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Alleged 1.5 bn Contract Scam: Court Grants Edo APC Woman Leader, Others Bail
By Ikhili Monday EBALU , Benin City
The presiding Judge, Justice Ohimai Ovbiagele of the Criminal Court 5 Division of Benin City High Court, yesterday, granted bail to the Edo State Woman Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Dr. Aisosa Amadasun and four others with a bail of N1 million each and a surety of like sum.
The accused persons are Dr. Aisosa Amadasun, Adama Osabuohien, Adam Osabuohien, Prince Stephen Alao, Dove Momodu .
The Judge said the surety must be gainfully employed, reside within Benin City and must deposed to an affidavit.
Justice Ohimai said upon listening to the defense put up by the various counsel to the accused persons that their offense was bailable and that their clients will not jump bails or hinder the smooth running of the trial process, considered it necessary to grant them bail.
Counsel to the first accused person, Barr Ivie Fidelis expressed satisfaction on the bail applications.
“I am impressed with the court. It is a court of justice. The court followed the law as it is and we told you earlier that the offense is bailable and the court granted bail in favour of the applicants.
“The next step is for us to prepare for the main case. That is the major issue here after now, we go and sit down, look at the files very well and prepare our defenses for the case”, he said.
It would be recalled that Dr. Aisosa Amadasun was on 5 October, 2017, remanded alongside four others for allegedly using their offices while serving as board members of the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to award contracts to their cronies after collecting N1.5 billion from them, an act punishable under section 26 (1) and other relevant section of the Corrupt Practices and other Related Offenses Act of 2000.
They however pleaded not guilty to the 50 counts charges leveled against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The case has been adjourned to 26 and 27 October, 2017.
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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