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Exposed: How NPA Tincan Island Port Manager Sylvester Othuke Egede allegedly diverted N511m government funds through his relatives and companies

by Leading Reporters
written by Leading Reporters

The Nigerian Port Authority, Tincan Island Port Manager Silvester Othuke Egede has allegedly leveraged his position for nefarious activities, including the diversion of N511m funds believed to be proceeds of corruption, using Egede Oghenefejiro and companies linked to him and his family members.   

According to information uncovered by this media outfit, Mr Sylvester uses a series of accounts domiciled with First Bank of Nigeria to receive and move funds suspected to be proceeds of corruption.  The account numbers include First Bank Account Nos 2024456751, (Dollar Account), 2030422407, 2009369654, and 2000646514.

A discreet source told LeadingReporters that Mr. Sylvester uses his personal accounts to corner the government’s funds and thus moves those monies the moment they hit his account.

Our investigation revealed that on the 2nd of February, 2016, Mr Sylvester allegedly received the sum of N315,596,160 (Three Hundred and Fifteen Million, Five Hundred and Ninety-Six Thousand, One Hundred and Sixty Naira via his First Bank Account No 2024456751, described via transaction Code OFT/CAD/FAA/451/ REV TENTATIVE AMT DD 69. 

Mr Sylvester also allegedly received the sum of N105,445,800 on the 15th of February, 2016 via his First Bank Account No 2024456751.  Our investigation revealed that no sooner was this money paid into his account than he moved the fund through his relative, Egede Ogbenefejiro.

In contravention of Code of Conduct and Tribunal Act, Mr. Sylvester Egede also floated Seashore Logistics and Marine Ltd where he and his family members sit on the board as directors and shareholders.  Our investigation revealed that the company with RC no 1875979, registered on the 21st December 2021 has a paid-up share capital of N30,000,000 and is situated at Taofeek Adelekan Crescent, Lagos mainland offers marine and logistics support services. Other Directors of the company include Egede Oghenefejiro, Egede Fancisca, Egede Christy Kevwe, and Egede Francis Oke

Another company linked to My Sylvester Egede’s family member is Bon Apetit Enterprises which owns a series of properties and buildings where it offers both indoor and outdoor catering services.

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Breaking: Mele Kyari allegedly acquires two aircraft from Canada; may have secretly acquired Max Airline

by Leading Reporters
written by Leading Reporters

The Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited NNPCL, Mele Kyari has allegedly acquired two aircraft from Canada, using a proxy identified simply as Mustapha. Kyari is also said to be in secret talks with Max Air which will manage the aircraft for him.

A discreet source revealed to LeadingReporters that the airlines currently undergoing upgrades in Canada will soon join Max Air Limited’s air fleet in a matter of months.

The source also said that the choice of routing the aircraft from Canada was to forestall any possible eyebrow and to avoid the possibility of the transaction being traced to him.

“Using the United States of America for such transaction is considered dicey for a public office holder like Mele Kyari.  Because of Donald Trump, most Nigerian public officeholders avoid transacting with US companies. Those aircraft will soon hit the Nigeria airspace, under Max Air Limited.

Recall that MaxAir was suspended by The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for three months following a near-fatal incident at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano on 28 January 2025, a move Kyari cashed in on and offered to help the airline restore its license and quash the suspension.

The source hinted that a group of Nigerian professionals in the United States of America, the League of Patriots is currently liaising with authorities in Canada to unravel further information on the transaction which they vowed to publish to the knowledge of Nigerians once they finish their investigations.

Engr Mele Kyari has been in the eyes of the storm for years now.  While his friends and associates see him as a patriot who has contributed immensely to the growth of the oil and gas sector in Nigeria, most Nigerians believe that his administration as the head of the oil and gas umpire in Nigeria has been laden with untamed corruption.

All efforts to reach the NNPC Ltd GCEO were unsuccessful as all his known lines were switched off at the time of this publication.

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Exposed: How UBA top officials allegedly stole £138,924 from international Airline Accounts

by Leading Reporters
written by Leading Reporters

Four United Bank of African (UBA) staff have been allegedly arrested for stealing £138,924 (over N270 million) from international airlines’ accounts.

CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the command’s public relations officer, made this disclosure in a statement on Monday. Though the police did not reveal the name of the bank, an investigation by The Witness revealed that the suspects are employees of UBA Plc.

Also Read: Breaking: CBN sacks Deputy Governor’s aide Olakunle Abiola for certificate forgery

“The suspects conspired to siphon funds from UBA domiciliary accounts into personal accounts before redistributing them to multiple destinations,” Hundeyin stated.

