News

Ibru’s Loot: Court Orders EFCC To Furnish Details

Published

13 years ago

February 25, 2013

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.

News

Cleric Predicts Breakthrough, Warns of Political and Security Challenges in 2026

Published

2 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Founder and Senior Pastor of Liberty Hour Ministry, Port Harcourt, Apostle Chikadibia John Wodo, has expressed optimism that 2026 will usher in uncommon breakthroughs and good fortune for Nigeria, particularly in the areas of political, economic, and spiritual development, with Rivers State playing a key role.

Apostle Wodo made this declaration in his special New Year message, where he stated that individuals and forces standing as obstacles to the manifestation of God’s will in the new year would face bitter consequences. He cautioned that corrupt political leaders risk backlash from the very people they govern if they fail to change their ways.

The cleric warned against the escalation of political tension in Rivers State and called on residents and religious leaders to intensify prayers for lasting peace. He also urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to remain resolute in leadership, reminding him to uphold his vows to God by continually seeking divine guidance in decision-making and governance amid evolving challenges.

Assessing the broader national situation, Apostle Wodo called on Nigerian leaders to repent and govern with a heightened sense of responsibility, noting that the cries and supplications of the masses have drawn divine attention. He further warned of alleged plots to disrupt a smooth democratic transition in 2027 and appealed for prayers to avert such an agenda.

According to him, Nigerians are yearning for genuine socio-economic transformation and freedom from political oppression. He challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeem its credibility by ensuring free, fair, and credible elections devoid of undue political interference.

The cleric also predicted that insecurity could worsen in the coming year and warned of the possible emergence of a strange ailment, stressing that Nigeria’s political challenges can only be resolved through equity, fairness, and justice, especially in the treatment of minorities, the vulnerable, and the disadvantaged.

Apostle Wodo further claimed that some clerics and General Overseers have compromised their faith and incurred divine displeasure, calling for sincere repentance to restore their relationship with God. He also advised early preparedness to mitigate natural disasters such as fire outbreaks and flooding, particularly in rural communities.

He concluded by urging Nigerians to remain prayerful, vigilant, and united as the nation navigates the opportunities and challenges of 2026.

News

Ado Royal Family Disowns Alleged Installation of Amanyanabo of Okrika

Published

2 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Ado Royal Family of Okrika has firmly disassociated itself from the alleged self-enthronement of Hon. Godknows Tam George as the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head, describing the action as unlawful, illegitimate, and a threat to the peace of the ancient kingdom.

The family, which described itself as the sole legitimate custodian of the history, traditions, and stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika, stated that it has not installed any king and has not commenced the formal process for such installation.

This position was contained in a statement jointly signed by Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan (Ogan Ado Royal House), Alabo Engr. Henry Semenitari Abam (Abam Ado Royal House), and Alabo Prince Oriyeorikabo Fibika (Fibika Ado Royal House). The statement was presented to journalists on Friday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.

According to the statement, the purported action by Hon. Tam George amounts to “a blatant assault on the collective integrity of the Okrika people” and constitutes “a criminal act of impersonation with the potential to destabilize the peace and socio-political fabric of our ancient kingdom.”

The family stressed that Hon. Tam George was never presented as a candidate by the Ado Royal Family and did not undergo any of the mandatory rites, consultations, or confirmations required by Okrika customs.

“The Ado Royal Family has never presented him as a candidate, nor has he undergone any of the prerequisite rites, consultations, or confirmations. His actions are those of a lone interloper, operating in a vacuum of legitimacy,” the statement read.

It further emphasized that the stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head is a sacred institution rooted in centuries-old traditions and spiritual heritage, not something to be claimed through academic qualifications, political ambition, or personal interest.

Speaking during the briefing, Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan reiterated that the process of crowning an Amanyanabo is clearly defined and has not yet begun.

“To crown a king, there is a process, and those processes have not taken place,” he said. “We are the chiefs; we are the ones that will be part of the selection. Honestly, we have not started the selection process; we have only begun discussions.”

He explained that during the proper selection process, chiefs supervise nominations from each constituent house, with each house expected to nominate two or three candidates—steps which, he noted, have not been carried out.

“I want to assure the public that none of the Ado family chiefs has given Hon. Tam George any sign of approval,” Prof. Fyneface-Ogan added.

Efforts to obtain the reaction of Hon. Godknows Tam George proved unsuccessful. Repeated attempts through phone calls, text messages, and WhatsApp messages were unsuccessful, as he did not respond as of the time of filing this report.

By: Tonye Orabere

News

PH Traders Laud RSG’s Fire Safety Sensitisation Campaign

Published

2 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

Traders in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have commended the Rivers State Government (RSG) for its ongoing fire emergency and safety sensitisation campaign across major markets in the state.

Speaking on behalf of traders at Nowa Market, Borikiri Old Port Harcourt Township, the market chairman, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, praised Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara for initiating the awareness programme in designated markets and public places.

Chukwuma described the exercise as timely and impactful, noting that it was the first time the Rivers State Government had carried out such a campaign in Nowa Market. According to him, the sensitisation would educate traders on fire emergencies and the necessary precautions to prevent outbreaks.

He urged traders to strictly apply the safety measures taught during the campaign, both during business hours and after closing their shops.

“I want to thank the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Ministry of Special Duties for coming to our aid, especially during this dry season,” Chukwuma said.

“This is the first time we are seeing government presence in our market in this manner. We lack words to thank our God-sent governor, particularly for providing us with fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment.

“We will do exactly what we have been taught today to ensure there is no fire incident in our market. We will always switch off all electrical appliances before closing for the day,” he added.

Similarly, the Chairman of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, Mr. Gift Nkesi Benjamin, applauded the state government for the distribution of fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment.

“We will adhere strictly to the safety guidelines and instructions given to us today to ensure there is no fire outbreak in our market,” Benjamin stated.

“On behalf of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, I sincerely thank the Rivers State Government and the Ministry of Special Duties for bringing this important campaign to our market.”

At Rumuwoji Market (popularly known as Mile 1 Market), the Chairman, Chief Hon. Godpower O. Wobo, also expressed gratitude to the state government for the sensitisation exercise. He assured that traders would comply fully with government directives to prevent future fire incidents.

Responding on behalf of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties, Mr. Sokari D. P. George, thanked the traders for their cooperation and warm reception.

He emphasised that safety remains paramount, especially during the dry season, and urged traders to be cautious in their daily activities.

Mr. George disclosed that the theme of the 2025 fire safety campaign is “Controlled Fire Is a Friend, Uncontrolled Fire Is an Enemy.”

He cautioned against refuse and bush burning around buildings and warned traders not to store fuel in unauthorized places such as homes, offices, markets, or public buildings.

“Follow all fire safety guidelines and instructions,” he urged.

The permanent secretary also noted that Governor Fubara prefers a zero-fireworks approach during festive periods to ensure public safety, stressing that the government has invested heavily in markets and expects traders to take responsibility for protecting them.

By: Kiadum Edookor