The trouble began for the auto dealer following a petition from a buyer who claimed he paid Ogbonna the ₦15.4 million in October 2023 to assist him in importing three cars. Upon receiving the substantial sum, the defendant promised to deliver the vehicles on or before Christmas Day, December 25, 2023. However, instead of delivering the cars or returning the money, Ogbonna allegedly converted the funds to his personal use, leaving the buyer stranded.

The court charges detailed how the money was systematically diverted. Count one states that in September 2023, within the jurisdiction of the High Court of Enugu State, Ogbonna fraudulently converted ₦4,000,000 belonging to Mr. Paulson Nwakoby, which was meant for the vehicle purchase. Count two details another ₦4,000,000 fraudulently converted between November 28 and December 10, 2023. These actions violate Section 342 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap 30, Enugu State, and are punishable under Section 353 (1) of the same law.

Appearing in court, the defendant pleaded “not guilty” to all charges read to him. In view of the plea, EFCC counsel and Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE II Rotimi Ajobiewe, prayed the court for a definitive trial date and requested that the defendant be remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) in Enugu. Justice Ezeugwu subsequently adjourned the matter to July 16, 2026, for the hearing of the bail application and ordered that Ogbonna be remanded at the EFCC’s holding facility in the interim.

The post How Enugu Auto Dealer Chukwuebuka Ogbonna Allegedly Pocketed ₦15.4m Meant for Importation appeared first on Business Today NG.

Bodejo faces a 12-count charge bordering on money laundering and operating outside established financial banking frameworks.

During Thursday’s court proceedings, prosecution counsel Wahab Shittu, SAN, introduced the 12-count charge application dated June 24, 2026, and filed on June 25, 2026. He requested that the court allow the defendant to take his plea, a motion that was granted by Justice Ekwo.

According to the charge sheet, the offenses involve significant physical cash transactions that bypassed statutory thresholds. Count one alleges that on January 11, 2022, in Abuja, Bodejo willfully and unlawfully accepted a physical cash payment of $100,000 from Sa’idu Abubakar, a former Accountant-General of Bauchi State who is currently in police custody. This transaction violated Section 1(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended), by exceeding the statutory cash transaction limit of ₦5,000,000 without passing through a financial institution.

Similarly, count four of the charge states that on February 7, 2024, Bodejo accepted another physical cash payment of $980,000 from the same former Bauchi State Accountant-General, breaching Section 2(1)(a) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Bodejo pleaded “not guilty” to all 12 counts. Following the plea, the prosecution counsel requested a definitive trial date and asked that the defendant be remanded in a correctional facility.

Conversely, the defense counsel, Ahmed Raji, SAN, urged the court to grant his client bail, referencing a bail application filed on June 30, 2026.

The prosecution strongly opposed the bail application, presenting a 28-paragraph counter-affidavit dated July 6, 2026. Shittu argued that the defendant poses a public risk, noting that the Department of State Services (DSS) maintains a watch on him. He further argued that due to Bodejo’s influential status, he could potentially compromise witnesses and interfere with the progress of the trial.

Justice Ekwo ordered that the defendant be remanded in the EFCC’s holding facility and adjourned the matter until July 20, 2026, for a ruling on the bail application.

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In a statement signed by its Chairman, Mrs. Ebelechukwu Nwachukwu, the Association acknowledged the immense emotional, social, and financial hardships caused by the deluge.

She expressed deep solidarity with everyone who has suffered the loss of lives, homes, vehicles, businesses, and other valuable assets during this challenging period.

While emphasizing the critical importance of regular drainage clearing, responsible waste disposal, and proper environmental sanitation to reduce flooding, Nwachukwu noted that natural disasters can still occur despite preventive measures.
She also highlighted that these unfortunate events further underscore the necessity of insurance as a vital financial protection mechanism for both individuals and corporate entities.

Consequently, she urged  all policyholders whose insured properties or businesses were affected by the floods to promptly notify their insurance companies, brokers, or agents to commence the claims process without delay.

Nwachukwu stressed that early notification and the submission of all required supporting documents will facilitate the timely assessment and swift settlement of valid claims.

