News
Ibru’s Loot: Court Orders EFCC To Furnish Details
A Federal High Court last Friday ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to furnish Mr Boniface Okezie, with details of property recovered from Mrs Cecilia Ibru within 72 hours.
Ibru who was former Managing Director of Oceanic Bank Plc, was convicted of mismanagement of depositors’ funds and reckless grant of credit facilities in October 2010.
Some money and property were also recovered from her.
Justice Mohammed Idris, delivering judgment in a suit filed by Okezie, president of the Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria, (PSAN) in Lagos, directed the EFCC to provide the plaintiff with details of the recovered property.
Apart from the EFCC, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), was joined as defendant in the suit.
Our correspondent reports that Okezie had instituted the suit against the defendants in December 2012, under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011.
The plaintiff, through his counsel, Mr Chuks Nwachukwu, had sought among other reliefs, an order of court, compelling the EFCC to disclose the total cash and value of properties recovered from Ibru.
Okezie also sought to ascertain the location of the recovered assets and what portion had been returned to Oceanic Bank and its shareholders.
The plaintiff also required information on the source of funds and amount paid to the EFCC for the prosecution of former bank chiefs in Nigeria.
He requested for the list of criminal prosecution carried out by the EFCC through private lawyers and the reason for not utilising lawyers in the commission.
The plaintiff sought an order compelling the AGF to disclose the list of criminal prosecution carried out by the Ministry of Justice through private lawyers.
He also sought to know why the Ministry of Justice had resorted to the use of private lawyers for prosecution, instead of lawyers in the ministry.
Okezie sought to ascertain the cost of such prosecution by the private lawyers.
Justice Idris, in his judgment, held that the FOI Act required all public institutions to proactively disclose information about their structure and process.
He said that where such information was required, the institution had a duty to provide same within seven days.
The judge said that where a valid reason exists for non disclosure, it should be stated in writing to the applicant within seven days.
Idris held that by the provisions of Section 2 and Section 3 of the FOI Act, the plaintiff was conferred with the requisite ‘locus standi’ to institute the suit.
According to the judge, the plaintiff did not need to demonstrate any specific interest in the information before it is provided for him.
“By the provision of the FOI Act, where an information is sought, public institutions are required to deliver same within seven days.
“Where, however, it declines, it must elicit valid grounds for its refusal in writing to the applicant within seven days,” he said.
According to the judge, it appears that the AGF has not declined to provide the required information, but sought for adequate time within which to collate and serve it on the applicant.
He said that the EFCC, however, had bluntly refused to comply.
“I am of the view that on receipt of the plaintiff’s request, the EFCC had a duty to respond, but in this case they simply kept mute.
“Let me say that none of the defendants has such powers under the law.
“The EFCC had failed to file any counter affidavit stating the reasons for its failure to avail the plaintiff with the required information.
“In my view, the defendant did not show that by its non disclosure, it was protecting the certainty, deliberative or policy making process within the agency.
“The EFCC has not shown that it is protecting the disclosure of information that will constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of the privacy of individuals in the agency, or that would contaminate its court proceedings,” he said.
The judge said he was of the view that none of the information required by the plaintiff threatens the national security.
“Obedience to the rule of law, especially by those who take oath of office in public institutions, is a ‘desideratum’ to good governance.
“Judgment is hereby given in favour of the plaintiff, and the defendants are directed to provide the said information within 72 hours of this judgment.
“The law is the last resort of human wisdom and the court will never sanction what is injurious to the public,” Idris said.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol