Peter Obi: The portrait of a political visionary, unifier, and achiever

 

By Chiedu Uche Okoye

 

That Nigeria is bedeviled by security challenges, economic stagnation, national disunity, and infrastructural deficit is an incontrovertible fact. The above-mentioned problems and the centrifugal forces of ethnic hatred and religious bigotry are taking Nigeria to the precipice of dismemberment. So what Nigeria needs at this critical juncture in its  national journey is a leader, who is a political unifier, visionary, and astute manager of men and resources. And the man, who fits the bill, with regard to that kind of leader, who can fix our national problems, is Mr. Peter Gregory Obi.

 

During his reign as the governor of Anambra state, Obi recorded outstanding achievements in the areas of education and economy. In addition to turning around the education and economic sectors, he revamped and revitalized the health sector. And he left his leadership footprints on the sands of time in the areas of agriculture, security, and infrastructural development.

 

Since his exit from office in 2014, no controversies have dogged his heels. EFCC did not breathe down his neck for allegations bordering on financial malfeasance, not to talk of him spending time in jail for financial crimes. The fact is that Mr. Peter Obi, who is criticized for being a tight wad, is whistle clean. His judicious and prudent management of Anambra state’s financial resources is a praxis, which state governors in Nigeria should emulate.

 

Not only is he morally-upright, but he is, also, a well-intentioned Nigerian. He has a pan Nigerian vision cum dream. At many different economic fora and political summits, which he attended over the years, he unfolded his road-maps on how to fix Nigeria’s sundry problems. He behaves as though he is Nigeria’s president in-waiting. And he has suggested alternative economic policies to us as President Tinubu’s economic policies have erased the middle class and deepened the economic woes of the hoi polloi.

 

Not unexpectedly, when he contested for the presidential seat in Nigeria in 2023 on the platform of the Labour Party, he polled millions of votes. He would have won that presidential election, but for INEC’S carrying out of electoral jiggery-pokery in favour of the ruling APC. His spectacular performance in that election underlined his acceptance by millions of Nigerians, who belong to different ethnic groups.

 

Seeing that Peter Obi is perceived as Nigeria’s political Messiah; and that he is poised to dislodge the incumbent president from office, crisis was instigated in the Labour Party. As a result, the party was wracked with leadership crisis. Being a wise politician, Mr. Peter Obi jumped ship, and berthed at ADC.

 

But the enemy forces, which are bent on aborting Mr. Peter Obi’s presidential dream, will not let him be. They bought buyable and morally bankrupt top ADC members to their side, and directed them to foment ceaseless troubles in ADC. The temporary de-recognition of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as the chairman and secretary of ADC by the national electoral umpire unsettled and rattled politicians, who wanted to contest elective posts on the ADC platform, then.

 

So it is obvious to us that the surfeit of judicial hurdles placed on the path of ADC  compelled Peter Obi to pitch his political tent with the Seriake Dickson’s NDC. That is why Obi should not be vilified for defecting to NDC.

 

His seemingly constant political migration is necessary in order for him to keep alive his presidential dream and keep his political foes at bay. So his political peregrinations should not be viewed as the deeds of a political desperado, who wants to become the president of Nigeria at any cost. That is not the case.

 

The stark fact is that Mr. Peter Obi is a well-intentioned politician, who has a pan Nigerian vision. Are his utterances and deeds not portraying him as a politician, who believes in the unity and oneness of Nigeria? The philanthropic deeds, which he  carries out, oftentimes, are not determined by ethnic and religious considerations. He traverses the nooks and crannies of Nigeria doling out millions of naira for the revamping of health and educational institutions.  So it can be seen that he is the national leader, who can unite Nigerians, who hail from diverse ethnic backgrounds and profess different religious faiths.

 

Again, he waxes presidential in his utterances and deeds, which are indications that he is the right person to preside over our country’s affairs at this critical juncture in our national life. His participation in national discourses and the solutions he proffers to our national problems are proofs that he is well-prepared to lead Nigeria and take it to the acme of infrastructural,  technological, and economic development.