“The public has been assured that NIA member companies remain fully committed to providing professional support and ensuring the prompt settlement of all genuine claims in accordance with the terms and conditions of their insurance policies. Policyholders requiring guidance on how to initiate or process their claims are encouraged to contact their insurers or the NIA directly for assistance.”

Reiterating that insurance is an essential pillar of economic resilience rather than just a financial product, Nwachukwu emphasized its role in enabling communities to recover more quickly from unforeseen losses.

As climate-related events like flooding continue to pose significant risks, she  maintains that adequate insurance coverage remains one of the most effective safeguards against financial disruption.

In closing, the NIA Chairman, extended her thoughts and prayers to all affected residents, wishing them strength, comfort, and a speedy recovery.

She also reaffirmed the broader Nigerian insurance industry’s commitment to fulfilling its promise of providing financial relief and restoring policyholders to their pre-loss financial positions through the prompt settlement of valid claims.

Established in 1971, the Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) serves as the umbrella organization for all licensed insurance companies in Nigeria.

The Association actively promotes the collective interests of insurers, advocates for sound industry practices, and works to deepen public understanding of insurance as a tool for financial security and national development.

Through advocacy, education, and close collaboration with government agencies and regulators, the NIA ensures that the insurance sector remains a strong, transparent, and vital instrument for national disaster recovery and economic growth.

Established in 1971, the Nigerian Insurers Association  is the umbrella body for all licensed insurance companies in Nigeria. The Association protects the interests of insurers, promotes high industry standards, and drives public awareness of insurance as a tool for financial security. By collaborating with regulators and government agencies, the NIA fosters a transparent insurance sector that supports consumer protection, economic growth, and national disaster recovery.

The post NIA Expresses Sympathy to Lagos Flood Victims, Pledges Prompt Claims Settlement appeared first on Business Today NG.

The company reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to policyholders by paying out over ₦3.9 billion in claims across its Life and General Insurance businesses in June 2026 alone.

This multi-billion naira payout underscores its deep financial resilience and a long-standing tradition of honoring valid claims promptly—a testament to the three decades of trust it has built with individuals, families, and businesses nationwide.

For Mutual Benefits, claims settlement is not just a contractual obligation; it is the ultimate proof of an insurer’s integrity. The June payouts provided critical financial lifelines, enabling clients to recover from unexpected losses and confidently pursue their personal and business aspirations.

Reflecting on the company’s core values, Mr. Joseph Oladokun, Executive Director (Technical) of the company emphasized that the true value of insurance is realized at the point of a claim.

“Every claim we settle represents a promise fulfilled,” Oladokun stated. “The payment of over ₦3.9 billion in June reflects not only our financial capacity but also our commitment to delivering a swift turnaround time. Our goal is to give every policyholder confidence that when the unexpected happens, we will respond with the speed, empathy, and professionalism they deserve.”

The real impact of this ₦3.9 billion payout is found in the firsthand experiences of the policyholders whose lives and livelihoods were protected without unnecessary delays.

Following a recent motor insurance settlement, one customer praised the company’s efficiency:

“Reliable company. I appreciate your attention to details. Thank you for your excellent services and very quick response to claims.”

Another business owner, who received a prompt settlement for a Goods in Transit claim under the General Accident Insurance policy, echoed these sentiments:

“The process was smooth, transparent, and handled with a high level of professionalism. Thank you, Mutual Benefits, for standing by your promise.”

By consistently honoring its financial commitments, the insurer is doing more than just satisfying its clientele; it is reinforcing public confidence in insurance as a dependable tool for financial protection. At a time when deepening insurance penetration is vital for Nigeria’s economic stability, the company’s customer-centric approach sets a benchmark for transparency and responsiveness.

With over thirty years of experience navigating the market, continues to leverage its robust asset base and innovative solutions to safeguard futures, protect assets, and deliver lasting value to stakeholders across the country.

The post Three Decades of Trust: Mutual Benefits Assurance Pays Over ₦3.9 Billion in Claims appeared first on Business Today NG.

The charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/360/2026 and dated and filed on June 22 by the Commission’s counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, listed Dikko and Masterpiece Projects & Investment Limited as first and second defendants respectively.

Dikko, who led the Port Harcourt Refining Company for about four years, pleaded not guilty to a 12-count charge filed against him by the Commission on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.

