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Granite and Marble drags Zenith Bank to Court Over Alleged Economic Infractions

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An Abuja based mining company, Granite and Marble Ltd, (GML) has dragged Zenith Bank Plc, Zenith Bank UK, First Investment Development Company (FIDC) and Prudential Mortgage Bank (PMB) before a federal high court in Abuja over alleged forgery, illegal conversion of equity, illegal operations of bank account, economic sabotage and threat to life.

The mining firm is claiming a sum of N635billion as specific and general damages for the alleged infractions committed against it by the four banks and others.

Apart from the banks, others listed as defendants in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1455/2021 are the Managing Director of Zenith Bank, Ebenezer Onyeagwu; the Managing Director of FIDC, Adebisi Adebutu; the Managing Director of PMB, Eyo Asuquo; the Deputy Managing Director Zenith Bank, Mrs Adaora Omeoji; Yewande Esan and others.

In the writ of summons filed on behalf of GML and others by Messrs Sebastine Hon (SAN), Anthony Malik (SAN) and Paul Harris Ogbole (SAN), the plaintiffs are claiming the N635 billion as specific and general damages for the series of infractions committed by the defendants against them.

In the particulars of the suit, Zenith Bank is accused of diverting the sum of N1billion approved for GML by the Central Bank of Nigeria CBN and routed through Zenith Bank.

The plaintiffs also claimed that Zenith Bank and its officers allegedly connived with Adebutu, Asuquo, FIDC and PMB to illegally change signatories to GML accounts without the authorization of the actual signatory to the accounts.

FIDC and PMB are alleged to have forcefully taken over the operations of the quarry site of GML despite not paying for the shares of the company they had proposed to buy.

GML also claimed that Zenith Bank held unto its verified assets for four years as collateral without disbursing the N1billion Real Sector Support Funds (RSSF) approved for it by the CBN.

In the suit which is accompanied by a 126 point statement of claim, GML and its Directors highlighted their ordeal in the hands of the institutions and individuals, which they claimed resulted in massive revenue losses, arrest of members of their families, denial of access to their business premises and transferring their accounts to persons not properly and legally authorized to do so.

GML further claimed that sometime in 2016, it’s Managing Director was on President Muhammadu Buhari’s delegation, as a representative of the mining sector, on the President’s first trade visit in China.

It added that while on the trip, the President signed an agreement with SBM China Ltd, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of mining equipment, to establish the biggest mining processing plant in Africa to be located in Abuja.

According to the company, it was on the strength of the agreement that they approached and got approval for a N1billion facility from the Real Sector Support Fund (RSSF) operated by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The plaintiffs claimed that not only did Zenith Bank refuse to release the funds which were GML’s counterpart commitment, it frustratingly held on to the company’s assets and wrote several approval and offer letters without disbursements.

At a point, Zenith Bank was said to have claimed, in a letter, that the funds will be disbursed by their UK subsidiary, Zenith UK Ltd.

The refusal by Zenith to release the funds was said to have jeopardized the agreement signed in China to reduce cost of construction.

The plaintiffs stated that Messrs Eyo Asuquo, FIDC and PMB approached GML to purchase shares in the company (GML) valued at an agreed combined sum of N700million.

Despite not paying for the shares, the plaintiffs alleged that they illegally tampered with the company’s documents at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and introduced names of themselves and substituted the names of other directors and the Company Secretary based on forged board resolutions.

The plaintiffs averred that with the altered documents, they connived with Zenith Bank to change the signatory to the account.

Adebutu and his team were also alleged to have forcefully taken over the sites of the company and conspired with Zenith Bank to draw down from the RSSF facility using the instrumentality of a forged deed of debenture.

They also claimed that while the quarry site was taken over by the purported new owners, illegal trade in unlicensed explosives were carried out thereby endangering residents of the neighbourhood.

The plaintiffs further averred that evidence of illegal trade in explosives by the defendants are before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

For the trauma experienced by the families, the cancelation of the contract occassioned by the activities of Zenith bank and the massive loss of revenues occasioned by the illegal take over of the company, the plaintifs are making a claim of N635billion or $1.2billion from the defendants.

