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N5.5bn debt: Drama as billionaire businessman Otudeko testifies

N5.5bn debt: Drama as billionaire businessman Otudeko testifies

 

There was mild drama at the Federal High Court in Lagos Thursday as chairman of Honeywell Group Dr Oba Otudeko escaped arrest by responding to summons to testify in his companies’ N5.5billion debt suit against Ecobank Nigeria Limited.

Sporting his trademark Yoruba attire, Otudeko and his aides tried to prevent journalists from taking his photographs and videoing him as he left the court.

There was also mild drama inside the courtroom as plaintiff’s counsel Olabode Olanipekun and Ecobank’s lawyer Divine Obinna Agbua repeatedly clashed.

There were arguments between the lawyers on whether he could be examined, cross-examined and re-examined on his statement on oath.

A scuffle broke out between some of Otudeko’s aides and journalists covering the proceedings.

As his aides walked beside him out of the courtroom, they beat a quick retreat to the back of the building on sighting a TV camera.

Otudeko tried to escape through the back gate but the camera man was ahead of them.

The Honeywell chief and his group stood at a safe distance from the camera, but the TV reporter and cameraman stood at both exit points of the court premises. The move left Otudeko and his aides plotting the best means of escape.

Some of the business mogul’s aides confronted the cameraman, asking him: “Why are you doing this?” while shielding their boss.

There was a mild scrap when one of the aides tried to force the cameraman to stop recording the scene.

Otudeko succeeded in leaving the court at about 11.40am in-between his aides who shielded him from the cameraman.

On Wednesday, Agbua had told Justice Mohammed Idris that Otudeko ignored a court summons, which Otudeko denied.

He said while in the witness box Thursday: “This is a first experience, and I am extremely delighted to be here to see all professionals in practice. I was away from Lagos, and only got a call from my officers who informed me of the position, and I came back yesterday (Wednesday).

“I have great respect for the institution of the court, and so I have deposed to my witness statement and have filed it.”

Agbua asked Otudeko to tell the court his names, occupation and address. The witness replied: “My name is Dr Oba Otudeko. I am a businessman. My place of business is at No 6, Mekuwen St. Ikoyi Lagos.”

When asked about his professional qualification, Olanipekun objected, saying the proper practice was for the defence to lead the witness to adopt his written deposition.

He added that the defence could not embark on a journey of questions, adding that after adoption, the plaintiff counsel was entitled to cross examine the witness.

Agbua argued that the witness was a subpoened one, and so he was entitled to lead his witness in evidence without hindrance.

“The witness in question is our witness. The question I put to the witness being an introductory question is allowed under the law, where he lives, works, his qualifications. To that extent, I submit that the objection to my line of questioning is preemptory,” he said.

Justice Idris ruled overruled Agbua and held that the witness could only be led to adopt his witness statement.

Agbua then declined to lead the witness to adopt his statement.

During cross examination, Olanipekun asked the witness to tell the court: “Whether the then Managing Director of Ecobank was in attendance at the plaintiff’s office on July 23, 2013, when it was agreed that N3.5billion will be full and final settlement of the plaintiff’s debt.”

Before the witness could respond, Agbua objected, arguing that since the witness’ statement was not before the court, he could not be made to answer questions on it.

“We have gotten what we want and we do not want to lead the witness anymore. We hereby apply for his discharge,” Agbua said.

Olanipekun made repeated efforts to cross-examine Otudeko, but Agbua continued to insist that a witness whose statement was not adopted in court could not be cross examined.

Justice Idris adjourned until February 14.

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Araraume Felicitates President Tinubu on his birthday. Hails his Reform Agenda and National Milestones

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Senator Ifeanyi Araraume has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the occasion of his birthday, praising the President’s leadership style and the series of reforms that have shaped the direction of the country since he assumed office.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Araraume described President Tinubu as “a courageous reformer whose decisions continue to redefine Nigeria’s economic and governance landscape.” He noted that the President’s first year in office has been marked by bold policy choices aimed at stabilizing the economy and laying the groundwork for long term national development.

Araraume highlighted the removal of the petrol subsidy as one of the most significant economic decisions in recent decades, saying it demonstrated the President’s willingness to confront long‑standing structural challenges. According to him, the policy, though demanding, has redirected national resources toward infrastructure, social investment, and other critical sectors.

He also commended the administration’s unification of the foreign exchange market, describing it as a major step toward restoring investor confidence and strengthening Nigeria’s global competitiveness. The senator noted that the reforms have attracted renewed interest from international partners and signaled a commitment to transparent economic management.

Beyond economic restructuring, Araraume pointed to ongoing infrastructure expansion as evidence of the administration’s focus on national development. He cited the acceleration of key road projects, renewed efforts to expand rail connectivity, and the push to improve power generation and distribution as initiatives that reflect the President’s long term vision for a more productive Nigeria.

