NEWS

Court orders Diezani Alison-Madueke to permanently forfeit N34bn to FG

Published

8 years ago

February 17, 2017

A Federal High Court Lagos on Thursday ordered the final forfeiture of the sum of N34 billion ($153 million) linked to a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke.

Justice Muslim Hassan issued the order while delivering judgment in a suit by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) seeking the forfeiture of the money as proceeds of crime.

Justice Hassan had on January 6 issued an interim order of forfeiture of the sum of N34 billion to the Federal Government following an ex parte application by the EFCC seeking a similar relief.

The EFCC had initiated an ex-parte application, seeking an interim order for the temporary forfeiture of the sum to FG which it claimed was linked to the ex-Minister.

Also joined in the suit was Dauda Lawal as respondent.

The court had also issued 14 days to any interested party to appear and prove the legitimacy of the money failing which the money would be permanently forfeited to the government.

At the last sitting of the court on January 24, Rotimi Oyedepo and Charles Adeogun, Counsel representing the EFCC and the respondent (Lawal) respectively, had argued their originating processes before the court.

Oyedepo urged the court to make the interim order absolute and ordered a final forfeiture of the sum to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

He also urged the court to order the forfeiture of other sums to which no claim had been laid.

In his argument, Adeogun urged the court to issue an order, directing a refund of N9.08 billion to the second respondent on the grounds that it was obtained by coercion.

He argued that before such forfeiture orders can be made, two essential elements must be satisfied; namely — “that the property in question is unclaimed, and that such property or funds formed proceeds of an unlawful act.

Justice Hassan, in his judgment, ordered a final forfeiture of the unclaimed sum of N23.43 billion and $5 million to the Federal Government.

“I hereby make an order pursuant to Section 17 of the Advanced fee Fraud and other related Offences Act 2016, for final forfeiture of the unclaimed sum of N23,426,300,000.00 billion and $5 million to the Federal Government finally.

In respect of the second respondent, learned Counsel, Charles Adeogun, informed the court that the second respondent filed a counter-affidavit on why the sum of N9.08 billion should not be forfeited.

I have carefully examined the affidavit evidence before the court and I find that the second respondent was duly cautioned in English language before his statement was taken and so, I hold that same was taken without any evidence of inducement.

On the whole, I am satisfied that all the conditions stated in Section 17 of the Advanced Fee Fraud and other Related Offences Act, was duly fulfilled by the applicant.

I accordingly make the following orders — An order for the final forfeiture of the sum of N23, 426, 300, 000.00 billion being unclaimed property to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

An order of final forfeiture is also made for the sum of N9.08 billion recovered from the second respondent to the Federal Government of Nigeria, this is my judgment,” he said.

Before the judgment, Adeogun had informed the court of two of his pending motions filed on February 3 — the first seeking an abridgement of time and the second, for leave of the court to file further affidavits to his counter- affidavit.

He told the court that parties were exploring means of reaching amicable settlement in the matter.

He described it as a common sense approach to resolving the matter, adding that the sum recovered from the second respondent and sought to be finally forfeited, were “gathered from friends and relatives.”

Adeogun added that the facts were not made available to the court at the last adjournment because the instruments with which the funds were paid were still with the commission.

In response, Counsel to the EFCC, Oyedepo said he was not privy to such settlement options, adding that he was only sent to do the “bidding” of his employers.

“If the intention of the respondent is to keep the application in the court’s file in abeyance, I will then pray the court to strike out the applications relying on the authorities of SIEC Ekiti State vs NCP, Newswatch communications Ltd vs Attah and Manuel vs Briggs.

The applications the counsels seek to put in abeyance is intended to arrest the court’s judgment fixed for today.

In all these, the court had held that it is alien for the court to allow its judgment to be arrested once reserved.

It is just like a pregnant woman in the delivery room, getting an invitation to attend a wedding ceremony; in essence, the court is carrying a pregnancy and so, no party should be allowed to terminate it.

The court had given parties adequate time for anyone to complain of rights infringement and so I urge the court to strike out the application so that the coast can be clear to deliver judgment,” he said

The judge, in a short ruling, allowed the second respondent’s counsel (Adeogun) to move his application and thereafter dismissed the application and proceeded with the judgment.

MOVIES

Funke Akindele’s “Everybody Loves Jenifa” Rakes Box Office With ₦511 Million In Just 12 Days

Published

15 hours ago

December 24, 2024

Reporter

Everybody Loves Jenifa rakes box office with ₦511 million | fab.ng

Funke Akindele’s comedy film “Everybody Loves Jenifa” has shattered Nigerian box office records by earning ₦511 million within just 12 days of its release.

FilmOne, the film’s distributor, revealed that this remarkable achievement makes it both the highest-grossing Nollywood film of 2024. It is also the fastest Nigerian movie to reach the ₦500 million milestone.

“History Made! Everybody Loves Jenifa smashes records with ₦511M at the box office, becoming 2024’s highest-grossing Nollywood title and the fastest to hit ₦500M in just 12 days! Don’t stop! Let’s smash the record books. Watch Everybody Loves Jenifa in cinemas near you,” the post said.

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“Everybody Loves Jenifa” achieved unprecedented success by generating ₦206 million during its opening weekend. It established a new record for the highest-grossing opening weekend in Nollywood history.

