Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed a 13-count charge of N12.3 billion fraud against Chief Oba Otudeko, chairman, Honeywell Group, and Stephen Olabisi Onasanya, the former managing director, First Bank of Nigeria (FBN).

Chief Oba Otudeko, chairman, Honeywell Group, and Stephen Olabisi Onasanya, former managing director, First Bank

The charges were filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos.

They are joined by Soji Akintayo, a former board member of Honeywell, and Anchorage Leisure Limited, a company linked to Otudeko.

The four defendants are accused of orchestrating a fraudulent scheme involving the diversion of N12.3 billion from First Bank, with the fraudulent activities allegedly occurring between 2013 and 2014.

The charges against them include claims that they unlawfully obtained funds in multiple transactions, including N5.2 billion, N6.2 billion, N6.15 billion, N1.5 billion, and N500 million.

These funds were allegedly obtained under the false pretence of credit facilities for V-Tech Dynamic Links Limited and Stallion Nigeria Limited.

The EFCC further alleged that the defendants falsified documents to mislead First Bank into processing these transactions.

In the first charge, the defendants were accused of conspiring to fraudulently obtain N12.3 billion from First Bank, misrepresenting that it was for V-Tech Dynamic Links Limited and Stallion Nigeria Limited, despite knowing the information to be false.

In the second charge, they allegedly obtained N5.2 billion from First Bank on November 26, 2013, by falsely claiming it was for V-Tech Dynamic Links Limited.

Between 2013 and 2014, the defendants are accused of obtaining N6.2 billion from First Bank, falsely claiming it was for Stallion Nigeria Limited.

The EFCC also alleged that, on or about September 3, 2013, the defendants forged documents, including a “Letter of Application” to deceive First Bank into believing that the documents were from V-Tech Dynamic Links Limited.

In a similar manner, they were accused of forging a document titled “Authorization to Issue Investment Certificate to First Bank” with the intent to mislead the bank.

Additionally, the charges included accusations that the defendants procured the transfer of N6.2 billion from Stallion Nigeria Limited’s account at First Bank to conceal fraudulent activities.

On December 11, 2013, the defendants allegedly facilitated a transfer of N2.09 billion from Stallion Nigeria Limited’s account to Emmerado Logistics Limited as part of the fraudulent scheme.

Alos, Chief Otudeko is accused of failing to declare a personal interest in a loan facility of N6.15 billion sought by V-Tech Dynamic Links Limited, in breach of banking regulations.

The charges are based on violations of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006, the Miscellaneous Offences Act, the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011, and the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act 2004.

The four defendants are expected to face serious legal consequences if found guilty.

The case is set to proceed on January 20, 2025, and could set an important precedent in the fight against financial fraud in Nigeria’s banking sector.

TikTok plans to shut U.S. operations of its social media app used by 170 million Americans on Sunday, when a federal ban is set to take effect, barring a last-minute reprieve, people familiar with the matter said.

The Washington Post reported President-elect Donald Trump, whose term begins a day after a ban would start, is considering issuing an executive order to suspend enforcement of a shutdown for 60 to 90 days. The report did not say how Trump could legally do so.

Users who have downloaded TikTok would theoretically still be able to use the app, except that the law also bars U.S. companies starting Sunday from providing services to enable the distribution, maintenance, or updating of it.

The Trump transition team did not have an immediate comment. Trump has said he should have time after taking office to pursue a “political resolution” of the issue.

“TikTok itself is a fantastic platform,” Trump’s incoming national security adviser Mike Waltz told Fox News on Wednesday. “We’re going to find a way to preserve it but protect people’s data.”

The New York Times separately reported that Tiktok CEO has been extended an invitation to attend the President-elect’s inaugration and sit in “a position of honor”.

A White House official told Reuters Wednesday President Joe Biden has no plans to intervene to block a ban in his final days in office if the Supreme Court fails to act and added Biden is legally unable to intervene absent a credible plan from ByteDance to divest TikTok.

Mastercard has expanded its operations in West Africa by opening its first office in Ghana, in its capital Accra. According to the multinational payments network company, the expansion aims to bolster Ghana’s digital economy and support financial inclusion.

Mastercard says Ghana offers fertile ground for the company to enhance its geographical presence in West Africa, citing the country’s growth in key sectors like agriculture, mining and digital infrastructure.

In addition to the new office, Mastercard has partnered with several companies including Kalabash, KaiOS, Boost, Smile ID, Access Bank and Fidelity Bank to enhance cross-border payment solutions, empower local fintechs and enhance access to digital services for underserved communities.

“Our growth strategy for West Africa is ambitious, and establishing a formal presence here allows us to better serve the specific needs of our customers. We are eager to leverage our global expertise and innovative capabilities to introduce advanced payment technologies in this market,” commented Mark Elliott, division president for Africa at Mastercard.

For Folasade Femi-Lawal, country manager and area business head, West Africa, Mastercard, the expansion is about growing the local economy.

She says: “We are committed to attracting and nurturing top talent and fostering an ecosystem that aims to contribute positively to the local economy and technological advancement.”