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“We Were Forced To Write Under Duress,” Journalists Reveal In GTBank Defamation Trial
Four journalists standing trial before the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, in the alleged cyberstalking and defamation case filed by Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO), holding company of GTBank, have narrated how they were coerced by the police to write statements without access to legal representation. adsbygoogle || []).push({});
The defendants in suit number FHC/L/774C/2024 insisted that despite their requests to consult with their lawyers, the police forced them to write statements, threatening to deny them custody leave unless they complied.
It will be recalled that the four journalists—Precious Eze, Olawale Rotimi, Rowland Olonishuwa, and Seun Odunlami—were arrested in September 2024 by the Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU), Lagos, following a petition by GTCO accusing them of defamation and cyberstalking.
In their argument, the defence legal team, including Barr. Olakunle Afolabi and Adebisi Adeniyi objected to the admittance of the statements as evidence, arguing that the statements were taken involuntarily and under coercion.
Earlier, during cross-examination, the IPO, ASP Yaqoub Sule, claimed that the suspects wrote their statements in a conducive environment. However, he admitted before the court that the suspects wrote the statements without their legal representatives present, stating that the defendants had informed the police that their lawyers were on their way.
In his ruling, Justice Ayokunle Faji adjourned the trial to Friday, October 25, and asked both parties to provide further evidence to validate their claims.
It should be noted that the House of Representatives recently launched an investigation into allegations of corruption, falsification of financial reports, and money laundering against Mr. Segun Agbaje, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO), and the bank itself. The investigation followed a petition submitted by Alhaji Yusuf Kabiru, President of the Arewa Consultative Youth Movement, and presented by Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi from Delta State to the lawmakers.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee reportedly directed Guaranty Trust Holding Company to calculate and remit the Value Added Tax on commissions received from Remita transactions between 2015 and 2022 to the Federal Government.
The committee, chaired by Bamidele Salam, who represents Ede South/Ede North/Ejigbo/Egbedore Federal Constituency in Osun State, issued the directive during an ongoing investigation into alleged revenue leakages through the Remita platform. GTCO’s Executive Director, Mr. Ahmed Liman admitted that the bank had not remitted the VAT for eight years.
Additionally, the Global Integrity Crusade Network (GICN), a non-governmental organization, stormed the National Assembly on October 3, seeking a legislative probe into alleged “corruption, fraud, and financial irregularities” in the bank.
In a statement signed by Amb. Comr. Adebayo Lion Ogorry, Director of Publicity and Mobilization, the group claimed that a private investigator’s report revealed that under the leadership of Segun Julius Agbaje, GTCO had engaged in unsolicited account openings, declaration of fictitious profits, round-tripping, money laundering, terrorism financing, and the use of customers’ and investors’ funds to pay penalties in the United Kingdom.
The journalists currently undergoing trial had brought these issues to public attention in their publications.
Author Profile
- Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
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Event
One year in office anniversary: ICDA, AMAC Chairman Ebiojo Kebiru Felicitates with Idah LGA Chairman
By Abdulrahman Obaje
Comrade Ebiojo Kebiru Chairman, Igala Cultural and Development Association, ICDA, Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC congratulates Alhaji Alilu Alfa aka Alhaji-Alhaji, Executive Chairman, Idah Local Government Area, Kogi State on the ocassion of his one year in office. js"> googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js">
In a statement issued in Abuja Kebiru said the achievements of Alhaji Alilu within the short period of one year is astoudning.
Comrade Kebiru particularly highlights some of the achievements as the creation of access road in rural areas such as, idiede ward, Ankpa street, Sabon-gari; rural electrification, Ega market rehabilitation, empowerment programmes, etc
He said, As we celebrate this achievements, we pray for wisdom, good health and God guidance as you pilots the affairs of Idah LGA.
“We extend our warmest congratulations to the Executive Chairman as he marks one year of exemplary stewardhip e people of Idah LGA. May Allah continue to grant him wisdom, good health, and astounding success.
Author Profile
- Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
Latest entries
- EventJanuary 30, 2025One year in office anniversary: ICDA, AMAC Chairman Ebiojo Kebiru Felicitates with Idah LGA Chairman
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- NewsJanuary 29, 2025Celebrating Excellence: The Outstanding Achievements of Deputy Governor Joel Salifu
News
Celebrating Excellence: The Outstanding Achievements of Deputy Governor Joel Salifu
By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
Lokoja, Nigeria
As the Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Comrade Joel Salifu has been making waves with his outstanding achievements, which have endeared him to the people of the state. adsbygoogle || []).push({});
One of his notable achievements is his role as Chairman of the Committee on Flood, where he played a crucial part in managing the 2024 floods in the state. His proactive approach and leadership skills ensured that the state was well-prepared to mitigate the effects of the flood, thereby minimizing the impact on the people and their properties.
