TheNewsGuru

Tag: Court

  • Edo Guber verdict: Supreme Court adjourns sine die

    Edo Guber verdict: Supreme Court adjourns sine die

    The Supreme Court has adjourned sine die [indefinitely] judgement in the Edo State Governorship Election Petition appeal.
    U.S. embassy makes access visa applicants’ social media accounts mandatory for screening
    The apex court adjourned the judgement after taking arguments for and against the election that produced Senator Monday Obekpolo as governor.

    Justice Garba Lawal, who presided over the hearing of the appeal filed by Mr. Asue Ighodalo and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said that the date for delivery of the judgement would be communicated to the parties involved.

    Ighodalo, whose appeal was argued by Ken Mosia, SAN, prayed the Supreme Court to remove Okpebholo and pronounce him as the winner of the election.

    His ground was that he scored the majority of lawful votes in the election.
    Full list of European countries under heatwave alerts as mercury soars to 46C
    However, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), represented by Kanu Agabi, SAN, asked the apex court to dismiss the appeal in its entirety.

    Agabi argued that Ighodalo and the PDP had, in their petition, stigmatised the election as invalid and unlawful on the ground of non-compliance with the Electoral Act 2022.

    The electoral body said that having declared the election as unlawful and illegal, Ighodalo and the PDP could not turn around and pray the court to declare them as winners of an illegality.
    Court resolves 58-year-old rape, murder case against accused person aged 92, jailed for life
    INEC accused Ighodalo and the PDP of being inconsistent in their grievances against the election and pleaded that their case be dismissed for want of merit.

  • Court jails human trafficker 12 years in Delta

    Court jails human trafficker 12 years in Delta

    A Federal High Court sitting in Asaba, Delta on Thursday sentenced one Mrs Christiana Uadiale, to 12-years imprisonment with option of N14 million fine for human trafficking.

    The presiding judge, Justice F.A. Olubanjo of the Court, who handed down the judgement, said the convict was found guilty on the charges preffered against her by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

    Accordingly,  Olubanjo, slammed 12 years imprisonment on the convict with option of N11 million fine.

    She also awarded N1.5 million each to be paid to the two victims of trafficking for their rehabilitation.

    According to the judge, the convict will pay N11 million to the government for her crime with additional N3 million to the two witnesses  (victims) of human trafficking.

    The Federal Government in suit No; FHC/ASB/41C/2020 preferred a charge against Christiana Jacob Uadiale, a.k.a Christy Gold for human trafficking.

    The convict was arraigned on  a six counts charge bothering on sections 15(b) and 13(4)c of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration 2015.

    Uadiale, however, pleaded  not guilty to all the counts and the court granted her bail, and she absconded, but the trial continued in her absence in line with section 352(4) Administration of Criminal Justice Act,2015.

    The convict was arrested on Dec 31, 2024, by the Nigeria Immigration Service at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

    While the sentencing trial was on with Justice F.A. Olubanjo, presiding in Asaba, the convict, Mrs Christiana Uadiale, was remanded at the Agbor Correctional Centre.

    Reacting to the judgement, Mr Emmanuel Afolabi, (SAN), who lauded the judgement, said he came as a Sentencing Counsel to the Convict.

    He noted that he came on a rescue mission for Mrs Christiana Uadiale, who was already convicted,  adding that the judgement which provided option of fine was better for his client.

    Afolabi said, “concerning this matter, judgement has just been delivered. We  came after she had been convicted, we came in during the sentencing hearing as a rescue mission.

    “Under the law, there is a provision for option of fine, which we argued and the court agreed with us.  She was sentenced and to pay option of  fine of N11 million and another N3 million fine as compensation to the two victims.

    ”This is better for her and she has the right to live her life and do all the restitution which the court admitted.”

    The NAPTIP Prosecutor, Victoria Oburoh, however, said the Agency management has the decision to make on whether to contest the judgement.

    She noted that the judgement was fair to the victims and the society and has shown the commitment of NAPTIP, Judiciary and all stakeholders in the fight against human trafficking to bring the heinous crime to barest minimum.

    Oburoh said, ”Inasmuch as option of fine is awarded to the Convict, the law itself is clear, there is no an option of fine; it is conviction, imprisonment and fine but we cannot contest that now but the decision lies with the management to take.”

