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FG turns accused to witness against Dasuki
In a desperate bid to get at a former National Security Adviser (NSA) Col. Muhammed Sambo Dasuki (Rtd) at all cost, the Federal Government has confirmed that it was turning a co-accused in his trial Salisu Shuaib for a witness to give evidence against him.
For the second time in 24 hours, the Federal Government brought a 25-count amended charge against Dasuki but he was granted another bail by Justice Hussein Baba Yusuf of an Abuja high court after denying all the charges.
Dasuki who served under former President Goodluck Jonathan, was re-arraigned along with a former Minister of State for Finance, Badhir Yuguda, former Sokoto State governor, Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa, his son, Sagir Dalhatu and their family company, Dalhatu Investment Limited.
However, like the charge of Wednesday, former Director of Finance and Supply in the Office of NSA under Dasuki, Mr Salisu Shuaib, was dropped from the list of accused persons.
Counsel to the federal government, Mr Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), confirmed to newsmen that after the examination of the report of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the alleged money diversion, it became imperative to drop Shuaib from the charge.
Jacobs said that instead of being a co-accused person, the former Director of Finance will now be used to as a witness to testify for Federal Government in the trial of the five defendants.
Like the re-arraignment of Wednesday, Justice Hussein Baba-Yusuf ordered that the five defendants should continue to enjoy the bail granted in 2015 when they were first arraigned on the alleged offence.
Part of the charge against Dasuki was that he misappropriated and engaged in alleged criminal breach of trust by dishonestly transferring the sum of N3.5billion into the account of Dalhatu Investment Limited, an offence punishable under Section 315 of the Penal Code.
Yuguda was alleged to have dishonestly misappropriated a whooping sum of $9.8million, an equivalent of N1.9billion and another N200million he allegedly transferred to the bank account of Jabbama Ada Global Services, an offense punishable under Section 315 of the Penal Code Act.
On their part, Bafarawa, Sagir and Dalhatu Investment were charged with dishonestly receiving the sum of N4.6billion from the Office of Col Dasuki, an offense punishable under Section 97 of the Penal Code.
Aside from the five defendants, prominent politicians were named in the charge as beneficiaries of the alleged Public fund diversion.
They are a former governor of Oyo State, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, former Chairman of the defunct National Republican Convention, Chief Tom Ikimi and one Robert Azibola, a cousin of Former President Jonathan as well as former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim.
However, all the five defendants pleaded not guilty to the amended charge dated May 11, 2018 and signed by Mr Chile Okoroma, Director of Legal and Prosecution Department of the EFCC.
Meanwhile, Justice Baba-Yusuf has adjourned trial of the defendants to July 9 and 10. (PRNigeria)
Digital solutions provider, Globacom, has congratulated Christians in Nigeria on this year’s Easter celebration, and urged them to emulate the noble qualities of Jesus Christ.
The company, in a goodwill message to the Christian faithful in the country, lauded their perseverance through the Lenten period which preceded Easter. It enjoined them to always promote the ideals of selflessness, love and peace among all as a way of demonstrating the virtues of the exemplary life of Jesus Christ.
“Peace, love and sacrifice are the central message of Easter. Christ offered himself in atonement for the sins of the world and he lived a life which made Him an eternal symbol of peace and goodwill for mankind”, Globacom added.
The company enjoined all Nigerians to share in the lessons of promoting selflessness, a necessary ingredient in the growth and development of every society. It also enjoined all Nigerians to join hands to make Nigeria a better place for all.
Easter is celebrated yearly at the end of the Lenten season of fasting and prayer considered as a ritual of purification for the Christian faithful. It also precedes the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ on Good Friday and His eventual resurrection on Easter Sunday.
The company assured its customers of seamless voice, data and Short Messaging Service (SMS) during and after the Easter celebrations, while urging them to avail themselves of the various data and voice offerings on the network.
The Guild of Private Broadcast Managers has extended its heartfelt congratulations to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) as it celebrates its 70th Anniversary.
In a congratulatory message signed by the Guild’s National President, Ambassador Patrick Uzoyi-Peters, JP MNGRM, the guild described the milestone as a testament to the NUJ’s unwavering commitment to upholding press freedom, journalistic integrity, and the advancement of democracy in Nigeria.
“For seven decades, the NUJ has played a pivotal role in shaping the media landscape, advocating for the rights and welfare of journalists, and ensuring that the voice of the people remains strong and unyielding. Your resilience, professionalism, and dedication to ethical journalism have been instrumental in fostering transparency, accountability, and national development”.
Celebrating this historic achievement, the Guild’s President, Uzoyi-Peters recognized the sacrifices and contributions of journalists across the nation who work tirelessly to inform, educate, and empower society.
The Guild reiterated it commitment towards collaborating with the NUJ in promoting responsible journalism and strengthening the media industry for the greater good.
While wishing the NUJ continued success, growth, and greater impact in the years ahead, President Uzoyi-Peters prayed that the anniversary serve as a renewed call to uphold the principles of truth, fairness, and press freedom in our collective pursuit of a more informed and just society.
News
Family Marks one-year Memorial of Late APC Chieftain, Ojougboh with Charity Outreach
By Ikenna Oluka
The family of the late chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, led by his wife, Mrs. Bose Ojougboh, marked his one-year memorial anniversary with a series of charitable initiatives aimed at honoring his legacy of philanthropy and service to society.
The memorial activities included the donation of school books and bags to pupils of Erigbe Primary School, in Agbor within the Ika South Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State, where Dr. Ojougboh had received his early education.
The outreach also included extension of financial assistance to patients at Central Hospital, Agbor, and the provision of toiletries, cash, and food items to children at the Salve Regina Children’s Home, Agbor.
The outreach was carried out under the ‘Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Foundation’, a family-led initiative established to immortalise him and continue his lifelong commitment to education, healthcare, and social welfare.
Speaking during the event which took place recently, Mrs. Ojougboh reaffirmed the family’s dedication to sustaining the ideals of the late APC chieftain, describing him as a man who strongly believed in education and giving back to society.
“We are here to celebrate the life of my husband, Late Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, who passed on a year ago. In his honour, we decided to give back to society. He was a man who valued education and was always willing to help others. It is only fitting that we continue his legacy through acts of generosity,” she stated.
Honouring his passion for education
The first visit was to Erigbe Primary School, where Dr. Ojougboh had received his early education. The Foundation distributed school bags, writing materials, and food packs to the pupils. The family encouraged the pupils to take their education seriously and strive to become responsible citizens.
Supporting patients at Central Hospital, Agbor
At Central Hospital, Agbor, Mrs. Ojougboh and her entourage moved through the medical wards, offering financial support to patients to assist with their treatment costs. The hospital staff and beneficiaries responded with prayers and words of gratitude for the kind gesture.
Reaching out to orphaned children
The outreach team also visited Salve Regina Children’s Home in Agbor where they donated cash, food items, and toiletries to the children.
The Matron of the home expressed her deep appreciation to the Ojougboh family, commending their commitment to sustaining the late politician’s legacy of compassion and social impact.
Dr. Cairo Ojougboh’s enduring legacy
Reflecting on her late husband’s contributions to society, Mrs. Ojougboh emphasised that his legacy of generosity and service to humanity would not be forgotten.
“Dr. Cairo was a selfless man who touched many lives. His contributions to the Nigerian political landscape, his mark in Agbor Kingdom, Delta State, and the country at large, will always be remembered. He may be gone, but his impact will continue to be felt for generations,” she said.
The Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Foundation has pledged to continue supporting education, healthcare, and social welfare initiatives in his memory, ensuring that his vision for a better society lives on.
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