“The fraud was uncovered when the UBA detected unauthorized transactions and alerted the police.”

Providing details of the arrests, Hundeyin said, “Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of the following suspects: Shuaib Oluwatobiloba Olaleye, male, aged 27, was arrested on March 12, 2025, in Ogun State. A Toyota Camry 2012/2013, suspected to be a proceed of the crime, was recovered from him.

“Oladunjoye Adegoke, male, aged 33, was arrested on March 13, 2025, in Victoria Island, Lagos. “A Toyota Camry (Pencil Light), suspected to be another proceed of the stolen funds, was also recovered.

“Further investigation led to the arrest of Austin Alfred, male, aged 38, the Supervisor of the bank’s Trade Services Department, and Jude Uzobuaku, male, aged 36, a processor in the same department. Both facilitated the illegal transfer of funds to foreign accounts.”

Police investigations revealed that the stolen funds were initially funneled into an account belonging to one of the suspects before being distributed to multiple other accounts to evade detection.

Authorities are now working to identify additional accomplices and recover the remaining funds.

“The suspects are in custody and will face prosecution as the investigation continues,” CSP Hundeyin stated.
Meanwhile, the police have urged the public to report suspicious financial transactions, reiterating their commitment to tackling economic crimes.

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Breaking News: Wike Revokes PDP Secretariat Land in Central Area, Abuja

by Leading Reporters
written by Leading Reporters

In a stunning move, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has officially revoked the land allocation for the new Secretariat of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the Central Area of Abuja. The decision, announced earlier today, is expected to have significant political and administrative repercussions.

Political analysts have suggested that the move could signal a deepening rift between the ruling administration and the opposition party, especially as the 2027 general elections approach. It remains unclear what legal recourse the PDP will pursue, but the political landscape in Abuja is likely to be further complicated by this latest development.

The FCT Administration has yet to confirm any plans for the reallocation of the land, but sources within the government suggest that the site may be repurposed for other public or developmental use.

As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on the PDP’s next move, as well as the political implications of Wike’s decision on the upcoming electoral cycle.

According to a statement released by the FCT Administration, the land allocation for the PDP’s proposed new headquarters, which had been a subject of controversy since its approval, has now been rescinded. The Minister cited “inconsistent documentation and non-compliance with regulatory procedures” as primary reasons for the revocation.

Wike, who has been at the forefront of several administrative reforms in the FCT, emphasized that the move aligns with his administration’s commitment to transparency and the enforcement of land-use policies in the capital. “The decision was taken in the interest of the public good and to uphold the integrity of our land administration system,” Wike said in a brief statement to the press.

The revocation of the PDP’s new Secretariat land comes as a surprise to many, considering the proximity of the land to the heart of Abuja’s political and commercial districts. The PDP had previously lauded the land allocation as a major step toward consolidating its administrative presence in the nation’s capital.
In response, the PDP condemned the action, describing it as politically motivated and an attempt to undermine the party’s growth and operations. “This decision is an outright attack on the PDP and an attempt to stifle the opposition in the country,” the party said in a statement, vowing to challenge the revocation in court.

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BREAKING: Tinubu appoints Babatunde Ogunjimi as Accountant General of the Federation

by Leading Reporters
written by Leading Reporters

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday approved the appointment of Shamsedeen Babatunde Ogunjimi as the new Accountant General of the Federation.

A statement issued by Tinubu’s media aide, Bayo Onanuga, said the appointment came “after a rigorous selection process.”

He said the appointment takes effect from March 7, 2025, the same day the incumbent AGoF, Oluwatoyin Madehin, is expected to retire.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday approved the appointment of Shamsedeen Babatunde Ogunjimi as the new Accountant General of the Federation.

A statement issued by Tinubu’s media aide, Bayo Onanuga, said the appointment came “after a rigorous selection process.”

He said the appointment takes effect from March 7, 2025, the same day the incumbent AGoF, Oluwatoyin Madehin, is expected to retire.

“Ogunjimi, 57, was first named as Madehin’s successor last December.

“A selection committee later chose him through a competitive, rigorous, and merit-based process involving Directors of Accounts in the Federal Civil Service.

“The committee conducted the process through three stages: a written assessment, an ICT proficiency test, and oral interviews.

“The selection process underscores President Tinubu’s commitment to promoting transparency, excellence, and competence in key public service positions.

“Ogunjimi graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy. He also obtained a Master’s in Accounting and Finance from the University of Lagos.

“He is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria.

“President Tinubu congratulates Ogunjimi on his appointment and urges him to discharge his duties in the service of Nigeria with integrity, professionalism, and dedication,” Bayo said.

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How Cardoso's boy in MINT Mustapha Oladeji Mohammed-Jimoh pockets N60m LR.jpg
Investigation

How Cardoso’s boy in MINT Mustapha Oladeji Mohammed-Jimoh pockets N60m leave allowance as a contract staff

by Leading Reporters
written by Leading Reporters

The last may not have been heard about the untamed looting, fraud, reckless spending and illegality being perpetrated by “Cardoso boys” both in Central Bank of Nigeria and its sister company the Nigeria Security Printing and Minting Plc NSPMP, popularly known as MINT.  This time, a contract staff of MINT Mr. Mustapha Oladeji Mohammed-Jimoh was paid the sum of N60,000,000.00 (Sixty Million Naira) as leave allowance.

Also Read: Breaking: CBN sacks Deputy Governor’s aide Olakunle Abiola for certificate forgery

Mr. Mohammed-Jimoh who was employed as a contract staff in 2024 at the age of 64 years is currently cruising in the United States of America from the said money paid him at the instance of the Central Bank Governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso.

Our investigation revealed that in 2024, Mr. Mohammed-Jimoh was among those ‘pushed’ on MINT by CBN top management team.  During the interview, according to information at the disposal of LeadinReporters, Mohammed-Jimoh’s employment could not fly owing to his age.  He was 64 years old at the time he was interviewed.  Following the pressure mounted by the leadership of Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Mohammed-Jimoh was employed as a contract staff.

Part of his interview report read “Mr Mustapha Oladeji Mohammed-Jimoh has limitations.  He cannot be offered full-time employment as a public servant because of his age.  He is 63 years old and will be 64 by February 2024.  He was born on 19th February 1960.  In line with public service rules, you cannot employ a candidate over 50 years of age.  To be eligible for employment into the Federal Public Service, an applicant must not be less than 18 years of age and not more than 50 years of age. In line with both public service rules and MINT policy, he is above the statutory retirement age of 60 years.  He can only be employed as a contract staff”.

Also Read: Heartless Billionaires: How Dangote Rice, Bua Rice, Golden Agri Inputs Ltd, Wacot Ltd, others pocketed N5.7b meant for IDPs in North-East

But LeadingReporters investigation revealed that Mr. Mohammed-Jimoh enjoys all the privileges of a full public office holder and more, including being provided with lavish amenities.  A discreet source who spoke to LeadingReporters on condition of anonymity said that Mr Mohammed-Jimoh was specifically sent to MINT to amass money for his old age.  The source said he, just like other executive directors enjoy unhindered and easy access to MINT money, while the junior and intermediary staff live miserably.

“MINT pays the worse salary structure.  Worse working environment. You cannot talk about career growth in MINT.  The company is divided between the rich executive directors and the poor workers  The staff who create the wealth are paid peanuts, worse than their counterparts in other Central Bank of Nigeria-owned companies.  On the other hand, those in the executive director cadre enjoy lavish lifestyles and reckless spending that puzzles people.  Recall that it was in the same MINT that a managing director resigned to contest for the governorship election in his home state.  MINT has a notoriety of absurdity in management and reckless spending.  The peak of it started under the former Governor Godwin Emiefele and it has remained unchanged, if not worse under Cardoso.  We only have leadership that appeals to staff to endure but resort to lavish lifestyles themselves”.  The source said.

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Breaking: US closes embassy in Nigeria

by Leading Reporters
written by Leading Reporters

The United States will close its Embassy in Abuja and Consulate General in Lagos on Monday, February 17, 2025, to mark Presidents’ Day.

The diplomatic mission announced that normal operations will resume on Tuesday, February 18.

A statement posted on X on Sunday by the diplomatic mission confirmed the closure and assured the public that normal operations would resume the following day.

Presidents’ Day is observed every third Monday of February in the U.S. to honour past and present leaders.

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Nigerian Police to jettison any arrangement the cooperative has with the United Bank for Africa
Exclusives

Group calls on Nigeria police to pull out its cooperative account from UBA: Alleges backdoor arrangement that shortchanges the police officers’ fund

by Leading Reporters
written by Leading Reporters
…… Nigerian Police to jettison any arrangement the cooperative has with the United Bank for Africa

A group, League of Patriots has called on the Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the anti-corruption agencies, and other stakeholders to uncover the mystery behind moving the Nigeria Police Cooperative Society Limited’s account from First Bank of Nigeria of United Bank for Africa UBA.  The group said that while it is not illegal for a corporate government entity like the Nigerian police to move its account to any bank of its choice, it is an act of corruption if they are induced to do so.