  • Separate us before my wife kills me – Man begs court

    Separate us before my wife kills me – Man begs court

    A trader, Adesina Adeagbo, has pleaded with the Mapo Grade ‘A’ Customary Court, Ibadan, to end his 23-year-old marriage to prevent his wife from eventually killing him.

    Adeagbo, a resident of Idi-Osan, Akanran area of Ibadan, told the court on Thursday that his wife, Adeola, was too troublesome to be loved.

    He said he had thought it over and concluded that the best thing to do to keep staying alive was to call it quits with his wife.

    He also alleged that his wife had started instigating the children against him.

    “Ever since Adeola and I started our lives as husband and wife in 2002, I have not known peace; it has been one day, one problem.

    “Immediately we got married, I rented an apartment for her, but she fought with all her co-tenants. At the Olodo apartment, she fought the landlady, and she was sent packing.

    “Similarly, at her apartment at Boluwaji area, she was given a quit notice for fighting the house owner and her co-tenants,” he said.

    He added that when his wife relocated to another rented apartment in Muslim area, she and the children fought with other tenants, leading to their eviction.

    “Furthermore, I got another house at Orita-Merin, where she exhibited the same character, until she was ordered to move out.

    “I then moved Adeola and our three children into my house at Idiose, but her behaviour did not change,” he said.

    He alleged that their first child attempted to break a bottle on his head on March 31, 2024, but that he escaped by God’s grace and through the help of his friends.

    According to him, he has suffered several health challenges, including a partial stroke as a result of his wife’s frequent troublemaking.

    Adeola did not refute any of the claims preferred against her by Adeagbo. Subsequently, the court president, Mrs O.E. Owoseni, adjourned the suit to July 31 for further hearing.

  • Court adjourns PDP national scribe legal battle to September 22

    Court adjourns PDP national scribe legal battle to September 22

    Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed September 22, for hearing in the suit on the authentic National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    The judge fixed the date for a definite hearing of all motions against the suit filed by the embattled National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, based on the agreement of the parties.

    The matter which was coming before Justice Umar for the first time, had earlier been fixed for judgment by Justice Inyang Ekwo before the plaintiff brought an application for amendment of his original process.

    Anyanwu had originally sued the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the acting National Chairman of PDP, Umar Damagun, as first and second defendants.

    In the ex-parte application, Anyanwu, through his lawyer, Ken Njemanze (SAN), had prayed the court for an order of interim injunction, restraining INEC from accepting, acting on or giving effect to any correspondence from the PDP not signed by him pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.

    He also sought an order of interim injunction restraining Damagun from dispatching to INEC any correspondence purportedly emanating from PDP signed by the acting chair and not counter-signed by him.

    After taking arguments from lawyers representing parties in the suit, Justice Ekwo later fixed judgment for March 25, for judgment.

    However, on the scheduled date for judgment, Anyanwu had brought an application seeking to amend their originating process to correct the issue for determination.

    Following, the request the court then fixed May 19, for a hearing of the motion which was also objected to by parties in the suit.

    Recall that following applications for joinder, the court had included the PDP and Udeh-Okoye in the suit as third and fourth defendants.

    It also joined the National Vice Chairman, PDP South-East, Ali Odela; and Deputy National Secretary of the party, Setonji Koshoedo; as fifth and sixth defendants respectively.

    However, the case was later transferred to Justice Umar, for determination.

    At Thursday’s proceedings, Anyanwu, who was represented by U. C. Njemanze-Aku, informed the court that the matter was originally slated for mention, adding that the plaintiff had received a letter from the 5th defendant requesting that the case be adjourned till September.

    Njemanze-Aku told the court that while they are not against the request for an adjournment, it would appreciate a shorter date from the court.

    Other parties represented in court also aligned themselves with the position of the plaintiff.

    Counsel for Ude Okoye, Paul Erokoro (SAN), informed the court that the issue currently before the court had been resolved by the apex court, adding that the apex court held that the subject matter before the court was exclusive of political parties.

    Erokoro said he would be bringing an application wherein he intends to attach the judgment of the Supreme Court.

    Responding, Justice Umar subsequently directed all parties to file their response to the motion for amendment by Anyanwu, adding that the motion as well as all objections would be heard on September 22.

