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Commotion Over Freezed Accounts of Dilly Motors and Why a Bayelsa State Based Company is Suing them

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Sequel to the motion ex parte prayed by the State High Court in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa state capital to freeze the Dilly Motors company accounts in two commercial banks on allegation bordering on N2.5bn car deal, the allegation has been denied by appellant.

It was gathered that Solalina Mass Transport Limited had entered into a contract with Dilly Motors to on their behalf and benefit pursue contracts for the supply of vehicles.

Contract terms between both parties stipulate that if successful, Solalina Mass Transport Limited would receive an agreed commission as ‘finders’.

The deal was sealed and the company successfully pursued the opportunity for Dilly Motors, but trouble started when after receiving almost full payment for the job, Dilly Motors refused to pay the company their fees and there was a breach of contract.

In a swift, Solalina Mass Transport Limited dragged Dilly Motors and its owner Okwudili Umenyiora to court over breach of contract by both parties.

The matter was fixed for and came up for hearing on Tuesday, July 21 at the Bayelsa State High Court presided by Justice T.I Cocodia. All parties including banks were served.

In the hearing, counsel to Dilly Motors Mr. Chijioke Emeka filed for out of court settlement and since Solalina did not oppose the application, the court ruled the matter be settled by arbitration and the matter was adjourned sine-die.

Counsel to Solalina Barrister Timi Woko hinted after the Court sitting to our correspondent that he did not oppose the application because all along, his client had tried to have this matter settled amicably to no avail and that it had taken his client to sue them before they are here applying for out of court settlement. That should they have done what was demanded of the legitimate contract long ago, “we would not be here.”

Meanwhile, while the civil case was ongoing, Solalina had petitioned Okwudili Umenyiora to the police for fraud and the police in the course of investigation had obtained two court orders from a High Court presided by Justice Omukoro with one freezing some of the accounts of Dilly Motors and another granting access to their bank accounts information.

Umenyiora denied the syndicated the report that two of its bank accounts were ordered frozen by a Bayelsa State High Court pending a police criminal investigation.

Dilly Motors claimed that the ex parte application by the Police in Suit No. SHC/11M/2020 on 13th July, 2020 to freeze its accounts was not granted.

However, court papers made available to our correspondent revealed that all official bank accounts of Dilly Motors have been frozen, contrary to the denial of Mr. Umenyiora.

It was gathered that the frozen of the company’s bank accounts have further damaged the reputation of the Dilly Motors, a company which has on several occasions been controversial.

Further investigations revealed that the Department of State Services (DSS) also invited Dilly Motors and its owner Umemyiora on issues bordering on economic sabotage in the vehicle purchase.

According to a close source, the company’s boss earlier admitted to close associates that he was grilled by the DSS on allegations that he failed to pay proper custom tariffs, obtain necessary licenses for armored vehicles imported and supplied by his company.

Recall that in 2016, Dilly Motors was fingered in an alleged N1.5 billion vehicle purchase fraud for the Goodluck/Sambo Campaign Organisation to prosecute the 2015 general election.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) moved in to recover 47 Sports Utility Vehicles and 100 motorcycles from a former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Power.

The sum of N300 million was traced to Dilly Motors Ltd who produced documents that indicated delivery of vehicles worth more than N1.5 billion and that part of these included the said money traced to the company.

Investigations are ongoing between Solalina Motors and Dilly Motors as court is expected to fix a new date on the matter.

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Prominent ADC Leaders Storm INEC Hqrs in Protest Against Dictatorship

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A group of Nigerians on Wednesday took their protest to the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, calling for the removal of the commission’s chairman.

The demonstration is part of the ongoing “Save Democracy” movement gaining attention across the country.

The protesters gathered early at the INEC premises, dressed in branded T-shirts bearing the inscription “Operation Save Our Democracy.”

Many of them also held placards in red and white, with different messages expressing dissatisfaction with the current state of the nation’s electoral system.

Eyewitnesses said the protest remained largely peaceful but loud. The crowd chanted solidarity songs and voiced strong demands for reforms.

A common chant heard at the scene was “We no go gree,” as demonstrators moved in groups around the entrance of the commission’s office. Some protesters also raised specific demands, shouting “INEC Chairman Amupitan must go.”

In a video seen by POLITICS NIGERIA, several well-known activists and political supporters were present at the protest. Supporters of Aisha Yesufu, Mama Pee, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and other civic voices were visibly active in the demonstration.

The video showed a charged atmosphere, with participants waving placards and engaging in coordinated chants.

Security presence around the area was noticeable but not aggressive. Officers were stationed at strategic points to monitor the situation and ensure that activities did not get out of hand. There were no immediate reports of violence or arrests as of the time of filing this report.

Another clip circulating online showed key figures within the opposition coalition preparing to join the protest. Prominent leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and David Mark, were seen mobilizing supporters at Maitama Roundabout in the Federal Capital Territory.

The group appeared to be gearing up for a larger convergence as part of the same demonstration.

