The Maiduguri Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, October 5, 2023 secured the conviction and sentencing of two fraudsters: Mohammed Idris and Ibrahim Suleiman Magaji to eight years imprisonment for obtaining money under false pretences.
Idris was arraigned before Justice Umaru Fadawu of the Borno State High Court on one-count charge bordering on obtaining under false pretence to the tune of N1,000,000.00 (One Million Naira Only), while Magaji was arraigned on one-count charge bordering on criminal misappropriation to the tune of N11, 500, 000.00 (Eleven Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira).
The charge against Idris reads : “That you, Mohammad Idris sometime in July, 2019 at Maiduguri Borno State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud obtained the aggregate sum of N1, 000,000.00 (One Million Naira) from Nura Bello as purchase price for Mercury chemicals which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee fraud and Other Fraud related Offences Act, 2006.”
The charge against Magaji reads: “That you, Ibrahim Suleiman Magaji, on or about August 2021 at Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court dishonestly misappropriated and converted for your own use the aggregate sum of N11,500,000.00 (Eleven Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira), belonging to Umara Bukar under the guise that you will use the said money to purchase and supply 24 tons of Hibiscus flower (Zobo) to him and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Sections 308 and 309 of the Penal Code Law of Borno State (Cap. 102 Vol. 3 of 1994) respectively.”
While Idris pleaded “not guilty” to the charge preferred against him, Magaji changed his initial “not guilty” to “guilty” in the course of the trial. Prosecution counsel, S.K Saka, in the trial of Idris, presented five witnesses and tendered nine documents as evidence. Justice Fadawu, in his judgment, found him guilty, convicted and sentenced him to seven years imprisonment.
The court further ordered him to pay his victim the sum of N1m and in default, serve an additional three years.
Magaji was initially tried by EFCC counsels: Mukhtar Ali Ahmed, S.O Saka and F. Muhammad and presented three witnesses and tendered several documents as evidence. His counsel, M. Ibrahim, however, prayed the court later to allow the defendant to change his plea. Magaji pleaded guilty to the charge and Justice Fadawu thereafter convicted and sentenced him to one year imprisonment without an option of fine. The Judge further ordered the convict to pay the balance of N8m to his victim or serve three years jail term.
The two convicts began their journeys to the Correctional Centre when they fraudulently collected a total sum of N12.5million from their victims under false pretences. When it became obvious to their victims that they had been duped, none of the convicts returned the funds to the victims.
In another development, Babagana Mustapha was arraigned before Justice Umaru Fadawu of the Borno State High Court, Maiduguri on two-point charges bordering on criminal misappropriation to the tune of N 7,830,000.00 (Seven Million Eight and Thirty Thousand Naira only)
Count one of the charge reads: “That you Babagana Mustapha on or about July, 2021 at Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, dishonestly misappropriated and converted for your own use the aggregate sum of N5, 880,000.00 (Five million, Eight Hundred and Eighty Thousand) belonging to one Abubakar Awaji under the guise that the said money is an investment into your business and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Sections 308 and 309 of the Penal Code Laws of Borno State Cap. 102. Vol. 3 of 1994 respectively.”
The defendant pleaded ‘not guilty’ to the charge prepared against him.
Counsels for the prosecution, S.O, Saka and F. Muhammad prayed the court for a trial date and remand of the defendant at the Correctional Centre.
Justice Fadawu remanded the defendant at the EFCC’s custody and adjourned the matter till October 10, 2023 for commencement of trial.
Media & Publicity
October 9, 2023.
Drambi Vandi, to die by hanging
The Lagos High Court Sitting at the Tafawa Balewa Square on Lagos Island, on Monday, sentenced the suspended Assistant Superintendent of Police, Drambi Vandi, who killed a Lagos-based lawyer, Mrs. Omobolanle Raheem, to death by hanging.
Justice Ibironke Harrison sentenced the ASP after finding him guilty of the murder of the pregnant lawyer.
Harrison held that the prosecution was able to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.
The judge also held that the convict shot the deceased at close range.
President Tinubu Greets Gombe Governor Inuwa Yahaya on 62nd Birthday
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and Executive Governor of Gombe State, H.E. Inuwa Yahaya, on the occasion of his 62nd birthday, describing him as a very focused leader who has a clear vision to put in place a prosperous and stable state for the benefit of his people.
The President commends the leadership qualities of the Governor, noting his diligent implementation of policies and programmes which are aimed at achieving the economic empowerment of Gombe people through mass job creation. He further applauds the NSGF Chairman for devising practical solutions to the challenges facing the state and for making a difference in the lives of his people.
President Tinubu also takes note of Governor Inuwa’s penchant for responsiveness, which was witnessed most recently in his robust approach to addressing the economic situation resulting from the removal of fuel subsidy, including the introduction of a 40% subsidy on fertilizers and other key agricultural inputs to boost food production in Gombe State, as well as the implementation of salary increases for workers.
“It is my prayer that as you add another year to your life, God Almighty will imbue you with renewed strength and vigour to continue to work in the best interest of Gombe State, the Northern region, and the entire country,” the President said.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 8, 2023
COWLSO NWC: Sanwo-Olu calls for active participation of women, youths
.. As First Lady leads Awareness Walk, Visits Lady Otedola
…Mama Otedola lauds efforts of COWLSO in impacting the lives of women
The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Mrs Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu has urged women and youths to participate actively in this year’s National Women’s Conference, saying that the Conference is specifically designed towards influencing participants for positive outcomes in the society.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu gave this charge while leading members of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) on a road walk/ awareness campaign held at Epe Division, as part of Pre-Conference activities for the 23rd National Women’s Conference scheduled to hold from 17th – 19th October, 2023.
She emphasized that this year’s conference themed “Unleash your Potentials” is a platform that brings together women from all walks of life to learn and share knowledge on topical issues affecting women in the society, noting that this forum will further educate and inform them to be better ambassadors in their various communities.
According to her, “We have various distinguished facilitators and personalities coming to talk to our women on isues such as empowerment, food security, education, family, lifestyle, cybersecurity, utilizing technology, among other critical topics”.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu explained that participants can join physically or virtually and can register via the link www.COWLSO.org.ng
She encouraged the youth to maximize the virtual platform as it is more convenient for them to access technology in a bid to gain from the wealth of knowledge proposed for the Conference.
The First Lady also stated that the Conference is an avenue to enlighten women and youths on the various happenings and current trends such as food security, eco friendliness and cyber security is which is very rampant now, out of pocket expenses and the health insurance scheme provided by the State Government and how it can be utilized effectively for themselves and families.
She further stressed that the proposed conference will also be a good platform for women to interact and network as the various segments will be streamed for many participants to join.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu extended appreciation to the Executive Chairman, Epe Local Government, Hon. Surah Animashaun for her hospitality and warm reception as the team commenced the walk from the Lekki-Epe T Junction, visiting Pobo Market, Aiyetoro Market, Oluwo Modern Fish Market, among other areas in Epe.
Other highlights of the road walk/ awareness campaign was the courtesy visit by the First Lady and members of COWLSO to Former First Lady and Matriarch of the Otedola Family, Lady Doja Otedola.
At her residence, Lady Otedola appreciated the timely visit of the team, acknowledging that the Conference initiated by COWLSO over the years has continued to emancipate and advocate for women, proffering lasting solutions to various issues confronting them.
She lauded the efforts of COWLSO in impacting the lives of women and youth’s, emphasizing that they play a critical role in driving economic growth and influence in the society.
Olubukonla Nwonah
Deputy Director, Public Affairs
Office of Lagos State First Lady
8th October, 2023