Connect with us

Metro

Alleged $9.6bn P&ID Fraud: Fleeing Briton’s Surety Arrested, Produced In Court

Published

on

Chief George Kadiri, who stood surety for Mr. James Nolan, a British national, at the centre of an ongoing $9.6 billion Process and Industrial Development (P$ID) scam trial, has been arrested.

Kadiri, a retired civil servant living in Gwagwalada, Abuja, was on Thursday produced before Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court at the resumed hearing in the matter.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the surety, a traditional chief in Gwagwalada, had, on Nov. 4, 2022, sought more time within which to appear in court to show cause why his bail bond should not be forfeited.

Advertisement

He made the plea in a motion on notice marked FHC/ABJ/CR/143/2020 filed by his lawyer, O.J. Aboge, before Justice Ahmed Mohammed, before he was elevated to the Court of Appeal.

READ ALSO:Court Orders Lagos LG To Vacate Deeper Life Church Land

Justice Mohammed had, on Sept. 28, 2022, revoked the N100 million bail granted to Nolan, a director in P&ID, following his refusal to appear for his trial.

Advertisement

The judge, in the ruling, issued a bench warrant against Nolan and ordered that he should be arrested by security agencies, including Interpol, anywhere he is sighted within or outside Nigeria and be produced in court to stand his trial.

The judge also directed the surety to appear in court to show cause why his bail bond should not be forfeited.

The order followed the application made by EFCC’s lawyer, Bala Sanga, that Nolan had jumped bail.

Advertisement

However, after the case was reassigned to Justice Lifu, Kadiri had not been coming to court, and an order for his arrest was granted.

READ ALSO:Court Slams €1m Damages Against Union Bank Over Breach, Negligence

When the case was called, Sanga said the commission had brought Kadiri to court in obedience to a court order.

Advertisement

This charge here is different. I humbly apply for the bail bond to be forfeited,” he said.

Aboge, who appeared for Kadiri, sought a date to address the court on the issue of forfeiting the bail bond of N100 million.

The cases before Justice Egwuatu and the one here are the same.

Advertisement

“I want to produce arguments on the various points raised before the court,” he said.

READ ALSO:Court Orders Final Forfeiture Of N335m, Hospital, Five Filling Stations To FG

The lawyer then prayed the court for the surety to be released to him on bail.

Advertisement

Defendant’ lawyer, Paul Erokoro, SAN, agreed to take Kadiri on bail.

Chief Kadiri, the surety, is a traditional chief in Gwagwalada.

“He will not run away. I stood surety for him at EFCC.

Advertisement

“This is my first time taking someone on bail,” Erokoro begged.

The anti-graft agency’s lawyer neither opposed the submission made on bail nor objected to the request for an adjournment.

I have no objection to an adjournment.

Advertisement

READ ALSO:Court Sentences Two To Death For Ritual Killing In Ogun

Justice Lifu consequently adjourned the matter until Nov. 5 for further proceedings and a hearing on the issue of forfeiture of the bail bond entered by Kadiri.

Meanwhile, the surety, Chief Kadiri, is herein released to Chief Paul Erokoro, SAN, on bail to be produced in court until this issue of forfeiture of bail bond is resolved or determined by the court; I so ruled.”

Advertisement

NAN reports that the anti-graft agency had, on Aug. 18, 2020, arraigned Nolan before Justice Mohammed in a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CR/143/2020.

While Lurgi Consult Limited is the 1st defendant, Nolan is the 2nd defendant in the matter.

Nolan, alleged to be at large, is also standing trial in about eight other cases for his involvement in the controversial 9.6 billion dollarcontract awarded to P&ID.
(NAN)

Advertisement

 

Metro

ARISE News Broadcaster Killed In Abuja

Published

on

The management and staff of ARISE News Channel have announced the untimely death of Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, one of their brightest talents, who was killed during an armed robbery at her residence in Katampe, Abuja.

The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025, and is now under investigation by the Nigeria Police Force.

Born on December 26, 1995, Maduagwu, fondly known as Sommie, at just 29 years old, had already established herself as a dynamic news anchor, reporter, and producer with ARISE News.

Advertisement

Known for her professionalism and captivating on-screen presence, she was a rising star in Nigerian journalism whose voice connected deeply with audiences across the country.

READ ALSO:One Dead, Several Injured After US Shooting, Fire At Mormon Church

Beyond journalism, Sommie was a trained lawyer who brought sharp analytical skills and a passion for justice into her reporting. Colleagues describe her as a dedicated professional, a supportive teammate, and a cherished friend whose warmth left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Advertisement

In a statement, ARISE News expressed profound sorrow, describing her passing as a devastating loss: “Somtochukwu was not only a cherished member of our ARISE family but also a vibrant voice who inspired, informed, and connected with viewers. Her voice is now silent, but her spirit, passion, and legacy will endure in our collective memory.”

The channel extended heartfelt condolences to her parents, siblings, extended family, friends, and loved ones while calling for justice.

