N14m SURE-P fraud: Trial of ex-Perm. Sec continues June 1

Hamilton Nwosa
Writer

Ad

Tinubu mourns Christopher Kolade, describes him as “one of Nigeria’s intellectual treasures”

By Obinna Uballa President Bola Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to the late Dr Christopher Kolade, describing the respected broadcaster, diplomat, and corporate leader as one of Nigeria’s “intellectual treasures” and a man of “unimpeachable integrity.” Dr Kolade, aged 92, passed away on Wednesday. In a statement issued from the State House on Thursday, Tinubu…

Tinubu names Joash Amupitan as new INEC chairman

By Obinna Uballa President Bola Tinubu has appointed Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following the completion of Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure in October 2025. Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, announced the appointment in a statement on Thursday, saying the National Council of State approved the…

Just In! Council of State Unanimously Backs Prof. Amupitan as INEC Chairman

By Abiola Olawale The National Council of State has given its approval to Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The unanimous endorsement, announced during a high-stakes meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, comes as the country gears up for an off-cycle election, including the…

Ad

A Special Offences Court in Ikeja has fixed June 1 for the adoption of final written addresses in the trial of Clement Illoh, ex-Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity for alleged N14 million fraud.

Illoh is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly stealing N14 million from the defunct Federal Government’s Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P).

At the resumption of proceedings on Wednesday, Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo, granted the prayers of the EFCC Counsel, Mr Nnaemeka Omeha, seeking an adjournment to enable the prosecution regularise its application.

The judge, thereafter, acceded to his request for an extension of time and consequently adjourned the case.

The defendant was arraigned on Oct. 16, 2017 by the anti-graft agency on a three-count charge bordering on stealing by conversion of property to the tune of N14 million.

It was allegedly sourced from the from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

He had pleaded not guilty to the charges with four prosecution witnesses testifying  during the trial.

Illoh was responsible for supervising numerous programmes including SURE-P and allegedly awarded fictitious contracts to himself via his company and friends.

The offences contravened Sections 279 (1), (b) and 285 (6) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011.

Ad

Unlocking Opportunities in the Gulf of Guinea during UNGA80
X whatsapp