  • Jittery MultiChoice quickly slashes DStv decoder price, offers subscription upgrade as Chairman, other officials fail to appear in court

    Jittery MultiChoice quickly slashes DStv decoder price, offers subscription upgrade as Chairman, other officials fail to appear in court

    After its Chairman, Adewunmi Ogunsanya, and other top officials of the company failed to appear before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, MultiChoice has hurriedly slashed DStv decoder price.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports MultiChoice slashed its HD Zapper DStv decoder price by 50% from N20,000 to N10,000 with its premium DStv Explora decoder now at N223,999.

    In a statement by MultiChoice Nigeria’s CEO, John Ugbe, the company said it will also be offering its customers a free upgrade to the next DStv package tier when they pay their current subscription in full from June 16 to July 31, 2025.

    According to Ugbe, the upgrade is automatic for all active and returning subscribers who renew their subscriptions during the promo period, while claiming that the initiative was its response “to the noticeable economic impact on the everyday lives of Nigerians.”

    However, TNG observed that this is coming after Ogunsanya, Ugbe and six other top officials of the pay-Tv company failed to appear before Justice Omotosho over allegations bordering on breach of Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018.

    When the matter was called at the Abuja Federal High Court on Tuesday, none of the defendants was in court, citing improper service of court documents, including the hearing notice.

    The prosecuting agency’s lawyer, Chizenum Nsitem, who is counsel to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), then sought an adjournment date to enable FCCPC arraign the defendants and for the defendants to take their plea.

    Justice Omotosho subsequently fixed October 7 2025 to arraign Ogunsanya and Ugbe, along with Fhulufhelo Badugela, CEO of MultiChoice Africa Holdings; Retiel Tromp, Chief Financial Officer, Africa; and Keabetswe Modimoeng, Group Executive for Corporate Affairs.

    Others to be arraigned also include a director, Adebusola Bello; Fuad Ogunsanya; Gozie Onumonu, who is the Head Regulatory Affairs and Government Relations, and the company itself.

    In the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/197/2025, the defendants were preferred with seven counts. While MultiChoice Nigeria Limited is the 1st defendant, Ogunsanya, Ugbe, Badugela, Tromp, Modimoeng, Bello, Fuad Ogunsanya and Onumonu are 2nd to 9th defendants respectively.

    In count one, Multichoice Nigeria Limited was alleged to have on March 6 at No 23, Jimmy Carter Street, Asokoro, Abuja, without sufficient reason failed to appear before the FCCPC in compliance with a lawful summons issued on Feb. 25, “and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 33 (3) of the FCCP Act, 2018”.

    In court six, Ogunsanya, Ugbe and others, being directors of the company, were alleged to have on March 6 “caused MultiChoice Nigeria Limited to impede investigation of the FCCPC by refusing to produce documents and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 110 of the FCCP Act, 2018”.

    Recall that MultiChoice, the operator of DStv and Gotv, recently increased the subscription rates on its packages against an invitation by FCCPC to give explanation on why the company wanted to effect a price hike.

    Justice Omotosho had, on May 8, dismissed the suit filed by MultiChoice seeking to stop FCCPC from taking administrative action against the company.

    The judge, in a judgment, held that the suit, following an ex-parte motion marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/379/2025, was an abuse of court process, having been filed after a similar suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/363/2025, was filed on the issue by a lawyer, Festus Onifade, with Multichoice and FCCPC as parties in the suit.

    The FCCPC had summoned MultiChoice Nigeria Ltd to provide explanations regarding the March 1 price review of its packages.

    The commission directed the company’s chief executive officer to appear for an investigative hearing on Feb. 27, raising concerns over frequent price hikes, potential market dominance abuse and anti-competitive practices within the pay-TV industry.

    The FCCPC also issued a stern warning, stating that failure to justify the price adjustment or comply with fair market principles would lead to regulatory sanctions.

    However in the suit filed by MultiChoice’s legal team, the company sought an order of injunction restraining the regulatory commission and its officers from carrying out the threat against it, as communicated via a letter dated March 3.

    Nevertheless, Multichoice went on to implement tariffs hike for DStv and GOtv, following the May 8 ruling of the Federal High Court, presided over Justice Omotosho.