 

And now that Mr. Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso are in NDC ; and now that the party has zoned its presidential ticket to the south; and now that Kwankwaso has agreed to accept the vice presidential position in NDC, Mr. Peter Obi’s presidential dream is more realizable now than before. It is gaining momentum and traction. And not a few Nigerians have acquiesced into his political and economic ideologies.

 

So when the fanatical members of the Obidient  movement join  forces with the Kwankwasiyya group, a formidable and unstoppable political movement will be formed. And it will be fight to finish between the Tinubu’s ruling APC and Obi’s NDC. Certainly, something will give. Is Peter Obi not going to emerge as the president of Nigeria?

TCN holds sensitization against vandalism of her infrastructures in Itori, Ogun state

 

By Okey Muogbo

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Lagos Region it has intensified efforts to curb vandalism of power infrastructure through a sensitization programme it held on Thursday in Itori, Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State.

According to a statement on Friday by Ndidi Mbah, General Manager (GM), Public Affairs of the Company, the programme brought together traditional rulers, security agencies, community leaders and residents.

It was to educate members of the public on the dangers of vandalising transmission towers, building under transmission line Right of Way (RoW), and excavating around TCN towers.

 

Speaking during the programme, the General Manager (Transmission), Lagos Region, Engr. Adeshina Adeonipekun, disclosed that TCN recorded no fewer than 276 cases of tower vandalism between 2022 and 2025.

 

According to him, the figure has reduced significantly this year due to improved collaboration with host communities and the proactive efforts of TCN staff.

 

“This year, with the support of communities and the proactiveness of our staff, we have been able to reduce vandalism cases to about 40,” he said.

 

Adeonipekun stated that TCN has continued to strengthen measures aimed at tackling vandalism, noting that the sensitization programme remains one of TCN’s key strategies for engaging host communities and safeguarding critical national infrastructure.

 

He added that cases of vandalism within the South-West region have remained relatively minimal, while commending the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and security agencies for their support in apprehending culprits involved in vandalism.

 

Also speaking, Principal Manager (Lines), Engr. Kuye Emmanuel, said that the company has reinforced surveillance around transmission lines through community-based security arrangements.

 

“Apart from this awareness programme, we engage private vigilantes across communities and zones, who are paid monthly to help safeguard our transmission lines,” he stated.

 

He further explained that TCN also provides incentives to farmers and residents within host communities as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation and encourage prompt reporting of suspicious activities around transmission facilities.

 

In his remarks, the Olu of Itori Land, His Royal Highness, Oba Abdulfatai Akorede Akamo, commended TCN for sustaining the sensitization campaign and appealed for the programme to be held regularly.

 

“This awareness programme is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The last edition was held here in Itori about four years ago, and we appreciate TCN for returning to engage our people again. We appeal that it should be organised at least once every year,” the monarch said.

 

Oba Akamo also disclosed that Baales across the 127 communities under his kingdom have continued to ensure that no individual tampers with transmission infrastructure within their domains.

 

The District Officer, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Itori Command, Mrs. Olusola Balogun, warned residents against engaging in or supporting acts of vandalism, stressing that the offence attracts imprisonment upon conviction.

 

“Vandalism is a criminal offence which can lead to imprisonment if offenders are found guilty by a court of law. Some people aid and contribute to vandalism knowingly or unknowingly, and this must stop,” she warned.

 

Balogun noted that vandalism of power infrastructure could lead to power outages, negatively affect the economy and pose serious security challenges to the country.

 

She urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.

 

Similarly, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Itori Police Station, CSP Dapo Ojekunle, called on residents to support security agencies by reporting cases of vandalism within their communities.

 

According to him, the Police cannot be everywhere at all times, hence the need for active community participation in crime prevention.

 

“Most of these vandals are very clever. If we see anyone vandalising the infrastructure, residents should report them immediately,” he said.

 

The DPO also advised residents not to harbour vandals or assist in keeping stolen materials, while encouraging complainants and witnesses to follow reported cases through the legal process to ensure successful prosecution of offenders.

Gunmen kill couple in Plateau attack, leave infant twins orphaned

 

Gunmen have killed a man and his pregnant wife in Angwan Ishaku community, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, the Berom Youth Moulder Association said.

 

The attack occurred about 4:35 p.m. on Wednesday, according to a statement by the association’s Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong.

