Connect with us

Banking and Finance

Court orders seizure of N1.37bn Kaduna fund ‘hidden’ in Sterling Bank

Published

on

A Federal High Court in Kaduna has ordered the interim forfeiture of N1.37 billion Kaduna State fund allegedly hidden in a Sterling Bank account with no proper documentation,.

The judge, H. Buhari, issued the forfeiture order on February 28, following an ex parte application by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), which had previously filed the motion on February 14.

The fund was said to have been misappropriated from the Kaduna State Government’s coffers during the tenure of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai.According to the ICPC, the fund, originally allocated for light rail project was diverted during El-Rufai’s administration.

The controversial transfer was uncovered after the ICPC traced the funds to a private account.According to the anti-graft agency, the diverted money was funneled through Indo Kaduna MRTS JV Nig. Ltd, a joint venture formed in 2016 between the Kaduna State Government and Indian investors.

ICPC’s lawyer, E.O. Akponimisingha, represented the agency during the hearing, which was conducted without the presence of any opposing parties.

In granting the forfeiture, the court ordered the ICPC to publish a public notice in two national newspapers, inviting anyone with a legitimate claim to the funds to present their case in court.

Further proceedings have been scheduled for April 8, 2025.The scandal dates back to December 2016 when, despite the Indo Kaduna MRTS JV Nig. Ltd not being formally incorporated until May 2017, Governor El-Rufai approved payments to the company. Between December 2016 and January 2017, a total of N11.1 billion was transferred to the company’s Sterling Bank account.

The ICPC’s investigation revealed that N1.37 billion of this sum was illegally diverted into a private account.In justifying the forfeiture, the ICPC emphasized that the redirection of the funds into public projects aligns with the broader public interest, particularly in enhancing governance and accountability.

The commission further asserted that this action would not violate any constitutional rights and would instead serve the greater good by recovering the misappropriated funds.The investigation was launched after a petition was filed by lawyer M. Yahaya from NUS’ AB Chambers in Abuja, detailing concerns of severe financial mismanagement during El-Rufai’s administration. Other officials from the former governor’s administration are also facing allegations of fraud and corruption, with some already facing charges before various tribunals and anti-corruption bodies.

While the former governor and his associates maintain their innocence, calling the ICPC’s actions “oppression” and an “abuse of power,” they argue that the seizure of funds tied to the light rail project could harm foreign investments in the state.

The case is ongoing, and further developments are expected following the adjournment to April 8.

Source: Witnessngr

Banking and Finance

Wema Bank concludes Capital RaiseSecond tranche of ₦50 Billion Special Placement fully subscribed

Published

on

By

……Bank further exceeds regulatory requirements.

LAGOS, NIGERIA – 17th October 2025 – Wema Bank PLC (Bloomberg: Wema NL) (“Wema” or “the Bank”) announces completion of its second tranche of N50billion capital raise.
• N50billion Special placement subscribed by 100%
• Total Qualifying Capital now N264billion; above N200bn threshold
• Bank further surpasses regulatory requirements for Commercial Bank with National Authorization

Lagos, Nigeria – October 15, 2025 — Wema Bank Plc is pleased to announce that it has received all requisite regulatory approvals for its ₦50 billion Private Placement capital raise. This is in addition to the earlier ₦150bn Rights Issue that was successfully completed in September 2025. The Bank now has a total of ₦264.87billion in qualifying capital, above the minimum requirement of N200bn for a Commercial Bank with National Authorization.
This development marks another significant milestone in the execution of the Bank’s capital management program aimed at fortifying its balance sheet, supporting future growth ambitions, and ensuring full compliance with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) revised minimum capital requirements.
Speaking on the development, Mr. Moruf Oseni, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Wema Bank, stated:
“We are delighted to have received all necessary regulatory approvals for our ₦50 billion special placement. This marks another major step in our strategy to strengthen Wema Bank’s capital base, enhance liquidity, and position the institution to pursue emerging opportunities for sustained growth. We appreciate the continued confidence and support of our shareholders, regulators, and customers as we execute our growth agenda.”
The proceeds from this capital raise will be deployed to continue the acceleration of Wema Bank’s digital transformation drive, deepen penetration across retail, SME, and corporate segments, and enhance the Bank’s lending capacity to key productive sectors of the Nigerian economy. It will also support ongoing investments in technology, and human capital development — further strengthening operational efficiency and service excellence.
Wema Bank remains steadfast in its mission to deliver superior value to shareholders, empower customers through innovative financial solutions, and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic growth and financial inclusion objectives.

Continue Reading

Banking and Finance

Fela’s Afrobeat Rebellion Aligns with Ecobank’s Commitment to Promoting African Heritage

Published

on

By

Lagos, October 13, 2025 – Ecobank Nigeria says the ongoing “Fela Kuti: Afrobeat Rebellion” exhibition reflects its belief in the transformative power of art and culture to inspire change across Africa.

Speaking at the event, Omoboye Edu, Head of SME at Ecobank Nigeria, described the exhibition as one of the many ways the bank continues to promote African creativity and innovation.

“Hosting Afrobeat Rebellion at EPAC aligns with our mission to showcase the continent’s creative energy. We are proud to celebrate Fela’s legacy and the vibrant spirit of Afrobeat in a space that inspires dialogue, imagination, and progress,” she said.

She explained that the three-month exhibition, which celebrates the life, music, activism, and enduring influence of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, opened on October 12 and will run until December 28, 2025.