The film demonstrated its immediate appeal by earning ₦87.8 million on its first day. This set another record for the highest single-day earnings in Nigerian cinema.

Funke Akindele masterfully reprised her beloved Jenifa character, delivering a performance that perfectly captured the character’s signature humour and charm.

The narrative follows Jenifa through an engaging storyline filled with personal growth, fame-related challenges, and comedic situations that resonated deeply with audiences across Nigerian theatres.

Akindele’s marketing strategy proved exceptionally effective. Moreso, she implemented comprehensive social media campaigns and made strategic appearances at various cinemas to connect with viewers.

Her promotional efforts transformed the film’s release into a cultural phenomenon that extended beyond traditional movie-watching.

The film features an impressive ensemble cast including Falz, Omotunde ‘Lolo’ Adebowale-David, Olayode Juliana, Chimezie Imo, Layi Wasabi, Bisola Aiyeola, Jackie Appiah, and Omowunmi Dada.

These actors collectively bring depth to this comedy-drama that successfully weaves together humorous moments, emotional depth, and surprising plot developments.

Check out more movie updates here.

MUSIC

Tems Debut Album Ranks #2 On Billboard’s R&B List Of 2024

Published

5 days ago

December 20, 2024

Reporter

Tems debut album hits #2 on Billboard's R&B list of 2024 | fab.ng

Tems’ Global Impact: A Billboard Recognition

Tems, a global music sensation, has solidified her position as one of Africa’s most successful artists, with her album captivating millions of fans worldwide and garnering numerous prestigious awards.

In a recent testament to her talent, her debut album secured the second spot on Billboard’s list of the best R&B albums of 2025.

This remarkable achievement places Tems alongside renowned artists such as Chris Brown, PartyNextDoor, Muni Long, and Bryson Tiller.

Furthermore, Billboard has praised Tems’ music for transcending the boundaries of Afrobeats, resonating with audiences across the globe.

“The Nigerian star finds her footing in the global spotlight and stands firmly in her purpose on her dazzling debut album Born in the Wild.

“She opens up about surviving her mental wilderness and learning to thrive in it on the opening acoustic ballad that shares the album’s title.

“And on the mid-tempo standout “Burning,” Tems confronts the trappings of her newfound stardom but finds comfort in the collective struggle. As someone who’s studied Céline Dion, Destiny’s Child, and Mariah Carey and dreamt of making soul-stirring songs that send people into their feelings, Tems succeeded with aplomb.

“Born in the Wild became her highest-charting project on Top R&B Albums (reaching No. 5) and marked her career-first entry on the Billboard 200, peaking at No. 56.

“And while Born in the Wild and “Love Me JeJe” earned Tems 2025 Grammy nominations for Best Global Music Album and Best African Music Performance, respectively, her best R&B song nod for “Burning” further reinforced the rich diversity of her music– and the notion that African artists like Tems cannot be bound to the catchall “Afrobeats” term, as their music has traveled well past the borders of the continent. – H.M.”

Tems’ debut album, “Born In The Wild,” received critical acclaim in the United States.

Indeed, the album earned a Grammy nomination for Best Global Album.

Additionally, her single “Burning” broke records by securing a nomination for Best R&B Song. Meanwhile, “Love Me Jeje” received a nomination for Best African Music Performance.

Check out more music updates here.

MUSIC

Adekunle Gold Reveals The Role Pheelz Played In Getting Him Signed To YBNL

Published

5 days ago

December 20, 2024

Reporter

Adekunle Gold credits Pheelz for his YBNL signing | fab.ng

Adekunle Gold marks a significant milestone this December 2024 as he celebrates 10 years since releasing his breakthrough single ‘Sade.’

This debut track, which creatively reimagined One Direction’s ‘Story Of My Life,’ catapulted him into Nigeria’s mainstream music consciousness in December 2014.

The artist recently shared compelling details about his journey to stardom in an industry interview, particularly highlighting his unique path to signing with YBNL.

Before his musical breakthrough, Adekunle Gold cultivated a professional relationship with Olamide through his work as YBNL’s graphic designer, creating cover art for the label’s artists, including Lil Kesh and Viktor.

The pivotal moment in his career arrived when producer Pheelz discovered ‘Sade’ and advocated for Gold’s signing to Olamide, leading to a transformative partnership with YBNL.

Under the label’s guidance, Gold released his debut album, ‘Gold,’ which produced standout hits like ‘Orente’ and ‘Pick Up,’ earning both critical acclaim and commercial success.

AG Baby, as fans affectionately call him, has demonstrated remarkable artistic versatility throughout his decade-long career.

He began his journey by crafting a distinctive urban interpretation of folk and traditional Yoruba music, later evolving into a dynamic pop star with the release of ‘Afro-pop Vol 1.’ His musical portfolio now spans five albums, each showcasing his growth and artistic range.

The singer-songwriter has established himself as one of Nigeria’s most accomplished artists, earning recognition for his exceptional songwriting abilities and commanding stage presence.

His performances continue to captivate audiences across Africa, solidifying his position as a leading figure in the continent’s music scene.

Gold’s journey from a graphic designer to a celebrated musician exemplifies his artistic versatility and dedication to his craft, marking him as one of Africa’s most sought-after performers.

Check out more updates here.