The third Prosecution Witness, PW3, in the ongoing trial of Nwachi Chidozie Kingsley, on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, told justice U.P Kekemeke of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Abuja, how the defendant and his entire family allegedly conspired and defrauded her of the sum of $370,000 (Three Hundred and Seventy Thousand United States Dollars).
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is prosecuting Kingsley on a two-count charge bordering on stealing, obtaining by false pretence and criminal possession of fake documents to the tune of $370,000(Three Hundred and Seventy thousand United States Dollars).
One of the counts against him reads: “That you, Nwachi Chidozie Kingsley sometime in 2021 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the High Court of Federal Capital Territory, Abuja with intent to defraud obtained the total sum of Three Hundred and Seventy Thousand United States Dollars($370,000) from Nicole Kierulff Sayers under the false pretence of being a purported payment to finance a contract with Federal Ministry of Works and Housing with Contract No: RC/FGN/0275AN/20 issued to Nwachi Chidozie Kingsley, a claim which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1)(b) of Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act”.
At the resumed trial on Wednesday, Nicole Kierulff Sayers, an American and lawyer by profession in the state of Oregon, United States, was led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Fatsuma Muhammad and the witness identified the defendant before the court as the man who sent her messages on Facebook during her birthday.
“I know the defendant, the defendant messaged me on Facebook on my birthday and he said he was a member of the same spiritual organization with me. We engaged in romantic discussions and phrases and we engaged in conversations that escalated into a relationship of a romantic type,” she said.
Sayers further told the court that the defendant asked her for money to finance the award of a contract by the Ministry of Works and Housing, claiming that some men were threatening his life if he didn’t provide money to secure the contract.
“Before we met each other, he had asked me for money about eleven days before, and his reason for asking for the money according to him was for the award of a contract by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing and alleged that some men were threatening his life, if he did not provide the money to secure the contract.
“He asked me for help, and supplied me with the details of the contract and logo and all the information, I believed that because I was in a vulnerable state and I had developed an emotional connection with him,” she added.
According to her, the defendant told her that if she gave him $15,000 (Fifteen Thousand Dollars), he would repay her within 45days and she believed him, and transferred the money to the defendant, with an instruction to repay her the money.
Narrating how she transferred the money and how she got to meet the family of the defendant, Sayers said; “I transferred the money using a money transfer app, he received the money and within one week, he asked me to join him in a FaceTime Video with his family. This was his parents’ house and his entire family was there, which included his sister Doris Nwachi, Kenneth Nwachi, sister-in-law Loveline, his father Chizom, his mother Victoria and his alleged daughter Princess who was then two years old.”
Continuing, Sayers said. “One more uncle of his, who I don’t think is a member of the family, I think is Bishop Ekeke, he and his mother’s brothers were there. He engaged me in video calls and messages and because of the reputation that I can see from a distance that he had, he is very highly regarded in the Port Harcourt area and I thought that I could trust him, so at the family meeting, each adult member that I met thanked me for saving the defendant’s alleged contract job and so, I didn’t realize that the entire family could conspire against one innocent woman as myself.
The witness further told the court that she had sent a total amount of $40,000 (Forty Thousand United States Dollars), even before she came to Nigeria to meet the defendant.
“Before I came to Nigeria, I sent to him approximately $40,000 (Forty Thousand US Dollars), and we had continued conversation about him paying back knowing that things will change. I arrived in Abuja in late March 2022, and I spent two weeks with the defendant and despite his assurances that he wouldn’t leave me alone for extended periods, he left me alone on countless occasions and I stayed at his rented house in Sun City, Abuja. But because I wanted to get my money; I continued the relationship with him. Several months later, he asked for more money, a minimum of 125 transactions. The reason he gave me fall into several categories such as medical contingencies, surgeries, malaria treatment and other categories, such as supplies on the government contracts because he didn’t have the money for the government. He used emotional manipulation and gas lighting.”
“The total amount, and to my best estimate, was well over $200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Dollars), in a period of twelve months, January to December. On a few occasions, he claimed he attempted to wire me money at one specific time. He produced a document that he claimed was a bank document and that he made an attempt to wire me $10,000 (Ten Thousand Dollars).
“He claimed the bank intercepted it, because he said the bank claimed it was an attempted misappropriation of government funds, so he found himself in jail. He asked me to bail him out and I did, and again he asked me to make provisions for bribes to pay for the criminal case, because he attempted to misappropriate government funds
“Finally in December, after pleading and begging, and showing him my desperation, he agreed to wire more money to me and asked for the bank details and he said “I will do it tomorrow”. Few days later, I asked him, did you wire the money to me and he said no. That was when I realized that I will never see a penny from him again,” she stated.
Thereafter, the matter was adjourned till November 7, 2024 for continuation of trial.
Media & Publicity
July 5, 2024
Omo-Agege salutes James Manager at 64
Immediate past Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has felicitated Senator James Manager on his 64th birthday, describing him as a true patriot committed to the service of humanity.
In a congratulatory message he personally signed, Senator Omo-Agege described the former ranking Senator as a true patriot and reliable individual who has served Delta State and Nigeria with diligence and courage.
