NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Loading

Tag REA

Judiciary

Alleged N1.84bn fraud: Court okays arraignment of REA officials

By Taiye Agbaje

A Federal High Court, Abuja, has fixed Sept. 26 for arraignment of another two senior staff of Rural Electrification Agency (REA) by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over alleged N1.84 billion fraud.

The officials, who are being prosecuted separately are Aminat Asuni and Laure Abdullahi.

They were part of the five others already arraigned by the ICPC before sister courts.

Justice Nkeonye Maha fixed the date after ICPC’s counsel, Mrs P.N. Emeka, sought an adjournment to enable the commission serve the defendants with the charges.

When the two matters were called, Emeka informed the court that the defendants were evading arrest.

She, however, applied for an adjournment to enable her effect the service of the processes on Asuni and Abdullahi before the next adjourned date, and Justice Maha fixed Sept. 26 for the defendants to take their plea.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)!reports that the ICPC had filed two separate charges against Asuni and Abdullahi.

In the first charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/207/2024, the anti-corruption commission filed four-count charge dated May 8 and filed May 10 against Asuni, while Abdullahi was also preferred with four-count charge numbered: FHC/ABJ/CR/208/2024, and filed same day.

Asuni was alleged to have, sometime in March, 2023 or thereabout while being a public officer in the employment of REA Abuja and with intent to defraud the agency, received the sum of N336 million in different tranches through her Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) account number: 0022457813 under the false pretence of project supervision.

While, Abdullahi was alleged to have, within the same period and with intent to defraud the agency, received N433 million in different tranches through her GTB account number: 0023343114 under the false pretence of project supervision.

The act was said to have contributed to economic adversity of REA.

The offence is contrary to Section 1(1)(a) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006, among others.

The two officials were being charged for diverting the N336 million and N433 million belonging to the agency.

NAN reports that the money formed part of the N1.84 billion allegedly misappropriated by seven top officials of REA, including Abubakar Sambo, Director of Finance and Account of the agency.

Other staff members under prosecution are Henrrientta Onomen Okojie, Usman Kwakwa, Emmanuel Pada Titus and Musa Umar Karaye.

They were alleged to have conspired to divert the funds for personal use.

President Bola Tinubu had, on March 7, suspended Mr Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of REA indefinitely, alongside three executive directors of the agency.

President Tinubu appointed Mr Abba Abubakar Aliyu as the MD and CEO to replace Ahmad.

The suspension followed an investigation into the financial activities of REA.

According to Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President Media and Publicity, the conduct of the aforementioned officials was probed over misappropriation of N1.2 billion over the past two years, some of which had already been recovered by anti-graft agencies.

However, investigations by ICPC, weeks after Ahmad’s suspension, revealed that he had no link with the allegations.

Against this backdrop, the anti-corruption commission filed different separates charges against Sambo, Okojie, Asuni, Abdullahi, Kwakwa, Pada and Karaye before Justices Emeka Nwite, Bolaji Olajuwon and Maha of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

While Sambo had been arraigned before Justice Olajuwon; Okojie, Kwakwa, Pada and Karaye were arraigned before Justice Nwite; and Asuni and Abdullahi’s matters are before Justice Maha..(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu
Economy/Business

Electrification agency inaugurates energy management control centre

By Constance Athekame

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) on Wednesday inaugurated an Energy Management System (EMS) Control Centre to host all mini-grids in the country to boost electricity access to Nigerians.

The project which reaffirms the Federal Government’s commitment towards increasing energy access to un-served and underserved areas nationwide was executed by REA and with support from Korean government through an In-Kind-Grant.

Speaking while inaugurating the project in Abuja, the Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, said that collaborations such as these would help bridge the gap between the served and the un-served.

Adebayo, represented by Mr Abubakar Ali-Dapshima, Director, Renewable Energy and Rural Power Access, Ministry of Power said the EMS was a testament to collective dedication to progress, efficiency, and empowerment of Nigerians.

According to him, the system will revolutionise the way the country manage and utilise energy data across its electrification programmes.

“For us, the EMS is not just a tool; it is a mechanism we plan to optimise to alleviate the existential problem of poor energy data in the nation’s energy space.

“It is a gateway to a future where data becomes a strategic asset in our pursuit of reliable, accessible, and sustainable energy.

“Most importantly, I must commend REA for deliberately drawing in partnerships, while forming alliances as an institution that serves as a solid entry point into the nation’s renewable energy space,” he said..

