Alleged N76bn Fraud: Ex-Bank Director Testifies, Says He Wrote Off Arik’s $2.3m Debt

Austen Obigwe, a former group executive director of Union Bank PLC, disclosed to the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja how he had written off a $2.3 million debt owed to his private company, Staal Corp.

In the trial of Ahmed Kuru, the former Managing Director of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), and four others who are accused of allegedly defrauding Arik Airline of N$76 billion and $ 33.55 million, respectively, Obigwe made the disclosure while continuing his evidence as the second prosecution witness before Justice Mojisola Dada.

The defendants were arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a six-count conspiracy and stealing charges that involved dishonestly stealing another person’s property.

The former Arik Air Limited Receiver Manager, Kamilu Omokide, Arik Air’s Chief Executive Officer, Captain Roy Ilegbodu, Union Bank of Nigeria PLC, and another company, Super Bravo Limited, are the other defendants.

Justice Dada had granted them bail in the amount of N20 million each, with one surety in the same amount, after they all pleaded not guilty to the charges.

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The witness commenced his testimony at the court’s final session on March 19 while Wahab Shittu, the prosecution’s Senior Advocate of Nigeria, led the witness in evidence. Additionally, he responded to questions from Prof. Taiwo Osipitan, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, and the Ist and third defendants’ attorneys.

Obigwe responded to questions from three senior Nigerian attorneys on Wednesday in continuation of his testimony, answering those from Olasupo Shasore (for the second defendant), Olalekan Ojo (for the fourth defendant), and Tayo Oyedepo (for the fifth defendant).

Obigwe testified to the court that Arik Air owed $2.3 million to his business, Staal, in his testimony two years after he left Union Bank.

He claimed that the money was never returned, but that he had written it off because the airline had problems running at the time.

“I’m not interested in collecting it,” I said. When I learned that Arik Air was experiencing difficulties, I wrote it off,” Obigwe told the court.

He also confirmed that he began consulting work with Arik Air and other businesses after leaving Union Bank.

Johnson Arumemi-Ikhide, the founder of Arik Air, responded in the affirmative when asked if he had a personal connection with the airline. He noted that despite his absence from a formal relationship with the airline, he still maintains a relationship with Arumemi-Ikhide.

Obigwe reiterated that he participated in an Arik Air-related inspection of 26 aircraft in 2009.

According to him, based on Lufthansa’s evaluations, the aircrafts were determined to be airworthy and in good condition.

He claimed that there was no cause for doubt about Lufthansa’s evaluation, adding that the inspection’s goal was to prevent the airline’s fleet from being exhausted.

Obigwe testified that there were no complaints from other financial institutions suggesting Arik Air was defaulting on its loan obligations during his tenure at Union Bank. He also confirmed that Arik Air was, to the best of his knowledge, utilizing Union Bank as a source of information during his tenure.

The witness claimed that the letter, which allegedly came from AMCON to Union Bank on April 23, 2009, was not brought up while he was still with the bank.

The witness questioned Arik Air’s character and management, saying, “I can only speak for the period I was there. Arik Air was one of the best companies I worked for when I was a union bank employee.

When questioned about the options open to lenders when a loan becomes non-performing, Obigwe responded that the lender may choose to transfer the loan to another bank, resend it, or impose the loan’s security.

In the event of a borrower defaulting, he acknowledged that a lender has the legal authority to dispose of the security.

Senate Seeks Increased Security Surveillance In Taraba, Plateau, Bauchi Borders

In response to the region’s escalating violence and banditry, the Senate has demanded that security forces immediately set up more security camps and increase surveillance along the Taraba, Plateau, and Bauchi states.

In response to a deadly farmer-herder conflict in the Taraba State Munga Lelau and Maigami villages, the resolution came after Senator Isa Shuaibu Lau (Taraba North) moved an urgent national importance motion.

According to Lau, the crisis started on May 23, 2025, and grew worse over the weekend, resulting in the displacement of more than 200 residents, as well as the death of 60 to 70 people.