  • Court adjourns Emefiele’s WhatsApp review ruling to Sept.15

    Court adjourns Emefiele’s WhatsApp review ruling to Sept.15

    An Ikeja Special Offences Court has adjourned ruling on an application by former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele seeking forensic analysis of WhatsApp evidence in a $4.5 billion fraud case.

    Emefiele is standing trial on a 19-count charge bordering on receiving gratification and corrupt demands.

    Emefiele’s co-defendant, Henry Omoile, is facing a three-count charge bordering on unlawful acceptance of gifts by agents. The duo are charged with fraud totaling $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion.

    At the resumed hearing on Tuesday, Emefiele, through his counsel, Mr Olalekan Ojo (SAN) requested the court to permit a forensic analysis of a mobile phone used in extracting WhatsApp messages already tendered as evidence.

    Ojo said: “The defence is seeking the leave of the court to call a forensic expert to examine both the mobile device and printed conversations allegedly linked to the defendants”.

    The EFCC counsel, Ms Chigozie Okezie, opposed the application.

    Okezie argued that by virtue of the rules of evidence and practice, once an evidence of such nature had been admitted as an exhibit, the court became its custodian and retained it until the conclusion of the trial.

    According to her, the essence of it is for the documents to remain in their original form as presented before the court.

    She added that the duration of the forensic exercise was also not stated in the defendant’s application.

    Okezie further noted that the defence failed to disclose the name of the forensic laboratory, the expertise, and the experience of the personnel to be used for the examination.

    She said: “What is more, the defendants ought to have presented options of forensic laboratories, stating their competence for the court to pick from.

    “We pray the court to nominate the director of forensic department in the commission to select a laboratory for the exercise.

    “We also urge the court to direct that the examination be conducted in the presence of a person with vast experience and knowledge, to be nominated by the prosecution.

    “There should be room for proper chain of custody to ensure the device is not tampered with and is returned to the court upon conclusion of the exercise.”

    After listening to the submission of both parties, Justice Rahman Oshodi adjourned the case until Sept. 15 for ruling.

  • Just in: Appeal Court quashes APC’s case, affirms PDP’s victories in Osun council polls

    Just in: Appeal Court quashes APC’s case, affirms PDP’s victories in Osun council polls

    The Court of Appeal sitting in Akure, Ondo State, has dismissed the appeal filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC), affirming the legitimacy of the February 2025 local government elections in Osun State.

    The judgement, delivered on Friday, 13 June 2025, upheld the victory of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its elected Chairmen and Councillors.

    The panel of justices — Oyebisi Folayemi Omoleye, Peter Chudi Obiorah, and Hadiza Rabiu Shagari — held that the appeal lacked merit, had been overtaken by events, and constituted a mere academic exercise.

    The suit, numbered CA/AK/15/2025, was filed by the Allied People’s Movement (APM), Babatunde Nurudeen Idowu, and the APC against the Action Peoples Party (APP), INEC, OSSIEC, APGA, and Prince Adegboye Famodun.

    Justice Omoleye ruled, “Critically, this Court had earlier delivered judgment on 10th February 2025 in Appeal No. CA/AK/270/2022, involving basically the same parties and addressing substantially the same issues.

    “The said appeal has been dismissed. What is more, the fresh Local Government elections conducted on 22nd February 2025 and the swearing-in of new Chairmen and Councillors have overtaken the substratum of this dispute. Relisting the appeal at this stage would serve no practical purpose.”

    She added, “In sum, this application is not only procedurally incompetent and factually unsupported, it is also one rendered otiose by subsequent events. There is no longer any live controversy.

    “The matter is, in every material sense, a fait accompli, “I therefore also dismiss the application.”

    Justice Obiorah, in a concurring judgement, declared, “Of course, the dismissal of the appeal means that there being no existing appeal against the judgment of the lower court, the said judgment stands as the authority defining the state of affairs as it regards the status of the officers of the various Local Government Councils in Osun State.”

    He also addressed the issue of contempt, saying, “However, the issue of violation of the orders of the lower court and the alleged contempt is the 3a Respondent/Applicant’s interpretation of the action of the 3d Appellant/Respondent with respect to their treatment of the judgment of the lower court, particularly after the dismissal of their appeal by this Court on 13/1/2025.