The minister said the partnership reaffirmed the need for all stakeholders in the power sector to stay on course in the optimisation of strategic collaboration for a common goal.

“I extend my deepest gratitude to the Korean Government for their invaluable support, a testament to the enduring partnership between our nations.

“This collaborative effort stands as a beacon of solidarity, showcasing how nations can come together to address shared challenges and create meaningful change,” he said.

It is the belief of the Federal Ministry of Power that these projects will be delivered on time and with the best standard for our people,’’ he said.

The Managing Director, REA, Ahmad Salihijo said: ’’the milestone achieved under the Korean Energy Project is a testament of the agency’s resolve to collaborate with development partners in delivering its mandate.

He said that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between REA and Korean Government for the project was signed in 2023.

According to him, the actualisation of the project was made possible through the support of the Korean Government under the Official Development Assistance (ODA).

“The completion of this EMS coincides with the Electricity Act 2023 under section 154 (Monitoring of Rural Electrification Projects).

“It mandates the agency to put in place appropriate machinery for the monitoring of rural electrification implementation projects nationwide.

“This system represents a significant leap forward in our ability to capture and manage energy data across diverse electrification programmes within our nation and through the guidance of the Federal Ministry of Power.

“In a landscape where data is paramount, the EMS stands as a beacon of efficiency and transparency.

“It is a tool that will empower us to make informed decisions, optimize our energy resources, and enhance the impact of our electrification initiatives across Nigeria,” he said.

Salihijo said the system would seamlessly integrate with the agency’s existing programmes by providing real-time insights, and enabling us to navigate the dynamic energy landscape with precision

He said that .the system would further strengthen the agency’s collaboration with the Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) on the development, integration, monitoring and management of interconnected mini grids.

“I must emphasise the timeliness of this innovative intervention, coming at a time where the energy sector in Nigeria is once again going through a data-driven, transformative change through the visionary leadership of President Bola Tinubu.

“The Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Kim Young-Chae said that the Republic of South Korea made a commitment through the Official Development Assistance fund to support the Nigerian power sector particularly on the development of solar mini-grids,” he said.

Young-Chae represented by Mr Choi Won, First Secretary, Economic, Embassy of Korea said that Korea understands the role of solar power generation on energy access and climate resilience.

“Rural electrification requires unique granular data which is why the Government of Korea undertook the Integrated Energy Management System to enable efficient planning and design concepts.

“The EMS can host all mini-grids data hence will strengthen the position of REA on central coordination role.

“The Korean Government is also seeking to strengthen and promote its cooperation with the Nigerian Government for the prosperity of both nations,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

==========
Edited by Uche Anunne

Economy/Business

FG donates solar mini grids to Nasarawa households, businesses

By Constance Athekame

The Federal Government has donated solar- powered mini grids to 2000 households and businesses in Toto community in Nasarawa state.

The 352-24 Kilowatts Peak (KWP) project, Nigeria’s first Interconnected grid, was executed under the Rural Electrification Agency (REA)-Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP) and funded by the World Bank.

It currently provides reliable electricity to more than 2000 Households, 141 Commercial Users, 18 Productive Users and 45 Public Users in the community aimed at improving the socio-economic life.

This project was achieved through the collaboration of REA, PowerGen Nigeria Limited and Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC).

Speaking while inaugurating the project in Toto on Thursday, the Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, said that the event marked a transformative step in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said that the agenda focused on revamping Nigeria’s power infrastructure to provide equitable access to electricity across the nation.


The minister said that the partnership between REA, AEDC and PowerGen represented the synergy government was trying to achieve across the power sector.

This, he said was an avenue where all players in the various segments can collaborate to deliver power to the end consumers.

He said the mini-grid inaugurated was a beacon of hope and government’s commitment to re-invigorate the power sector, as it symbolised its pledge to provide affordable energy to  the country’s rural communities.

According to Adelabu, the project will also empower the citizens, regardless of their economic statuses, adding that everybody deserves electricity.

“We need to reduce the trend of  rural-urban migration, the end result is not desirable, it is a threat to our food security, when everybody leaves the village and want to enjoy power in the city.

“Governments must bring light to the people in the village and this is what we are doing today.

“As today’s milestone propels us forward, we cannot fail to identify the numerous potentials ahead of this community and ahead of us as a nation.”