READ MORE:  Recent Taraba Attacks Leave Over 30 Residents Dead and Many People Injured.

Many people were forced into makeshift camps in Karim Lamido and nearby Lau, where the violence, which was reportedly fueled by reprisals between farming and herding communities, resulted in the displacement of many.

The Senate expressed concern that Karim Lamido, which has strong security ties to Plateau and Bauchi states, has grown to become a haven for bandits.

Senator Lau also expressed concern about the ongoing attacks, which have caused thousands of people to flee and threaten regional stability.

NASS To Hold Joint Session To Mark June 12, Tinubu To Attend

Senator Godswill Akpabio, the president of the Senate, has announced that to mark Democracy Day, a joint session of the National Assembly will take place on June 12.

He made the announcement after Wednesday’s resumption of the upper chamber’s plenary session.

The Chairman of the Senate Services, Senator Sunday Karimi, and Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate minority leader, Senator Abba Moro, as well as Senator Sunday Karimi, the House of Representatives’ leaders, will meet with them to finalize the schedule of activities and coordinate arrangements for the special session, according to Akpabio.

READ MORE: Senate Bills 1.81 and 2025 FCT Statutory Budgets

Additionally, the Senate President made it known that Bola Tinubu had graciously agreed to speak at the joint session in person.

Tinubu Appoints New Governing Council Members For 36 Federal Institutions

The appointment of additional members has been approved by President Bola Tinubu’s governing bodies at various federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, made the announcement in a statement released on Wednesday.

In an effort to reflect the federal character of government, the new appointees are spread across 36 federal institutions across the country.

All appointments are expected to take effect right away, according to the statement.

Read more about Tinubu’s appointing governing council members for three different cities.

Federal educational institutions

Abuja’s African Aviation and Aerospace University

Hon . Member (Imo): Chidi Nwogu

Plateau State University of Jos

Member (Kwara), Dr. Folashade Mulikat Kareem.

Akwa Ibom State Federal University of Technology, Ikot-Abasi

Member (Lagos): Dipe Olusina Adeniyi

Federal University of Technology in Babura, Jigawa State

Member (Akwa Ibom): Akanimo Umoh

Bauchi State’s Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University

Member (Lagos), Mr. Babatunde Usman Jinadu

Federal University in Dutse, Jigawa State

Member (Enugu): Chijioke Paul Okeifufe

Kashere, Gombe State, Federal University

Hon . Member (Ogun): Babatunde Olokun

Hon . Member (Nasarawa) Isah Ambaka

Wukari, Taraba State, is the Federal University.