He said: “Your life of public service is without blemish, your courage and tenacity of purpose and your firm commitment to the service of humanity are worthy traits of a true patriot.
“I cannot fail to recall your selfless services when you served in the Senate Committees on Works, Niger Delta, Power, Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Constitution Review among others, where you served with distinction and for the benefit of Nigeria.
“While I congratulate you on your 64th birthday and thank you for your selfless service to humanity, I pray for your good health, strength and continued service to God and mankind,” Omo-Agege stated.
Signed:
Sunny Areh
Media Adviser to Senator Ovie Omo-Agege
July 7, 2024
President Tinubu unanimously re-elected as ECOWAS chairman, reiterates call for regional force
President Bola Tinubu has called on Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS to work towards the establishment and sustenance of a regional standby force for the security and economic advancement of the community.
Speaking during the opening of the 65th Ordinary Session of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government on Sunday, in Abuja, President Tinubu, who was unanimously re-elected the Chairman of the regional bloc, highlighted the expediency of a standby force in the face of growing security threats.
“The Regional Action Plan against Terrorism has enhanced cooperation on training, intelligence sharing, and humanitarian interventions. In addition to this, the Ministers of Finance and Defence met recently in Abuja to raise funds for activating the ECOWAS Standby Force to boost counter-terrorism efforts.
“Member countries are also displaying their commitment to combating insecurity by individually increasing their defence budgets in order to acquire necessary equipment and ensure preparedness,’’ the President said.
President Tinubu urged member states to commit more to providing the needed resources for securing the region.
“Let me underscore that a peaceful and secure society is essential for achieving our potential. As we move to operationalize the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF) in combating terrorism, I must emphasize that the success of this plan requires not only strong political will but also substantial financial resources.
“We must, therefore, ensure that we meet the expectations and recommendations set forth by our Ministers of Defence and Finance, in order to counter insecurity and stabilize our region,’’ the President added.
President Tinubu advised ECOWAS leaders to leverage the capabilities of Nigeria’s National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), which has been widely acknowledged as one of the best on the continent.
July 7, 2024
Press Statement
Edo: Smear Campaigns Against Asue Ighodalo, Effort in Futility-PDP
…Says Candidate Coasting to Victory in September
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) affirms that smear campaigns and frivolous litigations aimed to distract its candidate in the September 21, 2024 Edo State Governorship election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo are all efforts in futility as he is the undisputed choice of the majority of the people of Edo State.
The PDP alerts that it is aware of a well-oiled plot by certain egocentric and overtly ambitious individuals to orchestrate a series of coordinated smear campaigns against Dr. Asue Ighodalo being frustrated by his emergence as candidate, his overwhelming popularity across the State and the fact that he is already coasting to victory in the election.
The Party has been made aware of how these angry and bitter individuals have been going around the courts and reportedly attempting to induce certain judicial officers to procure damaging rulings against our candidate.
It has also come to the knowledge of our Party that these unscrupulous elements have been attempting to compromise the media to publish fabrications against our candidate and campaign.
Our Party have it on good authority that the intent of these individuals who have been holding clandestine meetings in locations in Abuja and Benin City is to cause crisis and derail the democratic process leading to the Edo State governorship election.
Information available shows that these politicians are behind the erroneous report that our Party’s Governorship Primary in Edo State was nullified by the Court when the Court indeed did not issue any Order to that effect.
These individuals have been going about brazenly boasting that they have the connection and capacity to compromise the courts.
Such barefaced boast is a direct assault on the sensibility and pride of the majority of the people of Edo State as well as the institutions of democracy where the Will of the majority of the people must prevail.
Our Party alerts the Institution of the Judiciary, the Media and Security Agencies to be wary of the antics and activities of these elements and take steps to resist their shenanigans which is a clear and present danger to the sustenance of democracy in our country.
In any case, the PDP is not deterred by the mischiefs of these failed individuals as their schemes against Dr. Asue Ighodalo and the people of Edo State have come to naught having already been exposed.
Our Candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo continues to enjoy the solidarity and support of the overwhelming majority of the people of Edo State; he remains focused on his issue-based campaign and will not be distracted from his vision and agenda of moving Edo State to another level of prosperity and development on the platform the PDP.
The PDP calls on the people of Edo State to remain at alert and resolute in their determination to ensure continued development by voting enmasse for the PDP and Dr. Asue Ighodalo in the September 21, 2024 Governorship election in the State.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
ECOWAS 65TH SESSION: PRESIDENT TINUBU CALLS FOR COMMITMENT AND FUNDING TOWARDS REGIONAL STANDBY FORCE, SAYS THE COMMUNITY NEEDS SECURITY AND STABILITY TO ACHIEVE POTENTIAL
President Bola Tinubu has called on Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS to work towards the establishment and sustenance of a regional standby force for the security and economic advancement of the community.
Speaking during the opening of the 65th Ordinary Session of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government on Sunday, in Abuja, President Tinubu, who is the Chairman of the regional bloc, highlighted the expediency of a standby force in the face of growing security threats.
