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N2b fraud: How FIRS official Ita dented her career, diverted public funds to her private school, Surestart School Ltd
A prosecution witness, on Monday, told the Federal High Court in Abuja how the Head of Stakeholders Unit of the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) Emmanuella Ita, allegedly diverted large sums of money belonging to the FIRS unit to her private school, Surestart School Ltd.
Ms Ita ran Surestart School Ltd while serving as the Head of Stakeholders Unit of the FIRS, according to a press statement by by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday.
Testifying as the sixth prosecution witness (PW6) on Monday, Ijeoma Maltida, an EFCC investigator, told the court that the funds allegedly diverted by Ms Ita were meant for certain projects to be executed by her unit at the FIRS.
The witness, who was being cross-examined by defence lawyer, Paul Erokoro, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), said the funds meant for the projects were traced into her account with the payment narration.
She told the trial judge, Folashade Ogunbanjo-Giwa, that investigations showed that the same funds were sent directly into the account of the second defendant, Surestart School Ltd.
“When she came to our office, we took her statement, we were cordial with her, and she was treated very well with utmost respect.
“While she was with us for reconciliation, she started bringing documents, and she also opted to pay back for some reconciliation she could not account for. She said in her statement that she will pay back the money. I don’t know where she got the money from, and so far, she has refunded about N17million, though she told us that she benefited about N5million from the program,” the statement by the EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, quoted the witness as saying.
The witness added: “I don’t know the standard practice of sourcing for funds before asking for reimbursement, and it is not within the scope of our investigation. All I know is that she undertook some of the stakeholders’ events, and we saw that those monies that came from FIRS went directly into the account of the second defendant, and the description was that the assignment was not done.”
Ms Maltida said the defendant told her team that the vendors that were supposed to do the events had given their evidence in court and testified that the receipts did not presented by the defendant come from them.
“She further claimed that those receipts were given to her by one Daniel, who was a staff of FIRS,” the witness said.
Testifying further, she said, “we were told he was late and we demanded for the death certificate which was given to us. We requested for his account details and we discovered he was also a beneficiary. We wrote to FIRS, UBA, System Spec, and invited everyone involved in this matter and everything we have here are as a result of our investigations.”
After the cross-examination, Ms Ogunbanjo-Giwa, adjourned the matter till 20 and 21 March for continuation trial.
The EFCC is prosecuting Ms Ita and Surestart School Limited on 25 counts of criminal misappropriation, diversion, criminal breach of trust and money laundering to the tune of N2 billion.
The political situation in Nigeria is becoming more intense as accusations arise about who will be the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2027 elections.
The current INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, will retire in less than 60 days after managing the presidential elections of 2023. Click link to continue reading.
Tinubu with Marafa
Since assuming office, Tinubu rolled out various policies, including the removal of fuel and electricity subsidies, unification of the forex policy, and naira devaluation, all of which were blamed for the food inflation and high cost of living in the country.
The criticisms come as Nigerians reflect on Tinubu’s performance in office. While the government maintains that its reforms are necessary for long-term recovery.
A former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, has declared that at least 10 miracles are happening under President Bola Tinubu.
One: For the first time in over a decade, Nigeria has overshot its OPEC quota for three consecutive months and is set to do the same for the fourth month, producing an average of 1.71 million Barrels Per Day.
Two: The Nigerian Stock Exchange rises above 130,000 All Share Index for the first time ever.
Three: Food prices have significantly reduced, resulting in a drop in inflation to 20.12% in August 2025, a 1.76% drop from July’s 21.88%.
Four: MTN Nigeria Limited hits a record valuation of ₦10 trillion, the first Nigerian company to do so.
Five: Oil theft has been reduced to less than 10,000 Barrels Per Day, a sixteen-year low.
Six: Nigeria achieved its revenue target for the entire year in August, a first in our history.
Seven: Foreign Reserves are above $41 billion.
Eight: After a record trade surplus last year, Nigeria appears set to beat our 2024 figure. Our trade surplus rose 44.3% in Q2 to ₦7.46 trillion, up from ₦5.17 trillion in Q1.
Nine: Dangote has crashed fuel price to ₦841.
Ten: The Naira has appreciated to ₦1497 to $1, a five-month high.
“We must pray for Wike now,” he said.
The conversation surrounding the health of Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory Minister, has taken a intriguing turn as a prominent prophet recently shared a prophecy regarding his condition.
The adage “health is wealth” rings especially true in the world of politics, highlighting the necessity for leaders to prioritize their well-being amidst the pressures of public life.
Recent reports from an online news platform suggested that Wike had traveled to the United Kingdom for medical treatment, with allegations indicating a diagnosis of congestive heart failure.
This revelation has stirred concern among his supporters and the general public alike.
In response to these unsettling rumors, Prophet Julius Okonkwo, a well-known cleric and the presiding pastor of Kingdom Seeker Ministries based in the United States, offered reassurance about Wike’s health.
During a recent address, Okonkwo asserted that there is no need for alarm. “Wike is in good health, and he has many more years to live—mark my words,” he declared.
