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Pinnacle Kicks as ICPC Freezes Account over Alleged N2.5Bn Fraud, Court Rules December 14

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A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has fixed December 14, for ruling in a motion on notice challenging the freezing of an account belonging to Pinnacle Communications Ltd by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over allegation of N2.5bn fraud.

 

Pinnacle Communications Limited is the only private licenced signal distributor for the Federal Government approved implementation of the transition from analogue to digital terrestrial television broadcasting in Nigeria in accordance with the 2012 government White Paper section 11.2 (a) which approved that ‘more than one signal distributor be licenced in addition to NTA-the public licenced signal distributor. Another signal distributor should be licensed immediately.

 

In 2014, Pinnacle emerged successful bidder out of nine companies after a rigorous public tender and full compliance with due process.

 

The ICPC had claimed that Pinnacle was fraudulently recommended to the Minister of Information and Culture for the release of N2.5bn against the guidelines contained in the White Paper.

 

The date was fixed by Justice Nnamdi Dimgba after the submissions of counsel in the matter.

 

Moving his motion on notice, the plaintiff’s counsel urged the court to lift the order of post-no-debit placed on the account of Pinnacle domiciled in Zenith bank.

 

  1. Ekanem SAN, plaintiff counsel, told the court that the ICPC has not adduced cogent reasons why the order freezing the account should be granted.

 

Ekanem argued that what the commission has continued to say was that they are still conducting investigation on the source of the fund.

 

He disclosed that chairman of Pinnacle as a mark of respect for ICPC honoured an invitation extended to him on November 14, where he made statement under caution and was subsequently granted bail.

 

“You cannot clamp down our client’s account based on mere suspicion and not even with a valid court order” the plaintiff’s counsel posited.

 

Reacting to the notices of preliminary objection filed by E. A Shogunle, counsel to the 1st respondent (ICPC), and Abdullahi Abubakar, counsel for the 3rd respondent (AGF), Ekanem insisted that the claim of respondents that they are challenging jurisdiction of court to hear the matter was misconceived.

 

Counsel to Pinnacle told the court that his client is not challenging any order made by a magistrate court because “there was no order of court freezing the account of the plaintiff.

 

The plaintiff’s counsel in urging the court to dismiss the objection said what the respondents referred to as an order of court was an ICPC order.

 

Ekanem told the court that the 21 days given to ICPC to conclude investigation and unfreeze the account have elapsed, yet the agency did not comply with the directive.

 

However, ICPC and AGF contended that the plaintiff’s claim was purely a matter between the company and Zenith bank, and therefore should be at the Federal Capital Territory High Court.

 

Shogunle argued that what the ICPC did was temporary seizure of the fund pending outcome of investigation.

 

He stated that there was evidence of money laundering which suggested that the fund was a proceed of unlawful activity.

 

Consequently, Shogunle said, in accordance with section 45 of ICPC Act, the commission’s chairman can order a bank to temporarily freeze a suspected account.

 

After hearing counsel, Justice Dimgba fixed December 14, for ruling.

 

A recent statement by Rasheedat Okoduwa, ICPC spokesperson, last Thursday, had mentioned the company among those quizzed in connection with the alleged fraud.

 


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Multichoice Nigeria Hikes Tariff, Second Time 5 Months

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Multichoice Nigeria, leading pay TV operator, has again increased the subscriptions for its DStv and GOtv packages by at least 25 per cent .

Multichoice Nigeria Hikes Tariff, Second Time 5 Months

ohn Ugbe,

Multichoice announced the increase in tarrifs in a message sent to subscribers on Wednesday and said that the new regime will be effective May 1.

The company stated this in the statement signed by John Ugbe, chief executive officer was titled, ‘Price Adjustment on DStv and GOtv Packages.’

The pay-TV firm cited the rise in the cost of business operations as the rationale behind the price increase.

The company said, “We understand the impact this change may have on you – our valued customer, but the rise in the cost of business operations, has led us to make this difficult decision.

“It remains our mission to provide the best entertainment and viewing experience to you and are committed to continue to deliver high-quality content and unparalleled service. So, from Wednesday, 1 May 2024, the price adjustment will take effect.”

With the review, customers on the DStv Premium package will see their monthly subscription fee increase to N37,000 starting from May 1, marking a 25.4% rise from the current N29,500.

Also, price of the Compact+ bouquet has been raised to N25,000 from N19,800 per month, reflecting a 26.2% increment.

DStv has also announced that subscribers on its Compact bouquet will now pay N15,700, up from the current N12,500, representing a 25.6% increase.

Meanwhile, those on the Confam package will face a 25.6% hike as their monthly subscription rises to N9,300 from N7,400.

Under the new pricing structure, viewers on the DStv Yanga bouquet will be charged N5,100 for their monthly subscription, marking a 21.43% increase over the current N4,200 fee.

Multichoice has announced price increases across its GOtv packages. Customers on the Supa Plus package will now pay N15,700, marking a 25.6% rise from the current price of N12,500. Similarly, the Supa bouquet will see its price increase to N9,600 from the current N7,600.

For the GOtv Max subscription, the new price is N7,200, up from N5,700, while the Jolli package will now cost N4,850, compared to the current price of N3,950. Multichoice has also adjusted the price of its lowest GOtv package, Jinja, which will now be N3,300 monthly instead of the current N2,700.