Member of Ontario, Dr. Olusegun Ategbole

Federal University in Yobe State, Gashua

Hon . Member (Adamawa) of Isa Song

Hon . Member (Rivers) – Bernard Miko

Ila-Orangun, Osun State, home to the Federal University of Health Sciences

Member (Ogun): Mr. Muyideen Balogun

Zuru, Kebbi State, Federal University of Agriculture

Hon . Member (Lagos) Mayegun Yomi

Federal University in Zamfara State, Gusau

Hon . Member (Edo) Abbas Braimah

Federal University in Lafia, State of Nasarawa

Member (Ondo), Dr. Adebimpe Adebajo

Borno State, Nigeria Arabic Language Village

Hon . Member (Niger) of Bawawa Bwari

Katsina State Federal University of Health Sciences

Hon . Member (Kebbi) of Bengaluru

Hon . Member (Katsina) of Nasarawa Mani

Federal Polytechnics

Abia State, Abia State, Federal Polytechnic Isuochi

Hon . Member (Kaduna): Shehu Kagara

Oko, Anambra State, Federal Polytechnic

Member (Bayelsa), Dr. Francis Ogbise

Federal Polytechnic, Munguno, Borno State

Hon . Member (Yobe), Almajiri Geidam

Delta State, Orogun, and Federal Polytechnic

Member (Taraba), Rahila Ilegbodu

Uromi, Edo State, home to the National Institute of Construction Technology

Hon . Member (Kano) Shehu Lambu

Kaltungo, Gombe State, Federal Polytechnic

Hon . Member (Sokoto) Yusuf Bello Mai Adua

Kazaure Federal Polytechnic, Jigawa State, Hussaini Adamu

Member (Jigawa) Saleh Mohammed

Federal Polytechnic, Daura, state of Katsina

Hon . Member (Osun): Adekola Aliu

Offa, Kwara State, Federal Polytechnic

Waidi Olajire Ayinla, Member (Osun),

Plateau State’s Plateau State’s Federal Polytechnic Institute

Hon . Member (Sokoto): Hashimu Abdullahi

Taraba State, Federal Polytechnic Institute, Bali

Hon . Member (Bauchi): Abdullahi Abubakar (At Ningi).

Federally recognized higher education institutions

Gwoza, Borno State Federal College of Education

Member (Yobe), Ibrahim Abba Geidam

Plateau State’s Federal College of Education, Pankshin,

Member (Kebbi) Mohammed Nura

Federal College of Education (Technical), Isu, Ebonyi State

Hon . Abdulkadir Usman Global (Kaduna) Member

Federal College of Education (Technical), Ekiadolor, Edo State

Hon . Member (Sokoto) – Usman Balkore

Federal College of Education, Odugbo, Benue State

Hon . Goodluck Opiah, Member (Imo),

Rivers State’s Federal College of Education, Omoku

Hon . Member (Akwa Ibom): Bassey Etim

Hon . Chris Eta is a Cross River member.

Hon . Member (Katsina): Shaib Yahaya

Oyo State’s Federal College of Education (Special).

Hon . Member (Zamfara), Sani M. Anka

Keana, Nasarawa State, Federal College of Education (Technical).

Hon . Member (Jigawa) Yusuf Dikko

Ilawe, Ekiti State, Federal College of Education

Hon . Member (Kwara), Deacon Taiye

Asaba, Delta State Federal College of Education (Technical),

Hon . Isa Lawal Doro, a member of (Katsina),

The presidency confirmed that the appointments have immediate effect.

Following President Tinubu’s earlier announcement to make the names of the new governing council members for the University of Abuja, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Awka), public on Tuesday.

The University of Abuja’s newly appointed members, according to Mr. Onanuga, are:

Professor Rosemary Iriowen Egonmwan (South-South)

Dr. Adedeji Adefuye (South-West)

North-West professor Sarki Abba Abdulkadir

North-East professor Aminu Mohammed Dukku

The appointees for UNN include:

Ogbonna Eugene Odo (South-East)

North-West Muhammad Inuwa Tahir

The new council members at NAU, Awka are:

Dr. Nkem Okeke (South-East)

Ofoke Chukwuma Charles Ugbala (South-East)

North-West Dame Amina Patrick Yakowa

Nojeeb Oriola Agunbiade (South-West)

The University of Abuja, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Awka, all received new governing council members just hours after President Tinubu made these appointments. Aisha Maikudi, the vice-chancellor of the University of Abuja, was removed in February amid controversy over her eligibility.

The governing council members for the University of Abuja are Professor Rosemary Iriowen Egonmwan (South-South), Dr. Adedeji Adefuye (South-West), North-West professor Sarki Abba Abdulkadir, and North-East professor Aminu Mohammed Dukku.

How Nigeria Is Working To Stabilise The Naira And Tame Inflation

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) uses a variety of tactics to stabilize the naira and control inflation, which is making a significant change to the country’s economy. These actions are essential to promoting sustainable development and addressing economic challenges. Because it provides Nigerian users with real-time currency fluctuation monitoring, the forex trading app has gained popularity as a tool for individuals interested in trading foreign exchange markets.

To stabilize the naira, the CBN primarily relies on structural economic adjustments and monetary policy adjustments. The unification of multiple exchange rate windows, which aimed to end arbitrage and promote transparency in the foreign exchange market, was a crucial initiative. A market-driven exchange rate system known as the Investors’ and Exporters’ (I&amp, E) FX window has successfully cured artificial pricing distortions.