The senator further acknowledged the government’s interventions in agriculture, including support for mechanization and targeted programs aimed at boosting food security. He said these efforts are essential to reducing dependence on imports and strengthening local production.

On the diplomatic front, Araraume praised President Tinubu’s engagements across Africa and beyond, noting his role in strengthening regional cooperation within ECOWAS and advancing Nigeria’s interests on the global stage.

“As we celebrate this milestone, it is important to recognize the resilience and determination with which President Tinubu has approached the task of nation building,” Araraume said. “His commitment to reforms, economic stability, and democratic governance continues to inspire confidence in Nigeria’s future.”

He wished the President good health, renewed strength, and continued wisdom as he leads the country through what he described as “a defining period in Nigeria’s history.”

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Araraume Salutes Tinubu’s Vision, Lists Key Achievements on Birthday

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Senator Ifeanyi Araraume has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the occasion of his birthday, praising his leadership style and the series of reforms that have shaped the country’s direction since he assumed office.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Araraume described the President as “a courageous reformer whose decisions continue to redefine Nigeria’s economic and governance landscape.” He noted that Tinubu’s first year in office has been marked by bold policy choices aimed at stabilizing the economy and laying the groundwork for long-term national development.

Araraume highlighted the removal of the petrol subsidy as one of the most significant economic decisions in recent decades, saying it demonstrated the President’s willingness to confront long-standing structural challenges. According to him, the policy, though demanding, has redirected national resources toward infrastructure, social investment, and other critical sectors.

He also commended the administration’s unification of the foreign exchange market, describing it as a major step toward restoring investor confidence and strengthening Nigeria’s global competitiveness. The senator noted that the reforms have attracted renewed interest from international partners and signaled a commitment to transparent economic management.

Beyond economic restructuring, Araraume pointed to ongoing infrastructure expansion as evidence of the administration’s focus on national development. He cited the acceleration of key road projects, renewed efforts to expand rail connectivity, and the push to improve power generation and distribution as initiatives that reflect the President’s long-term vision for a more productive Nigeria.

The senator further acknowledged the government’s interventions in agriculture, including support for mechanization and targeted programmes aimed at boosting food security. He said these efforts are essential to reducing dependence on imports and strengthening local production.

On the diplomatic front, Araraume praised Tinubu’s engagements across Africa and beyond, noting his role in strengthening regional cooperation within ECOWAS and advancing Nigeria’s interests on the global stage.

“As we celebrate this milestone, it is important to recognise the resilience and determination with which President Tinubu has approached the task of nation-building,” Araraume said. “His commitment to reforms, economic stability, and democratic governance continues to inspire confidence in Nigeria’s future.”

He wished the President good health, renewed strength, and continued wisdom as he leads the country through what he described as “a defining period in Nigeria’s history.”

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APC Convention: Party Eyes Consensus for National Leadership Selection

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The All Progressives Congress has confirmed that it plans to adopt a consensus approach for selecting its national leadership during the party’s convention scheduled for March 27–28, 2026, in Abuja.

The Assistant Secretary for Media and Publicity for the APC National Convention 2026, Mary Ikoku, disclosed the plan during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Wednesday.

On the issue of elective positions during primaries, Ikoku said the party had not yet decided how these would be handled, noting that decisions may vary depending on local political dynamics.

She explained, “APC, for this convention, I am aware and can say that the party is adopting consensus for this convention. As to whether they are adopting consensus for elective positions, I do not have an answer to that because politics is local.

“So, I believe that, at the end of the day, when it comes to the issue of elective positions, the persons who would emerge aren’t often what you would want to make consensus in every space.”

Ikoku also addressed the Electoral Act’s provisions, which require political parties to register members online within a specified timeframe and outline acceptable methods for candidate selection.

She said these requirements posed challenges for some parties but reflected preparedness—or the lack thereof.

“We have an electoral law that defines the models for these elections. Direct primaries and consensus have been allowed, while indirect primaries have been taken out.

“That is the current law of the nation, passed and assented to. Now, why do you think other political parties will have issues with that?” she asked.

“That would be to say there are levels of unpreparedness of these political parties. Any political party that is worth its salt should not wait till election season to start preparing for the run for office and all of these congresses.

“It is something they would have planned ahead of time. So, when you are not proactive as a party, these kinds of situations can challenge you deeply,” she added.

Ahead of the convention, the party began screening aspirants for key positions in its National Working Committee , including National Chairman aspirant Nentawe Yilwatda and National Secretary hopeful Ajibola Basiru.

Other NWC members seeking to retain their posts include National Youth Leader Dayo Israel, Deputy National Chairman (North) Ali Bukar Dalori, National Legal Adviser Abdulkarim Abubakar Kana, National Woman Leader Mary Alile Idele, and National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka, among others.

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