General
Nigerian Businessman Furious Over Allegation of N51bn Fraud
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A businessman in Nigeria, Mr Nasiru Danu, has expressed his displeasure over a report linking him with an alleged N51 billion fraud.
A popular online news platform, Sahara Reporters, had claimed in a report published on March 5, 2021, that Mr Danu connived with the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mr Hameed Ali, to rob the nation of the said amount.
This did not go down well with the businessman, who is now considering taking a legal action against the online newspaper for defamation of character.
Already, the lawyers of the philanthropist have written to the management of Sahara Reporters to retract the “defamatory publication on all its distribution platforms” within seven days.
The media organisation has also been asked to tender an unreserved apology to Mr Danu and must be “published in three national dailies for seven consecutive days.”
They warned that failure to comply might see Sahara Reporters facing a tough legal battle as Mr Danu was ready for a showdown.
They described the report as not only false but a fabrication as the story was published without the presentation of facts to back their claims.
Sahara Reporters had said in its story that Mr Danu, a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) defrauded the Nigerian government of N51 billion meant to improve the revenue of the customs.
“Some top customs operatives and one Alhaji Nasiru Haladu Danu shared N51 billion. N2.5 billion out of the fund was transferred to a foundation owned by President Muhammadu Buhari’s daughter.
“Comptroller-General Hameed Ali has been on low key since the scandal broke out. They have him by the vice grip,” the online news platform had quoted an unnamed source as saying.
But the man responded in a letter dated March 6, 2021, to SaharaReporters through his lawyer, Mr Bode Olanipekun of Wole Olanipekun & Co., that he was not “part of any fraud including that alleged in your publication as involving N51 billion.”
“In the same vein, our client asserts, in the most vehement manner possible, that he did not transfer, or know about any transfer of N2.5 billion to any foundation, which he is purportedly a signatory to,” he further said.
“Our client’s position is that your publication was made, either with actual or constructive knowledge of the falsity of its content or without any effort to verify the authenticity of such damaging stories which any media outlet should be loath to publish.
“This is obvious, for instance, from the paucity of details as to time, place, account details, etc, in the publication. Such action is clearly indicative of bad faith and/or, recklessness, with respect,” the letter added.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Rivers State House of Assembly has adjourned its legislative duties indefinitely, frustrating the re-presentation of the 2025 budget by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Recall that this week, precisely on Wednesday, Mr Fubara was at the makeshift premises of the parliament to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the Rivers Assembly as directed by the Supreme Court, but he was shut out.
He was not allowed to enter for the presentation of the budget. He, right there, informed journalists that he had earlier called the Speaker, Mr Martin Amaewhule, on the phone of his intention to be at the Assembly.
The next day, during a media chat, his predecessor, Mr Nyesom Wike, who is currently the Minister of FCT, lambasted his successor, saying he was trying to blackmail the state legislators.
At the plenary on Friday, the lawmakers, who are loyal to Mr Wike, agreed to indefinitely suspend sittings, a move that could make it impossible for the Governor to legitimately spend any government funds.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
No fewer than one million bags of rice weighing 10kg each will be distributed in the 774 local government areas of Nigeria by the Aliko Dangote Foundation.
The organisation made this disclosure on Thursday at the launch of the 2025 Annual National Food Intervention Project valued at N16 billion.
The distribution of the food item will begin in Kano State, and then to other states, the chairman of the foundation, Mr Aliko Dangote, disclosed.
“This annual initiative, which embodies compassion, solidarity, and shared responsibility, is part of our response to the current economic challenges facing our nation. It reflects our commitment to supporting our communities in line with our core values,” the businessman, who was represented by his daughter, Ms Marya Aliko Dangote, explained.
“We are collaborating with state governments to ensure that the food reaches the most vulnerable individuals in each state.
“Our foundation focuses on improving the living conditions of Nigerians through support for projects which tackle hunger and water supply problems, strengthen the quality and scope of health and education, and promote economic empowerment at the community level
“I believe that today’s event will help tackle hunger and help the most vulnerable people break their fast. We are playing our role in enhancing the living conditions of our people.
“I urge other industrialists and firms to lend a helping hand in combating hunger through programmes and initiatives that will place food on the tables of vulnerable Nigerians.
“This job should not be left to the government alone, rather we need a public-private partnership that will help us in fighting the scourge.
“I commend the government at all levels for efforts in addressing the food crisis. I am certain that with time, we shall overcome these challenges; therefore, let us support the government in achieving its target of a better life for Nigerians,” the richest man in Africa stated.
The Governor of Kano State, Mr Abba Yusuf, who flagged off the event, said the intervention reflects the unwavering commitment of Mr Dangote in addressing poverty and hunger in Nigeria.
Mr Yusuf, represented by his deputy, Mr Aminu Abdulsalam Gworzo, said 120,000 bags of 10kg rice would be distributed across the 44 Local Government Areas of the state, describing the industrialist as humane.
To ensure transparency in the distribution process, he said the state government has set up a committee comprising of relevant ministries, CSOs, religious leaders, departments and agencies, local authorities, the Hisbah Board and security agencies.
On her part, the chief executive of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, Ms Zouera Youssoufou, said the gesture was a way of giving back, and supporting governments in fighting poverty and hunger in Nigeria.
“We are going to other states to distribute the products, but we’ve just flagged off in Kano,” she told newsmen on the sideline of the Kano Government House, venue of the flag off,” she stated.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have intercepted $1,154,900 and SR135,900 undeclared foreign currency at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA).
NCS spokesman, Mr Abdullahi Maiwada, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, revealing that the seizure was made recently during a routine baggage check on an inbound passenger, Mrs Hauwa Ibrahim Abdullahi, who arrived on Saudi Airline Flight No. SV401 from Saudi Arabia.
According to Mr Maiwada, during the physical examination of the passenger’s luggage conducted by NCS Officers, the undeclared currency was discovered concealed within palm-date fruit packs locally referred to as Dabino.
He stated that the interception aligns with the NCS’s commitment to enforcing financial regulations and preventing illicit financial flows across Nigeria’s borders.
“In line with established procedures, the suspect and the seized foreign currency have been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and necessary legal action,” the statement read.
“Subsequently, the court convicted the defendant as charged and ordered the forfeiture of the undeclared money to the Federal Government in line with the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022.
“The Service reiterates that all travellers must comply with Nigeria’s financial regulations, particularly the legal requirement to declare any cash or negotiable instruments exceeding the approved threshold when travelling in or out of the country. The Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022 and the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1995, provide clear guidelines on currency declaration. Non-compliance with these regulations constitutes a violation of Nigerian law and attracts severe penalties. The Service, therefore, urges the public to adhere strictly to these requirements to avoid legal consequences.
“Under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the NCS remains resolute in its enforcement efforts to combat smuggling, illicit financial transactions, and other trans-border crimes.
“This latest seizure highlights the Service’s unwavering dedication to protecting the nation’s economic interests and ensuring compliance with financial regulations.
“The NCS will continue to collaborate with relevant government agencies and stakeholders to strengthen border security, enhance compliance with financial laws, and safeguard Nigeria’s economy.
“Travellers and stakeholders in the financial sector are advised to remain vigilant and always adhere to lawful financial practices,” he added.
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