Also speaking, Gov. Abdulahi Sule commended the Federal Government for bringing the project to the community.

Represented by Mr Abdulahi Tasha, Chairman, Toto Local Government Area, he pledged the people’s commitment to cooperate with PowerGen to sustain the project.

On his part, the REA Managing Director, Mr Ahmad Saihijo, said the successful completion of the project was a testament to the power of partnership and innovation in driving rural electrification in the country.

Salihijo said that the REA remained committed to fostering an environment which encourages similar sustainable and impactful projects nationwide.


He said, “Over the years, we have optimised the NEP to strengthen the off-grid space while deploying over 100 mini-grids and powering over five million Nigerians.

“With the seamless implementation of this programme, we are confident in the model and positioned for an even wider impact across the nation.”

AEDC Managing Director, Mr Christopher Ezeafulukwe, said the company’s collaboration with PowerGen to achieve the project, underscored the significant role  DisCos played in supporting renewable energy initiatives.

Ezeafulukwe, represented by Jumoke Daleno, Head, Regulatory and Government Relations, said the DisCos were also enhancing the grid with sustainable energy solutions for underserved communities.

”It is a proof of what can be achieved when we work together, and we are immensely proud of this achievement, ‘’he said.

Ezeafulukwe said the choice of Toto for the pilot project was not difficult for AEDC and its partners to make, given the economic potentials of the community which had been underserved.

”Even at the conception stage, we could envision the massive transformative impact a successful interconnected mini grid project would have on Toto.

”We are indeed very glad that our vision at AEDC has come to fruition and the journey we embarked upon with our worthy partners, has been successfully completed, ”he said.

Powergen Country Director, Mr Seun Edun, said that the firm and AEDC teamed up to pioneer a groundbreaking approach to improving energy access in the country.

”The mini-grid model is designed to cater to the energy needs of underserved areas at affordable tariffs below the associated costs of using petrol or diesel generators, ‘’ he said. (NAN)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

General News

Rural Electrification: Group lauds achievement of REA’s MD

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

The Association of Rural Electrification Contractors of Nigeria (ARECON), has lauded the achievements of the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Mr Salihijo Ahmad in the power sector.

They urged him to continue to do the good works to help the downtrodden in the society.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Association, Mr Rotimi Raheem, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.

“We are also delighted to hear the news of a clean bill of health given to the MD by the House of Representatives.

“Recall that in our recent press release, we highlighted the giant strides accomplished by Ahmed and his Management team in the improvement of lives of our rural dwellers.

“He has also connected numerous markets, schools and economic activities to the solar system and mini-grids all over the country.

“We therefore urge him to continue the good work he and his team are doing for the benefits of the downtrodden in our Rural Areas,” Raheem said.

He also said that what the REA boss is doing is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu. (NAN)

Edited by Vincent Obi

Business

REA, grid association sign MoU to promote mini-grid development

 

By Constance Athekame

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and the Africa Mini-Grid Developers Association (AMDA) on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote and accelerate mini-grid development in Nigeria.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Abuja, Mr Salihijo Ahmad, Managing Director of REA said that the MoU would focus on knowledge sharing, capacity building, and better coordination of the sector, amongst other initiatives.

Ahmad said that Nigeria had one of the largest mini-grid markets in Africa, with over 100 mini-grids currently in operation primarily through the implementation of data-driven programmes and initiatives of the REA.

He, however, said, due to the energy access gap in the country, there was still a significant need for more decentralised energy interventions to bridge the energy deficit and catalyze socio-economic growth.

”Particularly in rural underserved, and underserved communities hard hit with energy poverty.

”As part of the REA’s vision and strategic roadmap, the agency has, over the years expanded its partnership portfolio, while collaborating with forward-leaning stakeholders across the off-grid energy value chain,” Ahmad said.

According to him, with the pivotal role and sustained impact of AMDA in Africa’s renewable energy space, the partnership is a significant step for the mini-grid sector in the country.

He said that the partnership underscored a shared commitment to research, data-driven decision-making, and the establishment of robust industry standards.

”This strategic approach is pivotal in ensuring the sustainable, secure, and optimal operation of mini-grid systems, thereby contributing to the overall energy landscape in Nigeria.

”With a partnership now sealed through an MoU, the REA and AMDA will collaborate on a non-exclusive basis to further advance access to sustainable electricity for Nigeria and other African countries.

