News

EFCC Drags Longest Serving Rep Member, Mutu, Two Others To Court For Alleged Money Laundering

Published

2 years ago

January 25, 2024

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has arraigned the member, representing Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency of Delta State, Nicholas Mutu, and two other firms at the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court over alleged N320 million money laundering

The EFCC had, in the 13-count amended charge, sued Mr Mutu, who represents Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency of Delta State, along with Airworld Technologies Ltd and Oyien Homes Ltd.

In the second amended charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/123/2019, dated November 22, 2021, and filed November 23, 2021, the defendants were arraigned on 13 counts but pleaded not guilty.

Mr Mutu was alleged to have committed the alleged offences between August 2014 and August 2016 when he served as the chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

In the charge, he was accused of procuring “Airworld Technologies Ltd to conceal of the sum of N320,159, 689.63 to be paid by Starline Consultancy Services Ltd when you reasonably ought to have known that the said sum of N320, 159, 689.63 formed part of proceeds of corruption, gratification and fraudulent acquisition of property.”

While opposing the no-case submissions, prosecuting lawyer Ekele Iheanacho argued that the money paid to the defendants by Starline Consultancy, a contractor to NDDC, amounted to gratification.

Mr Iheanacho added that Mr Mutu used his official position as the chairman of the House Committee on NDDC to accept the various sums of money paid by the NDDC contractor.

The prosecuting lawyer contended that Mr Mutu’s alleged conduct violated both the provision of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences (ICPC) Act and Code of Conduct for public officers, which constitute predicate offences to the money laundering offence for which he was being prosecuted.

During the arraignment, Justice Folashade Giwa-Ogunbanjo, dismissed Mutu’s no-case submission in the alleged N320 million money laundering charge by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against the federal lawmaker.

Justice Giwa-Ogunbanjo, in a ruling, directed Mutu and his co-defendants to enter their defence as they have a case to answer regarding the allegations made against them.

Adjoining the matter to February 21 and 22 for the defendants to open their defence, the Judge held that the prosecution had adduced sufficient evidence to establish a prima facie case against the three defendants to warrant their being called upon to enter a defence.

News

Otuaro Felicitates Tompolo On Honorary Doctorate Award

Published

7 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

7 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

8 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.