Meanwhile, Justice Inyang Eden Ekwo of thE Federal High Court, Abuja on January 21, 2022 granted the plaintiffs’ request for substituted service of court documents on Zenith Bank, UK through DHL, a courier firm.

The judge granted the substituted service order while ruling on an ex-parte application filed and argued by lead counsel to the plaintiffs, Chief Sebastine Hon SAN.

Justice Ekwo consequently fixed March 8, 2022 for the hearing of the suit.

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Dangote Refinery, national asset every Nigerian must defend — BAVCCA President declares

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President of the Bloggers and Vloggers, Content Creators Association in Nigeria (BAVCCA), Ikechukwu Chukwunyere, has charged Nigerians on the need to protect Dangote Refinery, describing it as a “national asset that every citizen must protect, nurture, and defend against any form of sabotage or doubt.”

Chukwunyere made this declaration on Wednesday at BAVCCA’s National Secretariat in Abuja, following a visit by a 15-man delegation of the association to Dangote Industries in Lagos.

Adding that the visit to the Dangote Refinery was more than a familiarization tour but “a pilgrimage to witness firsthand the embodiment of Nigerian ingenuity, resilience, and vision.”

According to him, the team’s interaction with Dangote Industries’ Vice President, Mr. Edwin Devakumar, provided deep insight into the sacrifices and determination behind what he described as one of Nigeria’s greatest industrial achievements.

While recalling Devakumar’s powerful testimony about believing in Alhaji Aliko Dangote’s vision for the refinery, even when many investors doubted its feasibility.

“Despite the doubts from potential backers, Mr. Devakumar provided crucial support, backing Alhaji Dangote’s dream every step of the way,”

Chukwunyere said. “Alhaji Dangote himself made extraordinary sacrifices, selling most of his assets to fund the project amid those investor doubts.”

He said the refinery, valued at over $20 billion, was “a testament to this unyielding faith” and a model of how personal commitment can turn vision into reality.

Quoting Devakumar, he said Aliko Dangote’s motivation was rooted not only in business ambition but in a “deep prioritization of Nigerians’ well-being.”

“This passion fuels his endeavors, placing the welfare of our people at the heart of every decision,” he added.

The BAVCCA President noted that despite setbacks such as the closure of the Arewa Textile Industry in Kaduna, Dangote “persevered, keeping his vision alive against all odds.”

He described the refinery as the largest in the world, with the capacity to refine 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day, set to expand to 1.4 million barrels daily. The project, he said, has created over 65,000 jobs, saved billions in foreign exchange, and generated an estimated $55 billion in annual revenue potential.

Chukwunyere also highlighted the achievements of the Dangote Fertilizer Plant, which he said has “an impressive production capacity of 3 million metric tonnes per annum of urea,” positioning Nigeria as a key player in global agriculture.

During the visit, Chukwunyere said he personally expressed appreciation to the Dangote Group on behalf of BAVCCA and recounted the association’s efforts in defending the refinery against social media misinformation.

“We amplified the truth, countered misinformation, and rallied public support to ensure this vital project was not undermined,” he stated.

In response, he said, the Dangote Vice President “expressed his pleasure with the bloggers’ efforts and commended the good work being done by our community.”

The BAVCCA leader also announced that the association’s forthcoming national conference, scheduled for October 31 in Abuja, would highlight “the achievements of the Dangote Refinery, showcase the visionary behind it—Alhaji Dangote—and celebrate the transformative role of such initiatives in Nigeria’s development.”

He emphasized that content creators have a patriotic role to play in defending national investments.

“Dangote Industries is not just about refining petroleum; it’s about refining our nation’s future—creating jobs, boosting our economy, and reducing dependency on imports,” he said. “Every Nigerian—bloggers, vloggers, content creators, citizens—must rise to protect Dangote Industries.”

Chukwunyere reaffirmed BAVCCA’s commitment to “lead this charge, using our platforms to educate, inspire, and unite,” while calling on Nigerians to honor the sacrifices of Alhaji Dangote and the faith of leaders like Devakumar.