”Through mini-grids and decentralized utilities and ultimately achieve universal access to energy by the year 2030.

”While improving data-driven decision-making and industry knowledge in the off-grid space,” Ahmad said.

The REA MD said the MoU was targeted at promoting sustainable energy access for unserved and underserved communities through private sector development and financing.

He said that the MoU would ultimately enhance policies/regulations and rapid deployment of renewable energy technologies.

Ahmad said, “We are excited to partner with AMDA to further improve the development of mini-grids in Nigeria while deepening the impact of Rural Electrification solutions for socio-economic growth.

“The MoU would further aid the accelerated deployment of mini-grids and provide clean, sustainable, and affordable electricity to more Nigerians.”

On his part, Mr Olamide Niyi-Afuye, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of AMDA, stressed the association’s dedication to collaborate with REA in nurturing the mini-grid sector in the country.

Niyi-Afuye said that mini-grids had the potential to transform the lives of millions of Nigerians, adding that the partnership was a step in the right direction.

”AMDA is committed to working with all stakeholders to create an enabling environment for the mini-grid sector to scale and achieve sustainability.

“A timely and impact-focused collaboration, the REA-AMDA MoU signifies a significant milestone in the development of mini-grids across Nigeria.

”It equally exemplifies the unified efforts between the public and private sectors, working in lockstep towards the common goal of providing clean, reliable, safe, and affordable electricity for all,’’ he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Mark Longyen/Bashir Rabe Mani

 

Electricity workers at work
Economy/Business

REA deploys 103 mini-grids across the country — MD

By Constance Athekame

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA), says it has successfully deployed 103 mini grids across the country under the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP).

The agency said that the project which was being funded by the World Bank had made a significant milestone in its Solar Hybrid Mini-grid component.

The Managing Director of REA, Mr Salihijo Ahmad said this while speaking at the 10th Mini Grid Roundtable discussion, held virtually on Wednesday in Abuja in conjunction with some developers.

“The REA has successfully deployed 103 mini-grids across Nigeria under the Performance Based Grant (PBG) subcomponent of the NEP.

“This signals a crucial advancement in enhancing electricity access for households, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

“As well as public facilities in rural and underserved regions of the country,” he said.

Ahmad expressed the agency’s commitment to bridging the energy access gap in Nigeria, adding that the REA was established with the mandate to increase access to electricity by bridging the energy access deficit in Nigeria.

He said that since inception, REA had made significant progress in achieving this goal.

“The agency is implementing various electrification programmes including the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP).

“Targeted at creating lasting impact by fostering economic growth, improving education, and enhancing the overall quality of life of Nigerians.

“One of the key strategies that we are using to achieve this goal is the PBG sub-component.

“The PBG is a financing mechanism that provides grants to qualified developers to construct and operate mini-grids in rural communities,” he said.

Ahmad said that the PBG had been very successful in attracting private sector investments in mini-grids through the NEP.

According to him, more than 80 mini-grids have been completed and commissioned, connecting about 32,000 households, MSMEs, and public facilities, and providing clean and reliable electricity.

“The Solar Hybrid mini-grid component has witnessed remarkable success, with a total of 46,661 verified connections made to households, MSMEs, and public facilities.

“Each connection is a step toward bridging the energy gap and fostering economic development.

“An additional 281,578 connections are in progress, poised to further expand the project’s impact and reach,’’ he said.

Also speaking Abba Aliyu, REA,s Head of Project Management Unit of the NEP expressed his satisfaction at the accomplishment.

“We are pleased to announce that we have successfully completed and commissioned 103 mini-grids as part of the NEP initiative.

“This achievement underscores our commitment to providing reliable and sustainable energy solutions to communities that have long been underserved,” he said.

According to him, REA goal has always been to empower communities with electricity and the 103 mini-grids represent brighter future, improved livelihoods, and opportunities for growth.

He said that the initiative had impacted more than 230,000 people across the country leading to positive changes in their daily routines, economic activities, and overall quality of life.

“The installation of 5.8 Mega Watts (MW) of photovoltaic (PV) capacity underscores REA’s commitment to harnessing renewable energy sources for sustainable power solutions.

