The trial of social media influencer and self-styled relationship therapist Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, known as Blessing CEO, was adjourned on Wednesday after she failed to appear before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi due to ill health. The trial judge, Justice D.I. Dipeolu, granted the adjournment following a request from the defense counsel, P.I. Nwafuru, who informed the court that the Nigerian Correctional Service had stated the defendant was indisposed and could not be produced in court. Nwafuru assured the court that a medical report detailing Blessing CEO's condition would be presented at the next hearing. The case is now set to resume on 20 July. Blessing CEO faces two counts of alleged fraud involving ₦36 million, charged by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The charges relate to obtaining funds under false pretenses and theft, specifically concerning a six-bedroom detached duplex in Lekki. The EFCC alleges that Blessing CEO misrepresented the property's availability to secure the funds, which were reportedly transferred into two bank accounts linked to her. She has pleaded not guilty to these charges. Earlier in the proceedings, the defense had informed the court that both parties were exploring an out-of-court settlement, revealing that Blessing CEO had already refunded ₦24 million of the disputed amount. However, the EFCC opposed any delay, emphasizing that criminal prosecution on behalf of the federal government could not be suspended during settlement negotiations. Despite this, the court allowed continued discussions while maintaining the criminal proceedings. The EFCC's investigating officer, Bufa Regina Okangbe, testified that forensic analysis confirmed the disputed funds were paid into two bank accounts allegedly linked to Blessing CEO: ₦25 million into a Guaranty Trust Bank account and ₦11 million into an Access Bank account. Additionally, the investigator stated that the Lekki property belonged to its owner, Tunbosun Osobu, who had leased it to Blessing CEO. The complainant, Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye, had started renovating the property before the landlord requested her to vacate. The trial of former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam and his former Commissioner for Finance, Omadachi Okolobia, on charges of money laundering involving ₦3.1 billion was adjourned until 25 September. The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Judge Peter Lifu, granted the adjournment despite the EFCC's request for the matter to be heard on Friday. The case, which has been ongoing for 11 years, has moved between three different judges, with the current judge being the fifth to handle it. The prosecution urged the court not to prolong the proceedings further, citing the lengthy duration of the trial. The EFCC arraigned Suswam and Okolobia in November 2015 on 11 charges of conspiracy and money laundering related to the diversion of ₦3.1 billion from the sale of Benue State Government shares. Both men pleaded not guilty, and the case has faced multiple delays. During the recent proceedings, the defense submitted that both Suswam and Okolobia could not attend due to ill health, prompting the prosecution to oppose the adjournment. The prosecution lawyer, Rotimi Jacobs, argued that the case should have concluded more than a year ago and accused Suswam of undermining the justice system. In another development, the Federal High Court in Abuja granted bail to former Managing Director of the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company Limited, Jimoh Yisawu, on a money-laundering charge. The court ordered a bail amount of ₦500 million, with a surety in like sum. The defense lawyer, Wale Balogun, argued for the release of his client, while the prosecution opposed the bail application. Justice Inyang Ekwo ruled in favor of the bail, noting that the charges included bailable offenses. The court directed Yisawu to surrender his international passport and prohibited travel outside the country without permission. The case was adjourned to October 25, 26, and 27 for trial. Additionally, the court granted bail to the leader of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, with a bail amount of ₦2 billion. As part of the bail conditions, the judge required one of the sureties to be an Abuja resident with a three-year tax clearance certificate. This decision highlights the ongoing efforts by the judiciary to balance the rights of the accused with the need to ensure the integrity of the legal process. The trial of former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido and his two sons over alleged ₦1.35 billion fraud stalled on Monday due to the absence of the lead defense lawyer, Joe Agi, who cited health reasons. The prosecution lawyer, Chile Okoroma, requested a one-day adjournment, urging the court to allow another member of the defense team to appear. The case, which has been in court since 2015, involves allegations of money laundering, kickbacks, and fictitious contract awards during Lamido's tenure as governor. The defense opened its case in June, focusing on documents obtained through a subpoena issued to the EFCC chairman. An investigator produced by the commission admitted under cross-examination that he was not a member of the investigative team, leading to disputes over the admissibility of the documents. The court ultimately admitted the documents into evidence, setting the stage for further proceedings.
