News

Alleged Bribery: Court Orders Substituted Service On Ganduje, Others

Published

1 year ago

June 5, 2024

Editor

A Kano State High Court on Wednesday granted an order seeking to serve the National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress, Abdullahi Ganduje, who is charged with alleged bribery and misappropriation of public funds.

The Kano State Government had dragged the former governor, his wife, Hafsat Umar, and his son, Umar Abdullahi, to the court over eight counts of misappropriation and diversion of public funds during his eight-year tenure in office.

Others charged with Ganduje are Abubakar Bawuro, Jibrilla Muhammad, Lamash Properties Limited, Safari Textiles Limited and Lasage General Enterprises Limited. They are charged with eight counts of bribery allegations, misappropriation and diversion of public funds running into billions of naira.

The presiding Judge, Justice Amina Aliyu, gave the order following an application made to that effect by the counsel to the state government, Zahradeen Kofar-Mata, who stands in for the led prosecution counsel, Ya’u Adamu.

Earlier, the 6th respondent counsel, Mr Nureini Jimoh, SAN, had challenged the appearance of the led prosecution counsel, Ya’u Adamu and his team on the ground that there is a fiat given to a specific person and only that person can appear in this case.

He objected to the motion ex parte seeking to serve the respondents through substituted means.

Ya’u Adamu told the court that since his appearance has been challenged by the 6th respondent counsel, Zahradeen Kofar-Mata will move the application on motion exparte.

”My lord Kofar-Mata has a fiat to appear in any matter concerning financial crime.

“I urge the court to allow us to move this motion,” he said.

Kofar-Mata moved the motion ex parte filed and dated May 29, 2024, supported by seven paragraphs seeking to serve the respondents through substituted means by publishing them in two national daily newspapers.

Aliyu ordered all parties involved should present their fiat to the court and adjourned the matter until July 11, 2024, for a hearing.

PUNCH

News

Otuaro Felicitates Tompolo On Honorary Doctorate Award

Published

8 hours ago

December 2, 2025

Editor

Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro has congratulated High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, on the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate of Laws (LLD) by the E.K. Clark University.

Otuaro described the recognition as well-deserved and befitting, noting that Tompolo has, over the years, demonstrated uncommon commitment to the peace, progress, and stability of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

According to him, Tompolo’s role in sustaining peace in the region, particularly through his steadfast support for dialogue, community engagement, and nonviolent approaches to conflict resolution, has made a significant contribution to national security and economic stability.

He further noted that, beyond his contributions to peacebuilding, Tompolo has demonstrated extraordinary compassion, philanthropy, and devotion to humanitarian causes.

He added that his investments in youth empowerment stand as clear evidence of a man whose heart is truly with his people.

“Tompolo’s good heart, generosity, and love for humanity distinguish him as a leader of rare character,” Otuaro said.

The PAP Administrator commended E.K. Clark University for identifying and honouring a personality whose impact continues to resonate across the Niger Delta and beyond.

He urged other institutions to emulate such gestures that celebrate individuals advancing society through selfless service.

Dr Otuaro prayed for God’s continued guidance, long life, and strength for High Chief Ekpemupolo as he continues to serve the Niger Delta and Nigeria with dignity, wisdom, and compassion.

News

JUST IN: Defence Minister, Badaru Mohammed Resigns

Published

8 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has resigned his appointment with immediate effect.

His resignation was contained in a letter addressed to President Tinubu and dated December 1.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed this on Monday.

The presidential spokesman said Abubakar resigned on health grounds.

News

Police Deny Opening Recruitment Portal, Warn Nigerians Against Fake Adverts

Published

9 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Police Service Commission has debunked reports circulating on social media and several unofficial websites claiming that it has opened a portal for recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

The Commission described the publications as fake, warning that they were created by fraudsters seeking to deceive and exploit unsuspecting Nigerians.

In a statement published on its official website on Monday, the PSC said it had not commenced any recruitment exercise.

“The general public is hereby informed that these publications are fake and entirely misleading.

“They are the handiwork of fraudsters attempting to exploit innocent citizens,” the Commission said.

It added that no recruitment portal had been opened by the Commission.

“There is currently no ongoing recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

“The Police Service Commission has not opened any portal for such an exercise,” the statement added.

The PSC stressed that whenever recruitment begins, the announcement will be made strictly through authorised platforms.

According to the statement, official channels include advertisements in reputable national newspapers, announcements posted on the Commission’s verified website (www.psc.gov.ng), and formal press releases.

“We urge Nigerians to rely only on information published through these official channels.

“Any recruitment portal not listed on our website is fraudulent and should be reported to the police,” the commission said.

The PSC advised the public to ignore the fake recruitment claims to avoid falling victim to scams.

The PUNCH had reported that the Police Service Commission has cautioned Nigerians seeking a career in the Nigeria Police Force to beware of fake recruitment adverts circulating online, insisting that it has not yet commenced the 2025 recruitment exercise.