The couple was shot while the husband was working outside their home. Mrs Grace Iliya died at the scene. Her husband, who sustained gunshot injuries, died later in hospital.

 

The assailants arrived on a motorcycle, opened fire on the couple and others in the area, and fled towards Fulani settlements in Fass on the Rakung-Sho Road, the statement said.

Mrs Iliya had recently finished breastfeeding one-year-old twin boys and was pregnant at the time of the attack.

 

Two other people were injured, the association said, adding that their condition had yet to be confirmed.

 

The Berom Youth Moulder Association described the incident as a “barbaric and inhuman act” and said it reflected ongoing insecurity in Barkin Ladi and surrounding communities despite efforts by government and stakeholders to restore calm.

 

The association called on the military and other security agencies to carry out coordinated operations in Fass and Mahanga to apprehend those responsible.

 

The attack came two days after Governor Caleb Mutfwang visited Barkin Ladi to condole with residents affected by recent violence in the area. Conclave.

Dangote rejects NNPC move to increase refinery stake

 

President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has revealed that his company rejected attempts by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to increase its ownership stake in the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, saying the decision was aimed at opening future participation to ordinary Nigerians and global investors.

 

Dangote made the disclosure on May 14, 2026, during an interview in which he explained that the refinery’s long-term vision includes a public listing that would allow broader investor participation rather than concentrating ownership in a few institutions.

 

He said the company wants Nigerians to have the opportunity to own shares in what is regarded as Africa’s largest refinery.

 

NNPCL currently holds a 7.25 percent stake in the refinery after previously reducing its planned ownership from 20 percent.

 

Reports indicate that the state oil company had sought to raise its shareholding again as the refinery expands operations and strengthens its position in Nigeria’s fuel supply market.

 

Dangote noted that plans are underway for a future public offering of refinery shares, insisting that wider ownership would create transparency, deepen local participation, and strengthen investor confidence in the project.

 

The Dangote Refinery, located in Lekki, Lagos State, has become central to Nigeria’s energy sector following the gradual reduction in petrol imports and increased domestic refining capacity since operations commenced. Starnews.

 

IMF warns Nigeria’s weak budget credibility threatens fiscal stability

 

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that weak budget credibility and poor implementation practices are undermining Nigeria’s fiscal stability, worsening revenue gaps, encouraging opaque spending, and weakening public trust in governance.

 

The warning was highlighted on May 14, 2026, in a new IMF assessment examining budget execution across sub-Saharan Africa.

 

The report identified Nigeria as one of the countries facing persistent challenges linked to unrealistic revenue projections, delayed budget implementation, unappropriated spending, and weak fiscal discipline.

 

According to the IMF, repeated deviations between approved budgets and actual government spending have become structural problems rather than isolated administrative errors.

 

The institution noted that excessive recurrent expenditure, rising debt servicing costs, and poor revenue performance continue to threaten long-term economic stability and infrastructure development.

 

The report also raised concerns over Nigeria’s delayed 2026 budget cycle, which was signed months into the fiscal year, creating uncertainty around implementation timelines and expenditure controls.

 

Economic analysts warned that weak budget execution could further reduce investor confidence, increase borrowing pressures, and limit government capacity to finance critical sectors such as education, healthcare, power, and infrastructure. Starnews.

 

Manpower development key to safety of navigation and blue economy -CNS 

 

The Hydrographer of the Federation/Chief Executive Officer of the National Hydrography Agency, Rear Admiral Olumide Fadahunsi, paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, at Naval Headquarters, Abuja.

 

During the visit, Rear Admiral Fadahunsi expressed appreciation to the CNS for the continued support of the Agency.

This was contained in a statement on Wednesday by Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information.

According to the statement, Fadahunsi stated that upon assumption of office, he reviewed the operational activities of the National Hydrographic Agency and developed a strategic plan centred on manpower development as a critical enabler for the safety of navigation and the advancement of Nigeria’s blue economy.

 

The HOF noted that Nigerian Navy personnel constitute a significant percentage of the Agency’s workforce, reflecting the strong institutional relationship between the Agency and the Service. He noted that the Agency intends to increase female participation in hydrography, in line with the International Hydrographic Organisation’s goal of broader participation by women in hydrography.