“The Regional Action Plan against Terrorism has enhanced cooperation on training, intelligence sharing, and humanitarian interventions. In addition to this, the Ministers of Finance and Defence met recently in Abuja to raise funds for activating the ECOWAS Standby Force to boost counter-terrorism efforts.
“Member countries are also displaying their commitment to combating insecurity by individually increasing their defence budgets in order to acquire necessary equipment and ensure preparedness,’’ the President said.
President Tinubu urged member states to commit more to providing the needed resources for securing the region.
“Let me underscore that a peaceful and secure society is essential for achieving our potential. As we move to operationalize the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF) in combating terrorism, I must emphasize that the success of this plan requires not only strong political will but also substantial financial resources.
“We must, therefore, ensure that we meet the expectations and recommendations set forth by our Ministers of Defence and Finance, in order to counter insecurity and stabilize our region,’’ the President added.
President Tinubu advised ECOWAS leaders to leverage the capabilities of Nigeria’s National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), which has been widely acknowledged as one of the best on the continent.
The President said his government has decided to make the NCTC a regional centre to enable all ECOWAS member states to benefit from capacity building and other related opportunities it offers.
President Tinubu also advised the management of ECOWAS to re-align and reposition its priorities by reducing overheads and setting up in-country steering committees.
“Difficult economic conditions and inconsistent payment of financial commitments to ECOWAS have contributed to the current plight. To ensure ECOWAS has adequate resources for its programmes and activities, I urge all member states to ensure full compliance with the Protocol on the Community Levy.
“Nigeria, under my leadership, is committed to leading by example in remitting its collected levies to the organization. Nevertheless, the ECOWAS management must also reduce its overhead expenditures and focus on programmes and activities that directly impact the lives of our citizens.
“I am aware of the progress report on the implementation of the ECOWAS Institutional Reforms. I therefore call on the President of the ECOWAS Commission to resume and expedite the conclusion of the second phase of the Institutional Reforms, aimed at reducing the organization’s operational costs,’’ the President said.
President Tinubu welcomed a new member of the Authority, Senegalese President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
“Allow me to further extend warm congratulations to the Government and people of the Republic of Senegal for their steadfastness in the consolidation of democratic governance.
“Their recently concluded presidential election has been widely adjudged as free, fair, transparent, and credible. This achievement is a testament to our region’s commitment to the principles of democracy, good governance, and rule of law,’’ the President stated.
President Tinubu said the 65th session will review the concerns in the region, adding: “We are aware of the enormous challenges, including terrorist activities and violent extremism threatening to spread from the Sahel region towards the coastal states. The political landscape still remains fragile in some member states, especially those that witnessed unconstitutional changes of government.”
While calling for unity within the community, the President emphasized that to elevate the people from poverty to prosperity, it is imperative for ECOWAS to develop innovative approaches to unleash the region’s vast economic potential.
“We must continue to identify and develop partnerships that promote investment in key sectors and promote regional trade. Furthermore, we must invest in our infrastructure and cultivate a conducive business environment to empower our communities to stimulate growth and build resilience against external shocks.
“Together, we can pave the way for a prosperous future for all of West Africa,’’ the President stated.
President Tinubu also called for support in re-electing Ambassador Bankole Adeoye as AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security in February 2025.
In his remarks, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray thanked President Tinubu for his purposeful leadership, affirming that ECOWAS should not be defined by conflicts, elections, and coup d’états, but by development.
Touray said the exiting of ECOWAS by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger will affect citizens of the countries, and other ECOWAS countries, following the need for visas, and the review of all trade and development agreements, including ongoing ECOWAS projects in those countries.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 7, 2024
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU RE-ELECTED AS CHAIRMAN OF THE AUTHORITY OF ECOWAS HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT
President Bola Tinubu has been re-elected as the Chairman of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government.
The President’s mandate was extended at the 65th Ordinary Session of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government on Sunday in Abuja, following the decision of the leaders to ensure continuity and consistency in meeting targets on security, reconciliation, and development.
President Tinubu was first elected to the position in Guinea-Bissau on July 9, 2023.
In his acceptance speech, the President said he would focus on consolidating the values of democracy and upholding the interest of the regional body, which will clock 50 years in 2025.
The Chairman of ECOWAS appointed the President of Senegal, His Excellency, Mr. Bassirou Diomaye Faye, and the President of Togo, His Excellency, Mr. Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, as Special Envoys to Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Republic.
“I have appointed the President of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, to please become our Special Envoy to Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Republic, along with the President of Togo, Faure Gnassingbé, to do around the clock work with our brothers in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Republic, and to coordinate with me and the ECOWAS Commission, where necessary.
“I have accepted to continue the service to the great members and the great minds that are committed to democratic values and our journey in the region.
“I will continue to serve our interest and build on democratic values and the structure that we inherited. Thank you very much,’’ the President said.
President Tinubu had earlier called on Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS to work towards the establishment and sustenance of a regional standby force for the security and economic advancement of the community.
The President emphasized the expediency of a standby force in the face of growing security threats in the region.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 7, 2024