A former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, his daughter, and two others have been granted bail by a Federal High Court in Abuja, each required to pay ₦100 million.

The case revolves around an alleged fraud totaling ₦2.7 billion.

The court mandated two sureties with landed properties in Abuja, emphasising their responsibility as citizens.

Additionally, sureties must submit an affidavit of means.

The court imposed travel restrictions on the defendants without its permission.

Justice Oriji warned of remanding the defendants if bail conditions aren’t met.

The sureties must possess valid titles for landed properties within the FCT.

Trial dates are scheduled for June 10th, 11th, and 20th.”

The Department of State Security Service (DSS) has arrested  former Chairman of the Park Management System (PMS), Alhaji Mukaila Lamidi, better known as Auxillary.

This development follows closely on the heels of the Oyo State Government’s declaration of Auxillary as a wanted individual, prompted by a raid on his Alakia-Isebo residence, which uncovered a cache of illegal firearms.

Reliable sources confirmed  that Auxillary was taken into custody on Tuesday  from his Olodo residence by operatives of the DSS.

Auxillary’s encounter with law enforcement isn’t his first.

It will be recalled that nearly a decade ago, during the tenure of former Governor, the late Senator Abiola Ajimobi, Auxillary found himself behind bars for criminal offenses, a chapter that has resurfaced with his recent apprehension.

The details surrounding Auxillary’s arrest are expected to unfold in the coming days.

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court Abuja has granted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) an interim order to freeze 1,146 bank accounts owned by individuals and companies under investigation.

The investigation revolves around alleged offences related to unauthorised dealing in forex exchange, money laundering, and terrorism financing.

The judge’s decision came as a response to a motion presented by EFCC counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, during proceedings.

Justice Nwite stated, “That an order of this honourable court is hereby made freezing the bank accounts stated in the schedule below which accounts are owned by various individuals who are currently being investigated in a case involving the offences of unauthorised dealing in foreign exchange, money laundering and terrorism financing to the extent that the investigation will be for 90 (ninety) days.”

Moreover, the preliminary investigation uncovered a connection between these accounts and individuals exploiting virtual cryptocurrency exchange platforms to manipulate the value of the naira and launder proceeds from illegal activities.

Recognising the need to safeguard the funds in question during the investigation and potential prosecution, the judge emphasised the importance of preserving the identified bank accounts.

In light of these developments, Justice Nwite adjourned the matter to July 23, 2024, for further proceedings.

The freezing order affects a wide range of companies across various sectors, including agro-businesses, logistics and haulage, microfinance banks, and engineering, among others.