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Dare Osamo, Star Orient MD arraigned over alleged N1.6bn fraud

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Dare Osamo, former Managing Director of aviation fueling company Star Orient Nigeria Ltd, was arraigned before an Ikeja High Court on Wednesday over an alleged N1.6 billion fraud.

He faces an 11-count charge filed by the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP), including charges of obtaining money under false pretences, stealing, and forgery.

Osamo pleaded not guilty to eight of the charges.

He was arraigned alongside Bisola Olore, a lawyer, who is also facing a three-count charge of conspiracy and obtaining by false pretences. Olore also pleaded not guilty.

Lead prosecution counsel, Mrs. Adetutu Oshinusi, told the court that the alleged offences took place between 2016 and 2019, while the defendants held positions at Star Orient Nigeria Ltd.

She claimed the two signed a company board resolution on January 19, 2016, and presented it to First City Monument Bank as the company’s consensus for opening an account.

“The duo fraudulently secured a debenture in the sum of N300 million and fraudulently authorised borrowing of N100 million by Fund Quest Financial Services Ltd against the assets of Star Orient Ltd,” Mrs. Adetutu said.

She further stated,

“That resolution authorised the removal of Adegbayemu Nike as the Secretary of Star Orient Nig. Ltd and appointed the co-defendant, Olore, as the Secretary of the company.”

The offences allegedly violate Sections 287(8), 314(3), 365(1), and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos, 2015.

Defense counsel, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), appealed to the court for bail under liberal conditions. He highlighted that Osamo had previously been granted administrative bail by a magistrate court and complied with its terms.

“Even from his sickbed, he walked in to attend this trial. I urge your lordship to grant bail to the applicant,” Pedro said.

He also urged the court to grant bail to Olore, citing the presumption of innocence.

However, Mrs. Adetutu opposed the bail request, arguing the seriousness of the charges:

“They are serious offences which carry not less than seven years on each count. The defendants are likely to abscond. We urge the court to deny them bail and grant an accelerated hearing.”

Justice Oyindamola Ogala granted bail to the first defendant, Osamo, in the sum of N20 million, with two sureties in the same amount. Olore was granted bail of N10 million, also with two sureties.

Both defendants are required to:

  • Submit their international passports to the court
  • Provide sureties with proof of financial standing
  • Show evidence of ownership of landed property in Lagos
  • Star Orient Nigeria Ltd is an international energy and commodities company with operations across West Africa.
  • Osamo is accused of misappropriating N1.6 billion from company funds.
  • He allegedly forged the signature of Mr. Olanrewaju Bamgbose on a board resolution dated May 2, 2018.
  • The case was adjourned until February 2, 2022, for trial.
  • Mrs. Adetutu, leading the prosecution, is a director in the DPP.

(Source) – Witnessngr

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Africa Caught Off-guard as Idris Elba Stuns with FIFA World Cup Message

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SuperSport viewers across Africa were left stunned when normal programming was suddenly interrupted by Hollywood star Idris Elba, who delivered a message saying “Everything else can wait.”Millions of DStv and GOtv viewers across Africa experienced the surprise interruption during prime-time viewing on 15 April 2026 at 7pm, including in the middle of live sport broadcast. Screens abruptly went black before a countdown appeared, followed by a familiar silhouette.It was Idris Elba.Ten Of Us NowThe award-winning actor addressed Africa directly with a message celebrating a historic football moment. Ten African nations have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the most ever.“There are ten of us now,” Elba said in his unmistakable gravelly voice. “I honestly don’t care which one of us wins. I just want to see African football light up the world stage.”“My mum is from Ghana, my dad is from Sierra Leone. But my heart is African,” said Elba, a global superstar who remains deeply connected to the continent. “That’s why I’m watching. Every. Single. Game.”Africa’s Greatest World Cup?The FIFA World Cup 2026™, hosted across Mexico, Canada and the USA, will see Africa represented by Ghana, South Africa, Senegal, Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire and DR Congo.It is a milestone tournament, and SuperSport on DStv and GOtv is positioning itself as the home of every kick, goal and celebration.“History doesn’t always tell you when it’s going to happen,” Elba continued. “But I’m here to tell you where it may happen. SuperSport. Only on DStv and GOtv. Everything else you thought you were going to be doing… it can wait.”Energetic Big Brother Mzansi star Smash Afrika and the ever-stylish host of Big Brother Naija, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, are also starring in the wider DStv and GOtv FIFA World Cup campaign.Every Match, Every ScreenAll 104 FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches will be available live on SuperSport across DStv, DStv Stream, GOtv and GOtv Stream.Viewers can follow the tournament through satellite TV or stream on phones, laptops and smart TVs, depending on their preference and connectivity.Coverage will also include local language options, including pidgin, making the tournament more accessible to audiences across the continent.The World Cup kicks off on 11 June 2026 with the opening ceremony in Mexico City, live on SuperSport. From the opening match to the final, fans across Africa will be able to follow every moment.

