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EFCC reveals how widow exposed former Taraba Governor, Jolly Nyame

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has revealed how a widow allowed the agency discover the misappropriation of state funds by former Governor of Taraba, Jolly Nyame.

The commission, in its monthly publication, EFCC Alert, explained that things turned sour for Nyame, when one Hauwa Usman petitioned the EFCC over the “squandering” of company money by Suleiman, younger brother of Usman Abubakar, her late husband.

Suleiman took over the company from Usman, who was managing director of Alusab until his demise.

The EFCC said it was during the course of interrogating Suleiman, that it discovered a N100million surplus paid by the state government to Alusab for the water project.

“Nyame was in fact, never in the purview of the EFCC, and no one at any time wrote a petition against him.

“The Taraba State government had issued a cheque of N135,794,607 in favour of the company, as contract payment for rehabilitation of the Ibi Wukari Water Project. But Suleiman collected the cheque and lodged it in a different account domiciled in Zenith Bank Plc, in Jalingo.

“Hauwa sought the help of the EFCC to recover the money, accusing Suleiman who took over the company of squandering it. He was subsequently invited by the EFCC for questioning; then and there, the bubble burst.

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“During interrogation, Suleiman admitted collecting the cheque, and though argued that he did not squander the money as alleged in the petition, confirmed that it was for the said project, which was ongoing before the death his brother.

“He revealed that through Abubakar Tutare, then Commissioner of Finance in the state, the company applied for additional works, which was granted by the state government. According to him, the estimation for the additional works was N35 million, but Tutare instructed him to add N100 million to the estimation. Subsequently, a cheque of N135 million was issued to Suleiman, but along with it, was a complimentary card, with an account number written at the back. Tutare instructed him to pay the N100 million into the account.

“Suleiman had asked Tutare about VAT payment, to which Tutare told him to deduct 10 per cent as tax and to credit the account at the back of the card belonging to Nyame with N80 million, and bring N10 million to him. Suleiman duly paid the cheque into Alusab’s account and acted on the N80 million as instructed, as per the complimentary card. He also gave N10 million to Tutare at his residence through his house aide, Husseini Ali.

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“Tutare, himself was invited for questioning and he confirmed the testimony of Suleiman, but stressed that he acted on the instruction of Nyame, and that the N80 million was paid into the account of Salmon Global Ventures Nigeria Ltd,” the report read.

Nyame was on May 30, handed a 14-year jail sentence .

The anti-graft agency had charged Nyame to court for allegedly diverting N1.64 billion when he served as governor between 1999 and 2007.

The former Governor was charged on 41 counts of fraud but was found guilty on 27 counts.

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Metro

Israel-Palestine Conflict Claims 35,173 Lives

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An Israeli army battle tank moves in an area along the border with the Gaza Strip and southern Israel on April 2, 2024 amid the ongoing conflict in the Palestinian territory between Israel and the militant group Hamas. (Photo by RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP)

The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said Tuesday that at least 35,173 people have been killed in the territory during more than seven months of war between Israel and Palestinian militants.

The toll includes at least 82 deaths over the past 24 hours, a ministry statement said, adding that 79,061 people have been wounded in the Gaza Strip since the war began when Hamas militants attacked Israel on October 7.

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Photos: Tragic Accident Claims Two Lives in Ogbomoso

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In a devastating turn of events today, tragedy struck the streets of Oke- Owode in Ogbomoso as a fatal collision between a bus laden with mango fruits and a car occupied by suspected yahoo boys claimed the lives of two individuals, including the bus driver.

Eyewitness accounts at the scene painted a grim picture, alleging that the occupants of the car, believed to be involved in cybercrime activities, were driving recklessly, possibly impaired by alcohol.

Their vehicle collided with the mango-laden bus, resulting in the loss of lives.

Promptly responding to the distress call, law enforcement officials arrived at the scene to assess the situation.

Their efforts focused on clearing the obstruction caused by the bus and attending to the victims. The bodies of the deceased were carefully removed and transported for further investigation.

Meanwhile, the car driven by the suspected yahoo boys was impounded and taken to the Police Area Command for thorough examination.

Authorities are committed to unraveling the circumstances leading to the accident and holding those responsible accountable.

The incident has caused significant disruption to traffic in the Oke Owode area, prompting authorities to work tirelessly to restore normalcy.

Expressing shock and grief, local residents and community members emphasised the importance of adherence to traffic regulations and called for caution among drivers to avert such tragedies in the future.

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As investigations unfold, the police remain steadfast in their pursuit of justice, determined to establish the facts surrounding the accident and ensure that justice is served.

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Gunmen Kill 3 Police Officers, FRSC Personnel in Enugu Attacks

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Unknown gunmen have reportedly killed 3 police officers and one Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) personnel in separate attacks in Nsukka and Udenu local government areas in Enugu state.

Eyewitnesses disclosed that the gunmen first attacked a police division in Umabor Eha-Alumona in the Nsukka area council on Saturday night, claiming the lives of two policemen.

In a distinct incident, the assailants targeted a federal road safety personnel and a police officer, who was attached to the traditional ruler of Egali Amalla Community in Orba, Udenu Local Area, HRH Igwe Patrick Eze, also known as Igwe Waziri. Fortunately, the monarch escaped unharmed.

During the rampage, the gunmen also set ablaze an FRSC van.

As of now, the police authorities have not issued any official statement regarding the killings.

These tragic events occurred less than 24 hours after two police officers were murdered within the state metropolis, prompting Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State to announce a 10 million naira bounty on the culprits.

Governor Mbah has pledged to employ all available resources to bring the perpetrators to justice.

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