 

In his remarks, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas congratulated Rear Admiral Fadahunsi on his appointment and expressed satisfaction with the strategic direction already introduced at the National Hydrographic Agency, urging him to build on the legacy of his predecessor.

 

Admiral Idi Abbas assured the Hydrographer of the Federation of continued support in the areas of manpower support and capacity development, noting that a professionally trained hydrographic workforce remains central to Nigerian Navy operations.

 

The CNS also commended the National Hydrographic Agency for outstanding hydrographic activities in Cross River and Imo States, which have gained it wide acclaim. The Chief of the Naval Staff encouraged the Agency to strengthen local capacity development by producing training charts for the Nigerian Defence Academy Naval Wing and Nigerian Navy Training Schools.

The engagement reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to strengthening hydrographic capability as a strategic component of maritime governance, safe navigation, and national economic development. Globalupfront.

APC primaries crisis deepens amid mass disqualifications

 

Fresh cracks have emerged within the ruling All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections as controversies surrounding the party’s pre-primary screening exercises continue to trigger protests, defections, petitions and threats of legal action across several states.

 

The crisis has shown growing reliance on consensus arrangements and the disqualification of hundreds of aspirants have intensified internal tensions within the party, with stakeholders warning that unresolved grievances could weaken the APC before the primaries.

 

The screening exercise, designed to streamline the number of aspirants contesting for various elective positions, has instead exposed deep divisions among party leaders, aspirants and grassroots supporters in states including Kano, Taraba, Kaduna, Rivers, Jigawa, Benue, Plateau, Ebonyi and Kogi.

 

Many of the aggrieved aspirants accused party leaders of manipulating the process to favour preferred candidates and political loyalists under the guise of consensus arrangements.

In several states, the controversies have already sparked protests and defections, while others are preparing petitions and court cases to challenge their disqualification.

 

In Jigawa State, former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Isah Idris, resigned from the APC after failing to secure clearance during the screening exercise.

 

In his resignation letter, Idris lamented what he described as the party’s departure from its founding ideals before defecting to the Peoples Democratic Party.

 

Similarly, tensions rose in Ebonyi after senatorial aspirant, Christian Nwali, resigned from the APC over the outcome of the consensus arrangement adopted by the state chapter.

 

In Kano State, protests followed the endorsement of former governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, as six aspirants stepped down in his favour after a reconciliation meeting brokered by party leaders.

 

However, some groups faulted the arrangement, arguing that loyal party members were being sidelined for political convenience.

 

The situation also unsettled reconciliation efforts reportedly championed by Governor Abba Yusuf after key stakeholders allegedly boycotted peace meetings convened to calm tensions.

 

In Taraba State, the endorsement of Senator Shuaibu Isa Lau generated backlash from youth groups and party stakeholders who accused the lawmaker of poor representation and lacking visible achievements.

 

The discontent was echoed in Benue and Kogi states, where supporters of disqualified aspirants accused the party of violating zoning agreements and restricting access to nomination forms.

In Rivers State, the scale of the screening fallout became more evident after the APC screening appeal panel confirmed that 65 aspirants were disqualified, while only 33 were cleared ahead of the primaries.

 

Chairman of the appeal panel, Abdul Mahmud, disclosed that several complaints centred on lack of communication, with some aspirants claiming they only discovered their disqualification through social media.

 

Mahmud advised the party to improve transparency in future exercises by formally notifying aspirants of screening outcomes and reasons for disqualification.

 

In Kaduna State, opposition to consensus candidacies also intensified, particularly over alleged moves to adopt former lawmaker, Shehu Sani, as a consensus candidate for Kaduna Central Senatorial District.

 

The arrangement was rejected by former Speaker Yusuf Zailani and activist Yarima Shettima, who warned against what they described as political manipulation.

 

Meanwhile, uncertainty continued in Plateau, Imo, Abia, Gombe and Zamfara states as aspirants awaited the official release of screening results.

 

Some aspirants in Plateau reportedly claimed they were verbally informed of their disqualification without receiving formal communication from the party.

 

Political analysts warned that the growing disputes reflect the APC’s struggle to balance internal democracy with the increasing push for consensus candidacies ahead of the 2027 elections.

 

They noted that while consensus arrangements may help reduce costly and divisive primaries, attempts to impose candidates without broad consultation risk fuelling defections, anti-party activities and voter apathy.

 

Despite ongoing reconciliation efforts in many states, concerns remain that unresolved grievances could further deepen factional divisions within the ruling party ahead of the primaries. Conclave.

 

Court voids suit seeking to SAN award with blue silk rank on Nigerian lawyers

 

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday dismissed a suit seeking an order by applicants to confer the rank of a Blue Silk on legal practitioners in Nigeria as alternative to the rank of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

 

Justice James Omotosho, in a judgement, held that the applicants’ suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/421/2026, was without merit.

 

“The argument by the applicants that they have a right to freedom of assembly and association does not come into play here.

 

“The legal profession is not like joining a political party wherein one can jump from party to party.

 

“There is only one legal profession in Nigeria duly recognised by statute, thus a person cannot decide to form his own legal profession as same would be contrary to the law and thus void.

 

“This therefore means that the acts of the applicants in seeking to award rank of Blue Silk on any legal practitioner in Nigeria is totally void and unrecognised by law,” he said.

 

According to the judge, the actions of the applicants is totally against laid down law and regulations guiding the legal profession in Nigeria.

 

“The applicants cannot hide under fundamental rights to breach statutory provisions.

 

“This court will not allow it.

 

“The applicants have failed to establish the breach of their fundamental rights to freedom of association and right to fair hearing.

 

“The applicants have the burden to establish breach of their fundamental rights but have utterly failed to do so.

 

“Their claim is therefore ungrantable and their suit will be dismissed.

 

“This court will also follow up the decision in this matter with a consequential order which it is empowered to do and give effect to this judgment,” the judge said, citing a previous Supreme Court decision.

 

Justice Omotosho, therefore, declared that only the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) is the legally recognised body with the powers to confer the rank of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) on deserving legal practitioners in the country.

 

The judge also made an order of perpetual injunction, restraining the applicants from conferring on any legal practitioner the rank of Blue Silk or any such related ranks which is not in accordance with the clear provisions of the Legal Practitioners Act.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the applicants; the Incorporated Trustees of the Association of Legislative Drafting And Advocacy Practitioners and Dr Tonye Jaja, had filed the suit.

 

The applicants, through their lawyer, named the Incorporated Trustees of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and Dr Mobolaji Ojibara, General Secretary of Incorporated Trustees of NBA, as 1st and 2nd respondents.

 

They also listed Mr Kabir Akanbi, Secretary of LPPC; Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) and Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) as 3rd to 5th respondents respectively.

 

The originating motion, dated and filed on March 2, sought seven reliefs.

 

“An order of perpetual injunction against the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th respondents and their officials from interfering or threatening to drag the 2nd applicant (Jaja) and or 1st applicant before the 5th respondent (LPCD) on the grounds of the Blue Silks rank.”

 

They sought a N50 million jointly and severally by the 1st to 4th respondents as compensation for the breach of the applicants’ fundamental rights.

 

The duo, who sought a public apology published in two national dailies by the 1st to 4th respondents for the violation of their fundamental rights, also sought a N5 million as cost of instituting the suit.

 

NAN observes that the applicants filed the suit following a disciplinary notice sent to Jaja by Ojibara for promoting an unlawful and unrecognised “privileged rank” purported for legal practitioners.

 

The applicants had argued that the Blue Silks rank was not mentioned in the Legal Practitioners Act, 1962 and was not within the regulatory powers of the respondents.

 

They stated that without hearing from them, the 1st respondent had concluded on their guilt and that the 1st and 2nd respondents even published a notice which affected the rights of the applicants.

 

They, therefore, claimed that their fundamental rights to freedom of association was being threatened by the respondents and urged the court to intervene on their behalf.

 

But the respondents in their separate counter affidavits prayed the court to dismiss the suit in its entirety.

 

They argued that the applicants had no power whatsoever to accord any rank of Blue Silk on any legal practitioner in Nigeria as they were not statutorily recognised to do so, among other arguments.

