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NAIJA NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES AND NAIJA NEWS FOR SATURDAY 24TH JULY 2021

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GOOD MORNING NIGERIA.

JOMOGNEWS NIGERIA BRINGS YOU NAIJA NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES AND NAIJA NEWS FOR SATURDAY 24TH JULY 2021.

 

*THE NATION*

Soldiers sack Enugu community over killing of policemen by gunmen

APCs continuing distraction (2)

Retirees protest over unpaid five years pension

Fraud: FBI places six Nigerians on watch list

Suspended Kano anti-corruption commission chairman threatens legal action against his personal physician

Police storm church, arrest pastor for allegedly collecting ransom for kidnappers

Police storm church, arrest pastor for allegedly collecting ransom for kidnappers

Dambazau: Christians not persecuted in Nigeria

Tearful procession, tributes for lady hit by stray bullets during Lagos Yoruba Nation rally

Living dangerously with bandits in Kaduna

TUG OF WAR: Man City, Liverpool, Chelsea battle for 160m-rated Kane

LG polls: Voters with Temporary Cards can vote LASIEC

Buhari back in Abuja after Katsina visit

UPDATED: Court orders DSS to produce detained Igbohos associates

Nigeria and its burden of Ignorant youths

Court rejects 11 parties move to stop Lagos council polls

A governors dilemma

NBC not seeing beyond its nose

Charley Boy: How Ill live for the next 10 years

How The Mystery River gave Uzodinma Okpechi honour

Seyi Shay to host 10 girls for inspirational dinner

NFVCB, stakeholders propose AfCFTA implementation

Charles Uwagbais thriller, Charlie Charlie, hits cinemas

Omokanye to release first song from forthcoming project, Kanye West

GGB dance crew: Why we decided to focus on social media

I was expecting twins but my second baby vanished Miwa

Pretty Mike: Never marry someone because you owe them anything

Firm secures $120m to drive Africas digital inclusion

As more women head banks, what hopes for politics

On rising food prices in Nigeria

 

*VANGUARD*

PIB: Senator cautions Niger Delta lawmakers against instigating statements

Ending ordeal of motorists on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

Tension as Lagos, Ogun hold council polls today

FRSC in Rivers commends collaborative efforts of NEMA

LG polls: Voters with Temporary Cards can vote ‘ LASIEC

NEMA records zero accident on roads in S/East in Eld-el-Kabir ‘ Official

Community leaders in FCT decry lack of basic amenities

APC Ward Congress: Two factions trade words over alleged hijack of materials in Delta