 

 

 


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Alleged $500m wasteful investments: I stand by my words, Heineken Lokpobiri dares Wabote

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Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Hon Minister Of State For Petroleum Resources have reiterated that he stands by his statement at The Petroleum Club’s quarterly event in Lagos, that NCDMB wasted over $500 million of the industry’s fund in equity investments in private establishments and in loans that are now non-performing.

The minster while reacting to recent media statement by SIMBI Wabote, former executive secretary to the Nigerian Content Monitoring and Development Board, NCDMB, dismissed as blatant lies from the pit of hell, claims that his office requested for increase on NCDMB budget by N30 billion for the office of the Minister.

In a statement signed by the Nneamaka Okafor ,SA Media and Communication, Minister Of State For Petroleum Resources(Oil),the minister noted that ‘’Our position is that he who alleges must prove same. So, if Mr. Wabote has proof of such conversation, he is challenged to provide same.

‘’Secondly the Minister has no aide called Blackson. All his aides were duly selected in line with extant laws and have documents to that effect.

According to the statement ‘’The Minister in his capacity as chairman of the Governing Council stands by his statement at The Petroleum Club’s quarterly event in Lagos, and as journalists I welcome you to visit the places mentioned to verify the allegations for yourself.

‘’Thirdly, the said Atlantic Refinery was supposed to be built in Mr Wabote’s home town, he should show Nigerians where that refinery is.

‘’Fourthly, the Brass Fertilizer and Petrochemical company was also paid for, you are welcomed to also visit the site to verify the facts for yourself.

The statement noted that Investigations are ongoing and the truth will surely come to light and monies belonging to the generality of Nigerians will be recovered for Nigerians.

‘’Let me add that these revelations are not new, they were first made during an investigative hearing of the House of representative committee on local content. Again the records are there and you are welcome to verify these facts.

‘’The Minister has never been part of any budgeting process of any parastatal under the Ministry, you are welcomed to visit these agencies to verify for yourself.

‘’Finally, the Minister’s office is run with a budget superintended by the permanent secretary and so one will wonder, how the Minister will ask another entity to make provisions for the budget of his Office. The Minister has an impeccable record from his time as Minister of Agric and will continue to stand for the truth.

The Minister and Indeed the Chairman of the Governing Council of the NCDMB will not abdicate his responsibility to please anyone. He has a responsibility to ensure that, that which belongs to Nigerians is judiciously used for Nigerians

‘’I have had course to read Mr Wabote’s release and every one can see that he is still nursing the wounds of being replaced even after spending seven years at the Board. At best, this is a clear case of when you fight corruption, corruption will fight back.

It would be recalled that the Minister at at an event in vowed to recoup alleged investments worth over $500m made by the Nigerian Content Monitoring and Development Board (NCDMB).

However, The erstwhile Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Engr.Simbi Wabote had earlier debunked the Minister’s statement describing it as reckless.

Wabote challenged the Minister to visit the sites of the projects the agency invested in while accusing the Minister of playing politics.

“The HMSPR-Oil is implored to visit the construction sites to avail himself of facts on ground. He should also check the MPR archives of the strategic plan to diversify oil and gas development clusters in the Niger Delta using Bonny Island, Brass Island, Onne, Ogidigben, Ibom, etc. Perhaps, this will cure his aversion to any developmental initiative in Brass Island and the Niger Delta in general.” Wabote said.


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Techy Accountants in partnership with ACCA Host AccounTech Summit to Empower Finance Professionals

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The AccounTech Summit, hosted by The Techy Accountant in partnership with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), is a groundbreaking event designed to navigate the evolving landscape of the finance industry in the digital era.

Techy accountant

Recognizing the critical need for finance professionals to adapt to technological advancements and emerging trends, this summit is a driving force for innovation, transformation, and progress.

The event is set to take place as follows:

Date: August 15th, 2024,

Location: Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel in Lagos, Victoria Island, Nigeria.

Time: 9:00 A.M

The summit aims to celebrate achievements in the finance sector, support entrepreneurship ventures, and enlighten participants on industry challenges and opportunities. With a focus on bridging the employability gap and promoting high-quality skill development in finance, the summit aims to address the evolving landscape of the industry in the digital age.

Over the past six years, The Techy Accountant has graduated over 1000 finance professionals and trained more than 5000 individuals worldwide.

Event Highlights

The one-day event will bring together over 200 attendees, including finance professionals, entrepreneurs, policymakers, academics, and Techies.

Attendees can expect a day of immersive learning and collaboration, culminating in an award and grant ceremony. Event Highlights include keynote sessions, interactive workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, all centred around the theme “Emerging Tech in Accounting & Finance – A Game Changer.”

Commenting on the summit, Mrs. Toyin Olufon, Founder of The Techy Accountant stated, “We believe in equipping finance professionals with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing industry”.

Commenting on the collaboration, Mopelola Jatto, CFA, Regional Head, ACCA Nigeria remarked, “Partnering with The Techy Accountant underscores our commitment to fostering innovation and driving excellence in the finance profession. Together, we aim to equip professionals with the skills and knowledge required to thrive in the digital age.”

TO REGISTER, VISIT: https://thetechyaccountant.org/event/the-techy-accountants-account-tech-summit-2024


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