    “The said contempt is ex-facie curiae. In INEC & ANOR v. OGUEBEGO & ORS (2017) LPELR-42609(SC) (Pp. 10-12 paras. F), the highly revered and cerebral, Chima Centus Nweze, JSC (of blessed memory) stated.”

    Reacting to the judgment in an X post, PDP welcomed the ruling, describing it as a confirmation of the people’s mandate and a defeat for political desperation.

    The party said the Certified True Copy of the ruling had “affirmed that the Court has dismissed APC’s appeal and affirmed Chairmen and Councillors elected in the 2025 Local Government Election as the duly elected council officials in Osun State.”

    “The Presiding Judge, Oyebisi Folayemi Omoleye in her ruling stated that since a fresh election has been conducted and new Chairmen and Councillors have been sworn in, there is no controversy anymore,” PDP added.

  • Court halts repatriation of Nigerian Ph.D student despite Trump’s renewed immigration crackdown

    Court halts repatriation of Nigerian Ph.D student despite Trump’s renewed immigration crackdown

    Despite a renewed immigration crackdown under President Donald Trump, a federal court in the United States has temporarily blocked the deportation of Matthew Ariwoola, a Nigerian PhD chemistry student at the University of South Carolina.

    The ruling comes in response to a controversial move by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which revoked Ariwoola’s student visa over a case of mistaken identity tied to a 2023 criminal warrant issued in Georgia—a state the student maintains he has never visited.

    The visa revocation on April 8, 2025, abruptly disrupted Ariwoola’s academic journey. He was banned from attending classes, suspended from his research, and faced imminent deportation.

    In a bid to salvage his education and legal status, Ariwoola sought help from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of South Carolina. The organization promptly filed a lawsuit challenging the DHS decision.

    On April 18—the same day the suit was filed—District Judge Jacquelyn Austin granted a 14-day temporary restraining order, blocking deportation proceedings and restoring Ariwoola’s student privileges.

    The swift ruling allowed Ariwoola to resume his studies and suggested the court found merit in his legal challenge. Shortly after, Homeland Security reinstated his visa in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), the federal database tracking international students.

    Judge Austin extended the restraining order three additional times in the weeks that followed. Then on June 13, she issued a preliminary injunction, preventing the federal government from taking further action against Ariwoola until the case is resolved.

    In her decision, Judge Austin confirmed the court’s jurisdiction and held that the case raised a legitimate constitutional question, meeting all the legal standards required for an injunction.

    For Ariwoola, the ruling is more than a legal win—it’s a symbol of hope.

    This victory, though temporary, is a huge source of hope for international students who are unfairly targeted,” he said. “I’m especially thankful to the ACLU-SC and the court for ensuring that justice prevails. I hope this encourages others to speak up and fight back.”

    His case has gained attention amid growing concerns over the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration policies. Since returning to office in January 2025, the administration has ramped up efforts to deport undocumented immigrants, with foreign students increasingly caught in the crossfire.

    For now, Ariwoola remains in the U.S., continuing his studies—and his fight.

  • BREAKING: Senator Natasha granted N50m bail for alleged defamation

    BREAKING: Senator Natasha granted N50m bail for alleged defamation

    An Abuja High Court on Thursday admitted the suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Apoti-Uduaghan to bail in the sum of N50 million for alleged defamation.

    The office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, charged Akpoti-Uduaghan with three counts bordering on alleged defamation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Governor of Kogi, Yahaya Bello.

    The suspended senator was accompanied to the court for the trial by her husband and associates. However when the charge was read, she pleaded not guilty.

    In view of her plea, the prosecution counsel, David Kaswe asked Justice Chizoba Oji to remand her in a correction centre pending the determination bail.

    However, Natasha’s counsel, Prof. Roland Otaru sought and got permission to move bail application for the defendant.

    This was on the grounds that it was matured for hearing having been served on the prosecution and having joined issues with each other.

    In moving the bail application, Otaru urged the judge to exercise her discretion in favour of the defendant.

    He argued that the suspended Senator was not a flight risk and would not interfere with police investigation and witnesses.

    He submitted that the Constitution of the country presumes her innocent, while the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 emphasises bail in such an offence.

    On his part, the prosecution counsel, urged the judge to refuse the bail application.

    He added that the prosecution took great efforts and encountered difficulties before the defendant could be served with the charge.

