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EFCC Detains Dep Senate President, Ekweremadu over Property

Published

8 years ago

August 1, 2018

Eric

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has detained Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, for alleged fraud and failing to explain how he came to own 22 properties in Nigeria, the United States, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates.

It was learnt that Ekweremadu honoured the invitation of the EFCC around 9 am on Tuesday but was still in custody as of 9 pm.

A top source at the EFCC told our correspondent that the lawmaker had many questions to answer.

“He came in around 9 am and he is still in our custody. He will be released once we have enough information,” the source said.

When contacted around 9 pm, the Spokesman for the EFCC, Mr Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed that Ekweremadu honoured the commission’s invitation on Tuesday. He, however, could not say if the senator was still in custody as of the time of filing this report by 9.30pm.

It was learnt that the Deputy Senate President was under investigation for allegedly owning about 22 properties some of which he failed to declare in his Asset Declaration Form at the Code of Conduct Bureau.

The Federal Government had in March sought an interim order of the Federal High Court, Abuja, to temporarily seize 22 prime properties/assets of Ekweremadu located in London, Dubai, Florida, and Abuja, that were not declared before the CCB.

The motion ex-parte filed by Festus Keyamo (SAN) on behalf of the Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property was brought before the court pursuant to Section 330 of The Administration Of Criminal Justice Act, 2015; Section 8 Of The Recovery Of Public Property (Special Provisions) Act and Section 44 (2)(K) of the 1999 Constitution.

In an affidavit deposed to in support of the motion ex-parte by Yohanna Shankuk, a litigation clerk in Festus Keyamo Chambers, he stated that from 1999 till date, Ekweremadu had been a public officer and had not earned anything outside his salaries and allowances as a public officer.

He, therefore, wondered where the lawmaker got the money to acquire such properties.

The undeclared assets were identified as: 11 Evans Enwerem Street, Apo Legislative Quarters, Apo, Abuja; Plot 2633 Kyami, Abuja; Housing Estate; Plot 1106 CRD, Cadastral Zone 07-07, Lugbe, Abuja; Plot 2782, Asokoro Extension, Abuja; houses at Citi Park Estate, Gwagwalada, Abuja and Plot 1474, Cadastral Zone BD6, Mabushi, Abuja.

Other properties allegedly undeclared by the senator include Congress Court, Abuja; Flat 1, Block D25, Athletics Street, (24th Street), Games Village, Abuja; and Plot 66, 64 Crescent, Gwarimpa Estate, Abuja.

Properties allegedly owned by Ekweremadu abroad include: Flat 4, Varsity Court, Harmer Street, WIH 4NW, London; 52, Ayleston Avenue, NW6 7AB, London; Room 1903, The Address Hotel, Downtown Dubai; The Address Boulevard, 3901, Dubai; two Flats of Burij Side Boulevard (the signature), Dubai and Emirate Gardens Apartment No. EGG1/1/114, Dubai.

Others are Emirate Gardens Apartment No. EGG1/115, Dubai; apartment DFB/12/B 1204, Park Towers, Dubai; Flat 3604, MAG214, Dubai; Villa No 148, Maeen 1, The Lakes Emirates Hills, Dubai; 4507 Stella Street, Bellavida Estate Kissime, Florida, United States; 2747 Club Cortile Circle, Kissime, Florida, US and 2763 Club Cortile Circle, Kissime, Florida, US.

However, the Peoples Democratic Party had decried the alleged harassment of Ekweremadu, opposition leaders, and voices of dissent, by the Federal Government.

The party accused the government of misusing the anti-graft and security agencies close to the 2019 general elections, stressing that such posed a grave threat to the nation’s democracy.

Reacting to what it described as Senator Ekweremadu’s witch-hunt by the EFCC on Tuesday, the party called on the international community to rein in the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration before it became too late.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Kola Ologbodiyan, in Abuja on Tuesday, the party said, “Just a few days after the EFCC and over 200 policemen practically held Senator Ekweremadu hostage to prevent the defection of the All Progressives Congress senators to the PDP, the EFCC has continued to harass Senator Ike Ekweremadu to cover its shame.

“We wish to remind Nigerians and the international community that this is only the newest in the series of attempts to destroy the senator politically in the run-up to the 2019 general elections.

“It is of grave concern to us that while corruption and corrupt persons abound in the APC, the EFCC prefers to chase after innocent members of the opposition.

