Justice Rahman Osodi of the Special offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on Monday, October 20,2025, convicted and sentenced one Christopher Ekene Ofielu, a driver with the Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC, to 18 months imprisonment for N6.9m theft.

The 39-year-old convict was arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing and possession to the tune of N6,995,944( Six Million Nine Hundred and Ninety Five Thousand, Nine Hundred and Forty Four Naira only)

One of the counts reads: “That you, Christopher Ekene Ofielu, on or about October 2023, Lagos, within this honourable court, used your Habaripay Squad account created for criminal activity and transferred the sum of N6,995,944 into your Access Bank account 14864072356, property of HabariPay Ltd.”

He pleaded “guilty” to the charges when they were read to him

In view of his plea, prosecution counsel, Abubakar Dambuwa, called on Adams Adze, an investigator with the EFCC, to review the facts of the case.

In his review, Adze said the defendant was arrested, following a petition dated September 26, 2023 submitted by HabariPay Ltd to the Commission.

He also stated that Ofielu had capitalised on a system glitch to make the unauthorized withdrawal.

The prosecution counsel, thereafter, informed the court of a plea bargain entered into by the defendant, and also urged the court to convict the defendant accordingly.

Responding, the defence counsel, Mercy Akhabue, prayed the court for leniency and urged the court to temper justice with mercy.

“My Lord, he is remorseful and is a first- time offender,” he added.

After listening to both parties, Justice Oshodi convicted Ofielu on the count of stealing and sentenced him to 18 months imprisonment, starting from October 20, 2025.

Justice Oshodi, however, gave the convict an option of a fine in the sum of ₦1.5 million provided he fully restitutes the stolen amount to the tune of N 6,995,944 to HabariPay Ltd within seven days from his Access Bank account No. 14864072356, failing which the jail term of 18 months would apply .

The court also ordered the restoration of the convict’s Eco Bank salary account.

Justice Oshodi further ordered that the convict’s biometric data be registered in the Lagos State offenders’ register.

The convict was ordered remanded at the EFCC custody pending the execution of necessary documents.

Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle as part of his administration’s continued efforts to strengthen governance and enhance efficiency across the state.

In a statement released on Monday by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Yakubu Tafida, and made available to journalists in Birnin Kebbi, the governor announced the redeployment of two commissioners within the State Executive Council.

According to the statement, Samaila Augie has been moved to the Ministry of Health, while Haliru Wasagu has been redeployed to the Ministry of Internal Security.

Tafida explained that the decision reflects Governor Nasir Idris’s vision of repositioning the civil service to ensure effective and efficient service delivery to the people of Kebbi State.

“I am directed to convey the approval of the Executive Governor of Kebbi State, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris, for the redeployment of the aforementioned honourable commissioners. This directive is for strict compliance and takes immediate effect,” the statement read.

The SSG expressed the governor’s appreciation to members of the Executive Council for their continued cooperation and commitment to the administration’s goals.

He reaffirmed Governor Nasir Idris’s dedication to fostering peace, unity, and improved public service delivery, emphasising that the reshuffle is a strategic step towards a more responsive and result-driven government.

The move, viewed as a positive adjustment, underscores the administration’s determination to maintain momentum in governance and deliver tangible results to the citizens of Kebbi State.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, arrived in Dubai, UAE, for the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum (2025APCS) in Dubai this week.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, on Monday.

Wike was received by the Consul General of l.k.lthe Federal Republic of Nigeria in Dubai, Amb. Zayyanu Ibrahim as well as officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration who had arrived earlier.

Wike will on Tuesday, lead a discussion panel in which he would field questions on the FCT, and also interact with Mayors of other capital cities during the summit.

NAN reports that the 2025APCS is expected to deliver long-term value for cities and businesses seeking trade and investment opportunities in Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, South Asia and beyond.

The event, which is an initiative of Brisbane City Council, Australia, is one of the most diverse convenings of mayors, city leaders, business executives and young professionals worldwide.

NAN reports that the 2025APCS theme is Collaborate, Inspire, Transform.

The sub-themes for the summit include “Centres of Connection,” which focuses on the role of transportation networks, and other topics related to fostering sustainable urban development and enhancing quality of life. (NAN)