READ ALSO:Confusion Over Euro-Africa CCI’s $250m Investment In Edo

Advertisement

We remain in shock and call for a speedy investigation, apprehension, and prosecution of the culprits,” the statement read.

The late Somtochukwu’s death has sent waves of grief across Nigeria’s media industry, with tributes pouring in from colleagues and viewers who admired her fearless storytelling and commitment to truth.

Her legacy as both a journalist and lawyer will be remembered as one that blended intellect, courage, and humanity.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Metro

Motorists, Commuters Lament Slow Pace Of Repairs On Benin-Sapele Road

Published

on

Residents living on the Benin-Sapele Road axis of the ancient city on Monday decried the slow pace of the ongoing repairs on the highway.

Signs of the failed road stretching from the By-pass axis to the Ologbo-koko Junction began in 2018 due to poor drainage design or failure to maintain drains.

At a stage, the road became near impassable due to political differences between the state government who ought to have done some palliative work, and the Federal Government whose duty it is to rehabilitate the road that linked the west to the South-south corridors.

Advertisement

Signs of relief however set in when the current Edo State Government took over a portion of rehabilitation the road earlier embarked upon by Levant Construction Firm.

READ ALSO:How I Survived Kidnap, Assassination Attempt – Rivers Speaker

However, despite the take over of the portion of the ongoing repairs, there seems to be no tangible improvement.

Advertisement

Lamenting the slow pace of the ongoing repairs, a resident of Ogheghe by the by-pass who identified himself as Igbinovia Lucky, said since he moved into his apartment in 2022, it has been a nightmare coming to the city and going back home at close of work.

According to him, more times are spent on the road especially in the evenings when workers are going back home.

He said most times, a journey which ordinarily should take an average of 30 – 45 minutes, lasts up to 5 or 6 hours.

Advertisement

READ ALSO:Benin-Sapele Highway Explosion: CSO Wants State Of Emergency Declared, Construction Of Coastal Railway

Also, a transporter, Sunday Ochuko, who ply the road said the bad state of the road has drastically reduced the number of hours and trips per day for drivers.

The bad state of the road has increased accident risks occasioned by trucks that often get stuck, tip over, or delay for days. The end results is incidents of theft, livestock being abandoned or offloaded from trucks, and security concerns including kidnappings along certain stretches.”

Advertisement

According to him, vehicles suffer greater wear and tear with motorists spending more on fuel (due to inefficiencies, slow speeds, detours) and repairs.

“Apart from businesses, individuals are affected. What might be a 1‑hour trip becomes 5‑6 hours. This reduces the number of trips, lowers work hours, and increases delays in supply chains.

READ ALSO: Dangote Hits Out At PENGASSAN, Says Union ‘Serial Saboteurs, Serving Oligarchs’

Advertisement

“The corridor is vital for trade between Edo and Delta states, but poor road quality makes it harder to move goods efficiently to market, possibly reducing competitiveness”, Ochuko said.

He continued: “Farmers face similar difficulties transporting produce; some goods spoilt or get damaged before reaching markets, thus reducing their incomes, reduced food supply and raising costs.

“Fares for passengers have nearly doubled on the Benin to Sapele route. Transport operators are making fewer trips per day.”

Advertisement

On her part, a fruit seller who buys fruits from Benin to sell in Sapele lamented the delays and losses of goods due to damage, spoilage, or pilferage.

She said due to the bad road, sellers many times have to raise prices because transporters who pass along the road Increased fares.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Metro

Gunmen Kill 12 Forest Guards In Kwara

Published

on

Gunmen in central Nigeria have killed at least a dozen guards who protect forests and flush out criminal gangs and jihadists, police said.

The attack occurred on Sunday when the attackers raided Oke-Ode, a small town around 70 kilometres (45 miles) from the Kwara state capital, Ilorin.

Police said the armed men “invaded” the area, “shooting sporadically”.

Advertisement

Police and forest security services responded and “discovered 12 lifeless bodies” of the guards. Four others were wounded.

READ ALSO:Insecurity: Army HQ Directs GOC Ibadan To Relocate To Kwara

It was not immediately clear who the gunmen were.

Advertisement

But gangs known locally as bandits and jihadists operate out of bases hidden in forests across the northern and central states.

The criminal gangs loot and burn down villages as well as carry out kidnapping for ransom.

The state has witnessed a series of deadly attacks in recent months, with locals blaming the Mahmuda group, a gang loyal to Mahmud al-Nigeri, a senior leader of the Ansaru terror group.

Advertisement

READ ALSO:Foreign Currency Found On Beggars As 40 Evacuated In Kwara

Ansaru grew out of a 2021 split within the Boko Haram group and the group then allied itself with Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM).

Nigeria’s national security adviser Nuhu Ribadu said last month that Ansaru has “urban sleeper cells” and “remote forest bases” in Niger and Kwara states in central Nigeria.

Advertisement

In mid-August, Nigerian authorities announced the capture of al-Nigeri along with fellow Ansaru figure Mahmud Muhammad Usman.

Kwara state governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq called for “increased security deployments” to help “roll back the activities of criminals.”

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending