    The commission is praying the court not to discharge an interim order made by Justice Abdullazeez Anka forfeiting a 12-storey building allegedly belonging to the Senator.

    EFCC alleged he acquired the property with part of the money.

    An EFCC operative, Garuba Abubakar, in a counter-affidavit opposing Nwaoboshi’s application, said the former Delta State chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) got a contract through one of his companies, Bilderberg Enterprises Limited, to supply new construction equipment to the state Direct Labour Agency at N1,580,000,000.

    The company allegedly imported and supplied used construction equipment rather than brand new ones despite receiving full payment.

    EFCC said Nwaoboshi, with the proceeds, bought the 12-floor building at 29 Marine Road, Apapa, Lagos, from Delta State Government at N805million in the name of Golden Touch Construction Projects Limited.

    The commission said the Senator had “no visible legitimate business venture to generate the amount spent to purchase the said property.”

    According to EFCC, Nwaoboshi has 20 bank accounts which he operates in Nigeria, while companies directly linked to him maintain another 20.

    The commission said the interim forfeiture order granted on April 21 was to preserve the property from being dissipated.

    “A criminal charge will most likely be preferred against the respondents at the conclusion of investigation. As part of our investigation procedure, the first respondent (Nwaoboshi) will be invited very soon after having assembled all incriminating evidence against him before charging him and others to court,” the deponent said.

    EFCC said contrary to the Senator’s claim that he sold the property to Suiming Nigeria, the company belongs to him.

    “The first respondent is the alter ego of Suiming Nigeria as contained in his Asset Declaration Form. The first respondent controls the affairs of Suiming Nigeria Limited, the second (Golden Touch Construction) and third (Bilderberg Enterprises) respondents, but deliberately hides his identity.

    “The purported transaction between second respondent and Suiming Electricals Limited is a transaction done by one and same person – the first respondent, which is typical of money laundering scheme. It is in the interest of justice to refuse this application,” EFCC added.

     

  • No forfeiture order on my Lagos property – Senator

    A Senator representing Delta North, Peter Nwaoboshi, on Tuesday dismissed reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured a forfeiture order on his 12 -storey property in Lagos, saying no court has granted such order.

    Reports had said a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos on Monday ordered the temporary forfeiture of a building owned by Senator Nwaoboshi and located at 27Marine Road, Apapa, Lagos.

    The senator said the clarification became necessary to correct the erroneous impression created by the reports.

    Speaking through a statement issued by his senior media assistant, Onyeluka Igbonoba, the Delta North lawmaker said “the said property was not seized as erroneously report, but attached, pending investigation.”

    He added that the EFCC did not in any way secure an order from the court legalising the forfeiture of the said property as erroneously claimed in the report.

    Nwaoboshi insisted that the order EFCC got from court on the said property was an “attached, pending investigation” and not a forfeiture order as being presented to the public.

    He noted that it was important for Nigerians to also know that the “EFCC about one month ago sealed the said property without a court order.”

    He described the investigation into allegation of purchase and supply of used equipment as a welcome development.

    The statement reads: “The attention of Senator Peter Nwaoboshi has been drawn to media reports on a ruling by a Federal High Court in Lagos which granted an attachment order on a property situated on 27 Marine Road, Apapa Lagos, but being portrayed as forfeiture order.

    “EFCC has since one month ago sealed the said property without a court order.

    “Its counsel, Yetunde Alabi appeared before the Federal High Court in Asaba on the 13th of April, 2017 on the same subject matter but pleaded with the court for adjournment which was graciously granted by adjourning to 25th of April 2017 (yesterday)”.

    “The same EFCC through their lawyer, filed their brief of argument on Friday, 21st of April, 2017, and also filed their counter affidavit on the 24th of April, 2017, for hearing on the 25th of April, 2017, in a suit filed by the companies against EFCC on the same subject matter.”

     

     

  • Court orders temporary forfeiture of building belonging to PDP Senator

    A Federal High Court, Lagos, on Monday, ordered the temporary forfeiture of a 12-storey building belonging to a People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Senator, Peter Nwaoboshi.

    The property located at 27, Marine Road, Apapa, is said to belong to Nwaoboshi who is senator representing Delta North Senatorial District.

    The court’s order was sequel to an ex-parte application, filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Nwaoboshi and his two companies; Golden Touch Construction Project Ltd, and Bilderberg Enterprises Ltd are listed as respondents.

    Arguing the application, EFCC counsel, Mr George Chia-yakua, informed the court that the  application was pursuant to section 44(2)(k) of the constitution as well as Section 28 and 29 of the EFCC (establishment) Act 2004.

    The EFCC counsel informed the court that the Commission received a petition from an anti-corruption group, ‘Anti-Corruption and Integrity Forum’, against the senator and his Companies on alleged money laundering.

    The EFCC stated that upon receipt of the petition several investigations were carried out.

    It said it included making enquiries from the Code of Conduct Bureau, banks, Delta State Governor’s office, Delta State Tenders Board, Nigeria Customs Service, and Lagos State Ministry of Lands.

    It said that investigations were also made at the Federal Inland Revenue Services, and Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), with a view to tracing movement of funds suspected to be proceeds of Illegal activities.

    The EFCC stated that in 2010, the Tender Board of Delta State awarded a contract to the Senator’s second company to purchase new construction equipment for Delta State Direct Labour Agency.

    It said that this was at the sum of N1.58 billion, adding that rather than buying new equipment, the company only imported and supplied used equipment, while the Delta State government fully paid for new one.

    It further stated that upon investigation, it was revealed that the Senator moved the proceeds to various accounts linked to him, and his company bidded and bought the said 12 storey building formerly known as Guinea House, located at 27, Marine Road, Apapa.

    It said this was for the sum of N805 million, through the use of his first company, Golden Touch Construction Project Ltd.

    The commission also stated that further investigation revealed that the Senator’s Bank Verification Number had about 20 bank accounts while his private companies had about 23 bank accounts.

    It therefore, urged the court to grant the application, in order to prevent the disposal of the building pending the conclusion of investigation and when a criminal charge will be filed against the respondents.

    After listening to the submissions of counsel to the applicant, justice Anka ordered that the 12-storey building located at 27, Marine Road, Apapa, Lagos, be temporary forfeited to the federal government pending the outcome of its Investigation.

  • Court orders temporary forfeiture of building belonging to PDP Delta Senator

    A Federal High Court, Lagos, on Monday, ordered the temporary forfeiture of a 12-storey building belonging to a People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Senator, Peter Nwaoboshi.

    The property located at 27, Marine Road, Apapa, is said to belong to Nwaoboshi who is senator representing Delta North Senatorial District.

    The court’s order was sequel to an ex-parte application, filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Nwaoboshi and his two companies; Golden Touch Construction Project Ltd, and Bilderberg Enterprises Ltd are listed as respondents.

    Arguing the application, EFCC counsel, Mr George Chia-yakua, informed the court that the  application was pursuant to section 44(2)(k) of the constitution as well as Section 28 and 29 of the EFCC (establishment) Act 2004.

    The EFCC counsel informed the court that the Commission received a petition from an anti-corruption group, ‘Anti-Corruption and Integrity Forum’, against the senator and his Companies on alleged money laundering.

    The EFCC stated that upon receipt of the petition several investigations were carried out.

    It said it included making enquiries from the Code of Conduct Bureau, banks, Delta State Governor’s office, Delta State Tenders Board, Nigeria Customs Service, and Lagos State Ministry of Lands.

    It said that investigations were also made at the Federal Inland Revenue Services, and Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), with a view to tracing movement of funds suspected to be proceeds of Illegal activities.

    The EFCC stated that in 2010, the Tender Board of Delta State awarded a contract to the Senator’s second company to purchase new construction equipment for Delta State Direct Labour Agency.

    It said that this was at the sum of N1.58 billion, adding that rather than buying new equipment, the company only imported and supplied used equipment, while the Delta State government fully paid for new one.

    It further stated that upon investigation, it was revealed that the Senator moved the proceeds to various accounts linked to him, and his company bidded and bought the said 12 storey building formerly known as Guinea House, located at 27, Marine Road, Apapa.

    It said this was for the sum of N805 million, through the use of his first company, Golden Touch Construction Project Ltd.

    The commission also stated that further investigation revealed that the Senator’s Bank Verification Number had about 20 bank accounts while his private companies had about 23 bank accounts.

    It therefore, urged the court to grant the application, in order to prevent the disposal of the building pending the conclusion of investigation and when a criminal charge will be filed against the respondents.

    After listening to the submissions of counsel to the applicant, justice Anka ordered that the 12-storey building located at 27, Marine Road, Apapa, Lagos, be temporary forfeited to the federal government pending the outcome of its Investigation.

  • Court refuses to restrain Saraki on choice of Minority Leader

    Court refuses to restrain Saraki on choice of Minority Leader

    Justice Gabriel Kolawole of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Wednesday refused to restrain the Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki and 17 others from departing from the Senate’s standing rules in the appointment of Minority Leader for the 8th National Assembly.

    Two members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) – Alaye Don Pedro (Ward 8 Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State) and Okechukwu Ibeh of Umukegwu/Umuopia in Ide Ato Local Government Area of Imo State – had, in an ex-parte motion sought to restrain Saraki and 17 members of the PDP South -South Senate Caucus from choosing the Minority Leader outside the provision of Order 3(2) of the Senate Standing Order 2015 (as amended).

    The plaintiffs are contending that the alleged plot by some individuals to make former Akwa Ibom State governor, Godwill Akpabio (a first term Senator) the Senate’s Minority leader, was in violation of Order 3(2) of the Senate Standing Order 2015 (as amended).

    Named with Saraki as respondents, in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/602/2005 are – Akpabio, Nelson Effiong, Bassey Albert, Emmanuel Paulker, Ogola Foster, Ben Murray Bruce, John Owan Enoh, Gershom Bassey, Rose Oko, James Manager, Peter Nwaoboshi, Ighoyota Amori, Clifford Ordia, Mathew Urhoghide, George Thomson Sekibo, Olaka Nwogu and Osinachukwu Ideozu.

    Justice Kolawole in his ruling refused the plaintiffs’ prayer for “an order restraining the 2nd to 18 respondents from selecting or appointing the Minority Leader of the Senate by a procedure in breach of Order 3(2) of the Senate Standing Order 2015 (as amended) pending the determination of the substantive suit.”

    The judge also refused their request for an “order prohibiting the 1st respondent from accepting, recognising, announcing or giving effect to the appointment of a Minority Leader of the Senate, whose appointment is in breach of Order 3(2) of the Senate Standing Orders 2015 (as amended) pending the determination of the substantive suit.”

    Justice Kolawole, who noted that the plaintiffs were neither members of the Senate nor contestants for the position of Minority Leader, said he could not grant their prayers because they failed to establish the interest they sought to protect.