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Alleged N2bn NEDC Fraud: Judge Frowns At Defence Team’s Delay Tactics

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Kwara Ex-Governor Ahmed

Alleged N2bn NEDC Fraud: Judge Frowns At Defence Team’s Delay Tactics

Justice K. N. Ogbonnaya of the High Court of Federal Capital Territory, Kubwa, Abuja, on Friday, April 24, 2026 expressed displeasure at the delay tactics of the defence counsel in the trial of the National Coordinator of Multi-Sectional Crisis Recovery Projects, MCRP, North East Development Commission, NEDC, Alhaji Danjuma Mohammed, who is facing prosecution alongside two others, Prince Achem and Aminu Alhaji (at large) for fraud.

Counsel to the first and second defendants, M. S Ibrahim, SAN and J.J Usman, SAN had at the proceedings voiced out their unwillingness to cross-examine the First Prosecution Witness, PW1, Kenneth Ifekwudu Ejiofor for reasons the judge did not find to be cogent.

The Economic and Financial crimes Commission, EFCC is prosecuting the threesome on amended 54 count charge, boarding on fraud, conspiracy, false pretence and forgery to the tune of N2,280,000.00 (Two Billion, Two Hundred and Eighty Million Naira).

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At the stage of cross-examination, the defence counsel told the court that they were not ready to question the witness and rather sought adjournment to enable them apply for certified true copies of exhibits, already tendered.

Justice Ogbonnaya frowned at the adjournment request, describing it as unnecessary as the exhibits tendered were original copies, which their clients didn’t deny their originality. According to the judge, requesting for a certified true copy in place of the original copy, was strange in legal practice, wondering why the deteriorating health of the first defendant was not a thing of concern to the defence team and enough to push them to rather seek the hastening of the progression of the case.

“I see no reason why you cannot cross-examine this witness today. There is no need to request for a certified true copy when the originals are intact and nobody has said they are missing. A certified true copy stands in the stead of the original when it cannot be found. If this request is granted that means there will be two originals. All the documents have been served to the defendants who have not opposed. No court certifies any document that has been admitted. It means that there are two originals. As for your defendant that have not been granted bail, I would have thought that you will want to proceed and finish with this witness but since you want to go home to have adequate time to prepare while this matter lingers, I will grant your request, but people should not say that judges are the ones wasting time. I don’t waste time,” she said.

Kwara Ex-Governor Ahmed

Fraud

The prosecution witness, who is the victim of the alleged fraud of the defendants, while being led in his testimony by prosecution counsel O.O Adeola, revealed that he was given some letters of contract award by the defendants following an agreement his company entered with the defendants. He also revealed that the second defendant, Prince Achem, addressed some letters to him and his company, requesting some funds which he allegedly provided for him.

The documents in support of this claim were tendered and admitted in court.

Justice Ogbonnaya adjourned the matter till May 14, 21 and June 25, 2026 for continuation of trial.

Crime

Navy Dismantles Illegal Refining Capacity, Destroys Site With 3 Storage Tanks in Rivers

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Troops Destroy 56 Illegal Refining Sites

Navy Dismantles Illegal Refining Capacity, Destroys Site With 3 Storage Tanks in Rivers

The Nigerian Navy, through FOB BONNY, has dismantled an illegal refining site discovered in Promise Land Community along Nanabie Creek, Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State, further denying criminal operators the infrastructure required to process stolen crude oil.
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The site was discovered on 30 September 2026 following credible intelligence and comprised one large cooking pot and 3 large storage tanks intended for illegal refining activities. On 2 October 2026, the Commanding Officer, FOB BONNY, Captain SMC Umeh, led a team to the location, where the illegal refining site and associated equipment were destroyed in accordance with established regulations.