As the protest continues to gather momentum, it remains unclear what immediate response will come from the electoral body or the federal government.

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Windstorm Destroys Wike’s Newly Built Abuja Bus Terminal

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A windstorm accompanied by heavy rainfall on Tuesday damaged parts of the newly built Kugbo Bus Terminal in Nyanya, Abuja, raising concern among residents and commuters in the area.

A statement by Lere Olayinka, spokesperson for the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, said the storm, which hit in the afternoon, also affected nearby infrastructure, including the Nyanya pedestrian bridge and several surrounding buildings.

Despite the visible damage, authorities confirmed that no casualties or property losses were reported.

“From preliminary reports, no one was injured, and no vehicle was damaged,” the statement noted.

In response to the incident, the statement said Wike had ordered immediate measures to ensure safety and restore order in the affected area.

“To prevent a breakdown of law and order, as well as ensure the free flow of traffic, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has directed that security personnel be deployed to the scene, while immediate action will be taken to repair the damages caused by the windstorm,” the statement added.

The incident comes amid growing public concern over delays in the commencement of operations at key bus terminals in the FCT.

Reports indicate that residents have repeatedly urged the FCT administration to fast-track the opening of the Kugbo and Mabushi terminals, which were completed months ago but remain non-operational.

Commuters say the delay has worsened transportation difficulties, particularly for those living in satellite towns such as Nyanya and Karu. Many believe the terminals, once operational, will help regulate transport activities, reduce congestion, and improve safety.

Wike had recently assured residents that operations would begin soon after the Federal Executive Council approved a public-private partnership arrangement for managing the facilities.

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Otti Rallies S’East Govs, Others to Revamp Law School Campus in Enugu

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Abia State governor, Alex Otti, has drawn the attention of former and incumbent governors of the five South-East states to make positive contributions towards fixing the decaying Law School campus in Enugu.

Reports said that Otti has requested the Chairman of the Council of Legal Education, Emeka Ngige (SAN), to formally write to the governors of the region on the urgent need to rebuild and upgrade the Enugu campus of the Nigerian Law School.

Governor Otti also expressed his readiness to collaborate with his counterparts across the zone to give the campus a comprehensive facelift.

Otti made this known during a meeting of the South East Law Development Initiative (SELDI) held at the Michael Okpara Auditorium in Umuahia.

This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha.

Responding to concerns raised at the meeting, Governor Otti stated that upon receipt of the formal communication, he would personally engage other South-East governors to pursue a collective intervention aimed at addressing the inadequate infrastructure and deteriorating facilities at the institution.

The governor was reacting to an appeal by Chief Ngige (SAN), who also serves as Chairman of the Council of Legal Education. Chief Ngige drew attention to the deplorable condition of the existing facilities at the Enugu campus and called for urgent support.

In his response, Governor Otti advised Chief Ngige to formally write to the Chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum and copy him, assuring that he would use the platform to mobilize regional support for the rehabilitation of the campus.

Otti further highlighted that his administration is currently developing what is projected to become one of the best law faculties in Nigeria at Abia State University.

While commending legal practitioners for their critical role as the “last hope of the common man,” the governor urged members of the legal profession to actively participate in politics.

He emphasized that governance should not be left solely in the hands of individuals who depend entirely on politics for their livelihood.

The governor, who briefly stopped by the meeting on his way to attend the wedding reception of his younger sister, expressed appreciation for the contributions of lawyers to society.

“Thank you for what you do for our people. Anyhow you look at it, without the gentlemen of the Bar – and, of course, the Bench – the hope of the common man would be lost,” he said.

“We may not have gotten everything right, but the fact that when someone is oppressed, treated unfairly, or feels their rights have been violated, there is somewhere to turn to – that is what sustains hope.”

Speaking further on  political participation, Governor Otti urged professionals across the South-East— – ncluding those from Imo State, Enugu State, and Anambra states – to take a more active role in governance.

“Because we have labeled politicians in a certain way, many of us stayed away. But the decisions they make affect every aspect of our lives,” he added.

Quoting the Greek philosopher Plato, the governor noted that one of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is being governed by less competent individuals, stressing that such a situation undermines the right to complain about poor leadership.

“We need people who have alternative means of livelihood—people who do not depend on politics to survive—to get involved in governance,” he said.

Governor Otti also expressed gratitude to the senior lawyers for their commendation of his administration’s achievements.

He noted that although his government inherited a challenging situation upon assumption of office, his focus remains on transforming the state and driving sustainable progress.

Earlier in his remarks, Chief Ngige thanked the governor for attending the meeting despite his tight schedule.

He explained that SELDI comprises Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) from the South-East, established to advance the legal profession in the region and provide advisory support when needed.

Members of the group commended Governor Otti for his visible infrastructural strides, noting that they had personally observed significant improvements across

They also pledged to provide pro bono legal services in support of the state government.

The Abia State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ikechukwu Uwanna (SAN) was among the senior legal practitioners present at the meeting.

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