Furthermore, Comrade Salifu’s diplomatic prowess was on full display when he successfully brokered an amicable settlement to the boundary dispute between Kogi and Enugu State at Ette in Olamaboro Local Government Area. This landmark achievement is a testament to his ability to navigate complex issues and find mutually beneficial solutions. The resolution of this long-standing dispute has brought relief to the affected communities and has paved the way for increased cooperation and collaboration between the two states.
In addition to his achievements in flood management and conflict resolution, Comrade Salifu has also been representing Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo admirably in various capacities. His representation has been characterized by humility and an open-door policy, which has endeared him to the people. He has been a worthy ambassador of the governor and the state, and his actions have consistently reflected the values of the administration.
Comrade Salifu has also been a gracious host to traditional rulers in the state, fostering a spirit of unity and cooperation among them. His doors have always been open to the monarchs, listening to their concerns and working tirelessly to address them. This gesture has not only strengthened the relationship between the government and traditional institutions but has also promoted peace and stability in the state.
More so, Comrade Salifu’s ability to carry traditional rulers along in the governance of the state has been a hallmark of his administration. He has consistently engaged with traditional rulers, seeking their counsel and input on matters affecting their domains. This collaborative approach has not only earned him the respect and admiration of the traditional rulers but has also ensured that the government’s policies and programs are tailored to meet the unique needs and challenges of each community.
Comrade Salifu’s commitment to the welfare of the people has also been evident in his interactions with labor leaders. He has hailed Governor Ododo as a visionary leader and attributed the harmonious relationship between labor unions and the government to the governor’s exemplary leadership style.
Moreover, Comrade Salifu has been actively representing the governor at key events across the state. For instance, he represented Governor Ododo at the inauguration of the Nyamkpo Community Electrification Project in Bassa local government Area. During the event, he reiterated the administration’s commitment to rapid infrastructural development and emphasized the importance of electricity in driving economic growth and improving the quality of life.
In another show of compassion and commitment to the welfare of the people, Comrade Salifu played a key role in the payment of compensation to victims of the GSM Village fire disaster in Lokoja. His efforts ensured that the victims received the necessary support and assistance to rebuild their lives and livelihoods. This gesture was widely applauded by the people, who saw it as a demonstration of the administration’s commitment to their welfare.
Remarkably, Comrade Joel Salifu’s achievements as Deputy Governor of Kogi State are a testament to his dedication, leadership skills, and commitment to the welfare of the people. His efforts in flood management, conflict resolution, representation, and hosting traditional rulers have been outstanding, and his actions have consistently reflected the values of the administration. As he continues to serve the people of Kogi State, it is clear that his legacy will be one of service, dedication, and commitment to the greater good.
Notably, Deputy Governor Joel Salifu’s outstanding achievements are a shining testament to his unwavering dedication, exceptional leadership skills, and unrelenting commitment to the welfare of the people of Kogi State. His impressive track record in flood management, conflict resolution, representation, and fostering harmonious relationships with traditional rulers and labor leaders has been truly remarkable.
These accomplishments are a direct result of the visionary leadership of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, who has been instrumental in driving progress in Kogi State. The governor’s commitment to the welfare of the people, his diplomatic prowess, and his ability to carry traditional rulers along in the governance of the state have been impressive.
Moreover, the wise decision made by Former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello to lay the foundation for the progress Kogi State is experiencing today has been instrumental in shaping the state’s success. As the state continues to thrive under Governor Ododo’s leadership, it is clear that his choice was indeed a good one, and one that will have a lasting impact on the state.
Conclusively, Deputy Governor Salifu’s legacy will be one of service, dedication, and commitment to the greater good. His selfless efforts have made a significant difference in the lives of the people of Kogi State, and his contributions will be remembered for generations to come.
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ICDA FCT congratulate Kogi Gov Ododo on One year in office
By AbdulRahman Obaje
The Igala Cultural and Development Association, ICDA Federal Capital Territory, FCT and Surrounding Towns congratulate the Executive Governor of Kogi State Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo on the ocassion of his one year in office. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js">
In a statement issued by the Director of Media, ICDA, FCT & Surrounding Towns, Prince AbdulRahman Obaje The Chairman ICDA FCT, Alhaji Ahmed Usman highlights Governor Ododo’s achievement within the short period of one year.
Alhaji Ahmed said Some of the achievements of Governor Ododo include committment to workers welfare, alleviating poverty and unemployment, transparency and good governance.
He said, As we celebrate this milestone, we pray for the Governor’s continued good health, wisdom and guidance as he leads the people of Kogi State to greater heights.”
“We extend our warmest congratulations and deepest respect to the Executive Governor as he marks one year of worthy service and exemplary leadership. May Allah continue to grant him wisdom, health, and enduring success.
The Governor’s invaluable role as a unifying force in Kogi State and beyond, and his enduring legacy will continue to inspire others.” He concludes.
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