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Judge Throws Out Evidence in Alleged $35m NCDMB Fraud Case

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The trial of Akindele Akintoye, alongside Platforms Capital Investment Partners Limited and Duport Midstream Company Limited continued on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 before Justice Ekerete Akpan of the Federal High Court, Abuja, with the court refusing to admit in evidence, a document tendered by Akintoye, containing his request to buy off the shares of Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB.

The defendants are facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on an amended six-count charge bordering on dishonesty and conversion of $35million belonging to NCDMB.

The application for the admission of the document was filed by counsel to the first and second defendant, E.O. Adekwu, SAN, on March 10, 2026, during his cross-examination of the Fourth Prosecution Witness, PW4, Isaac Yalah, but met a strong objection from the prosecution counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN,  who asked the court to dismiss the application and reject the document on the ground that it was a mere photocopy and not a certified true copy.

“I have an objection to the admissibility of this document, the ground is that, this document is a photocopy of an original and it is addressed to NCDMB which is a public institution and such document should have been certified. The only admissible document in law of a copy of a public document is a certified true copy.  We rely on Section 89 of the Evidence Act and Section 102 of the Evidence Act, and we also commend the case of Adeyefa against Bamgboye 2013,

10NWLR, part 1863 page 532. We also commend the case of Onwuzuruike against Edoziem 2016 6NWLR Part 1508, Page 205. We urge the court to discountenance it and dismiss it,” he said.

Delivering ruling on the admissibility of the document on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, Justice Akpan aligned himself with the position of the prosecution counsel and threw it out on the ground that it is a photocopy of a public document and not the original.

He adjourned the matter till May 18 and 19, 2026 for continuation of trial.

 

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Business

Customer Testimonial Highlights Why Mutual Benefits Assurance Stands Out

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BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—In a time when confidence in insurance is steadily growing, a satisfied customer of Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc is sharing his experience to encourage more Nigerians to embrace the value of protection and peace of mind.

Mr. Abdelhamid Abdelrahman of RAP Building Solutions Ltd recently applauded the company for its swift claims settlement and attentive customer service, describing his journey as clear evidence that insurance truly works when managed by a dependable provider.

Abdelrahman explained that his decision to insure his vehicles with the company was influenced by its strong reputation and visible presence within his business environment in Lagos. Easy access to one of its offices also gave him added confidence, allowing for seamless interaction and support whenever needed. Four years on, he remains a loyal customer.

He said: “I had my doubts at some point, thinking that because they are one of the oldest insurance companies, perhaps their service might not be as efficient. But when I had a vehicle claim in 2023, it was processed in no time.

He added that subsequent claims involving other vehicles in his fleet were handled just as efficiently, further strengthening his confidence in the company.

“Since then, I have felt that whenever I have a vehicle, I will always subscribe to their packages and services. Mutual Benefits may be one of the oldest, but they are still one of the most responsive insurance companies in Nigeria. Their response to customers’ questions and feedback is very fast. I have no regrets partnering with them,” he stated.

Abdelrahman also used the opportunity to encourage Nigerians who remain sceptical about insurance to reconsider their views.

“Many people believe insurance does not work in Nigeria, but it does. When the time comes to make a claim and it is handled smoothly, then you know insurance truly works,” he said.

Industry experts have repeatedly noted that prompt claims settlement remains one of the strongest indicators of trust and credibility in the insurance sector. According to analysts, customers are more likely to retain policies, renew coverage and recommend insurers when claims are paid quickly and transparently.

They explain that efficient claims management not only provides financial relief during difficult times but also helps improve public perception of insurance as a dependable financial safety net. In markets where scepticism exists, real customer experiences and timely claims payments often play a critical role in driving adoption.

Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc has consistently positioned prompt claims settlement as a core part of its customer promise, with billions of naira paid out monthly across life and general insurance categories.

As economic uncertainties continue to heighten the need for financial protection, stakeholders say insurers that deliver swift and seamless claims experiences are likely to enjoy stronger customer loyalty and wider market acceptance.

The post Customer Testimonial Highlights Why Mutual Benefits Assurance Stands Out appeared first on Business Today NG.

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Pastor Arrested Over Alleged Defilement of Minor in Karshi

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BY SUNDAY SAMUEL—Nasarawa State Police Command  attached to Karshi Divisional Headquarters have arrested one Pastor Asonye Isaiah, 37, of Rock of Love and Adoration Ground, Old Karsh I, Abuja, for allegedly defiling a 16-year-old girl in Nasarawa State.

According to statement released by SP Ramhan Nansel, Police Public Relations Officer, via the commands official X account that the arrest followed a complaint lodged at the Division on 18th April, 2026, at about 2000hrs.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect deceived the victim’s aunt, claiming her niece was “

possessed” and required cleansing at a river. He instead took the victim to a hotel in New Karshi, where he allegedly had unlawful carnal knowledge of her twice. He further threatened to kill her if she disclosed the incident.

The crime came to light after the victim’s guardian observed unusual changes in her behaviour and questioned her. The victim was immediately taken for medical examination, which confirmed penile penetration.

Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to the offence and pleaded for leniency.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Lafia, for comprehensive investigation and prosecution.

He assured that justice will be served and urged members of the public to exercise caution regarding places of worship they attend and individuals who parade themselves as clerics.

The post Pastor Arrested Over Alleged Defilement of Minor in Karshi appeared first on Business Today NG.

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