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Alleged N60.85bn Fraud: EFCC Arraigns Ex-Abia Governor, 4 Others

Published

2 months ago

February 28, 2025

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday, February 28, 2025, arraigned former Abia State Governor, Theodore Ahamefule Orji, Engr. Chinedum Orji, Dr. Philip Nto, Onwumene King Obioma and Romanus K. Madu before Justice Lilian Abai of the Federal High Court sitting in Umuahia, Abia State on a sixteen-count charge bordering on conspiracy, official corruption, stealing and diversion of public funds.

The offence contravenes Section 516 and 516(a) of the Criminal Code, Law of Abia State and punishable under the same Section of the same Act.

One of the count charges reads:
That you Chief Theodore Ahamefule Orji, ENGR. Chinedum Orji, Dr. Phillip Nto, Onwumene King Obioma and Romanus K. Madu, sometime between 2011 and 2015 in Umuahia, Abia State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court stole and converted a sum of N22,500,000,000.00 (Twenty-Two Billion, Five Hundred Million Naira Only) being the allocation to the Abia State Government as security votes and thereby committed an offence contrary to the provision of Section 390 (5) of the Criminal Code Law of Abia State.

Another count reads “That you, Chief
Theodore Ahamefule Orji, ENGR. Chinedum Orji, Dr. Phillip Nto, Onwumene King Obioma and Romanus K. Madu, sometime between 2010 and 2011 in Umuahia, Abia State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court
Conspired among yourselves to commit unlawful acts to wit, stealing and conversion of the sum of N12,000,000,000.00 (Twelve Billion Naira Only) being the funds due to Abia State from the Paris Club Refund and thereby committed an offence contrary to the provisions of Sections 516 and 516(a) of the Criminal Code Law of Abia State.

All the defendants pleaded “not guilty” to all the charges when they were read to them, following which prosecution counsel, Dr. Pinheiro SAN, prayed the court to fix a date for commencement of trial.

Counsel to 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th defendant, Bode Olanipekun, SAN, Chika Osolu Ojukwu, SAN, K.I Odeh, Oke Amaechi, SAN and Isaac Anya informed the court of their respective applications for the bail of the defendants.

Counsel to 1st defendant, Bode Olanipekun prayed the court to grant his client bail to enable him to stand trial. All other defence counsels made the same pleas before the court.

Justice Obai in her ruling, granted the defendants bail in the sum of Fifty Million Naira (N50,000,000.00) each, one surety in like sum, surety must have a landed property in Umuahia and must show evidence of Certificate of Occupancy
Additionally, surety must depose an affidavit of means and deposit two recent passport photographs with the court.
Defendants must also deposit their international passports with the court registrar.

The judge adjourned the matter to June 18 and 19, 2025 for commencement of trial.

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Peter Obi Pays Tribute: POPE FRANCIS EULOGY: Leaders Urged to Emulate Pontiff’s Values

Published

12 hours ago

April 23, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

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In a heartfelt eulogy, Peter Obi paid a poignant tribute to the late Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21. Obi recalled attending the lying-in-state ceremony at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, alongside Cardinal Francis Arinze and thousands of mourners who gathered to bid farewell to the beloved Pontiff.

During the solemn ceremony, Obi reflected on Pope Francis’ remarkable life and legacy, describing him as a moral light in a world often plagued by inequality and indifference.

He highlighted the Pontiff’s commitment to leadership as a sacred duty, rooted in compassion, truth, and selfless service to the poor and marginalized.

Oobi emphasized that Pope Francis’ life was a testament to the power of humility, simplicity, and service, urging leaders, particularly in Africa, to draw inspiration from his values of justice, peace, and human dignity.

He called on leaders to emulate the Pontiff’s example, leading with conscience, walking with the people, and governing with love.

Through his eulogy, Peter Obi ensured that Pope Francis’ legacy would live on, inspiring a new generation of leaders to serve humanity with compassion, empathy, and selflessness.

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Benue Insecurity: Ortom cancels his 64th birthday celebration

Published

12 hours ago

April 23, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

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As Benue State continues to experience spiraling insecurity that have claimed several lives, former Governor of the state, Chief Samuel Ortom has cancelled any form of celebration for his 64th birthday in honor of victims of the horror.

Ortom, who turned 64 on Wednesday, expressed gratitude for the outpouring of goodwill and prayers from the people of Benue and other Nigerians.

This was contained in a statement on Wednesday by his Media Aide, Terver Akase.

“In light of the ongoing intensified invasion, attacks, and senseless killings of innocent Benue people by Fulani terrorists across various local government areas, I have decided not to hold any celebrations or festivities. ‘

Chief Ortom said he has chosen to stand in solidarity with the victims and their families, acknowledging the deep pain and loss they have endured.

He extended his heartfelt sympathy to those affected and called on the people of Benue to continue to pray fervently for the victims.

Ortom also urged Nigerians to seek divine intervention to end the bloodshed and restore lasting peace and security in Benue and other troubled parts of the country.

He further called for prayers for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, asking God to grant them wisdom and strength to tackle the nation’s security challenges.

“Remains grateful to God Almighty for his mercy, good health, and blessings over the past 64 years, and he reaffirms my commitment to the service of God and humanity in the years ahead.”

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Katsina: Security forces stop bandits in Doma, recover eight motorcycles

Published

15 hours ago

April 23, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

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Security forces successfully repelled a bandit attack on Doma community in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State early Tuesday morning, recovering eight motorcycles and neutralizing several of the attackers.

This was made known in a post shared Tuesday night on X (formerly Twitter) by security analyst Bakatsine, who frequently monitors and reports security developments across the Northwest.

According to Bakatsine, the swift response of officers from the Community Watch Corps (CWC) and members of the local vigilante group was crucial in foiling the attack.

“Bandits attempted to strike Doma community this morning, but CWC and vigilantes were on high alert. They stood their ground, killed several bandits, and recovered eight motorcycles. The rest fled into the bush,” Bakatsine wrote.