6 reports
Premium Times NigeriaIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 856 days agoThe trial of social media influencer Blessing CEO (Okoro Blessing Nkiruka) was adjourned until 20 July 2024 after she failed to appear in court due to illness. The Federal High Court in Ikoyi granted the adjournment following defense counsel's claim that she was indisposed and required a medical report. Blessing CEO faces charges of fraud related to an alleged ₦36 million scam involving a property lease in Lagos. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleges she misrepresented the property's availability, which is punishable under Nigerian law. Earlier reports indicated she had returned ₦24 million of the disputed amount, but the EFCC opposed delaying proceedings for potential settlements. Forensic evidence suggests the funds were deposited into accounts linked to her, and the property was confirmed to belong to another individual.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual legal proceedings without overt ideological slant. It reports on a high-profile fraud case involving a public figure, focusing on judicial actions and legal arguments rather than taking sides. While the subject involves corruption allegations, the framing remains neutral
Why factuality (95): The article provides specific details such as the date of the adjournment, the name of the judge, the defense lawyer, and the nature of the charges. It also references previous reporting by Premium Times regarding the out-of-court settlement discussions. These details align with what can be reasonab
Why objectivity (85): The article presents the facts neutrally, using standard legal terminology and avoiding overtly biased language. However, it refers to the defendant as 'self-styled relationship therapist' which slightly frames her profession in a way that might imply skepticism about her credibility.
Vanguard NigeriaIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 90yesterdayThe Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Nigeria has denied a viral social media rumor claiming it was conducting a secret recruitment drive. The EFCC clarified the claim via its verified X account, labeling the post as 'FAKE NEWS' and urging Nigerians to ignore the false information. The rumor falsely stated that the agency had begun secret recruitment and encouraged users to send anonymous messages for more details. The EFCC emphasized that all its recruitment processes are transparent and officially announced, rejecting claims of covert operations. It warned against relying on unverified social media content and advised verifying information through its official channels.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual correction from an official source (EFCC) regarding a false rumor. While the subject involves government agencies and public trust, the framing remains neutral, focusing on debunking misinformation rather than promoting a political agenda. The tone is cautionary and ap
Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports that the EFCC debunked a viral rumor about secret recruitment, citing their official statement and providing details of the false claim. It aligns with the cross-source consensus that such rumors are often spread by fraudsters. The article presents facts without embell
Why objectivity (90): The article maintains a neutral tone, presenting the EFCC’s official stance without expressing personal opinion or bias. It provides factual information and quotes the commission’s statements without emotive language.
Premium Times NigeriaIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 805 days ago Court postpones final arguments in 11-year-old fraud trial of ex-Gov. Suswam till SeptemberThe Federal High Court in Abuja postponed the final arguments in the 11-year-old N3.1 billion money laundering trial of former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam until 25 September. The adjournment occurred despite the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)'s request to proceed. The case, which involves Suswam and his former finance commissioner, Omadachi Okolobia, has faced multiple delays over its decade-long duration. During the hearing, the prosecution urged the court not to extend the delay further, noting that the case has been handled by five different judges. The defense claimed Suswam was unwell and requested an adjournment, but the prosecution opposed this, accusing Suswam of undermining the judicial process. The second defendant's lawyer supported the adjournment, suggesting Suswam needed rest.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of the legal proceedings, highlighting both the prosecution's concerns about prolonged delays and the defense's claims of illness. It does not overtly favor either side, though it includes direct quotes from both parties' lawyers. There is no clear ideological
Why factuality (85): The article reports on the adjournment of an 11-year-old fraud trial of former Gov. Suswam, citing the EFCC's request and the prosecution's argument. It provides details about the case timeline, charges, and legal procedures, aligning with the cross-source consensus that the case has been delayed mu
Why objectivity (80): The article presents the court's decision and the arguments from both sides in a neutral manner, though there is slight emphasis on the length of the case and the prosecution's concerns. The tone remains professional and does not show strong bias.
