Entertainment

Just in: Alleged N2.5bn fraud: Court acquits ex-NBC boss, Modibbo

334

Justice Folashade Ogunbanjo-Giwa of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has discharged and acquitted Ishaq Kawu Modibbo, a former Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) over his alleged complicity in a N2.5 billion fraud.

The court held that the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission(ICPC) failed to establish the allegation.

The court further ruled that the ICPC was unable to establish a connection between the defendant and the alleged offence, beyond the conflicting testimonies of the witnesses.

As a result, the court discharged him of the five-count amended charge brought against him, Dipo Onifade, and Pinnacle Communications Ltd by the anti-corruption agency.

Persecondnews recalls that one of the defendants, Sir Lucky Omoluwa, had passed away during the trial, prompting the ICPC to amend the initial 12-count charge to five counts.

The ICPC alleged that the defendants were involved in irregularities surrounding the award of a N2.5 billion Digital Switch Over (DSO) contract.

It further alleged that Modibbo deceived the Minister of Information and Culture into approving a N2.5 billion payment to Pinnacle Communications Limited, a private company owned by his friend, Omoluwa, who was also a defendant in the case.

The ICPC also alleged that Omoluwa, whose company was unqualified for the grant, illegally transferred N537.25 million of the N2.5 billion to a Bureau De Change operator, who then converted it into its dollar equivalent.

According to the ICPC, the Bureau De Change operator personally delivered the dollar equivalent in cash to Omoluwa’s residence in Kaduna.

The defendants allegedly violated Section 26(1)(c) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, an offence punishable under Section 19 of the same Act.

The defendants, who were first arraigned in 2019, maintained their innocence by pleading not guilty to the charges, which were ultimately dismissed by the court on Thursday.

Persecondnews recalls that Modibbo was relieved of his duties by former President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday, February 14, 2020.

Leave a comment

Related Articles

You can’t satisfy everybody, says Asake

Nigerian singer Asake has responded a viral video featuring a man named...

VDM reacts to arrest warrant: ‘I don’t send anybody Papa’

Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has reacted to the...

Annie Idibia plots ‘explosive’ comeback amid marital crisis with 2Baba

There are strong indications that Annie Idibia, the estranged wife of legendary...

Regina Daniels embraces spotlight, ignores swirling marriage controversy

Regina Daniels is taking a subtle approach to addressing the recent speculation...

Kunle Afolayan laments rising work incompetence in Nigeria, calls for better work ethics

Renowned Nigerian filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has expressed deep frustration over what he...

Omoni Oboli excited as Love in Every Word returns to YouTube, surpasses 8 million views

Nigerian filmmaker and actress Omoni Oboli has expressed her delight following the...

I am nobody’s hero, Macaroni fires back

Mr. Macaroni, a popular Nigerian comedian and activist, has reaffirmed his decision...

Lande’s marital crisis gets messier as Baba Tee finally admits having affair with Lande’s wife, Dara

The controversy surrounding Yoruba actor Babatunde Tayo, aka Baba Tee, and comedian...

Regina Daniels insists on using maiden name amid marital crisis with Nwoko

Nollywood actress Regina Daniels has further fueled rumors of a rift with...

Caroline Danjuma fires back at critics: “I keep It real – love It or leave”

Nollywood actress and entrepreneur Caroline Hutchins Danjuma has delivered a fiery message...

Funke Akindele Credits God for Her Success: ‘He Made Me Who I Am’

Amid her continued reign as Nollywood’s box office queen, Funke Akindele has...

Okoye Brothers’ Rift Deepens as Paul Supports Jude, Claims Peter is Behind Legal Battles

Paul Okoye has vowed to do everything within his power to secure...

Regina Daniels’ Social Media Profile Changes Fuel Marital Crisis Speculation

Nollywood actress Regina Daniels has ignited speculation about trouble in her marriage...

Mohbad’s Death: Naira Marley Breaks Silence, Opens Up About His Long-Held Pain

Nigerian singer and Marlian Music boss, Naira Marley, has finally spoken out...

Tunde Kelani reflects on life, legacy at 77

Nigeria’s foremost cinematographer, director, and cultural advocate, Tunde Kelani, has marked his...

Davido conspicuously absent as billionaire Otedola hosts Wizkid, Burna Boy in Lagos home

Billionaire businessman Femi Otedola on Tuesday hosted Afrobeats superstars Wizkid and Burna...

Rapper Vector worries about rising tribalism in Nigeria, warns against its destructive impact

Nigerian rapper Vector has voiced his concerns about the growing trend of...

Wizkid, Reekado Banks reunite, squash 2020 beef with warm embrace

Nigerian music stars Wizkid and Reekado Banks have officially buried the hatchet...

Just in: Court acquits Naira Marley, Sam Larry, others over MohBad’s death, nurse to face trial

Nearly 17 months after the death of 27-year-old singer, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba,...

Fall of Nollywood’s gatekeepers: How streaming platforms ended marketers’ reign

For decades, Nollywood’s marketers wielded immense influence, serving not only as distributors...