Beyond the music and memories, the exhibition speaks to Ecobank’s broader commitment to economic growth through the creative sector. By providing platforms like EPAC, the bank continues to nurture collaboration, entrepreneurship, and cultural exchange, which are all vital to building a thriving creative economy in Africa.

At the opening ceremony, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu applauded Ecobank for its unwavering support of Nigeria’s creative industry. Represented by Mrs. Bukola Agbaminoja, CEO of the Lagos State Film & Video Censors Board, the Governor noted that Ecobank’s involvement in Afrobeat Rebellion reflects its long-standing dedication to nurturing the country’s artistic and cultural heritage.

“By hosting this exhibition, Ecobank reaffirms its belief in the power of art and culture to drive economic development. The bank understands that creativity is not just an expression of identity; it’s a force that can reshape communities, build industries, and spark innovation,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, Laurent Favier, Consul General of France in Nigeria, described Afrobeat Rebellion as an inspiring blend of cultural diplomacy and artistic reclamation, praising Ecobank and its partners for championing the project.

“Supporting this exhibition in Lagos reflects our belief that culture is a bridge between nations. It builds on the success of the earlier Paris edition, celebrating Franco-Nigerian collaboration and honouring Fela’s enduring legacy,” he noted.

Supported by the French Embassy in Nigeria, Ecobank, and other partners, the exhibition highlights Fela’s dual legacy, as a revolutionary musician and fearless political visionary.

The opening night came alive with performances by Ezra Collective, Seun Kuti and several others. These performances set the tone for a season of artistic exploration inspired by Fela’s Afrobeat revolution.

Other highlights of the three months exhibition include, the Talks — a thought-leadership series featuring Yeni Kuti, Prof. Oyeronke Oyewumi, Falana, Ade Bantu, Minna Salami, and Kadaria Ahmed — and Kalakuta Cinema, a film series curated by S16 Collective, showcasing films like Music is a Weapon, Mami Wata, Timbuktu, and Finding Fela.

For younger audiences, the Young Rebels’ Corner offers an engaging creative hub for children aged 6 to 15, with workshops such as the Rebel Scrapbook, Jam Station, and Anikulapo Design Workshop — nurturing a new generation of imaginative thinkers.

The programme also features Karatu Book Readings, Manifesto: The Weapon of the Future, Òrò Abamì Spoken Word Competition, and Dance for Freedom, a movement workshop by The Mud Art Company.

Open to the public, Afrobeat Rebellion invites visitors to experience Fela’s legacy not only as a musician but as a symbol of courage, creativity, and social change — reinforcing Ecobank’s belief that when art is empowered, society is transformed.

Continue Reading

Banking and Finance

Fidelity Bags awards for Best Export and Trade Support and Innovation

Published

on

By

L – R: Seye Otite, Media Relations Officer; Tolulope Rojaiye, Team Member, Brand & Communications Division; Meksley Nwagboh, Divisional Head, Brand & Communications; Stanley Amuchie, Executive Director/Chief Operations and Information Officer (all of Fidelity Bank Plc); Christopher Bajowa, President, Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria; and Omonsegho Ibironke, Team Lead, Events and Business Promotions, Fidelity Bank Plc; at the BusinessDay Bank and Other Financial Institutions’(BAFI) Awards 2025 where Fidelity Bank bagged the awards for the Best Bank for Export & Trade Finance and Most Innovative Bank of the Year recently.

Fidelity Bank’s market leadership has been affirmed once again as the tier-one lender bagged double honours at the BusinessDay Bank and Other Financial Institutions’(BAFI) Awards 2025.

At the awards ceremony, which was held at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos on Saturday, 11 October 2025, Fidelity Bank was presented with the awards for the “Best Bank for Export & Trade Finance” and “Most Innovative Bank of the Year”.

Dedicating the Export and Trade Finance Award to its customers, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe,OON, who was represented by the Executive Director/Chief Operations and Information Officer, Stanley Amuchie, said, “This recognition underscores our unwavering commitment to promoting non-oil exports and supporting Nigerian businesses to compete globally through initiatives such as the Fidelity International Trade & Creative Connect (FNITCC) and the Export Management Programme (EMP).

“I dedicate this award to all our exporters who continue to showcase the best of Nigeria to the world, our loyal customers, and our partners for their steadfast support.”

The BAFI Awards is the benchmark of distinction for institutions in the Nigerian financial services sector. Now in its 12th year, the awards recognise and celebrate organisations that are excelling in the delivery of financial services in Nigeria. The award acknowledges organisations demonstrating leadership, vision and impact in driving Nigeria’s growth trajectory.

Fidelity Bank’s recent recognition is attributed to significant accomplishments over the past twelve months. Notable milestones include the inauguration of the first privately constructed onshore oil export terminal in Nigeria in fifty years at the Otakikpo Marginal Field, which was funded by Fidelity Bank and commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu last week. Additionally, the Bank launched the Fidelity SME Hub, a multipurpose facility designed to support small businesses through innovation, collaboration, and capacity-building initiatives.

Furthermore, Fidelity Bank organized the third edition of the Fidelity Nigeria International Trade & Creative Connect (FNITCC) in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, in September 2025. This event provided local businesses with opportunities to engage in deal rooms with U.S. buyers, including prominent retailers such as Walmart and Target, fostering potential partnerships.

“The innovation award is a special one for us as it validates our continued drive to enhance operational efficiency, elevate customer experience, and strengthen business performance. We sincerely appreciate BusinessDay Media for this recognition and reaffirm our commitment to introducing more impactful innovations that empower our customers and advance the Nigerian financial services industry”, commented Amuchie.

Continue Reading

Trending

Mega Awareness 2023