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BUHARI’S Supporter denies meeting Bandits
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Alleged N33.8bn fraud: Funds paid into my account not from ministry of power – Witness
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A witness in the trial of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman has told a Federal High Court that the narration of funds paid into his account did not indicate they came from the ministry.
Abdullahi Suleiman, who is a bureau de change operator, said his companies received funds in their different bank accounts before and after Mamman’s tenure as minister.
Mamman is facing a 12-count charge bordering on conspiracy to commit money laundering worth N33.8 billion preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
At the cross-examination by the defence counsel on Tuesday, Femi Ate (SAN), Suleiman admitted that the funds contained in the Accountant General of the Federation entries were paid into his companies’ accounts.
The payments are: Fullest Utility Concept received N254m and N49.6m on May 9, 2018; N659.9m received on January 16, 2019 and N407m on July 20, 2019.
Platinum Touch Enterprise Ltd received N849m on October 21, 2021; N86.5m and 86.9m and N97m on October 29, 2021.
Silverline Ocean Ventures received N90m on February 24, 2022, and N82m and N90m on March 30, 2022; Bureau Change received N90m and N92m on March 30, 2022; and Royal Promoter Venture received N85m.
The witness stated that he knew that the money he received in 2023, while the EFCC were still investigating the matter, came from one Mustapha Abubakar Bida through Maina Goje, who was also questioned by the EFCC, adding that some funds (N217m) were returned to the anti-graft agency, including some dollars.
“I received money before and after the minister’s appointment and departure. Maina Goje did not tell me why he said I should make payment to the EFCC,” he said.
He admitted that the narration of the transfer read, ‘Federal MI being payment for office consumer’ and other similar narrations.
However, under re-examination by EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), Suleiman admitted that when the EFCC invited him to their office, they informed him that the funds came from the Ministry of Power.
Another witness, Misbahu Idris of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company testified that he worked with the ex-minister as a special assistant and facilitated the disbursement of funds sent by Goje “Based on instructions from Engr Sale Mamman.”
Meanwhile, the court has adjourned the matter to Wednesday for the cross-examination of the witness.
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Kano State Government Urged to Form Neighborhood Security Watch
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In a bid to enhance security in Kano State, a call has been made to the state government to establish a state neighborhood security watch, with a focus on incorporating retired security personnel for greater effectiveness. This appeal was made during the monthly meeting of the Kano State Command of the Coalition Joint Task Force (C-JTF), led by its State Commandant, Ambassador Sani Elmansur.
Addressing the meeting, Ambassador Elmansur commended the governor’s initiative to implement this security measure, emphasizing that it comes at a crucial time for Kano. He highlighted the pressing need for such an organization to tackle the various security challenges the state faces, particularly phone snatching, drug addiction, and the more severe issue of yandaba (gang) operations within the state.
Ambassador Elmansur further advised the state government to leverage the existing community policing groups already working closely with security personnel in the state. He mentioned groups such as the Coalition Joint Task Force, vigilante groups, and the Peace Corps, noting that their established relationships with the community would be instrumental in forming a robust and effective state-owned security watch.
“The governor’s initiative is timely and necessary to address the insecurity challenges in Kano. By integrating the community policing groups already active in the state, we can create a vibrant and strong security watchdog to protect our citizens,” said Ambassador Elmansur.
The proposal aims to provide a comprehensive approach to security by utilizing the experience and expertise of retired security personnel while building on the foundations laid by existing community policing efforts. This collaborative approach is expected to enhance the overall security framework in Kano State and ensure the safety and well-being of its residents.
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Forbes: Aliko Dangote’s wealth surges by almost 100% to $23.9bn, now 86th richest in the world
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Billionaire Aliko Dangote has seen his wealth nearly double to $23.9 billion, according to Forbes, which ranks the Nigerian entrepreneur as the wealthiest person in Africa and 86th in the world. It would be recalled that Forbes ranked Aliko Dangote as the 144th richest person in the world in 2024 with $13.4 billion.
Forbes estimates Dangote’s net worth at $23.9 billion, primarily due to his 92.3 percent stake in Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals. At 67 years old, Dangote is once again one of the top 100 richest individuals worldwide, a position he has not held since 2018, according to the Forbes Real-Time Billionaires List.
This places him significantly ahead of South African Johann Rupert, who is ranked 161st in the world with an estimated wealth of $14.4 billion and very far above Mike Adenuga, who is the second richest in Nigeria and 481, in the world, with a net worth of $6.8 billion.
Dangote disrupted the government’s oil monopoly by constructing the largest petroleum refinery in Africa. After 11 years, a $23 billion investment, and numerous challenges, the Dangote Refinery began operations last year. Located on a vast 6,200-acre site in the Lekki Free Zone, the refinery, at full capacity, will process a remarkable 650,000 barrels per day (b/d), making it the seventh-largest refinery in the world and the largest in Africa. Additionally, the refinery’s adjacent petrochemical complex has an annual production capacity of 3 million metric tons of urea, making it Africa’s largest fertiliser producer.
The Dangote Refinery is already having a significant impact on global energy markets. Imports of petroleum into Nigeria are on track to reach an eight-year low, affecting European refiners that have traditionally sold to Nigeria, according to energy intelligence firm Vortexa. Furthermore, Nigeria has become a net exporter of jet fuel, naphtha (a solvent used in varnishes, laundry soaps, and cleaning fluids), and fuel oil, according to S&P Global.
Dangote sees the refinery as part of a larger vision to transform Nigeria, one of the world’s largest crude oil producers, into a major producer of refined petroleum products. This would enable Nigeria to compete with European refineries and supply gasoline to Nigerian consumers.
“I want to provide a blueprint for industrialisation across Africa,” Dangote says in an interview with Forbes. “We have to build our nation by ourselves. We have to build our continent by ourselves, not [rely on] foreign investment.” He believes Africa has long been “a mere dumping ground for finished products,” and his refinery represents “a pivotal step in ensuring that Africa can refine its own crude oil, thereby creating wealth and prosperity for its vast population.”
Dangote said the refinery is the biggest risk of his life and without success, it would have affected him greatly.
“It was the biggest risk of my life,” says Dangote about his decision to embark on the project. “If this didn’t work, I was dead.”
Zainab Usman, director of the Africa Programme at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, according to Forbes, said Nigerians see Dangote as a hero and a real industrialist transforming the country.
“He is seen in most parts of Nigeria as a hero. He is seen as a real industrialist who builds things,” she said.
A professor of African studies at the Soka University of America, Chika Ezeanya, also corroborated this view, noting that Dangote is meeting the needs of consumers on the continent.
“I think he’s believed staunchly in the fact that Nigerians need products that he has to offer,” he said while adding, “Governments can come and go, policies can be changed, but the needs of the Nigerian consumer will only grow and expand.”
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