The EFCC accused Dikko of laundering N1,322,839,112.7 (One Billion, Three Hundred and Twenty-Two Million, Eight Hundred and Thirty-nine Thousand, One Hundred and Twelve Naira, Seven Kobo) in proceeds allegedly linked to contractors engaged by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt refinery, through cash property purchases, undisclosed bank retentions, third-party fund concealment and unauthorised currency conversion, in violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Count one reads in part: “That you AHMED ADAMU DIKKO… did directly make cash payment of the dollar equivalent of the sum of N218,375,000.00 to one Hadeija Bashir for the purchase of Plot 558, Abubakar Umar Street, Katampe Extension, Abuja without passing through a financial Institution and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Sections 2(1)(a), 19(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and punishable under Section 19(2)(b) of the same Act.”

Count eight reads: “That you AHMED ADAMU DIKKO, former Managing Director of the Port Harcourt Refining Company Ltd (PHRC) on or about the 26th of June, 2023 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court disguised the origin of the sum of N328,710,337.50 (Three Hundred and Twenty Eight Million, Seven Hundred and Ten Thousand, Three Hundred and Thirty Seven Naira, Fifty Kobo) paid into the GTBank Account Plc No. 0123201507 operated by Masterpiece Projects & Investment Limited by OMSA Integrated Services Limited from the transactions involving NNPC Limited allocation of Vacuum Gas Oil for export when you knew that the said sum of N328,710,337.50 constituted proceeds of unlawful activity and you thereby committed an offence contrary Section 18(2) (a) and punishable under Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”

Count eleven reads: “That you AHMED ADAMU DIKKO between October, 2022 and May, 2025 did convert the aggregate sum of $77,080 through Ibrahim Isa Yaro which amount did not form part of your known lawful earnings as a former public officer with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2)(b) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act.”

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to him.

Thereafter, counsel to the defendant, Okechukwu Ajunwa, SAN urged the court to grant the defendant bail pending the determination of the suit. Iheanacho, however, opposed the bail application.

In his ruling on the bail application, Justice Ekwo granted the defendant bail in the sum of N150,000,000 (One Hundred and Fifty Million Naira) with a surety who must be resident within the jurisdiction of the court and with a landed property valued at not less than the bail sum. He ordered that the defendant be remanded in the custody of the EFCC pending when he’s able to meet the bail conditions.

The matter was therefore adjourned to October 12, 13 and 14, 2026 for trial.

The post EFCC Arraigns Former MD Of Port Harcourt Refinery for Alleged N1.32bn Money Laundering appeared first on Business Today NG.

Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, Director-General of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), announced the milestone on Tuesday in Abuja during the Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Association of Insurance and Pension Editors (NAIPE). He attributed the double-digit growth to deeper alliances with State Social Health Insurance Agencies (SSHIAs), ministries, organized labor, and the enforcement of the NHIA Act’s mandatory insurance clauses.

Transitioning from policy to execution, Ohiri noted that consistent and accountable implementation is now the defining factor in converting political commitments into visible clinical access for citizens.

To safeguard this expanding pool of beneficiaries, the NHIA has upgraded its oversight framework. The agency has resolved 3,878 customer grievances—representing an 87 percent resolution rate—and successfully recovered over ₦14.2 million in refunds for shortchanged enrollees. A new one-hour maximum wait time for emergency care has also been instituted to ensure timely treatment.

Simultaneously, the authority has restructured its medical provider payouts to keep pace with operational costs. Capitation fees disbursed to hospitals rose by 93 percent, while fee-for-service reimbursements spiked by 378 percent, giving clinics the financial liquidity needed to upgrade infrastructure and retain personnel. Furthermore, 7,592 healthcare facilities nationwide have undergone clinical assessments under the SafeCare quality index.

Rounding out the expansion strategy, the NHIA has directed targeted funding to vulnerable demographics. Dedicated initiatives have already extended maternal and newborn medical services to more than 48,500 pregnant women, alongside specialized coverage allocations tailored specifically for pensioners and retirees.

The post Health Insurance Enrolment Climbs 35% Year-on-Year, Reaches 22.03 Million Nigerians appeared first on Business Today NG.