He cautioned that the troubling news circulating about the minister was politically motivated, aimed at instilling fear among Nigerians.
Further emphasizing Wike’s importance to the current administration, the prophet labeled him as “the best minister” in the government and warned that there are adversaries both within and outside his circle.
He urged the public to join in prayer for Wike, underscoring the need for vigilance in the face of potential threats. “We must pray for Wike now,” he said.
The Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE), in partnership with the African Child Foundation (ACF), has fixed Thursday, November 6, 2025, for the much-anticipated FUPRE Oil and Gas Awards.
The ceremony, which has become one of the most prestigious gatherings on Nigeria’s oil and gas calendar, will take place at the University Arena in Effurun, Delta State.
Announcing the date, the Vice-Chancellor of FUPRE, Professor Ezekiel O. Agbalagba, highlighted the institution’s role as Africa’s first petroleum-focused university and one of only six of its kind globally.
Established in 2007, he said the university has consistently driven innovation, research, and manpower development in the petroleum industry, making it a hub of excellence in energy education.
On his part, the Country Director of the African Child Foundation, Olorogun Dr. Donaldson Onosakponome, described the Awards as a platform to raise industry role models by celebrating innovation, efficiency, safety, sustainability, and operational excellence.
“This year’s Awards will not only spotlight outstanding organizations and individuals,” Dr. Onosakponome said, “but also celebrate the resilience of industry players who made possible the recent increase in Nigeria’s oil production.”
Since inception, the FUPRE Awards have recognized excellence across the oil and gas value chain, upstream, midstream, and downstream, while also rewarding corporate social responsibility and environmentally friendly practices.
The 2025 edition, organizers disclosed, will broaden its scope to honor breakthroughs in renewable energy and data-driven innovation, in line with global energy trends.
Nominations and sponsorship opportunities for the event are now open through FUPRE’s media office and the African Child Foundation.
Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote has addressed the press and confirmed that the price of his petrol has dropped market rate by N259
The refinery hopes to have more impact in the future as it finally begins its direct petrol distribution
Dangote Refinery is celebrating is one year anniversary and it has been confirmed that the capacity will be increased.
Speaking to journalists on Monday, September 15 to mark the refinery’s first anniversary he also said that Nigeria’s decades-long fuel supply crisis has been stopped.
Dangote who was also reacting to intense criticism from National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) revealed the impacts of his refinery
According to him, the pump price, which stood at about N1,100 per litre last year, has dropped to N841 in the South West, Abuja, Delta, Rivers, Edo and Kwara states.
He said: “Despite opposition and economic headwinds, the refinery has successfully reduced the price of petrol from nearly N1,100 before production began to N841. With the rollout of CNG-powered trucks, this price reduction will soon be felt nationwide.”
African richest man also said that its 650,000 barrels-per-day refinery, Africa’s largest has deployed 1,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks as part of its direct fuel distribution programme.
The initiative, according to Dangote, will create 24,000 jobs in the first phase, the Nation reports.
He added that the refining capacity would rise to 700,000 bpd next year, adding that the plant has the ability to meet Nigeria’s domestic demand while generating foreign exchange through exports. Between June and early September, the refinery exported more than 1.1 billion litres of petrol, he said
Dangote, who backed the federal government’s target of growing Nigeria into a $1 trillion economy by 2031, urged more Nigerians to invest locally.
He acknowledged resistance from some vested interests in the downstream sector, but maintained the project was designed to support growth across Nigeria and Africa.
He said. “We have been battling fuel queues since 1975, but today Nigerians are witnessing a new era. “What we have done is to make our country and continent proud.”
…As Oborevwori Donates Buses To Institute
The Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, Delta State, has expressed readiness to collaborate with the State Government on international oil and gas training programmes designed to equip youths with employable skills and drive economic growth in the state.
Speaking during a courtesy call on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori at Government House, Asaba, on Tuesday, the Principal and Chief Executive Officer of PTI, Dr. Samuel Onoji, said the Institute was committed to offering discounted and subsidised international trainings in oil and gas to enhance the employability of Delta youths.
Onoji commended Governor Oborevwori’s infrastructural drive, describing developments under his administration as unprecedented in the history of the state.
He also appreciated the Governor for reconnecting electricity to the Institute and invited the Governor to the Institute’s International Hydrocarbons and Scientific Conference scheduled for October at the PTDF Hall, Abuja.
In his remarks, Governor Oborevwori commended PTI and the Minister of Petroleum, Senator Heineken Lokpobri, for releasing 25 hectares of land to the state government, stressing that the gesture reflected their commitment to Delta’s growth and development.
“PTI is very dear to us in Delta because it opened the door for other federal government establishments to come into our state.
“We don’t take anything concerning PTI lightly. Your visit today is a demonstration of your commitment, and I assure you that this government will continue to support the Institute in all its endeavours,” the Governor said.
As part of his support, Governor Oborevwori approved the donation of a Coaster Bus and an 18-seater Hiace Bus to meet the mobility needs of staff and students of PTI.
Established in 1972, PTI is regarded as the foremost petroleum training institute in Africa, mandated to train and retrain skilled manpower for the oil and gas industry.
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