Vanguard NigeriaIndependentCenterFactual 80Objective 75yesterday Alleged money laundering: Ex-Warri Refinery MD Yisawu gets N500m bailThe Federal High Court in Abuja granted former Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company Limited Managing Director Jimoh Yisawu bail of N500 million after he pleaded not guilty to eight counts of money laundering. The charges were brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which alleges that Yisawu converted over $789,950 in illicit funds and made cash payments totaling $912,550 without using financial institutions. His defense lawyer requested bail, citing prior administrative bail granted by the EFCC after his passport was seized. The prosecution opposed the bail request, arguing for stricter conditions. The court ruled that the charges were bailable and granted bail under Section 162 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, requiring a surety and restrictions on travel. Yisawu must surrender his passport and remain in custody until bail conditions are met, with trial set for late October.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of the legal proceedings, detailing both the prosecution's allegations and the defense's arguments. It reports on the court's decision based on legal statutes and does not take a clear ideological stance toward either the accused or the prosecuting authority.
Why factuality (80): The article details the bail grant to former MD Jimoh Yisawu, including specific charges and legal references. It accurately reports the EFCC's allegations and the defense's arguments, providing relevant legal context. Information aligns with typical judicial procedures and is consistent with simila
Why objectivity (75): The article presents both the defense and prosecution positions, though the prosecution's opposition to bail is given more space. The tone remains formal and does not appear to favor either side significantly.
Premium Times NigeriaIndependentCenterFactual 60Objective 65yesterday Alleged Money Laundering: Court grants Miyetti Allah leader N2 billion bailA court in Nigeria has granted bail to the leader of Miyetti Allah, a prominent cattle herders' association, with a bail amount of N2 billion. As part of the bail conditions, the judge required one of the sureties to be an Abuja resident who holds a three-year tax clearance certificate. The case involves allegations of money laundering, though the specific details of the charges against the individual were not elaborated upon in the provided text. The decision highlights the legal process surrounding high-profile individuals accused of financial crimes in Nigeria.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a judicial decision regarding bail conditions for a prominent figure associated with a powerful ethnic group and advocacy organization. While the subject matter relates to legal proceedings involving a public figure, there is no evident ideological framing or emphasis on one政治
Why factuality (60): This article appears incomplete and lacks substantial content beyond a headline and a brief mention of bail. There is no detailed reporting on the case, making it difficult to assess factual accuracy. The lack of context reduces its reliability as a source.
Why objectivity (65): The article is very brief and lacks depth, making it hard to determine if it shows bias. However, the limited content suggests a more objective approach, though it fails to provide sufficient information for proper evaluation.
Premium Times NigeriaIndependentCenteryesterday Ex-Gov. Lamido’s N1.35 billion fraud trial stalls over defence lawyer’s absenceThe trial of former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido and his two sons over allegations of N1.35 billion in fraud has been delayed due to the absence of their lead defense lawyer, Joe Agi, who cited health reasons. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) stated that the trial was halted on Monday at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The prosecution, represented by Chile Okoroma, requested that another member of Agi's legal team appear to allow the trial to proceed, arguing that the case has been ongoing since 2015. The judge granted a one-day adjournment. This case has been in court for over a decade, with previous rulings being appealed and overturned, including a recent Supreme Court decision that allowed the trial to resume in Abuja.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a balanced account of the legal proceedings without apparent ideological framing. It reports on the delay caused by the defense lawyer's absence and includes perspectives from both the prosecution and the court. There is no evident bias toward either side of the legal dispute.
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