The CBN adjusts key interest rates to maintain inflation through strict monetary policies. The Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) is increased to lower circulation and stabilize prices, thereby sluggish consumer spending. Commercial banks’ ability to lend money is further limited by raising the Cash Reserve Requirement (CRR), which further controls liquidity and halts inflationary trends.

For maintaining currency stability, it is crucial to increase Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves. These reserves increase investor confidence in the naira and serve as a buffer against global economic shocks. Policies have been put in place by the government and the CBN to encourage diaspora remittances, increase non-oil export revenues, and promote foreign direct investment. These inflows maintain the availability of foreign currency, resulting in a stable exchange rate.

Additionally, the government’s fiscal reforms promote currency stability and strengthen monetary instruments. The elimination of fuel subsidies aims to lower public finances costs and help to promote economic growth, despite initially causing inflation due to higher utility and transportation costs. This is anticipated to result in a lower foreign debt and long-term fiscal stability.

Nigeria’s strategy for reducing inflation is heavily influenced by digital innovation. The monetary system is modernized with the introduction of the first digital currency from Africa’s central bank, the eNaira. The eNaira improves the execution of monetary policy, improves access to financial services, and improves consumer behavior tracking in real-time.

To maintain financial system stability, the CBN is expanding its oversight of banking operations. Financial institutions are more resilient because of risk-based supervision, stress testing, and stricter prudential rules. In times of economic turbulence and pressure on the foreign exchange market, robust banks are essential for preserving system trust.

Public awareness and transparency are essential for managing inflation expectations. Through press conferences and meetings, the CBN maintains an open dialogue with all stakeholders and regularly updates the bank’s monetary policy. Price fluctuations and market speculators are reduced by this objective communication, which helps to stabilize market and consumer expectations.

There are still several obstacles to fully stabilizing and controlling the naira. Nigeria’s economy is still sensitive to the volatility of the world’s oil prices, which results in unpredictable revenue flows. Economic stability is hampered by structural barriers, including unreliable energy supplies, unreliable infrastructure, and limited industrial expansion.

The widespread informal sector, which employs many Nigerians, operates outside of traditional financial systems, putting strain on efforts to monitor and regulate money transactions. The reach and potency of monetary policies can be increased by expanding the use of digital financial services, improving documentation, and promoting formalization.

For Nigeria’s future economic development, structural reforms to diversify the economy, investments in human capital development, and synchronized fiscal and monetary policies are necessary. For sustainable development and reduced economic vulnerability, institutional strengthening, policy discipline, and infrastructure investments are essential.

Three Dead, Nine Rescued As Two-Storey Building Collapses In Lagos

Three people were killed and several others were hurt when a two-story building under construction collapsed at Otta Ona Junction in Lagos State’s Ikorodu, close to the Mobil Filling Station bus stop.

Following distress alerts, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) released a situation update on Wednesday, which stated the agency immediately activated the state’s emergency response plans.

The Agbowa, Alausa, and Cappa bases were used to transport teams to the scene of the incident, according to the organization.

Three people were rescued from the rubble by LASEMA’s Lion, Tiger, and Eagle Response Teams upon arrival.

A teenage girl and two adult male victims, both of whom had survived, were both saved and were still alive.

However, the Pre-Hospital Care Unit at LASEMA managed to save and treat nine adult males successfully.

Also Read: Two Soldiers Die in Boko Haram Attack and Explosives Recovered by Army

At the time of writing this report, it was still unclear what caused the collapse. According to LASEMA, investigations are still being conducted to ascertain what caused the building’s structural failure while it was still being constructed.

The organization claimed to have used heavy-duty equipment, including an excavator, to clear the debris and locate the victims in order to support the rescue operation.

Additionally, to facilitate operation at night, floodlights were installed to illuminate the site. Since then, Igbogbo Police Division officers have received the deceased’s bodies.

At the time of writing this report, search and rescue efforts were still in progress. To protect the safety of emergency personnel and the general public, LASEMA noted that the affected structure is in the process of being ground-level deconstructed.