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Shock Verdict: Court Frees Oyo-Ita After Six-Year EFCC Corruption Trial.

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The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday discharged and acquitted former Head of Service of the Federation, Winifred Oyo-Ita, of money laundering allegations involving ₦570 million.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

reports that the ruling came six years after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed an 18-count charge against her and eight others over alleged fraud, kickbacks, Duty Tour Allowances, estacodes, and conference-related payments.

Justice James Omotosho, delivering judgment on separate no-case submissions filed by Oyo-Ita and her co-defendants, held that the applications were meritorious and that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case requiring the defendants to enter a defence.

The judge described the EFCC’s case as “built on speculation, suspicion, and poor investigation,” adding that it lacked credible evidential backing.

“I must say here that the case presented by the prosecution has no weight whatsoever,” he stated.

EFCC Failed To Prove Key Elements – Court

Justice Omotosho ruled that the EFCC failed to establish the essential element of a predicate offence required to sustain money laundering charges.

He explained that before such a charge can stand, the prosecution must first prove that the funds in question originated from unlawful activity.

According to him, this crucial requirement was completely absent in the case.

“The prosecution did not provide any evidence to show that the monies were derived from illegal activity,” the judge said.

He noted that simply linking payments to the Federal Ministry of Power without showing what the funds were for was not sufficient, stressing that criminal trials must be based on proof and not assumptions.

The court further held that there was no complaint from the Ministry of Power alleging illegal disbursement of funds.

Oyo-Ita Not Linked To Companies – Court

The judge also found that Oyo-Ita was neither a shareholder nor director in the companies mentioned in the charge.

He relied on testimony from EFCC investigators who admitted she had no ownership link to the firms.

Justice Omotosho held that the companies were separate legal entities and could not be automatically tied to Oyo-Ita merely because she was a signatory to some accounts.

He added that the prosecution failed to show that the contracts in question were unlawfully executed, noting that witnesses confirmed they were properly approved.

Allegations On Allowances Not Proven

On claims relating to estacodes and Duty Tour Allowances, the court held that the EFCC failed to prove that Oyo-Ita received payments for trips she did not undertake.

The judge said no evidence was presented showing specific journeys, approvals, or travel records.

He also noted that no audit queries or administrative actions were issued against her, which would ordinarily be expected if such infractions occurred.

According to him, the prosecution relied on assumptions rather than verifiable records such as memos, travel authorisations, or financial breakdowns.

“The evidence on record is completely silent on these essential particulars,” he said.

Confessional Statements Rejected

The court also rejected alleged confessional statements presented by the EFCC, ruling that they were not obtained in compliance with legal requirements.

Justice Omotosho held that the statements were taken without legal representation and without proper video recording, contrary to statutory provisions.

As a result, he expunged the statements from evidence.

Defendants Discharged And Acquitted

Relying on Section 303 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, the judge ruled that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case.

He subsequently upheld the no-case submissions filed by all defendants and discharged and acquitted them of the 18-count charge.

“The prosecution has failed to discharge its burden of proof,” he ruled.

Case Background

The EFCC had in February 2020 filed charges bordering on alleged fraud, money laundering, estacodes, Duty Tour Allowances, conference fees, and kickbacks totalling ₦570 million.

Oyo-Ita and her co-defendants pleaded not guilty when arraigned in March 2020.

The prosecution called eight witnesses and tendered documents before closing its case.

However, the court held that the evidence presented was insufficient to require the defendants to enter a defence, bringing the six-year trial to an end.

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“It Was Just A Joke!” Kenneth Okonkwo Backtracks On Bribery Allegations Against Peter Obi!.