    However, in her ruling, Justice Chizoba Oji noted that the alleged offence was not a capital one and that the law presumes her innocent for now.

    She admitted her to bail in the sum of N50 million and one reasonable surety in the like sum.

    The judge held that the surety must be owner of land property within the jurisdiction of the court.

    Justice Oji subsequently, adjourned until Sept. 23 for the commencement of trial.

    The senator was accused of making harmful imputation which she knew would harm the reputation of Akpabio, by claiming he plotted, with Bello, to kill her.

    In count two, Akpoti-Uduaghan is accused of making a similar harmful imputation knowing that it will harm the reputation of ex-governor Yahaya Bello.

    She is, in count three, accused of making another imputation, which she knew would harm the reputation of Akpabio by associating him with the death of one Miss Imoren Iniubong.

  • Emefiele granted N2bn bail in fresh property fraud case

    Emefiele granted N2bn bail in fresh property fraud case

    Justice Yusuf Halilu of a FCT High Court FCT on Monday admitted the former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Godwin Emefiele to bail in the sum of N2 billion in a fresh charge of property fraud.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed an eight-count charge against him in respect of the disputed 753 duplexes in Abuja.

    The said property located at Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja,  measures 150,462.86 SQM and comprises 753 housing units.

    When the charge was read to him, he however, pleaded not guilty.

    Following his plea, his counsel, Mathew Burkaa SAN applied for bail which was not opposed to by the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo SAN.

    Oyedepo however, asked the court to expunge some paragraphs in the bail application , and the court granted that.

    Ruling on the bail application, Justice Halilu held that bail is a constitutional right.

    He added that the defendant(Emefiele) has been granted bail by two other judges and he did not go against the conditions and terms

    ”I admit the defendant to bail on the terms and conditions that the defendant’s travel documents which is already before justice Muazu is hereby attached as part of the condition .

    ”The defendant shall provide two sureties who must be residents of Abuja within the jurisdiction of this court.

    ”The sureties must own landed property within the jurisdiction of this court precisely in Asokoro ,  Maitama  and Wuse 2 which valued at N2 billion” he held

    Halilu further ordered that the sureties shall also do undertaking to produce the defendant in court always all through his trial.

    He added  in the event the defendant jumps bail, they (sureties) will be put in prison.

    He ordered that the defendant is granted from now to Wed (June 18) to vacate the ball or else risk going to prison.

    He then adjourned until July 11 for continuation.

    The charge number: CR/358/2025, borders on alleged having control of property reasonably suspected to be unlawfully obtained.

    The offence, the EFCC said, is punishable under Section 319 of the Penal Code Law.

    Emefiele was charged alongside one “Ocheme”who is at large.

    Besides the housing estate, the two defendants are also charged with unlawfully keeping in their possession billions of naira in proxy accounts in Zenith Bank.

    In count one of the charge Emefiele and Ocheme are being accused of knowingly having within their control the housing estate suspected to be unlawfully obtained contrary to the law.

    While in count two, they were alleged to knowingly have in their possession the sum of N167 million domiciled in Kelvito Integrated Services’ account No: 1016232915, in count three they were alleged to have held the sum of N1.23 billion in the same account.

    According to the anti-graft agency, the said sums were said to be reasonably suspected to have been unlawfully obtained.

    In another count they were also alleged to have in their control another sum of N2.9 billion domiciled in Kelvito Integrated Services’ account No: 1016232915 domiciled with Zenith Bank Plc.

    In count five, the commission stated that the defendants between January and December 2022, knowingly had under their control the total sum of N1.98 billion domiciled in Kelvito Integrated Services’ account No: 1016232915 domiciled with Zenith Bank Plc, which sum is reasonably suspected to have been unlawfully obtained.

    In other counts they were also linked with the sum of N900 million and N600 million in Ifedigo Integrated Services’ account No: 1210750237 domiciled wit zenith Bank.

    Meanwhile, in count eight, Emefiele was said to have in January 2021, forged a document titled, “Irrevocable Power of Attorney Between MG Properties Limited and H and Y Business Global Limited” with the intention of causing it to be believed that the said titled document was executed by or by the authority of H and Y Business Global Limited.

    The offences, according to the EFCC, contravened the provisions of sections 319, 362 and 364 of the Penal Code.