Police nab fake currency syndicate in Nasarawa

How Police arrested 3 suspected killers of security personnel in Akwa Ibom

Cubana’s mother’s burial: When ladies abandoned businesses, schools for Oba

Police arrest 3 suspected killers of security personnel in Akwa Ibom

LG Elections: Ogun govt announces 9-hour statewide restriction of movement

How do you want the result, Senator

Three killed in Ondo cult clash

Road to 2023 now clear, with poverty as potholes

Police nab fake currency syndicate in Nasarawa

Spare your enemy, he might become your saviour

Buhari tasks contractors on giving back to society

One killed in free-for-all in Jigawa market ‘ Police

Police arrest couple over alleged self-kidnapping in Niger

2 men docked over alleged possession of stolen goods

Police arrest couple over self-kidnapping in Niger

Death row inmates now 3,008 as FG urges quick action by states

Crisis: NULGE president says Ebonyi election may hold elsewhere

Man allegedly murders friend, buries body secretly in Ibadan

Court dismisses suit seeking to halt Lagos LG election

Fisherman, labourer drown in Ondo river

Court dismisses suit seeking to halt Lagos LGA election

POS robbery in Imo: One killed, others flee

Crisis: NULGE president says Ebonyi election may hold elsewhere

Buhari returns to Abuja from Daura

Death row inmates now 3,008 as FG urges quick action by states

*THISDAY*

Feed Nigeria Summit to Repair Severed Food System

Wema Bank, Vento Partner Shecan Nigeria on Women Conference

Lush Hair Signs Yemi Alade as Brand Ambassador

Tech Experts Push for AI, Robots to Boost Performance

Vento Furniture Unveils New Brand Ambassadors

IFC Appoints New Senior Country Manager for Nigeria

Winco Foam Engages Distributors, Charts Fresh Growth Path

Glo Re-introduces 22X Value on Recharge

Nigerias Escalating Food Prices

Interior of new Mercedes-AMG SL is Exciting

Coscharis Motors to Debut New Land Rover Discovery Sport

Toyotas New Land Cruiser Makes World Premiere

Is the President Aware that Time is Going

An Olympics Like Never Before

Ramping Up Enugus Mass Housing Stock

Joel Obi Solace from Serie A New Boys

Presidential Amnesty Programme: The Ajube Story

Amokachi Backs Akpon for Besiktas Move

REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA AT174

Dudu Highlights History of Golfing in Ibadan at 30th Anniversary

Football, Racism and Africans

Folarin Balogun: Now A True Gunner

Japanese Emperor Declares Tokyo Olympics Open Amidst COVID-19 Worries

Patricia relocates headquarters to Europe

Opening Ceremony: Nigeria Meets IOC Directives on Flagbearers

Awoniyi Sends Farewell Message to Liverpool

West Ham Fail to Meet Onuachus 25 Price Tag

Giggs Denies Assaulting Ex-girlfriend

Sancho Inherits Ighalos Shirt Number at Man Utd

NIDEO-Austria Dissociates from Tantrums of Super Falcons Assaulter

Customer appreciates service delivery of Nigerias ecommerce market leader

Guinea Make U-turn, Back to Tokyo Olympics Games

MENS FOOTBALL Brazil Hammer Germany 4-2, Cte dIvoire Pick Maximum Points against SArabia

OLYMPIC GAMES Team Nigeria Athletes Aim to Rewrite History as Tokyo 2020 Begins

*PUNCH*

Suspected kidnappers kill military officer, aide in Plateau

READ ALSO: Edo Decides: ‘I’m Innocent Of Your Accusations’ – Obaseki Replies Capt. Hosa
Foreign investors interest in Nigeria plunges by 80%

LG poll: Voters with temporary cards can vote LASIEC

Igbo not silent on Nnamdi Kanu, Ohanaeze tells critics

I’m unhappy with Arsenal ‘AY

Nigerias active labour force lost 20 million in two years World Bank

Private sector growth in Nigeria slowed in June Report

We wont forget day soldiers raped our women, used bombs to level Odi Niger Delta activist, Patrick Tari

United need Ndidi, not Rice

Eavesdropper: Kidnapping deserves urgent attention

N100,000 emission levy: Businessesll collapse, Abuja bakers, ACCI warn

EPL to insert vaccination clauses into player contracts

Copskillings: Soldiers on alleged revenge mission invade Enugu communities, youths flee

NGX key market indices up 0.21% ahead of MPC meeting

Anti-Games protesters kick as delayed Olympics begin

Tokyo 2020: No fans, no fun

Nollywood actor on sickbed for 20 years cries for help

Girls, fight for your lives not guys/men

Toko confident of reaching quarter-final

Police parade suspected killers of two cops, boy

How the right hormone testing finally got Chioma pregnant

Missing Tokyo Olympics hurts ‘Oshoala

Fraud: Court jails ex-bank worker, wife, in-law 60 years

Sickle cell and solitude

Igboho seeks asylum in Benin Republic, sues Malami, DSS

FG replaces controversial RUGA with new scheme, begins camps in six states

10 most iconic Olympic boxing bouts

Land fraud: Man bags 10-year jail term in Kaduna

People of the rainbow flag

Igboho files N5.5bn suit against AGF, DSS over Ibadan house invasion

Chelsea complete Lauren James deal

Why BBNaijas dropping SMS voting Busola Tejumola

15 parties do battle as LG polls hold in Lagos, Ogun today

I was chained, starved for one month, 26 days in police cell over false kidnap allegation Rivers politician

Pogba may dump Man United amid interest from PSG -Report

Obi Cubanas source of income, nobodys business Emeka Ike

Rains pound Europe, US, China, houses submerged, cars washed away, over 200 killed

Sign death warrants to decongest prisons, Aregbesola urges govs

Late own goal gives Liverpool win against Mainz

Moghalu, Yesufu, others to speak at young leaders forum

Controversial Electoral bill exposes Nigerian lawmakers

61 suspects paraded for assassination, robbery, others in Nasarawa

Nigeria needs law banning public officials children from schooling abroad ASUU President, Osodeke

I wish to make money without being popular Moyo Lawal

Most cholera patients dont take clean water, lacked personal hygiene, govt should help affected communities Doctors

What will you do if your spouse dislikes attending events with you

How I made first class despite working, schooling at the same time Otunba, Caleb varsity graduate

Tough medical school training helps me in creative writing Dr Oyetade, childrens books author

PDP senators insist on electronic transmission for 2023 polls

My abductors insisted on N5m ransom, threatened to bury me in Enugu forest Abuja-based businessman

Gunmen said theyd keep kidnapping for ransom until Nnamdi Kanu stopped Biafran agitation 18-year-old Enugu abductee

Aiteo Cup: Sunshine, Nasarawa clash in semis

Reasons why your spouse ditched the ring

10 tips to help your child love maths

I never compromise on quality Yemi Alade

Crashed marriage affected me Uche Iwuji

Fan once tattooed my face on his body Georgina Ibeh

*LEADERSHIP*

A/Ibom #Endsars Panel Concludes Investigation, Submits Report To Governor

Nobody Has Been Endorsed As APC Leader In Delta

Only Umeoji Can Win Landslide For APGA ‘ Chukwubuikem

FG To Build 3 New Custodial Centres

We’ll Follow AbdulJabbar Kabara’s Case To Logical Conclusion ‘ Ganduje

Ministry To Partner LEADERSHIP On STI Development

MY SECRET LIFE: Being Myself Stands Me Out From Every Other Person ‘ Mariam

Why I have No Position On Zoning ‘ Yari

Housing Deficit: ‘Nigeria Housing Challenges Is Not Insurmountable

The Urgency Of Food Security In Nigeria

Islamiyya School Pupils: Drama As Bandits Detain Ransom Courier Over N4.6m Shortfall

Glamour As Team Nigeria, Others Parade At Tokyo Olympics Opening Ceremony

LG Polls: APC, 15 Other Parties Test Popularity In Lagos, Ogun Today

PIB: N/Delta Militants Threaten To Resume Hostilities

Gunmen Kill Amotekun Operative, 2 Others In Ondo

Supplementary Budget Will Boost Internal Security Against Insurgency ‘ Senate Spokesperson

President Buhari Arrives Abuja After Sallah In Katsina

Sad Tales Of Nigerians At Turkey, UK, Other Foreign Embassies

Mixed Reactions Trail Fire Outbreak At Arewa Settlement In Delta State

Softcom Sets To Release New Growth Tools For Humans, Businesses

Tension In Enugu As Security Forces Raid ESN Camp

Patricia Relocates Headquarters to Europe

I Don’t Want Your Kickbacks, Engage In CSR, Buhari Tells Contractors

PIB: Degi-Eremienyo Accuses Dickson Of Instigating Violence In N’Delta

Court Sentences 10 Pirates To 12 Years Imprisonment

Sallah: Goje’s Wife Gives Cash, Wrappers To Women Groups In Gombe

DSS Warns Against Public Display Of Affluence

ROAD SAFETY: Do You Text While Driving

Baraje Tasks Ilorin Elite On Development

Bantex And The Path Less Travelled

*NEW TELEGRAPH*

Cotonou court adjourns Igboho’s hearing to July 26 ‘Ilana Oodua

Kalu urges Abia APC to unite, work for party

Lawyers call for law to stop president from nominating INEC chair, top officials

IDPs lamentations: We’re ravaged by hunger, diseases, deprivation

Court orders DSS to produce detained Igboho’s aides on July 29 files enforcement rights suit in Ibadan, asks FG, DSS to pay him N5bn damages

