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N4.2 billion fraud: Full details of the deal Obinwanne Okeke had with the US government after pleading guilty

Published

5 years ago

June 20, 2020

Details of the deal Forbes celebrated Obinwanne Okeke had with the US government after pleading guilty to N4.2 billion fraud has emerged.

LIB reported earlier that the Nigerian man who would be sentenced on October 22 for a potential lengthy period that could see him spend 20 years behind bars, admitted his involvement in a conspiracy to commit wire fraud and agreed to cooperate with American authorities on Thursday June 18.

With the plea bargain he got, Okeke who was initially indicted on two counts of computer and wire fraud will only be found guilty of wire fraud while the second charge that carries lesser sentence and fines will be dropped. Premium Times reported that he will also forfeit all cash and asset directly or indirectly linked to him as part of recovery mechanism against the $11 million fraud.

With the deal, he would enjoy immunity from prosecution on the same matter in the U.S. Eastern District of Virginia. The district would also confirm the validity of the plea agreement in case Mr Okeke is charged over the same offence in other jurisdiction.

Though a federal judge would decide whether to pursue partial, full or no forfeiture against Mr Okeke at the point of sentencing, he will also lose his rights to appeal the sentence and any fines that may be imposed against him at sentencing.

While prosecutors and defence teams have been assigned a slew of tasks that must be carried out, it is expected that the defence lawyer must give three days’ notice to the probation office to see Mr Okeke on the modalities of his life in prison.

The probation office which will submit the report of its investigation on what Mr Okeke’s life in prison would be was given 35 days before October 22 sentencing, to do so.

Mr Okeke might also be sent to Nigeria to complete his prison sentence if his immigration status in the U.S. are resolved, and it includes 14 months he would have spent in prison by the time of his sentencing on October 22.

The federal court at sentencing will accept letters if any, that attest to Mr Okeke’s character and call for lighter penalties. It was also confirmed that he admitted to knowingly, intentionally and unlawfully venturing into crime and not coming into it by error.

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BREAKING: Tinubu signs Tax Reform bills into law

Published

1 week ago

June 26, 2025

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President Tinubu signed the law in his office at the State House, Abuja, on Thursday, in the presence of relevant stakeholders from across the arms of government.

The new laws include the Nigerian Tax Law, the Nigerian Tax Administration Law, the National Revenue Service (Establishment) Law and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Law.

Earlier on Thursday, President Tinubu had explained that the laws would be unifying Nigeria’s fragmented tax system, removing redundant overlaps, boosting investor confidence, enhancing transparency, and promoting coordinated efforts across all levels.

He also described the legislation as a clear departure from previous policies, emphasising that the reforms are designed to ease the burden on working families, small businesses, and low-income earners while eliminating inefficiencies that have long plagued Nigeria’s fiscal structure.

The Nigerian Leader explained that with the new tax reform laws, the Bola Tinubu-led Administration is now laying the foundation for a tax regime that is fair, transparent and fit for a modern, ambitious Nigeria.

“These reforms go beyond streamlining tax codes. They deliver the first major, pro-people tax cuts in a generation, targeted relief for low-income earners, small businesses, and families working hard to make ends meet.

“For too long, our tax system has been a patchwork-complex, inequitable, and burdensome. It has weighed down the vulnerable and shielded inefficiency. That era ends today.

“We are laying a foundation for a tax regime that is fair, transparent and fit for a modern, ambitious Nigeria. A tax regime that rewards enterprise, protects the vulnerable, and mobilises revenue without punishing productivity”, he said.

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Breaking: Iran launches missiles at US bases in Qatar, Iraq

Published

1 week ago

June 23, 2025

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“The operation of Iranian missiles against American bases located in Qatar and in Iraq has begun, and is called ‘Blessing of Victory’,” the official press agency IRNA said. AFP journalists reported hearing explosions in Doha, the capital of Qatar, home to the largest US base in the region.

Meanwhile, Qatar said it had successfully intercepted an Iranian missile attack Monday on the United States’ Al Udeid base, the largest US military facility in the Middle East.

“The Ministry of Defense announced that Qatari air defenses successfully intercepted a missile attack targeting Al Udeid Air Base,” it said in a statement, adding that “the incident did not result in any deaths or injuries”.

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Dangote Refinery to Begin Nationwide Distribution of PMS, Diesel, for smooth logistics to marketers

Published

3 weeks ago

June 16, 2025

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The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced that it will begin distribution of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and diesel nationwide.

The statement added that the Refinery has invested in the procurement of 4,000 brand-new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered tankers to ensure smooth take-off of the scheme, which will continue over an extended timeframe

The statement said, “To ensure the smooth takeoff of the free logistics for marketers and petrol dealers buying from Dangote, the statement further disclosed that the refinery has procured 4,000 brand-new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered tankers.

“This phase of the programme will continue over an extended timeframe. The refinery is also investing in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations, commonly referred to as daughter booster stations, supported by a fleet of over 100 CNG tankers across the country to ensure seamless product distribution.

This strategic programme is part of our broader commitment to eliminating logistics costs, enhancing energy efficiency, promoting sustainability and supporting Nigeria’s economic development. It affirms our dedication to improving the availability and affordability of fuel, in support of broader efforts to strengthen the economy and improve the well-being of all Nigerians.

“Under this initiative, all petrol stations purchasing PMS and diesel from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery will benefit from this enhanced logistics support. Key sectors such as manufacturing, telecommunications, and others will also gain from this transformative initiative, as reduced fuel costs will contribute to lower production costs, reduced inflation, and foster economic growth. Players in these key sectors and others can purchase directly from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced that it will begin distribution of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and diesel nationwide.

In a statement on Sunday, the company said effective from 15th of August 2025, it will begin the distribution of the products to marketers, petrol dealers, manufacturers, telecoms firms, aviation, and other large users across the country, with free logistics to boost distribution network.

The move, according to the company, was a significant national initiative aimed at transforming Nigeria’s fuel distribution landscape.

“This strategic programme is part of our broader commitment to eliminating logistics costs, enhancing energy efficiency, promoting sustainability and supporting Nigeria’s economic development. It affirms our dedication to improving the availability and affordability of fuel, in support of broader efforts to strengthen the economy and improve the well-being of all Nigerians.

The statement added that the refinery will offer a credit facility to those purchasing a minimum of 500,000 litres, which would allow them to obtain an additional 500,000 litres on credit for two weeks, under bank guarantee.

It described the effort as a milestone in its vision to revolutionise the Nigeria’s energy sector.

“This pioneering effort marks a major milestone in our vision to revolutionise Nigeria’s energy sector. Dangote Refinery is dedicated to ensuring that no place is left behind. Our goal is to provide equitable access to affordable fuel for all Nigerians, regardless of location, making energy more accessible and sustainable for everyone, wherever they may b

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