The group called on the Nigeria Police Commission to move in and prevail on the leadership of the Nigerian Police to jettison any arrangement the cooperative has with the United Bank for Africa which currently manages the Nigeria police cooperative fund, over what it described as a corruption-laden arrangement that is shortchanging the police officers.  The group alleges that before the movement of the account from First Bank of Nigeria, UBA went into a devious backdoor arrangement with the then leadership of Nigeria police and made an irresistible offer to the police leadership at that point that culminated in the movement of the fund from First bank of Nigeria.  

Speaking during its monthly delegate meeting attended by delegates from Asia, America, Europe, and Africa, exclusively monitored by LeadingReporters, the group alleged that UBA prevailed on the then leadership of Nigerian police to accept a 5% interest rate for the cooperative fund on paper, while in reality, 7% was the agreed interest rate.  The group said that while 5% accrues to the fund as interest, 2% is fraudulently given to pacify those in the know within the police hierarchy.

League of Patriots is a group of Nigerian professionals at home and in the diaspora that promotes morality in leadership and accountability among elected or appointed leaders in Nigeria.  The group serves as a watchdog and offers creative support to Nigerian institutions for the greater good of nationhood.

“Today, the interest rate on that fund can be as much as 10%.  It is a public fund.  Why will the leadership of the Nigerian police in charge of the cooperative fund accept a 5% interest rate when they can get as much as 10%?  It goes a long way to tell you the behind-the-scene arrangement where individuals are reaping where they did not sow.

“We challenge Nigerian police to initiate and negotiate for a better deal with other banks as a way of proving us wrong”.

“The 5% interest is a hoax that enriches very few.  Let them allow other formidable banks to bid to be the cooperative’s banker.  We are certain they will offer a better deal than UBA.

The Nigerian Police Cooperative Society is believed to be the biggest cooperative society in Nigeria and in Africa.  It has a thematic objective of helping members of the police force and their family members to enjoy better warfare.

All efforts to reach UBA for clarifications on the allegations were unsuccessful as calls were not responded to.

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Breaking: CBN sacks Deputy Governor’s aide Olakunle Abiola for certificate forgery LR
ExclusivesHeadlines

Breaking: CBN sacks Deputy Governor’s aide Olakunle Abiola for certificate forgery

by Leading Reporters
written by Leading Reporters

The Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Olayemi Cardoso has allegedly sacked Mr. Olakunle Abiola, aide to Deputy Governor of Central Bank Ms. Emem Usoro for falsification of National Youth Service Corp, NYSC certificate, LeadingReporters can authoritatively reveal.

A discreet CBN source who is in the know revealed that Mr. Olakunle Abiola, popularly known in CBN circles as Deputy Governor’s Henchman DGH was relieved of his duty upon discovering that his NYSC certificate was forged.

Although, it was learned that following the intervention of Abiola’s principal, Ms. Usoro, and to avoid being prosecuted, Abiola was said to have been given the option of resigning his appointment with CBN.

Mr. Abiola, prior to his shameful dismissal worked for United Bank of Africa, from where Ms. Usoro was said to have moved him to Central Bank of Nigeria.  An insider source said that Abiola had worked with the Central Bank of Nigeria before joining UBA and latter returned to CBN when his principal was appointed a deputy governor.  Others sources said that Abiola unceremoniously left CBN some years back when the bubble of certificate forgery first burst.

Years later, he returned to Central Bank of Nigeria with Ms. Usoro, who immediately promoted him from being her aide to an Assistant Director.

Olakunle Abiola was responsible for facilitating the employment of his old time friend Adesoji Ogungbesan.  Recall that LeadingReporters has previously published the backdoor arrangement that saw Adesoji Ogungbesan being employed as an Executive Director, Corporate Services in one of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s sister company, Nigeria Security, Printing and Minting Plc.  Mr. Adesoji was interviewed and recommended for the position of a senior manager only to end up as an Executive Director through a backdoor arrangement facilitated by Mr. Abiola and his principal, Deputy Governor Usoro.

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Again Kemi Badenoch: Nigeria where ‘terrible government destroys lives’ I don’t want Britain to be like ‘poor’

by Leading Reporters
written by Leading Reporters

The leader of the United Kingdom’s Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch has talked tough again, saying she does not want Britain to be like Nigeria, a poor country where terrible government destroy lives.

Making her first speech for the year, Badenoch said she hails from a poor country which was destroyed by actions and decisions taken by its leaders.

The Conservative Party leader said she would not want to watch Britain become like Nigeria, a country which she said terrible leadership has destroyed the lives and opportunities for its citizens.

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