NAN

NDC pegs presidential ticket at N60m

 

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has fixed N60 million as the total cost for aspirants seeking its presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

The party announced this in a statement issued by the National Chairman, Sen. Moses Cleopas and Secretary, Ikenna Enekweizu in Abuja on Tuesday.

 

“A breakdown of the approved fees showed that presidential aspirants would pay N20 million for the Expression of Interest Form and N40 million for the Nomination Form.

 

“Governorship aspirants are to pay N10 million for the Expression of Interest Form and N20 million for the Nomination Form.

 

“For Senate aspirants, the fees were fixed at N3 million and N5 million respectively, while House of Representatives aspirants would pay N2 million and N4 million.

 

“State Houses of Assembly aspirants are to pay N1 million for the Expression of Interest Form and N1.5 million for the Nomination Form”.

 

The party, however, said it has granted concessions to female aspirants and Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs), who are to pay 50 per cent and 25 per cent respectively across all categories.

 

The NDC also unveiled the timetable for the sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms, screening of aspirants and conduct of primary elections.

 

According to the timetable, the sale of Expression of Interest Forms will begin on May 13 and end on May 18, while screening and interview of aspirants will hold from May 19 to May 21.

 

The party said the sale of nomination forms would commence immediately after the screening from May 21 to May 23, adding that completed forms must be submitted on or before May 25.

 

It stated that appeals arising from the screening would be heard on May 25 and 26, while primaries for various elective positions would hold on May 27 and May 28.

 

The Presidential Primary Election, according to the party, is scheduled for May 29 in Abuja.

 

The NDC explained that aspirants for State Houses of Assembly would be screened in their respective states, while screening for National Assembly and presidential aspirants would take place at the party’s National Headquarters in Abuja.

 

It also disclosed that governorship primaries would be conducted at the local government level.

 

The party said all aspirants would be required to sign undertakings in line with its guidelines and code of conduct.

 

It added that the party would adopt the “open secret ballot” system for its primaries to ensure credibility, fairness and internal democracy.

 

It reaffirmed its commitment to conducting transparent and credible primaries capable of producing competent candidates for the 2027 general elections

 

(NAN

Court sentences ex-Power Minister to 75 years imprisonment for money laundering

 

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday sentenced the former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years imprisonment in absentia over N33.8 billion money laundering offences.

Justice James Omotosho, who convicted Mamman in all the 12 counts preferred against him by the EFCC, ordered that the sentence shall run consecutively and not concurrently.

Justice Omotosho said that the absence of the ex-minister in court today and on the last adjourned date was a deliberate attempt to stop the wheel of justice.

The judge, who agreed with the EFCC’s lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, that though the defendant was not in court, the provisions of Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, gave the court the power to proceed with the sentencing.

The judge held that Mr Mamman cannot claim to have suffered a miscarriage of justice.

 

He consequently sentenced the convict to seven years imprisonment on Counts one, two, three, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, 11 and 12 without option of fine.

 

Justice Omotosho also sentenced him to three year-jail term on Count 4 with an option of fine of N10 million and two years’ imprisonment on Count 5 without option of fine.

 

The judge, who ordered that the sentence shall run consecutively, said this shall commenced from the date of his arrest.

 

He, therefore, ordered all security agencies in and outside the country, including the INTERPOL, to arrest Mamman anywhere he is sighted and handed over to the Nigerian Correctional Services for his jail term.

 

Also based on the application by counsel for the prosecution, which was not challenged by the ex-minister’s lawyer, Mohammed Ahmed, Justice Omotosho also ordered the final forfeiture of Mr Mamman’s two properties located in choice areas of Abuja and monies in different currencies recovered by the anti-graft agencies.

 

The judge further ordered that the differential amount between the monies and assets recovered from Mamman and the sum of N22 billion the prosecution was able to establish during the trial, out of the N33. 8 billion allegedly siphoned from the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro Electric Power projects, be refunded by the convict.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Omotosho had on May 7 convicted Mamman in absentia over allegations of money laundering.

 

Although Mr Mamman was conspicuously absent in court, Justice Omotosho, in the judgment, held that the EFCC had been able to establish the 12-count amended charge against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt.

NAN