Index to Nigerian Newspapers

The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed March 25 to rule on an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission seeking the final forfeiture of $13m linked to Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas Ltd, a company associated with businesswoman Aisha Achimugu. The EFCC alleges that the funds are proceeds of unlawful activity and were used in the acquisition of oil blocks during the 2024 licensing round. According to the commission, the money was allegedly moved through unlicensed Bureau de Change operators and intermediaries to meet signature bonus obligations to the Federal Government. An interim forfeiture order was earlier granted, with the EFCC directed to publish the order for interested parties to show cause. Oceangate has opposed the application, insisting the funds were lawfully sourced and denying any conspiracy. The case underscores Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to strengthen anti-corruption enforcement and financial transparency in the oil and gas sector.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has ordered the newly appointed Interim Management Committee of the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida Golf Club to immediately take charge of its operations. In a statement by his aide, Lere Olayinka, Wike said the committee would work under the Board of Trustees headed by the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem. He stressed that the move aims to restore order and efficiency following internal disputes within the club. The committee, chaired by Dr. Peter Deshi with Yomi Oyelola as secretary, includes nine other members from diverse professional backgrounds. Wike reaffirmed that the IBB Golf Club remains the property of the Federal Capital Territory Administration. This action aligns with the administration’s broader goal of promoting transparency, accountability, and sound governance in recreational and administrative institutions within the Federal Capital Territory.