Lawmakers sanctioned the ambitious financial projection following a comprehensive assessment of the agency’s performance ledger by the parliamentary panel overseeing maritime trade levies and excises. Parliamentary leaders cited the organization’s outstanding efficiency during the previous structural cycle as a key factor in their endorsement. Record sheets reveal that the department eclipsed its initial assignment of ₦6.5 trillion, successfully raking in ₦7.2 trillion—marking a double-digit percentage breakthrough over baseline expectations.

To achieve this expanded financial mandate, administrative chiefs plan to institutionalize sweeping modern operational frameworks. The strategy leans heavily on the systemic integration of automated verification portals, instantaneous transaction cross-examinations, and shortened processing turnaround intervals for inbound and outbound maritime freights. Additionally, heightened tactical deployments are slated to restrict illicit trade channels along cross-border pathways.

The post Senate Approves Massive 2026 Target for Customs appeared first on Business Today NG.

The anti-graft agency has been given a strict 30-day ultimatum to conclude its inquiries and submit a comprehensive dossier to the presidency regarding the sham organization, which has no legal foundation, executive endorsement, or official backing from the federal government.

The security breach came to light after an individual, identified as Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, allegedly paraded himself as the director-general of the non-existent council, falsely claiming to have received a direct presidential appointment.

The investigation will zero in on the fabrication of state documentation, the illicit procurement of diplomatic endorsements and international travel visas, and the fraudulent opening of several commercial bank accounts under the guise of state ministries.

President Tinubu directed investigators to uncover how the deception managed to acquire an aura of administrative legitimacy, mandating a thorough review of banking records, financial flows, and the potential complicity of public servants, private individuals, or intermediary financial firms.

The executive directive also tasked the anti-corruption body with diagnosing procedural vulnerabilities within state organs that were weaponized by the syndicate, ensuring swift structural corrections are implemented to prevent future institutional impersonation and forgery.

The post Tinubu Orders ICPC to Probe Fake Presidential Foreign Intervention Council appeared first on Business Today NG.

During an official reception for the executive leadership of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations at the agency’s administrative headquarters, the communications regulator emphasized that working alongside certified communication specialists is essential for demystifying complex industrial policies and reinforcing operational transparency.

The commission’s chief executive, Dr. Aminu Maida, extended accolades to the visiting delegation for clinching the organizational rights for the upcoming 2026 World Public Relations Forum. He remarked that this milestone underscores the nation’s capacity to direct international perceptions favorably, while urging the practitioners to utilize an approaching continental telecommunications assembly to further project the country’s commercial strengths.

The oversight body highlighted several current campaigns requiring strategic media deployment, particularly the safeguarding of essential digital facilities, civic enlightenment regarding internet resource consumption, clear pricing structures, and competitive market safeguards.

According to administration updates, recent structural adjustments within the communication sector have successfully revived external stakeholder morale, unlocking substantial capital inflows meant for network amplification rather than mere operational maintenance.

In response, the head of the public relations body, Dr. Ike Neliaku, pledged the association’s specialized expertise to drive the agency’s information dissemination goals, affirming that corporate reputation management and state development are deeply intertwined.

The post NCC Partners NIPR to Boost Telecom Reforms and Public Awareness appeared first on Business Today NG.

During a consultative session with the freshly selected executive board of the National Association of Nigerian Students at its administrative headquarters, the regulatory agency emphasized that the preservation of these technical assets is vital for sustained digital connectivity.

The commission’s chief executive, Dr. Aminu Maida, represented by spokesperson Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, pointed out that systemic issues like the severing of fiber optic lines, hardware destruction, and localized access disputes severely undermine network reliability. He noted that scholars are uniquely positioned to serve as community whistleblowers and advocates rather than passive consumers of these services.

The authority used the assembly to highlight several ongoing campus developments, including the setup of specialized technological hubs within universities and ongoing deliberations regarding a policy to permit undergraduates to utilize verified learning portals without incurring internet billing fees.

Responding to the briefing, the student association’s president, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde, praised the communication body’s transparent management strategy, affirming that structured cooperation remains far more effective than punitive enforcement alone.

Industry analysts observe that hardware disruption directly hinders the academic environment by interrupting remote instruction, halting research efforts, and interfering with digital examination portals, while simultaneously draining capital resources required for nationwide network expansion.

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