News
Kwara: EFCC arraigns ex-scholarship board chairperson, two others for fraud
By Steve Oni, Ilorin
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned the immediate past Chairperson of the Kwara State Scholarship Board, Hajia Fatimah Yusuf and two others for their alleged involvement in bursary fraud.
Yusuf was arraigned alongside Fatai Lamidi and Stephen Ajewole before the Court Presided over by Justice Sikiru Oyinloye.
Count two of the charge against the defendants stated: “That you, Fatimah Yusuf (While being the Chairman, Kwara State Scholarship Board), Fatai Lamidi (While being the Executive Secretary Kwara State Scholarship Board) and Ajewole Stephen (while being the Accountant, Kwara State Scholarship Board) between the months of November 2018 and May 2019, in Ilorin, within the jurisdiction of this honourable Court, while acting in that capacity and entrusted with N50,000,000.00 (fifty million naira) for the payment of 2018 bursary awards to 10,000 Students who are indigenes of Kwara State, dishonestly disposed of #6,269,950 out of the above sum in violation of the direction of law prescribing the mode the trust is to be discharged, thereby committed criminal breach of trust punishable under section 315 of the same law.”
Count seven of the charge stated: “That you Fatimah Yusuf (While being the Chairman, Kwara State Scholarship Board), Fatai Lamidi (While being the Executive Secretary Kwara State Scholarship board) Ajewole Stephen ( While being the Accountant, Kwara State Scholarship board) between the months of November 2018 and May 2019 in Ilorin, within the jurisdiction of this honourable Court, while acting in that capacity fraudulently used as genuine forged documents of accounts titled “List of 2018 bursary award payment vouchers” which you knew to be forged and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 366 of the penal code and punishable under section 364 of the same law.”
All the defendants pleaded not guilty to the seven count charge levelled against them by the anti graft body.
When the matter was called for arraignment on Wednesday, Prosecuting Counsel, Blessing Akinsola told the Presiding Judge that “My Lord, we have a seven count charge dated 21st of December 2019, we pray this honourable Court to accept the charge and allow it to be read to all the defendants.”
Counsel to the defendants, Isau Saka, and Y.O Ahmed, however, did not oppose the application but urged the Judge to grant them bail pending the hearing and determination of the case.
Justice Oyinloye however granted them bail of ten million naira with two sureties in like sum, adding that the defendants must submit their travel documents to the Court.
Further hearing in the matter has been adjourned till 26th of February 2020 for commencement of trial.
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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I am writing to felicitate with Your Excellency, Atku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria (Zege Mule u Tiv & Wazirin Adamawa)
on the occasion of your 79th birthday anniversary.
I join your teeming admirers globally in celebrating you on this special day, an adorable Statesman and my Boss.
I recall with nostalgia, how countless generations have benefited from your generosity, wealth of experience and benevolence including being my key benefactor even as a young lawyer for my professional success.
Your Excellency, may your special day be filled with grandeur befitting your illustrious career.
I wish you continued success, prosperity, and an unending stream of accolades.
It takes a remarkable kind of fortitude to remain active in public life well into one’s golden years. Your dedication and patriotism remain truly exceptional.
May you enjoy a day of reflection on your many years of fruitful service to humanity. It is my prayer that God Almighty grants you many more healthy, fruitful, and fulfilling years ahead, and continues to endow you with wisdom, strength, and the grace to keep contributing to our nation-building.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
TAU reaffirms commitment to globally competitive learning
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