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Governor Dauda Lawal Receives Nigerian Air Force Delegation in Gusau to Strengthen Security, Combat Terrorism

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Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal P.hD, received a high-level delegation from the Nigerian Air Force during a strategic visit aimed at strengthening ongoing efforts to combat insecurity across the state.

The visit featured a presentation and inspection of key military air assets, including a combat-equipped helicopter designed for rapid response and real-time operations.

The Governor, alongside top government officials and security chiefs, was briefed on the aircraft’s capabilities, operational features, and its role in tackling banditry and other security challenges.

During the session, Air Force personnel demonstrated key features of the aircraft, including weapon systems and surveillance technology, highlighting its effectiveness in reconnaissance and combat missions.

Governor Lawal expressed strong interest, inspecting the equipment and asking questions about deployment and coordination with ground forces.

He commended the Federal Government and Air Force leadership for their commitment to restoring peace in Zamfara and reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to supporting all security agencies through collaboration and strategic initiatives.

The visit marks a significant step toward enhancing aerial surveillance and rapid response capabilities in Zamfara, reflecting renewed progress in addressing insecurity in the state.

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Governor Dauda Lawal Approves 120-Day Rapid Intervention Plan to Revamp Zamfara’s Educational Sector

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Governor Dauda Lawal has approved a 120-day Rapid Intervention Action Plan aimed at addressing systemic failures in Zamfara State’s education sector.

The Governor presided over the State Executive Council meeting on Monday at the Government House in Gusau, where key decisions were taken.

During deliberations at the 65th Council meeting, issues related to education, health, works, and other sectors were discussed and approved.

The Council endorsed a 120-day rapid intervention plan built on prior diagnostic activities conducted by the Ministry of Education and the Education Quality Assurance Agency (EQAA). The plan, presented by the overseeing Commissioner for Education, Abdulmalik Abubakar Gajam, includes payroll audits, school mapping exercises, and infrastructure assessments. It proposes targeted, time-bound interventions across governance, infrastructure, digital transformation, teacher development, and student welfare.

The Council also approved the formation of a joint committee to immediately assess all illegal or unapproved structures built around schools in the state, with a view to relocating them and securing school environments. The committee will be led by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MOEST).

Additionally, the Council approved a single, unified Education Sector Bill (covering Early Childhood Care Development Education to Tertiary level), to be developed in consultation with stakeholders including agencies, institutions, civil society, traditional rulers, and development partners. A draft bill will be presented to the State House of Assembly for enactment within the emergency timeframe.

The Governor further approved the transfer of non-teaching staff—such as messengers, labourers, gardeners, cooks, guards, drivers, health workers, and artisans—from the Ministry’s payroll to appropriate MDAs (CPG, MoH, Establishment) or private firms.

Among other important issues, the Council approved the composition of the Zamfara State Steering Committee on the State of Emergency on Education and authorised the Committee to constitute a Technical Working Group (TWG) and co-opt stakeholders including the NUT, UNICEF, UBEC, traditional and religious leaders, private school proprietors, and CSOs.

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