Crime
EFCC Arraigns One Fatima Muhammad For Alleged N15m Fraud In Maiduguri
EFCC Arraigns One Fatima Muhammad For Alleged N15m Fraud In Maiduguri
EFCC arraigns one Fatima Muhammad for alleged N15m fraud in Maiduguri. The Maiduguri Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, March 3, 2025 arraigned one Fatima Muhammad before Justice Aisha Kumaliya of the Borno State High Court, Maiduguri.
The defendant was arraigned on an eight -count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and criminal misappropriation to the tune of N 15,250,000.00( Fifteen Million, Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira only)
Count two of the charge read: “That you
Fatima Muhammad (a.k.a Fatima Modu Chol Chol), on or about the 5th day of August, 2021, in Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did with intent to defraud obtain the sum of N4,200,000.00 (Four Million Two Hundred Thousand Naira) only from Umar Faruq Kyari through account number 1408030233 with account name; Alhaji Mai Zanna domiciled with Access Bank under the guise that the said money was for business of buying and selling of carpets and wrappers, the pretence which you knew to be false and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1) (a)& (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Law.”
The defendant pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to her. Thereafter, prosecution counsel Faruku Muhammad prayed for a trial date and for the remand of the defendant in a Correctional Centre.
Fatima Muhammad
Justice Kumaliya thereafter adjourned till Monday, March 17, 2025 for the commencement of trial and remanded the defendant in a Correctional Centre
Muhammad’s trial began when he allegedly obtained the sum of N15, 250,000.00 from a petitioner for the business of selling and buying rugs, wrappers and textile materials.
He neither carried out the business nor returned the money to the petitioner.
Protest Erupts In Abuja Over Benue Judiciary Crisis, Seeks Tinubu Intervention
Protest erupts in Abuja over Benue judiciary crisis, seeks Tinubu intervention…Coalition Petitions NJC, Seeks Tinubu, CJN’s Intervention
A coalition of civil society organizations (CSOs) staged a protest at the Three Arms Zone in Abuja on Monday, calling for urgent intervention from President Bola Tinubu and the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, in the ongoing crisis within the Benue State judiciary.
The protesters, holding placards questioning the integrity of some judges, warned that Nigeria’s democracy was at risk and urged the CJN to take action.
Speaking to journalists, the coalition’s Chief Convener, Comrade Igwe Ude-Umanta, criticized the increasing politicization of the judiciary. He accused Benue State Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, of violating judicial procedures by waiving the mandatory security deposit for petitioners at the Local Government Election Tribunal and later relocating the tribunal to Abuja—actions seen as breaching Benue State’s electoral laws.
Despite a Federal High Court order on March 7, 2025, barring the tribunal from sitting outside Benue, an FCT High Court presided over by Justice M.M. Adamu allegedly issued a conflicting order on March 14, allowing the tribunal to operate in Abuja.
Protest Erupts In Abuja
The coalition described this as judicial overreach and called for disciplinary action against both judges.
The group also alleged that powerful Benue politicians in Abuja were colluding with top police officials to suppress protests against the tribunal’s relocation.
They commended the FCT Commissioner of Police for maintaining order during past demonstrations but condemned military intimidation of peaceful protesters.
The coalition urged President Tinubu and the NJC to intervene immediately to uphold the integrity of the judiciary and ensure justice prevails in Benue State.
EFCC Arraigned Woman In Borno Over Alleged N6.8m Romance Scam
EFCC arraigned woman in Borno over alleged N6.8m romance scam. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Catherine Ijeoma Ugwu before Justice Aisha Kumaliya of the Borno State High Court, Maiduguri, over allegations of a N6.8 million fraud.
Ugwu was charged on Monday, March 17, 2025, in connection with a romance scam in which she allegedly deceived a victim, Emmanuel Ani, by posing as his fiancée, “Miss Chinansa.”
The EFCC filed a four-count charge against her, including obtaining by false pretence, criminal misappropriation, and impersonation.
According to the anti-graft agency, between June 2023 and August 2024, Ugwu fraudulently obtained N6,710,300 from Ani under the guise of supporting his supposed fiancée.
Upon hearing the charges, Ugwu pleaded not guilty.
Court Remands Ugwu, Trial Set for April 8
EFCC Arraigned Woman
Following her plea, prosecution counsel S.O. Saka and Faruku Muhammad urged the court to set a trial date and remand the defendant in a correctional facility. Justice Kumaliya granted the request, adjourning the trial until April 8, 2025.
The EFCC disclosed that Ugwu failed to return or account for the money when confronted by the petitioner.
The commission reiterated its commitment to tackling financial crimes, particularly scams involving deception and impersonation.
Rivers Assembly Sets For Impeachment Proceedings Against Governor Fubara
Rivers Assembly sets for impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara. The Rivers State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, citing multiple allegations of misconduct.
Key accusations against Governor Fubara include:
-Budget Violations – Failure to present the 2024 Appropriation Bill and unauthorized withdrawals from the state’s Consolidated Revenue Fund.
-Court Order Disobedience – Ignoring judicial rulings regarding budget approvals and government expenditures.
-Legislative Interference – Hindering the operations of the House of Assembly and supervising the demolition of the Assembly complex despite court injunctions.
House of Assembly, Rivers
-Unlawful Appointments – Appointing government officials without proper screening and confirmation by the Assembly.
-Financial Mismanagement – Withholding funds meant for the Assembly and its members, including salaries.
The Supreme Court has previously condemned Fubara’s actions, stating that political disagreements do not justify attacks on the rule of law.
The impeachment process is ongoing.
-
Akwa Ibom2 months agoThe Apostolic Church Gets New Territorial Chairman, Exco
-
Akwa Ibom2 months agoUmo Eno Commences Payment Of 80,000 Naira Minimum Wage With Arrears
-
News2 months agoList Of 42 Executive Orders Of Trump
-
Politics2 months agoPresident Trump Changes Divorce Law, No 50% Property Shares
-
News1 month agoThe Apostolic Church Gets New National President, Executive
-
Health care6 days agoNiMet Warns FCT, Other 18 States Of Impending Heat Stress, Advises Safety Measures
-
Economy1 month agoTinubu Allocated N940 Billion To TETfund In 2025 Budget
-
Economy2 months agoEnugu-Onitsha Expressway: Many Feared Dead, 8 Vehicles Burnt In Tanker Explosion