News
Reps Probes Galaxy Backbone Over Alleged Financial Infractions
Reps Probes Galaxy Backbone Over Alleged Financial Infractions
Reps probes galaxy backbone over alleged financial infractions…Conflict resolution institute also indicted for unsubstantiated payments, dubious trainings
The House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to Galaxy Backbone, the federal government’s IT and shared service provider, to explain alleged financial and contractual irregularities amounting to billions of Naira.
The probe, led by PAC Chairman Hon. Bamidele Salam, stems from findings in the 2021 Auditor-General’s report, which raised concerns over multiple violations of financial and procurement regulations.
At the committee’s hearing on Wednesday, Galaxy Backbone’s Executive Director of Finance and Corporate Service, Mr. Sani Mohammed Ibrahim, alongside other key officials, was grilled over several infractions.
Major Financial and Contract Violations
One of the key concerns was the non-remittance of N329.8 million in taxes, which should have been settled within 21 days. The committee ruled that necessary sanctions should be applied.
Additionally, the committee flagged a N66.8 million payment for contractual obligations that lacked supporting documentation. Galaxy Backbone was given 72 hours to submit all transaction details.
Further scrutiny revealed payments to ST Engineering, a U.S.-based company, which reportedly listed the same street address in two different states raising questions about the legitimacy of the transaction.
PAC found no evidence of contract execution and has demanded all relevant documents, including those required by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).
Moreover, the organization was unable to satisfactorily explain e-payment violations amounting to N12.6 million, along with dubious transactions worth N2.4 million and a procurement contract valued at $164,403.
As a result, Galaxy Backbone has been summoned for a follow-up hearing on February 27, 2025, at 1 PM to clarify these discrepancies.
Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) Also Under Fire
The PAC also turned its attention to the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) over questionable expenditures, including the disbursement of N25.8 million for project monitoring and evaluation (M&E) allowances.
IPCR’s Director General, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, attributed the irregularities to the actions of a previous administration, as his leadership only assumed office in 2024.
However, the committee rejected this defense, demanding precise details of the projects, transportation fare calculations, travel personnel lists, and receipts of all related expenditures.
Additionally, the committee flagged N21.4 million spent on “doubtful trainings”, prompting the formation of an ad hoc committee, chaired by Rep. Billy Osawaru (Edo State), to investigate further and report back within a week.
Reps
The PAC concluded that the IPCR was guilty of financial inefficiency and lack of economic prudence.
Accountability Measures Intensify
These investigations are part of a broader effort by the PAC to ensure transparency, accountability, and adherence to financial regulations across government agencies.
With tighter scrutiny on public funds, agencies failing to provide satisfactory explanations could face further consequences.
Both Galaxy Backbone and IPCR remain under the PAC’s watch as the probe continues.
FG Inaugurates PenCom Board, Tasks Members On Protection Of Pension Assets
The Federal Government has inaugurated the Board of the National Pension Commission, reinforcing its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection of over ₦28 trillion in pension assets.
Speaking at the ceremony, the SGF, Senator (Dr.) George Akume, charged members to uphold strong corporate governance while maintaining a clear boundary between oversight and management.
PenCom
The Board, led by Chairman Agbaje Opeyemi Olukayode, pledged to safeguard contributors’ funds and support national development, while the Director-General Omolola Oloworaran reaffirmed commitment to collaboration in delivering secure and timely retirement benefits for Nigerians.
EFCC Officials Mark Properties Linked To Malami In Abuja For Forfeiture: “Keep Off”
“Keep off”. The marking of Malami’s alleged properties took place hours after former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar visited his residence.
The EFCC operatives, alongside armed security personnel, who carried out the exercise on Monday morning, were challenged by the former minister and people around him.
In a video posted on social media, Malami asked a man, who appears to be an EFCC official, to show him the court order authorising them to mark and take over his residence.
The official told the former AGF that the anti-graft agency has the right to mark the property since it is under forfeiture.
Malami responded that the forfeiture order has expired and asked the EFCC official to show him the document authorising the marking.
The inscription, “Restrained order EFCC keep off”, was marked on one of the properties linked to Malami.
In January, a federal high court in Abuja ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities allegedly linked to Malami and two of his sons, Abdulaziz Malami and Abiru Rahman Malami.
The court directed the EFCC to publish the interim forfeiture order in a national daily newspaper, inviting any individual or organisation with an interest in the assets to appear before the court within 14 days and show cause why a final forfeiture order should not be made.
In February, Malami filed an application challenging the interim forfeiture of the properties linked to him.
RELEASE FROM CUSTODY
The former AGF is standing trial on two separate criminal charges.
Last week, Malami was released from custody after a court granted him bail.
On February 27, a federal high court in Abuja granted bail to Malami and his son, Abdulaziz, in the sum of N200 million each over alleged terrorism-related offences.
EFCC
Malami and his son were arraigned on February 3 on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms.
The Department of State Services (DSS) accused the former minister of refusing to prosecute terrorism financiers whose case files were reportedly forwarded to the office of the attorney-general for prosecution while he was in the office.
The EFCC had arraigned Malami, his son and wife, over allegations bordering on money laundering to the tune of N8,713,923,759.49.
Osimhen Undergoes Successful Surgery Following Injury Against Liverpoo
Victor Osimhen fractured his hand during a challenge with Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate.
Turkish side Galatasaray, on Monday, announced that Super Eagles forward Victor Olorunfemi has undergone surgery following the hand injury he suffered in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 match against Liverpool last week.
Osimhen only managed to play the first half of the game at Anfield before he was subbed off after fracturing his hand during a challenge with Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate.
In a statement on Monday, Galatasaray confirmed that the club’s doctor, Yener İnce, successfully operated on the 27-year-old to repair his hand at Maslak Acıbadem Hospital.
Osimhen
“In the away match we played against Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, our player Victor Osimhen, who was injured and unable to continue the game, underwent a successful operation today at Maslak Acıbadem Hospital performed by our club doctor Op. Dr. Yener İnce,” the Galatasaray said.
The club added that it “extend our wishes for a speedy recovery to our footballer and hope for his return to the field at the earliest.”
Galatasaray would hope that Osimhen recovers in time to help the reigning Turkish champions in their fight with Fenerbahce to retain the league title.
-
Crime11 months agoKogi Assembly Considers Law To Regulate Rent, Establish Control Board: Tenancy Law
-
News12 months agoAtiku Reveals Why He Failed To Pick Wike As Running Mate In 2023
-
Akwa Ibom1 year agoThe Apostolic Church Gets New Territorial Chairman, Exco
-
Crime1 year agoFederal High Court Jails 2 For Vandalizing Transformer, Telecom Mast In Kogi
-
News1 year agoThe Apostolic Church Gets New National President, Executive
-
Akwa Ibom1 year agoUmo Eno Commences Payment Of 80,000 Naira Minimum Wage With Arrears
-
News1 year agoSenator Natasha Returns To Senate With Husband Amid Seat Dispute
-
Economy10 months agoKiyosaki: Is Tinubu’s Government Afraid Of Ibrahim Traore?