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Petitions to EFCC, SSS accuse Chinese expatriates of colluding with bank manager to steal N17 billion from two Nigerian ceramic companies

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Zenith Bank Plc and its Lokoja Branch Manager, Salawu Nasiru, together with two Chinese citizens, Liu Yangxi and Ma Zhuang, have conspired to defraud two Nigerian ceramic companies and their directors.

Messrs Salawu, Liu and Ma were accused of fraudulently obtaining about N17 billion in credits on behalf of BN Ceramic Industry Limited and NB Ceramic Limited, and Zhang Qide, a director and shareholder in the ceramic firms.

The loans, secretly obtained without the knowledge of the Nigerian companies, were disbursed to Liu between November 4, 2021, and August 31, 2023.

Documents also indicated that Mr Salawu, the Zenith Bank branch manager in Lokoja, received over N100,000,000 as kickbacks for ‘facilitating’ the N17bn loan dubiously obtained by Mr Liu and his accomplices.

Mr Liu, like Zhang Qide, holds positions as a shareholder and director at the ceramic firm, and Messrs Ma and Liu have family ties.

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The predicament of the Nigerian ceramic company and its director, Mr Qide, began with Mr Liu, without proper consultation or approval from the management, directors, and shareholders of BN Ceramic Ltd orchestrated, with the assistance of Messrs Ma and Salawu, the acquisition of a N3 billion loan from Zenith Bank, findings showed.

“Liu, in collaboration with Ma and Salawu, falsified Zhang Qide’s signature on the loan documents, including the offer of credit facility and the approving board resolution. Additionally, Mr Liu engaged in criminal conduct by falsely presenting himself as the managing director of both BN Ceramic Industry Limited and NB Ceramic Limited.

He proceeded to pledge/charge all fixed and floating assets of the BN Ceramic Industry Limited and NB Ceramics Limited, including its machinery and equipment, as collateral for the loan, without proper authorisation from the respective boards and shareholders of both companies.

Upon the approval and disbursement of the N3 billion loan into NB Ceramic Limited’s account, Liu paid N69,900,000 as kickbacks to Mr Salawu and also cleared the bank fees. Thereafter, without obtaining necessary consent or adhering to the company’s approved procedures, Mr Liu immediately transferred the remaining N2.68 billion balance to the companies he controlled. One of the companies, Wetech Industry Ltd got N300 million. The second company, Pure Biotech Company Limited, got N701 million, while the third company, CBC Oil & Gas Services Ltd, received N1.67 billion. After the accounts of the three companies were credited, Liu quickly laundered the funds into Chinese Yuan and transferred them to his personal account in China, all without informing or gaining approval from the board,” a staff of NB Ceramic Limited, who craved anonymity, said.

The staff further noted that “Mr Liu collaborated with a member of his criminal group to establish a shell company named Wetech Industry Limited. In this arrangement, Liu and Lu Hao, represented by Bello Musa as a front, held 45% and 55% of the shell company’s shares, respectively. “Custom Clearance and Inland Transportation for the Second Lot of AKK Project” with BRENTEX CPP Ltd.

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One Voice Development Initiative Backs NGO Profiling in Kano

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The One Voice Development Initiative has expressed support for the newly inaugurated committee tasked with profiling NGOs and donor organizations in Kano State.

Speaking at a press conference at the NUJ Press Centre in Kano, the group’s chairman, Comrade Abbas Abdullahi Yakassai, said the initiative is aimed at ensuring accountability and transparency in NGO operations.

Yakassai stated that the profiling process is not intended to suppress NGOs but to facilitate coordination between the government and development organizations.

“This effort will enhance the integrity of the sector and eliminate unscrupulous organizations whose activities may contradict the moral and religious values of Kano State,” he said.

The committee, chaired by Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, includes representatives from the government, security agencies, civil society, and religious organizations. Yakassai noted that its composition would help regulate NGO activities.

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Referring to similar actions in Borno, Rivers, and Yobe states, he argued that regulation is necessary to address concerns over initiatives

“NGOs play a critical role in health, education, and social development, but without oversight, there is a risk of activities that could undermine the state’s foundational values,” he said.

The One Voice Development Initiative called on stakeholders, including civil society groups and the public, to engage with the process.

 

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Sultan Declares Saturday as First Day of Ramadan in Nigeria

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The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has declared Saturday, February 1, 2025, as the first day of Ramadan in Nigeria.

The announcement followed the sighting of the new crescent in various parts of the country, which was verified by the national and state moon sighting committees. Speaking at his palace in Sokoto, the Sultan urged Muslims to begin the Ramadan fast in accordance with Islamic teachings.

He called on the Muslim community to use the holy month for devotion, prayers, and supplications for Nigeria’s peace and progress. He also emphasized the importance of religious tolerance, unity, and extending support to the less privileged during Ramadan.

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NORP Commends Federal Lawmaker for Supporting Journalists During Ramadan

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The Northern Online Reporters and Publishers (NORP), Kano State Chapter, has expressed gratitude to Hon. Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, the lawmaker representing Rano, Kibiya, and Bunkure Federal Constituency, for his generous donation of 25kg bags of rice to each of its members as a Ramadan gift.

In a statement signed by the Interim Chairman and national treasurer  of NORP, Comrade Abbas Yusha’u Yusuf, the association described the gesture as a reflection of Hon. Rurum’s commitment to the welfare of journalists, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.

“This act of kindness demonstrates Hon. Rurum’s dedication to supporting journalists and media practitioners, especially during this sacred month of fasting and reflection. His generosity will go a long way in easing the burden on our members and reinforcing the spirit of community and solidarity,” the statement read.

NORP further reiterated its dedication to ethical journalism and objective reporting, acknowledging leaders like Hon. Rurum who recognize and support the role of the media in society.

“We remain committed to upholding the values of ethical journalism and objective reporting, and we appreciate leaders like Hon. Rurum who recognize the significance of the media in society,” Yusuf stated.

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The association extended prayers for the lawmaker, asking Almighty Allah to reward him abundantly for his support.

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