COVID-19: People not vaccinated more vulnerable to Delta variant ‘GMD, NARD

2023 Presidency: Dissent, disquiet grow in APC over consensus candidacy

No respite for consumers despite drop in inflation

Convert bribes to CSR, assist our communities, Buhari tells contractors

AfDB launches $2.75 billion global bond

Take action to halt fake news,AbdulRazaq, Premium Times, NPAN urge media execs

Investors scramble for safety, splash N962bn on savings bond

I can’t feed IDPs alone anymore, Ortom cries out

Sell-offs dominate Mutual Fund space as investors lose N40bn in one month

Court Restrains Union From Strike Action, Picketing FIRS Offices

Democracy on trial as local government elections hold in Lagos, Ogun

Tokyo 2020: Quadri, Adekuoroye lead Nigeria’s charge for medals

Uche Eke: My performance in Olympics’ll lift gymnastics in Nigeria

2020 Olympics get underway amid COVID-19 worries

2020 Olympics: Nigeria’s rower happy with run

I feel at home in Karagumruk ‘Musa

Ugandan weightlifter deported from Japan after going missing

NOC Secretary General in isolation centre in Tokyo

Team Nigeria’s prospects, challenges in Tokyo

Tokyo 2020: Oshonaike in seventh heaven, takes on Liu Juan

Man Utd announce 73m Sancho signing

*BLUE PRINT*

Nigeria, others on parade as 2020 Olympics kicks off in Tokyo

Breaking: Court restrains Union from strike action, picketing FIRS offices

Pictures: Concerns as Senator James Manager kneels before ex- governor James Ibori over ‘gubernatorial ambition

Women taking the lead in banking

Covid-19: Tokyo Olympics starts in empty stadium

Niger police arrest couple for ‘self-kidnapping

Eulogies as Malami names e-Library after out-going SGF

God’s grace has kept Nigeria together as a country ‘ Buhari

NGX key market indices up 0.21%, ahead MPC meeting

Board sensitises 257 intending pilgrims in Nasarawa

Fake news: Clean up your industry now, Kwara gov tells media executives

Patriarchy’ll be subdued, won’t be barrier to women ‘ Talabi Taiwo Michael

Decongestion: FG urges state govts to build holding centres for awaiting trial suspects

Anambra community commits to hosting UNIZIK’s agric faculty

Police arrest 61 suspected criminals in Nasarawa

Council polls: I’ll carry all ethnic groups along ‘ APC flag-bearer

COOUTH partners NYSC to improve corps members’ health

Zamfara govt donates N15m to slain cops’ families

Ex-banker, wife, mother-In-law bag 60 years for stealing depositors’ money

Abaji council chair tasks APC panel on impartiality

PIB: Stop instigating violence in Niger Delta, Bayelsa Senator warns Dickson

Agitations: Court orders DSS to produce Igboho, others July 29

Afikpo North chair holds education summit for teachers, stakeholders

Sallah: Goje’s wife doles out wrappers, cash to women groups

Ogun restricts movement for LG poll

 

*BUSINESS DAY*

Customer Perception: The invaluable piece in Marketing Puzzle

Cubana, emerging Oba economy, the rest of us

News Roundup: Fake Covid vaccines in Uganda, GTBank named Africa’s best bank, Elon Musk to accept Bitcoin again, Omojuwa joins Halifax

Psychological Hack to Remote Working

Trouble in paradise

Chicken avocado salad

JJ Omojuwa becomes first African to be appointed to Halifax Board

3 spots to check out in Lagos

We seek to build next generation of successful women in real estate ‘ Adebayo-Adedayo

Sunday Igboho and the diplomatic trilemma

Nigeria risks a lost generation on mass abductions of students

Wema Bank appoints Adesegun, Adefarakan as Non-Executive Directors

NAFDAC urges packaged water producers to adhere to regulatory standards

Africa Prudential half-year profit drops to N827.6m

Equities end holiday-shortened week with N375bn gain

NGX to host institutional client engagement session

 

*GUARDIAN*

NIDEO-Austria condenms ‘attack’ on Super Falcons

Drew Uyi, FA licensed football agent, calls on DSS boss Bichi in Abuja

World class’ Sancho brings style and swagger to Man Utd

Manchester United sign Sancho on five-year deal from Dortmund

Ex-banker, wife, mother-in-law gets 60 years jail term for stealing ’21 million

4.8bn allocation: If lawmakers joined our online conversations, they wouldn’t need to snoop on them

Lagos LGAs Poll: Police deploy resources, warn against violence

Enugu Government inaugurates 11-man COVID-19 project committee

Nigerian court jails 10 pirates for hijack of Chinese vessel

Bello hails Buhari for giving voice to youths

Court jails man, his mother and girlfriend over $902,935 fraud

Top unknown benefits of playing at online casinos

Public display of affluence dangerous, DSS warns

Does your PC security work from home

Ikpeazu’s aide urges Abia Assembly to pass disability bill

Licensed ISPs connect 338,028 subscribers as 155, 935 become inactive

COVID-19: 40,000 persons receive 2nd jab in Cross River ‘ Commissioner for Health

Yiaga faults overbearing influence of governors on council elections

Visiting US investors explore business opportunities in Nigeria

NCC lied, Nigeria is ripe for electronic transmission of results, INEC insists

Prison congestion: FG urges states to build holding centres for awaiting trial suspects

HURIWA to Buhari: Be honest with fight against terrorists in Northwest

Display of light, colour as Tokyo Olympics begins

Ralph Lauren: Stay away from people that belittle your dream

Kwara governor, others urge action against fake news

Julius Berger announces major road diversion on Lagos-Shagamu Expressway

Natives flee Abode as security operatives invade Enugu community

 

*NIGERIAN PILOT*

NASS insensitive to concerned Nigerians on PIB, Electoral Act Senator Dickson -NigPilot

National Carrier: Nigeria Air to commence operations in 2022 APC Legacy group -NigPilot

National Carrier: Nigeria Air to commence operations in 2022 APC Legacy group -NigPilot

Kizz Daniel gifts sons a 2-bedroom luxury penthouse, reveals they were actually triplets -NigPilot

Biden gifts Putin pair of custom sunglasses, a crystal Bison at Geneva summit -NigPilot

Matthew Perry splits from fiance Molly Hurwitz days after Friends reunion was aired -NigPilot

Holby City to end in 2022 after 23 years, as it moves more productions around the country -BBC announces -NigPilot

Buharis consistent consistency on NYSC -NigPilot

 

*SPORTS*

10 most iconic Olympic boxing bouts – Punch

2020 Olympics get underway amid COVID-19 worries – New Telegraph

2020 Olympics: Nigeria’s rower happy with run – New Telegraph

2021 NHL Draft: Live Round 1 Grades for Every Pick – Bleacher Report

2021 Olympics: Power Ranking Biggest Gold Medal Favorites in Tokyo – Bleacher Report

Aaron Rodgers Retirement Rumors Prompt Sportsbooks to Alter Packers Betting Markets – Bleacher Report

Amokachi Backs Akpon for Besiktas Move – Thisday

An Olympics Like Never Before – Thisday

Angels GM Perry Minasian Vows to Address Treatment of Minor League Players – Bleacher Report

Anti-Games protesters kick as delayed Olympics begin – Punch

Atletico Madrid midfielder Kondogbia tests positive for coronavirus – Goal

Awoniyi Sends Farewell Message to Liverpool – Thisday

Ben Simmons Trade Rumors: Warriors Not Willing to Meet Asking Price for 76ers Star – Bleacher Report

Bernhard Langer stuns fans at Senior Open by driving the ball 350 yards – at 63 years old – Yahoo

Bongonda rescues Onuachu’s Genk from defeat in First Division A opener vs Standard Liege – Goal

British and Irish Lions 2021: Emotionally-charged South Africa pose huge challenge – BBC

Cade Cunningham Open to Meeting with Any Team with No. 1 Pick Before NBA Draft – Bleacher Report

Cade Cunningham Talks Luka Doncic Player Comparisons Before NBA Draft: ‘I Can See It – Bleacher Report

Canadiens’ Carey Price Has Surgery on Knee Injury, Will Be Ready for ’21-22 Season – Bleacher Report

Celtic Plotting Loan Swoop For Man City Right-back – Daily Independent

Chelsea complete Lauren James deal – Punch

Chelsea Keen On PSG Defender Kimpembe – Complete Sports

Drew Uyi, FA licensed football agent, calls on DSS boss Bichi in Abuja – Guardian

Dudu Highlights History of Golfing in Ibadan at 30th Anniversary – Thisday

Emoni Bates Announces Final 8 Including G League, Overtime Elite, Michigan, More – Bleacher Report

EPL to insert vaccination clauses into player contracts – Punch

Evian Championship: Jeongeun Lee6 equals major record with 10-under-par round of 61 – BBC