“As the REA continues its efforts, the successful deployment of 103 mini-grids stands as a testament to the project’s dedication to creating a brighter and more electrified future for communities throughout Nigeria,” he said. (NAN)(www.nanews.ng)

===========
Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

Court symbol
Judiciary

Court to hear pending motions in charge against Rural Electrification MD, others

By Taiye Agbaje

A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday, fixed Oct. 4 for hearing pending motions filed by parties in criminal charges against Mr Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Rural Electrification Agency (REA), and others.

Justice James Omotosho fixed the date to enable parties exchange their processes and argue their case on all the pending applications in the next adjourned date.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Donnington Nigeria Ltd., on Federal Government’s behalf, had filed four separate charges bordering on breach of Money Laundering Act before the judge.

while Donnington Nigeria Ltd is the complainant, Velocity Logistics & Marine Limited and Ahmad are 1st and 2nd defendants in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/175/2023.

The complainant alleged that Ahmad aided Velocity Logistics, a designated non-financial institution, between Jan. 2014 and Jan. 2018 in failing to report in writing to the EFCC any lodgment or outflow transaction from the company’s Zenith Bank account number: 016639377 of the sums above N5 million.

This, it said, as required under Section 10(1)b of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011 (as amended) and thereby committed an offence under Section 18(a) of the said Act and punishable under Section 16 (2)(b) of the same Act.

The complainant, while prosecuting the matter, also filed three different charges against three other companies and their directors.

In charge number: FHC/ABJ/CR/183/2023, the complainant preferred 20 counts against Winslow Logistics Ltd and Mr Alkali Habib, a director and shareholder.

In charge number: FHC/ABJ/CR/176/2023, Sahams Crystal Investment Ltd and Abdulmumini Haruna are being sued on 14 counts also bordering on money laundering infractions.

The prosecution also filed 10-count charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/183/2023 against Equip Logistics Services Limited and Edwin Iyk Anyadigibe, its director and a shareholder, for failure to comply with the requirements of submitting to the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, a declaration of the activities of the company contrary to the money laundering act, among others.

When the matter involving Velocity Logistics and Ahmad was called, the prosecution counsel, Reuben Atabo, SAN, informed the court that the case was scheduled for arraignment and hearing of preliminary objection.

Atabo, who observed that the defendant was not in court, told the court that the defendant lawyer served them with their notice of preliminary objection on Friday and that they had to work all through weekend to ensure their response was ready.

The senior lawyer said their response, which was yet to be in the court record, would be filed today.

Justice Omotosho held that even if the defendant was in court, the motion challenging the jurisidtcion of the court had to be determined.

Lawyer to the defendants, Abdul Mohammed, SAN, called the court’s attention to media report of the last adjourned date.

Justice Omotosho, who advised lawyers in the matter to be careful of what they relate to public, adjourned the matter until Oct. 4 for hearing of pending applications, including other three sister cases.

Speaking with newsmen shortly after the sitting on the alleged use of media against the defendants, Atabo, who represented the prosecution, said the public had the right to know what transpired in court.

“It is the constitutional rights of the public for them to be aware of what transpired. Court is not a cult where what transpired should be restricted to the courtroom alone.

“But whatever transpired must be properly published to the public. Once that is done, no right of anybody would have been violated. It is part of fair hearing,” he said.

Also speaking on why the defendants were not in court, Victor Opara, SAN, who appeared for Equip Logistics Services Limited and Edwin Iyk Anyadigibe, said every defendant would certainly face his trial any day.

Opara, however, said that if there were germane issues to be sorted out by the court before issues of arraignment would come into place, “then most necessarily, those issues have to be sorted out and actually adjudicated upon as it were.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

===========
Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Electricity workers at work
General News

REA electrify 700 households, businesses in Niger community

By Constance Athekame

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) said it had provided power supply to over 700 households and businesses in Danchitagi community in Niger to cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy removal.

Mr Ahmad Salihijo, Managing Director of the agency said this while inspecting the project on Saturday in Danchitagi

He said that the 200 Kilo Watts peak (KWp) was deployed under the Performance Based Grant programme of the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP).

Salihijo said that the project was part of the programme of the Solar Hybrid Mini Grid component of the NEP under World Bank.

He said that the project was a clear demonstration of how government and the private sector can work closely to bring relief to the people as most of them relied on generators to carry out their daily activities.

According to him, while government provided the grant, PowerGen brought in their technical expertise to develop the mini grid.

“The visit to the site and from the feed backs we are getting, most people in this community rely on generators.