“Join us at our conference on 31st October, and let’s build a Nigeria where national assets like Dangote Industries thrive unhindered,” Chukwunyere concluded.

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Hon. Munira Applauds Governor Uba Sani for Signing Bill Establishing New College in Lere

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By: Fabian Apechihin

In a major educational breakthrough for Kaduna State, Governor Uba Sani has signed into law a bill establishing the Kaduna State College of Agricultural Technology and Environmental Sciences in Lere Local Government Area.

The landmark bill was sponsored by Hon. Munira Suleiman Tanimu, the member representing Lere East Constituency in the Kaduna State House of Assembly. The new institution aims to equip young people with modern skills in agriculture, technology, and environmental management — key areas for the state’s sustainable development.

Expressing her delight, Hon. Munira said:

“I am overjoyed to announce that Governor Uba Sani has signed my bill into law. This college in Lere will empower our youth with practical knowledge in agriculture and environmental protection. It will open doors to innovation and help our communities thrive.”

She noted that the college will serve as a hub for research and practical training, boosting agricultural productivity and addressing pressing environmental challenges in the region.

“Agriculture remains the backbone of Kaduna’s economy, and this institution will help modernize the sector while creating new opportunities for our young people,” she added.

Hon. Munira also reaffirmed her commitment to effective representation and progressive legislation:

“We will continue to champion laws that make real, positive impacts in people’s lives. The future is bright, and together, we will build a better, stronger Kaduna State.”

She extended her appreciation to Governor Uba Sani for his visionary leadership and unwavering support for education and rural development.

Residents of Lere and across Kaduna have welcomed the development with excitement, describing the new college as a beacon of hope for the youth and a catalyst for growth in the state’s agricultural and environmental sectors.

With the creation of this new college, Kaduna State takes another bold step toward improving education, empowering its citizens, and building a greener, more prosperous future.

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Soludo’s Alleged Threat to Jail Catholic Clergy After Re-election Sparks Controversy in Anambra

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By Fabian Apechihin

A report claiming that Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, plans to jail Catholic bishops, priests, and other clergymen after his re-election has stirred heated debate across the state.

However, Rev. Fr. Raphael Onyekwelu, PhD, Chaplain to the Governor, has dismissed the report as “baseless, ridiculous, and malicious,” describing it as the work of desperate political opponents trying to pit Soludo against the Church.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Fr. Onyekwelu said:

“Our attention has been drawn to a fabricated, malicious, and unsigned piece currently circulating on Facebook and other social media platforms, falsely alleging that His Excellency, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, intends to ‘take on the hierarchy of the Church, especially the Catholic Church,’ after winning the forthcoming November 8, 2025 governorship election.”

He said while such falsehoods would normally be ignored, the campaign season had created fertile ground for misinformation and propaganda.

“This is an election period, and desperate politicians are churning out fake news to deceive the public and cause division. It is laughable that they first admit Soludo is likely to win, and then try to manufacture lies to undermine his relationship with his Church — the Catholic Church,” he stated.

Fr. Onyekwelu noted that the alleged statement did not specify any wrongdoing by the Church to warrant such “imaginary arrests,” calling the entire report “a pitiable fabrication.”

He reaffirmed that Governor Soludo, a devout Catholic, holds the Church in the highest regard and recognizes its crucial role in promoting moral values, education, healthcare, and community development.

“Governor Soludo is a proud and practicing Catholic who cherishes the Church’s partnership in governance and social transformation, in line with Catholic Social Teaching. He deeply appreciates the clergy and their contributions to the moral and socio-economic progress of Anambra State,” he added.

Fr. Onyekwelu emphasized that the governor remains committed to working closely with all religious bodies to advance peace, development, and good governance in the state.

“Under Soludo’s leadership, Anambra continues to experience transparent, people-centered governance anchored on faith, service, and shared values. As the governor often says, ‘Government, Church, and People — together we shall continue to build a peaceful, prosperous, livable, and God-fearing Anambra State,’” he concluded.

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