“While the likes of Babachir Lawal, Abba Kyari, Ayo Oke, Kemi Adeosun, Abdulrasheed Maina and his accomplices, Okoi Obono-Obla, and scores of others in the ruling APC, with corruption and fraud-related charges, walk free, the anti-graft agencies have continued in its reckless desperation to harass and dent leaders of the opposition in the name of an anti-corruption war that Nigerians and the world have come to see for what it is- persecution of the opposition.

“We warn the Buhari-led administration to desist from this act of highhandedness and witch-hunt of the opposition so as not to torpedo our democracy.

“The panicky APC government cannot be allowed to destroy opposition leaders just a few months to the general elections in the name of fighting corruption.”

The Punch

Featured

I Won’t Be Intimidated, Seun Okinbaloye Replies Wike

Published

8 hours ago

April 6, 2026

Eric

Channels Television anchor, Seun Okinbaloye, has said he is not afraid and will not be intimidated following controversy surrounding remarks by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, while also thanking Nigerians and organisations for their support.

Okinbaloye made this known during a broadcast on Sunday, where he acknowledged the outpouring of solidarity from civil society groups, viewers, and both local and international organisations.

“I sincerely want to thank civil society organisations, our viewers, for your love and your comments and your solidarity… Your support is deeply appreciated and reinforces our collective commitment to truth and accountability,” he said.

The anchor warned that democracy could be undermined if dissenting voices are silenced, stating that “our democracy is in danger if we allow one way traffic in balloting.”

He stressed that his comments were not directed at any political group but at all Nigerians, adding that “this is not a warning to the opposition or the ruling party, but to all Nigerians who believe in the development of our nation.”

Okinbaloye disclosed that he received reassurances regarding his safety, noting “the ongoing reassurance from the Department of State Services,” and also revealed that “I also received a call from the Honourable Minister who clarified that the intention was not as conveyed.”

Despite the clarification, he cautioned against the use of inflammatory language, saying “violent rhetoric or suggestive threats are never appropriate responses to dissent in a democratic society,” especially during an election period when “clear and consistent assurances of safety are critical.”

He added that such statements could create risks if misinterpreted, warning that “we must not create an environment where such statements can be exploited by those with harmful intentions.”

The anchor maintained that he would continue to hold public officials accountable, stating, “I will continue to do what I love, asking the necessary questions, holding power to account… If that commitment comes at a cost, so be it.”

The controversy followed remarks by Wike during a media parley in Abuja, where he reacted to Okinbaloye’s comments on a Channels Television programme discussing the leadership crisis in the African Democratic Congress and its implications for opposition politics ahead of the 2027 elections.

Okinbaloye had raised concerns about the possibility of a one-party state, a position the minister criticised as inappropriate for a journalist.

Although Wike later clarified that he did not intend physical harm, his aide, Lere Olayinka, said the remark was made “in a hyperbolic context… without intent,” explaining that the minister was responding to what he perceived as the anchor’s involvement in political commentary rather than neutral moderation.

Olayinka added, “The Minister never meant that he would shoot Seun Okinbaloye. What he meant was that he was angry seeing Okinbaloye descending into the political arena by speaking as an interested party, instead of an interviewer.”

However, Amnesty International Nigeria condemned the minister’s statement, describing it as “reckless and violent,” and warning that such language could incite attacks on journalists and undermine press freedom.

The organisation said the remark “carries the danger of normalising violence and encouraging the targeting of journalists for just doing their job,” stressing that such comments from public officials are unacceptable.

Featured

Gov Adeleke Commends MicCom Legacy As Family Launches N150m Engineering Endowment at OAU

Published

3 days ago

April 3, 2026

Eric

The Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, has commended the legacy of indigenous manufacturing firm MicCom Cables and Wires, describing it as a symbol of Nigerian innovation and industrial resilience.

Speaking at the inauguration of a ₦150 million MicCom Memorial Endowment for Engineering Development at Obafemi Awolowo University, Adeleke said the company’s founders, the late Engr. Michael Ayantunde Ponnle and Engr. (Mrs.) Comfort Olufunke Ponnle, demonstrated that Nigerian engineers can compete globally.

Delivering his address, Governor Adeleke described the occasion as both a moment of remembrance and a celebration of a legacy that continues to shape the future of engineering in Nigeria.

