News
Alleged N5.78bn UBEC Fraud : Court Fixes July 27 For Further Cross-Examination Of Key Witness In Ex-Kwara Governor’s Trial
Alleged N5.78bn UBEC Fraud : Court Fixes July 27 For Further Cross-Examination Of Key Witness In Ex-Kwara Governor’s Trial
Justice Mahmud Abdulgafar of the Kwara State High Court, Ilorin, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, adjourned proceedings in the ongoing trial of former Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, and his Finance Commissioner, Ademola Banu, to July 27, 2026, for the continuation of the cross-examination of the sixth prosecution witness, Stanley Ujilibo.
The adjournment followed an oral application by counsel to the second defendant, Ibn Mahmud, who informed the court that the lead defence counsel, Gboyega Oyewole, SAN, was indisposed.
Ahmed and Banu are being prosecuted by the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over the alleged diversion of N5.78 billion belonging to the State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB.
Eereporter.com
Ujilibo further testified that the former governor (Armed) approved a request to obtain a N1 billion loan from the state’s SUBEB counterpart fund to pay workers’ salaries. He explained that the approval followed a request by the Commissioner of Finance (Banu), which was contrary to the statutory purpose for which the SUBEB funds were designated.
During cross-examination, Ujilibo, an Assistant Commander of the EFCC, told the court that the SUBEB operated under its own governing board and that neither Ahmed nor Banu was a member.
According to the witness, the former governor was responsible for appointing the SUBEB chairman and other principal officers of the board but did not serve as a board member.
“The former governor gave approval for a request to secure a N1 billion loan from the state’s SUBEB counterpart fund for the payment of workers’ salaries,” the witness said.
Ujilibo also disclosed that investigations did not extend to the former governor’s personal bank accounts because the petition before the Commission did not link the allegedly diverted funds to any of his personal accounts.
He added that none of the accounting officers of the SUBEB is currently facing trial in connection with the case.
Court
Midway into the proceedings, counsel to the first defendant, Abdulrasaq Gold, SAN, sought an adjournment to enable him obtain copies of the statement made by Ahmed to the EFCC in Abuja, as well as his asset declaration forms, for the purpose of further cross-examination of the witness.
Counsel to the EFCC, Adebisi Adeniyi, opposed the application, arguing that the defence had sufficient time to request the documents since the commencement of the trial in 2024.
In his ruling, Justice Abdulgafar declined the application but held that the defence was at liberty to recall the witness for further cross-examination after obtaining the requested documents. He also adjourned the matter till July 27, 2026 for further cross-examination of witnesses.
Eereporter.com
Saud Commences 2026 Food Aid Distribution
The Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Abuja, through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) and in partnership with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has flagged off the 2026 Food Aid Project aimed at supporting populations affected by displacement, insecurity and other humanitarian challenges across Nigeria.
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The project will distribute 24,302 food baskets, each weighing approximately 60 kilograms and containing essential food items, including rice, cooking oil, white beans, salt, and other staple commodities.
Valued at over US$1.5 million, the intervention is expected to benefit 145,812 people in communities across the country, providing much-needed relief to vulnerable households facing food insecurity.
Speaking during the flag-off in Damaturu, the Director-General of NEMA, reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the transparent and efficient distribution of the food items to identified beneficiaries, in line with its mandate to coordinate disaster response and humanitarian assistance in Nigeria. The food baskets will be distributed across the five intervention states, which are Yobe, Benue, Anambra, Kebbi and Taraba States.
The food aid initiative underscores the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s continued commitment to humanitarian assistance and support for vulnerable populations in Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin region. Through KSrelief, Saudi Arabia has continued to provide critical relief interventions to improve food security and alleviate the suffering of people affected by crises.
Foid Distribution
The partnership between NEMA and KSrelief reflects the importance of international collaboration in addressing humanitarian challenges and supporting communities in need.
Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation
Monday, 22 June, 2026
Eereporter.com
Alleged N15.6bn Fraud: EFCC Re-arraigns Ex-Skye Bank MD
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, June 22, 2026, re-arraigned a former Chairman, Board of Directors, defunct Skye Bank Plc ( now Polaris Bank Limited) Tunde Ayeni before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Apo, Abuja for an alleged N15.6 billion fraud.
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Ayeni was re-arraigned on an amended 18-count charge bordering on alleged criminal breach of trust, misappropriation, and diversion of funds amounting to N15.6 billion following the EFCC`s submission of additional proof of evidence.
At Monday`s proceedings, prosecution counsel, Abba Muhammed SAN, informed the court of an amended charge and additional proof of evidence filed on June 22, 2026.
In response, defence counsel, Abdul Mohammed SAN confirmed that he was duly served with the charge.
Count three of the charge reads “That you Tunde Ayeni, whilst being the Chairman, Board of Directors of the defunct Skye Bank Plc (now Polaris Bank Limited) on or about the 18th of September, 2014 at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court and having dominion over depositors’ funds domiciled in the defunct Skye Bank Plc’s Suspense Account, committed criminal breach of trust when you dishonestly misappropriated the sum of Five Hundred and Ten Million Naira (510,000,000) by transferring same to Capital Field Investment Group Limited’s account No:1770125552 domiciled with Skye Bank in violation of the defunct Skye Bank Plc Operational Policy Manual and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 311 of the Penal Code and punishable under Section 312 of Same Act.”
EFCC
Count five also reads, “That you Tunde Ayeni, whilst being the Chairman, Board of Directors of the defunct Skye Bank Plc (now Polaris Bank Limited) on or about the 23rd September, 2014 at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court and having dominion over depositors’ funds domiciled in the defunct Skye Bank Plc’s Suspense Account, committed criminal breach of trust when you dishonestly misappropriated the sum of Six Hundred Million Naira (N600,000,000) by transferring same to Harigold Ventures Limited’s account No:0000834983 domiciled with Sterling Bank in violation of the defunct Skye Bank Plc Operational Policy Manual and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 311 of the Penal Code and punishable under Section 312 of Same Act.”
He pleaded not guilty to all the charges when they were read to him.
Ayeni was first arraigned on May 4, 2026 on a 17-count charge.
Justice Onwuegbuzie adjourned the matter till July 6, 2026, for commencement of trial.
Eereporter.com
Nigerian Navy Patrol Team Averts Tragedy, Rescues Three From Capsized Boat In Warri
The Nigerian Navy has once again demonstrated its operational readiness and commitment to safeguarding lives on Nigeria’s inland waterways with the successful rescue of three passengers from a capsized boat along the Bennett River in Warri, Delta State.
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The rescue was carried out by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) DELTA during a routine maritime security patrol under ongoing efforts to ensure safety and security within the nation’s waterways. While on patrol, naval personnel observed distressed passengers and floating debris from a capsized boat, indicating an unfolding maritime emergency.
Without hesitation, the patrol team immediately initiated a search and rescue operation, successfully recovering the three victims and salvaging valuable items from the wreckage. Preliminary findings revealed that the boat capsized following severe weather conditions and rough waves generated by a heavy rainstorm.
The rescued passengers were promptly evacuated to the NNS DELTA Sick Bay, where they received immediate medical attention before being discharged after their condition was stabilized.
The successful rescue underscores the Nigerian Navy’s dual role as both a maritime security force and a first responder in emergencies within the maritime domain.
Rescued Mission
It further highlights the importance of persistent naval presence and routine patrols in enhancing maritime safety, protecting lives, and providing rapid assistance to waterway users in distress.
The Nigerian Navy remains committed to maintaining a safe and secure maritime environment while supporting lawful activities across Nigeria’s waterways and coastal communities.
Eereporter.com
Signed
ABIODUN FOLORUNSHO
Navy Captain
Director Naval Information
Nigerian Navy
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