Folarin Balogun: Now A True Gunner – Thisday

Football, Racism and Africans – Thisday

Friendly: Oparanozie On Target; Plumptre Stars In Super Falcons Win Vs Olimpija – Complete Sports

Giggs Denies Assaulting Ex-girlfriend – Thisday

Guinea Make U-turn, Back to Tokyo Olympics Games – Thisday

Guzman: Tigres need patience from fans at start of Herrera’s managerial era – Goal

Helen Glover eyes further improvement after reaching women’s pairs semi-final – Yahoo

How we got to Tokyo 2020 despite a global pandemic – CNN

I feel at home in Karagumruk ‘Musa – New Telegraph

I’m unhappy with Arsenal ‘AY – Punch

Jadon Sancho: Is right or left wing his best Man Utd position’ Or a liberator for Fernandes – BBC

Jake Paul Thinks Conor McGregor Boxing Match Will Happen: ‘I’m the Money Fight – Bleacher Report

JaMychal Green Reportedly Declines $7.6M Nuggets Contract Option, Will Be UFA – Bleacher Report

Japanese Emperor Declares Tokyo Olympics Open Amidst COVID-19 Worries – Thisday

Joel Obi Solace from Serie A New Boys – Thisday

Juarez vs Toluca: TV channel, live stream, team news & preview – Goal

Kansas Men’s Basketball HC Bill Self Announces He Tested Positive for COVID-19 – Bleacher Report

Kudus responds to Kamaldeen’s Ajax snub after Rennes move – Goal

Late own goal gives Liverpool win against Mainz – Punch

Lawsuit Against Blackhawks Video Coach Alleges He Threatened Player with Baseball Bat – Bleacher Report

Liverpool Eye Swoop For Serie A Midfielder – Daily Independent

Lizzie Deignan ‘prepared to lose’ in order to claim elusive Olympic gold – Yahoo

Lizzie Deignan will rely on ‘racing instinct’ to challenge the Dutch in Tokyo – Yahoo

Man Utd announce 73m Sancho signing – New Telegraph

Manchester United sign Sancho on five-year deal from Dortmund – Guardian

Marcus Smith: British and Irish Lions angered by ‘offensive’ slur on Irish Independent podcast – BBC

Matthew Beniers Selected No. 2 Overall by Kraken in 2021 NHL Draft – Bleacher Report

Men’s Tokyo Olympics 2020 road race: live updates as Yates brothers and Geraint Thomas carry Team GB hopes – Yahoo

MENS FOOTBALL Brazil Hammer Germany 4-2, Cte dIvoire Pick Maximum Points against SArabia – Thisday

Messi-Ronaldo meeting possible as Barcelona announce Juventus pre-season exhibition – Goal

Michael Van Gerwen defeats Nathan Aspinall to reach World Matchplay semi-finals – Yahoo

Missing Tokyo Olympics hurts ‘Oshoala – Punch

 

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I Delivered $15m Agency Cash To Ex-NIMASA DG Akpobolokemi, EFCC Witness Tells Court

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A prosecution witness, Captain Ezekiel Bala-Agaba, testified in a Lagos Federal High Court on Thursday, that he personally delivered $15 million in cash to former NIMASA DG, Patrick Akpobolokemi.

The witness, Bala-Agaba, a former Executive Director of Maritime Safety, Shipping Development and Marine Operations at NIMASA, made the disclosure while testifying before Justice Ayokunle Faji of the Federal High Court in Lagos.

Captain Agaba, who appeared as the 15th prosecution witness, told the court that funds meant for pipeline surveillance were withdrawn from NIMASA’s accounts, converted into dollars, and handed over to Dr Akpobolokemi.

According to him, the money was taken to a Bureau de Change, which converted it into $15 million before the cash was delivered to the NIMASA office on Burma Road, Apapa, Lagos.

He said he subsequently took the money to the office of the then Director-General.

“The money was sent to a Bureau de Change, which later brought the dollar equivalent to our office at Burma Road, Apapa, Lagos. I asked my Personal Assistant, Ekene Nwakuche, to carry the bag and follow me to the Director-General’s office,” he told the court.

The witness explained that he collected the bag from his aide before entering the office.