“We are remembering two exceptional lives, while celebrating a legacy that continues to build, teach, and inspire even beyond their passing,” the governor said.

He highlighted the pioneering roles of the late couple in advancing indigenous manufacturing through MicCom Cables and Wires, at a time when Nigeria heavily relied on imported engineering technologies. Their bold commitment to local innovation, Adeleke noted, demonstrated the capacity of Nigerian engineers to compete on the global stage.

The governor emphasized that the Ponnles exemplified a rare partnership built on shared vision and complementary strengths, with Engr. Michael Ponnle providing leadership in enterprise development, while Engr. (Mrs.) Comfort Ponnle was known for her technical discipline and operational excellence.

Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of MicCom Cables & Wires Ltd, Bukola Adubi, stated that the endowment is designed to sustain their parents’ legacy while supporting the development of future generations of engineers.

“The endowment being inaugurated today is more than a ceremonial gesture; it is a purposeful commitment to the future of engineering, innovation, and technological advancement in Nigeria. Established in honour of Late Engr. Michael Ayantunde Ponnle, FNSE, OON, OFR, and Late Engr. (Mrs.) Comfort Olufunke Ponnle, FNSE, the fund seeks to immortalize their remarkable legacy while creating a lasting platform for the development of future engineers,” she said.

Adubi added that the Ponnles were pioneers in Nigeria’s industrial sector, having founded one of the country’s first indigenous cable manufacturing companies at a time when local production capacity was still evolving.

Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Simeon Bamire, described the MicCom Memorial Endowment Fund as a visionary initiative that will create opportunities for future engineers through scholarships, research support, and upgraded facilities.

“The ₦150 Million MicCom Memorial Endowment Fund represents a strategic investment in engineering education and innovation. This fund will foster academic excellence through cutting-edge research, provide scholarships to deserving students, upgrade facilities, and nurture the next generation of engineers equipped to tackle Nigeria and Africa’s most pressing technological and infrastructural challenges,” he said.

The inauguration ceremony brought together dignitaries from academia, government, industry, and traditional institutions, including Chairman, Ovation Media Group, Chief Dele Momodu, celebrating the enduring legacy of the Ponnles and their contribution to Nigeria’s engineering and manufacturing sectors.

Featured

ADC: Timi Frank Warns INEC, APC Against Setting Nigeria on Fire, Seeks America’s Intervention

Published

4 days ago

April 2, 2026

Eric

A former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has warned that recent actions involving the African Democratic Congress (ADC) could destabilise Nigeria’s democratic system if not urgently addressed.

Frank also called on the United States government, including President Donald Trump, to intervene in safeguarding democracy in Nigeria.

In a statement issued in Abuja, Frank reacted to a decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to suspend recognition of the leadership of the ADC, including that of David Mark, as well as a rival claim by Nafiu Bala Gombe, pending the determination of a suit before a Federal High Court in Abuja.

He alleged that the development reflects a growing pattern of interference in opposition parties, warning that such actions could “set Nigeria on fire.”

“INEC and the APC-led government appear to be taking steps that threaten the very foundation of our democracy,” Frank said, adding that recent developments suggest a coordinated attempt to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Frank drew parallels with the regime of former Head of State, Sani Abacha, alleging that current trends mirror past efforts to suppress democratic institutions.
He also expressed concern over the actions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, claiming they signal a drift towards authoritarianism.

“Recent developments raise serious concerns about the future of democratic governance in Nigeria,” he said.
The activist further alleged that internal crises within opposition parties—including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party, Social Democratic Party (SDP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)—may have been influenced by external forces, warning that the situation is now extending to the ADC.

He also accused the judiciary of being used to frustrate opposition parties through questionable rulings and called on the international community to impose sanctions, including visa restrictions, on electoral and judicial officials found culpable.

“The courts have been used to thwart democratic processes with frivolous decisions,” he alleged.

Frank further claimed that opposition figures were being targeted through arrests and legal actions, warning that the country could face instability if the situation persists.
“Nigeria is heading towards a crisis that may be difficult to contain if urgent steps are not taken,” he said.

He urged Nigerians, civil society organisations, and professional bodies—including the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), and the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC)—to speak out in defence of democracy.

He maintained that Nigerians have historically resisted anti-democratic tendencies and would continue to do so.

“Freedom of association and the right to choose must be protected. Enough is enough,” he said.