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Kenneth Okonkwo, spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar’s 2027 campaign, maintains that he has yet to be formally served with court documents regarding the ₦8 billion defamation suit filed against him by Peter Obi. During an appearance on Politics Today, Okonkwo challenged reports of “substituted service,” arguing that such measures require proof of failed personal service, which he claims has not occurred. While he acknowledged receiving a prior pre-action notice via phone, he insists that no official originating court processes have reached him. Okonkwo dismissed the entire lawsuit as a “joke” and an attempt to intimidate him, reaffirming that he stands by his original bribery allegations regarding the NDC primaries.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The legal standoff between Kenneth Okonkwo and Peter Obi continues, marked by disputes over procedure and ongoing claims of defamation:

  • Service of Process: Okonkwo denies receiving any official court documents, labeling reports of substituted service as “falsehood” and insisting he has not been personally served.

  • The Allegations: The suit stems from Okonkwo’s previous claims that Obi and NDC leaders demanded ₦10 million from House of Representatives aspirants for party tickets.

  • Contradicting Evidence: The controversy intensified when Obunike Ohaegbu, the aspirant Okonkwo cited as his source, publicly denied the bribery claims, leading Obi to file for ₦8 billion in damages and a permanent injunction against Okonkwo.

  • Okonkwo’s Stance: Maintaining his position as a public affairs analyst, Okonkwo refuses to retract his statements, asserting that the lawsuit is merely a calculated attempt to silence him.

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Okonkwo Takes Aim: Peter Obi Is “Inconsequential” – Is This The End Of Their Alliance?.

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ADC chieftain and newly appointed spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar, Kenneth Okonkwo, recently dismissed Peter Obi’s political relevance, labeling him “inconsequential” and a “pretender” regarding the 2027 presidential race. This comment came during a television appearance where Okonkwo refused to discuss Obi further, focusing instead on what he considers “contenders” for the upcoming election. Meanwhile, the tension between the two has escalated into legal action: Obi has filed an ₦8 billion defamation lawsuit against Okonkwo at the Anambra State High Court. This lawsuit follows Okonkwo’s refusal to retract previous allegations—made on June 8—that Obi defrauded aspirants and manipulated candidate lists.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The relationship between Kenneth Okonkwo and Peter Obi has reached a legal breaking point following a series of public disputes:

  • Political Dismissal: During a recent interview, Okonkwo declared that Obi is “inconsequential” to his current political focus as Atiku Abubakar’s spokesperson, further describing him as a “pretender” for the 2027 election.

  • Defamation Suit: Peter Obi has initiated an ₦8 billion defamation lawsuit against Okonkwo in the Anambra State High Court.

  • Origin of Dispute: The litigation follows allegations made by Okonkwo on June 8, in which he accused Obi of defrauding House of Representatives aspirants of ₦10 million each.

  • Stalled Resolution: After Obi’s legal team demanded a retraction and ₦5 billion in compensation, Okonkwo’s lawyer issued a formal response on June 16, explicitly rejecting the demands and maintaining the validity of the original allegations.

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Burna Boy Under Fire: Mother Urges Him To Get Married And Start A Family Immediately!.

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During his 35th birthday celebration on July 2, Burna Boy’s mother and manager, Bose Ogulu, openly encouraged the Grammy-winning artist to settle down. In a Snapchat video posted by associate Richie 7, Burna Boy stated his birthday wish was for “good health and prosperity,” prompting his mother to quickly interject, “Add good wife and children.”....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

  • The Backstory: The singer (born Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu) has previously explained his single status by citing his demanding music career. He emphasized that he refuses to have children out of wedlock or be an absent father.

  • Public Reaction: This lighthearted family moment has reignited online discussions among fans regarding the superstar’s personal life and future plans.

Story 2: Tonto Dikeh Calls Out “Emotional Laziness” in Christian Courtships

Nollywood actress and evangelist Tonto Dikeh recently took to Instagram to advise Christian men against using spirituality as a cover for a lack of romantic effort.

  • The Core Message: Dikeh criticized the “low-effort” approach where men rely solely on spiritual declarations—such as claiming “God told me you are my wife”—to pursue a partner.

  • Call to Action: She urged men in the church to demonstrate genuine intentionality and practical effort. She noted that women in the church still appreciate romantic gestures and gifts, and that using religious language to bypass the actual work of wooing a woman is a “distortion of God’s character.”

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