“When we got to the door of the Director-General’s office, I collected the bag from him and asked him to wait outside. I then personally delivered the sum of $15 million to the Director-General.”

The witness was initially a defendant in the case but later opted to testify for the prosecution.

While being led in evidence by prosecuting counsel, Suleiman Suleiman, he explained the chain of command within NIMASA and how financial approvals were processed in the agency.

According to him, the Director-General is the overall head of the agency and issues instructions to directors, who then implement policies in line with the NIMASA Act.

He told the court that he chaired the agency’s Intelligence Committee, which was responsible for certain security-related operations.

“As chairman of the committee, I oversaw its activities and reported directly to the Director-General, Dr. Patrick Akpobolokemi,” he said.

During the proceedings, the witness was also shown a document containing a letter from Access Bank to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) detailing transactions in NIMASA’s accounts between 2013 and 2015.

When asked how much money he took to the former Director-General, Agaba replied: “$15 million.”

After listening to the testimony, Justice Faji adjourned the matter until April 22 and 23 for cross-examination of the witness.

The EFCC had in December 2015 arraigned Dr. Akpobolokemi and seven others before the court on a 30-count charge bordering on conspiracy, fraudulent conversion of funds and money laundering.

Those charged alongside the former NIMASA boss include, Warredi Enisuoh, Governor Juan, Ugo Frederick, Timi Alari, as well as Alkenzo Limited and Penniel Engineering Services Limited.

They pleaded not guilty to the offences.

The anti-graft agency alleged that the defendants conspired to divert funds running into over N1.15 billion under the guise of providing security intelligence in Nigeria’s maritime domain.

According to the EFCC, the NIMASA Intelligence Committee allegedly received N1,153,000,000 between December 2013 and July 2015.

Investigations further revealed that several companies contracted to execute the intelligence operations were either unregistered or lacked the capacity to perform the services, while some were allegedly linked to the defendants.

The prosecution also alleged that the defendants nominated or owned many of the companies used to execute the contracts.

One of the charges stated that the defendants conspired to commit offences punishable under the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2012.

 

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CBN Bars Chronic Loan Defaulters from Accessing New Banking Services

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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued a directive to all financial institutions to immediately restrict certain banking services for large-ticket borrowers with non-performing loans (NPLs).

This move is aimed at strengthening credit discipline and protecting the stability of the Nigerian financial system following a rise in the industry’s NPL ratio to approximately 7%, exceeding the regulatory 5% threshold.

This order is specifically targeted at large-ticket obligors.

The CBN issued the directive in a circular to banks on Monday.

The latest instruction comes almost a week after the CBN asked financial institutions to stress test.

It is uncertain if the two directives are connected or what may have triggered the loan-related instruction, but the apex bank said it furthers its mandate to protect Nigeria’s financial system.

“In furtherance of its mandate to promote a sound financial system, protect depositors, and enhance prudential compliance within the banking sector, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) hereby directs all banks to restrict non-performing large ticket obligors, whose activities pose systemic risk to the financial system, from accessing specified banking services,” the circular reads in part.

“Any large-ticket obligor with a non-performing facility recorded in the CRMS and/or any licensed private credit bureau shall not be granted additional credit facilities. For the purpose of this restriction, credit facilities include loans and other forms of direct credit.

“In addition, such obligors shall not be granted banking facilities or contingent liabilities such as bankers’ confirmations, letters of credit, performance bonds, or advance payment guarantees.”

 

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Makinde Only In PDP Because He’s Not Seeking Re-election – Otitoju

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Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, the Director of News at TVC News, recently stated that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde would likely have defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) if he was still serving his first term.

Otitoju stated this on Friday on TVC’s ‘Breakfast Show’.

He described the National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ibadan last November as a mere waste of time.

“People must show good judgment at a critical phase. What was the point of having that convention? Two courts told you not to go ahead but you went ahead.

“I may not be a fan of former Senate President Bukola Saraki but if he says something that makes sense, I will be the first to admit it. He made sense when he said let’s go for caretaker. What’s the point of not listening to him?

“Later you will be shouting that the ruling party is behind your crisis, meanwhile you are the architect of your own misfortunes. You created this problem.

“If Makinde were in his first term, he would have fled like the dancing governor because his second term would have been in danger,” Otitoju said.

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