The intervention represents a further disruption of illegal refining capacity within the Bonny area, particularly by removing infrastructure that could be used to process and store stolen crude oil. It also follows recent operations by FOB BONNY under Operation DELTA SENTINEL that uncovered substantial volumes of suspected stolen crude oil and associated illegal refining infrastructure within its Area of Operations

Troops Destroy 56 Illegal Refining Sites

Oil

The Nigerian Navy has continued to strengthen surveillance and monitoring across the area to prevent the establishment or reactivation of illegal refining sites and deny criminal operators the infrastructure required to sustain crude oil theft and related activities.

ABIODUN FOLORUNSHO

Navy Captain

Director Naval Information

Nigerian Navy
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Nigerian Police Foil Bandit Attack in Sokoto, Recover Rocket Launchers

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Police

Nigerian Police Foil Bandit Attack in Sokoto, Recover Rocket Launchers

The Sokoto State Police Command has foiled an attempted bandit attack on Tsabre community in Isa Local Government Area, recovering two rocket launchers and other items abandoned by the fleeing attackers.
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The incident occurred around 1am on Friday when the armed men reportedly invaded the village and opened sporadic gunfire, causing panic among residents.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmad Rufa’i, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday.

He said the Divisional Police Officer in Isa, upon receiving a distress call, immediately mobilised tactical teams, including operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and Violent Crime Response Unit, to confront the attackers.

According to him, the police engaged the bandits in a gun battle, forcing them to retreat into a nearby forest.

“The tactical teams engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun duel that lasted for some time. Due to the superior firepower and tactical positioning of the police operatives, the bandits were overpowered and forced to escape into the nearby forest with their casualties,” Rufa’i said.

He added that the police subsequently combed the surrounding bushes and recovered two rocket launchers and two empty AK-47 magazines.

Other items recovered included a Techno keypad phone without a battery, a touch light, an Army jungle hat, a sweater cap, five pairs of sandals and a rain jacket.

The Commissioner of Police, Hayatu Shaffa, commended the officers for their swift response and courage during the operation.

Shaffa reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

Police

Police

He also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons and activities to the police.

The CP further appealed to residents to report anyone with suspected gunshot wounds seeking medical attention to the nearest police station, as efforts continue to track the fleeing attackers.
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Navy Rescues 2 Kidnapped Victims, Recovers Stolen Outboard Engines in Akwa Ibom

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Navy

Navy Rescues 2 Kidnapped Victims, Recovers Stolen Outboard Engines in Akwa Ibom

The Nigerian Navy has rescued 2 kidnapped victims and recovered several stolen outboard engines during an operation against sea robbery and kidnapping in the Ibeno general area of Akwa Ibom State on 30 September 2026.
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The operation followed credible information on the activities of suspected sea robbers and kidnappers targeting fishermen and forcibly taking away fishing boats and outboard engines. In response, the Nigerian Navy Ship JUBILEE Maritime Quick Response Team, Ibeno, swiftly mobilised to the area to counter the threat.

During the operation, the naval team encountered 2 boats suspected to be operated by the criminals, prompting the occupants to flee into adjoining creeks. In the ensuing pursuit, the suspects abandoned one of the boats containing several stolen outboard engines and the 2 kidnapped victims, who were immediately rescued by the naval team and escorted to safety. The recovered outboard engines were secured for verification and further necessary action, while efforts are ongoing to locate and apprehend the fleeing suspects.

The successful operation underscores the Nigerian Navy’s sustained commitment to Search and Rescue (SAR), the protection of lives and the security of legitimate maritime activities across Nigeria’s waters. Through its network of ships, bases, surveillance systems, maritime quick response teams and other operational elements, the Nigerian Navy continues to maintain a presence across the maritime domain, enabling timely responses to distress situations and emerging security threats.

Navy

Navy

The operation also demonstrates the importance of credible intelligence and community support in enhancing maritime security. The Nigerian Navy therefore encourages coastal communities, fishermen and other maritime stakeholders to continue providing timely information that could assist in preventing criminal activities and responding rapidly to persons in distress.

The Nigerian Navy remains resolute in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain and will continue to sustain proactive patrols, Search and Rescue operations, and intelligence-driven interventions aimed at protecting lives and property while denying criminal elements freedom of action in the nation’s waterways.
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