“With this mini grid, the people in the community will buy less fuel and what this means is that with the subsidy removal, this will serve as a palliative to help them cushion the effect of the removal.

“The kind of impact seen here is clear that there is productive use of the power system as we have seen a rice mill, a barber  shop and a cold room and other households connected to the grid, ”he said.

Salihijo said that what REA needed to do with PowerGen was to see how to expand the system to serve more users.

“We are working hard to ensure expansion of the project, based on power supply brought into the community a lot of people are moving in.

“But one good thing is that as long as it remains profitable, the company will continue to provide their expertise to ensure supply to the community,” he said.

Salihijo said that REA had a monitoring and evaluation team that goes round quarterly to ensure effective usage of projects.

He said that the potential of the project was massive and was of great benefit to the community.

Some of the beneficiaries who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) commended the Federal Government for providing them power supply.

Mr Jibrin Giwa said that the project brought relief to them as they no longer need generators to do their businesses.

Giwa said that the community has been enjoying power for over six months and they were grateful to the Federal Government.

On his part, Mr Mahmud Mohammed, a fashion designer said that using the power provided by the mini grid was better and cheaper than using generators. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

==============
Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad
Judiciary

Rural electricity agency MD, others sued over Money Laundering Act

By Taiye Agbaje

Donnington Nigeria Ltd has dragged Mr Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Rural Electrification Agency (REA), and others to a Federal High Court, Abuja on criminal charges bordering on breach of the Money Laundering Act.

Ahmad (2nd defendant) was sued alongside a company, Velocity Logistics & Marine Limited (1st defendant), where he was alleged to be a director and shareholder on 12-count charge before Justice James Omotosho.

The charge is marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/175/2023.

The company alleged that Ahmad aided Velocity Logistics, a designated non-financial institution, between Jan. 2014 and Jan. 2018 in failing to report in writing to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) any lodgement or outflow transaction from the company’s Zenith Bank account number: 016639377 of the sums above N5 million.

This, it said, as required under Section 10(1)b of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011 (as amended) and thereby committed an offence under Section 18(a) of the said Act and punishable under Section 16 (2)(b) of the same Act.

Donnington Nigeria Ltd, the complainant, also filed three different charges against three other companies and their directors.

In charge number: FHC/ABJ/CR/183/2023, the complainant, suing on Federal Government’s behalf, preferred 20 counts against Winslow Logistics Ltd and Mr Alkali Habib, a director and shareholder.

In charge number: FHC/ABJ/CR/176/2023, Sahams Crystal Investment Ltd and Abdulmumini Haruna are being sued on 14 counts also bordering on money laundering infractions.

Donnington also filed 10-count charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/183/2023 against Equip Logistics Services Limited and Edwin Iyk Anyadigibe, its director and a shareholder for failure to comply with the requirements of submitting to the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, a declaration of the activities of the company contrary to the money laundering act, among others.

Upon resumed hearing in the matter on Monday, Counsel to the complainant, Ugbede Idachaba, informed that the matter was scheduled for the arraignment of the defendants.

However, the REA’s MD, Mr Ahmad, and others were not in court.

Lawyers to all the defendants, including Mohammed Ndarami, SAN, who represented Ahmad and Velocity Logistics, and Victor Opera, SAN, who appeared for Equip Logistics, urged the court to dismiss the suits for being incompetent.

They said the charges filed against their clients were incompetent and that the court lacked the jurisdiction to hear the suits.

Ndaram, who said a preliminary objection was filed on June 16, informed that the defendants were not in court because they went on Hajj.

Justice Omotosho adjourned the four suits until June 26 for arraignment and for hearing of the preliminary objections filed by the defendants.

Speaking with newsmen shortly after the proceedings, Opara said a preliminary objection to challenge the jurisdiction of the cour had already been filed.

According to him, our conception is that the whole charge is incompetent and we have challenged the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the charge as constituted, instituted and prosecuted.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Donnington Ltd, in its arguments, said though there had been a long-held rule that a private citizen cannot institute and prosecute crime in Nigeria except with the consent and authorisation of the Attorney-General of the Federation, it said that “the rule has been overruled by the 2022 decision of the Supreme Court in the case of RAPHAEL OBIJIAKU Vs CHIEF JOE OBIJIAKU & 2 ORS (2022) 17 NWLR (PT. 1857) 377 at 405 Paras E- F.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

==========
edited by Sadiya Hamza